What do you think?
Rate this book
The Devil's Cove Trilogy #1
The Cove
Book 1 of 3
The smallest towns have the darkest secrets...
When Carrie's son, Cal, vanished from the Cornish town of Devil's Cove, she thought she’d lost him for good. Seven years later, a teenager has been found washed up on the beach.
It’s Carrie’s son. And he’s alive.
No longer the sweet boy she remembers, Cal is deeply troubled, wildly unpredictable, and a growing danger to everyone around him.
Now, Carrie must unravel the mystery of what happened to her son before it’s too late. Because a serial killer is stalking the streets of Devil’s Cove.
And another young child is missing...
Set against the wild backdrop of Cornwall, The Cove is the first part of a nail-biting trilogy about a mother's fight to save her son from the grip of evil.
The smallest towns have the darkest secrets...
When Carrie's son, Cal, vanished from the Cornish town of Devil's Cove, she thought she’d lost him for good. Seven years later, a teenager has been found washed up on the beach.
It’s Carrie’s son. And he’s alive.
No longer the sweet boy she remembers, Cal is deeply troubled, wildly unpredictable, and a growing danger to everyone around him.
Now, Carrie must unravel the mystery of what happened to her son before it’s too late. Because a serial killer is stalking the streets of Devil’s Cove.
And another young child is missing...
Set against the wild backdrop of Cornwall, The Cove is the first part of a nail-biting trilogy about a mother's fight to save her son from the grip of evil.
550 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2017
1252 people are currently reading
1095 people want to read
About the author
Malcolm Richards
43 books104 followersMalcolm Richards crafts stories to keep you guessing from the edge of your seat. He is the author of several crime thrillers and mystery novels, including the PI Blake Hollow series, the award-nominated Devil’s Cove trilogy, and the Emily Swanson series. Many of his books are set in Cornwall, where he was born and raised.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Malcolm worked for many years in the special education sector, teaching and supporting children with complex needs. After living in London for two decades, he has now settled in the Somerset countryside with his partner and a cat named Sukey.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Malcolm worked for many years in the special education sector, teaching and supporting children with complex needs. After living in London for two decades, he has now settled in the Somerset countryside with his partner and a cat named Sukey.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
July 20, 2021
Excellent first entry in the Devil's Cove trilogy about a boy washing up on shore who turns out to have been missing for seven years. Now reunited with his mother, he's uncommunicative and may be hiding secrets about where he's been and with whom. He may also have some knowledge about another boy who recently went missing and remains so. The story moves along nicely and finishes with a flourish, deftly setting up the next entry. A gripping mystery that kept my attention throughout. Looking forward to the next one.
January 10, 2019
This is my 1st book by this author and it was so damn good!! This book could be made into a movie!! I didn't want to put it down. On to the 2nd one.
October 20, 2018
Interesting story and requisite gore, but some language niggles
There are certainly some decent gruesome touches on The Cove, but the effect was marred by a constant awareness that the villain was rather predictable. It was obvious, from the moment the character was alluded to, that they were the culprit. It took quite a stretch of the imagination to believe that the perpetrator wouldn't have been investigated thoroughly by the police as a key 'person of interest' as they neatly fit many of the perp stereotypes.
My other point of criticism is the americanised language. The novel is set in Cornwall and the main protagonist is a lifelong resident of Devil's Cove, yet her thoughts and speech are very American, which is jarring as it ruins any sense of authenticity.
In spite of these gripes, I found the character Cal interesting and I will read the sequel, as I feel compelled to find out what happens next.
There are certainly some decent gruesome touches on The Cove, but the effect was marred by a constant awareness that the villain was rather predictable. It was obvious, from the moment the character was alluded to, that they were the culprit. It took quite a stretch of the imagination to believe that the perpetrator wouldn't have been investigated thoroughly by the police as a key 'person of interest' as they neatly fit many of the perp stereotypes.
My other point of criticism is the americanised language. The novel is set in Cornwall and the main protagonist is a lifelong resident of Devil's Cove, yet her thoughts and speech are very American, which is jarring as it ruins any sense of authenticity.
In spite of these gripes, I found the character Cal interesting and I will read the sequel, as I feel compelled to find out what happens next.
February 24, 2024
This thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat, especially as you get near the end. The central character (Carrie) is the mother of a child that’s gone missing. When he turns up on the beach after seven years, no one can explain where he’s been or what happened to him. He’s obviously damaged psychologically and can’t speak.
The reader doesn’t have to think too hard about whodunnit. The psycho behind it all is revealed early in the book. So, the story is about who will catch him and how? As thrillers go, this one is both creative and creepy.
There are a few drawbacks. Much of the story is about the psychological impact of the boy’s disappearance on Carrie. And many pages are spent in the exploration of her state of mind and feelings. While this is necessary in order to generate some empathy for her, there are times when it slows the pace too much for this genre.
There are also some point-of-view errors. Carrie might leave the room, but our POV will remain there and we find ourselves in the head of another character until she returns.
In all, this is a good book. The characters are well-drawn. The story makes sense. And I couldn’t put it down when I neared the end.
The reader doesn’t have to think too hard about whodunnit. The psycho behind it all is revealed early in the book. So, the story is about who will catch him and how? As thrillers go, this one is both creative and creepy.
There are a few drawbacks. Much of the story is about the psychological impact of the boy’s disappearance on Carrie. And many pages are spent in the exploration of her state of mind and feelings. While this is necessary in order to generate some empathy for her, there are times when it slows the pace too much for this genre.
There are also some point-of-view errors. Carrie might leave the room, but our POV will remain there and we find ourselves in the head of another character until she returns.
In all, this is a good book. The characters are well-drawn. The story makes sense. And I couldn’t put it down when I neared the end.
November 13, 2018
I came across this book quite by accident, but the synopsis sounded like my kind of story and so it made its way to my collection, and I'm very glad it did.
Set in a small seaside village in Cornwall (somewhere I can relate too having visited such a place just a few weeks back) it covers not only the disappearance of Callum and Noah, but also how it is for the people who live in such villages. You have your resident gossip, your hardworking fisherman, and the old timers who always have a tale-to-tell.
This book had me gripped within just a few pages (not something which happens often); the narration is excellent, the characters believeable and the story takes you on a journey of discovery, of the people, the way of life, and what may or may not have happened to the 2 missing boys.
There are 2 main stories/people, with a couple of smaller ones intermingled and they work really well together. You're looking at the same scenario and experiences through the eyes of different people, and I like that; I enjoy reading books where you're not just getting it bland and monotone from one characters perspective. Each chapter involves a different person, or part of the story.
There are some good twists and turns along the way, some parts where you will be trying to read as fast as you can so you get to find out what-happens-next, and then there are some which go a bit slower, neccessary for the back story, not quite-so-good when you've been used to moving at such a fast pace. Yes, there are some parts which will make you groan due to their obviousness, then in the next instant you'll find yourself drawing breath quickly because of something you weren't expecting. At one point, had I been watching the movie version, I would have closed my eyes. There are also points when you will find yourself wanting to reach into the pages, take certain people by the shoulders and shake them really hard.
My only criticism (if you can call it that) is the way the characters could have been explored a bit more; I felt they all had more to tell, to share but were cut short of being able to do so, and as much as the ending left me wanting to read more, I didn't like it. I can't tell you why because that will give too much away, I just wanted more.
Set in a small seaside village in Cornwall (somewhere I can relate too having visited such a place just a few weeks back) it covers not only the disappearance of Callum and Noah, but also how it is for the people who live in such villages. You have your resident gossip, your hardworking fisherman, and the old timers who always have a tale-to-tell.
This book had me gripped within just a few pages (not something which happens often); the narration is excellent, the characters believeable and the story takes you on a journey of discovery, of the people, the way of life, and what may or may not have happened to the 2 missing boys.
There are 2 main stories/people, with a couple of smaller ones intermingled and they work really well together. You're looking at the same scenario and experiences through the eyes of different people, and I like that; I enjoy reading books where you're not just getting it bland and monotone from one characters perspective. Each chapter involves a different person, or part of the story.
There are some good twists and turns along the way, some parts where you will be trying to read as fast as you can so you get to find out what-happens-next, and then there are some which go a bit slower, neccessary for the back story, not quite-so-good when you've been used to moving at such a fast pace. Yes, there are some parts which will make you groan due to their obviousness, then in the next instant you'll find yourself drawing breath quickly because of something you weren't expecting. At one point, had I been watching the movie version, I would have closed my eyes. There are also points when you will find yourself wanting to reach into the pages, take certain people by the shoulders and shake them really hard.
My only criticism (if you can call it that) is the way the characters could have been explored a bit more; I felt they all had more to tell, to share but were cut short of being able to do so, and as much as the ending left me wanting to read more, I didn't like it. I can't tell you why because that will give too much away, I just wanted more.
November 18, 2017
The first chapter of this book has you hooked straight away. Richards has an excellent style for creating character, building tension and painting a clear picture.
And from there the plot only thickens. We’re introduced to Carrie, and her life is about to be turned upside down. The twisting turning plot involves more brilliantly written characters in the form of a nosy journalist, a grumpy old man and an unpredictable teen.
I loved getting caught up in this story and definitely didn’t know where it was going. Richards skilfully puts the pieces together and by the end of the book, I was desperate to read the next one!
And from there the plot only thickens. We’re introduced to Carrie, and her life is about to be turned upside down. The twisting turning plot involves more brilliantly written characters in the form of a nosy journalist, a grumpy old man and an unpredictable teen.
I loved getting caught up in this story and definitely didn’t know where it was going. Richards skilfully puts the pieces together and by the end of the book, I was desperate to read the next one!
May 16, 2020
Disappointed, the first few chapters set the scene for potentially a clever plot and investigation. Sadly it quickly slipped into gruesome ridiculousness. I shall not bother with the next two in the series.
July 5, 2024
Mesmerizing
This book had me in its grips throughout. I was sad with the ending, but t h e next book might answer some questions. A wonderful writer, an engrossing story. Glad I chose it.
This book had me in its grips throughout. I was sad with the ending, but t h e next book might answer some questions. A wonderful writer, an engrossing story. Glad I chose it.
March 17, 2024
Decent book!
This is an odd book. I bought it on a whim.
The author does know how to keep your interest.
This is an odd book. I bought it on a whim.
The author does know how to keep your interest.
April 28, 2023
A story that was, at times, confusing; that let us know the identity of the perpetrator of the evil much too early; and that ended with far too many questions unanswered! Why do so many modern authors confuse the word "serial" with "series"? The latter is a number of stories (episodes) that have characters, and locations, in common - but each of which is complete in itself. When I have to watch the next episode, or buy the next volume, in order to arrive at conclusions, that is a serial.
Doubtless, this is a ploy to encourage me to do exactly that. In my case, it fails utterly.
It is also possible, as other authors demonstrate, to write a good story without resorting to blasphemy and profanity.
Doubtless, this is a ploy to encourage me to do exactly that. In my case, it fails utterly.
It is also possible, as other authors demonstrate, to write a good story without resorting to blasphemy and profanity.
February 5, 2020
This is book one in the Devil’s Cove trilogy and sets the action off when a child is found washed up on the beach. A four year old boy called Noah went missing from his back garden a little over two months ago and the old lady walking her dog, thinks it might be his body – that is until she sees the boy’s face and he opens his eyes. He isn’t dead, but nor is he the missing four year old! Another mum who lost her son some seven years ago, called Cassie, has had to finally move on with her life and remarried and had a daughter Melissa who is now four. He was lost at sea, whilst surfing in the shallows and she took her eyes off him for just a second. At the time she was called an unfit mother and has to live in the small town with her neighbours and their opinions, ever since.
Now, it seems her son Cal has miraculously reappeared alive. Something horrendous has happened to him in the years since he disappeared. He is really skinny, with scars all over his body and x-rays show he has several old broken bones. He isn’t speaking and is really scared of any sound or stranger. He doesn’t even recognise Cassie to start. Doctors say it is post traumatic mutism due to his experiences, but the police want to find out answers as to where he has been and who kept him captive. Cal is now a young teenager and she has a new husband and daughter for him to be introduced to. How he will react to this new family set-up is worrying for Cassie. She has no idea what happened to him, nor does she know if he is right in his head, as she can’t communicate with him.
Her neighbour’s dog vanishes in horrendous circumstances and Cassie finds out that Cal has been speaking, but only to her daughter, and he has also been disappearing when everyone is asleep. Where he has been going is worrying to Cassie. Is the person who took him a stranger to the area or are they a local? The thought that it might be a local is even more disturbing than she can imagine. She is desperate for Cal to speak to her, to let her know who took him and what they did to him, but the answers may well be far from what she wants to hear! Someone hiding in the shadows of the locals and the village is hunting for a replacement for what they consider to be their property.
The book gives you plenty of clues as to who may be behind most of the sick events in the storyline, but the author still manages to shock and surprise you as to the real person behind the recent events and why they have occurred. There is still plenty to be revealed at the end of the story and it leads you nicely to another part of the mystery as to where Cal was held and why, which will hopefully be revealed in the second book. A great twister of emotions for lots of the characters in this book. You have the older brother of the missing Noah, desperate for answers and his friend, the ‘looked after’ foster kid, the oddball kids of the village. There are also parents that have had a hard hand of things, but who haven’t exactly been the best examples for their kids! This is a rollercoaster of a read with dark situations and evil hidden within the small cove community. A great start to the series with lots more dark scenarios to come. I look forward to reading the rest of the series soon. I received an ARC copy of the book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Now, it seems her son Cal has miraculously reappeared alive. Something horrendous has happened to him in the years since he disappeared. He is really skinny, with scars all over his body and x-rays show he has several old broken bones. He isn’t speaking and is really scared of any sound or stranger. He doesn’t even recognise Cassie to start. Doctors say it is post traumatic mutism due to his experiences, but the police want to find out answers as to where he has been and who kept him captive. Cal is now a young teenager and she has a new husband and daughter for him to be introduced to. How he will react to this new family set-up is worrying for Cassie. She has no idea what happened to him, nor does she know if he is right in his head, as she can’t communicate with him.
Her neighbour’s dog vanishes in horrendous circumstances and Cassie finds out that Cal has been speaking, but only to her daughter, and he has also been disappearing when everyone is asleep. Where he has been going is worrying to Cassie. Is the person who took him a stranger to the area or are they a local? The thought that it might be a local is even more disturbing than she can imagine. She is desperate for Cal to speak to her, to let her know who took him and what they did to him, but the answers may well be far from what she wants to hear! Someone hiding in the shadows of the locals and the village is hunting for a replacement for what they consider to be their property.
The book gives you plenty of clues as to who may be behind most of the sick events in the storyline, but the author still manages to shock and surprise you as to the real person behind the recent events and why they have occurred. There is still plenty to be revealed at the end of the story and it leads you nicely to another part of the mystery as to where Cal was held and why, which will hopefully be revealed in the second book. A great twister of emotions for lots of the characters in this book. You have the older brother of the missing Noah, desperate for answers and his friend, the ‘looked after’ foster kid, the oddball kids of the village. There are also parents that have had a hard hand of things, but who haven’t exactly been the best examples for their kids! This is a rollercoaster of a read with dark situations and evil hidden within the small cove community. A great start to the series with lots more dark scenarios to come. I look forward to reading the rest of the series soon. I received an ARC copy of the book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
August 12, 2022
I enjoyed this book since it has many of the elements I like in a mystery/thriller. The setting in an English seaside resort town facing a difficult winter after a disappointing summer is well rendered. The opening scene revealing the discovery of a body on the beach is well done and the first twist, regarding the identity of the child, is also a refreshing twist on the expected. There is a lot of promise in the premise but it falls short of its potential because the main character dithers and makes bad choices, concealing or ignoring or being blind to important clues. Carrie seems determined to trust no one and delve into the mystery herself and this never comes across as convincing. Some of the minor characters also seem to react in puzzling, unbelievable ways. This may have been seen as necessary to create tension in the narrative but it's a bit akin to some character in a horror movie going into a dark cellar to investigate a noise, while the audience is yelling 'don't be stupid!"
The many resources available to the help with family problems are pushed to the sideline. The troubling stories of Cal and Noah are entrenched by Carrie's silly choices so much that I just wanted to slap her. Even in a small, remote Cornish town child abuse is going to be taken seriously and it's bizarre that Carrie's repetitive hand-wringing doesn't lead to more sensible actions.
Those complaints notwithstanding, the development of deeply damaged children is compelling. The villain isn't particularly believable and the ending is less entertaining than it is an obvious attempt on the part of the author to get the reader hooked enough to buy the next book. Set against the wild backdrop of Cornwall, The Cove has potential left unfulfilled and that's the saddest part because I doubt I will continue with the trilogy simply because the mother-fighting-against-evil theme and the implication that something bigger is going on at 'the Farm' is a bit too blatantly manipulative for me. It's an interesting, easy-to-read book but would I pay a dollar or two for the second book, maybe not. The first book was free and I don't feel sufficiently interested to pay for the second.
The many resources available to the help with family problems are pushed to the sideline. The troubling stories of Cal and Noah are entrenched by Carrie's silly choices so much that I just wanted to slap her. Even in a small, remote Cornish town child abuse is going to be taken seriously and it's bizarre that Carrie's repetitive hand-wringing doesn't lead to more sensible actions.
Those complaints notwithstanding, the development of deeply damaged children is compelling. The villain isn't particularly believable and the ending is less entertaining than it is an obvious attempt on the part of the author to get the reader hooked enough to buy the next book. Set against the wild backdrop of Cornwall, The Cove has potential left unfulfilled and that's the saddest part because I doubt I will continue with the trilogy simply because the mother-fighting-against-evil theme and the implication that something bigger is going on at 'the Farm' is a bit too blatantly manipulative for me. It's an interesting, easy-to-read book but would I pay a dollar or two for the second book, maybe not. The first book was free and I don't feel sufficiently interested to pay for the second.
November 21, 2017
Not kindle unlimited, trying to remember back if was freebie day somehow but since somewhat recognize name might be one of my here's a free book hope you like it and maybe get around to reviewing it or maybe even arc, name sounds as if should be familiar. He writes 'odd' stuff, at least to me, more in thriller, and for a couple or so writers will read them if they are the ones putting them out. {Looked his books up, he's Emily Swanson series, knew name sounded familiar}.
Carrie thought her son was dead. She was wrong. She’d only taken her eyes off him for a second. But that was all it took for a perfect day at the beach to turn to horror. Cal disappeared beneath the waves. His body was never found. Seven years later, Carrie has a new family. But her life in the sleepy Cornish town of Devil's Cove is about to be torn apart again. A boy washes up on the shore. The cove’s residents believe it's missing child Noah Pengelly. It’s not. It's Carrie's son. And he's alive. Now a teenager, Cal is covered in scars and suffering from unknown trauma. Where has he been these last seven years? Is he the key to finding young Noah alive? Carrie is desperate for answers but there's a problem. Cal cannot speak. As a disturbing chain of events is set in motion, Carrie and the people of Devil’s Cove will discover that the horrifying truth lies closer to home than they think.
Carrie thought her son was dead. She was wrong. She’d only taken her eyes off him for a second. But that was all it took for a perfect day at the beach to turn to horror. Cal disappeared beneath the waves. His body was never found. Seven years later, Carrie has a new family. But her life in the sleepy Cornish town of Devil's Cove is about to be torn apart again. A boy washes up on the shore. The cove’s residents believe it's missing child Noah Pengelly. It’s not. It's Carrie's son. And he's alive. Now a teenager, Cal is covered in scars and suffering from unknown trauma. Where has he been these last seven years? Is he the key to finding young Noah alive? Carrie is desperate for answers but there's a problem. Cal cannot speak. As a disturbing chain of events is set in motion, Carrie and the people of Devil’s Cove will discover that the horrifying truth lies closer to home than they think.
August 4, 2024
This is a relatively dark story which starts off as a missing person found after a long time missing. The stigma and family tension associated with a missing child is captured well, as is the small town gossip and journalism stress driven by the urge for sensation. The initial intrigue and introduction to multiple characters keeps the pace slow in the first section, as does the apparent muteness of the found child, with the communication issues of various adults leaving a degree of frustration in this reader. But the dark comes through in the final segment of the books as the fuller story of the missing years begins to be revealed. I wonder if it is realistic though? Human nature can be dark but can it be induced in the way described in this story? I don’t know, but I would like to think that light is not so easily destroyed by the dark. The pace of the story did not make it chilling, but if the goal is dark, it does the job.
July 17, 2018
Malcolm Richards has the distinct knack of being able to lure the reader into a false sense of security. After a big reveal, horrible encounter or shocking surprise, he puts his arm around your shoulders and says, "There, there; it's all over now." But it isn't over, because he's putting his hands around your neck just as you're turning the page... And then he squeezes.
The Cove is Richards' most gripping novel to date. I thought I knew what happened to Cal several times throughout the book, each time being proved wrong. And then when you find out the truth, you wonder how you ever missed it in the first place.
From its tense opening pages, Malcolm Richards plays a game of cat and mouse with his readers. And when you're done, your soul will be black and blue. This is the work of an evil genius. I love it.
The Cove is Richards' most gripping novel to date. I thought I knew what happened to Cal several times throughout the book, each time being proved wrong. And then when you find out the truth, you wonder how you ever missed it in the first place.
From its tense opening pages, Malcolm Richards plays a game of cat and mouse with his readers. And when you're done, your soul will be black and blue. This is the work of an evil genius. I love it.
July 17, 2018
Malcolm Richards has the distinct knack of being able to lure the reader into a false sense of security. After a big reveal, horrible encounter or shocking surprise, he puts his arm around your shoulders and says, "There, there; it's all over now." But it isn't over, because he's putting his hands around your neck just as you're turning the page... And then he squeezes.
The Cove is Richards' most gripping novel to date. I thought I knew what happened to Cal several times throughout the book, each time being proved wrong. And then when you find out the truth, you wonder how you ever missed it in the first place.
From its tense opening pages, Malcolm Richards plays a game of cat and mouse with his readers. And when you're done, your soul will be black and blue. This is the work of an evil genius. I love it.
The Cove is Richards' most gripping novel to date. I thought I knew what happened to Cal several times throughout the book, each time being proved wrong. And then when you find out the truth, you wonder how you ever missed it in the first place.
From its tense opening pages, Malcolm Richards plays a game of cat and mouse with his readers. And when you're done, your soul will be black and blue. This is the work of an evil genius. I love it.
June 3, 2022
The story is about a boy who is found washed up on a beach and the implications it has on certain members of the community as well the town itself.
I found the story inconsistent and some of the scenarios hard to accept. A few examples are the boy who washed up is sixteen years old and is mistaken for a four-year-old??? The police are totally incompetent, the child is released from the hospital to his mother's care only a few days after being found, and he obviously has some psychological problems that go unaddressed by the medical community. I believe the character of the mother was somewhat in denial of the events of her son's return and is portrayed in most of the book as a wait-and-see kind of parent. The ending was action-packed, with gore and violence so beware. In my opinion, the story had potential but failed to deliver.
I found the story inconsistent and some of the scenarios hard to accept. A few examples are the boy who washed up is sixteen years old and is mistaken for a four-year-old??? The police are totally incompetent, the child is released from the hospital to his mother's care only a few days after being found, and he obviously has some psychological problems that go unaddressed by the medical community. I believe the character of the mother was somewhat in denial of the events of her son's return and is portrayed in most of the book as a wait-and-see kind of parent. The ending was action-packed, with gore and violence so beware. In my opinion, the story had potential but failed to deliver.
February 2, 2018
OMG epic story
The tale, told in third person focused, past tense, follows the residents of Porth an Jowl after a boy returns who was thought to be dead.
The story is packed with intrigue, deception, tension twists and turns. It’s an edge of your seat kinda read that gets your heart racing. Told in brilliant detail, this book would make a brilliant film (I could clearly see it playing out in my head) the characters are all 3 dimensional with clear motivations, the dynamics worked and felt natural. The author draws you in and really helps you empathise with the characters in the story.
The book is amazingly well written and a real page turner and I will most definitely be reading the rest of this series.
A 2017 MUST READ
The tale, told in third person focused, past tense, follows the residents of Porth an Jowl after a boy returns who was thought to be dead.
The story is packed with intrigue, deception, tension twists and turns. It’s an edge of your seat kinda read that gets your heart racing. Told in brilliant detail, this book would make a brilliant film (I could clearly see it playing out in my head) the characters are all 3 dimensional with clear motivations, the dynamics worked and felt natural. The author draws you in and really helps you empathise with the characters in the story.
The book is amazingly well written and a real page turner and I will most definitely be reading the rest of this series.
A 2017 MUST READ
December 6, 2018
Seven years ago Carrie's son goes missing. It is presumed that he drowned in the sea. Carrie has since got married and had a daughter.
Then one day a boy washes up on the shore. The cove’s residents believe it's another missing child, Noah Pengelly, but it isn't, It's Carrie's son. And he's alive.
Now a teenager, Cal is covered in scars and suffering from unknown trauma. Where has he been these last seven years? Is he the key to finding young Noah alive?
Carrie is desperate for answers but there's a problem. Cal cannot speak.
As a disturbing chain of events is set in motion, Carrie and the people of Devil’s Cove will discover that the horrifying truth lies closer to home than they think.
I loved this book. It is the first in a trilogy so I am now on the look out for books 2 and 3. Going to see if I can order them from the library.
Then one day a boy washes up on the shore. The cove’s residents believe it's another missing child, Noah Pengelly, but it isn't, It's Carrie's son. And he's alive.
Now a teenager, Cal is covered in scars and suffering from unknown trauma. Where has he been these last seven years? Is he the key to finding young Noah alive?
Carrie is desperate for answers but there's a problem. Cal cannot speak.
As a disturbing chain of events is set in motion, Carrie and the people of Devil’s Cove will discover that the horrifying truth lies closer to home than they think.
I loved this book. It is the first in a trilogy so I am now on the look out for books 2 and 3. Going to see if I can order them from the library.
April 29, 2024
Wow, this book was simply amazing and I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. The author had me hooked from the get go and I just needed to know what had happened to Cal and if they were going to find Noah. I loved all the characters like Carrie, Jago, Nat and even creepy Grady Spencer. The authors writing style was clever yet easy to read. I love that the story is set in Cornwall and this is the first thriller/horror I’ve read set there. I normally read romantic books set there because I’m obsessed with anything Cornish, and this was a nice change from that. Straight onto the second book in the trilogy for me! Would defo recommend this to any crime/thriller/horror readers out there! 🤓👌🏻
January 1, 2025
The Cove
Malcolm Richards
Not for the faint-hearted!
Chilling storyline. Wow! This was another story I couldn't put down. It is just unbelievable how event after event unravels. In this story, I got hooked on page one and had to know what happens next. How can so many things keep happening to the same people over and over? Downright chilling storyline that made me gasp for breath until the end! I really need to read the next book. I NEED to know what happens next. Well done, Malcolm!
Malcolm Richards
Not for the faint-hearted!
Chilling storyline. Wow! This was another story I couldn't put down. It is just unbelievable how event after event unravels. In this story, I got hooked on page one and had to know what happens next. How can so many things keep happening to the same people over and over? Downright chilling storyline that made me gasp for breath until the end! I really need to read the next book. I NEED to know what happens next. Well done, Malcolm!
November 14, 2017
This story is down right chilling. A child disappears and seven years later shows up shortly after another one goes missing. OK anything with kids and I am done immediately but this author takes it another step. The twist and turns and all that he feeds into the story reaches out and wraps it's slimy hands around you and hooks you like a fish. Then he has the nerve the absolute gall to do another twist at the end and leave us to ponder.
Excellent read that just floored me. I am so glad I had the chance to read it and be warned there is a cliff hanger but dang it I don't care I want more of this writer and his characters.
Excellent read that just floored me. I am so glad I had the chance to read it and be warned there is a cliff hanger but dang it I don't care I want more of this writer and his characters.
July 16, 2021
This is a gripping Trilogy that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I read all 3 books in succession. I could not put this story down! This series is well thought out and very well written. You are right there with the characters feeling their angst, fear, and loss. Just when you think you have figured out this twisted plot, guess again! I definitely enjoyed all the twists and turns. Give this read a go, you won't be disappointed!
I started out reading Malcolm Richards work with his Emily Swanson series, which I love! I can't wait to dig further in his catalogue and see what's next. Malcolms reads are a favorite!. Enjoy!!
I started out reading Malcolm Richards work with his Emily Swanson series, which I love! I can't wait to dig further in his catalogue and see what's next. Malcolms reads are a favorite!. Enjoy!!
August 15, 2022
Hmmm! I’m in two minds about this book. I absolutely hated the beginning so many negative thoughts from everyone we encountered and none of them with any real justification. What was the real point of Melissa’s drawing? Why would a traumatised sixteen year old confide in a four years old? Carrie and Dylan why on earth can’t they talk to each other properly? Why are the police/social worker pussyfooting around?
These were the points that really irked me.
But other than that the plot was good most of the characterisation was good and thank goodness for Joy and Rose as everyone else was so dark it was truly depressing.
These were the points that really irked me.
But other than that the plot was good most of the characterisation was good and thank goodness for Joy and Rose as everyone else was so dark it was truly depressing.
November 15, 2017
Do not blink - Do not turn your head
You thought it couldn't get any worse - You were wrong -
So So Wrong
Be prepared for a spine-tingling intense read - I was riveted to the pages - literally, -I had trouble putting this book down-
I read a complimentary copy of this book and this is a new, or I should say "was" a new author for me - I will definitely be grabbing book two
If you like a truly engaging and heart-stopping thriller that will leave you questioning every scene and character nuance - Look no further than The Cove
You thought it couldn't get any worse - You were wrong -
So So Wrong
Be prepared for a spine-tingling intense read - I was riveted to the pages - literally, -I had trouble putting this book down-
I read a complimentary copy of this book and this is a new, or I should say "was" a new author for me - I will definitely be grabbing book two
If you like a truly engaging and heart-stopping thriller that will leave you questioning every scene and character nuance - Look no further than The Cove
December 15, 2018
A boy is washed ashore in the Cornish village of Devil's Cove. He hasn't been seen since apparently being washed out to sea at the age of nine - seven years ago.
The story builds on this excellent opening as the mystery surrounding the boy's reappearance deepens. About halfway through, the author reveals the reason as the plot switches more from mystery to suspense.
Whilst most issues are resolved by the end, it does leave several dangling for the second book.
An excellent read and currently free on Prime Reading.
The story builds on this excellent opening as the mystery surrounding the boy's reappearance deepens. About halfway through, the author reveals the reason as the plot switches more from mystery to suspense.
Whilst most issues are resolved by the end, it does leave several dangling for the second book.
An excellent read and currently free on Prime Reading.
February 13, 2019
This book left me feeling... flat. As in void of emotion. Yes, it was written well. Yes, it was a complete story, despite the fact there's a sequel (and perhaps, egads, a series). I think I felt this way due to too many unbelievable scenes. Mainly, I don't believe the hospital would have released Cal that quickly, not in the malnourished, dehydrated, traumatized condition. After that major "Really?!" every thing beyond felt contrived. Just my opinion. If you can get past that -- and I tried -- it's a fair-to-middling plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2022
I almost didn't read this....it's advertised as a trilogy and the one thing I desperately hate from authors are unfinished stories that you must buy the next book in order to finish it. This one does finish...albeit if you want to know what becomes of Cal, you would need to get the next in the series. The story came to a satisfactory conclusion. It was creepy, angst ridden and thrilling all in one. I enjoyed it and found it hard to put down. I don't need to read the next one, but if I come across it somewhere, I likely will pick it up.
May 28, 2023
A quiet, sleepy fishing village in England is the setting for this serial killer thriller when a young boy long thought to be dead from a drowning accident is discovered on a beach. He has been badly traumatized and speaks to virtually no one. But things do not appear as they might with this boy as his background remains mysterious throughout most of the book gradually revealing itself one small bit at a time until an exciting climax leaves the reader in a frustrating cliffhanger setting the stage for volume 2 of this well written trilogy.
August 18, 2023
This book is extremely boring. I read a 120 pages and absolutely Nothing happened. Nothing special happened the rest of the way. Just a depressing often told serial killer story.
The pace of this Book is extremely slow. He spends 20 plus pages describing a woman walking to the beach... He is long winded writing pages upon pages of boring information that should have been reduced to one or two paragraphs... if even included at all.
The characters are dull. The plot is Not original. A huge failure.
The pace of this Book is extremely slow. He spends 20 plus pages describing a woman walking to the beach... He is long winded writing pages upon pages of boring information that should have been reduced to one or two paragraphs... if even included at all.
The characters are dull. The plot is Not original. A huge failure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews