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Sam Coyle Trilogy #2
The Salt Marsh
A haunting thriller set in the windswept marshes of Kent and Norfolk, from the author of Orkney Twilight.
It is a year since Sam's father died, but she cannot lay his ghost to rest. Jim was an undercover agent living a double life, and Sam has quit university to find out the truth about his work.
Her journey will take her from the nightclubs of 80s Soho to the salt marshes and shingle spits of Norfolk and Kent. Here, in a bleak windswept landscape dotted with smugglers' huts and buried bones, Jim's secret past calls to her like never before.
Now Sam must decide. Will she walk away and pick up her own life? Or become an undercover operative herself and continue her father's work in the shadows…
It is a year since Sam's father died, but she cannot lay his ghost to rest. Jim was an undercover agent living a double life, and Sam has quit university to find out the truth about his work.
Her journey will take her from the nightclubs of 80s Soho to the salt marshes and shingle spits of Norfolk and Kent. Here, in a bleak windswept landscape dotted with smugglers' huts and buried bones, Jim's secret past calls to her like never before.
Now Sam must decide. Will she walk away and pick up her own life? Or become an undercover operative herself and continue her father's work in the shadows…
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 16, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 28, 2024
*3.5 Stars *
The Salt Marsh is set during the Cold War in Britain, a time period that in itself, gives added dimension to a novel.
There is an eclectic mix of spies, criminals, drug dealers, and hitmen. Then there are the locations - Dungeness with its power station and salt marshes - the flat, often bleak, windswept landscapes of Norfolk and Kent - and finally London - each of these locations adding depth and atmosphere to the storyline. Then, thrown into this mix are ancient superstitions, witchcraft, spells and curses. With all these threads combined, it makes for a truly unique narrative.
Sam Coyle's father, Jim, was an undercover agent. This was something that he kept completely separate from his family life. However, as a young girl, Sam becomes unwittingly involved in the dark and secretive world that he operates in, on what was supposed to be a treat for her. During a visit to a fair with her father, she notices a man watching them, and Jim suddenly takes flight, leaving her alone. The man approaches her, and makes it clear he knows who her father is. This day will haunt her in so many ways, well into the future.
Some years later, Jim is dead, and Sam's boyfriend Luke goes missing. She is determined to find him, and her investigations ultimately reveal revelations about Jim's undercover work, and also the events that led to his death.
This was really well-written, with a very unique storyline. The characters are strong and mostly believable, I say mostly, because I couldn't quite get my head around the 'crying hitman'. The locations were superb, and well-chosen to give added flavour and depth to this absorbing read.
The Salt Marsh is set during the Cold War in Britain, a time period that in itself, gives added dimension to a novel.
There is an eclectic mix of spies, criminals, drug dealers, and hitmen. Then there are the locations - Dungeness with its power station and salt marshes - the flat, often bleak, windswept landscapes of Norfolk and Kent - and finally London - each of these locations adding depth and atmosphere to the storyline. Then, thrown into this mix are ancient superstitions, witchcraft, spells and curses. With all these threads combined, it makes for a truly unique narrative.
Sam Coyle's father, Jim, was an undercover agent. This was something that he kept completely separate from his family life. However, as a young girl, Sam becomes unwittingly involved in the dark and secretive world that he operates in, on what was supposed to be a treat for her. During a visit to a fair with her father, she notices a man watching them, and Jim suddenly takes flight, leaving her alone. The man approaches her, and makes it clear he knows who her father is. This day will haunt her in so many ways, well into the future.
Some years later, Jim is dead, and Sam's boyfriend Luke goes missing. She is determined to find him, and her investigations ultimately reveal revelations about Jim's undercover work, and also the events that led to his death.
This was really well-written, with a very unique storyline. The characters are strong and mostly believable, I say mostly, because I couldn't quite get my head around the 'crying hitman'. The locations were superb, and well-chosen to give added flavour and depth to this absorbing read.
July 27, 2016
I was absolutely blown away by Carson’s debut Orkney Twilight which remains one of the most lyrical, perfectly plotted crime thrillers I have read to date. The Salt Marsh pretty much picks up from the events of the first book, but, fear not if you have not read Orkney Twilight as the author brings you up to speed quickly with the previous plot. It seemed to me that there was a perfect symmetry in this book, with Carson wholly appreciating the need to provide the reader with an intriguing mystery, but also to explore some more weightier themes both in the emotional facets of her young female protagonist, Sam, and the environmental issues that the disappearance of her boyfriend provides links to. The use of the coastal locations in this book (as Orkney was in the first book) firmly root us in the strange territory between the strength, desolate beauty, and mythical nature of the natural world, set against man’s mission to harness and use these natural resources for sometimes nefarious ends. Throughout the course of the Carson balances the scientific with the philosophical and the harnessing of the alchemical with themes of myth and superstition. It’s intelligent, involving, and raises the book above standard thrillers.
As Sam is increasingly drawn into a dark plot involving environmental activism, the memory and influence of her late father, an undercover operative, begins to put her in the orbit of his former employers who seek to malign or use her throughout the course of the book. Sam is an incredibly well-realised character, strong-minded and set apart from the rest of her family by her refusal to conform, or settle to anything meaningful or what is expected by others. To quote Star Wars (as one should in every review possible) the force is strong in her, and the influence of her father resonates in her more than she at first realises. I love the balance Carson inputs in her character from moments of wilful stubbornness, to her sometimes emotional naivety, but always tempered by an admirable sense of right and wrong, and her determination to confront and challenge both. This also worked as an influence on the reader, as this book consistently makes you question what appears to be happening before you, drawing you into Sam’s confusion and her increasing distrust of those around her. My attention was held completely throughout the book, and I would urge you to read both Orkney Twilight and The Salt Marsh if you like your crime multi-faceted with a more literary leaning. Highly recommended.
As Sam is increasingly drawn into a dark plot involving environmental activism, the memory and influence of her late father, an undercover operative, begins to put her in the orbit of his former employers who seek to malign or use her throughout the course of the book. Sam is an incredibly well-realised character, strong-minded and set apart from the rest of her family by her refusal to conform, or settle to anything meaningful or what is expected by others. To quote Star Wars (as one should in every review possible) the force is strong in her, and the influence of her father resonates in her more than she at first realises. I love the balance Carson inputs in her character from moments of wilful stubbornness, to her sometimes emotional naivety, but always tempered by an admirable sense of right and wrong, and her determination to confront and challenge both. This also worked as an influence on the reader, as this book consistently makes you question what appears to be happening before you, drawing you into Sam’s confusion and her increasing distrust of those around her. My attention was held completely throughout the book, and I would urge you to read both Orkney Twilight and The Salt Marsh if you like your crime multi-faceted with a more literary leaning. Highly recommended.
July 7, 2016
I received a copy of this book from Head of Zeus in exchange for an honest review.
Sam Coyle’s father was an undercover cop and her whole life he taught her to be wary of everyone and everything. Now her father is dead and Sam is having a hard time getting over it. Then Sam’s boyfriend disappears, she gets strange messages on her answering machine and it appears like someone is after her. Sam ends up on a mission to find out what’s going on and just might end up leaving a trail of bodies in her wake.
This is a suspenseful mystery novel that manages to tie in the fear of nuclear disaster with family ties and legacy as one woman figures out who she is and if she really is her father’ daughter. Sam is a thoughtful, mature character who despite only being 20, seems to be able to look after herself and doesn’t hesitate to get things done. There were times she could be a bit hasty in going and leaving places but that was okay in the end. I enjoyed getting glimpses of her relationships with the men in her life - her dad, Luke, Dave and eventually even Sonny, and how they all ended up shaping her a little bit and helping her. This book definitely had me suspecting everyone all the time though I wasn’t that surprised at the conclusion.
The book’s plot around the nuclear power plants and protests went a bit over my head as it’s set in the 80s and I wasn’t even born yet so I don’t have a really clear idea of the time when people were protesting Sellafield and Chernobyl was still a clear memory for everyone. It was definitely interesting and it set the scene a lot. There were times I forgot the book was set in the 80s as it was a bit timeless like that and I’d only remember when she checked the answering machine at her house.
I really loved Sonny and thought he was a mysterious, anti-hero character. He was dark and handsome but he was also ruthless. Yet, he showed remorse for the things he’d done from crying after he finished ‘a job’, to his renewed faith and the crosses on his arms for his victims. I think I would have liked more flashbacks or something with Sam’s previous history with Sonny and how it all went down with her dad. I’m very surprised we didn’t get an actual flashback of that day.
Overall, this was tense and suspenseful with also a hint of the supernatural about it. Sam is a bit obsessed with witches and witchcraft and some of her interactions with people definitely left me feeling a bit spooked. Everything tied in nicely at the end and I enjoyed it.
Sam Coyle’s father was an undercover cop and her whole life he taught her to be wary of everyone and everything. Now her father is dead and Sam is having a hard time getting over it. Then Sam’s boyfriend disappears, she gets strange messages on her answering machine and it appears like someone is after her. Sam ends up on a mission to find out what’s going on and just might end up leaving a trail of bodies in her wake.
This is a suspenseful mystery novel that manages to tie in the fear of nuclear disaster with family ties and legacy as one woman figures out who she is and if she really is her father’ daughter. Sam is a thoughtful, mature character who despite only being 20, seems to be able to look after herself and doesn’t hesitate to get things done. There were times she could be a bit hasty in going and leaving places but that was okay in the end. I enjoyed getting glimpses of her relationships with the men in her life - her dad, Luke, Dave and eventually even Sonny, and how they all ended up shaping her a little bit and helping her. This book definitely had me suspecting everyone all the time though I wasn’t that surprised at the conclusion.
The book’s plot around the nuclear power plants and protests went a bit over my head as it’s set in the 80s and I wasn’t even born yet so I don’t have a really clear idea of the time when people were protesting Sellafield and Chernobyl was still a clear memory for everyone. It was definitely interesting and it set the scene a lot. There were times I forgot the book was set in the 80s as it was a bit timeless like that and I’d only remember when she checked the answering machine at her house.
I really loved Sonny and thought he was a mysterious, anti-hero character. He was dark and handsome but he was also ruthless. Yet, he showed remorse for the things he’d done from crying after he finished ‘a job’, to his renewed faith and the crosses on his arms for his victims. I think I would have liked more flashbacks or something with Sam’s previous history with Sonny and how it all went down with her dad. I’m very surprised we didn’t get an actual flashback of that day.
Overall, this was tense and suspenseful with also a hint of the supernatural about it. Sam is a bit obsessed with witches and witchcraft and some of her interactions with people definitely left me feeling a bit spooked. Everything tied in nicely at the end and I enjoyed it.
December 29, 2016
First the good things; Clare Carson can write some lovely descriptive prose, which describes the settings of her novels well, and creates a real sense of atmosphere and threat.
Alas the things about this novel that I disliked were a lot more numerous. After quite enjoying 'Orkney Twilight' by the same author, this had more of the same faults but without my familiarity with the Orcadian setting able to cover over the flaws. 'The Salt Marsh' is a tale of a young woman getting involved in all kinds of trouble when trying to unravel a mystery following the death of her father and the disappearance of her boyfriend. It's full of ridiculous coincidences, a convoluted series of minor events which turn out *all* to be clues to be pieced together, more twists and counter-twists than a bowl of fusilli, and some very irritating characters. I couldn't get on board with the flaky yet somehow indestructible and omniscient heroine, and all the supernatural v scientific plus layers of conspiracy stuff just bored me. An annoying read.
Alas the things about this novel that I disliked were a lot more numerous. After quite enjoying 'Orkney Twilight' by the same author, this had more of the same faults but without my familiarity with the Orcadian setting able to cover over the flaws. 'The Salt Marsh' is a tale of a young woman getting involved in all kinds of trouble when trying to unravel a mystery following the death of her father and the disappearance of her boyfriend. It's full of ridiculous coincidences, a convoluted series of minor events which turn out *all* to be clues to be pieced together, more twists and counter-twists than a bowl of fusilli, and some very irritating characters. I couldn't get on board with the flaky yet somehow indestructible and omniscient heroine, and all the supernatural v scientific plus layers of conspiracy stuff just bored me. An annoying read.
November 8, 2016
Seduced by the title and because I was in the beautiful Golden Hare in Stockbridge I bought this and only later remembered Clare Carson also wrote 'Orkney Twilight' which I was lent. A similar theme, daughter and missing father but this so dislocated and the daughter so ditsy I could hardly make head nor tale of what was happening, never mind find the plot or the body count believable.
Others have obviously done so, and I can only assume it is some lack in me
Others have obviously done so, and I can only assume it is some lack in me
July 12, 2016
A haunting thriller set in the windswept marshes of Kent and Norfolk, I wanted to read this book as part of the story is set in Dungeness and Romney Marsh, which is not that far from where I live. I love going to Dungeness and Romney Marsh. In The salt Marsh Jim was an undercover agent living a double life. And Luke is missing ,he vanished in the fog on the Kent coast.
July 24, 2020
Claire Carson is an exceptional writer, this is the second in a trilogy about a young girl/woman and her life with a father as a spy. This book is a lot about Sams grief for her father (don’t let that put you off). Claire completely understands grief and the effects it has and this is woven brilliantly into the story. I like Sam, the protagonist, who is a gutsy independent female. All of the three books in this trilogy go back and forth in time which is done in a very clear way, there is no confusion as to where you are, which I have found in other novels.
August 23, 2016
A book that creates some varied characters but at times they annoy as much as they catch the imagination. The central character Sam has an interesting background and this is developed in part. However, her constant need to roll a spliff just seems to be a literary device to make the reader see her as ‘current’, ‘needy’ and ‘slightly alternative’. As the book and the plot develop we are taken to a number of atmospheric situations and there is promise that the book will become tense in both description and plot direction. The weakness is in the flow of the plot and the need to see the characters in greater depth. The situations never reach the point where the book cannot be put down. At first Sam is a 20 year old who is reluctantly receiving therapy after the death of her father and within a short while we have to accept that she can deal with the death of her friends and the mystery that surrounds her in a way more reflective of a seasoned crime investigator. This is a readable book yet it rarely satisfies in the way it could.
May 30, 2016
I absolutely loved this book by Clare Carson. It is a real page turner from start to finish - I simply couldn't put it down. I found myself transported to the windswept Norfolk marshes on the journey with Sam as she unraveled the truth. I would highly recommend this book to others.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway - many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway - many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 18, 2018
even better than the first
Sam goes from strength to strength and the plot thickens. Loved the way the opposing factions meshed and created such an unput downable read
Sam goes from strength to strength and the plot thickens. Loved the way the opposing factions meshed and created such an unput downable read
March 23, 2020
Another good installment in the Sam Coyle series - this is book 2 of (at time of writing) 3. I had read book 1 prior to reading this but the book also works as a standalone - it takes some plot points from book 1 but uses them to jump off into it's own story.
The main characters are developed well. I really like Sam - she embodies exactly what I imagine a child brought up in the 70s and 80s would do. She is strong and confident but has flaws and doubts that allow for emotional depth, good character development and ensures she doesn't just seem like a superhero. I found Sonny a very intriguing character that was quite hard to work out, however in the context of the story that works really well.
The book has obviously been well researched. It feels authentic in it's time period with references to nuclear disarmament and protest marches alongside tape-based answering machines and public phone boxes. The geography also feels accurate and I commend the authors bravery in choosing to set this book on the Kentish coast when the previous book was set on Orkney!
Overall this was a good book with an engaging story and believable well written characters. I'll be on the lookout for book 3 just as soon as we get out of coronavirus lockdown!
The main characters are developed well. I really like Sam - she embodies exactly what I imagine a child brought up in the 70s and 80s would do. She is strong and confident but has flaws and doubts that allow for emotional depth, good character development and ensures she doesn't just seem like a superhero. I found Sonny a very intriguing character that was quite hard to work out, however in the context of the story that works really well.
The book has obviously been well researched. It feels authentic in it's time period with references to nuclear disarmament and protest marches alongside tape-based answering machines and public phone boxes. The geography also feels accurate and I commend the authors bravery in choosing to set this book on the Kentish coast when the previous book was set on Orkney!
Overall this was a good book with an engaging story and believable well written characters. I'll be on the lookout for book 3 just as soon as we get out of coronavirus lockdown!
March 15, 2018
This is the 2nd in the Sam Coyle trilogy, and picks up the story some two years after book 1 ends. The author weaves an absorbing, intriguing and at times slightly uncomfortable tale where Sam, still struggling to come to terms with the death of her father, then has to deal with her boyfriend going missing as well. The flashbacks help the connect the story-lines across both books, some of the characters met in book 1 reappear in book 2, and some of their actions leave Sam literally running for her life. The blending of the supernatural elements of folklore and witchcraft with modern spycraft and police infiltration is interesting, and adds a frisson of disquiet to the story which had me glancing edgily over my shoulder from time to time. Set in the mid-1980s, before the end of the Cold War and at the height of the Irish troubles, a time of anti-nuclear protests and the women's peace camps, those of us involved in political activism at that time will recognise many of the references to the "activities of the state"! A highly recommended read.
September 7, 2022
I think Clare Carson is quite a brave author, there's two, if not three themes running through this book, there's the eco/spy thriller which is quite complex but not unfathomable, then the internal practical dialogue of Sam as she navigates a world that doesn't always make sense, and finally her spiritual relationship to the environment. The combination of her grief, searching for meaning, and sense of disassociation into the etherial (especially under stress) with her sense of being able to perhaps influence animals and the environment makes her a very interesting but not always likeable protagonist, she's an imperfect hero. Clare Carson is excellent at describing the desolation of both urban and costal landscapes, her characters occupy. I'm intrigued as to what will happen to Sam in the third book.
April 27, 2018
Loved it. An excellent follow on from the previous bpok
Well written and plenty of twists and turns. Not quite as dark as the first book but very well written with care and accuracy. Following on from the first book can sometimes lose some of the flow and use of characters. Here we lost nothing apart from the main character Jim. Can't wait for the next book. 😊
Well written and plenty of twists and turns. Not quite as dark as the first book but very well written with care and accuracy. Following on from the first book can sometimes lose some of the flow and use of characters. Here we lost nothing apart from the main character Jim. Can't wait for the next book. 😊
May 30, 2018
Like the first book in the series, I do find the writing style awkward at times, but I felt that really adds to the confusion the character is feeling. Is the main character paranoid or is something really going on?
Of course since I had already read the first book I had a fair idea of how it would play out - but I enjoyed it a lot, and have already started on the third.
4 stars as I felt it missed something by not having scenes in Orkney.
Of course since I had already read the first book I had a fair idea of how it would play out - but I enjoyed it a lot, and have already started on the third.
4 stars as I felt it missed something by not having scenes in Orkney.
October 18, 2019
In the turbulence of her father's death Sam finds herself navigating nuclear plants, hitmen, morris dancers, wiccan symbols and Aston Villa fans. She can trust nobody. Suspenseful as the last and a plot as intricate as a spider's web.
November 8, 2022
An enjoyable read. A little bit of intrigue and mystery, keeps you hanging on. Although I kind of guessed part of the mystery. Although part of a trilogy, I feel you didn't need to read the first book. Saying that I am going to read the final book so see how it all ties up.
July 30, 2017
Got half way through and thought "Why the heck am I wasting my time on this?" No more to say, really. Annoying and irritating.
October 4, 2017
After being intrigued by the title, I found the book disappointing, I found it disjointed and difficult to read, this is just my opinion sorry
October 4, 2017
Gave up on this, didn’t care about the characters. Shame cos I liked the first book.
April 11, 2018
Interesting twists
Read this as a follow up to the 1st book and enjoyed it more, it has a slightly supernatural edge which was intriguing
Read this as a follow up to the 1st book and enjoyed it more, it has a slightly supernatural edge which was intriguing
June 23, 2016
I tried, I really tried, but this book just couldn't hold my attention. Perhaps it was the use of commas instead of the word 'and', the use of commas instead of semi-colons, or the non-sentences which I was expected to treat as proper sentences: having re-read every sentence at least twice to make sure I got what it meant, this was more of a chore than a pleasure so I gave up. It may have the best story in the world, but I never got to it.
June 1, 2016
Great writing and atmospheric settings (Romney Marsh, Dungeness, Norfolk and Soho), good twists and turns in a strong plot. Liked the witchcraft theme and the 80s setting. The book has great characters and a strong exploration of the madness of grief, as well as redemption and trust.
June 26, 2016
I never give up on books, but this is an exception. I gave up just over 100 pages in, as nothing was happening. The plot was slow & boring, & I really detested the magical/superstitious elements. Not for me.
Received via a Goodreads giveaway.
Received via a Goodreads giveaway.
November 16, 2016
2.5. I thought this started off quite well and until about half way through, then slowly I lost the plot and the will to live. It descended into confused, confusing implausibility and I barely managed to get to the end
June 14, 2016
This is a Goodreads Giveaway.
June 22, 2016
I recieved this book via good reads in return for an honest review.
This was an ok read however I found it slightly far fetched at times. I would reccomend this book for an easy read
This was an ok read however I found it slightly far fetched at times. I would reccomend this book for an easy read
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews