Member Reviews
I was so excited to read this book as I have read the entire Rockton series. I would recommend reading that series before reading this one since this series is a continuation of the first.
Rockton was a city where people went to disappear - i.e. live off the grid. It has now been disbanded. Eric Dalton and Casey Duncan, now married, were the sheriff and the investigator at Rockton which was somewhere in Alaska. It was a hidden town for people to go who didn't want to be found, for different reasons - some for guilt and some for their safety. Eric and Casey are two of those people.
Casey has inherited money, and she and Eric hire a contractor to build a new town - Haven's Rock - out in the middle of the Yukon, even more isolated than Rockton. The crew hired to do the building don't know where they are, and are 'supposed' to have no contact with the outside world. When Casey and Eric fly in to inspect the new town, they discover that two people have disappeared. When they begin searching for the missing, they find some unpleasant surprises, surprises that may threaten the purpose of the town: to be unknown.
This is an exciting book and I highly recommend it. This author has a great talent for creating an air of danger and menace. I was really glad I was at home reading this, and not out in a tent in the woods.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher St. Martin's Books/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. It was my great pleasure to voluntarily read and review this book.
Great story! Took a few chapters but I was hooked and had to see what would happen with Casey next.
I didn't realize this was a spinoff from another series, so I'll be checking that out as well!
I will always delight in getting more of Casey and Dalton. This was a solid beginning to the post-Rockton world. I'm not actually clear on if it's meant to be a new series or a continuation of the old. If you're starting here, do yourself a favor and go back to City of the Lost and start there so that you can fully get to know and appreciate our cast of characters before they get to this point. You won't be sorry. That's actually my only real complaint...there wasn't enough of that cast of characters, not even Dalton, who was actually present for much of the book. Hopefully as the residents of Haven's Rock settle in over the next few books, we'll get back to that strong ensemble cast that I love so much (even if we're usually only in Casey's head).
As predicted, this was an incredible read. I was devastated when Rockton was over but Kelley came through spoiling us with this new spin off series featuring some of my fave characters.
The new town, the murders, the mysteries... The everything is just next level perfection.
So so so pleased this is continuing. I legit can't wait for more.
Fans of Rockton will be excited to grab this new book by Kelley Armstrong and play detective along with Casey & Dalton! Murder at Haven's Rock is a spinoff of the beloved Rockton series that is once again set in the Yukon wilderness. Rockton was a good series to follow and I know many were sad to see it come to a close. I'm not sure why Rockton ended since it has the feel of a continuation. Casey and Dalton are the main characters along with a few new characters that seem interesting and would be great to include in future books ... Yolanda, Kendra and Gunnar. We do get to see many of the characters from the previous series as well.
While construction is underway at the new area of Haven’s Rock, a couple of members of the team go missing. Casey and Dalton are quickly called in to investigate the disappearances and locate the missing people. Definitely a whodunit that you get to follow. During their search, they find a unknown person dead in the forest, adding yet another twist to the story. Kelley Armstrong's characters are interesting and very well developed. I was definitely trying to figure out the answers to the murder victim and missing people.
It could be read as a standalone, however I don't recommend it. Is this the same-old same-old storyline? Yes, maybe, sorta, kinda. All is very consistent with the previous books in style, mystery and writing. If you enjoyed Rockton and wanted it to continue then you will certainly enjoy this new town of Haven's Rock.
Shout out to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for a chance to review!
This spinoff from the Rockton series continued in the same vein. It was a good read, but the previous series kept haunting me while I read it.
I received an arc from Netgalley.
You knew it wasn't going to be easy! Worth it? Yes. Easy? Not a chance. Even before the first people move to the new town, murder and mayhem ensue. Casey and Eric walk into a double disappearance, a murdered woman who turns out to be an extra layer of mystery and a cranky site manager. I like the new cast of characters in this book, it refreshes the series. Combining the new and old will make for some interesting situations to come, I'm sure. Being able to build this new town from scratch the way they want is exciting and nerve wracking for our dynamic duo. There is still the fear they won't be able to pull if off and that the whole endeavor will fall apart around their ears.
