(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Port Sentinel may be a beautiful seaside tourist trap, but in the short time Jess Tennant has lived there, it has seen its fair share of tragedy. Tragedy that somehow Jess keeps getting caught up in.
A schoolgirl from the town goes missing, leaving her diary behind and a lot of unanswered questions. Has she run away from her unhappy home or is there something much more sinister going on? And can Jess find her before it's too late?

*3.5 stars*

This is the third novel in the series of Jess Tennett mystery novels. I have not read the previous two books but I don't think that is a problem as this feels like it can be read as a standalone.

It is clear from the start that a lot of effort has gone into the character of Jess Tennett. From her opening patronising conversation with a rather drunk guy at a party, to her smart mind and determination, Jess is a character who is very easy to like. She is determined, serious, funny and has a fantastic memory. Even though she is only sixteen, her place in this investigation - in fact, the whole story - is totally plausible. Never felt like it was a stretch that the police would allow a teenager to get involved. When she overstepped, she was pulled into line. It felt genuine...

Sadly, the reason this didn't do better for me was that the mystery was a bit weak, simple even. I felt like I knew what was going on for the most part of the story, and the ending wrapped up just a little too neatly for me liking.
The other thing that spoiled this for me was the "love triangle" - and the two boys were the epitome of love triangle interests: one was sporty and flirty, the other was "dangerous"...just so clichéd that I did the complete eyeroll...

Overall, a great MC and a decent enough story for teens. But I am not sure it would be top of the heap if I was asked to suggest a YA mystery for an adult.


Paul
ARH