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Camouflage

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A missing man, a new police chief and an unexpected New England town mystery.

When Sean Dermott, the newly appointed police chief, sees the report that a popular local high school coach is missing, his growing fascination with the alluring Vanessa Strauss, who reported the disappearance, makes him determined to solve the case.

The investigation leads him and his team deep into Quarry Head Park, a local scenic preserve with nature trails and expansive views. There is no sign of the missing man, but what he does find terrifies him to the core.

From the depths of the park, a deadly prehistoric looking creature emerges, attacks swiftly and silently, leaving devastation in its wake. In the chaos which follows, it is up to Chief Dermott and a team of scientists to fight for balance by ensuring the safety of his town and preserving this remarkable discovery.

He will risk his career, his reputation and even his own life to stand by what he believes to be right. The question is, will he succeed, or will all be lost?

241 pages, ebook

First published September 23, 2018

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About the author

Ivy Keating

2 books102 followers
A story can be born out of an image. This is where my stories begin. A site that intrigues me will hold my imagination. I enjoy writing Science Fiction and Fantasy. ‘Sarana and the Dark King’ was imagined from a mental picture of the Great Lakes. The proximity of these bodies of water and the land that surrounds them lend themselves to the formation of separate kingdoms—at least they do in my mind. My challenge as a writer is to take this intriguing setting and create a plot that is both clever and surprising. I enjoy creating characters with depth. I have a master’s degree in social work, and my education has taught me to analyze why people act the way they do. I’m also an animal lover. Books and movies with a man vs nature theme are my favorite.

Questions about Ivy's novels and the writing process are always welcome. Please visit her at, ivykeating.com, for contact information.


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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Darinda.
8,633 reviews151 followers
November 13, 2018
A man is reported missing in a small New England town. While investigating the case, the police become aware of an unusual creature living in the nearby nature preserve. The police chief contacts a local scientist/researcher to identify the animal. As the case unfolds, the police and scientists try to find balance between preserving a prehistoric animal and protecting public safety.

The characters are realistic and likable. The police chief is a little on the young side, and feels he needs to prove himself in his new job. Besides working hard on the two cases - missing man and prehistoric animal - he finds himself attracted to the woman who reported the missing man. A romance develops.

I especially liked the researchers. They were the right amount of excited and academic about a new, or rather, old, species being discovered. The scientists want to help, and the story does a good job with them explaining things to the police as they learn new information.

The scientists want to discover where the creature came from and what happened to its environment that caused it to move near the town. If they can figure that out, maybe they can return the animal back to its natural habitat.The police and scientists are working hard, but there are opposing sides. There are those who want to protect the animal and those who want to destroy it.

A sci-fi mystery with adventure and romance. Entertaining, thrilling, and fast-paced.

I received a free digital copy of this book from Kimberly Costa at Caffeinated PR Services, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
1,996 reviews145 followers
December 12, 2018
A title like Camouflage and a cover with a forest…what can possibly go wrong?

I love Ivy Keatinng’s inspiration for the story. Proves my thoughts, that you have to keep have your mind open 24/7 to let those ideas filter into your subconscious, let them percolate, and become a story.

Vanessa felt drawn to Quarry Head, where she had dropped off her friend Jason for a jog and he was never seen again. Quarry Head is a 300 acre state park in Connecticut.

Sean was considered too young to be the police chief, but it is what it is. He did have a problem that he kept secret, he had taken a blow to the head and it had affected his vision. He corrected the problem with special contact lenses. There were some bonus side affects, he had superior night vision and he focused on shapes over color. I’m thinking that will come in handy, with a title like camouflage…and a deadly prehistoric creature.

Sean heads out to the Park and comes home without Jason…but he does have a new member to add to his household…Scout, an abandoned dog. Hmmm…

This is all sounding more and more like the B movies that I love so much. So, will they capture it or kill it? Myself, I have watched enough movies, like the Croc movies and Anaconda and the well known Jurassic Park, that I know what happens when you try to capture it. KILL IT! Study it or KILL IT!

