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Port Stirling #4
Dark Sand: A Port Stirling Mystery Book 4
Police chief Matt Horning thought life in Port Stirling, Oregon was returning to normal after the earthquake. He was dead wrong.
Almost one year has passed since the earth shook up Matt Horning and his coastal village. Now, the world’s foremost scientists have flocked to the remote town to study the aftereffects on the sea and land.
Turns out, one of them isn’t a nice man. Famous geologist, British Lord Phineas Stuart, goes missing in this gripping whodunit mystery. When the investigation into Stuart’s disappearance gets underway, Matt and his colleagues quickly realize they’re not hurting for suspects who wish the geologist harm. Has Stuart just taken off somewhere, or is a jealous competitor responsible for the missing scientist?
Will this mystery drive a wedge in Matt and Fern’s new relationship? Are they over their heads trying to find a villain amongst their brilliant visitors, and are they in the crosshairs? How far will people go to protect what they love when the stakes are high?
Revenge...Greed...Spurned Love – which is it? Matt Horning and his colleagues return to solve the puzzle in Dark Sand.
Perfect for fans of Melinda Leigh, Mary Stone, and Sandra Brown
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2022
280 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 23, 2022
Stirling Mystery series
Excellent series! I can’t wait for the next one! I strongly recommend Kay Jennings as an author!
A must read.
Excellent series! I can’t wait for the next one! I strongly recommend Kay Jennings as an author!
A must read.
May 1, 2022
A must read
A suspenseful page turner! Love the direction the author is taking the characters. Looking forward to reading the next book
A suspenseful page turner! Love the direction the author is taking the characters. Looking forward to reading the next book
November 2, 2024
This was another amazing book by Kay Jennings. Dark Sand is Book 4 of the Port Sterling Mysteries. Love, love all the repeat characters Kay has created and some new ones too. She's developed them into real people you'd want to get to know on a personal level along with the town of Port Sterling. In this book the town of Port Sterling has been taken over by many geologists from around the world on a mission to discover the next big find from the devastating tsunami that stirred up and spit out the landscape over many miles; changing it forever. One of them makes a big discovery but is murdered before he can share it; or so it seems. The hunt is on to solve the case with Chief Matt Horning at the helm with his new bride. Just as they are getting close to solving the case another murder occurs. The police are sent in multiple directions to find the clues and capture the killer. As for me, I too missed the clues and bypassed the obvious in solving the case.I highly recommend this book this book and series has just the right amount of murder & mayham to keep you interested.
December 1, 2025
This is the fourth book that I have read in the series. My wife and I spend a lot of time on the Southern Oregon Coast. I continue to enjoy the way that Kay Jennings is able to capture the flavor of the area. It is a good idea to read this series in order. The characters are very likable and continue to develop throughout the series. This book takes place about one year after the tsunami that devastated the Southern Oregon town of Port Stirling described in the last book. Geologists from around the world come to town to uncover "treasures" that were uncovered in the aftermath of the tsunami.
The characters from the first three books continue to develop well and they are all likable. It was a quick read that was very enjoyable. I recommend the book, particularly if one is relaxing at the coast. I have already downloaded the next book in the series.
The characters from the first three books continue to develop well and they are all likable. It was a quick read that was very enjoyable. I recommend the book, particularly if one is relaxing at the coast. I have already downloaded the next book in the series.
March 26, 2022
Inconsistencies are distracting
Good story but needs better editing. For example, Pen tells police her husband was the baby of his family, spoiled by his mother, father deceased. In the next chapter, he is the first born son of deceased parents. James tells police he known Phineas for 7 years. However, Pen and Trevor say they’ve known James for 10 years and Phineas has known him longer than that. And why would the IT guy wait to tell Matt about the meeting between two of the suspects? These kinds of errors are very distracting to readers, A good editor should pick them up.
Good story but needs better editing. For example, Pen tells police her husband was the baby of his family, spoiled by his mother, father deceased. In the next chapter, he is the first born son of deceased parents. James tells police he known Phineas for 7 years. However, Pen and Trevor say they’ve known James for 10 years and Phineas has known him longer than that. And why would the IT guy wait to tell Matt about the meeting between two of the suspects? These kinds of errors are very distracting to readers, A good editor should pick them up.
May 8, 2023
Outstanding!
This is a well-crafted, tightly told story of intrigue, discovery, loss, and love, set in the context of intense international competitive jealousies and the rumblings of potential conflict between two lovers, each of whom is the consummate professional pursuing a dream of personal success, while fighting hard to keep what is most dear in their relationship close to their hearts. Highly recommended!
This is a well-crafted, tightly told story of intrigue, discovery, loss, and love, set in the context of intense international competitive jealousies and the rumblings of potential conflict between two lovers, each of whom is the consummate professional pursuing a dream of personal success, while fighting hard to keep what is most dear in their relationship close to their hearts. Highly recommended!
April 7, 2024
Waiting for the next chapter of Matt and Fern
I found this story very engaging. The story flowed and had me wanting to read the next chapter when I had to set the story down. Adding the Native American history to the story line only made it better. Port Stirling sounds like a great place to visit. I look forward to the next adventure. I did not expect the ending, enjoyed the turn of events.
I found this story very engaging. The story flowed and had me wanting to read the next chapter when I had to set the story down. Adding the Native American history to the story line only made it better. Port Stirling sounds like a great place to visit. I look forward to the next adventure. I did not expect the ending, enjoyed the turn of events.
December 28, 2024
Moving right along with series, #4 is about some English archaeologists who come to PortStirling to see what the tsuname might have uncovered in the way of artifacts. A discovery causes a competition among the visitors for getting credit, and murder ensues. Matt and Fern get married and build a splendid new house and work together with the rest of the local police staff to solve a couple of mysteries and the murder, too. Easy reading.
July 26, 2022
Good story...
I love a good contempory mystery novel, especially with well defined characters. While reading this book, some of the dialogue felt like I was reading a novel written from the 50's. I guess I am more used to gritty, no nonsense police characters like Harry Bosch.
I love a good contempory mystery novel, especially with well defined characters. While reading this book, some of the dialogue felt like I was reading a novel written from the 50's. I guess I am more used to gritty, no nonsense police characters like Harry Bosch.
March 13, 2023
This book was very good. This is really an excellent series, the only exception being #3, that I was not so keen on…in my opinion. This story was back to the level of the first two of the series. Good characters, only Fern gets annoying periodically, but manages to make up for it. Suspenseful, a can’t-put-it-down read.
October 27, 2023
I like the characters
The characters are all normal people with flaws. They could be my neighbors. I read volume one of the series and then volume 5. I have now gone back to volume 4. I mention this because each volume can stand on its own. This is a good series. Really did not consider the killer until the very end. Thoroughly enjoyable, moves right long.
The characters are all normal people with flaws. They could be my neighbors. I read volume one of the series and then volume 5. I have now gone back to volume 4. I mention this because each volume can stand on its own. This is a good series. Really did not consider the killer until the very end. Thoroughly enjoyable, moves right long.
August 4, 2024
Geology, Tsunami and Marriage
This is what you can get in this story…an international community of geologists coupled with murder, marriage and the usual twists and turns of a close knit community dealing with with the tsunami aftermath and recovery. What more lay I store for Port Sterling…? An Matt and Fern survive yet another murder spree?
This is what you can get in this story…an international community of geologists coupled with murder, marriage and the usual twists and turns of a close knit community dealing with with the tsunami aftermath and recovery. What more lay I store for Port Sterling…? An Matt and Fern survive yet another murder spree?
March 25, 2025
Kay Jennings does it again
I just finished Dark Sand and it was as good as book 3. I like reading books that follow each other. The Port Stirling series is excellent reading. I can a!ways tell a good book by how much sleep I lose. I've been losing plenty since I started this series.
I just finished Dark Sand and it was as good as book 3. I like reading books that follow each other. The Port Stirling series is excellent reading. I can a!ways tell a good book by how much sleep I lose. I've been losing plenty since I started this series.
March 19, 2022
WOW!
Terrific murder mystery! Great characters, interesting, involved murder, many suspects, and wonderful police procedural. This is an outstanding series, great mysteries worthy of the thinking mystery reader, terrific, concise writing, and intricate plots!
Terrific murder mystery! Great characters, interesting, involved murder, many suspects, and wonderful police procedural. This is an outstanding series, great mysteries worthy of the thinking mystery reader, terrific, concise writing, and intricate plots!
May 25, 2022
Interesting story
And great characters. I enjoy the addition of geology and archeology. Makes the story very entertaining and interesting. The characters are believable and relatable.
And great characters. I enjoy the addition of geology and archeology. Makes the story very entertaining and interesting. The characters are believable and relatable.
November 29, 2024
Geologists come to study the earthquake and tsunami
Matt and Fern are married for 24 hours, when the first murder occurs. Within a week, there are 3 dead scientists but the case is solved.
Matt and Fern are married for 24 hours, when the first murder occurs. Within a week, there are 3 dead scientists but the case is solved.
June 15, 2025
The noted geologist from Great Britain goes missing and Matt has to deal with his wife and others who may or may not want him found. Matt and Fern have a bit of a feud - will they get back together? Another good mystery - easy reads!
March 20, 2022
Well told story.
This is the fourth book about the same believable characters. The plot is great, the story well written, exciting and flawless.
This is the fourth book about the same believable characters. The plot is great, the story well written, exciting and flawless.
March 20, 2022
Great story
I love the characters in the story, took me a minute to remember them, I hope the next one a little darker and comes out a little quicker!
I love the characters in the story, took me a minute to remember them, I hope the next one a little darker and comes out a little quicker!
March 27, 2022
Good Mystery Series
I like chemistry between the characters. I feel like I know them. I enjoy a good police procedure and this fits the bill.
I like chemistry between the characters. I feel like I know them. I enjoy a good police procedure and this fits the bill.
April 10, 2022
Book 4 of the Port Stiring Mysteries. One book is great as the next. Can’t wait for book 5!!!!
June 4, 2022
Wonderful books I am hoping for more Matt and Fern stories
June 19, 2022
Great read
I enjoyed reading this book. Easy read and interesting. I Have read the entire series and waiting for more!
Love it
I enjoyed reading this book. Easy read and interesting. I Have read the entire series and waiting for more!
Love it
September 27, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable read.
January 1, 2023
fun history
Very knowledgeable Author on poison and artifacts discovery. Fun reading about new subjects, This is my 4th book and, except for book # 3—- all were fun,
Very knowledgeable Author on poison and artifacts discovery. Fun reading about new subjects, This is my 4th book and, except for book # 3—- all were fun,
September 4, 2023
Excellent series by Kay Jennings
I just recently came across this series by Kay Jennings. I am addicted. I stayed up late every night reading each book. It has everything - great characters that you instantly become attached to, intense stories that keep you on the edge, twists and turns. I can’t wait for book 7!! Thank you Kay Jennings.
I just recently came across this series by Kay Jennings. I am addicted. I stayed up late every night reading each book. It has everything - great characters that you instantly become attached to, intense stories that keep you on the edge, twists and turns. I can’t wait for book 7!! Thank you Kay Jennings.
September 3, 2023
I didn’t think it was possible to love the characters in this series more but Kay has outdone herself again. I can’t put them down and can’t get enough.
January 22, 2024
This series has such twists and turns. Only during the last few pages do I correctly identify the murderer and his/her reasons!
December 29, 2024
Another great Port Sterling mystery…. Wonderful characters and story. Looking forward to the next one.
June 7, 2025
3 1/2. I read book one in this series and loved it. Not quite as impressed with this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews