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kearstenkeepsreading's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
Thank you Penguin Group and NetGalley for providing an e-arc for an honest review.
Detective Elin Walker is back and facing her fears. She is called to Reaper’s Rock, a local infamous island, to investigate the circumstances of the body of a young woman found near the hotel. The more she and her partner, Steed, uncover the more secrets begin to surface. Secrets about the mysterious island and its haunting past, about the guests being targeted and about her own past.
I was immediately immersed in the story and the location. The beauty of the beach and the chilling forest that covers the island. Elin’s story continues in a beautiful way with her stepping back into the job she loved and fighting to find herself and save those around her. I recommend reading the first book, The Sanatorium, to better understand Elin and her past and how it affects her actions in this book. Elin is a character that is flawed but relatable and you cannot help but root for her. I am excited to see where her story goes and how she will develop as a character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
what_heather_loves's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
4.0
"Despite her earlier dismissal, for a moment she can't help imagining that the rock was responsible; as if it had thrown a piece of itself down in anger. Once again, the Island is letting her know, loud and clear. 'We don't want you here.'"
Cary Island, off the coast of Devon has a dark past. It has previously housed Rock House, a school for troubled children and played host to an outward bound course where a serial killer, the Island caretaker, murdered a group of teenagers. The island's reputation is helped by a rocky outcrop that looks like the Grim Reaper, causing the locals to call it Reaper's Rock. But LUMEN, a luxurious, retreat for those seeking peace and wellness , designed by architect Will Riley and managed by his sister, Farrah, hopes to change that and start afresh with its clean and modern design and ethos.
The Leger family, sisters studious Hana, outgoing Jo (and boyfriend Seth) and capable Bea (and boyfriend Caleb) and cousin, bohemian Maya, are staying at the retreat; Jo booked for them to spend time together and 'mend some fences' in their strained relationships. Hana is still grieving the loss of boyfriend Lucas in a biking accident and Maya is still grieving the loss of sister Sofia when they were young, in a house fire.
When a body is found, seemingly from a balcony fall, police DS Elin Warner and her colleague DC Steed arrive that the island to investigate. A further body tells them all is not well on Cary Island again, but is it anything to do with the island's tragic past? With outside help delayed and a storm coming, will Elin and Steed uncover the truth in time?
This is the second in the Detective Elin Warner series, following The Sanitorium, her as she regains her confidence. The reader gets Elin's and Hana's perspectives as the bodies pile up in this isolated and atmospheric setting. Everyone is keeping secrets and theor relationships are complex and dysfunctional. Pacy and involving, the action doesn't let up as Elin's confidence in her abilities rises or falls with each incident (making me wish she would seek some progressional help, bearing in mind the trauma she's experienced), but her character has developed from some of her previous vulnerabilities, which IMHO are not helped by her manipulative boyfriend. Seriously creepy and tense, there are plenty of cliffhangers and red herrings before the conclusion of this great, locked room thriller.
Thank you to Holly at Penguin Random House for access to an advanced copy.
Cary Island, off the coast of Devon has a dark past. It has previously housed Rock House, a school for troubled children and played host to an outward bound course where a serial killer, the Island caretaker, murdered a group of teenagers. The island's reputation is helped by a rocky outcrop that looks like the Grim Reaper, causing the locals to call it Reaper's Rock. But LUMEN, a luxurious, retreat for those seeking peace and wellness , designed by architect Will Riley and managed by his sister, Farrah, hopes to change that and start afresh with its clean and modern design and ethos.
The Leger family, sisters studious Hana, outgoing Jo (and boyfriend Seth) and capable Bea (and boyfriend Caleb) and cousin, bohemian Maya, are staying at the retreat; Jo booked for them to spend time together and 'mend some fences' in their strained relationships. Hana is still grieving the loss of boyfriend Lucas in a biking accident and Maya is still grieving the loss of sister Sofia when they were young, in a house fire.
When a body is found, seemingly from a balcony fall, police DS Elin Warner and her colleague DC Steed arrive that the island to investigate. A further body tells them all is not well on Cary Island again, but is it anything to do with the island's tragic past? With outside help delayed and a storm coming, will Elin and Steed uncover the truth in time?
This is the second in the Detective Elin Warner series, following The Sanitorium, her as she regains her confidence. The reader gets Elin's and Hana's perspectives as the bodies pile up in this isolated and atmospheric setting. Everyone is keeping secrets and theor relationships are complex and dysfunctional. Pacy and involving, the action doesn't let up as Elin's confidence in her abilities rises or falls with each incident (making me wish she would seek some progressional help, bearing in mind the trauma she's experienced), but her character has developed from some of her previous vulnerabilities, which IMHO are not helped by her manipulative boyfriend. Seriously creepy and tense, there are plenty of cliffhangers and red herrings before the conclusion of this great, locked room thriller.
Thank you to Holly at Penguin Random House for access to an advanced copy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Grief, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, and Violence
librariangeorgia's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved THE SANATORIUM so this one was an automatic must read. And wow, what a book it was!
It follows 2 narratives - Detective Elin Warner and the group of friends staying at the retreat. I liked the mix of POVs, it really helped to tell the story. Especially as they weren’t all together at the same time so you got to see what was happening at various areas of the island.
I literally couldn’t put it down, it was so gripping. Every chapter was full of drama, ending on cliffhangers making you want to continue reading. The descriptions of the island were so chilling, it felt like you were there.
I did not see that ending coming - what a plot twist!
If you enjoyed THE SANATORIUM, you’ll like this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Grief, Stalking, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Vomit