"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?
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“Kate Rawson's warm, flexible tones are perfect for introducing a new cozy mystery series featuring an unlikely pair of bighearted investigators.… Rawson's expressive voice wonderfully portrays the varied locals, creating the sense of a close-knit community. Listeners will find themselves increasingly caught up in the suspense of discovering what happened in the two incidents, as well as some unsettling earlier ones. An enjoyable start to a new mystery series.
— AudioFile Magazine
With a very special appeal and attraction for fans of Cozy Mysteries and Private Investigation murder mysteries, this…is brilliantly narrated by the verbal narrative talents of Kate Rawson. …a fun listening experience.
— Midwest Book ReviewAn intriguing mystery that perfectly captures how a seaside community is rocked by murder.
— The SunMystery 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 FriendA cleverly plotted and thoroughly enjoyable book about dark deeds in beautiful places.
— Elly Griffiths, author of the Ruth Galloway seriesWhat 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 MeEmylia was born to write detective fiction.
— Veronica Henry, author of The Impulse PurchaseAn expertly plotted and hugely compelling murder mystery.…Crime fans are in for a treat.
— Lucy Clarke, author of One of the GirlsCertain to win the hearts of Richard Osman and Agatha Christie fans.
— Hannah Richell, author of The Search PartyA 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 HappenMy favorite new crime series.
— Ginny Bell, author of The Dover Café seriesIrresistible, 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 CallThe 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 AssistantGorgeous writing and a plot crammed with suspense, this is your perfect new crime series for 2023.
— Kate Riordan, author of The HeatwaveBeautifully written, gripping, and so atmospheric.…One for fans of Richard Osman!
— Emily Koch, author of What July KnewThe 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 LamplightersA 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 GreenA total delight.
— Sarah Winman, author of Still LifeCaptures the magic and beauty of Cornwall wrapped within a warm and engaging detective story. I loved it.
— Rosanna Ley, author of The Forever GardenSuspenseful, twisty and unputdownable...Loved it!
— Claire Douglas, author of The Couple at No. 9This 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 SanatoriumClever, plotty and compelling.
— Jane Shemilt, Sunday Times bestselling author of The PatientI 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 LidoBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Kate Rawson studied acting at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, London. She has performed in theater productions all over the world, including Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Kate in Nicholas Nickleby. Her television credits include Casualty and Holby City, both for the BBC. Her radio credits include The Wills’ Girls for BBC Radio 4 and Mum’s the Word for BBC Radio Cornwall.