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The Treasure Hunters Club

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Member Reviews

This was a wonderful mystery thriller that you can easily sink your teeth into.

Imagine finding out that your Grandmother (who you had no idea even existed) reached out to you and asked you to come to her mansion on the east coast of Nova Socia. That was what happened to Peter, an orphaned man who jumped at the chance to have some family in his life. The mansion in question is set in Maple Bay, where there is the mystery of a buried and missing Pirate treasure. Cass is a good but failed author, who has come to Maple Bay to house sit and wait for inspiration to strike her once again for a new story. Dandy is a teen with a nose for a mystery and a deep sorrow in her heart after the death of her grandfather, though she has been set on a course that will tie the three of them together as more bodies start to drop in the idyllic seaside town.

Someone is after money, though which kind is it?

This was a great read, easy to go with, and fun to boot. A great pick-up for a fan of this genre of books.

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This was a fun, quick read. I enjoyed the twist and the inter-generational story. The author weaves journal entries throughout the book to overlay different groups' attempts to find the hidden treasure. To be honest, my favorite part of the book was the description of scenery - really made me want to take a trip to the Canadian coast! The writing was somehwat clunky -- there were sentences that I struggled to get through somehow, and some of the character development felt a bit forced. Overall, I enjoyed this one and it was a great plane read!

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Thank you to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for making this title available ahead of the publication date. It's always a great opportunity to read books ahead of the masses!
This particular book was not to my liking. It was very predictable and held little interest for me. It read quickly and the setting was nice, but I thought the editing was off. Too many british-isms, when the book was clearly set in North America.

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My 6P review

This is the story of a long lost treasure found by five young lads. Two generations later, and their descendants are looking for the same treasure. As they search, family secrets are revealed and long-held unforgivable grudges are disclosed.

The story was more of a telling, rather than the characters developing the story itself. Speaking of characters, there were way too many. Each had a backstory, and yet none of them really seem to be developed enough. Perhaps the author should have concentrated on fewer of them. I didn’t even really know the purpose of some of them. The use of Grandy and Dandy as names was annoying and by the end of the book I’d had enough. How old was Dandy any way? She sounded like a child and acted like one, and yet we were told she was 17.

The big reveal was a letdown and it fizzled after that.

The one thing, the author did REALLY well, was the setting. I could envisage it, feel it, and I wanted to be there.

This story is more suited to a younger audience.

I was also disappointed that it was compared to Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, as I loved that book.

Thank you to Netley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review .

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When I started this book, I didn't think much of it; the writing was a little choppy and there were too many characters for me to keep straight. But boy, did it reel me in; towards the end of the book I was wishing I could read a little bit faster so I could learn more about the Obelisk Treasure.

At the beginning of the book, we meet Dandy, Peter and Cass. Dandy, the only one of the three who actually lived on Maple Bay, is dealing with the death of her grandfather (aptly named Grandy). Peter is astonished by the appearance of a long-lost grandmother, inviting him to Maple Bay. And Cass is house-sitting as she plans her next book.

While the three of them don't immediately meet, all three of them get sucked into the mystery of the treasure - how it came to be, and who all have been trying to find it (and for how long). Throw in some small town intrigue and an eclectic cast of characters, and you've got an entertaining book.

The book was told in alternating chapters (primarily in present day), which I enjoyed towards the end. Cass, Peter, and Dandy all had different personalities, and reading each of their chapters was like turning to a different friend around the table and chatting with them about their life. But, because of that, the writing also felt a little choppy. I was just getting into the story, when the chapter would switch. And, while some parts were incredibly descriptive (especially when describing beautiful Bellwoods and Maple Bay) other parts were skimmed over, in a way that left me confused.

All that being said, I would recommend this book. It kept me hooked until the end.

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Thank you to NetGalley and to Grove Atlantic for the ARC of The Treasure Hunters Club by Tom Ryan.

Having read Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone and watched the Goonies tens of times, I was really excited about the description of this book. Unfortunately, for me, the description and the book itself did not match up.

The story is told from the POV of three different characters: teenager Dandy who is grieving the loss of her grandfather while taking on his final request to join the Treasure Hunters Club, struggling author Cass, who house sits for family friends while trying to get her writing back on track - and what better way to do that then to investigate the history of the town's lost treasure, and Peter, an adrift orphan in his late 30s who is finally found by his grandmother who holds more of the secrets to finding the treasure.

Oddly, Peter's sections are all told in first person, but Cass and Dandy are told from the third. This continuously pulled me out of the story, and, given some discoveries later in the book, it sort of made sense why that was the artistic choice -- but it was poorly executed and felt very forced. Honestly, at the point it made sense I almost DNF'ed the book, but pushed through to try and see if the overall mystery came together any better.

It's really hard not to give spoilers in a mystery book so I may have to be a bit vague here, but
- Peter, Cass and Dandy have the bones to be characters with depth. Unfortunately, we just seem to stay very surface level with them, and the choices they make seem forcibly driven by the plot and not by the character's interpretations of the plot.
- The misdirection and red herrings and minor plots are not subtle. They almost seem to shout every time one begins and then they forcibly move the character's on that new trajectory.
- It didn't really seem like anyone was trying to solve the murders of the two characters, that seemed to just occur by random happenstance and it felt so out of understanding or reality. I think there were a lot of cool ways the story could have gone instead of this -- there was more for our three main characters to internalize, and act on. I think if those two characters had died of natural causes there still could have been a very cool historical mystery to solve between the three. When the plot shifted to more violence it just seemed like it was two different books.
- There are parts when both Peter and Cass know a chunk of the story but we are told nothing. Then there are parts where we are reading an old journal, but it isn't really placed in parts that add to the story or what we know at that time. I wish the past had been better explained through the characters of Maple Bay in the present.

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Disclaimer: this book has been read as an uncorrected proof. Note that some critics told here might not be accurate when the book is published. This review will be edited once it is and once I have read the edited copy.

The Treasure Hunters Club sets in a east coastal town called Mapple Bay. We follow three main characters :
Peter, who just reconnects with his grandmother whom is leaving in THE manor of the town ;
Cass, an unlucky author, who wrote a book that went being a flop ;
and Dandy, an adventurous teenager.
The three characters' point of view give this book an interesting perspective on what's going.
They are all looking for a treasure called the Obelisk treasure ; the Obelisk is a pirate ship which sank during a battle several centuries ago.

But as the adventure begins, old people belonging to the Club are ending up dead. Accidents or not?

This book has many promises. It has everything to be a really good mystery/treasure hunting story. Some paragraphes were weaker than the rest of the book and few passages need to be edited. I'm sure the editor will have spotted them so I'm not really concerned.
Tom Ryan has a great, fluid, smooth writing. It is really enjoyable to read him and the descriptions are very well done, enough to make you feel and picture the scene but not too much it becomes overwhelming.

I will definitely recommend this book! The plot twist(s) are unexpected though I was afraid at some point I have discovered everything. My mistake! I intend to read this book once it's published and will edit this review and rate if needed.

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I really loved the premise of this novel, and having seen a fair bit about the Oak Island treasure was prepared to have a whole lot of fun. Unfortunately for me, the writing really let this down, with a lack of subtlety and clumsy dialogue distracting from the plot.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Treasure Hunters Club by Tom Ryan is a pirate treasure mystery thriller that involves murder, betrayal, and clever twists. You will travel to Maple Bay, Nova Scotia and meet several characters who develop the story. Peter’s grandmother owns the Bellwoods mansion and writes him a letter to reunite with him. Dandy’s grandfather was part of the Treasure Hunters Club before he passed away. Cass Jones is home sitting at one of the houses in the center of the mystery. These characters get more than they bargained for when the mystery takes a sinister turn and bodies start to add up.
I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy a mystery thriller and loved The Goonies, this book delivers on the pirate treasure vibes while keeping you reading to find out whodunit. The town of Maple Bay sounds so lovely and you will want to visit for the adventure.
Thank you Grove Atlantic and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

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"The Treasure Hunters Club" by Tom Ryan is an exhilarating adventure that effortlessly captures the imagination and spirit of adventure in readers of all ages. Ryan masterfully crafts a story that is not only a homage to the timeless allure of treasure hunting but also a vibrant narrative brimming with friendship, mystery, and the relentless pursuit of the unknown.

Set against the backdrop of a small town, the novel introduces us to a diverse and likable group of friends who form the Treasure Hunters Club. Their shared passion for unraveling historical mysteries and unearthing long-lost treasures leads them on an unforgettable journey that is both thrilling and educational. Ryan's skill in weaving factual historical elements with fiction provides a rich and engaging backdrop that adds depth and authenticity to the story.

The characters in "The Treasure Hunters Club" are its beating heart. Each member of the club is meticulously developed, with distinct personalities, strengths, and weaknesses that readers can easily relate to or admire. Their dynamics and interactions are portrayed with a warmth and realism that underscore the value of teamwork, loyalty, and the bonds of friendship. As the club members face challenges and solve puzzles, readers are taken along for the ride, experiencing the highs and lows right alongside the characters.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to balance suspense and action with moments of introspection and character growth. The plot is tightly paced, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing and pages turning. Yet, amidst the excitement of the hunt, Ryan also explores themes of courage, perseverance, and the importance of respecting history and the lessons it offers. This adds a layer of substance to the story, making it not just an adventure tale but a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to chase one's dreams and honor the past.

The settings and descriptions in "The Treasure Hunters Club" are vivid and immersive, transporting readers from their everyday lives into the world of ancient maps, hidden artifacts, and secret societies. Ryan's attention to detail and the atmospheric settings enrich the narrative, making each discovery and revelation feel significant and earned.

In conclusion, "The Treasure Hunters Club" by Tom Ryan is a captivating and heartwarming adventure that succeeds on multiple levels. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of treasure hunting stories and a reminder of the adventures that await us when we dare to explore the unknown. With its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and seamless blend of history and fiction, this book is a treasure in its own right, offering readers a delightful escape filled with excitement, learning, and fun.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

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This was a really fun read about a group in inter generational neighbors trying to solve a century old mystery of a hidden treasure. I loved the characters and loved the mystery!

I received an advanced copy through Netgalley, but all opinions are my own.

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WOW

My first reaction to The Treasure Hunters Club by Tom Ryan is WOW. I loved it. As I previously mentioned, I got this book early from Net Galley. I feel very lucky to have read this one early. I won't spoil any of the big twists and turns. The book is about three characters who come together in the same town and get involved in a generations old pirate treasure mystery. And thats all I'll tell you about the book's story.

Here's more of my reaction to the book. The Treasure Hunters Club is a gripping mystery. There are so many twists in this story. One huge twist had me going "WHAT. OH MY GOD." Seriously. I was not expecting THAT. Wow.

The book is wonderful. I could barely put it down. I think I started reading it about three days ago and just burned through the book. I read it through the days. I was totally in that world, with those characters, and thinking I knew what would happen. I did not. The Treasure Hunters Club is a really well-designed mystery. There are a lot of Red herrings. But the puzzle pieces are there. The writer plays fair and leaves clues throughout the book. I want to go back some day and read this again to see every one of them.

Not only is the mystery good but so are all of the characters. I really hope we get to see them again sometime. I'd especially like to see what happens with Dandy. What a smart, wonderful character.

The Treasure Hunters Club is one of my favorite books I've read this year. Thats saying a lot because I've already read so many great books. I love reviewing books. I don't take it for granted. Thank you so much to Net Galley and to the publisher for letting me read this book early. Thank you so much to Tom Ryan for writing this book. If you love mysteries and pirate treasure and books you just can't put down, then keep an eye out for The Treasure Hunters Club.

The Treasure Hunters Club releases on October 15th, 2024.

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This was a fun book.

Set in Nova Scotia, the "scenery" made me feel like I was there, feeling the air and hearing the ocean. Just the right amount of description, without being verbose.

Tom Ryan's characters are all well developed and believable. Most of them were like-able.
A good mystery story is one that keeps the reader guessing and the author does this throughout the book. There were a couple of things I didn't see coming, but wouldn't really call them a "twist" as one would in a psychological thriller. These surprises moved the story along and tied up the loose ends.

The Treasure Hunters Club was a very good quick read.
I was hooked from the first page.

Told from different character's POV, I will admit that a couple of times I had to go back a page to place which character was telling their story.
If you are looking for a "snuggle in and get swept away by a good tale", this one is a good choice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for this ARC!
I loved it!

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This isn't my usual read but the blurb really stood out to me and felt excited to see the relationships develop by 3 strangers who would be entwined in this mystery.

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A voice is a magical thing, it echoes after death, as long as there's someone there to hear it.

This was a fun read. Treasure hunts are always fun, and combining that with a seemingly generational curse and a murder mystery was doubly so. The setting was beautiful – can I visit? – as someone who can usually spot the killer the first time they enter the story I called the twist wrong on this one. Each of the three narrators had a clearly defined voice, and I enjoyed all three equally.

The Treasure Hunters Club follows three people - Peter Barnett, Cass Jones, and Danielle "Dandy" Feltzen - as they spend time in Maple Bay, Nova Scotia, home to the infamous lost pirate treasure. When the book starts all three are at a bit of a crossroads: orphaned Peter is stuck in a dead-end job with no prospects when he receives a letter from a long-lost wealthy grandmother; Cass Jones is leaving New York after a failed career as an author; and Dandy has just lost her beloved grandfather to cancer and is trying to figure out how to go along without him. Fate intervenes and they all wind up in Maple Bay, chasing the lost pirate treasure. Then one person dies. Then another. Now all three, for their own reasons, are trying to solve the mystery behind the deaths, the treasure, and truths thought long buried.

Dandy's grandfather Grandy reminded me in a lot of ways of my own grandfather. Not because he was particularly adventurous (he wasn't) but for the happy and content way he approached life. His character and relationship with his granddaughter as the driving force behind Dandy's actions rang true for me, and he's one I would have loved to meet in real life.

My one critique: Dandy's character read precocious pre-teen/young teen (11-13) to me versus her stated 17 age. Everything from the way she acted to how she spoke felt younger to me. I assume her late-teens age was to give her more time with her grandfather before he died to show the strength of that bond, but it just didn't sound right. In my head she was younger and the few times her age came up it did stop me for a few seconds.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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An interesting book, of past and present story lines being shown of lost treasure and murder. Didn't like being in the mind of the killer, but that's just me. Otherwise, did enjoy this one and would recommend.

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The Treasure Hunters Club was a fascinating mystery surrounding all kinds of characters and past lives in the town of Maple Bay, Nova Scotia. I loved that past and present intertwines in order to tell the story of so many people. Maple Bay was such a charming little town filled with secrets and I loved how the author described it so well I actually felt like I was there! I loved the idea of the Obelisk and Barnabas Daggers long lost pirate treasure and how it affected so many lives. Definitely got The Goonies vibes from this book! Overall this was a really good read filled with mysteries, secrets and heartbreaking truths.

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I already liked some of Tom Ryan’s YA books (Keep This to Yourself, I Hope You’re Listening), and when I found this book, I immediately put it on my TBR.

A small coastal town, a lost treasure, and three people who’ve never met.

The Treasure Hunters Club is a classic cozy mystery set in Nova Scotia, written from multiple narratives: Peter, the single gay almost forty-year-old; Dandy, the seventeen-year-old who just lost her grandad; and thirty-something YA author without a publisher, Cass. Peter’s is in first person, Dandy’s and Cass’ in third person. The story isn’t groundbreaking or angsty, and there’s no psychological stuff to break your brain about, but it’s very easy to read, fast-paced, warm and inviting, and the characters are all authentic and likable. And that plot twist? I thought I had figured it out until I didn’t. So unexpected!

Thank you, Grove Atlantic and NetGalley, for this ARC! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

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I don't know how to write this review without some minor spoilers, so SPOILER ALERT!!!


I liked the story, and it was a fun read, The small coastal town backdrop and characters living there were all great. The constantly shifting POV got in the way though. And one of the POVs turning out to be an unreliable narrator bothered me. Staying first person through the death felt like a cheat. Overall I don't think I connected with any character as much as I wanted to because of it. Wish it had just been from Dandy's POV. But I enjoyed it, and now I need to book a vacation to a charming coastal town and find some pirate treasure.

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Fabulous book. I'm a fan of this style of mystery, coming at you from various angles. All characters are great. But I very seldom am surprised by them and this one has a twist I hadn't seen coming at all. A quick and fast paced read. Highly recommend.

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