“INTRIGUES FROM START TO FINISH AS THE THREE ARCS INTERTWINE AND RACE TO A FINAL SHOWDOWN.” –Shelf Awareness, (Starred Review) Bestselling author Peter May returns to the Hebrides in a gripping new mystery about an investigation into three mysterious, interconnected crimes
On the remote Isle of Harris in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, a man washes up on a deserted beach, hypothermic and … washes up on a deserted beach, hypothermic and completely disoriented. He has no idea who he is or how he got there.
The only clue to his condition is a map of the island showing a desolate, ancient path called the Coffin Road. With a sense of dread and no clear idea what lies at the other end, he knows he must follow the trail if he has any hope of discovering his identity.
Meanwhile, homicide detective George Gunn makes the rough ocean crossing to a remote, sea-battered lighthouse, despite its isolation, the tiny island has seen its share of tragedy: more than a century earlier, three lighthouse keepers disappeared, never to be seen or heard from again. And now there is a new tragedy, and Gunn must figure out what happened.
At the same time, a teenage girl lies in her Edinburgh bedroom, desperate to discover the truth about her father’s death. Two years after the discovery of the pioneering scientist’s suicide note, Karen Fleming still cannot accept that her father would willingly abandon her. And the more she discovers about the nature of his research, the more she suspects that suicide had nothing to do with it.
Coffin Road follows three perilous journeys towards one shocking truth – and the realization that ignorance can kill us.
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The talent of P’eter May shows in this book. Its twists and turns kept me awake until three in the morning, and the denouement (new work learned) is a real shock. I’m usually good at figuring out endings so this was a treat.
Actually, I would recommend all of Peter May’s books, but this one was a real page turner.
I really enjoyed this book. Imagine waking up on a beach, wearing only a life jacket, and having no memory of who you are or anything about your life. Instinct tells you to be cautious and to act as if you’re fine. Over time, you discover the person people believe you to be is not who you really are at all.
Coffin Road is a page turner with a solid plot. The only complaint I had deals with a subplot where a girl struggles to come to terms with the suicide of her father. This part of the story was integral to the plot but slowed the overall tempo for me. When I finished I had a nagging question and I’m wondering if others had it as well. Overall, a great stand alone and highly recommended. Also, I give a shout out to Peter May for drawing attention to a global issue that is being overlooked but is of great importance!
Imagine washing up on a beach suffering from hypothermia and with no memory. Imagine arriving home, with no idea of your name, what your face looks like and not knowing the sound of your voice. Then imagine the dawning possibility that you might be a murderer. This is the starting premise of The Coffin Road, and it hooked me from the outset. I am a big fan of Peter May and enjoyed the Lewis trilogy and Entry point, so I fully expected to enjoy this book and it did not disappoint. May’s books are engaging and readable. He clearly researches his subject matter, and the paragraphs about bees were interesting and credible. It more than made up for the fact that the plot is a little implausible in places – but who wants an imagination free work of fiction anyway? Highly recommended.
Cant get enough of Peter May’s books. Highly recommend
I am not a fan of present tense or first person narrative and definitely no both together, which a large part of this book is written in. Yet somehow, here, it works. A mesmerising read that doesn’t let go from start to finish.
I really enjoy the background of the Hebrides. I almost completely like the style of Mr. Mays. I don’t enjoy the abrupt endings. (I want the afterglow.) However his endings are not cliff hangers. The intrigue, mystery and taste of romance all reach out to me. I wish I could have a read-fest on his books. It is cheeky of me to mention this. But I have champagne taste and a beer pocket book. So I will take my time. At age 70, I read to escape pain and loneliness and May’s book do entertain! Best wishes P. May!
This author writes well written plots and character development is also good. But I would caution: he uses strong language that I wish he would cut out. Not necessary for the story. Coffin Road is fact based and frightening about the future of the planet due to the decrease in honey bees. And WHY of it all is the story. Well done. Very hard to put down–riveting.
Extraordinarily fine story teller and writer. Literate and imaginative. Excellent research so all his stories ring true. Exciting, but still includes introspective studies of lives.
My second book by Peter May, and boy can he write. Definitely a little dark, which I love. There’s a lot of texture to his writing, not just a straight out story, but complications and dark skies ahead.
One glaring inconsistency that really bothered he, but otherwise this is another of his five star books. I don’t hand out five stars often – I read a lot and am not impressed easily.
Read it and tell me I’m wrong, because I’m not!