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Shadows of Tintagel: A Gripping Cornish Crime Thriller
Has the darkness of the past returned to claim their lives?And from whose past has it come?Ex-detective Alex Marshall came to North Cornwall to escape a cruel past, but when confronted with a local crime spree, Marshall feels compelled to investigate. It’s not long before Marshall's peaceful new way of life reaches an abrupt end.But when fate draws him to Sarah Chessy, the real mystery begins...Why does the enigmatic Sarah seem so interested in local crime? Should the locals be trusted, or are they part of the problem?As Alex and Sarah plunge into a treacherous world of small-town crime and growing danger, Sarah's secrets threaten to push Alex away. Those secrets could be her undoing. To survive, they must work together and enlist the help of new friends. Because a time of reckoning is surely coming...Shadows of Tintagel is an electrifying and atmospheric mystery-thriller that will grip you from the very first page all the way to the shocking conclusion.An action-packed, crime adventure with lashings of romantic suspense, this story is tailor-made for fans of Ian Rankin, Peter May, JD Kirk, Joy Ellis, JM Dalgliesh, and JD RobbDon't miss this riveting tale.Get your copy now!
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2023
393 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Solomon Carter
184 books99 followersHello folks,
My name is Solomon Carter, and I am the author of the Roberts and Bradley PI crime thriller series, The Last Line international thriller series, the DI Hogarth Darkest series and more. I write mysteries, crime and thriller novels and more besides.
I was born in Southend, Essex and lived there for most of my life apart from eventful student days in South London. But my life in Southend was even more eventful still. I ended up working in a string of jobs including as a jobcentre clerk, a book seller, tutor for youth with low skills and low self esteem, mortgage broker, and latterly manager of a food bank which dealt with all kinds of interesting people facing all kinds of eye-opening, jaw dropping problems. Because of these ear-to-the-ground jobs the majority of my novels are set in Southend. In 2016 I moved to North Cornwall because I liked the idea of never-ending holidays - but I also write almost every single day. My aim is to write action-packed thrillers and page-turning mysteries that readers love and my hope is to get better at what I do with every book across each and every year.
I like to give away lots of free books as part of what I do. If you would like to receive some of these and get the exclusives on offer, than you're invited to join my free readers group at SolomonCarter.net. I won't spam you, just send the occassional email with news on the latest books and forthcoming freebies.
And if you want to see the memes, personal shares and other oddball stuff I do, then you can join me at Facebook via www.facebook.com/solomoncarterwrites and join the fun there too.
What I am good at: telling stories
What I am bad at: dancing, being patient.
What I love: nature, the seaside, adventures
Writers I heartily recommend: Lee Child, Ian Rankin, Henning Mankell, Val McDermid, Harlan Coben, Robert Crais.
Writers I need to read more of: Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly and others.
Other things I do beside writing: at present I like to keep my running going to balance out the sitting behind a laptop (a habit inspired by Haruki Murakami's 'What I talk about when I talk about running' - a great book).
-I am currently doing surf lessons. When in Rome, as they say...
-Getting out into nature as the weather allows.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Until then I'll keep on writing. Or running. Or surfing. Or chasing my children around the house.
All the very best,
Solomon :)
PS
if you have enjoyed any of my books, I'd be honoured if you could post a review. Those reviews really do help!
My name is Solomon Carter, and I am the author of the Roberts and Bradley PI crime thriller series, The Last Line international thriller series, the DI Hogarth Darkest series and more. I write mysteries, crime and thriller novels and more besides.
I was born in Southend, Essex and lived there for most of my life apart from eventful student days in South London. But my life in Southend was even more eventful still. I ended up working in a string of jobs including as a jobcentre clerk, a book seller, tutor for youth with low skills and low self esteem, mortgage broker, and latterly manager of a food bank which dealt with all kinds of interesting people facing all kinds of eye-opening, jaw dropping problems. Because of these ear-to-the-ground jobs the majority of my novels are set in Southend. In 2016 I moved to North Cornwall because I liked the idea of never-ending holidays - but I also write almost every single day. My aim is to write action-packed thrillers and page-turning mysteries that readers love and my hope is to get better at what I do with every book across each and every year.
I like to give away lots of free books as part of what I do. If you would like to receive some of these and get the exclusives on offer, than you're invited to join my free readers group at SolomonCarter.net. I won't spam you, just send the occassional email with news on the latest books and forthcoming freebies.
And if you want to see the memes, personal shares and other oddball stuff I do, then you can join me at Facebook via www.facebook.com/solomoncarterwrites and join the fun there too.
What I am good at: telling stories
What I am bad at: dancing, being patient.
What I love: nature, the seaside, adventures
Writers I heartily recommend: Lee Child, Ian Rankin, Henning Mankell, Val McDermid, Harlan Coben, Robert Crais.
Writers I need to read more of: Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly and others.
Other things I do beside writing: at present I like to keep my running going to balance out the sitting behind a laptop (a habit inspired by Haruki Murakami's 'What I talk about when I talk about running' - a great book).
-I am currently doing surf lessons. When in Rome, as they say...
-Getting out into nature as the weather allows.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Until then I'll keep on writing. Or running. Or surfing. Or chasing my children around the house.
All the very best,
Solomon :)
PS
if you have enjoyed any of my books, I'd be honoured if you could post a review. Those reviews really do help!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 13, 2023
Solidly better than average but not outstanding. The main character is, supposedly, a seasoned city cop who was married and now is divorced. His internal dialogue is more like a teenager. He vacillates between two women and is all like “I wonder if she likes me.” For that reason I won’t pursue this series.
December 25, 2023
Unrealistic, juvenile, chaotic
April 20, 2024
I usually enjoy Solomon Carter novels but this was too predictable. A first in a series but I will not be continuing with them
October 23, 2023
Cornish folk have long memories …..
Recent arrival in Cornwall, former Met detective, Alex Marshall, is curious about a recent rash of crime that appears to be linked to Tintagel. He is soon warned not to interfere with local matters and is intrigued by what he could be getting into.
The first in the new Cornish crime thriller series is situated near an ancient site loved by so many visitors to the wild landscape in the South West of England. I was drawn in immediately, eager to learn what dark troubles were about to be uncovered.
Recent arrival in Cornwall, former Met detective, Alex Marshall, is curious about a recent rash of crime that appears to be linked to Tintagel. He is soon warned not to interfere with local matters and is intrigued by what he could be getting into.
The first in the new Cornish crime thriller series is situated near an ancient site loved by so many visitors to the wild landscape in the South West of England. I was drawn in immediately, eager to learn what dark troubles were about to be uncovered.
October 26, 2023
Wasn’t sure about the change new characters to start with, but I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the book as it’s near from my neck of the woods. I found it a gripping tale. I’m just about to start the next book.
I would recommend it. A good read from Solomon Carter.
I would recommend it. A good read from Solomon Carter.
October 27, 2023
Cornwall crime
A new series from an old favourite. The new crime series from Solomon Carter is set in Cornwall. It's a fast paced and exciting read which is full of intrigue. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a stonking good read.
A new series from an old favourite. The new crime series from Solomon Carter is set in Cornwall. It's a fast paced and exciting read which is full of intrigue. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a stonking good read.
November 5, 2023
unbelievable
For me the writing style made this book unreadable. For absolutely no reason the main character is threatened, out of the blue he meets people who are also chasing bad guys, the dialogue is bizarre. I gave up.
For me the writing style made this book unreadable. For absolutely no reason the main character is threatened, out of the blue he meets people who are also chasing bad guys, the dialogue is bizarre. I gave up.
March 26, 2024
Read because of place but tbh could have been anywhere on the coast. Ok pot but what's with the her or her?
May 11, 2024
An awesome read
I chose this book because I thought it would fit in one of my book challenges. I’m so glad I did read it. Some small parts didn’t make sense to be because it just wasn’t explained how two were captured and then escaped. However I’m assuming we have to use our imagination. The blossoming romance to come from this gripping thriller was also lovely to read about. I didn’t realise though that there is a follow up book for this one so I’m now definitely going to buy the exons book. However it can be read as a stand alone book. I would definitely recommend reading it.
I chose this book because I thought it would fit in one of my book challenges. I’m so glad I did read it. Some small parts didn’t make sense to be because it just wasn’t explained how two were captured and then escaped. However I’m assuming we have to use our imagination. The blossoming romance to come from this gripping thriller was also lovely to read about. I didn’t realise though that there is a follow up book for this one so I’m now definitely going to buy the exons book. However it can be read as a stand alone book. I would definitely recommend reading it.
May 16, 2024
I've been reading Solomon Carter's books on kindle for a long time and usually enjoy them, but this one? Am not that thrilled by it. It started off well, new character Alex Marshall who's left the Met police in London to find an escape to Cornwall. First thing he notices that there seems to be a local crime wave in the place he's settled into. He begins to ask around the two local stores about this and one old man says these things happen and the female shopkeeper says yes there is and it's getting worse. He then runs into Sarah who is not an estate agent but is from the National Crime Agency and working incognito. Together they start to look into it and it turns out to be a huge smuggling enterprise.
I didn't find the book all that gripping or thrilling, it never really held my attention. I didn't particularly take to Alex or in fact any other of the characters but I ploughed on to get to the ending. I don't think I will be following this series of Solomon's books, I have read so much better ones written by him!
I didn't find the book all that gripping or thrilling, it never really held my attention. I didn't particularly take to Alex or in fact any other of the characters but I ploughed on to get to the ending. I don't think I will be following this series of Solomon's books, I have read so much better ones written by him!
December 1, 2023
It started well with great description, an interesting setting, and a promising plot.
Then, it became a difficult read. The main character's motives for getting involved in busting a crime were thin. The fact this man had two women fawning over him and he was oscillating between them after having just met them was... hard to believe. The plot relied heavily on dialogue to move, and I found too much of the characters' thoughts, motives, desires etc were communicated through sparks in their eyes or glances. It also jumped between character point of views quite a lot in the text (it was written in close third person, so it would have been an easier read to stick with one character rather than jumping between characters to reveal internal thoughts and motivations).
Then, it became a difficult read. The main character's motives for getting involved in busting a crime were thin. The fact this man had two women fawning over him and he was oscillating between them after having just met them was... hard to believe. The plot relied heavily on dialogue to move, and I found too much of the characters' thoughts, motives, desires etc were communicated through sparks in their eyes or glances. It also jumped between character point of views quite a lot in the text (it was written in close third person, so it would have been an easier read to stick with one character rather than jumping between characters to reveal internal thoughts and motivations).
November 23, 2025
A detective who took early retirement from the Met comes to the Cornish coast and immediately sets about clearing up crime before settling down. He meets two beautiful single women on the same day in a very small town and falls for them both.
This seems a pretty amateurish novel in places and would have benefitted from further attention during the editing stage, there are grammatical errors and words missing at several points. There are also story flaws: the bad guy’s mobile phone is used to subdue him in a fight but he continues to use it later, five of them pile into a Mini, they break into the same house twice and time seems to be elastic on the final evening.
This seems a pretty amateurish novel in places and would have benefitted from further attention during the editing stage, there are grammatical errors and words missing at several points. There are also story flaws: the bad guy’s mobile phone is used to subdue him in a fight but he continues to use it later, five of them pile into a Mini, they break into the same house twice and time seems to be elastic on the final evening.
November 2, 2023
Wow! A new trilogy from Solomon Carter. New characters to get to know, and I love it. As always Solomon writes in such a way that you feel you know the people in his books, which draws you into the storyline immediately. We have so many things going on, a love interest or two! People with lots of issues in their lives, including the main characters.
Just when you think you've deduced who may win, he changes the way you felt the story would go. An awesome author...
Thank you once again for a truly memorable book.
Just when you think you've deduced who may win, he changes the way you felt the story would go. An awesome author...
Thank you once again for a truly memorable book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2025
Intense
An intense story full of angst and indecision.
Alex has two women in his sights but isn’t sure which one he likes the best, then he does but feels guilt about it. Meanwhile the group are in pursuit of a seasoned gangster that Sarah has crossed swords with a few years ago in Manchester and is determined to bring him down. But they seem to have the local population to beat too as the gangster has them in his pocket.
It’s a good tense story full of danger that keeps you gripped throughout.
An intense story full of angst and indecision.
Alex has two women in his sights but isn’t sure which one he likes the best, then he does but feels guilt about it. Meanwhile the group are in pursuit of a seasoned gangster that Sarah has crossed swords with a few years ago in Manchester and is determined to bring him down. But they seem to have the local population to beat too as the gangster has them in his pocket.
It’s a good tense story full of danger that keeps you gripped throughout.
September 25, 2024
a thoroughly good read
This was gripping from start to finish. The characters developed throughout out the story adding to the excitement.
Knowing the area, I could recognise and associate with the descriptions.
A thoroughly good read and looking forward to the next in the series.
This was gripping from start to finish. The characters developed throughout out the story adding to the excitement.
Knowing the area, I could recognise and associate with the descriptions.
A thoroughly good read and looking forward to the next in the series.
April 18, 2025
A lively story.
A lively story about smuggling, a romantically growing relationship between two main characters with similar pasts.
Enjoyably interesting if a little disjointed at times hindering the credibility of the tale. It felt a bit lightweight as though excitement was intended to be the main offering of the book.
A lively story about smuggling, a romantically growing relationship between two main characters with similar pasts.
Enjoyably interesting if a little disjointed at times hindering the credibility of the tale. It felt a bit lightweight as though excitement was intended to be the main offering of the book.
April 22, 2025
Very disappointed with this book, I normally really like this author but this story line was so far fetched. Yes it's a novel and fiction but really, characters like these going up against international criminals, while the NCA twiddle their thumbs and can't get to the scene for several hours !
Sorry, just an insult to the reader's intelligence.
Sorry, just an insult to the reader's intelligence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2025
This story wasn't as good as usual by this author. It seemed unrealistic and the relationships were juvenile. Miles and Gwen were the best of the characters. The sense of place was great and the writing style flowed.
There was some tension and suspense but the story felt stale and awkward.
Part two might up the stakes?
There was some tension and suspense but the story felt stale and awkward.
Part two might up the stakes?
December 8, 2023
Who Do You Trust?
A book with lots of tension and many layers! Who can be trusted and who can’t ?A peaceful dozy Cornish village which is being used for other purposes! Be very careful the shadows as you don’t, know who or what is lurking there!
A book with lots of tension and many layers! Who can be trusted and who can’t ?A peaceful dozy Cornish village which is being used for other purposes! Be very careful the shadows as you don’t, know who or what is lurking there!
December 9, 2023
Is he dead??
Can Alex and Sarah settle into their new romance with ease? Two souls that need each other to overcome their broken pasts.
Or will they be forever looking over their shoulders?
Great introduction to new characters, a must read for all.
Can Alex and Sarah settle into their new romance with ease? Two souls that need each other to overcome their broken pasts.
Or will they be forever looking over their shoulders?
Great introduction to new characters, a must read for all.
January 7, 2024
Took a while
It took me a while to get into the book with too much on emphasis on the attraction of two women he's only just met. However once I got into it the plot was good and overall very readable
It took me a while to get into the book with too much on emphasis on the attraction of two women he's only just met. However once I got into it the plot was good and overall very readable
October 28, 2025
Shadows of Tintagel
The premise of the story is interesting, however, the flow seemed inconsistent. Strangers getting involved with a dangerous situation exceptionally quickly. Two professionals not setting up safeguards.
The premise of the story is interesting, however, the flow seemed inconsistent. Strangers getting involved with a dangerous situation exceptionally quickly. Two professionals not setting up safeguards.
October 17, 2023
The start of a brilliant new series featuring new characters and a new location. I'm looking forward to further books.
November 5, 2023
Overall an enjoyable read moving at a good pace. Was sceptical about the involvement of one naive character being asked to be involved in a dangerous mission though to support the overall goal.
November 14, 2023
Not as quick to get into as other stories by this author. Kept considering stopping reading and persevered and was OK in the end. Much prefer Hogarth and Roberts/Bradley stories
November 21, 2023
ok
If you want an easy read then get this book, I found it a bit unbelievable that four people could take on a gang of powerful people,
If you want an easy read then get this book, I found it a bit unbelievable that four people could take on a gang of powerful people,
November 24, 2023
Unmissable story
A fascinating and explosive thriller, with twists and turns that intensified the suspense. Characters who were able to be felt as real people.
A fascinating and explosive thriller, with twists and turns that intensified the suspense. Characters who were able to be felt as real people.
December 25, 2023
It was Ok, not as good as normal for Solomom Carter, by far. It's not like me, that could not wait till I got to the end, sadly.
December 29, 2023
Another page turner
Well written and very descriptive; you can close your eyes and feel the sea winds blowing cool across your face.
Well written and very descriptive; you can close your eyes and feel the sea winds blowing cool across your face.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews