The High Tide Murder

Shell House Detectives #6

by Emylia Hall

"Atmospheric, propulsive, and menacing . . . the perfect mystery to curl up with this autumn."—Lucy Clarke

"Few writers can pull off a devilishly twisting mystery while infusing the story with such soul" —Emma Stonex

A violent storm. An isolated hotel. A brutal murder. The Shell House Detectives are on the case—and everyone here is a suspect.

The High Tide Hotel, overlooking stunning Trebaron Cove, is a dream destination for an autumnal getaway. But the serene atmosphere of this luxury enclave is shattered when the body of a guest is discovered on the terrace, directly below their balcony.

The victim's friend is adamant that this was no accident, and when it emerges that the dead man was a detective with a chequered past, the police enquiry intensifies. Meanwhile fellow guest Jayden, one half of the Shell House Detectives, wastes no time in bringing Ally on board to help find the killer.

With the hotel cut off by a storm on the night of the murder, everyone at the High Tide is a suspect. As Ally and Jayden delve deeper into the pasts of both guests and staff, they uncover a mass of secrets and complex connections. Who wanted this man dead—or rather, who wanted him dead most? As the tide turns, the investigation leads them into a life-or-death situation. Who will pay the final price for discovering the truth?

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Novels

397 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

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 5 out of 5]

Book six in the series and I have read and enjoyed all of them. I love spending time with Ally and Jayden who make up the Shell House Detectives, and all their local friends.

The story begins with Jayden and his wife, Cat, spending a getaway weekend in a luxury hotel. A bad storm occurs and a hotel guest is found dead. Jayden calls Ally and they are on the case. There is an amusing relationship and a bit of competition between them and the police, but we always know who is going to be the smartest.

I think a big part of my attraction to this series is that the author chose to make Ally an older woman, a widow who has relationships with men her own age. Jayden is a young man with a wife and two small children, so no time is wasted on romance. They are just two really good friends who work well together.

All very enjoyable and I look forward to the next book. I really hope Gus gets his act together and wins back Ally's heart!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Rhea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently grabbed ‘The High Tide Murder’, and what a perfect introduction to this author. Even though this is part of a series, I picked it up as a complete standalone and it worked perfectly fine; it hooks you right away, so don't worry about catching up on previous books.

The story starts with Jayden and his wife, Cat, trying to enjoy a well-deserved break at a luxury hotel. The setting is already incredible, perched right on a cliff above Trebaron Cove in Cornwall. Unfortunately, their relaxation plans are immediately ruined when a violent storm rolls in, the power cuts, and the body of one of the guests is discovered on the hotel terrace.

It quickly becomes clear this was no accident, and the Shell House Detectives, Jayden and Ally, get pulled into the investigation. Since the storm completely isolated the location, no one could get in or out, and the power was dead so everyone in the building was immediately a suspect. It was both painfully obvious and delicious that nearly every guest had secrets, and many of them had a solid reason to want the victim dead.

Since I’m a big fan of dialogue and characterization, I must say this book nails it. There’s exceptional characterization here, every single character in the book feels like a real person, three dimensional, not some placeholder thing, not fillers, but well-developed. That isolation, combined with the secrets, creates a very creepy and tense atmosphere that I absolutely loved.

The plot delivers on all fronts too – there were plenty of interesting twists that kept me guessing until the very end. If you’re looking for a brilliant, character-driven whodunnit with a dark, isolated setting, definitely check it out, you don’t even need to read the other books in the series though I suspect you’d be more connected and invested if you’d be familiar with the characters.

Many, many thanks to Emylia Hall, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the ARC. This is a voluntary review, reflecting solely my opinion.

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Six books in and this series feels like catching up with old friends. The familiar faces and the community warmth, but not so much of it in this book. Why? The setting is not the close-knit coastal town but a more of a high priced wellness retreat. It seems a good choice on paper to shift the setting every now and then, and most series do it eventually, but I missed the close-knit charm of the town. This series is more enjoyable for me when it stays home.

Maybe because I'm more of a home body than a traveller.

Still, the mystery is strong. It's layered, interesting, and built from a good bedrock of secrets. The guest characters for this book are well written (favourites are Summer, Elliot, and Kathy) and, as we see in many cosies, the conversations unwind the truth through dialogue rather than evidence. All things that a good cosy needs.

But I had an issue with the atmosphere, which didn't quite work for me despite how the author tried to build mood through the weather and landscape. It just wasn't immersive. In contrast, every mention of Saffron’s cafe pulled me straight into the scene. Further proof that the series works best in its small town setting.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love books set in small towns? Just kidding....I probably mention it almost every day.

But here's the biggest issue. I’m not sold on Ally choosing Ray over Gus. Team Gus forever! I also missed seeing more of Mullins and Saffron in this book. They are old friends to this reader by now.

Still, this book carries the heart and warmth that defines this series, keeping the story cosy even when the tone edges towards something darker. A good addition to the series, but I’ll be hoping for a return to home turf next time.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Suzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for my copy.

This was part of a series I had never read/ heard of, so I was a little bit off centre for alot of the book, but overall, I enjoyed it.

Some thing(s) I liked;
✅Well written
✅Enjoyable story
✅Lovely setting

Some thing(s), not so much:
⭕Too many characters and alot weren't fleshed out very well (I'm not sure if this is because they were introduced in previous books and it was assumed I already had certain information about them)

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in this series. A lot of unexpected twists!

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so lovely to be back in Porthpella with Ally, Jayden, and all the marvelous side characters that accompany each book; it's like visiting with the very best of friends, all whilst having the best time ever [even when there is murder involved].

This outing is quite the ride - a huge storm, a murder/death, Gus surfing, Ally and Jayden's competition with Mullins and Skinner, an old couple who have suffered an unimaginable loss, and several deeply unlikable characters [take your pick on who you "want" to be the "victim"] along with deep, deep, sadness and you have one freaking amazing read. Oh, and that epilogue? BIG. UGLY. CRYING.

This was an absolutely fantastic read [in an already great series] and I am 1. so glad that I found this series, and 2. counting the days until book 7!!

Kristin Atherton is a brilliant narrator [HOW she keeps track of all those voices is nothing short of amazing] and she totally makes these books. Her narration brings Ally, Jayden and company to life and I am always glad when I can get the audio for this series. Very well done!!

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

[Kim Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid, cozy mystery with a great atmosphere. The storm-cut-off hotel setting was fun and I loved the Cornish vibes. I like the dynamic between Ally and Jayden and the premise of a detective becoming the victim is a nice twist. However, do keep in mind that this is book 6 in the series and I sometimes had the feeling that I was missing a bit of Ally and Jayden's background. The mystery is interesting, but not especially surprising, so I didn't get the shocking/twisty moment at the reveal.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did great, especially with keeping the amount of characters apart.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s no surprise that The High Tide Murder is another brilliant instalment in The Shell House Detectives series—I’ve loved every book so far!

Emylia Hall has such skill in showing rather than telling, nudging you toward conclusions that may not be entirely correct (the power of suggestion at its best!). I found myself constantly analysing relationships, making judgement calls, and second-guessing everything.

This time we’re swept off to the High Tide Hotel, perched above beautiful Trebaron Cove and cut off from the world by a violent storm. Jayden and Cat are there celebrating Jay’s birthday, a delayed treat that quickly turns into something far darker. The guest list is wonderfully varied including: Summer, a travel blogger, and her partner Blake; Kathleen and Drew, joined by a surprise arrival; and hotel owners Louisa and Elliott, whose history adds intriguing layers to the mystery.

One of the things I love most about this series is that there’s a host of characters who have motives, and Emylia Hall plays with that brilliantly here. Guests—and a few staff members—could plausibly be the killer, and this time I was sure I’d cracked it. The isolation of the setting and the raging storm heighten the tension, and this author never pads out her narrative. Every detail is there for a reason, though some clues are easy to miss or open to multiple interpretations (which I absolutely love – keeps me on my toes!).

There’s a moral dilemma at the heart of this story that left me feeling just as torn as Ally and Jay were. And yes—there is a moment that had me right on the edge of my seat with my heart pounding. It reveals so much about that character’s true nature. I’m honestly not sure what I would have done!

It was a joy to be back with Ally, Jay and co as they continue to navigate their lives. I was hoping Gus might step into the spotlight again—but he remains on the periphery. I was also anxious to find out how Ally was getting on with Ray …

Emylia Hall’s writing once again draws you in completely and refuses to let go. The mix of “locals” and “outsiders” keeps the series feeling fresh, and the emotional complexity woven through the mystery gives this book real staying power.

I will be genuinely sad when this series ends. These characters feel like friends now—even the detectives—and I’ve loved getting to know all their quirks over the six books.

If you’ve enjoyed any of the previous instalments, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re new to the series, you’re in for an addictive, atmospheric, cleverly plotted mystery that will keep you turning the pages long after you should have gone to sleep.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The High Tide Murder is the sixth entry in the Shell House Detectives Series, and this one finds our detectives out of their comfort zone and in a posh hotel on the coast. Even though the setting was not the usual coastal town, I liked that the author decided to take our detectives to a new location for this mystery and introduce new characters. Plus, I tend to have a weakness for destination mysteries within series so I was glad to see something different. However, while the previous mysteries were quite interesting and I enjoyed them very much, this one didn't quite work for me and I couldn't wait to finish this book.

First of all, by the sixth book, the usual effort to develop the main characters usually falls to the side which was the case with this book as if a character can't develop, grow, or show the reader any new hidden depths. And this is exactly how I felt reading this book, as if the characters were wooden characters with only one-dimensional development, all of them. This created a problem connecting to the characters, considering the subject matter, and honestly, by the end, I just didn't care who would eventually be discovered as the culprit. The way it was written didn't really allow me to develop any empathy for what was a very sad situation.

The mystery itself was very interesting, but the way it was written was a bit disjointed. I thought the plot dragged quite a bit and found myself flipping through the pages, especially the last 30 percent of the book. The author attempted to use the landscape, the hotel, the weather, and the elements to build this atmosphere, but it didn't work for me. And I love the coast, the water, the elements, and that wildness in my stories as I find the weather so fascinating. And I may be an outlier here, but I was hoping the love triangle thing would not happen, but it seems that is the way it is going. Not a fan.

The High Tide Murder had a very interesting mystery, but I wasn't a fan of the execution as it felt like it dragged in this latest instalment. I also thought there was a lack of character development as they all felt wooden unemotional. There was a darker element to this book that wasn't fully explored however, and I like the fact the author isn't afraid to dip into darker material when necessary. The actual mystery is heartbreaking, but the way it was written prevented me from being fully invested in what happened. That being said, I really enjoyed the first five books in this series, and will definitely read book seven when it is released as I am hoping this one is an outlier.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It did seem a long story when I first started too listen, especially as you are treated to multiple characters perspectives but I was soon hooked. The story was well written and it is only when it unfolds that you can see how everything is connected and how well the multiple perspectives point of view works. It gives the listener vital information and points of view which gives you the chance to puzzle out the clues alongside or before the detectives. I liked the way the The Shell House Detectives were competing against the police to solve the murder and The growing respect between the two sides. The mystery was an involved one but good, with a lot going on and an out come that will tug at your heart strings. I liked the characters, this is my first time joining them on a case and I have obviously missed out on a lot of history but I never felt like it hindered my understanding, just peaked my curiosity. I will be looking out for my adventures from the Shell House Detectives.

After the birth of there second child Jayden and his wife are looking forward to a quiet getaway in a posh hotel. The getaway proves to be anything but quiet when the other guests arrive His wife use to go to school with one, that has turned into a celebrity blogger and the other guests are a retired cop and his former partner, along with there other halves. It's only after a storm has blown over that they learn more damage was done by a human an a storm, as the retired cop is found dead. The hotel want to wrap it up quickly but when the blogger posts a video showing he wasn't alone on the balcony before his death it seems it's about to get a lot more complicated. The hotel owner wants to hire Jayden and his partner in the Shell house detective agency Ally to investigate. Can they find the motive for the death? The police man was a bully and there is no shortage of suspects but they will have to look into his past to find answers. Who could be motivated enough to get into a locked hotel, during a storm and without anyone seeing them? Unless the killer was already inside. Jayden and Ally will have to work hard to solve this one.

I liked the narrator. She has a pleasant voice that she used well to give voices to a lot of characters. I would listen to her again, especially if she is reading another book in this series.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* Great intro to this series, with enough back-story given that I wasn't lost.

This tale combines some sweet elements - an older woman with a younger former-PC as an investigating duo; older and younger characters interacting organically, sharing knowledge old and new; the presence of social media that very organically leads to the cosy mystery investigation; people with secrets; characters with the potential to be the killer due to events past, and a couple of extremely unpleasant men who get their comeuppance. It was pretty well done, although there was too much emphasis on how much of a ditherer the Gus character was, and hints of a reformed Ray, the teen who'd broken, or at least bruised, Ally's young heart. She didn't seem to 'like' one above the other, and tbh, I found their many mentions and repetition of Gus's character flaw tiresome in the end. This also made him come across as Mr Boring, unfortunately.

The mystery was nicely done, sad when revealed, showing how many people had been affected all those years back. There were several damaged relationships by the end, without my knowing which might be repaired. I actually felt for the killer. I didn't mind the lies, deception or crime, because it felt like justice was finally being done, by fluke, yet eye-for-an-eye style. Satisfyingly so, and not really feeling like they'd done something really wrong, for many reasons.

There was a bit of filler, like with the hotel owners' relationship and their off-to-college daughter who got mentioned a few times but who didn't appear; Ray and Gus; Saffron and Roady - these 2 kept appearing as if to slow things down, irritatingly. I'd have liked to see the dead guy's wife enjoying her newfoundland freedom and liberation from her dragon of a MIL. Talk about a stereotypical old bat! I'd have liked a touch more time for Jayden and his wife, and a touch more honesty, especially if Summer was going to be on the periphery of their lives going forward. I'd have liked to know more about Elliott and Louisa and what happened to their marriage. Still, it's an entertaining and satisfying read.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for my reading pleasure.

[Janette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The High Tide Murder is a brilliantly plotted mystery with a fantastic setting.
Two couples are staying at the luxury High Tide Hotel. During their first night, one of them falls from their balcony and is discovered dead next morning. Jayden who is one half of the Shell Detective Agency is also staying at the hotel and doesn’t think that the fall is accidental.
He and his partner Ally, are hired by the hotel owner to find out what exactly happened and find themselves caught up in a mystery that has its roots many years in the past.
I love books where the setting forms an integral part of the story and this one really fits that. The death occurs on the same night as a vicious storm which cuts off the hotel so everyone staying there becomes a suspect. The weather and the tides also have a huge part to play later in the book and the descriptions of the coast really add to the atmosphere of the novel.
The characters in this book are all vividly written. I always think that it’s the mark of well rounded characters when I feel that I want to know what happens to them after the book has ended. In this case, I would love to know more about the dead man’s widow as well as the couple who owned the hotel. The star characters are Ally and Jayden though. I really like their relationship and the way that they balance each other out. This is part of a series and there are other characters who appear but aren’t really connected to the plot but I didn’t feel that this slowed the book down too much.
I guess this is a cosy crime novel but it definitely has more heart than many others in this genre. The resolution to the mystery definitely had an emotional punch to it and I was really interested in the dispute between Ally and Jayden at the end about what was the right course of action to take.
This was a great read and I recommend this series to anyone that enjoys a good mystery with a strong setting. My thanks as always to Net Galley and the publishers Amazon Publishing UK for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jayden and his wife Cat are enjoying a well deserved break at a luxury spa hotel perched on a cliff above Trebaron Cove in Cornwall. Unfortunately, their plan to relax doesn’t quite pan out when, following a violent storm, the body of one of the guests is found on the hotel terrace. It seems this may have been a murder rather than an accident and, of course, the Shell House Detectives Jayden and Ally get involved in the investigation when they’re hired by one of the hotel owners to get to the bottom of things. There had been a power cut during the storm and with no-one going in or out, everyone is a suspect. As the investigation progresses, it becomes obvious that many of the guests had secrets and many had reasons why they may have wanted the victim dead.

What makes these books stand out from other crime novels for me is the exceptional characterisation. Every single one of the characters is fully fleshed out and well developed, whether that’s now familiar characters such as Jayden, Ally and Mullins or characters new to this book such as travel blogger Summer, hotel owner Elliot or the unfortunate murder victim, ex-policeman Drew Schofield.

I listened to the audiobook version of the novel and Kristen Atherton did her usual fantastic job with the narration. I’m so familiar with the way she voices the main characters now that even if I was reading a physical copy, I’d be reading with her voice in my head.

I was totally gripped by the investigation and eager to find out what had happened and ‘whodunnit’. I changed my mind on who I thought it would be several times throughout the book as the author cleverly worked clues and information into her story. The High Tide Murder is a well plotted, perfectly paced murder mystery. The setting of the Cornish coastline with its beautiful beaches, stormy seas and towering cliffs makes for a very atmospheric read. Another enthralling outing for the Shell House Detectives and I look forward to catching up with Jayden and Ally again soon.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The High Tide Murder, featuring the Shell House Detectives, is an absolute treat—especially if you’re someone who loves British murder shows. That’s exactly what kept running through my mind as I read. Set in Cornwall and written by a British author, it radiates that familiar BBC/Acorn vibe I adore.

The cast of characters is wonderfully robust, full of distinct personalities that bring the story to life. And the mystery itself? Phenomenal. I genuinely could not piece it together ahead of time—something that almost never happens when I read murder mysteries. I ended up relying entirely on the detectives’ deductions, which made the reveal all the more satisfying. If I’d solved it too early, it would have really taken the fun out of the rest of the book, so I appreciated how well-constructed the puzzle was.

The pacing is steady—on the slower side—but intentionally so. It’s longer than your average cozy mystery, yet it still leans more cozy than thriller. That balance works perfectly for me. I prefer my murder mysteries without that true-crime intensity; if I wanted something bleak and realistic, I could just turn on the news, right?

Though this is book six in the series, it definitely made me want to go back and read the earlier installments. And I’m already looking forward to whatever comes next.

One last thing that made me smile: all throughout the book, I kept thinking, This would make such a fantastic TV series. Then, when I got to the author’s bio, I saw that the series has actually been optioned for television. No word yet on production, but I sincerely hope it happens—because this story deserves to be on screen.

Highly recommend.

[Phillip Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 4 star read and a story of love, loss, and living with certain circumstances from your life whilst questioning the process of resilience from trauma.

Set in Cornwall and as you read the storms are coming , the clouds are black, the thunder, the wind, and then the rain you do feel you are there.

A remarkably well handled murder of a dodgy cop in upmarket accommodation in Cornwall has Ally and
Jayden getting involved searching out clues. The clues are both current and historic. Can there be a link to a death 40 years ago?

The characters you will meet , carry this story.
There is the unhappy couple on their car-trip to the upmarket accommodation. Then there is the “apparent” falling from a balcony by the dodgy cop during a chaotic thunderstorm.
Well that “accident” upon further investigation by the local police and Jayden and Ally leads to u-turn decision by the police from an open and shut case of accident to a crime.
That U-turn arises because of the innocent filming of the storm by a visiting influencer to the accommodation.
Once the influencer uploaded on to Instagram the severity of the storm became insignificant as there happened to appear 2 silhouettes scuffling on that balcony.
Now that did not look good for the couple who operate this upmarket accommodation.
This couple were the current day equivalent of Basil and Sibyl Faulty. Only a tad more serious within the story.

So with the glimpse of content excluding spoilers I recommend the book as good-read
Cheers
Phil P .

[Ken the incredible · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this series and the likeable characters who populate the plot with their idiosyncratic personalities. The setting for this yarn is an up-market hotel driven by the visionary young owners, although this does comprise an insecure Elliot - son of the previous rather conservative owners - and his over-optimistic wife, which leads to interactions that are fanciful at best.
The machismal posturing of various deviant males adds a little spice, even if the actions are rather unlikely, and the plot unfolds mainly through conversation and discussion rather than the uncovering of clues.
The local police, characterised by the friendly but rather inept Mullins, are relegated to supporting acts in this book. With the lack of physical clues, this is inevitable I suppose; more could be made of the politics of amateur interactions with professionals. As it is, the police jump in with both feet to an early arrest, but then cannot deliver the evidence to justify this. Whether they are correct or not will have to wait until you read it.
Some nice twists as the book reaches the climax; these are always a bit contrived, but stories need them for the entertainment value and they aren't entirely beyond belief.
There is a little romance, sometimes thwarted by mismatched expectations between the various parties. There is also a rather greater number of male-female interactions that are ill conceived with resulting drama.
Emylia Hall has a good, easy read style that keeps you engaged and interested. Nice book, interesting plot, likeable characters. Go buy it.

[dnsyl57 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The High Tide Murder" is book #6 in the "Shell House Detectives" series by Emylia Hall.

A weekend getaway for Jayden and his wife Cat at the upscale High Tide Hotel turns out to be anything but relaxing with tension among some of the guests and a ferocious storm knocks out the power for several hours overnight. The dawn brings cloudy skies, strong waves and a dead body on the terrace. Was this an accident or something much darker? Hotel management and the police initially think this was an accident but Jayden suspects there is much more to the death and calls in his partner Ally to find the truth.

Though told from multiple points of view, the story takes many turns as evidence is gathered and alibis are questioned. Uncomfortable truths are revealed and the case takes some very dark turns before a resolution is found. Along the way, there is also a terrifying experience in a sea cave as the tide comes in!

Of course with this series, we also get a glimpse into what is happening in the personal lives of not only Jayden and Ally but also of Gus, Saffron and Tim.

I love this series and the core characters in it. Stories are intricately woven together and keep readers turning the pages to find out what will happen next! Well done Ms. Hall!

[Kate Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sixth in the series - and although you could read this as a standalone, I'd recommend reading the rest of the series first because it is SO GOOD. (It's one of my all-time favourite series - one I wish I'd written myself!)

Jayden and his wife are enjoying some couple time at the upmarket High Tide Hotel, but a couple of the guests are unpleasant and entitled (both 'retired' ex-cops)... and when there's a storm (and a power cut) that night, one of them falls from a balcony and dies.

The owners of the hotel hire Jayden and Ally to look into the death and solve the crime quickly - but the more they investigate, the more tangled the case becomes.

Fabulous characterisation (Jayden, Ally and Gus feel like real people), fabulous world-building (makes me want to go and visit Cornwall right now), and lots of good twists and turns. There's a lot of emotional depth here; and although I worked out who the murderer was, said murderer was hidden nicely in plain sight.

Thoroughly enjoyed it - to the point where I lost an entire Sunday morning, because I couldn't put it down and read the whole lot in one sitting@

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ally and a friend are paying guests at the upmarket High Tide Hotel when she and Jayden (the Shell House Detectives) were hired on by the owners because of the suspicious death of the recently retired cop who was known to Jayden. It was more than a little peculiar that he took a header off the 2nd floor balcony (on a dark and stormy night), but they only have five days to do all investigating and untangling of motives to solve the questions. Decent number of suspects because he seems to have been an unlikable sort, but all of them are quite interesting. A good addition to a fine series.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Amazon Publishing UK | Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley. Pub Date Nov 04, 2025.
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[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A violent storm. An isolated hotel. A brutal murder. The Shell House Detectives are on the case—and everyone here is a suspect."

Ooh a locked-room (hotel) mystery! My fave! A nasty newly retired police officer is found dead, and there are no shortage of suspects. This guy was awful. Heck, I wanted him to get offed. Sometimes it's difficult to write a story about such a heinous victim of a crime, that you can't really feel good when someone gets collared for it, but this one wraps up quite nicely.

This is the first book I've read in the Shell House detectives series, and I quite enjoyed it. Reading the previous novels is not required, and you pick up on the connection and trust between the partners right away.

My only real complaint about this novel is that it continues on too long after the denouement. It just felt like a lot was crammed into the last couple of chapters. But otherwise a great read. I'll be looking for the previous titles in this series!

I received a free audiobook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.
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[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

The High Tide Hotel, overlooking stunning Trebaron Cove, is a dream destination for an autumnal getaway. But the serene atmosphere of this luxury enclave is shattered when the body of a guest is discovered on the terrace, directly below their balcony. The victim's friend is adamant that this was no accident, and when it emerges that the dead man was a detective with a chequered past, the police enquiry intensifies. Meanwhile fellow guest Jayden, one half of the Shell House Detectives, wastes no time in bringing Ally on board to help find the killer. With the hotel cut off by a storm on the night of the murder, everyone at the High Tide is a suspect.
The sixth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own but I’ve loved how Jayden & Ally’s relationship both private & professional has grown & changed. A very well written & well plotted book with twists, turns & red herrings. I thoroughly enjoyed it & look forward to more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Patty Kenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 6 in the Shell House Detectives series, which is a series I've really been enjoying. This time murder takes place at the High Tide Hotel. A former police officer and odious man is found dead having 'fallen' from the balcony in his room. Jayden happens to be on the scene and is hired by the hotel owner to investigate. As always, Aly and Jayden work well together and are able to figure out the complicated story before the police, who have become kind-of lovable by this time. For me, a good mystery includes an interesting setting, the development of the characters (especially over time in the series) and a plot that makes sense. I feel like these books hit the mark on all counts. The stories take place in Cornwall, so the sea is somewhat of a character itself, the main characters as well as the recurring characters are developing with each installment and the mystery is solved following a reasonable line of inquiry. It's not necessarily something that the reader can figure out from the beginning but we learn as the detectives learn and that works for me.

[Tyler Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. This was the first book in the series that I’ve read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was book 6 in the high tide murder series, and even though I’m coming at the tail end of the series, I believe it baked in enough context for me to understand Ally and Jay‘s relationship and how they even got started together because it’s a little weird that a lady in her 70s and a middle-aged Black man get together and start investigating crimes so I do plan on going back to the beginning of the series and reading more of these books because I did enjoy this one.

Every time I thought it was one person new information was coming up, but it wasn’t like too chaotic that it didn’t make sense. I think the pacing was really good and I enjoyed the characters. The characters you were supposed to dislike, I felt like I disliked them throughout the book and I enjoy the way that it ended as well. I’ll be reading more of her books.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayden and his wife Cat are having a get-away weekend at a fancy resort on the coast, but their pleasant stay is interrupted by a guest falling to his death from his balcony. Jayden, a PI and former police officer) is hired, along with his partner Ally, to investigate. The dead man, also a former police officer was a bully who enjoyed pushing everyone around. The more they investigate, the more they discover long-buried and tragic secrets. There are plenty of suspects, but few material clues for the detectives to follow.
The story is extremely well-written and all of the characters are well-rounded and believable. I was intrigued by the mystery and by the people and thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have not read the previous books in the series, but this works great as a stand-alone. I also loved the setting on an isolated coastal area with a dangerous cove and a wild storm.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Laura Longbottom]

I was incredibly thankful for the opportunity to receive and eARC for The High Tide Murder through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher. Unfortunately, I will not be able to submit a full review for this title at this time.

While the premise remains highly engaging, I found that I simply couldn't connect with the book in the audio format. The narration style, specifically the frequent whispering throughout the dialogue, made it incredibly difficult to follow, even with headphones. I had to quit the title because I spent too much time re-listening to missed sentences. Also, the chosen names are too similar for my liking. I had difficulties differentiating the characters.

I genuinely believe the book itself sounds promising, and I plan to seek out a physical or e-book copy in the future to fully appreciate the story. My difficulty was purely format-specific.

[Marcy Chestnut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGallery (or whoever sponsored the giveaway) because I had decided not to continue with this series. I would have rated this 3.5 had that been possible. While it unfolded as expected (ie, developed mainly through conversations, random old photos), I thought it just went on too long.

I do wish there had been some character development - none of the main characters stray far from their main virtues (Jayden - family man, Ally - all knowing and compassionate, Saffron - the always perfect sun goddess). It was decently plotted, but the writing itself was pretty awful and cliched at times: "The wind and the sea are shouting their mouths off." Or, "Her voice breaks like glass." You'd think an established series like this would be able to enjoy the services of a good editor.

In summary : Certainly not a bad read, and I do recommend it if you have some time. Just don't have unrealistic expectations.

[Leah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook.

This was a proper whodunit where there was loads of suspicion thrown about and it kept my on my metaphorical toes.

This was my first of the Shell House Detectives series, and while I started at book 6, it could definitely be read and enjoyed as a standalone. The author included enough so you knew who everyone was, and cared about the characters, without feeling lost/like I'd missed too much in the previous books. Gus was one of my fav side characters, I'm rooting for him!

Jayden and Ally took on the case of trying to solve a murder at a posh hotel in cornwall... where Jayden and his wife happened to be staying the night of the murder! Queue pushy police, everyone being suspicious, and enjoying how Emylia brought everything together in the end.

Many thanks to the Author, Publisher, and NetGalley for the ALC!

[Caitlin Janke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Past meets present in the high tide murder. Written from the view of guests and the private detectives working the case, its really pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the end. I didn’t see the ending coming at all. The characters were unexpected at times. Definitely a good book for mystery fans.

I didnt realize this was a series when I started it but that didn’t really change the enjoyment of it. The author gives you enough basic background about the main characters of the series to fill in any gaps.

Audio Review

The narrators of the high tide murder did such a good job that I didn’t have to guess which character was speaking. They made this story flow so well. I really enjoyed the audiobook edition.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All thoughts and feelings are my own

[Bookwormbadger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in Emylia Hall's Shell House Detectives series. Once again set in Cornwall, this time the scene is the High Tide Hotel. A man's body is found; did he fall off the balcony or was he murdered?
Revisiting the characters - Ally and Jayden, as well as Gus, Saffron, Cat and so on - is like picking up with old friends. I love the way Emylia has conjured up these wonderful people who feel so real; Porthpella feels like a genuine Cornish place too. This was another gripping and brilliantly told story that is perfect for cosying up on an autumn day.
With grateful thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas & Mercer and Emylia Hall for my advance e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent outing for the Shell House detectives Ally and Jayden. Jayden and Cat are having a night at The High Tide Hotel, a present for Jayden’s birthday. However, the trip does not go to plan. There is a storm the lights go out, but this is in the middle of the night, and they are on again soon. But in the morning a body is discovered, at first glance it looks like an accidental fall from the balcony but then there is the video shot during the power cut of two people fighting on the balcony.
The hotel owners ask Jayden if he can investigate, even though the police are already there.
Full of twist and turns and I certainly didn’t guess the outcome. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.