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Enhanced Descriptions from Syndetics:

In one of the finest novels yet in Tapply's long-running series, Nervous Water explores the previously hidden past of his much beloved character, Boston attorney Brady Coyne. Contacted by an aged relative with whom he'd long lost touch, Brady agrees to help his Uncle Moze with a sensitive family matter. Having received a diagnosis of terminal cancer, Moze is looking to mend fences with his only daughter. But the daughter seems to have simply disappeared, leaving no clues or hints as to her whereabouts. As Brady tackles the seemingly impossible task of finding his cousin - a case that looks less and less like a simple missing person case - it becomes clear that whatever is going on now is related to a dark, undiscussed episode in his family's past: the brutal, still unsolved murder of another of Brady's uncles.

"Brady Coyne is a Boston attorney with a small, select clientele and whose practice is devoted to meeting the personal legal needs - wills, deeds, divorces - demanded by the vicissitudes of modern life. While his cases often bring him close to the most intimate details of his clients' lives, Brady is usually able to maintain a professional distance, keeping his personal life out of the office." "But things change when he's contacted, after decades of silence, by an aged relative. A fisherman up in Maine, Brady's uncle Moze is a widower recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, who wants to mend fences with his estranged daughter. But the daughter seems to have simply disappeared, leaving no clues or hints as to her whereabouts. As Brady tackles the seemingly impossible task of finding his cousin - a situation that is looking less and less like a simple missing-person case - he comes up against a dark, never-discussed episode in his family's past: the brutal, still-unsolved murder of another uncle. And somewhere buried within the truth behind the unsolved murder lies the key that will allow Brady to find his missing cousin before it is too late."--BOOK JACKET.

These are indeed well written crime stories, but somehow, it doesn't seem like Brady Coyne spends a lot of time working as a lawyer. And while he's not a criminal lawyer, he does get involved in weird situations.In this novel, it's strictly family as he searches for a cousin who's separated herself from the family on behalf of a dying uncle who raised her as a daughter. The story is engrossing and fast moving, but somehow doesn't reach the heights of excellance.

"Nervous Water" is the 21st Brady Coyne novel by William G. Tapply whom I feel is one of the finest mystery writers working today. Brady is called by his Uncle Moze in Maine to try to find his daughter Cassie who has apparently disappeared. Cassie is actually Moze's niece, but he and his wife had raised Cassie as their own. Brady begins to search for his cousin and finds that most people who are close to her are not cooperative. Her husband Richard Hurley is not helpful to Brady and he wonders if Hurley knew something of her disappearance. When Cassie's former lover is killed, Brady knows that someone will stop at nothing to keep Cassie's whereabouts a secret. He even wonders if Cassie is still alive. When Moze suffers a heart attack, Brady knows that he needs to find Cassie. There is also a suplot in which Brady's girlfriend, Evie, is acting strangely. I gave this novel a 5 star because it is a fast paced and very suspenseful read. The only thing I felt was strange about the plot was the fact that Brady had not visited his uncle in 30 years, but I overlooked that and highly recommend this book.

William Tapply has written another winner in his Brady Coyne series. All books will stand on their own. I won't give away the plot. (Read the Amazon summary and other reviewers) <br />I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and read it in two sittings. Lots of twists and turns, there are some surprises and some---well you could guess whodunit. Great book for beach, poolside or plane. <br />

I enjoyed this novel-an interesting and easy read. Storyline was intriging, plot twists convincing, and character development about as deep as a book of this length can provide. I could best describe the book as Greg IIles-lite.

Brady becomes reacquainted with is favorite uncle from Maine, whom he hasn't seen or heard from in 30 years. Already you can see one problem with this book. That's an unlikely set of circumstances. <br /> <br />If you get past that one, Mr. Tapply throws you another unlikely event, Brady's uncle's daughter won't talk to her father and has gone missing. Uncle Moze wants Brady to be sure Cassie is all right and to get her to call Moze. Even if Brady can succeed in finding her, will she be willing to call? <br /> <br />Brady finds himself drawn to do something, especially after Moze has a heart attack. Brady isn't sure that Moze will survive without seeing Cassie. <br /> <br />Arriving at Cassie's house, Brady finds a family that seems to be pretending that nothing's wrong . . . but something clearly is. <br /> <br />As Brady checks out the alternatives by visiting with her family and friends, he seems stymied when a lead suddenly appears. From there the story takes many unexpected turns that will keep you turning the pages. <br /> <br />If you can buy into the story of Brady's connection to Moze and Cassie's relationship with Moze, you have a four or five star book on your hand. There are marvelous scenes of lobstering and fishing that make you want to head for Maine. The title theme of "nervous water" is nicely developed in the book. The mystery itself isn't all that mysterious, but it'll do. <br /> <br />There's an edgy backdrop of tension between Evie and Brady that adds a little personal touch to the story without advancing the plot very much. <br /> <br />After reading the book, I found myself wishing that Mr. Tapply had written this book as a case involving non-relatives of Brady's. I think the story would have worked better.