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Lily Larkin #5

The Sunken Truth

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The past doesn't stay buried forever...

Business is booming at Lily’s ice cream shop, but when a shipwreck is discovered off the coast of St Mary’s, she can’t resist the call of adventure. Rumoured to hold long-lost treasure, the wreck draws excitement — and danger — to the islands.

A diving trip to explore the site ends in disaster when someone’s air hose is deliberately cut.

Shaken but determined, Lily dives headfirst into the investigation. But she’s not the only one with something to prove.

PC Grainger is desperate to impress his visiting superintendent––and secure his place in the islands he’s come to love.

As Lily follows the trail of secrets, she soon discovers that the wreck isn’t the only thing with a hidden past... and some truths might be more dangerous than the hunt for gold.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2025

133 people are currently reading
29 people want to read

About the author

Hannah Ellis

57 books433 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
236 (69%)
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86 (25%)
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18 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Amina (ⴰⵎⵉⵏⴰ).
1,573 reviews299 followers
August 20, 2025
While diving to explore a recently surfacing shipwreck, and why not find some long lost treasure, one of lily's companions' hose and backup was neatly cut. But it seems no one can tell where everyone was... Add to that, the ninety something rich descendant of the ship's Captain offering a good amount of cash for those who could bring him the so longued for gold. As if this wasn't stressful enough, Flynn superintendent is here to visit.
This is the fifth instalment in the series and it was as captivating as the previous ones. It is true there were no corpses involved, but still, the mystery was well crafted and some other truths were uncovered.
We're still hanging as to Flynn's future situation, will he be able to stay or not, and honestly, this is torture to my nerves (I'm being Mrs Bennett 😂)

I highly enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next one to be dropped. Life on the island is really calling me people!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
145 reviews4 followers
August 25, 2025
Another winner!

In this, book 5, an old shipwreck emerges off the coast of St. Mary's Island, and Lily's excited about going to check it out.

When someone's air hose is cut, intentionally, Lily and Flynn work together to figure out who did it and why. I didn't figure it out til it was revealed.

Meanwhile, the superintendent who sent Flynn to St. Mary's is in town, and Flynn is trying to impress him so that he can remain on the island and not have to return to London.

In this book, we learn a lot about Lily's past and Flynn's past as well. Lots of surprises that I won't mention so I don't spoil them for someone.

Of course, it ends with another reveal that will be addressed in the NEXT book....

As with the other books in the series, this is an easy to read, hard to put down book. Great writing, lots of intrigue, wonderful characters, and a great setting.

More, please!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lise.
1,072 reviews
August 18, 2025
The excitement of a sunken ship and its potential golden cargo has the Scilies Islands buzzing. Lily Larkin and her friends dive the wreck, only to have one of the divers left in peril when his breathing apparatus is sabotaged. Meanwhile, DC Flynn Grainger is tasked with protecting the site, warning a pensioner of the legalities of treasure procurement, and uncovering the mystery of the diving attack - all while fending off the sarcasm of a superintendent who forced him to accept the remote and undesirable position. With Flynn's secondment coming to an end, time is precious, and Lily is determined to help him move his investigation forward and win acclaim from his superior.

What is it about this series that makes it so compelling? Is it the gorgeous location, the eminently likeable characters, or the imaginative mysteries it contains? It's probably the delectable (ice cream) pie that all these ingredients combine to form. Regardless, The Sunken Truth is a worthy entry.

In this book, the fifth instalment, a great deal of the series's story arc is revealed. It would be unwise to start a reading of the books here, as a great deal of spoilers are disclosed. For fans of the series, however, this is the moment we've been waiting for, and the anticipation has been worth the build-up. The story indeed ends with the dreaded "To Be Continued", but quite frankly, I'm satisfied with the developments contained within, and if this were the last book, I wouldn't be unhappy. Luckily, it seems the next book is in the works, and there are many more knots to unravel. I can't wait!

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.
96 reviews4 followers
November 4, 2025
This was a pleasant enough beach read, but nothing that really stood out to me.

The mystery involving the shipwreck and sabotaged diving equipment was mildly engaging, though I found myself more interested in the cursed gold backstory than the actual whodunit. The investigation felt a bit meandering at times, with lots of back-and-forth questioning that didn't lead anywhere particularly surprising.

Lily and Flynn are likeable enough as protagonists, and their budding romance was sweet. The revelation about Flynn's relationship with the Superintendent was probably the most compelling part of the book for me - that family drama added some emotional weight. Though I did find it frustrating how long it took them to just talk to each other about their feelings.

The Scilly Isles setting continues to be charming, and Ellis clearly loves these islands. The community feel is nice, even if everyone being so interconnected sometimes strains believability.

My main issue is that this felt very much like a "middle book" - lots of setup for future plot threads (that mysterious passport!) but the actual mystery here was fairly straightforward once you got to it. The pacing dragged in places, and I could have done without some of the repetitive scenes of people being questioned.

It's a quick, easy read if you're already invested in the series, but probably not one I'd recommend as a standalone. Looking forward to seeing where the passport storyline goes, though that cliffhanger felt a bit tacked on.
3,746 reviews43 followers
August 30, 2025
Unpredictable treasure dive danger🌊🛥

4.5 🌟 stars
The mystery here is really good, leads that fool in an investigation of sabotaged diving equipment at a shipwreck dive where hopes are high for a gold treasure find. I was in the dark almost until the reveal/confession, just never saw it coming out the way it did. Twists and strong false leads for a catchy plot.

And although Lily Larkin is the MC in this series as she leaves most of the day to day running of her ice cream shop to staff so she can help investigate, I was all about poor Flynn, the policeman exiled from London to a temporary secondment to this island backwater. Here I learned all about the bad blood and the persons who forced his removal from London and the reason he is so down and hopeless about getting a chance to stay on the island now that he's found Lily and general acceptance by the island community.

Though the diving incident is solved, the threat of Flynn's imminent departure adds a bit of a hook/cliffhanger which I am sure leads to the next book. I'd keep reading the series to learn his fate!😊

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Profile Image for Emma Brennan.
78 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2025

The Sunken Truth, the fifth installment by Hannah Ellis, is another captivating read that fans of the Isles of Scilly series will absolutely devour. Featuring familiar and well-loved characters like Lily Larkin and PC Granger, Hannah Ellis once again transports us to the charming and mysterious Isles of Scilly.

What I love most about this series—and especially this book—is how well I feel I know the characters. Each new installment adds depth and fresh storylines, but always retains that comforting sense of familiarity.

Hannah Ellis has a real talent for keeping things fresh while weaving in just enough continuity to keep readers fully invested.

As with her previous books, The Sunken Truth comes with a gripping plot, emotional twists, and, of course, one of those signature cliffhangers that makes you immediately crave the next book. I honestly couldn’t put it down and found myself reading late into the night.

This story is yet another brilliant addition to the series—heartwarming, intriguing, and completely unputdownable.

Highly recommended for fans of cozy mysteries with strong characters and a touch of romance.

5 stars *****
Profile Image for Kath.
920 reviews10 followers
September 18, 2025
Enjoyed the intenseness and drama with the sunken ship ‘awakening’ and feelings between Superintendent and PC Flynn. With the author’s descriptive writing felt present in the warm, ocean surrounding the isles of Scillies. Enjoyed the quirky 92 year old Eustace, who everyone thought was senile and off his rocker regarding the shipwreck. Then there was the tension with Lily wanting to talk to Maria about her uncle, who raised her after her parents death in their home fire., to try and bring back her childhood memories

While all this mystery and drama was ongoing there was a sweet love story developing between compassionate and impulsive lead female Lily and the PC Flynn. Both male and female characters touched the heart and won it over. The storyline was realistic and left with a good cliffhanger. Also was totally surprised by Flynn and Superintendent. Anxiously awaiting the next book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
609 reviews17 followers
August 14, 2025
I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I love this series! I've been following Lily Larkin since her arrival on the Isle of Scilly in book 1, having just lost her uncle, her only relative who had travelled Europe with her in tow since her parents died when she was a young child. She went to Scilly because she had questions about her parents and an ice cream shop. Now, by book 5, Lily has made a great success of the resurrected ice cream shop, got involved with local PC, Flynn Grainger and helped him investigate a crime in every book. By now things are complicated with Flynn and Lily 's questions about her uncle come back to her mind. This series may sound simple in this short synopsis, but I have become addicted to the story and really want to know what happens next! Plus, the way the author writes about the Isles of Scilly makes it sound wonderful!
52 reviews
August 21, 2025
Lily and PC Granger are back investigating another crime. Lily's waitress really should have a pay rise as she is left in charge of the ice cream parlour so often while Lily is busy sleuthing. This time the mystery revolves around a recently discovered shipwreck and of who cut the airline of one of the divers exploring that wreck.
Thank you to Hannah Ellis and Book Sirens for the ARC. My review is given voluntarily.
This is the fifth book in the Lily Larkin series the mystery of the ship wreck be enjoyed without reading the previous books . However, some mysteries surrounding Lily's childhood and Flynn's past are revealed. These overarching themes are a big part of what makes these books enjoyable so it may be worth reading the series in order (which should be no hardship as they are excellent).
once again the backdrop of sun sand and ice cream create a great atmosphere.
Lily and Flynn are very likable but are also complex enough to avoid being boring.
Very much looking forward to the next instalment.
.
1,488 reviews25 followers
August 20, 2025
I am really enjoying this series and this is another great read. The excitement of the discovery of a shipwreck and possible gold hits you right off the page and when there is an act of sabotage on some diving equipment, things become more serious immediately. The arrival of the superintendent who has a serious issue with PC Grainger adds more intrigue as I found myself yelling at him in my head to divulge to Lily what the issue is.

What I really enjoyed here was the gradual reveal of things from both Lily and Grainger's backgrounds. Lily's in particular is even more jawdropping than I expected and the ending left me open-mouthed in shock and also in anticipation of what is to come in the next book. Bring it on!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Ingrid Gail.
165 reviews12 followers
August 20, 2025
The fifth book in the series, the fourth book by this author I've read.

I loved getting back to Lily and Flynn and see how their relationship continued. The uncertainty of whether or not Flynn could stay is a red thread throughout the book. The arrival of a superintendent and the way he and Flynn react to eachother makes your toes curl in frustration.

The mystery of the sunken ship is well written and keeps you turning the pages as it deepens and becomes more complex than it looked at first. Very well done!
The other mysteries are also deepening and becoming more complex, which had me turning the pages to divulge what was going on!

The connection Lily finally gets with Maria is good to read as well, there are answers to Lily's many questions, which I loved.

The ending of the book had me gasping and I can't wait to read the next book and see what's going on!
Profile Image for SusanH.
245 reviews
August 15, 2025
An old shipwreck is discovered off the coast of the island in this new cozy Lily Larkin mystery, The Sunken Truth. The ice cream shop takes more of a backseat here as a diving excursion for buried gold near the shipwreck reveals a purposefully cut air hose. Lily joins PC Grainger to solve the mystery. Lily also continues to delve into her family’s past and understand more about her uncle, as PC Grainger is determined to determine who cut the air hose and prove his own worth to the very critical Superintendent, who has such control over his future. It’s easy to be swept up in each Lily Larkin book as the characters are appealing and the scenery is lovely. With thanks to BookSirens and the publisher for this ARC. My opinions are my own.


131 reviews1 follower
Read
August 31, 2025
Having read the previous books in the Lily Larkin Mysteries series I was eagerly looking forward to reading the fifth instalment, The Sunken Truth and it did not disappoint. A fun cosy crime read that I thoroughly enjoyed, hard to put down and devoured over 3 days. When a shipwreck is discovered off the coast of St Mary’s which is rumoured to have treasure, Lily joins her friends on a couple of diving trip however when someone’s air hose is deliberately cut, Lily along with her police friend Flynn is eager to investigate and find out the truth.

These books are such an enjoyable and easy read experience and I am now eagerly anticipating book 6

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
8 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2025
The fifth story in the Lily Larkin series continues the themes of Lily discovering more about her family and its links to the ice cream parlour, helping the local police in solving a crime and Lily’s on/off relationship with the local constable.

In this book we learn much more about Lily’s family and her uncle particularly. We also see her relationship with PC Grainger developing as he also explains more about his own past. All this whilst solving a crime which could have been fatal and discovering the truth about the gold lost at sea.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sharon.
335 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2025
“The Sunken Truth” is my favorite so far in the Lily Larkin series. A long-ago shipwreck surfaces, bringing excitement to the Scillies, along with an incident during a dive that Lily and PC Flynn Grainger look into. A lot is uncovered about Lily and Flynn’s early lives. As always, the Isles of Scilly seem like a great place to visit, and Hannah Ellis’ characters seem like great people. Looking forward to the next Lily Larkin book! I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,200 reviews18 followers
August 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this as a fifth entry in the Lily Larkin Mysteries series, it had that element that I was wanting and enjoyed from the previous four books. The concept worked well in this universe and how the characters were used in this universe. It has a strong mystery concept and was able to make the reader engaged with the storyline and how the characters were used. Hannah Ellis wrote this well and left me wanting to read more in this series and from the author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Smutty Professor.
479 reviews12 followers
August 26, 2025
I really enjoyed The Sunken Truth. The shipwreck storyline was great and once the sabotage with the diving gear happened, the tension never let up. Lily always seems to land right in the middle of the action and Flynn’s tense situation with the superintendent had me just as anxious as he was.

I loved getting all the new details about Lily’s past and the way her relationship with Flynn keeps getting more complicated. The ending genuinely caught me off guard, and now I’m excited to see where things head in the next book! This series is so much fun!
Profile Image for Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29).
887 reviews9 followers
September 5, 2025
‘Letting me go first into the creepy old house with the odd-ball old man.’

Gold fever has hit the island after a long lost shipwreck is revealed. When there is an underwater attempted murder Lily finds herself back to her bad habit of investigating to help PC Flynn impress the visiting Superintendent. The series wraps up some of the mystery behind Lily’s past, while giving us an eye opening revelation about Flynn...and revealing that there is still something bigger, and darker, yet to come. Well done!
2,587 reviews45 followers
August 14, 2025
This was an absorbing mystery that kept me thinking and guessing, but I didn't come close. I was deep in my thoughts when the reveal came, and I was gobsmacked. When the rationale for being quiet and the action, I was thoroughly disgusted, and it stopped me in my tracks. The web of involvement was staggering. I completely enjoyed this journey. It was fun to catch up with Lily. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
Profile Image for Tabby Shiflett.
1,061 reviews16 followers
August 28, 2025
4.5 Stars
A swashbuckling addition to a lighthearted cozy mystery series, this latest book is emotionally the polar opposite of the previous novel (which keeps readers on their toes). While the previous book was darker, The Sunken Truth addresses some serious themes, but overall it's more mystery than murder (mystery of the crime, mystery of central characters' backgrounds, pirate mystery). The book incorporates an iconic setting and successfully utilizes a small-town atmosphere with loveable characters who use their own grapevine communication system to solve multiple mysteries. Loved it.

BookSirens Review Copy
283 reviews8 followers
September 5, 2025
This book was exciting and a little bit different from a usual murder mystery.
I an enjoying Protagonist Lily's ongoing friendship with PC Flynn Grainger. They are both happily immersed and accepted in the close knit Island community.
We are also given a bit more about Lily's intriguing backstory.

This was a really enjoyable read.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
698 reviews
September 17, 2025
although cozy mystery style books are not my usual genre, I absolutely love this series and I am getting sad to think of the end being near!

I don't know how Lily gets herself in these situations but I love that she does!

Sunken Truth had a few more twists and turns than I expected and it made for such an interesting story.

The written is so well done and it never gets dull. Hannah Ellis is easily becoming a top author for me.
3 reviews
August 17, 2025
Another fantastic page turner from Hannah!

A story with lots of twists and turns and surprises about both Lily and Flynn. As well as another mystery to be solved as course

Great as a stand alone book but if you read this one and enjoy it go back and start the series from book one

Well done again Hannah and roll on book 6!
666 reviews
August 24, 2025
A new mystery and some more snooping around for Lily. I just love this series. It seems to get better and better but it’s already so good. I'm already looking forward to the next book. It seems Lily has more secrets to uncover.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Anastasia Mead.
32 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2025
the best one yet!

I’ve loved all of the Lily Larkin series, and this one is the best one yet. I’ve read the whole thing in a couple of hours on the day of release, I couldn’t put it down. My only grumble is that I have to wait 3 months for the next one! Cosy crime, mystery and pirates. What more could you want??
480 reviews7 followers
December 21, 2025
The plot thichens

Most of the little mysteries have been cleared through the first five books. As book five ended, or to be continued, bigger mysteries are on the horizon. Flynn and Lily are now officially an item but a dark secret is about to become a new drama. I can't wait to jump in to the next suspenseful mystery.
34 reviews
August 24, 2025
I always love Hannah’s books and this is no exception. The next instalment of Lily and Flynn’s adventures features hidden treasures, secrets and investigations! A little more of their personal journeys unravels and I already can’t wait for the next book to learn more!!
1,686 reviews27 followers
September 1, 2025
Lily is busy with her ice cream shop but excitement circles round the community when a shipwreck is discovered. There is a lot of suspense and more than meets the eye in this intriguing read . I received this ARC copy via Booksirans and recommend this book to other readers .
Profile Image for Krisha.
70 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2025
Absolutely captivating! I couldn’t put it down—the story, the characters, the twists—everything was spot on. And that cliffhanger ending! I’m so upset it’s over because now I have to wait for the next book. Highly recommend!
21 reviews
September 6, 2025
The Sunken Truth

Loved this book number 5 in the series, it is a great story and worth reading, just hate waiting a few months for the next book!
I have read all books by Hannah Ellis and always look forward to the next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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