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The Island
A dream holiday. You’d die to be there.
You are offered the getaway of a lifetime on a remote island with a group of strangers. Things have been difficult recently, so you jump at the chance to swim under the summer sun, explore the peaceful woodlands and return to an elegant hotel for a glorious dinner.
As the boat pulls into the harbour, you’re surrounded by crystal-clear water and soon you are alone. Just the peace and quiet you were promised. No phone signal, no internet… no way to call for help. But nothing will go wrong in paradise, right?
As a huge summer storm rolls towards the island, everyone is starting to realise the secrets they’ve been hiding for years seem to have followed them here. And you are no different.
Then one of your group disappears. His body washes up in the picture-postcard harbour, and it’s clearly no accident. Can you get out alive?
From Sunday Times bestseller Paul Finch, The Island is an utterly gripping thriller that will have your pulse pounding as you race through the pages! Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware and Lucy Clarke.
You are offered the getaway of a lifetime on a remote island with a group of strangers. Things have been difficult recently, so you jump at the chance to swim under the summer sun, explore the peaceful woodlands and return to an elegant hotel for a glorious dinner.
As the boat pulls into the harbour, you’re surrounded by crystal-clear water and soon you are alone. Just the peace and quiet you were promised. No phone signal, no internet… no way to call for help. But nothing will go wrong in paradise, right?
As a huge summer storm rolls towards the island, everyone is starting to realise the secrets they’ve been hiding for years seem to have followed them here. And you are no different.
Then one of your group disappears. His body washes up in the picture-postcard harbour, and it’s clearly no accident. Can you get out alive?
From Sunday Times bestseller Paul Finch, The Island is an utterly gripping thriller that will have your pulse pounding as you race through the pages! Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware and Lucy Clarke.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2025
1325 people are currently reading
8081 people want to read
About the author
Paul Finch
206 books471 followersPaul Finch is a former cop and journalist, now full-time writer. Having originally written for the television series THE BILL plus children's animation and DOCTOR WHO audio dramas, he went on to write horror, but is now best known for his crime / thriller fiction.
He won the British Fantasy Award twice and the International Horror Guild Award, but since then has written two parallel series of hard-hitting crime novels, the Heck and the Lucy Clayburn novels, of which three titles have become best-sellers.
Paul lives in Wigan, Lancashire, UK with his wife and children.
He won the British Fantasy Award twice and the International Horror Guild Award, but since then has written two parallel series of hard-hitting crime novels, the Heck and the Lucy Clayburn novels, of which three titles have become best-sellers.
Paul lives in Wigan, Lancashire, UK with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
October 19, 2025
Charlie and Lenny are ex-criminals who find themselves in a village on the outskirts of Manchester in the UK, tailing a crooked ex-cop, Jack McGurn, to give him a 'seeing to' on behalf of their boss. But Jack calls their bluff, and they fail in their mission.
When Jack attends the funeral for the mother of friend and ex-colleague Claudia, they bump into former DCI Harry Wayland (also unscrupulous), who offers them the chance to go on a trip to join a support group for crooked ex-cops named the 'Damned Rankers' in the Scilly Isles, which is funded by an unnamed billionaire. When Charlie and Lenny pop up again and corner Jack and Claudia, Wayland saves them.
Jack and Claudia eventually decide to go on the trip. When they arrive on the island, they meet a group of like-minded lowlife ex-cops and employees. They are all hoping to have a relaxing holiday, but it isn't long before things take a turn for the worse when one of the group, Alan Rothermore, goes missing and is later discovered murdered. The story then becomes a whodunit.
The blurb of the book is well off the mark. That's the reason I gave this one a go in the first place, but it doesn't represent it well at all. To be honest, when you start to realise the concept of what this is really about when you begin reading, it's all very contrived and improbable. I mean, nobody is ever going to believe that there would have been a nice little holiday where there is a support group for crooked ex-cops. Well, apart from our group of protagonists, apparently!
For a whodunit, it fell really flat. By the time we got to the ending, I was just perplexed as to what was happening when random characters who hadn't been mentioned throughout the book popped up out of nowhere.
Not for me this one, I'm afraid. Whilst not badly written, the plot isn't cohesive and is too far-fetched to be believable. It got so unnecessarily convoluted in places it was tripping over itself to explain what was happening. At the same time, the characters weren't fleshed out at all, which meant I just didn't connect with any of them; therefore, by the end I just didn't care about what happened to anyone.
When Jack attends the funeral for the mother of friend and ex-colleague Claudia, they bump into former DCI Harry Wayland (also unscrupulous), who offers them the chance to go on a trip to join a support group for crooked ex-cops named the 'Damned Rankers' in the Scilly Isles, which is funded by an unnamed billionaire. When Charlie and Lenny pop up again and corner Jack and Claudia, Wayland saves them.
Jack and Claudia eventually decide to go on the trip. When they arrive on the island, they meet a group of like-minded lowlife ex-cops and employees. They are all hoping to have a relaxing holiday, but it isn't long before things take a turn for the worse when one of the group, Alan Rothermore, goes missing and is later discovered murdered. The story then becomes a whodunit.
The blurb of the book is well off the mark. That's the reason I gave this one a go in the first place, but it doesn't represent it well at all. To be honest, when you start to realise the concept of what this is really about when you begin reading, it's all very contrived and improbable. I mean, nobody is ever going to believe that there would have been a nice little holiday where there is a support group for crooked ex-cops. Well, apart from our group of protagonists, apparently!
For a whodunit, it fell really flat. By the time we got to the ending, I was just perplexed as to what was happening when random characters who hadn't been mentioned throughout the book popped up out of nowhere.
Not for me this one, I'm afraid. Whilst not badly written, the plot isn't cohesive and is too far-fetched to be believable. It got so unnecessarily convoluted in places it was tripping over itself to explain what was happening. At the same time, the characters weren't fleshed out at all, which meant I just didn't connect with any of them; therefore, by the end I just didn't care about what happened to anyone.
August 15, 2025
While, it’s true, there are parts of this book that don’t really hold up to too much scrutiny, I still really enjoyed it. I know, I know… unpopular opinion but I’ve never been one to be swayed by the general consensus.
I bought it (well, chose it as my Kindle Firsts book for this month) because I’d read one of Finch’s horror novels a few years ago and enjoyed it quite a bit. I did assume this one was going to be horror, too, but wasn’t disappointed to find it was actually a crime/action/thriller as I read across most genres… and it was still plenty dark.
I bought it (well, chose it as my Kindle Firsts book for this month) because I’d read one of Finch’s horror novels a few years ago and enjoyed it quite a bit. I did assume this one was going to be horror, too, but wasn’t disappointed to find it was actually a crime/action/thriller as I read across most genres… and it was still plenty dark.
Read
September 11, 2025So this was a DNF at 44%.
The plot summary is VERY misleading.
I mean, we do have a group of people on the island for a holiday (of sorts) and things go wrong (of course), but it's not much of a holiday to be honest.
While I didn't like our unpleasant people, it wasn't that they were unpleasant - nor was it that they were unlikeable. The problem was that they were boring and one note. Not one character stood out as more than a brief outline.
May work for you, but too many books, too little time.
The plot summary is VERY misleading.
I mean, we do have a group of people on the island for a holiday (of sorts) and things go wrong (of course), but it's not much of a holiday to be honest.
While I didn't like our unpleasant people, it wasn't that they were unpleasant - nor was it that they were unlikeable. The problem was that they were boring and one note. Not one character stood out as more than a brief outline.
May work for you, but too many books, too little time.
September 2, 2025
A really good idea for a book, ex ‘dirty’ cops from a variety of forces and caught doing various unPolice like things are invited ( via a mysterious sounding group, headed by a Billionaire who wants to ‘help’ them once again lead their best lives ) to the Scilly Isles for a holiday and to find out more about the organisation
Pretty soon it is obvious they have been misled and are there for an entirely different reason and the book takes a sharp turn into a full on thriller as the ex cops suddenly again become cops and try and discover who/what/why before it is too late
As say a great concept for a book and was interesting to read about the ex Police and what they had done and why they had done it and the action part of the book was fast and a lot packed in
First time read this author and enjoyed the writing and adventure….
Exciting read
Pretty soon it is obvious they have been misled and are there for an entirely different reason and the book takes a sharp turn into a full on thriller as the ex cops suddenly again become cops and try and discover who/what/why before it is too late
As say a great concept for a book and was interesting to read about the ex Police and what they had done and why they had done it and the action part of the book was fast and a lot packed in
First time read this author and enjoyed the writing and adventure….
Exciting read
August 5, 2025
Promising, if cliched idea, but so poorly executed that it would have been a DNF were I not in a generous holiday mood with plenty of time, so ploughed on. Totally NOT worth it; I do love receiving the Amazon monthly selection of First Reads, but it is rare to find anything actually worth reading; this was no exception. The characters are wooden and poorly written, the plot was predictable slasher-movie fare and the epilogue was disappointing.
My advice! Don’t bother.
My advice! Don’t bother.
August 31, 2025
When it's good it's great but when it's not it's very convoluted with way too many characters that are not fleshed out enough.
I get that in crime you can rely on tropes as a shorthand, but a lot of these characters were barely sketches of people with vague possible motives attached.
I appreciate the creativity of the plot and the twists and the plotting but a little simplification of characters - less guests! would have helped a lot.
Also, a map of the Island in regards to England, and it's actual layout would have been cool.
I get that in crime you can rely on tropes as a shorthand, but a lot of these characters were barely sketches of people with vague possible motives attached.
I appreciate the creativity of the plot and the twists and the plotting but a little simplification of characters - less guests! would have helped a lot.
Also, a map of the Island in regards to England, and it's actual layout would have been cool.
August 24, 2025
When some disgraced ex-cops are told there is a rich benefactor giving them a second chance with an all expenses paid trip to an island off the coast of Cornwall.
Jack is unsure, thinks if its too good to be true then its a trap. Hes convinced by friend and ex colleague Claudia.
What follows is a very Agatha Christie esq Then There were None story, but far more brutal and id argue more clever and twisty.
The setting is perfect and used perfectly to add tension to the story. The characters, despite being criminals themselves aren't allowed dislaikeable. In fact I liked the vast majority.
The death toll is high and some are brutal. One took me totally by surprise.
The island, and isolated place, a bunch of people trapped, a storm, no phones or Internet, and some of their number start disappearing. What more could you ask for?
Its a gripping read and I read it over 2 days.
Jack is unsure, thinks if its too good to be true then its a trap. Hes convinced by friend and ex colleague Claudia.
What follows is a very Agatha Christie esq Then There were None story, but far more brutal and id argue more clever and twisty.
The setting is perfect and used perfectly to add tension to the story. The characters, despite being criminals themselves aren't allowed dislaikeable. In fact I liked the vast majority.
The death toll is high and some are brutal. One took me totally by surprise.
The island, and isolated place, a bunch of people trapped, a storm, no phones or Internet, and some of their number start disappearing. What more could you ask for?
Its a gripping read and I read it over 2 days.
August 18, 2025
A good thriller.
The book cover is misleading, don't expect niceties. The story involves a mismatched group of disgraced ex-police officers, lured to a lonely island hoping to meet someone who wants to help them. With shades of the Agatha Christie novel now known as 'And Then There Were None' you have more than a hint as to how this book plays out. Having said that it is a good read after a bit of a slow but necessary, start.
I got this book via Prime early reads not ever having heard of this author before. I found it to be quite a gripping read despite knowing there was to be a 'twist'. The characters are strong and varied. Quite bloody at times.
I shall certainly try more books from Mr Finch.
The book cover is misleading, don't expect niceties. The story involves a mismatched group of disgraced ex-police officers, lured to a lonely island hoping to meet someone who wants to help them. With shades of the Agatha Christie novel now known as 'And Then There Were None' you have more than a hint as to how this book plays out. Having said that it is a good read after a bit of a slow but necessary, start.
I got this book via Prime early reads not ever having heard of this author before. I found it to be quite a gripping read despite knowing there was to be a 'twist'. The characters are strong and varied. Quite bloody at times.
I shall certainly try more books from Mr Finch.
August 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was different from the well known trapped on an island genre. It had enough twists to keep me reading and I was surprised at the ending. I have recommended it to others.
August 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.
When i wasnt reading it, I couldn't wait to.
I liked the guessing game of who it could be and even then I was wrong!
I expected the outcome to be different, so that was a turn of events I didnt expect.
I would definitely read more from this author!
When i wasnt reading it, I couldn't wait to.
I liked the guessing game of who it could be and even then I was wrong!
I expected the outcome to be different, so that was a turn of events I didnt expect.
I would definitely read more from this author!
August 13, 2025
Gripping from start to finish!
The book started a little slow but then I struggled to put this book down, well written and easy to pick up where you left off.
The book started a little slow but then I struggled to put this book down, well written and easy to pick up where you left off.
November 11, 2025
2.5☆
Damned Rankers. A dreamlike group for any ex-cop who wishes to get their life back on track after society turned on them. An island. A place where the members of this group can enjoy a parasitic vacation and meet the benefactor who is helping turn their lives around. And then... a murder.
This wasn't a bad book, but it didn't work for me. The first issue I encountered with it was how hard it was to distinguish and memorize these characters' names. It's a big cast of them, yet the author introduced them by both first and last names, and then kept switching between the two. Yeah... that doesn't work. You can't forget that the readers are getting to know these characters for the first time. Even after reaching the halfway mark I was still confused who was who... My advice is: stick with just one name to adress them by or insist on each character's description more heavily so the reader can recognize them.
The cast of characters immediatly suffered another problem which was not being memorable. I get the idea of having a big cast on a thriller book: it keeps the reader suspicious of everyone, gives space to build more theories and also creates more opportunities to grip the reader through the characters’ deaths, since there are more of them. However, it's when the author dismisses working on them enough it becomes an issue. The reader is detached from them.
Worse than being forgettable is having irrelevant characters. Varada Rathour was such an unnecessary one. Seems like the author only created her to serve one of the final scenes, as she doesn't contribute at all to the story throughout the rest of the book... Another addition that was even more useless was Sally Jakeman. She's an ex-cop who slept with her colleagues and then threatened to accuse them of sexual assault unless they helped her climb the ranks. I cannot fantom the reason why the author decided to write her AT ALL besides the fact that he wanted to criticize this behavior... which obviously is to be condemned... Yet unlike the rest of the cast that were granted some nuance, she was written as a very one-dimensional, cartoonish character. She doesn't do ANYTHING to move the plot. Nothing.
Even though twists were happening and most chapters ended with a hook, I was bored halfway through and even by the end my interest was already lost. The murderer is found out earlier than I expected, which turned the story to a more "we have to kill this person now in order to survive". I didn't have an issue with this, I just didn't care enough by then, even when another twist unfurled after that.
To end on a good note... It needs to be said that it's clear from reading this book that the author has experience in the law enforcement. I went to check, and he is indeed a former police officer. So it’s safe to say that experiencing these ex-cop characters through the eyes of someone with genuine insider knowledge was quite enjoyable. The idea itself is also pretty cool and the reason why I requested this book in the first place. I was pleasantly surprised by the writing as well. Not only I found the dialogues incredibly realistic, but the monologues also felt authentic and insightful to the story and the character's minds. The ending was somehow unexpected too.
Overall, it was an OK book. Not memorable, yet not bad either.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc in the exchange of an honest review.
Damned Rankers. A dreamlike group for any ex-cop who wishes to get their life back on track after society turned on them. An island. A place where the members of this group can enjoy a parasitic vacation and meet the benefactor who is helping turn their lives around. And then... a murder.
This wasn't a bad book, but it didn't work for me. The first issue I encountered with it was how hard it was to distinguish and memorize these characters' names. It's a big cast of them, yet the author introduced them by both first and last names, and then kept switching between the two. Yeah... that doesn't work. You can't forget that the readers are getting to know these characters for the first time. Even after reaching the halfway mark I was still confused who was who... My advice is: stick with just one name to adress them by or insist on each character's description more heavily so the reader can recognize them.
The cast of characters immediatly suffered another problem which was not being memorable. I get the idea of having a big cast on a thriller book: it keeps the reader suspicious of everyone, gives space to build more theories and also creates more opportunities to grip the reader through the characters’ deaths, since there are more of them. However, it's when the author dismisses working on them enough it becomes an issue. The reader is detached from them.
Worse than being forgettable is having irrelevant characters. Varada Rathour was such an unnecessary one. Seems like the author only created her to serve one of the final scenes, as she doesn't contribute at all to the story throughout the rest of the book... Another addition that was even more useless was Sally Jakeman. She's an ex-cop who slept with her colleagues and then threatened to accuse them of sexual assault unless they helped her climb the ranks. I cannot fantom the reason why the author decided to write her AT ALL besides the fact that he wanted to criticize this behavior... which obviously is to be condemned... Yet unlike the rest of the cast that were granted some nuance, she was written as a very one-dimensional, cartoonish character. She doesn't do ANYTHING to move the plot. Nothing.
Even though twists were happening and most chapters ended with a hook, I was bored halfway through and even by the end my interest was already lost. The murderer is found out earlier than I expected, which turned the story to a more "we have to kill this person now in order to survive". I didn't have an issue with this, I just didn't care enough by then, even when another twist unfurled after that.
