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Lily Larkin #8
Burning Secrets: A cosy mystery set in Cornwall
Some secrets don’t die. They just keep burning.
When Lily travels to a quiet riverside village near Truro, she’s searching for answers about her parents’ deaths – and for a grandmother she believed was long dead.
Lily remembers nothing of the night that changed her life, but her former neighbours do – and they all insist the fire was a tragic accident.
Then an anonymous note arrives. Someone claims to know what really happened.
When Lily follows the instructions to a late-night meeting, she nearly pays for her curiosity with her life.
Now she knows someone is watching her. Someone who doesn’t want the past disturbed.
The fire may have burned out years ago – but the secrets it left behind are still smouldering.
And Lily won’t stop until she brings them into the light.
When Lily travels to a quiet riverside village near Truro, she’s searching for answers about her parents’ deaths – and for a grandmother she believed was long dead.
Lily remembers nothing of the night that changed her life, but her former neighbours do – and they all insist the fire was a tragic accident.
Then an anonymous note arrives. Someone claims to know what really happened.
When Lily follows the instructions to a late-night meeting, she nearly pays for her curiosity with her life.
Now she knows someone is watching her. Someone who doesn’t want the past disturbed.
The fire may have burned out years ago – but the secrets it left behind are still smouldering.
And Lily won’t stop until she brings them into the light.
- GenresMystery
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2026
About the author
Hannah Ellis
69 books451 followersHannah Ellis spent many years working in childcare before deciding she'd like to write books. When she's not busy writing she likes to read, drink tea and eat chocolate. She also enjoys yoga and jogging.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 5, 2026
Can one really investigate a death after twenty years? That is the question for Lily Larkin as she tries to learn how the fire that killed her parents when she was a child, got started. She had been taken away to Italy to keep her safe, since no one knew the reason for the fire and a subsequent injury to her grandmother. She grew up abroad and returned as an adult after her uncle died, determined to find out more about the fire and find out if her grandmother, who seems to have disappeared, still lived.
Leaving her police officer boyfriend, Flynn, in London as he gets ready to transfer to her island home duty station, Lily stops by the town of her birth to see some old acquaintances and maybe find some clues.~She also ants to learn out if her grandmother was really sending cards each year to the realtor who once wanted to develop the small town, but dropped the plans after the fire.
She was rebuffed when she asked at the card store about the cards and could not understand why when others had assured her that Marcie, the shop owner, had been the best friend to her grandmother. She had better luck when she visited her former next door neighbor and mother of her best friend when they visited. She met neighbors on the street, many of whom were long term residents. Still, as she asked questions she senses that the truth was hidden beneath many of the memories she heard about.
When she is given a lead and goes to the rock to meet an informant, Lily falls through the rotten wood into the water and fortunately is rescued. She meets with a retired police officer who investigated the fire as she feels there are secrets she cannot find.
This is a pleasant series set in the UK and it includes many descriptions of small village life that make the countryside so enchanting.
Will Lily find out what happened to her grandmother? What secrets are being hidden? Will her life continue to be in danger? Will Flynn convince her to be cautious?
Read on to enjoy this final book in the Lily Larkin series where all the loose ends are tidied up.
Leaving her police officer boyfriend, Flynn, in London as he gets ready to transfer to her island home duty station, Lily stops by the town of her birth to see some old acquaintances and maybe find some clues.~She also ants to learn out if her grandmother was really sending cards each year to the realtor who once wanted to develop the small town, but dropped the plans after the fire.
She was rebuffed when she asked at the card store about the cards and could not understand why when others had assured her that Marcie, the shop owner, had been the best friend to her grandmother. She had better luck when she visited her former next door neighbor and mother of her best friend when they visited. She met neighbors on the street, many of whom were long term residents. Still, as she asked questions she senses that the truth was hidden beneath many of the memories she heard about.
When she is given a lead and goes to the rock to meet an informant, Lily falls through the rotten wood into the water and fortunately is rescued. She meets with a retired police officer who investigated the fire as she feels there are secrets she cannot find.
This is a pleasant series set in the UK and it includes many descriptions of small village life that make the countryside so enchanting.
Will Lily find out what happened to her grandmother? What secrets are being hidden? Will her life continue to be in danger? Will Flynn convince her to be cautious?
Read on to enjoy this final book in the Lily Larkin series where all the loose ends are tidied up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Burning Secrets quietly pulls you in from the very first chapter and refuses to let go. Hannah Ellis blends a compelling cold case with family drama, psychological suspense, and the beauty of the Cornish coast to create a story that's as emotionally resonant as it is impossible to put down.
Lily Larkin returns to the village she left twenty years earlier, determined to uncover the truth about the fire that claimed her parents' lives when she was just four years old. Officially, it was a tragic accident. But as Lily digs beneath decades of silence, she begins to uncover long-buried secrets, conflicting memories, and unsettling questions that suggest the past may not be as settled as everyone would like to believe.
Lily isn't simply investigating a crime; she's trying to reclaim a childhood stolen from her. Having grown up with almost no memories of her parents, every conversation with former neighbors, every recovered fragment of the past, and every new revelation carries genuine emotional weight.
Each resident of Malporth has their own version of events, their own loyalties, and their own reasons for guarding the past. As Lily reconnects with childhood friends and longtime neighbors, readers are left constantly questioning whom to trust.
The riverside cottages, winding lanes, village pub, and rugged coastline create an immersive backdrop that perfectly complements the story's themes of memory, loss, and hidden truths.
Rather than relying on nonstop action, the novel builds tension through careful character interactions, subtle clues, and emotional revelations. Each chapter adds another piece to the puzzle.
It's a story about grief, resilience, memory, and the lengths people will go to protect the truth—or hide it.
Lily Larkin returns to the village she left twenty years earlier, determined to uncover the truth about the fire that claimed her parents' lives when she was just four years old. Officially, it was a tragic accident. But as Lily digs beneath decades of silence, she begins to uncover long-buried secrets, conflicting memories, and unsettling questions that suggest the past may not be as settled as everyone would like to believe.
Lily isn't simply investigating a crime; she's trying to reclaim a childhood stolen from her. Having grown up with almost no memories of her parents, every conversation with former neighbors, every recovered fragment of the past, and every new revelation carries genuine emotional weight.
Each resident of Malporth has their own version of events, their own loyalties, and their own reasons for guarding the past. As Lily reconnects with childhood friends and longtime neighbors, readers are left constantly questioning whom to trust.
The riverside cottages, winding lanes, village pub, and rugged coastline create an immersive backdrop that perfectly complements the story's themes of memory, loss, and hidden truths.
Rather than relying on nonstop action, the novel builds tension through careful character interactions, subtle clues, and emotional revelations. Each chapter adds another piece to the puzzle.
It's a story about grief, resilience, memory, and the lengths people will go to protect the truth—or hide it.
August 6, 2026
3.75*
Book 8, the latest (and currently final) book in the series, follows Lily Larkin as she travels to the small village of Truro, Cornwall, in search of her long-lost grandmother, Clara Cotton, who disappeared from her life when Lily was a little girl.
Lily once lived in Truro with her parents before they tragically died in a house fire. After the accident, she went to live with her uncle Derek, but what happened to her grandmother remained a mystery. Some people said Clara was devastated by the fire, suffered a fall that broke her hip, slipped into a coma, and died. Others claimed she had a mental breakdown and was admitted to a rehabilitation clinic.
As Lily questions the people who were around at the time, she gradually uncovers the truth about her grandmother's disappearance. However, after surviving a near-death experience, she also begins to fear that someone wants to keep the past buried, leaving her concerned for her own safety.
I enjoyed the Cornish setting and all the cosy elements, from Lily staying at Kingfisher Cottage to owning an ice cream shop, along with the cafés, coffee and cake! However, despite the intriguing mystery, I felt the pacing was a little slow at times, and the story dragged more than I would have liked.
The story wrapped up the series well and had a happy ending.
I received an advance readers copy and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
Book 8, the latest (and currently final) book in the series, follows Lily Larkin as she travels to the small village of Truro, Cornwall, in search of her long-lost grandmother, Clara Cotton, who disappeared from her life when Lily was a little girl.
Lily once lived in Truro with her parents before they tragically died in a house fire. After the accident, she went to live with her uncle Derek, but what happened to her grandmother remained a mystery. Some people said Clara was devastated by the fire, suffered a fall that broke her hip, slipped into a coma, and died. Others claimed she had a mental breakdown and was admitted to a rehabilitation clinic.
As Lily questions the people who were around at the time, she gradually uncovers the truth about her grandmother's disappearance. However, after surviving a near-death experience, she also begins to fear that someone wants to keep the past buried, leaving her concerned for her own safety.
I enjoyed the Cornish setting and all the cosy elements, from Lily staying at Kingfisher Cottage to owning an ice cream shop, along with the cafés, coffee and cake! However, despite the intriguing mystery, I felt the pacing was a little slow at times, and the story dragged more than I would have liked.
The story wrapped up the series well and had a happy ending.
I received an advance readers copy and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
July 20, 2026
Some whimsy with the mystery🌊🚤
4.5🌟 stars
Altogether an easy, fun and enjoyable read.
Lily Larkin and her intrepid search to learn more about her grandmother Clara and the house fire that killed her parents are the core of some excellent mystery, suspense and action in this book in the series, but I have to say that Lily's policeman boyfriend Flynn and his neighbors also contributed in great part to my fondness for the story.
Lily, as is her wont, throws caution to the wind and ignores sage advice aimed at keeping her from danger as she searches in her childhood hometown for clues to her family's past. When she doesn't wish to lose a good lead, nothing can keep her back, not even storms, the dark and deserted streets! Some good results, some life-threatening moments, all in a well thought out plot.
Flynn admits to his neighbors that he's in a rush to move out and join Lily and finds neighbors he barely spoke to a month ago ready to come to his immediate aid. I especially liked Mr. and Mrs. Patel from across the hall. They're all well meaning, but hen-pecked Patel, ever ready to help his neighbors to get himself away from the missus, is a gem.
As to the suspects for killing Lily's parents, there are gobs of potentials and a good degree of unpredictability.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟 stars
Altogether an easy, fun and enjoyable read.
Lily Larkin and her intrepid search to learn more about her grandmother Clara and the house fire that killed her parents are the core of some excellent mystery, suspense and action in this book in the series, but I have to say that Lily's policeman boyfriend Flynn and his neighbors also contributed in great part to my fondness for the story.
Lily, as is her wont, throws caution to the wind and ignores sage advice aimed at keeping her from danger as she searches in her childhood hometown for clues to her family's past. When she doesn't wish to lose a good lead, nothing can keep her back, not even storms, the dark and deserted streets! Some good results, some life-threatening moments, all in a well thought out plot.
Flynn admits to his neighbors that he's in a rush to move out and join Lily and finds neighbors he barely spoke to a month ago ready to come to his immediate aid. I especially liked Mr. and Mrs. Patel from across the hall. They're all well meaning, but hen-pecked Patel, ever ready to help his neighbors to get himself away from the missus, is a gem.
As to the suspects for killing Lily's parents, there are gobs of potentials and a good degree of unpredictability.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
July 11, 2026
Just wonderful!
I love this series. Apparently, the author is putting it on hold after this, and I sure hope she'll get back to it, because it's a great series and I think there can be more great stories.
This book starts with Lily trying to find her grandmother, whom she thought was dead, and goes back to her childhood home town to search and also to find out how her parents died.
Meanwhile, Flynn is finishing up his job and getting rid of his things in his London apartment, having gotten a job back on Scilly - so they can be together again.
I love the feel and characters in this series, and this book is no exception. The relationship between Lily & Flynn is heartwarming, and there are new characters that certainly could be showcased in future stories one day (hopefully not too long from now :)).
There are moments of humor, and some that really tugged on my heartstrings.. A solid story-line, with mystery and beautiful descriptions of the surroundings.
All in all, a wonderful book that resolves some issues that the rest of the series has led up to, but with surprises along the way! Well done !
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love this series. Apparently, the author is putting it on hold after this, and I sure hope she'll get back to it, because it's a great series and I think there can be more great stories.
This book starts with Lily trying to find her grandmother, whom she thought was dead, and goes back to her childhood home town to search and also to find out how her parents died.
Meanwhile, Flynn is finishing up his job and getting rid of his things in his London apartment, having gotten a job back on Scilly - so they can be together again.
I love the feel and characters in this series, and this book is no exception. The relationship between Lily & Flynn is heartwarming, and there are new characters that certainly could be showcased in future stories one day (hopefully not too long from now :)).
There are moments of humor, and some that really tugged on my heartstrings.. A solid story-line, with mystery and beautiful descriptions of the surroundings.
All in all, a wonderful book that resolves some issues that the rest of the series has led up to, but with surprises along the way! Well done !
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Lily Larkin and her boyfriend, Flynn, are set to return to their homes on the Isles of Scilly. Each has their own piece of unfinished business before they can depart. Flynn needs to finish his last few shifts for the Met and pack up his apartment. Lily, on the other hand, has uncovered a clue that might finally solve the mystery of the fire at her childhood home in which her parents perished.
I am so content. I loved how the author pulled all the moving parts together to bring us an immensely compelling story. The relationship between Lily and Flynn has matured into a true partnership, and the trust between the two is a beautiful thing.
The 20-year-old mystery kept me enthralled. I found myself sneaking in a chapter here and there when I was meant to be working. For me, this is the ultimate compliment I can pay a book.
The Lily Larkin series is a brilliant read, and this, book 8, is the best one yet. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Hannah Ellis and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
I am so content. I loved how the author pulled all the moving parts together to bring us an immensely compelling story. The relationship between Lily and Flynn has matured into a true partnership, and the trust between the two is a beautiful thing.
The 20-year-old mystery kept me enthralled. I found myself sneaking in a chapter here and there when I was meant to be working. For me, this is the ultimate compliment I can pay a book.
The Lily Larkin series is a brilliant read, and this, book 8, is the best one yet. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Hannah Ellis and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I am an ARC reader for Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion. I've really enjoyed this 8 book series. Hannah Ellis suggests this is likely to be the last, since the mystery that's been running through it has been solved. (Or has it completely?) It's hard to believe that all the investigations by Lily Larkin, her becoming a part of the community on the Scilly Isle of St. Mary's and the development of her relationship with a certain policeman have taken place within the course of just one year. She has been a busy girl!! The books are written in such a way that all these elements plus each particular mystery - with the mystery of Lily's life before her uncle took her travelling Europe in the background have kept me reading each book non stop and impatient for the next instalment. The backdrop of the beautiful Scilly isles - except this last one, that took her to Cornwall to finally uncover the mystery that's haunted her for years, is enough to make anyone want to visit. This is a great book that could be read alone but why would you when the previous 7 are also so enjoyable?
July 12, 2026
Lily larkin seeks the truth.
Lilly was staying with Flynn at his flat and while there the landlord had been found dead. As usual Lily solved the mystery. Lily then decided to go and see the developers who wanted to buy her family home before it was set on fire killing her parents. The son was now running the company and was unable to ansew many of her questions so he agreed to talk to his dad and arrange for her to talk to him. In getting all the relevant info she found her grandmother was possibly still alive. Flyn looked for a death certificate and couldn't find one for her grandmother Clara. Lily being the person she was decided to try and track her grandmother down and try to find who killed her parents. She spoke to neighbours and friends and no one seemed to have any idea. Then she received a note one evening asker her to meet someone at the jetty on the river at 9pm. Flyn told her not to go as its too dangerous. Lily told Flyn she wouldn't go . That's as much as I'm going to say about the book other than its a must read.
Lilly was staying with Flynn at his flat and while there the landlord had been found dead. As usual Lily solved the mystery. Lily then decided to go and see the developers who wanted to buy her family home before it was set on fire killing her parents. The son was now running the company and was unable to ansew many of her questions so he agreed to talk to his dad and arrange for her to talk to him. In getting all the relevant info she found her grandmother was possibly still alive. Flyn looked for a death certificate and couldn't find one for her grandmother Clara. Lily being the person she was decided to try and track her grandmother down and try to find who killed her parents. She spoke to neighbours and friends and no one seemed to have any idea. Then she received a note one evening asker her to meet someone at the jetty on the river at 9pm. Flyn told her not to go as its too dangerous. Lily told Flyn she wouldn't go . That's as much as I'm going to say about the book other than its a must read.
July 8, 2026
Lily Larkin travels to the small town where she was born to investigate the fire that killed her parents twenty years earlier. It was thought to be an accident, but in the previous book Lily discovered something that made her question this. Lily also wants to find out if her grandmother Clara is alive, so she is dealing with many emotions.
I missed the characters on Scilly, where most of the Larkin stories are based, but Lily’s boyfriend Flynn is included here, and he provides both entertaining and touching moments. Lily reconnects with several townspeople, including her best friend from her early childhood.
This is Book 8 in the series, and appears to be the last for the time being. I have enjoyed all of the stories in Lily’s journey, and want to thank Hannah Ellis for such a fun series. I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I missed the characters on Scilly, where most of the Larkin stories are based, but Lily’s boyfriend Flynn is included here, and he provides both entertaining and touching moments. Lily reconnects with several townspeople, including her best friend from her early childhood.
This is Book 8 in the series, and appears to be the last for the time being. I have enjoyed all of the stories in Lily’s journey, and want to thank Hannah Ellis for such a fun series. I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 19, 2026
Lily arrives in the village she grew up in to find some answers once and for all about her grandmother and also the events surrounding the fire in her old home. She soon finds some people are not happy about this but why? As she digs deeper, she finds herself in serious danger.
This is a really enjoyable series and this one feels quite the end although the author says the characters will be back at some stage. It was riveting as Lily tries to figure out who was sending cards each Christmas and why the owner of the shop where the cards were bought seems determined to warn Lily off. There is plenty of humour too as Flynn is finishing up in London and trying to move out and the scenes around all of that. The reveal at the end was a surprise and the build up to the final climax was nice and dramatic. I hope there's not too long a wait for the next one but I look forward to reading the new series that the author is planning next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a really enjoyable series and this one feels quite the end although the author says the characters will be back at some stage. It was riveting as Lily tries to figure out who was sending cards each Christmas and why the owner of the shop where the cards were bought seems determined to warn Lily off. There is plenty of humour too as Flynn is finishing up in London and trying to move out and the scenes around all of that. The reveal at the end was a surprise and the build up to the final climax was nice and dramatic. I hope there's not too long a wait for the next one but I look forward to reading the new series that the author is planning next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I followed this series since the first book came out, and thanks to Booksirens and the author, I've been able to live every adventure with Lily, Flynn and the whole gang as well.
This 8th book was good, but I did not enj y it as much as the ones before, I missed the action and the brainstorming that was present in the previous ones. Plus, Lily acted like a complete amateur, and believe me, I was really angry with her, but the plot was good, I had my doubts early on and it was great to follow the events unfolding until the final denouement.
I'm surly gonna miss the characters of this series and I hope the author will drop another book from time to time, so that I get to revisit the isles and meet the friends that I, sounds strange, made there!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This 8th book was good, but I did not enj y it as much as the ones before, I missed the action and the brainstorming that was present in the previous ones. Plus, Lily acted like a complete amateur, and believe me, I was really angry with her, but the plot was good, I had my doubts early on and it was great to follow the events unfolding until the final denouement.
I'm surly gonna miss the characters of this series and I hope the author will drop another book from time to time, so that I get to revisit the isles and meet the friends that I, sounds strange, made there!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 20, 2026
4.5 Stars
This novel is the last one (at least for now) in a regional cozy mystery series that I have loved from the beginning and book 8 keeps you guessing as much as the previous works. I did miss the old Scilly crew, but there were plenty of new supporting characters that evened out the storyline (from London and book 7 and the MC's hometown in Cornwall, the locale for this book). We do see some of Flynn in this book as well. The 20 year old murder mystery closes one chapter for Lily, but opens another. I have enjoyed the twisty mysteries, the settings, and the characters for the entire series, but the finale was well-written with enough satisfaction for a happy closure but with the possibility of future novels if the author decides to revisit (which I hope she does)!
BookSirens Review Copy
This novel is the last one (at least for now) in a regional cozy mystery series that I have loved from the beginning and book 8 keeps you guessing as much as the previous works. I did miss the old Scilly crew, but there were plenty of new supporting characters that evened out the storyline (from London and book 7 and the MC's hometown in Cornwall, the locale for this book). We do see some of Flynn in this book as well. The 20 year old murder mystery closes one chapter for Lily, but opens another. I have enjoyed the twisty mysteries, the settings, and the characters for the entire series, but the finale was well-written with enough satisfaction for a happy closure but with the possibility of future novels if the author decides to revisit (which I hope she does)!
BookSirens Review Copy
July 22, 2026
Lily believes the fire that killed her parents was intentional and that her grandmother may still be alive, so she travels back to the town she used to live in to explore the mystery. Her memory is limited but there are many former neighbors and friends of her parents and grandmother who remember things. As Lily starts asking questions she can feel the tensions rise. Will she need rescuing again? Is her grandmother still alive? Will Flynn finish his packing in time? Is there a killer out there or was it just a tragic accident as the police report and news stories indicate? All in all this was a fantastic book in the series and the various plot twists kept me reading late into the night.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review Book 8 of this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review Book 8 of this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Book 8 in the Lily Larkin series is Burning Secrets, taking place in Cornwall. Lily is consumed with solving the mystery of her parents’ death in a fire when she was just four years old. She also questions whether her grandmother Clara, who she does not remember, is actually still alive. With her police boyfriend Flynn currently in London, Lily renews contact with her best friend who she has not seen since she was four. She also engages others for help along the way as her personal mission becomes increasingly more dangerous. Lily is a devious and engaging character who is always a pleasure to read about in this cozy mystery series. With thanks to BookSirens for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the final thrilling and twisty instalment in the Lily Larkin Mysteries series.
Thank you to Book Sirens and the author for the ARC. My review is voluntary
Each of the previous seven books featured a self-contained mystery, the series also followed an overarching storyline centred on the mysterious death of Lily’s parents. *Burning Secrets* brings this long-running narrative to its conclusion. While the first seven books can be enjoyed on their own for their self-contained mysteries, the final instalment is best appreciated if the reader is familiar with the events that came before. It is well worth reading all the books.
Perfect for readers who want a easy to read mystery set in a picturesque setting and featuring a likeable cast of characters.
Thank you to Book Sirens and the author for the ARC. My review is voluntary
Each of the previous seven books featured a self-contained mystery, the series also followed an overarching storyline centred on the mysterious death of Lily’s parents. *Burning Secrets* brings this long-running narrative to its conclusion. While the first seven books can be enjoyed on their own for their self-contained mysteries, the final instalment is best appreciated if the reader is familiar with the events that came before. It is well worth reading all the books.
Perfect for readers who want a easy to read mystery set in a picturesque setting and featuring a likeable cast of characters.
August 11, 2026
I Could Not Put It Down!
I have been waiting for book 8 of this series and when it was released, I read it in a day! Not only is the series not in my usual era (I read British mysteries from the 1920’s-40’s), but I normally take my time reading books over a week or two. I had enjoyed the series so much and was excited to see what happens next to Lilly. I don’t want to spoil the plot, so I will just promise that if you have been following Lilly thru her adventures, you will like this story. I only hope there will be more to come because I love these characters and I loved learning about Scilly! Having only visited the UK, once, I had never heard of the island. It’s definitely on my bucket list now!
I have been waiting for book 8 of this series and when it was released, I read it in a day! Not only is the series not in my usual era (I read British mysteries from the 1920’s-40’s), but I normally take my time reading books over a week or two. I had enjoyed the series so much and was excited to see what happens next to Lilly. I don’t want to spoil the plot, so I will just promise that if you have been following Lilly thru her adventures, you will like this story. I only hope there will be more to come because I love these characters and I loved learning about Scilly! Having only visited the UK, once, I had never heard of the island. It’s definitely on my bucket list now!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so happy to dive back into this series! It has been such a pleasure following these characters, and book #8 continues to deliver that wonderful, familiar connection.
While I will remain a devoted reader, I do find myself genuinely missing the focus on the original romance style that first drew me to her books. That said, the transition has been handled with a lot of skill. Even with the change in genre, the heart of the story remains intact. It’s another engaging, well-crafted addition that keeps me excited for whatever comes next.
Thank you for sending this book for review consideration.
While I will remain a devoted reader, I do find myself genuinely missing the focus on the original romance style that first drew me to her books. That said, the transition has been handled with a lot of skill. Even with the change in genre, the heart of the story remains intact. It’s another engaging, well-crafted addition that keeps me excited for whatever comes next.
Thank you for sending this book for review consideration.
July 13, 2026
Yet another great read from Hannah. Having just found out that Flynn will now be moved back to Scilly, Lily sets off to her childhood village to try and get to the bottom of the mystery fire that killed her parents. Her questions of the locals however put her in danger (again!) but she does reconnect with people from her past - one of who she thought had died many years before. Whilst this is the last book in the series it makes a good standalone read, but be warned if you read this one and havent read the others you will want to! I can however see one last book for Lily once she and Flynn return to Scilly.... (please @authorHannahEllis!!!)
July 21, 2026
‘My usual, keep asking questions until I find something useful.’
Lily Larkin’s going home and she’s not leaving without knowing who killed her her parents and what happened to her grandmother. But what she finds is not what she expected. Her former neighbors are warm and welcoming and it’s a cozy little place, with the exception of her grandmother’s former best friend. It’s hard to imagine anyone set out to deliberately harm her family, until someone tries to kill her. Bittersweet in this goodbye for now entry in a lovely series, the author gave us a satisfactory ending for Lily and Flynn and a series worth revisiting from the start.
Lily Larkin’s going home and she’s not leaving without knowing who killed her her parents and what happened to her grandmother. But what she finds is not what she expected. Her former neighbors are warm and welcoming and it’s a cozy little place, with the exception of her grandmother’s former best friend. It’s hard to imagine anyone set out to deliberately harm her family, until someone tries to kill her. Bittersweet in this goodbye for now entry in a lovely series, the author gave us a satisfactory ending for Lily and Flynn and a series worth revisiting from the start.
Review of advance copy
Lily is looking into the facts surrounding the disappearance/death of her grandma. A developer wanted to buy Lily's parents' house, but they refused to sell. They were burned in their home while Lily had a sleepover with the neighbors. I was definitely not on the right track, multiple suspects and I was wrong. This showed a lot of Lily's growth and tenacity. Looking forward to Flynn moving and a special visitor coming also. Twists and suspense.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
July 30, 2026
With Flynn packing up his life in London before moving to the Scilly Islands, Lily is on a mission to uncover the truth of the fire that claimed her parents, and find her grandmother, who she believed had died.
Having read the all previous books in the Lily Larkin Mysteries series I was eagerly looking forward to reading the eighth book, Burning Secrets and it did not disappoint. A fun cosy crime read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and devoured within 2 days. I’ve absolutely loved reading this series, when each book has ended I’ve impatiently been waiting for the next book to be released.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily?
Having read the all previous books in the Lily Larkin Mysteries series I was eagerly looking forward to reading the eighth book, Burning Secrets and it did not disappoint. A fun cosy crime read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and devoured within 2 days. I’ve absolutely loved reading this series, when each book has ended I’ve impatiently been waiting for the next book to be released.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily?
July 11, 2026
Book number 8 in this series and supposedly the last one.
I would have loved to keep reading about Lily, Flynn and the locals of the Isle of Scilly and hope the author does keep writing about them.
The mystery is filled with red herrings and every time you think you solved it, it turns out completely different.
If you have liked the series up until now, I can only urge you to read this one as well!
I would have loved to keep reading about Lily, Flynn and the locals of the Isle of Scilly and hope the author does keep writing about them.
The mystery is filled with red herrings and every time you think you solved it, it turns out completely different.
If you have liked the series up until now, I can only urge you to read this one as well!
July 19, 2026
Fantastic finale
I was worried that I wouldn't like the ending but what a twist! Also loved the change of setting. As always Hannah has a beautiful way of helping you picture the places and scenery, I feel like Malporth came to life for me. Some amazing turns in the journey and I was taken along with all the suspicions with the shock hitting right at the end. I hope we get to check in with Lily and the Scillies another time.
I was worried that I wouldn't like the ending but what a twist! Also loved the change of setting. As always Hannah has a beautiful way of helping you picture the places and scenery, I feel like Malporth came to life for me. Some amazing turns in the journey and I was taken along with all the suspicions with the shock hitting right at the end. I hope we get to check in with Lily and the Scillies another time.
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July 20, 2026This author has delivered another outstanding suspense novel. I absolutely love this series, its wonderful characters, setting, and the overarching storyline that ties the books together so seamlessly. Each installment builds on the last while still delivering a suspenseful story of its own. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series received a review copy and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
July 4, 2026
Lily goes to Truro in search of Clara Cotton who is her grandmother and this takes her on a strange journey. There is a lot of danger as Lily tries to find out more to her past . An intriguing read which captivates you from the start and has an edge of the seat finish. I received this ARC copy via Booksirans and leave a voluntary review. I recommend this book to other readers .
July 30, 2026
Wow what can you say Lily Larkin does it again. Once Lily has the sent there is no stopping her she will not rest till the case is solved and this book is no exception. Twist and turns finding you Gran and putting the person who killed her parents behind bars wow. The sad part is at the end no more Lily Larkin for a while lets all hope its sooner rather than later.
August 4, 2026
I was so excited about the overall arc regarding Lily's parents being the central mystery. I started this book right after book 1 & skipped the books in between, which in hindsight, I shouldn't have done because I feel like I've missed so much context and buildup. That said, no notes. Loved this one anyway!
*I received an advanced reader copy & this is my honest, voluntary opinion.
*I received an advanced reader copy & this is my honest, voluntary opinion.
July 10, 2026
Where is her grandmother and what is the truth about the fire that killed her parents? Lily wants these things brought to light. Can she solve the mystery?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 19, 2026
Another winner
I absolutely love the twists and turns Hannah puts in her books. I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait for next book in the series, to see what she has Lily and her family and friends get into.
I absolutely love the twists and turns Hannah puts in her books. I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait for next book in the series, to see what she has Lily and her family and friends get into.
July 27, 2026
Burning Secrets
The last in a fantastic set of Lily Larkin mysterious. These books are amazing and encouraged me to visit St Mary’s on the Scilly Isles. Loved these and all of Hannah Ellis’ books. Cannot wait for the next new adventures. Thoroughly recommend this author.
The last in a fantastic set of Lily Larkin mysterious. These books are amazing and encouraged me to visit St Mary’s on the Scilly Isles. Loved these and all of Hannah Ellis’ books. Cannot wait for the next new adventures. Thoroughly recommend this author.
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