Extensive Focus On COVID Mars Otherwise Intriguing Story. The break about 1/3 into this book to focus on mostly new characters for another 1/4 to 1/3 or so (before coming back to at least some of the original characters) is a bit jarring and could potentially be off-putting to some readers, but to me it actually felt like an interesting way to tell this particular story, as well as the larger story of the Detective this series seems to be based around. No, the biggest problem for me - and the reason for the star deduction - is the extensive use of and discussion of COVID in its various forms. Quite simply, even in July 2023, I DO NOT WANT TO READ ABOUT COVID. In ANY form. AT ALL. I'm beginning to become at least slightly more tolerant of passing references to it, but this particular tale used it quite heavily both as a plot device and in showing various actions related to it.

And yet, again, to be crystal clear: Ignoring the narrative break and COVID, this is actually a fairly inventive book about a serial killer and the detective that is trying to stop them. Indeed, this particular killer could well have been made into almost a new Moriarty, for a new Sherlock Holmes in this particular detective. But alas, this tale does hold forth to crime/ police procedural genre conventions, and this is instead more a "freak of the week" tale that is so common in the genre. Still, quite promising indeed, and with a Detective that actually stands out a bit from the crowd in her own way. Very much recommended.

DCI Erica Sands isn't your typical detective, her background set her up to be a fighter for what she thought was right. When she gets a call to investigate a child's brutal murder and gets 'saddled' with a newbie detective she really has her work cut out for her. Just when they (the police) thought they found the killer- he goes out in a blazed of gunfire, Sands gets wounded and then things really go down hill from there. I really believed the police caught the sicko-- but I was wrong. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Wow I recently read Little Ghosts by Greg and enjoyed it so I looked forward to reading this and I wasn’t disappointed. DCI Stone is on the case of a murdered child but things go wrong and she’s suspended while the case is looked into. Being injured and then the pandemic happening Erica Stone has a lot of time on her hands. Being unable to work while suspended Erica decides to look at closed cases to give herself something to do. Getting a phone call asking for help about the case she was last on Erica knows she shouldn’t be doing this but she isn’t able to say no. Drawn back in Erica finds some unexpected things and this gripping story unfolds lots of interesting twists along the way. It’s a riveting read and I look for to The Pool which will be book two in the DCI Stone series.

A solidly written written mystery, five stars. Impeccably crafted characters, an enthralling storyline, and mind-bending twists! Prepare to immerse yourself completely in this book, even if it means losing sleep till 2.30 am once more! #TheCove #NetGalley

The Cove by Gregg Dunnett is suspenseful. and has unexpected twists. I almost didn't read past chapter two due to the graphic content at that point. However, I stuck with it and was rewarded with the tenacity and courage of Detective Erica Sands. I did get annoyed with the Christine's character. Overall, the prowess of Detective Sands ruled the day.

A copy of the book was provided for my review but all opinions are my own.

What a stunning book. I absolutely loved the plot, the speed of the storyline and the twists and turns that left me unable to put it down! The characters were well thought out with interesting back stories. Not many books get me totally hooked, but this one did, from page one. I’ve read most of Gregg’s books, but I honestly think this is his best yet. Anyone who loves a good plot, a whodunnett (do you see what i did there…?), then this book is for you.

Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
*********************************************************
Date: November 5th, 10:32 pm (everyone thinks I’m asleep!)
Age: eight years, five months, thirteen days (nearly exactly eight and a half!)
Dear Diary, I saw Daddy do something weird again. I mean, worse than weird. I shouldn’t even write it down here in case he finds this. But I need to tell someone. I’m so, so scared…

Six months later. After the sudden death of her husband, Christine Harvey would do anything to give her precious children Molly and Ryan a fresh start. The huge clifftop house she’s hastily purchased has the most breath-taking ocean view she’s ever seen. Surely here they can someday be happy again?

But Christine had no idea that her family’s new dream house is right next door to where a child was abducted and murdered. And nobody told her that the father – who was the main suspect in the police investigation before it collapsed – still lives there.

Everyone urges her to move on, but Christine can’t stop thinking about that child. Fearing for the safety of Molly and Ryan, she frantically delves deeper into the old case, looking for anything that will give them some answers. But some secrets are best left buried, and as the behaviour of their new neighbour grows increasingly unsettling, Christine wonders if digging up this one was the worst thing she could have done for her family…

This book is very creepy and disturbing and it will make you very uneasy – don’t read it at night as I did. And it will make you wonder if your neighbours have anything neighbourly about them in them. (If they are from my building, you will get handwritten letters telling you to join their cult … but that religious persecution is a whole other story and a book that perhaps I should write!)

This is a perfect beach read – it is not literature but who needs literature on a hot sunny day when you want to enjoy yourself? You will love this book … I certainly did .. and will recommend it far and wide. #shortbutsweetreviews

The Cove, by Gregg Dunnett

Absolutely brilliant 🤩 👏🏻

This is the second book I have read by Gregg Dunnett and it confirms him as a brilliant writer and storyteller.

My attention was grabbed from the start and the suspense delivers in spades. I loved the setting of the book in Dorset, not far from where I live. The descriptions were stunning and really made me feel like I was there, on the warm sand and enjoying the spectacular scenery.

Great character development, I particularly liked Sands and Golding. Every little thing that happens in this book is entirely relevant; the plot is so clever and very well thought out. The twists are full-on jaw droppers!

I have been kinda dreading Covid making its way into books, however it’s relevance in this story is realistic and balanced, an integral part of the story without it being over dramatised.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Gregg Dunnett and Storm for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Wow! This was one hell of a great series start. The characters are complex. The case is dark and compelling. I was hooked. There were several twists I didn't see coming and I was blown away by the big reveal. I can't wait for the next book.

The writing isn’t ad here but it’s a very slow moving story and I just didn’t like the characters or believe anything. The brutality and weirdness of the crime against a child was just so ridiculous, and there was too much gruesome violence. Ultimately it wasn’t for me.

The twist and turns in this book were insane. You thought you knew where it was heading and then boom!. 10/10 read for me. The only complaint I had is when it changed povs. it got confusing.

This my 1st book by Gregg Dunnett but it will most certainly not be my last! I am adding all of his backlog of books to my TBR! This was a wild ride from the beginning and I was here for it! I absolutely didn't see the twist coming at the end, and I love that! I can't wait for the next in the Erica Stone series!

#TheCove
#NetGalley

I did find this book disturbing from the first page but, as I read on I became engrossed in it and couldn't stop reading it. An amazing book once you get over the first few chapters of the book. My thanks to netgallery and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Amazing. What a thriller. When I was reading it I was on the edge of the seat the whole time. I was convinced the father of the girl was guilty the whole time but was he? Is everything as it seems or is there something going on? Thanks to netgalley, author and storm publishing for this amazing arc in exchange for an honest review.

I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Wow the Prologue was so disturbing, a diary entry from an 8 year old about how she saw her dad doing sick and twisted things and she can’t tell anyone so she tells her diary.

Detective Chief Inspector Erica Sands is dealing with her own disturbing past but she’s the absolute best at her job, whatever people might say they can’t take that away from her.

The first part of this story is about Erica her life and her latest case which is disturbing to say the least, this part was unputdownable I was absolutely engrossed and oh so very shocked!.

The second part is about Christine and her two children, the new house they’ve just moved into and her neighbours who she’s secretly investigating.

The 4 parts of the book weave together perfectly even though I wanted to hurry up and get back to Erica as part 1 ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger and I loved her parts the most.

This is definitely in my top books I’ve read this year, it was just incredible from start to finish and the writing was sublime.

Gregg hurry up with book 2!.

This book is a great start to a new series. Erica is a slightly different type of detective and this book had me reading far longer than planned as I wanted to see what happened next. I was taken by surprise by both the culprit and the ending. I'm looking forward to book 2 to see if the series continues to hold my attention and I can add it to my must read list, but book 1 is definitely worth a read!

The Cove: An absolutely gripping thriller that will have you hooked (Detective Erica Sands Book 1) by Gregg Dunnett, and this is so true. The Cove has a good story and mystery. The story and the author's writing style kept me reading well into the night. When Erica met Detective Golding–what a funny and awkward scene that made me chuckle.

The story has a compelling cast of realistic characters. I was on the edge of my seat during some scenes and couldn't wait to discover what would happen next.

I did not even see that particular culprit coming! The Cove has a solid and tense storyline. I would recommend this book and this author. I will check out more books by this author.

Plus, I love the cover (on NetGalley, not the Goodreads one!). A 4.5 out of 5 stars (rounded to 5).

#TheCove #NetGalley

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this advance copy of The Cove. I will say that the first chapter or two of this book made me want to out it down and never open it again, as the scenario was very far fetched and unnecessary. Also, the main character’s abrasiveness during Part 1 made me quite uncomfortable, again making me want to out the book down and not open it again. Then I realized that if an author can make a reader so involved in a story that it evokes that kind of emotion, it is quite frankly, a sign of great writing. Thus, I continued with the story and am delighted I did so. Highly recommend this great thriller and the twist at the end!

A thriller that I could not put down. Absolutely at the edge of my seat from start to finish.

When an 8-year-old goes missing from her home in the middle of the night. Detective Erica Stone is quickly on the job. However, Detective Stone quickly learns that this case will go from a missing persons case to a murder investigation very quickly. Many twists and turns lead us and Detective Stone to believe that once her investigation concludes, it is done. But is it actually done?

I really enjoyed this book and would even say it's on my top 10 favorites of the year so far.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

When I read the insert I was excited to read this book,then it started differently. There were several stories to this which I unfortunately don't like,it gets to confusing. I would have liked the book better if it were based on just one story!
Overall it was well written and will read his next novel when it comes out!