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Rachel Savernake #5
Hemlock Bay
The new seaside resort of Hemlock Bay offers something for everyone. For families, it's the ideal summertime playground for kids and parents alike. For artists, the seascapes are peerless. For swindlers and blackmailers, it's the perfect place to craft a new identity. And for murderers? That's what Rachel Savernake, the enigmatic heiress and brilliant amateur sleuth, is about to discover.
When crime-beat journalist Jacob Flint receives a visit from a fortune teller who insists he's had a vision of a murder soon to occur in Hemlock Bay, Jacob consults with Rachel to get her take on the man's outlandish claim. Rachel is so intrigued, she rents a cottage at the seaside resort where an artist she admires also happens to be spending the summer. Meanwhile, mild-mannered accountant Basil Palmer is en route to Hemlock Bay, determined to murder a man he's never met―a man he holds responsible for his beloved wife's death six months prior. Could this be the murder foretold by the fortune teller?
Whether pre-destined or plotted, a murder does occur. But as Rachel plunges deeper and deeper into the morass of mysterious events and suspects, and as alibis exonerate each suspect one by one, she begins to wonder whether she is equal to the case. Has Rachel finally mired herself in mystery she can't solve?
When crime-beat journalist Jacob Flint receives a visit from a fortune teller who insists he's had a vision of a murder soon to occur in Hemlock Bay, Jacob consults with Rachel to get her take on the man's outlandish claim. Rachel is so intrigued, she rents a cottage at the seaside resort where an artist she admires also happens to be spending the summer. Meanwhile, mild-mannered accountant Basil Palmer is en route to Hemlock Bay, determined to murder a man he's never met―a man he holds responsible for his beloved wife's death six months prior. Could this be the murder foretold by the fortune teller?
Whether pre-destined or plotted, a murder does occur. But as Rachel plunges deeper and deeper into the morass of mysterious events and suspects, and as alibis exonerate each suspect one by one, she begins to wonder whether she is equal to the case. Has Rachel finally mired herself in mystery she can't solve?
384 pages, Paperback
Published June 16, 2026
About the author
Martin Edwards
379 books881 followersMartin Edwards has been described by Richard Osman as ‘a true master of British crime writing.’ He has published twenty-three novels, which include the eight Lake District Mysteries, one of which was shortlisted for the Theakston’s Prize for best crime novel of the year and four books featuring Rachel Savernake, including the Dagger-nominated Gallows Court and Blackstone Fell, while Gallows Court and Sepulchre Street were shortlisted for the eDunnit award for best crime novel of the year. He is also the author of two multi-award-winning histories of crime fiction, The Life of Crime and The Golden Age of Murder. He has received three Daggers from the Crime Writers’ Association and two Edgars from the Mystery Writers of America and has also been nominated three times for Gold Daggers. In addition to the CWA Diamond Dagger (the highest honour in UK crime writing) he has received four other lifetime achievement awards: for his fiction, short fiction, non-fiction, and scholarship. He is consultant to the British Library’s Crime Classics, a former Chair of the CWA, and since 2015 has been President of the Detection Club.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
September 10, 2024
Hemlock Bay is the fifth in the author’s historical crime series featuring amateur detective Rachel Savernake. The publishers are keen to stress the books can be read in any order and it’s true you don’t need to have read all the previous books in the series to enjoy this one. (I’ve only read books three and four.) There are passing references to previous cases (but they don’t amount to spoilers) and to Rachel’s past but, as it happens, she remains a bit of an enigma to even keen followers of the series.
Just what was it about her childhood growing up on the remote Gaunt Island as the daughter of the infamous Judge Savernake that has made her so impenetrable, has given rise to her sudden changes of mood and occasional bursts of anger? All we do know is that it’s inspired a liking for puzzling mysteries – the more impenetrable the better – and a burning passion to see justice done. If that means being a little bit ruthless, employing a good helping of subterfuge or stepping a teeny bit outside the letter of the law – well, the end justifies the means surely?
Rachel may seem a little unapproachable but that doesn’t mean she lacks for admirers, notably crime reporter for the Clarion newspaper, Jacob Flint, although he fears he may have a rival in Inspector Oakes of Scotland Yard. And she has inspired the utmost loyalty in the other members of her household – the Truemans – who act less as servants and more as companions, and as assistants in her crime-solving activities.
I don’t know about you but the name Hemlock Bay gave me negative vibes from the start, hemlock being a deadly poison. Although created as an upmarket resort, there’s something not quite right under the surface. Perhaps it’s the stories of wreckers luring sailors onto the rocks that surround the bay in olden times or a recent tragedy that took place. Or perhaps it’s the fact it’s a place where people can indulge in activities they wouldn’t want made public. Whichever, it’s not long before deaths start occurring, the suspects pile up, alibis are tested, timelines are calibrated and possible motives explored.
Fans of ‘Golden Age’ crime mysteries will love the intricate plot, the murders that seem impossible to have been committed and the familiar tropes of the genre such as the gathering together of all the suspects to reveal the solution. Oh, and the surprise you weren’t expecting – except you were expecting it because there’s always a surprise you weren’t expecting in this sort of story. The cluefinder at the end of the book lists 47 hints in the text that point to the solution. I spotted a couple of potential clues but was way off when it came to working out their relevance. Luckily, Rachel Savernake is on hand to piece it all together for us. Until then, sit back and enjoy being completely bamboozled.
Just what was it about her childhood growing up on the remote Gaunt Island as the daughter of the infamous Judge Savernake that has made her so impenetrable, has given rise to her sudden changes of mood and occasional bursts of anger? All we do know is that it’s inspired a liking for puzzling mysteries – the more impenetrable the better – and a burning passion to see justice done. If that means being a little bit ruthless, employing a good helping of subterfuge or stepping a teeny bit outside the letter of the law – well, the end justifies the means surely?
Rachel may seem a little unapproachable but that doesn’t mean she lacks for admirers, notably crime reporter for the Clarion newspaper, Jacob Flint, although he fears he may have a rival in Inspector Oakes of Scotland Yard. And she has inspired the utmost loyalty in the other members of her household – the Truemans – who act less as servants and more as companions, and as assistants in her crime-solving activities.
I don’t know about you but the name Hemlock Bay gave me negative vibes from the start, hemlock being a deadly poison. Although created as an upmarket resort, there’s something not quite right under the surface. Perhaps it’s the stories of wreckers luring sailors onto the rocks that surround the bay in olden times or a recent tragedy that took place. Or perhaps it’s the fact it’s a place where people can indulge in activities they wouldn’t want made public. Whichever, it’s not long before deaths start occurring, the suspects pile up, alibis are tested, timelines are calibrated and possible motives explored.
Fans of ‘Golden Age’ crime mysteries will love the intricate plot, the murders that seem impossible to have been committed and the familiar tropes of the genre such as the gathering together of all the suspects to reveal the solution. Oh, and the surprise you weren’t expecting – except you were expecting it because there’s always a surprise you weren’t expecting in this sort of story. The cluefinder at the end of the book lists 47 hints in the text that point to the solution. I spotted a couple of potential clues but was way off when it came to working out their relevance. Luckily, Rachel Savernake is on hand to piece it all together for us. Until then, sit back and enjoy being completely bamboozled.
September 10, 2024
This is my first introduction to reading a book by Martin Edwards. I know, which rock have I been living under, right? It’s one of those names I’ve seen pass by numerous times, but it wasn’t until now that I decided to give his work a go.
That didn’t entirely work out as well as I expected. I had no idea ‘Hemlock Bay‘ is the fifth instalment in the Rachel Savernake series. As far as the mystery part of the story is concerned, that wasn’t an issue. It stands on its own perfectly. However, the dynamics of the relationships between Rachel, Flint, and the Trueman family were another thing altogether. It’s clear there is history between these characters relating to events from the previous books, but obviously I had no idea what was being referred to. The Trueman family connection puzzled me immensely. On the surface, they seem to work for Rachel but their relationship isn’t at all employer/employee. Rachel herself is someone I couldn’t quite warm to. She comes across as rather controlling and cold as ice. Evidently she has a great sense for justice but I couldn’t quite work out what makes her tick.
The mystery is a good one to delve into. A man named Basil is out to murder someone. Slight problem : he doesn’t know a thing about his intended victim. Not even what he looks like. All he has is a name. This man has done him wrong, and Basil intends to make him pay. His search for the man called Louis Carson leads him to a place called Hemlock Bay. Meanwhile, Rachel is also making her way there, purely based on a painting she recently bought. Soon, the first body will be discovered. But who killed them and why?
There are quite a few characters to get acquainted with in Hemlock Bay. Some are there permanently, others are just passing through. But, one way or another, they all have some part to play. I wasn’t able to figure any of it out at all, although I feel like I should have. The clues were definitely there. As is evident from the final pages of the book where all the hints and tips are listed by page, which I absolutely loved. Even if it made me feel rather dumb at having missed so much of it.
‘Hemlock Bay‘ is incredibly well plotted and, despite what I felt was a rather slow start, I was hooked by the mysterious happenings. There’s something rather atmospheric about it all. Not just the surroundings of Hemlock Bay, but the author’s writing as well. It definitely felt as if I was being transported to another time as it has this wonderful golden age crime feeling. I enjoyed the way Rachel and her team split up, made their own enquiries, then came together to talk things over. Even if I felt like I was missing out on something there, they undoubtedly care very much for one another.
I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery. I probably would have enjoyed it even more if I had been up to speed with the background stories surrounding the main cast of characters. It didn’t ruin the reading experience, though. If anything, it has made me want to find the other books in this series and start from the beginning.
That didn’t entirely work out as well as I expected. I had no idea ‘Hemlock Bay‘ is the fifth instalment in the Rachel Savernake series. As far as the mystery part of the story is concerned, that wasn’t an issue. It stands on its own perfectly. However, the dynamics of the relationships between Rachel, Flint, and the Trueman family were another thing altogether. It’s clear there is history between these characters relating to events from the previous books, but obviously I had no idea what was being referred to. The Trueman family connection puzzled me immensely. On the surface, they seem to work for Rachel but their relationship isn’t at all employer/employee. Rachel herself is someone I couldn’t quite warm to. She comes across as rather controlling and cold as ice. Evidently she has a great sense for justice but I couldn’t quite work out what makes her tick.
The mystery is a good one to delve into. A man named Basil is out to murder someone. Slight problem : he doesn’t know a thing about his intended victim. Not even what he looks like. All he has is a name. This man has done him wrong, and Basil intends to make him pay. His search for the man called Louis Carson leads him to a place called Hemlock Bay. Meanwhile, Rachel is also making her way there, purely based on a painting she recently bought. Soon, the first body will be discovered. But who killed them and why?
There are quite a few characters to get acquainted with in Hemlock Bay. Some are there permanently, others are just passing through. But, one way or another, they all have some part to play. I wasn’t able to figure any of it out at all, although I feel like I should have. The clues were definitely there. As is evident from the final pages of the book where all the hints and tips are listed by page, which I absolutely loved. Even if it made me feel rather dumb at having missed so much of it.
‘Hemlock Bay‘ is incredibly well plotted and, despite what I felt was a rather slow start, I was hooked by the mysterious happenings. There’s something rather atmospheric about it all. Not just the surroundings of Hemlock Bay, but the author’s writing as well. It definitely felt as if I was being transported to another time as it has this wonderful golden age crime feeling. I enjoyed the way Rachel and her team split up, made their own enquiries, then came together to talk things over. Even if I felt like I was missing out on something there, they undoubtedly care very much for one another.
I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery. I probably would have enjoyed it even more if I had been up to speed with the background stories surrounding the main cast of characters. It didn’t ruin the reading experience, though. If anything, it has made me want to find the other books in this series and start from the beginning.
September 11, 2024
Being back in the company and mind of Rachel Savernake has been wonderful. The way she thinks about the conundrums in front of her is so entertaining. Martin Edwards has again written a thrilling and captivating story full of intrigue and mystery.
I always like the way Martin Edwards includes those little clues, those little links that help us as the reader to follow the thoughts of our intrepid investigators- although I must admit I can’t always keep up with Rachel’s speed of thought.
The relationships between Rachel, Jacob, and the Truemans play such an important role in the stories - the support they provide eachother but also their quick thinking and different skills all come to play.
I always like the way Martin Edwards includes those little clues, those little links that help us as the reader to follow the thoughts of our intrepid investigators- although I must admit I can’t always keep up with Rachel’s speed of thought.
The relationships between Rachel, Jacob, and the Truemans play such an important role in the stories - the support they provide eachother but also their quick thinking and different skills all come to play.
September 20, 2026
This is notably the weakest of Martin Edwards’ novels featuring the mysterious Rachel Savernake (mysterious to the world though not to the reader of the excellent first book in the series, Gallows Court), her impressive team and the crime reporter Jacob Flint. This time the setting is a new resort on the Lancashire coast, which seems beset with death, in part apparently predicted by a fortune teller.
There are plenty of twists (and a couple of extremely unlikely coincidences), with various blackmail plots on top of the deaths, and Rachel is able to come up with a solution to the crimes including a major surprise at the end - but the cast seem to be sleepwalking through it - the family who work for Rachel and usually do a lot of the background work are under-used, while Jacob, for once, isn’t put in any danger.
If Edwards writes another of these books he really needs to make more of Rachel’s background and to bring back the high stakes of earlier contributions. The book is perfectly acceptable - I enjoyed as a holiday read - but in a week when I also read Janice Hallett’s scintillating Silent Appeal, this was a bit of a let down. Edwards has proved he can do better - let’s see it again.
There are plenty of twists (and a couple of extremely unlikely coincidences), with various blackmail plots on top of the deaths, and Rachel is able to come up with a solution to the crimes including a major surprise at the end - but the cast seem to be sleepwalking through it - the family who work for Rachel and usually do a lot of the background work are under-used, while Jacob, for once, isn’t put in any danger.
If Edwards writes another of these books he really needs to make more of Rachel’s background and to bring back the high stakes of earlier contributions. The book is perfectly acceptable - I enjoyed as a holiday read - but in a week when I also read Janice Hallett’s scintillating Silent Appeal, this was a bit of a let down. Edwards has proved he can do better - let’s see it again.
October 8, 2024
Another excellent book in this series!
June 17, 2026
Review to come
April 25, 2026
I am extremely grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the privilege of reviewing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Author Martin Edwards is truly a master of writing Golden Age–style mysteries with a modern twist.
Hemlock Bay is the latest installment in the Rachel Savernake series but can easily be read as a standalone novel.
Our FMC (and star of the series) is Rachel Savernake, an amateur sleuth who has come to the seaside enclave of Hemlock Bay after hearing a psychic’s prediction that a murder will occur there. She isn’t the only one arriving in Hemlock Bay with murder on her mind. We also meet Basil Palmer, a man hiding his true identity as he seeks vengeance against the man who killed his wife. The man in question, Louis Palmer, is the hotel manager in the popular, upmarket resort village. The narrative offers varying perspectives from a myriad of characters, as well as entries from Basil Palmer’s journals interspersed throughout. As with any Golden Age mystery, there are dozens of characters and plenty of clues and red herrings along the path to discovering just who the murderer -or murderers? - is.
I really appreciate how Edwards blends the mystery genre with historical fiction. Set in the 1930s, the story includes references to famous British true crime cases from the early 20th century, as well as nods to local culture that create a wonderful atmosphere. Some readers may find the book a bit slow-going at first, but by the halfway mark, bodies are dropping and the intrigue is high as the game of sleuthing shifts into high gear.
The plot is intricate and beautifully thought out. One of my favorite parts of Edwards’s books is the “Cluefinder” provided at the end. After finishing the narrative, you have a chance to go back and see where the breadcrumbs were left for you to solve the crime. The book lends itself to puzzle-solving, although I confess I was woefully off course on most aspects of the solution.
Although the book can be read as a standalone, I wondered if I was missing something by jumping in fifth in the series. I felt like there was some background on Rachel Savernake - a young woman made wealthy through inheritance - and her live-in staff of fellow crime solvers that I couldn’t fully grasp without having read the entire series. I may go back to the beginning so that I can experience the full evolution of the recurring characters.
If you love the Golden Age of mysteries, books with historical atmosphere, and intricate, fair-play–style puzzles, then there is a lot here to enjoy. I don’t think I liked this one quite as much as Miss Winter, but that’s probably because I read the series out of order. 3.5 stars
Author Martin Edwards is truly a master of writing Golden Age–style mysteries with a modern twist.
Hemlock Bay is the latest installment in the Rachel Savernake series but can easily be read as a standalone novel.
Our FMC (and star of the series) is Rachel Savernake, an amateur sleuth who has come to the seaside enclave of Hemlock Bay after hearing a psychic’s prediction that a murder will occur there. She isn’t the only one arriving in Hemlock Bay with murder on her mind. We also meet Basil Palmer, a man hiding his true identity as he seeks vengeance against the man who killed his wife. The man in question, Louis Palmer, is the hotel manager in the popular, upmarket resort village. The narrative offers varying perspectives from a myriad of characters, as well as entries from Basil Palmer’s journals interspersed throughout. As with any Golden Age mystery, there are dozens of characters and plenty of clues and red herrings along the path to discovering just who the murderer -or murderers? - is.
I really appreciate how Edwards blends the mystery genre with historical fiction. Set in the 1930s, the story includes references to famous British true crime cases from the early 20th century, as well as nods to local culture that create a wonderful atmosphere. Some readers may find the book a bit slow-going at first, but by the halfway mark, bodies are dropping and the intrigue is high as the game of sleuthing shifts into high gear.
The plot is intricate and beautifully thought out. One of my favorite parts of Edwards’s books is the “Cluefinder” provided at the end. After finishing the narrative, you have a chance to go back and see where the breadcrumbs were left for you to solve the crime. The book lends itself to puzzle-solving, although I confess I was woefully off course on most aspects of the solution.
Although the book can be read as a standalone, I wondered if I was missing something by jumping in fifth in the series. I felt like there was some background on Rachel Savernake - a young woman made wealthy through inheritance - and her live-in staff of fellow crime solvers that I couldn’t fully grasp without having read the entire series. I may go back to the beginning so that I can experience the full evolution of the recurring characters.
If you love the Golden Age of mysteries, books with historical atmosphere, and intricate, fair-play–style puzzles, then there is a lot here to enjoy. I don’t think I liked this one quite as much as Miss Winter, but that’s probably because I read the series out of order. 3.5 stars
May 30, 2024
Exactly a year ago, I read Sepulchre Street, the fourth title in the Rachel Savernake series. That book opened on the intriguing dilemma of how one solves a murder before it has happened. Intrigue (and impossible murders) appear to be a theme in this series because the hook into Hemlock Bay is how do you murder somebody if you have no idea who he is?
The year is 1931 and a seaside resort called Hemlock Bay is about to live up to its somewhat sinister name. And a series of apparently unconnected events bring Rachel Savernake and her entourage to the resort.
Through diary entries, we learn that a man named Basil Palmer plans to kill Louis Carson although the two men have never met. Meanwhile, journalist Jack Flint is intrigued when he is visited by a man claiming to be a clairvoyant who claims that he has had a vision that a murder will be committed in a place called Hemlock Bay on the summer solstice. And finally, Rachel Savernake has recently bought a disturbing surrealistic painting titled Hemlock Bay which appears to feature a body draped over a rock on the beach.
It doesn’t take much to capture Rachel’s imagination and it isn’t long before she decides that she wants to know more about what’s going on in Hemlock Bay where she meets among other people the woman who painted the picture that inspired Rachel’s trip, a reclusive doctor named Seamus Doyle, as well as a man named Louis Carson. However, when murder does happen it isn’t on the summer solstice and the victim isn’t Louis Carson. The plot just thickened and is about to get a lot thicker again before Rachel figures out exactly what has been going on.
Hemlock Bay is a fascinating and captivating mystery. I was drawn in from the very first chapter and my interest didn’t flag until I had finished the full story and all the mysteries had been solved in a satisfying and fiendishly clever way. There is a lot going on in this golden age of mystery-inspired story. We’ve got a locked room mystery, a fair number of red herrings, and plenty of clues there to be found for the ‘professional’ mystery reader/solver. For those of us who read too fast or too carelessly to pick up on (all) the clues, they are spelled out after the story has ended and they make it perfectly clear that Martin Edwards plays fair with his readers. Most importantly though, the recurring characters in these books are fascinating. Especially Rachel has captured my attention, just as she has captured Jack’s in the story. And like Jack, I’d love to discover more about her background and exactly how she became the woman she is. I can’t wait to read more titles in this series.
The year is 1931 and a seaside resort called Hemlock Bay is about to live up to its somewhat sinister name. And a series of apparently unconnected events bring Rachel Savernake and her entourage to the resort.
Through diary entries, we learn that a man named Basil Palmer plans to kill Louis Carson although the two men have never met. Meanwhile, journalist Jack Flint is intrigued when he is visited by a man claiming to be a clairvoyant who claims that he has had a vision that a murder will be committed in a place called Hemlock Bay on the summer solstice. And finally, Rachel Savernake has recently bought a disturbing surrealistic painting titled Hemlock Bay which appears to feature a body draped over a rock on the beach.
It doesn’t take much to capture Rachel’s imagination and it isn’t long before she decides that she wants to know more about what’s going on in Hemlock Bay where she meets among other people the woman who painted the picture that inspired Rachel’s trip, a reclusive doctor named Seamus Doyle, as well as a man named Louis Carson. However, when murder does happen it isn’t on the summer solstice and the victim isn’t Louis Carson. The plot just thickened and is about to get a lot thicker again before Rachel figures out exactly what has been going on.
Hemlock Bay is a fascinating and captivating mystery. I was drawn in from the very first chapter and my interest didn’t flag until I had finished the full story and all the mysteries had been solved in a satisfying and fiendishly clever way. There is a lot going on in this golden age of mystery-inspired story. We’ve got a locked room mystery, a fair number of red herrings, and plenty of clues there to be found for the ‘professional’ mystery reader/solver. For those of us who read too fast or too carelessly to pick up on (all) the clues, they are spelled out after the story has ended and they make it perfectly clear that Martin Edwards plays fair with his readers. Most importantly though, the recurring characters in these books are fascinating. Especially Rachel has captured my attention, just as she has captured Jack’s in the story. And like Jack, I’d love to discover more about her background and exactly how she became the woman she is. I can’t wait to read more titles in this series.
June 24, 2024
Basil Palmer wants to kill a man he doesn’t know. A pools winning dock worker kill’s himself at Hemlock Bay. A fortune teller foresees a death at the seaside resort and approaches the Clarion newspaper. Flint, the journalist, shares the deathly premonition with Rachel Savernake. She has, coincidentally, just bought a painting of the lighthouse in the bay. They decide it may be worth investigating and travel to Hemlock Bay.
This is a 1930s set mystery, which took time to really get started for me. I hadn’t realised it was the fifth book in a series, and as such I felt at times like I was missing something. There were so many characters introduced, who I presume were in previous novels, whose relationships were initially unclear. The mystery is very much in the style of an Agatha Christie, with an amateur sleuth and a gathering of all parties at the denouement to reveal whodunnit. It was a well plotted, enjoyable read.
This is a 1930s set mystery, which took time to really get started for me. I hadn’t realised it was the fifth book in a series, and as such I felt at times like I was missing something. There were so many characters introduced, who I presume were in previous novels, whose relationships were initially unclear. The mystery is very much in the style of an Agatha Christie, with an amateur sleuth and a gathering of all parties at the denouement to reveal whodunnit. It was a well plotted, enjoyable read.
September 18, 2024
I do like a good mystery set in Lancashire, and Hemlock Bay is certainly that.
This is Martin Edwards' fifth book featuring amateur sleuth Rachel Savernake and her sidekick tabloid reporter Jacob Flint, but I think it would work well as a standalone novel. I particularly enjoyed the period seaside town details in this, especially when Jacob had to act as a Lobby Lud character while investigating a murderer.
A recommended five stars from me.
This is Martin Edwards' fifth book featuring amateur sleuth Rachel Savernake and her sidekick tabloid reporter Jacob Flint, but I think it would work well as a standalone novel. I particularly enjoyed the period seaside town details in this, especially when Jacob had to act as a Lobby Lud character while investigating a murderer.
A recommended five stars from me.
September 21, 2024
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June 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the ebook. All thoughts are my own.
📖 Summary
When a fortune teller predicts a murder in the seaside resort town of Hemlock Bay, crime reporter Jacob Flint turns to the brilliant and unconventional Rachel Savernake for her opinion. Intrigued by the prediction and eager to spend time near an artist she admires, Rachel travels to Hemlock Bay, only to find herself at the center of a complex mystery involving revenge, deception, hidden identities, and murder. As suspects are cleared one by one and the clues become increasingly tangled, Rachel faces one of the most challenging investigations of her career.
💭 Review
This was my first experience reading Martin Edwards, and it definitely won't be my last. I have always found Golden Age style mysteries fascinating, and this book delivered everything I enjoy about the genre while still feeling fresh and engaging.
One of the biggest strengths of this story was Rachel Savernake herself. She is intelligent, independent, observant, and refreshingly different from many mystery protagonists. There were several moments where I found myself relating to her way of thinking and approaching situations. She is confident without being arrogant, and her determination to uncover the truth made her a character I genuinely enjoyed spending time with.
I also loved getting to know the cast of characters. One of the pleasures of a good mystery is figuring out who can be trusted and who might be hiding something, and this book provided plenty of opportunities to question everyone's motives. Each character felt purposeful to the story, and I enjoyed watching their connections and secrets gradually unfold.
The setting added so much atmosphere. Hemlock Bay may appear charming on the surface, but underneath that picturesque seaside resort lies a web of deception, manipulation, and hidden agendas. The contrast between the beautiful coastal backdrop and the darker events taking place created an engaging sense of tension throughout the novel.
The mystery itself was carefully constructed and full of twists, red herrings, and surprising revelations. I appreciated that the story challenged both Rachel and the reader. Just when I thought I had a clear idea of where things were heading, another clue or revelation shifted my perspective. The investigation felt thoughtful and layered, rewarding careful attention while still remaining entertaining.
What stood out most was how well the book captured the spirit of classic detective fiction. It had the intricate plotting, memorable characters, and intellectual puzzle solving that make Golden Age mysteries so enduring, while still feeling accessible to modern readers.
📚 Would I Recommend?
Absolutely. If you enjoy classic detective fiction, Golden Age mysteries, historical crime novels, and clever whodunits filled with twists and memorable characters, this is a wonderful choice. Even as someone new to both the author and the series, I found it easy to become invested in the story and the characters, and I look forward to reading more from Rachel Savernake's world.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the ebook. All thoughts are my own.
📖 Summary
When a fortune teller predicts a murder in the seaside resort town of Hemlock Bay, crime reporter Jacob Flint turns to the brilliant and unconventional Rachel Savernake for her opinion. Intrigued by the prediction and eager to spend time near an artist she admires, Rachel travels to Hemlock Bay, only to find herself at the center of a complex mystery involving revenge, deception, hidden identities, and murder. As suspects are cleared one by one and the clues become increasingly tangled, Rachel faces one of the most challenging investigations of her career.
💭 Review
This was my first experience reading Martin Edwards, and it definitely won't be my last. I have always found Golden Age style mysteries fascinating, and this book delivered everything I enjoy about the genre while still feeling fresh and engaging.
One of the biggest strengths of this story was Rachel Savernake herself. She is intelligent, independent, observant, and refreshingly different from many mystery protagonists. There were several moments where I found myself relating to her way of thinking and approaching situations. She is confident without being arrogant, and her determination to uncover the truth made her a character I genuinely enjoyed spending time with.
I also loved getting to know the cast of characters. One of the pleasures of a good mystery is figuring out who can be trusted and who might be hiding something, and this book provided plenty of opportunities to question everyone's motives. Each character felt purposeful to the story, and I enjoyed watching their connections and secrets gradually unfold.
The setting added so much atmosphere. Hemlock Bay may appear charming on the surface, but underneath that picturesque seaside resort lies a web of deception, manipulation, and hidden agendas. The contrast between the beautiful coastal backdrop and the darker events taking place created an engaging sense of tension throughout the novel.
The mystery itself was carefully constructed and full of twists, red herrings, and surprising revelations. I appreciated that the story challenged both Rachel and the reader. Just when I thought I had a clear idea of where things were heading, another clue or revelation shifted my perspective. The investigation felt thoughtful and layered, rewarding careful attention while still remaining entertaining.
What stood out most was how well the book captured the spirit of classic detective fiction. It had the intricate plotting, memorable characters, and intellectual puzzle solving that make Golden Age mysteries so enduring, while still feeling accessible to modern readers.
📚 Would I Recommend?
Absolutely. If you enjoy classic detective fiction, Golden Age mysteries, historical crime novels, and clever whodunits filled with twists and memorable characters, this is a wonderful choice. Even as someone new to both the author and the series, I found it easy to become invested in the story and the characters, and I look forward to reading more from Rachel Savernake's world.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hemlock Bay by Martin Edwards made me realize there is apparently nothing more relaxing to me than sitting in silence with a cup of coffee while reading about seaside murder predictions, emotionally repressed suspects, suspicious accountants, fortune tellers, hidden identities, and a woman solving crimes with the emotional warmth of a perfectly sharpened letter opener. Poisoned Pen Press, thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the gifted ARC because this book absolutely scratched the part of my brain that lives for classic murder mysteries wrapped in fog, secrets, and deeply British tension.
This felt like stepping directly into a 1930s seaside postcard where everyone is wearing linen, lying to each other, and quietly contemplating homicide behind a polite smile. Hemlock Bay itself becomes such an atmospheric character in the story — glamorous on the surface but humming with something darker underneath. The second Rachel Savernake arrived, I knew this was going to become one of those slow-burn mysteries where every conversation matters and every tiny detail feels like a breadcrumb waiting to betray somebody later.
Rachel is such an interesting sleuth because she’s not loud or flashy. She’s calm, intelligent, detached, and honestly kind of intimidating in the most fascinating way. Jacob Flint adds warmth and curiosity to the story, while Basil Palmer brought this unsettling emotional tension because you know from the beginning he’s heading toward violence, you just don’t know how the disaster will unfold. And somehow Martin Edwards makes all these layered moving parts feel elegant instead of chaotic.
What I loved most was how interactive this mystery felt. The Cluefinder section at the end? Obsessed. It turns the whole reading experience into a challenge between the author and the reader, and let me tell you right now — Martin Edwards absolutely won because I was confidently wrong several times. Humbling experience, honestly.
“Death foretold is a seed of death planted.”
This isn’t a fast-paced thriller full of explosions and dramatic chase scenes. It’s smarter than that. It’s methodical, atmospheric, and deeply rooted in that Golden Age mystery tradition where the tension comes from observation, secrets, and human behavior. If you love Agatha Christie vibes, layered clue-driven mysteries, eerie seaside settings, eccentric suspects, and stories that slowly tighten around you like fog rolling in from the coast, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I flew through this book because once the mystery started unraveling, I genuinely couldn’t stop reading. The Cluefinder at the end was such a fun touch too because it made me realize just how many clues I completely missed along the way while I was over here thinking I had everything figured out.
Do you love slower, clue-heavy Golden Age mysteries, or are you more of a fast-paced thriller reader?
#HemlockBay #MartinEdwards #RachelSavernake #GoldenAgeMystery #HistoricalMystery #MysteryBooks #PoisonedPenPress #Bookstagram #NetGalley #CozyMyst
This felt like stepping directly into a 1930s seaside postcard where everyone is wearing linen, lying to each other, and quietly contemplating homicide behind a polite smile. Hemlock Bay itself becomes such an atmospheric character in the story — glamorous on the surface but humming with something darker underneath. The second Rachel Savernake arrived, I knew this was going to become one of those slow-burn mysteries where every conversation matters and every tiny detail feels like a breadcrumb waiting to betray somebody later.
Rachel is such an interesting sleuth because she’s not loud or flashy. She’s calm, intelligent, detached, and honestly kind of intimidating in the most fascinating way. Jacob Flint adds warmth and curiosity to the story, while Basil Palmer brought this unsettling emotional tension because you know from the beginning he’s heading toward violence, you just don’t know how the disaster will unfold. And somehow Martin Edwards makes all these layered moving parts feel elegant instead of chaotic.
What I loved most was how interactive this mystery felt. The Cluefinder section at the end? Obsessed. It turns the whole reading experience into a challenge between the author and the reader, and let me tell you right now — Martin Edwards absolutely won because I was confidently wrong several times. Humbling experience, honestly.
“Death foretold is a seed of death planted.”
This isn’t a fast-paced thriller full of explosions and dramatic chase scenes. It’s smarter than that. It’s methodical, atmospheric, and deeply rooted in that Golden Age mystery tradition where the tension comes from observation, secrets, and human behavior. If you love Agatha Christie vibes, layered clue-driven mysteries, eerie seaside settings, eccentric suspects, and stories that slowly tighten around you like fog rolling in from the coast, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I flew through this book because once the mystery started unraveling, I genuinely couldn’t stop reading. The Cluefinder at the end was such a fun touch too because it made me realize just how many clues I completely missed along the way while I was over here thinking I had everything figured out.
Do you love slower, clue-heavy Golden Age mysteries, or are you more of a fast-paced thriller reader?
#HemlockBay #MartinEdwards #RachelSavernake #GoldenAgeMystery #HistoricalMystery #MysteryBooks #PoisonedPenPress #Bookstagram #NetGalley #CozyMyst
June 16, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)
Hemlock Bay by Martin Edwards was such a clever and atmospheric historical mystery. I really enjoyed the Golden Age mystery feel, and this one kept me guessing the whole way through.
The story follows Rachel Savernake, an amateur detective who is drawn to the seaside resort of Hemlock Bay after several strange clues point in that direction, including a disturbing painting and a prediction that murder may happen there. At the same time, a man named Basil Palmer is also heading to Hemlock Bay with revenge on his mind, even though he does not actually know what his intended victim looks like. From there, the mystery becomes more tangled, with suspicious characters, hidden motives, and deaths that are anything but straightforward.
I really liked the setting of Hemlock Bay. It has that classic seaside resort atmosphere, but with something darker underneath the surface. The name alone feels ominous, and the history of the area, the cliffs, the secrets, and the people staying there all added to the tension. It felt very much like the kind of place where everyone knows more than they are saying.
The mystery itself was very well plotted. There are a lot of characters, clues, red herrings, and moving pieces, but I enjoyed trying to put everything together. I definitely did not solve it all on my own, but I liked that the clues were there. The “cluefinder” at the end was a fun touch because it showed how carefully the mystery had been constructed.
Rachel was an interesting detective. She is intelligent, sharp, and a little mysterious herself. I liked watching her and the other recurring characters investigate from different angles and then slowly piece everything together. Even though this is part of a series, the main mystery worked well on its own, although I do think reading the earlier books would probably add more depth to Rachel and her relationships.
The beginning was a little slower, but once the mystery really started unfolding, I was hooked. I liked the historical atmosphere, the fair-play mystery style, and the satisfying reveal at the end.
Overall, Hemlock Bay was an engaging, smart, and twisty historical mystery with a great setting and a classic crime feel. I would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy Golden Age-style mysteries, seaside secrets, and intricate puzzles that keep you guessing until the end.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Hemlock Bay by Martin Edwards was such a clever and atmospheric historical mystery. I really enjoyed the Golden Age mystery feel, and this one kept me guessing the whole way through.
The story follows Rachel Savernake, an amateur detective who is drawn to the seaside resort of Hemlock Bay after several strange clues point in that direction, including a disturbing painting and a prediction that murder may happen there. At the same time, a man named Basil Palmer is also heading to Hemlock Bay with revenge on his mind, even though he does not actually know what his intended victim looks like. From there, the mystery becomes more tangled, with suspicious characters, hidden motives, and deaths that are anything but straightforward.
I really liked the setting of Hemlock Bay. It has that classic seaside resort atmosphere, but with something darker underneath the surface. The name alone feels ominous, and the history of the area, the cliffs, the secrets, and the people staying there all added to the tension. It felt very much like the kind of place where everyone knows more than they are saying.
The mystery itself was very well plotted. There are a lot of characters, clues, red herrings, and moving pieces, but I enjoyed trying to put everything together. I definitely did not solve it all on my own, but I liked that the clues were there. The “cluefinder” at the end was a fun touch because it showed how carefully the mystery had been constructed.
Rachel was an interesting detective. She is intelligent, sharp, and a little mysterious herself. I liked watching her and the other recurring characters investigate from different angles and then slowly piece everything together. Even though this is part of a series, the main mystery worked well on its own, although I do think reading the earlier books would probably add more depth to Rachel and her relationships.
The beginning was a little slower, but once the mystery really started unfolding, I was hooked. I liked the historical atmosphere, the fair-play mystery style, and the satisfying reveal at the end.
Overall, Hemlock Bay was an engaging, smart, and twisty historical mystery with a great setting and a classic crime feel. I would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy Golden Age-style mysteries, seaside secrets, and intricate puzzles that keep you guessing until the end.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 2.9/5
I liked this, but I didn't love it. As with the author's other work, this is an example of a murder mystery in the "Golden Age" tradition that leans towards the cosy end of the scale.
Martin Edwards, is clearly an aficionado of the mystery writing genre. This comes through not only in his structuring of the story, but also in the form of references that he drops into the narrative at various points. Should they wish to, readers are invited to join in with the clue hunting and try to solve the mystery more quickly than the characters in the book. The clues are then detailed in the "Cluefinder" section at the end of the book. This challenge is reminiscent of the puzzles that Alexandra Benedict incorporates into her mystery novels. However, whereas Alexandra Benedict tasks the reader with something that is clearly an aside to the the normal process of reading a murder mystery, Martin Edwards is only really inviting readers to do something that the majority of them would do in any case i.e. try to work out whodunnit and why.
"Hemlock Bay" is the fifth book in the Rachel Savernake series, but it is the first one I have read. That could be part of the reason why I didn't enjoy this more. Considering she is the amateur sleuth at the centre of the story, I didn't really find Rachel particularly engaging. For the most part she seemed quite anonymous and lacked the kind of presence that you invariably find with the likes of a Poirot or Marple mystery. Perhaps, if I had read earlier books in the series, I would have had a better understanding of Rachel's character and felt more able to connect with her.The mystery itself is well-constructed, as you would expect from this author. Some of the developments seems a little convenient, but that it is in keeping with many other works from the "Golden Age" of mystery writing. The clues are all there (as the "Cluefinder" will testify), but the storyline is a little dry and there are periods when it lacks a little punch, before kicking into gear again as the denouement approaches. Overall, a decent story, but not the most compelling I have read from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
I liked this, but I didn't love it. As with the author's other work, this is an example of a murder mystery in the "Golden Age" tradition that leans towards the cosy end of the scale.
Martin Edwards, is clearly an aficionado of the mystery writing genre. This comes through not only in his structuring of the story, but also in the form of references that he drops into the narrative at various points. Should they wish to, readers are invited to join in with the clue hunting and try to solve the mystery more quickly than the characters in the book. The clues are then detailed in the "Cluefinder" section at the end of the book. This challenge is reminiscent of the puzzles that Alexandra Benedict incorporates into her mystery novels. However, whereas Alexandra Benedict tasks the reader with something that is clearly an aside to the the normal process of reading a murder mystery, Martin Edwards is only really inviting readers to do something that the majority of them would do in any case i.e. try to work out whodunnit and why.
"Hemlock Bay" is the fifth book in the Rachel Savernake series, but it is the first one I have read. That could be part of the reason why I didn't enjoy this more. Considering she is the amateur sleuth at the centre of the story, I didn't really find Rachel particularly engaging. For the most part she seemed quite anonymous and lacked the kind of presence that you invariably find with the likes of a Poirot or Marple mystery. Perhaps, if I had read earlier books in the series, I would have had a better understanding of Rachel's character and felt more able to connect with her.The mystery itself is well-constructed, as you would expect from this author. Some of the developments seems a little convenient, but that it is in keeping with many other works from the "Golden Age" of mystery writing. The clues are all there (as the "Cluefinder" will testify), but the storyline is a little dry and there are periods when it lacks a little punch, before kicking into gear again as the denouement approaches. Overall, a decent story, but not the most compelling I have read from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rounded down to 3.5🌟
This is the 5th book in the Rachel Saversnake series that are "Golden Age' mysteries. I love this genre, and have really enjoyed the series. However, with the latest one, I feel it is lacking many things that drew me to it in the first place.
It is 1931, and Rachel and her entourage are heading to Hemlock Bay to investigate a murder that might occur. In the previous week, a psychic had visited journalist Jacob Flint to report that he had a vision of a man being murdered at the resort at Hemlock Bey. There were enough details to pique Jacob's interest, so he tells Rachel. and of course they go to look into the situation. While there, a murder does happen- but it is the psychic who is murdered. There are also other "accidents" that have happened, so the game is afoot!
The mystery itself was interesting. I enjoyed keeping track of the characters and information and trying to figure it out. Jacob is a fun, warm character that adds humor to the entourage. There are several layers to this story, and it is a slower burn that relies on observation and revealing of secrets to propel the mystery. The "Cluefinder" section at the end of the story that the author provided was fun, and made it fell more interactive.
Where I struggled:
I have read this series from the beginning. Rachel is a mystery- an intelligent woman who keeps herself separated from most people. However, she has something in her past and the death of her father the judge, that has affected her. She is very close to the 3 people that run her household, and their connection to her remains a mystery. I fell, though, that this aspect keeps dragging on. I want to know the whole story, because the further it drags, the more I begin to think Rachel's quirks are getting a bit annoying.
