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Detective Erica Sands #1
La cala
Tras la inesperada pérdida de su esposo, Christine Harvey está decidida a construir un nuevo futuro para sus hijos, Molly y Ryan. De forma algo impulsiva, decide comprar una majestuosa casa en lo alto de un acantilado, con unas vistas al mar que cortan la respiración. ¿Podría ser este el lugar donde su familia encuentre la felicidad perdida.
Sin embargo, lo que Christine no sabe es que tras la fachada de ensueño se encuentra un pasado sombrío. Su nuevo hogar se encuentra al lado de una casa donde desapareció una niña y cuyo padre fue sospechoso antes de que la investigación policial se derrumbase. Lo que es peor, el padre aún vive ahí.
Movida por un instinto protector, Christine se lanza a una búsqueda obsesiva para encontrar respuestas sobre el antiguo caso.
Pero lo que descubre es peligroso. El comportamiento de su vecino se torna inquietante y Christine se enfrenta a una aterradora en su búsqueda de seguridad ha desatado una amenaza aún mayor para aquellos a quienes intentaba proteger.
Del autor de superventas como El secreto de las olas y La isla de los ausentes, llega La Cala: un intenso thriller que te dejará sin aliento. Perfecto para los fans de K.L. Slater, Robert Dugoni y Shari Lapena, este libro te atrapará de principio a fin.
Sin embargo, lo que Christine no sabe es que tras la fachada de ensueño se encuentra un pasado sombrío. Su nuevo hogar se encuentra al lado de una casa donde desapareció una niña y cuyo padre fue sospechoso antes de que la investigación policial se derrumbase. Lo que es peor, el padre aún vive ahí.
Movida por un instinto protector, Christine se lanza a una búsqueda obsesiva para encontrar respuestas sobre el antiguo caso.
Pero lo que descubre es peligroso. El comportamiento de su vecino se torna inquietante y Christine se enfrenta a una aterradora en su búsqueda de seguridad ha desatado una amenaza aún mayor para aquellos a quienes intentaba proteger.
Del autor de superventas como El secreto de las olas y La isla de los ausentes, llega La Cala: un intenso thriller que te dejará sin aliento. Perfecto para los fans de K.L. Slater, Robert Dugoni y Shari Lapena, este libro te atrapará de principio a fin.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2021
About the author
Gregg Dunnett
34 books539 followersGregg Dunnett writes twist-packed psychological thrillers set where the land meets the sea – a habit born of years chasing waves as a windsurfing journalist and all-round beach-bum. His novels include the Amazon #1 bestsellers “The Wave at Hanging Rock” and “The Things You Find in Rockpools” (now in development for TV) and the Audible #1 hit “Little Ghosts”.
After twenty years on England’s south coast, Gregg, his partner María (who translates the books into Spanish), their two kids and a daft Labradoodle named Loki set off on another adventure – moving to Spain to draw artistic inspiration from the moody Cantabrian mountains and the wild Atlantic coast. Plus the food’s really good.
Grab two free thrillers – just search “Gregg Dunnett free books” in your browser.
After twenty years on England’s south coast, Gregg, his partner María (who translates the books into Spanish), their two kids and a daft Labradoodle named Loki set off on another adventure – moving to Spain to draw artistic inspiration from the moody Cantabrian mountains and the wild Atlantic coast. Plus the food’s really good.
Grab two free thrillers – just search “Gregg Dunnett free books” in your browser.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
October 25, 2023
Listening to this audiobook was like relaxing in a warm bath. The narrator expertly brought this slow-burn mystery to life with her soothing cadence. This mystery is character-driven with a healthy dose of suspense and a constant thread of tension. I was completely hooked as evidence mounted and secrets were revealed. This is the first installment of the Detective Erica Sands saga and I can’t wait for the next book in this captivating series. Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my audiobook.
September 14, 2023
The first part is fast paced and action packed. I like DCI Erica Sands who reminds me of Saga Noren (The Bridge) and perhaps she was modelled on her.
I find the second part very slow and not especially riveting. Part three stretches credulity and some of the dialogue is meh.
Although an uneven read I would read novels featuring Sands again.
I find the second part very slow and not especially riveting. Part three stretches credulity and some of the dialogue is meh.
Although an uneven read I would read novels featuring Sands again.
July 30, 2023
New detective series and i really liked Erika Sans character, very well written and relatable. Told in four parts. I enjoyed the narration and found it easy to follow. Flowed very well and didn’t figure out the ending. Can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape for advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape for advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
December 1, 2023
Narrated by Jan Cramer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
by Gregg Dunnett ⭐⭐⭐⭐
So twisty!!!
This story moves fast which I loved and the twist were unexpected which is something I don't often get to say.
by Gregg Dunnett ⭐⭐⭐⭐
So twisty!!!
This story moves fast which I loved and the twist were unexpected which is something I don't often get to say.
June 3, 2024
Thriller entretenido, como otro más.
Se divide en varias partes el libro. Un asesinato resuelto que deja algún cabo suelto que lleva a profundizar más en el tema. Te mantiene la intriga y saltan las dudas de un personaje a otro.
Si que peca de “casualidades” que llevan facil al objetivo del libro
La vida de la protagonista que se va conociendo al final del libro, vida traumatica (como en todos los libros de este genero).
El caso se resuelve y queda abierta la trama de la inspectora Sand
Se divide en varias partes el libro. Un asesinato resuelto que deja algún cabo suelto que lleva a profundizar más en el tema. Te mantiene la intriga y saltan las dudas de un personaje a otro.
Si que peca de “casualidades” que llevan facil al objetivo del libro
La vida de la protagonista que se va conociendo al final del libro, vida traumatica (como en todos los libros de este genero).
El caso se resuelve y queda abierta la trama de la inspectora Sand
December 31, 2021
What better way to end the year than a book that holds you and keeps you guessing from the first pages.
A good book to start your 2022 reading.
Happy new year to all of you out there who's love of reading makes this site so great.
A good book to start your 2022 reading.
Happy new year to all of you out there who's love of reading makes this site so great.
December 18, 2023
"The Cove" by Gregg Dunnett is a real page-turner – seriously, I couldn't put it down! You think you've got it all figured out, and then BAM – the twist hits you like a ton of bricks. The characters, especially Detective Erica Sands, are a quirky bunch. Sure, she's a bit odd, and her antics got on my nerves at times, but hey, she gets the job done in her own unique way. Can't wait to uncover more about her in the next installments! The picturesque village of Lulworth and that modern house with killer views? I could practically see them in my mind. Bonus points for weaving in the pandemic – a real-life touch that added to the excitement. Definitely recommend diving into this compelling and twisty read!
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing & Gregg Dunnett for the arc!
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing & Gregg Dunnett for the arc!
July 27, 2023
This was a perfect read for me. The opening page had me hooked! The story of Detective Sand was also intriguing and had all the great beginning of a great detective story. When it switched to Part 2 I was a bit apprehensive at first of the unexpected POV change and how it was going to fit in with the story but I think this was a really good move by the author and I wouldn’t of been as invested in the characters and story without.
The book was very well paced and the twists and turns weren’t obvious or outlandish as I was kept guessing all the way through. With cliffhanger ending of chapters that kept wanting me to read on and I wouldn’t have to eagerly wait for long for the author to finally reveal.
Books like these often have the ending rushed leading up to the big reveal and after, which this book completely avoided doing and made it an excellent read until the end.
Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book in exchange of a honest review. I will be highly anticipating Gregg Funnects next DCI sands novel.
The book was very well paced and the twists and turns weren’t obvious or outlandish as I was kept guessing all the way through. With cliffhanger ending of chapters that kept wanting me to read on and I wouldn’t have to eagerly wait for long for the author to finally reveal.
Books like these often have the ending rushed leading up to the big reveal and after, which this book completely avoided doing and made it an excellent read until the end.
Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book in exchange of a honest review. I will be highly anticipating Gregg Funnects next DCI sands novel.
August 26, 2024
Un crimen cruento ๏ Una investigadora tenaz ๏ Secretos inesperados
“La cala” es el primer libro de la Serie que protagoniza la Inspectora Erica Sands y he de decir que ha sido un excelente comienzo. Es un thriller que tiene lo justo para entretener y enganchar: un terrible crimen contra una niña, y dos mujeres dispuestas a averiguar lo que ha pasado, sin importar las consecuencias.
El libro está dividido en cuatro partes y cada una cuenta con una narradora claramente identificada. El autor emplea los diferentes puntos de vista según la situación que desea contarnos, detallando lo necesario para crear la tensión sobre los hechos en dos momentos distintos de tiempo. Logra mantener la intriga, haciéndonos dudar de un personaje a otro.
El prólogo también es el gancho perfecto para iniciar la historia, que al inicio parece sencilla, pero se complejiza a medida que avanza.
Aunque el caso se resuelve, hasta cierto punto de una forma que no vi venir y un tanto al estilo de Agatha Christie, quedan dudas que aclarar con respecto a Erica, que imagino se irán resolviendo en los libros siguientes de la serie, por tanto pronto seguiré con La Fuga, la segunda entrega.
La narración es sencilla y sin el empleo de lenguaje complicado, pero tiene las palabras justas para crear tensión, intriga y cierto nerviosismo en torno al hecho principal. Sin embargo hay algunas cosas (que no contaré para no hacer spoilers) que me resultaron un tanto inverosímiles; pero que en favor de disfrutar la lectura, las pasé por alto, y ha valido la pena.
“¿Cuántos padres permanecen juntos tras la muerte de un hijo?”
“La cala” es el primer libro de la Serie que protagoniza la Inspectora Erica Sands y he de decir que ha sido un excelente comienzo. Es un thriller que tiene lo justo para entretener y enganchar: un terrible crimen contra una niña, y dos mujeres dispuestas a averiguar lo que ha pasado, sin importar las consecuencias.
El libro está dividido en cuatro partes y cada una cuenta con una narradora claramente identificada. El autor emplea los diferentes puntos de vista según la situación que desea contarnos, detallando lo necesario para crear la tensión sobre los hechos en dos momentos distintos de tiempo. Logra mantener la intriga, haciéndonos dudar de un personaje a otro.
El prólogo también es el gancho perfecto para iniciar la historia, que al inicio parece sencilla, pero se complejiza a medida que avanza.
Aunque el caso se resuelve, hasta cierto punto de una forma que no vi venir y un tanto al estilo de Agatha Christie, quedan dudas que aclarar con respecto a Erica, que imagino se irán resolviendo en los libros siguientes de la serie, por tanto pronto seguiré con La Fuga, la segunda entrega.
La narración es sencilla y sin el empleo de lenguaje complicado, pero tiene las palabras justas para crear tensión, intriga y cierto nerviosismo en torno al hecho principal. Sin embargo hay algunas cosas (que no contaré para no hacer spoilers) que me resultaron un tanto inverosímiles; pero que en favor de disfrutar la lectura, las pasé por alto, y ha valido la pena.
“¿Cuántos padres permanecen juntos tras la muerte de un hijo?”
July 25, 2023
When the body of a young girl is found on the beach, the evidence leads them straight to a local criminal. But is the case as clear cut as they first expected…?
WOW! From page 1, this is an action packed and gripping thriller. I was completely hooked! Full of plot twists and utterly chilling in places.
I loved Gregg Dunnett’s imaginative and clever writing style. A very believable story that felt like it could easily have been a plot straight out of CSI or Criminal Minds.
Would 100% recommend and would definitely read from this author again.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy.
WOW! From page 1, this is an action packed and gripping thriller. I was completely hooked! Full of plot twists and utterly chilling in places.
I loved Gregg Dunnett’s imaginative and clever writing style. A very believable story that felt like it could easily have been a plot straight out of CSI or Criminal Minds.
Would 100% recommend and would definitely read from this author again.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy.
March 5, 2024
How is this the same author of Little Ghost?
My goodness the characters in this book were insufferable. Every single one. So bad to the point where I almost gave up 30% in but I waited forever for this to become available through Libby and felt I had to finish it. Turns out there wasn’t a real reason to because that ending was silly. How are they not going to tell us what happened to everyone? Just Sands? I get the series is about her but there was no resolution to the other POV that took up half the book.
My goodness the characters in this book were insufferable. Every single one. So bad to the point where I almost gave up 30% in but I waited forever for this to become available through Libby and felt I had to finish it. Turns out there wasn’t a real reason to because that ending was silly. How are they not going to tell us what happened to everyone? Just Sands? I get the series is about her but there was no resolution to the other POV that took up half the book.
February 24, 2025
En términos generales me ha entretenido, aunque tiene un ritmo bastante raro. Pero el giro final de la investigación me ha parecido inverosímil.
July 26, 2023
this was my first detective thriller and i was plesentaly surprised. it was a decent story although im tired of the hysterical neighbor peering through the window trope. i did figure out the killer, but later than i normally do so yay for that. there was a lot of covid talk though, more than was needed. I will read more from Dunnett though. i enjoyed his writing style.
April 19, 2025
Es un libro que te mantiene en vilo, sacando conclusiones de quien es el verdadero asesino, sospechando de todos y hasta el último momento es que descubres quien en verdad es un maldito, el autor te envuelve en el suspenso muy bien, con personajes super bien armados, me encantó...
March 11, 2024
3,5 estrellas.
La primera parte mantiene el interés mientras la protagonista realiza la investigación.
En la segunda, que pone el foco en otro personaje, parece, en principio, que hay un bajón de interés, que la historia no fluje con la misma naturalidad, que se dispersa, aunque pronto se recupera el interés, manteniendo un buen ritmo hasta el final.
Ciertas circunstancias hacen que sea relativamente fácil adivinar el quién y porqué, quizá demasiado pronto, y en la recta final no se evita la clásica confesión.
Hubiera estado bien saber qué fue de tres personajes, las consecuencias que tiene para ellos la resolución del caso, deja la sensación de que falta algo.
Bien redactada (con alguna errata), muy entretenida, la clásica novela que se dice que engancha.
La primera parte mantiene el interés mientras la protagonista realiza la investigación.
En la segunda, que pone el foco en otro personaje, parece, en principio, que hay un bajón de interés, que la historia no fluje con la misma naturalidad, que se dispersa, aunque pronto se recupera el interés, manteniendo un buen ritmo hasta el final.
Ciertas circunstancias hacen que sea relativamente fácil adivinar el quién y porqué, quizá demasiado pronto, y en la recta final no se evita la clásica confesión.
Hubiera estado bien saber qué fue de tres personajes, las consecuencias que tiene para ellos la resolución del caso, deja la sensación de que falta algo.
Bien redactada (con alguna errata), muy entretenida, la clásica novela que se dice que engancha.
May 21, 2024
Mi primera lectura de Gregg Dunnett y no pude elegir mejor, ojala todos mi debuts fueran tan impresionantes como esta experiencia.
The Cove no es solo un thriller magistral, con un desarrollo fantastico y una protagonista femenina que me encanto, sino que ademas, consiguio lo que hacia tiempo un libro de misterio no conseguia, dejarme totalmente asombrada.
Realmente la trama se desenvuelve de una forma tan correcta y sin flecos sueltos que practicamente es mision imposible acertar con el autor de los crimenes que se narran hasta que la protagonista lo descubre por si misma. Yo tuve muchisimos sospechosos y debo reconocer que ninguno de ellos fue el responsable del asesinato.
Como ya digo, creo que The Cove es un libro redondo, no hay ni un solo detalle que no este cuidado al milimetro, y pese a no ser un thriller precisamente breve, yo lo senti hasta corto de lo mucho que lo disfrute.
Es cierto que mis partes favoritas son las narradas por la inspectora Erica Sands, no obstante, todos y cada uno de los capitulos le aporta algo esencial a la historia, estoy deseando poder leer mas tomos de esta nueva saga, estoy muy intrigada con estos personajes y este recien descubierto escritor.
En conclusion, una de las novelas mas destacables que he leido en un tiempo, a pasado un tiempo desde que un libro de suspense no me cautivaba como este.
Intenso, lleno de tension y con una trama llevada de manera formidable.
4.25 Estrellas!!
January 4, 2024
4.5 stars rounded down
This is a humdinger of a page-turner, which is why I rated it with 4.5 stars. I rounded it down to 4 instead of up to 5 for two reasons:
1. The whole scenario of who the killer turned out to be. It was just unbelievable, as if the author had read something in an Introduction to Psychology textbook, but that's all he knew about abnormal psychology.
2. At some point in the story, someone gets shot and that someone ends up in hospital where the doctors explain that the bullet entered just above the right hip, travelled diagonally upward, and exited just below the ribcage. They had to perform surgeries on the colon, gallbladder, and the bile duct, which has, the doctors diagnosed, left the patient paralyzed from the neck down. Huh? That's not possible. To be paralyzed from the neck down, there must be damage to the cervical spine i.e. the neck. I don't even think the trajectory of the bullet would have even hit the gallbladder or bile duct.
Having said all that, I did really enjoy the book. It was an exciting and tense read and, before the reveal at the end, I was distrusting just about every character. This was the first book I've read by Gregg Dunnett and I'm looking forward to reading more.
This is a humdinger of a page-turner, which is why I rated it with 4.5 stars. I rounded it down to 4 instead of up to 5 for two reasons:
1. The whole scenario of who the killer turned out to be. It was just unbelievable, as if the author had read something in an Introduction to Psychology textbook, but that's all he knew about abnormal psychology.
2. At some point in the story, someone gets shot and that someone ends up in hospital where the doctors explain that the bullet entered just above the right hip, travelled diagonally upward, and exited just below the ribcage. They had to perform surgeries on the colon, gallbladder, and the bile duct, which has, the doctors diagnosed, left the patient paralyzed from the neck down. Huh? That's not possible. To be paralyzed from the neck down, there must be damage to the cervical spine i.e. the neck. I don't even think the trajectory of the bullet would have even hit the gallbladder or bile duct.
Having said all that, I did really enjoy the book. It was an exciting and tense read and, before the reveal at the end, I was distrusting just about every character. This was the first book I've read by Gregg Dunnett and I'm looking forward to reading more.
August 15, 2023
Format Read: Audiobook from NetGalley (available now)
Review: This was better in the beginning and the end, some of the middle was too far-fetched and the audio was dull. Amazon has this listed a cozy animal mystery and this truly doesn’t make sense to me. This was a ‘police procedure/who done it?’ with some gruesome parts that I should not have been eating to while listening. Overall not the best, but not the worst.
Recommended For: Those who like a who committed the crime books.
Book-opoly #14
Review: This was better in the beginning and the end, some of the middle was too far-fetched and the audio was dull. Amazon has this listed a cozy animal mystery and this truly doesn’t make sense to me. This was a ‘police procedure/who done it?’ with some gruesome parts that I should not have been eating to while listening. Overall not the best, but not the worst.
Recommended For: Those who like a who committed the crime books.
Book-opoly #14
August 1, 2023
DNF very early on
Detailed description of a dead animal right away…no thanks. Can’t comment too much on the rest of the story because of that. The premise sounded okay, so maybe someone else will be able to get past that initial piece and enjoy the rest of it.
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Detailed description of a dead animal right away…no thanks. Can’t comment too much on the rest of the story because of that. The premise sounded okay, so maybe someone else will be able to get past that initial piece and enjoy the rest of it.
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm publishing for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review. There is so much to say about this book. After reading the first part, i was so impressed. The author described the scenes so well I felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading. It felt like I was on scene !! Starting the 2nd part, I was confused thinking it was another book but it soon connected haha.. That book was such a ride, I didn't see the twist coming. It's the first book I read from this author and I am very much impressed and it won't be my last.
March 1, 2025
Es increíble cómo distintas historias aparentemente inconexas acaban uniéndose para revelar un final totalmente inesperado. Lo mejor es que a pesar de que la historia queda cerrada, la última frase del libro abre un nuevo comienzo para otro libro.
January 22, 2026
Muy entretenida, con buenos giros y el suspenso necesario para mantenerte prendada.
Very entertaining, with good twists and the necessary suspense to keep you hooked.
Very entertaining, with good twists and the necessary suspense to keep you hooked.
February 9, 2026
En líneas generales entretenido, el caso bien cerrado, pero el asesino, en ambos casos, bastante obvio.
August 3, 2023
The Cove
Thank you to Dreamscape Media Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook of, The Cove, by Gregg Dunnett.
This is the first book I’ve listened/read by Gregg Dunnett and look forward to book #2 of the DCI Stone Crime Thriller series. I enjoyed this audiobook read by, Jan Cramer.
The story starts with the brutal murder of an 8 year old girl found on a beach. The story moves at a frenetic pace and the tension builds with each chapter. It is an unputdownable listen.
If you like psychological crime thrillers with dysfunctional families, I think you will enjoy this. There are a few descriptions that are a bit macabre, but it didn’t deter me from finishing.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook of, The Cove, by Gregg Dunnett.
This is the first book I’ve listened/read by Gregg Dunnett and look forward to book #2 of the DCI Stone Crime Thriller series. I enjoyed this audiobook read by, Jan Cramer.
The story starts with the brutal murder of an 8 year old girl found on a beach. The story moves at a frenetic pace and the tension builds with each chapter. It is an unputdownable listen.
If you like psychological crime thrillers with dysfunctional families, I think you will enjoy this. There are a few descriptions that are a bit macabre, but it didn’t deter me from finishing.
June 6, 2024
El giro del final me ha gustado , no me esperaba esa conexión.
Otro autor a mi lista de thriller , espero seguir con el segundo inmediatamente. ⭐
Otro autor a mi lista de thriller , espero seguir con el segundo inmediatamente. ⭐
March 25, 2025
Hace rato que no leí un thriller con continuación que me diera ganas de seguir los otros libros. Este lo súper logro!
April 5, 2024
THE COVE
GREGG DUNNETT
That is D U N N E T T... just so you have it when you go to the bookstore or library you can find this book. I happen to like very straightforward writing that depicts focused and single-minded detectives, particularly if they are female. Having been a female police officer I can assure you there is always some drama based on the fact that you are female. so the drama is always a result of your being female, it would not happen had you been male.
At any rate, this was a fast-paced book that sucked me in and held me in place until the last page. I enjoyed Sands quite a bit and found her to be brave, smart, analytical, and with a general air of feminity. The supporting characters were drawn well and believably fit the story.
It was a great read.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
GREGG DUNNETT
That is D U N N E T T... just so you have it when you go to the bookstore or library you can find this book. I happen to like very straightforward writing that depicts focused and single-minded detectives, particularly if they are female. Having been a female police officer I can assure you there is always some drama based on the fact that you are female. so the drama is always a result of your being female, it would not happen had you been male.
At any rate, this was a fast-paced book that sucked me in and held me in place until the last page. I enjoyed Sands quite a bit and found her to be brave, smart, analytical, and with a general air of feminity. The supporting characters were drawn well and believably fit the story.
It was a great read.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
August 15, 2025
Nada del otro mundo. No me importaría continuar con la saga, pero no se me va la vida en ello
Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews