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Perilous Cove
What if your husband tried to kill you…after he was dead?
Jack Clayton dies suddenly, leaving his wife, Natalie Clayton, with grief, funeral expenses, and a nasty mother-in-law. Now, someone wants Natalie dead—and all the evidence points to Jack.
Detective Addison Conner, as a single dad, struggles to keep one step ahead of his teenage daughter while handling the department's increasing caseload, but he's losing on both fronts. An unexpected attraction to Natalie points out how empty his life is. Before he can solve Natalie's case and look to the future, the attacks become intensely personal. Then Natalie disappears.
On the rugged California coast, Natalie assumes a new identity and builds a new life, gaining at least part of the family she always wished for in the form of a needy young girl whose faith helps her deal with her messed up family.
But if Addison can’t catch the killer, everything Natalie's built may be destroyed.
For life isn’t safe, especially in Perilous Cove.
Jack Clayton dies suddenly, leaving his wife, Natalie Clayton, with grief, funeral expenses, and a nasty mother-in-law. Now, someone wants Natalie dead—and all the evidence points to Jack.
Detective Addison Conner, as a single dad, struggles to keep one step ahead of his teenage daughter while handling the department's increasing caseload, but he's losing on both fronts. An unexpected attraction to Natalie points out how empty his life is. Before he can solve Natalie's case and look to the future, the attacks become intensely personal. Then Natalie disappears.
On the rugged California coast, Natalie assumes a new identity and builds a new life, gaining at least part of the family she always wished for in the form of a needy young girl whose faith helps her deal with her messed up family.
But if Addison can’t catch the killer, everything Natalie's built may be destroyed.
For life isn’t safe, especially in Perilous Cove.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2012
309 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 52 reviews
May 11, 2018
A good read that will keep you on edge. Romance, danger, and finally the ocean. It has some great elements, as well as interesting characters.
June 16, 2022
An Inspiring Mystery
I have discovered ( for myself anyway) a new genre; An inspiring mystery. I really, really liked it. This novel is great. When I began it I didn't have strong hopes. I mean really; I found it under thrillers but the description said inspiring. I enjoy thrillers but in my experience they are filled with curse words and sometimes sexual content in the form I would prefer not to read. I'm no prude but I guess I'm old school. Details of someone's sexual acts is personal. I am a sixties child.
Well enough about me. Perilous Cove is a great book. I don't believe Rich Bullock can beat Perilous Cove but I look forward to his proving me srong.
I have discovered ( for myself anyway) a new genre; An inspiring mystery. I really, really liked it. This novel is great. When I began it I didn't have strong hopes. I mean really; I found it under thrillers but the description said inspiring. I enjoy thrillers but in my experience they are filled with curse words and sometimes sexual content in the form I would prefer not to read. I'm no prude but I guess I'm old school. Details of someone's sexual acts is personal. I am a sixties child.
Well enough about me. Perilous Cove is a great book. I don't believe Rich Bullock can beat Perilous Cove but I look forward to his proving me srong.
February 17, 2014
Twisting, interesting plot, likeable people. Nicely wound (& soft) subplot of "come to Jesus." Some violence, no sex or cussing, some romance. TTS-enabled, standalone, Christian morality, free on several sites for Kindle, I've reread several times & recommended it to online readers.
August 20, 2020
It takes a lot to receive a five star rating but this book was worth it! A new-to-me author kept me on the edge of my seat - especially reading it at night! Excellent plot, fast paced, intriguing characters - it had it all. Highly recommended and I look forward to reading all his books. Don't skip this one!
January 22, 2024
Basically a Psychological Thriller
I thoroughly enjoyed this whole story line and the characters, even the twisted ones who drove the tension forward. I also enjoyed how it showed that bad parents, or upbringing (or lack of parents) cannot make one bad; each is responsible for their own choices and life. Excellent read with many twists and turns.
I thoroughly enjoyed this whole story line and the characters, even the twisted ones who drove the tension forward. I also enjoyed how it showed that bad parents, or upbringing (or lack of parents) cannot make one bad; each is responsible for their own choices and life. Excellent read with many twists and turns.
June 27, 2025
Amazing
One of the beat books I've read ( and I've read a lot). Natalie/ Samantha finds she is a strong woman after years of emotional abuse from her husband and mother- in law. You can almost feel the storm as Samantha fights for her life. I really liked that God played a big part.
One of the beat books I've read ( and I've read a lot). Natalie/ Samantha finds she is a strong woman after years of emotional abuse from her husband and mother- in law. You can almost feel the storm as Samantha fights for her life. I really liked that God played a big part.
July 4, 2017
Outstanding read
An action-packed story that kept me up way too late at night. Story line with plenty of twists & turns,, wonderfully descriptive settings. Well written & two thumbs up!
An action-packed story that kept me up way too late at night. Story line with plenty of twists & turns,, wonderfully descriptive settings. Well written & two thumbs up!
January 15, 2018
Nice story
I enjoyed this story. The characters are great,the mystery and suspense keeps you guessing, and the setting is beautiful. Of course, being from California, I might be biased but it sure makes me miss home. I hope to read more from Rich when offered on unlimited.
I enjoyed this story. The characters are great,the mystery and suspense keeps you guessing, and the setting is beautiful. Of course, being from California, I might be biased but it sure makes me miss home. I hope to read more from Rich when offered on unlimited.
March 4, 2018
Disappointed
The story was good. I just had trouble with how inept the police detectives were. Neither asked how the killer knew where Natalie was or any other and that might solve the case. The characters were more concerned with their past.
The story was good. I just had trouble with how inept the police detectives were. Neither asked how the killer knew where Natalie was or any other and that might solve the case. The characters were more concerned with their past.
March 18, 2018
Pretty good book
I liked the suspense in the first 1/3 of the book and the Christian spin. However, I didn't think they developed that part enough. I really did enjoy the book as a whole and would recommend.
I liked the suspense in the first 1/3 of the book and the Christian spin. However, I didn't think they developed that part enough. I really did enjoy the book as a whole and would recommend.
April 16, 2018
Good story holding one's interest.
Well developed story holding your attention as it developed ending with an exciting fast moving dramatically bringing all events to a climatic conclusion.
Well developed story holding your attention as it developed ending with an exciting fast moving dramatically bringing all events to a climatic conclusion.
July 6, 2018
Great story. It turns out i read this book twice- but i didn't realize it until i was halfway through! I didn't remember any of the beginning of the story! But the ending is really good and i had wanted to read more from this series. Ok i'm back on track now...
February 24, 2019
With this type of book, I like trying to figure out the the mysteries and the way this one was written the reader knows everything and we are waiting for the characters in the book to put it together.
July 10, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and didn't find the middle slow. Perhaps others did because the first chapters were so suspenseful.
My only bugbear was that Addison went anywhere near a woman who is not yet a Christian. However, I liked the Christian elements. Natural and not preachy.
My only bugbear was that Addison went anywhere near a woman who is not yet a Christian. However, I liked the Christian elements. Natural and not preachy.
September 30, 2019
Perilous Cove (Perilous Safety Series - Book 1) by Rich Bullock
A nice cozy mystery story. Ordinary, likable characters, thrown into situations that most of us read about in newspapers. I liked it. 3 stars.
A nice cozy mystery story. Ordinary, likable characters, thrown into situations that most of us read about in newspapers. I liked it. 3 stars.
Read
January 23, 2020This was a new Christian author to me. I liked it but didn't love it. It's a mystery/suspense, but doesn't get really compelling until the last few chapters. Quick and easy though. I do like his writing style, just not some of the details of this story.
April 6, 2024
A controlling marriage ends when the husband suddenly dies. The wife has numerous attempts on her life and doesn't understand why. She is befriended by a police office and his daughter. A convoluted story of a family in turmoil. Surprise ending.
April 7, 2024
Riveting and mysterious
I have read many books about murder and this book was very exciting. Mind blowing surprises. Scary. Great story and combination of awwws. Sixty years or more of relaxing and enjoying a good read. You did it. Don't stop.
I have read many books about murder and this book was very exciting. Mind blowing surprises. Scary. Great story and combination of awwws. Sixty years or more of relaxing and enjoying a good read. You did it. Don't stop.
April 18, 2024
WOW.
I love a fast moving mystery. This one has enough characters in it and twist and turns that l'd never think up or had read something similar . A good read. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
I love a fast moving mystery. This one has enough characters in it and twist and turns that l'd never think up or had read something similar . A good read. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 28, 2018
I could not put this book down
April 29, 2019
This is a great book. It was hard to put down, and drew me back every time I had time to sit and read.
May 22, 2019
Great Book!
Good read, couldn't put it down. I love when a book sucks you in! Now on to book 2 Storm Song.
Good read, couldn't put it down. I love when a book sucks you in! Now on to book 2 Storm Song.
May 18, 2020
Perilous Cove
This book kept me reading. I wanted to know how it would end. The suspense was great. But the ending was not what I expected. Highly recommend, clean read.
This book kept me reading. I wanted to know how it would end. The suspense was great. But the ending was not what I expected. Highly recommend, clean read.
June 28, 2022
Free on amazon today!
April 19, 2025
Action Packed!
Action packed story! Wow! Loved it! Get this book and read it! Warning, be sure you have the time cause you can’t put it down.
Action packed story! Wow! Loved it! Get this book and read it! Warning, be sure you have the time cause you can’t put it down.
August 3, 2024
Great book, wonderful read. Suspense, intrigue, just a good read.
July 13, 2012
This book could keep you awake and reading when you wish you could go to sleep.
This suspense novel begins with a rather heartless killer/arsonist-for-hire Tarz demonstrating his skill. Tarz weaves in and out of the pages with sickening frequency.
Then we're introduced to Natalie Clayton of St. Louis, Missouri. Her husband just died of an unexpected heart attack, and she's sitting at the graveside service with severe flu symptoms, listening to the chaplain drone on and on about a good man, loving husband, and devoted son. He surely can't be talking about her husband--although devoted son might fit. Firmly tied to his mother's apron strings, that tie was only severed by six feet of dirt on top of the casket.
Jack Clayton's mother, the illustrius Hilde Clayton, hates her. Hilde has her eye on the Governor's office. Hilde says Natalie is no good, and that she (Hilde) will assure Natalie gets not one cent from Jack's estate.
Natalie's best friend, Donna, who also closely resembles her, decides to spend the night with her. Natalie feels like warmed-over yuck and goes upstairs to bed. She wakes to unfamiliar noises, discovers an intruder. The intruder kills Donna and sets the house on fire.
Natalie manages to drag Donna (who Natalie doesn't know is already dead) out the window before the house is totally engulfed. Natalie winds up in the hospital recovering from a broken foot, burns, and the flu.
But wait--there's more. Enter Addison Connor,police detective, widower, father of fourteen-year-old Mandy. Arson and murder pulled him away from home--but he doesn't leave the teenager alone. He takes her along, and she sleeps in the car while he investigates.
You'd think Natalie would be safe in the hospital, but no. Someone tries to kill her roommate. They assign guards for her. When she is released, she has nowhere to go. No home, no friends (other than Donna, her husband made sure of that), no relatives. And apparently her husband had wiped out every savings and checking account they have on the morning before he died. And changed the recipient of his life insurance to his mother. Other than $9,000 in a safety deposit box, she is broke.
Detective Addison takes her to his home. And still someone tries to kill her, but Mandy instead is winged.
That does it. She buys an old jeep from a neighbor and heads for a house her aunt left her on the West Coast in Perilous Cove. Once there, she changes her name to Samantha (her middle name) Riley (her mother's maiden name).
The killer follows her. So does Detective Addison and his daughter.
This suspense novel begins with a rather heartless killer/arsonist-for-hire Tarz demonstrating his skill. Tarz weaves in and out of the pages with sickening frequency.
Then we're introduced to Natalie Clayton of St. Louis, Missouri. Her husband just died of an unexpected heart attack, and she's sitting at the graveside service with severe flu symptoms, listening to the chaplain drone on and on about a good man, loving husband, and devoted son. He surely can't be talking about her husband--although devoted son might fit. Firmly tied to his mother's apron strings, that tie was only severed by six feet of dirt on top of the casket.
Jack Clayton's mother, the illustrius Hilde Clayton, hates her. Hilde has her eye on the Governor's office. Hilde says Natalie is no good, and that she (Hilde) will assure Natalie gets not one cent from Jack's estate.
Natalie's best friend, Donna, who also closely resembles her, decides to spend the night with her. Natalie feels like warmed-over yuck and goes upstairs to bed. She wakes to unfamiliar noises, discovers an intruder. The intruder kills Donna and sets the house on fire.
Natalie manages to drag Donna (who Natalie doesn't know is already dead) out the window before the house is totally engulfed. Natalie winds up in the hospital recovering from a broken foot, burns, and the flu.
But wait--there's more. Enter Addison Connor,police detective, widower, father of fourteen-year-old Mandy. Arson and murder pulled him away from home--but he doesn't leave the teenager alone. He takes her along, and she sleeps in the car while he investigates.
You'd think Natalie would be safe in the hospital, but no. Someone tries to kill her roommate. They assign guards for her. When she is released, she has nowhere to go. No home, no friends (other than Donna, her husband made sure of that), no relatives. And apparently her husband had wiped out every savings and checking account they have on the morning before he died. And changed the recipient of his life insurance to his mother. Other than $9,000 in a safety deposit box, she is broke.
Detective Addison takes her to his home. And still someone tries to kill her, but Mandy instead is winged.
That does it. She buys an old jeep from a neighbor and heads for a house her aunt left her on the West Coast in Perilous Cove. Once there, she changes her name to Samantha (her middle name) Riley (her mother's maiden name).
The killer follows her. So does Detective Addison and his daughter.
October 31, 2015
Decent book. Some of the suspense was very good, especially the first 1/3 of the book. Slowed way down after that until the end, then the suspense at the end seemed to go on a bit too long. I don't know if that was because of all the inner thoughts or not.
The Christian fiction wasn't too preachy, which was good. I've read some that you think are a sermon w/a slight bit of fiction tossed in. Yes, this is coming from a Christian fiction author.
Didn't take much to figure out who hired the bad guy and then who the bad guy was or where he was getting his info.
In need of editing on the story. Certain things made me stop reading with a "wait a minute" thought. For instance the person who hired the killer is ticked off because he's killing 4 people not hired to kill. Then this person wants to kill the main character so badly she decides killing those same 4 people is no big deal. All this occurs within the last 30 pages of the book.
Over all, a quick read. I'd read another book from Mr. Bullock just to see if his story line works better and if the suspense holds up at the end.
The Christian fiction wasn't too preachy, which was good. I've read some that you think are a sermon w/a slight bit of fiction tossed in. Yes, this is coming from a Christian fiction author.
Didn't take much to figure out who hired the bad guy and then who the bad guy was or where he was getting his info.
In need of editing on the story. Certain things made me stop reading with a "wait a minute" thought. For instance the person who hired the killer is ticked off because he's killing 4 people not hired to kill. Then this person wants to kill the main character so badly she decides killing those same 4 people is no big deal. All this occurs within the last 30 pages of the book.
Over all, a quick read. I'd read another book from Mr. Bullock just to see if his story line works better and if the suspense holds up at the end.
July 24, 2014
Really excellent Christian suspense book. Some might call it romantic suspense, and there is definitely romance, but it's very clean, and does not take over the story. Other relationships take as much precedence as the romance. The writing was very good, and there were very minimal, barely noticeable issues with wrong words or grammar near the end. I would have given it five stars, but for the fact that the story lagged in the middle, and some story elements just did not make sense to me. (Spoiler alert) Why introduce the Alejandro character? Why would a cop not warn the victim that the perp is on the loose and probably knows her location? Why would a widow mourn a husband who stole all her money? (End spoiler alert) After these mildly irritating plot points, the story picked up again and carried me through to the nail-biting end. I will be continuing with the series.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 52 reviews