What do you think?
The Treasure Hunters Club #2
Return to Breakneck Island
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26Long-buried secrets resurface in this alluring mystery from the bestselling and award-winning author of The Treasure Hunters Club that welcomes readers back to Maple Bay—a seaside town “that has all the cozy charm of Jessica Fletcher’s Cabot Cove, with almost as many murders.” (Library Journal, starred review)
Breakneck Island: nestled precariously off the coast of Maple Bay, the lighthouse atop this rocky outcrop is all that stands between safe passage and nautical disaster.
For generations, the MacLeary family lived on Breakneck Island in an isolated and physically-demanding existence. One night in 1932, after a ruthless storm battered all of Maple Bay, the MacLearys disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only whispers of a missing fortune.
Nearly a century later, three people are drawn to Breakneck Island and its perplexing past, Peter Barnett, a recent Maple Bay transplant who’s piecing his life back together and possibly catching feelings for a charming professor; Dandy Feltzen, a wistful teenage girl searching for new beginnings while juggling the arrival of an unexpected visitor; and Cass Jones, a successful author given a cryptic tip for a haunting new story.
As Peter, Dandy, and Cass are drawn into the orbit of one of Maple Bay’s darkest mysteries, dangers past and present collide on the rocky shores of Breakneck Island, and the real story of the MacLearys finally comes into focus. But if the island is to reveal its oldest secrets, it may demand fresh bodies in return.
Breakneck Island: nestled precariously off the coast of Maple Bay, the lighthouse atop this rocky outcrop is all that stands between safe passage and nautical disaster.
For generations, the MacLeary family lived on Breakneck Island in an isolated and physically-demanding existence. One night in 1932, after a ruthless storm battered all of Maple Bay, the MacLearys disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only whispers of a missing fortune.
Nearly a century later, three people are drawn to Breakneck Island and its perplexing past, Peter Barnett, a recent Maple Bay transplant who’s piecing his life back together and possibly catching feelings for a charming professor; Dandy Feltzen, a wistful teenage girl searching for new beginnings while juggling the arrival of an unexpected visitor; and Cass Jones, a successful author given a cryptic tip for a haunting new story.
As Peter, Dandy, and Cass are drawn into the orbit of one of Maple Bay’s darkest mysteries, dangers past and present collide on the rocky shores of Breakneck Island, and the real story of the MacLearys finally comes into focus. But if the island is to reveal its oldest secrets, it may demand fresh bodies in return.
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Tom Ryan
12 books558 followersTom Ryan is an award winning author, screenwriter and producer. His YA mystery KEEP THIS TO YOURSELF was the winner of the 2020 ITW Thriller Award for Best YA Thriller, the 2020 Arthur Ellis Award for Best YA Crime Book, and the 2021 Ann Connor Brimer Award, and is currently being adapted for television. His followup YA mystery I HOPE YOU’RE LISTENING was the winner of the 2021 Lambda “Lammy” Award for Best LGBTQ Mystery. He was a 2017 Lambda Literary Fellow in Young Adult Fiction.
Tom, his husband and their dog live in Nova Scotia.
Tom, his husband and their dog live in Nova Scotia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 12, 2026
When I was gifted this ARC (my first!!!) I was so pumped to read it! Of course, I read the first book and loved it, so I started this one right away!
Now, I’m not typically a mystery reader, but this captured my attention all the way from page 1 to the acknowledgments! I loved the writing style, and I loved that although it was suspense and mystery, it wasn’t “scary.”
I loved that we kept the same theme, location, and characters, but they took on an entirely new adventure.
Now, I’m not typically a mystery reader, but this captured my attention all the way from page 1 to the acknowledgments! I loved the writing style, and I loved that although it was suspense and mystery, it wasn’t “scary.”
I loved that we kept the same theme, location, and characters, but they took on an entirely new adventure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Breakneck Island: nestled precariously off the coast of Maple Bay, the lighthouse atop this rocky outcrop is all that stands between safe passage and nautical disaster.
For generations, the MacLeary family lived on Breakneck Island in an isolated and physically-demanding existence. One night in 1932, after a ruthless storm battered all of Maple Bay, the MacLearys disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only whispers of a missing fortune.
Nearly a century later, three people are drawn to Breakneck Island and its perplexing past: Peter Barnett, a recent Maple Bay transplant who’s piecing his life back together and possibly catching feelings for a charming professor; Dandy Feltzen, a wistful teenage girl searching for new beginnings while juggling the arrival of an unexpected visitor; and Cass Jones, a successful author given a cryptic tip for a haunting new story.
As Peter, Dandy, and Cass are drawn into the orbit of one of Maple Bay’s darkest mysteries, dangers past and present collide on the rocky shores of Breakneck Island, and the real story of the MacLearys finally comes into focus. But if the island is to reveal its oldest secrets, it may demand fresh bodies in return.
This was a fun sequel to the previous book and brings the gang back together, even if they don’t get to spend too much time with one another throughout the book. Since the characters and their backstories are from a previous book, it does help to have read it since the treasure and their exploits and the book written about it need context.
Cookie Dodge (what a name!) has some information for Cass about a secret treasure and a family that disappeared, but she vanishes before she can share it. Also entering the picture is Dandy’s deadbeat dad, Dodge, and Dandy is not happy to see him.
Peter is still trying to sort out Bellwoods and an artefact coming from there could point them to the answer of the family from the lighthouse’s disappearance. Plus he is dealing with the tension between Victor and Kate with the job tasks he has given them and the signals that Victor seems to be sending his way.
Dandy and Parker’s relationship is growing closer, and Bryson needs to sort out the fallout from the diving incident.
Add in the Obelisk Treasure that is still missing and you have a treasure mystery galore!
I enjoyed the two timelines and how they intersected and the mystery of the MacLearys is well thought out.
The writing is so easy to read and you can literally fly through it. The places are well depicted and when the rocks are described around the island, it feels as though you are there rowing and trying to navigate the swells. The characters feel real, as though you have been invited into their lives and are not just reading a book, and even though you have to take some incidents with a pinch of salt, it’s still well worth the read.
The book ends with a setup for the third, so we know we are in for another adventure. I can’t wait!
Thanks to NetGalley, Grove Atlantic, and the author for an advanced reader copy.
For generations, the MacLeary family lived on Breakneck Island in an isolated and physically-demanding existence. One night in 1932, after a ruthless storm battered all of Maple Bay, the MacLearys disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only whispers of a missing fortune.
Nearly a century later, three people are drawn to Breakneck Island and its perplexing past: Peter Barnett, a recent Maple Bay transplant who’s piecing his life back together and possibly catching feelings for a charming professor; Dandy Feltzen, a wistful teenage girl searching for new beginnings while juggling the arrival of an unexpected visitor; and Cass Jones, a successful author given a cryptic tip for a haunting new story.
As Peter, Dandy, and Cass are drawn into the orbit of one of Maple Bay’s darkest mysteries, dangers past and present collide on the rocky shores of Breakneck Island, and the real story of the MacLearys finally comes into focus. But if the island is to reveal its oldest secrets, it may demand fresh bodies in return.
This was a fun sequel to the previous book and brings the gang back together, even if they don’t get to spend too much time with one another throughout the book. Since the characters and their backstories are from a previous book, it does help to have read it since the treasure and their exploits and the book written about it need context.
Cookie Dodge (what a name!) has some information for Cass about a secret treasure and a family that disappeared, but she vanishes before she can share it. Also entering the picture is Dandy’s deadbeat dad, Dodge, and Dandy is not happy to see him.
Peter is still trying to sort out Bellwoods and an artefact coming from there could point them to the answer of the family from the lighthouse’s disappearance. Plus he is dealing with the tension between Victor and Kate with the job tasks he has given them and the signals that Victor seems to be sending his way.
Dandy and Parker’s relationship is growing closer, and Bryson needs to sort out the fallout from the diving incident.
Add in the Obelisk Treasure that is still missing and you have a treasure mystery galore!
I enjoyed the two timelines and how they intersected and the mystery of the MacLearys is well thought out.
The writing is so easy to read and you can literally fly through it. The places are well depicted and when the rocks are described around the island, it feels as though you are there rowing and trying to navigate the swells. The characters feel real, as though you have been invited into their lives and are not just reading a book, and even though you have to take some incidents with a pinch of salt, it’s still well worth the read.
The book ends with a setup for the third, so we know we are in for another adventure. I can’t wait!
Thanks to NetGalley, Grove Atlantic, and the author for an advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for the free book.
Return to Breakneck Island is a dual-timeline mystery centered around the disappearance of an entire lighthouse-keeper family from a remote Nova Scotia island in 1932. In the present day, old family secrets, a mysterious death, a decades-old diving tragedy, and rumors of hidden treasure begin pulling several people back toward Breakneck Island and the truth about what happened there.
For me, the historical timeline was definitely the strongest part of the book. The 1932 chapters had everything I wanted, danger, family drama, secrets, a storm closing in, and a mystery that became more interesting with every new piece of information. Every time the story returned to the past, I wanted to stay there.
The present-day storyline was a little slower for me. There were stretches where it felt like the story was taking its time getting where it needed to go, and some of the side plots didn’t always feel necessary while I was reading them. But once the different storylines started coming together, the pace picked up considerably and there were a few reveals I genuinely didn’t see coming.
I really enjoyed how the mystery was layered across generations. Old clues, family connections, missing people, buried secrets, and questions surrounding Breakneck Island all gradually connected, and I liked seeing seemingly small details become important later.
The ending also helped this one a lot for me. The major questions were answered, the different threads were tied together, and I wasn’t left wondering what happened. I especially enjoyed the epilogue, which gave the historical storyline a satisfying and complete finish.
Overall, Return to Breakneck Island was a solid four-star mystery for me. The past timeline was the standout, the present-day sections were a little slower, but the final stretch and clean wrap-up made the journey worthwhile.
Return to Breakneck Island is a dual-timeline mystery centered around the disappearance of an entire lighthouse-keeper family from a remote Nova Scotia island in 1932. In the present day, old family secrets, a mysterious death, a decades-old diving tragedy, and rumors of hidden treasure begin pulling several people back toward Breakneck Island and the truth about what happened there.
For me, the historical timeline was definitely the strongest part of the book. The 1932 chapters had everything I wanted, danger, family drama, secrets, a storm closing in, and a mystery that became more interesting with every new piece of information. Every time the story returned to the past, I wanted to stay there.
The present-day storyline was a little slower for me. There were stretches where it felt like the story was taking its time getting where it needed to go, and some of the side plots didn’t always feel necessary while I was reading them. But once the different storylines started coming together, the pace picked up considerably and there were a few reveals I genuinely didn’t see coming.
I really enjoyed how the mystery was layered across generations. Old clues, family connections, missing people, buried secrets, and questions surrounding Breakneck Island all gradually connected, and I liked seeing seemingly small details become important later.
The ending also helped this one a lot for me. The major questions were answered, the different threads were tied together, and I wasn’t left wondering what happened. I especially enjoyed the epilogue, which gave the historical storyline a satisfying and complete finish.
Overall, Return to Breakneck Island was a solid four-star mystery for me. The past timeline was the standout, the present-day sections were a little slower, but the final stretch and clean wrap-up made the journey worthwhile.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced review copy of Tom Ryan’s Return to Breakneck Island, a sequel to The Treasure Hunter Club Mystery.
I absolutely loved The Treasure Hunters Club so I was excited to get back to Cass, Peter, and Dandy in Maple Bay. This sequel introduces new characters from the past and present and a few visitors to the island. Return to Breakneck Island has a dual-timeline, providing history and hints of a new treasure to find in Nova Scotia. And our main characters are spending more time apart.
I had high hopes for this sophomore effort in this series but ultimately felt overwhelmed by ALL of the themes and plot lines used to move the story along. The sequel requires readers to remember a lot from the original book, which may be difficult since this book doesn’t publish until October.
Because the main characters aren’t working together this time, there are a lot of new characters to get to know, which means they don’t get much depth or complexity. Several have pretty transparent motives, which leave few surprises at the end of the book.
I believe some of the themes and storylines could have been saved for the next book so that they could be introduced more thoroughly and developed more meaningfully. Return to Breakneck Island seemed rushed to say a lot of things, maybe too many things.
I still enjoyed the adventure and like the main characters. Return to Breakneck Island sets itself up for a third book which I will happily read and hopefully enjoy more than this sequel. I’m rating Return to Breakneck Island ⭐️⭐️⭐️ because the main characters are growing and changing in meaningful ways and the setting and history are interesting to me.
I absolutely loved The Treasure Hunters Club so I was excited to get back to Cass, Peter, and Dandy in Maple Bay. This sequel introduces new characters from the past and present and a few visitors to the island. Return to Breakneck Island has a dual-timeline, providing history and hints of a new treasure to find in Nova Scotia. And our main characters are spending more time apart.
I had high hopes for this sophomore effort in this series but ultimately felt overwhelmed by ALL of the themes and plot lines used to move the story along. The sequel requires readers to remember a lot from the original book, which may be difficult since this book doesn’t publish until October.
Because the main characters aren’t working together this time, there are a lot of new characters to get to know, which means they don’t get much depth or complexity. Several have pretty transparent motives, which leave few surprises at the end of the book.
I believe some of the themes and storylines could have been saved for the next book so that they could be introduced more thoroughly and developed more meaningfully. Return to Breakneck Island seemed rushed to say a lot of things, maybe too many things.
I still enjoyed the adventure and like the main characters. Return to Breakneck Island sets itself up for a third book which I will happily read and hopefully enjoy more than this sequel. I’m rating Return to Breakneck Island ⭐️⭐️⭐️ because the main characters are growing and changing in meaningful ways and the setting and history are interesting to me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley.
The three heroes from The Treasure Hunters Club, Cass, Dandy and Peter, are back for another treasure hunting adventure in Maple Bay. At Cass's book launch party, Cookie, an older resident (who happens to be related to Dandy) begins to tell Cass there's more than one treasure to be found. Cass agrees to meet with her the next day, but before she can, Cookie ends up dead, apparently having slipped off a cliff. What follows is all three treasure hunters find themselves drawn to a nearly 100-year old mystery tied in to Breakneck Island across the bay.
Whereas the previous book had three disparate characters drawn together due to a death and mystery involving treasure, this book finds the three involved in their own lives, all eventually looking for the same thing without discussing or realizing it. Of the three character plots, the one I just couldn't stand was Peter's, though it was grating for a reason. The story switches back and forth between the origin of the "treasure" in 1932, and the main characters' plots modern day. I found the 1932 plot much more intriguing and unpredictable, while modern day I early on figured out most of the key elements, except for one surprising twist late in the story. I've seen reviews describe the first book as being "cozy thriller" and I would have to say that really describes this novel, as it was more thriller than mystery, but not as fraught with intensity, and having cozier resolutions. A relatively fast, easy read if you want a lighter mystery-thriller. 3.5/5*
The three heroes from The Treasure Hunters Club, Cass, Dandy and Peter, are back for another treasure hunting adventure in Maple Bay. At Cass's book launch party, Cookie, an older resident (who happens to be related to Dandy) begins to tell Cass there's more than one treasure to be found. Cass agrees to meet with her the next day, but before she can, Cookie ends up dead, apparently having slipped off a cliff. What follows is all three treasure hunters find themselves drawn to a nearly 100-year old mystery tied in to Breakneck Island across the bay.
Whereas the previous book had three disparate characters drawn together due to a death and mystery involving treasure, this book finds the three involved in their own lives, all eventually looking for the same thing without discussing or realizing it. Of the three character plots, the one I just couldn't stand was Peter's, though it was grating for a reason. The story switches back and forth between the origin of the "treasure" in 1932, and the main characters' plots modern day. I found the 1932 plot much more intriguing and unpredictable, while modern day I early on figured out most of the key elements, except for one surprising twist late in the story. I've seen reviews describe the first book as being "cozy thriller" and I would have to say that really describes this novel, as it was more thriller than mystery, but not as fraught with intensity, and having cozier resolutions. A relatively fast, easy read if you want a lighter mystery-thriller. 3.5/5*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Treasure Hunters Club is one of my favorite books, so I was thrilled when I saw there was a sequel. While I didn't enjoy this one quite as much, it was still very good. I love Dandy, Cass and Peter and I was excited to see them again. Sadly, they really don't work together this time which I definitely missed. I liked their separate stories, and they do converge at the end, but I missed their teamwork. There are also chapters from 1932 and, to be honest, those were the worst parts of the book for me. Every time it swapped to that timeline I groaned because it killed the momentum. I'd be happily reading the modern story and then I'd get ripped out of it and sent to a past I didn't care about it. In my opinion, just a general outline of the past would have been good enough. I didn't need to know so many details. There were a couple of twists that surprised the heck out of me in the main story! I do love Tom Ryan's ability to write a great twist. Something very interesting happens at the end and it makes me wonder if there will be a third book. I hope there is because I do love these characters. If they do come back, I hope they work together more next time. Overall, Return to Breakneck Island is a great story and I recommend it to anyone who loved the first book. If you haven't read the first one yet, then I highly recommend reading it because it is excellent! I look forward to reading whatever Tom Ryan writes next!
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC,
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC,
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A remarkable story inspired by people the author had never met. I learned recently the premise is based on an actual island with abandoned buildings surrounding a lighthouse. A lightbulb moment, if you will, that turned into an adventure filled with relatable characters, a mysterious plot, and a gap in time.
In this story, the second of The Treasure Hunters Club, we re-visit Cassandra, Peter, and Dandy to learn more of their story as they navigate their grief from the troubling time of a year before. We also meet new characters as they try to find their place in Maple Bay. Ryan takes great care in developing the setting, the characters and all the nuances that make a rural community special and takes the reader on an adventure and, of course, a treasure hunt.
The relationships explored within the fun of exploring land and sea are comforting and reflective, with each captivating person revealing only bits of their intentions and personality as the circumstances permit. There are secrets, grief, healing and romance that make this read an addictive one while keeping the lights on to cast shadows and a touch of mayhem.
I love the characters, the setting, the plot and the wonderful way the author weaves it all together in perfect timing.
In this story, the second of The Treasure Hunters Club, we re-visit Cassandra, Peter, and Dandy to learn more of their story as they navigate their grief from the troubling time of a year before. We also meet new characters as they try to find their place in Maple Bay. Ryan takes great care in developing the setting, the characters and all the nuances that make a rural community special and takes the reader on an adventure and, of course, a treasure hunt.
The relationships explored within the fun of exploring land and sea are comforting and reflective, with each captivating person revealing only bits of their intentions and personality as the circumstances permit. There are secrets, grief, healing and romance that make this read an addictive one while keeping the lights on to cast shadows and a touch of mayhem.
I love the characters, the setting, the plot and the wonderful way the author weaves it all together in perfect timing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Grove Atlantic and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. A wonderful mystery! Just of the coast of Maple Bay sits Breakneck Island, the lighthouse that sits atop it is the only thing that stand between safe passage and disasters. Up until 1932 the MacLeary family lived on the island, but then a storm hit and after it was over the MacLeary’s had disappeared. There were however rumors of a missing fortune. This draws in Peter, Dandy, and Cass. All of them have a reason for investigating Breakneck Island and the MacLeary disappearance. But as they look into one of Maple Bay’s darkest mysteries they’ll face dangers, both past and present. They’ll uncover what really happened to the MacLeary family but in order to solve this secret the island may just demand a few bodies in return. Who will survive? A thrilling new mystery that was delightful and kept me guessing! Fast paced and gripping, twists that I didn’t see coming, with a lot of heart, friendship, and captivating voices! If you enjoyed the first book you’ll love the second!
September 14, 2026
REVIEW OF ADVANCE COPY RECEIVED FROM NETGALLY
Return to Breakneck Island
Return to Breakneck Island is the second book by Tom Ryan in “the treasure hunters club”. I was lucky enough to get this book as an ARC.
Return to Breakneck Island picks up after the events of The treasure hunters club. Case has written a book about the treasure and is having a book signing event at the local bookstore. She learns a little bit about Breakneck Island and is quickly being pulled into another mystery alongside Dandy and Peter.
I loved the first book, the characters and the premise, so I had high expectations for this one. And it didn’t disappoint. The story reminds me of my own treasure seeking adventures as a kid (albeit much less dramatic). The characters feel real and so does the story. Tom Ryan writes in a rich, but not over the top way that pulls me into the story and makes me want to read “just another chapter”. Suddenly the book is finished. I can highly recommend reading this book!
Return to Breakneck Island
Return to Breakneck Island is the second book by Tom Ryan in “the treasure hunters club”. I was lucky enough to get this book as an ARC.
Return to Breakneck Island picks up after the events of The treasure hunters club. Case has written a book about the treasure and is having a book signing event at the local bookstore. She learns a little bit about Breakneck Island and is quickly being pulled into another mystery alongside Dandy and Peter.
I loved the first book, the characters and the premise, so I had high expectations for this one. And it didn’t disappoint. The story reminds me of my own treasure seeking adventures as a kid (albeit much less dramatic). The characters feel real and so does the story. Tom Ryan writes in a rich, but not over the top way that pulls me into the story and makes me want to read “just another chapter”. Suddenly the book is finished. I can highly recommend reading this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Return to Breakneck Island by Tom Ryan, the second book in the Treasure Hunters' Club, definitely lives up to the promise of the first book and leaves the reader wanting more.
All of our favourite characters and settings are back, and the combination of current and past events allows the story to unfold in a natural and intriguing manner that keeps you turning the pages. Character development solidly progresses as Cass, Dandy, and Peter work on the same mystery without realizing that the others are doing the same, making for an interesting dynamic. Add in a bit of romance, some betrayal, and murders in the past and present, and you have the ingredients for a fun romp!
Thank you for the ARC of #ReturntoBreakneckIsland to the publisher and #NetGalley. I highly recommend it!
All of our favourite characters and settings are back, and the combination of current and past events allows the story to unfold in a natural and intriguing manner that keeps you turning the pages. Character development solidly progresses as Cass, Dandy, and Peter work on the same mystery without realizing that the others are doing the same, making for an interesting dynamic. Add in a bit of romance, some betrayal, and murders in the past and present, and you have the ingredients for a fun romp!
Thank you for the ARC of #ReturntoBreakneckIsland to the publisher and #NetGalley. I highly recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sad to say, I somehow missed reading this novel’s predecessor, The Treasure Hunters Club, but I am 100% on board with these memorably compelling characters and the suspenseful plot that interweaves their life stories through generations apart. This charming seaside setting in Nova Scotia provides both history and mystery, contentment and peril centered around the well-named Breakneck Island and its lighthouse, hiding secrets from almost a hundred years earlier. Friendships across generations--between teens and seniors, for example--add another welcome dimension to the proceedings as murders and other dastardly crimes are by turns uncovered and averted by our unsinkable heroes. This mystery novel has all the feels, and canny dialogue to match its big heart.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Story Highlights ✴️
This is book 2 of The Treasure Hunters Club Mystery series, a delightful, cleverly constructed mystery series set in Nova Scotia. Our faithful friends Peter, Dandy, and Cass find themselves investigating a mystery that involves the murder of a local resident and the disappearance of a family from a lighthouse on Breakneck Island long ago.
Why you need to read it 🤯
The story alternates between present day and the 1930s with an action-packed plot that will keep you guessing throughout the book. This is a murder mystery that operates on many levels to weave a great story.
What I liked
I was hooked with the first book in the series, The Treasure Hunters Club, released in 2024. The characters are entertaining and witty, making the relationships between them feel genuine and real. The fast-paced dual storylines, multiple twists, and treasures to be found make for an entertaining story.
Final musings 😲
This is a well-written series that charms you with a small coastal town and a cunning mystery with characters who stand out for their genuine qualities. The descriptions are lovely and atmospheric, I’m reminded to take a trip to Nova Scotia.
Thank you Tom Ryan, Grove Atlantic, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
This is book 2 of The Treasure Hunters Club Mystery series, a delightful, cleverly constructed mystery series set in Nova Scotia. Our faithful friends Peter, Dandy, and Cass find themselves investigating a mystery that involves the murder of a local resident and the disappearance of a family from a lighthouse on Breakneck Island long ago.
Why you need to read it 🤯
The story alternates between present day and the 1930s with an action-packed plot that will keep you guessing throughout the book. This is a murder mystery that operates on many levels to weave a great story.
What I liked
I was hooked with the first book in the series, The Treasure Hunters Club, released in 2024. The characters are entertaining and witty, making the relationships between them feel genuine and real. The fast-paced dual storylines, multiple twists, and treasures to be found make for an entertaining story.
Final musings 😲
This is a well-written series that charms you with a small coastal town and a cunning mystery with characters who stand out for their genuine qualities. The descriptions are lovely and atmospheric, I’m reminded to take a trip to Nova Scotia.
Thank you Tom Ryan, Grove Atlantic, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
September 8, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for an advanced reader’s copy!
When I got an ARC of Tom Ryan’s follow-up to The Treasure Hunter’s Club, I was so excited! I loved going back to Maple Bay.
Return to Breakneck Island brings back familiar faces and picks up a year after the Treasure Hunter’s Club wrapped up. New characters join the mix, weaving together with the old ones Cass, Dandy, and Peter. This time, the main trio spends more time apart, each diving into their own investigations that eventually come together.
I loved the two timelines and was really surprised by the big reveal at the end. The flashbacks to 1932 were maybe my favorite scenes in the book. I did find myself a little annoyed with Dandy’s character. Although she is a mature 16, there were times I felt Dandy’s vocabulary was a little too cheesy/adult. Overall though, this book is a solid 4 stars for me and will most definitely be recommended to all!
Tom Ryan is a master at keeping me hooked with a mix of mystery, family secrets, hidden motives, and, of course, treasure.
When I got an ARC of Tom Ryan’s follow-up to The Treasure Hunter’s Club, I was so excited! I loved going back to Maple Bay.
Return to Breakneck Island brings back familiar faces and picks up a year after the Treasure Hunter’s Club wrapped up. New characters join the mix, weaving together with the old ones Cass, Dandy, and Peter. This time, the main trio spends more time apart, each diving into their own investigations that eventually come together.
I loved the two timelines and was really surprised by the big reveal at the end. The flashbacks to 1932 were maybe my favorite scenes in the book. I did find myself a little annoyed with Dandy’s character. Although she is a mature 16, there were times I felt Dandy’s vocabulary was a little too cheesy/adult. Overall though, this book is a solid 4 stars for me and will most definitely be recommended to all!
Tom Ryan is a master at keeping me hooked with a mix of mystery, family secrets, hidden motives, and, of course, treasure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A great follow up to The Treasure Hunter's Club. The town of Maple Bay has another mystery on its hands when Cass, Peter, and Dandy get caught up in the mystery of what happened on Breakneck Island almost 100 years ago. While this one didn't feel us fully developed as Treasure Hunter's Club, it was still a delightful mystery that kept you guessing. It feels like there's more to come from this charming town, so I can't wait to see what happens next!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Return to Breakneck Island unfolds across two eras, present day and 1932, creating a layered mystery involving the MacLeary family’s disappearance and a long‑lost treasure. This is the second book in the series, and I think it would be best enjoyed after reading the first. The three main characters return, but this time they’re each doing their own thing until the mystery ultimately pulls them back together, weaving their separate storylines into a single adventure.
The dual timelines work well, the mystery is engaging, and Maple Bay continues to be an enjoyable setting for the series.
The dual timelines work well, the mystery is engaging, and Maple Bay continues to be an enjoyable setting for the series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I just finished this ARC coming out on 10/6 from Atlantic Crime.
This was a fun read, and I really enjoyed the story. If you would like a modern day Murder She Wrote, then this one is for you.
It had elements of a cozy mystery with a little bit of family drama mixed in. The mystery itself had one twist I saw coming, and several that took me by surprise. It will make you want to buy a sailboat and go hunt for treasures of your own.
This is the second in the series, but was easy to read as a standalone itself. I enjoyed this one, and will definitely read more from this author!
This was a fun read, and I really enjoyed the story. If you would like a modern day Murder She Wrote, then this one is for you.
It had elements of a cozy mystery with a little bit of family drama mixed in. The mystery itself had one twist I saw coming, and several that took me by surprise. It will make you want to buy a sailboat and go hunt for treasures of your own.
This is the second in the series, but was easy to read as a standalone itself. I enjoyed this one, and will definitely read more from this author!
August 7, 2026
I absolutely LOVED The Treasure Hunters Club and shamefully, had absolutely no clue that we were getting more. So thank you Tom Ryan for taking me back to Maple Bay and bringing me so much joy.
“Return to Breakneck Island” was the perfect next Treasure Hunters Chapter. Everything with the story flowed so seamlessly, it was like I never left Maple Bay. The evolution of Peter, Cass and Dandy between books was exceptional. I loved the new mystery surrounding Breakneck Island and (for the most part) I loved the new characters - except Victor, he can kick rocks.
I am grateful for the ARC, this was another exceptional novel by Tom Ryan and I can only hope that there is more Maple Bay adventures to come!
Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
“Return to Breakneck Island” was the perfect next Treasure Hunters Chapter. Everything with the story flowed so seamlessly, it was like I never left Maple Bay. The evolution of Peter, Cass and Dandy between books was exceptional. I loved the new mystery surrounding Breakneck Island and (for the most part) I loved the new characters - except Victor, he can kick rocks.
I am grateful for the ARC, this was another exceptional novel by Tom Ryan and I can only hope that there is more Maple Bay adventures to come!
Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When a local figure is murdered, Peter, Dandy, and Cass are drawn into the mystery. What they unfold includes treasure, family secrets, mobsters, and my many past heartaches.
I really enjoyed the mystery of the lighthouse family in this book. Although, I’ve always been a sucker for lighthouses. I felt the ending was a bit rushed with how it all tied together, but overall a fun read.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #GroveAtlantic for an ARC
I really enjoyed the mystery of the lighthouse family in this book. Although, I’ve always been a sucker for lighthouses. I felt the ending was a bit rushed with how it all tied together, but overall a fun read.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #GroveAtlantic for an ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tom Ryan is a must-read author for me, and Return to Breakneck Island delivers everything I love about his books: a captivating voice, surprising twists, and a storyline from the past that brings a historical treasure to life.
Thank you to Grove Atlantic for the advance copy of this second Treasure Hunters Club mystery.
Thank you to Grove Atlantic for the advance copy of this second Treasure Hunters Club mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another compulsive page turner that was full of twists and Maritime charm. I loved this sequel to the Treasure hunters club. This second historical murder mystery with a treasure at its core kept me turning pages late into the night. Full of heart and love for the ocean it was a win on all counts. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and physical copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fun mystery following both current time death of a woman after she tells two people she has a secret to share and the disappearance of the lighthouse keeper and his family many years ago. Lots of narrators and lots of twists, but fun and easily followed.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
An intriguing mystery of the almost impossible to approach Breakneck Island, the history of the treasure and how it played out in this specific area over the years. Feels like rushing and running out of time to solve with a touch of queerness throughout the story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Treasure Hunting? You betcha! Murder and mystery? Absolutely! And you will find yourself completely immersed into the goings on in this entry. I was hooked from the first page up to the very end!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love Tom 🙌
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
review to come
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This series is the perfect summer mystery adventure. While I definitely enjoyed the first book more, Return to Breakneck Island was entertaining with a surprising twist. The plot is light enough to easily suck you in, but the characters are complex enough to not feel like mindless drivel.
I would suggest reading #1 first because all of the characters are the same. The mysteries are completely separate though, so it doesn’t impact comprehension of the plot - just character dynamics.
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I would suggest reading #1 first because all of the characters are the same. The mysteries are completely separate though, so it doesn’t impact comprehension of the plot - just character dynamics.
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had to go back and read the first book in this series. That one kind of seemed like more of a murder mystery that had a treasure hunt just thrown in (I still liked it!)
This one is much better organized, with a real mystery to uncover. I will definitely be reading more by this author!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This one is much better organized, with a real mystery to uncover. I will definitely be reading more by this author!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews