Paradise Cove

Paradise Cove by Davin Goodwin
4/6/23; 304 pages
Oceanview Publishing
Roscoe Conklin #2

Paradise Cove by Davin Goodwin is a highly recommended procedural and the second novel in the Roscoe Conklin series. The series starts with Diver’s Paradise and is followed by Paradise Cove.

When a human leg washes ashore on the island of Bonaire, retired cop Roscoe Conklin, called "R" by friends, is nearby and examines the scene. Due to a tattoo, he quickly determines that the leg belongs to Rulio, the nephew of a close friend, Erika. With little evidence, the investigation comes to a standstill. R makes a deal with the lead detective to follow his wife because the inspector thinks she is having an affair. In exchange R is given the case file. Even though it is in Dutch, he manages to decipher the few clues available. The clues seem to lead to Paradise Cove, an upscale resort run by a friendly American couple. Then the body count begins to rise...

Paradise Cove is a well-written, very satisfying procedural with an interesting investigative plot. This is the second in a series but worked as a stand alone. The unique island setting gives the novel the ambience of a procedural set in a small town. Don't expect the relentless action of a thriller. The island setting provides a vibrant and laid back atmosphere. 

The characters are portrayed as realistic individuals and are all integrated into the plot of the narrative. R's relationship with Arabella, a detective with the Bonaire police, is going strong.  His beer is a Bright with a slice of lime, which seems appropriate for someone living on an island paradise.

Goodwin presents all the clues to solve the complicated case, and, although I guessed who-dun-it early on, the action leading up to the end was engaging and interesting.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Oceanview Publishing via Edelweiss.