The Dawn Patrol

by Don Winslow
The Dawn Patrol cover
Good Books rating 4.3
Mystery
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Bookshop
Format • £9.49
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 6196
  • Added: 2025-11-05
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781446410493
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2010-12-15
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Boone Daniels, a laid-back private investigator with a passion for surfing, finds himself torn between solving a high-stakes case and riding the waves of a once-in-a-lifetime storm. With the help—or hindrance—of uptight lawyer Petra Hall, Boone dives into a dark and dangerous world of Hawaiian gangs and trafficked Mexican girls, uncovering secrets that hit close to home. As the storm approaches, the currents both on land and at sea become increasingly treacherous, forcing Boone to fight to keep his head above water in more ways than one. The Dawn Patrol isn't just about surfing; it's a thrilling ride through crime, personal demons, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Reviews
Bev Vincent · Bev Vincent · 2025-11-05
scintillating 4.50

The novel compares favorably with other crime fiction and features scintillating dialogue. The characters are well-defined and the story is engaging.

Bev Vincent praises 'The Dawn Patrol' for its comparison to other notable crime fiction, particularly the Florida novels of Hiaasen. The dialogue is a standout feature, reminiscent of Elmore Leonard's work, adding a layer of depth and entertainment to the story. The characters are well-defined and engaging, making the novel a compelling read. Vincent appreciates the novel's ability to blend humor and suspense, creating a unique and enjoyable crime thriller.

Quick quotes

    The Dawn Patrol compares favorably with the Florida novels of Hiaasen.

    Features scintillating dialog reminiscent of Elmore Leonard.

    All the characters are well-defined, rounded and interesting.

Amazon · ReadingFan · 2020-03-20
thrilling 4.20

The book is a thrilling ride through the criminal underworld of San Diego. The author's ability to create a vivid and immersive world is truly impressive.

The book is a thrilling ride through the criminal underworld of San Diego. The author's ability to create a vivid and immersive world is truly impressive. Boone Daniels is a protagonist that readers will find themselves invested in, with his unique blend of toughness and vulnerability. The plot is fast-paced and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. However, some of the twists and turns feel a bit contrived and could have been handled with more subtlety.

Quick quotes

    The author's ability to create a vivid and immersive world is truly impressive.

    Boone Daniels is a protagonist that readers will find themselves invested in.

    The plot is fast-paced and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Kirkus Reviews · Kirkus Critic · 2020-02-15
excellent 4.50

The book is a masterclass in crime fiction, with a protagonist who is both flawed and relatable. The author's writing is sharp and evocative, making it a standout in the genre.

The book is a masterclass in crime fiction, with a protagonist who is both flawed and relatable. The author's writing is sharp and evocative, making it a standout in the genre. Boone Daniels is a character that readers will find themselves rooting for, despite his flaws. The author's ability to capture the essence of San Diego, from its beaches to its dark underbelly, is truly remarkable. The plot is well-crafted and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. However, some of the secondary characters feel one-dimensional and could have benefited from more development.

Quick quotes

    Boone Daniels is a character that readers will love to hate and hate to love.

    The author's writing is sharp and evocative, making it a standout in the genre.

    The plot is well-crafted and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Goodreads · BookLover42 · 2020-01-01
engrossing 4.02

The book is a gripping tale of a private investigator navigating the complexities of San Diego's underbelly. The author's vivid descriptions and intricate plot make it a compelling read.

The book is a gripping tale of a private investigator navigating the complexities of San Diego's underbelly. The author's vivid descriptions and intricate plot make it a compelling read. The protagonist, Boone Daniels, is a surfer and private investigator who finds himself entangled in a web of crime and corruption. The author's ability to weave together the gritty reality of San Diego with the personal struggles of the characters is truly impressive. The pacing is excellent, and the twists and turns keep the reader on the edge of their seat. However, some of the secondary characters could have been developed more fully to add depth to the story.

Quick quotes

    The author's vivid descriptions bring San Diego to life in a way that is both beautiful and haunting.

    Boone Daniels is a character that readers will love to follow, with his unique blend of toughness and vulnerability.

    The plot is intricate and keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

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