The Bay

Summer Suspense Mysteries #3

by L.J. Ross

SECRETS NEVER STAY BURIED FOR LONG...

In the picturesque seaside town of St Ives, Detective Sergeant Sophie Keane is a pillar of the community. Between the occasional collar and lazy weekends spent on the beach, it seems a perfect life. But for Sophie, the golden sands and crystal waters hide a dark secret, one that’s lain buried for twenty years. When a body turns up on the opening night of a glittering new art gallery on the seafront, the town is left shaken—especially Sophie, who recognises the killer’s style but knows that what she fears just couldn’t be possible…

With a killer on the loose, everyone’s a suspect—especially newcomer Gabriel Rowe, who seems to have settled in far too quickly for her liking. For Sophie, he’s guilty until proven innocent…

Suspense is peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced mystery, set amidst the spectacular Cornish landscape.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Romance, Audiobook, Thriller, Summer

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 3, 2023

About the author

LJ Ross is an internationally bestselling author, whose books have sold over 7 million copies worldwide.

Her debut, Holy Island, was released in 2015 and became an instant, international bestseller. Since then, a further eighteen of her novels have gone on to take the coveted #1 spot, some even before general release and whilst only available to ‘pre-order’. The Bookseller magazine has reported on Louise having topped the ‘Most Read’ and ‘Most Sold’ fiction charts, and she has garnered an army of loyal fans who love her atmospheric and addictive storytelling.

Her eleventh novel, The Infirmary, is a prequel story to the DCI Ryan series and is available as a major Audible Originals audio-drama starring Tom Bateman, Kevin Whately, Bertie Carvel, Hermione Norris and Alun Armstrong.

The first novel in her Alexander Gregory Thrillers series, Impostor, was shortlisted in the British Book Awards 2020: Crime & Thriller Book of the Year. The audiobook of Impostor, narrated by Hugh Dancy, was also selected as a finalist in the New York Festivals Radio Awards, Best Fiction Audiobook of the Year Category.

In May 2021, Louise was shortlisted for the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association ‘Dagger in the Library’ award, which recognises an author’s entire body of work having been consistently enjoyed by library borrowers around the United Kingdom, and an author’s longstanding support of libraries.

Louise was born in Northumberland, England. She studied undergraduate and postgraduate Law at King’s College, University of London and then abroad in Paris and Florence. She spent much of her working life in London, where she was a lawyer for a number of years until taking the decision to change career and pursue her dream to write. Now, she writes full time and lives with her husband and son in Northumberland and Edinburgh. She enjoys reading all manner of books, painting, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

To find out more about the many philanthropic ventures Louise has founded and sponsored through her publishing imprint, Dark Skies Publishing, please visit ‘Philanthropy’.

If you would like to connect with LJ Ross, she would be very happy to hear from you:

https://www.facebook.com/LJRossAuthor
https://twitter.com/ljross_author
www.lovesuspense.com
lj_ross@outlook.com

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a South West England coastal town (St Ives), pillar of the community police officer DS Sophie Keane is called on to investigate a murdered corpse that turns up after the opening might of glittering new art exhibition. The case feels like it has stirred up the community's dark past and maybe Sophie's as well! There's also the complication of Sophie kind of feeling attracted to one of the suspects!

My first ever read by best selling writer L.J. Ross, comes as a pleasant surprise in as how much I much I liked it. Very much a Hallmark day-time mystery drama, but well written with simplistic, yet interesting characterisations and plotting. This book series appears to very much meet the expectations set by the series' name. A perfect light summer mystery read, a 7 out of 12, Three Star jam from me.

2024 read

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is, as the author says, light summer suspense, easy to read and very short. Probably not as good as the first two and a very rushed ending.

[Sandra Oldbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another superb adventure read in one day

In always happy when I get one of Louise's books and then dad because I have to wait for the next one. This again lived up to expectations and it will be worth waiting for the next. In the meantime I will be re- reading them!!

[Andrea Palanca · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are no plot twists and nothing interesting happens in the whole book. As it is a best selling in Uk I thought it would be much better. Honestly, a bit frustrating.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ross admits this is a summer suspense potboiler, not her serious crime novels. And doesn’t it show. It starts off splendidly, as a child Sophie recalls her father being arrested. She and her mother are put on witness protection; Sophie grows up in St Ives to be a police officer. Her first case is a mutilated body, which has her father’s signature fish carved into the flesh… She has had it with men, her father especially, but then a tall dark stranger makes her change her mind … oh please. Yes, as corny as that. Not a bad plot and some very good writing, but all those cliches! Her awful habit of using italics: to show thoughts, to make a redundant comment, to patronize the reader. She has a high reputation as a crime writer but publishing this sort of pot boiler doesn’t do her reputation any good at all.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this!

Being from St Ives myself, I do want to mention how perfect the description of the town was. As someone who doesn’t always appreciate the beautiful place she lives in, this book helped me to remember the reasons why I love living here!

The mystery was full of twists and turns and came together perfectly in the end - everything linked up, and not in that annoyingly predictable kind of way!

I love how the author intertwined a love story into the book, without taking away from the murder mystery (I think I’m in love with Gabriel). Sometimes it appears that it’s hard to have both, but this was so perfectly balanced.

Definitely recommend, even just for the beautiful descriptions of St Ives. This book sells the town more so than any tourist website 🥹

[Unna Palaniappan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book and easy read!! Sort of story that would be a good ITV crime drama and the main character would be played by Michelle Keegan! Story actually started in Newcastle!

[Jess Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bay

A Charming Cosy Mystery in Idyllic St Ives

The story follows Detective Sergeant Sophie Keane as she navigates a complex web of secrets and lies to solve a murder, all while hiding her own true identity.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Rowe returns to his hometown, driven by a decades-old quest for justice and truth about his father's tragic death. As Sophie and Gabriel's paths converge, a sweet and endearing love story blossoms, adding a touching depth to the narrative.

The mystery itself is gently thrilling, yet, it's not frightening or graphic, making this an ideal read for those who enjoy a good puzzle without the darker elements usually found in crime fiction.

L.J. Ross’s stories all contain a well-crafted plot, which culminate in satisfying and justified conclusions. I particularly enjoyed following the love story in this one, Sophie needs someone to be patient with her and Gabriel is always there for her. Her friendship with colleague Alex Turner is fantastic and he knows just when to follow her instructions and when to be insubordinate and I love it.

If you’re looking for an easy read with cosy mystery and a sweet love story this will be the perfect fit.

[Leah Wild 🧚🏼‍♀️🗡️❤️‍🔥 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually a fantasy girl, this was my first dip into a crime novel and I wasn’t disappointed. I had been saving this until I was back in St. Ives for my yearly trip and being there I think really helped with immersing myself into the book and it definitely helped that I knew the streets of St.Ives myself to be able to visualise it all. St. Ives has a special place in my heart so reading a book based there was a no brainer and I thoroughly enjoyed it. About half way through i started to piece all the clues together and come the end i found that i was right. So it was a bit predictable but a really fun read nevertheless. 100% would recommend for anyone wanting to get into crime! I will definitely be picking up some of her other books in the future

[Michael Rumney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cosier crime fiction than the DCI Ryan series with a bit of romance thrown in. Set in St. Ives a coastal town the author knows which gives the book a sense of place.
The investigating detective has a romantic fling with a local artist whose painting is stolen. Big deal you may think but there is a connection to organised crime.
The author can't keep away from her northern roots and use of locations by sending the detective Sophie Evans to the North East in her investigations.
Overall this light whimsical read can be summed up with one scene in the book where the local artist and author, Gabriel discuss the merits of the DCI Ryan book series at a book signing in the local St. Ives book shop.

[ghostly_bookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

CAWPILE 6.71
3.5 STARS

Borrowed from my friend Denise, again!
Fantastic to be up to date with this series.
Such quick reads, the pages turn and I was wholly engrossed with the St Ives location and all the drama. I really liked the main character, Sophie- she felt so real to me.
I guessed the identity of the artist but didn't guess the final twist hence the lower rating- some of this was a bit predictable but not less enjoyable.
I adore L.J Ross' writing and I'm motivated to make progress in the DCI Ryan series- especially as she mentions the series in this book!

[Meryl Falvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love all the books Louise writes and can't wait for the next one. She is right, of course, this is a summer light read. I did find some of the reactions of Sophie a bit out of place and silly which is a shame, and some of it not very believable. But all in all, a quick summer read. Please don't keep us waiting too long for your next Ryan story

[Ian Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read set in my favourite place, St. Ives!
The mystery was a bit predictable, but it didn't take away from the overall story. Would have been 5 stars with a bit more depth to the mystery and another 100 pages or so...

[Lisa M · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up - I think I would have enjoyed this a lot more if I'd read it on holiday, perfect kind of holiday book. The writing and characters were engaging, and it was a gentle storyline, easy read.

[Ray O'Hare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like previous summer suspense mysteries, good storyline, and relaxing read.

[Keely McHugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 but there was just too many characters and the story was kinda all over the place

[Christine Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very easy read, ideal for a beach holiday especially in Cornwall.

[Rachel Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

light easy read, good story line

[Maggie Neale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book hard to put down you get to know the characters very quickly and although you probably get to the end before the story does it doesn’t seem to matter.

[Tania Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great holiday read

Fully deserved the full 5 stars. I read all three of these books and thoroughly enjoyed them. Great escapism. I'd definitely recommend them

[Meghan Tomlinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love these cozy mysteries. A bit rushed at the end though and not quite as good as the first 2

[Eilis Dunne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this, but it would have benefitted from being much longer. There just wasn't enough time to develop the plots and relationships as much as I would have liked.

[Chloe Pounds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK!! it was different from the first two books but i still loved it. i loved the focus on DS Sophie Keane and her story she was vital in the first two books and i loved seeing her background. this is a very interesting book there weren’t as many plot twists but it wasn’t that kind of book!! this book is so difficult to describe properly without spoiling it too much so you just need to read it to understand. but i promise it is just as fast paced as the first two books and i loved it a lot!!!

[Nicola Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment of LJ Ross's summer mysteries did not disappoint. I enjoyed the references to her other series' too as the protagonist local police sergeant Sophie Keane originates from the North East and has landed in Cornwall as part of a witness protection scheme. Like Louise's other books the story begins with a body being discovered but in this Cornish based series, it is in beautiful St Ives. Sophie is startled to see that the body has been marked in a way that was the calling card of her notorious gang killer father. Does this mean that her identity will be revealed once her colleagues know that her father is a convicted murderer. She also meets the handsome stranger Gabriel Rowe and is unsure whether she can trust him or whether he is linked to the death.

I thought this was a great addition to the series and love that characters from the other books pop up in this one. There were red herrings to entice you and fool you as to the identity of the killer and a good dose of suspense to keep you interested. A great cozy read.

[Donna Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another short, easy listen of a nice little murder mystery. I really enjoy these short stories.

[B H SLACK · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book, but is it because I enjoyed it so much it seemed quite short? I looked at the information on my Kindle and was shocked to find I was 94% of the way through, would have liked it to go on much longer. A summer mystery from LJ Ross whose books are always so readable, once started I struggle to put them down, often burning the midnight oil.
This story finds DS Sophie Keane along with her trainee Dc Alex trying to work out two mysteries at once, an unknown dead body and a stolen painting, add a handsome new stranger in town to the mix and St Ives is really buzzing. Sophie believes her estranged convicted murderer father is the killer, but can he really be? Is it a coincidence that he is in St Ives if it is him? Has he tracked down his wife and daughter despite their changed identities, and is the handsome stranger all he seems to be? So many questions, but methodical detection saves the day.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read from this series. They are a quick, easy read, perfect for people not wanting too much gore. Likeable characters and the best setting of St. Ives in Cornwall.

[Simon Pert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed The Bay by LJ Ross. A lighter read than her crime novels, this was just perfect. Loved the plot, the characters and location. A suspense mystery book to lose yourself in. Look forward to reading the next one.

[Laura McGuinness · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book frustrated me. The summer suspense series is a light hearted, fun set of easy reading but I wish they had better editing and checks.

For instance, we hear all about how a murder in the area is so unusual, but then the ‘pathologist is snowed under with bodies’ and so too busy to examine the 1 murder victim. It’s set in Cornwall, not London! It didn’t make sense.

There is inane dialogue that should’ve been cut out, for example ‘I saw him and said ‘good morning.’

There’s also a cheesy bit where the protagonist buys one of LJ Ross’s DCI Ryan books in a book shop (face plant). And then after the love interest meets the protagonist, he decides he’s moving to Cornwall to be with her after 3 days and them having an ice cream together! I know it’s escapist but it’s a bit much.

The books would be way better if they came from a proper publishing house. That said, I’m sure I’ll still read the next 1, because despite the frustrations, it was still enjoyable.

[Charlie likes to read · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel so sad. Before I begin I’d like all to know I am a fan of LJ Ross. However I’m so disappointed with this book.
I feel like it was predictable, I feel she has made it quite similar to her DCI Ryan books (bent cop, group of people murdering, cop falls in love with a person who lived and is now returning to the area.)
I feel it was quite lazy writing.
I had predicted the cop would be bent the moment he was mentioned (also had a hunch as I have read some DCI Ryan books)
I feel words were repeated a lot- an example vehemently.
At times I feel like it wasn’t believable and quite lazy writing (like needed to go to her mums shop as she had a sense to do so.)
I found a few grammatical errors.
I’m no writer and I take my hat off to her but I found I skimmed a lot as I could guess the story.