-- Acclaimed Mystery Author Sharon Ward Expands Hit Scuba Series with Ninth Novel, Ice Water
Author Sharon Ward has officially released Ice Water, the ninth installment in the highly regarded Fin Fleming Scuba Diving Mystery Series. With a growing international readership and consistent category-topping rankings, the series has cemented its place in contemporary mystery fiction by offering readers a distinct combination of clean suspense, emotional depth, and immersive underwater adventure.
The latest release follows protagonist Fin Fleming as she navigates life-threatening dives under Arctic ice, evades a string of targeted attacks back home in the Cayman Islands, and attempts to dismantle a criminal network threatening her loved ones. Known for its unique blend of character-driven storytelling and oceanic realism, the series continues to evolve with each release, attracting a diverse readership across formats including paperback, hardcover, ebook, and audiobook.
Charting New Depths in Crime Fiction
First introduced in In Deep, Fin Fleming is an accomplished scuba diver and underwater photographer based in Grand Cayman. Unlike traditional thriller protagonists, Fin is portrayed as empathetic, morally grounded, and relatable, balancing high-stakes danger with personal uncertainty and human vulnerability.
With each book, Sharon Ward deepens the series’ focus on contemporary issues ranging from environmental conservation to ethical dilemmas, delivering complex plotlines while maintaining a tone that is accessible, clean, and emotionally resonant. The result is a series that appeals to both seasoned mystery readers and those new to the genre.
Hallie Ephron, New York Times bestselling author, described the series debut as “a stellar, pulse-pounding” introduction to a “heady mix of underwater adventure, mystery, and romance.” Author Edwin Hill called the series “a phenomenal” contribution to modern suspense, praising Fin Fleming as “tough, perceptive and fearless.”
From Marketing Executive to Mystery Novelist
Sharon Ward’s transition from marketing executive to full-time author was driven by her passion for scuba diving and storytelling. A certified PADI divemaster with hundreds of dives to her name, Ward brings firsthand expertise to her depictions of marine life, diving culture, and the ecological stakes surrounding her fictional oceanographic institute, RIO.
This authenticity has become a hallmark of the series, with each title grounded in accurate maritime detail and layered with plotlines involving treasure hunts, kidnappings, smuggling, ancient curses, and natural disasters. As Ward puts it, the books offer “clean mysteries that focus on family, friendship, romance, crime, and lots of diving scenes.”
An Expanding Universe of Loyal Readers
Each Fin Fleming novel has achieved a #1 ranking in its category upon release, building a dedicated and active fanbase. With nine titles now available and more in development, the series continues to attract attention for its consistency, unique setting, and fresh approach to female-led thrillers.
The books are often praised for their beach-read appeal, with many readers citing the blend of tropical setting and page-turning suspense as ideal for vacation reading. While Fin’s diving credentials and island lifestyle are central to the narrative, the series appeals equally to non-divers seeking character-rich storytelling in a high-stakes setting.
Industry Recognition and Literary Community Involvement
Sharon Ward is an active member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America (MWA), International Thriller Writers (ITW), and other professional organizations. Her commitment to the writing community and to the craft of storytelling has led to recognition across multiple platforms, including author panels, literary festivals, and media interviews.
She lives near Cape Cod with her husband and their miniature long-haired dachshund, Molly, often described as the true head of the household. Her deep appreciation for ocean conservation, wildlife, and storytelling continues to inform and inspire her work.
About Sharon Ward
Sharon Ward is the author of the Fin Fleming Scuba Diving Mystery Series, a clean and compelling series of mystery novels rooted in the Cayman Islands and the diving world. Formerly a marketing executive, Ward is a certified PADI divemaster whose real-world experiences fuel the authenticity of her writing. Her novels consistently reach #1 in their category and have garnered critical praise for their suspenseful plots, strong female lead, and rich maritime detail. She is affiliated with major crime writing organizations and lives in Massachusetts.
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Name: Sharon Ward
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Website: sharonward.com | sharonwardauthor.com | Amazon Series Page
Facebook: facebook.com/sharonwardwrites
Contact Info:
Name: Sharon Ward
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Organization: Sharon Ward
Website: https://sharonward.com
Release ID: 89158633
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