What do you think?
Rate this book
DI Ben Kitto #1
Hell Bay
DI Ben Kitto needs a second chance. After ten years working for the murder squad in London, a traumatic event has left him grief-stricken. He’s tried to resign from his job, but his boss has persuaded him to take three months to reconsider.
Ben plans to work in his uncle Ray’s boatyard, on the tiny Scilly island of Bryher where he was born, hoping to mend his shattered nerves. His plans go awry when the body of sixteen year old Laura Trescothick is found on the beach at Hell Bay. Her attacker must still be on the island because no ferries have sailed during a two-day storm.
Everyone on the island is under suspicion. Dark secrets are about to resurface. And the murderer could strike again at any time.
Ben plans to work in his uncle Ray’s boatyard, on the tiny Scilly island of Bryher where he was born, hoping to mend his shattered nerves. His plans go awry when the body of sixteen year old Laura Trescothick is found on the beach at Hell Bay. Her attacker must still be on the island because no ferries have sailed during a two-day storm.
Everyone on the island is under suspicion. Dark secrets are about to resurface. And the murderer could strike again at any time.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
322 people are currently reading
1697 people want to read
About the author
Kate Rhodes
37 books352 followersKate Rhodes is a bestselling UK crime writer. Her latest books are the acclaimed ISLES OF SCILLY MYSTERIES, which have been optioned for TV. Kate has been nominated for the Crime Novel of the Year award and a Library Dagger.
Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
.
Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 410 reviews
March 29, 2018
This is dark and atmospheric crime fiction set in Bryher, one of the Scilly Isles, by Kate Rhodes. It features DI Ben Kitto, taking a break from undercover policing in London after his partner, Clare's death has him emotionally distraught and psychologically unable to cope. His boss refuses to accept his resignation, suggesting that he takes a 3 month break. He is returning to Bryher, his family home, to recuperate. It is a small remote island with 98 residents, where everyone knows everyone, but where a popular young beautiful teenage girl, Laura Trescothick, has just gone missing. Her body is recovered from the sea, and its clear that it is murder. The bad weather has ensured that no-one could have left the island, meaning only an islander could be the killer. Ben's break turns into a busman's holiday as he finds himself leading the investigation. It is a harrowing and complex case that turns Ben inside out as the people he regards as friends and family, all become suspects. This is a story of family, secrets, abuse and deception where Ben and the people he loves find themselves in grave danger.
Laura's parents, Matt and Jenna, once viewed as the island's golden couple, and their other daughter, Suzanne, are traumatised and shocked at the tragedy that has befallen them. The small community rally around to support them, unable to comprehend how such an act on a mostly crime free place could have happened. DCI Alan Madron is expecting Ben to find answers quickly, not disturb the Trescothick family in their grief and ensure the tourist trade is not damaged. Ben, however, is aware that in most such murders, the culprit tends to be someone close to the victim and he wants to look closely at the family and Laura's boyfriend, Danny Curnow, the son of a local millionaire. Ben is helped by Eddie Nickell, a young local cop, in their enormous task of interviewing the island residents, checking alibis and their criminal records. The killer taunts Ben by leaving items on his doorstep and targeting those he loves. As another murder takes place, we find the island is experiencing drug problems and residents being bullied to sell their homes. The one bright light in the bleak and oppressive case is that Ben finds himself unexpectedly emotionally involved in a relationship that makes him happy.
Hell Bay captures the trials and tribulations of living in a small remote island community, the jealousies, rivalries, grudges, the economic challenges of surviving where jobs and opportunities are scarce, where alcohol, drug problems and violence are common. The young people are looking for a way out, indeed as Ben did, to experience a bigger world and expand their horizons, as Laura was intent on doing. The descriptions in the narrative ensure that the island of Bryher, its seas and turbulent weather is a central and dominating character. This is wonderfully dark and menacing crime fiction that reveals the pain and horror that individuals, families and small communities endure, hidden behind a facade that all is well. A gripping, tense and suspenseful read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for an ARC.
Laura's parents, Matt and Jenna, once viewed as the island's golden couple, and their other daughter, Suzanne, are traumatised and shocked at the tragedy that has befallen them. The small community rally around to support them, unable to comprehend how such an act on a mostly crime free place could have happened. DCI Alan Madron is expecting Ben to find answers quickly, not disturb the Trescothick family in their grief and ensure the tourist trade is not damaged. Ben, however, is aware that in most such murders, the culprit tends to be someone close to the victim and he wants to look closely at the family and Laura's boyfriend, Danny Curnow, the son of a local millionaire. Ben is helped by Eddie Nickell, a young local cop, in their enormous task of interviewing the island residents, checking alibis and their criminal records. The killer taunts Ben by leaving items on his doorstep and targeting those he loves. As another murder takes place, we find the island is experiencing drug problems and residents being bullied to sell their homes. The one bright light in the bleak and oppressive case is that Ben finds himself unexpectedly emotionally involved in a relationship that makes him happy.
Hell Bay captures the trials and tribulations of living in a small remote island community, the jealousies, rivalries, grudges, the economic challenges of surviving where jobs and opportunities are scarce, where alcohol, drug problems and violence are common. The young people are looking for a way out, indeed as Ben did, to experience a bigger world and expand their horizons, as Laura was intent on doing. The descriptions in the narrative ensure that the island of Bryher, its seas and turbulent weather is a central and dominating character. This is wonderfully dark and menacing crime fiction that reveals the pain and horror that individuals, families and small communities endure, hidden behind a facade that all is well. A gripping, tense and suspenseful read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for an ARC.
December 16, 2017
I have never read anything by Kate Rhodes before, but was tempted by the start of a new series. This features D.I. Ben Kitto, who is on leave from his job in London, where he works on a murder squad, in order to consider his resignation. Haunted by the death of his previous partner, and his feelings of guilt, he has returned to his childhood home on Bryher, the smallest, inhabited island on the Isles of Scilly. With less than a hundred permanent residents, his childhood home seems the perfect place to lick his wounds and decide what the future holds.
For the moment, it consists of hard work at his uncle’s boatyard, considering his future and letting the work take over his mind. However, even before his arrival, a young girl – sixteen year old Laura Trescothick – has gone missing. When her body is found and foul play is suspected, on an island where crime is virtually unknown, Ben offers his services and is given the task of investigating the crime. The suspects though, are people he has known all his lives – friends and neighbours. With a storm having cut the island off, though, the murderer is definitely among those who live there an dit is up to Ben to discover the truth.
Bryher does not sound an idyllic place, despite the obviously beautiful setting. It is a place where locals often only have summer work, when tourists visit, where they have more than one job to survive, and where life is hard and the biggest industries are fishing, boatbuilding and tourism. It is also a place where, behind closed doors, there are unseen problems; from smuggling to domestic violence, infatuation, jealousy and financial worries. As Ben untangles the secrets and lies behind a young girls death, he has to come to terms with his past and decide his future.
I really liked this crime novel. The setting may not be overly original – an island, where you know the suspect is within the closed community – but it works well. Bryher is very much part of the storyline, and atmosphere, alongside the characters. Ben Kitto is a wonderful, brooding character and I am pleased to see from the end of this book that he will be in future books. This has all the ingredients of becoming an excellent series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
For the moment, it consists of hard work at his uncle’s boatyard, considering his future and letting the work take over his mind. However, even before his arrival, a young girl – sixteen year old Laura Trescothick – has gone missing. When her body is found and foul play is suspected, on an island where crime is virtually unknown, Ben offers his services and is given the task of investigating the crime. The suspects though, are people he has known all his lives – friends and neighbours. With a storm having cut the island off, though, the murderer is definitely among those who live there an dit is up to Ben to discover the truth.
Bryher does not sound an idyllic place, despite the obviously beautiful setting. It is a place where locals often only have summer work, when tourists visit, where they have more than one job to survive, and where life is hard and the biggest industries are fishing, boatbuilding and tourism. It is also a place where, behind closed doors, there are unseen problems; from smuggling to domestic violence, infatuation, jealousy and financial worries. As Ben untangles the secrets and lies behind a young girls death, he has to come to terms with his past and decide his future.
I really liked this crime novel. The setting may not be overly original – an island, where you know the suspect is within the closed community – but it works well. Bryher is very much part of the storyline, and atmosphere, alongside the characters. Ben Kitto is a wonderful, brooding character and I am pleased to see from the end of this book that he will be in future books. This has all the ingredients of becoming an excellent series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
February 1, 2019
Drags on and on and on...going nowhere. Picks up in the last pages, with a killer and motive which seem plucked out of thin air (no building up, no logical clues). Cardboard characters, several storylines going...nowhere. Romantic interest does nothing for the story.
The only good thing: wonderful descriptions of the Isles of Scilly,which sound extraordinarily beautiful.And the dog, of course,best character of all.
The only good thing: wonderful descriptions of the Isles of Scilly,which sound extraordinarily beautiful.And the dog, of course,best character of all.
December 10, 2017
Kate Rhodes is a new author to me but I was drawn in by the description and having read the book will certainly look at others she has written.
DI Ben Kitto is on holiday on the island of Bryher, which is one of the smallest islands of the Isles of Scilly. He is normally based in London but following a traumatic event at work which caused him to offer his resignation he was persuaded to go back to his roots to reconsider. Once in Bryher he takes on a murder investigation, when a sixteen year old, Laura Trescothick is found dead. Due to a storm, all ferries to and from the island are suspended meaning the killer is still on the island. DI Ben Kitto questions all the locals in an effort to discover the truth.
Nicely written novel, the author sets the scene well and introduces good strong characters to make this book a very good read. I would like to think that this book is the start of a series.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Simon & Schuster UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
DI Ben Kitto is on holiday on the island of Bryher, which is one of the smallest islands of the Isles of Scilly. He is normally based in London but following a traumatic event at work which caused him to offer his resignation he was persuaded to go back to his roots to reconsider. Once in Bryher he takes on a murder investigation, when a sixteen year old, Laura Trescothick is found dead. Due to a storm, all ferries to and from the island are suspended meaning the killer is still on the island. DI Ben Kitto questions all the locals in an effort to discover the truth.
Nicely written novel, the author sets the scene well and introduces good strong characters to make this book a very good read. I would like to think that this book is the start of a series.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Simon & Schuster UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2019
Excellent. On to the next book! 😁
November 30, 2017
I’ve been a fan of Kate Rhodes for a while now, such brilliantly atmospheric novels with entirely engaging characters – Hell Bay continues and indeed exceeds that expectation, with a beautifully plotted, well layered story that is absolutely gripping, within a beautifully described island setting.
Ben Kitto has come home after a tragedy, but soon gets pulled into a mystery that will send shock waves through this small tight knit community and pull him back towards the police work he is considering leaving behind. With a claustrophobic and fully charged narrative, Kate Rhodes dissects this community and it’s secrets, keeping you hooked right up to the last page.
I loved it – I fell for Ben so am pleased we will see him again, LOVED the setting that came alive on the page, I want to describe this story as “Broadchurch on an island” taking as it does the main theme of family and community affected by tragedy.
Vivid and immersive, Hell Bay is the perfect start for a new series I’m sure to travel along with. Because it was truly excellent. Plus Shadow….
Highly Recommended.
Ben Kitto has come home after a tragedy, but soon gets pulled into a mystery that will send shock waves through this small tight knit community and pull him back towards the police work he is considering leaving behind. With a claustrophobic and fully charged narrative, Kate Rhodes dissects this community and it’s secrets, keeping you hooked right up to the last page.
I loved it – I fell for Ben so am pleased we will see him again, LOVED the setting that came alive on the page, I want to describe this story as “Broadchurch on an island” taking as it does the main theme of family and community affected by tragedy.
Vivid and immersive, Hell Bay is the perfect start for a new series I’m sure to travel along with. Because it was truly excellent. Plus Shadow….
Highly Recommended.
October 29, 2021
This was a brilliant start to a crime series and I'm eager to read the next one. Don't usually get as invested in crime novels lately but this one definitely made me intrigued
January 19, 2018
A slick and atmospheric murder mystery set on a small Scilly island of less than 100 residents.
Ben Kitto, a London detective, has returned to the island following a traumatic event and gets to lead the investigation into people he's known all his life. This may be just me but personally I'm tired of yet another emotionally-traumatised detective: with burdens in his past, an angsty romance plus the stress of murder, it all becomes a bit overweighted.
All the same, the geography is like another character, the assured writing and a real sense of place makes this worth reading.
Good for fans of books like Broadchurch centred on a small community and long-held secrets, and remote island crime like May's Lewis trilogy and Cleeves' Shetland series.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC via NetGalley.
Ben Kitto, a London detective, has returned to the island following a traumatic event and gets to lead the investigation into people he's known all his life. This may be just me but personally I'm tired of yet another emotionally-traumatised detective: with burdens in his past, an angsty romance plus the stress of murder, it all becomes a bit overweighted.
All the same, the geography is like another character, the assured writing and a real sense of place makes this worth reading.
Good for fans of books like Broadchurch centred on a small community and long-held secrets, and remote island crime like May's Lewis trilogy and Cleeves' Shetland series.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC via NetGalley.
November 2, 2021
Detective Ben Kitto returns from London to the Scilly Isles to recover from an incident that has him considering giving in his resignation. He, somehow, suddenly finds himself leading a murder investigation after a girl is found on the beach near the cliffs. From there on, it just seems like a story of him wandering round the small island of Bryher bumping into people and not really getting anywhere. I had real difficulty remembering who was who as none of the characters had much depth, and I didn’t like the author’s style. I like my detective’s to be down to earth and so was a little put off by the language with sleep eluding him, sleep claiming him, sleep welcoming him, and sleep arriving. Despite people whose opinions I really respect giving this five stars, I really just didn’t get on with this novel.
December 20, 2017
Visit the locations in the novel
Love it, love it, love it
There is so much to like in this novel - Death on a remote island setting, an enclosed community with enough secrets to drown a ship, which is ironic as no boats have managed to land or leave the island for two days because of the weather. And in that time there’ s been a murder.
It's a dark and unforeboding place where the light dims and casts shapes over the landscape. There's a dog called Shadow too...
Deliciously creepy,with a sense of foreboding and darkness at every turn. Im also in love with Ben Kitto - the lead in the book and I'm very happy to say he's coming back as this is the first in a series. Ben steps up when needed despite his pain from a previous case. Ooh he's sounds all deep and rugged - lots more to come from him!
Pace is excellent, characters developed and deep, landscape dark and dreary, that island doesn't welcome newcomers or take prisoners and it doesn't seen too keen on its inhabitants either. Hell Bay is epic in title, tone, landscape and overall feeling it left me with. Brrrrrilliant!
December 21, 2017
The start of a new and very promising series. After reading this book, I immediately wanted to hop on a boat to visit Bryher and the other little island that play such an important role in this story. I was therefore very pleased to see that it is actually possible to have a wonderful holiday on Bryher. Since I take my holiday always on the British islands or Ireland, I hope to read some more of Kate Rhodes and then, book in hand, explore the islands.
This is a review, not a travel guide, but I think the story for an important part revolves on the fact that living on such a tiny island does something with people. Some never want to leave, others cannot leave too soon. For Laura, who hoped to be off the island with her boyfriend before they both even turned eighteen, it is too late. She made all her plans for nothing and ends up dead at the beach.
Ben Kitto made plans too, and he succeeded in finding a place for himself elsewhere in the world. But after the tragedy that now fills his mind day and night, he comes home. Not running, but still, home. Home to a group of people he's known his whole life, among which he now has to find a killer.
I feel for Ben. He is not ready yet to turn a new leaf and go on with his life, but somehow he gets involved in this very tragic story and becomes the only one who can really find the truth.
The book is beautyfully and strongly written; the atmosphere is almost painted, with the broad strokes of an artist who really knows their subject. The is a good story, interesting and likable characters, a lovely dog (and I'm not a dog person...), humor and just the right amount of sadness. It's great, you should read it!
Thank you NetGalley!
This is a review, not a travel guide, but I think the story for an important part revolves on the fact that living on such a tiny island does something with people. Some never want to leave, others cannot leave too soon. For Laura, who hoped to be off the island with her boyfriend before they both even turned eighteen, it is too late. She made all her plans for nothing and ends up dead at the beach.
Ben Kitto made plans too, and he succeeded in finding a place for himself elsewhere in the world. But after the tragedy that now fills his mind day and night, he comes home. Not running, but still, home. Home to a group of people he's known his whole life, among which he now has to find a killer.
I feel for Ben. He is not ready yet to turn a new leaf and go on with his life, but somehow he gets involved in this very tragic story and becomes the only one who can really find the truth.
The book is beautyfully and strongly written; the atmosphere is almost painted, with the broad strokes of an artist who really knows their subject. The is a good story, interesting and likable characters, a lovely dog (and I'm not a dog person...), humor and just the right amount of sadness. It's great, you should read it!
Thank you NetGalley!
April 29, 2018
Hell Bay by Kate Rhodes was a fantastic book. It was the first book by Kate that I have read but I will be looking out for more of her books. I really enjoyed the way that she writes and brings her characters to life.
This book is the story of DI Ben Kitty who returns home to the island of Breyer off the Cornish coast after a traumatic incident in London. He plans to spend 3 months here to decide what his future holds. When the body of 16 year old Laura Trescothick is found on rocks near the beach the hunt begins for her murderer. As the island is only accessible by boat and there has not been a ferry to the island for 2 days the murder must be on the island.
Ben is a very likeable character who has been through a rough time. He meets some interesting characters on the island, all of whom make his job difficult to find the murderer.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster UK for an advanced copy of this book to read and enjoy in exchange for my honest opinions
This book is the story of DI Ben Kitty who returns home to the island of Breyer off the Cornish coast after a traumatic incident in London. He plans to spend 3 months here to decide what his future holds. When the body of 16 year old Laura Trescothick is found on rocks near the beach the hunt begins for her murderer. As the island is only accessible by boat and there has not been a ferry to the island for 2 days the murder must be on the island.
Ben is a very likeable character who has been through a rough time. He meets some interesting characters on the island, all of whom make his job difficult to find the murderer.
Thanks to Simon and Schuster UK for an advanced copy of this book to read and enjoy in exchange for my honest opinions
October 23, 2024
4⭐️ = Good.
Paperback.
I borrowed this from a good friend of mine and what a great start to a series this was. Really atmospheric and with a likeable bunch of characters (including a dog).
I’m looking forward to reading #2.
Paperback.
I borrowed this from a good friend of mine and what a great start to a series this was. Really atmospheric and with a likeable bunch of characters (including a dog).
I’m looking forward to reading #2.
September 3, 2018
I read this book as we have a house on a Bryher and know the island and inhabitants well through years of visits. I thought the quality of writing was mediocre and the narrative not very compelling. I’ve enjoyed Peter May’s novels set on the Hebrides but think they are both better written and far more gripping than this was.
July 11, 2023
Ein ganz guter Krimi, aber leider konnte er mich nie wirklich packen. Ich kann nicht genau sagen, woran es lag. Es hat ziemlich lange gedauert, bis ich mit der Hauptperson was anfangen konnte und auch der Schreibstil und die Ich-Perspektive fühlten sich etwas merkwürdig an. Was mich an dem Buch gereizt hat, war das Setting auf den Scilly-Inseln, aber irgendwie hat es mir da auch an Lokalkolorit und Infos zu den Inseln gefehlt. Es hätte auch irgendeine andere Nordseeinsel sein können. Die Krimihandlung und die Ermittlungen waren mir zu behäbig, da hätte ich mir mehr Handlung und Spannung gewünscht. Und das Techtelmechtel des Inspektors war schlicht überflüssig.
October 26, 2024
Det var ingen spänning alls i den här berättelsen. Stappliga meningar och töntiga avslut på varje kapitel. Det tog så lång tid och ingenting hände tills man helt plötsligt bara fick veta vem det var som var mördaren och så var boken slut. Rekommenderar inte!
January 29, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this beginning to a new series by Kate Rhodes - the setting in the Isles of Scilly is so evocative and DI Ben Kitto is a great main character. The island is small, the number of inhabitants just as small and every one of them is a murder suspect. Nevertheless, I was kept guessing until the very end. Full review to follow on the blog shortly.
February 3, 2023
“DI Ben Kitto needs a second chance. After ten years working for the murder squad in London, a traumatic event has left him grief-stricken. He’s tried to resign from his job, but his boss has persuaded him to take three months to reconsider.”
So when arrives at his childhood home, he’s thrust into a missing person inquiry. And it takes off from there!
Hell Bay, The Isles of Scilly Mysteries
by Kate Rhodes was a 5 ⭐️ for me. The
narrated by Stephen Perring. I’m not a huge fan of male voices but he was the exception. I loved his voice and he was a perfect choice for this book. The story was layered and beautifully written. I wanted to go to this island and take it all in. It had lots of suspects and a good deal of mystery. I highly recommend this one.
Thanks Simon and Schuster Audio UK via NetGalley.
So when arrives at his childhood home, he’s thrust into a missing person inquiry. And it takes off from there!
Hell Bay, The Isles of Scilly Mysteries
by Kate Rhodes was a 5 ⭐️ for me. The
narrated by Stephen Perring. I’m not a huge fan of male voices but he was the exception. I loved his voice and he was a perfect choice for this book. The story was layered and beautifully written. I wanted to go to this island and take it all in. It had lots of suspects and a good deal of mystery. I highly recommend this one.
Thanks Simon and Schuster Audio UK via NetGalley.
November 18, 2019
Ben Kitto part man, part metaphor and simile generator, wanders a small island trying his best to not solve a crime in this ridiculous nonsense that will have you tearing your eyes out.
December 17, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Uk Fiction for an advance copy of Hell Bay, the first novel in a new series featuring DI Benesek "Ben" Kitto set on the Scilly Isles.
Ben, a Detective Inspector with the Met, returns home to the Scilly Island of Bryher to recuperate from a serious incident and mull over his future. Bryher is a small community of less than 100 people so it is a terrible shock when teenager Laura Trescothick is found murdered. Due to his local knowledge and experience on the Met's murder squad Ben soon finds himself leading the hunt for Laura's killer.
I enjoyed Hell Bay which is, after a slow start, a compulsive read as Ben gradually uncovers secrets the residents would rather have kept hidden. I particularly enjoyed the ending with its musings on cause and effect but am unable to expand on this without spoilers.
The narrative is linear which I like and mostly told in the first person by Ben, which I'm not so sure of because, while it gives immediacy and intimacy to the investigation, Ben is not an open book and he is a difficult character to identify with. The novel is also intercut with third person narratives, mostly about Rose Austell. These add little to the murder plot line but do underline the unforgiving nature of life on the islands and the challenges it presents. Ms Rhodes does an excellent job of portraying the harshness of island life from the severe weather to the subsistence living of many of the inhabitants, paradise it ain't despite the scenery.
I'm interesting in reading more about Ben Kitto because it seems that there is much more to discover about this self contained man. He is obviously a smart and dedicated detective but his thoughts and emotions are not easily discerned beyond the little he is prepared to give.
Hell Bay is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Ben, a Detective Inspector with the Met, returns home to the Scilly Island of Bryher to recuperate from a serious incident and mull over his future. Bryher is a small community of less than 100 people so it is a terrible shock when teenager Laura Trescothick is found murdered. Due to his local knowledge and experience on the Met's murder squad Ben soon finds himself leading the hunt for Laura's killer.
I enjoyed Hell Bay which is, after a slow start, a compulsive read as Ben gradually uncovers secrets the residents would rather have kept hidden. I particularly enjoyed the ending with its musings on cause and effect but am unable to expand on this without spoilers.
The narrative is linear which I like and mostly told in the first person by Ben, which I'm not so sure of because, while it gives immediacy and intimacy to the investigation, Ben is not an open book and he is a difficult character to identify with. The novel is also intercut with third person narratives, mostly about Rose Austell. These add little to the murder plot line but do underline the unforgiving nature of life on the islands and the challenges it presents. Ms Rhodes does an excellent job of portraying the harshness of island life from the severe weather to the subsistence living of many of the inhabitants, paradise it ain't despite the scenery.
I'm interesting in reading more about Ben Kitto because it seems that there is much more to discover about this self contained man. He is obviously a smart and dedicated detective but his thoughts and emotions are not easily discerned beyond the little he is prepared to give.
Hell Bay is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
March 6, 2018
This was the first book by the author that I have read and the start of a new series featuring DI Ben Kitto.
Ben has returned to his childhood home of the Island of Bryher, in the Isles of Scilly after a traumatic event related to work. Hoping to hide away from the world and work at his uncle’s boatyard, his plans go awry when a young sixteen year old local girl is discovered murdered on the island.
I liked the character of DI Kitto. He was a good man but damaged from his previous position on the murder squad in London. He's trying to get his life back in order whilst trying to find the murderer, who could be any one of people he knew while growing up.
I loved the descriptions of the land and could feel the harshness of it all and the bleakness during the winter. This was an enjoyable police procedural story that had me guessing all the way through.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
Ben has returned to his childhood home of the Island of Bryher, in the Isles of Scilly after a traumatic event related to work. Hoping to hide away from the world and work at his uncle’s boatyard, his plans go awry when a young sixteen year old local girl is discovered murdered on the island.
I liked the character of DI Kitto. He was a good man but damaged from his previous position on the murder squad in London. He's trying to get his life back in order whilst trying to find the murderer, who could be any one of people he knew while growing up.
I loved the descriptions of the land and could feel the harshness of it all and the bleakness during the winter. This was an enjoyable police procedural story that had me guessing all the way through.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
February 5, 2018
Ben Kitto is an homicide detective working in London, but after the death of his partner he tries to resign from the Met police. His boss doesn’t accept his resignation and gives him a three-month break to change his mind. Ben decides to spend this break in the place where he grew up, Bryher, one of the small island of the Isles of Scilly, off the coast of Cornwall. Ben’s arrival is marked by the disappearance of Laura Trescothick, the sixteen-year-old daughter of Matt and Jenna Trescothick, the golden couple of his high school. Ben decides to help the investigation of the local police because no one arrived or left the island before or after Laura’s disappearance and this means that one of the islanders is the killer, one of their own.
This novel is a highly enjoyable and compulsive read that reminded me a little of one of my favorite novels by Agatha Christie, And Then There Were None, with its wintery dark and atmospheric setting, the isolated small island far away from the mainland, everyone suspecting everyone, everyone with their motives to commit the murder.
The plot is very intriguing with a few surprising twists and tension rising as the end of the book approaches. The characters are very well-crafted and complex, especially the protagonist, Ben Kitto, with ghosts who from his past and an uncertain future. The island is as much a protagonist of the novel as the other characters and I loved the author’s attention to details and the vivid descriptions that make the story more realistic and captivating.
HELL BAY is the first of a series and I am already looking forward to book number 2, of which I already had a taste and I can’t wait for the rest.
This novel is a highly enjoyable and compulsive read that reminded me a little of one of my favorite novels by Agatha Christie, And Then There Were None, with its wintery dark and atmospheric setting, the isolated small island far away from the mainland, everyone suspecting everyone, everyone with their motives to commit the murder.
The plot is very intriguing with a few surprising twists and tension rising as the end of the book approaches. The characters are very well-crafted and complex, especially the protagonist, Ben Kitto, with ghosts who from his past and an uncertain future. The island is as much a protagonist of the novel as the other characters and I loved the author’s attention to details and the vivid descriptions that make the story more realistic and captivating.
HELL BAY is the first of a series and I am already looking forward to book number 2, of which I already had a taste and I can’t wait for the rest.
October 14, 2021
Hell Bay is book one in the DI Ben Kitto Series by Kate Rhodes. DI Ben Kitto decided after the death of his partner, and his boss refused to accept his resignation chose to come home to the Scilly Islands to recuperate and think about his future. DI Ben Kitto thought he was only going to work for his Uncle. However, on the first day, an incident happened that derailed DI Ben Kitto plans. The readers of Hell Bay will continue to follow DI Ben Kitto to find out what happens.
Hell Bay is another fantastic book by Kate Rhodes. I founded this series by mistake, and I am so pleased that I did and I will differently read more books in this series. I love Kate Rhodes's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Hell Bay is well written and researched by Kate Rhodes. I like Kate Rhodes's description of Hell Bay's settings that allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Hell Bay will learn about the consequences of long term child abuse. Also, the readers of Hell Bay will understand the role of a chiropractor.
I recommend this book.
Hell Bay is another fantastic book by Kate Rhodes. I founded this series by mistake, and I am so pleased that I did and I will differently read more books in this series. I love Kate Rhodes's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Hell Bay is well written and researched by Kate Rhodes. I like Kate Rhodes's description of Hell Bay's settings that allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Hell Bay will learn about the consequences of long term child abuse. Also, the readers of Hell Bay will understand the role of a chiropractor.
I recommend this book.
February 16, 2018
There's always something that really appeals to me about books set on islands, the claustrophobic tension that results from a limited pool of suspects. I love the contrast between the raw power of the water that surrounds an island, and the often harsh existence, and the closeness of the community, with normal struggles experienced in a small sphere.
So I was very excited to read Hell Bay, the new crime thriller from Kate Rhodes. Ben Kitto is returning to Bryher, one of the Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall, fleeing from life in London with the Metropolitan Police after a tragedy. He isn't home long, though, before a young girl goes missing and he is sucked back into the lives of those he grew up with.
I really enjoyed this, wonderfully descriptive and tense.
So I was very excited to read Hell Bay, the new crime thriller from Kate Rhodes. Ben Kitto is returning to Bryher, one of the Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall, fleeing from life in London with the Metropolitan Police after a tragedy. He isn't home long, though, before a young girl goes missing and he is sucked back into the lives of those he grew up with.
I really enjoyed this, wonderfully descriptive and tense.
November 5, 2021
Scilly-noir? More like silly noir! Our protagonist Ben Kitto spends most of his time running aimlessly around an island only 1 mile by a half yet never managing to catch someone supposedly terrorising its populace. He's like a character from a romance (all rugged & piratical) who - to his surprise - finds himself in a detective thriller. He's accompanied by a wolfdog whose warnings he's oblivious to. Throw in a predictable holiday romance, which occurs when he's supposed to be hunting a killer and you have a real thriller-by-numbers. Oh - and this is not a spoiler - the killer reveal shows the author knows nothing about PTSD, or families it would seem. I cannot remember reading such an unconvincing procedural for a long time.
February 3, 2021
I can't understand the gushing blurb on the back of this. It only makes it to 2 stars because I liked the Scilly Isles setting and I did finish it. But I thought the writing was mediocre and I became increasingly irritated by the author's penchant for endless unoriginal similes. The detective jogs around the island from one cottage to another conducting a series of hopeless interviews and closing them down when anything vaguely interesting is said. There's far too much about his dog (does he accompany him on this particular mission, does he stay at home etc) so that I assumed the dog would come into its own at some point by making a Discovery, but nope. The romance sub-plot was annoying and the ending rushed and implausible. On the plus side, writing this review has cheered me up!
October 20, 2024
Det känns som att de enda spännande sidorna i boken var de sista 15-20 sidorna. Konversationer och möten mellan huvudkaraktären och andra i boken kändes så hastigt avslutade - störde mig lite för mycket på det kanske.
Inte världens största fan av språket heller, kändes som att författaren använde sig av lite ”töntiga” ord ibland??
Men!! Mysig miljö, jag gillar att det var många karaktärer, lite pusseldeckar-vibes.
Inte världens största fan av språket heller, kändes som att författaren använde sig av lite ”töntiga” ord ibland??
Men!! Mysig miljö, jag gillar att det var många karaktärer, lite pusseldeckar-vibes.
April 5, 2021
Thrilling
February 10, 2018
I can safely say that Hell Bay was the triumphant return to the Crime/Thriller genre that I was expecting after being away for so long. Kate Rhodes has a refreshingly enigmatic and compelling writing style that kept me guessing until the stunning conclusion. I found with a murder-mystery story that’s set on a minuscule island where all the inhabitants live and breath as one, it was bound to be worth a read and I was right. DI Ben Kitto has returned to his childhood home of Bryher (Scilly Isles off of the Cornish Coast, UK) for rest and recuperation. Shortly after his arrival there is a murder, young Laura is murdered and left at sea, and Ben offers to investigate his hometown to avoid bringing strangers and journalists ashore to tear the island apart.
Ben’s investigations slowly bring to light some of the inhabitants dark secrets and Ben struggles to remain objective in his police work. Tension on the island is at breaking point; everyone is looking to blame someone for this atrocity. Ben must look at the people he has grown up with in a new light and work out who wanted Laura dead before more people get hurt. Gossip, accusations and allegiances threaten to de-rail the investigation but Ben must hold firm to work towards the truth. Rhodes has crafted a suspicious and pernicious atmosphere on the island; there are enough twists and turns in the narrative to keep even the most seasoned thriller readers guessing. Ben soon becomes a target for being a hero; can he find the killer before he gets himself hurt?
I thought the narrative was excellent and it is paced really well. Kate Rhodes keeps her cards close and slowly ebbs out the truth behind Laura’s death as well as the reason Ben Kitto has returned to the island a defeated man. Ben has taken a 3 month break (and a dog named Shadow) from the Murder Squad in London for personal reasons and is keen to forget all about policing for a while. But he cannot stand by while the people who raised him, loved him and befriended him suffer with the death of a young member of the community. I liked Ben Kitto and I think he is going to be a great main character for this series.
Ben is a conflicted individual but he is willing to put aside his own turmoil for the good of those he cares about. I also liked his influences on up-and-coming cop Eddie and I hope Rhodes explores their partnership in later books. There are plenty of sub-plots for readers to sink into as well. Alongside the main narrative, the novel follows Rose and her search for her son (the number one suspect for the murder) and it gives the reader another angle on the grief the island is experiencing. We also find out more about Ben’s partner Clare (and the reason Ben has Shadow) as events unfold and it is an interesting additional side piece. Kate Rhodes’ writing is precise and well developed keeping the reader churning the facts around in their heads. Perfect for a Crime/Thriller novel.
The writing is great and the characters are multi-dimensional and unpredictable but it’s was the setting that really made this novel for me. I thought it was an inspired choice to have events take place on such a unique set of islands. Bryher is a character in of itself, helping or hurting its inhabitants whenever it chooses. A close nit and remote community where everyone leaves their doors unlocked and trusts one another breeds complacency and a murder shocks the community to its very core. I thought that KR utilised the setting enough for it to mean something in the novel instead of just being cosmetic. I am excited to see where on the Isles KR takes the story next.
There are plenty of dark themes included within the novel but it is not overly violent or disturbing. Themes like betrayal, suspicion, lies, depression and harm are mixed with friendship, family, honour and truth. The atmosphere on the island is fuelled with anger, distrust but also a sense of community unity. All the details and facts keep altering how the reader views each individual from their own perspective and from Ben’s view too. These are people he has known all his life and one of the people on the island was capable of taking a young innocent life; there is no time for mistakes.
Kate Rhodes is certainly a talent to watch and I can’t wait to get stuck into another one of her gripping but picturesque stories later on this year. I have already read a snippet of Ruin Beach and I can already see that KR has settled into this series perfectly. Check out Hell Bay now and get ready to invest in a stellar series.
Ben’s investigations slowly bring to light some of the inhabitants dark secrets and Ben struggles to remain objective in his police work. Tension on the island is at breaking point; everyone is looking to blame someone for this atrocity. Ben must look at the people he has grown up with in a new light and work out who wanted Laura dead before more people get hurt. Gossip, accusations and allegiances threaten to de-rail the investigation but Ben must hold firm to work towards the truth. Rhodes has crafted a suspicious and pernicious atmosphere on the island; there are enough twists and turns in the narrative to keep even the most seasoned thriller readers guessing. Ben soon becomes a target for being a hero; can he find the killer before he gets himself hurt?
I thought the narrative was excellent and it is paced really well. Kate Rhodes keeps her cards close and slowly ebbs out the truth behind Laura’s death as well as the reason Ben Kitto has returned to the island a defeated man. Ben has taken a 3 month break (and a dog named Shadow) from the Murder Squad in London for personal reasons and is keen to forget all about policing for a while. But he cannot stand by while the people who raised him, loved him and befriended him suffer with the death of a young member of the community. I liked Ben Kitto and I think he is going to be a great main character for this series.
Ben is a conflicted individual but he is willing to put aside his own turmoil for the good of those he cares about. I also liked his influences on up-and-coming cop Eddie and I hope Rhodes explores their partnership in later books. There are plenty of sub-plots for readers to sink into as well. Alongside the main narrative, the novel follows Rose and her search for her son (the number one suspect for the murder) and it gives the reader another angle on the grief the island is experiencing. We also find out more about Ben’s partner Clare (and the reason Ben has Shadow) as events unfold and it is an interesting additional side piece. Kate Rhodes’ writing is precise and well developed keeping the reader churning the facts around in their heads. Perfect for a Crime/Thriller novel.
The writing is great and the characters are multi-dimensional and unpredictable but it’s was the setting that really made this novel for me. I thought it was an inspired choice to have events take place on such a unique set of islands. Bryher is a character in of itself, helping or hurting its inhabitants whenever it chooses. A close nit and remote community where everyone leaves their doors unlocked and trusts one another breeds complacency and a murder shocks the community to its very core. I thought that KR utilised the setting enough for it to mean something in the novel instead of just being cosmetic. I am excited to see where on the Isles KR takes the story next.
There are plenty of dark themes included within the novel but it is not overly violent or disturbing. Themes like betrayal, suspicion, lies, depression and harm are mixed with friendship, family, honour and truth. The atmosphere on the island is fuelled with anger, distrust but also a sense of community unity. All the details and facts keep altering how the reader views each individual from their own perspective and from Ben’s view too. These are people he has known all his life and one of the people on the island was capable of taking a young innocent life; there is no time for mistakes.
Kate Rhodes is certainly a talent to watch and I can’t wait to get stuck into another one of her gripping but picturesque stories later on this year. I have already read a snippet of Ruin Beach and I can already see that KR has settled into this series perfectly. Check out Hell Bay now and get ready to invest in a stellar series.
March 15, 2021
I loved this, am on to the next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 410 reviews