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The Treasure Hunters Club
A murder mystery set in a seaside town filled with pirate lore, family secrets, unforgiveable grudges, secret societies, and of course, a treasure lost to time.
WELCOME TO MAPLE BAY, NOVA SCOTIA
For nearly a century, people have ventured to the idyllic seaside town of Maple Bay in search of a legendary lost pirate treasure, but locals know there’s more than just gold buried in the sand. As the paths of three strangers converge in Maple Bay, the truth is about to be blown wide open. But not before the bodies start to pile up.
Peter Barnett is rapidly approaching 40 with little to show for it when a mysterious letter invites him to Maple Bay and the mansion his estranged family has called home for generations.
Seventeen-year-old Dandy Feltzen is isolated and adrift following the death of her beloved grandfather, until his final request and a tantalizing clue sets her on a mission to solve the mystery he spent his entire life chasing.
Cass Jones has given up on her dream of being a successful author when an unexpected opportunity lands in her a housesitting gig in remote Maple Bay, where she stumbles on the perfect subject matter for her breakout book—and the handsome sailor who might be just the person to help her research it.
Peter, Dandy and Cass have never met, but they’re on a collision course with each other and the mystery that has defined Maple Bay for two centuries, and none of them are prepared for the shocking truths that may or may not still be buried there.
WELCOME TO MAPLE BAY, NOVA SCOTIA
For nearly a century, people have ventured to the idyllic seaside town of Maple Bay in search of a legendary lost pirate treasure, but locals know there’s more than just gold buried in the sand. As the paths of three strangers converge in Maple Bay, the truth is about to be blown wide open. But not before the bodies start to pile up.
Peter Barnett is rapidly approaching 40 with little to show for it when a mysterious letter invites him to Maple Bay and the mansion his estranged family has called home for generations.
Seventeen-year-old Dandy Feltzen is isolated and adrift following the death of her beloved grandfather, until his final request and a tantalizing clue sets her on a mission to solve the mystery he spent his entire life chasing.
Cass Jones has given up on her dream of being a successful author when an unexpected opportunity lands in her a housesitting gig in remote Maple Bay, where she stumbles on the perfect subject matter for her breakout book—and the handsome sailor who might be just the person to help her research it.
Peter, Dandy and Cass have never met, but they’re on a collision course with each other and the mystery that has defined Maple Bay for two centuries, and none of them are prepared for the shocking truths that may or may not still be buried there.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2024
510 people are currently reading
28008 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,014 reviews
April 5, 2024
꒰ 𖦹 ⊹˚. finished.
⤿ 🐋 29 / 03 / 2024.
not even a pregnant woman could deliver the way this did. currently debating between a 4 or a 5, but thank you for themeal arc.
the treasure hunters’ club is an absolutely stunning study in family and friendship transcending time and distance. i enjoyed every moment of this.
the treasure hunters club skilfully weaves together the perspectives of three special people: forty year old Peter with no job, sharing an apartment with a bum, thirty something year old failed writer Cass, and self proclaimed teenage detective Dandy (though aptly dubbed ‘gen z Nancy Drew’ by others.) though unlikely in both circumstance and situation, these three are interconnected in something far more intricate and older than they could ever imagine, spanning all the way back to three generations ago.
the promise of a new beginning draws peter back to maple bay, fed up with his dead end life on the east coast. cass desperately needs a hard reset after her failed book publishing, and house sitting in maple bay is the perfect gig. dandy has been here her whole life, and when mystery strikes, she can’t keep herself away- especially when her instincts tell her something is up.
this was a marvellous read. it was engaging from start to finish, with easily digestible prose. though it feels a little low stakes, the title is accurate— it is a treasure hunt, just not your typical one. it’s a treasure hunt of clues and hints from decades ago, a trail of letters and notebooks and torn out pages to piece together a mystery that’s been long since buried in the beach. each character is uniquely likeable in their own way. the twists at the end- i did NOT see them coming at all, and that’s the best thing about reading a good mystery book: all that suspense and tension and you’re anticipating one thing, only to be utterly blindsided (in a good way) by something you never even entertained the thought of.
i only just received the arc today, but i finished it within four hours. a gloriously fun experience that’ll scratch the itch for a cozy family mystery. thank you so much for the arc: this is the best mystery i’ve read in ages. will definitely be looking out for tom ryan’s works in the future!
PS. i physically am unable to wax poetic about this. i am restricted to only one magnum opus review per month (see: babel) and i don’t have the cognitive ability anymore. just read this book- it’s really good. i am a reliable source! (not clickbait) (in true adira fashion, maybe logan paul)
⤿ 🐋 29 / 03 / 2024.
not even a pregnant woman could deliver the way this did. currently debating between a 4 or a 5, but thank you for the
the treasure hunters’ club is an absolutely stunning study in family and friendship transcending time and distance. i enjoyed every moment of this.
the treasure hunters club skilfully weaves together the perspectives of three special people: forty year old Peter with no job, sharing an apartment with a bum, thirty something year old failed writer Cass, and self proclaimed teenage detective Dandy (though aptly dubbed ‘gen z Nancy Drew’ by others.) though unlikely in both circumstance and situation, these three are interconnected in something far more intricate and older than they could ever imagine, spanning all the way back to three generations ago.
the promise of a new beginning draws peter back to maple bay, fed up with his dead end life on the east coast. cass desperately needs a hard reset after her failed book publishing, and house sitting in maple bay is the perfect gig. dandy has been here her whole life, and when mystery strikes, she can’t keep herself away- especially when her instincts tell her something is up.
this was a marvellous read. it was engaging from start to finish, with easily digestible prose. though it feels a little low stakes, the title is accurate— it is a treasure hunt, just not your typical one. it’s a treasure hunt of clues and hints from decades ago, a trail of letters and notebooks and torn out pages to piece together a mystery that’s been long since buried in the beach. each character is uniquely likeable in their own way. the twists at the end- i did NOT see them coming at all, and that’s the best thing about reading a good mystery book: all that suspense and tension and you’re anticipating one thing, only to be utterly blindsided (in a good way) by something you never even entertained the thought of.
i only just received the arc today, but i finished it within four hours. a gloriously fun experience that’ll scratch the itch for a cozy family mystery. thank you so much for the arc: this is the best mystery i’ve read in ages. will definitely be looking out for tom ryan’s works in the future!
