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Sinister Coast Collection #3

The Girl on the Burning Boat

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Someone put her father in his grave. But they didn’t bury his secrets…Alice is the smart and beautiful daughter of a powerful businessman. She lives a charmed life - until her father is killed in a tragic accident. Then she meets Jamie, a young man from a very different background, who has evidence that her father met a much darker end. Together they embark upon a search for the truth, delving into the murky background of Alice’s family fortune. What they discover leads Alice to question everything about her father - and herself. But it also turns them into targets. Because whoever put Alice’s father in his grave, meant his secrets to die with him. And now they’re scrambling to bury them deep. Along with anyone who gets in their way. Can Alice unearth the truth before it’s too late? Or will her judgement be clouded by her increasingly strong attraction to Jamie? With everyone around her lying, she must pick someone to trust. But get it wrong, and her next move will be her last. The Girl on the Burning Boat – is the third story in The Sinister Coast Collection – a set of four standalone novels by Gregg Dunnett. Four unique and full-length stories, linked by their dark undertones and their connection to the British coast. Start reading today and find out if Alice can avenge her father’s death. Or if she will become his killer’s next victim…

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2018

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About the author

Gregg Dunnett

38 books494 followers
Gregg Dunnett is a British author writing psychological thrillers and stories about travel and adventure, usually with a connection to the coast or to the oceans. Before turning to novels he worked as a journalist for ten years on a windsurfing magazine, briefly owned a sailing school in Egypt, taught English in Thailand, Portugal, Turkey and Italy, taught sailing in Greece and Spain, and also had several rather duller jobs along the way.

His brother is the adventurer Jono Dunnett who in 2015 windsurfed alone and unsupported around the entire coastline of Great Britain, and who is currently windsurfing around the coastline of Europe.

Gregg lives in Bournemouth on the south coast of England with his partner Maria. They have two young children, Alba and Rafa, for whom the phrase “Daddy's working” has absolutely no effect.

Gregg's debut novel was an Amazon top 100 best seller in the UK and was downloaded over a quarter of a million times.

Gregg on why he writes:

"I’ve always wanted to do two things in life, to write, and to have adventures. When I was a kid I imagined grand affairs. Kayaking across Canada, cycling to Australia. Whole summers in the Arctic. Did it happen? Well, partly.

I’ve been lucky, I spent some years abroad teaching English. I worked in sailing schools in Greece and Spain. I really lucked out with a job testing windsurfing boards for the magazine I grew up reading. I made a questionable decision (ok, a bad decision) to buy a windsurfing centre in Egypt. I’ve also done my fair share of less exciting jobs. Packing and stacking potatoes on a farm, which got me fitter than I’ve ever been in my life. I did a few years in local government which taught me that people really do have meetings that result only in the need for more meetings, and they really do take all afternoon. I spent a pleasant few months in a giant book warehouse, where I would deliberately get lost among the miles of shelves unpacking travel guides and daydreaming. I’ve done a bit of writing too, at least I learned how to write. Boards Magazine isn’t well known (it doesn’t even exist today) but it did have a reputation for being well written and I shoe-horned articles in my own gonzo journalism style on some topics with the most tenuous of links to windsurfing. But the real adventures never came. Nor did the real writing.

Then, in 2015, my brother announced he was going to become the first person to windsurf alone around Great Britain. I don’t know why. Apparently it was something he’d always wanted to do (news to me). It was a proper adventure. It was dangerous, it was exciting. Even before he set off he was interviewed on TV, in the papers etc... Some people thought he was reckless, some thought he was inspirational. Lots of people thought he’d fail.

But he didn’t. He made it around. He even sailed solo from Wales to Ireland, the first to make the crossing without the aid of a safety boat. I was lucky enough to be involved in a planning level, and take part in a few training sails, and the last leg of the trip. But he did ninety nine percent of it on his own. One step at a time, just getting on with it. That was quite inspiring.

In a way it inspired me to pull my finger out. I’d been writing novels - or trying to write novels - then for a few years. But it was touch and go as to whether I was going to be one of those ‘writers’ with a half-finished novel lost on a hard drive somewhere, rather than someone who might actually manage to finish the job.

I’ve now got two lovely, highly demanding children, so real adventures are hard right now. I still try to get away when I can for nights out in the wilds rough camping, surf trips sleeping in the van, windsurfing when the big storms come. I love adventures with the kids too.

I hope in time to get around to a few real adventures. I want to sail across an ocean. I want to bike across a continent. I definitely want to spend more time surfing empty waves.

But fo

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5 stars
391 (41%)
4 stars
352 (36%)
3 stars
159 (16%)
2 stars
36 (3%)
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15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
3 reviews
March 26, 2019
This book had the potential to be a good read. The writing was well done. The plot, however, collapsed about 3/4 of the way through. The skillful suspense writer continually sets the stage for the resolution of the plot, so the reader feels satisfied at the culmination of the book. This plot line was disappointing--the writer says in his notes that he was trying for a certain effect, but even he admits there is a good chance he failed. After the plot twist at the end of the book, the rest of the book made no sense; the avid reader of suspense novels demands more.
Profile Image for Sharon Garde.
7 reviews
March 24, 2019
Disappointed - my least favourite of Gregg’s books - and I’ve read all of them. Much too slow to get going and unnecessary diversions into romance along the way. Still too many typos and just poor sentence construction; comma splices everywhere. I did finish it though and won’t be put off reading his next book.
Profile Image for Bandit.
4,956 reviews579 followers
July 30, 2019
This was a random freebie that found its way onto my Kindle. There are at least two kinds of those…ones where it’s a daily deal you manage to grab of a regular (aka decent quality enough to be worth money) book and ones where the book just isn’t good enough to be worth paying for. This was (woohoo) the former kind. A genuinely thrilling thriller, decently written and featuring enough originality to make itself distinguishable from the myriad of other similar works. It even delivers on its attention grabbing title in a very literal fashion. Cue in This Girl is on Fire….fire. But seriously, this novel is somewhat difficult to discuss without giving away crucial plot aspects. So I’ll start by talking about safe to mention, then post an alert (for those who haven’t read the book) and then move onto the unmentionables. At a glance you have a fairly prototypical genre standard with a likeable young man of restrictive circumstances doing the best he can to rise above meets a wealthy gorgeous daughter from a well known moneyed family. Sparks fly, but the girl is engaged, the boy has no money to woo, just his good looks and basically decent personality. This may go nowhere…but then he discovers a secret about her family that is far reaching and dangerous enough to upend a lot of lives. That sort of thing binds like crazy glue and soon the girl and the boy are working together to uncover a dark disturbing coverup involving at least one brutal murder. Sounds like fun so far? Well, it is. It’s fun and easy reading set near enough to the water to make it a perfect beach read in more ways than one. And then the novel pivots radically enough to give you a whiplash. That’s where the originality comes in, because it is that very pivot that makes the book, but alas it cannot be discussed without a warning, so…warning. Please read no further if you haven’t read the book yet. Ok? Ok. So here we are, all those in the know. And so we know that the pivot basically changes the entire story. Basically now you got an unreliable narrator situation followed by a discovery and pursuit. In the very nice and notably humble afterword the author admits to not being quite sure if he succeeded with the plot twist. And I’m not quite sure, either, to be honest. Which makes it difficult to review, because the twist is easily the best thing about the book. Maybe if the narration was done in first person, it would have worked best. Because first person narration preconditions a certain level of expectations for a reader and a certain level of engagement also. But it does make it easier to accept a complete character turnaround, because first person’s perspectives are so subjective by nature. And sometimes the character tricks you. In this book, the narration is done in third person and the protagonist is made to seem so nice and normal, that it is the author who has to trick us. The curtain is ripped away abruptly, disorientingly so. Fun trick, for sure, and it retrospect it does explain some of the previous behavior, which at the time seemed way over the top and occasionally suspect, but it is a trick and tricks can leave some readers think they were being cheated somehow. I’m not sure, I enjoyed it, much like I do all sort of narrative trickery…and magical trickery for that matter. But then again, my predisposition for the enjoyment of trickery makes me maybe not the best judge of whether it worked or not here. Actually, I believe it would have worked perfectly if this were a movie, then all the narration would be at a certain distance, all things equal and all that. In book form it seemed kind like there were different books colliding together or more like one came to take over the other, very suddenly, and then the original one was never heard from again. Essentially, the pivot subsumed the narrator, who was then exposed by a third party and never given a chance to tell his story. But at any rate, I seem to be overthinking what was generally a very entertaining story…idle minds and all that. So no more. I liked the book and, going by the very enjoyable, uncharacteristically informative and reflective afterword, the author too. I liked his intentions for this book very much, I like the subversion of genre stereotypes. To a large extent he did succeed with this. And certainly entertained me, lots. The only definite way to improve this book would be to read it on the beach by the ocean or maybe on the (not burning) boat in the ocean. Recommended.
Profile Image for Page Turner .
120 reviews
March 24, 2019
Wow! This book kept me guessing until the last page! All along the main character seems to be solving crimes, but a twist happens near the end that changes everything. A good read.
Profile Image for Lesley Biffen.
4 reviews
March 24, 2019
The twist at the end is really good and quite unexpected however it takes a long time to get into the action of the novel.
Profile Image for Karen.
233 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2020
I have enjoyed other books written by Greg Dunnett. Not this one. It was not well thought out and was too wordy. There were too many aspects in the story that didn’t jive. I was greatly disappointed. Although, I did receive the book free of charge; I think I know why. It was not a hit. I also paid for the audio version which was another disappointment. I could hear all sorts of background noise such as cars and children.

Profile Image for Ellen Stenzler.
267 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2021
I liked this - it almost read like an action movie.
After I finished the book, I read the author’s note - and he said that he thought the book fell apart a bit about 3/4 of the way through. And even before I read THAT, I kind of had to agree. There was a big revelation at that point in the book, but it almost seemed like a deus ex machina - like, it was just too convenient how they shared all this new information.
So….I liked the book, but I’ve enjoyed some other books by this author more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
8 reviews
February 21, 2019
After finishing the authors other book ‘the wave at hanging Rock’ And really enjoying that I was looking forward to this book. It was a thrilling read but he seems to follow the same patterns And I had already figured out the twist a third of the way into the book Which was quite disappointing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jayne Capps.
63 reviews
April 6, 2019
This book started out strong, but the "twist" 2/3 of the way in completely changed the entire book. Let me save you the time I'll never get back.......
2 reviews
June 4, 2023
I love historical events like this.
Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?

In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.

It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.

I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...

Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:

1. Reading Exercises the Brain

While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.

2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment

Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.

3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus

We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.

4. Reading Improves Literacy

Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.

5. Reading Improves Sleep

By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.

6. Reading Increases General Knowledge

Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.

7. Reading is Motivational

By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.

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Profile Image for Elsa Hoffmann.
158 reviews5 followers
November 1, 2018
I enjoy Gregg Dunett's work very much. This book is no different and it was like watching a movie with extreme anticipation. You know something is not adding up but he hides who and what so well, you can't figure it out quickly.

This is, like The Wave at Hanging Rock, a psychological thriller and if you don't enjoy the genre you won't get the story here.

I found it fascinating because a sociopath hides him or herself very well. There are sociopaths among us, most of them are highly functional and do their bit every day.

But not in this book...

Someone is hiding something and nothing is as it seems. Jamie is all Alice has, the only one she can trust...

So then who is the Girl on the Burning Boat?

I received an ARC from Mr Dunnett and I try to review every work of fiction I read. Brilliant stuff. I'm waiting for the next psycho he is going to release on unsuspecting readers!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
71 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2020
I enjoyed this story completely

A great mystery/whodonit!! I loved the movie Burn after reading and although the author says that movie inspired this book, I really didn’t see a clear connection. However, don’t let that stop you from reading this. It was very well thought out and a totally enthralling narrative. I was a little surprised by the sweet romance involved. Who hasn’t had that feeling of seeing someone that makes your heart flutter (like George Clooney for me) and also knowing, that would never happen, but still....... what if it could? If you could somehow get that person to notice you? How would it turn out? Crazy good story here!
543 reviews3 followers
September 22, 2020
Good twists, turns and excitement

When a guy you barely know says he has proof your dad was more likely murdered than accidentally drowned, what do you do? Who do you turn to? Dinner writes some seriously cool books and this is no exception. While I had sorta figured things out before the "Surprise!" page, it didn't deter from being a fun ride to the end. As he pointed out in the Afterward, and yes I always read them, afterward, the book missed, by a scosh, being a grab you by the socks and take you down kind of psycho thriller. Ok, my words, not his. Anyway, still a really fun and exciting read. Can't wait to dig into another Dunnett adventure.
Profile Image for Teresa Perrott.
151 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2020
Wow

I choose this book thinking it would be a fair story. This is anything but. From the start it has you thinking that things are going to be one way, then satisfaction gets thrown in and you think on its heading down this way Instead, then more twists and turns. The way it is laid out keeps you page tuning all the way to the end. Alice is struggling after her father's death, was it and accident or something more sinister? Are those close to her lying or are lies being fed to her. Such a fantastic book and read.
85 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2020
Good Novel

This is a good story about a guy that finds a hidden thumb drive while doing some remodeling work for a wealthy family. He becomes attracted to and obsessed with the family's youngest daughter. He learns that the father died at sea after supposedly falling off his yacht. He convinces the daughter that her father was using videos from the thumb drive to blackmail people. However, nothing is really as it seems. I wil leave it there, except to say that the girl on the burning boat does not happen until the story is almost over. Definitely worth reading.
38 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2018
And the Captain said to me:
‘We’re going this way, that way,
Forwards backwards.....
Those who suffered the Wiggles may recall that rhyme......those who read Gregg Dunnett understand it........also, apt so...
Again, misled and constant reshuffling of the suspect list. Thank Gawd for days off, only reason I put it down last night was because I knew I'd be able to finish today.
Another good'un, thanks again for the journey.
13 reviews
March 30, 2019
I was left with a sense of unanswered questions. I did enjoy the suspense and as the author intended was continuously rethinking the plot as I read along but it did begin to flag as the end neared. I read the author's thought on his intent and can see what he was trying for and agree with his conclusion that he didn't quite get there. However even so I was left with the burning question of why? I wanted to know why the character was doing these things.
349 reviews
March 30, 2019
Good Story

I wouldn’t necessarily say that it was a psychological thriller but a good thriller all the same. I was kept guessing how the prologue fitted in with the rest of the story but after a while, I got it. Fairly slow start but do persevere with it because around half way through, it seriously kicks off and then keeps going to the end, with an unexpected turn of events near the finish.
2 reviews
October 24, 2021
Another lovely twist

I really enjoy Gregg Dunnett's work. He's a clever twisty story teller and this like his other books had me gripped from the start. A very enjoyable read, tapping into how we all perceive certain characters. It's always a pleasure to read his work and if you like a good twist then this book is for you. I knew there would be a twist, but it wasn't what I expected - it never is......
Profile Image for Anita Quelle.
421 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2018
The Girl on the Burning Boat "Spoiler Alert"

One if my least favorites of Gregg Dunnett's. From the very beginning, I knew he was a con. His imagination and reasonings were ridiculous and unbelievable. I did not care much for the book but that's just my opinion. I'm still a fan of the Author.
Profile Image for Richard Burke.
Author 11 books23 followers
December 1, 2018
I've been a fan of Gregg Dunnett's since reading The Wave at Hanging Rock for free.
This is another excellent read that will keep you riveted from start to end.
The twist, when it came, caught me so unawares I had to read the page again to make sure I hadn't misinterpreted the words.
If you like a book with a twist, you will enjoy this.
73 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2018
A good and entertaining read.

I found this book a little bit slow in places, but Mr Dunnett does make his characters rich and interesting. I did not enjoy this book as much as a couple others from Gregg Dunnett such a Wave at Hanging Rock, but a fairly decent read. I felt this one just lacked suspense in places.
Profile Image for Dave Bate.
152 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2019
I do enjoy reading Gregg's novels, this certainly has been added to the enjoyment pile. A very interesting storyline, easy and absorbing reading. Slightly disappointed with what I thought was a rushed ending but the build up is superb. Thanks also to Gregg's comment at the end of the book, very enlightening, all about misdirection and all for nothing, excellent stuff.
6 reviews
March 1, 2019
Couldn’t put it down!

I’m not sure exactly why I loved this story from the beginning. Perhaps it was Jaime’s infatuation with Alice. Or Alice’s carefree vulnerability. Or the mysterious dead Charlie. But whatever drew me in, the unexpected twist had me up way too late! A great read. Looking forward to more from this author.
16 reviews
March 16, 2019
BEST MYSTERY EVER

Excellent, excellent, excellent. The best mystery that I have read in a long time. Usually I know who did it by half way thru the book, This time I was not sure until the last page. The characters were all so believable. Looking forward to reading more books by this author
Profile Image for Donald.
Author 124 books10 followers
March 20, 2019
I downloaded this novel on Amazon when it was being given away last Sunday and I was impressed with the quality of the writing. The plot was very interesting and twisting even though it was somewhat farfetched in spots. I was a bit surprised to find quite a number of proofreading goofs such as missing words. Despite those minor flaws, I highly recommend the book.
Profile Image for Caroline.
113 reviews
April 30, 2019
Well, despite there being a few holes in the plot in this story, this is a pretty addictive book and I couldn't put it down! I read it in two days, and stayed up late finishing it. I didn't see the twist coming either, but once it was revealed I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it all panned out.
423 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2019
Just wow.

Gregg Dunnett is the master of a good tale but he has wandered into even murkier waters than usual with this one. Very skilfully done with characters real enough to set your teeth on edge. The twist in the tale is dizzying, it certainly left me feeling a bit off balance. Very well done.
182 reviews
November 3, 2018
Pretty well fooled

Well Gregg you certainly fooled me and I'm usually pretty good at working out who dunnett, excuse the pun! I loved it and read it in a day, I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended and when's the next one out please?
47 reviews
November 5, 2018
A brilliant read. Worth waiting for

Love this author. Every book is different and unputdownable (that's surely not a word!lol) my favourite books to have read in the last few years. Really enjoyed them glad there is more to come.
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