I felt this novel was more of a cozy read than the darker ones of the past, but it worked for this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is the 5th book in the Rachel Saversnake series that are "Golden Age' mysteries. I love this genre, and have really enjoyed the series. However, with the latest one, I feel it is lacking many things that drew me to it in the first place.
It is 1931, and Rachel and her entourage are heading to Hemlock Bay to investigate a murder that might occur. In the previous week, a psychic had visited journalist Jacob Flint to report that he had a vision of a man being murdered at the resort at Hemlock Bey. There were enough details to pique Jacob's interest, so he tells Rachel. and of course they go to look into the situation. While there, a murder does happen- but it is the psychic who is murdered. There are also other "accidents" that have happened, so the game is afoot!
The mystery itself was interesting. I enjoyed keeping track of the characters and information and trying to figure it out. Jacob is a fun, warm character that adds humor to the entourage. There are several layers to this story, and it is a slower burn that relies on observation and revealing of secrets to propel the mystery. The "Cluefinder" section at the end of the story that the author provided was fun, and made it fell more interactive.
Where I struggled:
I have read this series from the beginning. Rachel is a mystery- an intelligent woman who keeps herself separated from most people. However, she has something in her past and the death of her father the judge, that has affected her. She is very close to the 3 people that run her household, and their connection to her remains a mystery. I fell, though, that this aspect keeps dragging on. I want to know the whole story, because the further it drags, the more I begin to think Rachel's quirks are getting a bit annoying.
I felt this novel was more of a cozy read than the darker ones of the past, but it worked for this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 16, 2026
Full disclosure here. I've only read one other book in this series, and it was the second in the series. I do feel like this particular series would be better read in order of publication as I sometimes felt as if I was missing out on previous events/character development.
This story was a bit slow for me and a bit convoluted as there were at least two mysteries to tackle. And I felt that it was a bit convenient for those to be overlapping as they were not interconnected with the other.
I did find the seaside setting well-envisioned/described, I found the writing sometimes clunky and abrupt with some randomness thrown in at times. But my main concerns centered around the characters and the plotlines. Unfortunately, I just simply did not particularly like the main character of Rachel Savernake and for me, that's kind of a dealbreaker as I'm very much a character-driven reader. Yes, I have only read one other of the previous books in the series, but I did find Rachel to be intriguing and original enough in that particular book to want to know more. But I didn't get any more of a feel for her development here and found myself wanting more of her character developed/revealed to keep me interested. I found her a bit too arrogant and without much substance for my taste. The ensemble cast revolved too much around her "star" power, and I missed the cohesiveness of a supporting cast that pulls a book together for me.
As far as the plotline, it just didn't hold together well for me and felt a bit too scattered with the two mysteries to solve (one of those being a secondary one that I wasn't really aware that she was working to solve until late in the book).
All-in-all, I think this book/series just isn't for me, though I'm sure that fans of the previous books will probably have a good outing with it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the free early arc of Hemlock Bay for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
This story was a bit slow for me and a bit convoluted as there were at least two mysteries to tackle. And I felt that it was a bit convenient for those to be overlapping as they were not interconnected with the other.
I did find the seaside setting well-envisioned/described, I found the writing sometimes clunky and abrupt with some randomness thrown in at times. But my main concerns centered around the characters and the plotlines. Unfortunately, I just simply did not particularly like the main character of Rachel Savernake and for me, that's kind of a dealbreaker as I'm very much a character-driven reader. Yes, I have only read one other of the previous books in the series, but I did find Rachel to be intriguing and original enough in that particular book to want to know more. But I didn't get any more of a feel for her development here and found myself wanting more of her character developed/revealed to keep me interested. I found her a bit too arrogant and without much substance for my taste. The ensemble cast revolved too much around her "star" power, and I missed the cohesiveness of a supporting cast that pulls a book together for me.
As far as the plotline, it just didn't hold together well for me and felt a bit too scattered with the two mysteries to solve (one of those being a secondary one that I wasn't really aware that she was working to solve until late in the book).
All-in-all, I think this book/series just isn't for me, though I'm sure that fans of the previous books will probably have a good outing with it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the free early arc of Hemlock Bay for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
June 16, 2026
I received a complimentary ARC copy of Hemlock Bay (Rachel Savernake #5) by Martin Edwards from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in order to read and give an honest review.
The fifth entry in Martin Edward’s Rachel Savernake Series gives us a deliciously old-school mystery that will delight anyone who savours Golden Age puzzles. Set in a glamorous seaside resort that hides darker secrets, the novel drops you straight into a 1930s postcard of a picturesque coastal retreat, where the elite spend their time enjoying all the luxury the town has to offer. The setting itself becomes a character with its atmospheric cliffs and stunning views.
Rachel Savernake is back again and remains an intriguing, slightly impenetrable sleuth; cool, razor-sharp, and quietly ruthless when justice demands it. As usual she is supported by a loyal household and the warm curiosity of Jacob Flint. The unique cast of emotionally repressed suspects, suspicious accountants, fortune tellers, with hidden identities keeps the reader entirely wrapped up in unearthing their secrets one by one. The plotting is intricate in the best Christie tradition: impossible-seeming deaths, carefully calibrated alibis, and a final gathering that satisfies the genre’s appetite for explanation.
I also loved the author’s inclusion of the Cluefinder it holds all the clues the reader needs to explain the solution are laid out to turn reading into a game. Despite spotting many of the hints, I was definitely outwitted and missed quite a few. The Rachel Savernake novels aren’t in-your-face thrillers but slow-burn, elegantly constructed puzzles that reward readers who notice the details. Well-written and thoroughly engaging, especially if you enjoy clue-driven mysteries and seaside atmospherics, Hemlock Bay is a very satisfying read that I would highly recommend!
The fifth entry in Martin Edward’s Rachel Savernake Series gives us a deliciously old-school mystery that will delight anyone who savours Golden Age puzzles. Set in a glamorous seaside resort that hides darker secrets, the novel drops you straight into a 1930s postcard of a picturesque coastal retreat, where the elite spend their time enjoying all the luxury the town has to offer. The setting itself becomes a character with its atmospheric cliffs and stunning views.
Rachel Savernake is back again and remains an intriguing, slightly impenetrable sleuth; cool, razor-sharp, and quietly ruthless when justice demands it. As usual she is supported by a loyal household and the warm curiosity of Jacob Flint. The unique cast of emotionally repressed suspects, suspicious accountants, fortune tellers, with hidden identities keeps the reader entirely wrapped up in unearthing their secrets one by one. The plotting is intricate in the best Christie tradition: impossible-seeming deaths, carefully calibrated alibis, and a final gathering that satisfies the genre’s appetite for explanation.
I also loved the author’s inclusion of the Cluefinder it holds all the clues the reader needs to explain the solution are laid out to turn reading into a game. Despite spotting many of the hints, I was definitely outwitted and missed quite a few. The Rachel Savernake novels aren’t in-your-face thrillers but slow-burn, elegantly constructed puzzles that reward readers who notice the details. Well-written and thoroughly engaging, especially if you enjoy clue-driven mysteries and seaside atmospherics, Hemlock Bay is a very satisfying read that I would highly recommend!
July 1, 2026
Hemlock Bay by Martin Edwards is a Rachel Savernake novel and, as always, involved several crimes, all very convoluted and interwoven. It began with a letter to a reporter, followed up by a visit, from a fortune teller from a place called Hemlock Bay. He freely admitted that mostly he was a charlatan but that occasionally he got a flash of something happening. The details of his story were both sketchy and detailed. But, he took all he had heard to his editor and got the go-ahead. Then he visited Rachel and her “servants,” the Truemans, a married couple and his sister. Soon they were all off the Hemlock Bay, The four rented a house and Jacob Flint, the reporter, was in the luxury hotel near the bay. Then, they began to get to know as many people as they could. The first to die was the fortuneteller; Jacob discovered the body. The not-always-competent local constable determined immediately that his girlfriend had done the deed, but she was nowhere for be found.
Things escalated quickly and more deaths occurred. Many of the people they ran into were odd, some very odd. Secrets were uncovered, only as Rachel could do. The tines of the various crimes ran deep and wound around each of the crimes, although there were separate killers. Rachel is an intriguing character, reminiscent of Phryne Fisher, I thought. The relationships within her household were odd, but interesting. Her father had been a judge, not an honest one, and it had skewed her idea of justice. Jacob was half in love with her, but she was having none of it. He was a good reporter and did his share on the investigation. It was a convoluted and odd read.
I was invited to read Hemlock Bay by Poisoned Pen Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #PoisonedPenPress #MartinEdwards #HemlockBay
Things escalated quickly and more deaths occurred. Many of the people they ran into were odd, some very odd. Secrets were uncovered, only as Rachel could do. The tines of the various crimes ran deep and wound around each of the crimes, although there were separate killers. Rachel is an intriguing character, reminiscent of Phryne Fisher, I thought. The relationships within her household were odd, but interesting. Her father had been a judge, not an honest one, and it had skewed her idea of justice. Jacob was half in love with her, but she was having none of it. He was a good reporter and did his share on the investigation. It was a convoluted and odd read.
I was invited to read Hemlock Bay by Poisoned Pen Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #PoisonedPenPress #MartinEdwards #HemlockBay
September 12, 2026
(Location inspired by Heysham in Lancashire)
The novel is set in fictional Hemlock Bay, which is heavily inspired by Heysham in Lancashire. It is no. 5 in the Rachel Savernake Golden Age Mystery series.
It also has a Cluefinder at the back, which is a long-forgotten trope of Golden Age detective fiction, an entertaining addition to the storyline. It is enjoyable checking to see if the clues, woven into the narrative, have been spotted!
Basil Palmer is intending to murder Louis Carson. He doesn't know him, which is an intriguing premise for a novel. He does discover that he runs a hotel and thus decides to assume a new identity (meet Dr Seamus Doyle) and enters the wealthy world at Hemlock Bay, where his target is based.
Rachel Savernake enters the stage and a kind of cat and mouse dance ensues, with her acute eye on proceedings. She is methodical sleuth and very little escapes her attention.
The author beautifully captures time and place (1930s) and the story is well-constructed and very readable.
The novel is set in fictional Hemlock Bay, which is heavily inspired by Heysham in Lancashire. It is no. 5 in the Rachel Savernake Golden Age Mystery series.
It also has a Cluefinder at the back, which is a long-forgotten trope of Golden Age detective fiction, an entertaining addition to the storyline. It is enjoyable checking to see if the clues, woven into the narrative, have been spotted!
Basil Palmer is intending to murder Louis Carson. He doesn't know him, which is an intriguing premise for a novel. He does discover that he runs a hotel and thus decides to assume a new identity (meet Dr Seamus Doyle) and enters the wealthy world at Hemlock Bay, where his target is based.
Rachel Savernake enters the stage and a kind of cat and mouse dance ensues, with her acute eye on proceedings. She is methodical sleuth and very little escapes her attention.
The author beautifully captures time and place (1930s) and the story is well-constructed and very readable.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In the book, Hemlock Bay is a coastal town in the 1930's and the story is a mix between a murder mystery and historical fiction. I didn't realize that there were other books in the series but it handled just fine for the most part as a standalone and I would now love to go back and read the other books in the series.
Jacob Flint a journalist converses with Rachel Savernake about a psychic's prediction that a murder is going to happen in Hemlock Bay, it just so happens that Rachel also purchases a painting that depicts a death in the same place. Rachel is an amateur sleuth and up to solving a good mystery so she goes to Hemlock Bay. Another character is also on the way to kill a man that he blames for his wife's death. Makes for an interesting story to see where this is going. So there are deaths and other events in the book and there are a cast of characters/suspects and plenty of clues and some misdirection and Rachel goes through trying to solve the mystery, going through the process of elimination of shifting suspects trying to find the villain/villains. I love the cluefinder aspect for this whodunnit, as it makes you realize the clues you missed along the way and makes the story interactive. The story reminds me of an Agatha Christie whodunnit mystery or even the movie Knives out and sequels. Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the complimentary copy of the book.
Jacob Flint a journalist converses with Rachel Savernake about a psychic's prediction that a murder is going to happen in Hemlock Bay, it just so happens that Rachel also purchases a painting that depicts a death in the same place. Rachel is an amateur sleuth and up to solving a good mystery so she goes to Hemlock Bay. Another character is also on the way to kill a man that he blames for his wife's death. Makes for an interesting story to see where this is going. So there are deaths and other events in the book and there are a cast of characters/suspects and plenty of clues and some misdirection and Rachel goes through trying to solve the mystery, going through the process of elimination of shifting suspects trying to find the villain/villains. I love the cluefinder aspect for this whodunnit, as it makes you realize the clues you missed along the way and makes the story interactive. The story reminds me of an Agatha Christie whodunnit mystery or even the movie Knives out and sequels. Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the complimentary copy of the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
In 1931, an heiress/amateur sleuth named Rachel Savernake travels from London to a seaside resort in the north of England to investigate after a journalist friend is visited by a fortune teller who has had a premonition that a murder will occur on the property.
This is the 5th in the Rachel Savernake Golden Age Mysteries series and I thought it worked fine as a standalone although I didn't have a great sense of Rachel's personality or methods for solving crimes which probably would have been more developed had I read the previous books in the series.
Written in the style of Golden Age mysteries, Hemlock Bay is set in a small England community with an interesting cast of characters who are both victims and possible suspects along with the amateur sleuth and her entourage. This was a well-written and enjoyable read and I had absolutely no clue whatsoever how it was all going to come together or "who dunnit"! There's a Clue Finder at the end of the book that details the clues that were placed throughout the novel which was apparently a popular element in Golden Age Mysteries and is a fun addition to see how it was all laid out in plain sight for the reader to work out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing a digital ARC of this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
In 1931, an heiress/amateur sleuth named Rachel Savernake travels from London to a seaside resort in the north of England to investigate after a journalist friend is visited by a fortune teller who has had a premonition that a murder will occur on the property.
This is the 5th in the Rachel Savernake Golden Age Mysteries series and I thought it worked fine as a standalone although I didn't have a great sense of Rachel's personality or methods for solving crimes which probably would have been more developed had I read the previous books in the series.
Written in the style of Golden Age mysteries, Hemlock Bay is set in a small England community with an interesting cast of characters who are both victims and possible suspects along with the amateur sleuth and her entourage. This was a well-written and enjoyable read and I had absolutely no clue whatsoever how it was all going to come together or "who dunnit"! There's a Clue Finder at the end of the book that details the clues that were placed throughout the novel which was apparently a popular element in Golden Age Mysteries and is a fun addition to see how it was all laid out in plain sight for the reader to work out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing a digital ARC of this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
June 19, 2026
Basil Palmer has made an unique New Year's resolution. He intends on killing a man he's never met. He has lost his beloved Alicia and plans on killing a man named Louis Carson. Under the guise of Sr. Seamus Doyle, Basil seeks the help of a private investigator to help him locate Louis Carson. The search sends Basil to Hemlock Bay, where Louis is in charge of the main hotel in town.
Rachel Savernake is intrigued by a painting that depicted a death before it happened. This painting and the mystery behind the painter will take Rachel to Hemlock Bay.
Jacob Flint, a crime reporter, receives a note that states that a man will be murdered at the summer solstice in the cliffs at Hemlock Bay. All of our characters meet at Hemlock Bay. And when a man is murdered that isn't Louis and neither is it summer solstice, the murder mystery takes a twisty turn!
Hemlock Bay is an atmospheric and mysterious place. It added an extra level of the unknown to our murder mystery. I loved how the story played out in a very unique and smart way. This is my first time reading a historical murder mystery like this. The complexity and machinations of the murder were extremely captivating. I can't wait to read more books by this author.
Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Rachel Savernake is intrigued by a painting that depicted a death before it happened. This painting and the mystery behind the painter will take Rachel to Hemlock Bay.
Jacob Flint, a crime reporter, receives a note that states that a man will be murdered at the summer solstice in the cliffs at Hemlock Bay. All of our characters meet at Hemlock Bay. And when a man is murdered that isn't Louis and neither is it summer solstice, the murder mystery takes a twisty turn!
Hemlock Bay is an atmospheric and mysterious place. It added an extra level of the unknown to our murder mystery. I loved how the story played out in a very unique and smart way. This is my first time reading a historical murder mystery like this. The complexity and machinations of the murder were extremely captivating. I can't wait to read more books by this author.
Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
June 25, 2026
Hemlock Bay gripped me with its unexpected reveal that Basil is out to kill someone from the beginning.
What's the problem?
Basil doesn't know what the man looks like.
Genre: Mystery, Historical Mystery, British Mystery
Spice Level: Implied sex but not on the page
Readability: This is a series but can be read in any order. This was my first but not my last.
Representation: Gay side characters
Content: References to affairs and suicide. I felt like there is an underpinning of manipulation within the story too.
This novel is well plotted with a unique twist where Basil doesn't know who he wants to murder, someone else has warned the authorities of an upcoming murder date and site, and everyone is have-cavey trying to solve their own problems for the case.
There are quite a few characters to keep track of, but that was the only down-side for me. If I were to start it now, I would have a paper by my side to write down names in case I got confused.
For me, one of the best parts of the mystery was seeing how the two sides come together, and of course, the outcome. It was original, twisty, and riveting.
Traditional mystery readers will love this book! It is less cozy than some, but it is also not gory and should also be enjoyed by cozy mystery readers.
My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press.
What's the problem?
Basil doesn't know what the man looks like.
Genre: Mystery, Historical Mystery, British Mystery
Spice Level: Implied sex but not on the page
Readability: This is a series but can be read in any order. This was my first but not my last.
Representation: Gay side characters
Content: References to affairs and suicide. I felt like there is an underpinning of manipulation within the story too.
This novel is well plotted with a unique twist where Basil doesn't know who he wants to murder, someone else has warned the authorities of an upcoming murder date and site, and everyone is have-cavey trying to solve their own problems for the case.
There are quite a few characters to keep track of, but that was the only down-side for me. If I were to start it now, I would have a paper by my side to write down names in case I got confused.
For me, one of the best parts of the mystery was seeing how the two sides come together, and of course, the outcome. It was original, twisty, and riveting.
Traditional mystery readers will love this book! It is less cozy than some, but it is also not gory and should also be enjoyed by cozy mystery readers.
My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press.
June 17, 2026
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press for a free copy. I loved reading this book. The experience was so enjoyable. It has an irresistible English seaside setting - yup, yet again I’m reading a book with this setting - and a fascinating premise. Not only do we read journal entries from a man who wants to commit a murder, but a supposed fortune teller goes to a newspaper and announces that he had a premonition about a murder occurring on June 21st! Right away I was fascinated, and when I met all the shady characters living in Hemlock Bay, I was hooked.
This is my first Rachel Savernake book I’ve read, but as you can see in a previous post, I own the actual first book in the series. I will definitely be reading it now, especially because I’m hoping it will share some of her backstory. She reminds me a bit of Joseph Spector from Tom Mead’s books because she has her own sense of justice and she’s one tough cookie.
I recommend this book to all mystery fans. It will keep you guessing. I was so happy every time I opened this book because I knew I would be entertained. You probably know Martin Edwards as the editor of the fabulous British Library Crime Classics series, but I highly recommend that you try one of his books if you haven’t already!
This is my first Rachel Savernake book I’ve read, but as you can see in a previous post, I own the actual first book in the series. I will definitely be reading it now, especially because I’m hoping it will share some of her backstory. She reminds me a bit of Joseph Spector from Tom Mead’s books because she has her own sense of justice and she’s one tough cookie.
I recommend this book to all mystery fans. It will keep you guessing. I was so happy every time I opened this book because I knew I would be entertained. You probably know Martin Edwards as the editor of the fabulous British Library Crime Classics series, but I highly recommend that you try one of his books if you haven’t already!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hemlock Bay is a sleepy English coastal resort town, the perfect setting for murder and mayhem. A psychic predicts a man will die...and die he does. But he's not the only one. Amateur sleuth Rachel Savernake likes nothing better than nosing around mysteries and is no stranger to murder. So, she decides Hemlock Bay is ideal for vacation. Set in 1931, the town is full of suspicious characters in the manner of one of the most delightful eras in writing, the Golden Age. The setting felt authentic and appealing and I adored the red herrings sprinkled about. The mystery was fun (see the clue finder at the back) and the witty bits made me smile. I let myself get completely enveloped in the story and lost all track of my surroundings in real life. Martin Edwards deftly blends historical details with mystery for a cracking good read. I see a book by him and I read it. Simple.
My sincere thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this richly entertaining novel, one which I thoroughly enjoyed.
My sincere thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this richly entertaining novel, one which I thoroughly enjoyed.
June 16, 2026
Though this is book 5 in the Rachel Savernake series, I do feel readers can pick this up independently without having read the others first. The others may set a bit of the foundation for how the character has grown through the various other mysteries.
Rachel is encouraged to go to Hemlock Bay more out of curiosity than anything else. Journalist Jacob Flint is told of a vision that a murder will occur there so he share the information with Rachel.. As an amateur sleuth with a bit of money and time, she rents a cottage and decides to see how events unfold. Rachel does come across as a bit cold but it does seems she build a sense of loyalty and respect with many she works with.
I truly enjoy a good murder mystery that has twists and turns and multiple suspects. This one hit all the right marks with me and it makes me want to find the others to dive into. A good mystery is the one that keeps me guessing until the very end and this one certainly does that. I can't wait to read more.
Rachel is encouraged to go to Hemlock Bay more out of curiosity than anything else. Journalist Jacob Flint is told of a vision that a murder will occur there so he share the information with Rachel.. As an amateur sleuth with a bit of money and time, she rents a cottage and decides to see how events unfold. Rachel does come across as a bit cold but it does seems she build a sense of loyalty and respect with many she works with.
I truly enjoy a good murder mystery that has twists and turns and multiple suspects. This one hit all the right marks with me and it makes me want to find the others to dive into. A good mystery is the one that keeps me guessing until the very end and this one certainly does that. I can't wait to read more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hemlock Bay is another addition to the Rachel Savernake Golden Age Mysteries series. The story takes place at a lively seaside resort. When journalist Jacob Flint brings Rachel a strange warning from a fortune teller predicting a murder, Rachel’s interest leads her to the resort. At the same time an artist Rachel admires is staying there as well, along with Basil Palmer, an accountant driven by a desire for revenge.
The mystery develops in a layered way, and once a murder occurs, Rachel works through a complicated set of clues and shifting suspects. While Rachel is a more understated sleuth than many in the genre, the plot is carefully built. The clue finder is helpful, though the narrative can feel a bit dry without stronger action scenes. Still, it’s a solid and enjoyable historical mystery.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.
The mystery develops in a layered way, and once a murder occurs, Rachel works through a complicated set of clues and shifting suspects. While Rachel is a more understated sleuth than many in the genre, the plot is carefully built. The clue finder is helpful, though the narrative can feel a bit dry without stronger action scenes. Still, it’s a solid and enjoyable historical mystery.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.
July 7, 2026
A fortune tellers prediction brings Rachel, her entourage and Jacob to Hemlock Bay, where there have been some untoward occurrences lately. No one really believes the fortune teller but they are soon embroiled in the nefarious plots of people who are in the middle of this playground for the well to do. One such plotter is the husband of a victim of the machinations of one of the central characters. When he is no longer a factor in the ongoing intrigues, the reader could wonder where the book is going.
Never fear. There are far more lies, deceipts and unscrupulous doings, some from totally unexpected quarters. The revelations continue right up to the end as just as you think it has all been rolled out, there is another surprise lurking. It is great fun being caught up in all of the shenanigans as Rachael and her team sort through the truth and the lies and unmasks the villains.
Five purrs and two paws up.
Never fear. There are far more lies, deceipts and unscrupulous doings, some from totally unexpected quarters. The revelations continue right up to the end as just as you think it has all been rolled out, there is another surprise lurking. It is great fun being caught up in all of the shenanigans as Rachael and her team sort through the truth and the lies and unmasks the villains.
Five purrs and two paws up.
July 23, 2026
Rachel Savernake is a clever amateur detective. Jacob Flint, a bit brash a journalist whose beat is crime receives a visit from a very unpretentious man, saying he is a clairvoyant and that he saw a murder being committed in Hemlock Bay. No idea of when or who the victim could be. Hemlock Bay is the latest seaside resort being touted as best for everything. Very recently developed by an original resident and now a brash new comer, its proving to be very popular with all segments of society, the posh and swindlers alike.
It is in this background that the first murder takes place, followed by the second. Jacob gets the scoop on it all and he joins forces with Rachel to find out who and why these are taking place. Seemingly unconnected, the dots do not link together to form a clear picture.
Lots of clues for readers. This reader was clueless.
Very good reading and part of a series.
It is in this background that the first murder takes place, followed by the second. Jacob gets the scoop on it all and he joins forces with Rachel to find out who and why these are taking place. Seemingly unconnected, the dots do not link together to form a clear picture.
Lots of clues for readers. This reader was clueless.
Very good reading and part of a series.
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