You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.

lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
mysterious medium-paced

Once more we return to Pirate's Cove where we follow reluctant amateur sleuth Ellery (best character name, seriously) who can't help, like John McClane, but ask himself— "How does the same shit happen to the same guy twice?"

The stakes are slightly higher than last time because a new detective is on the case and he seems less eager to seek truth than throwing out accusations. As if Ellery's problems aren't enough, local tabloid editor Rita Skeeter Sue Lewis has reignited her vendetta against Ellery because she appears to imagine that there's a contest between them for Police Chief Jack Carson's affections. It was all I could do not to shake her and yell at her with an amplified megaphone HE'S NOT THAT INTO YOU. And in any case, if she thinks writing trash about the person Carson may like is the best way to make him re-like (if he ever did) her, then she is quite plainly: stupid.

Of course that is not the last of Ellery's conflicts. There is a secret on the cove. We learn more about its origins, how it was created by the founding pirates, how there are tunnels. But we also learn that while the townsfolk are eager to gossip and gush about the history of the island, they clam up when it comes to Skull House.

Ellery confronts his almost outsider status but every time he tries to find out about whatever tragedies occurred at Skull House, he gets ominous warnings. Sometimes even threats. Just what is this secret at Skull House? And why is Ellery so certain that this latest murder he is accused of has everything to do with that decades old murder?

This book was just as charming as the first one. The way Lanyon makes the cove's residents interact with each other tells us so much. As economical as Lanyon is with the dialog and descriptions, the story is still immersive, evocative, suspenseful. Of course there isn't any real sense of peril because it's a cozy but that's covered because once more, I think this book is subliminal advertising for Lanyon's other books. This time I was reminded of my personal favourite [b:Stranger on the Shore|20738173|Stranger on the Shore|Josh Lanyon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1395710577l/20738173._SY75_.jpg|40068387].

And lastly, the romance in this book posed yet another mystery. Just what is going on with Police Chief Jack Carson?

It was kind of hard to define their relationship. Friends with possibilities?


This book was just what I needed to get away from this increasingly chaotic world. A slice of escapist heaven from one of my favourite authors. Ellery has even gone on to become one of my favorite protagonists, his innate strength, his subtle self worth. I am glad and grateful for it all. I can't wait for book 3.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous funny mysterious relaxing tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

While not as good as the first, this second book was a great continuation of Ellery Page’s assimilation into Buck Island. The “will they, won’t they?” Of Ellet and Police Chief Carson was a thorn in my side, but I loved learning more about the main character’s past. I really hope the author finds a way to keep Ellery the main character without him constantly being the target at some point in the series; although it still made sense in this particular book. I felt as though it was such an enjoyable read, that the ending was a little like hitting a barrier at 80 mph though. Excited to move onto the next!

AAAAH WHAT?!?!?! I NEED MORE!!!!! I NEED THE NEXT BOOK RIGHT KNOW. YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO MEEEEE!!!! AAAAAH

I loved this book! Woooaaaah. Amazing characters and the plot were perfect! I had so much fun reading this and I couldn't take my eyes off the book.

The ending... What was that! Why? Like...rude
adventurous dark funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

With everything going on with the world, another mass shooting resulting in no action from our government what I needed was a feel good book to take myself out of my anger, rage, and broken heart. As a teacher and you know a normal decent human being this senseless murder destroys me, I’m very very very angry. Enough. 

So, with all of that on my mind and I heart, this week I picked up the second cozy mystery in this series for some comfort and I loved it. There is murder in Pirate’s Cove but there is also so much good and being able to lose myself in Ellery’s cozy little town with his sweet friends was exactly what I needed. The audiobook is wonderful and I love how the narrator really brings Ellery, Jack, Nora and all the other characters of this little island town to life. The story is just intriguing enough to keep my entertained but not so complicated that if I miss a detail or two I’m out of the loop. I will be picking up the next book in this series soon and I hope that this time, action will finally be taken for us and our children. 
dark funny mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix