Umboi Island is the third book in the Creature X series. Creature X is an adventure reality series hosted by Laura Reagan, in which her team travels to various locations in search of creatures from legends or folklore (think Ogopogo). For this adventure Laura and her team travel to Papua New Guinea to Umboi Island in search of the Ropen, a legendary creature that reportedly looks like a large bat or pterodactyl. The creature is said to be bioluminescent and Laura does indeed see glowing light on a nighttime excursion. They are not alone on the island, since there is another team there doing entomological research, in addition to a village and rumours of drug smugglers. Then a dead body turns up in the Creature X camp, stabbed with Laura's own knife and they discover that the village is empty. It is up to Laura and her team to investigate.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable adventure with loads of action and a great tropical setting in the Pacific. The protagonist, Laura, is likeable and daring, while her alter-ego and trusted work mate, Saad, is methodical and cautious. Everyone on the island seems a bit suspicious, which keeps you guessing. I also love the use of legendary "monsters" like lake serpents or yeti in the series. I googled a bit after I finished the book, surprised to find out that there really are legends of the Ropen and that explorers have gone to PNP to search for it! Umboi Island is a great escape and a well-written adventure. Recommended for all fans of Bigfoot and Ogopogo. If GoodReads did half stars I would give this a 4.5.