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Carys Morgan #1
The Caldey Island Murders
A holy island. A haunted detective. A shocking murder.
When the body of a young woman is found on the altar of the abbey church on Caldey Island, Detective Inspector Carys Morgan is plunged into a world where evil lurks in holy places.
On this small island, reached only by boat, everyone is a suspect. Carys must navigate a closed world of islanders, monks, and pilgrims, each hiding a secret behind walls of silence and faith.
When a second body surfaces in the monastery fishpond, it’s clear the murders follow a chilling religious pattern. The next victim may already be chosen and Carys finds herself in a race to prevent more ritual killings.
But beneath her determination lies a secret of her own. Carys must confront not only the darkness in others, but the one she brought with her.
The Caldey Island Murders launches a gripping new Pembrokeshire crime series – where ancient faith meets modern evil on the wild Welsh coast.
When the body of a young woman is found on the altar of the abbey church on Caldey Island, Detective Inspector Carys Morgan is plunged into a world where evil lurks in holy places.
On this small island, reached only by boat, everyone is a suspect. Carys must navigate a closed world of islanders, monks, and pilgrims, each hiding a secret behind walls of silence and faith.
When a second body surfaces in the monastery fishpond, it’s clear the murders follow a chilling religious pattern. The next victim may already be chosen and Carys finds herself in a race to prevent more ritual killings.
But beneath her determination lies a secret of her own. Carys must confront not only the darkness in others, but the one she brought with her.
The Caldey Island Murders launches a gripping new Pembrokeshire crime series – where ancient faith meets modern evil on the wild Welsh coast.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2026
About the author
M.S. Morris
21 books250 followersM S Morris is the pseudonym for the writing partnership of Margarita and Steve Morris. Together they write psychological thrillers and crime novels. The couple are married and live in Oxfordshire. They have two children.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 13, 2026
This is a good start to a series from these authors. The remote Welsh island was interesting, with the action centered in a religious compound where some of the religious were not quite up to snuff. Much is hidden, waiting to be revealed. The lead detective is well developed, making the reader wish for more.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
May 7, 2026
The Caldey Island Murders opens the Carys Morgan series, the third new series launched by this writing duo, and while it makes for a perfectly readable afternoon, it leaves the impression of a book that needed a little more time in the oven.
The premise is genuinely promising: a body found on the altar of an abbey church on a remote Welsh island, accessible only by boat, populated by monks, pilgrims, and tight-lipped locals. The setting practically writes itself, and Morris makes good use of Caldey Island's eerie tranquility. Fans of atmospheric British crime fiction will find enough here to keep them turning pages.
The trouble is Detective Inspector Carys Morgan herself. She arrives burdened with personal demons and an eccentric edge – a character type that once felt fresh but has, by now, been thoroughly worn smooth. Unlike the protagonist of the authors' previous series, who drew genuine emotional investment, Carys remains at arm's length. The reader observes her rather than roots for her. Compounding this, the investigation largely solves itself around her; one gets the uncomfortable sense that the outcome would have been more or less identical had she stayed home. Moments designed to surprise land with little impact, and a few plot points don't quite hold up to scrutiny.
It's a shame, because the potential for something better is visible throughout. The island atmosphere is evocative, the religious dimension of the crimes is intriguing, and there are flashes of the assured pacing that Morris fans will recognise. The supporting cast, particularly the dynamics of the new team, shows real potential.
Ultimately, this reads like a series-opener that was rushed to publication before it had fully found its footing. That said, the foundation is solid enough to build on, and the authors have earned enough goodwill to warrant picking up the sequel. Consider this a cautious but genuine recommendation, with hopes that Carys Morgan gets the room she needs to grow into herself.
The premise is genuinely promising: a body found on the altar of an abbey church on a remote Welsh island, accessible only by boat, populated by monks, pilgrims, and tight-lipped locals. The setting practically writes itself, and Morris makes good use of Caldey Island's eerie tranquility. Fans of atmospheric British crime fiction will find enough here to keep them turning pages.
The trouble is Detective Inspector Carys Morgan herself. She arrives burdened with personal demons and an eccentric edge – a character type that once felt fresh but has, by now, been thoroughly worn smooth. Unlike the protagonist of the authors' previous series, who drew genuine emotional investment, Carys remains at arm's length. The reader observes her rather than roots for her. Compounding this, the investigation largely solves itself around her; one gets the uncomfortable sense that the outcome would have been more or less identical had she stayed home. Moments designed to surprise land with little impact, and a few plot points don't quite hold up to scrutiny.
It's a shame, because the potential for something better is visible throughout. The island atmosphere is evocative, the religious dimension of the crimes is intriguing, and there are flashes of the assured pacing that Morris fans will recognise. The supporting cast, particularly the dynamics of the new team, shows real potential.
Ultimately, this reads like a series-opener that was rushed to publication before it had fully found its footing. That said, the foundation is solid enough to build on, and the authors have earned enough goodwill to warrant picking up the sequel. Consider this a cautious but genuine recommendation, with hopes that Carys Morgan gets the room she needs to grow into herself.
May 5, 2026
I have consistently been impressed with M.S. Morris's work. Detective Inspector Carys Morgan is a particularly captivating character. Carys's background in theology offers an intriguing and relatable dimension. I genuinely appreciate her character and eagerly anticipate her appearances in future novels. Rhodri Evans, as an overwhelmed yet easily distracted husband and father, provides a compelling and highly amusing presence.
Dear author thank you once more for your gift of words.
Dear author thank you once more for your gift of words.
August 1, 2026
Gives Brother Caedfael a run for his money
Excellent example of location-based detective fiction in the mould of Ellie Griffiths and Ann Cleeve. Great sense of place and character. Will be devouring book two shortly
Excellent example of location-based detective fiction in the mould of Ellie Griffiths and Ann Cleeve. Great sense of place and character. Will be devouring book two shortly
May 19, 2026
After Bridget Hart in Oxford and Tom Raven in Scarborough we are now with Carys Morgan on an island off the Welsh Coast for the start of the latest series. Is it only just over 5 years since I found this/these author/s as I feel as if their characters have been part of my reading for much longer.
Their easy descriptions, that enable the reader to build up pictures without effort, are in evidence here and we soon have the characters and locations established in the theatre box of our imaginations.
DI Carys Morgan is returning to an area that see knew from her childhood as she takes a posting from the busy city of Cardiff to a more rural Tenby. On her first day she is sent to a small island where a body has been found across the altar of the monastry church.
Our authors know better than to have too many characters in their stories and here such as there were could be neatly divided into small subgroups.
Suspicions moved from one person to another as the story unfolds and the body count grows. I'm not sure that the armchair detective had too much to go on but that didn't detract from the enjoyment and I did have a murderer in the end.
Previous series, especially the Tom Raven one, owed much of their success to the way the whole team were made significant parts of the stories. I feel the same is happening here as we already know much about the team and their strengths and their personalities.
The team seem nicely established and seeds are sewn for possible future growth. Carys' sister's death and Rhodri's old mate and best man's dodgy deals.
A very promising start to the new series and lots to look forward to.
18th May 2026.
Their easy descriptions, that enable the reader to build up pictures without effort, are in evidence here and we soon have the characters and locations established in the theatre box of our imaginations.
DI Carys Morgan is returning to an area that see knew from her childhood as she takes a posting from the busy city of Cardiff to a more rural Tenby. On her first day she is sent to a small island where a body has been found across the altar of the monastry church.
Our authors know better than to have too many characters in their stories and here such as there were could be neatly divided into small subgroups.
Suspicions moved from one person to another as the story unfolds and the body count grows. I'm not sure that the armchair detective had too much to go on but that didn't detract from the enjoyment and I did have a murderer in the end.
Previous series, especially the Tom Raven one, owed much of their success to the way the whole team were made significant parts of the stories. I feel the same is happening here as we already know much about the team and their strengths and their personalities.
The team seem nicely established and seeds are sewn for possible future growth. Carys' sister's death and Rhodri's old mate and best man's dodgy deals.
A very promising start to the new series and lots to look forward to.
18th May 2026.
June 23, 2026
I loved the authors previous series set in Scarborough and actually cried when it finished. But I was hopeful that this new series would be just s good. I loved the setting - Caldey island off the Pembrokeshire coast which is inhabited by a handful of monks, five people on a retreat and a few villagers. I visited the island many years ago so have some idea of the geography. As this is the first book in the series a lot of time was spent introducing the characters. After listening I am not sure whether or not I actually like DI Carys Morgan. The island setting is fantastic and although it did limit the list of suspects I still didn't guess whodunnit. I also enjoyed the religious aspects of the story. But ultimately I was a little disappointed. This series has a long way to go to fill the huge Tom Raven gap. I will listen to the next in the series in the hope that DI Morgan grows on me.
I enjoyed the narration by Nikki Mills.
I enjoyed the narration by Nikki Mills.
August 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. I was enthralled from start to finish. Caldey Island lies off the South Wales coast near Tenby. The community welcomes retreatants, who come to contemplate on their lives to date. The recent group of five are new to St. Philomena's, and don't apparently know each other. There are three murders murders within four or five days. DI Carys Morgan transfers back home to Manorbier from Cardiff, to lead the investigation. The inquiry is complicated, with island inhabitants, both resident and visitors, keeping secrets from years ago. The only access to the island is via Eifion's boat, or the Tamar class lifeboat in Tenby, which means all investigators have to travel from the mainland on a daily basas. The police battle on against the odds, and the truth eventually raises its head.
Change comes to Caldey. Will the remaining residents be able to move on? Or will there be invisible barriers remaining?
Change comes to Caldey. Will the remaining residents be able to move on? Or will there be invisible barriers remaining?
July 9, 2026
New mystery series my these authors. Good read.
However, and this has occurred in other books...when a book, or in this case, a Bible, is found with each murder victim, and the book is opened to a page, just how is it that the detective or other observer, can say, Ah ha, it's open to this verse? Each book, when open has two pages showing. In particular, a Bible, has two pages, and each page has 2 columns of chapters and versus. How is, then, that the detective knows immediately which verse pertains to the murder? Si that why they are the detective, and I'm just the reader?
However, and this has occurred in other books...when a book, or in this case, a Bible, is found with each murder victim, and the book is opened to a page, just how is it that the detective or other observer, can say, Ah ha, it's open to this verse? Each book, when open has two pages showing. In particular, a Bible, has two pages, and each page has 2 columns of chapters and versus. How is, then, that the detective knows immediately which verse pertains to the murder? Si that why they are the detective, and I'm just the reader?
May 5, 2026
This is a fabulous first book in a new series from these authors. I was intrigued with the team as they learn to work together under new leadership, who is a mystery herself. The storyline was fascinating. The description of the island, the Monastery, and the people who live on the island including the monks had me engaged from the very first page to the last. I look forward to the second book in the series and hope many more will follow.
May 10, 2026
on one hand it was overly religious for me but that may just be this book. I hope Rhodi dos not continue whining about being tied down - every book does that so it would be nice if he did not. Three murders, limited suspects they should have figured things out earlier. Were the background checks not very through - how did they not figure out her brother had died. But... the ending and Carys' revelation will rope me in for Book 2
May 12, 2026
An enjoyable read
I enjoyed reading this book and though it was a good introduction to Carys Morgan, I found the story a bit slow at times and I was able to speed read some of the pages. The end was a good twist about her sister, so I shall read the next book to see how things develop. I still have the book 5 stars as I did read it all the way through, sometimes new series need a bit of a warm up.
I enjoyed reading this book and though it was a good introduction to Carys Morgan, I found the story a bit slow at times and I was able to speed read some of the pages. The end was a good twist about her sister, so I shall read the next book to see how things develop. I still have the book 5 stars as I did read it all the way through, sometimes new series need a bit of a warm up.
May 17, 2026
I am not entirely sure about this book. Five people go go to a retreat on an island, On the island is a monastery containing six monks and a novice, four of them are old and infirm. one nun who runs the retreat and four island inhabitants. there too many distraction and coincidences, on top of that carts Morgan is quite weird. Maybe the series will get better as it goes but it has a long way to go to equal Tom Raven,
August 5, 2026
a New Series
I enjoyed the first book of this series the predictable formula of murder mysteries is somewhat found here but - the protagonist is not typical and I love that! The idea of sea and air and belonging becomes a positive vibe for this book. History is applied which I love and underlying second mystery surfaces for lead detective to solve. I will definitely read Morris’ second in the series book
I enjoyed the first book of this series the predictable formula of murder mysteries is somewhat found here but - the protagonist is not typical and I love that! The idea of sea and air and belonging becomes a positive vibe for this book. History is applied which I love and underlying second mystery surfaces for lead detective to solve. I will definitely read Morris’ second in the series book
May 7, 2026
Wow, certainly different from their other series. An absorbing and interesting book. I enjoyed reading about monastery life. Have visited, Caldey, so could picture where things were happening. A good plot, with lots of unexpected turns, even at the end. I like the new team under DI Morgan, but am not too sure what to make of Carys. Looking forward to reading the next book.
May 11, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
A historical fiction mystery with twists and turns from beginning to end, well-developed characters; and Celtic myth coupled with Christian theology. Be prepared to visit wild and beautiful Wales. You’ll be surprised by the ending and will be eager to read more!
A historical fiction mystery with twists and turns from beginning to end, well-developed characters; and Celtic myth coupled with Christian theology. Be prepared to visit wild and beautiful Wales. You’ll be surprised by the ending and will be eager to read more!
May 14, 2026
I really liked the Bridget Hart series and liked the Tom Raven series almost as much.
I'm not so sure either about Carys Morgan or about the plot of Carys Morgan #1, but I have to admit that it held my attention all the way through and that I liked the ending.
What do others who have read the first two M S Morris series think of "The Caldey Island Murders"?
I'm not so sure either about Carys Morgan or about the plot of Carys Morgan #1, but I have to admit that it held my attention all the way through and that I liked the ending.
What do others who have read the first two M S Morris series think of "The Caldey Island Murders"?
May 24, 2026
3.5/4 I found the religious/spiritual side of Carys a bit irritating and some parts of the story of the monks and others living on the island laboured at times. Rhodri, the other detective, is portrayed as somewhat bumbling - while he’s a lay-back surfer with little time for detail, and is a family man, that lack of interest in detail seems a contradiction in a detective but perhaps he will show strengths against Carys ‘ quirky style into the future.
The story held me but I wasn’t captivated by it .. although I will go on to the next. it will be interesting to see how Carys ‘ and Esme story unfolds.
The geography and weather of Caldey and Pembrokeshire described well. I liked Elen. Hugh is of the ‘smart one back at the office’ formula.
The story held me but I wasn’t captivated by it .. although I will go on to the next. it will be interesting to see how Carys ‘ and Esme story unfolds.
The geography and weather of Caldey and Pembrokeshire described well. I liked Elen. Hugh is of the ‘smart one back at the office’ formula.
May 22, 2026
An intriguing whodunit
A ritualistic murder of someone on a retreat results in an investigation fraught with difficulties. How further murders ensue and a final one by a dying protagonist. The reasons become evident with those on the retreat having links with others of a criminal nature.
A ritualistic murder of someone on a retreat results in an investigation fraught with difficulties. How further murders ensue and a final one by a dying protagonist. The reasons become evident with those on the retreat having links with others of a criminal nature.
May 24, 2026
The Caldey Island Murders.
M and S Morris have created a new series with great characters. An easy read, with several murders on Caldey Island. For those that don't know, the island is real and also has a monastery. (Well worth a look at Google photos! ). DI Carys Morgan is a quirky character, and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
M and S Morris have created a new series with great characters. An easy read, with several murders on Caldey Island. For those that don't know, the island is real and also has a monastery. (Well worth a look at Google photos! ). DI Carys Morgan is a quirky character, and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
May 8, 2026
Good Start
A new Detective and a New Location M ST Morris do Link to some Great Places and none can be Better than Pembrokeshire. With Caldey Island Starring in this one. A very good story and I look forward to Book 2
A new Detective and a New Location M ST Morris do Link to some Great Places and none can be Better than Pembrokeshire. With Caldey Island Starring in this one. A very good story and I look forward to Book 2
May 13, 2026
Excellent
I'm not usually a fan of religion added to a story but that wasn't the case here. Interesting characters and an ending I did not see coming! Looking forward to the next in the series.
I'm not usually a fan of religion added to a story but that wasn't the case here. Interesting characters and an ending I did not see coming! Looking forward to the next in the series.
May 29, 2026
Not sure whether I actually enjoyed this. Not sure I enjoyed the location. I'm aware this is the first in a series so a lot of time was developing the characters. Probably will read the next one just to see.
May 7, 2026
This was a really good read, it’s different to the other books M S Morris has written. It has some really different characters. I can’t wait for their next one.
May 8, 2026
Great read
I really enjoy ed this book and it's developing characters are credible and the plot is convincing. Lovely location. I look forward to the next one.
I really enjoy ed this book and it's developing characters are credible and the plot is convincing. Lovely location. I look forward to the next one.
May 24, 2026
I have loved all M S Morris’s previous books. This one just didn’t do it for me at all but I live in hope that as it’s the first in a new series, I will be more invested in Carys in future books.
June 5, 2026
Good Mystery
This book was very interesting. Good plot loved the history in it I bet the whole series will be good. Enjoy!
This book was very interesting. Good plot loved the history in it I bet the whole series will be good. Enjoy!
June 16, 2026
Great read
I really enjoyed how Carys was such a good detective yet had time for others. Time to understand and show care for their lives and what they were going through.
I really enjoyed how Carys was such a good detective yet had time for others. Time to understand and show care for their lives and what they were going through.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews