Book Seven in this series does not disappoint, actually I think this may be the best in the series. Fern comes into her own as an FBI Agent in this intriguing mystery and the characters of Port Sterling are engaging. I can't wait for the next installment.

This book was gripping and hard to put down. It didn't feel like everything else you see out there, it felt very fresh. I really enjoyed this book!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Cold Rock Island", the seventh book in Kay Jennings' Port Stirling mysteries.
How did Hiroshi Matsuda end up hanging from the rafters in an airplane hangar on Cold Rock Island - the former military installation where he had served previous to it's eventual sale to a reclusive billionaire? And how is it that no one on the Island knew he was there - or why? These are just some of the questions that Fern Byrne, in her official capacity as State Department representative and her husband, Police Chief Matt Horning must answer in this novel full of lies and obfuscations. Was it really suicide? Or was it murder? And if murder, who? and why?
As with all of Kay Jennings' Port Stirling mysteries, this one is painstakingly investigated, with Fern and her boss even bringing in the big guns, in the person of the Secretary and the Coast Guard.
On the homefront, Port Stiirling's newest hire cannot seem to escape her previous domestic situation - with painful and horrific results. (I have to admit, I found the violence difficult to handle and may have skipped over some small bits).
As always, I was hopelessly hooked on the mystery right from the beginning until the surprising end.
Highly recommended for fans of well-crafted, suspenseful mysteries. Could be read as a standalone, but the whole series is well worth the investment of time, in order to get to know all of the 'players'.

“Cold Rock Island” by Kay Jennings is the latest gripping installment in the Port Stirling Mystery series, a book that masterfully intertwines suspense and intricate character development to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Set against the backdrop of a private island off the Oregon coast, Jennings introduces us to a world of wealth, power, and secrecy. The discovery of Hiroshi Matsuda’s body, a military hero with ties to the island, sets off a chain of events that pulls Police Chief Matt Horning and State Department Special Agent Fern Byrne into a whirlwind investigation that reaches the highest levels of government.

Jennings’ writing is sharp and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the rugged Pacific landscape that mirrors the tumultuous journey of the characters. The author has a knack for creating a sense of place so tangible, it almost becomes a character in its own right. The narrative is well-paced, with Jennings doling out clues and red herrings in equal measure, ensuring that the mystery remains just that until the very end.

The strength of “Cold Rock Island” lies not just in its plot but also in its characters. Jennings has crafted a cast that is both relatable and enigmatic. Chief Horning and Agent Byrne are a dynamic duo, their partnership marked by a blend of professional respect and personal tension that adds depth to their shared quest for the truth. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, from the enigmatic billionaire Rohn Reid to the ambitious new detective Tamryn Gesicki, each adding layers to the unfolding drama.

What sets this book apart is its ability to balance the thrill of the mystery with the human element. Jennings doesn’t shy away from exploring the emotional landscapes of her characters, making their struggles and triumphs resonate with the reader. It’s this emotional core that elevates “Cold Rock Island” from a mere mystery to a story about the complexities of human nature and the lengths we go to protect our secrets.

In conclusion, “Cold Rock Island” is a must-read for fans of the genre. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and a setting that transports you to the stormy Oregon coast, Kay Jennings has delivered a mystery that is both satisfyingly complex and deeply human. Whether you’re a longtime follower of the series or a newcomer, this book is a captivating addition to the Port Stirling saga.

Another really great mystery book that had me really thinking I knew everything and then realizing I was off, which is a kudos to the author for great writing. I think there was a lot going on in the book though it wasn’t too much that you couldn’t stay with it and I love that we had 2 mysteries all in one.

Cold Rock Island, not the best book in this series but still an interesting police procedural. Matt and Fern continue to be the focus of the action, but the supporting characters are well developed and complement the story. I received an ARC from NetGalley, and the opinions expressed are my own.

Police Chief Matt Horning and State Department Special Agent Fern Byrne return in a thrilling tale of international intrigue that begins with a heartbreaking death on a mysterious island in the Pacific Ocean, and ends up on powerful desks in Washington, D.C. West Coast billionaire Rohn Reid calls his old friend, the U.S. Secretary of State, to tell him he’s just found a dead body on his private island, Cold Rock Island, about thirty minutes off the southern coast of Oregon. The victim is Hiroshi Matsuda, a military hero who once worked on the island. The nearest police jurisdiction is Port Stirling, and Matt and Fern are enlisted to investigate, and are soon at odds with the billionaire and his family. But the Port Stirling PD has another problem, as new detective Tamryn Gesicki can’t seem to begin her new life in peace. In the high-powered heritage of Harlen Coben, the puzzling island death turns into a suspenseful challenge for the local law enforcement team. Will it stretch them to the limit?! Good book! Great storyline! This book had suspense, intrigue, action, murder, mystery, a crazy who done it and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my kindle! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

I’ve not read any of the other Port Stirling books but didn’t find that much of a problem. It would have been nice to know a bit more of the background but it’s not necessary and I’ll enjoy going back to read the others.
Cold Rock Island is a good police procedural story with a solid cast of characters and an interesting plot. It’s more detective work than all out action but the pace is decent and kept me entertained all the way through.

This was with a doubt the very best book in the Port Stirling series. The other books have been enjoyable, but Kay brought something a little more in this story. With that said, I would recommend reading the other books in the story first before reading this one to understand the characters, but it can be read alone.
Now, for this story, we have a locked room (or island) mystery to keep the pages turning and a second story that is more personal and more emotional. The cast of characters are using the strength of the books in this series but in this case the mystery was completely fascinating. Parts of the book read like a police procedural as our team chipped away the layers bringing clarity and truth to how our victim ended up dead when no one knew he was on the island. The story was made more compelling as we were treated to flashbacks into our victim’s mind as he too investigated. His family may have had a really well written closure at the end, but their journey too was heart rending.
Speaking of heart rending and emotions, Tamryn’s story was one that any woman in an impossible relationship could relate too. Her ending was gratifying but again she suffered at the hands of a miserable human. I personally like how the two stories were woven together. The author heightened the drama by switching stories when it got intense in one story making us read longer than planned to see what was happening next in the other story. Matt and Fern may have been the stars of the story, but it would not have worked without the rest of their law enforcement team. All the law enforcement officers and townspeople in the story are very well written. The characters complemented each other and worked very well together.
I would be remiss if I failed to mention the chuckle I got when a certain Aaron turned up in the book. Please continue this story. After that ending, we need to know what happens next. I guarantee that as long as the author keeps writing this series, I will keep reading.
Thanks to NetGalley and Paris Communications | Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to read this ARC.