La llegada de un misterioso desconocido interrumpe la paz y tranquilidad de la isla de Lornea.
Es un joven encantador y lo suficientemente rebelde como para llamar la atención de Ámbar, la mejor amiga de Billy.
A su vez Billy, que ya ha cumplido dieciséis años, ha conseguido una codiciada plaza en un barco de investigación para estudiar tiburones blancos en la costa australiana. Pero cuando encuentra pruebas de un delito a bordo, incluso aquí no puede evitar investigar.
De regreso en la isla, Billy no quiere entrometerse en la relación de Ámbar con su misterioso novio, pero no puede ignorar que hay algo que no encaja con el recién llegado.
¿Quién es en realidad el nuevo amigo de Ámbar? ¿Qué le ha traído hasta la isla? ¿Y por qué hay ciertas personas que lo quieren muerto?
Billy comienza a buscar respuestas y cuando la vida de Ámbar se pone en peligro, Billy no parará hasta salvarla.
Gregg Dunnett is a British author writing psychological thrillers and stories about travel and adventure, usually with a connection to the coast or to the oceans. Before turning to novels he worked as a journalist for ten years on a windsurfing magazine, briefly owned a sailing school in Egypt, taught English in Thailand, Portugal, Turkey and Italy, taught sailing in Greece and Spain, and also had several rather duller jobs along the way.
His brother is the adventurer Jono Dunnett who in 2015 windsurfed alone and unsupported around the entire coastline of Great Britain, and who is currently windsurfing around the coastline of Europe.
Gregg lives in Bournemouth on the south coast of England with his partner Maria. They have two young children, Alba and Rafa, for whom the phrase “Daddy's working” has absolutely no effect.
Gregg's debut novel was an Amazon top 100 best seller in the UK and was downloaded over a quarter of a million times.
Gregg on why he writes:
"I’ve always wanted to do two things in life, to write, and to have adventures. When I was a kid I imagined grand affairs. Kayaking across Canada, cycling to Australia. Whole summers in the Arctic. Did it happen? Well, partly.
I’ve been lucky, I spent some years abroad teaching English. I worked in sailing schools in Greece and Spain. I really lucked out with a job testing windsurfing boards for the magazine I grew up reading. I made a questionable decision (ok, a bad decision) to buy a windsurfing centre in Egypt. I’ve also done my fair share of less exciting jobs. Packing and stacking potatoes on a farm, which got me fitter than I’ve ever been in my life. I did a few years in local government which taught me that people really do have meetings that result only in the need for more meetings, and they really do take all afternoon. I spent a pleasant few months in a giant book warehouse, where I would deliberately get lost among the miles of shelves unpacking travel guides and daydreaming. I’ve done a bit of writing too, at least I learned how to write. Boards Magazine isn’t well known (it doesn’t even exist today) but it did have a reputation for being well written and I shoe-horned articles in my own gonzo journalism style on some topics with the most tenuous of links to windsurfing. But the real adventures never came. Nor did the real writing.
Then, in 2015, my brother announced he was going to become the first person to windsurf alone around Great Britain. I don’t know why. Apparently it was something he’d always wanted to do (news to me). It was a proper adventure. It was dangerous, it was exciting. Even before he set off he was interviewed on TV, in the papers etc... Some people thought he was reckless, some thought he was inspirational. Lots of people thought he’d fail.
But he didn’t. He made it around. He even sailed solo from Wales to Ireland, the first to make the crossing without the aid of a safety boat. I was lucky enough to be involved in a planning level, and take part in a few training sails, and the last leg of the trip. But he did ninety nine percent of it on his own. One step at a time, just getting on with it. That was quite inspiring.
In a way it inspired me to pull my finger out. I’d been writing novels - or trying to write novels - then for a few years. But it was touch and go as to whether I was going to be one of those ‘writers’ with a half-finished novel lost on a hard drive somewhere, rather than someone who might actually manage to finish the job.
I’ve now got two lovely, highly demanding children, so real adventures are hard right now. I still try to get away when I can for nights out in the wilds rough camping, surf trips sleeping in the van, windsurfing when the big storms come. I love adventures with the kids too.
I hope in time to get around to a few real adventures. I want to sail across an ocean. I want to bike across a continent. I definitely want to spend more time surfing empty waves.
The book was really slow at the beginning but once the pace picks up it was really fun. It was more of a thriller than a mystery. Dunnett can really use a new editor. There was one scene where the character was grabbing a breakfast McDonald's and the character was eating a Big Mac. lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Entertaining and intense entry in the Rockpool series finds Billy, now almost 16, on an adventure in Australia involving shark monitoring to start the story, then back at Lornea Island dealing with a messy situation involving Amber and some bad people. The writing is top-notch as always and Billy as quirky as ever. Fans of the first two books should enjoy this one.
Third book in this series - I just love the authors way of winding around to the main story. Each book can be enjoyed as a stand alone but the main character, Billy, is great to follow as he gets older with each book moving into another time in his life. The story is enriched with its twists and turns leaving you wondering right up to the last page to truly know the outcome. Great read.
My least favourite so far, shark watch went on and on and I felt myself skimming, didn’t feel like there was enough of Billy in the book and he’s the main reason we read, and then he didn’t solve any crimes just remembered seeing something! And then Amber, what was she doing pining over a druggy thief in the first place, let alone still worrying about him when he gave her name up immediately and even though she knew 2 killers were looking for her and knew her address she thought she would just go home take a shower and leave her little sister to answer the door!!! Maybe should of been 2/5 but I love Billy too much to do it!! X
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Pues si que me ha dado fuerte con este autor y con esta saga, y lo curioso es que aun no me canso de ninguno de los dos.
The Appearance Of Mystery es un thriller interesante y original aunque si que es cierto que no tiene un ritmo tan frenetico como el primer tomo de esta serie, e incluso diria que el inicio es un tanto pausado de mas, no obstante, luego se vuelve imposible despegarse de las paginas de lo mucho que atrapa.
Billy sigue siendo genial, obviamente ya no resulta tan entrañable puesto que ya no es un niño, sin embargo, me sigue gustando mucho su personalidad y forma de ver la vida.
El que en esta ocasion no solo tengamos su punto de vista le dio un toque diferente a la novela, y pese a que creo que la premisa de esta tercera historia no es tan impresionante, entretiene y creo que el autor sabe desarrollar la trama de una manera mas que correcta.
En resumen, The Appearance Of Mystery es un libro entretenido, ligero y que puedes leer en cualquier momento, sigue teniendo un aire muy fresco y facil pese a ser un thriller.
This is a belter. Could easily stop there . Such a great read, very difficult to put down. I love Greg Dunnett's style of writing in the Rockpool series, the reader becomes totally immersed and they are such an easy read. Put away your Oxford Dictionary, you won't need it, you will know the meaning of everything. Can be read as a stand alone but if the author is new to you and the Rockpool series then suggest you read the first two books in order. No great deal except the star, Billy Wheatley, ages through the series, so start early and finish later. On to number four now, thank you Mr Dunnett, one of your best.
This was certainly an entertaining book to read. Although slow at the start and hard to see where the story was going to develop it then took a massive sidestep back to lornea island and it was hard to see where the two stories were connected. Once the story gets going it’s a complete page turner however I find the stories completely impossible to believe. Yes I realise it’s fiction but when you see massive inconsistencies in stories and impossibilities it’s spoils it for me. For instance when Amber is eavesdropping conversation on the yacht and throws up on the pontoon I really don’t think that could happen without it being heard by the people she is listening to. Equally she then goes on to smash the window of the adjacent yacht to break in which again would raise go there when this in the other yacht. Also I think two armed trained killers when faced with a young girl with a distress flare in her hand might have been rather likely to shoot her. The Idea of a shamed celebrity travelling halfway around the world to make his pace with a 16-year-old boy is also Heiney unbelievable. The boat chase at the end was also totally improbable - the chasing boat apparently unable to see the lead boat so using searchlights yet Billy comments on being able to see the chasing boat as being “white in contrast to the black cliffs” - then surely his boat should have been visible “white against the black clouds/sea/storm” too . Having said that I cannot deny that I love to read the stories about Billy and Amber and enjoy their quirky relationship and detective style. But this one was definitely not as goodAs the two earlier books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Billy has stepped into it again. He ruined one man's career and then is embroiled with some truly nasty thugs. There was never a dull moment throughout this third book in the Rockpools collection. It ends with many questions unanswered, but the author has written that the saga will one day resume. Yes, I read the Forwards and Afterwards and even the acknowledgments. You can learn a lot about an author that way. Which is how I found out why some of the terms used in the Rockpools were most decidedly British. Billy had not started in the US, he just sorta ended up there.
Thanks for the ride Gregg! I am off to Hanging Rock.
Anyway...... Outstanding trio of books, I recommend them to anyone looking for some very intriguing adventures.
Soooo much going on In this book. Billy is now 16 and has the opportunity to go studying sharks in Australia. An offer he takes up but his inquisitive mind picks up an anomaly in the research. This costs him his position so back home for Billy. But his thoughts about returning to college earlier than expected take a back seat. He and Amber land up getting in the midst of drug smuggling through no fault of their own. Then the action comes thick and fast especially when someone turns up from Australia! Another brilliantly told story that was well worth purchasing. Don't be too long before the next tales of Billy please Mr Dunnett.
Loving this series. This book is a little different from the first two. Billy wants to stop bring a detective and focus on his marine biology work. He gets picked to to you Australia with several other older students to do research for a to show. A big opportunity for all of them. Of course Billy ends up going home early after finding things not as they should be. While he was away his friend Amber gets a boyfriend who isn’t who he pretends to be putting everyone in danger. It a wild ride to the end of the book over what happens. If you have read the first two don’t stop now grab it and keep the journey going.
Oh wow, I absolutely loved this book. I’ve been a big fan of the rock pools series so far and therefore was expecting great things.
I started off a little apprehensively. The story seemed to be taking a strange turn when Billy went surveying sharks in Australia. He came back, the story moved on and I couldn’t help feeling that it was just a bit of story padding. But, I was wrong. It comes back into play later in the book in an intriguing plot twist.
If you haven’t read the Rockpools trilogy, I highly recommend it.
The third book in the Rockpool series, Billy is now 16 and is still crime fighting. I think I would still read even if he wasn’t I just love reading about Billy. He is such a wonderful character. Every detail matters to him and it has to be right and that’s exactly as it’s written so builds his character brilliantly. I learn so much from Billy’s researching of marine life that I forget I’m actually reading a thriller! The way in which Gregg transforms into character as Billy and then into the criminal side is fab. Another 5 ⭐️ for me
A good action story with believable characters, read it in two sittings as it never flags.
The third in the series has young Billy appropriately aged poised between childhood and adolescence . His world widens and he demonstrates his character. Once more his detection skills are called one and his courage tested. The series can be recommended for young adult readers as well as those somewhat older.
Thanks Gregg, another great book. Having enjoyed the first two Rockpools this was just as good as the first two. Billy is a little older but just as wise and smart as ever. Its really great how Gregg seems to really get into the mind of an "almost 16 yr old". The characters are realistic and the story lines exciting. A really good book for anyone who enjoys a fast paced mystery.
Been looking forward to catching up with Billy Wheatley in the the third book in the Lornsea series. Billy is now 15 almost 16 and it shows in the more adult themes of the book. Another mystery for Billy to get himself entangled with, although mainly down to his friend Amber. His naivety still shines through and mentally Billy hasn't rest grown that much. An exciting end to story with mafia,and drugs and boats
Book 3 of Rockpools. I’m really hoping this is not the end of Billy which I don’t think it is. If you’ve read the first two, you will definitely enjoy this one as well, but if you’ve just managed to grab this one first, don’t worry about it, they are all good and can stand in their own. Billy does manage to get himself in some messes and he is is so endearing, you can’t help but really appreciate his integrity! Excellent read!
Love this series of books. They are well written and keep you interested from start to finish. Billy leaves the island to join a scientific boat trip to study sharks, which feed on the seal pups in Australia. Things don't go quite to plan and he is sent home early. His father is away working on a replacement boat for next season and won't be home for a while. Billy decided he will call school and see if he can return early but things an unexpected event occurs that puts his life in danger.
Billy is an amazing character. He is so clever and honest but so socially inept I’m sure he must be Asperger’s. He gets himself into astonishing predicaments but manages to get out of them again. There’s mayhem and murder but somehow it’s not contrived and ridiculous. The imaginary island setting is beautiful and the other characters equally interesting. Just an all round fun, well written story. Recommend.
Billy finds a man trying to spear fish in a local nature reserve and tells him off. Later he finds Amber and this man are dating. He's given a month's placement on a boat with a famous shark hunter, Steve Rose, with three other students, to study the sharks. He's the youngest, but finds himself in a difficult position where his desire to fit in is at war with his need to find the truth. There's lots going on in this book, including a Mafia connection. I really enjoyed it.
The plot and characters were very interesting. I would have rated this 5 stars, but I felt Billy's character sounded more 11 years old than 15. There is another thing that is probably not the author's fault, but every book that I have read in the past few years have punctuation or spelling or other errors that cause distractions when reading. To the younger readers - it didn't used to be that way.
So this is book 3 of the series, and I have book 4 loaded and ready to go when I finish this review. It occurred to me that this series may have been written for teens, as the main character was 11 when it started, but now he is 15. On one hand he is a really smart kid, but on the other you feel his struggle because of his maturity level in the dangerous scenarios he encounters. I definitely encourage you to read the Rockpools series, no matter your age.
Este no lo he disfrutado tanto porque se centra la mayor parte del libro en Amber y entre que no me cae especialmente bien y que yo esperaba otra gran historia de Billy, pues eso...
Aún así el principio de Billy en Australia me encantó (aunque al principio no le veía sentido), Steve me ha terminado robando el corazón, y Sam el pobre padre de Billy que no gana para disgustos sigue siendo mi personaje favorito.
BILLY IS 16 NOW AND HOW GROWN UP HE'S BECOMING, I'M REALLY ENJOYING WATCHING HIM PROGRESS TOWARD MANHOOD. I'M ALWAYS RELUCTANT TO START READING A SERIES BECAUSE IF THEY ARE NOT DONE RIGHT I'LL STOP READING THEM. FOR ME THIS AUTHOR HAS SUCCEEDED IN MAKING ME A FAN OF HIS ROCK POOL SERIES. HE HAS CREATED CHARACTERS YOU FEEL AS IF YOU KNOW THEM PERSONALLY, THEY'RE SO REAL. I SEE PEOPLE ARE STILL UNDERESTIMATING BILLY'S INTELIGENCE THATS A VERY BIG MISTAKE, A HUGE ONE. ;D
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first 2 in the series. I read all 3 within a couple of weeks so was very familiar with the central characters. There were some really good parts but I just felt that some aspects were a bit far fetched and wouldn't be likely to happen. Still worth a read but the other 2 are better
I liked this one the best so far. But one thing I find a little annoying is that all of the characters are from the U.S. but often use British words and phrases. One example is "I need to get it sorted" when in America, we say "I need to take care of this." I know that the author is British but if he is writing about Americans, they should speak like Americans...not British folks.
Great book. Loved how the different sections slotted together as the plot thickened!
Was getting a bit sea sick during the slightly too long section on the shark surveying boat with its myriad technical detail. However, thankfully it all came to an abrupt end and the book progressed into a gripping and exciting story which I couldn't put down.
Couldn't put it down! Stayed up to 3am to finish it! Can't wait to see what happens with Billy next, even though the writer is taking a little break with this character. Please don't make us wait too long!!
I loved The things you find in Rockpools. And was sad when I finished. But once I realized that I didn't have to say goodbye to the characters I was thrilled. Truly entertaining and can't wait till their next adventure!
Another cracking adventure! I’ve yet to find one of Gregg Dunnett’s books that I’ve not been hooked on after only a couple of pages but The Rock Pools series is my favourite and I can’t wait to find out what happens with Billy next. Highly recommended