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Hemlock Press The Red Shore.
Met detective Eden Driscoll never wanted a child, but when his estranged sister vanishes from her sailboat, he is asked to look after her son Finn – the nephew he hadn’t even known existed.
Resettled in the seaside town of Teignmouth, Eden adjusts to his newfound parenthood. Then Finn disappears from school, and Eden knows something is dreadfully wrong.
When Eden's sister's body is finally found, floating in the sea, local police rule her death an accident, but Eden isn’t convinced. She was an experienced sailor and would never sail without a life jacket. Eden starts searching his sister’s life for answers, and what he discovers changes everything.
Resettled in the seaside town of Teignmouth, Eden adjusts to his newfound parenthood. Then Finn disappears from school, and Eden knows something is dreadfully wrong.
When Eden's sister's body is finally found, floating in the sea, local police rule her death an accident, but Eden isn’t convinced. She was an experienced sailor and would never sail without a life jacket. Eden starts searching his sister’s life for answers, and what he discovers changes everything.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published July 3, 2025
49 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
William Shaw
20 books532 followersI'm a crime writer and write the Eden Driscoll series set in South Devon, the Alex Cupidi series set in Dungeness, Kent and the Breen & Tozer series set in London in 1968-9. The Red Shore – first in the Eden Driscoll series – is published on July 3 2025.
My most recent book is The Wild Swimmers,, the fifth in the Alex Cupid series - if you don't count The Birdwatcher .
In July 2025 I'm publishing the first in a new series set in South Devon, The Red Shore.
My non-fiction books include Westsiders , an account of several young would-be rappers struggling to establish themselves against a backdrop of poverty and violence in South Central Los Angeles, Superhero For Hire , a compilation and of the Small Ads columns I wrote for the Observer Magazine, and Spying In Guru Land , in which I joined several British religious cults to write about them.
A Song From Dead Lips was the first in a trilogy of books set in London in 1968, featuring DS Cathal Breen and WPC Helen Tozer. It was followed by A House of Knives and A Book of Scars .
I live in Brighton and play music with Brighton Ceilidh Collective. I also run an online book event called
My most recent book is The Wild Swimmers,, the fifth in the Alex Cupid series - if you don't count The Birdwatcher .
In July 2025 I'm publishing the first in a new series set in South Devon, The Red Shore.
My non-fiction books include Westsiders , an account of several young would-be rappers struggling to establish themselves against a backdrop of poverty and violence in South Central Los Angeles, Superhero For Hire , a compilation and of the Small Ads columns I wrote for the Observer Magazine, and Spying In Guru Land , in which I joined several British religious cults to write about them.
A Song From Dead Lips was the first in a trilogy of books set in London in 1968, featuring DS Cathal Breen and WPC Helen Tozer. It was followed by A House of Knives and A Book of Scars .
I live in Brighton and play music with Brighton Ceilidh Collective. I also run an online book event called
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
December 14, 2025
Over the last few years, William Shaw has become one of my favourite crime/ detective writers. The recent Alex Cupidi series was excellent and this new book , now moving events to the south west of England is a great read.
The Devon seaside backdrop of Teignmouth is a great location for this new book, The Red Shore. This is another tautly plotted read with more twists and turns than a Formula I race track but not lacking plausibility.
Eden Driscoll works for the Met police but due to tragic circumstances finds himself in Devon meeting his 9 year old nephew, Finn, for the first time. Finn was found alone aboard a boat floating out at sea; locked in a cabin- his mother is missing presumed drowned.
But as Eden digs into the life of his estranged sister,Apple, he begins to realise that all is not straightforward. Events conspire to begin to make it look as though Eden could have been involved in his sister’s death.
The relationship between uncle and nephew is superb and is what makes this new read so good- two individuals thrown together through events beyond their control and trying to find a way forward.
As with fictional detectives, Eden has a back story and this is interwoven into telling his nephew the story about growing up with sister and a father who was coercive and wanting to live a “new- age” lifestyle taking his family on a never ending journey around the Mediterranean but tightly under his control.
William Shaw is a superb crime writer and whilst reading the book, Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves came to mind ( who he coincidentally thanks in the acknowledgements) He has the same depth of empathy with characters in everyday situations that are thrown into disarray . Eden’s emotional conflict as to how he could look after Finn and his career in London highlights this.
Surely, it is only a matter of time before a television series is made from one of his works.
A highly recommended crime/ police procedural with a great plot and strong characterisation .
Another winner
The Devon seaside backdrop of Teignmouth is a great location for this new book, The Red Shore. This is another tautly plotted read with more twists and turns than a Formula I race track but not lacking plausibility.
Eden Driscoll works for the Met police but due to tragic circumstances finds himself in Devon meeting his 9 year old nephew, Finn, for the first time. Finn was found alone aboard a boat floating out at sea; locked in a cabin- his mother is missing presumed drowned.
But as Eden digs into the life of his estranged sister,Apple, he begins to realise that all is not straightforward. Events conspire to begin to make it look as though Eden could have been involved in his sister’s death.
The relationship between uncle and nephew is superb and is what makes this new read so good- two individuals thrown together through events beyond their control and trying to find a way forward.
As with fictional detectives, Eden has a back story and this is interwoven into telling his nephew the story about growing up with sister and a father who was coercive and wanting to live a “new- age” lifestyle taking his family on a never ending journey around the Mediterranean but tightly under his control.
William Shaw is a superb crime writer and whilst reading the book, Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves came to mind ( who he coincidentally thanks in the acknowledgements) He has the same depth of empathy with characters in everyday situations that are thrown into disarray . Eden’s emotional conflict as to how he could look after Finn and his career in London highlights this.
Surely, it is only a matter of time before a television series is made from one of his works.
A highly recommended crime/ police procedural with a great plot and strong characterisation .
Another winner
June 25, 2025
4.5 stars
I’ve been a fan of William Shaw’s novels for a while now and so I’m keen to see what this start of a new series offers.
Out at sea, the weather in the Channel is getting worse and locked in the cabin of a yacht is a nine year old boy. Alone. Metropolitan Police DS Eden Driscoll of the MIT has never wanted children and makes that abundantly clear to his coworkers. The morning after a successful operation he gets a phone call that changes everything. His estranged sister Apple is missing and the now rescued boy on the boat is Finn, his nephew, whom he never knew existed. With a heavy heart, Eden makes his way to Teignmouth in Devon and his first meeting with Finn is not exactly auspicious. Under a certain amount of pressure from social worker Bisi, Eden agrees to stay for a week and look after Finn, a task for which he is ill equipped. It’s clear from the start that something has gone dreadfully wrong for Apple and the more Eden digs the muddier the waters become.
First of all, William Shaw always select the most atmospheric of settings and this one is superb for providing a fantastic backdrop for the unfolding drama. I can picture with ease Apple’s tiny cottage and its location on the red shore close to where the estuary meets the sea as it’s so wonderfully described.
I really enjoy this tightly plotted novel which has plenty of suspenseful moments and some good twists and turns in the storytelling. The two principal characters of Eden and Finn are fantastic and the developing relationship between them is heartwarming. Eden is a complex man with a complex background (likewise Apple of course) and Finn is wonderful and is brilliantly and empathetically portrayed as he feels very authentic. I want to give him a big hug, but it might be risky! They both show that characters do not have to be perfect to be very likeable as well as extremely interesting. All the characters such as Molly, Apple’s friend, are very well conveyed too.
The plot builds well, it takes many a surprising direction, there are moments of high tension and lots of action that makes for a thrilling read. I’m looking forward to reading what happens next to these two – Teignmouth or The Big Smoke? Overall, this was a very entertaining and immersive read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to. HarperCollins, HarperFiction/ Hemlock Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
I’ve been a fan of William Shaw’s novels for a while now and so I’m keen to see what this start of a new series offers.
Out at sea, the weather in the Channel is getting worse and locked in the cabin of a yacht is a nine year old boy. Alone. Metropolitan Police DS Eden Driscoll of the MIT has never wanted children and makes that abundantly clear to his coworkers. The morning after a successful operation he gets a phone call that changes everything. His estranged sister Apple is missing and the now rescued boy on the boat is Finn, his nephew, whom he never knew existed. With a heavy heart, Eden makes his way to Teignmouth in Devon and his first meeting with Finn is not exactly auspicious. Under a certain amount of pressure from social worker Bisi, Eden agrees to stay for a week and look after Finn, a task for which he is ill equipped. It’s clear from the start that something has gone dreadfully wrong for Apple and the more Eden digs the muddier the waters become.
First of all, William Shaw always select the most atmospheric of settings and this one is superb for providing a fantastic backdrop for the unfolding drama. I can picture with ease Apple’s tiny cottage and its location on the red shore close to where the estuary meets the sea as it’s so wonderfully described.
I really enjoy this tightly plotted novel which has plenty of suspenseful moments and some good twists and turns in the storytelling. The two principal characters of Eden and Finn are fantastic and the developing relationship between them is heartwarming. Eden is a complex man with a complex background (likewise Apple of course) and Finn is wonderful and is brilliantly and empathetically portrayed as he feels very authentic. I want to give him a big hug, but it might be risky! They both show that characters do not have to be perfect to be very likeable as well as extremely interesting. All the characters such as Molly, Apple’s friend, are very well conveyed too.
The plot builds well, it takes many a surprising direction, there are moments of high tension and lots of action that makes for a thrilling read. I’m looking forward to reading what happens next to these two – Teignmouth or The Big Smoke? Overall, this was a very entertaining and immersive read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to. HarperCollins, HarperFiction/ Hemlock Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
June 25, 2025
This was my first book by William Shaw and it was a cracker.
Met detective Eden Driscoll never wanted a child, but when his estranged sister vanishes from her sailboat, he is asked to look after her son Finn – the nephew he hadn’t even known existed.
Resettled in the seaside town of Teignmouth, Eden adjusts to his newfound parenthood. Then Finn disappears from school, and Eden knows something is dreadfully wrong.
When Eden's sister's body is finally found, floating in the sea, local police rule her death an accident, but Eden isn’t convinced. She was an experienced sailor and would never sail without a life jacket. Eden starts searching his sister’s life for answers, and what he discovers changes everything.
I am hoping this is going to be the first in a series of books with Eden as the main character. He is clearly a flawed individual but has a deep care and compassion for victims and will leave no stone unturned in looking for answers.
I also enjoyed some of the other secondary characters so I can see this developing well in a long series of books.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Hemlock Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Met detective Eden Driscoll never wanted a child, but when his estranged sister vanishes from her sailboat, he is asked to look after her son Finn – the nephew he hadn’t even known existed.
Resettled in the seaside town of Teignmouth, Eden adjusts to his newfound parenthood. Then Finn disappears from school, and Eden knows something is dreadfully wrong.
When Eden's sister's body is finally found, floating in the sea, local police rule her death an accident, but Eden isn’t convinced. She was an experienced sailor and would never sail without a life jacket. Eden starts searching his sister’s life for answers, and what he discovers changes everything.
I am hoping this is going to be the first in a series of books with Eden as the main character. He is clearly a flawed individual but has a deep care and compassion for victims and will leave no stone unturned in looking for answers.
I also enjoyed some of the other secondary characters so I can see this developing well in a long series of books.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Hemlock Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2025
Brilliant new series debut! I already need the next one asap. Shaw is so good at describing relationships and this book is yet another. The plot is well put together and characters are believable. I didn’t like our hero to start with and then slowly slowly I got to see him drop his carapace and become more likable - a deliberate and clever strategy on the part of the author.
Less landscape this time which characterised his previous series but vivid descriptions of being out at sea. Shaw is particularly good at describing vulnerable young people. In this case Finn.
Hurry up and write the next one please!
Less landscape this time which characterised his previous series but vivid descriptions of being out at sea. Shaw is particularly good at describing vulnerable young people. In this case Finn.
Hurry up and write the next one please!
December 12, 2025
Metropolitan police officer Eden Driscoll hasn't seen his older sister Apple for fifteen years. Then, out of the blue, he receives a call from Devon Police informing him that Apple is missing and also learns that she has a young son Finn.
Eden travels down to the seaside town of Teignmouth and, despite having zero parenting experience, tries his best to care for Finn. Unsurprisingly, the little boy is reluctant to accept his new uncle. When Apple's drowned body is eventually found, her death is ruled accidental, but Eden has serious doubts. His sister was an excellent sailor and swimmer.
It soon becomes obvious that not everyone in Teignmouth is as they initially appear and Eden isn't sure whom he can trust as he begins his own investigations. Then Finn is abducted from school and a couple of local people are murdered.
Once again William Shaw has managed to construct an exciting thriller-mystery with a great human touch. The finale sequences, both at sea and on land are especially enjoyable.
Eden travels down to the seaside town of Teignmouth and, despite having zero parenting experience, tries his best to care for Finn. Unsurprisingly, the little boy is reluctant to accept his new uncle. When Apple's drowned body is eventually found, her death is ruled accidental, but Eden has serious doubts. His sister was an excellent sailor and swimmer.
It soon becomes obvious that not everyone in Teignmouth is as they initially appear and Eden isn't sure whom he can trust as he begins his own investigations. Then Finn is abducted from school and a couple of local people are murdered.
Once again William Shaw has managed to construct an exciting thriller-mystery with a great human touch. The finale sequences, both at sea and on land are especially enjoyable.
August 10, 2025
4.0 / 5.0
I enjoyed my read on this one, not only due to the plot but more so the character development of Eden Driscoll. I think it’s how human the book makes the characters feel it tugs on your emotional heart strings. We meet Met Detective Eden Driscoll who is your big standard big London detective that’s does not want kids, no crazy relationships just him married to work. He receives a call from a detective down in the seaside town of Teignmouth where his estranged sister is missing and asked to look after this son Finn. Mind you he doesn’t want any responsibilities looking after a child.
As Eden relocates temporarily to support Finn whilst trying to help find his missing sister, he struggles to deal with Finn has he navigates his life without his mum where he struggles in school. One day Finn disappears from school and Eden knows straightaway something is not right. Eventually Eden’s sister Apple body appears floating in the sea where the local police rule her death as accidental. But Eden disagrees. He knows Apple won’t leave her son alone, as Eden takes matters in his own hands he’s realises things aren’t adding up.
It’s a great read (maybe abit obvious) but a solid read from start to finish where there is equal focus on the main plot and Eden as a human being. I enjoyed the journey the book took me on, it’s a great read!
I enjoyed my read on this one, not only due to the plot but more so the character development of Eden Driscoll. I think it’s how human the book makes the characters feel it tugs on your emotional heart strings. We meet Met Detective Eden Driscoll who is your big standard big London detective that’s does not want kids, no crazy relationships just him married to work. He receives a call from a detective down in the seaside town of Teignmouth where his estranged sister is missing and asked to look after this son Finn. Mind you he doesn’t want any responsibilities looking after a child.
As Eden relocates temporarily to support Finn whilst trying to help find his missing sister, he struggles to deal with Finn has he navigates his life without his mum where he struggles in school. One day Finn disappears from school and Eden knows straightaway something is not right. Eventually Eden’s sister Apple body appears floating in the sea where the local police rule her death as accidental. But Eden disagrees. He knows Apple won’t leave her son alone, as Eden takes matters in his own hands he’s realises things aren’t adding up.
It’s a great read (maybe abit obvious) but a solid read from start to finish where there is equal focus on the main plot and Eden as a human being. I enjoyed the journey the book took me on, it’s a great read!
September 7, 2025
When his sister Apple disappears from her sailboat at night with her son Finn still locked in the cabin, Met detective Eden Driscoll is asked to look after his traumatized nephew. Eden hasn't spoken to Apple for fifteen years and didn't even know she had a son.
Living with Finn in Apple's small house in the seaside town of Teignmouth, Eden tries to build a rapport with Finn. When Apple's body is finally found, the local police treat it as an accident, but Eden soon finds evidence that suggest Apple was involved in something dangerous. Then one morning Finn is abducted from school and as Eden begins to investigate on his own, he becomes a suspect himself. In Molly, his sister's best friend, Eden seems to find an ally, but can he really trust her?
William Shaw did it again ... with a fantastic new crime series! I have been a huge fan of the author since reading the first book in the Alex Cupidi crime series, for me one of the best ever written. So I was a bit disappointed at first when learning there would be no new book in this series right now.
But after reading "The Red Shore", I can't get enough of Met detective Eden Driscoll, the main protagonist in this new crime series. The book is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish, there was not one single page that was boring. William Shaw always manages to create characters that are complex, authentic and credible, and as a reader, you start to feel a deep emotional connection to them. Especially nine-year-old Finn, who is mourning his mother's death, deeply touched my heart.
Also the setting is beautifully and vividly described and the plot drips with suspense and surprising twists. The showdown at the end of the book is a masterpiece, it was so gripping I had to put down the book a few times to catch my breath. At the end, all the loose ends are neatly and logically tied up and left me longing for another case featuring Eden Driscoll. Hopefully there will be one soon!
So if you love well-constructed and incredibly gripping crime novels with complex and authentic characters, read "The Red Shore" by William Shaw, which for me is definitely one of the highlights of 2025.
Living with Finn in Apple's small house in the seaside town of Teignmouth, Eden tries to build a rapport with Finn. When Apple's body is finally found, the local police treat it as an accident, but Eden soon finds evidence that suggest Apple was involved in something dangerous. Then one morning Finn is abducted from school and as Eden begins to investigate on his own, he becomes a suspect himself. In Molly, his sister's best friend, Eden seems to find an ally, but can he really trust her?
William Shaw did it again ... with a fantastic new crime series! I have been a huge fan of the author since reading the first book in the Alex Cupidi crime series, for me one of the best ever written. So I was a bit disappointed at first when learning there would be no new book in this series right now.
But after reading "The Red Shore", I can't get enough of Met detective Eden Driscoll, the main protagonist in this new crime series. The book is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish, there was not one single page that was boring. William Shaw always manages to create characters that are complex, authentic and credible, and as a reader, you start to feel a deep emotional connection to them. Especially nine-year-old Finn, who is mourning his mother's death, deeply touched my heart.
Also the setting is beautifully and vividly described and the plot drips with suspense and surprising twists. The showdown at the end of the book is a masterpiece, it was so gripping I had to put down the book a few times to catch my breath. At the end, all the loose ends are neatly and logically tied up and left me longing for another case featuring Eden Driscoll. Hopefully there will be one soon!
So if you love well-constructed and incredibly gripping crime novels with complex and authentic characters, read "The Red Shore" by William Shaw, which for me is definitely one of the highlights of 2025.
March 4, 2025
Tightly plotted with a rich setting and an eclectic cast, The Red Shore grabbed my attention from the beginning and didn’t let go. Eden Driscoll is the type of quietly steadfast detective that I’ll happily follow into more mysteries, and this book has the perfect balance of unsettling questions and rising action, with just the right dash of found family to round it out.
June 19, 2025
Having enjoyed the DI Cupidi series by William Shaw, I was keen to get started on his opener for a new series. Another coastline, another connection with the Met, I'm "in".
It is hard to know whether my reservations were well founded or not. For me the characters were wooden, unsubstantive, verging on cliche. Our protagonist DS Eden Driscoll playing lone wolf away from his patch was uncomfortable.
That said, starting a new series is a tough expectation for crime series nuts! There has to be an element of laying out your stall without a deep dive into character, back stories, connections. I found it pacey and page turning and will certainly return for the next episode to see if I can commit to this detective.
With thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollins for the opportunity to read and review
It is hard to know whether my reservations were well founded or not. For me the characters were wooden, unsubstantive, verging on cliche. Our protagonist DS Eden Driscoll playing lone wolf away from his patch was uncomfortable.
That said, starting a new series is a tough expectation for crime series nuts! There has to be an element of laying out your stall without a deep dive into character, back stories, connections. I found it pacey and page turning and will certainly return for the next episode to see if I can commit to this detective.
With thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollins for the opportunity to read and review
July 7, 2025
I so enjoyed this book. The author gives us just a taste of Eden’s life in London before he has to rush off to Devon. It’s actually a great scene setter for us to understand his character. This is a murder mystery with so many twists and turns. It keeps the reader totally engrossed and wanting more - an ‘I’ll just read another chapter’ sleep stealing book.
As it neared its conclusion and the tension built, I was on the edge of my seat. Almost unable to not turn to the last page to see how it all ends.
This book has it all and I cannot wait for more to follow.
As it neared its conclusion and the tension built, I was on the edge of my seat. Almost unable to not turn to the last page to see how it all ends.
This book has it all and I cannot wait for more to follow.
July 3, 2025
Met detective Eden Driscoll never wanted a child, but when his estranged sister vanishes from her sailboat, he is asked to look after her son Finn, the nephew he hadn’t even known existed. Resettled in the seaside town of Teignmouth, Eden adjusts to his newfound parenthood. Then Finn disappears from school, and Eden knows something is dreadfully wrong. When Eden's sister's body is finally found, floating in the sea, local police rule her death an accident, but Eden isn’t convinced.
A new author to me & I thoroughly enjoyed this edge of the seat book. It took me a little while to get into the book but once I did the pages flew by. Strong characters & a well paced story had me finishing this book well into the night. I believe this is the start of a new series & I look forward to more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
A new author to me & I thoroughly enjoyed this edge of the seat book. It took me a little while to get into the book but once I did the pages flew by. Strong characters & a well paced story had me finishing this book well into the night. I believe this is the start of a new series & I look forward to more
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 17, 2025
First book in a new series. I really enjoyed it and will read the next one when it comes out.
September 23, 2025
I love William Shaw, but this book seemed as if it were written in a rush and it needed better editing. In one paragraph he referred to the character Finn's mother as 'your sister" twice! He mixed up the characters' names again later in the book. That said, I will likely read the next in the series because I really do like William Shaw
July 3, 2025
How wonderful to have a favourite author start a new crime mystery series along the lines of a police procedural set in Teignmouth, Devon.
So pleasing to be in right at the start and read and review the book on publication day.
The major characters appear to be Met detective Eden Driscoll and his nearly acquired nephew Finn.
Very atmospheric and a real sense of conspiracy running through the story. Eden is called to Teignmouth to care for his nephew, Finn when his mother Apple goes missing off her boat, feared lost at sea.
Eden isn’t cut out to be a father figure as is demonstrated by his poor attempts to bond with the boy. Unsurprisingly based on his own childhood experiences, his own lack of family life and dysfunctional relationship with his sister. Until he gets the call to rush down from London he didn’t even know that Apple had a son.
The first in a new detective drama is always a tricky path to navigate. For once I felt the need to establish a backstory never got in the way or stalled the plot going forward. We learn about Eden not on the job but basically off duty in a domestic situation. Cleverly though, the circumstances of Apple’s death are not straightforward, indeed it appears she was perhaps doing something illegal the night she died. It is some dissatisfaction with the police investigation and the natural copper in him that brings Eden into conflict with persons unknown who are worried by his scrutiny of the case.
The local population are a closed knit community. Suspicious of outsiders, sympathetic for Finn’s loss but increasingly troubled by Eden asking so many questions. Indeed as the local detective assigned to the case says he needs to be careful who he confides in or chooses to trust. This complexity adds to the mystery and it quickly becomes clear there is more to the death of Apple Driscoll than an accident at sea.
I really enjoyed the action sequences which make use of the surrounding countryside and the brooding coastal waters. Although the story unfolds as you expect the tension really ratchets up in the final third of the book. It becomes a real page turner and sets things up for what I hope will be a successful series of books in this interesting part of the country.
So pleasing to be in right at the start and read and review the book on publication day.
The major characters appear to be Met detective Eden Driscoll and his nearly acquired nephew Finn.
Very atmospheric and a real sense of conspiracy running through the story. Eden is called to Teignmouth to care for his nephew, Finn when his mother Apple goes missing off her boat, feared lost at sea.
Eden isn’t cut out to be a father figure as is demonstrated by his poor attempts to bond with the boy. Unsurprisingly based on his own childhood experiences, his own lack of family life and dysfunctional relationship with his sister. Until he gets the call to rush down from London he didn’t even know that Apple had a son.
The first in a new detective drama is always a tricky path to navigate. For once I felt the need to establish a backstory never got in the way or stalled the plot going forward. We learn about Eden not on the job but basically off duty in a domestic situation. Cleverly though, the circumstances of Apple’s death are not straightforward, indeed it appears she was perhaps doing something illegal the night she died. It is some dissatisfaction with the police investigation and the natural copper in him that brings Eden into conflict with persons unknown who are worried by his scrutiny of the case.
The local population are a closed knit community. Suspicious of outsiders, sympathetic for Finn’s loss but increasingly troubled by Eden asking so many questions. Indeed as the local detective assigned to the case says he needs to be careful who he confides in or chooses to trust. This complexity adds to the mystery and it quickly becomes clear there is more to the death of Apple Driscoll than an accident at sea.
I really enjoyed the action sequences which make use of the surrounding countryside and the brooding coastal waters. Although the story unfolds as you expect the tension really ratchets up in the final third of the book. It becomes a real page turner and sets things up for what I hope will be a successful series of books in this interesting part of the country.
July 1, 2025
DS Eden Driscoll lives and works in London, so when he gets a call from Devon police to say his sister is missing after falling off her boat. This is quite a shock as his sister is an experienced sailor. So Eden decides to travel down there to see what’s going on.
To his surprise his sister has a young son called Finn, and not too long after meeting his nephew he reluctantly agrees to look after him.
A few days later his sister’s body is discovered and the police are ready to call it an accident.
Eden is not convinced, so he decides to look into it himself, but what he finds will change the course of his life forever.
When an author introduces a new character I tend to be intrigued to see how they will stack up. With the character Eden Driscoll, William Shaw has outdone himself.
I found this book to be addictive from the start and loved every moment of it.
William Shaw is a fine writer and The Red Shore is a magnificent start to the series. I can’t wait for more.
To his surprise his sister has a young son called Finn, and not too long after meeting his nephew he reluctantly agrees to look after him.
A few days later his sister’s body is discovered and the police are ready to call it an accident.
Eden is not convinced, so he decides to look into it himself, but what he finds will change the course of his life forever.
When an author introduces a new character I tend to be intrigued to see how they will stack up. With the character Eden Driscoll, William Shaw has outdone himself.
I found this book to be addictive from the start and loved every moment of it.
William Shaw is a fine writer and The Red Shore is a magnificent start to the series. I can’t wait for more.
July 9, 2025
This was my first time reading anything by William Shaw and it was an absolute banger! It’s the first in his new Eden Driscoll series, and I already know that I’ll be following the rest of the series with great interest.
The story has loads of suspense, great pacing, and a fair share of twists and turns that kept me hooked throughout. What really stood out to me, though, were the characters. Eden and Finn are both fantastic—complex, believable, and deeply human. Eden’s backstory adds a lot of depth, and Finn is portrayed with such empathy that they both feel truly authentic. The dynamic between uncle and nephew—two people thrown together by circumstances—is especially well done. Their developing relationship is heartwarming and is, in many ways, the emotional core of the book.
Overall, The Red Shore is a gripping, immersive read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if we see one of Shaw’s works adapted for TV soon—this one’s definitely ready for the screen.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
The story has loads of suspense, great pacing, and a fair share of twists and turns that kept me hooked throughout. What really stood out to me, though, were the characters. Eden and Finn are both fantastic—complex, believable, and deeply human. Eden’s backstory adds a lot of depth, and Finn is portrayed with such empathy that they both feel truly authentic. The dynamic between uncle and nephew—two people thrown together by circumstances—is especially well done. Their developing relationship is heartwarming and is, in many ways, the emotional core of the book.
Overall, The Red Shore is a gripping, immersive read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if we see one of Shaw’s works adapted for TV soon—this one’s definitely ready for the screen.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 28, 2025
First I want to thank Harper Fiction for sending this book my way!
What a book! One of the easiest 5⭐️ I’ve ever given. This was my first book by this author and it certainly won’t be my last!!
This book had me in a chokehold from start to finish, I just couldn’t put this down at all. I read this in a day and I have no regrets!
I was completely invested in everything about this book. I loved how the locations changed from London to Devon, the setting just made this more enjoyable for me.
I loved Eden and I really hope we get to see more of him. I loved how as the book went on we got more of Eden backstory and I must admit I loved him.
The pacing of the book was perfection, this was so perfectly paced and the storyline was just phenomenal. The twists and turns were fantastic and I genuinely didn’t see them coming! I was left with my mouth gaping.
This book was perfect, I could easily read this again and again.
What a book! One of the easiest 5⭐️ I’ve ever given. This was my first book by this author and it certainly won’t be my last!!
This book had me in a chokehold from start to finish, I just couldn’t put this down at all. I read this in a day and I have no regrets!
I was completely invested in everything about this book. I loved how the locations changed from London to Devon, the setting just made this more enjoyable for me.
I loved Eden and I really hope we get to see more of him. I loved how as the book went on we got more of Eden backstory and I must admit I loved him.
The pacing of the book was perfection, this was so perfectly paced and the storyline was just phenomenal. The twists and turns were fantastic and I genuinely didn’t see them coming! I was left with my mouth gaping.
This book was perfect, I could easily read this again and again.
July 22, 2025
I love this author's Alex Cupidi series so I was excited to read this first in a new series. I loved the seaside setting of Teignmouth in Devon. The book itself is tightly plotted and easy to read. The characters are interesting and realistic and I loved the relationship between Eden and his nephew. Eden is a likeable character and has an intriguing backstory which I'm sure we'll learn more about in future books. The conclusion of the book, set out at sea, was so tense I was totally on the edge of my seat with my fingers tightly crossed.
The narration by Christopher Bonwell added to my enjoyment of the book.
The narration by Christopher Bonwell added to my enjoyment of the book.
July 5, 2025
4.5* The Red Shore - William Shaw. Introducing Detective Eden Driscoll in a new series which is absolutely brilliant.
Met detective Eden Driscoll receives a call which stops him in his tracks. His long estranged sister has gone missing from her boat. Eden’s 9 year old nephew, who he knew nothing about, is found in a locked cabin on the boat. Eden expects to go to Devon, run through formalities and return to his city life. Yet he finds himself drawn into trying to understand what happened while suspicious that someone is trying to pin some blame on him.
What a cracker of a book. I’ve read a couple of William Shaw’s books and enjoyed them all.
While this book doesn’t lack action and a really clever and intricate plot, the strength is in the characters. With no exception the main players are fantastic and I really look forward to further outings for Eden and Finn. I would thoroughly recommend this book.
Thanks to Harper Collins, Hemlock Press and Netgalley for an ARC.
Met detective Eden Driscoll receives a call which stops him in his tracks. His long estranged sister has gone missing from her boat. Eden’s 9 year old nephew, who he knew nothing about, is found in a locked cabin on the boat. Eden expects to go to Devon, run through formalities and return to his city life. Yet he finds himself drawn into trying to understand what happened while suspicious that someone is trying to pin some blame on him.
What a cracker of a book. I’ve read a couple of William Shaw’s books and enjoyed them all.
While this book doesn’t lack action and a really clever and intricate plot, the strength is in the characters. With no exception the main players are fantastic and I really look forward to further outings for Eden and Finn. I would thoroughly recommend this book.
Thanks to Harper Collins, Hemlock Press and Netgalley for an ARC.
August 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, the first I've read by William Shaw.
decent crime thriller, good plot, identifiable characters. Loved the coastal setting in Devon
my only gripe is that I had worked it out way before the end!
decent crime thriller, good plot, identifiable characters. Loved the coastal setting in Devon
my only gripe is that I had worked it out way before the end!
July 5, 2025
Very much lived up to my high expectations. Another corker from William Shaw, and the start of a new series I believe. Looking forward to the next one already.
July 16, 2025
Absolutely superb. Shaw is a master storyteller and this brings characters that are real and relatable with a gripping story with plenty of twists. Wonderful.
July 17, 2025
Brilliant
But William Shaw I am sure there is room for another Breen & Tozer :-)
But William Shaw I am sure there is room for another Breen & Tozer :-)
September 17, 2025
Excellent novel. Can only hope there’s a follow-up.
September 30, 2025
Loved this, what a writer is William shaw!
September 14, 2025
3 mistakes - 1 - 'bck' instead of back - 2 instances of eden's name when it should have been finns - p147 & p179
July 26, 2025
I loved this author's series' set in Dungeness, so was excited to find out there was a new series - this time set in Devon.
We meet D.S. Eden Driscoll (who was younger than I thought) and his nephew Finn. The situation that has brought them together is tragic and Eden struggles to be the adult that Finn needs in his life. I loved how we got to know more about Eden's past from stories he told Finn (slightly inappropriate for a young child but Eden has no idea how to talk to a child!).
I enjoyed the ending and thought it was all very well plotted and paced.
We meet D.S. Eden Driscoll (who was younger than I thought) and his nephew Finn. The situation that has brought them together is tragic and Eden struggles to be the adult that Finn needs in his life. I loved how we got to know more about Eden's past from stories he told Finn (slightly inappropriate for a young child but Eden has no idea how to talk to a child!).
I enjoyed the ending and thought it was all very well plotted and paced.
June 18, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.
I enjoyed the setting in this book and the relationship between the main character and his nephew. It's a 'then and now' format and it works here. There are twists and I found myself wanting to pick it up. Overall, an entertaining, easy read and I look forward to the next book.
I enjoyed the setting in this book and the relationship between the main character and his nephew. It's a 'then and now' format and it works here. There are twists and I found myself wanting to pick it up. Overall, an entertaining, easy read and I look forward to the next book.
June 16, 2025
Great start to what will hopefully be a new police mystery series set in Devon.
Eden Driscoll is a police sergeant in the Met. After a particularly difficult case he receives a phone call from the police in Devon - his estranged sister has gone missing from her boat and his 9 year old nephew has been found alone, locked in his cabin.
Eden was not aware of his nephew’s existence but arrives in Devon to see what he can do. However things are not as they seem- his sister has disappeared in mysterious circumstances and there seem to be people in the small coastal village who do not want him to investigate.
Eden’s own past comes to the front of his mind, something he has tried to avoid for 15 years and as he tries to build a relationship with Finn, his nephew as well as look into his sister’s disappearance. He soon realises that his own life is in danger and he must keep his wits about him and work out whom he can believe.
I really liked the burgeoning relationship between Finn and Eden- both have trust issues for different reasons and I was really hoping they would be able to forge a bond.
Eden is a likeable protagonist who is doing his best in difficult circumstances, trying to help his nephew as much as he can.
As the book moves along Eden’s back story is gradually revealed and this explains why he has not kept in touch with his sister which seems an odd decision
I’m certainly hoping there will be a follow up novel as I’m keen to know what Eden decides to do and I’d like to read more about Eden and Finn’s relationship as it progresses.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
Eden Driscoll is a police sergeant in the Met. After a particularly difficult case he receives a phone call from the police in Devon - his estranged sister has gone missing from her boat and his 9 year old nephew has been found alone, locked in his cabin.
Eden was not aware of his nephew’s existence but arrives in Devon to see what he can do. However things are not as they seem- his sister has disappeared in mysterious circumstances and there seem to be people in the small coastal village who do not want him to investigate.
Eden’s own past comes to the front of his mind, something he has tried to avoid for 15 years and as he tries to build a relationship with Finn, his nephew as well as look into his sister’s disappearance. He soon realises that his own life is in danger and he must keep his wits about him and work out whom he can believe.
I really liked the burgeoning relationship between Finn and Eden- both have trust issues for different reasons and I was really hoping they would be able to forge a bond.
Eden is a likeable protagonist who is doing his best in difficult circumstances, trying to help his nephew as much as he can.
As the book moves along Eden’s back story is gradually revealed and this explains why he has not kept in touch with his sister which seems an odd decision
I’m certainly hoping there will be a follow up novel as I’m keen to know what Eden decides to do and I’d like to read more about Eden and Finn’s relationship as it progresses.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
July 13, 2025
SPOILERS
I can't lie - i was quite disappointed in this book. I love the Alex Cupidi books and the Breen and Tozer so I preordered this as soon as I became aware it was to be released and was thrilled when it appeared on my Kindle, as I was looking forward to a whole new detective character to love. Eden Driscoll had virtually no character at all. He punched a suspect at the beginning, showing that maybe he had anger issues of some kind but then proceeded to be the most boring protagonist I've come across. He had zero personality and the only things we are only told is that he is single and good looking (as mentioned in the first chapter by his colleague Lisa who has way more personality than him). He never shows any other signs of this latent violence throughout the book and is, in fact, walked over by several people.
He is quite good at solving the case and there was lots of drama and action in the last quarter of the book. The baddie became obvious to me about half way through as there was barely anyone else it could be. Eden does, admittedly, have a good back story.
On a side note, I found the details about the school really annoying, as a primary teacher. I'm not sure what a safeguarding officer is - most schools have DSLs (Designated Safeguarding Leads) but ALL staff in schools have it drummed into them repeatedly that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. There is no way that a child could be abducted from a school in the way described - even if the 'safeguarding officer' was off sick. Also, there is no way a parent (even one hoping to become an LSA) would have the access and information that the one in this book has. It was so incomprehensible to me that a parent would be the one to tell Eden he had to see the head because his nephew had bitten someone that I had to re-read this section to remind myself that, yes, she was just a parent. I hope that people who know about police procedure, the location and the boating world feel the book has an authentic ring, as that must be where the majority of the research time was spent.
I will definitely be reading any more Dungeoness books that William Shaw writes but I will probably give the next Eden Driscoll a miss.
I can't lie - i was quite disappointed in this book. I love the Alex Cupidi books and the Breen and Tozer so I preordered this as soon as I became aware it was to be released and was thrilled when it appeared on my Kindle, as I was looking forward to a whole new detective character to love. Eden Driscoll had virtually no character at all. He punched a suspect at the beginning, showing that maybe he had anger issues of some kind but then proceeded to be the most boring protagonist I've come across. He had zero personality and the only things we are only told is that he is single and good looking (as mentioned in the first chapter by his colleague Lisa who has way more personality than him). He never shows any other signs of this latent violence throughout the book and is, in fact, walked over by several people.
He is quite good at solving the case and there was lots of drama and action in the last quarter of the book. The baddie became obvious to me about half way through as there was barely anyone else it could be. Eden does, admittedly, have a good back story.
On a side note, I found the details about the school really annoying, as a primary teacher. I'm not sure what a safeguarding officer is - most schools have DSLs (Designated Safeguarding Leads) but ALL staff in schools have it drummed into them repeatedly that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. There is no way that a child could be abducted from a school in the way described - even if the 'safeguarding officer' was off sick. Also, there is no way a parent (even one hoping to become an LSA) would have the access and information that the one in this book has. It was so incomprehensible to me that a parent would be the one to tell Eden he had to see the head because his nephew had bitten someone that I had to re-read this section to remind myself that, yes, she was just a parent. I hope that people who know about police procedure, the location and the boating world feel the book has an authentic ring, as that must be where the majority of the research time was spent.
I will definitely be reading any more Dungeoness books that William Shaw writes but I will probably give the next Eden Driscoll a miss.
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