To end on a good note... It needs to be said that it's clear from reading this book that the author has experience in the law enforcement. I went to check, and he is indeed a former police officer. So it’s safe to say that experiencing these ex-cop characters through the eyes of someone with genuine insider knowledge was quite enjoyable. The idea itself is also pretty cool and the reason why I requested this book in the first place. I was pleasantly surprised by the writing as well. Not only I found the dialogues incredibly realistic, but the monologues also felt authentic and insightful to the story and the character's minds. The ending was somehow unexpected too.
Overall, it was an OK book. Not memorable, yet not bad either.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc in the exchange of an honest review.
August 11, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ - I was expecting a nice cosy holiday thriller set on an island and instead ended up with a slasher movie on paper, what the helly
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2025
After difficult times, when you’re offered the getaway of a lifetime on a remote island with a group of strangers, you jump at the chance to swim under the summer sun, explore the peaceful woodlands and return to an elegant hotel for a glorious dinner. You are dropped off to the peace and quiet you were promised, with no phone signal, no internet and no way to call for help. But nothing will go wrong in paradise, right? As a huge summer storm rolls towards the island, everyone is starting to realise the secrets they’ve been hiding for years seem to have followed them here. And you are no different. Then one of your group disappears. His body washes up in the picture-postcard harbour, and it’s clearly no accident. Can you get out alive?
Whilst not being untrue, that blurb is really quite misleading – the protagonists are crooked ex-cops and so are all the other strangers (who they actually know) and they’ve gone to an island in the middle of nowhere on the promise of a holiday without checking anything which, instantly, made me question their abilities. The location is well used, as is the weather and, typically of Paul Finch (who I know and like a lot), the writing is top notch and very brutal in places, but this does fall down on the characters I’m afraid. There are too many of them and they’re not distinguishable enough and so the “And Then There Were None” plot unravels with people that we’re not really sure of. Also, I was expecting us to build to a gripping climax but, to be honest, it felt like it was a little too rushed for my liking. Finch is a great writer, but unfortunately, I don’t think would be a good place to start with his work.
Whilst not being untrue, that blurb is really quite misleading – the protagonists are crooked ex-cops and so are all the other strangers (who they actually know) and they’ve gone to an island in the middle of nowhere on the promise of a holiday without checking anything which, instantly, made me question their abilities. The location is well used, as is the weather and, typically of Paul Finch (who I know and like a lot), the writing is top notch and very brutal in places, but this does fall down on the characters I’m afraid. There are too many of them and they’re not distinguishable enough and so the “And Then There Were None” plot unravels with people that we’re not really sure of. Also, I was expecting us to build to a gripping climax but, to be honest, it felt like it was a little too rushed for my liking. Finch is a great writer, but unfortunately, I don’t think would be a good place to start with his work.
September 12, 2025
It pains me to give a book such a low rating, but this was so poorly written that I feel I need to be honest. A quick glance at other reviews shows I’m not alone in this opinion.
I don’t want to drag it endlessly, so I’ll keep it simple: the prose doesn’t hold up under even basic scrutiny, and the plot holes are both numerous and unbelievable.
I listened to the audio ALC (which oddly came through NetGalley after publication), and in hindsight I wish I had checked reviews first. The narration was by Joe Jameson, a very experienced voice actor, but here he fell short. His performance distracted more than it enhanced, and his voicing of female characters was cringey at best.
Even if you grabbed this one for free through Amazon First Reads, I’d recommend skipping it.
I fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Brilliance Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
I don’t want to drag it endlessly, so I’ll keep it simple: the prose doesn’t hold up under even basic scrutiny, and the plot holes are both numerous and unbelievable.
I listened to the audio ALC (which oddly came through NetGalley after publication), and in hindsight I wish I had checked reviews first. The narration was by Joe Jameson, a very experienced voice actor, but here he fell short. His performance distracted more than it enhanced, and his voicing of female characters was cringey at best.
Even if you grabbed this one for free through Amazon First Reads, I’d recommend skipping it.
I fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Brilliance Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
September 8, 2025
I am a huge fab of Paul Finch Heck novels but was excited to see a book that was a standalone. However, I have to confess to being slightly annoyed that this was set on an island. Maybe just me but lately it feels like so many books of this type have that sort of setting and I haven't always been a fan. That small niggle aside I got started and straight away was drawn into the first few chapters where we meet disgraced ex-coppers Jack and Claudia. Now the first glaring thing for me is that the synopsis doesn't even mention this element of the book. In fact the synopsis doesn't even feel like the same story.
The characters and their situation were easy to read about and when they are offered the chance for an all expenses paid trip to an island where you will find other like minded individuals who can offer you support, why wouldn't you jump at the chance. As soon as Jack and Claudia get to the island they start to meet the other guests and there are a lot of them. So many that on occasion I had to go back to check who was who.
I won't delve too much into the actual element of the story on the island as that kind of defeats the object. What I will say is that it's clear the writing is good and the storyline pottered along, but there was definitely something missing from this book that just didn't hit the mark with me. Overall not a bad book but if this is the first time you are venturing to this authors work I would suggest starting with his other books first.
The characters and their situation were easy to read about and when they are offered the chance for an all expenses paid trip to an island where you will find other like minded individuals who can offer you support, why wouldn't you jump at the chance. As soon as Jack and Claudia get to the island they start to meet the other guests and there are a lot of them. So many that on occasion I had to go back to check who was who.
I won't delve too much into the actual element of the story on the island as that kind of defeats the object. What I will say is that it's clear the writing is good and the storyline pottered along, but there was definitely something missing from this book that just didn't hit the mark with me. Overall not a bad book but if this is the first time you are venturing to this authors work I would suggest starting with his other books first.
September 18, 2025
3.5 stars.
The Island is a fast paced murder mystery, but be warned it does get very gory.
There are a lot of characters and I must admit I did get a bit confused with who was who from time to time. Once I got to grips with this it was much easier to follow.
I really liked the remote setting of the island, it really added to the unsettling atmosphere.
I totally didn’t expect those twists either. This one certainly kept me turning the pages.
Thank you to the Tandem Collective and Thomas Mercer for the gifted copy, I really enjoyed the buddy read.
The Island is a fast paced murder mystery, but be warned it does get very gory.
There are a lot of characters and I must admit I did get a bit confused with who was who from time to time. Once I got to grips with this it was much easier to follow.
I really liked the remote setting of the island, it really added to the unsettling atmosphere.
I totally didn’t expect those twists either. This one certainly kept me turning the pages.
Thank you to the Tandem Collective and Thomas Mercer for the gifted copy, I really enjoyed the buddy read.
September 12, 2025
Whodunit on steroids
Very bloody, interesting plotline and many twists and turns. Not sure there are any good guys in this story.
Not the best I've read recently but kept my interest.
Very bloody, interesting plotline and many twists and turns. Not sure there are any good guys in this story.
Not the best I've read recently but kept my interest.
October 29, 2025
I wanted to read this book based on the front cover and the blurb, but unfortunately I don't think the actual book matched either and I found it very long winded and on the boring side.
definitely wasn't for me in afraid.
definitely wasn't for me in afraid.
January 18, 2026
This was a DNF unfortunately. The beginning was a little confusing at first. Then as I read more it was very boring. Too many characters to keep track of. There were quite a few grammatical errors as well. I couldn't read anymore of this madness.
September 20, 2025
Sorry Mr Finch
This was truly awful, badly written, full of cliches, hated the characters, I'm sure this author has written many good books that people enjoy.
This was truly awful, badly written, full of cliches, hated the characters, I'm sure this author has written many good books that people enjoy.
September 3, 2025
DNF
When you’ve got a corker of a story it is glaringly obvious… you can’t put it down, you’re giving yourself motion sickness to finish and life basically gets put on pause.
Equally when you’ve got a book that you struggle to pick up and engage with - it’s SO hard to give up! You’re annoyed with the book for promising but not delivering and with yourself for not seeing it through.
But here’s the thing… there are a lot of brilliant books out there waiting to be read. Life’s too short to read something that you aren’t enjoying or even wanting to read.
So all in all I gave up at nearly half way. I tried my hardest but ultimately it needed a lot more than my willpower.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
When you’ve got a corker of a story it is glaringly obvious… you can’t put it down, you’re giving yourself motion sickness to finish and life basically gets put on pause.
Equally when you’ve got a book that you struggle to pick up and engage with - it’s SO hard to give up! You’re annoyed with the book for promising but not delivering and with yourself for not seeing it through.
But here’s the thing… there are a lot of brilliant books out there waiting to be read. Life’s too short to read something that you aren’t enjoying or even wanting to read.
So all in all I gave up at nearly half way. I tried my hardest but ultimately it needed a lot more than my willpower.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 17, 2025
My review seems to echo some of the others I have read on Amazon. The plot is great: ex members of law enforcement who may have been bribed to act lawlessly, are again tempted but to a dream getaway with like colleagues to maybe have some help getting their lives back. As others have said, however, I got lost in who was who often since there were so many characters. And the characters were sometimes referred to by first names or last names so that became even harder. The writing varied from being told from one character’s point of view to a narrator’s, and some chapters were easier to follow and get into than others. I’ve also reread the final scene a few times to decide what really happened, and what I think, and am still not quite sure.
December 29, 2025
Unfortunately this just didn't do it for me.
A bunch of corrupt ex cops are invited on a island holiday with the promise of helping them get back on there feet.
But while there they start to get killed off one by one.
There is an obvious madman on the island and the deaths are pretty gruesome.
I didn't really have any interest until about halfway through when the pace picked up. But by then I didn't really care what happened to anyone. I felt I didn't really get to know any of the characters. The ending was underwhelming too, there was no wtf moment unfortunately.
A bunch of corrupt ex cops are invited on a island holiday with the promise of helping them get back on there feet.
But while there they start to get killed off one by one.
There is an obvious madman on the island and the deaths are pretty gruesome.
I didn't really have any interest until about halfway through when the pace picked up. But by then I didn't really care what happened to anyone. I felt I didn't really get to know any of the characters. The ending was underwhelming too, there was no wtf moment unfortunately.
September 11, 2025
This book is like if Love Island and And Then There Were None had a child who grew up watching The Purge on repeat and then got a job at ITV. The Island by Paul Finch serves full-on crime thriller chaos, but not before handing you a fruity cocktail made entirely out of bad decisions, gruesome deaths, and “wait, who is this character again?” energy.
So the setup is actually delicious: a group of disgraced ex-cops (and I mean the kind of dirty you’d need bleach and a pressure washer to clean) are mysteriously offered a second-chance retreat on a remote island. Do they question this? Barely. Do they pack their emotional trauma and accept anyway? Of course they do. We wouldn’t have a book otherwise. Leading the charge is Jack, your typical burnt-out ex-officer with a moral compass that's been whacked like a piñata. He’s joined by Claudia, who convinces him to go because… plot momentum. And hey, if someone offered you an all-expenses-paid trip to a gorgeous private island just to "reflect on your sins," you'd probably go too. We’re all weak in the face of ocean views and free wine.
Now, the island itself is giving big "Too Good To Be True" energy from minute one. No cell signal, a storm barreling in, and a bunch of people with a collective past worse than the plot of Cats? I mean, come on. That’s not a vacation, that’s a murder buffet.
And sure enough, the bodies start dropping. Fast. Like, genre-mandated speed-run fast. One character takes a scenic walk, next thing you know they’re floating belly-up like an inconvenient plot point. And while the murders are creatively nasty (A+ for weapon variety), the pacing feels like someone sat on the fast-forward button and never got up. There are moments that are genuinely suspenseful, especially when you forget who’s still alive, but the emotional stakes just... don’t quite land. Mostly because the cast is so crowded, the character development gets spread thinner than hotel room toilet paper.
There is a twist, but it doesn’t so much twist as it flops sideways with a dramatic sigh. Like yes, the ending is technically a conclusion, but it's one of those “Wait, THAT’S what we were building to?” kind of moments. It felt like the book did a keg stand of adrenaline for 85% of the runtime and then fell asleep during the last chapter. It’s like the book ran out of steam and just waved goodbye from the dock as your expectations drowned.
And let’s talk tone whiplash. The beginning promises mystery. The middle delivers slasher flick. And by the end, you’re neck-deep in action-movie shootouts like Jason Statham is about to emerge from the ocean with a machine gun and a grudge. Which is FINE if that’s what we signed up for, but the tonal left-turns are real. Not to mention the dialogue starts sounding like gritty cop show improv night at your local community theater.
But here’s the thing. I still had fun. I wasn’t bored. I was frustrated, but entertained. Like watching a trashy true crime doc where you're yelling at the screen, “Why would you go in the basement, Kyle?” It’s messy and occasionally nonsensical, but it’s got vibes. Just… not quite the vibes the marketing promised.
Joe Jameson’s narration? Chef’s kiss. He sells every murdery moment like he’s personally offended someone just got decapitated. It helps. A lot.
Three stars for the sheer audacity, the blood-splattered thrills, and the delightful chaos of it all. Just know that when this island vacation ends, you won’t be tanned and relaxed, you’ll be mildly annoyed and Googling “best books with actual endings.”
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Suspect Every Single Ex-Cop With a Pulse (And Then Killing Half of Them Anyway)
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for access to the audiobook. You really said, here’s a beach read, just ignore all the blood in the sand.
So the setup is actually delicious: a group of disgraced ex-cops (and I mean the kind of dirty you’d need bleach and a pressure washer to clean) are mysteriously offered a second-chance retreat on a remote island. Do they question this? Barely. Do they pack their emotional trauma and accept anyway? Of course they do. We wouldn’t have a book otherwise. Leading the charge is Jack, your typical burnt-out ex-officer with a moral compass that's been whacked like a piñata. He’s joined by Claudia, who convinces him to go because… plot momentum. And hey, if someone offered you an all-expenses-paid trip to a gorgeous private island just to "reflect on your sins," you'd probably go too. We’re all weak in the face of ocean views and free wine.
Now, the island itself is giving big "Too Good To Be True" energy from minute one. No cell signal, a storm barreling in, and a bunch of people with a collective past worse than the plot of Cats? I mean, come on. That’s not a vacation, that’s a murder buffet.
And sure enough, the bodies start dropping. Fast. Like, genre-mandated speed-run fast. One character takes a scenic walk, next thing you know they’re floating belly-up like an inconvenient plot point. And while the murders are creatively nasty (A+ for weapon variety), the pacing feels like someone sat on the fast-forward button and never got up. There are moments that are genuinely suspenseful, especially when you forget who’s still alive, but the emotional stakes just... don’t quite land. Mostly because the cast is so crowded, the character development gets spread thinner than hotel room toilet paper.
There is a twist, but it doesn’t so much twist as it flops sideways with a dramatic sigh. Like yes, the ending is technically a conclusion, but it's one of those “Wait, THAT’S what we were building to?” kind of moments. It felt like the book did a keg stand of adrenaline for 85% of the runtime and then fell asleep during the last chapter. It’s like the book ran out of steam and just waved goodbye from the dock as your expectations drowned.
And let’s talk tone whiplash. The beginning promises mystery. The middle delivers slasher flick. And by the end, you’re neck-deep in action-movie shootouts like Jason Statham is about to emerge from the ocean with a machine gun and a grudge. Which is FINE if that’s what we signed up for, but the tonal left-turns are real. Not to mention the dialogue starts sounding like gritty cop show improv night at your local community theater.
But here’s the thing. I still had fun. I wasn’t bored. I was frustrated, but entertained. Like watching a trashy true crime doc where you're yelling at the screen, “Why would you go in the basement, Kyle?” It’s messy and occasionally nonsensical, but it’s got vibes. Just… not quite the vibes the marketing promised.
Joe Jameson’s narration? Chef’s kiss. He sells every murdery moment like he’s personally offended someone just got decapitated. It helps. A lot.
Three stars for the sheer audacity, the blood-splattered thrills, and the delightful chaos of it all. Just know that when this island vacation ends, you won’t be tanned and relaxed, you’ll be mildly annoyed and Googling “best books with actual endings.”
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Suspect Every Single Ex-Cop With a Pulse (And Then Killing Half of Them Anyway)
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for access to the audiobook. You really said, here’s a beach read, just ignore all the blood in the sand.
September 28, 2025
Well, heck, and no, not that one. I’m just not sure how much to say about this book as I don’t want to give too much away, but you kind of do need a little context to understand the ins and outs of this particularly twisted and deadly tale. This is a book about murder, and not just one. This is ‘And Then There Were None’ with a twist, and I absolutely loved it.
And that, is perhaps all you need to know. Much like Agatha Christie’s classic, each of the ‘victims’ in this book is of allegedly morally dubious character. All have suffered a fall from grace and have been granted a lifeline with people from similar backgrounds in the form of a mysterious benefactor and an all expenses paid trip to a new island resort in the Isles of Scilly. So far, so ominous, right? But when you are down on your luck and really in need of a friend, would you say no?
Well, given all that befalls the characters after they arrive on the island, perhaps they should have done just that. What starts as a slightly fractious break involving a very mixed group of individuals turns into a fight to the death against a foe that nobody can find. And in true Paul Finch style, these deaths are something to behold. Occasionally gruesome, all timed to perfection, no sooner have the guests identified a potential suspect than something happens to throw everything they thought they knew into question.
The plot really keeps you on your toes and, listening to the audiobook as I did in this case, it really kept my attention gripped to the story. Hats off to narrator, Joe Jameson as it was a flawless performance that had me smiling and occasionally laughing in wicked delight, as well as grimacing at some of the more troubling methods of dispatch used by the killer. The individual characters popped, making keeping track of the rather large cast really easy, as was checking them off the mental tick list as each one met their maker.
It was an interesting experience delving into Paul Finch’s world. His previous experience in the police was put to great use here, perhaps giving some clue as to the direction of this story. But this is a book which is best described as morally ambiguous perhaps, given that none of the characters are whiter than white and, in some cases, many might argue that what happens is perhaps fate. But, despite knowing that they walked on the wrong side of the law, I really did like two of the central characters in the book, Jack McGurn and Claudia Crayford and found myself rooting for them, hoping they would be the ones to make it right to the end. Maybe I shouldn’t have, but out of everyone we meet, they are the only ones I really trusted, perhaps because of the way in which the author establishes their characters right from the very start.
If you like your crime stories on the darker side, then this could well be the book for you. Yes, the author uses the isolation of the location to his benefit, but then nothing that happens environmentally or mobile phone reception wise is actually been the realms of possibility. It is, after all, Scilly. Dark skies islands and a haven for wildlife. Dark days islands and a haven for wild killers too now it seems. And I loved it. Loved that the motive for the murders is unknown, even if the connection between the victims seems all too obvious. There is still so much ambiguity and misdirection, and the very fact that the victims are, by their own confession, untrustworthy makes everything seem all the more impossibly possible.
With pulsing tension, moments of drama that really do keep you on a knife edge, and pitch perfect tension that is backed by an atmospheric and haunting setting, this book really delivered for me, providing the pure escapism I craved, and a darkness that had me chuckling with a ewwww-hee-hee glee in all the right places. Definitely recommended.
September 5, 2025
The Island by Paul Finch is the first book I have read from this author and WoW what a gripping book this was! It was excellent from start to finish. I loved the way Paul, placed ex dirty cop's from all different Police forces on a remote island off the coast of Cornwall. The only way on this island is by Boat and the same way off this island.
The 2 main characters are Jack and his ex colleague Claudia, who have both been sack from their local Police force and now known in their small town as dirty cops! They both have no jobs and are living off their savings they have left, but they wont get them far in life. Now, they have both offered a the getaway of a lifetime on a remote island with a group of strangers
Now, Jack is so unsure about this offer and it is to good to be true. But, things have been difficult recently, for both Jack and Claudia so with lots of convincing they both jump at the chance to swim under the summer sun, explore the peaceful woodlands and return to an elegant hotel for a glorious dinner.
Who wouldn't?................... but would you??? 🤔
As the boat pulls into the harbour, they're surrounded by crystal-clear water . . . . . WoW!!!
Then, they are soon you are alone. It's just the peace and quiet all around them Just as they were promised. With No phone signal, no internet. . . . . . . . . . and no way to call for help or get off this island if needed..
Nothing COULD ever go wrong in paradise, right? 🤔
A huge summer storm is rolling towards the island, and everyone is starting to realise the secrets they’ve been hiding for years seem to have followed them here. And they're no different to anyone else around them!!.
Then. . . .. . . . one of your group disappears.
His body washes up in the picture-postcard harbour, and it’s clearly no accident.
Will Jack and Claudia get off this island alive and in one piece?
WoW......this is So good I ended up reading it until I had finished! Superb book. .. . . . . . 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The 2 main characters are Jack and his ex colleague Claudia, who have both been sack from their local Police force and now known in their small town as dirty cops! They both have no jobs and are living off their savings they have left, but they wont get them far in life. Now, they have both offered a the getaway of a lifetime on a remote island with a group of strangers
Now, Jack is so unsure about this offer and it is to good to be true. But, things have been difficult recently, for both Jack and Claudia so with lots of convincing they both jump at the chance to swim under the summer sun, explore the peaceful woodlands and return to an elegant hotel for a glorious dinner.
Who wouldn't?................... but would you??? 🤔
As the boat pulls into the harbour, they're surrounded by crystal-clear water . . . . . WoW!!!
Then, they are soon you are alone. It's just the peace and quiet all around them Just as they were promised. With No phone signal, no internet. . . . . . . . . . and no way to call for help or get off this island if needed..
Nothing COULD ever go wrong in paradise, right? 🤔
A huge summer storm is rolling towards the island, and everyone is starting to realise the secrets they’ve been hiding for years seem to have followed them here. And they're no different to anyone else around them!!.
Then. . . .. . . . one of your group disappears.
His body washes up in the picture-postcard harbour, and it’s clearly no accident.
Will Jack and Claudia get off this island alive and in one piece?
WoW......this is So good I ended up reading it until I had finished! Superb book. .. . . . . . 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
October 8, 2025
The Island by Paul Finch is a dark, atmospheric thriller centred around a group of disgraced ex-police officers offered what appears to be a second chance. When they are invited to an exclusive, all-expenses-paid retreat on a remote island off the Cornish coast, the offer seems too good to be true — and, of course, it is.
Jack, ever cautious, suspects there is more to the invitation than meets the eye, though his former colleague Claudia persuades him to attend. Upon arrival, the group are introduced to “Damned Rankers,” a supposed support network for former officers whose careers have collapsed. The remote island setting, cut off from the mainland with no signal and worsening weather, creates an ideal backdrop for the tension that follows. When a body is discovered, the situation swiftly unravels, turning their hopeful retreat into a nightmare.
The author uses the isolated setting brilliantly to build suspense and a palpable sense of unease. The pacing is brisk, with plenty of action, twists, and several brutal, gory deaths. The cast is varied and well-drawn, though the frequent switching between characters’ first and last names occasionally made it difficult to keep track of who was who.
While the story is gripping and filled with tension, the ending didn’t quite meet the expectations set by the strong build-up. It felt abrupt and somewhat convoluted, leaving me re-reading the final chapters to ensure I hadn’t missed anything. Although the conclusion makes sense within the narrative, it lacked the punch I was anticipating.
Overall, The Island is a fast-paced, tense, and atmospheric read that delivers plenty of suspense, but ultimately falls short of a truly satisfying conclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return of an honest, unbiased review.
Jack, ever cautious, suspects there is more to the invitation than meets the eye, though his former colleague Claudia persuades him to attend. Upon arrival, the group are introduced to “Damned Rankers,” a supposed support network for former officers whose careers have collapsed. The remote island setting, cut off from the mainland with no signal and worsening weather, creates an ideal backdrop for the tension that follows. When a body is discovered, the situation swiftly unravels, turning their hopeful retreat into a nightmare.
The author uses the isolated setting brilliantly to build suspense and a palpable sense of unease. The pacing is brisk, with plenty of action, twists, and several brutal, gory deaths. The cast is varied and well-drawn, though the frequent switching between characters’ first and last names occasionally made it difficult to keep track of who was who.
While the story is gripping and filled with tension, the ending didn’t quite meet the expectations set by the strong build-up. It felt abrupt and somewhat convoluted, leaving me re-reading the final chapters to ensure I hadn’t missed anything. Although the conclusion makes sense within the narrative, it lacked the punch I was anticipating.
Overall, The Island is a fast-paced, tense, and atmospheric read that delivers plenty of suspense, but ultimately falls short of a truly satisfying conclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return of an honest, unbiased review.
September 16, 2025
I'm a big fan of Paul Finch's Detective Heckenberg series, so I was very excited to read this stand alone thriller, The Island.
The books tag line "A dream holiday. You'd die to be there" certainly piqued my interest. And I was not disappointed.
We are introduced to a cast of ex-police officers, all of dubious character, who have been offered an escape on the Sicilly Isles by an unknown benefactor, under the guise of setting up some sort of support group for wronged cops. Only what seems to be paradise quickly becomes a nightmare of the highest degree as bodies start piling up, a storm approaches and there's no way to escape!
The characterisation is brilliant, and you can tell that Paul was a policeman in the past - he writes them so well. The cast feel all so real, and I was rooting for them to survive, faults and all. The setting of the remote island was perfect for the plot, adding a lot of atmosphere and unease. It also offers something a little different from the usual inner city settings which I loved.
It's got eveything you want from a crime thriller - jam packed action, adrenaline surging plot, nail biting suspense and it is very difficult to put down. My heart was pounding as the plot rapidly escalates, and the killer rampages around the island. It's gruesome and brutal and highly entertaining (though not for the faint of heart!) I throughly enjoyed it! I also think it would be brilliant to listen to on audio - it will be my next download!
The books tag line "A dream holiday. You'd die to be there" certainly piqued my interest. And I was not disappointed.
We are introduced to a cast of ex-police officers, all of dubious character, who have been offered an escape on the Sicilly Isles by an unknown benefactor, under the guise of setting up some sort of support group for wronged cops. Only what seems to be paradise quickly becomes a nightmare of the highest degree as bodies start piling up, a storm approaches and there's no way to escape!
The characterisation is brilliant, and you can tell that Paul was a policeman in the past - he writes them so well. The cast feel all so real, and I was rooting for them to survive, faults and all. The setting of the remote island was perfect for the plot, adding a lot of atmosphere and unease. It also offers something a little different from the usual inner city settings which I loved.
It's got eveything you want from a crime thriller - jam packed action, adrenaline surging plot, nail biting suspense and it is very difficult to put down. My heart was pounding as the plot rapidly escalates, and the killer rampages around the island. It's gruesome and brutal and highly entertaining (though not for the faint of heart!) I throughly enjoyed it! I also think it would be brilliant to listen to on audio - it will be my next download!
September 28, 2025
From the synopsis, this book sounded like it could be right up my alley. A group of cops (bent or otherwise) lured into a too-good-to-be-true getaway, with the promise of maybe redeeming themselves. Great premise, right? Unfortunately, that promise never delivered.
The characters were both underdeveloped and unlikeable, and there were so many of them that keeping track became a chore. To make matters worse, sometimes they were referred to by their first names, other times by their last, so I was constantly flipping back and forth trying to remember who was who. Although to be honest, the more the story went on, the more I stopped caring.
Seriously. It got to the point where I didn’t care who lived, who died, or who just disappeared into the background, and (spoiler alert) that might have been for the best.
The story itself dragged along a boring, predictable path that too often veered into outright implausibility. The only thing that kept me marginally engaged were the murders, were at least mildly interesting (and I use that phrase loosely).
But then came the epilogue, which managed to somehow be even more disappointing than everything that came before it. It was just the final nail in the coffin of a book that could have been so much better.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
The characters were both underdeveloped and unlikeable, and there were so many of them that keeping track became a chore. To make matters worse, sometimes they were referred to by their first names, other times by their last, so I was constantly flipping back and forth trying to remember who was who. Although to be honest, the more the story went on, the more I stopped caring.
Seriously. It got to the point where I didn’t care who lived, who died, or who just disappeared into the background, and (spoiler alert) that might have been for the best.
The story itself dragged along a boring, predictable path that too often veered into outright implausibility. The only thing that kept me marginally engaged were the murders, were at least mildly interesting (and I use that phrase loosely).
But then came the epilogue, which managed to somehow be even more disappointing than everything that came before it. It was just the final nail in the coffin of a book that could have been so much better.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
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