Cold Rock Island

This was with a doubt the very best book in the Port Stirling series. The other books have been enjoyable, but Kay brought something a little more in this story. With that said, I would recommend reading the other books in the story first before reading this one to understand the characters, but it can be read alone.
Now, for this story, we have a locked room (or island) mystery to keep the pages turning and a second story that is more personal and more emotional. The cast of characters are using the strength of the books in this series but in this case the mystery was completely fascinating. Parts of the book read like a police procedural as our team chipped away the layers bringing clarity and truth to how our victim ended up dead when no one knew he was on the island. The story was made more compelling as we were treated to flashbacks into our victim’s mind as he too investigated. His family may have had a really well written closure at the end, but their journey too was heart rending.
Speaking of heart rending and emotions, Tamryn’s story was one that any woman in an impossible relationship could relate too. Her ending was gratifying but again she suffered at the hands of a miserable human. I personally like how the two stories were woven together. The author heightened the drama by switching stories when it got intense in one story making us read longer than planned to see what was happening next in the other story. Matt and Fern may have been the stars of the story, but it would not have worked without the rest of their law enforcement team. All the law enforcement officers and townspeople in the story are very well written. The characters complemented each other and worked very well together.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention the chuckle I got when a certain Aaron turned up in the book. Please continue this story. After that ending, we need to know what happens next. I guarantee that as long as the author keeps writing this series, I will keep reading.
Thanks to NetGalley and Paris Communications | Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Cold Rock Island, not the best book in this series but still an interesting police procedural. Matt and Fern continue to be the focus of the action, but the supporting characters are well developed and complement the story. I received an ARC from NetGalley, and the opinions expressed are my own.

“Cold Rock Island” by Kay Jennings is the latest gripping installment in the Port Stirling Mystery series, a book that masterfully intertwines suspense and intricate character development to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Set against the backdrop of a private island off the Oregon coast, Jennings introduces us to a world of wealth, power, and secrecy. The discovery of Hiroshi Matsuda’s body, a military hero with ties to the island, sets off a chain of events that pulls Police Chief Matt Horning and State Department Special Agent Fern Byrne into a whirlwind investigation that reaches the highest levels of government.

Jennings’ writing is sharp and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the rugged Pacific landscape that mirrors the tumultuous journey of the characters. The author has a knack for creating a sense of place so tangible, it almost becomes a character in its own right. The narrative is well-paced, with Jennings doling out clues and red herrings in equal measure, ensuring that the mystery remains just that until the very end.

The strength of “Cold Rock Island” lies not just in its plot but also in its characters. Jennings has crafted a cast that is both relatable and enigmatic. Chief Horning and Agent Byrne are a dynamic duo, their partnership marked by a blend of professional respect and personal tension that adds depth to their shared quest for the truth. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, from the enigmatic billionaire Rohn Reid to the ambitious new detective Tamryn Gesicki, each adding layers to the unfolding drama.

What sets this book apart is its ability to balance the thrill of the mystery with the human element. Jennings doesn’t shy away from exploring the emotional landscapes of her characters, making their struggles and triumphs resonate with the reader. It’s this emotional core that elevates “Cold Rock Island” from a mere mystery to a story about the complexities of human nature and the lengths we go to protect our secrets.

In conclusion, “Cold Rock Island” is a must-read for fans of the genre. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and a setting that transports you to the stormy Oregon coast, Kay Jennings has delivered a mystery that is both satisfyingly complex and deeply human. Whether you’re a longtime follower of the series or a newcomer, this book is a captivating addition to the Port Stirling saga.