Return to Breakneck Island by Tom Ryan

Breakneck Island: nestled precariously off the coast of Maple Bay, the lighthouse atop this rocky outcrop is all that stands between safe passage and nautical disaster.

For generations, the MacLeary family lived on Breakneck Island in an isolated and physically-demanding existence. One night in 1932, after a ruthless storm battered all of Maple Bay, the MacLearys disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only whispers of a missing fortune. 

Nearly a century later, three people are drawn to Breakneck Island and its perplexing past: Peter Barnett, a recent Maple Bay transplant who’s piecing his life back together and possibly catching feelings for a charming professor; Dandy Feltzen, a wistful teenage girl searching for new beginnings while juggling the arrival of an unexpected visitor; and Cass Jones, a successful author given a cryptic tip for a haunting new story.  

As Peter, Dandy, and Cass are drawn into the orbit of one of Maple Bay’s darkest mysteries, dangers past and present collide on the rocky shores of Breakneck Island, and the real story of the MacLearys finally comes into focus. But if the island is to reveal its oldest secrets, it may demand fresh bodies in return.

 

This was a fun sequel to the previous book and brings the gang back together, even if they don’t get to spend too much time with one another throughout the book. Since the characters and their backstories are from a previous book, it does help to have read it since the treasure and their exploits and the book written about it need context.

Cookie Dodge (what a name!) has some information for Cass about a secret treasure and a family that disappeared, but she vanishes before she can share it. Also entering the picture is Dandy’s deadbeat dad, Dodge, and Dandy is not happy to see him.

Peter is still trying to sort out Bellwoods and an artefact coming from there could point them to the answer of the family from the lighthouse’s disappearance. Plus he is dealing with the tension between Victor and Kate with the job tasks he has given them and the signals that Victor seems to be sending his way.

Dandy and Parker’s relationship is growing closer, and Bryson needs to sort out the fallout from the diving incident.

Add in the Obelisk Treasure that is still missing and you have a treasure mystery galore!

I enjoyed the two timelines and how they intersected and the mystery of the MacLearys is well thought out.

The writing is so easy to read and you can literally fly through it. The places are well depicted and when the rocks are described around the island, it feels as though you are there rowing and trying to navigate the swells. The characters feel real, as though you have been invited into their lives and are not just reading a book, and even though you have to take some incidents with a pinch of salt, it’s still well worth the read.

The book ends with a setup for the third, so we know we are in for another adventure. I can’t wait!

Thanks to NetGalley, Grove Atlantic, and the author for an advanced reader copy.