Sea State

Castleby #1

by J.M. Simpson

Jesse Stevens needs to escape her past, start a new life and feel safe.”

The rugged coastline and tight-knit community of Castleby offers her that chance. Her new job with the local lifeboat crew gives her the stability and comfort she craves. Her skipper, Doug Brodie, faces his own demons. He is struggling with survivor’s guilt, physical and mental scars, and a marriage teetering on the brink.

Jesse is desperate to put aside the dark nightmares and terrible memories. As she and Doug grow closer, she wonders whether she can ever really live a normal life and be happy. But Jesse is in grave danger. Someone is watching her; trying to control and manipulate her life. Someone plans to make her life a living nightmare and return her to the hell she thought she had left behind. Will she ever be free?

Mystery and suspense sprinkled with humour and romance in the first of the Castleby Series.

Genres: Thriller

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2021

About the author

Jo was born in Essex but was raised primarily in the West Country, enjoying a childhood in Devon and Cornwall, never far from a rugged coastline, sandy beach, or harbour. Her parents moved to the country leaving London and her father leaving his job in banking.

Jo obtained a degree in Building Surveying from the University of Greenwich and then went on to specialise in research in construction and development, gaining her PhD in 2001. Jo still runs a successful research consultancy and writes her novels in every spare moment she has.

Jo lives in Kent, with her two (occasionally stroppy) teenage daughters, her extremely long suffering husband and her two writing partners Max (who features as Brock in the series) and Merlin, both rescue Border Collie’s.

Jo’s debut set of novels are the Castleby series, comprising of 5 books set in a coastal community and largely inspired by the plethora of time spent in and around the UK’s coastline, and the never ending visits to RNLI shops that her children insisted on with a regularity. The series seemed a natural progression and the fictional seaside town of Castleby grew with new people and new plotlines. The first debut novel in the Castleby series is SEA STATE.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sea-State-Ca...

Jo is currently writing a new series set in the Scottish highlands, the first of which will hopefully be published in Early 2023.

In what little spare time Jo has, she spends writing, walking by the ocean, being an armchair movie critic, and drinking copious amounts of wine in her most favourite pub with friends.

Reviews

[Rosie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read and it certainly has the WOW factor you must read it fast paced with lots of twists and turns #KindleUnlimited

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com

Book 1 Sea State, is the first of the Castleby series that is filled with mystery and suspense with humour and romance, combined.

I loved reading Sea State, and now I’m looking forward Book 2 Sea Change that will be released in March 2022. I’m also excited for a new series in 2023 that Jo Simpson is planning that’s set in the Scottish highlands.

Sea State is for readers who appreciate Nora Roberts ( suspense), LJ Ross, Linda Castillo, Kendra Elliott, Peter James.

I was pleasantly surprised how this story had me gripped from page one, as I have never read a fictional story before about a cast characters in a lifeboat rescuing people. I have to say I definitely recommend Sea State as Jo Simpson has created a very special fictional unique book.

My heart went out to Jesse Stevens, who spent time in hospital after she was attacked by a police officer who tried to kill her. Now Jesse has to move away from her friends to start again in a new place and start fresh in a new job.

Doug a skipper of the lifeboat who rescues people in the sea, is very dedicated to his job as he cares about people and wants to rescue people stuck out at sea. The story starts off with a couple of lads that go out fishing for the day, and Doug has to rescue one of the boys. Kind hearted Jesse wrapped the boy in dry blanket.

Jesse feels really safe in her new home with her dog and as the crew members seem to watch out for one another.

It maybe the best thing that has happened to Jesse, when Doug Brodie and Jesse Stevens share a kiss, will this mean for Jesse that she has let someone new into her life who she can trust?

About the ( RNLI ) Royal National Lifeboat Institution. ⛴

The author has taken a degree of literary license when depicting the wonderful work and crew members of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNI ) . I have embellished various aspects and fictionalised, others to get the story right. So all mischaracterizations are fictional, and any procedural errors are mine.

The RNLI is an outstanding organisation whose volunteer lifeboat crews provide 24 hour rescue service in the UK and Ireland, and their seasonal lifeguards look after people on busy beaches.

RNL crews, and lifeguards have saved over 143, 500 lives since 1824. They influence, supervise and educate people. Their Community Safety terms explain the risk and share safety knowledge with anyone going out to the sea or the coast. And their international team work with like minded organisations to help tackle drowning in communities at risk all around the world.

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book this is and what a fantastic start to what I know will be a great series.

I was hooked from beginning to end, the writer is clearly hugely talented to be able to hook the reader after just a few pages.

Every single character is well established so you feel an instant connection with all them, so you’re so invested in them and the story.

This book really has everything, romance, intrigue, crime, family, humour, friendship, grief the list goes on and on.

I’m so glad I read this and I can’t wait to read the rest in the series.

[Kayleigh | Welsh Book Fairy · Rating 4 out of 5]

— 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 —

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Sea State
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: Book 1 of 3 of the Castleby series
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): J. M. Simpson
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Thriller
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 3rd December 2021
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 4/5

TW: domestic abuse, mention of rape, human and drug trafficking

”Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.”

If anyone needs me I’ve been swept away by the story of Jesse and Doug, fresh colleagues with the possibility of it blossoming into something more. If only Jesse could escape her past trauma intent on following her.

Talking of trauma, I think I’m suffering from watching too much Lord of the Rings. Because the mysterious-stalker perspective—which admittedly made the hairs on my arms rise—reminded me so much of Gollum with the use of ’we’ pronouns. I couldn’t help but read those entries in his voice in my head with the malevolent whispers and hissing. It definitely added to my experience as a reader, anyway.

Moving on, can I just say how cool it is that Jesse was a mechanic? I love it when the female MCs have a predominantly male job it’s like a breath of fresh air; coastal air, in the case of the Castleby series.

There were explorations of some dark issues. Themes of domestic abuse, mental health and people trafficking/immigration come to light in this book. I felt the author did well to navigate the treacherous waters of these societal problems, there was enough sensitivity and candor to not rock the boat. Speaking of boats, there was also an insight into the Royal National Lifeguard Institute (written with a degree of literary license) which I really appreciated.

I love a fictional dog, I really really do. Maybe because my real life one is badly trained and, as a consequence, pretty annoying. But Brock won my heart more than anyone (sorry humans). My face was the picture of sheer joy and excitement whilst reading the acknowledgements and finding out Brock EXISTS!!! Max and Merlin, your mamma did well.

I know this is a thriller and of course usually the peak quality of a thriller is that twist, that climax where you’re on the edge of fear and joy, but I’ve got to be honest… My favourite parts were the sea rescues! I held my breath every damn time and I never knew if it would be a happy ending for that particular rescue or not. It was a great way to keep a reader enthralled. I hope the rest of the books in the series follow that same pattern of excitement.

It’s the kind of read you don’t wanna put down for the night. The reader doesn’t just join a story, they join a family. And I’m happy to go wherever I’m needed next, Skipper.

🧚🏻‍♀️

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[KKEC Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published: December 3, 2021
J.M. Simpson
Pages: 404
Genre: Suspense/Thriller
KKECReads Rating: 5/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

J.M. Simpson, or Jo, was originally born in Essex; Jo was predominantly raised in the West Country, enjoying childhood in Devon and Cornwall, never far from a rugged coastline, sandy beach, or harbour.
Jo currently lives in Kent, with her two (occasionally stroppy) teenage daughters, her incredibly long-suffering husband, and her two writing partners, Max (who features as Brock in the series) and Merlin, both rescue Border Collie’s.

“Trust your gut, no buts.”

Jesse is starting over and in a new place, trying to put herself back together. Still haunted by nightmares, she is looking forward to getting to work. Doug is passionate about his job, his kids, and his crew. When the newcomer becomes more than just a member of the team, neither Doug or Jesse realize what lies ahead. Sink or swim- together.

I enjoyed this novel very much! The characters were fantastic, the plot was engaging and fast paced, and the way things unraveled was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat.

I absolutely adore Jesse. She is so strong, so smart, so fierce. I love that she is a mechanic, a completely gifted and capable woman in a traditionally male dominated field. I love her sass and her wit. She is an amazing leading character.

Doug is a skipper through and through. I loved his strength, his intelligence, his heart, and his drive. He had such a natural charm, and he isn’t afraid to do the work. Brave and kind, he is a devoted father, a hardworking skipper, and a fair leader.

I absolutely did not see the twist in this coming until it fell into my lap. The writing was very well done, the storyline was clearly well plotted, and the characters were all written so beautifully.

This is going to be an amazing series. The themes are fantastic, I love the cast of characters, and Brock. I am looking forward to book two!

[Denise Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living in a Scottish harbour town, I was excited to read Sea State which is set in a fictional coastal town in Wales... and it didn't disappoint.

The author's attention to detail means that the reader is totally immersed in the lifeboat 'shouts' as well as the characters' lives. We see the crew retrieving containers from the sea with shocking cargo; attending boat-fires; and even saving a regular, walking his dog along the beach and forgetting that the tide comes in.

Jo Simpson has done a great job of keeping the plot moving whilst interspersing the story with some lighthearted moments that will make you smile. Jesse and Doug are flawed and damaged characters that you'll be rooting for all the way, because above all, they're strong and they keep bouncing back.

Definitely a series to look out for!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sea State is the first of an upcoming Castleby series. Jessie Stevens and Doug Brodie are the main characters.

Jesse Stevens is recovering from nearly dying due to an unhealthy relationship with her boyfriend, Chris a police officer. Jessie is seeing a psychiatrist to help her feel safe again as well as deal with the trauma. She relocates to a new town where she gets a job as a mechanic with RNLI. (Royal National Lifeboat Institute) It is here with the rugged coastline and tight-knit community of Castleby that she feels more at ease.

Doug Brodie, the Skipper, is also struggling with survivor’s guilt, physical and mental scars, and a marriage in trouble. As she and Doug grow closer both trying to heal and move on towards one another, someone is watching her.

This is a wonder story with the life boat as the focus. Many books are about rescue of some sort but this is very different as well as interesting. The bonding of the company, the details as they try to rescue are fascinating and an integral part of the story. Looking forward to reading more of the series.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Fran McBookface · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had seen this book and the rest of the series recommended so many times on Twitter that I had to give it a go. I’m so glad I did!

Great storyline, brilliant characters and tension throughout with a bit of romance thrown in, it’s no wonder I devoured this in one sitting.

Fantastic coastal Welsh setting and I love the use of the lifeboat station as a central focus for the series and, even though I am Scottish myself, I am definitely not immune to the charms of the character of Doug!

The only problem I’m having is rationing the rest of the series!

[Luke Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my full review on my website.

Sea State is a brilliantly brave first book from J.M. Simpson. Not only is she not afraid to talk about some dark topics but she’s written some fantastic characters who you genuinely care for. There are some debut nerves in here with the plot pacing but this is counteracted with some great storytelling techniques and a story that builds to a crescendo that will have you really engrossed in the final third of the book. I will definitely be picking up the rest of the series and after a quick chat with Simpson, it seems I’m yet to meet the best character!

[whataimeereads_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, I knew this book would be amazing. Sea State by J.M Simpson captivated me entirely, and I have no hesitation in declaring it an exceptional read. This novel was the first in the Castleby series, it introduces us first hand to the rugged coastal town. The author has crafted a novel that seamlessly blends romance, suspense and themes of personal resilience, all against the unique backdrop of an RNLI lifeboat crew. Jesse stevens, is a woman seeking refuge from a past riddled with trauma, she arrives in Castleby hoping to start a new life, but her healing isn't exactly straightforward. Parallel to her story is also Doug Brodie, the dedicated skipper of the local RNLI crew, who is grappling with his own personal losses and disintegration of his marriage. Two realistic and incredibly relatable themes. They are both layered, and completely believable characters who struggles feel authentic. Both of them throughout the novel attempt to confront their own demons whilst forming a connection that is both touching and compelling. One of the authors greatest strengths in this novel from the get go, is the atmospheric and absolutely vivid world-building. The way she describes Castleby and it's surrounding landscapes is breathtaking. Whether the author has firsthand experience of such a place, or has conducted very extensive research is still unclear to me, but what is clear, is the ability to bring the whole setting to life, which for me, as a writer, I find it difficult. By the end of the book. I could see Castleby in all its beauty, the stormy seas, the tight knit community and the lifeboat crew. The RNLI portrayal I found the most interesting, just because I've never read a novel this unique. It was nice to read a novel, with a different sort of emergency response sector, showcasing, although fiction, the sheer skill and bravery. The authors depiction of these missions are both realistic, and thrilling, with just the right balance of emotional intensity. Sea State's pacing was amazing. The novel never felt rushed, or dragged. It flows naturally, and the balance between slow-burning character development and suspense is handled incredibly. Every moment in the novel doesn't feel wasted, and feels meaningful. The author does not shy away from difficult themes, she weaved in elements of domestic abuse, stalking, trauma, but dealt with them with such sensitivity and care. Every side character contributed to the narrative in meaningful ways rather than being placed in the story like a filler. If I had to sum up my reading experience, it would be this:
This is the kind of novel that will always stay with you after the final page, one that will IMMEDIATLEY make you buy the next one. I have already passed this book onto my mother, as she said it sounded brilliant after how much I spoke about it. I also cannot help but feel that Sea State would translate amazingly to the screen. I really hope the author considers submitting it for consideration, as it would be an incredible TV adaptation. For those who love stories that blend with suspense, yet emotional storytelling. This is a must read. It's an outstanding book for what I can only imagine will be an incredible series. A full five star read for me, compelling and addictive.

[Wendy]

Doug Brodie is going through a rough time.
Being the skipper of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) crew in the Welsh seaside town of Castleby, he is recuperating from a shout that went horribly wrong.
The rescue operation cost the lives of two of his best mates and crew members and nearly took his own life. Guilt and grief make it hard for him to move on and on top of that, his marriage is failing.
Doug's wife Claire is much more interested and invested in her career as a surgeon than in fulfilling her role of being a wife and mother. Dealing with an injured husband and him being on call 24/7 annoy the hell out of her. No way she's compromising on her lifestyle.
As a result, their marriage and the pair's children pay the price...

When Jesse Stevens arrives in Castleby, all she's looking for is a fresh start in a safe place. She went through a very traumatic event back home in Hastings which has broken her mentally and physically.
Luckily she fits in well within the rugged and pretty fearless bunch of lifeboat crew in Castleby. They all got each other's back and get along well. Jessie instantly connects with skipper Doug and they sense that both of them have had their fair share of hardship.
As time passes and Jesse feels more and more part of the crew she notices that she's becoming calmer and more content especially when her relationship with Doug is starting to develop into something more... She is unaware that she's being watched though. It turnes out that not everyone around her might have her best interests at heart...

I truely had the best time reading this novel!
For starters, I loved the coastal setting and I had a vivid picture of it in my mind.
Secondly, I learned so much about the important work of the RNLI and their dedication and bravery are truly admirable.
As for the characters, I was instantly taken by most of them, Doug in particular. He just seemed like a lovely fellow and I was rooting for him and Jesse throughout the book.
I also liked that there were loads of flawed characters and they each felt very real to me. Another thing that stood out to me was the bond among all the crew, there was a true feeling of camaraderie among them and the town folk. I enjoyed their banter and all the dialogue.
The book had the right combination of humour, action, romance, and thriller elements and although I generally don't like reading series I will definitely return to Castleby and have put books 2,3 and 4 on my TBR!

Huge thank you to @netgalley and @literallypr for the arc and auto approval!

#SeaState #NetGalley#Netgalleyreviewer#Bookworm#Bookstagram#BooksOf Instagram#KindlePaperwhite#Ebook#NeverNotReading#Anglophile

[Joanna McQueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks go to @literallypr and author @jmsimpsonauthor for the gifted copy of this book. I am grateful to have to read it.

Sea State is the first book in the Castleby Series. And I am telling you right now, I cannot wait for the next book.

Jesse is overcoming a traumatic event by starting a new life in a new place. She is hiding from a past she wants to forget. Doug is the skipper of the lifeboat crew she has joined. He also has experienced a traumatic event and his marriage is on the rocks, the waves are crashing fiercely and they are not stopping anytime soon. Doug is struggling to cope with his personal life as well as the horrific events they bear witness to when saving people from the open water. The sea can be cruel.

I enjoyed reading this book despite the rather horrific events that transpired throughout the book. It was difficult to fathom that some people actually do this for a job in real life. I just can’t imagine. My admiration and respect for the people who save lives daily has multiplied greatly. How could it not? Simpson has created a fantastic depiction of life on the sea.

I felt that the characters were written well. Some made me laugh. Others brought tears to my eyes. This is an emotional book with triggers you may want to be aware of: death, domestic violence, mental health issues, and substance abuse. There are only a few characters that made my skin crawl and that says a lot about how well they were depicted. They were meant to be vile.

The pace of the story kept me engaged. It was difficult to put down. There were many events and happenings to keep me enthralled. At some points the pace did slow down and I was grateful for those lulls; it allowed me to compose myself after a difficult section. They also allowed me to put the book down and get some sleep. I would have devoured this book had I had the time.

The writing itself is splendid. A lot of the shouts (rescues) were vividly described and I read each one with a pounding heart and utter frustration for not being there to help. This book had me commenting aloud and crying silent tears. Despite the difficulties and challenges of the topics covered in this book, the writing was easy. This made the book enjoyable; juxtaposition at its finest.

If you would like to read an exciting and entertaining book that confronts mental health issues in relation to the people who risk their lives to save those of others, then you should read this book.

Again, thanks for the opportunity to read this book, I am grateful to have read it.

[Mrs Bennett's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Mrs Bennett's Indie Author of the Month, September 2023.

It can take a while to get into a book. But not with Sea State. A few pages in and I was absolutely bowled over – so much so, that I took to social media with excitement to say how much I could see this on TV (I hope it does, it would make a fantastic series). Fans of The Bay and other crime thrillers would certainly enjoy this.

The easy flow made reading a sheer delight. Simpson’s way of crafting conversation into the narrative is skilful and goes above and beyond the frequent use of “said” which can so often be found in other authors’ books.

Sea State by JM Simpson
The story has an air of mystery and it’s easy to lose time because of the compulsion to read on and find out more, with much-awaited details being revealed towards the end and no stone left unturned. The build-up was far from boring, as the RNLI Castleby crew went on dangerous, nail-biting sea rescues and stories of minor characters were explored and resolved. The drama and action were very satisfying as the highly anticipated ending approached.

The main characters are magnetic and relationships bloom in numerous scenes which exude the realistic warmth of intimacy and friendship to the extent that you feel like you’re there. The characters are engaging and Simpson shapes them beautifully in every funny, distressing, romantic and thrilling scene.

The best revelation was the completely unexpected twist at the end. Or rather, double-twist! As I was reading, I was forming in my mind what would happen next and when I least expected it, the twist hit me like a bolt out of the blue. It was a moment of delightful glee, because who doesn’t like to be surprised by a good twist?

After recovering from that wonderful bombshell, I’ve found myself thinking about the rest of the series and eager to continue on this intriguing journey. Yes, one of the wonderful gifts Simpson has given us is another 3 (soon to be 4) books based in Castleby, with the antagonist deliciously concocting further revenge on the beloved character, Jesse.

I have awarded a well-deserved 4.5 stars to Sea State and a firm space on Mrs Bennett’s Bookshelf. I thank author JM Simpson for kindly sending me a signed copy of this book, and very much look forward to reading Sea Change, the next in the series.

[Chantelle Hazelden · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great start to the Castleby series.

I have to say the blurb hooked me but the story that I just read is even better than what the back of the book promised!

There are two main protagonists.

We have Jesse Stevens, who is a young woman recovering from a huge trauma caused by her unstable and I guess she now knows, dangerous relationship with her then boyfriend, Chris. We find out that he is actually a police officer.

Jesse is trying to move on with her life, making herself see a psychiatrist to try and aid her in feeling safe again, able to go it alone. She has recently relocated to a new town (starting over) where she gets a job as a mechanic with the RNLI.

Then there's Doug Brodie. The skipper working at the RNLI. This is a man who is struggling immensely with survivor’s guilt from a terrible accident at work. Dealing with both physical and mental scars, he is also navigating his way through troubles with his marriage.

Someone seems to be watching Jesse and as she and Doug begin to grow ever closer, this leads to I guess what you'd call some sink or swim moments for the pair of them.

Tension galore!

I love Simpson's attention to detail.

The descriptions of boat life, I could imagine so much so clearly. This fictional coastal town felt extremely real in my mind.

Everything had flaws, damage. It was this honesty that really made the tale something quite unique. Each part felt essential. I guess making way for more books in the series.

Feelings of bravery and determination run deep in Sea State, there are some lose ends, some unresolved moments and with a great twist near the end, I for one cannot wait to read more from the Castelby series!

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thriller set in on the PEMBROKESHIRE COAST



No. 1 in the Castleby Series.

The plot centres around the Castleby RNLI rescue station, where Doug is the skipper of the crew. It is a male dominated team but Jesse, their newly recruited technician, has joined the ‘family’. It’s a great idea to set a novel around an RNLI station, something very different.



The team has been in the proverbial wars and events have seen members die and remain injured from recent emergency call-outs. The individuals are each coming to terms with their own sense of loss. Jesse, herself, has had to face her own demons and it transpires that she was terribly assaulted by Chris, her police officer boyfriend, back in the south of England, who attacked her and left her for dead, with both arms and legs broken. He is now securely incarcerated but she still has a sense of fear that permeates her waking and sleeping moments. She has acquired a dog, Brock, to keep her company and the dog soon becomes a talking point in the station.

[Rebecca Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sea State draws you in with a really strong prologue. We read about a woman being attacked which automatically makes you want to read on and see what on earth is happening.

The story then splits into the points of view of two main characters. We learn that the woman in question is Jesse Stevens. She had been beaten badly by her police officer ex-boyfriend Chris and left in a pretty bad way. In order to get past her ordeal, she moves to Castleby and attends therapy.

Doug works for the RNLI in Castleby and has two children with wife Claire. Two of his crew mates and best friends die in a shout with Doug himself being injured. He struggles with this fact as he believes that his orders led to his friends deaths.

The two stories merge together when Jesse joins the RNLI as a mechanic for the boats but someone is following her and is desperate to get to her.

There is a lot to unpack with this book and a lot of storylines packed in but it never gets confusing and flows well. I loved the rescue scenes and I honestly learned a lot about what the RNLI do.

The thrill is there are you are dying to know who is watching Jesse and why and I was genuinely surprised by the ending!

[Molly H · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌊🌊🌊🌊=⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I haven’t finished this book yet but wanted to give it a rating for the part of the book I have read so far because it is an excellent book and JM Simpson is amazing!

I love when an author creates a world within their writing and has me yearning to go to that place! Castleby sounds like my kind of town. The close-knit community is endearing and I loved reading the story as the main character settled in to her life in the seaside town.

The separation of characters’ points of view through chapter structure was great. I especially enjoyed the unsettling sections designates to the antagonist.

I feel so guilty to put the book down for now though! The style of writing was so visceral that its more of an Autumnal read for me rather than a Springtime read so I’ll likely give it another shot in a few months. Additionally, I personally struggle to read dialogue with my eyes, so I know if it were ever to become an audiobook I would devour it in a single afternoon!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

SEA STATE was such a great read. I loved how J.M. Simpson immersed me in the setting of being by the sea and boats and the water. The descriptions were really well done. The two main characters in SEA STATE are both fighting their own demons. Doug recently experienced a terrible accident out at sea and has terrible PTSD in addition to physical scars. His marriage to Claire, a surgeon whose schedule keeps her away from the family, is troubled. Jessie is a domestic violence victim. Her abuser was a police officer. She becomes the new mechanic on Doug’s boat. I enjoyed the suspense plotline in this the most. We watch the characters evolve over the course of the book, but someone is watching Jessie. Would definitely read more in this series! 5/5 stars.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, the blurb does not give justice to this book. It really is captivating and it is so nice to read a book with such an unusual setting. I firmly got involved in the lives and loves of the RNLI it was so well drawn. Then there was people smuggling and drug running. What a torrid life there is in a Welsh sea side.

Then when I got to the end I found out that there was going to be more in the series. Wow I just cannot wait.

I was given a free copy by the publisher and netgalley but the review is entirely my own.

[Lucia Chaplin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up on a island off the east coast of England which had it's own lifeboat station, so I jumped at the chance to review J M Simpson's debut novel Sea State.
I am so glad I did, it's a great debut with pace, twists and a real focus on relationships. The characters are engaging, independent and at times surprising (Emma and Bob, for example).
The story focuses on two main characters, Doug the lifeboat skipper and Jesse who is joining the crew, trying to leave her past behind her. Interweaved between their stories, the lifeboat crew come across people smuggling and drug running.
A joy to read, page turning at a phenomenal rate, I can't wait for the next installment Sea Change which is due out next month.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up from 2.5

A fast paced psychological thriller with sprinkles of romance. Kept me turning those pages

Apparently set in Wales but zero sense of place or that Welsh people might be involved. Apart from one paragraph where a character called Gavin every where else is mysteriously referred to as Gareth, twice. Perhaps some of the characters originally had more authentic Welsh names that were later changed.

I didn’t believe or care about any of it. Not even the dog

But, I did zip through it right to the end so there’s that

[Andrew]

DNF at 61%



I gave this a good go, but not feeling it. I think I was expecting a slight up thriller but got something completely different. Yes, a very dark undertone of themes, but at the same time, very slice of life on the lifeboat crew members.

Check out rnli.org for more information.

Trigger warnings: domestic abuse, rape, human and drug trafficking, death, trauma, grief.

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is set in a fictional town in Wales and it is set on a group of RNLI crew. Jesse is a new crew member with a hidden past and her story is told throughout the book. I found it to be well balanced with an attention to detail of the characters and how they perform their RNLI duties with plenty of action. No spoilers but there are plenty of plot twists and turns with a surprise ending. I will recommend this to my fellow book friends. I will, of course, be reading the next book.

[Gemma Denham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th in the Castleby series so if you haven't read the others I highly recommend you do - although each book works as a stand alone too.
I’ve just finished reading this one and wow! Just wow! All I can say is there had better be a 5th! This is a fabulous series that is expertly written and delivered by a great cast of interwoven characters. I loved it!!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute belter Sea State delivers everything a 5 star read should have. Characters that I loved and despised. A gripping read from start to finish. The storyline covers some dark topics with one MC Jess being a survivor of a viscous attack by a previous partner who is seeking revenge for his imprisonment. Its a captivating read that had me shouting at my kindle ( yes I was completely consumed) and had all my fingers and toes crossed that everything would come good. There are many other underlying storylines running throughout that all intertwine perfectly to make Sea State an unputdownable heart stopping read!

This is a fabulous, compelling start to a series that is going to be highly addictive for any reader who reads Sea State

[Louise Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good characters and a strong plot are well supported by a clean, clear writing style. Not everything was resolved at the end so I suspect people who like this book will need to commit to reading the series.

[Mrs Susan Ann Hedley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic

Couldn't put the story down. Interesting narrative about the lifeboat station which I found very informative. Good story line. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good pacy read

Nice one J.M.! Enjoyed this. It needs a gentle edit - to remove lines and phrases you repeat and a Billy/Jimmy moment - also a word order. All minor as I read this in two sittings and found it compelling.

[Dr R. E. Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

an interesting book

I quite enjoyed this. Liked the central characters of Jesse and Doug and the setting around a lifeboat crew. Not so keen on the crazy asides from the demented doctor but it had a fairly satisfying ending. Would read more by this author.

[Em Nightreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic start to a series. This book has characters that I can't wait to read more about and a different dynamic to most thrillers that is refreshing and compelling. A definite recommend f rom me.