What do you think?
Rate this book
Summer Suspense Mysteries #1
The Cove
THE PERFECT ESCAPE...
Gabrielle Adams has it all – brains, beauty, a handsome fiancé, and a dream job in publishing. Until, one day, everything changes.
The ‘Underground Killer’ takes his victims when they least expect it: standing on the edge of a busy Tube platform, as they wait for a train to arrive through the murky underground tunnels of London.
Gabrielle soon learns that being a survivor is harder than being a victim, and she struggles to return to her old life. Desperate to break free from the endless nightmares, she snatches up an opportunity to run a tiny bookshop in a picturesque cove in rural Cornwall.
She thinks she’s found the perfect escape, but has she swapped one nightmare for another?
Suspense and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced thriller, set amidst the spectacular Cornish landscape.
Gabrielle Adams has it all – brains, beauty, a handsome fiancé, and a dream job in publishing. Until, one day, everything changes.
The ‘Underground Killer’ takes his victims when they least expect it: standing on the edge of a busy Tube platform, as they wait for a train to arrive through the murky underground tunnels of London.
Gabrielle soon learns that being a survivor is harder than being a victim, and she struggles to return to her old life. Desperate to break free from the endless nightmares, she snatches up an opportunity to run a tiny bookshop in a picturesque cove in rural Cornwall.
She thinks she’s found the perfect escape, but has she swapped one nightmare for another?
Suspense and mystery are peppered with romance and humour in this fast-paced thriller, set amidst the spectacular Cornish landscape.
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2021
2152 people are currently reading
25795 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Ross
41 books3,573 followersLJ 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
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,269 reviews
August 2, 2021
This was perfectly nice but let's be honest, it's a straight up chick-lit novel, there is nothing 'suspense' or 'thriller' about it.
The locations and characters are lovely, and the story was nice but not much really happened for the bulk of the book. Halfway through the book my husband asked me what the book was about, and I honestly couldn't tell him, it didn't really seem to be 'about' anything. From this point, a small plot emerged, and was wrapped up rather bizarrely with the protagonist knowing who was behind certain events despite not having any evidence (at least none which was shared with the reader).
The epilogue was nice (I seem to have used that word a lot in this review) as it didn't leave any loose ends and let the reader know what all of the characters were up to after the events of the book.
If I had to sum up this book in one word? Nice.
The locations and characters are lovely, and the story was nice but not much really happened for the bulk of the book. Halfway through the book my husband asked me what the book was about, and I honestly couldn't tell him, it didn't really seem to be 'about' anything. From this point, a small plot emerged, and was wrapped up rather bizarrely with the protagonist knowing who was behind certain events despite not having any evidence (at least none which was shared with the reader).
The epilogue was nice (I seem to have used that word a lot in this review) as it didn't leave any loose ends and let the reader know what all of the characters were up to after the events of the book.
If I had to sum up this book in one word? Nice.
August 7, 2021
This was a fast read. I finished it in one sitting!
It's set in the beautiful Cornwall coast and the first third of the book opens with a nice description of the weather, the people and the sea in the Cove. I read a little more after that and was just about to put the book down that something happened. Enough to keep my attention. And I continued flipping the pages. From a breezy summer read about a laid-back life in the Cove, it turned into a whodunnit quite seamlessly.
The book is not a great literary achievement by any means - the language is simple, the writing is fluid and the character arcs are straightforward. It is the story that is at the centre of things and if you read it for the story alone, you'll have a good time flipping through the pages. I really enjoyed the read. It is a breezy book that took me to some beautiful parts of England through a story that kept my attention. If that's not a good book, I don't know what is.
It's set in the beautiful Cornwall coast and the first third of the book opens with a nice description of the weather, the people and the sea in the Cove. I read a little more after that and was just about to put the book down that something happened. Enough to keep my attention. And I continued flipping the pages. From a breezy summer read about a laid-back life in the Cove, it turned into a whodunnit quite seamlessly.
The book is not a great literary achievement by any means - the language is simple, the writing is fluid and the character arcs are straightforward. It is the story that is at the centre of things and if you read it for the story alone, you'll have a good time flipping through the pages. I really enjoyed the read. It is a breezy book that took me to some beautiful parts of England through a story that kept my attention. If that's not a good book, I don't know what is.
June 13, 2022
Easy but well written book. Great pace, likeable and interesting characters, amazing setting. Perfect summer reading.
May 29, 2022
A cosy mystery with a somewhat disappointing/anti-climactic ending.
After nearly being murdered by the "tube killer" Gabrielle Adams is eager to get out of London and finds a fresh start at a charming and secluded book shop/café on the coast of Cornwall. Gabrielle meets some good people and gradually starts to heal from her PTSD, until she sees something that plunges her right back into the nightmare.
It's a decent story. Pretty good characters. Beautiful scenery. And I will read pretty much anything that's set in a bookshop by the coast. There were a few problems with this, which keeps it from getting a higher rating.
I actually didn't mind so much that in the middle 50% of the book fuck-all happened. I was getting to know the cove and the people and was enjoying myself with a low stress kind of story. BUT, the random and poorly done head-hopping that happened for just one sentence here and there really irked me.
A good 90% of the story is seen from Gabrielle's POV, with the odd sentence in the middle of a chapter suddenly clearly being from someone else's POV. You don't have to be Virginia Woolf, but if you do head-hopping within chapters, you have to be good and you have to be consistent. That just wasn't the case here. Towards the end there's a few chapters consistently told from someone else's POV which I have no problem with, it's just this wishy-washy nonsense that makes me irrationally annoyed.
Also - mild spoiler - Gabrielle magically figures out whodunnit, seemingly out of thin air. There's literally no explanation, even afterwards. She even asks someone else why the person did what they did, so she didn't even know that, but somehow, based on... nothing.. she knows they were the one who did it. So that was kind of infuriating. Also, selective amnesia is a bit of a lazy plot point.
Even so, I did mostly enjoy this because of the setting and the characters and the overall warm feel. It's also a short and easy read.
After nearly being murdered by the "tube killer" Gabrielle Adams is eager to get out of London and finds a fresh start at a charming and secluded book shop/café on the coast of Cornwall. Gabrielle meets some good people and gradually starts to heal from her PTSD, until she sees something that plunges her right back into the nightmare.
It's a decent story. Pretty good characters. Beautiful scenery. And I will read pretty much anything that's set in a bookshop by the coast. There were a few problems with this, which keeps it from getting a higher rating.
I actually didn't mind so much that in the middle 50% of the book fuck-all happened. I was getting to know the cove and the people and was enjoying myself with a low stress kind of story. BUT, the random and poorly done head-hopping that happened for just one sentence here and there really irked me.
A good 90% of the story is seen from Gabrielle's POV, with the odd sentence in the middle of a chapter suddenly clearly being from someone else's POV. You don't have to be Virginia Woolf, but if you do head-hopping within chapters, you have to be good and you have to be consistent. That just wasn't the case here. Towards the end there's a few chapters consistently told from someone else's POV which I have no problem with, it's just this wishy-washy nonsense that makes me irrationally annoyed.
Also - mild spoiler - Gabrielle magically figures out whodunnit, seemingly out of thin air. There's literally no explanation, even afterwards. She even asks someone else why the person did what they did, so she didn't even know that, but somehow, based on... nothing.. she knows they were the one who did it. So that was kind of infuriating. Also, selective amnesia is a bit of a lazy plot point.
Even so, I did mostly enjoy this because of the setting and the characters and the overall warm feel. It's also a short and easy read.
October 12, 2022
Although this is not your typical LJ Ross book, her brilliant writing style and character creation and development shines through. I
I am a little late to the party with this series, but will definitely be staying to the end. Wish I had read it on a beach in the sunshine, but it works well in October as well.
For most of the book I was thinking 3.5 to 4 stars, but the last few chapters as the story is wrapped up made an easy 5 stars.
I am a little late to the party with this series, but will definitely be staying to the end. Wish I had read it on a beach in the sunshine, but it works well in October as well.
For most of the book I was thinking 3.5 to 4 stars, but the last few chapters as the story is wrapped up made an easy 5 stars.
August 4, 2021
LJ Ross NEVER disappoints!
The Cove was published yesterday in ebook and I devoured it in one sitting!
Gabrielle Adams works in London in publishing, her boyfriend is an agent and she loves her job! Her world is turned completely upside down when she is pushed from a tube platform by an unknown assailant. This leads to a battle with PTSD, although the physical injuries begin to heal, the emotional and mental injuries Gabi suffers are still very much there. Needing a change, she escapes to Cornwall, where she finds a job as a Bookseller. But is it the perfect escape Gabi craved?
LJ Ross has yet again threaded a gorgeously atmospheric mystery, where the strings of tension are tightened as we journey throughout the story. We meet an eclectic range of characters who you can't help but enjoy sharing the fictional world with. They'll grasp you and tug you further into the storyline! I loved the coastal location, the beautiful Cove that could also be deathly. The contrast between London and Cornwall felt like a reflection between Gabi's traumatic states as she tries to heal.
The Cove is carefully crafted and perfectly executed for all the thrilling bookish satisfaction!
The Cove was published yesterday in ebook and I devoured it in one sitting!
Gabrielle Adams works in London in publishing, her boyfriend is an agent and she loves her job! Her world is turned completely upside down when she is pushed from a tube platform by an unknown assailant. This leads to a battle with PTSD, although the physical injuries begin to heal, the emotional and mental injuries Gabi suffers are still very much there. Needing a change, she escapes to Cornwall, where she finds a job as a Bookseller. But is it the perfect escape Gabi craved?
LJ Ross has yet again threaded a gorgeously atmospheric mystery, where the strings of tension are tightened as we journey throughout the story. We meet an eclectic range of characters who you can't help but enjoy sharing the fictional world with. They'll grasp you and tug you further into the storyline! I loved the coastal location, the beautiful Cove that could also be deathly. The contrast between London and Cornwall felt like a reflection between Gabi's traumatic states as she tries to heal.
The Cove is carefully crafted and perfectly executed for all the thrilling bookish satisfaction!
April 14, 2026
3,5*
This book starts with a bang—a life-altering event that makes Gabrielle, a beautiful, successful publisher with a fiancé, leave it all behind and take a job at a quaint bookshop café in a Cornish cove. There, she meets the locals—Luke, Nell, and a memorable cast. But soon, strange things begin happening, and you’re left wondering: is it in her mind or something more sinister?
It’s not a cozy comfort read, but it’s not dark and grim either. It’s that perfect in-between—a suspenseful, atmospheric mystery with just enough edge. If you like a bookish mystery with tension and charm, this one is for you 😊
This book starts with a bang—a life-altering event that makes Gabrielle, a beautiful, successful publisher with a fiancé, leave it all behind and take a job at a quaint bookshop café in a Cornish cove. There, she meets the locals—Luke, Nell, and a memorable cast. But soon, strange things begin happening, and you’re left wondering: is it in her mind or something more sinister?
It’s not a cozy comfort read, but it’s not dark and grim either. It’s that perfect in-between—a suspenseful, atmospheric mystery with just enough edge. If you like a bookish mystery with tension and charm, this one is for you 😊
August 6, 2021
Rushed Ending
Whilst I enjoyed this book, the characters being well developed I did feel a little cheated at the pace it came to a conclusion. It was as if someone had happily sketched out the storyline, started the development well then had to quickly finish it to a deadline. Everything was too stage managed to fit the ending
Whilst I enjoyed this book, the characters being well developed I did feel a little cheated at the pace it came to a conclusion. It was as if someone had happily sketched out the storyline, started the development well then had to quickly finish it to a deadline. Everything was too stage managed to fit the ending
August 10, 2021
Meh
Predictable romance. The plot felt undeveloped and rushed. It was one of those books where things just fell conveniently into place. She has written far better books than this one.
Predictable romance. The plot felt undeveloped and rushed. It was one of those books where things just fell conveniently into place. She has written far better books than this one.
March 10, 2026
4.50 stars
L.J. Ross kicks off her Summer Suspense Mysteries series with The Cove, a fast-paced, atmospheric read filled with mystery, healing, and seaside vibes. We follow Gabrielle Adams, a London publisher whose picture-perfect life shatters after she survives a terrifying attack on the Underground. Looking for a fresh start, she escapes to a quiet Cornish cove to run a tiny bookshop… but soon discovers that this idyllic getaway is hiding secrets of its own.
Gabrielle emerges on the page as both fragile and fierce — a woman carrying the weight of trauma while stubbornly piecing herself back together. She’s caught between who she was and who she’s becoming, navigating the uneasy process of rebuilding a life from the ground up. Her blend of vulnerability and quiet strength gives the story its emotional gravity, pulling you into her journey in a deeply human way. What truly sharpens her journey is the thriller edge woven through every chapter. Even as she crosses paths with the cove’s quirky, tight‑knit residents — each adding warmth, color, and a touch of small‑town magic — there’s always a hint of something darker lingering beneath the surface.
What lingered with me after I closed the book was its atmosphere — brooding, salt‑stung, and softly haunted….And that subtle thread of thriller tension that keeps you turning the pages.
This book feels like wandering a lonely coastal path at dusk — wind cold against your skin, secrets tucked under every wave, and the sense that the cove itself is holding its breath, waiting for the truth to rise with the tide. Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced copy!
Pub date : May 5, 2026
L.J. Ross kicks off her Summer Suspense Mysteries series with The Cove, a fast-paced, atmospheric read filled with mystery, healing, and seaside vibes. We follow Gabrielle Adams, a London publisher whose picture-perfect life shatters after she survives a terrifying attack on the Underground. Looking for a fresh start, she escapes to a quiet Cornish cove to run a tiny bookshop… but soon discovers that this idyllic getaway is hiding secrets of its own.
Gabrielle emerges on the page as both fragile and fierce — a woman carrying the weight of trauma while stubbornly piecing herself back together. She’s caught between who she was and who she’s becoming, navigating the uneasy process of rebuilding a life from the ground up. Her blend of vulnerability and quiet strength gives the story its emotional gravity, pulling you into her journey in a deeply human way. What truly sharpens her journey is the thriller edge woven through every chapter. Even as she crosses paths with the cove’s quirky, tight‑knit residents — each adding warmth, color, and a touch of small‑town magic — there’s always a hint of something darker lingering beneath the surface.
What lingered with me after I closed the book was its atmosphere — brooding, salt‑stung, and softly haunted….And that subtle thread of thriller tension that keeps you turning the pages.
This book feels like wandering a lonely coastal path at dusk — wind cold against your skin, secrets tucked under every wave, and the sense that the cove itself is holding its breath, waiting for the truth to rise with the tide. Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced copy!
Pub date : May 5, 2026
November 17, 2024
3.5 🌟 : Cute cosy mystery in a beautiful setting
February 20, 2023
I loved this book. Perfect escapism! If I really did escape one day, I'd love to go to Cornwall, and L.J. Ross has allowed me to do so vicariously.
March 20, 2026
Gabrielle Adams, a happy and successful publishing house employee engaged to Mark, finds her life turned upside down when she is pushed onto the tracks of the underground by someone known as “The Tube Killer.” Miraculously, she survives, but the trauma leaves her with PTSD and OCD. She breaks the engagement with her unfaithful fiancé, quits her job, and moves to a small cove on the Cornish coast to help run a bookshop. There, she finds a romantic interest, and all seems good until she discovers that danger lurks even in this seemingly idyllic place.
What began as a cozy romance evolves into a gripping and suspenseful thriller, featuring unique and well-developed characters. This fast-paced and atmospheric read is filled with unexpected twists and turns. This would make a good beach read.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @PoisonedPenPress for the DRC.
What began as a cozy romance evolves into a gripping and suspenseful thriller, featuring unique and well-developed characters. This fast-paced and atmospheric read is filled with unexpected twists and turns. This would make a good beach read.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @PoisonedPenPress for the DRC.
December 28, 2021
A very quick read, possibly a new series set in Cornwall. Much better than the psychologist series.
September 6, 2021
As a huge fan of LJ Ross’ DCI Ryan series I thought I’d give this one a go.
It’s a great mystery thriller with a sprinkling of romance.
