One tragic death. Five people know the truth. Who is to blame?
Hollywood darling Cassie Warner is tragically killed three weeks before Christmas in a car crash on the outskirts of Castleby. Her daughter, Tabatha, narrowly survives the crash. Detective Steve Miller suspects foul play and discovers evidence confirming he is dealing with a murder enquiry.
Local crime mafiosi, Mickey and Pearl Camorra’s empire is at risk from rival gangs who plan to take over. Anxious to avoid a violent and bloody turf war Detective Miller reluctantly supports them to keep control.
Ex-soldier Foxy takes in a troubled loved one and does all he can to help, but the odds are stacked against him.
As Detective Miller investigates the crash, he discovers a broken family with a long history of neglect and abuse. Digging deeper, he is faced with five potential suspects, but who is really to blame?
Murder, obsession, intrigue and suspense continue in the fourth of the Castleby Series.
Early
“Simpson smashes it again. Another brilliant heart aching page turner.”
"Simpsons addictive style of punchy storytelling with characters that pull at the heart strings had me hooked again. Please please keep writing."
"This is a wonderful mix of crime, suspense and thrills - brilliant writing."
"This series is so fantastic, beautifully written."
"This has everything a fantastic story needs. I could not stop reading this. It's addictive."
"A bloody brilliant read. Didn't want to put it down, I actually couldn't put it down."
"A wonderfully refreshing mix of crime, mystery and characters, fast paced without getting bogged down in the boring procedural stuff.'
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Sea Haven 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Book 4 of the Castleby series 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): JM Simpson 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Crime/Mystery/Thriller 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 22nd June 2023 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 12th June 2023 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4.5/5
‘I find looking back is always filled with regret, lost chances and things I could have done better, said differently or said earlier.’
I’ve said it before and hopefully I won’t have to say it again, this book series is so underrated!
I have been hooked to these stories like a toddler eyeing a packet of haribos.
Simpson once again creates a fast paced and wholly unputdownable novel, with a cast of characters that almost resembles a soap opera but has an entirely wholesome community feel that makes the reader feel like part of a family (if that family had enormous trauma and a penchant for attracting trouble).
Not to be dramatic, but knowing I’d be coming home to finish this book kept me going through a long work day when I was full up with a head cold and had been pushing paperwork for hours. That is how sucked in I was by the story.
I was introduced to many new characters and Castleby Converts that helped deliver a story that kept me glued to the page, however, there were also old favourites; Doug, Foxy, Sophia, and more! I know many are invested in the Foxy and Sophie possible romance arc but Steve and Kate are my absolute top tier couple and I will root for them above anyone.
Whilst the focus has shifted from mainly being on Castleby’s lifeboat crew to be more crime orientated, I didn’t love it any less. There was all that wide eyed drama I have come to expect and adore from the author and with each book she writes, another scandalous layer is added to Castleby.
I’ve found that no topic is too dark and gritty for the author to explore and this book is no different. Heavy themes such as date rape, abortion, grief, child abuse, chronic pain, and substance misuse are explored. And that’s only to name a few, I’m sure there are others that I haven’t thought of off the top of my head. My point is, this series is big on trauma but also big on karmic reward too, and my gosh, it is satisfying to read.
Thank you to JM Simpson and Literally PR for my copy of this book.
Published: June 22, 2023 J.M. Simpson Genre: Suspense/ Thriller KKECReads Rating: 5/5 I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
J.M. Simpson, or Jo, was originally born in Essex; Jo was predominantly raised in the West Country, enjoying childhood in Devon and Cornwall, never far from a rugged coastline, sandy beach, or harbour. Jo currently lives in Kent, with her two (occasionally stroppy) teenage daughters, her incredibly long-suffering husband, and her two writing partners, Max (who features as Brock in the series) and Merlin, both rescue Border Collie’s.
“With friends like that who needs enemies?”
A fatal car accident leaves one person dead and one in critical condition; Steve knows he has to get to the bottom. She is hoping staying near the beach will heal his daughter. Secrets are hidden beneath the surface.
The plot thickens! Something I love about this series is that there are so many characters, relationships, and so much chaos and drama, but it is so well orchestrated.
It would be so easy for characters to get lost in a story with such a complicated plot. But J.M. Simpson has choreographed this story to perfection. With each book she releases, it only gets better.
We meet several new characters in this book and catch up with a few we have already met. I love that Steve led this one; he is such a great character.
I liked Seb and Tabatha, and I look forward to their story arc growing as the series continues. I loved Suzy and her dog grooming slash dog rescue. She was just fantastic.
I love that drama, humor, danger, heartbreak, loss, trauma, and healing are featured in this series. The way these heavy topics are handled is beautiful, and Simpson has an absolute gift for creating a stunning story.
This book was much more land focused this time around, but I loved getting to spend time on other parts of this town. I love the detail that goes into each storyline and all character development.
This is such a well-done series, and each book is better than the last. I love how Simpson continues bringing new characters in while still maintaining the characters from before.
It is an incredible work of art. This series has everything a reader could want and then some. I am already anxiously awaiting the next release!
