The Death at the Vineyard

Shell House Detectives #4

by Emylia Hall

As the Shell House Detectives investigate a mystifying death, they discover rumours, betrayal and murder. Will a decades-old secret finally be unearthed too?

At Shoreline Vines, high on the Cornish cliffs, the Harper family are preparing to welcome glamorous investor Celine Chevalier to their vineyard.

They desperately need Celine’s backing to keep their business afloat. But everything is jeopardised when a body is found in one of their fields. Police believe the death was a tragic accident but the victim’s family suspect otherwise and turn to the Shell House Detectives to investigate.

As Ally and Jayden question the community, they discover that Shoreline Vines has always been shrouded in mystery. There are old rumours about buried bones, and even a curse on the land itself. Are these just local myths or is there something sinister hidden in the vineyard’s past?

As tensions reach breaking point, Ally and Jayden must uncover the truth, in a gripping story of family secrets and shocking betrayals.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Suspense, Contemporary, Detective

400 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2024

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.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Shell House Detectives Mystery series and I have read them all.

A dead body found at a Cornish vineyard is ruled an accident by the police but the victim's father refuses to believe this and asks Ally and Jayden to investigate. It certainly is an original method of killing someone - trampled to death by cattle. It is an interesting case and our intrepid duo get themselves mixed up in some danger.

I enjoyed the Cornish setting, the friendly relationship between Ally and Jayden, and especially the mystery which is complicated. I liked seeing Jayden getting help and information from the police. This book furthers Ally and Gus's relationship - a little bit anyway!

A fun, easy and entertaining read with red herrings aplenty and some exciting dangerous moments in the climax of the story. Another excellent book in this series.

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book felt like it just elevated this entire series back to it's best. The structure of this mystery is really well done. And we finally have a return to focusing on Ally and Jayden for most of the book, which is something I found lacking in the prior two books. The series is definitely at its strongest when the protagonists are the main focus. The way in which Ally is written in this book is just amazing.

What a great setting for this mystery. And when you include the characters we're introduced to for this mystery, this book has a slight Gothic feel. I found the atmosphere from both setting and characters rich and even chilling at times. This book is much darker than the other books so far in the series. It's a book I found hard to put down and in fact I forced myself to stay up until some ridiculous hour to complete the final page.

What the author has also done in this book is stretch the two protagonists further with their investigative skills, which after four books you could even say is somewhat late, but at least the growth felt natural and not forced. I liked the use of Bill's old office as a new base of operations - it was a sweet touch in the book. Something lighter on the cosy side to balance with the darker mystery.

And I think that's what made this book so enjoyable as well. The balance with cosy and mystery was perfect.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. The mystery is always engaging, the characters of this seaside town feel like family, and the shell house detectives are fast becoming my favorite mystery solving duo, aided by Ally’s pup Fox.

I usually give 4 stars to easy reads like this but going with 5 because of how much I really do enjoy reading each of this author’s book in the series.

Grateful to get an ARC through NetGalley although will be buying this one and the previous book for a Christmas gift for a mystery loving family member to add to the first 2.

This series is perfect for those who like gentler murder mysteries but don’t want the kitschy ness of a cozy.

[Beka Metz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series! The cozy mystery is perfect!!

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I decided to request this AND read the first three, I knew I was taking a huge risk as I have been seriously burned by this practice before [and yet, here we are LOL ], but the [vague ] premise I read seemed right up my alley, plus CORNWALL [Oh how I miss the TV show "Doc Martin", my first introduction to the magnificence that is Cornwall ], so I jumped in. Boy am I SO glad I did. What a ride these first four books have been.

1. I absolutely love Ally and Jayden. I love that their relationship is NOT romantic [SO REFRESHING ], even though they love and respect each other [plus, Ally could be Jayden's Mom ya know? ]. I love that Jayden is devoted to his family [including his in-laws that quite often do not understand him ], but also to the jobs that he and Ally are hired to do. I also appreciate how Jayden's wife [sadly, I currently have old lady brain and cannot remember her name ] supports him completely all while expecting [and getting ] him to do what he needs to do at home. It is a very real example of what a relationship is and I am here for it.

2. I am 100% behind how the author has dealt with Ally's grief. Grief is NOT linear and y0u never know when and how it will strike/manifest and how Ally navigates this is very true-to-life and it has been so refreshing. Ally and Jayden using Bill's old office for their detective work in this one shows this and also shows how far Ally has come, even from Book 1.

3. Gus. <3

4. Saffron. I love her and her very real, chaotic, complicated life. What she does and how she reacts to all of it feels very real to me and makes for an even more enjoyable reading experience. I want only the best for her as she has had quite the life so far.

5. WHOOOSH, this mystery was...W O W.
From the very beginning to that VERY CHILLING end [GREAT. GOOGLY. MOOGLY. ], this was just fantastic and, while I had glimmers of what was going on, I never had the full picture [I mean, who would IYKYK ] until the reveal and GGM, I think I held my breath for a good portion of all that.

6. Book 3 saw a change in narrators and I was initially not a fan. Thankfully, in this book, she has seemed to settle in [as have I] and while I don't yet love her narration, it didn't affect me [or my experience reading the book ] like it did in Book 3 and I feel like it will just continue to even out and I'll settle fully in.

If you are looking for a new excellent mystery series with great characters and a fantastic setting, I highly recommend this one; you won't be sorry.

Thank you to NetGalley, Emylia Hall, Kristin Atherton - Narrator, Thomas & Mercer, and Brilliance Audio for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

[Wendy Storey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series. Gets better with every book.

[KD · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series and builds on the preceeding three with the same main characters and Cornish locale. It started off a bit slowly with multiple characters and plot lines leading to some confusion. However, the plot thickens very satisfactorily and all the strings are tied up neatly at the end. Although the premise of two amateur detectives requires some suspension of reality, the characters are well drawn and engaging and the mystery is well thought out. All in all, a very pleasant read. Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance copy.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

At Shoreline Vines, high on the Cornish cliffs, the Harper family are preparing to welcome glamorous investor Celine Chevalier to their vineyard. They desperately need Celine’s backing to keep their business afloat. But everything is jeopardised when a body is found in one of their fields. Police believe the death was a tragic accident but the victim’s family suspect otherwise and turn to the Shell House Detectives to investigate.
The fourth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I thoroughly enjoyed it as Jayden & Ally are the main focus of the book, I’m loving their relationship & how it is changing albeit slowly. A well written murder mystery that kept me guessing, yes there were twists, turns & red herrings, which all added to the enjoyment. Roll on book five
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth story about the Shell House Detectives. Ally and Jayden have been asked by Jayden's father-in-law to investigate the theft of a local farmer's quad bike. When they arrive at the farm, the case has turned into investigating why a young local man, who was terrified of cattle, went into a field containing fifteen bullocks, and was subsequently found dead.
As they continue their investigation, Ally and Jayden find that there are underlying currents of deceit and they have a difficult time in uncovering the truth. But, as always, the two detectives are tenacious and are able to reach the truth.

[Tracey Sinclair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable installment of an engaging series.

[Bookwormbadger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the Shell House Detectives series. This one is set at Shoreline Vines; a body is found in a field of cattle. Was he trampled to death or murdered? And are the rumours about a missing man from 30 years ago in any way linked? It's another case for Ally and Jayden. I love returning to all the characters in this series, it's like visiting old friends. A perfect cosy mystery for the autumn.
With grateful thanks to Emylia Hall and to NetGalley for providing a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's autumn in Cornwall, and the weather is decidedly inclement, which could be one of the reasons the Shell House Detectives don't have an awful lot on! When an investigation is suggested by ex-detective Jayden Weston's father-in-law, he and partner Allie Bright are straight on the case. The large police presence at Shoreline Vines seems a little over the top for a missing quad bike, but not, they have to agree, the discovery of a very dead, very trampled body in one of the fields!

Hired by the devastated father of the victim, puts them right in the middle of everything. Discovering how bad the timing of the death is for the family who own the land picques their interest while horrifying the Harpers. The last thing they need are investigators looking into their secrets, especially as Jayden and Ally’s reputation precedes them!

Once again, Emylia Hall has written an absorbing, detailed, and brilliant novel that never lets up for a minute. There are two secondary stories running throughout, both of which are written in such an empathetic manner that they held me as spellbound as the main murder. Without spoilers, Gus's internal narrative made me love him even more, which is a definite relief, especially after book 3!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Thomas and Mercer, but the opinions expressed are my own. There are no spoilers, so this can be read as a standalone, but this is a wonderful series to lose yourself in at any time. I absolutely loved it.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shell House Detectives are back in what I think is their most layered and emotionally gripping case yet!

Emylia Hall masterfully layers intrigue, with rumours of buried bones and a land curse adding depth to the central mystery. The tension simmers beneath the surface, never quite what it seems, keeping the reader guessing with every chapter.

The story opens with a prologue that immediately piques intrigue (why so clandestine? who is it?) before settling into Ally’s reflections on a cherished summer visit from her daughter Evie and grandson. Jayden, too, is adjusting to life with his growing family, (Jasmine is now 20 months old)—a detail that adds warmth and realism to his character. But their personal moments soon give way to a new case when Russell Tremaine is found trampled in a field of bullocks. Though the police rule his death an accident, his father, Shaun, suspects otherwise and turns to Ally and Jayden for answers.

Shoreline Vines is a vineyard with a complicated past. When prospective investor Celine Chevalier arrives, I gained a different perspective on the owners and had lots of questions! As always with this series, I tried to figure out the answers and although partly right about one thing, way off the mark with another … the conflict in one situation doesn’t lay far below the surface but even that isn’t as straighforward as it looks.

Beyond the mystery, this story delivers emotional depth that really tugged at my heartstrings. I’m so invested in the community! Without spoiling too much, Wilson and Saff’s storyline had me on tenterhooks —I almost made it to the end without tears, but one moment undid me. Emylia Hall is so clever at layering emotions, proving once again why this series is so compelling.

What makes this novel particularly stand out for me is how much the Shell House Detectives have grown—not just with their confidence in their skills, but in their standing within the community. This time, the police aren’t dismissive; instead, Ally and Jayden find themselves working alongside them. Ally’s detective instincts truly shine in this instalment, her determination and sharp eye leading to some truly shocking revelations. The case is riddled with twists and turns, each reveal more satisfying than the last.

The Death at the Vineyard is a thrilling, unputdownable read. With its intricate storytelling, suspenseful twists, and emotional resonance, it cements The Shell House Detectives series as a must-read. And with that intriguing hint about Broady’s brother, I can’t help but wonder—has Emylia Hall already set the stage for their next case? I, for one, can’t wait to find out.

Emylia Hall delivers another fabulous mystery, weaving family secrets, shocking betrayals, and the ever-evolving dynamic between Ally, Jayden, their loved ones and the community.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love The Shell House Detectives series from Emylia Hall and have recently been listening avidly to the audiobook expertly narrated by Kristin Atherton. The Death at the Vineyard is the fourth in the series but can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. The series is so good though that I think you’ll want to read the others to find out more about the main characters.

There has been a death at Shoreline Vines and although the police are treating it as an accident, the father of the deceased isn’t so sure and asks Ally and Jayden to investigate. The young man, Russell, is suspected of stealing some farm equipment and coming to grief while return to scout around for more valuable. I was very moved by his father’s obvious love for him and grief at his loss, while acknowledging he wasn’t an angel. As the investigation proceeds, it becomes apparent there they may have been more than one Death at the Vineyard over the years and that there are plenty of secrets waiting to be uncovered.

As well as the investigation, I enjoy that the author also brings the characters’ personal lives into the story. There’s still that underlying attraction between Ally and Gus with neither really sure whether they should take things further. PC Mullins was entertaining as always and I feel he is really growing in confidence and ability, willing to stand up for himself. I particularly liked getting to see a glimpse of Jayden’s family life again. His love for his wife and daughter Jasmine is heart-warming to read about.

The Death at the Vineyard is a gripping, well plotted mystery with excellent characters, a great setting and an air of suspense throughout. I really recommend this series if you enjoy your crime on the cosier side.

[Lisa Ahlstedt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man has been found apparently trampled to death by cows at a vineyard in Cornwall. On the morning the body was discovered, Jayden Weston and Ally Bright, who run the Shell House Detective agency came out to the vineyard on another matter. A quad bike (ATV?) has been reported missing and the police don't seem too interested in tracking it down. One of the two brothers who run the vineyard, Owen Harper, has asked for their help. But then it turns out that the dead man in the field, Russell Tremaine, was a prime suspect in the theft. The theory is that he successfully stole one thing, so he came back to scout around for more things to steal and was accidentally killed by the cattle. Russell's father, Shaun, used to work for the Harper family and he's adamant that his son was no thief, but was also terrified of cattle and would never have gone into that field. The Harper family just wants things hushed up as quickly as possible since they have a possible investor coming to tour the business the next day. Shaun asks Ally and Jayden to get to the bottom of his son's death. As they investigate, it soon becomes clear that someone has secrets they don't want exposed.

This is the fourth in the Shell House detective series, and the story refers frequently to previous cases that the detectives were able to solve and how they gained the respect of the local police officers. Which helps them out as they're given pretty much free reign to investigate, as well as inside information about police findings and test results. I enjoyed the story and the setting and also the twist at the end.

I received a copy of this book from a GoodReads giveaway.

[dnsyl57 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Death At The Vineyard" is book #4 in the "Shell House Detectives" series by Emylia Hall.

The story is told from multiple points of view which gives greater insight to the Harper family and those in their orbit. The family is preparing to host a potential investor so they can do some much needed upgrades to the vineyard. Just before the investor arrives, a body is found on a field of the property. Police think it was a tragic accident but the victims father asks Ally and Jayden to investigate. Long held secrets of the vineyard, the family and rumors of a buried body on the property make for a challenging case.

Ms. Hall keeps readers turning the pages as she slowly unravels the truths and the secrets surrounding the family and the land. Just when you think you have a handle on who did what and why - a new nugget of information is revealed - or is it a well placed misdirection! Eventually, the truth is revealed but not before a few confrontations and stunning revelations!

The relationships between the core characters of the series continue to evolve. I love the way Ally and Jayden can read each other and also how they relate to their friends and family.

Overall, this was a really good read!

[Kate Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. Fourth in the series, which goes from strength to strength - although you don't need to have read the previous books to enjoy this, I'd recommend them highly.

Ally and Jayden, the Shell House Detectives, are hired by Shaun to investigate his son's death - he was terrified of cattle, so why would he have gone into the field willingly and been trampled to death? The Harpers, who own the land, think he was trying to steal their equipment. But when Ally and Jayden investigate, they find a lot of secrets in the vineyard, including an old murder, love affairs and tangled family relationships.

The relationship between Ally and Jayden is fabulous - they're friends as well as business partners, and Ally feels like a favourite aunt. The relationships with other villagers - including Ally's neighbour Gus, the coffee-shop owner Saffron, and the local police - are beautifully drawn. It feels like a real community, and the twists and turns of the plot are very well done - very believable.

This series is an utter joy. Clever, warm and beautifully written.

Thank you to the publisher, the author and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ally Bright is the still grieving widow of local Sergeant Bill Bright who has turned into an artist using plastic waste from the coast.
Jayden Weston is an ex-cop suffering survivor's guilt following the murder of his partner and lives near the in-laws as he and his wife adapt by turning campsite managers.
Together, they have become the Shell House Detectives who are on call by their friends and relatives and makes them feel right. This starts with the theft of an expensive vehicle, shifts gears to the body of a local who appears to have been trampled by cattle. Investigation leads to a cold case of a missing person and a whole lot more. it's the characters who keep bringing me back to this series as they are so very real and I stay interested in how they feel and what happens to them.

I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy from Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley. Thank you! Avail Nov 15 2024
#TheDeathattheVineyard by @EmyliaHall #AShellHouseDetectivesMysteryBk4 #ThomasAndMercer
#NetGalley #CozyCrime

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Death at the Vineyard is the fourth book in Emylia Hall's Shell House Detectives series. The Harper family's vineyard is struggling. They are preparing for a visit from an important investor that has the potential to save the business. This is put at risk when a body turns up on the vineyard. The police initially believe this death to be an accident. The victim's father does not believe this to be the case and enlists Ally & Jayden to begin investigating.

I had a great time with this book. The mystery was very twisty and multi layered. I really like the small town Cornish setting. Ally and Jayden are great. It was nice to have some small developments in the relationship between Ally and Gus. I can't wait to get the next installment in this series.

Kristin Atherton's narration of this series is so good. I highly recommend getting the audiobooks of this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[zoe Hitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ally and Jayden are the shell house detectives they make the unlikeliest duo but their combined skills make them great at private detecting .
Shaun a reclusive older man asks the agency to investigate the death of his son .
The death is ruled as an accident by trampling of cattle as he was found in a field full of them , but he was afraid of cattle and would not have walked in to the field willingly .
The field is owned by the Harper family who also own the vineyard Shoreline vines , they’re expecting an influential investor and the death of a man in their field is not helpful.
The writing is excellent the story moves at a fair pace .
I like the dynamic between Ally and Jayden and all the characters are amiable it’s like meeting up with old friends .
The series gets better and better .
Highly recommended!
Looking forward to the next shell detectives case .
Thanks to a NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth in the series, ‘The Shell House Detectives’, featuring Jayden and Ally as an unlikely yet totally believable pair of amateur detectives. It’s not necessary to have read the previous books in the series but it’s worth doing so because each of the characters have their own story arc, not just Ally and Jayden. The crimes take place in Cornwall, a popular setting, which Emylia Hall has captured well, showing both its beauty and its darker aspects. Death at the Vineyard ties together a young man trampled by cattle and events which occurred decades earlier. It’s darker than the previous books but the warmth and humour remain and it was a joy to revisit Porthpella and its residents. I’m looking forward to the next in the series!

My thanks to the author, the publishers and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased independent review.

[Hannah Annear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since I saw a talk Emylia gave on cozy crime I’ve been hooked on this books and think this one is the best in the series.

The Death at the Vineyard is the fourth book in the Shell House Mystery series that follows Ally and Jayden- an unlikely duo as well as other characters within their cosy village of Porthpella in Cornwall.
A dead body is found at a vineyard, initially thought to be a tragic accident but soon transpires into so much much more including linking to an mystery 30 years previously.

It’s a brilliant and a joy to read, not too heavy and also very entertaining. You find yourself rooting for these characters and the mystery is well thought out and developed.

Can’t wait to read the next in the series! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Emylia Hall, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for access to the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a book in a continuing series but the author has done a great job setting up the story to ensure this book can be read independently of the previous books.

I liked this book. The author has created interesting characters and developed them well, so that you feel you know them by the end of the story. Not only know them, but you want to stay engaged with the people of this community.

The story starts with the theft of a quad bike, and then develops into more serious issues. I liked the pacing and the way the story developed. This is a good mystery and will likely lead to visiting the other books in the series. Recommended.

[Shaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Emylia Hall for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Death at the Vineyard coming out November 15, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

At Shoreline Vines, high on the Cornish cliffs, the Harper family are preparing to welcome glamorous investor Celine Chevalier to their vineyard.

They desperately need Celine’s backing to keep their business afloat. But everything is jeopardised when a body is found in one of their fields. Police believe the death was a tragic accident but the victim’s family suspect otherwise and turn to the Shell House Detectives to investigate.
As Ally and Jayden question the community, they discover that Shoreline Vines has always been shrouded in mystery. There are old rumours about buried bones, and even a curse on the land itself. Are these just local myths or is there something sinister hidden in the vineyard’s past?

As tensions reach breaking point, Ally and Jayden must uncover the truth, in a gripping story of family secrets and shocking betrayals.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I need to read the other books in the series. I really love cozy mysteries. I thought the setting was perfect. I thought the mystery was really good. Ally and Jayden were a fun duo. There were a couple parts of the book that were a little slow for me, but overall, I really enjoyed it. I would check out other books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!

[Jackie Cain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought all the clues in the prologue would all be useful to know but the property is quickly identified and other clues are rendered unnecessary in the first few chapters - except one key fact. However, that's not much use except to make the observant reader feel confident they've got the right place in the end - yes, not very clear but, *spoilers*! Nice handling of "previously on" in Allie's morning walk and our first sight of Gus and Jayden later. The case stars with a missing quad bike but soon morphs into a mysterious death. It's really quite complicated and it makes a very good story. I love the psychological insights that Jayden and Ally bring to the police interviews and the fact that the interviews are given plenty of space in the book. I really enjoyed it.

[Ken the incredible · Rating 3 out of 5]

An engaging and well written story with believable characters but in this instance, a rather contrived plot... The sleuthing team are introduced to the murder through an immediately preceding theft, on the pretext that the police would not want to be involved. Then the police liberally dispense investigation intelligence during the course of the investigation. Not at all likely. On top of this, there is a mysterious, missing book whose contents are undisclosed until near the end of the story, and which are relevant to the plot and fuel one of the twists. I find stories that reveal important information to suit the story line rather frustrating whether it is contrived with something missing or multiple timelines.
The story gets off in a slow, meandering style, and periodically deviates aimlessly into pointless description. However, the narrative style is engaging and well written, so it is a book that you would read easily and certainly worth 3 stars if not 4.

[what.heather.loves · Rating 5 out of 5]

"'A punishment?' Ally's brow wrinkles. 'Did Frank hold himself responsible for the death?'.
'Are you asking me if he killed someone?' Shaun looks from one to the other. His eyes are red-rimmed and bleary, his voice slightly slurred. 'Yeah, I reckon he did.'...
Frank Harper killed someone, and the body's buried at the vineyard."

Book 4 of The Shell House Detectives Mystery series sees Ally and Jade investigating a sudden violent death on a farm and vineyard. It results in a cold case and uncovering secrets the family want to keep hidden.
I always enjoy this series, with its Cornish setting, returning and new characters, but I think this is my favourite so far!

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ally and Jayden are asked to look at the loss of a quad bike from Shoreline Vines, because the owners do not think it’s worth worrying the police about, they do not expect to turn up to find the police already there. But, the police aren’t there about the quad bike, there is a body in the field and the man has been trampled by the cattle in the field.
Initially looking like a tragic accident the father of the dead man asks Ally and Jayden to work out why his son was ever in the field as he was very scared of cattle.
An enjoyable read with plenty of twists and turns, and an unexpected one right at the end too.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Death at the Vineyard is book #4 in the Shell House Detectives Mystery series by Emylia Hall.

This is the first book I’ve read in this series and I was able to read as a stand-alone. I really liked the characters and their interactions. The mystery was complex and I loved the setting. I was pulled into the story and couldn’t put it down. I have added the first 3 books to my Christmas list. I definitely want to catch up on this series.

Thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Dr. Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful on audible, too

I love these books, the setting, the characters, so much. And I highly recommend the audible version, they do a great job with the core characters we know so well as well as the characters specific to this book. I don’t think of this series as “cozy” mysteries, but the author does create a warm, yet adventurous, world that pulls you (well, me) happily into the story. I’ve the date for the release of #5 on my calendar. If you’re new to this series, I recommend starting with #1 and reading them in order to immerse yourself in their world incrementally.