I was so excited to be back in Castleby for the next installment in the series. This book can be read as a standalone as a lot of the main information about book one is included as a backstory but I would definitely recommend reading Sea State first as it is great!

I loved going back to old characters that I loved, namely Jesse and Doug and seeing how their relationship developed from the first book. As well as being reintroduced to our characters from Sea State, we also have some newcomers.

Rob "Foxy" Fox is ex-special forces and buys a closed climbing place in Castleby. Sophie Jones' husband Sam has been missing in action for two years and she holds out hope that he is still alive, despite all odds. She moves back to Castleby to look after her father who is ill.

J.M. Simpson is a fantastic writer and what I love most about the Castleby series is the sense of camaraderie with the residents there and the stories of what the RNLI do. Just like in our first book, we have a unknown narrator too who is watching one of our characters - but why? We have that twisty storyline too with a sense of chase. Very gripping and I can't wait for book three!

This book was sent to me electronically for review from Netgalley… mystery and intrigue… a ,triad of characters…some likable and some Not…love and romance…marriage and friendship…rescue…children…5ere are so many characters that discerning what is going on is somewhat difficult…however, this talented author has woven a story that reads like nonfiction at times…enjoy (maybe too much language…)

Sea Change is the second book in the Castbley Series from JM Simpson. As such the storyline begins in a slightly complex manner which indicates the need to have read Sea State, her first book in the series, but overall, and once you have worked out who is who, it is a captivating read filled with characters to whom we can all relate.
A man stands on a church roof, oblivious of the chilling rain, deeply mired in grief; who is he and what is causing him such anguish of the soul that he is considering taking his life.
Rob Fox is looking for a change and he has found it in the small town of Castleby in the shape of a run-down Climbing centre; a fresh beginning and all importantly, a place he can use his skills honed in his many years in the British Military.
Foxy as he is known to his mates, is a new face in town and is very relieved when he finds he is welcomed into the fabric of the town by the indomitable Mags. It is not long before his skills in climbing as are called upon by the Castleby Lifeboat Crew to help out in a complex rescue.
As the week’s slip by, he is reunited with two of his mates from his Military days; one who lives locally and the other who is still on active service, which he finds is a great help as they have bonds that go deep. His beloved ex-service dog Solo also arrives at Castleby after a long period in quarantine, which helps him during bouts of PTSD.
But the lives of the small community have not slowed down at all, with Doug facing serious issues with his wife, Claire; Jesse, who escaped from her violent and psychopathic husband with her life, is finally beginning to learn to trust again and then there are JJ and Huey, lads who simply can’t seem to keep out of trouble.
A rather mysterious, seriously evil thread runs throughout the storyline, which adds yet another layer to the everyday activities of the small town. This addition of another thread to the already complex cast of characters makes you wonder why there needs to be another layer to the story.
But so saying, even with a cast of many, the story has a certain level of addictiveness that keeps you turning the pages, wondering what will happen next. There are almost too many daring rescues, but somehow that adds to the charm of the story.
Sea Change will appeal to anyone who loves a cozy armchair read with a somewhat compelling, even though at times a little bit too confusing, story line, as you really do have to find out what happens next. In the end you are left wanting to know what really does happen next.
Roll on book three.

There are a lot of characters to keep track of in this book and you will find yourself invested in all of them. The relationships and interactions build a powerful sense of community which it is impossible not to buy into. The main plot line offers intrigue and drama, often adding an additional layer of mystery just as you think it is on track for resolution.

Sea Change is the second book in the series, Castleby. This is a fast moving story with lots of activity for the small town in Wales.

There are several new characters introduced in this book. Ex-special forces soldier Rob Fox (Foxy) moves to Castleby and starts a business involving a climbing facility. He becomes friends with Sophie Jones who has returned to Castleby to look after her father suffering from dementia. She has not given up on her missing husband, a soldier, who has not returned and is missing in action. Sophie is unexpectedly attacked, by someone thinking she is her deceased mother.

Meanwhile, Jesse Stevens believes she is safe after escaping from her former partner who raped and abused her now in prison, as well as his psychotic sister who tried to kill her. But soon her worst fears have to true. Chris has escaped from a hospital where he was being held in custody from an attack. Now he is tracking her down so they can "talk".

The body count will continue to rise as this small town has more than it's share of drama. Jessie and Doug will be forced to deal with a missing child, a returned estranged wife, and an ex-cop looking for satisfaction. They will have a lot to deal with while trying to work on building their relationship.

This was a good story but lots of characters and stories to keep straight. I like the relationship of Jesse and Doug. Seeing them trying to build this into something that will last. It would be nice to have a few less unrelated dramas. I realize that in the nature of sea search and rescue that is the way of things to add to the story. But there is one story that I would have kept out all together. It didn't seem to add value at all. Still. this is worth reading and looking forward to the next in the series. I highly recommend this series.

I hadn't read the first book in the series, but still enjoyed this one. Lots of layers of mystery and intriguing characters. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest.

Sea Change by J.M. Simpson

Published: March 3, 2022
J.M. Simpson
Pages: 448
Genre: Suspense/ Thriller
KKECReads Rating: 5/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

J.M. Simpson, or Jo, was originally born in Essex; Jo was predominantly raised in the West Country, enjoying childhood in Devon and Cornwall, never far from a rugged coastline, sandy beach, or harbour.
Jo currently lives in Kent, with her two (occasionally stroppy) teenage daughters, her incredibly long-suffering husband, and her two writing partners, Max (who features as Brock in the series) and Merlin, both rescue Border Collie’s.

“Time to decide.”

Jesse finally feels like she can start to let go of her past trauma. Things with Doug are going well, she’s thriving at work, and she feels like she belongs. Meanwhile, Doug is being pulled in several directions. Claire has decided she wants to come home and doesn’t seem to be taking no for an answer. Newcomer Foxy is trying to escape his past and has found himself in a town filled with people who seem to want to know him genuinely, and that terrifies him. Sophie is struggling with her ailing father, teenage son, and her missing husband. To make matters worse, little boys are going missing and ending up dead. Will Castleby ever be the same?

A lot was happening in this book! We reconnect with our favorites from book one and are introduced to some new characters.

The character development is strong, with several characters dealing with past trauma and future dilemmas. There are some heavy topics throughout this novel, and they were handled with such care.

I enjoyed how this story was told. Multiple perspectives and storylines run together. It all comes together terrifyingly and dramatically.

This was a fast-paced, intense ride from start to finish. When you think there couldn’t possibly be anything else happening- you turn the page.

I loved that this book focused so much on Doug and newcomer Foxy. I appreciate that J.M. Simpson isn’t afraid to write characters who are vulnerable, emotional, and trying to process their trauma.

I still adore Jesse. She is so strong. The things this woman has endured are wild, yet she is still kind and quick to smile. Her relationships with everyone have blossomed, and Jesse has grown as a character so much.

There were several twists I didn’t see coming. I had several instances where my jaw dropped, and I had to stare at the page for a minute. I devoured this book- I couldn’t put it down. And now I really need book three.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I enjoyed this book, the storyline and the characters even though not really my genre. Would recommend to others.