mojoshivers's review against another edition
5.0
As much as I like Laukkanen’s other series this one feels more natural to me. The problems Burke and Winslow face manifest organically from living in a bad part of the country and for Jess getting married to the wrong kind of man. And as much as I love Stevens & Windermere, sometimes the cases they catch are a little too cutesy and unique for uniqueness’ sake.
This series, though, feels like what could happen to anyone who was unlucky enough to be born near Deception Cove or Neah Bay. You too could get mixed up in murder-for-hire plots involving cruel boys and the even crueler men they grow up to be. You too could be forced to defend your band against multiple murder charges. You too could have a tense gunfight on the side of a godforsaken mountain. You too could die possibly.
But that brings up my chief worry going forward. I don’t know how this series continues without straining credibility. Bad men can’t keep showing up at Jess’s doorstep, even if she is the county deputy. Eventually the plots have to dry up or at least stop involving her. That’s why the next installment will be pivotal because it’ll tell me where this story goes from here or if book two is where it ends.
Which wouldn’t be so bad I think. I kind of like the idea of a limited two-book series. After all, Mason, Jess, and Lucy have earned some domestic bliss.
This series, though, feels like what could happen to anyone who was unlucky enough to be born near Deception Cove or Neah Bay. You too could get mixed up in murder-for-hire plots involving cruel boys and the even crueler men they grow up to be. You too could be forced to defend your band against multiple murder charges. You too could have a tense gunfight on the side of a godforsaken mountain. You too could die possibly.
But that brings up my chief worry going forward. I don’t know how this series continues without straining credibility. Bad men can’t keep showing up at Jess’s doorstep, even if she is the county deputy. Eventually the plots have to dry up or at least stop involving her. That’s why the next installment will be pivotal because it’ll tell me where this story goes from here or if book two is where it ends.
Which wouldn’t be so bad I think. I kind of like the idea of a limited two-book series. After all, Mason, Jess, and Lucy have earned some domestic bliss.
weneed_mobrown's review against another edition
3.0
Fun little mystery/noir book. I didn't need to read the first one to get into the story, but I'm not sure I need to read the first one to understand that Jess has PTSD from being a Marine and Mason is an ex-con just trying to keep his head down and live his life in peace - perhaps with Jess and Lucy, the service dog. Lots of action and the story builds nicely. Did you know that Jess and Mason have demons of their own?? Just in case you didn't catch it the first 5 times....you get it.
jacky_the_brave's review against another edition
5.0
One may have thought the relationships between Jess Winslow, Mason Burke and the seaside town of Deception Cove were on solid ground after the tumultuous ending of the first book in the series. Alas, suspicion and old grudges still stir beneath the waves, which rise to a dangerous pitch when a body of a local sports celebrity is found on the seashore.
This is a gripping story that pulls you through the pages. Forget sleep, forget dinner, you want to know what happens next.
Owen Laukkanen is still a rising star in this genre, in spite of his successes so far, and his books are consumed by his dedicated fans. His writing is top level and his story lines are solid enough to be movie material.
I strongly suggest reading Owen's back catalogue as well.
This is a gripping story that pulls you through the pages. Forget sleep, forget dinner, you want to know what happens next.
Owen Laukkanen is still a rising star in this genre, in spite of his successes so far, and his books are consumed by his dedicated fans. His writing is top level and his story lines are solid enough to be movie material.
I strongly suggest reading Owen's back catalogue as well.
martyfried's review against another edition
5.0
More excitement similar to the first book, with many of the same people. I think you should read the first book of the series (Deception Cove) before this if you can, although this could be read standalone I think. But if you liked the first book, you'll probably like this one.
tunesmithnw's review against another edition
4.0
This really should be 3 1/2 stars. It was a better than average mystery set in the upper corner of the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. Once the characters and crimes were established, however, the story became somewhat predictable.
I hope the author doesn’t give up on this series.
I hope the author doesn’t give up on this series.
ccopeland28's review against another edition
2.0
Well, shoot. I really liked Deception Cove, but this follow-up failed to live up to the first book. Most of it seemed too contrived and it was full of terrible decisions made by almost every character. I am disappointed.
denasquirrel's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jessrenbash's review against another edition
3.0
I won an ARC of this book from Goodreads.
It took a while for me to get sucked into the story, but I’m glad I kept going. Overall, a decent sequel. I look forward to reading more adventures of Jess, Mason, and Lucy.
It took a while for me to get sucked into the story, but I’m glad I kept going. Overall, a decent sequel. I look forward to reading more adventures of Jess, Mason, and Lucy.
explenture's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0