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The Legend of Blackshore
Some ghost stories wait for the right summer to come alive.
Blackshore, Nova Scotia, is known for its pirate history and urban legends. Children vanish. And every spring + summer, legend says a pirate rises from the caves to collect his due.
Autumn Quinn never believed in the towns folklore—until the spring of 1997, when she was taken.
She came back alive. But she came back marked. Something crawled out of the dark with her.
Now Autumn and her friends are trapped in Blackshore’s oldest nightmare, hunted by a presence that wears a pirate’s face and burrows into their minds.
And for Jesse Ryder, Autumn's boyfriend, the voice is merciless . . . kill her friends, or watch her die.
Set in the summer of 1997, The Legend of Blackshore is a coming-of-age romantic thriller filled with haunted coastlines, cursed caves, and the kind of first love that leaves a scar.
Blackshore, Nova Scotia, is known for its pirate history and urban legends. Children vanish. And every spring + summer, legend says a pirate rises from the caves to collect his due.
Autumn Quinn never believed in the towns folklore—until the spring of 1997, when she was taken.
She came back alive. But she came back marked. Something crawled out of the dark with her.
Now Autumn and her friends are trapped in Blackshore’s oldest nightmare, hunted by a presence that wears a pirate’s face and burrows into their minds.
And for Jesse Ryder, Autumn's boyfriend, the voice is merciless . . . kill her friends, or watch her die.
Set in the summer of 1997, The Legend of Blackshore is a coming-of-age romantic thriller filled with haunted coastlines, cursed caves, and the kind of first love that leaves a scar.
- GenresPirates
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
13 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Tamara Rector
6 books25 followersI’m Tamara Rector, a self-published author from Canada who loves writing about complicated people and the type of stories that keep you up at night. My books include the Skyeholm series, House on a Hill, and my newest, The Legend of Blackshore. When I’m not writing, I’m usually chasing after my two daughters, curled up with coffee, or daydreaming into different worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 30, 2025
Do you believe in Urban Legends? The people in Blackshore certainly do! This eerie story pulled me straight into its dark mysterious world. Missing kids, myths, years of wondering what is truly going on! I loved Autumn’s character from the beginning to the absolute end. I also enjoyed the dual POVs it was good to see the story’s told from different views, especially Jessie’s as it was very intriguing! The characters are compelling, each carrying their own shadows and motives. This story was perfect for this spooky season, I loved it and looking forward to reading more from this author!
January 23, 2026
“The Legend of Blackshore” by Tamara Rector is a suspenseful 4-star read! The story takes place in 1987 in the haunted coastal town of Blackshore, Nova Scotia, where kids go missing every year. This is a slow-paced story with a lot of character development, so if that’s your jam, this book is for you.
There are many elements here that are sure to please a wide audience. It’s a coming-of-age story with touches of romance, tragedy, urban legends, and supernatural elements, including a pirate. The story is told from three points of view. First, there is August, the girl who just moved back to town and is at the center of the story. Then there is Jesse, who would do anything for his girl. Finally, there is Jaime, though his story is often told as a group since his best buds Felix, Noah, and Tanner are almost always with him.
I especially enjoyed the references to songs, movies, and books from my younger years. Overall, this author did a great job telling the story of these six teenagers and what they went through in the spring of 1997. I look forward to book 2!
Thanks to Tamara Rector for providing me with the opportunity to read this book for free and share my honest review.
There are many elements here that are sure to please a wide audience. It’s a coming-of-age story with touches of romance, tragedy, urban legends, and supernatural elements, including a pirate. The story is told from three points of view. First, there is August, the girl who just moved back to town and is at the center of the story. Then there is Jesse, who would do anything for his girl. Finally, there is Jaime, though his story is often told as a group since his best buds Felix, Noah, and Tanner are almost always with him.
I especially enjoyed the references to songs, movies, and books from my younger years. Overall, this author did a great job telling the story of these six teenagers and what they went through in the spring of 1997. I look forward to book 2!
Thanks to Tamara Rector for providing me with the opportunity to read this book for free and share my honest review.
January 29, 2026
This is. Great thriller novel that centers around a group of friends who get sucked into to some local folklore about a pirate. It’s just a silly spooky made up story. Or is it? I liked the closeness the friends have during this adventure. They had to hold on to each other for dear life.
I want to thank the author for providing me an early copy. My review is voluntary.
I want to thank the author for providing me an early copy. My review is voluntary.
August 26, 2025
First off I want to say thank you to the amazing author of this book! I was able to receive an advanced copy and I’m so grateful for that
This book has my heart still clutched in its palm. My tears have dried and yet the ache still remains.
We follow multiple different kids from a small town in nova Scotia Canada. Following a local legend. A myth. Nothing but lore. Or so they thought.
A heavy weight lies in a prophecy that comes back, not to play, but to drown its victims.
Missing children, whispering waves, and long forgotten legends twist and weave this story into a true coming of age thriller.
I highly recommend this book for everything. It’s a must read and a great twist involving Canadian small towns. The sweet start and the abrupt changes, it all had me on the edges of my seat.
Till next time, and remember:
“If you hear the waves whisper your name—don’t answer back.”
This book has my heart still clutched in its palm. My tears have dried and yet the ache still remains.
We follow multiple different kids from a small town in nova Scotia Canada. Following a local legend. A myth. Nothing but lore. Or so they thought.
A heavy weight lies in a prophecy that comes back, not to play, but to drown its victims.
Missing children, whispering waves, and long forgotten legends twist and weave this story into a true coming of age thriller.
I highly recommend this book for everything. It’s a must read and a great twist involving Canadian small towns. The sweet start and the abrupt changes, it all had me on the edges of my seat.
Till next time, and remember:
“If you hear the waves whisper your name—don’t answer back.”
September 8, 2025
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. It has two of my favorite things to read romance and thriller.
The characters in the book were so fun to learn each of their characteristics. Not only the friendships that were made, to fighting off the pirates to save others.
In 1997 in Nova Scotia a couple of kids were trying to find out what happened to Autumn. As she got taken and went missing for 3 days in a cave. But prior to the summer of 1997 a bunch of kids were taken. No one knew what took the kids. Could it be a pirate, children, or Axel? I guess you’ll have to read to find out!(;
Each of the characters have had their own childhood hit them in this book. For example, siblings being taken, abuse, child neglect.
I enjoyed this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I would have finished it sooner if I had energy and wasn’t sick. It had two of my favorite genres put together which was fun to read. Highly recommend if you want a pirate thriller.
The characters in the book were so fun to learn each of their characteristics. Not only the friendships that were made, to fighting off the pirates to save others.
In 1997 in Nova Scotia a couple of kids were trying to find out what happened to Autumn. As she got taken and went missing for 3 days in a cave. But prior to the summer of 1997 a bunch of kids were taken. No one knew what took the kids. Could it be a pirate, children, or Axel? I guess you’ll have to read to find out!(;
Each of the characters have had their own childhood hit them in this book. For example, siblings being taken, abuse, child neglect.
I enjoyed this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I would have finished it sooner if I had energy and wasn’t sick. It had two of my favorite genres put together which was fun to read. Highly recommend if you want a pirate thriller.
October 5, 2025
4.76/5✨
Where do I even begin? 😮💨 (check the triggers!)
🖤Pirate ghost demons
🖤Possession
🖤Mystery/thriller with some romance
🖤TRAUMA omg
🖤Multi POV
🖤Summer “coming of age” nostalgia 💀
🖤Goonies x Stand By Me vibes
🖤Magic turtle 👀
Autumn moves back to her hometown after being gone since she was 5 only to fall straight into the lore of Blackshore, it’s ghosts, disappearances, and scary stories before she realizes it’s not just stories to scare the kids.. the story follows through the POVs of Autumn, Jesse and Jamie as the mystery of Blackshore unfolds for our high school teens as their friend group is tied up in each other deeper than the surface level. The tide is waiting for you to jump in and find out for yourself 👀
Could not put this one down! I loved the premise and plot of this novel 🫶🏻 I’m excited for more to come!
🫵 My baby boy Jamie deserved so much better.. my heart aches for him.
Also I personally could not stand Jesse for 98% of this 💀
Where do I even begin? 😮💨 (check the triggers!)
🖤Pirate ghost demons
🖤Possession
🖤Mystery/thriller with some romance
🖤TRAUMA omg
🖤Multi POV
🖤Summer “coming of age” nostalgia 💀
🖤Goonies x Stand By Me vibes
🖤Magic turtle 👀
Autumn moves back to her hometown after being gone since she was 5 only to fall straight into the lore of Blackshore, it’s ghosts, disappearances, and scary stories before she realizes it’s not just stories to scare the kids.. the story follows through the POVs of Autumn, Jesse and Jamie as the mystery of Blackshore unfolds for our high school teens as their friend group is tied up in each other deeper than the surface level. The tide is waiting for you to jump in and find out for yourself 👀
Could not put this one down! I loved the premise and plot of this novel 🫶🏻 I’m excited for more to come!
🫵 My baby boy Jamie deserved so much better.. my heart aches for him.
Also I personally could not stand Jesse for 98% of this 💀
August 31, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
This was spooky and haunting. 👻
Set in the good ol 90's, it's really gives me The Goonies vibes!
Teenagers in high school, trying to figure out the town legend that turns into a ghost hunt. In a town with a dark history, pirates, ghost stories, drama, horror and more.
A must read if you want a book that's a cross between Stephen Kings 'IT' and The Goonies, with a splash of Pirates of the Caribbean. ☠️🏴☠️
This was spooky and haunting. 👻
Set in the good ol 90's, it's really gives me The Goonies vibes!
Teenagers in high school, trying to figure out the town legend that turns into a ghost hunt. In a town with a dark history, pirates, ghost stories, drama, horror and more.
A must read if you want a book that's a cross between Stephen Kings 'IT' and The Goonies, with a splash of Pirates of the Caribbean. ☠️🏴☠️
September 15, 2025
The Legend of Blackshore by Tamara Rector was a fantastic read. It included tropes such as 1990s nostalgia and supernatural horror/suspense, and reminded me of The Goonies. I would highly recommend adding this to your TBR.
September 25, 2025
I must say I loved this book so much. once I got into it, I couldn't stop. The romance, the friendships, the legend of the pirate. especially loved the magical turtle lol. will definitely be reading more of this author x
October 9, 2025
This was Goonies meets Raider of the Lost Ark meets Harry Potter. This book I felt was more for YA however some of the subjects(incest) was definitely for adults. This is not the type of book I typically like. Having said that, it was a great book and would make an amazing movie!
September 8, 2025
This author has done it AGAIN. WOW! If you like a story that gives you goosebumps, creepy feelings but also makes you smile and laugh and cry a few times too…check this out.
October 1, 2025
“The Legend of Blackshore” by Tamara Rector is a chilling mix of small-town secrets, folklore, and supernatural horror. Tamara Rector pulls you into the cursed seaside town where every wave whispers danger and the legend of a ghostly pirate feels all too real. It’s a supernatural horror, coming-of-age story, blending ghost pirates, cursed seas, and very real trauma into one chilling tale. Dark, emotional, and utterly haunting—this story lingers long after the last page.
September 30, 2025
I was so thrilled to be given the chance to read an advanced copy of this novel! As someone who has also grown up in a small town in Nova Scotia, I will keep this book forever close to my heart.
Right from the beginning this book caught my interest and has kept me at the edge of my seat throughout! Tamara has a way of setting a detailed scene and allowing my mind to conjure up the beautifully spooky town that is Blackshore. The Legend of Blackshore combines my favourite literary genres and I have already recommended it as a next read to my coworkers, family and friends!
This was my first read from this author and I am so excited to read another of her works!
Right from the beginning this book caught my interest and has kept me at the edge of my seat throughout! Tamara has a way of setting a detailed scene and allowing my mind to conjure up the beautifully spooky town that is Blackshore. The Legend of Blackshore combines my favourite literary genres and I have already recommended it as a next read to my coworkers, family and friends!
This was my first read from this author and I am so excited to read another of her works!
December 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review
Legend of the Blackshore by Tamara Rector
First of all—Tamara, thank you. Truly. For trusting me with this book and for dropping me into a world that didn’t just invite me in, but locked the door behind me and whispered “you’re not leaving yet.” I didn’t want to leave. Still don’t.
Now listen. I don’t usually read books like this anymore. I used to. Back when Stephen King and Dean Koontz wrecked my childhood in the best possible way. Somewhere along the road, I drifted. And then this book came along and went, “Hey. Remember fear? Remember wonder? Remember that punch-in-the-gut feeling?”
Yeah. That.
This story doesn’t creep in politely. It kicks the door down. Page one—bam—I was there. Standing next to the boys. Jesse. Nathan. Feeling the weight of friendship, the recklessness of being young, the kind of loyalty that feels unbreakable until life tests it with fire.
And then there’s Autumn. Of course there is. The girl. The kind everyone gravitates toward. Brave, beautiful, talented, loved. The kind of girl you pretend not to envy but absolutely do. I know I did. Who wouldn’t want to be her? Or at least be near her light.
This book is dark. Not “look how edgy I am” dark—but honest dark. Children, murder, mayhem, chaos, fear, secrets that rot if left buried. Friendship that both saves and destroys. It’s messy. It’s intense. It’s uncomfortable in the exact way it should be.
And somehow—because Tamara clearly enjoys emotional damage—it also carries magic. A message in a bottle. A pirate. Suspense coiled tight like a held breath. That eerie sense that something is wrong, has always been wrong, and now you’re finally old enough to see it.
When a book becomes hard to say goodbye to, when you feel that quiet, hollow “oh… it’s over” moment—you know it earned its stars.
So yes.
Five stars.
Five majestic, well-earned stars.
Because this story doesn’t just stay with you—it haunts you a little. And honestly? I like my books that way.
August 28, 2025
The Legend of Blackshore is the kind of book that gets under your skin and stays with you. From the very first chapter, the atmosphere is thick with mystery, a small coastal town in Nova Scotia where every family seems to carry secrets, where kids whisper about haunted caves, and where the ocean itself feels alive with stories.
Autumn Quinn is such a beautifully layered protagonist. I loved experiencing Blackshore through her eyes, her mix of nerves, resilience, and vulnerability made her easy to root for. Her reconnection with Jesse Ryder was one of my favorite parts of the story; their chemistry is subtle, slow-burn, and incredibly sweet, offering a bright spark against the darker backdrop of the legend. The friend group (Jamie, Noah, Tanner, and Felix) added humor and heart, and their banter gave me moments to breathe in between the tension and horror.
The supernatural elements are haunting and original. The caves, the eerie lights, the whispers of a cursed pirate, all of it felt chillingly real. But what impressed me most is how the horror blends with very human themes; grief, trauma, friendship, and finding light in the darkest places. Some scenes made me laugh out loud, others broke my heart, and a few genuinely made me want to sleep with the lights on.
Tamara Rector has a gift for creating characters that feel alive and a setting that lingers like salt air long after you finish. This book is emotional, unsettling, and deeply moving; a perfect mix of horror, romance, and coming-of-age.
I absolutely loved it, and I’ll be thinking about Autumn, Jesse, and the shadows of Blackshore for a long time. Highly recommend if you enjoy character driven stories with just the right blend of tenderness and terror.
Another amazing novel by Tamara Rector!!
Autumn Quinn is such a beautifully layered protagonist. I loved experiencing Blackshore through her eyes, her mix of nerves, resilience, and vulnerability made her easy to root for. Her reconnection with Jesse Ryder was one of my favorite parts of the story; their chemistry is subtle, slow-burn, and incredibly sweet, offering a bright spark against the darker backdrop of the legend. The friend group (Jamie, Noah, Tanner, and Felix) added humor and heart, and their banter gave me moments to breathe in between the tension and horror.
The supernatural elements are haunting and original. The caves, the eerie lights, the whispers of a cursed pirate, all of it felt chillingly real. But what impressed me most is how the horror blends with very human themes; grief, trauma, friendship, and finding light in the darkest places. Some scenes made me laugh out loud, others broke my heart, and a few genuinely made me want to sleep with the lights on.
Tamara Rector has a gift for creating characters that feel alive and a setting that lingers like salt air long after you finish. This book is emotional, unsettling, and deeply moving; a perfect mix of horror, romance, and coming-of-age.
I absolutely loved it, and I’ll be thinking about Autumn, Jesse, and the shadows of Blackshore for a long time. Highly recommend if you enjoy character driven stories with just the right blend of tenderness and terror.
Another amazing novel by Tamara Rector!!
January 18, 2026
*I was sent an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion - Thank you Tamara Rector for the opportunity to dive into these pages*
The Legend of Blackshore is a “coming of age” filled with first loves & urban legends. It also has that “Goonies” vibe going for it which I - being the Goonies #1 fan - was very much interested in.
The was sucked in quickly from the beginning but I won’t lie, I fell out of interest as quickly as I fell into it. The characters are fine but I also didn’t feel any true connection to them & it is hard to be emotionally invested in a story where you’re not emotionally engaged with the people the story is about. The “romance” portion of the book was also a lil off putting since this is a book written from teenager’s perspectives. I also wasn’t a huge fan of how quickly one of the main character went out. A large part of this book is about this entity & THAT is how it ends?
But to end on a good note, the writing was amazing. I could VIVIDLY see the surroundings & even the characters at some points. The author set up the scenes beautifully & with such detail that I didn’t need to substitute anything in my imagination. You can tell Tamara has a knack for writing & it flows beautifully! I am very interested in seeing how book 2 plays out after finishing this one.
Overall I would absolutely recommend if you’re looking into it. Is it going to knock you off your feet? No. But it is going to grab your interest at times and it makes for a great weekend read!
The Legend of Blackshore is a “coming of age” filled with first loves & urban legends. It also has that “Goonies” vibe going for it which I - being the Goonies #1 fan - was very much interested in.
The was sucked in quickly from the beginning but I won’t lie, I fell out of interest as quickly as I fell into it. The characters are fine but I also didn’t feel any true connection to them & it is hard to be emotionally invested in a story where you’re not emotionally engaged with the people the story is about. The “romance” portion of the book was also a lil off putting since this is a book written from teenager’s perspectives. I also wasn’t a huge fan of how quickly one of the main character went out. A large part of this book is about this entity & THAT is how it ends?
But to end on a good note, the writing was amazing. I could VIVIDLY see the surroundings & even the characters at some points. The author set up the scenes beautifully & with such detail that I didn’t need to substitute anything in my imagination. You can tell Tamara has a knack for writing & it flows beautifully! I am very interested in seeing how book 2 plays out after finishing this one.
Overall I would absolutely recommend if you’re looking into it. Is it going to knock you off your feet? No. But it is going to grab your interest at times and it makes for a great weekend read!
February 7, 2026
“The Legend of Blackstone” by Tamara Rector is a coming-of-age supernatural young adult thriller that asks: What happens when an urban legend becomes reality? The story is set in the small coastal town of Blackshore, Nova Scotia, during the fall of 1996 through the summer of 1997. Blackshore is famous for its pirate-themed history, annual events, and a chilling curse. Each summer, children mysteriously vanish, fueling the local belief that a pirate returns to collect his due.
Trouble arises soon after the main character, Autumn Quinn, moves back to Blackshore after 12 years away. She reconnects with Jesse, a childhood friend, and their chemistry is undeniable. Autumn also befriends Jamie, Noah, Felix, and Tanner after joining their band. This group brings layers of humor, trauma, and deep friendship bonds to the story, each shaped by unique backgrounds and situations. I especially enjoyed witnessing the character development through the different points of view throughout the book.
Tamara Rector’s writing vividly brings the setting to life, blending eerie and spooky undertones that immerse the reader in the narrative. Together, this group of unlikely friends courageously confront the haunting urban legend. Trapped within the curse, each character receives chilling messages from the pirate. Can they stop him and break the curse before it’s too late?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Special thanks to the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Trouble arises soon after the main character, Autumn Quinn, moves back to Blackshore after 12 years away. She reconnects with Jesse, a childhood friend, and their chemistry is undeniable. Autumn also befriends Jamie, Noah, Felix, and Tanner after joining their band. This group brings layers of humor, trauma, and deep friendship bonds to the story, each shaped by unique backgrounds and situations. I especially enjoyed witnessing the character development through the different points of view throughout the book.
Tamara Rector’s writing vividly brings the setting to life, blending eerie and spooky undertones that immerse the reader in the narrative. Together, this group of unlikely friends courageously confront the haunting urban legend. Trapped within the curse, each character receives chilling messages from the pirate. Can they stop him and break the curse before it’s too late?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Special thanks to the author for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 8, 2026
Some stories feel like a whispered legend passed around a bonfire—and The Legend of Blackshore is exactly that kind of book. Set in the sticky, sun-soaked summer of 1997, this haunting coming-of-age romantic thriller pulls you straight into a seaside town where folklore isn’t just history… it’s hungry.
Blackshore, Nova Scotia, drips with atmosphere. Pirate lore, cursed caves, and disappearing children create a slow, creeping dread that never lets up. Autumn Quinn is a compelling, wounded heroine—taken once by the legend and returned changed. What follows is a chilling unraveling as something ancient and cruel stalks her and her friends, burrowing into their minds and feeding on fear.
The emotional core is what truly elevates this story. Autumn and Jesse’s first love feels painfully real—tender, messy, and desperate. Jesse’s torment is especially brutal, with a voice that forces him to choose between loyalty and survival. The psychological tension is relentless, and the stakes feel devastatingly personal.
Moody, terrifying, and achingly nostalgic, The Legend of Blackshore blends folklore horror with romance in a way that leaves a mark—much like the legend itself. This is a story about love, sacrifice, and the monsters that follow us out of the dark. Unforgettable and deeply unsettling, it’s a five-star read that will linger long after the final page. 🌊🏴☠️
Blackshore, Nova Scotia, drips with atmosphere. Pirate lore, cursed caves, and disappearing children create a slow, creeping dread that never lets up. Autumn Quinn is a compelling, wounded heroine—taken once by the legend and returned changed. What follows is a chilling unraveling as something ancient and cruel stalks her and her friends, burrowing into their minds and feeding on fear.
The emotional core is what truly elevates this story. Autumn and Jesse’s first love feels painfully real—tender, messy, and desperate. Jesse’s torment is especially brutal, with a voice that forces him to choose between loyalty and survival. The psychological tension is relentless, and the stakes feel devastatingly personal.
Moody, terrifying, and achingly nostalgic, The Legend of Blackshore blends folklore horror with romance in a way that leaves a mark—much like the legend itself. This is a story about love, sacrifice, and the monsters that follow us out of the dark. Unforgettable and deeply unsettling, it’s a five-star read that will linger long after the final page. 🌊🏴☠️
September 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Darkness Meets Young Love in Blackshore (ARC)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! There were so many surprises and outcomes I wasn’t expecting, which kept me hooked right through to the end. Even though this is a haunting, horror type story, I found myself reminiscing about my own first love and the intensity of that time period. The relationship between Autumn and Jesse was woven seamlessly into the darker, nightmare-driven parts of the story, making their bond feel both fragile and powerful.
The haunted atmosphere of Blackshore was the perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery. From the janitor to Jamie’s mom, every storyline had a purpose and came together neatly in the end, which I really appreciated. I also enjoyed the different viewpoints throughout the book, they were clearly identified at the start of each chapter and easy to follow. The shifts in time between the 1990s and the 1950s worked well overall, though at times I wished they were just a little more clear.
All in all, this was a solid read with a great blend of eerie coastal horror, cursed legends, and emotional depth. A haunting story with heart, I would definitely recommend it!
BookBound and Blushed
Sonya
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! There were so many surprises and outcomes I wasn’t expecting, which kept me hooked right through to the end. Even though this is a haunting, horror type story, I found myself reminiscing about my own first love and the intensity of that time period. The relationship between Autumn and Jesse was woven seamlessly into the darker, nightmare-driven parts of the story, making their bond feel both fragile and powerful.
The haunted atmosphere of Blackshore was the perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery. From the janitor to Jamie’s mom, every storyline had a purpose and came together neatly in the end, which I really appreciated. I also enjoyed the different viewpoints throughout the book, they were clearly identified at the start of each chapter and easy to follow. The shifts in time between the 1990s and the 1950s worked well overall, though at times I wished they were just a little more clear.
All in all, this was a solid read with a great blend of eerie coastal horror, cursed legends, and emotional depth. A haunting story with heart, I would definitely recommend it!
BookBound and Blushed
Sonya
January 5, 2026
In a town that believes in Urban Legends so fiercely, generation after generation, will the latest generation believe with the same unwavering doubt their parents do? Welcome to Blackshore.
From page 1 I was hooked, I thought the way that Tamara started the book was the perfect hook to keep you reading, it felt like a 90s TV show where you get that little bit of story before the title screen comes on and drops you back at the very beginning, I would actually love to see this as a TV show, a 90s based, supernatural limited series.
The way Tamara wrote the book, with such amazing details and different POVs made it so easy to visualise what I was reading, I saw the characters so clearly and the scenes so vividly, it made for such an immense reading experience.
Autumn and Jesse perfectly portrayed the first love vibes and having Jamie in their as well really made me reminisce on what it was like to be a kid, to feel all of these things for the first time and have them be so overwhelming and consuming.
The plot twist towards the end absolutely broke my heart, to have had to live with it all those years and never have an answer and to finally get one and it be soul crushing. What an incredible twist and a play on emotions.
I really enjoyed this book and found it so hard to put down, it was a bittersweet ending and I'm looking forward to reading more by Tamara.
From page 1 I was hooked, I thought the way that Tamara started the book was the perfect hook to keep you reading, it felt like a 90s TV show where you get that little bit of story before the title screen comes on and drops you back at the very beginning, I would actually love to see this as a TV show, a 90s based, supernatural limited series.
The way Tamara wrote the book, with such amazing details and different POVs made it so easy to visualise what I was reading, I saw the characters so clearly and the scenes so vividly, it made for such an immense reading experience.
Autumn and Jesse perfectly portrayed the first love vibes and having Jamie in their as well really made me reminisce on what it was like to be a kid, to feel all of these things for the first time and have them be so overwhelming and consuming.
The plot twist towards the end absolutely broke my heart, to have had to live with it all those years and never have an answer and to finally get one and it be soul crushing. What an incredible twist and a play on emotions.
I really enjoyed this book and found it so hard to put down, it was a bittersweet ending and I'm looking forward to reading more by Tamara.
January 8, 2026
Thank you so much Tamara for sending me a copy of Book 1!
When you were a child did you ever hear about Urban Legends from small towns? Well in Blackshore there has been an Urban Legend going around for years. Is it really an urban legend when children have been going missing in real time? Reading this book, you will question if the pirate has something to really do with the children going missing.
Going into this book I was a little hesitant because I was not sure if a pirate thriller would be up my alley. OMG! Was I wrong!!! From the first chapter, I was hooked, with the way that Tamara Rector writes, she will have you hooked and wanting more, that urge that you need to read faster because you want to know what happens next.
It’s 1997, Autumn has just moved to Blackshore. A typical teenage girl who doesn’t know anyone but ends up meeting a cutie named Jesse. Along with meeting a boy, who ends up becoming her boyfriend, she meets other teenagers around her age. They tell Autumn about the Urban Legend going around their small town for years.
Like I mentioned earlier, this book will have you so invested with every. Single, event that unfolds!! Hold on tight and just enjoy the ride!
I am so ready for book 2!
When you were a child did you ever hear about Urban Legends from small towns? Well in Blackshore there has been an Urban Legend going around for years. Is it really an urban legend when children have been going missing in real time? Reading this book, you will question if the pirate has something to really do with the children going missing.
Going into this book I was a little hesitant because I was not sure if a pirate thriller would be up my alley. OMG! Was I wrong!!! From the first chapter, I was hooked, with the way that Tamara Rector writes, she will have you hooked and wanting more, that urge that you need to read faster because you want to know what happens next.
It’s 1997, Autumn has just moved to Blackshore. A typical teenage girl who doesn’t know anyone but ends up meeting a cutie named Jesse. Along with meeting a boy, who ends up becoming her boyfriend, she meets other teenagers around her age. They tell Autumn about the Urban Legend going around their small town for years.
Like I mentioned earlier, this book will have you so invested with every. Single, event that unfolds!! Hold on tight and just enjoy the ride!
I am so ready for book 2!
January 7, 2026
The Legend of Blackshore is my first book by author Tamara Rector. It is a haunting and atmospheric coming-of-age romantic thriller. It is set in the small seaside town of Blackshore, Nova Scotia. The town pulsates with eerie folklore.
The town of Blackshore is infamous for its tales of vanishing children and a ghostly pirate presence that seems to seep out of the oldest of nightmares. When Autumn Quinn is taken and only returns three days later, the tale shifts from folklore to something very real.
In the heart of the story is the relationship between Autumn and Jesse Ryder. We do get multiple perspectives, which I enjoyed. Jesse is devoted to Autumn, but is it a lifeline or a trap? This novel not only delivers eerie seaside chills, but it also speaks to resilience, forgiveness, and the scars left behind. The legends in Blackshore refuse to stay buried. I loved the balance between the supernatural dread and the emotional depth.
Thanks to Tamara Rector for gifting me an eARC of The Legend of Blackshore. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The town of Blackshore is infamous for its tales of vanishing children and a ghostly pirate presence that seems to seep out of the oldest of nightmares. When Autumn Quinn is taken and only returns three days later, the tale shifts from folklore to something very real.
In the heart of the story is the relationship between Autumn and Jesse Ryder. We do get multiple perspectives, which I enjoyed. Jesse is devoted to Autumn, but is it a lifeline or a trap? This novel not only delivers eerie seaside chills, but it also speaks to resilience, forgiveness, and the scars left behind. The legends in Blackshore refuse to stay buried. I loved the balance between the supernatural dread and the emotional depth.
Thanks to Tamara Rector for gifting me an eARC of The Legend of Blackshore. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 15, 2026
BOOK REVIEW!!
"The Legend of Blackshore" by Tamara Rector
Follow Autumn, Jesse, and a band of 4 boy as they encounter the mystery of the missing children in Blackshore. Teens figuring out life and love must now wrestle with a ghost pirate and a secret older than the town. Brothers missing, old ships in bottles, a strange glowing turtle, and love will clash in this tale.
The premise of this novel excited me. I've only read one other pirate thriller/horror book before. I was looking forward to it. However, the book (to me) did not live up to its potential. All the pieces were there, but there seemed to be too many pieces from many puzzles trying to be put together. When the story was focused on the mystery and the ghost pirate, it wasn't a bad story. This author had a lot of good ideas, but too much in one story. "The Legend of Blackshore" is obviously inspired by Stephen King's "It." This book had great potential but did not leave its mark on me. I wish the author took more time to focus on the main plot rather than putting in all these tropes of the genre.
I so wished this book was more than what it actually was.
"The Legend of Blackshore" by Tamara Rector
Follow Autumn, Jesse, and a band of 4 boy as they encounter the mystery of the missing children in Blackshore. Teens figuring out life and love must now wrestle with a ghost pirate and a secret older than the town. Brothers missing, old ships in bottles, a strange glowing turtle, and love will clash in this tale.
The premise of this novel excited me. I've only read one other pirate thriller/horror book before. I was looking forward to it. However, the book (to me) did not live up to its potential. All the pieces were there, but there seemed to be too many pieces from many puzzles trying to be put together. When the story was focused on the mystery and the ghost pirate, it wasn't a bad story. This author had a lot of good ideas, but too much in one story. "The Legend of Blackshore" is obviously inspired by Stephen King's "It." This book had great potential but did not leave its mark on me. I wish the author took more time to focus on the main plot rather than putting in all these tropes of the genre.
I so wished this book was more than what it actually was.
September 27, 2025
I am obsessed with Tamara Rector after I found Skyeholm a few years ago.
Her writing style is so diverse, and her storytelling is amazing.
The Legend of Blackshore is full of legends, mystery and the unbelievable coming alive.
When I started the book we meet Autumn and Jesse, and as someone with a nervous disposition, this provided me with the ahhh phew! However!!!! I should have know Tamara was going to take me on a journey I cannot ever imagine! This makes her writing so exciting for me, its never predictable.
Autumn is the main female character whose family have moved back after many many years and she reconnects with old bestie Jesse. We get to see some of her high school journey!
Jesse instantly is attracted to her! However, he has a part of him missing, which turns out to be his missing brother.
We learn early on through a class the legends and mystery of the missing children, and I got drawn into this the time flew as I was reading.
The pace is amazing and the mix of mystery and normal life really provided me an enjoyable balance I really needed!
Her writing style is so diverse, and her storytelling is amazing.
The Legend of Blackshore is full of legends, mystery and the unbelievable coming alive.
When I started the book we meet Autumn and Jesse, and as someone with a nervous disposition, this provided me with the ahhh phew! However!!!! I should have know Tamara was going to take me on a journey I cannot ever imagine! This makes her writing so exciting for me, its never predictable.
Autumn is the main female character whose family have moved back after many many years and she reconnects with old bestie Jesse. We get to see some of her high school journey!
Jesse instantly is attracted to her! However, he has a part of him missing, which turns out to be his missing brother.
We learn early on through a class the legends and mystery of the missing children, and I got drawn into this the time flew as I was reading.
The pace is amazing and the mix of mystery and normal life really provided me an enjoyable balance I really needed!
January 4, 2026
The Legend of Black Shore by Tamara Rector is a richly atmospheric story steeped in pirate history and coastal lore. From the moment the story begins, the town of Black Shore feels alive with echoes of its seafaring past—secrets buried in salt air, whispered legends, and the lingering presence of pirates who once ruled its waters.
Rector does an exceptional job weaving historical intrigue with mystery, making the town itself feel like a character. The pirate legacy isn’t just background—it drives the tension, shapes the characters, and deepens the sense of danger and discovery throughout the story.
The characters are well-developed and emotionally grounded, and their connection to Black Shore’s past adds weight and meaning to every choice they make. The pacing is engaging, with suspense that builds naturally as long-buried truths surface.
This book is perfect for readers who love pirate history, coastal legends, and stories where the past refuses to stay buried. A captivating read that leaves you thinking about Black Shore long after the final page.
Rector does an exceptional job weaving historical intrigue with mystery, making the town itself feel like a character. The pirate legacy isn’t just background—it drives the tension, shapes the characters, and deepens the sense of danger and discovery throughout the story.
The characters are well-developed and emotionally grounded, and their connection to Black Shore’s past adds weight and meaning to every choice they make. The pacing is engaging, with suspense that builds naturally as long-buried truths surface.
This book is perfect for readers who love pirate history, coastal legends, and stories where the past refuses to stay buried. A captivating read that leaves you thinking about Black Shore long after the final page.
February 10, 2026
Major folklore vibes, small town with a history of children going missing every spring and summer. The teens act like teens, some silly things, some stupid things, and of course, that first love feeling. Blackshore is a well-thought-out small town, and a really interesting setting. With such a focus on pirates and tragedies, they have a local history class that talks about Axel Crane, who went insane and killed 6 people after his girlfriend died. The story has obvious ties to Stephen King's IT, but I appreciate that it's clearly different. In all honesty, I've read IT twice, and both times were a bit of a slog for me. That's okay, every reader has their book, and it wasn't really for me, but The Legend of Blackshore welcomes you back like you never left. I looked forward to opening the book every chance I got, to see the characters and get into their heads just a little bit more. We follow 3 different perspectives: the cool new girl, her boyfriend Jessie, and their friend Jamie. If you're looking for something a bit different and a bit dark, check it out.
August 29, 2025
The Legend of Blackshore is everything I want in a haunting summer read—dark, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. The author brings Blackshore, Nova Scotia, to life with a perfect blend of seaside charm and bone-deep dread. The pirate folklore feels like it’s been whispered through generations, and by the time Autumn is pulled into the town’s nightmare, you can’t help but believe every word of it.
What really sets this apart is the balance of heart-pounding horror with the tenderness of first love. Autumn and Jesse’s relationship is raw, messy, and achingly real, which makes the supernatural stakes hit that much harder. The pacing keeps you hooked, the twists are sharp, and the imagery lingers long after the last page.
It’s eerie, nostalgic, and full of that creeping summer-night terror you can almost smell in the salt air. If you love ghost stories with teeth, small-town secrets, and characters you can’t stop rooting for, The Legend of Blackshore is an absolute must-read.
What really sets this apart is the balance of heart-pounding horror with the tenderness of first love. Autumn and Jesse’s relationship is raw, messy, and achingly real, which makes the supernatural stakes hit that much harder. The pacing keeps you hooked, the twists are sharp, and the imagery lingers long after the last page.
It’s eerie, nostalgic, and full of that creeping summer-night terror you can almost smell in the salt air. If you love ghost stories with teeth, small-town secrets, and characters you can’t stop rooting for, The Legend of Blackshore is an absolute must-read.
August 29, 2025
Tamara Rector’s The Legend of Blackshore is a masterful blend of supernatural suspense, heartfelt romance, and nostalgic 1990s charm. Rector crafts a richly atmospheric world where the line between legend and reality blurs. The haunted caves, cursed tides, and the ghostly pirate presence create a palpable tension that keeps readers on edge. The setting itself becomes a character, its dark secrets and chilling history woven seamlessly into the narrative.
Rector’s writing is evocative and immersive, capturing the essence of a summer that changes everything. Her ability to blend coming-of-age themes with supernatural horror is reminiscent of classics like It and Stranger Things, yet she brings a unique voice and perspective that sets this novel apart.
The Legend of Blackshore is a must-read for fans of atmospheric thrillers, supernatural mysteries, and poignant coming-of-age tales. It’s a story that lingers in the mind, much like the legends it brings to life.
Rector’s writing is evocative and immersive, capturing the essence of a summer that changes everything. Her ability to blend coming-of-age themes with supernatural horror is reminiscent of classics like It and Stranger Things, yet she brings a unique voice and perspective that sets this novel apart.
The Legend of Blackshore is a must-read for fans of atmospheric thrillers, supernatural mysteries, and poignant coming-of-age tales. It’s a story that lingers in the mind, much like the legends it brings to life.
August 30, 2025
When I first started dreaming up Blackshore, I wasn’t doing it with the intention of writing a book. I was grieving the loss of my best friend, all while trying to find my footing in a brand-new province, hours away from the hometown I’d always known. I didn’t have friends here yet, and the loneliness had a way of getting louder than I could handle.
So, I coped the only way I knew how. I created a world in my head. A haunted little town on the edge of the ocean. Characters who carried their own ghosts, who could speak the things I couldn’t. The daydreams grew bigger and bigger, until they started taking a toll on my own wellbeing. That’s when I finally sat down and wrote them out.
At first, it was just to escape Blackshore myself. But now, it’s something I get to share with you. A piece of my grief, my healing, and my heart disguised as a ghost story.
Welcome to Blackshore.
So, I coped the only way I knew how. I created a world in my head. A haunted little town on the edge of the ocean. Characters who carried their own ghosts, who could speak the things I couldn’t. The daydreams grew bigger and bigger, until they started taking a toll on my own wellbeing. That’s when I finally sat down and wrote them out.
At first, it was just to escape Blackshore myself. But now, it’s something I get to share with you. A piece of my grief, my healing, and my heart disguised as a ghost story.
Welcome to Blackshore.
January 11, 2026
Reviewed by Dee on behalf of The Plot Thickens Book Club.
Title: The Legend of Blackshore
Author: Tamara Rector
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was an absolutely amazing book! As soon as I read the first page I fell head over heels for it. It was a book that I could not put down. Tamara Rector is an author that I have really loved reading everything she has. This really pulled me in with the urban legends, the myths, the missing kids and so many more things. There aren't enough great things to say about this book. It was written incredibly well. I love how it flowed so easily as you were reading it so it was easy to keep up with where the plots and the twists and the curveballs were coming in. if this is your style of book the urban legend, creepy, eerie kind of feel by all means. This book was just a breath of fresh air all the way around. Please put this on your TBR because it is so worth it.
Title: The Legend of Blackshore
Author: Tamara Rector
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was an absolutely amazing book! As soon as I read the first page I fell head over heels for it. It was a book that I could not put down. Tamara Rector is an author that I have really loved reading everything she has. This really pulled me in with the urban legends, the myths, the missing kids and so many more things. There aren't enough great things to say about this book. It was written incredibly well. I love how it flowed so easily as you were reading it so it was easy to keep up with where the plots and the twists and the curveballs were coming in. if this is your style of book the urban legend, creepy, eerie kind of feel by all means. This book was just a breath of fresh air all the way around. Please put this on your TBR because it is so worth it.
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