The Dark Isle

Sam Coyle Trilogy #3

by Clare Carson

Sam grew up in the shadow of the secret state . Her father was an undercover agent, full of tall stories about tradecraft and traitors. Then he died, killed in the line of duty. Now Sam has travelled to Hoy, in Orkney, to piece together the puzzle of her father's past. Haunted by echoes of childhood holidays, Sam is sure the truth lies buried here, somewhere. What she finds is a tiny island of dramatic skies, swooping birds, rugged sea stacks and just four hundred people. An island remote enough to shelter someone who doesn't want to be found. An island small enough to keep a secret...

Genres: Espionage, Crime, Thriller

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2017

Reviews

[Priyanka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out http://abooklionshideaway.blogspot.in/ for more reviews.
Let me begin this review by saying, I absolutely loved the writing, the concept of this book and the main character. This book takes place in the 70s and the 80s so it was really a fresh start for me as I haven't read books from that timeline. It just gave me these amazing nostalgic feels especially since it's a mystery and has spies in it!

This is the first book I read in this trilogy and in spite of it being the third installment I find that I quite enjoyed it. I certainly will be thinking about going back to book 1 and start from the beginning but the past story did help and it was like reading a standalone so there's no problem in relating to the story. There are two timelines, 1976(the past) in London and 1989(the present) in Orkney.

Sam Coyle is on a hunt to find the truth and her emotional journey is quite mesmerizing to read. The grief is just heartbreaking but she is determined and moves ahead on her quest. I really liked this character and found myself cheering for her at times.

Sam and Anna grew up together and are best friends and if I had one problem with the book, then it would be Anna, I didn't quite like her but it was alright. The other thing that I really liked was the information that was given in this book. Orkney is certainly a very interesting place and combine it with history! You can see the author has done her research.

I really liked the ending because Sam seems content and starts to accept, it's not the end as it kind of ends on a cliffhanger so looking forward to the next adventure!

*An ebook copy was provided via the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

[Magdalena · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't mind this review if you love this series. I didn't know that it was the third book in a series when I requested the book from NetGalley and I also expected a different story, more of murder mystery story on an isolated island than a story about a young woman that remembers a summer long ago and the events that happened back then that affected her life.

To be honest, I should have DNF't the book when I realized that I didn't find the story engaging, but by then had I read quite a lot of the book and felt the need to finish the book. And, the book felt promising at first.

This is a spy story, about a daughter of a spy who tries to figure out more about her father. I found the flashbacks to 76s to be quite uninteresting to read and I never really liked Sam's friend Anna, neither as a young girl nor as a woman. Frankly, Anna didn't really impress me either. I was intrigued by "The Fisher King" Pierce at first, but then I felt that even Sam's collaboration with him bored me.

So, in the end, I just want to say that if you love the previous two books will you probably love this one too. This is not a bad book for the right reader, I just couldn't find myself liking the story.

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dark Isle is the third book in a trilogy. I haven’t read either of the first two but frankly I didn’t find myself at a disadvantage. In fact, if I hadn’t discovered it was part of a trilogy, I don’t think I’d have guessed because it comes across as a fully developed standalone story. However, because I haven’t read the previous two books my review may unwittingly contain spoilers.

The Dark Isle is a blend of spy thriller and family drama that moves back and forth between Sam’s teenage years in 1976 and 1989, some years after her father’s death. She’s now a rather penniless archaeology student working on a research proposal for her PhD and living in a grimy rundown flat with her best friend Becky in an insalubrious part of London.

Whilst spending the summer on a dig in Orkney, Sam catches sight of a figure from the past: Pierce, the father of Anna, her childhood friend who disappeared from her life fifteen years before. She and Anna spent the hot summer of 1976 together, having adventures inspired by the fables told by Sam’s father. Sam was rather starstruck by Anna, in awe of her boldness and maturity. The fact both their fathers worked in undercover roles, albeit employed by different government bodies, created a unique bond between them. Then suddenly it was all over. Anna’s father’s abandoned her and her mother and there has been no communication in the intervening years. It’s almost as if Anna wanted to disappear too.

Sam wonders why after such a period of absence, Pierce has chosen to reveal himself now, and why to her? What does he want from her? And what really happened between Pierce and her father? They’re questions to which Sam can’t resist trying to find the answers, especially because of fragments of conversation between the two men she overheard as a child during a holiday on Orkney.

In searching for answers she unwittingly places herself in danger, as a figure from both men’s past returns with some unfinished business. It leads to some tense and exciting scenes with Sam having to employ all the tradecraft of a spy in an attempt to outwit her pursuers. Not knowing who she can trust doesn’t make it any easier. All she can rely on is her own instincts, and the penknife her father Jim insisted she always carry.

I liked Sam’s transition from quirky teenage loner to slightly grungy, prickly twenty-something. And I really liked the contrast between the wild beauty of Orkney and the remote island of Hoy, and the seedy, rather grimy parts of London Sam inhabits. There’s also a great sense of each time period.

I think what the author did really well is, alongside the espionage element of the plot, give an insight into the impact on a family of someone involved in covert work: the sudden unexplained absences, the mood swings, the constant air of watchfulness, the barely suppressed aggression.

All of this makes The Dark Isle a really accomplished, well-paced thriller.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I go any further I want to point out that this is the third book in the Sam Coyle Trilogy, however, I found it perfectly acceptable as a standalone.

I loved this book! It takes place during two timelines, late 1970’s and late 1980’s and given I grew up then it was fab to be reminded of silly things. Two of the things that made me giggle were profiteroles were seen as posh and black coffee, no sugar. I remember when profiteroles were only ever seen in restaurants and when I would order them it felt like a real treat. I had actually forgotten that I used to drink my coffee black with no sugar until I read this. I fell into the fad of milky coffee drinks and other than an espresso I have never gone back but I must say I might just have to give the black a go again as this reminded me. Anyways, enough reminiscing about my long lost youth!

I remember a lot of things that took place in this story, the most prominent being the Cold War. I remember the fall of the Iron Curtain and watching it unfold on the television. I found that being able to remember things from when the story takes place helped me immerse myself fully into the story. I adore the whole MI5, MI6, KGB etc spy aspect of the story and how double crossing took place just like you would imagine spies to behave. It is like the characters had immersed themselves so heavily into their cover stories that they no longer knew what was real and what was fake in their lives. Sam Coyle is

Sam Coyle is a magnificent character and is phenomenally written. The dynamics between her and the other characters, particularly Anna. I found the twists and turns, that the story took, wonderful. I honestly believe that anyone who likes to read anything involving spies and the world around them will love this book. Top marks all round!

I want to say a massive thank you to Head of Zeus for asking me to be a part of this blog tour.

[Debra K · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my written review, please check out the link below:
Debra's Book Cafe

Debs :-)

[Christopher Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was probably the best of this trilogy although a little while since I read the other two. Certainly better than the second. Set in both 1976 and that memorable summer-in London and Orkney and, in 1989, in the same locations. Excellent references to the goings on in both these years and the plot was, I thought good and the most consistently believable of these books. Very good effort.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Loved the way it followed the main character as she tried to piece together the mystery of her father's past by telling it through her childhood recollections and her present day journey. The writing both describing the people and the places is beautiful. An intriguing and absorbing read.

[Helen Goddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want the story to end!

This is the third book in a series that I found myself immersed in. I can't wait for the next title!

[Patricia Scaife · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last of the trilogy. I enjoyed this one too. I'll look out for more from Clare Carson

[Judith Ring · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up in the library drawn by the fact it’s partly based in Orkney where I had a great holiday some years back. I had no idea it’s the third in a trilogy and wish I’d read the first two beforehand. Although it completely works as a stand alone. It’s written from two timeframes 1979 and 1989 and swings between London and Orkney. I found it quite a melancholic story; the tragedies of two young girls who’s fathers are spies. I found Clare Carson’s writing style exceptional. This appears to be a very well researched book (I could see no errors) and combines the elements of the protagonists with their environments and psychological and physical beings brilliantly. I cannot fault the writing style. It was this which kept me enthralled by the book. Although for more than half of the book I had no idea where it was going. Not sure if this is good or bad but it kept me engaged. Like some other reviewers I wasn’t so keen on the actual spy elements of the story which probably seems bizarre to those who new it was a spy novel before starting to read it. I will definitely read Clare’s other novels.

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oops. Just realised I've read these in the wrong order!! 🤣. Read 1 ages ago and thought it was excellent- really well written. I didn't think this one was as good but I still enjoyed it. Love the Orkney setting which I found fascinating. Better download the 2nd one then! Hope I don't end up confusing myself!!!

[Chris Fleet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reading

I loved the trilogy and even researched a holiday in Orkney as a result of reading the books.
The description of London in the 80's and the renovation of the docks was very nostalgic. Thank you

[Michaela Twigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent ending to the trilogy.

Was expecting this to be a damp squib but turned out the opposite. It tied up all the loose ends and left you knowing that everything would be ok and the remaining ing characters were happy.

[Craig Sisterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an absorbing tale that blends family drama and Cold War spycraft, as young university student Sam Coyle delves into both her own past and that of an estranged childhood friend. Each had fathers who worked in covert roles for government bodies during the 1970s, and both men ended up vanishing from their daughters' lives while they were still young, in different ways. What effect does such a childhood have?

When Sam stumbles across her friend's father in a remote spot on the Orkney Islands, and he wants to use her to help him reconnect with his daughter, who apparently has fallen in with a group organising and protesting against the government's Poll Tax, Sam's not sure what the ex-spy's agenda really is.

Or whether he's actually an ex-spy.

Carson does a good job evoking a really strong sense of the 1970s and 1980s. There are plenty of little touches woven throughout the story that give readers an insight into how the world was different back then: the concerns people had, their daily lives, how London was different etc. She also does a great job with the Orkney settings, when Sam visits there for her research or is remembering her father Jim taking them all there for holidays in the 1970s. Family trips or something else?

THE DARK ISLE isn't a pedal-to-the-metal spy thriller, instead it's a quieter, rich tale about the impact of that covert world on the families of those involved. There is plenty of action and intrigue to keep the pages turning, as past secrets and clashing agendas spring to life, but this book was more about the characters, particularly Sam as she tries to deal with her father's death and legacy, and the impact growing up in the family of a police spy had on her and how she approaches the world now.

While Sam is the main character in THE DARK ISLE and throughout the trilogy centred on her and her family (ORKNEY TWILIGHT and THE SALT MARSH being the first two instalments), there are plenty of other well-drawn and interesting characters, from Sam's room-mate Becky to her father's old friend and colleague Harry, who is on 'gardening leave', quite literally from the spy game.

Or is he?

Overall I enjoyed THE DARK ISLE. It's an absorbing read more than a page-whirring one, a quieter tale that draws you in with character and place, even as it has moments of high action and threat.

[Mira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this spy trilogy set between Orkney & London. The whole way through this one I was missing the magical touches of folk witchery that were featured in the last two books. However, I was delighted that despite its scarcity throughout it reappeared centre stage right at the end. This made me appreciate the author's careful foreshadowing all the more.

You'd think by now that Sam would know not to trust a spy. Any of them. Even the onesEspecially the ones that claim to have your best interests at heart. She also still hasn't figured out that "no comment" is the best option when newshound Tom is sniffing around.

I enjoyed this final story. I loved the evolution of Sam and the descriptions of 80s London and Orkney were as vivid and characterful as ever. A fitting end to the trilogy. I'm even going to give The Canary Keeper a go! I'm not a historical fiction type of gal, but I trust I'm in safe hands with Clare Carson.

[Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story was good, but I found it very difficult to follow the plot. Too many deviations and different characters popping up. With the different time eras, that didn’t help either. Not keen on that set up. I prefer a straight forward story, setting out the characters in the beginning. And not weaving about all over the place. I do t even know why she had to kill him in the end????

[Patrick Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really intriguing series, I particularly enjoyed Sam’s developing maturity and the ethereal, spiritual hints that are expressed in the main character. There is a consistent style of storytelling from the perspective of the main character as she learns the complexity imposed on her life by her father’s work/profession. I really liked the way the author wrapped up the storyline.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't find out till after I finished that it was book 3 in a trilogy. I wouldn't have bothered reading it if I'd known as it was one of the slowest books I've ever read. There was finally some action at the end but the last scene was confusing. Was it meant to be her father??

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly decent story of spy who died whilst undercover and the spy's daughter trying to uncover some of the past of her dad. Perhaps I should have read the first two stories in the trilogy but I got this at an excellent price. It does not entice me to buy the others to be honest.

Ray Smillie

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn’t get into the book so never finished it.
Not sure what that says about the book (or my state of mind🤔) but could not in all honesty give higher than one star rating.
Maybe there should be a “not rated” category!

[Belinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t realise until now that it was the third of a trilogy. I wished I known that sooner as there was so much I felt I was missing. Perhaps didn’t help that I didn’t understand any of the references to the Fisher King. All felt a bit over my head, but an entertaining enough read.

[Sarah Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realise that this was the 3rd book when I started reading it. Whilst I enjoyed it, I think that I would have understood it quicker if I had read the other two. Found it a bit hard to get into at first.

[Greenfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful book which brings the excellent 'Sam Coyle' trilogy to a stunning close. Beautifully written, atmospheric, and a lot of depth to the characters.

[Carol Sandford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really didn't get on with this book and almost abandoned it. First 3rd wasn't too great. The 2nd 3rd was actually quite good. But the last 3rd had me skimming. I wish I hadn't bothered.

[Gordon Smart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written with interesting scenes and description. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing

[Donna Stephen]

Twists

Enjoyed the twists bit hard to follow to start but looks like I should of read previous to of understood more but enjoyed reading and will definitely read more