What do you think?
Rate this book
Rockpools #2
The Lornea Island Detective Club
Billy is faced with another killer. This time he's not alone.After setting up his own detective agency on Lornea Island, Billy Wheatley delves into a decades-old mystery that has haunted the community for years. But when he befriends troubled teenager Amber and a man from his father's past arrives with a bag full of cash, Billy finds himself in the middle of a web of deceit and danger.As Billy uncovers more about the island's murky past, he discovers a dangerous secret that someone is willing to kill to keep hidden. With his own life on the line and unsure of who he can trust, Billy must use all of his detective skills to uncover the truth before he becomes the island's next mystery.Don't miss the gripping second instalment of the international bestselling Rockpools series, The Lornea Island Detective Club.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2019
688 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Gregg Dunnett
37 books487 followersGregg 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
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
January 3, 2020
I wanted to really like this more than three stars, however the language and the typos really detracted from an otherwise great story. I loved the tension and the exciting action, but reading this book felt like reading a draft copy!
Mr. Dunnett, you need to find a better editor before you publish.
Mr. Dunnett, you need to find a better editor before you publish.
June 9, 2020
Solid follow-up to The Things You Find In Rockpools which continues the story of young Billy, who has recovered from the previous goings-on to find himself running a small-town internet detective agency with the help of a newly-found school mate, Amber. They surprisingly get a case from an elderly island woman who wants to know what happened to her husband, who apparently walked out on the family on Christmas 1979 and was never heard from again. At home, Billy is dealing with the arrival of an old friend of his dad's who may be up to no good. The story moves along nicely as Billy tries desperately to balance both mysteries with being the nerdy kid at school who gets picked on. The book does contain a slew of grammatical and editing errors which is surprising as Dunnett has published several books already. Time for a new editor. A strong ending for both plots, especially the missing husband, finishes off a gripping read. Not as good as TTYFIR but still entertains with strong writing and characterization. Please, get a better editor! Highly recommended for fans of the first one.
August 27, 2020
I really like the character Billy and Amber is a nice sidekick. A lot more profanity that was not necessary and several typos that was annoying.
May 21, 2024
The Lornea Island Detective Club sigue siendo un thriller muy entretenido y refrescante, no obstante, la trama no me resulto tan absorbente como la de la novela anterior. Con eso no digo que la lectura me decepcionara, sino que esperaba un poco mas de este segundo tomo por lo muy memorable que me parecio la primera entrega de esta saga.
Billy sigue siendo genial, un personaje joven pero muy interesante y lleno de matices, y junto con Ambar crean un duo muy divertido y agradable de leer, tengo curiosidad por saber mas de ellos y como avanzara su amistad.
La premisa esta bien llevada y es amena de conocer, sin embargo, desde el inicio se adivina como va a solucionarse todo y eso le resta genialidad, ademas, creo que el desenlace fue un poco precipitado, me hubiese gustado que se desarrollara un poco mas lento.
En general, The Lornea Island Detective Club es un thriller light recomendable. Tiene aspectos muy frescos y originales, ya van dos novelas y aun no me canso, por lo que creo que pronto voy a empezar el siguiente tomo.
3.5 Estrellas!
March 10, 2021
A good follow up to the delightful, “The Things you find in Rockpools,” bbbbuuutt, there was just no need for the excessive profanity. And, there were grammatical errors and typos.
I’m a fan of Billy, but the author definitely changed his Dad a lot in this book.
I’m a fan of Billy, but the author definitely changed his Dad a lot in this book.
December 16, 2019
Really enjoyed finding out what Billy's been up to and what mystery he intends to solve since his last (mis)adventure! He's 13 now and definitely maturing in his thoughts AND actions but has a ways to go! I think I like book 2 even more than book 1 and it might be because, unlike The Things You Find in Rockpools, this book is told entirely in first person. It IS Billy's story. Amber was a nice addition and I look forward to seeing if she remains a close friend of Billy in the 3rd book when it comes out. Hoping his dad will find some happiness soon too. Gregg Dunnett is so good at writing from the perspective of this 13 year old "detective".
June 18, 2020
I just love these books!! Billy is the best character! Can not wait for the next instalment. Do wonder why the paperbacks are so bloody large??!!!
October 4, 2024
Le pongo cuatro estrellas pero porque es entretenido y facilísimo de leer, pero no voy a seguir leyendo más de esta colección ya que me está pareciendo un poco a las aventuras de los cinco
December 12, 2024
Como el primer libro de esta serie, va cogiendo ritmo poco a poco y te va enganchando con dos casos en los que va creciendo el suspense.
August 29, 2025
mi niño rarito que investiga crímenes y en cada libro sospecha que su padre quiere matarlo, o robar una joyería (beso maestro joao al moñeco gif)
May 4, 2020
Firstly, try and ignore the numerous typos, they become expected in the end. I do enjoy Mr Dunnett's novels and have become attached to 'Billy Wheatley', (the 13 year old kid who is the main character).
Because of the young character you may expect a teenage volume but this book is an excellent easy read, without the need to check the dictionary for unheard of words. The story just simply holds you and you have to finish the book asap. What also I enjoy about the writing is that Billy is always talking to the reader and always explaining why he does things a certain way when the expectation is for him to do it another way. All in all a good yarn.
Because of the young character you may expect a teenage volume but this book is an excellent easy read, without the need to check the dictionary for unheard of words. The story just simply holds you and you have to finish the book asap. What also I enjoy about the writing is that Billy is always talking to the reader and always explaining why he does things a certain way when the expectation is for him to do it another way. All in all a good yarn.
January 16, 2020
Love Billy and this follow up story but so many typos and errors it really distracts from an otherwise good read. Also didn’t like how often Billy and Amber call Mrs Jacobs mad or crazy when she’s suffering from dementia. Yes, I understand that some teenagers might see it like that, but it felt a bit over done. Looking forward to the next instalment but please get a good proofreader Gregg!
December 16, 2019
Just as exciting as book one. Was really pleased to discover Gregg has given young Billy more pages. Truly loved this book but there are quite a few type errors - double words or words missing - but I am still going for five stars as the book content is simply golden.
April 27, 2021
This second book in the Rockpool series was a good, fun read. It was great to revisit Billy Wheatley and see him as a slightly older child, who is still extremely interested in the ocean and has an innocence that is quite loveable. This time we see him team up with an irritating girl, Amber, from his school who seems to have the ability to make him do whatever she wants – mainly because he is totally in awe of her and the way she manages to disregard the rules and get away with it. The fact that she is a few years older also gives her a hold over him that he can’t quite explain but which is bordering on admiration and adoration. Between them, quite by accident, they set up the Lornea Island Detective Agency – something which is totally illegal, not least of all because they are just kids and don’t have a private detectives licence. However, they manage to get themselves hired by an old lady who is intent on finding out what happened to her husband who had seemingly disappeared many years ago. Right from the start there is a feeling that nothing is as it seems with this case, and it is quite obvious that it’s going to get the two amateur detectives into a whole heap of trouble.
In addition to all this, Billy is dealing with a situation at home which is both extremely worrying and very frightening, when an old friend of his father’s appears out of the blue and just seems to move in with them. Billy has his doubts about Tucker when he first arrives and starts to delve into his past to try and found out exactly why he is there and what he is intending to do. Things really start to get out of hand when Billy takes the initiative to start investigating Tucker’s movements prior to arriving on the island and makes a startling discovery.
The style of writing is very casual as it is written from young Billy’s point of view, which is quite comical and innocent at times but also rather mature. I love this series of books and this one makes a great sequel to the first, with lots of action and excitement towards the end, but with a very satisfactory and happy ending that makes me keen to read the third. I highly recommend this book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
In addition to all this, Billy is dealing with a situation at home which is both extremely worrying and very frightening, when an old friend of his father’s appears out of the blue and just seems to move in with them. Billy has his doubts about Tucker when he first arrives and starts to delve into his past to try and found out exactly why he is there and what he is intending to do. Things really start to get out of hand when Billy takes the initiative to start investigating Tucker’s movements prior to arriving on the island and makes a startling discovery.
The style of writing is very casual as it is written from young Billy’s point of view, which is quite comical and innocent at times but also rather mature. I love this series of books and this one makes a great sequel to the first, with lots of action and excitement towards the end, but with a very satisfactory and happy ending that makes me keen to read the third. I highly recommend this book and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
February 1, 2021
I liked this book (4 stars) better than “The Things You Find in Rockpools” (3 stars), even though the books are quite similar because the focus is still on Billy (who remains smart, imaginative and socially awkward) and there are again two mysteries to solve (with one, again, very close to home).
Billy now has a friend (and crime-solving partner) in Amber. Storytelling-wise, adding Amber means Billy can now tell someone what he is thinking. And Amber is an interesting supporting character. The Amber character also adds a subtle amount of mildly humorous “maybe I’m starting to like girls a little bit, even if I don’t recognize that is the case” to the story. By the way, Amber swears a lot; and so there is a lot more swearing in this second book. It didn’t bother me; but if you were expecting similarly wholesome books, that won’t quite be the case.
In the first book, the dad character was one of the mysteries as his motives and behavior were unclear, and so suspect. With that mystery resolved in the first book, the dad character has a smaller role in this second book is less. So, to keep Billy’s home life perturbed, dad’s old acquaintance (Tucker) comes to stay. And yes, Tucker’s motives and behavior are unclear, and so suspect. Like I said, the first book and this second book are quite similar.
You could read this second book without having read the first book (as events from the first book are quickly repeated where necessary), but you wouldn’t want to as the Billy character was the best part of the first book -- and this second book expands on that character.
The ending of this second book was better too as it didn’t have the first book’s “and then a miracle occurred” finish.
Bottom line: Quick, entertaining read. But a sense of Déjà vu if you’ve already read the first book.
Billy now has a friend (and crime-solving partner) in Amber. Storytelling-wise, adding Amber means Billy can now tell someone what he is thinking. And Amber is an interesting supporting character. The Amber character also adds a subtle amount of mildly humorous “maybe I’m starting to like girls a little bit, even if I don’t recognize that is the case” to the story. By the way, Amber swears a lot; and so there is a lot more swearing in this second book. It didn’t bother me; but if you were expecting similarly wholesome books, that won’t quite be the case.
In the first book, the dad character was one of the mysteries as his motives and behavior were unclear, and so suspect. With that mystery resolved in the first book, the dad character has a smaller role in this second book is less. So, to keep Billy’s home life perturbed, dad’s old acquaintance (Tucker) comes to stay. And yes, Tucker’s motives and behavior are unclear, and so suspect. Like I said, the first book and this second book are quite similar.
You could read this second book without having read the first book (as events from the first book are quickly repeated where necessary), but you wouldn’t want to as the Billy character was the best part of the first book -- and this second book expands on that character.
The ending of this second book was better too as it didn’t have the first book’s “and then a miracle occurred” finish.
Bottom line: Quick, entertaining read. But a sense of Déjà vu if you’ve already read the first book.
May 12, 2021
How did I not recognize when I read the first in the series, that young detective Billy is on the spectrum. It's never mentioned in either book, but it seems pretty clear to me now. So add this to my growing love of protagonists on the spectrum.
This was a terrifically paced follow up mystery set again on a fictitious island. Greats characters, suspense, and twists galore as our by-the-book young friend teams up with an enthusiastic older student who skips class and drives like a maniac.
I found myself charmed rather than annoyed at the use of British phraseology sprinkled throughout, even though the book is set here in the States. For instance, mostly they call the leader of the school the "principal", but we slipped once and used "headmaster". Someone died "in hospital", and there is a lot of the English use of "a bit" and "proper" and other lovely ways to say things.
I look forward to the next book.
Audible narrator Mark Sanderlin was great. Performed an adolescent boy, an elderly woman with dementia, and everyone in between convincingly.
Nitpick: Nobody ever goes diving in this book. What's with the cover?
This was a terrifically paced follow up mystery set again on a fictitious island. Greats characters, suspense, and twists galore as our by-the-book young friend teams up with an enthusiastic older student who skips class and drives like a maniac.
I found myself charmed rather than annoyed at the use of British phraseology sprinkled throughout, even though the book is set here in the States. For instance, mostly they call the leader of the school the "principal", but we slipped once and used "headmaster". Someone died "in hospital", and there is a lot of the English use of "a bit" and "proper" and other lovely ways to say things.
I look forward to the next book.
Audible narrator Mark Sanderlin was great. Performed an adolescent boy, an elderly woman with dementia, and everyone in between convincingly.
Nitpick: Nobody ever goes diving in this book. What's with the cover?
October 5, 2024
Fun to Read, Hard to Believe
The book is fun to read since it's written from the viewpoint of a 13-year-old boy. The plot is totally outlandish so you have to suspend your disbelief, but Billy is an interesting character and it's good to see him mature and learn about the importance of truth and empathy. It would be helpful to have more insight into the other characters as well, particularly his father.
There are a lot of typos and missed words, which at times slowed my reading. There have to be some good proofreaders and editors available to help with that. I also noticed some phrasing that seemed odd throughout the book. I read a lot and from varied authors and haven't encountered that wording anywhere else.
The book is fun to read since it's written from the viewpoint of a 13-year-old boy. The plot is totally outlandish so you have to suspend your disbelief, but Billy is an interesting character and it's good to see him mature and learn about the importance of truth and empathy. It would be helpful to have more insight into the other characters as well, particularly his father.
There are a lot of typos and missed words, which at times slowed my reading. There have to be some good proofreaders and editors available to help with that. I also noticed some phrasing that seemed odd throughout the book. I read a lot and from varied authors and haven't encountered that wording anywhere else.
February 9, 2020
Received a free copy from the author and am giving a quick review as a thank you!! Glad to see so many 5 stars, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a sequel of sorts to The Things You Find in Rockpools. Billy is so likable, and smart! A seasoned detective at such a young age. He overthinks, but that is part of his charm. I enjoyed the new character, Amber, and the pace of the story. I was distracted by the typos, like other readers, but forged on and enjoyed the book. Lots of suspense, a couple surprises and of course, a great ending! Glad to hear Billy will continue on. Thanks Mr. Dunnett! Well done.
September 15, 2020
My favorite of the 3
There are so many things I love about this book! From his pet Seagull-Steven( get it? Steven Seagal) that cracked me up-him trying to teach this bird tricks to the whole Detective agency run by two precocious teens. Ha! It’s great. Amber is this crazy fireball who get mixed in with sweet little innocent Billy. It’s so much fun when they meet this older rich woman who is not as she seems wants to hire them to find her husband! I could not put this down and it was a heck of a ride! Billy has quite the life and imagination! You must put this on your reading list from teenagers to seniors like me! It’s great fun!
There are so many things I love about this book! From his pet Seagull-Steven( get it? Steven Seagal) that cracked me up-him trying to teach this bird tricks to the whole Detective agency run by two precocious teens. Ha! It’s great. Amber is this crazy fireball who get mixed in with sweet little innocent Billy. It’s so much fun when they meet this older rich woman who is not as she seems wants to hire them to find her husband! I could not put this down and it was a heck of a ride! Billy has quite the life and imagination! You must put this on your reading list from teenagers to seniors like me! It’s great fun!
November 12, 2020
I was very keen to read the second book in this series, to find out what Billy had been up to and how he'd grown up. I really like Billy and the way the author writes as him, a 13 year old boy is very impressive, but I suppose he was one once!
The added addition of Amber made it all the more interesting. And Steven the sea gull was hilarious.
I'm only giving 3 stars because whilst I enjoyed the Mrs Jacobs story, I was a bit disappointed with the Tucker story and felt the kidnapping was a little over the top. How much more can Billy go through?
Well I see there's a third installment so I guess I'll find out.
The added addition of Amber made it all the more interesting. And Steven the sea gull was hilarious.
I'm only giving 3 stars because whilst I enjoyed the Mrs Jacobs story, I was a bit disappointed with the Tucker story and felt the kidnapping was a little over the top. How much more can Billy go through?
Well I see there's a third installment so I guess I'll find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2021
The Lorne’s island detective club
After all the sleuthing billy did in book one he’d have his fill of the danger and stick to ocean study. But with his new friend Amber on the scene the two of them keep it stirred up. Not with Judy one case but two. While he played around with web site design Amber finds one for a detective one and finished it gets it up an running. Then they actually get a case. What are two kids in school going to do when a widow wants to know what happened to her husband 40 years ago? Then there is mystery when one of his dads friend shows out of the blue to stay awhile. Loving this series
After all the sleuthing billy did in book one he’d have his fill of the danger and stick to ocean study. But with his new friend Amber on the scene the two of them keep it stirred up. Not with Judy one case but two. While he played around with web site design Amber finds one for a detective one and finished it gets it up an running. Then they actually get a case. What are two kids in school going to do when a widow wants to know what happened to her husband 40 years ago? Then there is mystery when one of his dads friend shows out of the blue to stay awhile. Loving this series
February 4, 2022
I was excited to read the follow up to the first book as I enjoyed it and the characters immensely. The story was great and I enjoyed watching how Billy was progressing. I did find one thing somewhat annoying. This book is supposedly set in the US. If that is the case the colloquial language used really needed to be adapted as many references were very British in nature rather than American. No problem if you're writing a story based in England with English characters, but a bit off-putting if the story takes place in America and the characters are supposed to be American. Although we allegedly speak the same language, we definitely don't speak it the same way.
September 29, 2025
Cute story, smart boy
This is not a cozy type mystery, but it stars two school friends, Billy and Amber. They enter in to dangerous adult situations, but not knowing. Good story, and very likeable lead characters. This is book two of The Rockpool series, and not quiet as goodies the first book, but still entertaining. Two kids think it might be fun to advertise on InterNet, that they run a detective agency. They get a client. Then more trouble than they thought. A second theme is in with Billy's dad. Trouble there too. I recommend this series for a surprising mystery and likeable characters, except a few eerie ones!!!!!
This is not a cozy type mystery, but it stars two school friends, Billy and Amber. They enter in to dangerous adult situations, but not knowing. Good story, and very likeable lead characters. This is book two of The Rockpool series, and not quiet as goodies the first book, but still entertaining. Two kids think it might be fun to advertise on InterNet, that they run a detective agency. They get a client. Then more trouble than they thought. A second theme is in with Billy's dad. Trouble there too. I recommend this series for a surprising mystery and likeable characters, except a few eerie ones!!!!!
February 16, 2020
Another fun Gregg Dunnett book. It is second in the Rockpools Series. These characters are lifelike and there are thrilling moments in the book, along with some humor. The first one in the series is told through the eyes of a precocious 11 year old boy. This one is by the same boy when he is 13, the next one he will be a little older. I can't wait to see how he has developed. Real enjoyable read when you want something light and fun to read between heavier stores. I always look forward to this author's books.
June 28, 2020
Great!
Great follow up to The Things You Find in Rockpools, I really enjoyed finding out what Billy is doing now & note that Gregg Dunnett is able to develop his character and the story in a credible way. Some authors twist the character in favour of the plot & it is very jarring. Not so here, Billy is as we remember; a little confused by the world he lives in but dealing with it in his own way. The story zips along at pace & Amber is a welcome addition to the characters. Loved Steven too.
Great follow up to The Things You Find in Rockpools, I really enjoyed finding out what Billy is doing now & note that Gregg Dunnett is able to develop his character and the story in a credible way. Some authors twist the character in favour of the plot & it is very jarring. Not so here, Billy is as we remember; a little confused by the world he lives in but dealing with it in his own way. The story zips along at pace & Amber is a welcome addition to the characters. Loved Steven too.
January 19, 2021
Billy is at it again!
Another terrific story with Billy and a partner, Amber, starting a detective agency. How this is going to work with 2 crazy teenagers, God alone knows. And is not long before the first investigation comes in.
So combine their work in finding a supposed missing person, schoolwork and Billy with a criminal lodger, Tucker, in the house then all the fun begins. Oh, we cannot forget Stephen the Herring Gull!
Writing from the perspective of a teenager takes some doing but the author has this perfectly. A really good novel that is such a joy to read.
Another terrific story with Billy and a partner, Amber, starting a detective agency. How this is going to work with 2 crazy teenagers, God alone knows. And is not long before the first investigation comes in.
So combine their work in finding a supposed missing person, schoolwork and Billy with a criminal lodger, Tucker, in the house then all the fun begins. Oh, we cannot forget Stephen the Herring Gull!
Writing from the perspective of a teenager takes some doing but the author has this perfectly. A really good novel that is such a joy to read.
June 24, 2021
Wonderful!
Another great story with Billy W. investigating the disappearance of a man 40 years ago. Billy sets up a web site for a detective agency. Says it's just a hobby of his and a female student begins to talk to him about it and how he can improve on it. Of course at the time Billy never intends to actually be an investigator, but his new friend Amber thinks otherwise and their detective agency is born. And what a ride it is again. Trouble with the police, with his principle and of course his dad. Can't wait to get started with the next book!
Another great story with Billy W. investigating the disappearance of a man 40 years ago. Billy sets up a web site for a detective agency. Says it's just a hobby of his and a female student begins to talk to him about it and how he can improve on it. Of course at the time Billy never intends to actually be an investigator, but his new friend Amber thinks otherwise and their detective agency is born. And what a ride it is again. Trouble with the police, with his principle and of course his dad. Can't wait to get started with the next book!
January 28, 2022
excellent second novel
I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two books about young Billy Wheatley. He is such a likeable young boy who gets himself into these dire situations but then somehow, very plausibly, gets himself out of them again. This time he has a companion in arms - Amber - and they do get into a mess. But the mysteries are resolved and everything works out well. And again there is a twist. Really well plotted and well written stories with engaging characters. Highly recommend.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two books about young Billy Wheatley. He is such a likeable young boy who gets himself into these dire situations but then somehow, very plausibly, gets himself out of them again. This time he has a companion in arms - Amber - and they do get into a mess. But the mysteries are resolved and everything works out well. And again there is a twist. Really well plotted and well written stories with engaging characters. Highly recommend.
March 29, 2023
Billy loves designing websites and Amber, an older girl in school, finds one for the Lornea Island Detective Club. She's quite critical of his design skills and helps him revamp it. Then, unexpectedly, someone else finds the site and hires them to find her missing husband.
There are lots of twists and turns in this story, and Billy and Amber make a good, if seemingly unlikely partnership. This is the second in the series, and I love Billy as a character, clever, serious and rather naive. I'm already reading the third book.
There are lots of twists and turns in this story, and Billy and Amber make a good, if seemingly unlikely partnership. This is the second in the series, and I love Billy as a character, clever, serious and rather naive. I'm already reading the third book.
June 21, 2020
After the first book I was very keen to continue with this author.
I felt the plot did become a bit bizarre but still an excellent read with fast pace keeping you reading right to the end and still wanting more. Hence I’ve now started the third book.
The main character Billy gets older with each book and very cleverly interpreted by the author showing these changes. Very believable too.
Great style of writing but little else gets done as I sit reading in blocks of time. Great read
I felt the plot did become a bit bizarre but still an excellent read with fast pace keeping you reading right to the end and still wanting more. Hence I’ve now started the third book.
The main character Billy gets older with each book and very cleverly interpreted by the author showing these changes. Very believable too.
Great style of writing but little else gets done as I sit reading in blocks of time. Great read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews