What do you think?
Rate this book
Return to Turtle Beach
From the Number 1 bestselling author of 'The Lost Lyra'.
Forced to leave Crete as a child, can a family tragedy help Popi rediscover happiness on the island of her birth?
Praise for Richard Clark’s Books
‘Clark is particularly good on the colours, flavours and scents of Greece. He has got under the skin of the place in a way few outsiders have been able to.’
Mark Hudson, winner of Somerset Maugham Award, Thomas Cook Travel Book Award, Samuel Johnson Prize
Richard Clark captures the spirit of Greece I love. His books make me long to see the places he describes.’
Jennifer Barclay, author of Falling in Honey and
An Octopus in My Ouzo
‘There is poetry in Richard Clark’s words and through his eyes. I recommend anyone missing Greece, visiting Greece or just wishing they could go to Greece to take a look!’
Sara Alexi, author of The Greek Village Series
‘Thanks, Richard, for adding your great eye to your gifted pen in service to sharing the essence of Greece with the world!’
Jeffrey Siger, bestselling, award-winning US crime writer
‘Richard Clark writes with great authority and a deep affection for his subject, which comes from his long association with Greece… excellent.’
Marjory McGinn, author of Things Can Only Get Feta, Homer’s Where the Heart Is, A Scorpion in the Lemon Tree and
A Saint for the Summer
This beautiful story (The Lost Lyra) will renew your faith in mankind and make you believe in fate.
Maria A. Karamitsos, founder and editor, Windy City Greek
Forced to leave Crete as a child, can a family tragedy help Popi rediscover happiness on the island of her birth?
Praise for Richard Clark’s Books
‘Clark is particularly good on the colours, flavours and scents of Greece. He has got under the skin of the place in a way few outsiders have been able to.’
Mark Hudson, winner of Somerset Maugham Award, Thomas Cook Travel Book Award, Samuel Johnson Prize
Richard Clark captures the spirit of Greece I love. His books make me long to see the places he describes.’
Jennifer Barclay, author of Falling in Honey and
An Octopus in My Ouzo
‘There is poetry in Richard Clark’s words and through his eyes. I recommend anyone missing Greece, visiting Greece or just wishing they could go to Greece to take a look!’
Sara Alexi, author of The Greek Village Series
‘Thanks, Richard, for adding your great eye to your gifted pen in service to sharing the essence of Greece with the world!’
Jeffrey Siger, bestselling, award-winning US crime writer
‘Richard Clark writes with great authority and a deep affection for his subject, which comes from his long association with Greece… excellent.’
Marjory McGinn, author of Things Can Only Get Feta, Homer’s Where the Heart Is, A Scorpion in the Lemon Tree and
A Saint for the Summer
This beautiful story (The Lost Lyra) will renew your faith in mankind and make you believe in fate.
Maria A. Karamitsos, founder and editor, Windy City Greek
Unknown Binding
32 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 21, 2020
In this awful time in a world that is reeling from Covid-19 , in lockdown the opportunity to read has been such a welcome distraction from fear and sadness. I very much doubt that our planned three weeks in June to Symi and Halki will happen but I feel that I have spent time in Greece whilst reading Return to Turtle Beach. What a joyous story with wonderful descriptions of Crete. Its an island that I have yet to visit but will add it to my list of must do’s.
Thank you Richard for my trip to Greece . I loved the book!
Thank you Richard for my trip to Greece . I loved the book!
May 14, 2020
Really took me back to a very beautiful place.
Read this lovely story during lockdown. I was soon back in a place that I have visited several times.
As the characters were well portrayed, I quickly became involved with them. I found the book so descriptive, I was almost walking beside them all .
A real escape for people who love Crete. Thank you .
Read this lovely story during lockdown. I was soon back in a place that I have visited several times.
As the characters were well portrayed, I quickly became involved with them. I found the book so descriptive, I was almost walking beside them all .
A real escape for people who love Crete. Thank you .
March 29, 2020
A lovely feel good read, ideal for a holiday, especially in Crete, or when you need a bit of a “lift”. It really does feel as though you’re on holiday in Crete the smells and sights are so well written.
Highly recommended to put your world to rights
Highly recommended to put your world to rights
May 9, 2020
Awww beautiful
Richard has caught the essence of Crete in this wonderful story of betrayal and trust.
The description of the area drags you into being there,thank you for such a lovely escape 😑
Richard has caught the essence of Crete in this wonderful story of betrayal and trust.
The description of the area drags you into being there,thank you for such a lovely escape 😑
September 24, 2022
mesmerising
I just loved this book especially as I have stayed in Elounda on holiday many times I felt I was there when reading this. Felt I have learned more about Crete and it’s traditions while reading your books. Thank you.
I just loved this book especially as I have stayed in Elounda on holiday many times I felt I was there when reading this. Felt I have learned more about Crete and it’s traditions while reading your books. Thank you.
July 22, 2023
riveting
By far my favourite author, he draws you into Greece, the People and village life. From the traditional Greek food to the stunning coves and olive groves and the love blossoming between two young lovers.
By far my favourite author, he draws you into Greece, the People and village life. From the traditional Greek food to the stunning coves and olive groves and the love blossoming between two young lovers.
May 1, 2020
Loved it , I loved the storyline and I loved the setting , as I have been to that part of crete, it brought back memories of our holiday there.
July 1, 2020
Light read and loved that it took place in Greece. Story was a bit predictable and not super well written, but I enjoyed the Greek references and that the character name is my nickname.
July 19, 2020
A good read
Yes, I really enjoyed this book and all the characters in it. A very good feel book, thank you again Richard.
Yes, I really enjoyed this book and all the characters in it. A very good feel book, thank you again Richard.
August 2, 2020
This book
This was a story basically about building a boat.if it hadn't been for the fact it was based on the beautiful island of Crete it would have been a dull story
This was a story basically about building a boat.if it hadn't been for the fact it was based on the beautiful island of Crete it would have been a dull story
August 13, 2020
But Of a predictable story but set it Crete, which sounds beautiful. An easy, pleasant read
September 11, 2020
Enjoyable read
December 30, 2020
A nice escape to Crete
A wonderfully scripted book which enticed me into the story well. A story of a daughters lost love for her father and culture. Alovely read and would highly recommend 👌
A wonderfully scripted book which enticed me into the story well. A story of a daughters lost love for her father and culture. Alovely read and would highly recommend 👌
June 29, 2022
Another lovely story set in Crete which has me looking forward to more of the same from Richard.
April 23, 2023
Richard Clark knows Crete better than many Greeks. His descriptions of the island are wonderful. And the story is romantic and well written. A must read for all readers.
April 12, 2020
I loved this book. It really evoked the sights and smells of Greece for me. Great characters a d a lovely story. Thank you.
March 4, 2022
a great read for immersing oneself in an idyllic Greek world.
There are many books set in Greece but with a background of boat building this one is well worth a few hours of your time. The unusual plot line is cleverly drawn and Popi’s visit to her fatherland of Crete takes a few twists and turns before the well drawn characters achieve a satisfactory ending.
There are many books set in Greece but with a background of boat building this one is well worth a few hours of your time. The unusual plot line is cleverly drawn and Popi’s visit to her fatherland of Crete takes a few twists and turns before the well drawn characters achieve a satisfactory ending.
September 4, 2020
Great story Richard..thought i would keep the book untill i had the ambiance of being there..
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews