"A cleverly plotted and thoroughly enjoyable book about dark deeds in beautiful places."-Elly Griffiths Welcome to the coastal paradise of Porthpella, where murder lurks among the dunes... Late one night, a distraught young man knocks on the door of retired and recently widowed Ally Bright's remote home on the Cornish coast. But before she can make sense of his confused words, he's gone-not to be seen again until he's found the next morning at the foot of the nearby cliffs. In an instant, the peace of Ally's beachcombing life is shattered. Feeling responsible for the young man's fate, she wants to help find answers-as does ex-cop Jayden Weston, whom Ally meets at the scene. He shares her certainty that there's more to the story than attempted suicide. When it emerges that the man is newly released ex-offender Lewis Pascoe, and that Helena, the wealthy new owner of his grandmother's home, has subsequently disappeared, the tight-knit community of Porthpella is thrown into turmoil. Driven by their need to know more, the duo decide to investigate the mystery together. Is there a connection between the Pascoe family's tragic history and Helena's disappearance? And if there is a killer stalking Porthpella, do Ally and Jayden have what it takes to catch them?

About the Author
Emylia Hall lives with her husband and son in Bristol, where she writes from a hut in the garden and dreams of the sea. The Shell House Detectives is her first crime novel and is inspired by her love of Cornwall's wild landscape. Emylia has published four previous novels, including Richard and Judy Book Club pick The Book of Summers and The Thousand Lights Hotel. Her work has been translated into ten languages and broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Music. She is the founder of Mothership Writers and is a writing coach at The Novelry. You can follow Emylia on Instagram at @emyliahall_author and on Twitter at @emyliahall.

Reviews
"An intriguing mystery that perfectly captures how a seaside community is rocked by murder." -The Sun "Mystery with heart! Fans of intriguing crime mysteries will adore this brand-new series, which is just crying out to become Sunday evening television." -The People's Friend "A cleverly plotted and thoroughly enjoyable book about dark deeds in beautiful places." -Elly Griffiths, author of the Ruth Galloway series "What a fantastic book this is! Exquisitely written, set in Cornwall, great characters, and a gripping plot....Who could ask for more?" -Jill Mansell, author of Promise Me "Emylia was born to write detective fiction." -Veronica Henry, author of The Impulse Purchase "An expertly plotted and hugely compelling murder mystery....Crime fans are in for a treat." -Lucy Clarke, author of One of the Girls "Certain to win the hearts of Richard Osman and Agatha Christie fans." -Hannah Richell, author of The Search Party "A big-hearted page-turner with twists you won't see coming and the best pair of amateur sleuths I've read in a long time. I loved it!" -Lucy Diamond, author of Anything Could Happen "My favorite new crime series." -Ginny Bell, author of The Dover Cafe series "Irresistible, beautifully written, and hugely compelling....Kept me turning the pages for one more delicious chapter well into the night." -Rosie Walsh, author of The Man Who Didn't Call "The Shell House Detectives is a hug of a book that is transporting and full of love, with a humdinger of a mystery at its big heart." -Amanda Reynolds, author of The Assistant "Gorgeous writing and a plot crammed with suspense, this is your perfect new crime series for 2023." -Kate Riordan, author of The Heatwave "Beautifully written, gripping, and so atmospheric....One for fans of Richard Osman!" -Emily Koch, author of What July Knew "The mystery is perfectly paced and the characters vivid and true, inviting us to join in as fellow sleuths as we unravel the secrets of the past. I can't wait to return to Cornwall with Emylia Hall for the next adventure." -Emma Stonex, author of The Lamplighters "A treat of a book: immersive, suspenseful, full of twists and turns....It's as captivating as a Cornish summer. I loved it." -Susan Fletcher, author of Eve Green "A total delight." -Sarah Winman, author of Still Life "Captures the magic and beauty of Cornwall wrapped within a warm and engaging detective story. I loved it." -Rosanna Ley, author of The Forever Garden "Suspenseful, twisty and unputdownable...Loved it!" -Claire Douglas, author of The Couple at No. 9 "This beautifully written cosy coastal mystery packs a real punch! With wonderfully atmospheric prose and twists and turns aplenty, the plot will have you riding a wave of suspense long after you've turned the final page. If you love Cornwall, you will adore this book." -Sarah Pearse, author of The Sanatorium "Clever, plotty and compelling." -Jane Shemilt, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Patient "I devoured The Shell House Detectives in one day. This warm-hearted, intriguing story will transport you to Cornwall and have you turning the pages to find out what happens next. I can't wait to read the next instalment." -Libby Page, author of The Lido



Book Information
ISBN 9781662505126
Author Emylia Hall
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Thomas & Mercer
Publisher Amazon Publishing