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Lily Larkin #4

Dead in the Water

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A body in the harbour. A yacht full of secrets. And a race against the tide to find the truth.

With her ice cream shop thriving, Lily feels at home in the close-knit Isles of Scilly. And now that she’s uncovered the shop’s true owner, she hopes the long-held mystery of her unconventional childhood will soon be solved.

But when her friendship with the charming PC Grainger hits troubled waters, she has little time to dwell—especially after a customer is found floating lifeless in the harbour.

Determined to uncover the truth, Lily turns her attention to the victim’s travel companions—longtime friends and co-owners of a luxury motor yacht. But the closer she gets, the more secrets she unearths.

Was the death truly an accident, or is there something more sinister at play?

With the suspects preparing to sail away and her trusted ally absent from her side, Lily must decide—can she crack the case alone, or will she set aside her pride and seek PC Grainger’s help before the killer leaves with the tide?

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2025

121 people are currently reading
47 people want to read

About the author

Hannah Ellis

57 books434 followers
Hannah Ellis spent many years working in childcare before deciding she'd like to write books. When she's not busy writing she likes to read, drink tea and eat chocolate. She also enjoys yoga and jogging.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Amina (ⴰⵎⵉⵏⴰ).
1,564 reviews300 followers
June 16, 2025
Another win for me with Lily Larkin's mystery solving.
After watching a beautiful sunset with a nice man and hearing him laugh on the phone, Lily gets the sad news that he's dead.
Everything points out to an accident, but, and I'm sure you saw it coming, Lily's gut tells her otherwise, and here, ladies and gents, we start the adventure.
The plot is woven to a good mix between the ongoing investigation and the life of the different characters that I came to know and love.
The pace is fast, the clue chase is fun, one scene made it clear to me who the culprit was, but I still had to figure out the why of the story.

I highly enjoyed reading this one, it delivered just as the blurb promised.
Lily, as always, has the knack of putting herself in trouble, And this time, she took a big risk.
Did I get your attention so far?
Yes? Go read the book then, you won't regret it 😉

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My thanks go Booksirens and the author for the great time I had reading this book 😊
137 reviews4 followers
August 25, 2025
Another wonderful addition to the series!

I'm so enjoying this series. The books are well written, without the need to rely constantly on catch phrases. There are solid mysteries, and a continuing mystery that goes through the series, with Lily trying to figure out who owned the ice cream shop before her, and is leasing it to Lily. And, also, why did that person choose to lease to Lily, when they've been unwilling to do so for others? We learn a bit more of that story in this book..

The main mystery here, though, is that of a tourist, whom Lily spoke to just before he died. Was it an accident, or murder? And if so, who did it and why?

Lily's friendship with Flynn hits a snag - will they resolve it? Can she solve the mystery on her own, or does she need Flynn's help??

Great storyline, an intriguing mystery, a lovely setting, and wonderful characters made this a book I found hard to put down. While the mystery is solved, the book leaves us with another question mark....stay tuned!

Can't wait to read book 5!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Ingrid Gail.
159 reviews12 followers
May 25, 2025
The fourth book in the series, the third book by this author I've read.
As with the previous books, the setting gives a cozy, familiar feel, like you could live in the town and meet the characters yourself.

Despite discouraging words from the police and people around her, Lily really bites into the mystery to get to the truth, while trying to manage her shop and her private life at the same time.
The relationship between her and Flynn is very strained and this causes them to not talk things through about the case like they normally would.

The mystery is well set-up, but at first it didn't grip me as much as the previous books, but the last few chapters more than made up for this, I couldn't put the book down! I thought this would be a 3.5-4 star book, but it definitely is a 5-star to me.

The unravelling of the mystery was captivating and exciting. And of course, Lily and Flynn solve it in the end!
There are a couple of cliffhangers at the end of the book, so I can't wait to read the next one when it comes!
3,728 reviews42 followers
May 30, 2025
Ice cream shop takes backseat to murder!🍨

4-4.5 🌟 stars
I liked the way the author pretty evenly divided this cozy mystery between the amateur detective's private romantic woes and her urge to put her assistant in charge of the ice cream shop so she can investigate an elderly boating visitor's death. Lily Larkin is all heart. She can't get over the feeling that the sweet, grieving widower she had a sunset conversation with outside her shop died so soon after their meeting, thus cutting off his plans to spend time with his young grandson. Another case of law enforcement content with closing the case quickly while Lily suspects there's no accident about this death.

The budding romance between Lily and policeman Flynn seems a case of star-crossed lovers who've barely started something before impediments rear their head. A bit of a cliffhanger on the heart front, but the death case is neatly wrapped up mostly thanks to Lily's persistence, with a bit of support in her hour of need from the islanders.

Cozy, good plot, to the point, easily read and kept me guessing. This is my second read in this series. I enjoy a quick mystery with some sweet romance and a determined, initiative-taking female lead and this one checked all the boxes.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Profile Image for Smutty Professor.
462 reviews11 followers
June 8, 2025
This was such a lovely read! Dead in the Water has that perfect cozy mystery balance- engaging plot, lovable characters, and just enough intrigue to keep you guessing without ever feeling too heavy.

Lily is such a relatable main character. She’s a little stubborn and totally driven by her gut- which makes her a great amateur sleuth. When a tourist she spoke to just hours earlier turns up dead in the harbor, she can’t shake the feeling something isn’t right. And even though the police are quick to close the case, Lily’s not convinced it was just an accident.

I loved the setting. The Isles of Scilly feel like a character in their own right- charming, tight-knit, and full of people you’d want to grab a coffee (or an ice cream) with. Hannah Ellis has a way of making the island life feel cozy and comforting, even as tension simmers beneath the surface.

There’s also an ongoing romantic thread between Lily and PC Flynn that added an extra layer of emotion and complexity, without taking over the main plot. Their relationship felt real, messy, and frustrating at times, but genuine.

If you enjoy small-town mysteries with engaging female leads, a cast of endearing side characters, and a setting you’ll want to escape to, this series is worth diving into. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book- I need to know what happens next!
Profile Image for Lise.
1,067 reviews
May 21, 2025
The arrival of a large yacht in St Mary's harbour on the Scillies provides intrigue for the locals. When Lily Larkin meets one of the yacht's party, she learns that all is not well aboard. Indeed, the next morning, the man is found dead, floating in the water. When the police deem it death by misadventure, Lily sets out to determine if her suspicions are correct and murder is afoot.

The Lily Larkin Mysteries are one of those "coming home" series where the characters are old friends, and the setting takes on a familial sensation. Lily is a tenacious detective, and her commitment to getting the truth leads her into peril and provides a very gripping story.

Though the story often becomes tense in various ways, Hannah Ellis is a master at weaving humour into inconsequential moments to give the reader a break and keep the maudlin in check. Meanwhile, the plot is twisting and turning as it wends its way to a satisfying conclusion.

I heartily recommend Dead in the Water to any cosy lover who enjoys good food, good friends and a "to die for" setting.

Thank you to Hannah Ellis and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
602 reviews17 followers
June 1, 2025
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. Thanks to Book Sirens, I've been reading this series about Lily Larkin and her adventures on the Isles of Scilly since book 1. I Loved this, book 4 as much as the previous books. When Lily arrived on the island, she was completely alone in the world. Having lost her uncle, her last remaining relation who took her with him all over Europe, in particular since she was a young child, she came searching for answers and each book reveals something. Meanwhile PC Flynn Grainger felt he was marooned on a forsaken island and spent his time with women tourists !looking for a holiday romance until his 3 month exile from London was over. How things change! Between Lily's instinct for sniffing out and solving crimes - with Flynn's help and his growing friendships with the islanders, His "exile" feels like anything but and he and Lily they find out how many friends they have. This is the kind of Cosy mystery that is a joy to read, with believable, interesting characters and the beautiful island as a backdrop. The author has captured wonderfully the sense of community on a small island like this. It's a great advertisement for the Scilly isles that makes me wish for a visit!
Profile Image for Sharon.
333 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2025
Some things never change for Lily Larkin. She again finds herself looking into an incident the police think is closed. Not long after Lily has a nice conversation with a visitor to the Isles of Scilly, the man is found dead. While the police think his death is accidental, Lily thinks something is off and begins her own investigation, while running her recently opened ice cream shop.

Hannah Ellis, the author, did throw in some surprises as Lily unravels the truth, which made the later chapters interesting. Lily’s relationship with Flynn has some ups and downs, which fit the pattern of earlier books. The setting of these books and Lily’s group of friends always make for fun reading.

This is the fourth book in the Lily Larkin series, and while each book makes sense on its own, it’s best to read them in order to better understand Lily’s background.

I received an advance review copy of this book from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.


1,467 reviews25 followers
May 27, 2025
This was terrific. A nice elderly man dies suddenly in what seems to be an accident but Lily has her suspicions and sets out to find out what happened. I loved how she ingratiated herself into the group of friends to pursue her investigation and found it quite humourous. Things are still up in the air between her and Flynn and the motivation behind a possible murder is totally unclear.

I read this very quickly. I really like the characters and the location is fantastic. As well as the main story, I am enjoying the gradual revealing of the truth behind Lily's childhood and her coming into the ownership of the ice cream parlour. The tension really ramps up towards the end leading to a fantastic conclusion. Bring on the next book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,118 reviews5 followers
June 15, 2025
‘Dead in the Water’ was fascinating. The suspenseful plot involved owning and running an ice cream parlor, being mesmerized by a local police officer, conversing with a sweet old man, oh no…investigating the man’s demise, trying to engage more with the police officer, being put off, befriending an older group sharing a yacht, trying to figure out one’s journey, remembering a particular day, having a serious discussion about future plans, and on to finding out why the former ice cream parlor owner sold the business to her.
Lily, a busybody and the ice cream parlor owner, and Flynn, the police officer, hemmed and hawed at developing a relationship. Nonetheless, they were sweet together. In addition, I appreciated the author’s vivid details that created a lively tone. Overall, I liked the energetic narrative.
I received a copy for free and am giving my honest review voluntarily.
130 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2025
Having read the previous books in the Lily Larkin Mysteries series I was eagerly looking forward to reading the fourth instalment, Dead in the Water and it did not disappoint. A fun cosy crime read that I thoroughly enjoyed, that I found hard to put down and devoured over 3 days. When a body is found floating next to a visiting yacht, the police assume that the victim fell, only Lily is not so sure and puts her investigating skills to the test, while running her popular ice cream parlour, trying to discover more about her past and will her and Flynn get together. These books are such an enjoyable and easy read, and I am now eagerly anticipating book 5.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tabby Shiflett.
1,058 reviews16 followers
May 28, 2025
A nail-biting addition to a delightful coastal cozy mystery series, book 4 is an emotional rollercoaster ride, especially with the will-they-or-won't-they status between the MC and the PC. Lily also gets a little closer in discovering some of her past connections with the small community. The murder mystery is tragic but the villagers come together to crack the case (the culprit isn't obvious, which makes the story much more enjoyable). There's an intense boat chase, a new character or two that you hope will stick around or at least return in a future book, and some characters that have developed into essential ones. Can't wait until the next book!

BookSirens Review Copy
Profile Image for Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29).
870 reviews9 followers
June 17, 2025
‘you’re pretty good about getting yourself in dubious situations.’

Lily’s finally settled in on St. Mary’s. The ice cream shop is doing a booming business and she’s got a close group of friends...and her feelings for Flynn are growing by the moment. When she decides it’s time to take a chance on her personal life and it seemingly backfires, she throws herself into investigating the slip and fall of a visitor to the island that she’s spent one evening chatting with, sure his traveling companions are hiding the truth. What follows is an enjoyable, page turning cozy mystery that leaves you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next book. Well done!
2,573 reviews44 followers
May 18, 2025
How do I get so invested in a secondary character that is very short term??? Some good author writing, I assume!! This was sad for me because a sweet person died needlessly. There was betrayal upon betrayal and conniving, plus lies. I thought it was admirable how so many locals supported Lily's business and the search for her!! Adventures on the high season. A great rescue and reunion with Flynn. More to come. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
8 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2025
This is another cosy crime story from Hannah Ellis but, having read the three previous books in this series, I did feel that this story of murder was a little more substantial than the others. The development of the characters throughout the series, the on/off relationship between Lily and Flynn and further revelations as Lily tries to discover more of her past all add up to make this book a very enjoyable read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for SusanH.
241 reviews
June 1, 2025
Dead in the Water is the fourth installment in the Lily Larkin series. Lily’s ice cream shop is now firmly established and Lily has her loyal new friends and her friend/maybe boyfriend the policeman. Lily starts her current investigation when one of a group of friends on a yacht trip is found dead. Hannah Ellis weaves a good cozy mystery, with the setting on the pretty British isles. It’s a quick and satisfying read, with a cliffhanger leading the way to the next book. With thanks to Book Sirens for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Emma Brennan.
78 reviews3 followers
June 3, 2025
This is the fourth book in the Lily Larkin Mysteries series written by the brilliant author Hannah Ellis.

Another 5 star read that has you captivated from the first chapter.

I really enjoyed this story about the visitors to the island and how due to unfortunate events Lily plays private investigator.

I also love the story of the blossoming romance between Lily and PC Grainger.

Don’t want to give away any spoilers but if you are looking for a series that you can’t put down then these are the books for you.

Looking forward to Book 5 The Sunken Truth.
697 reviews
June 4, 2025
I adore reading about Lilys adventures on Scilly! I don't know how she always gets herself in these situations but I am sure glad she does!

The small island community of Scilly always seems to have some mystery underfoot and they are lucky to have Lily there to figure things out!

My favourite part is that we don't have just a mystery, we get to see this island newcomer develop real friendships and relationships with the towns people and of course Flynn!

I am looking forward to book 5!
276 reviews8 followers
June 12, 2025
This was an excellent mystery. It was a riveting read that was extremely hard to put down.
In addition to being a wonderful crime drama, I enjoyed all the angst and drama in Lily's personal life.
I also enjoy that we get snippets of information abut Lily's own personal mystery story.
All in all, this book was a real page turner.
I look forward to enjoying the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3 reviews
May 24, 2025
Have just binge read this - couldn’t put it down! Great story and it was so good to be back with Lily and Flynn! This is such a lovely series - but each book works as a standalone too. As always Lily gets herself into some tight spots - the best yet being stuck in a wardrobe!! Flynn to the rescue…..! Can’t wait for the next one to find out more about Lilys past. Fantastic book again Hannah!
1,680 reviews27 followers
May 25, 2025
Lily working in an ice cream shop hears a strange story from a stranger who later is found dead in the harbour. There was a lot going on than meets the eye. This mystery has the reader engaged to the story from the start. A captivating read. I received this ARC copy via Booksirans and recommend this book to other readers .
654 reviews
May 31, 2025
What a wonderful addition to the series. There's a bit of trouble in paradise but Lily knows what she's doing. I really enjoyed this story and it's great characters living in a tight knit community. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
253 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2025
Dead in the water

This was the 4th book in this series I've read and enjoyed everyone. I didn't want to put it down in case I forgot anything. It was very hard to understand how and why things happened but it all becomes clear at the end. I just can't wait for book number 5 to be available. I think it's an amazing series.
Profile Image for Stuart Sear.
218 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is another great read from Hannah Ellis this is book 4 and it is as good as the first.With great plot lines and set on the beautiful Scilly Isles it is just the book for lounging around on a warm summers day with a cold drink and I can't wait for book 5.
34 reviews
May 25, 2025
So lovely to be back on the Isles of Scilly with Lily and Flynn. A new mystery to solve alongside trying to piece together the history behind the ice cream shop. I was holding my breath for a good few chapters during the investigation! Already looking forward to the next installment!
Profile Image for Krisha.
69 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2025
Loved it! A delightful cozy mystery set in a charming seaside village. With a likable heroine, clever twists, and a warm, inviting setting, it’s an engaging and enjoyable read—perfect for fans of light-hearted whodunits. I can’t wait for the next installment in the series!
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,476 reviews46 followers
May 26, 2025
The co-owner of a yacht is dead and the police think it was an accident. The owner of the Ice Cream shop is sure that it is murder. Will she be able to prove it in time?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mykal towery.
30 reviews
June 27, 2025
Oh my!

I absolutely flew through this series! I loved getting to be back in the Isles and with our old friends. I can't believe I have to wait now for the fifth book! It can't come soon enough.
430 reviews6 followers
May 28, 2025
great story, you don't need to have read the previous books, but if you haven't you'll want to after you finish this one.
Profile Image for Carlin.
1,757 reviews18 followers
June 8, 2025
I am hooked on the Lily Larkin Series, Flynn Grainger, the Isles of Scilly, and especially Lily Larkin. This was #4 and I just pre-ordered #5 to be delivered 8/25/25.....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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