What do you think?
Rate this book
Kildevil Cove Murder Mysteries #1
Dark Water
A Kildevil Cove Murder Mystery
They say trouble comes in threes. Detective Danny Quirke is already mourning his wife and mired in an internal investigation that will likely spell the end of his career. Now he must return to the Newfoundland fishing village of his youth to bury his abusive grandfather. At least his three are up. Right?
Then the bones of local boy Llewellyn Single, drowned thirty years before, wash up on the beach, and secrets Danny thought were buried forever rise violently to the surface. Only two people know what really happened: Danny Quirke and his former best friend, millionaire Tadhg Heaney.
Danny and Tadhg have been bitter enemies for years. But when Danny is accused of Llewellyn’s murder, he needs Tadhg’s help exposing the truth—before those who believe he is responsible get their revenge.
After all, on an island, nothing stays secret forever….
Previously published by Dreamspinner Press as Wind and Dark Water, March 2020.
They say trouble comes in threes. Detective Danny Quirke is already mourning his wife and mired in an internal investigation that will likely spell the end of his career. Now he must return to the Newfoundland fishing village of his youth to bury his abusive grandfather. At least his three are up. Right?
Then the bones of local boy Llewellyn Single, drowned thirty years before, wash up on the beach, and secrets Danny thought were buried forever rise violently to the surface. Only two people know what really happened: Danny Quirke and his former best friend, millionaire Tadhg Heaney.
Danny and Tadhg have been bitter enemies for years. But when Danny is accused of Llewellyn’s murder, he needs Tadhg’s help exposing the truth—before those who believe he is responsible get their revenge.
After all, on an island, nothing stays secret forever….
Previously published by Dreamspinner Press as Wind and Dark Water, March 2020.
267 pages, ebook
First published March 24, 2020
26 people are currently reading
156 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 17, 2020
All my previous experience with JoAnn Soper-Cook's books have been positive to date - and this start of a new series does not let me down. The Guernsey series does not advertise as mysteries nor murder procedurals, and rightly so since neither of the MCs do much sleuthing or investigating. MC Danny does come from the law-enforcement field but is on professional 'furlough' awaiting the outcomes of an internal inquiry into his handling of a stand-off/hostage case.
The author always impresses me with her ability to create atmosphere, set scenes and paint backdrops ... her words carrying me away to harsh and brooding terrains, bleak and unforgiving landscapes, exotic faraway places. Both Danny and Tadgh (pronounced Tai) are complex men who share a long history, hiding secrets, enduring deep pain and suffering from traumas both recent and distant. Long-reaching roots of dreadful/shameful family secrets continue to ensnare both men in their personal as well as professional lives - with some of these eventuating in current legal and physical consequences. Some readers may take issue with
As our boys navigate a love-hate dynamic (and this did get a little repetitive/tiresome by the middle of the book), a series of seemingly unrelated events unfold - wanton property damage/arson, a hit-n-run attack, the chilling discovery of human remains - the plot focuses on whether these are random occurrences or are they payback for something our MCs (or their families) have done in the past? Since this is not an investigative procedural, the uncloaking of the identity and motivations of the perpetrator(s) is provided by local law-enforcement (I felt a little short-changed with some of these though).
There are some decent secondary characters amongst the cast and . I'm ambivalent about secondary character Riley (and his purpose for being in Danny's life) but hope to see more of Danny's twin sister Sandra and her mysterious Aussie boyfriend (there's more secrets to be revealed there I'm sure)! The wrap-up as well as a provided teaser chapter to the next title in the series seem to promise more actual criminal investigating for Detective Danny - so I'm looking forward to this. 4 solid stars.
The author always impresses me with her ability to create atmosphere, set scenes and paint backdrops ... her words carrying me away to harsh and brooding terrains, bleak and unforgiving landscapes, exotic faraway places. Both Danny and Tadgh (pronounced Tai) are complex men who share a long history, hiding secrets, enduring deep pain and suffering from traumas both recent and distant. Long-reaching roots of dreadful/shameful family secrets continue to ensnare both men in their personal as well as professional lives - with some of these eventuating in current legal and physical consequences. Some readers may take issue with
As our boys navigate a love-hate dynamic (and this did get a little repetitive/tiresome by the middle of the book), a series of seemingly unrelated events unfold - wanton property damage/arson, a hit-n-run attack, the chilling discovery of human remains - the plot focuses on whether these are random occurrences or are they payback for something our MCs (or their families) have done in the past? Since this is not an investigative procedural, the uncloaking of the identity and motivations of the perpetrator(s) is provided by local law-enforcement (I felt a little short-changed with some of these though).
There are some decent secondary characters amongst the cast and . I'm ambivalent about secondary character Riley (and his purpose for being in Danny's life) but hope to see more of Danny's twin sister Sandra and her mysterious Aussie boyfriend (there's more secrets to be revealed there I'm sure)! The wrap-up as well as a provided teaser chapter to the next title in the series seem to promise more actual criminal investigating for Detective Danny - so I'm looking forward to this. 4 solid stars.
August 8, 2021
First, this is not a romance novel. This is a mystery with a subplot of two childhood friends who parted ways as bitter enemies and are now reconnecting romantically. The backdrop is Newfoundland, a world of fishing villages, poverty, remote islands, and strong Irish connections.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I found it reminiscent of several Scandinavian murder mysteries – the main character is in law enforcement, tends to have some sort of defining quirk, and frequently bends the rules to achieve the goal and objective. Add in the remoteness of the coastal village, life in a fishing community and being at the mercy of the weather, there is a dark tumultuous undercurrent.
A lot happens in this novel and I’m struggling to review without dropping spoilers or totally rewriting the book. If I keep it with the main character, Danny learns some harsh truths about his family, he finds that Tadhg isn’t the boyhood friend he left a decade or more ago, there are arson, mystery bones, and secrets. Oh so many secrets.
As I mentioned above, Danny has a hot temper and he jumps to odd conclusions which, for a police officer of his reputation, didn’t make much sense. This aspect of Danny’s personality carries over into the budding relationship with Tadhg – this is a slow to develop romance, with plenty of bumps along the way. Both men are strong-willed, each trying to be strong while coping with their own significant emotional issues, and failing miserably.
A handful of items never quite jelled for me – the love/hate push/pull of Danny and Tadhg’s relationship grew wearisome by the middle of the book, the impetus behind Danny’s leave from the police force in Ireland, the fear behind a thirty year old death, and Tadhg’s financial situation.
Overall, the murder/mystery was engaging, there is plenty of character building, the backdrop was fascinating to me, and the slow romantic development matched the mood of the book perfectly. I think with the amount of stuff going on in this book each reader is going to find their own likes and dislikes, but the overall basis is a very solid read.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I found it reminiscent of several Scandinavian murder mysteries – the main character is in law enforcement, tends to have some sort of defining quirk, and frequently bends the rules to achieve the goal and objective. Add in the remoteness of the coastal village, life in a fishing community and being at the mercy of the weather, there is a dark tumultuous undercurrent.
A lot happens in this novel and I’m struggling to review without dropping spoilers or totally rewriting the book. If I keep it with the main character, Danny learns some harsh truths about his family, he finds that Tadhg isn’t the boyhood friend he left a decade or more ago, there are arson, mystery bones, and secrets. Oh so many secrets.
As I mentioned above, Danny has a hot temper and he jumps to odd conclusions which, for a police officer of his reputation, didn’t make much sense. This aspect of Danny’s personality carries over into the budding relationship with Tadhg – this is a slow to develop romance, with plenty of bumps along the way. Both men are strong-willed, each trying to be strong while coping with their own significant emotional issues, and failing miserably.
A handful of items never quite jelled for me – the love/hate push/pull of Danny and Tadhg’s relationship grew wearisome by the middle of the book, the impetus behind Danny’s leave from the police force in Ireland, the fear behind a thirty year old death, and Tadhg’s financial situation.
Overall, the murder/mystery was engaging, there is plenty of character building, the backdrop was fascinating to me, and the slow romantic development matched the mood of the book perfectly. I think with the amount of stuff going on in this book each reader is going to find their own likes and dislikes, but the overall basis is a very solid read.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 7, 2024
Not quite halfway through, the jury was out on whether I'd finish this or not. It's very...murky. But I did finish, skimming through lengthy descriptions because I just don't care after a sentence or two. The language is a bit strange but genuine. However, I always get a little lost when an author goes back and forth in time with little indication as to what's past and what is present. If you're like me, this is your heads-up if you decide to try this novel.
Also, while it's mostly well-edited, there is enough repetition to irritate me. This is self-published; repetition of facts is an indicator of inexperience. Maybe this habit's taken care of later, but I'll never know because by the last several chapters, I disliked every POV character. The ending didn't change that. I have zero interest in reading any more.
Also, while it's mostly well-edited, there is enough repetition to irritate me. This is self-published; repetition of facts is an indicator of inexperience. Maybe this habit's taken care of later, but I'll never know because by the last several chapters, I disliked every POV character. The ending didn't change that. I have zero interest in reading any more.
August 7, 2024
This dragged on sooooo long, so many different side plots that were unnecessary, and then it ended very abruptly and everything was peachy keen. Every single character except Lily is an asshole.
April 2, 2020
JS Cook is a new author to me and I can attest they write pretty well. But...
There were multiple things that lowered my level of enjoyment. Murders mysteries were never my cup of tea but as long as romance is strong I can ignore unpleasant elements.
My main issue with the book - romance is pretty weak and unconvincing between Danny and Tadhg (I had to Google the pronunciation of that name). They were best friends during their childhood but some big issue came up between them and they stopped being friends and lost touch for 30 years.
I had a feeling that Danny could have ended up with Cillian easily and I did not care that he could casually have a sexual encounter with someone after he declared his love for Tadhg.
The other major issues for me were things that I have found unbelievable and illogical:
Danny is a career police officer, but he does things that are hardly believable after over 25 years of service and Tadhg doing things that make no sense to me at all if he was this smart and savvy as a businessman.
Other than that, I was charmed by descriptions of Guernsey, locals and their quirks and a lilting accent this books carries.
Hope I expressed my feelings adequately since English is not my native language.
I'll definitely try something from the author's backlist to see if I like it better.
There were multiple things that lowered my level of enjoyment. Murders mysteries were never my cup of tea but as long as romance is strong I can ignore unpleasant elements.
My main issue with the book - romance is pretty weak and unconvincing between Danny and Tadhg (I had to Google the pronunciation of that name). They were best friends during their childhood but some big issue came up between them and they stopped being friends and lost touch for 30 years.
I had a feeling that Danny could have ended up with Cillian easily and I did not care that he could casually have a sexual encounter with someone after he declared his love for Tadhg.
The other major issues for me were things that I have found unbelievable and illogical:
Danny is a career police officer, but he does things that are hardly believable after over 25 years of service and Tadhg doing things that make no sense to me at all if he was this smart and savvy as a businessman.
Other than that, I was charmed by descriptions of Guernsey, locals and their quirks and a lilting accent this books carries.
Hope I expressed my feelings adequately since English is not my native language.
I'll definitely try something from the author's backlist to see if I like it better.
April 3, 2020
Wind and Dark Water captured my attention from the onset. Soper-Cook has a keen sense of all that is Newfoundland, and she weaves the most exquisite words and phrases into story. The setting—Newfoundland—is at once a place of beauty and a rugged sea swept land that will take your breath away. Beside it being set in one of my favorite places in the world, I fell in love with Danny Quirke, from the moment he appeared on the page.
Her characters, Danny and Tadhg (he’ll tell you how to pronounce it) share many secrets, things they have kept from the world and often from each other over the years. It is the big secret in the end that brings the two, and their story, full circle.
The author’s style, from giving the two characters their own points of view, to her use of heartwarming language; from her description of food and wine, to her descriptions of the little island of Eigus, home for Tadgh, all culminate to draw the reader in. She spins stories to make the novel a living, breathing thing.
The one small drawback I found, is the repetition of certain lines and clues to what is happening. In a couple of places, I felt I was being hit over the head with the information and I wanted to say, ‘okay, I get it.’
This novel is a mystery that leaves the reader fully satisfied at the end. But, more than that, it is a beautiful love story—between two friends, between a parent and child, between two most unlikely lovers. It has many elements that certainly make it an enjoyable read.
NOTE: It does have a little heat. Two sizzling sex scenes that are expertly crafted on the page.
Her characters, Danny and Tadhg (he’ll tell you how to pronounce it) share many secrets, things they have kept from the world and often from each other over the years. It is the big secret in the end that brings the two, and their story, full circle.
The author’s style, from giving the two characters their own points of view, to her use of heartwarming language; from her description of food and wine, to her descriptions of the little island of Eigus, home for Tadgh, all culminate to draw the reader in. She spins stories to make the novel a living, breathing thing.
The one small drawback I found, is the repetition of certain lines and clues to what is happening. In a couple of places, I felt I was being hit over the head with the information and I wanted to say, ‘okay, I get it.’
This novel is a mystery that leaves the reader fully satisfied at the end. But, more than that, it is a beautiful love story—between two friends, between a parent and child, between two most unlikely lovers. It has many elements that certainly make it an enjoyable read.
NOTE: It does have a little heat. Two sizzling sex scenes that are expertly crafted on the page.
May 3, 2021
This is a new author for me and I did like the story although in parts I did think it could be trimmed down a little. There were periods of story where little happened and sometimes we would be in the present day and then next thing we had gone back 20 years.
That said it was a nice story. Very little romance and no sex and has set up the series for the next book.
That said it was a nice story. Very little romance and no sex and has set up the series for the next book.
Read
April 17, 2020I am on the fence about this one. I liked the setting in general but the timeline and locations often left me baffled.
Also if you are looking for a steamy romance look elsewhere.
Also if you are looking for a steamy romance look elsewhere.
April 29, 2021
THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON BOTH: "DARK WATER" & "WIND AND DARK WATER"
In Newfoundland there’s a small fishing village, Kildevil Cove, the minute they get a chance, the young people leave and never look back!
Deiniol “Danny” Quirke has returned home to Kildevil Cove. He is responsible for the burial and arrangements for his late Grandar’s property. Danny just want’s to sell the property, leave, and be left alone. He’s been overseas in Dublin loaned to the Garda Siochana, hunting down a serial killer. Coming home was not easy for Danny: too many bad memories, struggling with Alison’s death and a heavy weight on his shoulders, with an investigation that will end his career as a detective. To top it all off, his twin sister Sandra want’s nothing to do with returning home or the burial.
Tadhg Heaney has also returned to Kildevil Cove, to take the last step and place a headstone on his late fathers grave. He’s wealthy and makes his money with lies and deceit, buying property on Kildevil Cove. He learned how to profit from older residents and those who inherited property by lying. Tadhg’s wealth has made it possible to buy Eigus Island, where he resides with his very ill, fourteen year old daughter, Lily. His daughter and making money are the only things he seems to care about.
As young boys Danny and Tadhg were good friends. Danny was being raised by his Grandparents along with his twin sister Sandra. Tadhg and his brother Declan were being raised by their well to do parents. In their friendship, while they were growing up Danny was always protecting Tadhg. But as time went on something took place between Tadhg and Sandra, turning Danny’s friendship with Tadhg into hate.
Danny, now has word of a buyer for his Grandar’s house. Unbeknownst to him he’s about to face Tadhg after thirty years. The meeting between them ends in a hateful rant by Danny. Tadhg keeps pushing Danny and even shares with Danny that he has a daughter. Even so, Tadhg and Danny still can’t see eye-to-eye. But the old house is already becoming a burden to Danny and he contacts Tadhg to make the sale. When Danny learns of Lily being hospitalized he’s ready to help Tadhg in any way he can. There’s still an uneasiness with Tadhg and Danny. Will he ever be able to trust Tadhg? What dangers and dark secrets lie in the old house and will Danny ever discover the truth?
I was really excited to see this new novel from J.S. Cook and she did not disappoint! There’s dark family secrets, pent-up aggression, tragedy, abuse, jealousy and suspense. Cook also does an excellent job with the Scottish/Irish dialect that slips into the Danny and Tadhg’s conversations.
“Dark Water” is a highly emotional story, about two men, brought up in different family dynamics. As adults they lived different lives and have to find a way to come to grips with the past, their feelings and possibilities for whatever the future holds. For me, Danny is an outstanding individual as he really struggles with so many emotional and issues.
It’s also a story that surrounds, Lily, Tadhg’s daughter. She’s fourteen but her life hasn’t been normal and she feels a deep need to discover all she can because of her illness. Cook brings out the contrast between Danny and Tadhg throughout the novel. It really shows with Danny, who seems to have a better understanding of Lily, because of his own experiences. Tadhg seems to panic with fear for Lily and at times seems overprotective.
Cook is amazing with her description of Newfoundland’s beauty and the harshness of the weather and the sea.
The first novel “Wind & Dark Water” “Guernsey Cove” series was first published on March 24, 2020. With the decision to revise and re-publish on March 30, 2021, it’s title is now “Dark Water” “Kildevil Cove Murder Mysteries” series. I’ve read both versions and they are both intriguing reads and excellently written. For me, I think it was a brilliant move by J.S. Cook, with the new title and new series name, it’s just a perfect fit. There’s also a second installment with “Dark Mire” and I hope J.S. Cook will continue to bring more from “Kildevil Cove”.
J. S. Cook has also written other novels in LGBTQ genre from different eras and I really enjoyed them: “But Not For Me”, “Oasis of Night”, “The Quality of Mercy” “Because You Despise Me”, and “Skid Rowe Serenade” just to name a few.
In Newfoundland there’s a small fishing village, Kildevil Cove, the minute they get a chance, the young people leave and never look back!
Deiniol “Danny” Quirke has returned home to Kildevil Cove. He is responsible for the burial and arrangements for his late Grandar’s property. Danny just want’s to sell the property, leave, and be left alone. He’s been overseas in Dublin loaned to the Garda Siochana, hunting down a serial killer. Coming home was not easy for Danny: too many bad memories, struggling with Alison’s death and a heavy weight on his shoulders, with an investigation that will end his career as a detective. To top it all off, his twin sister Sandra want’s nothing to do with returning home or the burial.
Tadhg Heaney has also returned to Kildevil Cove, to take the last step and place a headstone on his late fathers grave. He’s wealthy and makes his money with lies and deceit, buying property on Kildevil Cove. He learned how to profit from older residents and those who inherited property by lying. Tadhg’s wealth has made it possible to buy Eigus Island, where he resides with his very ill, fourteen year old daughter, Lily. His daughter and making money are the only things he seems to care about.
As young boys Danny and Tadhg were good friends. Danny was being raised by his Grandparents along with his twin sister Sandra. Tadhg and his brother Declan were being raised by their well to do parents. In their friendship, while they were growing up Danny was always protecting Tadhg. But as time went on something took place between Tadhg and Sandra, turning Danny’s friendship with Tadhg into hate.
Danny, now has word of a buyer for his Grandar’s house. Unbeknownst to him he’s about to face Tadhg after thirty years. The meeting between them ends in a hateful rant by Danny. Tadhg keeps pushing Danny and even shares with Danny that he has a daughter. Even so, Tadhg and Danny still can’t see eye-to-eye. But the old house is already becoming a burden to Danny and he contacts Tadhg to make the sale. When Danny learns of Lily being hospitalized he’s ready to help Tadhg in any way he can. There’s still an uneasiness with Tadhg and Danny. Will he ever be able to trust Tadhg? What dangers and dark secrets lie in the old house and will Danny ever discover the truth?
I was really excited to see this new novel from J.S. Cook and she did not disappoint! There’s dark family secrets, pent-up aggression, tragedy, abuse, jealousy and suspense. Cook also does an excellent job with the Scottish/Irish dialect that slips into the Danny and Tadhg’s conversations.
“Dark Water” is a highly emotional story, about two men, brought up in different family dynamics. As adults they lived different lives and have to find a way to come to grips with the past, their feelings and possibilities for whatever the future holds. For me, Danny is an outstanding individual as he really struggles with so many emotional and issues.
It’s also a story that surrounds, Lily, Tadhg’s daughter. She’s fourteen but her life hasn’t been normal and she feels a deep need to discover all she can because of her illness. Cook brings out the contrast between Danny and Tadhg throughout the novel. It really shows with Danny, who seems to have a better understanding of Lily, because of his own experiences. Tadhg seems to panic with fear for Lily and at times seems overprotective.
Cook is amazing with her description of Newfoundland’s beauty and the harshness of the weather and the sea.
The first novel “Wind & Dark Water” “Guernsey Cove” series was first published on March 24, 2020. With the decision to revise and re-publish on March 30, 2021, it’s title is now “Dark Water” “Kildevil Cove Murder Mysteries” series. I’ve read both versions and they are both intriguing reads and excellently written. For me, I think it was a brilliant move by J.S. Cook, with the new title and new series name, it’s just a perfect fit. There’s also a second installment with “Dark Mire” and I hope J.S. Cook will continue to bring more from “Kildevil Cove”.
J. S. Cook has also written other novels in LGBTQ genre from different eras and I really enjoyed them: “But Not For Me”, “Oasis of Night”, “The Quality of Mercy” “Because You Despise Me”, and “Skid Rowe Serenade” just to name a few.
July 19, 2025
Things are happening in this book that have never happened before.
So.
There was a lot. Like, a lot.
There are at least, like, 6 subplots, at some point I didn't even know what was the main plot supposed to be. There was always something going on: murder, theft, sex trafficking (?), incest, estranged parents.... the list goes on. Also, some topics were very heavy, but like.... I feel like it wasn't addressed that much in the book.
It also kinda felt serialized, like, the author kinda forgot what happened in the previous chapters sometimes? Danny would say something, and then the next chapter it would be like he hadn't acted like that. Don't know what it was about, but I felt the personalities were not grounded and constant throughout the book.
Speaking of characters, I'm sorry but I didn't really root for them. Like, both of them are kinda horrible human beings (Tadhg more than Danny imo) and I know it's supposed to be "all humans are flawed" kind of things, but I didn't root for them, and I didn't root for their relationship.
Also, sometimes people had reactions that left you ????? like Riley switched up at some point, what was that about???
The teenager was... written like any teenager in books. Nothing to say about that, except that my niece who has more or less the same age really doesn't act like that.
Some things were also not at all believable and didn't make any sense... but well, I got on with it.
Also I had a really, really hard time figuring out where this book happened at first. I was like, England? Ireland? Scotland? The US? After like... 20% of the book I finally understood that it was in Canada...
What else.
Oh yeah, people saying this wasn't a romance book were not looking closely. These two old men do nothing except pine for each others. There is a mystery, but they are not investigating for shit. All they do is:
- drink
- be angry at each others
- pine for each others
- somehow remember things from the past in a very cryptic way.
Yeah because, this book wanted to be really mysterious and shit, but half the time I didn't know what was going on. No one wanted to talk things through, or like, have a complete thought about something that happened in the past. It was always "but we promised we won't talk about it", "no I must not think of it", "ah shucks, guess you'll never know how it really happened haha".
Back to the romance, I thought this was going to be a slow burn, but it's not. It really, really isn't. Early on the first chapter Danny says he and Tadhg were in love. Okay?? So they were dating when young?
Well no.
Okay so then... a crush?
Probably, but it wasn't really explained? Also the whole things between Tadhg and Sandra lika... Why would he want to marry her in the first place? Never explained. What was that about if he was in love with Danny?
They kinda "hate" and "despise" each others, but somehow the word "love" is thrown in really early on. Even if they don't say it to each others.
It's like they wish they were Hazard and Somerset.
So this book wasn't bad, it's just that a lot happened.
So.
There was a lot. Like, a lot.
There are at least, like, 6 subplots, at some point I didn't even know what was the main plot supposed to be. There was always something going on: murder, theft, sex trafficking (?), incest, estranged parents.... the list goes on. Also, some topics were very heavy, but like.... I feel like it wasn't addressed that much in the book.
It also kinda felt serialized, like, the author kinda forgot what happened in the previous chapters sometimes? Danny would say something, and then the next chapter it would be like he hadn't acted like that. Don't know what it was about, but I felt the personalities were not grounded and constant throughout the book.
Speaking of characters, I'm sorry but I didn't really root for them. Like, both of them are kinda horrible human beings (Tadhg more than Danny imo) and I know it's supposed to be "all humans are flawed" kind of things, but I didn't root for them, and I didn't root for their relationship.
Also, sometimes people had reactions that left you ????? like Riley switched up at some point, what was that about???
The teenager was... written like any teenager in books. Nothing to say about that, except that my niece who has more or less the same age really doesn't act like that.
Some things were also not at all believable and didn't make any sense... but well, I got on with it.
Also I had a really, really hard time figuring out where this book happened at first. I was like, England? Ireland? Scotland? The US? After like... 20% of the book I finally understood that it was in Canada...
What else.
Oh yeah, people saying this wasn't a romance book were not looking closely. These two old men do nothing except pine for each others. There is a mystery, but they are not investigating for shit. All they do is:
- drink
- be angry at each others
- pine for each others
- somehow remember things from the past in a very cryptic way.
Yeah because, this book wanted to be really mysterious and shit, but half the time I didn't know what was going on. No one wanted to talk things through, or like, have a complete thought about something that happened in the past. It was always "but we promised we won't talk about it", "no I must not think of it", "ah shucks, guess you'll never know how it really happened haha".
Back to the romance, I thought this was going to be a slow burn, but it's not. It really, really isn't. Early on the first chapter Danny says he and Tadhg were in love. Okay?? So they were dating when young?
Well no.
Okay so then... a crush?
Probably, but it wasn't really explained? Also the whole things between Tadhg and Sandra lika... Why would he want to marry her in the first place? Never explained. What was that about if he was in love with Danny?
They kinda "hate" and "despise" each others, but somehow the word "love" is thrown in really early on. Even if they don't say it to each others.
It's like they wish they were Hazard and Somerset.
So this book wasn't bad, it's just that a lot happened.
April 16, 2021
If you’re looking for a relaxing cozy mystery, look elsewhere. This book, and the first one in the series – Dark Water – are dark mysteries with nothing cozy about them. They are hard, rough, stories that will chill you to the bone. They are set in Kildevil Cove, a small (fictional) maritime town on the Northeast Canadian coast. The language has strong influences of Irish/Scotch and the setting is dark, cold, and raw. They are focused on the intertwining lives of the people of Kildevil Cove and the dark secrets that lie in the bogs and forests of the area. The author impressed me with her ability to create an atmosphere that is as dark and brooding as the landscape. Both main characters (Danny and Targh (pronounced Tai)), are complicated and share a long history—not all of it good. They go back and forth in their relationship – maybe a little too much at times. Though they do get together, I don’t have a whole lot of hope for these two. Though to be honest, this is not listed as a romance. It is a dark mystery so the romance is really secondary.
In this one, Inspector Danny has almost to many mysteries on his hands. Missing people, dead bodies, a mysterious woman/child, a group of religious zealots who squat where they want no matter who owns the land or house, a suspicious doctor, and more. All this while trying to maintain a relationship with Targh, his lover. There are almost to many threads to follow, but the author ties them all up neatly at the end.
Recommendations: If you’re looking for a hard-core mystery set on a rocky island and don’t mind the sometimes odd language, this may be for you. Just don’t expect a nice cozy, because it isn’t. It is also not a romance. This is dark, dangerous, and everything you want in a thriller-mystery.
Disclaimer: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
In this one, Inspector Danny has almost to many mysteries on his hands. Missing people, dead bodies, a mysterious woman/child, a group of religious zealots who squat where they want no matter who owns the land or house, a suspicious doctor, and more. All this while trying to maintain a relationship with Targh, his lover. There are almost to many threads to follow, but the author ties them all up neatly at the end.
Recommendations: If you’re looking for a hard-core mystery set on a rocky island and don’t mind the sometimes odd language, this may be for you. Just don’t expect a nice cozy, because it isn’t. It is also not a romance. This is dark, dangerous, and everything you want in a thriller-mystery.
Disclaimer: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 6, 2021
A nice twisty fast-paced crime thriller set in Guernsey (no, fellow Brits, not that one, this is a Newfoundland fishing village in the North Atlantic, pounded by the wind and dark water of the title) 😉
Two local boys, now in their forties, make a reluctant return to some childhood haunts - and haunted they are, by past traumas and betrayals and by more than one shared secret.
Disgraced detective Deiniol 'Danny' Quirke may have finally buried his abusive grandfather, but his re-encounter with childhood friend turned local property tycoon Tadhg Heaney, now father to a terminally ill daughter, exhumes more than just a couple of long-dead bodies - there are buried feelings intent on resurrection too.
The result is a rollercoaster ride of confrontations, accusations and flashbacks that gather pace as the story unfolds, rattling like a runaway train towards a satisfying conclusion with the points switching several times en route.
As brooding and atmospheric as its setting, this is a great opener to J S Cook's 'Guernsey' series!
Two local boys, now in their forties, make a reluctant return to some childhood haunts - and haunted they are, by past traumas and betrayals and by more than one shared secret.
Disgraced detective Deiniol 'Danny' Quirke may have finally buried his abusive grandfather, but his re-encounter with childhood friend turned local property tycoon Tadhg Heaney, now father to a terminally ill daughter, exhumes more than just a couple of long-dead bodies - there are buried feelings intent on resurrection too.
The result is a rollercoaster ride of confrontations, accusations and flashbacks that gather pace as the story unfolds, rattling like a runaway train towards a satisfying conclusion with the points switching several times en route.
As brooding and atmospheric as its setting, this is a great opener to J S Cook's 'Guernsey' series!
August 25, 2023
Rumours are more powerful than truth in small towns.
It was in honor of pride month that I decided I would only read authors that were or wrote about LGTBQ++ . The title snagged me, and when I read the *about* I was hooked. I have always loved a good mystery. The book could have the underlying theme of enemies to lovers threaded through the darker mystery. Cook understands the dynamics of a small-town and isolation on the rock. The mystery is centered around a cold case, and only our main character Danny, and Tadgh (pronounced like tie with a g, like the first part of tiger) know the truth. But as it is in small places, rumors are sometimes more powerful than truth. And any sort of black mark attached to a person follows them around and just adds to the rumors. Danny is up to his neck in grief, a scandal that has put him on the brink of losing his job and to top it all off, the only person who knows the truth is the man he will never forgive for what he did. So yah, definitely pick up this book.
It was in honor of pride month that I decided I would only read authors that were or wrote about LGTBQ++ . The title snagged me, and when I read the *about* I was hooked. I have always loved a good mystery. The book could have the underlying theme of enemies to lovers threaded through the darker mystery. Cook understands the dynamics of a small-town and isolation on the rock. The mystery is centered around a cold case, and only our main character Danny, and Tadgh (pronounced like tie with a g, like the first part of tiger) know the truth. But as it is in small places, rumors are sometimes more powerful than truth. And any sort of black mark attached to a person follows them around and just adds to the rumors. Danny is up to his neck in grief, a scandal that has put him on the brink of losing his job and to top it all off, the only person who knows the truth is the man he will never forgive for what he did. So yah, definitely pick up this book.
May 23, 2021
It was always Danny and Tadhg, Tadhg and Danny, all through their childhood. Not that that was the same. Danny was brought up by his grandparents and poor while Tadhg led the 'rich' life as a child, but that never came between them, they were friends forever. Until that is, something happened in their early teens, to change everything. They didn't just drift apart, they flew apart, never looking back, never contacting each other, just leading their adult lives separately.
Then Danny's grandfather died and he was forced back to his boyhood home, to sort the funeral and sell the home he'd called 'home.' Then, and only then did Tadhg creep back into his life, because he had to as the only purchaser wanting to buy Granda's house, and because Danny needed him to, as he was the answer to their childhood rift lasting 30 years.
Then Danny's grandfather died and he was forced back to his boyhood home, to sort the funeral and sell the home he'd called 'home.' Then, and only then did Tadhg creep back into his life, because he had to as the only purchaser wanting to buy Granda's house, and because Danny needed him to, as he was the answer to their childhood rift lasting 30 years.
June 17, 2020
What the heck, tangents, fashbacks, so much unnecessary back story, angst, mis communication. And that ending... the guys finally, finally get together, then one feels the need to get off with some other random, the main guy finds out and understandably a bit ticked off, but two pages later all happy families... and twice it’s like oh no, goodby death is near, oh okay maybe not as they’re home the next day... a day later and I’m still trying to figure it out
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2021
Interesting setting and fascinating reflection on how secrets of the past can influence the presence. Nearly 4*s but while well written, it was let down by the editing: sometimes there was too much background and detail - other times not enough or what there was, was confusing. There are lots of conflicting emotions (too many?) flying around with damaged vulnerable characters making confused decisions, but really strong storytelling saved the book and had me reading well into the night.
December 24, 2021
Not a bad read but a lot of events that are a tad far fetched. Not sure how you can be involved in a hit and run with serious brain injury and be driving a car a few days later!! Or how a burnt house is safe the next door to search for a box? The descriptions of the beautiful province of Newfoundland with its unpredictable weather was nicely done. The main characters just do not line up with their occupations . The book deals with many issues related to health , relationships and secrets.
December 21, 2022
I think this was a good start to a new series. The characters and the story were well written. I did find it a little hard to keep things straight. I enjoyed the last third of the book. Recommend reading.
August 31, 2023
Disconnected, gloomy and there isn’t really a plot line to follow. The story jumps from one scene to another without any warning and at times it gets really hard to follow. It needed editing. Also quite depressing as far as stories go.
Read
May 10, 2020DNF. It did nothing for me. Maybe I will give it a chance some other time.
September 26, 2021
Dark setting/feelings, very emotional.
October 31, 2021
3.5 rounded up to 4 even though it probably should be rounded down to 3. No joke - I spent an entire shower session debating whether to round up or down (Goodreads please start implementing 0.5 ratings!!!)
To be frank, the writing was so-so. If you're looking for a mystery with a queer detective, you won't quite feel satisfied with this. It's moreso a love story involving a queer detective with a mystery backdrop. There are many plot holes and some plot lines resolves are quite disappointing and illogical in my opinion, e.g., when Dan finds out what his grandfather had done, I don't understand how he wasn't angrier or feeling more upset. And YET, I just really liked
To be frank, the writing was so-so. If you're looking for a mystery with a queer detective, you won't quite feel satisfied with this. It's moreso a love story involving a queer detective with a mystery backdrop. There are many plot holes and some plot lines resolves are quite disappointing and illogical in my opinion, e.g., when Dan finds out what his grandfather had done, I don't understand how he wasn't angrier or feeling more upset. And YET, I just really liked
April 24, 2021
This book felt a bit choppy...abrupt. I think the writing style isn't for me.
Now I didn't figure out who the person after them was. I was however fairly spot on, with what was the big misunderstanding and about the grandad and the twin sister.
I did enjoy the story, but something was a bit off for me.
Now I didn't figure out who the person after them was. I was however fairly spot on, with what was the big misunderstanding and about the grandad and the twin sister.
I did enjoy the story, but something was a bit off for me.
June 7, 2020
Ay-ay-ay!
With the eternal film lover in me, my thoughts during the entire reading of this novel were: "If only I was a film producer!"
Why? Because the book--from first to last page--was one of the best renderings of a mystery/suspense novel that I've read.
The setting, Newfoundland, was completely new to me, and let me tell you...the scenery, the atmosphere, the vivid descriptions of the weather, the moody ocean, the dialect, the intense attention to the lifestyle...were characters by themselves. As I read, I was so intrigued by this unfamiliar location that I found myself searching for photos of the main setting, the fishing village of Guernsey. And the place is as beautiful, haunting, embracing as the author painted it.
Enough about the location (although I could go on an on, it was so vivid).
The characters!
Deiniol "Danny" Quirke, a detective on leave because of an event the happened while he was on duty. I challenge you to NOT fall in love with him. So very sexy, but so very human. A curious, makes-you-want-to-cuddle-him, mix of being so capable of taking charge and yet being actually quite awkward socially and---most of all---in dealing with desire and being in love. I won't divulge anything about his history; but, suffice it to say, it will all be clear by and by.
And Tadhg Heaney. Childhood friend of Danny. Millionaire. Owns an entire island. Beautiful home with his only neighbor being the water surrounding him. A fellow who ought to be content with all his wealth, but knows money cannot buy happiness. I truly found myself endeared to Tadhg. I LOVED the way the author took a bold stroke in creating him as the most IMperfectly perfect character I've read in long, long time. No, he wasn't riddled with the usual safety-net flaws that I see in so much fiction. No crippling physical issues. No physical ailments at all...just the downright realistic flaw of humanity: not always being nice, sometimes even alienating people, even those who are dear to him. And he, like Danny, has a past that helped to create in him his faults. Except when it comes to his daughter....
Lily. Tadhg's daughter, only fourteen, and dying from neuroblastoma. She, although my heart wrenched for her illness, was incredibly delightful. Snarky, yes, she IS a teenager, after all. But not overdone as in a lot of fiction and film. Her, with her iPad, her clothes, her pj's, her dialogue, was the lovely center point in the story.
The book is filled with: mysteries (more than one, in fact); sexy, realistic interaction (if you are looking for a story filled with more sex than plot, this is not for you); spectacular imagery of the area; super realistic human interaction; miracles (yes, miracles!).
My ONLY disappointment in this book is that I finished it too soon and now must anxiously await the next in the Guernsey series.
My hat's off to J. S. Cook. I'm humbled by this writing that is mainstream quality. What a writer.
With the eternal film lover in me, my thoughts during the entire reading of this novel were: "If only I was a film producer!"
Why? Because the book--from first to last page--was one of the best renderings of a mystery/suspense novel that I've read.
The setting, Newfoundland, was completely new to me, and let me tell you...the scenery, the atmosphere, the vivid descriptions of the weather, the moody ocean, the dialect, the intense attention to the lifestyle...were characters by themselves. As I read, I was so intrigued by this unfamiliar location that I found myself searching for photos of the main setting, the fishing village of Guernsey. And the place is as beautiful, haunting, embracing as the author painted it.
Enough about the location (although I could go on an on, it was so vivid).
The characters!
Deiniol "Danny" Quirke, a detective on leave because of an event the happened while he was on duty. I challenge you to NOT fall in love with him. So very sexy, but so very human. A curious, makes-you-want-to-cuddle-him, mix of being so capable of taking charge and yet being actually quite awkward socially and---most of all---in dealing with desire and being in love. I won't divulge anything about his history; but, suffice it to say, it will all be clear by and by.
And Tadhg Heaney. Childhood friend of Danny. Millionaire. Owns an entire island. Beautiful home with his only neighbor being the water surrounding him. A fellow who ought to be content with all his wealth, but knows money cannot buy happiness. I truly found myself endeared to Tadhg. I LOVED the way the author took a bold stroke in creating him as the most IMperfectly perfect character I've read in long, long time. No, he wasn't riddled with the usual safety-net flaws that I see in so much fiction. No crippling physical issues. No physical ailments at all...just the downright realistic flaw of humanity: not always being nice, sometimes even alienating people, even those who are dear to him. And he, like Danny, has a past that helped to create in him his faults. Except when it comes to his daughter....
Lily. Tadhg's daughter, only fourteen, and dying from neuroblastoma. She, although my heart wrenched for her illness, was incredibly delightful. Snarky, yes, she IS a teenager, after all. But not overdone as in a lot of fiction and film. Her, with her iPad, her clothes, her pj's, her dialogue, was the lovely center point in the story.
The book is filled with: mysteries (more than one, in fact); sexy, realistic interaction (if you are looking for a story filled with more sex than plot, this is not for you); spectacular imagery of the area; super realistic human interaction; miracles (yes, miracles!).
My ONLY disappointment in this book is that I finished it too soon and now must anxiously await the next in the Guernsey series.
My hat's off to J. S. Cook. I'm humbled by this writing that is mainstream quality. What a writer.
December 12, 2022
Well, quite an intense read.
Definitely a new area of the world to google, and a strong sense of place.
More of a setting the stories straight with Tadhg and Danny revisiting old haunts, reliving old traumas and learning a few home truths.
Sometimes felt it jumped around a bit, a wide cast of characters
Generally liked it
Definitely a new area of the world to google, and a strong sense of place.
More of a setting the stories straight with Tadhg and Danny revisiting old haunts, reliving old traumas and learning a few home truths.
Sometimes felt it jumped around a bit, a wide cast of characters
Generally liked it
September 3, 2022
Complete rubbish.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews