While honeymooning in a seaside cottage, Amy Robinson Malik and her police detective husband, Ben, witness a small plane crash just off the coast. They hurry out to mount a rescue but find the pilot and his wife dead.
When autopsies reveal traces of poison in the pilot, Ben is called back to Vancouver to assist with the investigation. Soon after, his car is found in a river, and Ben has gone missing. Has he become the third victim, killed because he was getting too close?
When the police refuse to share information on their search for Ben, Amy starts her own investigation to find her husband. But it will take everything she’s got—and then some—because the greatest danger will come from a source she never expected.
Essien Asian –
April 1, 2024
Ulla Håkanson’s Flight Across Waters is a beautifully crafted investigative mystery with a hint of romance. The characters are well-developed, and their origin stories flow smoothly so that the reader can understand each character’s motivations. Flight Across Waters is the sequel to The Price Of Silence, but the impressive storytelling style makes it a compelling standalone offering. The characters’ conversations are clear and direct. On the rare occasions when the author purposefully steers the discussion toward the increasingly technical aspects of police work, to appear as realistic as possible, the overall plot maintains the suspense the reader needs to stay engrossed. I particularly like how supposedly unrelated subplots intertwine seamlessly into one thrilling adventure. Amy’s life-threatening altercation with Mark in the Sokalsky residence is an example of this. Mystery genre readers will enjoy figuring out the clues placed strategically throughout the novel. Flight Across Waters is an outstanding piece of work from a talented author.
Rich Follett –
March 28, 2024
Flight Across Waters by Ulla Håkanson offers characters so real that they seem to pop up from the pages to speak, dialogue that is both imaginative and completely believable, and a masterful, thrilling plot chock-full of amazing and unexpected twists and reversals. What’s not to like? In a world where so many thrillers are testosterone-laden, it is a true pleasure to read a narrative featuring a strong, capable, and yet undeniably feminine protagonist. Amy’s journey is relatable, engaging, utterly believable, and truly inspiring. It should be noted that Flight Across Waters is a standalone sequel to Håkanson’s previous title The Price of Silence, so readers who will no doubt want more of her marvelous prose will find it easy to explore her prodigious gift for weaving a compelling tale. Flight Across Waters is a riveting, impeccably researched, and marvelously detailed thriller from a brilliant writer at the top of her game, worthy of being read even by those not usually drawn to the genre.
Antoinette Wessels –
April 1, 2024
If you love thrilling and exciting novels, you will not be disappointed with Ulla Håkanson’s Flight Across Waters. This was a thriller I could not put down until the last page. The novel is written from different characters’ perspectives, giving you an in-depth understanding of them and experiencing the story from various viewpoints. With the fast-paced development of the plot, I was on the edge of my seat, consistently waiting for the next ball to drop. The concept that an everyday hairdresser goes on a mission to save her husband ensured that I could easily relate to the main character, Amy; this also ensured that the suspense increased as I was rooting for her. It is evident throughout the novel that the author did a lot of research when writing Flight Across Waters, and I applaud her for a fantastic piece of literature.
Alma Boucher –
March 5, 2024
Flight Across Waters by Ulla Håkanson was so compelling that I was engrossed in the story from the beginning. The plot enabled me to become immersed in the mystery, offering a roller coaster ride of emotions such as fear, despair, and doubt. The story was jam-packed with action, and the tension kept me on the edge of my seat. I kept turning the pages as fast as possible! The twists and turns had me guessing until the very end. The story moved along quickly with never a dull moment. Each chapter presented new details and raised the stakes for Amy’s investigation. I had chills down my spine reading this gripping mystery, which was masterfully crafted.
Emma Megan –
March 5, 2024
Flight Across Waters by Ulla Håkanson is a deeply suspenseful, action-packed mystery that makes you forget to breathe. It is carefully plotted and veers in unexpected directions. Full of fascinating and dangerous characters that enable you to get fully drawn into the story from the beginning, this outstanding sequel to The Price of Silence can be read as a standalone. It’s very intense, about a second chance at life and the lengths a wife goes to protect her beloved husband, featuring perilous secrets, gambling, police corruption, and murder. This novel is for anyone interested in stories with strong female protagonists, mystery thrillers, and crime novels.
Sheila –
I just finished reading Flight Across Waters and marveled at Ulla Hakanson’s attention to detail and development of the plot, which is constantly escalating. It’s no wonder her book has won awards, a well-deserved honor. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Aimee Ann for Red Headed Book Lover –
December 15, 2023
Flight Across Waters is a thrilling, exciting, and action-packed novel that will have its readers turning the pages with haste into the early morning hours. As I began to read I immediately knew that this would be a fast-paced mystery, and now that I have finished the novel, I can happily write that the book is just this! It is an intriguing thriller that captivated me with its heart-pounding moments and phenomenal literature courtesy of author Ulla Håkanson. If you are a reader who loves being taken on a journey that is full of shocking moments that are memorable as well as astounding, then you will love Flight Across Waters.
Here the reader will be introduced to the story’s protagonist, Amy Robinson Malik, and her police detective husband, Ben. While honeymooning in a cottage by the seaside, they witness a plane crash into the sea and when they rush to the scene, they find both the pilot and his wife dead. Soon autopsies reveal that the pilot was poisoned, and Ben is called back into action and returns to Vancouver to help uncover the mystery. However, Ben soon disappears; his car is found in a river.
After receiving no help from the police, Amy decides to open her own investigation to find Ben. What follows is a shocking and thrilling journey in which she must uncover the killer and find her husband.
The story of Flight Across Waters is a stellar one that had me intrigued from the very start. I love any story with an investigation/time running out theme, so I knew from the beginning that Flight Across Waters would deliver thanks to these themes, and it sure did!
From the start, the reader will feel as if their breath has been knocked out of them by how fast they are pushed into the thick of the plot. I love this approach with a novel, especially if it is a thriller/mystery-based one. What is the point of waiting for the action to start? None in my opinion, so that is why I love how Håkanson decided to throw her reader into the story immediately; it made for an exhilarating read, one that I would highly recommend to all readers!
Håkanson is not only brilliant at weaving intelligent plot devices throughout her book; plot devices such as twists and turns and shocking moments, but she is also a fantastic writer for her descriptive literature. Her descriptive powers will immerse the reader in the novel, as they can imagine the unfolding investigation entirely.
Overall, Flight Across Waters is a chilling, thought-provoking, and captivating story that will entertain readers for many days and nights, I, of course, have to award the thrilling book five stars! If you are a reader who loves thriller and investigation novels but finds they are all similar, then I challenge you to read Flight Across Waters, because it will remind you that there are fantastic novels out there still that are original and highly entertaining!
Saya Jacaranda –
September 30, 2023
“Flight Across Waters” by Ulla Hakanson is just dazzling to read. While Amy and her husband Ben witness a plane crash, they don’t know how much this will impact their lives. Sometimes, you can be at the wrong place at the wrong time. The crash wasn’t a coincidence as the pilot was poisoned. Because Ben and Amy where the only witnesses, they had to help with the investigation. But Ben disappears and Amy will start a journey to find him, even if this takes everything she has. This book mesmerized me because it was full of plot twists and things I would have not imagined. I can assure you that you won’t be bored for a second if you read this.
Rocío D’Alessandro –
September 28, 2023
“Flight Across Waters” by Ulla Håkanson is a novel that not only entertained me but also emotionally moved me. The plot, involving Amy in the search for her missing husband under mysterious circumstances, is an emotional rollercoaster with unexpected twists that the author manages to portray through her rich and immersive narrative.
Ulla Håkanson’s ability to weave universal and personal themes demonstrates her literary prowess, adding depth and meaning to the story. The novel successfully blends adventure, emotion, and mystery, keeping me captivated until the last page.
“Flight Across Waters” is a literary work that touched my heart. Its ability to combine an exciting plot with profound themes and endearing characters makes it a read that not only entertains but also provokes thought, and it is undoubtedly a work that I recommend.
Margarita garcia –
September 28, 2023
You will be obsessed with this novel. ”Flight Across Waters”, written by Ulla Hakanson, delves into the story of Amy Robinson Malik when she and her husband were involved in the death of a couple in a small plane. That accident will become a nightmare for her and she will have to investigate on her own. The narrative of this thriller is so good that it aims to convey the feelings of the main character. The plot twist will surprise you every time. The author did a good job of maintaining suspense in each chapter. This novel is perfect for lovers of this type of literature. I highly recommend this book.
J Armstrong –
September 27, 2023
Amy’s husband goes missing after an investigation into a plane crash outside their vacation home. A possible murder investigation gets more deadly and Amy must step up to the plate to find her husband and to help him finish the job before she or anyone else land in the killers sights.
This book was a great thriller, it was fast paced, the world building was superb and I enjoyed Amy as she was very resourceful and savvy.
V.E. –
September 25, 2023
Ulla Hakanson has written a captivating book, Flight Across Waters. This is a gripping mystery and one that pulls you in immediately. Newlyweds Amy Robinson and Ben witness a small plane crash near their coastal honeymoon home, resulting in the pilot and his wife’s tragic demise. But the story gets even more mysterious from there. Eerie events unfold, driving Amy to unravel the truth. Hakanson’s writing immerses readers in suspense, fear, and uncertainty. This page-turner delivers unexpected twists and keeps you engaged in an exciting quest for answers. Great read and highly recommended.
Phil Bolos –
September 24, 2023
Flight Across Waters by Ulla Hakanson is an excellent suspense story with a strong female lead. While on their honeymoon, Ben and Amy see a plane crash out in the water. They go out and try to help, but the two people on board are already dead. After the autopsy it is discovered that there is poison in the pilot’s system. Ben is a police officer and tries to help in the investigation but he soon goes missing. Amy must now try and find her husband, but the only way to do that is to solve the mystery of what happened on that plane. Fans of mysteries and thrillers with strong female lead characters will enjoy this story. The suspense pulls you in early on and does a great job of holding attention to the climax.
Carlos Ariel Armando –
September 24, 2023
“Flight Across Waters” by Ulla Håkanson is a thrilling novel that immerses you in a story filled with mystery and suspense. The story begins quietly, with a honeymooning couple, but takes a dark turn when they witness a plane crash. As the plot unfolds, events become increasingly intriguing and suspenseful, keeping you glued to the pages.
What truly stands out in this novel is the author’s ability to create an addictive narrative and compelling characters. Amy’s desperate quest to find her missing husband keeps you on edge, and the unexpected twists maintain the suspense until the very end.
I would recommend this book to any lover of suspense and intrigue. This is an exhilarating rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you breathless and thinking about it long after you’ve finished reading.
Kindle Customer –
September 23, 2023
This is a riveting tale set in BC’s lower mainland, happening not just in Vancouver but on nearby islands as well. With a fearless young woman as the heroine who manages to unravel the dark secrets that have already led to several unsolved murders and now threaten the life of the love of her life, it is a page-turner that kept me spellbound till the end.
Bob Van Laerhoven – Belgian novelist –
The allure of a Greek tragedy
Reviewed in Belgium on 8 August 2023
This irresistible thriller has the allure of a Greek tragedy: it starts idyllically with Ben and Amy honeymooning on Galiano Island, Canada. They witness a small private plane crashing in the lake and try to rescue survivors. The unforeseen drama starts a series of brutal events that plunge police officer Ben into life-threatening captivity. Noticing that the police seem reluctant to investigate Ben’s disappearance, Amy traces her lover’s whereabouts with stubborn ingenuity and finds him on a small, rough island. Their escape from the dangerous gang over water is nothing less than spectacular. But an even more perilous task awaits them: unmasking the powerful enemy chasing them. There’s much more in this passionately written suspense novel that can’t be summed up in a few lines, but one thing is sure: buckle up for a stormy ride. I suspect author Ulla Hakanson is a dangerous woman: her protagonist Amy is bold, resourceful, and determined to save her beloved. I’m sure you wouldn’t want her as an adversary. I particularly liked –and was awed by– the inescapability of the events that propelled the story to its sizzling finale. When is the movie?
Asher Syed for Readers’ Favorite –
July 15, 2023
Flight Across Waters” by Ulla Håkanson tells the captivating story of Amy and Ben, a couple plunged into a complex criminal web after witnessing a plane crash on their honeymoon on Galiano Island. The crash victim, architect Eugene Sokalsky, is discovered to be the father of Mark Sokalsky, who has entangled himself in illegal gambling. As Ben, a detective, probes into the circumstances surrounding Eugene’s death, his investigations uncover Mark’s criminal activities, leading to his abduction by Mark’s underworld connections. Concurrently, Amy, ignorant of her husband’s peril, conducts her own parallel investigation. A tense cat-and-mouse game unfolds, with Amy narrowly escaping Mark’s clutches, receiving crucial leads, and penetrating the murky depths of the criminal world. Amy’s determination and courage ultimately lead her to a potential rescue operation, forcing her to confront an array of risks and dangers head-on. Her tenacity to find her missing husband and resolve the complex mystery defines the thrilling narrative.
Flight Across Waters by Ulla Håkanson wastes no time sinking that hook in by introducing characters and developing them as soon as newlyweds Amy and Ben attempt a rescue, only to discover it is futile and that the victim is a big deal. The antagonists are wonderfully bad. Mark has a sliminess to him that made me want to wash my hands after reading his scenes, and Luigi Alzaperi is just plain horrible. Håkanson knows how to write a fantastic, strong, capable female protagonist. Amy is relentless in her search and her research and discovers what the criminal extremes of the gaming and blood sport-loving, coffee shop-owning Azaperi men are, or, in his father’s case, was. The best part is visualizing Amy going undercover in a blonde wig and tossing in a pack of cigarettes for good measure. And the action scenes! In her pure awesomeness, Amy can maneuver through a collapsed floor and go for the Olympic gold medal in steel bar transitions. Poor Ben. He’s sadly pedestrian compared to her but is still likable, even when he is hobbling, in concealer, and wearing a slicked-back man-ponytail, a la Miami Vice. This is a great thriller, and I could follow Amy through several more books. Very highly recommended.
Celeste L –
July 14, 2023
Flight Across Waters by Ulla Hakanson is classified as a women sleuths and suspense type of book. Amy turns out to be a great female lead in this story. She really takes over after her husband goes missing during an investigation regarding a possible murder. But when the police are stingy with their findings, Amy has to take matters into her own hands. She ends up in some unexpected dangers – you will have to read to find out for yourself. But I bet you will find yourself so engrossed in this story, you will not want to put it down.
KMB13 –
July 13, 2023
Flight Across Waters by Ulla Hakanson is a gripping novel that follows Amy, a woman whose police husband went missing when investigating a murder, which had originally looked like an accident when a small plane crashed where Amy and her husband were honeymooning. I was hooked on this novel from the very first page.
The author’s writing style of Flight Across Waters draws the reader in with details that jump off the page. Ulla Hakanson masterfully creates a believable world filled with characters who are flawed yet sympathetic and believable.
Flight Across Waters is an excellent read for any fan of mystery and suspense. The twist and turns in this engaging novel will keep the reader guessing until the end. Ulla Hakanson does a masterful job of creating an engaging and gripping tale that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
Ghulam Mustafa –
July 12, 2023
The book “Flight Across Waters” by Ulla Hakanson is a thrilling mystery novel that will send shivers down your spine. Newlyweds Amy Robinson and Ben got the shock of their lives when they spotted a small plane crashing near their seaside honeymoon cottage.
They wanted to do something to help but it was already too late – the pilot and his wife were dead. From that moment on, strange and mysterious events began to occur, leaving Amy desperate to uncover the truth behind them.
This book is an engaging page-turner full of suspense and surprises! Ulla Hakanson’s writing style allows readers to become immersed in the mystery as they experience a range of emotions, such as fear, despair, and doubt.
I highly recommend this novel – it had me hooked from the very beginning! It’s a must-read for any fan of thrilling stories.
Evelyn –
July 12, 2023
I liked this well narrated and thought-provoking tale for more than one reason. First of all, I was captivated from the moment I read about its premise. In addition, the pacing is excellent, with each chapter revealing fresh information and escalating the stakes of Amy’s investigation. The characters’ emotional complexity, especially the protagonist one, provides a further level of interest and makes it simple for readers to identify with her courage and resolution. Each one has their own secrets and goals, which keeps the reader wondering about who the real perpetrators are behind the plane disaster and Ben’s abduction.
To conclude, I enjoyed the mystery that the plot offers due to it’s hard to distinguish between friends and enemies because of the tension and distrust the author expertly builds.
Karrie –
July 11, 2023
Ulla Håkanson provided us with an excellent and well-written story that can easily steal your heart away. What seemed like a happy honeymoon suddenly turns sour as the couple witness a small plane crash off the coast where they were having a good time.
The couple moved to The scene of the crash only to find out the occupants of the small plane were dead. However, there was also something else even more confusing—it is the fact that the couple did not die from the crash. Rather, they were traces of poison in their blood.
With the circumstances surrounding the death of the couple, Ben was recalled back to Vancouver. However, Ben goes missing a few days after his recall, raising very serious concerns. Nobody was sure of whether Ben was dead or alive.
The cops make things worse by refusing to share full details of the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Ben. Amy, the wife of Ben, decides to become a private detective to identify the actual cause of her husband’s house. There are dangers on the way, but her greatest will come from an unsuspected source.
This book is a well-written novel with the exact dose of suspense and twists to go with it.
Aparna Preethi –
July 10, 2023
Flight Across Waters by Ulla Håkanson is a captivating novel that takes readers on an emotional and thought-provoking journey. With its unique blend of adventure, thrill, plot twists and self-discovery, this book manages to engage the reader from start to finish. Håkanson’s writing style is fluid and descriptive, painting vivid imagery of the various settings encountered throughout the story. The themes explored in Flight Across Waters are both universal and deeply personal. Håkanson weaves these themes seamlessly into the narrative, creating a heartfelt story that resonates with readers on a profound level. The mystery behind the plane crash is exciting and keeps the readers on their toes throughout. In conclusion, Flight Across Waters is a captivating novel and a memorable reading experience. Ulla Håkanson’s skillful storytelling and engaging characters make this book a worthwhile choice for readers seeking a thought-provoking tale.
Carlitas –
July 8, 2023
The cover of the book caught my attention, and I decided to read “Flight Across Waters.” Ulla Hakanson has come up with an enthralling thriller story that gives goosebumps.
Amy Robinson and Ben have just tied the knot and were on their honeymoon in a seaside cottage. Unfortunately, a small plane fell near their cottage and when the couple saw that, they tried to rescue the pilot but he and his wife were dead. After that moment, strange and mysterious events start happening and Amy needs to find out the reason for them.
What an engaging novel! I was glued to the pages from the moment I read the first lines. I think that the writer has an exquisite writing style since it allows readers to feel part of the mystery and experience a variety of emotions, such as fear, despair, doubt. It’s a compelling, tightly-plotted novel full of surprises. Without a doubt, I recommend it. I truly liked it!
Susel Dezzani –
July 7, 2023
This incredible book was written by wonderful author Ulla Hakanson, and it is a self-standing sequel to The Price of Silence, Ulla’s first masterpiece.
The author is a superb storyteller. “Flight Across Waters” has been beautifully and smartly written. The book is sharply plotted and relentlessly paced; it kept me guessing until the last page.
The author does a great job developing the characters and setting the scene. I could really tell she has done an amazing job investigating and talking to professional experts to have the knowledge about the things she writes about in this incredible thriller.
I think this is an engrossing thriller with an ending that will leave any reader’s head spinning. I most definitely recommend reading this great story!
Judges’ Comments –
July 1, 2023
Winner of the fiction prize for the SCWES Book Awards for BC Authors competition.
Flight Across Waters continues the compelling, page-turning adventures of the spunky Amy, who we met in The Price of Silence. An intriguing cast of characters is being created that could easily develop a loyal readership. As with Price of Silence, the British Columbian setting is used to great advantage, and the cover design and chapter headings are similarly effective.
Areas of Excellence:
This is written by a great storyteller. The reader is invited to inhabit the bad guy’s point of view to show how they view themselves as a victim without requiring the reader to develop sympathy for them. The point of view changes from chapter to chapter, which keeps the story briskly moving but is easy to follow. Little fleeting details like a temporarily misplaced cell phone make situations real and identifiable. Descriptive elements, such as the slow reality of regaining consciousness after a blow to the head, add authenticity.
Areas for Improvement:
There were a few errors in editing and continuity between this novel and The Price of Silence. This is the main area of improvement needed in an otherwise very compelling story. Nevertheless, this second novel in what will become a series is a great read.
Production Value:
The cover is beautifully haunting and mysterious, giving the reader a hint of what will come.
Kirkus Reviews –
June 2, 2023
Instead of properly vacationing, a young police detective puts himself and his new bride in jeopardy in this taut thriller.
It took months, but Vancouver Police Constable Ben Malik finally takes his wife, Amy Robinson Malik, on a honeymoon to nearby Galiano Island. But a romantic escape isn’t in the stars. A private plane crashes into the sea, and they find the pilot dead. The victim is wealthy Vancouver Police Department benefactor Eugene Sokalsky, so Seppo Koskinen, Ben’s temporary boss, orders him back to work as a result. Also affected by the crash is the Sokalskys’ deadbeat son, Mark, a law school dropout who is working for gambling boss Luigi Alzaperi. In the course of the investigation, Ben meets Mark, learns too much about Mark’s roles in his father’s death and Alzaperi’s operation, and is subsequently abducted. When Ben fails to return home, Amy reports him missing. Angered by the slow pace of the police search for Ben, Amy begins her own investigation and soon uncovers the involvement of a dirty cop who pursues her. She goes off the grid while continuing to search for Ben. In Håkanson’s second book in the Amy Robinson series, salon owner Amy proves she can handle much more than a killer haircut—much to her and Ben’s surprise. Unable to trust Ben’s co-workers, Amy skillfully deploys a network of friends and acquaintances to help with the rescue effort. Despite being in captivity for much of the novel, Ben finds ways to ramp up the dramatic tension. Håkanson skillfully uses a layered cast (Mark is an entertaining villain—a spoiled poor-little rich boy who deserves to be fed to the sharks) in this quick-moving adventure. By thinking faster than their pursuers, Amy and Ben make for an appealing couple who are easy to cheer.
A winning pairing propels this nail-biter to greater heights.
Judy Miller –
June 8, 2023
I read this book in less than a day – not because I was under a time crunch but because I could never find a slow spot in the plot to put it down. To say this novel is a page-turner would be an understatement. The entire novel was filled with such intensity at every turn that I just had to keep reading to see what would happen next. And while Amy’s luck seemed a little incredulous at times, it did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. Sometimes, I was yelling at her not to take some of the crazy risks she was taking, but I was cheering for her every step of the way.
The characters were well-developed, and I really liked Amy and Ben and their relationship with each other. I also loved to hate Mark, Koskinen, Alzaperi, and others. I had read Ulla Hakanson’s first novel, so I recognized the connections and carryover of the characters between the two, but Flight Over Waters definitely stands on its own.
I am familiar with the locations in Vancouver and the west coast islands, and the descriptions were so real that it was easy to picture where the events were taking place.
Overall, Ulla Hakanson has another success on her hands. Can’t wait for the next one!
International Review of Books –
May 10, 2023
General Summary for Context:
Amy and Ben just got married and are on their honeymoon near a beautiful lake, when a plane crashes in the lake not far from them. Despite the fast reaction, the passenger couple doesn’t survive, and the police suspect fault play.
Ben is called back to work by his new boss and is soon investigating the suspected murder. His investigation takes him to their only son, who is acting suspiciously. But soon, the investigation takes a dangerous turn. Ben is taken, and police find his car, but something doesn’t add up.
Concise Review:
The story is told from two different sides. On one side are Amy and Ben, a newlywed couple whose honeymoon was cut short when the plane crashed near them. Ben investigates the murder, while Amy goes on with her life until Ben goes missing.
On the other side, there is Mark, a spoiled son of a wealthy couple who just died. He is supposed to be in college but got into some shady business and is in desperate need of money. Jaded with the threat of being cut off, he takes matters into his own hands. But after a drunken mistake, he is left with a cop in the basement and bookies on his back, who seem to be taking the situation into their own hands.
But the scope of the story doesn’t end there. There is something more going on behind the scenes. When I thought I knew what would happen next, there came another twist.
From the start, I was pulled in and couldn’t put the book down; with each chapter, the tension is amplified, the pace quickens, and you can’t wait to see what comes next. The tension was palpable in the air. I felt like I was in the middle of the story, my heart beating fast, and I couldn’t wait to get to the bottom—a thrilling story full of twists and turns, intrigue, and so much more.
General Thoughts on the Novel:
You can’t help but read this gripping story from cover to cover. The scenes jump from the pages, the characters make you feel for them, and the twists make your head spin. I loved it.