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Coffin Cove Mysteries #1
Coffin Cove
A new life.
A new town.
A dead body.
Andrea “Andi” Silvers needs a fresh start. Once a star reporter, she’s been dumped by her lover and by the paper they both worked at.
Andi moves to the tiny fishing village of Coffin Cove, on the Vancouver coast, where she lands a job at the local Gazette. Expecting bake sales and unpaid parking tickets to be the biggest news items, she quickly discovers the small town holds dark secrets.
Two sea lions wash up on the shore. They’ve been shot dead. Activists point the finger at local fishermen. Then things get far worse . . .
A dead body turns up.
How does it all relate to a fifteen-year-old girl’s tragic death twenty years ago? The girl was found drowned with her arms and legs tied together.
The deeper Andi digs, the more dirt she finds.
Discover a web of murder and mystery laced with humour and a thread of romance in this fast-paced whodunnit set on the gorgeous coast of Western Canada.
A new town.
A dead body.
Andrea “Andi” Silvers needs a fresh start. Once a star reporter, she’s been dumped by her lover and by the paper they both worked at.
Andi moves to the tiny fishing village of Coffin Cove, on the Vancouver coast, where she lands a job at the local Gazette. Expecting bake sales and unpaid parking tickets to be the biggest news items, she quickly discovers the small town holds dark secrets.
Two sea lions wash up on the shore. They’ve been shot dead. Activists point the finger at local fishermen. Then things get far worse . . .
A dead body turns up.
How does it all relate to a fifteen-year-old girl’s tragic death twenty years ago? The girl was found drowned with her arms and legs tied together.
The deeper Andi digs, the more dirt she finds.
Discover a web of murder and mystery laced with humour and a thread of romance in this fast-paced whodunnit set on the gorgeous coast of Western Canada.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2021
662 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Elliott
20 books18 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 27, 2025
Andi Silvers had accepted a position at the local paper of Coffin Cove - the Gazette - and hoped moving there would leave the past and her dreadful decisions behind. Her love of alcohol needed to be left behind as well, though that was harder. The small fishing village along the coast of Vancouver suited her needs; her new boss, Jim, was a kind man, struggling in the industry. With activists continually hovering, involved in the fishing industry as well as the logging, tempers were short. When sea lions were killed, then a body was found, Andi realised Coffin Cove was a hive of secrets. And the death of a young girl, two decades ago, had peaked her investigative interest - could she discover who killed her, as well as the details on current death?
Coffin Cove is the 1st in the Coffin Cove Mysteries by Canadian author Jackie Elliott and I was a little disappointed. A lot about fishing and logging, less about the mysteries, which was unfortunate. The murders were intriguing; the characters were good, though Andi took a while to grow on me as she was fairly clichéd. I'm not sure if I'll continue the series, but I do own #2.
Coffin Cove is the 1st in the Coffin Cove Mysteries by Canadian author Jackie Elliott and I was a little disappointed. A lot about fishing and logging, less about the mysteries, which was unfortunate. The murders were intriguing; the characters were good, though Andi took a while to grow on me as she was fairly clichéd. I'm not sure if I'll continue the series, but I do own #2.
April 5, 2021
Coffin Cove Mysteries #1
Andrea ''Andi'' Silvers is a disgrace. Once a rising star reporter, she has been dumped by her married lover and by the paper they both worked at. She gets a job in a small ailing local paper, the Gazette, but her new boss is starting to have doubts about her. Then two dead sea lions wash up on the shore. Local fishermen get the blame. Until a dead body turns up.
This is the debut novel in this new series. The story has a slow srart but the pace soon picks up. The characters are well developed. Andi is a flawed character who drinlss too much, trying to drown her sorrows. We begin with the books prologue, which tells us about a murder that had occoued several years ago. Then there's the body that's washed up on the shore. Are these two deaths somehow connected? The more you read, the better the story gets, so stick with it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #JoofeBooks and the author #JackieElliot for my ARC of #CoffinCove in exchange for an honest review.
Andrea ''Andi'' Silvers is a disgrace. Once a rising star reporter, she has been dumped by her married lover and by the paper they both worked at. She gets a job in a small ailing local paper, the Gazette, but her new boss is starting to have doubts about her. Then two dead sea lions wash up on the shore. Local fishermen get the blame. Until a dead body turns up.
This is the debut novel in this new series. The story has a slow srart but the pace soon picks up. The characters are well developed. Andi is a flawed character who drinlss too much, trying to drown her sorrows. We begin with the books prologue, which tells us about a murder that had occoued several years ago. Then there's the body that's washed up on the shore. Are these two deaths somehow connected? The more you read, the better the story gets, so stick with it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #JoofeBooks and the author #JackieElliot for my ARC of #CoffinCove in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2021
Coffin Cove by Jackie Elliott is the first in the series of the same name. It is a mystery novel.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books (in particular Nina Kicul), and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Andi Silvers, a disgraced journalist, finds herself in Coffin Cove, a small logging and fishing town on Vancouver Island. After screwing up a story, and being dumped by her married co-worker, she had no choice but to leave. She is doing a lot of drinking and moping in her spare time, and she knows she has to shape up, or she won't even have a job at the small-town Gazette.
When two sea lions turn up on the shore, both shot, local fisherman are blamed. But when a body turns up, also shot, definitive answers are needed.
Andi is looking into the story, and she wonders if this actually ties into another death from 20 years ago that was never solved. There seems to be a lot going on in this small town.
My Opinions:
I have to admit to struggling with this one. I'm not really into logging or fishing, so Coffin Cove may not be my type of series. They say location is everything, and apparently it is in books as well.
That being said, it was a really good mystery, twisting in a lot of different directions. The writing was fine, as were the characters. Yes, I figured out what was going on fairly early, but not everything, so that was good. What I did figure out didn't detract from the story.
Overall, a good read.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including my reason for choosing to read this, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
April 8, 2021
Andi Silvers left her last job as a reporter in disgrace. She eventually finds another job in a small fishing village working for the struggling newspaper there. Her new employer believes in second chances, but if Andi doesn't quit drinking so much, she may find herself unemployed yet again.
Here comes her chance to show what she can do ... two dead sea lions have washed ashore. The town comes in two major businesses ... fishing and lumber. Of course, the local fishermen get blamed for these deaths .. .until another death is discovered ... this one is human.
Andi starts investigating, much to the annoyance of local law enforcement, and the more she learns, the more questions she has. She finds new information in the death of a teenage girl almost 20 years ago. The dead human body is that of a man who has always been suspected of killing the girl .. .but it was never proven.
What connects a cold case .... dead sea lions... and a bitter feud?
This is a new author to me and not knowing what to expect, I can say I wasn't disappointed at all. This is well written, with a few twists and turns leading to multiple suspects. The characters are solidly defined. I really enjoyed how she relates to the other characters .. she's gutsy, she loves her job, and she's determined to be a better person this time around. As in all small villages, the residents can be quirky, inquisitive, and somewhat secretive. The ending came fast and furious and quite unexpected. I look forward to seeing more of Andi in her adopted village.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this most entertaining mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 1, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Coffin Cove, the first novel to feature reporter Andi Silvers, set in the fictional Vancouver Island town of Coffin Cove.
Sacked from her previous job borderline alcoholic Andi Silvers takes the only job on offer at the Coffin Cove Gazette, a small town newspaper with parochial interests, which include two dead sea lions washed up on shore. Andi is more interested in the twenty year old unsolved murder of Sarah McIntosh, another body found washed up on the beach. Then there is a murder.
I like the plot premise of Coffin Cove and it’s always interesting to try a new author so I was pleased to get the opportunity to read it. Unfortunately it didn’t really work for me as I found it quite flat. The plot is very detailed and while that gives the reader something to concentrate on constantly it does make it impossible to remember every last detail and I found I missed a few things that later become important. It also means that there is a fair amount of scene setting that makes it slow to start. It also gets quite involved in the politics of environmentalism, a subject I have zero interest in and don’t really understand. I think broader brushstrokes in this would have held my interest better.
I did admire the way the author builds the story and draws it all together. The denouement is definitely the best bit in the novel as it gets quite gripping when the revelations start coming.
The characters are well enough drawn for the plot with Andi Silvers getting the most attention. She changes greatly over the course of the novel so it’s difficult to asses what she really is, apart from a great investigative journalist.
Coffin Cove is a solid read.
Sacked from her previous job borderline alcoholic Andi Silvers takes the only job on offer at the Coffin Cove Gazette, a small town newspaper with parochial interests, which include two dead sea lions washed up on shore. Andi is more interested in the twenty year old unsolved murder of Sarah McIntosh, another body found washed up on the beach. Then there is a murder.
I like the plot premise of Coffin Cove and it’s always interesting to try a new author so I was pleased to get the opportunity to read it. Unfortunately it didn’t really work for me as I found it quite flat. The plot is very detailed and while that gives the reader something to concentrate on constantly it does make it impossible to remember every last detail and I found I missed a few things that later become important. It also means that there is a fair amount of scene setting that makes it slow to start. It also gets quite involved in the politics of environmentalism, a subject I have zero interest in and don’t really understand. I think broader brushstrokes in this would have held my interest better.
I did admire the way the author builds the story and draws it all together. The denouement is definitely the best bit in the novel as it gets quite gripping when the revelations start coming.
The characters are well enough drawn for the plot with Andi Silvers getting the most attention. She changes greatly over the course of the novel so it’s difficult to asses what she really is, apart from a great investigative journalist.
Coffin Cove is a solid read.
March 29, 2021
A gripping read.
Vancouver Island Coffin Cove Government Dock
Harry brown unofficially lives on his boat The Pipe Dream his sister Hephzibah lives in his cottage and runs the local cafe on the dock.
Andi Silvers once a writer and reporter is in desperation and applies and gets a job in publication at the coffin cove gazette along side Jim Peters a new apartment a new start and spends a lot of time in the cafe by the window.
two dead sea lions are found that triggers off a old mystery a twenty years old one when Sarah McIntosh goes missing at fifteen years old and is washed up there was no DNA as she had been in the water for to long, then a old suspect appears back in town and a dead body is found over at the fish plant.
all this is linked in more ways than one.
such a fast pace read that I enjoyed, its became unputdownable, loved it
Vancouver Island Coffin Cove Government Dock
Harry brown unofficially lives on his boat The Pipe Dream his sister Hephzibah lives in his cottage and runs the local cafe on the dock.
Andi Silvers once a writer and reporter is in desperation and applies and gets a job in publication at the coffin cove gazette along side Jim Peters a new apartment a new start and spends a lot of time in the cafe by the window.
two dead sea lions are found that triggers off a old mystery a twenty years old one when Sarah McIntosh goes missing at fifteen years old and is washed up there was no DNA as she had been in the water for to long, then a old suspect appears back in town and a dead body is found over at the fish plant.
all this is linked in more ways than one.
such a fast pace read that I enjoyed, its became unputdownable, loved it
April 14, 2021
I enjoyed this mystery set in a fishing town on the west side of Vancouver Island. I felt the beginning sections were a bit confusing, Elliott giving detailed backstory as each character was introduced in the narrative. I came to like the technique, however, as I realized we readers were being given each character's history so we could understand why the characters acted as they did. Coffin Cove is the kind of town where everybody knew everybody's history and readers are given the same privilege. Therefore, the character development is done well.
The plot is good. An unsolved murder from years ago is again a concern when a suspect returns to town. Then he is murdered. Andi, our heroine, is on the case. She is a disgraced journalist relegated to a small town newspaper and is bent on redeeming her reputation.
I appreciate learning a bit about the fishing industry and the impact of clear cut logging. I do wish Elliott had been a little clearer on the descriptions of her locations and the getting to and from them. Harry going from Coffin Cove to the Fraser River, for example, would have required hours, having to go through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and then north to Vancouver.
This is a good mystery for readers who like to understand the motives of those involved. It seems this is the debut novel from Elliott. I liked it and will be looking for more from her.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The plot is good. An unsolved murder from years ago is again a concern when a suspect returns to town. Then he is murdered. Andi, our heroine, is on the case. She is a disgraced journalist relegated to a small town newspaper and is bent on redeeming her reputation.
I appreciate learning a bit about the fishing industry and the impact of clear cut logging. I do wish Elliott had been a little clearer on the descriptions of her locations and the getting to and from them. Harry going from Coffin Cove to the Fraser River, for example, would have required hours, having to go through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and then north to Vancouver.
This is a good mystery for readers who like to understand the motives of those involved. It seems this is the debut novel from Elliott. I liked it and will be looking for more from her.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
April 20, 2021
Andi's life is in tatters. Having an affair with a colleague, and a married one at that, was not a good move and to compound the damage she gets drunk and goes to his home to confront him. The final nail in her coffin is getting fired. Her journalist career is in jeopardy when in desperation she accepts a job as reporter/assistant on a remote Vancouver Island with a small independent newspaper. Battling an addiction to alcohol she packs up and moves to Coffin Cove.
The first news story is investigating the shooting of 2 sea lions. Not exactly the adrenaline pumping case she would have chosen but when she sees an opportunity to link it back to the death of a young girl many years ago it becomes more interesting.
I like Andi. There is intrigue and realism to be had with a damaged character and Andi delivers in spades. She is a good contrast to the other characters which makes for an interesting mix of different personalities.
The story is intriguing and at no point did I suspect who had killed Sarah so that came as a total shock. Lots going on to keep the adrenaline flowing with drugs and gangsters thrown into the mix.
All in all a very interesting read I am looking forward to reading more from Jackie Elliott
The first news story is investigating the shooting of 2 sea lions. Not exactly the adrenaline pumping case she would have chosen but when she sees an opportunity to link it back to the death of a young girl many years ago it becomes more interesting.
I like Andi. There is intrigue and realism to be had with a damaged character and Andi delivers in spades. She is a good contrast to the other characters which makes for an interesting mix of different personalities.
The story is intriguing and at no point did I suspect who had killed Sarah so that came as a total shock. Lots going on to keep the adrenaline flowing with drugs and gangsters thrown into the mix.
All in all a very interesting read I am looking forward to reading more from Jackie Elliott
April 21, 2021
Coffin Cove by Jackie Elliott has an intriguing plot and interesting characters. I enjoyed reading the book, except for the vulgar language. This turns me off greatly.
April 8, 2021
Andrea “Andi” Silvers is in disgrace. Once a rising star reporter, she has been dumped by her married lover and by the paper they both worked at. She finds a job in a small ailing local paper, the Gazette, in the tiny fishing village of Coffin Cove. Drinking her sorrows away, she is barely holding it together. Jim, her new employer, is already having doubts about his latest hire. Then two dead sea lions wash up on the shore. Local fishermen get the blame. Until a dead body turns up. The deeper Andi digs the more dirt she finds.
This is the first in a new series, also a new author to me. Whilst I enjoyed the book it was a slow starter as the beginning of the book was taken up with setting the scene, we don't meet Andi until a couple of chapters in, which I found novel. I found Andi to be likeable & sympathised with her. I found that it was a slow burn with lots of detail but I persevered & the pace did increase until I was on the edge of my seat. A well written enjoyable read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the first in a new series, also a new author to me. Whilst I enjoyed the book it was a slow starter as the beginning of the book was taken up with setting the scene, we don't meet Andi until a couple of chapters in, which I found novel. I found Andi to be likeable & sympathised with her. I found that it was a slow burn with lots of detail but I persevered & the pace did increase until I was on the edge of my seat. A well written enjoyable read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 22, 2021
What’s with the f-word
The plot was okay and worthy of 3 stars but the 79 times the reword 🤬. I get it some people like it. For shock value😱 But sorry it turns me off.
As for the plot it was okay, though a large percentage of it characters reflecting on their past. Maybe it is build characters and decline them for future books in the series.
I like dialogue. All the reflective thinking slowed it down for me. I started reading Coffin Cove a few weeks back, but put quiet as my mood was not wanting slow.
Some may like it for the mystery, though I wasn’t surprised at the outcome. Despite all the less than positive comments, I’m will to toe number two a try. Hopefully the author can be more creative in expressing anger and frustration using words other than the aforementioned.
The plot was okay and worthy of 3 stars but the 79 times the reword 🤬. I get it some people like it. For shock value😱 But sorry it turns me off.
As for the plot it was okay, though a large percentage of it characters reflecting on their past. Maybe it is build characters and decline them for future books in the series.
I like dialogue. All the reflective thinking slowed it down for me. I started reading Coffin Cove a few weeks back, but put quiet as my mood was not wanting slow.
Some may like it for the mystery, though I wasn’t surprised at the outcome. Despite all the less than positive comments, I’m will to toe number two a try. Hopefully the author can be more creative in expressing anger and frustration using words other than the aforementioned.
April 8, 2021
Serious Murder Mystery
This is a serious mystery. There are many twists to the plot that it is impossible to see where the story is going. All of the characters are well developed, deep, and realistic. This is a very tense story that I had to read in small portions. I was afraid that the tension would give me nightmares if I dove in and read it in one sitting. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
This is a serious mystery. There are many twists to the plot that it is impossible to see where the story is going. All of the characters are well developed, deep, and realistic. This is a very tense story that I had to read in small portions. I was afraid that the tension would give me nightmares if I dove in and read it in one sitting. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
April 13, 2021
If there’s one thing that I like doing it’s discovering new authors. Jackie Elliott is certainly a new author for me. ‘Coffin Cove’ is the first in a new series and what a book it is too. I really enjoyed reading ‘Coffin Cove’ but more about that in a bit.
It took me no time at all to get into this story. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first page or so, I knew that I find it increasingly difficult to put the boo down for any length of time. The characters intrigued me and the area interested me, so I had to keep reading to see if my suspicions as to what was going to happen were along the right lines or if I had the wrong end of the stick entirely. This wasn’t a book that I could read over the course of a single day as life got in the way but I would use any spare time I had to read some more of this book.
‘Coffin Cove’ is really well written. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into the story. Jackie uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I felt as though I knew Coffin Cove without actually visiting the area. Reading this book was like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. ‘Coffin Cove’ starts off slowly but soon gathers momentum. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Jackie’s very vivid and realistic storytelling. I found ‘Coffin Cove’ to be a gripping read, which kept my interest throughout and kept me guessing.
In short, I really enjoyed reading ‘Coffin Cove’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will be reading more of Jackie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
It took me no time at all to get into this story. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first page or so, I knew that I find it increasingly difficult to put the boo down for any length of time. The characters intrigued me and the area interested me, so I had to keep reading to see if my suspicions as to what was going to happen were along the right lines or if I had the wrong end of the stick entirely. This wasn’t a book that I could read over the course of a single day as life got in the way but I would use any spare time I had to read some more of this book.
‘Coffin Cove’ is really well written. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into the story. Jackie uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I felt as though I knew Coffin Cove without actually visiting the area. Reading this book was like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. ‘Coffin Cove’ starts off slowly but soon gathers momentum. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Jackie’s very vivid and realistic storytelling. I found ‘Coffin Cove’ to be a gripping read, which kept my interest throughout and kept me guessing.
In short, I really enjoyed reading ‘Coffin Cove’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will be reading more of Jackie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
April 26, 2021
✍️ After getting fired and being dumped by her married co-worker, Andi Silvers has to find a new job. She accepts to be a reporter in Coffin Cove for the small-town Gazette. She knows she has to stop moping and drinking if she wants her life back. Andi gets her chance when two sea lions turn up on the shore, shot to death. Local fishermen are blamed till a body turns up as well.
❤️ I liked:
🏚️ The setting. I loved the fishing village of Coffin Cove. It was not described as an idyllic place, but I felt a great connection anyway, probably because one of my favourite places here in Ireland is the fisherman village beside mine.
✍️ Andi is a journalist. I love reading books where the main character is a journalist trying to find the truth. Again, I felt a strong connection because I have always loved investigative journalism.
👨👩 Plot and characters. The story is well-thought-out, and the characters are very well developed. What can connect the shooting of two sea lions and the death of a young girl many years before?
🤔 I wasn't so sure about:
💌 The beginning. In the first pages, the author gives a detailed backstory of each character that is introduced. I struggled a bit to understand who was going to be the main focus of the story.
😅 Too many details. The plot is very meticulous, with many tiny details that can, unfortunately, be easily forgotten.
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 An entertaining mystery, with an interesting set of characters and a very original whodunit.
❤️ I liked:
🏚️ The setting. I loved the fishing village of Coffin Cove. It was not described as an idyllic place, but I felt a great connection anyway, probably because one of my favourite places here in Ireland is the fisherman village beside mine.
✍️ Andi is a journalist. I love reading books where the main character is a journalist trying to find the truth. Again, I felt a strong connection because I have always loved investigative journalism.
👨👩 Plot and characters. The story is well-thought-out, and the characters are very well developed. What can connect the shooting of two sea lions and the death of a young girl many years before?
🤔 I wasn't so sure about:
💌 The beginning. In the first pages, the author gives a detailed backstory of each character that is introduced. I struggled a bit to understand who was going to be the main focus of the story.
😅 Too many details. The plot is very meticulous, with many tiny details that can, unfortunately, be easily forgotten.
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 An entertaining mystery, with an interesting set of characters and a very original whodunit.
June 29, 2021
A crisp start to a brand new mystery series!
Andi Silvers needs a new job in a new area and working for the local paper in Coffin Cove, Vancouver Island, fits her immediate needs. What she doesn’t expect is to be pulled into the community, firstly looking into two shot sea-lions, environmental activists who blame the fishermen – and then a dead body turns up. As Andi begins to dig, she discovers that twenty years ago a fifteen year old girl was found drowned with her arms and legs tied together. Does this have any bearing on what’s happening now? As she keeps digging, her findings get murkier and murkier . . .
What a cracking read! Intricate and enigmatic, this is precisely planned and has such a lot going on. Andi Silvers is a character I want to read more about, and I have already downloaded the second in series. A real whodunnit with lots of potential outcomes, there are lots of twists and turns which had me gripped until the very end when all is clear. A cleverly spun story with a fine cast of characters in a spectacular setting, I fully enjoyed this one and am very happy to recommend it to all lovers of a crime mystery which keeps you guessing! 4.5*.
Andi Silvers needs a new job in a new area and working for the local paper in Coffin Cove, Vancouver Island, fits her immediate needs. What she doesn’t expect is to be pulled into the community, firstly looking into two shot sea-lions, environmental activists who blame the fishermen – and then a dead body turns up. As Andi begins to dig, she discovers that twenty years ago a fifteen year old girl was found drowned with her arms and legs tied together. Does this have any bearing on what’s happening now? As she keeps digging, her findings get murkier and murkier . . .
What a cracking read! Intricate and enigmatic, this is precisely planned and has such a lot going on. Andi Silvers is a character I want to read more about, and I have already downloaded the second in series. A real whodunnit with lots of potential outcomes, there are lots of twists and turns which had me gripped until the very end when all is clear. A cleverly spun story with a fine cast of characters in a spectacular setting, I fully enjoyed this one and am very happy to recommend it to all lovers of a crime mystery which keeps you guessing! 4.5*.
February 2, 2025
A good mystery with several twists
This mystery which takes place in a small fishing village in BC is a twisting tale of crimes old and new. A disgraced journalist who is indulging in wine and self pity gets job working for the local paper in this small town and a huge investigation drops right into her lap. The cast of characters is interesting and they help propel the narrative. At the beginning I was getting sick of the MC and things were pretty slow moving so I almost stopped reading but there was enough there to keep me going. Eventually the action started picking up, Andi became less irritating, and the mystery twists and turns kicked in. By the end I was fully engaged with the narrative and pleased to have figured out bits of the mystery.
I will most likely read the next book in the series and hope that since a lot of setting development was done in book one the story arc will move better in book two.
This mystery which takes place in a small fishing village in BC is a twisting tale of crimes old and new. A disgraced journalist who is indulging in wine and self pity gets job working for the local paper in this small town and a huge investigation drops right into her lap. The cast of characters is interesting and they help propel the narrative. At the beginning I was getting sick of the MC and things were pretty slow moving so I almost stopped reading but there was enough there to keep me going. Eventually the action started picking up, Andi became less irritating, and the mystery twists and turns kicked in. By the end I was fully engaged with the narrative and pleased to have figured out bits of the mystery.
I will most likely read the next book in the series and hope that since a lot of setting development was done in book one the story arc will move better in book two.
May 11, 2021
Really liked this story!
I’m always hesitant to try new authors, but this was on sale and got good reviews so I thought, “why not?” I’m very glad I did too. Interesting plot, complicated and believable characters. The fishing industry is something I’m not familiar with, but the author explained things without being too wordy or making it too complicated to understand. Some cussing, but not gratuitous. Bonus? No sex! I’m not a prude and I do enjoy a Nora Roberts but some authors try to fluff up their story with unnecessary Bomchickawowwow. It’s like adding garlic to ice cream. The ice cream was just fine as is.
I’ve already ordered the second book. Ms. Elliott, more please!
I’m always hesitant to try new authors, but this was on sale and got good reviews so I thought, “why not?” I’m very glad I did too. Interesting plot, complicated and believable characters. The fishing industry is something I’m not familiar with, but the author explained things without being too wordy or making it too complicated to understand. Some cussing, but not gratuitous. Bonus? No sex! I’m not a prude and I do enjoy a Nora Roberts but some authors try to fluff up their story with unnecessary Bomchickawowwow. It’s like adding garlic to ice cream. The ice cream was just fine as is.
I’ve already ordered the second book. Ms. Elliott, more please!
August 12, 2021
This is the first mystery in a while that had me guessing and second guessing nearly the entire time. Jackie Elliott twists and turns the plot, in the best ways, leaving you sure that you’ve connect the dots- before delivering a devastating blow to your murder wall.
You’re walked through the mystery, picking up clues and connecting the dots in a way that feels natural and real- how you would imagine it would take place if you were investigating reporter Andi Silvers. The characters have so many layers to them and these layers are naturally and intelligently pealed away, effortlessly adding to the depth of the story.
This read will have you wanting to pack up and move straight to a costal Canadian town!
You’re walked through the mystery, picking up clues and connecting the dots in a way that feels natural and real- how you would imagine it would take place if you were investigating reporter Andi Silvers. The characters have so many layers to them and these layers are naturally and intelligently pealed away, effortlessly adding to the depth of the story.
This read will have you wanting to pack up and move straight to a costal Canadian town!
October 1, 2022
an enjoyable story, not obvious who did what to whom, but it gradually unfolds with different crimes being uncovered. Although it starts off as a current murder, the story revolves around a cold case, the murder of a young girl called Sarah. I would have given a five star rating other than one glaring error in the story line. Not giving anything of the plot away, Sarah's mother Sue is at Sarah's graveside with her parents Ruth and Fred, Sue grips on to Ruth's hand during the burial. Later in the same chapter it states that Fred grew closer to Sarah after Ruth died. So ... how was the dead Ruth at her granddaughter's funeral? Apart from that I found it very interesting and entertaining, even though I know nothing about the salmon fishing or logging industries.
April 11, 2021
Enter investigative journalist Andi Silvers, ousted from her previous job, she ends up in Coffin Cove and immediately finds herself not only caught up in a recent murder but also an older cold case. The story is a wee bit slow to begin with however it does pick up and carries the reader along at a good pace. Jackie Elliott gives us a very good description of a town which had been booming at the height of the fishing industry to its rapid decline and the effect of such towns on the west coast of Canada. I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next one in the series.
Thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC to review.
Thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC to review.
June 21, 2024
4* A good read, first in a series
After being dumped by her scheming lover and sacked from her job on a major newspaper, Andi Silvers finds work on a struggling local paper the Gazette at Coffin Cove where she suspects nothing ever happens. Coffin Cove was once the centre of a thriving fishing industry, now unemployment is high and tempers are frayed.
Andi's first news report is about two dead sea lions found washed up in the marina, delving into why the animals were shot leads her to investigate a twenty-year-old murder mystery.
The characters are all well described with a fast paced plot, setting the reader up for further books in this series.
After being dumped by her scheming lover and sacked from her job on a major newspaper, Andi Silvers finds work on a struggling local paper the Gazette at Coffin Cove where she suspects nothing ever happens. Coffin Cove was once the centre of a thriving fishing industry, now unemployment is high and tempers are frayed.
Andi's first news report is about two dead sea lions found washed up in the marina, delving into why the animals were shot leads her to investigate a twenty-year-old murder mystery.
The characters are all well described with a fast paced plot, setting the reader up for further books in this series.
April 11, 2022
Great Story with an Emotion Ending
Andi moves to Coffin Cove to work as a reporter after she was fired and blacklisted for publishing a wrong article. She finds interesting characters and exciting actions on the little island. She quickly she is involved current and past problems and deaths in the small town, and works on investigations of the crimes. The characters are unusual and realistic. The suspense builds as the diverse issues grow more complexity. The story is very engrossing and has a great ending as piece each is surprising as it falls into place.
Andi moves to Coffin Cove to work as a reporter after she was fired and blacklisted for publishing a wrong article. She finds interesting characters and exciting actions on the little island. She quickly she is involved current and past problems and deaths in the small town, and works on investigations of the crimes. The characters are unusual and realistic. The suspense builds as the diverse issues grow more complexity. The story is very engrossing and has a great ending as piece each is surprising as it falls into place.
April 11, 2021
Coffin Cove
Reporter Andi Silvers moves to Coffin Cove after accepting a job on the local paper. But if she thought life was going to be quiet she has another thing coming.
Now don't get me wrong I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The thing is in my opinion it started out slowly although the pace did pick up as it went on.
The story is good and the characters well defined.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Recommended.
Reporter Andi Silvers moves to Coffin Cove after accepting a job on the local paper. But if she thought life was going to be quiet she has another thing coming.
Now don't get me wrong I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The thing is in my opinion it started out slowly although the pace did pick up as it went on.
The story is good and the characters well defined.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Recommended.
May 15, 2021
This series is a fabulous discovery! I was hooked on book one from the very start. I loved the skilful way Jackie Elliott began her story, picking out one or two essential acts and characters like throwing a stone in a pool and letting it ripple out. As the plot expanded the momentum built and never let up.
With great characters, a location that sticks in the mind and an excellent storyline, this was an outstanding read. I'm already reading book two!
With great characters, a location that sticks in the mind and an excellent storyline, this was an outstanding read. I'm already reading book two!
August 28, 2021
I did not like the general background of fishing/logging industry but after about 25% into the book the characters got into me and I really found this to be a good mystery. Did not like the fact the main character has a troubled past, but it seems that is getting to be a trend in mysteries now! Lots of suspects and a bit of a thriller at end! This is a 1st in a new book series, give it a read! David N.
April 12, 2022
I really liked this book. It reminded me a little of Louise Penny's books (also set in Canada) and I consider that high praise! However, they are set in different provinces and on opposite sides of the country. (Coffin Cove is set in Vancouver and Penny's books are set in Quebec). Lots of great character development. Some interesting quirky characters and some everyday normal people just like real life. I also like that alcohol is not glamorized in this book.
August 2, 2024
Twists galore
I almost put this book down by was facing 38 hrs of flights back to the US from Africa so slogged on. It was more than worth the time & effort! Andi, the disgraced journalist seeking redemption in the failing Coffin Cove newspaper, finds a story with twists galore as the body count rises. In the end, many troubled people find redemption and clean up their lives. I'm looking to see where Andi goes next.
I almost put this book down by was facing 38 hrs of flights back to the US from Africa so slogged on. It was more than worth the time & effort! Andi, the disgraced journalist seeking redemption in the failing Coffin Cove newspaper, finds a story with twists galore as the body count rises. In the end, many troubled people find redemption and clean up their lives. I'm looking to see where Andi goes next.
August 26, 2024
A page-turner
Andi Silvers arrives at Coffin Cove after a breakup and the loss of her high profile journalist job. Expecting only pie-eating competition commentary in her small town paper, she finds herself thrown into a murder mystery that she is determined to solve. Lots of interesting characters, bad guys and people you’re not sure about. Plenty of twists and an unexpected end. Good opening book for the series.
Andi Silvers arrives at Coffin Cove after a breakup and the loss of her high profile journalist job. Expecting only pie-eating competition commentary in her small town paper, she finds herself thrown into a murder mystery that she is determined to solve. Lots of interesting characters, bad guys and people you’re not sure about. Plenty of twists and an unexpected end. Good opening book for the series.
May 5, 2021
Coffin cove
The island off the coast of B.Columbia is known for beautiful gardens, etc at the other end. Victoria was a busy, lovely place.. We never knew about the lumber and fishing businesses at the other end. So, I wonder if the author fantsized this area as well as the very involved plot. ??
The island off the coast of B.Columbia is known for beautiful gardens, etc at the other end. Victoria was a busy, lovely place.. We never knew about the lumber and fishing businesses at the other end. So, I wonder if the author fantsized this area as well as the very involved plot. ??
May 11, 2021
Pretty Good
For a first book in a series it was adequate. Nothing to write home about. Likable characters. Coffin Cove, the village on an unnamed island, is described as dilapidated at least five times. Very depressing. Most characters ' homes are rundown, overgrown and/or mildewed. Yipes!
For a first book in a series it was adequate. Nothing to write home about. Likable characters. Coffin Cove, the village on an unnamed island, is described as dilapidated at least five times. Very depressing. Most characters ' homes are rundown, overgrown and/or mildewed. Yipes!
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