Danger at the Cove

Island Sisters Mystery #2

by Hannah Dennison

In Danger at the Cove, the second book in a delightful cozy series by Hannah Dennison a surprise visitor makes an appearance on the island--and murder ensues.

Renovations on Tregarrick Rock Hotel are coming along, and Evie Mead thinks they just might be done by opening day. Then one of her sister Margot's old Hollywood friends, Louise, arrives unannounced--and expecting VIP treatment.

Evie has half a mind to tell Louise to find other accommodations, but Margot pleads with Evie, saying that Louise--despite her upbeat and demanding attitude--is grieving her recently deceased husband. Evie pities her, and besides, the sisters need help. A simple rewiring project has resulted in a major overhaul of the hotel, and they're way over budget. The small life insurance policy left to Evie by her own husband is gone, and they are desperate for funds. Margot believes that Louise, a marketing guru, can put the hotel on the map and give it the boost it needs.

But when a member of the hotel staff is found dead, and then another murder follows, the sisters' plans crumble before their eyes. Who would do such a thing--and why? In a rollicking adventure involving a shipwreck filled with buried treasure, a dashing and mysterious Australian named Randy, and old rivalries stretching back to far before Evie and Margot ever set foot on the island, it's all hands on deck to find the killer--and save the hotel.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Thriller, Drama, British Literature

304 pages, Hardcover

First published August 17, 2021

About the author

British born, Hannah originally moved to Los Angeles to pursue screenwriting. She has been an obituary reporter, antique dealer, private jet flight attendant and Hollywood story analyst. After twenty-five years living on the West Coast, Hannah returned to the UK where she shares her life with two high-spirited Hungarian Vizslas. She enjoys all country pursuits, movies, and theatre, reading and seriously good chocolate.

Hannah writes the Honeychurch Hall Mysteries (Constable) the Island Sisters Mysteries (Minotaur) and the Vicky Hill Mysteries (Constable)

Fun Fact: Hannah is part of the BookTalk author group on social media with pals Kate Carlisle, Jenn McKinlay and Paige Shelton.

Reviews

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to be honest and say that I began reading Danger at the Cove with a bit of trepidation because of my reaction to the first book in the series, Death at High Tide. In that first book, Evie's sister Margot was a Diva of the highest order, packing six months' worth of clothing for a weekend stay and demanding a herd of minions be constantly at her beck and call. I have no use for divas, especially when they're major series characters. Fortunately, all the renovations being done at the Tregarrick Rock Hotel have evidently knocked most of the diva out of Margot, and her high-end attitude is seen mainly in what she wants the hotel to become.

On the other hand, Evie is much more my type of character. She tends to be a bit more hesitant and doubtful of her own abilities than I'd like, but she's still mourning the death of her husband. Evie wants to take the hotel back to its glory days when it was a writers retreat, and I'm all for that. I loved the descriptions of some of the rooms in the old place, just as I enjoyed the ambiance and bits of history about the Isles of Scilly that Dennison weaved into her story. Anyway, what's not to like about shipwrecks, treasure, and clinging to the side of a cliff during a raging storm?

For anyone who does like divas, they can feast upon the character of Louise. Good old Louise. I wanted to wring her scrawny little neck but, knowing that she was just temporary, I was able to restrain myself.

What made me happy was that Danger at the Cove reminded me of my favorite Dennison series, the Honeychurch Hall mysteries... the way the characters play off each other, the gentle humor, the enjoyable mysteries to solve. If this is the direction these Island Sisters mysteries are going to take, I am going to be very happy indeed. Bring on book three!

(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ = Good.
Audio.
#2 in the Island Sisters series, and every bit as good as the first. This series is set on an island off the coast of Cornwall and I could picture the setting clearly.
An easy read but with a little more depth than your usual light mystery/cosy.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danger at the Cove is the second book in the Island Sisters Mystery series and I definitely recommend you read the first book, Death at High Tide first, if you haven't read it already. In this book, Evie and Margot are renovating the Tregarrick Rock Hotel and hoping it will be finished by their opening day. What Evie was not expecting was a friend of Margot's coming to stay in the one room that is finished. Not only was her stay a surprise, but Louise is expecting VIP treatment. She also expects Margot and Evie to invest in a movie based on a book that Margot had peddled while she was still working in Hollywood before her divorce. When another visitor also arrived, an investment manager who is also a romantic interest of Louise's, Evie feels something isn't right. With a missing employee and some interesting comings and goings, Evie tries to convince others of her suspicions. What is going on? Where is Ollie, their missing employee?

This is quite a complicated story. There is a murder, but it is quite far into the story. The plotlines of fraud, drug use, salvaging and pillaging are all interesting and unlawful. Throw in a murder, and there is a lot for DI Patty to sort out. I love the way she investigates and questions. She can be humorous, but don't let that fool you. There is some danger for Evie along the way, but she doesn't purposely put herself in that position. I am liking the sisters more in this book, now that they are settled in to Tregarrick Rock. The secondary characters continue to add interest and colour to the story. I am looking forward to seeing what is next for the sisters and their acquaintances.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Harrah Dennison doesn’t suffer a sophomore slump with this sequel to Death at High Tide, the first novel in this series. This time, sisters Evelyn “Evie” Mead and Margot Chandler will host the grand opening of a remodeled, picturesque boutique hotel on the fictional Scilly island of Tregarrick Rock (the island is fictional, although the Scillys are real and, indeed, quite tiny). Margot, newly relocated from Hollywood, invites an old friend whose lost her wealthy third husband. Louise Vanderhoven proves more merry widow than grieving, bringing a much younger boytoy with her. Evie and Margot don’t know much about the handsome Randy Campbell, but neither does Louise! Soon after Louise and Randy arrive, things begin to awry, but I won’t give anything away.

Divorcee Margot is much less over the top than in the debut, and Dennison keeps the plot, twists, humor and suspense flowing. I loved it just as much as the first novel. Recommended.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 Stars

This book was not good. The first like 60% of the book is Louise and her complaining about everything and just being an annoying character. I hated that the sisters basically catered to her. I am so glad I listened to this one because I was able to listen to it on a faster speed to get through it. Then there was finally a murder and it felt like everything was rushed from there. The outcome was very obvious and I wasn't shocked about anything.

Don't waste your time with this one!

[BonnieM☂️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this second book of the series. I loved that it was set on an island which was somewhat isolated. The history of the island pertaining to the old ships that sank just added to the intrigue. I enjoyed the characters which all had their own personalities. There were so many twists and turns in relationship to the characters that it kept the reader wanting to continue reading to find out what would happen next . Evie and her sister, Margot were perfect as the main characters that ran the Inn which helped bring all the characters into the story. I hope that the author does more with the history of the ships and the relationship between Cador and Evie in the next of the series. I look forward to reading the next one

Thanking you NetGallery, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for this ARC.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danger at the Cove is the second book in this series. I haven't read the first book, but I was able to follow the story. Margot and her sister Evie are preparing their hotel for the grand opening. An unexpected guest shows up, and while she expects first class treatment, she has a rather poor attitude.
When a body is discovered and a murder investigation begins, it seems the sisters are in for some shocking revelations.

I found parts of the book to be exciting, but other parts just seemed to drag out. I'm hoping that the next book will be even better than this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of Danger at the Cove.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sisters Evie and Margot and staff are busy getting the old Tregarrick Rock hotel ready to reopen. Painting, plumbing, and electrical upgrades are in progress as the big day approaches, The last thing they need is the unexpected arrival of Margot's high-maintenance L.A. friend, Louise. Louise 's arrival is quickly followed by that of her much younger lover, Randy.
Margot and Evie clash over Louise and Randy's extravagant plans for the future of the historic 1930's hotel but early guests and arguments take a back seat when two deaths occur on the island. Crime solving wasn't on the to-do list!
Mysterious lights on the coastal path, shipwrecks with treasure, shady financial schemes and multiple suspects keep readers of this action-packed Island Sisters second mystery guessing until the end.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this newest entry in the series.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment in the charming Island Sisters series, set in Britain’s Scilly Isles. Sisters Evie and Margot have taken over an old hotel and are managing it for the owner. They are on the hook for repairs, which are turning out to be massive. As the book opens, they are a few days out from their grand re-opening, and they are working full tilt to get everything ready in time.

Because the books are set on the tiny island of Treggarick Rock, accessible only by boat and at certain times because of high or low tide, every story is going to be essentially a locked room mystery. Because the décor of the hotel calls back to the 30’s, this adds a decidedly golden age feel to the proceedings.

Margot, formerly of LA, gets news that her buddy Louise, a very recent widow, is coming to stay to nurse her wounded heart. When Louise shows up, she’s not grieving that much (she is in fact waiting for the arrival of a new boyfriend), and she’s incredibly high maintenance, refusing to take in the quaint charm of the hotel and instead looking for things like a helipad and high-speed internet (cell phone reception on the island is spotty).

Louise also comes bearing other news: she’s optioned a book for film, a book that Margot has long wanted to make into a movie, and she seems to have found a financial backer in the form of her new boyfriend, Randy. When Randy shows up, he’s incredibly handsome and fit, and chats as easily with Louise as with Evie and Margot, as well as with the guys working on the electrical systems of the hotel.

Margot and Evie are working on a shoestring budget, however, and are not sure how Margot can supply any financial backing to the project. Things are complicated when one of their employees takes off in their boat for the day and disappears. Increasingly alarmed calls from the man’s girlfriend as to his whereabouts have everyone on edge, and indeed, he is discovered dead.

Dennison has structured the book so that that murder is discovered just about exactly halfway through. She spends the first half giving a thorough examination of her characters and setting, leading up to the remains of a shipwreck visible only at low tide. It’s on expedition to see the ship that the body is discovered. The second half is then devoted to investigation. By that time, as a reader, you are totally invested in the characters, in Evie and Margot’s hotel project, and probably dying to visit the Scilly Isles.

These books have a very real and enduring charm. I love the two main characters, who are a good yin and yang (Evie is practical, Margot dreams big), and I love everything about the setting. There’s even a map provided in the front of the book to orient the reader to Treggarick Rock – another golden age touch. This also had a wonderful mystery at the center, character based but with some great clues throughout. This is a standout read.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it very much although parts of it were too descriptive for my taste. The characters are interesting, and the setting is wonderful. If this author writes another book after this one, I will read it!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger at the Cove is one of the few mysteries I’ve read this year that qualify as an almost perfect cozy mystery.

This book continues the story of the ‘Island Sisters’ Evie and Margot as they begin their new lives on Tregarrick Island renovating the Tregarrick Rock Hotel. As the re-opening of the hotel approaches, Margot’s friend Louise arrives expecting Margot to resume her past life and produce a movie with her, followed shortly by Louise’s much younger paramour Randy who just happens to be financing the movie. If Louise and Randy’s presence is not enough, two of the hotel staff are murdered leaving Evie and Margot wondering if their grand opening will occur at all.

Danger at the Cove grabs hold of you from the start and doesn’t let go until the very unexpected ending. The setting is very unique – a dilapidated hotel on an island which is only reachable when the tide is out, the majority of the times it remains isolated and those on the island at these times are very much ‘stranded.’ The setting and characters are described in such detail and language that it is very easy to picture the hotel, the island surroundings, and the characters themselves. Evie and Margot have their own backstories which we learn about in detail in the first book in the series, but which the author does an excellent job providing information in the second book such that you do not need to have read the first to feel like you know the characters. That being said the characters are further developed in the second book and you observe Evie mature and Margot facing reality. Louise is the character you dislike from the start of the book and Randy is one that is too good to be true. The workman Jerry and Sam very much add to the color of the book and play an important role in the story. Kim, hotel chef and overall organizer has her own secrets and it will be interesting to see her character further develop. And of course there is Dennis who continues his role from the first book, but has very much warmed up to Evie and Margot and is a quiet but important presence throughout the book. Lastly is Patty, the local law enforcement, who keeps everyone including the reader on their toes.

On top of the unexpected guests, two murders, and skeletons in the character’s closets, shipwrecks and treasure add to the intrigue. There are so many potential suspects for the murder, side stories and red herrings that it is virtually impossible to figure out who committed the murders until the very end, and an unexpected ending it was!

One thing that I experienced which I had not in many other books if any, is that the murders did not need to happen to make this an outstanding book – I got so lost in the story and the characters that I didn’t realize there wasn’t a murder until it happened, which was quite a good ways into the book! Well done!

I highly recommend Danger at the Cove as well as the first in the series, and will impatiently await the third!

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two sisters are somewhat competently fixing up an old hotel to reopen it when murder happens. That is the basic concept of the second book in this cozy series. Of course, there are a group of reoccurring characters and some probably one-time appearances. Some of the characters were charming and others annoying, but that is life for you. I did think the police chief came off as somewhat unprofessional but at the same time was good at her job.

This had some classic, but there are reasons they are classic, events including the appearance of a legendary sunken ship. Then there was the suspenseful ending: a small group of people in an isolated location with a killer. A storm is brewing and the lights goes out… Very effective and definitely wretches up the tension.

I enjoyed it, but depending on your taste you might be amused or annoyed at the mistakes the sisters sometimes make in the renovation process but I think it is believable if you are new to this type of undertaking (which I have absolutely no experience in). The mystery was solid with satisfying twists and a good ending.

But what I think will stay with me the most is a scene when because of a rare extreme tide, several characters walk out to a sunken ship along what is usually the covered sea floor. The amount of plastic and other man-made junk that littered the ground made an impact. The writer was not making some sort of environmental statement just a scene that fit in with the tone of the rest of the book. But that probably is what made it all the more impactful.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had read the first book in the series, but only once which may account for the fact I was put off by some of the characters. Patty, the local cop, was quite flippant and came across as rather unprofessional in her official interactions to me. The two sisters are making poor business decisions, though Evie does admit it once or twice. Margot is a sycophant and enabler to a "friend". I recalled her being much more self assured. I did not enjoy the characters as portrayed in the first half of the book. When the mystery kicks in things get better in that regard.

I did feel the story dragged and it was a bit of a slog to get to the last quarter of the book when things pick up and there is a surprise or two.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from Goodreads as a giveaway. I’d previously read and enjoyed two of the books in the author’s other series.
Danger at the Cove has some really good points. The setting is enchanting and Evie, the narrating character is very likeable. There was a charming cat who I would have liked to see more of.
Unfortunately the mystery plot was very simple. I figured it out one hundred pages in and spent the rest of the book hoping the author would surprise me. And Evie doesn’t actually solve anything herself - it isn’t until the killer takes her hostage that she realizes what is going on.
Ms. Dennison has all the pieces of a really good series here. But she needs to sharpen her plot and let Evie solve the mystery herself.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author does a great job of writing super annoying characters that I actually start to like. This is no exception. Louise started off on my last nerve, but by then end of the book, she was okay. I am constantly impressed by Dennison’s characterization. I loved visiting the Isles of Scilly again. I am so interested in the island life there.
The body is not discovered for a while, but you know it is coming. There are so many secrets and I was able to guess several of them, but a few were still a surprise. The end was tense and heart pounding. There was even a smidge of romance at the end. I can’t wait to read the next one in this series!!

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger at the Cove is the second book in Hannah Dennison’s Island Sisters Mystery series. This cozy mystery takes readers to a beautiful fictional island where the sisters Margot and Evie are working to get the hotel ready for opening, which is quickly approaching. What they (well, at least Evie) expecting is for one of her sister’s friends to be making an “un” expected appearance and to have invited her latest love interest along for the ride. Prepare for things to get dangerous when one of their workers ends up dead, followed by another victim in a matter of days. This cozy mystery whodunit is one that you’re not going to want to miss.
Danger at the Cove is the second in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Trust me, I missed reading the first book, but eagerly dived into this book had no problem engaging with the charismatic characters enclosed in the pages. This is the first book that I have read by this author, but I will eagerly be anticipating the next in this series and checking out previous books as well! I love how smoothly the storyline flows. The sisters are working to fix up the hotel, but I honestly thought that they owned it. Of course, it’s pointed out through one of the characters, that in fact they don’t. The way the author writes in the necessary facts concerning the characters in the right moments is absolute perfection. The twists and turns kept me completely engaged and page-turning to try and figure out who did what.
This book is easily 5 out of 5 stars. I can’t wait to read what happens next with Margot and Evie! Could there be some romance on the horizon? I’m literally crossing my fingers that the answer will be yes. LOL! But if you love a good cozy mystery with thrills, danger, and a healthy dose of drama then you are going to want to grab this book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sisters Evie and Margot are trying to get their hotel on one of the Isles of Scilly ready for reopening, although they have different visions of what the hotel should look like. Surprising Evie, one of Margot's old Hollywood friends shows up, with ideas about luxury additions that the sisters cannot afford and that Evie doesn't want. She's soon joined by her handsome, charming financier boyfriend, who wants to invest in the movie that Margot always wanted to make but could never finance. When one of the hotel's employees is found dead, Evie can't figure out what his timeline was--between going to the mainland, arguing with his girlfriend's father, neglecting to bring salad fixings for the chef, taking the boat out again, and finally--the local police woman explains--being strangled. But that's only the first death in this charming follow-up to "Death at High Tide." I did find Evie and Margot both to be a bit naive for adult women, that is to say not teens.

[BrittsBookClub · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive the first book in this series and loved it, so I was so excited to have the opportunity to read the second book! While the first book really took off right away, I felt that this one was a little bit of a slow start. It seemed like it took a long time to get to the discovery of the dead body and I’m not sure the build-up was entirely necessary. Despite this, I really enjoyed the story. I love the characters and how each personality is drastically different from the next. I thought the plot was fun and it was easy to follow along with what was going on. I don’t think it’s necessary to read the first book in order to enjoy this one, however, I think it would provide some extra insight into each character.

*Thank you to Minotaur Books for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I started reading, I knew that I wasn't going to be able to put this book down until I read the last word with a great cast of characters and a story that was so well written and descriptive, I felt like I was with the Island Sisters at the Tregarrick Rock Hotel and Evie was talking directly to me. When a member of the hotel staff is found dead, the mystery quickly becomes a page-turner, with great twists and turns and interesting suspects and one of my favorite characters happens to be Detective Sergeant Patty Williams of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. Ms. Dennison never disappoints whatsoever and I look forward to book three in The Island Sisters Mysteries. If you enjoy can't-put-down, twisty cozies, don't miss "Danger at the Cove". I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A traditional whodunit featuring two sisters, Evie and Margot, in the Isles of Scilly. They are getting ready for the grand reopening of a 15 bedroom boutique hotel but are struggling with the cost and getting it done in time. When Margot's annoying friend shows up it adds to the stress but little did they know that was just the beginning of a lot more trouble.

The elaborate setting descriptions and details add a lot to the story. They really help to paint a picture of the area. There are a variety of characters with some to like and some to dislike. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Kate R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danger at the Cove is the second in Hannah Dennison's "Island Sisters Mystery" series. Although it is a part of a series, it could easily stand alone.

Similar to her first in the series, Dennison has created some standout characters. You can't help but like Evie, and you can't help but roll your eyes at Louise.

Although the characters are wonderful, my favorite part of this cozy mystery series is genuinely the setting. It feels like a mini-vacation (minus the murdery bits), and it's lovely. The shipwreck added a little spice as well.

There were a few parts that confused me, but overall, I found this book to read like a classic murder mystery, and I genuinely enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in this series.

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, but it stands alone very well. I would like to to read the first book too, though—I enjoyed this one very much. I was able to lose myself in the book—the descriptions of the island, the inn and its rooms are engrossing. There are several mysteries to solve and the book became harder to put down until I finished it. I highly recommend it; I was provided a copy, but these opinions are my own.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real rollercoaster ride of a murder mystery with lots of twists and unexpected happenings. I was never sure who to trust, but there was one person from the start that I definitely didn't trust. I didn't guess whodunit, but I enjoyed finding the path to finding out.

I'm liking Margot a little bit better toward the end than I did to start with. Kim was a fun new character with her mad hashtag skills, and once again I got a big kick out of Patty the detective inspector and how she was able to worm information out of people. You just can't not like this lady, lol. After all the murder and madness, the Tregarrick Rock hotel was able to do its grand opening, and I know if I was in Evie's shoes, I'd have been breathing a huge sigh of relief!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

[Allison Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger at the Cove is the second book in the Island Sisters Mystery series by Hannah Dennison. While familiar with Ms. Dennison’s writing, this series is new to me, and I loved it!

Evie Mead and her sister Margot run the Tregarrick Rock Hotel, set on one of the Isles of Scilly. Renovations are under way, and it’s all hands on deck preparing for the Open House set just a few days away. In the midst of remodeling, there’s an unexpected convergence from several quarters: an old Hollywood friend of Margot’s springs a visit on them, bringing along her new love in the form of an Australian Adonis money-man. A once-in-eighteen year phenomenon combines a supermoon with a vernal equinox in which the islanders can actually walk out on the seabed to the recently uncovered shipwreck, which brings out a couple of treasure-hunters. And let’s not forget about murder!

Combining an island off Cornwall, dangerous storms, mysterious guests, a proper British tea, the 1930’s Art Deco theme, and an appropriately named Agatha Christie themed hotel room, I was a goner. I was hooked from page one and couldn’t put it down until the very heart-stopping end.
The characters are very intriguing and realistic, and I found myself wanting to be friends with Evie and Margot. They are two very different people, yet have a strong sister bond. Their staff are interesting and seem to be loyal.

While this is not a real island, it makes me want to visit the area for sure. I could easily imagine the hotel and island with the vivid descriptions the author writes.

The build-up leading to the first murder took a while, but it ended up being a fast-paced mystery, especially after the second murder took place. There were definitely some red-herrings thrown in, and I was completely surprised at who the real culprit was.

In my opinion Ms. Dennison has crafted another successful series in the Cozy Mystery genre.
I was chosen to receive a free copy of the book, and am happy to leave an honest review of Danger in the Cove.

[Melanie Mckinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Cozy Mystery With Twists and Turns

Danger at the Cove is book #2 in the “Island Sisters Mystery” series. I didn’t read book #1 in the series so this was the first one to me by this author. I had no issues with catching right up with sisters Evie and Margot! I enjoyed reading this book so much. It was very entertaining and actually made me laugh out loud a couple of times. The sisters Evie and Margot have almost completed their extremely expensive renovations on the Tregarrick Rock Hotel, and just in time for their open house. They get caught off guard by a couple of unexpected guests showing up and it puts a little bit of a wrinkle into their plans of getting everything ready for the open house. Margot’s friend Louise arrives expecting Margot to continue in her past life and produce a movie with her bringing Randy with her. Of course Randy just happens to be financing the movie that Louise wants Margot to be part of. On top of this going on, two of the hotel staff are murdered leaving Evie and Magot asking themselves if their grand opening will occur at all.

I loved the setting of this book being an old hotel on an island that is only reachable when the tide is out. For the majority of the time it remains isolated and those on the island are pretty much stranded during these times. This would be a hotel that I would love to visit. I loved how the author described in detail the setting and the characters of the book. It really made me feel like I was right there. Having been in the hotel industry I could relate to some things that they were doing. Especially with the entire renovation project. The author did a great job of making many potential suspects for the murder including side stories.

This book will grab you very quickly. There are many twists and turns including the ending that you would not imagine as happening. This was a great quick read and was a fantastic cozy mystery. After reading this book I am excited to go back and read the first book in the series. I am looking forward to reading more books from this author and this series.

[Ashley Mariner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danger at the Cove is the second book in Hannah Dennison's "An Island Sisters Mystery" series. Sisters Evie and Margot have taken over the Tregarrick Rock Hotel, but expensive renovations are stretching their budget thin. One of the hotel's employees is found dead. Did he have a terrible boating accident during a storm or is something more sinister happening at Tregarrick Rock Hotel?

I read the first book in this series, and both books are quick, easy reads. I found Evie to be terribly gullible and almost unbelievably dense in the first book at times, but Dennison is developing her into a woman who could almost convincingly run a hotel. There is still some work to do there, but I did appreciate that the author had other characters joke about her gullibility in this book. I also found Margot much more likable and less self-centered.

As I said, these books are quick reads. While I enjoy the setting and the characters are growing on me, I would enjoy more investigation into the crimes. Dennison does offer up several red herrings and atmospheric action so the books are satisfying to readers, but I think they could go a bit deeper.

After reading the first book, I decided to read the second one. However, I wasn't sure I would continue with the series after that. Dennison has kept me intrigued and entertained enough that I plan to continue to read this series, and I would recommend that other readers do so as well. All the elements for a great cozy mystery are here, and I hope that Dennison continues to develop the series.

[Ashley Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger at the Cove is the second book in the Island Sisters mystery series by Hannah Dennison. I have not read the first book yet, but I was still able to fully enjoy the second book and didn’t feel like I was missing any crucial information. This story centers around Evie and Margot, two sisters that are trying to get their island hotel ready for their open house, which is rapidly approaching. Unfortunately a couple of unexpected guests show up, which puts a bit of wrench in their plans to get everything ready for the open house.

After a stormy night, the body of one of Evie and Margot’s employees is found floating in the ocean near a shipwreck that you can walk to when the tide is out. The police determine that the employee, Ollie, was murdered and that sets Evie and Margot on a path to figure out who in the hotel is a killer. Along the way we have another body turn up.

This was a fun book because I really enjoyed how the characters played off of each other and came to feel deeply connected to the characters and what happened to them. I thought Evie was a great main character, who acted intelligently and didn’t seem to take unnecessary risks. I also thought the mystery was well written with several different twists and turns to explore on the way to discovering who the killer was. I had an idea of who the killer was about midway through the book but I didn’t have a clue as to the why until it was revealed in the book. I truly enjoyed this book and have already ordered the first book in the series so I can see how everything started.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Danger at the Cove” by Hannah Dennison the second instalment in the "An Island Sisters Mystery" series. I am really enjoying this series!
A surprise visitor makes an appearance on the island—and murder ensues.

I loved visiting Tregarrick Rock Hotel off the Cornish coast again. I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in one day.

The characters of Evie and Margot couldn’t be more different but they are making it work. I think people need to read book one to understand the differences in the sisters and their hopes for the hotel. I hope they come to a compromise. I loved Mister Tig the tuxedo cat although he didn’t feature as much in this story! There is staff now but still the main few like Dennis, Kim, Vicor Bill and lastly Cador. I’m hoping we see more of Cador in the next book.

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I didn’t suspect the killer till almost the end just before Evie did.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Minotaur Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions

[Stephanie (read_with_steph) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I jumped into this book without reading the first, and don't feel like I missed too much. As is typical with cozy mysteries, it spent a lot of the first few chapters laying background for the main characters and the setting, so I knew what was going on. Unfortunately, this also made for an extremely slow start. We don't really get to any mystery until halfway through the book, which I'm not against, but it was hard to stay enthralled in the beginning. But the second half! This is a book that started weak, and ended strong! I ended up really enjoying the ending, and while I could predict certain overarching plot elements, I definitely didn't call all aspects of the mystery and it caught me guessing. I also like that our main character wasn't trying to unnecessarily involve herself in a criminal investigation she had no business being in. Really, she wasn't even trying to solve it, she just happened to be present in situations that gave us necessary information. This seems a lot more natural and realistic than some cozies. I would definitely try another book in this series!

Thanks to Minotaur Books for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars - 7/10

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to be selected to receive a review copy of this book from the author through the Cozy Mystery Review Crew. I had already read the first book in the series, and have been eagerly awaiting this one. It did not disappoint!

The main characters were great and very detailed. I enjoyed the character growth that has happened since the first book, and was pleased to see Margot and Evie continue their growth ARCs in this installment. The minor characters also had a lot of depth and added interesting things to the mix.

The mystery itself was fun because of the way everybody (suspects/victim/investigators) were stuck on the island. I enjoyed learning more about the island, the area, and the hotel as Evie tried to get to the bottom of everything while simultaneously trying to complete renovations in time for her grand opening. The descriptions were great, and I'd love to see actual illustrations of the hotel's decor! The mystery wrapped up nicely with a great sequence near the end, and I was only partially right about the "who" and "why" of the reveal.

I can't wait for the next book in this series!