Bay of Plenty

by Jody Brettkelly

A journalist risks everything to solve two crimes, decades apart, set against the lush greenery and golden sands of a small beach town. With escalating danger, a slow-burn romance, and a touch of humor, this twisty read is BIG LITTLE LIES meets THE DRY—ideal for fans of Tana French, Jane Harper, and Liane Moriarty.

What happens when the past resurfaces … twenty years later?

On a hot summer night, fourteen-year-old Isla Joyson’s best friend vanishes from a beach cliff. The local police chief rules it a suicide, but Isla suspects otherwise—and is mercilessly bullied for speaking out.

Twenty years later, Isla’s once-brilliant career as an investigative journalist lies in ruins.

Desperate for redemption, she seizes a lead from an undercover cop about a dangerous drug ring ensnaring her parents. With the cop posing as her boyfriend, Isla returns home to save her family, reclaim her career, and face the ghosts of her past.

But as the investigation deepens, and the relationship with her “fake” boyfriend starts to feel very real, Isla discovers a chilling link between the drug ring and her friend’s disappearance. Now, it’s not just her reputation on the line—it’s her life.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2025

About the author

Jody Brettkelly, a former barrister and journalist from New Zealand, writes twisty tales about curious women who just won’t give up. She now lives in California with her family.

Reviews

[em.reads.stuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun whodunnit with a familiar local setting!

A little slow going at first, but definitely picked up and gained momentum and speed when the main character goes home to New Zealand.

It did feel a bit messy at times, with a lot of plot points flying around, and a lot of chapters ended with a literal question, which got a bit old, but it helped drive the mystery and chapter cliffhangers.

The romance angle was also unexpected, perhaps a bit cliched, but it cut through the tense and difficult themes.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this, and would be interested to see what happens to Isla next. Thanks to NetGalley and Jody for the ARC!

3.5⭐️ rounded up

[Emma Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

i thought i knew where this was going but i absolutely did not. quick read that was even better because i’ve been to where it takes place!

[Barry Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! I loved the perspective of coming home and knowing a place so well, but not really knowing it at all. It felt like a love letter to the place and the people, but also an acknowledgment of the flaws and faults - and a honest delving into some of the reasons that she left. Great read!

[Jackson Coldiron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading in bed and immediately my heart rate shot up. I couldn’t fall asleep because I needed to figure out everything that was unfolding so fast. My oura ring gave me a bad sleep score that night - I was too busy lying awake trying to solve the puzzle. Couldn’t believe how wrong all my theories were in the end… also really enjoyed the seamless bits of humor placed perfectly at times of peak anxiety.

[Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot is so intriguing that you should avoid reading it before bed - because you’ll be up all night reading! Each chapter leaves you wanting more until the very end - which has a great twist.

The scenery and locations are vividly told and add to the storyline and the characters. The author is a funny and spunky storyteller, her life experience as New Zealand “kiwi” shines through in her writing, which makes it a fun read and makes you feel like your actually there.

My favorite part has to be the main character Isla! she’s funny, witty, and has a bit of sass. She’s the type of person you want to “follow” and get to know more. I’m looking forward to Isla’s next adventure in this series.

Great read, highly recommend!

[Alex Filo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable read & legitimate page turner. The characters were complex, and the New Zealand setting transported me to another, exciting world. It’s clear the author has spent serious time in NZ.

No spoilers but the ending was satisfying & plausible. There were nights i didn’t want to go to bed & put this book down because i wanted to see what happened next. Great crime mystery!

[LaurenB · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the premise of this book was promising, but it ultimately fell flat for me. The story didn’t flow smoothly. It felt disjointed and clunky. There were too many side characters to keep up with and their relevance was poorly explained. I found myself skimming and speed reading through parts.

I hope the series finds its footing in the next book because I did like the main character.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars
Release Date: 18 April 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Jody Brettkelly for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

An ambitious debut set against a stunning backdrop, blending mystery, romance, and second chances

Are you a fan of stories that blend romance with a dash of suspense? Bay of Plenty might just be your next read. Set in a small coastal town brimming with golden sands and buried secrets, this novel intertwines past and present as it follows Isla, a journalist trying to reignite her career while investigating the mysterious disappearance of her friend twenty years ago. Add in a fake relationship and a family with something to hide, and you’ve got an intriguing premise.

The book immediately drew me in with its strong sense of place and layered storyline. There are moments of sharp insight and promising writing throughout. However, early on, I found the tone somewhat uneven—uncertain whether it was leaning more towards a twisty thriller or a heartfelt romance. This blend may work well for some readers, but at times it left the narrative feeling slightly muddled for me.

That said, it’s worth sticking with. As the story develops, the plot threads begin to converge and the emotional resonance of the characters starts to shine through. While Isla’s decisions didn’t always align with her status as an award-winning journalist, by the second half of the book I was far more engaged in her journey and the complex relationships around her.

With some refinement—particularly in pacing and character development—this debut could really strike a chord with readers who enjoy romantic suspense and small-town mysteries. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Jody Brettkelly’s future work; she has a talent for setting and isn’t afraid to weave multiple threads into her storytelling.

[TheLisaD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bay of Plenty by Jody Brettkelly is a compelling whodunit that stretches across decades, weaving together mystery, family loyalty, and the long shadows cast by unresolved crimes. Brettkelly masterfully crafts a multi-layered narrative, delivering twists and turns that keep readers hooked from start to finish.

At the heart of the novel is a daughter’s unwavering determination to defend her parents’ honor, adding emotional depth and personal stakes to the unfolding mystery. As secrets unravel and long-buried truths come to light, Brettkelly keeps the tension taut, revealing just enough at each stage to maintain a sense of intrigue.

With richly drawn characters and a plot that balances suspense with sentiment, Bay of Plenty is more than just a mystery—it’s a poignant exploration of legacy, justice, and the enduring power of love and loyalty. A truly engaging read for fans of character-driven thrillers.

[Donna Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read! Plenty of plot twist to keep you guessing and turning the page.

[LP · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

I liked the New Zealand setting and the story had great potential, but it was very disjointed and I lost interest fairly early on. There were too many side characters to keep track of, I never could figure out who was who. I did finish it, but I didn't like the writing style at all and found myself skimming way too much. The insta-love between Isla and Declan was not believable to me. Looks like the start of a series but I won't be continuing.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this. It was a slow burn at first but once things started ramping up, I found myself wanting to read more and more.

Isla returns home when she discovers her parents may have unwittingly become involved in a drugs operation, determined to prove their innocence in whatever is going on. Memories resurface of events years ago with the disappearance of her old friend and Isla finds her investigative self coming to the fore to also try to find out the truth after all this time. There was a lot going on. I wasn't sure about some of the characters but I was surprised by the reveal at the end. I enjoyed the romance side, the will they, won't they question and I would be keen to see what happens next. There is certainly a lot of promise for this series.

[Lola Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ rounded up. Thank you to NetGalley and Jody Brettkelly for an advanced copy of this book.

I love a thriller where the present can’t escape the past. The premise of this one was right up my alley, and overall it was a fun, quick read.

The writing was a little hard to follow at times, and it definitely has some kinks to work out. However, Brettkelly has huge potential! The plot was interesting enough to stand out amongst all the other thrillers I’ve read, and the characters were well thought out and had connections that made me want to keep reading. There was plenty of tension and I really enjoyed Isla’s development as a character.

The pacing was the biggest issue I had with Bay of Plenty. For something less than 300 pages, I was hoping for something with more consistent suspense and a clearer timeline. The events felt scattered and it was hard to decipher why the author told the story in the order she did. Combined with the writing, I was a little confused at times. The ending was okay, but I normally give some grace with plot twists and solved mysteries because it takes a lot to stump me. It wrapped up nicely which helped clear up some of the parts that confused me.

I can’t wait to see where Jody Brettkelly takes us next and I will definitely continue to read her books!

[Emily Kubik · Rating 3 out of 5]

was really excited for this one. The description hooked me right away. Unfortunately the story seemed to drag on and on. I did alot of skimming as there was alot of back story that didnt seem important. I had to really push myself to finish it. It didnt pull me in and keep me hooked until maybe the last 25%. I did really enjoy the story line for this book. I was invested in the "who done it" and "why" but it just seemed to drag on a bit much. I am interested in finishing the series when it comes out and see how Isla grows.

Thank you NetGalley for eARC!

[dtlong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this over 2 days and couldn't figure out whodunnit until it was revealed which was a good surprise. The book has a great plot. The voice of the narrator was very vivid and the characters relatable. Totally loved the parents!

[Brydee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bay of Plenty by Jody Brettkelly is a fantastic read. The story follows New Zealand–born Isla Joyson, a journalist working in London, who sets everything aside to return to her small beach home town in New Zealand with an undercover cop posing as her boyfriend to solve a major crime involving her parents. Returning home not only brings back unwelcome memories for Isla, but also dredges up the death of her best friend—a suicide Isla firmly believes never happened. She finds herself investigating both crimes, which eerily reveal connections between the two that she simply cannot ignore.

I thoroughly enjoyed Bay of Plenty by Jody Brettkelly. This book had everything I was looking for in a mystery novel, with bonus elements that made me fall even more in love with the story. In terms of the plot, it kept me on my toes and constantly guessing right up until the end. There were so many twists, turns, and potential paths the story could have taken, and I credit that to Jody’s brilliant and creative storytelling. The pacing was consistently forward-moving, and at no point of this book did I feel disinterested. The story grabs you from the very first line—I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down until the very end. I was so eager to find out what happened that I devoured it in just two sittings.

Jody has created characters with real depth and authenticity. The main character, Isla, grew up in a small New Zealand beach town and was the victim of countless acts of bullying throughout her childhood and teenage years. Struggling to find her true self, she moved to London to pursue investigative journalism and to find purpose by uncovering issues that affect people's lives. Many readers will find Isla relatable—some through the bullying she endured, others through the challenges and struggles she faces growing up in a small, rural, and isolated town.

Isla had been living in London for many years, avoiding a return to New Zealand to escape the demons that plagued her during her youth in Ōhope Beach. I believe many readers will connect with this and understand how uncomfortable returning home can be for some people.

I also loved the other main character, Declan, who poses as Isla’s boyfriend and is an undercover cop. He has strong family values, is respectful, compassionate, and patient—an ideal complement to Isla’s driven and proactive nature. Although this book falls within the mystery genre, readers who enjoy a touch of background romance will be delighted by the “fake dating” trope between Isla and Declan.

Besides the two main characters, Isla and Declan, there was a plethora of other characters who each played an important role in the novel. I was impressed by the depth and diversity of these characters, and by how crucial each one was to the plot. Every character played such an important role in this unfolding mystery and as a reader, I found myself constantly jumping between them, trying to uncover connections to the central crime. I was particularly struck by how diverse and authentic the characters felt. 

Jody has set this novel in Ōhope Beach, a small coastal town in New Zealand. She has written about this location with beautiful descriptions, paying homage to traditional Māori culture. For readers unfamiliar with New Zealand, Māori are the indigenous people of the land, with their own language, traditions, and a deep spiritual connection to the land, sea, and environment.

I was very impressed with how Jody not only wove Māori elements seamlessly into her work—such as visits to the marae(a sacred and communal meeting place), the correct use of Māori language and place names—but also shed light on the real-life challenges many Māori face. These include difficult home environments, inadequate healthcare, and their disproportionate representation in New Zealand’s prison population.

Overall, I was very impressed with Bay of Plenty and will definitely be looking out for more of Jody’s work. She has really impressed me with her suspenseful storytelling, immaculate attention to detail, and the wonderful characters she creates. I’ll be speaking highly of this novel and will absolutely recommend it to my followers.

Thank you to Jody BrettKelly for reaching out, providing me with a copy of her book and giving me the privilege of being able to read and review her work. Please check out @brydzandherbooks on Instagram and TikTok for more bookish content and reviews.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Jody Brettkelly’s Bay of Plenty is a sun-drenched mystery that blends investigative grit with emotional vulnerability, delivering a story that’s as much about redemption as it is about solving a decades-old disappearance. It’s a smart, twisty debut that balances suspense, humor, and heart.

Set in a lush New Zealand beach town, Bay of Plenty introduces Isla Joyson, a once-promising investigative journalist whose career has been derailed by trauma and scandal. Twenty years ago, Isla’s best friend vanished from a cliffside, and her refusal to accept the official suicide ruling made her a pariah. Now, with her parents entangled in a dangerous drug ring and her reputation in tatters, Isla returns home—accompanied by an undercover cop posing as her boyfriend—to confront the ghosts of her past and uncover the truth behind two crimes that may be more connected than anyone suspects.

Isla is a standout protagonist—wry, wounded, and fiercely determined. Brettkelly writes her with emotional nuance, allowing readers to feel the weight of her unresolved grief and the sting of betrayal. The novel’s strength lies in its character-driven approach: Isla’s investigation is not just about justice, but about reclaiming her voice in a town that silenced her.

The pacing is brisk, with short chapters and escalating stakes that keep the tension taut. Brettkelly’s prose is vivid and cinematic, painting the coastal setting with golden light and shadowed secrets. The supporting cast—especially the undercover cop whose chemistry with Isla simmers beneath the surface—adds depth and texture, balancing the darker themes with moments of levity and slow-burn romance.

Thematically, Bay of Plenty explores memory, resilience, and the cost of speaking out. Brettkelly doesn’t shy away from the psychological toll of being disbelieved, nor the systemic failures that allow crimes to go unpunished. Yet the novel never feels heavy-handed; its emotional beats are earned, and its twists are grounded in character logic rather than contrivance.

Fans of Big Little Lies, The Dry, and Tana French will find much to admire here. Brettkelly’s debut is not just a mystery—it’s a reclamation story, one that honors the complexity of female friendship, the scars of adolescence, and the courage it takes to confront the past.

[Davena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bay of Plenty by Jody Brettkelly

I spent part of my easter break reading Bay of Plenty by Jody Brettkelly (and eating too many hot-cross buns). On the surface, Bay of Plenty ticks many boxes for me. It's a crime thriller set in a small town in New Zealand, but there's also an amount of romance, which I haven't seen in a crime thriller before (instead of rom-com, is it a rom-trill? crime-rom?).

Isla is a Kiwi journalist living in London. One night, while out celebrating her birthday, she meets an undercover cop investigating a dangerous drug ring involving her parents. Her father has a heart attack, giving her the perfect excuse to go home to New Zealand, with the cop posing as her boyfriend. Trauma from Isla's childhood begins to surface, and the two cases become entwined.

This book is twisty—almost too twisty. There are many different threads in it, and (in my opinion) it's trying to do too much. I read an ARC copy, so maybe this has been ironed out before publishing, but especially near the end (I can't say more because of spoilers), a lot is happening, and I don't think the story needs it all. I liked the idea, the setting, and the writing, but thought it needed some editing.

A second book in the Isla Joyson series will be released in September; I'd definitely add it to my TBR pile. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. Bay of Plenty by Jody Brettkelly is out now (I think it came out early).

👍 Thumbs up.

Go read a book!

Body count: 1.

[Nic S · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story opens strongly in London, where we meet Isla, a journalist who has suffered some sort of work scandal which has left her without a job. At her birthday drinks she meets a mysterious Irish man who messages her the next day with a cryptic message.

At this point, for me, the story did become quite improbable. I couldn't imagine that the police would allow someone who they had previously suspected of being involved to go undercover, in such a short space of time. The story with the parents being involved got dropped but surely the police would have done the background work that Isla does to work out who had bought the winery? Declan seemed too good to be true to the point where I kept suspecting him of being involved, which would be fine if it was part of the plot but I don't think it was meant to be. This in itself let the book down as it was a strange mix of suspense and romance, but the romance element was a bit too chick lit - perfect guy who tells main character there's no way he can be with her but then finds a way he can be

The descriptions of New Zealand and the culture were interesting, it's not something I know a lot about, and the characters of the parents and friends were well written.

Overall, the book was fine but I think just not my genre. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read an advance copy.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic and had me going from page one until the last page. Every time I thought I had the bad guy figured out I failed, until the last few chapters of the book and we find out who is really behind it all.

We start out with Isla Joyson out celebrating her birthday at the local pub and here she was having fun. Even dancing on the table tops. Here at the pub she meets Declan. They dance for a while and them he walks her home. Knowing that she has had way too much to drink. Being a gentleman he stays with her for the night as she kept wanting to go dance in the streets. He keeps her safe and hopefully earns her trust. Isla is a journalist by trait but right now she is without a job. Declan is an undercover policeman and he needs her help. He wants her to pretend to be his girlfriend and help him solve a cocaine smuggling operation and Isla wants to solve her friends suicide from years ago.

The drug smuggling operation is in her home town and might involve her parents and a lot of people that she grew up with. So they go from Notting Hill, London England to New Zealand to work on solving both cases.

[Carla G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bay of Plenty immerses us in Isla’s quest to solve two mysteries—one decades old from when she was a teenage girl living in New Zealand and another intriguing operation with an undercover agent that takes her urgently from London to her home town in New Zealand.

The small beach town of Ōhope Beach is a tight-knit community, and Isla must play her hand carefully as she probes neighbors and old friends about the past and present. There are plenty of twists and turns for this thriller, and I started suspecting almost every character of being involved in one mystery or the other.

The book also challenges some of Isla’s long-held perceptions and old scars that are deeply ingrained in her and color her perspective. Some of those feelings are sometimes founded in truth and sometimes a result of misunderstandings. Eventually the book reveals each truth by peeling away decades-old perceptions.

I enjoyed learning about the traditional Māori culture, language, and their strong connection to nature. Brettkelly transport us to the unique and lush Ōhope Beach, filled with beauty, challenges, and suspense.

Looking forward to Isla’s next adventure.

[Mary Gessay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bay of Plenty marks the debut of a entertaining romantic mystery series. Isla is a disgraced journalist in London who is recruited by handsome undercover police officer, Declan, to help him get to the bottom of a drug ring operating out of her hometown in New Zealand. To make matters worse, her parents are implicated. Declan suggests that their best cover would be to pose as a dating couple, but before they can work out the backstory, Isla receives word that her father is facing very serious heart surgery and she leaves immediately for New Zealand. Declan follows a few days later and they develop their cover on the fly. Their investigative styles clash—even as their attraction for one another grows.

There is much to enjoy in this book and I definitely recommend it. However, the characters reactions to events of the past, which heavily shape the book, seem overly dramatic at times. Nonetheless, Ms Brettkelly has developed likable characters in Isla and Declan that should see her through a successful multi-book series (book 2, the Martyr’s Convent, is already available).

[Beth Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isla Joyson's life has gone off the tracks as she prepares to celebrate her birthday. At 35 years old her investigative journalist career has stalled and she is compelled to follow an undercover cop from her adult home in England , back to the tiny beach town in New Zealand where she grew up.
Assisting the detective could help clear her parents names in a case she is sure they aren't knowingly involved in and the story could revive her career. Things quickly become complicated and her new undercover "fake boyfriend" starts to become startlingly real.
This is a good twisty read. I read it all in a single day. Hard to believe this is Brettkelly's first novel. I will be following her.

[Catie Monks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book,set in London and the north island of New Zealand. The narrator is a kiwi journalist who returns home to help solve a crime that may involve her own family. I was drawn into the local culture, the language and people enough to imagine what a wonderful place it is. I am curious as to whether Isla, the protagonist, will continue her adventures and investigations in London or New Zealand as that is where most of the story’s charm came from. Th book’s best features are the interesting people who surround her family and life there.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This went so many directions. Some I figured out....some not so much lol. I've lost my mystery solving card🤣 this was a great book though. There are a few triggers, if that's a thing for any of you. If not, it's well worth a read. My emotions were all over the place. So much happening. So many secrets. So many lives affected. It's the start of a good series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrea Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the get go!

I loved the characters and there were moments of humor interweaved within the suspense which I appreciated. I really liked the blossoming romance between the undercover agent and the main character.

I'm so thankful I got an advanced copy of this book to review. I will definitely read more from this author.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this had that suspenseful atmosphere and had that element that I wanted and enjoyed from this type of book. The characters were everything that I was expecting from this type of book and worked well in this universe. Jody Brettkelly has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Genesia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book. It's entertaining, suspenseful, and a bit romantic, featuring charming characters and a lovable pet. It’s definitely a page-turner, and I recommend it to all fans of suspense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bay of Plenty is an exciting page turner with romance and suspense dancing across the pages. Isla, a journalist, is trying to reignite her career while also investigating the disappearance of her friend twenty years ago. I will tune in to see what happens next.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of the book.

Bay of Plenty was an interesting mystery/thriller. While I enjoyed the dynamic between Ilsa and Declan, I had a really hard time getting through the book. I found that my biggest two problems were pacing and the actual mystery. In terms of pacing it felt like the story hopped from place to place with little explanation. I also felt like the author struggled to pick the mystery for the heart of the story. It felt like the main mystery was supposed to be about the drug ring but instead you spent so much time focused on Janey. I understand the two end up with some connections, but I would have enjoyed the story more if it had focused on one.

2.5 stars out of 5