This is book 4 in the series which is set around the fictional seaside town of Castleby which houses a RNLI Lifeboat Station.
The series (the previous books were Sea State, Sea Change and Sea Haven) really focuses on the sense of community and the intertwined relationships between the residents. However, the author is not afraid to tackle a wide range of issues from murder to substance abuse, to illegal guns and child abuse.
This visit to Castleby opens with a serious road traffic collision just outside the town which leaves the driver dead and their passenger, teenage daughter Tabatha in a critical condition.
Tabatha who is initially recovering in hospital and her Dad, Sebastian have moved into their second home to get away from their home in London and all the press attention the crash has stirred up.
They quickly meet some already well known residents, Maggie, Foxy, Doug to name but a few and new characters are introduced, including Will who takes up the vacant harbour master post, his sister Suzy (who already lives in Castleby running Shoosh the Floof a dog grooming, dog training business, also re-homes unwanted dogs) and Jenny who has just brought a real doer upper to turn into a small luxury hotel and bistro.
Seb is looking for a Christmas present, distraction for Tabatha who is being released from hospital and acquires from Suzy, an unwanted collie puppy called Jack (after pirate Jack Sparrow as he has a patch over one eye).
Suzie assists with Jacks training and bumps into Jenny, who also acquires Archie, a terrier/ Corgi cross from Suzy as she is trying to come to terms with the loss of her brother who was supposed to have been undertaking this new venture with her.
Meanwhile, Detective Steve Miller is investigating the RTC as it looks like there was foul play.
Murder, date rape, substance misuse, county lines drug trafficking, child abuse, vulnerable adults are just some of the issues the author addresses with empathy and compassion.
A big thank you to Literally PR and J. M. Simpson for allowing me to review this book.
My review is my own opinion and is given for free.
As I did with the other three in the series, I read Sea Haven in three days because it was exciting, fast-paced, and gripping. In this book, several new characters are introduced. They all fit in nicely with the existing cast and the environment, and I found myself caring about them all right away. The new harbourmaster, Will Scully, has some large shoes to fill. After the terrible and suspicious loss of his wife in a vehicle accident, TV writer Sebastian and his daughter Tabatha relocated into their Castleby vacation home on a more permanent basis.
Detective Miller is investigating, but the information he finds will upset more than one family. For Sea Haven to be enjoyable, you don't need to have read the previous volumes in the series—the ideal summer vacation book. Like with the other novels in the Castleby series, you'll be up all night reading because the tale will keep you interested. Before you realize it, it'll be late at night, and you'll need to go to bed.
I have been anticipating the release of book 4 in the Castleby Series and my god, it doesn't disappoint! Sea Haven continues the journey of the much loved characters such as Doug, Foxy and Maggie and introduces some new characters that you quickly fall in love with. You don't have to read the earlier books in the series to enjoy Sea Haven but in my humble opinion, this won't be time wasted and you will love all of the books. The perfect Summer Holiday Read. As with the other Castleby series books, you will be up all night as you have to keep reading as the story grips you and the next thing you know its the middle of the night and you really need to get some sleep! JM Simpson has a style of writing that makes you feel as if you are part of the Castleby community and you feel all the emotions alongside the characters. Note: You will need tissues for some parts. Clear your weekend as you will not want to stop reading this incredible story! Food and drink pairing: A nice chilled Sauvignon Blanc with a good quality chocolate to keep you awake as you won't want to put this book down!
Wow, wow, wow 😢😂🥰 J.M.Simpson has done it again. I needed to be back with my fiction family, and book four delivers in every way. I’m still not sure which of the hot guys would be mine… although maybe I’d rather be Maggie, feeding them all and having a good ogle. I honestly want to live in Castleby (even though it’s fictional).
This is another fast-paced, completely unputdownable read. With each book we meet more characters, and in this one we’re introduced to Will, the new Harbour Master, who has his own past that slowly unfolds.
The main crime centres on the death of actress Cassie Warner and the serious injury of her daughter Tabatha, who is far wiser than her years. Cassie’s husband Sebastian believes it was an accident, but Detective Steve Miller has his doubts. As he digs deeper, it becomes clear that something far more sinister may have happened, and there is no shortage of suspects.
Foxy’s ex-wife Carla is also visiting for Christmas, Foxy knows there is something not right with Carla, but when she tells him what has happened he is shocked, and while their relationship might seem unusual, I loved how supportive they are.
We also have Pearl and Mickey Camorra, the local drug dealers, facing trouble once again as someone tries to steal their patch.
There is never a dull moment in Castleby. The plot is gripping, the drama intense, and the characters completely addictive. The author doesn’t shy away from dark topics such as date rape, child abuse, and substance misuse, but these are handled sensitively and balanced with warmth and humour.
What really makes this series special is the way the characters support one another through trauma, whether that’s PTSD, abuse, or loss. Castleby feels like a place where no one faces things alone.
I couldn’t put this down and, after that ending, I’m heading straight into the next book, Sea Rift. This author truly deserves more recognition, start with book one and meet a cast of characters who will quickly feel like family.
This is a set of stories that just gets better and better, like a fine wine.
I love the fact that we are introduced to new characters as well as getting reacquainted with some old faithful's (Foxy remains a firm favourite for me).
Sea Haven is another fast paced tale.
And for me it is unique, it's crime with a twist because it reads like a soap opera. The drama levels are always high. It is one of those novels where you'd rather lose sleep to find out what exactly is going to happen.
We are of course back in Castleby and this time the focus is definitely more on the dangerous criminals rather than the infamous lifeboat crew, however I think this worked and gave the story even more depth.
Dark and I guess disturbing at times, there are some triggering themes throughout which could be traumatic. This is the same for the previous books but Simpson does an expert job at navigating these subjects in a sensitive manner. Nothing felt brushed over but none of it is in your face either - if that makes sense.
I won't divulge details of the tale as I think it would ruin the impact but my personal favourite part of these books is that they are multi-layered whilst remaining easy to follow.
Some of the characters within always feel like old friends and I truly want to know how life has been for them.
Although part of a series I still think these books can be read as stand alones (although I highly recommend reading them all).
Will there be another book in the series? I sure hope so!
Sea Haven is the fourth book in the Castleby series. This series is fantastic and should be read from the beginning to really appreciate the whole series. I found there was a new book in the series and could not read it until I read this one. I somehow missed it when it was available. I am so glad I took the time to read this one before the next one.
There are many new characters in Sea Haven, which is necessary to continue in a series. You always need new people to add to the drama.
This one starts with the death of a Hollywood star a few weeks before Christmas. Her daughter survives but struggles from the injuries she sustained from the accident. Her father is grieving the loss of his wife and the injuries his daughter received. They move to Castleby to heal their hearts and wounds.
Detective Steve Miller investigates the crash and begins to suspect that this was no accident but a deliberate murder.
A local crime group has also moved into town to claim it as their territory.
The pacing starts off slow with the introduction of new characters. But it quickly ramps up and pulls all the loose threads for a well written thriller. The only thing I missed in this one was the sea rescues that I have come to love. I highly recommend this book and series. You will not be disappointed.
This is book four in the Castleby series & I loved it. From the close knit community & interconnected relationships, to the seaside setting &, of course, the occasional crime - I was there, immersed in somewhere that felt like home. Although this could be read as a standalone, there are many characters all with their own backstory so I would recommend starting at book one.
Sebastian & his daughter, Tabatha, have temporarily relocated from London to their second home in Castleby. Tabatha is recovering from heart surgery following a car accident in which her mum was killed. They meet many of the series’ regulars - Maggie, Foxy, Doug, Steve & new ones too, especially Will (the new harbour master). Steve is a detective & is investigating the fatal RTC, which soon escalates from accident to deliberate.
Some hard hitting issues are deftly dealt with including date rape, county lines & vulnerable adults, but these topics did not spoil my enjoyment of this book. An easy writing style makes this a fabulous read & I can’t wait until book 5.
This book was gripping from the first page to the last. There's so much going on in the latest of J. M. Simpson’s Castleby series, yet despite all the different characters and their storylines, it was easy to follow. I loved the twists, turns, and emotions that resonated from every page. There was anger, grief, joy and suspense – what a combination! My favourite character, Foxy, was back. I’ve said it once and’ll say it again – we all need a Foxy in our lives! However, after reading Sea Haven, I have another favourite, Pearl. She’s amazing! I’d love to read a book where she’s the main character. She’s sharp, smart and sassy. I’ve followed the rest of this series, and I can honestly say that Sea Haven didn’t let me down – it’s way up there as one of my favourite reads this year.
Thank you NetGalley and Literally PR Ltd for my early copy to read and review.
This is the fourth in the Castleby Series. I was happy to read this book as I am so invested in the characters that they feel like family friends. The story is a delightful mix of characters, their back stories and locations. There are plenty of plot twists and turns to keep you reading until you finish! It's a fast-paced and entertaining story. There are moments of emotion throughout the book but then there are moments of good natured fun! I will be recommending this book. Roll on book 5 so I can catch up with the Castleby friends!!
Sea Haven" by J.M. Simpson is a captivating crime mystery that grips readers from the start. The plot centers around the tragic death of Hollywood star Cassie Warner, which Detective Steve Miller quickly suspects is more than a simple accident. As he delves into the case, uncovering a web of neglect and abuse, Miller must navigate a complex array of suspects and motives. The narrative seamlessly blends elements of crime, suspense, and family drama, making it a compelling read. With engaging characters and a fast-paced storyline, Simpson's fourth installment in the Castleby series does not disappoint, offering plenty of twists and turns to keep readers hooked.
The Castleby series is one of my all time favourites and I am so glad I found it.
Action-packed, fast -paced and gripping, I devoured Sea Haven in three days, just as I did with the other three in the series. Several new characters are introduced in this book, and they blend in well with the existing cast and setting and I immediately invested in them all.
This book thoroughly deserves a 5 star review and I recommend it to all crime and thriller lovers.
An easy 5⭐️ from me for Sea Haven, the 4th in the Castleby series. New characters and old, fresh stories and ongoing issues. This book is so well written and with clever plots. Utterly compelling and enjoyable. I'll be starting book 5 ASAP!