Gabi suffers a traumatic attack in London and later splits up with her boyfriend.
She decides to start afresh in Cornwall and gets a job managing a book shop.
The village is very remote but the few residents welcome Gabi with open arms.
However, Gabi witnesses a murder and soon her own life is being threatened.
This is a great read that I really enjoyed.
It’s a great mystery thriller with a sprinkling of romance.
Gabi suffers a traumatic attack in London and later splits up with her boyfriend.
She decides to start afresh in Cornwall and gets a job managing a book shop.
The village is very remote but the few residents welcome Gabi with open arms.
However, Gabi witnesses a murder and soon her own life is being threatened.
This is a great read that I really enjoyed.
August 14, 2021
I enjoyed the first half of the book, but the second just seemed really silly and unbelievable. This traumatised woman -- who did she anger in a previous life to have all these people trying to kill her?! And for someone with PTSD and OCD, she leaps into a new relationship at a speed that gave me whiplash. I just felt it became 3 books in 1, and none of the threads worked together. Rather disappointing.
September 25, 2021
I needed to do a lot of chores today and having this book with me kept me going!
It's a mix of genres; there's some romance, some drama, some mystery and some cosy.
It was pretty good (although formulaic) for a quick, fun read.
It's a mix of genres; there's some romance, some drama, some mystery and some cosy.
It was pretty good (although formulaic) for a quick, fun read.
May 3, 2026
3.5 🌟
'.... it would be the perfect escape. Sunshine, sandy beaches, and idyllic blue waters… What could go wrong?' (Ch 1)
Suspense / Thriller | Mystery | Romance | Mental Health Rep | Bookshop | Found Family
Gabrielle had been through a traumatic experience. Now, she was suffering from PTSD and OCD, and her life completely changed for the worse — relationship and job.
'After the fall.' She needed a change, needed to start a fresh chapter in her life... or a whole new book.
Enter paradise, Carnance Cove... new scenery, new job. Seemingly perfect setup. Though the negatives of the past kept playing on repeat in her head and through regular nightmares.
'Life marches on, whether we want it to or not, and it’s up to us whether we ride it or allow ourselves to be carried along.' (Ch 14)
Nothing like pleasant distractions and good people to help turn things around. Bonus, another lost, broken-hearted soul to connect with. But you know the saying, too good to be true. As the calm gets shattered with the storm, her peace and her peace of mind evaporates with it. The doubts, paranoia, and fixations start crowding in after a myserious event, leaving her on edge.
'Fear. Every shadow might have been a person; every noise might have been the quiet tread of somebody following her home.' (Prologue)
It's a semi-quick, but medium pace kind of story. The romance factor is sweet, with some curve balls to give it a little drama. And, of course, there's a golden labrador to make things sweeter.
'.... Luke was a dangerous man to know and could disarm a woman in such a way that she was happy to hand over her weaponry.' (Ch 9)
There is an underlying suspense for the other shoe to drop for most of the middle and psychological suspense toward the end.
When the reveal came, I was a little disappointed, wishing it had been a surprise, like finding out in the midst of danger. The final twist made up for it, though.
eARC courtesy of NetGalley | Sourcebooks / Poisoned Pen Press
'.... it would be the perfect escape. Sunshine, sandy beaches, and idyllic blue waters… What could go wrong?' (Ch 1)
Suspense / Thriller | Mystery | Romance | Mental Health Rep | Bookshop | Found Family
Gabrielle had been through a traumatic experience. Now, she was suffering from PTSD and OCD, and her life completely changed for the worse — relationship and job.
'After the fall.' She needed a change, needed to start a fresh chapter in her life... or a whole new book.
Enter paradise, Carnance Cove... new scenery, new job. Seemingly perfect setup. Though the negatives of the past kept playing on repeat in her head and through regular nightmares.
'Life marches on, whether we want it to or not, and it’s up to us whether we ride it or allow ourselves to be carried along.' (Ch 14)
Nothing like pleasant distractions and good people to help turn things around. Bonus, another lost, broken-hearted soul to connect with. But you know the saying, too good to be true. As the calm gets shattered with the storm, her peace and her peace of mind evaporates with it. The doubts, paranoia, and fixations start crowding in after a myserious event, leaving her on edge.
'Fear. Every shadow might have been a person; every noise might have been the quiet tread of somebody following her home.' (Prologue)
It's a semi-quick, but medium pace kind of story. The romance factor is sweet, with some curve balls to give it a little drama. And, of course, there's a golden labrador to make things sweeter.
'.... Luke was a dangerous man to know and could disarm a woman in such a way that she was happy to hand over her weaponry.' (Ch 9)
There is an underlying suspense for the other shoe to drop for most of the middle and psychological suspense toward the end.
When the reveal came, I was a little disappointed, wishing it had been a surprise, like finding out in the midst of danger. The final twist made up for it, though.
eARC courtesy of NetGalley | Sourcebooks / Poisoned Pen Press
December 31, 2021
Kādā jaukā rudens sākuma brīvdienā man ienāca prātā papildināt savu mansijas kopšanu ar kādu vieglu detektīvu audio formātā. Nolēmu pārbaudīt kaut ko no Audible pakaļmetamā [lasi - bezmaksas] kataloga. Acs uzkrita uz šo, jo ideja jau ir gluži laba - Gabrielai ir sapņu darbs izdevniecībā, sapņu līgavainis bla bla bladī bla. Līdz kādā ziemas vakarā viņa krīt par upuri “metro maniakam”, kurš viņu nogrūž no perona priekšā pienākošam metro vilcienam. Gabrielai par laimi tas beidzas tikai ar dažiem lūzumiem un posttraumatisko stresu, kā rezultātā viņa aiziet arī no darba, un līgavainis arī izrādās sušķis, kurš viņu krāpj.
Pusgadu vēlāk viņa nolemj pamest Londonu un pārceļas uz Kornvolu, lai strādātu kādā mazā grāmatu veikalā. Viss rit kā smērēts, līdz kādā vētrainā vakarā viņa redz, kā no klints tiek nogrūsta sieviete. Un tomēr - kāpēc neviens nemeklē pazudušo? Labs stāsta pieteikums, ne? Bet būtībā šis ir tālu no detektīva, tāds totāls mājsaimnieču romāns, pilns visām iespējamām klišejām. Jo, protams, te ir noslēpumains skaistulis ar namu kalnā, brīvs un daiļš, un bagāts kā Krēzs, bet kas notika ar viņa bijušo sievu??? Vai Gabriela arī kļūs par viņa bijušo? Jo, protams, ka viņi salaiž - kā gan savādāk. Tev atliek tik pārcelties uz kādu angļu ciematu kā precinieki pilnīgi kaklā karas. Vai arī tas vienīgais cērtamais. Ak! Lai būtu vēl klišejiskāk, veikala saimniecei ir šausmīgi šaubīgs (lai arī skaists un jestrs) dēls, kurš tik ļoti tiek uztiepts par potenciālo vainīgo it visā, ka tas jau nudien kļūst smieklīgi. Ak, ja man būtu iekšā atstāstīt visas tās muļķības, kas te tiek laistas uz riņķi... Bet nē, man jāiet cept svētku vakariņas. Jums paliks tikai šis nelielais uzmetums par biedinājumu turēties tālāk no šitās autorītes. Es darīšu tāpat.
Pusgadu vēlāk viņa nolemj pamest Londonu un pārceļas uz Kornvolu, lai strādātu kādā mazā grāmatu veikalā. Viss rit kā smērēts, līdz kādā vētrainā vakarā viņa redz, kā no klints tiek nogrūsta sieviete. Un tomēr - kāpēc neviens nemeklē pazudušo? Labs stāsta pieteikums, ne? Bet būtībā šis ir tālu no detektīva, tāds totāls mājsaimnieču romāns, pilns visām iespējamām klišejām. Jo, protams, te ir noslēpumains skaistulis ar namu kalnā, brīvs un daiļš, un bagāts kā Krēzs, bet kas notika ar viņa bijušo sievu??? Vai Gabriela arī kļūs par viņa bijušo? Jo, protams, ka viņi salaiž - kā gan savādāk. Tev atliek tik pārcelties uz kādu angļu ciematu kā precinieki pilnīgi kaklā karas. Vai arī tas vienīgais cērtamais. Ak! Lai būtu vēl klišejiskāk, veikala saimniecei ir šausmīgi šaubīgs (lai arī skaists un jestrs) dēls, kurš tik ļoti tiek uztiepts par potenciālo vainīgo it visā, ka tas jau nudien kļūst smieklīgi. Ak, ja man būtu iekšā atstāstīt visas tās muļķības, kas te tiek laistas uz riņķi... Bet nē, man jāiet cept svētku vakariņas. Jums paliks tikai šis nelielais uzmetums par biedinājumu turēties tālāk no šitās autorītes. Es darīšu tāpat.
February 19, 2026
I received a free copy of, The Cove, by L.J. Ross, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book one in the Summer Suspense Mysteries series. Gabrielle Adams was a victim of a crime, Gabrielle is just trying to get her life back on track. This was an intriguing read.
September 2, 2021
Barbara’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Series: Summer Suspense Mysteries #1
Publication Date: 7/22/21
Period: Contemporary London & Carnance Cove
Number of Pages: 194
I am a huge fan of this author’s DCI Ryan series, so it was a delight to learn she was starting a new series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I don’t have a real feel for what the series will be like. For instance – in the DCI Ryan series, I know that Ryan and his crew will be solving a crime in each book. I’m not sure that is the case with this series because the author wrapped up all of the loose ends and futures of all the main and subordinate characters in the epilogue. Future books in the series could certainly feature our main characters and the beautiful cove where they live, but the way this one wrapped up makes me wonder. Perhaps we’ll have a series comprised of mysteries taking place in various summer vacation spots and featuring different protagonists each time. It will be interesting to see.
It is Christmas and Gabrielle Adams is on top of the world. She has the job she has always wanted in a field she is passionate about, and she is engaged to a man she loves. That world falls out from under her when she becomes a victim of the ‘Underground Killer’ who pushes people off the underground train platforms in front of oncoming trains. Though her broken, battered, and bruised body survives, her mind is in a much more delicate state. The doctors assure her the nightmares, OCD, PTSD, etc. will get better over time, but it has been six months and she is tired of the pity (and impatience) she sees in everyone’s eyes. Her fiancé Mark is having an affair, she can’t handle working – and – well – she’s just got to walk away from it all. So, she does.
Gabrielle (Gabi) has made it to the picturesque Carnance Cove where she has accepted the position as manager of Carnance Cove Books & Gifts shop. It is the quaintest, loveliest place she has ever seen and all 5 of the residents welcome her with open arms. Yes, there are a couple of things her new boss ‘forgot’ to tell her – first, the cove can only be reached when the tide is out – and yes, there are only 5 other residents. Cell service and internet service are almost non-existent and she still adores the place. Of course, the handsome painter who picked her up and delivered her to the cove isn’t bad either.
As Gabrielle begins to heal, she witnesses a murder. She knows her mind plays tricks on her, but she’s been so much better lately – she is sure that is what she saw. Isn’t she? Gabi’s OCD won’t let her turn loose of the murder and let the police handle it – she has to do a bit of investigating on her own. When strange things begin to happen to her – well – stranger than usual – she almost doubts herself, but she is sure, absolutely sure she isn’t imagining things. The folks at the Cove support her – especially her boss and that handsome painter. Does the murderer think she can identify them? She can’t. Do they just want to drive her away? She’s not going. Between the murder she saw – and the attempted murder from London, Gabi and Luke have so much to contend with that they might not be able to save Gabi after all!
This was a delightful read with humor (wait until you read about Jackson, Mark, and Frenchie in the epilogue). The romance is lovely and the characters are wonderfully likable and relatable. A great start to a new series.
Series: Summer Suspense Mysteries #1
Publication Date: 7/22/21
Period: Contemporary London & Carnance Cove
Number of Pages: 194
I am a huge fan of this author’s DCI Ryan series, so it was a delight to learn she was starting a new series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I don’t have a real feel for what the series will be like. For instance – in the DCI Ryan series, I know that Ryan and his crew will be solving a crime in each book. I’m not sure that is the case with this series because the author wrapped up all of the loose ends and futures of all the main and subordinate characters in the epilogue. Future books in the series could certainly feature our main characters and the beautiful cove where they live, but the way this one wrapped up makes me wonder. Perhaps we’ll have a series comprised of mysteries taking place in various summer vacation spots and featuring different protagonists each time. It will be interesting to see.
It is Christmas and Gabrielle Adams is on top of the world. She has the job she has always wanted in a field she is passionate about, and she is engaged to a man she loves. That world falls out from under her when she becomes a victim of the ‘Underground Killer’ who pushes people off the underground train platforms in front of oncoming trains. Though her broken, battered, and bruised body survives, her mind is in a much more delicate state. The doctors assure her the nightmares, OCD, PTSD, etc. will get better over time, but it has been six months and she is tired of the pity (and impatience) she sees in everyone’s eyes. Her fiancé Mark is having an affair, she can’t handle working – and – well – she’s just got to walk away from it all. So, she does.
Gabrielle (Gabi) has made it to the picturesque Carnance Cove where she has accepted the position as manager of Carnance Cove Books & Gifts shop. It is the quaintest, loveliest place she has ever seen and all 5 of the residents welcome her with open arms. Yes, there are a couple of things her new boss ‘forgot’ to tell her – first, the cove can only be reached when the tide is out – and yes, there are only 5 other residents. Cell service and internet service are almost non-existent and she still adores the place. Of course, the handsome painter who picked her up and delivered her to the cove isn’t bad either.
As Gabrielle begins to heal, she witnesses a murder. She knows her mind plays tricks on her, but she’s been so much better lately – she is sure that is what she saw. Isn’t she? Gabi’s OCD won’t let her turn loose of the murder and let the police handle it – she has to do a bit of investigating on her own. When strange things begin to happen to her – well – stranger than usual – she almost doubts herself, but she is sure, absolutely sure she isn’t imagining things. The folks at the Cove support her – especially her boss and that handsome painter. Does the murderer think she can identify them? She can’t. Do they just want to drive her away? She’s not going. Between the murder she saw – and the attempted murder from London, Gabi and Luke have so much to contend with that they might not be able to save Gabi after all!
This was a delightful read with humor (wait until you read about Jackson, Mark, and Frenchie in the epilogue). The romance is lovely and the characters are wonderfully likable and relatable. A great start to a new series.
August 23, 2021
I didn't realize that L.J. Ross was starting a new series this year and I was so happy by this surprise! Engagingly told, this was a nice addition to the books already published by this author. While hardly a police procedural, it did have the right amount of mystery for a work of women's fiction. So if you're in the market for a story about something that could easily happen to any of us that also includes a touch of mystery, give this book a whirl. I liked the super small town feel of the community, and the relationship that the heroine had with her boss and landlady was lovely. My only complaint is that it could've been longer and the ending felt very rushed.
Safety
Safety
August 25, 2024
It was a fast read but definitely not the thriller it was billed to be, or maybe I have been spoilt recently with some excellent thrillers.
The setting of the book was lovely and felt more like a summer romance book, as for the book shop that the main character worked in - it sounded perfect.
The setting of the book was lovely and felt more like a summer romance book, as for the book shop that the main character worked in - it sounded perfect.
April 6, 2026
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic copy of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Gabrielle is living in London with her fiancé, and her dream job in publishing. Like everyone else in the city, she’s been hearing about the “Underground Killer”, a man who creeps up behind his victims and pushes them onto the subway platform. Even though she knows he exists, Gabrielle does not expect to be one of his victims and, after waking up in the hospital with little to no memory of the event, she certainly did not expect to survive. But the unrelenting PTSD and anxiety sends Gabrielle looking for a calmer, quieter life, which is how she ends up running a bookstore in a reclusive, quiet town in Cornwall. Although no one in her new life knows about her past, Gabrielle tries her best to put it behind her but the past refuses to stay buried when Gabrielle witnesses a murder- or so she thinks.
“The Cove” by L.J. Ross is an easy-to-read, cozy mystery perfect for the upcoming summer reading season. A relatable and likable protagonist, a seaside bookshop and a beautiful, picturesque town and Ross has delivered a charming page-turner that is the first in Ross’ “Summer Mystery Series” of books.
The Underground Killer provides the tense, haunting element in “Cove”, and Gabi’s continued recovery from her trauma connects with readers, adding a heart-wrenching and emotional component as we follow her struggles to put the past behind her. The mystery is not just in the potential murder that Gabi witnesses and the continued investigation, but it is in whether or not the murder actually happened, and if Gabi’s PTSD was contributing to what she claims she saw. Ross has added a deeper level of emotional intrigue than just the murder investigation itself, which greatly added to my enjoyment of this novel.
The ending was predictable, but books in this genre usually are, but all of the plot points were firmly wrapped up in a conclusive and satisfying way.
Ross was an unfamiliar author to me, so I did not know what to expect when I was offered this novel to read, but I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. “The Cove” is a sharp and comforting mystery, in a beautiful setting, with a backdrop of books and baked goods for bonus points! The characters are strong and developed enough to show up in another book or two and solve more crafty mysteries, and I’m excited to see them again.
Gabrielle is living in London with her fiancé, and her dream job in publishing. Like everyone else in the city, she’s been hearing about the “Underground Killer”, a man who creeps up behind his victims and pushes them onto the subway platform. Even though she knows he exists, Gabrielle does not expect to be one of his victims and, after waking up in the hospital with little to no memory of the event, she certainly did not expect to survive. But the unrelenting PTSD and anxiety sends Gabrielle looking for a calmer, quieter life, which is how she ends up running a bookstore in a reclusive, quiet town in Cornwall. Although no one in her new life knows about her past, Gabrielle tries her best to put it behind her but the past refuses to stay buried when Gabrielle witnesses a murder- or so she thinks.
“The Cove” by L.J. Ross is an easy-to-read, cozy mystery perfect for the upcoming summer reading season. A relatable and likable protagonist, a seaside bookshop and a beautiful, picturesque town and Ross has delivered a charming page-turner that is the first in Ross’ “Summer Mystery Series” of books.
The Underground Killer provides the tense, haunting element in “Cove”, and Gabi’s continued recovery from her trauma connects with readers, adding a heart-wrenching and emotional component as we follow her struggles to put the past behind her. The mystery is not just in the potential murder that Gabi witnesses and the continued investigation, but it is in whether or not the murder actually happened, and if Gabi’s PTSD was contributing to what she claims she saw. Ross has added a deeper level of emotional intrigue than just the murder investigation itself, which greatly added to my enjoyment of this novel.
The ending was predictable, but books in this genre usually are, but all of the plot points were firmly wrapped up in a conclusive and satisfying way.
Ross was an unfamiliar author to me, so I did not know what to expect when I was offered this novel to read, but I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. “The Cove” is a sharp and comforting mystery, in a beautiful setting, with a backdrop of books and baked goods for bonus points! The characters are strong and developed enough to show up in another book or two and solve more crafty mysteries, and I’m excited to see them again.
May 7, 2026
"She'd become a prisoner of her own mind, and it was time to break free."
A wonderfully cozy story about starting over and finding love, this atmospheric mystery was a refreshing, fast read. Gabrielle is struggling to put her life back together after surviving a horrific attack when she was pushed in front of a train. She's dealing with trauma that presents itself in the forms of anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. Unable to resume work at her previous position in publishing, she's hired as manager for a bookstore in a small village—a vast change of pace from her life in London. Once there, she gets to know the locals while settling into a new routine, and even meets a handsome neighbor. Yet something feels off—is her mind playing tricks on her or is someone still after her?
Readers will love the coastal setting of the bookstore, along with the quirky folks Gabrielle gets to know—while deciding whom she can trust. The found family feel provides a warm ambiance as a perfect place for her to heal and recover as she establishes new connections. The romance fits snuggly into the story, without overshadowing the mysterious happenings, but instead is an emotional anchor that also offers opportunities for suspicion. The versatility of LJ ROSS' writing is evident as this series is comfort, clandestine, and care—as opposed to the darker crime fiction series she also pens. Fans of light mysteries and romantic suspense with a focus on relationships, and books about books will enjoy THE COVE!
____
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
A wonderfully cozy story about starting over and finding love, this atmospheric mystery was a refreshing, fast read. Gabrielle is struggling to put her life back together after surviving a horrific attack when she was pushed in front of a train. She's dealing with trauma that presents itself in the forms of anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. Unable to resume work at her previous position in publishing, she's hired as manager for a bookstore in a small village—a vast change of pace from her life in London. Once there, she gets to know the locals while settling into a new routine, and even meets a handsome neighbor. Yet something feels off—is her mind playing tricks on her or is someone still after her?
Readers will love the coastal setting of the bookstore, along with the quirky folks Gabrielle gets to know—while deciding whom she can trust. The found family feel provides a warm ambiance as a perfect place for her to heal and recover as she establishes new connections. The romance fits snuggly into the story, without overshadowing the mysterious happenings, but instead is an emotional anchor that also offers opportunities for suspicion. The versatility of LJ ROSS' writing is evident as this series is comfort, clandestine, and care—as opposed to the darker crime fiction series she also pens. Fans of light mysteries and romantic suspense with a focus on relationships, and books about books will enjoy THE COVE!
____
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
April 17, 2026
After Gabi suffers from a traumatic incident, she remains very fearful and on edge. Moving to the cove gives her a new chance at a fresh start. Once here, she appreciates how welcoming the other residents are. It is very isolated here. When the tide comes in, you are not able to leave until the tide goes back out. Gabi has a few situations and the others blame it on the trauma that she endured. She truly believes that there is more to it and feels like she is getting closer to the truth. When she confides in the local detective, it seems like things will move forward. Will this detective take Gabi’s concerns seriously? As the story progresses, the intensity of the events significantly increases. Gabi becomes more concerned. This is an intense and twisted story. You will become completely engaged while reading about these events unfolding. Will the truth be revealed before it is too late?
April 4, 2024
Really enjoyed this- beautiful Cornish bookshop setting, easy going crime read with a good splash of suspense & intrigue. Even a sprinkling of romance. Looking forward to rest of the series.
January 7, 2022
right then. i’m still tryna figure out what this book actually was. a lot of irrelevant parts, which i’m surprised at for a short novel like this one. maybe the whole thing was just irrelevant. guess we’ll never know.
October 4, 2021
3.5*
After an argument with her fiancé at the Frenchman Saunders Christmas party, Gabrielle Adams was left to take the tube home alone, despite the recent reports regarding two women who were pushed onto the train tracks. The assailant was still at large. Gabrielle became the third victim of the man the press had dubbed the Tube Killer.
Six months later, still trying to cope with post traumatic stress disorder, nightmares and obsessive-compulsive disorder she has resigned from her job and was on a train to Cornwall. When she’d seen the add for the position of manager at Carnance Cove Books & Gifts, she applied without much hope of a reply. Her forté had been on the publishing side, she knew nothing about bookselling, ordering stock or dealing with customers. So she was shocked but delighted when she received an invitation for an interview.
I listened to The Cove, narrated by Clare Corbett, who did a creditable job. It was an easy, quick listen at just over five and a half hours. The setting is delightfully picturesque, the characters varied and engaging, and the Cove has a wonderful community spirit. But the actual plot line was a little lacking in substance for me, although it did ramp up towards the end where a measure of suspense kicked in. I did love the idea of the shop and its setting though. If it’s based on the place I have in mind, it’s truly beautiful.
Most of the narrative was a slow burn romance, bar the beginning and end which veered into cosy-ish crime albeit with a few darker scenes. Gabrielle believes she sees a crime being committed but her unreliability bring the facts, as she sees them, into question. Despite the following occurrences and her initial doubts, she’s convinced it isn’t her imagination playing tricks.
The after effects of trauma and the day to day living with them were described believably. The characters, their interactions and relationships were enjoyable. A light summer listen, free to Audible members.
After an argument with her fiancé at the Frenchman Saunders Christmas party, Gabrielle Adams was left to take the tube home alone, despite the recent reports regarding two women who were pushed onto the train tracks. The assailant was still at large. Gabrielle became the third victim of the man the press had dubbed the Tube Killer.
Six months later, still trying to cope with post traumatic stress disorder, nightmares and obsessive-compulsive disorder she has resigned from her job and was on a train to Cornwall. When she’d seen the add for the position of manager at Carnance Cove Books & Gifts, she applied without much hope of a reply. Her forté had been on the publishing side, she knew nothing about bookselling, ordering stock or dealing with customers. So she was shocked but delighted when she received an invitation for an interview.
I listened to The Cove, narrated by Clare Corbett, who did a creditable job. It was an easy, quick listen at just over five and a half hours. The setting is delightfully picturesque, the characters varied and engaging, and the Cove has a wonderful community spirit. But the actual plot line was a little lacking in substance for me, although it did ramp up towards the end where a measure of suspense kicked in. I did love the idea of the shop and its setting though. If it’s based on the place I have in mind, it’s truly beautiful.
Most of the narrative was a slow burn romance, bar the beginning and end which veered into cosy-ish crime albeit with a few darker scenes. Gabrielle believes she sees a crime being committed but her unreliability bring the facts, as she sees them, into question. Despite the following occurrences and her initial doubts, she’s convinced it isn’t her imagination playing tricks.
The after effects of trauma and the day to day living with them were described believably. The characters, their interactions and relationships were enjoyable. A light summer listen, free to Audible members.
October 18, 2024
(2 stars)
This book was...odd. For the most part, it didn't have a solid plot. I kid you not it was until halfway through this book (the book is actually 384 pages – not 197 like it says on Goodreads) that there was an ACTUAL plot.
I appreciate that the plot didn't go on the direction it went in. The plot twist was quite surprising but there was nothing that alluded to the fact that the perpetrator was in fact the perpetrator. There was literally no evidence and it never gets explained why the main character suspected them to be the killer.
The writing in this book was by no means special. Actually it was quite lackluster. But hey, this did make me want to me to a cute little Cornish town in the middle of nowhere with a bookshop café, a hot boyfriend and a beach practically all to myself. So that's that.
This book was...odd. For the most part, it didn't have a solid plot. I kid you not it was until halfway through this book (the book is actually 384 pages – not 197 like it says on Goodreads) that there was an ACTUAL plot.
I appreciate that the plot didn't go on the direction it went in. The plot twist was quite surprising but there was nothing that alluded to the fact that the perpetrator was in fact the perpetrator. There was literally no evidence and it never gets explained why the main character suspected them to be the killer.
The writing in this book was by no means special. Actually it was quite lackluster. But hey, this did make me want to me to a cute little Cornish town in the middle of nowhere with a bookshop café, a hot boyfriend and a beach practically all to myself. So that's that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,269 reviews