The mystery itself is an interesting one. Where did the missing workers go and why? How did they end up with an extra body? The first Haven's Rock book kept my interest, which is no mean feat for a series that has gone on this long. I haven't found myself getting bored with the characters and the mysteries are staying fresh and interesting. This change up breathes new life into the series without losing the features that made it great. Can't wait for more!!
We were all sad to see Rockford end. But they guys have picked up and moved to a new, secure location. With an almost unlimited budget, the new town is almost ready when a couple of workers go missing.
Haven’s Rock is the new town deep in the Yukon. Built for people to disappear. Casey and Eric have been called in early to find the missing workers. What they find are death and mystery.
The only rule everyone must follow while the build is going on is to Stay Out of The Forest! But there are always some people who can’t follow the rules and in this case, it may get them killed and the town put in jeopardy.
When they find a body it’s a shock to realize it is not one of their people. Who is it? And how many people are roaming around the Yukon?
In a place full of suspicious characters it may be hard to get to the truth. And with bodies piling up, the town may never open.
I am so happy to see these two characters again. Always a pleasure.
NetGalley/February 21st, 2023 by Minotaur Books SMP
This book took me a bit to finish! I'm glad I picked it back up, it ended up being a really good book! It had suspense, intrigue, action, murder, and a mysterious who done it! The storyline was very interesting and had me glued to my Kindle! I will definitely recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!
If you loved the Rockton series like I did than you’ll be happy to know that this new spin off does not disappoint! I was so excited when I got approved for an eARC! A lot of our favourite characters will be joining Casey and Eric in Haven’s Rock. I’ve always loved the premise of these books, a secret town hidden deep in the Yukon where people go when they need to hide. There is always a mystery to solve and I love trying to figure it out! I really enjoyed this book and with a new location, some new characters and new problems to face it brings freshness to this series. I’m looking forward to reading the next book and so happy that Kelley Armstrong decided to continue Casey & Eric’s story!
I loved it! They're back and that's all that matters. It's the same terrific storyline and I enjoyed it just as much as all the others in the preceding series. Casey and Dalton have a serious "no bones about it" stance on most things to keep everyone in line. Especially about respecting the forest. They have a knack for understanding people's motivations and getting to the bottom of situations. I can't get enough of this series! Kelley Armstrong is my favorite author. Everything she writes is always, ALWAYS top notch.
Thank you to NetGalley for sharing this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I was so sad when my beloved Rockton was dismantled and the members of the town went their separate ways. But I was THRILLED that Kelley Armstrong didn't make us wait too long before reuniting some of them in their new home: Haven's Rock.
In this first installment of the new series, we're reunited with Casey and Dalton as they're sent out to check on their new town, and end up investigating multiple missing persons and a murder. They soon realize they need help, and are joined by a few old friends.
I loved this book. I love the setting and the characters, and I love that since it's a new series, we're not being constantly reminded of how the characters got to where they currently are. I loved some of the newer characters, and I really loved the slightly more relaxed Dalton. The book feels comfortable, and even though the plot is similar to the plots of the Rockton novels, it feels fresh. Their new home comes with new dangers, and it's a nice change of pace.
I did feel there were a few too many people caught up in the mystery, and it was more complicated than it needed to be, but this was a great start to the new series, and I'm already eagerly anticipating the next installment!
Book Review
Murder at Havens Rock by Kelley Armstrong
Same Rockton vibes ,Same Casey and Dalton, Anders, Isabel etc
A few new faces (Kendra, Gunnar, Yolanda) , A new town, A few new neighbours
Binged this read in 3 hrs. Loved the Rockton series and soo happy with the fresh start at Havens Rock. The future is bright for this renewed series.
Thanks to @minotaur_books and @netgalley for my gifted ecopy in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC of this book. I chose to review it and this in no way impacts my opinion of it.
When I saw Murder at Haven’s Rock up on Netgalley for review, I hit request unbelievably fast. I never honestly thought I stood a chance of being accepted but when I did, I was beyond excited. Kelley Armstrong is my absolute favourite author, so it is a dream come true to receive a review copy of one of her books.
I was very sad when I finished reading the last book in the Rockton series because I’ve loved revisiting Rockton each year for the past 7 years so when I heard that there would be a spin-off series, I was on cloud 9. Getting the chance to read and review the first book in the series? I’ve never been happier.
The novel opens with Casey and Eric building a new “Rockton” after the original closed down. They intend for this to be a safe haven for those in need but things don’t go as planned. The town is still under construction when two of the construction workers go missing. When Casey and Eric begin searching and find a dead body, they immediately begin an investigation.
This novel was the perfect opener to a new spin-off series. It had it all: mystery, suspense, and the excitement we’ve all come to love in the original Rockton series. Armstrong has once again wrote a suspenseful mystery that leaves you guessing until the last page. The only thing I disliked about reading this novel was that I now need to wait until 2024 for the second book in the series. If you loved the Rockton series, you'll definitely enjoy Murder at Haven's Rock.
I was really sad when Rockton was dismantled so I was excited when Haven’s Rock was taking shape. The town is coming together nicely. Dalton and Casey arrive early for a visit only to find there are two missing people from the construction crew and they are tasked with finding them alive. In the search for the missing crew they find a body and it feels like Rockton all over again. There are old and new characters and it’s a lot of fun to see it all coming together. I enjoyed this story immensely and am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martins Press and Kelley Armstrong for this ARC. One word..YES! Though I thought this started a bit slow, it certainly picked up…lots of characters, lots of storylines and lots of thrilling “adventures”. I can’t wait for the next installment of this series. 5 stars
I just reviewed Murder at Haven's Rock by Kelley Armstrong. #NetGalley. All I can say is WOW! Kelley has done it again. I love all the twists and turns in the plot. I look forward to reading the next adventure and seeing how Casey and Dalton run Havens Rock
Since I am such a fan of the original Rockton series, I am not surprised at all that I enjoyed this book. It had all the mystery and twists and turns I have come to expect from Kelley Armstrong. But it was also a great sort of reset for this series. Since the plot of the Rockton books had begun to get so big by the end. The cast of characters was so large you could no longer fit everyone in every story. By starting over somewhere new the story gained a new focus and was better for it. This book did a great job of keeping the characters we have grown to love and placing them in a new environment that will sure to be full of brand new fun and exciting mysteries in the books to come. If you loved the Rockton series or any of Kelley’s writing in the past, you will love this book.
Murder at Haven's Rock is a follow on to Armstrong's Rockton series. My personal suggestion is that if you haven't read that series, you should do so before reading this book. The first book in the Rockton series is City of the Lost.
I was so excited when I found out that Armstrong was (kind of) continuing her Rockton series, because I really enjoyed those books. That being said, this book is just as good as the others. The plot is fast paced and keeps you guessing to the end. Armstrong introduces some new characters, and reminiscent of her Rockton days, they all have secrets and ulterior motives, not all of which are revealed. It's a solid plot, with a good setting and strong characters.
My only complaint is a bit hypocritical. I really wanted the Rockton series to continue, but now that it has, I'm wondering where else it can go. I didn't realize until I was about halfway through the book that while I wanted more of the characters, the circumstances they continuously find themselves in are wearing a bit thin. It all seems a bit repetitive, and I hope that future books find a way to branch out a feel fresh. If anyone can do that, I think Armstrong can.
Short summary: If you haven't read the Rockton series, you should read that first. If you are a fan of the series, this will feel like a cozy visit with some much loved friends.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, all opinions are given freely.
Thank you NetGalley, Kelley Armstrong and her team for the advance copy. It was so amazing to return to these characters. I have loved every mystery in rockton and Casey trying to solve it. Now this time it felt a little different, besides being in a new town. This first crime and mystery feels like the start of a very big big problem that Casey and Dawson were not expecting when building their dream town! But as well the twist and turns I was not expecting, but loved every moment. Would highly recommend if you read the Rockton series, but even more if you love a good mystery with amazing characters.