PS. i physically am unable to wax poetic about this. i am restricted to only one magnum opus review per month (see: babel) and i don’t have the cognitive ability anymore. just read this book- it’s really good. i am a reliable source! (not clickbait) (in true adira fashion, maybe logan paul)
March 13, 2024
I already liked some of Tom Ryan’s YA books (Keep This to Yourself, I Hope You’re Listening), and when I found this book, I immediately put it on my TBR.
A small coastal town, a lost treasure, and three people who’ve never met.
The Treasure Hunters Club is a classic cozy mystery set in Nova Scotia, written from multiple narratives: Peter, the single gay almost forty-year-old; Dandy, the seventeen-year-old who just lost her grandad; and thirty-something YA author without a publisher, Cass. Peter’s is in first person, Dandy’s and Cass’ in third person. The story isn’t groundbreaking or angsty, and there’s no psychological stuff to break your brain about, but it’s very easy to read, fast-paced, warm and inviting, and the characters are all authentic and likable. And that plot twist? I thought I had figured it out until I didn’t. So unexpected!
Thank you, Grove Atlantic and NetGalley, for this ARC! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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A small coastal town, a lost treasure, and three people who’ve never met.
The Treasure Hunters Club is a classic cozy mystery set in Nova Scotia, written from multiple narratives: Peter, the single gay almost forty-year-old; Dandy, the seventeen-year-old who just lost her grandad; and thirty-something YA author without a publisher, Cass. Peter’s is in first person, Dandy’s and Cass’ in third person. The story isn’t groundbreaking or angsty, and there’s no psychological stuff to break your brain about, but it’s very easy to read, fast-paced, warm and inviting, and the characters are all authentic and likable. And that plot twist? I thought I had figured it out until I didn’t. So unexpected!
Thank you, Grove Atlantic and NetGalley, for this ARC! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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January 28, 2025
I was excited for main characters over 30 and a Cabot Cove like setting. But this turned out to be lack luster character development with an odd flow that culminated in a particularly eye rolling end.
I listened to the audiobook which was especially confusing as there were maybe 5 or 6 perspectives, only one narrator who didn't voice the characters differently and the chapters weren't attributed to a specific person at the start.
In terms of content, every character was oddly naive and it seems like no one had any concept of common sense or discretion. It was weird how an extremely wealthy person wouldn't sue for custody of her only grandchild or hire a private detective or set up a trust fund. It was strange how many people had phone conversations that were overheard instead of texting. It just over all seemed like everyone was an amateur at life.
I listened to the audiobook which was especially confusing as there were maybe 5 or 6 perspectives, only one narrator who didn't voice the characters differently and the chapters weren't attributed to a specific person at the start.
In terms of content, every character was oddly naive and it seems like no one had any concept of common sense or discretion. It was weird how an extremely wealthy person wouldn't sue for custody of her only grandchild or hire a private detective or set up a trust fund. It was strange how many people had phone conversations that were overheard instead of texting. It just over all seemed like everyone was an amateur at life.
lost-interest
December 9, 2024I've really neglected this book... I will come back for you! (hopefully)
September 23, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The Treasure Hunters Club.
Billed as a combination of The Goonies and Oak Island, this is about three very different people with ties to a hidden treasure, pulled together to discover the truth and dark secrets of the seaside town of Maple Bay.
I love The Goonies so I was stoked to read this, but the narrative was cozier than I expected, the writing YA-ish to me.
The premise was good but the story was bogged down with three different POVs, Peter, Cass and Dandy.
I didn't like any of the characters, except Dandy and Grandy, and the latter is deceased.
Peter is a dullard, as exciting as a sack of flour, and the author decides to give Cass a romantic storyline.
There doesn't need to be romance in every book!
Dandy is described as weird and strange. Why? Because she's inquisitive and asking questions and interviewing people?
This is the fault of the author, stereotyping a young woman who is strong and independent and doesn't care what others think of her, searching for answers to a mystery that has confounded their town for decades.
The story employs the all-too common literary device by providing exposition in the form of telling the readers what happened in the past with diary entries.
As a result, there's a lack of urgency and suspense, even in the present day as Dandy tries to discover where the treasure is hidden.
I'm not a fan of the twist at the end, though I kind of saw it coming.
If this had been better written, I might have appreciated the twist more.
Okay, maybe not, since Peter was SOOOO boring.
Also, the writing was repetitive and lazy; for example, Peter says 'far-fetched' a half dozen times.
Billed as a combination of The Goonies and Oak Island, this is about three very different people with ties to a hidden treasure, pulled together to discover the truth and dark secrets of the seaside town of Maple Bay.
I love The Goonies so I was stoked to read this, but the narrative was cozier than I expected, the writing YA-ish to me.
The premise was good but the story was bogged down with three different POVs, Peter, Cass and Dandy.
I didn't like any of the characters, except Dandy and Grandy, and the latter is deceased.
Peter is a dullard, as exciting as a sack of flour, and the author decides to give Cass a romantic storyline.
There doesn't need to be romance in every book!
Dandy is described as weird and strange. Why? Because she's inquisitive and asking questions and interviewing people?
This is the fault of the author, stereotyping a young woman who is strong and independent and doesn't care what others think of her, searching for answers to a mystery that has confounded their town for decades.
The story employs the all-too common literary device by providing exposition in the form of telling the readers what happened in the past with diary entries.
As a result, there's a lack of urgency and suspense, even in the present day as Dandy tries to discover where the treasure is hidden.
I'm not a fan of the twist at the end, though I kind of saw it coming.
If this had been better written, I might have appreciated the twist more.
Okay, maybe not, since Peter was SOOOO boring.
Also, the writing was repetitive and lazy; for example, Peter says 'far-fetched' a half dozen times.
November 8, 2024
The Treasure Hunters Club is the ninth novel by award-winning Canadian author, Tom Ryan. Still grieving the recent loss of her Grandy, Reg, Dandy Feltzen turns up to the meeting of the Maple Bay Historical Society following his last wish: that she take his place there, and finally solve the mystery. She has a nautical chart to sweeten the deal: turns out the Society is all about finding the legendary Obelisk Treasure buried by notoriously blood-thirsty eighteenth-Century pirate Captain Barnabas Dagger.
The Society’s ageing membership, the five offspring of the original Treasure Hunters Club, has been radically reduced with the death of Reg, whose enthusiasm was their real impetus, and the walk out of Bill Jinx and Dr Frank Oakley. Rose French is fast losing the energy to participate, and only the scion of the Bellwood family, Mirabel Bellwood Johnson still has the passion needed, freshly stimulated by the discovery of her late father, Henry’s diary.
Mirabel has finally managed to connect with her grandson and only heir after her estranged daughter eschewed all contact since his birth, forty years earlier. Now, Peter Bellwood Barnett has come to Maple Bay after a lacklustre career in Vancouver. Unfortunately, before she has a chance to tell him why his presence in Maple Bay was so essential, he finds Mirabel at the bottom of the Bellwoods ornately carved staircase.
Just as Cass is despairing the state of her life, the failure of her writing career, and the need to quit New York, an opportunity lands in her lap: a year of house-sitting (and dog-minding) in the little town of Maple Bay, Nova Scotia. Might this be the place where her second novel is born?
Two of the locals she meets, Mirabel Bellwood and Bill Jinx are spectacularly unfriendly, but the bookstore owner, the bakery owner and the librarian make up for them. And although she’s not in the market for romance since her break-up, the hot jogger she almost runs over is a welcome distraction to her writer’s block. When she learns of the Obelisk Treasure and how it attracts people to the town, she feels the beginnings of a book taking shape.
Peter, Cass and Dandy each find themselves entranced with the story of the treasure buried, found and then lost again, each learning something relevant from their particular sources, but some are more willing to share what they know than others.
When yet another member of the Society dies, Dandy is convinced that the death, and that of Mirabel, is suspicious and, after overhearing something very disturbing, even has a theory about motive. But is she putting herself in danger by sharing what she knows?
Ryan gives the reader a twisty tale of greed and betrayal, guilt and remorse, secrets and blackmail. Four separate narratives tell the story, one in the form of a journal, and another that is probably none too reliable. There’s a body count of seven before the somewhat contrived resolution.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Grove Atlantic.
The Society’s ageing membership, the five offspring of the original Treasure Hunters Club, has been radically reduced with the death of Reg, whose enthusiasm was their real impetus, and the walk out of Bill Jinx and Dr Frank Oakley. Rose French is fast losing the energy to participate, and only the scion of the Bellwood family, Mirabel Bellwood Johnson still has the passion needed, freshly stimulated by the discovery of her late father, Henry’s diary.
Mirabel has finally managed to connect with her grandson and only heir after her estranged daughter eschewed all contact since his birth, forty years earlier. Now, Peter Bellwood Barnett has come to Maple Bay after a lacklustre career in Vancouver. Unfortunately, before she has a chance to tell him why his presence in Maple Bay was so essential, he finds Mirabel at the bottom of the Bellwoods ornately carved staircase.
Just as Cass is despairing the state of her life, the failure of her writing career, and the need to quit New York, an opportunity lands in her lap: a year of house-sitting (and dog-minding) in the little town of Maple Bay, Nova Scotia. Might this be the place where her second novel is born?
Two of the locals she meets, Mirabel Bellwood and Bill Jinx are spectacularly unfriendly, but the bookstore owner, the bakery owner and the librarian make up for them. And although she’s not in the market for romance since her break-up, the hot jogger she almost runs over is a welcome distraction to her writer’s block. When she learns of the Obelisk Treasure and how it attracts people to the town, she feels the beginnings of a book taking shape.
Peter, Cass and Dandy each find themselves entranced with the story of the treasure buried, found and then lost again, each learning something relevant from their particular sources, but some are more willing to share what they know than others.
When yet another member of the Society dies, Dandy is convinced that the death, and that of Mirabel, is suspicious and, after overhearing something very disturbing, even has a theory about motive. But is she putting herself in danger by sharing what she knows?
Ryan gives the reader a twisty tale of greed and betrayal, guilt and remorse, secrets and blackmail. Four separate narratives tell the story, one in the form of a journal, and another that is probably none too reliable. There’s a body count of seven before the somewhat contrived resolution.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Grove Atlantic.
November 18, 2024
3.75 stars rounded up for this cozy mystery that follows a diverse cast of characters and a generations-old hunt for pirate treasure. The plot centers around three main POVs. First, there is Peter, the long-lost grandson who has just been invited to the grand home of the wealthy estranged grandmother he's never known. Then, there's Dandy, a ninth grader who is grieving the loss of her grandfather and only just learning about the secrets of his childhood when he and a group of boys found the widely-reported but never-found lost treasure of pirates. Their narratives are loosely tied together by Cass, a down-on-her-luck author who lands a fabulous gig housesitting in town for a year and decides to begin writing a book about the town's history.
There is quite a lot going on in this book, with many generations included, and I could have benefited from a family tree for quick reference. This made for a couple of spots where I felt a bit lost and had to pause to reorient myself, but the mystery overall held its weight. While I suspected the culprit quite early on, I was relieved to find I had it wrong!
I think this is a perfect choice for cozy mystery lovers, and while it's billed as an adult book, middle-grade (especially as a read-aloud) to young adult readers would likely do well with it, too.
There is quite a lot going on in this book, with many generations included, and I could have benefited from a family tree for quick reference. This made for a couple of spots where I felt a bit lost and had to pause to reorient myself, but the mystery overall held its weight. While I suspected the culprit quite early on, I was relieved to find I had it wrong!
I think this is a perfect choice for cozy mystery lovers, and while it's billed as an adult book, middle-grade (especially as a read-aloud) to young adult readers would likely do well with it, too.
March 31, 2024
The lure of pirate treasure has enticed many people to Maple Bay. Peter, Dandy, and Cass are three strangers drawn together by family ties to the mystery. The stakes are raised as people begin dying. They must solve the mystery and stay alive in the process. I had a blast with this book. I'm not sure if there are plans for this to be a series but I would happily read more books with this crew. The characters and town are all very interesting. There are some really good twists and turns in the mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2024
The joy when a blurb on a book's cover says "oooo there's a TWIST!!!" and you actually figure it out almost immediately, but you dismiss it because "nah that would be dumb," and then you waste hours reading it just to discover, yup, that was it, and then the author goes on and on and on and ON with a rambling explanation about how clever he was for tricking you. Oh such a clever author. 😒
Waste of time.
Waste of time.
February 15, 2025
Escaping to Maple Bay was just the trip I needed. The hunt for hidden treasure, mysterious deaths, and the reminder that the relationships we have and their memories outweigh any amount of gold.
September 2, 2024
There were a lot of characters in this book, and while I don't mind multiple mains and interconnected story lines, The Treasure Hunters Club felt lacking in depth of the characters as well as how their stories were meant to collide. It felt as though I could see the outline of a fantastic story, but was only given the major plot points. In fact, the most well fleshed out characters in the story were all deceased, with us only visiting them through memories. And as far as the treasure hunting goes.. well... There was a treasure, but where was the adventure? The thrill of the chase? As someone who is a huge fan of real life treasure hunting I was very disappointed in that respect. The twist was... Random. It was certainly surprising, but not in the feel-good "picked up on the clues" type of way, because there were no clues. It had tense moments and tender moments.. neither of which gripped me because I felt like I didn't actually know anything about the characters, or at least not enough to care. The one thing I did love about this book was the authors ability to bring Bellwoods and the town to life. Overall, a 2.5/5 ⭐
August 8, 2025
This book had a bit of an identity crisis. Some parts read like a middle-grade novel, others YA, and some adult; the writing style, tone, and direction of the story were inconsistent. The story was entertaining overall. The execution of the conclusion was mildly infuriating as it was simply told and rushed as if the author didn't know how to end things. A bookish pet peeve of mine is when the antagonist miraculously decides to explain their entire plan in depth without true provocation or tension - and that is just what happened here. Grrrrr. And the cover? Blah. 2.5 stars.
I read this book for a prompt in The Playbookers, a Facebook group that hosts monthly team challenges.
If you love active book communities, check out LiterALLy BOOKiSh Book Club (on Facebook)! Games, giveaways, discussions, reviews, bingo, swaps, pen pals, traveling books, and a lot more!
I read this book for a prompt in The Playbookers, a Facebook group that hosts monthly team challenges.
If you love active book communities, check out LiterALLy BOOKiSh Book Club (on Facebook)! Games, giveaways, discussions, reviews, bingo, swaps, pen pals, traveling books, and a lot more!
April 25, 2025
I enjoyed this book way more than I originally thought I would. This book gave me major ‘knives out’ & ‘the goonies’ vibes just mixed together. All together super fun read. A great palate cleanser book!
August 9, 2025
The Treasure Hunters Club
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑
𖥔‧₊˚ ⊹ The Obelisk treasure is the best-known and documented treasure from the Golden Age of Piracy and was said to be last seen in the small town of Maple Bay. Imagine the surprise of local teenager Dandy when she receives a letter left by her grandfather, revealing that he was part of a secret historical society on a quest to find it. The town also welcomed two newcomers: 40-year-old Peter is seeking to reconnect with his roots and meet his grandmother, who was the current heir of the Bellwood fortune, and Cass, a YA author whose pen has run dry, looking for inspiration amidst the town's scenic beauty and enigmatic lore. These three individuals, initially strangers to each other, are intertwined as a decades-old mystery emerges from the shadows, drawing them together. ✶
The story was told from three perspectives, which at times felt overwhelming due to the frequent changes without clear indications of which character was speaking. Given that the setting is a small town, it was confusing at first since the characters interacted with the same townspeople.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ It also started off slowly but picked up after around the 30% mark, and it was definitely worth the wait. I particularly loved Dandy and wished the story was solely from her perspective. I found Peter's to be okay, but I didn’t feel that Cass’s perspective was necessary. It seemed like everything that happened to her was just coincidental, so I didn’t connect with her at all.
I’ve made my best attempt to capture the essence of the book, and I have to say, the mystery was truly captivating and new, plus that plot twist— WOW, it left me gasping . The formatting also could have been better, but I understand that I received a raw, unedited copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, Grove Atlantic, and of course, Tom Ryan for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Please remember that this opinion is my own. The book will be published on October 2024 ⭑.ᐟ
༘˚⋆｡⋆𖦹.✧˚
𐙚 pre-read: another arc! looking forward to reading from authors that i'm not familiar with and explore other genres 💭
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑
𖥔‧₊˚ ⊹ The Obelisk treasure is the best-known and documented treasure from the Golden Age of Piracy and was said to be last seen in the small town of Maple Bay. Imagine the surprise of local teenager Dandy when she receives a letter left by her grandfather, revealing that he was part of a secret historical society on a quest to find it. The town also welcomed two newcomers: 40-year-old Peter is seeking to reconnect with his roots and meet his grandmother, who was the current heir of the Bellwood fortune, and Cass, a YA author whose pen has run dry, looking for inspiration amidst the town's scenic beauty and enigmatic lore. These three individuals, initially strangers to each other, are intertwined as a decades-old mystery emerges from the shadows, drawing them together. ✶
The story was told from three perspectives, which at times felt overwhelming due to the frequent changes without clear indications of which character was speaking. Given that the setting is a small town, it was confusing at first since the characters interacted with the same townspeople.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ It also started off slowly but picked up after around the 30% mark, and it was definitely worth the wait. I particularly loved Dandy and wished the story was solely from her perspective. I found Peter's to be okay, but I didn’t feel that Cass’s perspective was necessary. It seemed like everything that happened to her was just coincidental, so I didn’t connect with her at all.
I’ve made my best attempt to capture the essence of the book, and I have to say, the mystery was truly captivating and new, plus that plot twist— WOW, it left me gasping . The formatting also could have been better, but I understand that I received a raw, unedited copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, Grove Atlantic, and of course, Tom Ryan for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Please remember that this opinion is my own. The book will be published on October 2024 ⭑.ᐟ
༘˚⋆｡⋆𖦹.✧˚
𐙚 pre-read: another arc! looking forward to reading from authors that i'm not familiar with and explore other genres 💭
September 4, 2024
This book was so good! From the synopsis, I was expecting more Goonies treasure hunting, but I got more mystery that felt like Knives Out, which did not disappoint me at all. It actually made me enjoy the book even more. I loved how the author setup each chapter, telling the story from a different character's POV and in journal entries. It made the story feel more well-rounded and more exciting for the reader. Each MC was very well developed and strong. I enjoyed reading from their perspectives. The treasure story and lore felt real to me. The author did an amazing job of providing specific details about how the treasure came to be.
Not only do we get a mystery story filled with murder and Nancy Drew style investigation, but also we get a treasure hunting story filled with intrigue and excitement. I had such a great time reading it! Also, I normally guess twists in books, but I was completely blindsided by the big twist toward the end of the book. I did not see it coming, and it made perfect sense, which I think just shows the high caliber writing abilities of the author.
All-in-all, I think Tom Ryan is a master at creating a fun mystery that all readers can enjoy. I highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Not only do we get a mystery story filled with murder and Nancy Drew style investigation, but also we get a treasure hunting story filled with intrigue and excitement. I had such a great time reading it! Also, I normally guess twists in books, but I was completely blindsided by the big twist toward the end of the book. I did not see it coming, and it made perfect sense, which I think just shows the high caliber writing abilities of the author.
All-in-all, I think Tom Ryan is a master at creating a fun mystery that all readers can enjoy. I highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
August 27, 2024
a murder mystery set in Nova Scotia, Canada with family secrets, hunting for pirate treasure, and triple POV.
"I was worried about what he knew. I couldn't take a risk of him getting to the treasure ahead of me."
it is unique to find a book with a triple POV and i was loving it! and nothing would prepare me for the plot twist - VERY twisty. chapters are mostly short which makes it fun to read.
we've got three main characters - a GEN Z Nancy Drew - Dandy, an heir to a very wealthy family (which he previously didn't even know) - Peter and a writer who is housesitting for family friends - Cass. all of them are looking for the hidden treasure from a pirate ship but each of them has a different reason why - Dandy wants to continue what her Grandpa did, Peter is trying to learn his family story and Cass wants to write a book.
without further ado, I recommend the book as an evening read in the early autumn as the setting is perfect.
Big thank you to Grove Atlantic, Atlantic Monthly Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
"I was worried about what he knew. I couldn't take a risk of him getting to the treasure ahead of me."
it is unique to find a book with a triple POV and i was loving it! and nothing would prepare me for the plot twist - VERY twisty. chapters are mostly short which makes it fun to read.
we've got three main characters - a GEN Z Nancy Drew - Dandy, an heir to a very wealthy family (which he previously didn't even know) - Peter and a writer who is housesitting for family friends - Cass. all of them are looking for the hidden treasure from a pirate ship but each of them has a different reason why - Dandy wants to continue what her Grandpa did, Peter is trying to learn his family story and Cass wants to write a book.
without further ado, I recommend the book as an evening read in the early autumn as the setting is perfect.
Big thank you to Grove Atlantic, Atlantic Monthly Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
February 16, 2025
It is evident that Tom Ryan is not primarily an adult fiction author. His writing is so incredibly middle grade toned; someone needs to tell him that dropping a few F-bombs in the prose does not elevate it to adult standards. This is still written as a middle grade story: multiple POV's that are short and choppy; so freaking predictable; super silly romance; and the unveiling of the mystery in the tropiest way possible: a journal. Also, this book is slooooowww. Very uninteresting. Seriously, unless you are 13 years old, skip it. (ps-I listened to the audio and I give the reader a D-, every single character sounded exactly the same)
October 31, 2024
This started off really great. It seemed like an interesting premise, and I couldn't wait to see where it led.The problem is the story never really went anywhere. For a book called The Treasure Hunters Club, there was very little actual treasure hunting. I still probably would have given it 4 stars right up until the very end, but the final scene drops it down to a three.
April 21, 2025
Two things I would have wanted to know before reading Tom Ryan's The Treasure Hunters Club:
One. There is no adventure here. Don't let the title or cover fool you! This is NOT an adventure story. It's a small-town mystery. I was expecting something flavored a bit more like Uncharted minus the guns and bad guys, but this is not anything like that at all.
In fact, and this is not a spoiler, but the titular Treasure Hunters Club does not even exist on page because most of its members were dead before the book even started!
Two. This mystery is unsolvable. By that I mean you, as a reader, will not be able to solve this one. The author withholds information from and deceives the reader, so if you don't like that, steer clear.
Most of this mystery unravels through expository journal entries, a pet peeve of mine because it results in all telling and no showing. And then there's a ton of literal telling where characters learn information from having conversations with people in town. Ugh.
So, it's exactly the opposite of the adventure I was expecting. But there's a vibe here for sure.
The best part of this book, by a mile, is Dandy, a teenage sleuth connected to the mystery/murders. I probably would have enjoyed this more if she had been the primary protagonist.
I liked that the other characters are mature adults, not twenty somethings. I loved that this is set in a small, costal town with fishy restaurants, hardwood mansions, independent bookstores, and Nova Scotian niceness.
But most of the characters here are a combination of both flat and cartoonish. None of them were particularly good or bad, all of them falling kind of dead center of serviceable. And sure, that isn't the best compliment, I know, but it's what I got.
I will say, though, that this book has really bad Written-by-a-Man Syndrome. Some of the female characters here are... annoying in way only a man can write. For example:
Um. This is not what being a girl's girl is all about, sir.
Also, guess what Cass does literally 2 pages later????
I swear to god, she's driving distracted by her thoughts and nearly runs a jogger down. Her immediate reaction:
Baahahaha!!! Maybe I'd buy this from a sexually frustrated teenager, but Cass is mid-30's and has been banging on about how she doesn't want to date since we met her. It's just like a man to think that a woman, freshly traumatized after a close call with a car accident, would stop dead in her tracks and pivot her personality to focus on some Hunky McMuscles because of his "comfortable slouch" (while jogging btw) and scruffy hair. No, just no.
Another no for me here was the way this book ended.
A warning: there is a SHOCKING TWIST toward the end of this that comes from left field. It relies on the author being deceptive and, as a result, may piss readers off, so be careful of that. But personally, I thought this book was so mid, I honestly just didn't care enough to be pissed about it.
What brought this down below the midline was the exposition at the end. Once again, we get a lengthy journal entry expositing everything to us. And what isn't covered there is exposited to use through dialogue and these characters feeling the need to summarize and review everything that happened as if I didn't just read exactly all of that.
I really hated how this book tried to explain every stupid detail on the who's and why's of it all. When everything is this unserious, it feels pandering to try to rationalize it.
I'm rating Tom Ryan's The Treasure Hunters Club 2.75 out of 5 stars.
If you're in the mood for a low-stakes mystery that is far more of a scenic drive than a rollercoaster, this one might be for you. Just know there will be bumps along the way and the destination isn't quite worth the trip.
One. There is no adventure here. Don't let the title or cover fool you! This is NOT an adventure story. It's a small-town mystery. I was expecting something flavored a bit more like Uncharted minus the guns and bad guys, but this is not anything like that at all.
In fact, and this is not a spoiler, but the titular Treasure Hunters Club does not even exist on page because most of its members were dead before the book even started!
Two. This mystery is unsolvable. By that I mean you, as a reader, will not be able to solve this one. The author withholds information from and deceives the reader, so if you don't like that, steer clear.
Most of this mystery unravels through expository journal entries, a pet peeve of mine because it results in all telling and no showing. And then there's a ton of literal telling where characters learn information from having conversations with people in town. Ugh.
So, it's exactly the opposite of the adventure I was expecting. But there's a vibe here for sure.
The best part of this book, by a mile, is Dandy, a teenage sleuth connected to the mystery/murders. I probably would have enjoyed this more if she had been the primary protagonist.
I liked that the other characters are mature adults, not twenty somethings. I loved that this is set in a small, costal town with fishy restaurants, hardwood mansions, independent bookstores, and Nova Scotian niceness.
But most of the characters here are a combination of both flat and cartoonish. None of them were particularly good or bad, all of them falling kind of dead center of serviceable. And sure, that isn't the best compliment, I know, but it's what I got.
I will say, though, that this book has really bad Written-by-a-Man Syndrome. Some of the female characters here are... annoying in way only a man can write. For example:
Cass isn't sure how to respond to that, but she laughs. "I'm just joking, girl. I'm the clingy weirdo, how'm'ever, I know all the single men in town, so I can definitely help you get laid, although if you're looking for something serious, you might want to manage your expectations. The guys around here aren't really the marrying type, if you catch my drift."
Cass laughs. "Trust me, I'm coming off a bad breakup. Dating, serious or otherwise, is not on my agenda." (p.77)
Um. This is not what being a girl's girl is all about, sir.
Also, guess what Cass does literally 2 pages later????
I swear to god, she's driving distracted by her thoughts and nearly runs a jogger down. Her immediate reaction:
As he steps forward again, lifting a hand, Cass's irritation dissolves and she almost forgets about the last few minutes, because this guy? This guy is hot, hot, hot. Tall and lean, with a tousled shock of dirty-blonde hair, a couple days' worth of scruff, and an easy, comfortable slouch. (p.79)
Baahahaha!!! Maybe I'd buy this from a sexually frustrated teenager, but Cass is mid-30's and has been banging on about how she doesn't want to date since we met her. It's just like a man to think that a woman, freshly traumatized after a close call with a car accident, would stop dead in her tracks and pivot her personality to focus on some Hunky McMuscles because of his "comfortable slouch" (while jogging btw) and scruffy hair. No, just no.
Another no for me here was the way this book ended.
A warning: there is a SHOCKING TWIST toward the end of this that comes from left field. It relies on the author being deceptive and, as a result, may piss readers off, so be careful of that. But personally, I thought this book was so mid, I honestly just didn't care enough to be pissed about it.
What brought this down below the midline was the exposition at the end. Once again, we get a lengthy journal entry expositing everything to us. And what isn't covered there is exposited to use through dialogue and these characters feeling the need to summarize and review everything that happened as if I didn't just read exactly all of that.
I really hated how this book tried to explain every stupid detail on the who's and why's of it all. When everything is this unserious, it feels pandering to try to rationalize it.
I'm rating Tom Ryan's The Treasure Hunters Club 2.75 out of 5 stars.
If you're in the mood for a low-stakes mystery that is far more of a scenic drive than a rollercoaster, this one might be for you. Just know there will be bumps along the way and the destination isn't quite worth the trip.
May 27, 2024
I had a really fun time with “The Treasure Hunters Club” by Tom Ryan. It was a nice light read that cleansed my pallet. I enjoyed reading about the characters, and uncovering small town drama.
I love how the town was depicted by Ryan. I had a lot of fun experiencing all of the different people and places that made up this small town in Nova Scotia. It had all of the characters you could hope for: a loveable grandfather, a rich and closed off grandmother, a scrappy young detective, and a busy body.
If you aren’t a fan of very modern references placed in a book these are definitely present. Mentions of 4chan, the steve buscemi “how do you do fellow kids” meme, and Emily in Paris are just a few. However, the book wasn’t so full of them that it was hard to read.
The ending section of the book was the highlight. Before this, I had felt that the book was somewhat lacking in the twists and turns that I desired. However, the twist brought the story together. It made a lot of aspects of the book make sense.
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love how the town was depicted by Ryan. I had a lot of fun experiencing all of the different people and places that made up this small town in Nova Scotia. It had all of the characters you could hope for: a loveable grandfather, a rich and closed off grandmother, a scrappy young detective, and a busy body.
If you aren’t a fan of very modern references placed in a book these are definitely present. Mentions of 4chan, the steve buscemi “how do you do fellow kids” meme, and Emily in Paris are just a few. However, the book wasn’t so full of them that it was hard to read.
The ending section of the book was the highlight. Before this, I had felt that the book was somewhat lacking in the twists and turns that I desired. However, the twist brought the story together. It made a lot of aspects of the book make sense.
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
October 11, 2024All I need to hear for a book is that it’s like Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone and I’ll snatch it off the shelves so fast. An instant add to my TBR. Can’t wait to pick it up.
November 21, 2024
4.75 🌟
What a fantastic book! I picked this up from the library purely for the pretty cover, I didn't even read the synopsis. What a great find. I would classify this as a cozy mystery similar to Benjamin Stevenson style Everyone in my Family Has Killed Someone. I was hooked from the start and pleasantly surprised by the twist and ending. Highly recommend!
What a fantastic book! I picked this up from the library purely for the pretty cover, I didn't even read the synopsis. What a great find. I would classify this as a cozy mystery similar to Benjamin Stevenson style Everyone in my Family Has Killed Someone. I was hooked from the start and pleasantly surprised by the twist and ending. Highly recommend!
October 22, 2024
3 stars
This book was described as a modern day treasure hunt story, while there was a treasure it was more a murder mystery/ thriller. The writing was interesting and had some pretty good pacing, there were a couple lulls. There were a lot of character perspectives we followed, so it took a lot to keep everything straight. There was one character that was like a filler character, she did not have an impact in the plot, she was just there. I did like the mystery and the twist; those were great and did not see them coming. I really wanted more treasure hunting and following the clues, that was what was really missing in this book. Overall, this book was fine and entertaining in several aspects, but it was really missing some elements for me.
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.
This book was described as a modern day treasure hunt story, while there was a treasure it was more a murder mystery/ thriller. The writing was interesting and had some pretty good pacing, there were a couple lulls. There were a lot of character perspectives we followed, so it took a lot to keep everything straight. There was one character that was like a filler character, she did not have an impact in the plot, she was just there. I did like the mystery and the twist; those were great and did not see them coming. I really wanted more treasure hunting and following the clues, that was what was really missing in this book. Overall, this book was fine and entertaining in several aspects, but it was really missing some elements for me.
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.
May 14, 2024
WELCOME TO MAPLE BAY, NOVA SCOTIA
I definitely picked up this book when I saw the location! I currently live in Nova Scotia so reading a treasure hunt mystery book set locally definitely intrigued me! I also feel like a treasure hunt book is the perfect summer read full of adventure and excitement!
The plot of “the treasure hunters club” follows three characters whose life events cause their paths to cross. They find themselves on the hunt for treasure and the rest you’ll have to find out for yourself!
I enjoyed the chapters swapping POV of the characters and seeing how they started out knowing where they were going to end up.
I also loved the sprinkling of history in this book and seeing the back story and family history, background on the community and relationships that spanned over decades.
“ Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone meets The Goonies in The Treasure Hunters Club—a rollicking murder mystery set in a seaside town filled with pirate lore, family secrets, unforgiveable grudges, secret societies, and of course, a treasure lost to time.”
Thank you to Grove Atlantic, Tom Ryan and NetGalley for the EARC!
Publish date: October 15th
I definitely picked up this book when I saw the location! I currently live in Nova Scotia so reading a treasure hunt mystery book set locally definitely intrigued me! I also feel like a treasure hunt book is the perfect summer read full of adventure and excitement!
The plot of “the treasure hunters club” follows three characters whose life events cause their paths to cross. They find themselves on the hunt for treasure and the rest you’ll have to find out for yourself!
I enjoyed the chapters swapping POV of the characters and seeing how they started out knowing where they were going to end up.
I also loved the sprinkling of history in this book and seeing the back story and family history, background on the community and relationships that spanned over decades.
“ Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone meets The Goonies in The Treasure Hunters Club—a rollicking murder mystery set in a seaside town filled with pirate lore, family secrets, unforgiveable grudges, secret societies, and of course, a treasure lost to time.”
Thank you to Grove Atlantic, Tom Ryan and NetGalley for the EARC!
Publish date: October 15th
April 28, 2024
This was an absolute delight to read.
The characters are all very well-rounded, and I'm a sucker for a young girl making everything happen. My family comes from NS which hooked me initially, and the small-town vibes were pretty spot-on.
A very easy and super quick read—perfect for the vacation I bought it to. Not stressful at all nor super complex, but was definitely a page-turner and kept me interested the whole time.
I haven't read anything from Tom Ryan other than this, so looking forward into reading more!
Thank you Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for this review.
The characters are all very well-rounded, and I'm a sucker for a young girl making everything happen. My family comes from NS which hooked me initially, and the small-town vibes were pretty spot-on.
A very easy and super quick read—perfect for the vacation I bought it to. Not stressful at all nor super complex, but was definitely a page-turner and kept me interested the whole time.
I haven't read anything from Tom Ryan other than this, so looking forward into reading more!
Thank you Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for this review.
March 21, 2024
Thank you to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for making this title available ahead of the publication date. It's always a great opportunity to read books ahead of the masses!
This particular book was not to my liking. It was very predictable and held little interest for me. It read quickly and the setting was nice, but I thought the editing was off. Too many british-isms, when the book was clearly set in North America.
This particular book was not to my liking. It was very predictable and held little interest for me. It read quickly and the setting was nice, but I thought the editing was off. Too many british-isms, when the book was clearly set in North America.
November 24, 2024
3.75 Stars. I had not read any of Tom Ryan’s earlier novels, but with The Treasure Hunters Club being marketed as Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone (one of my top reads in 2023) meets The Goonies (a much-loved movie from my childhood) I could not pass up the chance to read it.
In terms of the nostalgic feel I was hoping for, Ryan has delivered in spades; weaving so many well-worn crime mystery tropes plus a healthy serving of pop culture references into this story. The similarities to Nancy Drew (the TV series) are hard to miss in many respects, with gutsy teenager Dandy, for me the most well-developed and compelling character in this novel.
I typically love multi-character alternating narrative perspectives and epistolary elements. For the most part, Ryan employs these constructs quite ably in The Treasure Hunters Club. They certainly kept me turning the digital pages. However, the character voices were not as distinct as I would have liked, and they are not clearly signposted. At the beginning of some chapters it took me quite a few paragraphs before I was sure whose viewpoint I was reading. Continue reading: https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
In terms of the nostalgic feel I was hoping for, Ryan has delivered in spades; weaving so many well-worn crime mystery tropes plus a healthy serving of pop culture references into this story. The similarities to Nancy Drew (the TV series) are hard to miss in many respects, with gutsy teenager Dandy, for me the most well-developed and compelling character in this novel.
I typically love multi-character alternating narrative perspectives and epistolary elements. For the most part, Ryan employs these constructs quite ably in The Treasure Hunters Club. They certainly kept me turning the digital pages. However, the character voices were not as distinct as I would have liked, and they are not clearly signposted. At the beginning of some chapters it took me quite a few paragraphs before I was sure whose viewpoint I was reading. Continue reading: https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
April 23, 2025
Book Review ☠️💎
Thank you partner @atlanticcrime for the gifted copy!
The Treasure Hunters Club
by Tom Ryan
About the book 👇🏽
For nearly a century, tourists have ventured to the idyllic seaside town of Maple Bay in search of a legendary lost pirate treasure, though locals know there’s more than just gold buried in the sand. As the paths of three strangers converge in Maple Bay, the truth is about to be blown wide open.
🏴☠️My thoughts:
A super fun premise! I can’t remember the last time I read a book with treasure hunting, and was excited to give this one a go! It was a quick read if you have time to sit and read it in one sitting. Had I not been able to read it all at once, I’m not sure I would have been pulled to pick it up again because there was something that didn’t quite work for me. I had mixed feelings about the book over all because although everything going on was interesting, it felt like a lot, and I had a little trouble with the writing style. This is probably just a me problem. Again, the premise is what hooked me and there was even a twist I didn’t see coming at all and I think that’s how I landed right in the middle with my star rating. It was still pretty good and I’d give this author another read in the future!
Happy reading 📖☠️💎🏴☠️
Thank you partner @atlanticcrime for the gifted copy!
The Treasure Hunters Club
by Tom Ryan
About the book 👇🏽
For nearly a century, tourists have ventured to the idyllic seaside town of Maple Bay in search of a legendary lost pirate treasure, though locals know there’s more than just gold buried in the sand. As the paths of three strangers converge in Maple Bay, the truth is about to be blown wide open.
🏴☠️My thoughts:
A super fun premise! I can’t remember the last time I read a book with treasure hunting, and was excited to give this one a go! It was a quick read if you have time to sit and read it in one sitting. Had I not been able to read it all at once, I’m not sure I would have been pulled to pick it up again because there was something that didn’t quite work for me. I had mixed feelings about the book over all because although everything going on was interesting, it felt like a lot, and I had a little trouble with the writing style. This is probably just a me problem. Again, the premise is what hooked me and there was even a twist I didn’t see coming at all and I think that’s how I landed right in the middle with my star rating. It was still pretty good and I’d give this author another read in the future!
Happy reading 📖☠️💎🏴☠️
May 7, 2025
Thank you to Atlantic Crime #partner for the gifted copy to review.
The cozy mystery reading streak continues, and this one did not disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one, I loved the plot, the setting, and there was a twist in here I did not see coming, which is rare for a cozy. The characters were all fantastic, including those that were both good and bad. I liked some more than others, but they all worked so well together. Oh and they are all searching for a lost treasure which made this extra appealing to me. This was a fantastic and entertaining read that I enjoyed very much.
The cozy mystery reading streak continues, and this one did not disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one, I loved the plot, the setting, and there was a twist in here I did not see coming, which is rare for a cozy. The characters were all fantastic, including those that were both good and bad. I liked some more than others, but they all worked so well together. Oh and they are all searching for a lost treasure which made this extra appealing to me. This was a fantastic and entertaining read that I enjoyed very much.
November 7, 2024
4.5 ⭐️!!! I want to go visit Maple Bay!! This had a good balance of mystery and thriller, but I really liked the relationships and the way the characters were written felt like I knew them. There were only a few things that confused me, but most of these were resolved by the end. I will definitely be reading more Tom Ryan’s books in the future!
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