What would you do? What if it is a discovery of a lost species, a new species? Would you jump at the chance to learn about a new creature? Or would you only see the danger and opt to KILL IT!

I didn’t know the ending and I love that. I had thought it was going to be so predictable. The pacing and suspense kept me engrossed, reading, thinking, pondering, waiting… The characters grew and developed deeper personalities. A little romance never hurts a creature feature either.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Camouflage by Ivy Keating and Scott Spotson.

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Profile Image for Debbie.
942 reviews78 followers
November 26, 2018
Camouflage
Ivy Keating & Scott Spotsen

Camouflage is a chilling exciting fast paced tale, a seamless collaboration that’s a credible mix of mystery suspense and science fiction. The storyline is intriguing, including enough scientific facts to support the fantastic inclusion of the prehistoric reptile costars evidenced by the novel’s believable cast of scientists. The power-play between the state and local cops not only give the read some added drama but also a true-life quality that balances the fantasy aspect. The realistic backdrops and waterscapes including the other undiscovered underwater creatures add to the awesomeness of the story. The characters all play their roles well, plus the minor romance between Sean and Vanessa, the missing man’s friend gives readers a small break from the creature feature unfolding. Camouflage would make an excellent gift for that discriminating suspense/science fiction fan on your list.

SUMMARY:
When a local high school coach is reported missing by a friend, Wilton police chief Sean Dermott together with the Connecticut State cops who have jurisdiction in the nature reserve where the man was last seen puts together a team to conduct a search and makes a terrorizing discovery when one of the state officers is attacked by what looks like a prehistoric reptilian creature. Sean finds himself in hot water when the State top cop discovers it was one of his officers that was injured. Sean has locked horns with the State Chief many times and they’re locking horns again when Sean under the guidance of local scientists want the creature caught alive and his nemesis wants it dead.

Profile Image for A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol).
2,008 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2018
Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.

Sean Dermott is not only the new police chief of Winston, but he’s the youngest to be appointed. So he feels like he has a lot to prove. But he’s good at his job, so that shouldn’t be an issue. Until the local high school coach goes missing and something big and scary with really large teeth is found in Quarry Head Park. Sean wonders if the two cases are connected. In the meantime, he has to protect the public from something that hasn’t been seen for millions of years. The time to gird his loins and wade into battle came quicker than he expected, but with the help of his men, the state police, and some scientists, he hopes to resolve this prehistoric dangerous situation before anyone dies.

I wish I could say this is a nail-biting, on-the-edge-of-your-seat monster suspense, but the execution is lacking. I love the concept of some prehistoric creatures being found and trying to figure out where they came from, how they got to where they are, and trying to save them without killing them. It’s a great idea. The facts about the creatures, their brethren, and their habitat are fascinating. But the writing. Oh, the writing. This book is filled with unnecessary description that slows the pace way down. It’s stilted in ways that is, at times, painful to read. Multiple POVs help carry it forward, but each time there’s an exciting part, it’s followed by boring exposition. In addition, the timeline is really wonky. I had no clue how much time had passed. Sometimes it seemed like only a day then it was a week later and I was left scratching my head. Totally unclear and frustrating. Overall, I think this could have been better written, but I love the “monster” angle and the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books365 followers
November 27, 2018
A missing person, a mysterious creature in the forest, a police chief who needs to prove himself by balancing his town's safety and protecting a new scientific discovery, and a woman who isn't sure she can chance love for someone who puts his life on the line. The blend of science-fiction, suspense, and romance was balanced well and I enjoyed the fantastic story I got.

Camouflage is a standalone that pulls in genre-crossing elements to bring a compelling story told by several of the characters. It all begins with a missing man. One of Vanessa Strauss' oldest friends goes for a jog in Quarry Head Park and is never seen again. Newly appointed police chief, Sean Dermott, wants to solve the case, but particularly when he meets Vanessa and wants to ease her fears. However, his investigation uncovers an unimaginable danger lurking in the woods. Sean and his investigation team barely escape with their lives and are shocked to realize that something prehistoric is now loose. With the help of a dedicated team of scientists and other agencies, Sean and the others must find a way to keep the population around the park safe while hoping to figure out what to do with this new discovery.

I am not generally one for creature features, but this one never slid into horror and was firmly planted in the sci-fi category with plausible explanation for a prehistoric beast to exist in modern times. I enjoyed how the scientific investigation team with Sean's help explored the mystery of these creatures. It also had a strong touch of authenticity with inter-departmental and agency rivalry as well as differences of opinion in what to do about the discovery- put down for safety or preserve for posterity and the right of the creature to exist. There is also a lovely romance brewing off to the side as well as the mystery of the missing man.

Vanessa grew up with an alcoholic father and dated some real losers who were all about themselves. She can't help comparing Sean's inability to keep a regular schedule and exposure to danger to those in her past and must work to give him a chance because he's not her dad or those other guys. Sean has learned to be wary of relationships, too, because he can never find a woman who can respect his job and see that he can't promise to always be there. He's attracted to Vanessa and likes her, he even shares his secret and wants to try a relationship, but ultimately, he's leaving it up to her after he laid it all out about what it would be like since he's a police officer and new to his job as chief.

The scientists led by Greg are a wonderful crowd. They are excited about their find, but never overbalance and forget that safety of the people nearby is priority. I loved how the various experts pooled their knowledge and worked out a plan while still retaining their scientific wonder. The authors did a great job of making it all believable, but also fantastic when the mystery of the creature is unveiled to reveal even more wonder.

All in all, this was engaging and exciting. I was enthralled with the story and can definitely recommend it to others who love mysteries, dinosaurs, and a smidge of romance.

My thanks to Caffeinated PR for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bec.
66 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2019
I enjoyed this story from start to finish. It did not take much for me to get into reading this book. I found the story line interesting and the story was paced well. For some reason I could not get into the relationship blossoming between Sean and Vanessa, it felt rushed or the foundation of the relationship not built upon enough. I didn't 'feel' it the same way as I do in other books with a romantic leads. Having said that, it does not ruin the story in anyway at all. I was warming to them by the end of the book. I thought that the ending could of been a stretched out a bit more, with the discovery of the body. I can't say much more as I don't want to give anything away, While I was reading this book, I could really picture it clearly in my mind and could see this book being turned into a movie.
Profile Image for Marcia.
302 reviews6 followers
October 5, 2020
This book was action packed and a fast read! I recommend and will likely read again.
Profile Image for Keith Willis.
Author 6 books62 followers
March 1, 2019
Ivy Keating and her collaborator, Scot Spotson, have put together a crackerjack thriller combining police procedural, biology, anthropology, and herpetology, along with a dash of romance to leaven the tension generated in Camouflage.

When newly appointed police chief Sean Dermott gets involved in a missing persons case, he discovers a fiercesome creature living in a nearby primeval forest.  Is it a monster? A long-lost dinosaur? Whatever it is, it attacks Sean’s friend Ethan, a state police detective, seriously injuring him, and setting in motion a thrill-ride reminiscent of the works of Michael Crichton. A diverse team of scientists is called in to locate and identify the creature; the antagonistic head of the State Police, who has a major grudge against Sean, is determined to destroy the creature and wreck Sean’s career in the process. And a gorgeous local business owner (and the person who sets the whole story in motion) provides a romantic distraction for an emotionally scarred Chief Dermott.

Camouflage is well researched and well written, with engaging characters, taut action scenes, and excellent science. When an attempt to capture the creature goes sour and leads to mayhem, we can feel both Sean’s anguish at the chaos and cheer his determination to help save an anthropological treasure, even if it means sacrificing his career.

My only issue with Camouflage was the large cast and shifting points of view. I sometimes had to stop to realize who the story was following (close third person POV), which threw me out of the story momentarily. However, as I tend to do the exact same thing myself, I can’t really quibble on this one.

I’m not going to get into spoiler territory, so I leave it there. But rest assured, if you enjoy a good thriller with a healthy dose of well-done science, characters you can root for, and a bit of romance on the side, Camouflage will provide your “creature” comforts.
1 review
December 5, 2018
Camouflage is one of those science fictions where you start to believe it could be real. It starts off as a police investigation for a missing man, but the investigation takes a drastic turn. A deadly creature is discovered setting in motion a dangerous quest to figure out what it is and what to do about it. My favorite part is how science is mixed in with fiction.
The lead character is a police chief who is not liked by his superior. He's someone you want to root for because he's willing to risk his job for what he believes in. The pressure is always on him so I wanted to know what he would do next.
Several plots were at work here and the authors did not skimp on either. The police investigation kept me guessing, and containing the deadly creature felt threatening and real. There was also a romance-it was entertaining but it did not overshadow the fast paced action.
I strongly recommend for scifi fans who like smart written books that make you think deadly creatures could be out there.
Profile Image for Pat G..
39 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2020
Camouflage was just excellent. I loved the pace of the book and loved the characters.
Jason Kenner is missing. Friends know he loved to jog in Quarry Head Park. Jason's friend Vanessa decided to go for a jog there and heard a disturbing rumbling in the woods and rushed to get out of there and head home. She decides to go to the police and meets Chief Sean Dermott who agrees to help find Jason. Strange things are being found at Quarry Head Park, mutilated deer and what appears to be gelatinous coverings on the deer. Sean engages the help of a herpetology professor to help him figure out what is going on. What ensues is a cross between Jurassic park and a little romance. Fantastic book and would make a great movie. Loved it.
Profile Image for Kim Wilch.
Author 6 books45 followers
June 8, 2022
You will never go into the woods without wondering what you'll find again. At least I won't. We are a camping family. Where woods surround us. And it gets dark at night. Real dark. It may take me a while to trek to the outhouse without waking my husband to go with me. It's that kind of book.

I enjoyed the story being told from multiple points of view. The relationship between Sean and Vanessa added a nice touch and helped carry the story along without distracting from the made point of the story. The timeline could have been made more clear in places but overall it accomplished what the author set out to do. What's lurking in the woods? I dare you to find out.

I was provided an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 4, 2019
Really fun read - I was lucky enough to start reading this is in the autumn months, so reading the vivid descriptions of the New England landscape was really fun. I didn't want to put it down. The plot escalated quickly and then continued to throw twists as you keep reading. The characters were funny and smart, and I liked how the story was told through multiple perspectives. Definitely gifting this to a few people this holiday season (Sci-Fi and Fantasy lovers)!
Profile Image for Rich Padzik.
147 reviews
July 13, 2019
Tri sauras, ancient animals found.

Animals from the dino period found in lake. A struggle starts, to save these relics from the past. A very good story.
42 reviews
November 11, 2020
This was a giveaway of an ARE. Thanks to the publisher.
Camouflage is a story about a Police Chief dealing with many aspects of his daily life when it is suddenly changed by a missing man and the lady that reported his disappearance.
The writing in this book is very simplistic - about 8th grade level using many short basic sentences and paragraphs, only occasionally expanding into complex descriptions. There are also lots of discrepancies in time lines and details. There were also several syntax errors and misspellings. These mistakes often made me stop and go back to make sure I wasn't missing something.
The plot of the book is OK but not very plausible. I can't give details on what happens without giving away the story. Finally, the book just ended at a point where many more details should have been included. The main story line was never completed and the reader is left wondering what happened. Good in some books, but not done well here. The book is in need of another round of editing and some additional conclusions to the story.
8 reviews
December 10, 2019
This is a good, fast-paced story. It drew me in, and made me want to keep reading.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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