The Cove: A Summer Suspense Mystery (The Summer Suspense Mysteries Book 1)

LJ Ross is a great writer. The mystery and suspense in the book was outstanding. Simple writing but hard to put down.

The gorgeous setting of Cornwall was wonderful to read in this story. As beautiful as it it, the author shows how the sea and changing weather can make this beautiful part of the country suddenly become dangerous.We meet the main character Gabi who after a party at the publishers she works for, makes her way home at a quiet time of night catching a train in London’s underground. I found this part to be especially creepy and it sent shivers down my spine. I couldn’t blame Gabi for wanting a quieter pace of live after what happens to her in London and wanting to make a fresh start in an area that has little to no crime. I mean what could possibly go wrong?The residents of the cove are a friendly bunch of people and it seems to be the perfect answer for Gabi’s issues. The author lulls the reader into a sense of security before sending them and Gabi’s life into turmoil once again. At just short of two hundred pages, there is still an urgency in the story that has the reader racing through the pages with some unexpected surprises waiting to be found.The Cove was a great read that I quickly devoured. With lots of likeable characters it ensured I was struggling to work out who could be behind all the strange going ons. By the end I felt bad for having doubts about certain ones but it made for a highly engaging read that whilst on the cozy side, still delivered plenty of thrills. Look forward to reading more in the Summer Suspense Mysteries series.

If you are looking for a character led Christie-esque summer mystery which is laced with romance, wild and beautiful settings and with an undercurrent of tension and threat then this book will be right up your street. Whilst quite different from the DCI Ryan and Dr Alexander Gregory books, it contains all the hallmarks of LJ Ross's beautiful style or writing and ability to bring a location to life, as well as a healthy dose of the romance and humour which we have come to love in her other series. There may also be an occasional nod to her other series which fans of the author will instantly recognise.The opening chapter of the book took me a little by surprise. Here I am expecting a nice cosy Cornish mystery packed with cream teas and the occasional surfer and yet we're immediately drawn into the complicated life of our protagonist, Gabrielle, or Gabi, and a scene which will put the wind up any frequent travellers on the old London Underground. What occurs is shocking, but spine-tinglingly believable and sets us up nicely for all that comes to follow. I loved the sense of fun and humour which is detailed in this chapter as whilst it is quite a dark opening, there are touches which will bring a smile to your face, including the name of the fictional publisher that Gabi works for, and even some of the characters who we meet in these early pages. A bit of an in joke and a nod to the potential excesses and snobbery of the literary elite, but it did make me chuckle.After this startling opening we, and Gabi, are quickly transported to Cornwall and a remote bookshop hidden away in a Carnance Cove which is only accessible at low tide. So far so perfect. And the setting is just what Gabi needs after her traumatic experience in the capital. LJ Ross sets the scene perfectly, bringing the sights, sounds, and almost the smells too, of the Cornish coast to life, placing readers front and centre in the resort. It felt to real I just wanted to go right there and even started really hankering after a wonderful Cornish escape of my own. This is one of the author's key skills, making the setting seem real and making it a real part of the story, a character in it's own right.Speaking of characters, there is a wonderful and varied mix of people that are brought into Gabi's life. From bookshop owner, Nell and her casanova son, Jackson, to Gabi's new neighbours, Pat and Jude, each one of them felt welcoming and I liked them instantly. Then there is Luke. Seemingly a touch reticent at first, and hardly forthcoming with the chat, it is clear there is a chemistry between him and Gabi, but each has a reason to be cautious, something which is carefully explored as the story evolves. Yes, there is romance on the cards but this is what makes the books a pleasure to read. It makes a nice change to step away and find a small corner of happy in amongst the tension and trials of the crime genre. LJ Ross brings together a sense of community, friendship and support, something the world certainly needs a lot of right now.This is a heartwarming and upbeat book and will certainly leave you with a warm glow, but it wouldn't be a summer suspense if it was all sweetness and light and that ominous opening does give a hint of the darker scenes to come. Echoed by the weather, there is a storm brewing and a real mystery to unravel, one which is perhaps dampened by the fact that the only witness to a potential crime is also somewhat of an unreliable witness. There is every reason to question whether Gabi really saw what she believes, or whether her mind is playing tricks on her, but the more invested she becomes in the mystery, the more you believe she is telling the truth. But there are darker scenes, and plenty of surprises to come, as well as a healthy dose of misdirection and suspicion as Gabi starts to wonder just how well she really knows her new friends.A fabulous read that I devoured in a few hours. I'm intrigued to see where LJ Ross takes us next and what new mysteries she will bring for for our reading pleasure. Definitely recommended.

I liked the premise of the story and the author knows how to write in a cosy easy style. The characters all fit toegether nicely. It is predictable, and as other readers have said, the ending seemed rushed, which is a shame as on the whole I would recommend.I have read lots by this author. The crime/detective ones are better measure, but I will happily give by her in this genre another go.

I’ve visited Cornwall numerous times and what is created in words is true in reality,the story line is a great one,so many twists

I have read a few DCI Ryan books by Ross and have enjoyed them very much so was interested to read this book set in Cornwall. Her description of the cove does conjure up a beautiful image. The story has many twists and turns some a little far fetched but overall an easy read. Will read the next in this series.

This was an exciting mystery because it was multilayered. The reader comes to care about Gabie and cheers for her to find solutions, friends, and real love. Quick, interesting read.

The Cove is another excellent page turner from LJ Ross! Never trite nor predictable the author crafts pleasing and suspense full stories. Never disappoints!

I loved reading this book, the atmosphere, the suspense, the mystery and romance were terrific! I could almost imagine myself opening a book shop in a beautiful cove like this one ;-)Read this book in record time, it was so refreshing and perfect for the summer.

Another wonderful story from a fantastic author, is there no end to your talent Louise!! So looking forward to your next literary adventure!!

A very entertaining read. Great storyline and told in a a very interesting way. Well done LJ Ross on another great book.