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The Misfit Detectives #1
Death by the Sea
From bestselling author Hannah Ellis comes a windswept mystery of meddling, murder and one very troublesome cat.
Jamie Sinclair is only meant to be minding the cat.
A temporary house-sitting job in a windswept Scottish seaside town feels straightforward enough. Keep the place ticking over. Tackle a few handyman jobs. Enjoy time away from London, with sea views and the steady company of a glossy black cat. What could possibly go wrong?
Quite a lot, as it turns out.
When an elderly client dies after a routine repair, Jamie finds himself at the centre of local gossip and under the watchful eye of Detective Constable Emma MacLeod—who has very firm opinions about civilians meddling in police business. But Jamie knows his handiwork was solid. And in a town where everyone has history, nothing is ever quite that simple.
Drawn into an improbable team by an unlikely pair of locals—a burly gym owner and a sharp-eyed student—Jamie begins pulling at the threads of a family’s buried secrets. And the more they unravel, the more he suspects that solving this mystery might be the start of something far bigger than he bargained for.
Jamie Sinclair is only meant to be minding the cat.
A temporary house-sitting job in a windswept Scottish seaside town feels straightforward enough. Keep the place ticking over. Tackle a few handyman jobs. Enjoy time away from London, with sea views and the steady company of a glossy black cat. What could possibly go wrong?
Quite a lot, as it turns out.
When an elderly client dies after a routine repair, Jamie finds himself at the centre of local gossip and under the watchful eye of Detective Constable Emma MacLeod—who has very firm opinions about civilians meddling in police business. But Jamie knows his handiwork was solid. And in a town where everyone has history, nothing is ever quite that simple.
Drawn into an improbable team by an unlikely pair of locals—a burly gym owner and a sharp-eyed student—Jamie begins pulling at the threads of a family’s buried secrets. And the more they unravel, the more he suspects that solving this mystery might be the start of something far bigger than he bargained for.
288 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2026
About the author
Hannah Ellis
72 books483 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 115 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I liked the setting, a house by the beach in Scotland is honestly a dream come true, but I didn't really connect to the characters, the dialogue was clipped and the jokes weren't exactly funny..
Jamie accepted a house-sitting job, so now he gets to enjoy some beautiful sea views, keep an adorable black cat company and do some handyman jobs, a perfect getaway.. Until, after his first job, an elderly woman is found dead. She felt through the railing he fixed the day before and now rumors are flying and he's losing jobs. He begins investigating with the help of some unlikely friends, under the watchful eye of Detective Constable Emma MacLeod. Was it just an accident?
I didn't really warm up to Jamie, he was kinda gullible, a push-over and a little unlikeable.. Also, his girlfriend was the worst, I didn't like her at all..
Cal was overly pushy and direct in a way that felt too much.. I did like Skye, even do she was overly sensitive..
Emma was kind of unfriendly, abrupt and I don't really get her honestly.
Also, none of them were funny. I'm sorry, but that kind of humour isn't very humorous to me. I'm sure some people would like it, I am not one of those people.
Misty was the best character, the only one I truly loved and yes, she is the cat.
The mystery wasn't very mysterious, I wasn't surprised at the revelations and most of the suspects weren't that suspicious. I did enjoy the journey to the answers at times, but it wasn't particularly exciting overall. The dialogue also sounded unnatural and it threw me off a little bit.
The setting was the best part, I adored the town.
I'm curious about Jamie's family though, so I might continue with the series..
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an ARC.*
Jamie accepted a house-sitting job, so now he gets to enjoy some beautiful sea views, keep an adorable black cat company and do some handyman jobs, a perfect getaway.. Until, after his first job, an elderly woman is found dead. She felt through the railing he fixed the day before and now rumors are flying and he's losing jobs. He begins investigating with the help of some unlikely friends, under the watchful eye of Detective Constable Emma MacLeod. Was it just an accident?
I didn't really warm up to Jamie, he was kinda gullible, a push-over and a little unlikeable.. Also, his girlfriend was the worst, I didn't like her at all..
Cal was overly pushy and direct in a way that felt too much.. I did like Skye, even do she was overly sensitive..
Emma was kind of unfriendly, abrupt and I don't really get her honestly.
Also, none of them were funny. I'm sorry, but that kind of humour isn't very humorous to me. I'm sure some people would like it, I am not one of those people.
Misty was the best character, the only one I truly loved and yes, she is the cat.
The mystery wasn't very mysterious, I wasn't surprised at the revelations and most of the suspects weren't that suspicious. I did enjoy the journey to the answers at times, but it wasn't particularly exciting overall. The dialogue also sounded unnatural and it threw me off a little bit.
The setting was the best part, I adored the town.
I'm curious about Jamie's family though, so I might continue with the series..
*Thank you to Netgalley and to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an ARC.*
October 1, 2026
Book one in a new series called the Misfit Detectives and it begins extremely well.
Jamie Sinclair is house sitting at a beautiful home on the coast of Scotland plus caring for the resident cat, Misty. Not a name I would give a black cat but never mind. He becomes involved with a group of friends, Skye, Cal, and Emma MacCleod who is the local Detective Constable. The house is owned by the mysterious Moira who takes part via occasional phone calls. When Jamie is nearby when a death takes place he finds himself a suspect and joins with his new friends to clear his name and find the real culprit.
I enjoyed this very much. The friends were all a bit odd but the title does call them misfits and Jamie needs saving from himself as he seems to be completely unaware that his relationship with his girlfriend is verging on toxic. The ending is delightful and sets the scene very promisingly for the follow up. I am looking forward to it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Jamie Sinclair is house sitting at a beautiful home on the coast of Scotland plus caring for the resident cat, Misty. Not a name I would give a black cat but never mind. He becomes involved with a group of friends, Skye, Cal, and Emma MacCleod who is the local Detective Constable. The house is owned by the mysterious Moira who takes part via occasional phone calls. When Jamie is nearby when a death takes place he finds himself a suspect and joins with his new friends to clear his name and find the real culprit.
I enjoyed this very much. The friends were all a bit odd but the title does call them misfits and Jamie needs saving from himself as he seems to be completely unaware that his relationship with his girlfriend is verging on toxic. The ending is delightful and sets the scene very promisingly for the follow up. I am looking forward to it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
This book was a struggle.
Right away, the MC was very unlikable. He's a jerk, misogynistic, clueless, and all around awkward. The side characters aren't any better. There's nobody in the book that is remotely appealing as a character. They're all flat, shallow, wooden, and generally uninteresting. They're stereotypes that speak in cliches, with no explained motivations for their actions.
None of the dialogue is realistic. It's short, clipped, simple. It sounds like how aliens might talk if they possessed a human body and tried to pass. These people are not relating to each other at all with any realistic human emotion or understanding. It took me until halfway through, but it finally clicked that this book is either written by AI or HEAVILY relied on AI. Which is not at all surprising for Amazon Publishing.
The story's mystery was no mystery at all. I solved it right away, and there was not any red herring of any kind. It was boring start to finish, and elicited no emotions beyond eye-rolling frustration.
And then about two pages from the end a big surprise (it wasn't a surprise) is introduced and then just left hanging with zero ending. And I don't mean like it was a cliffhanger that encourages you to read the next book of the series. I mean it reads like they accidentally deleted pages or a whole chapter and then went to print.
This is supposedly this author's (lol) first cozy mystery. But it seems they think a "cozy mystery" means don't try.
And nor should you, reader.
This book was a struggle.
Right away, the MC was very unlikable. He's a jerk, misogynistic, clueless, and all around awkward. The side characters aren't any better. There's nobody in the book that is remotely appealing as a character. They're all flat, shallow, wooden, and generally uninteresting. They're stereotypes that speak in cliches, with no explained motivations for their actions.
None of the dialogue is realistic. It's short, clipped, simple. It sounds like how aliens might talk if they possessed a human body and tried to pass. These people are not relating to each other at all with any realistic human emotion or understanding. It took me until halfway through, but it finally clicked that this book is either written by AI or HEAVILY relied on AI. Which is not at all surprising for Amazon Publishing.
The story's mystery was no mystery at all. I solved it right away, and there was not any red herring of any kind. It was boring start to finish, and elicited no emotions beyond eye-rolling frustration.
And then about two pages from the end a big surprise (it wasn't a surprise) is introduced and then just left hanging with zero ending. And I don't mean like it was a cliffhanger that encourages you to read the next book of the series. I mean it reads like they accidentally deleted pages or a whole chapter and then went to print.
This is supposedly this author's (lol) first cozy mystery. But it seems they think a "cozy mystery" means don't try.
And nor should you, reader.
October 13, 2026
Death by the Sea by Hannah Ellis is a cozy murder mystery that I found myself pulled into immediately. I was enjoying it so much that I had to force myself to put it aside in order to get some sleep! The idea of escaping to a house-sit by the sea for peace and reflection is very appealing, and I enjoyed following along with Jamie's experiences settling in.
The author is excellent at setting the scene and atmosphere of the home and coastal Scottish town that Jamie is staying in. Violet rubbed me the wrong way from the outset, but I loved Callum and Skye immediately. Emma intrigued me also. Misty the black cat proved to be an entertaining enigma, and the cat swap was an amusing debacle.
The mystery aspect of the story was compelling, and I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Emma's official investigation with Jamie and his new friends' decision to take on the job of amateur sleuthing together. I did figure out some key plot points ahead of the reveal but this isn't uncommon as I read a lot of mysteries. And I honestly didn't mind as the story was thoroughly enjoyable.
Maxim Reston provides an excellent narration. I enjoyed the accents and vocal variations for all of the different characters. It made for a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.
I was happy to see that this is listed as The Misfits Detectives #1, which means there are more books to come. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more books in the series, especially given that an important narrative thread has been left unresolved.
I received an ARC copy of this audiobook via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
The author is excellent at setting the scene and atmosphere of the home and coastal Scottish town that Jamie is staying in. Violet rubbed me the wrong way from the outset, but I loved Callum and Skye immediately. Emma intrigued me also. Misty the black cat proved to be an entertaining enigma, and the cat swap was an amusing debacle.
The mystery aspect of the story was compelling, and I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Emma's official investigation with Jamie and his new friends' decision to take on the job of amateur sleuthing together. I did figure out some key plot points ahead of the reveal but this isn't uncommon as I read a lot of mysteries. And I honestly didn't mind as the story was thoroughly enjoyable.
Maxim Reston provides an excellent narration. I enjoyed the accents and vocal variations for all of the different characters. It made for a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.
I was happy to see that this is listed as The Misfits Detectives #1, which means there are more books to come. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to reading more books in the series, especially given that an important narrative thread has been left unresolved.
I received an ARC copy of this audiobook via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
June 28, 2026
Review of ARC from Netgalley.
I went into this book hoping for a cozy mystery, but unfortunately, it felt incredibly forced from the very beginning. While the premise had potential, the execution left a lot to be desired. Right from the start, I struggled to connect with the characters. The dialogue and actions felt stiff and awkward, including the interactions between the main character and his aunt. The author attempts witty banter throughout, but it consistently lands as unnatural.
Furthermore, the romantic dynamics were frustrating. The main character's girlfriend, Violet, is immediately unlikable, which unfortunately made me respect the protagonist less for being with her. There is zero subtlety regarding her behavior (it’s glaringly obvious she is either cheating or wants to though that doesn’t end up as part of the book), and ironically, the main character has far more chemistry with the Langford family's daughter who isn’t even straight than his own partner.
The book suffers from trying to do way too much at once, resulting in a plot that feels far from seamless. The author tries to build a sense of mystery around completely mundane things.
Around the 15% mark, the story finally began to pick up enough to keep me reading. However, by the midpoint, the book hits absolute autopilot. It becomes a passive reading experience where I was only barely curious enough about the dead body to keep turning the pages.
There were several moments that took me out of the story. For instance, a character suggests checking a Ring doorbell camera as if it's a revolutionary, groundbreaking idea—completely ignoring the fact that almost everyone has them nowadays, and it should have been the very first thing investigated.
There is a highly ironic line in the book where a character describes a fictional story as "fairly clichéd – a house party where a guest was found dead in a wardrobe, and an uninspiring pool of suspects." Unfortunately, that is exactly how this book felt to me.
With a deeply underwhelming resolution, a clunky "trip hunting down info" plotline, and one-dimensional characters, I am giving this a very generous 2 stars.
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review
I went into this book hoping for a cozy mystery, but unfortunately, it felt incredibly forced from the very beginning. While the premise had potential, the execution left a lot to be desired. Right from the start, I struggled to connect with the characters. The dialogue and actions felt stiff and awkward, including the interactions between the main character and his aunt. The author attempts witty banter throughout, but it consistently lands as unnatural.
Furthermore, the romantic dynamics were frustrating. The main character's girlfriend, Violet, is immediately unlikable, which unfortunately made me respect the protagonist less for being with her. There is zero subtlety regarding her behavior (it’s glaringly obvious she is either cheating or wants to though that doesn’t end up as part of the book), and ironically, the main character has far more chemistry with the Langford family's daughter who isn’t even straight than his own partner.
The book suffers from trying to do way too much at once, resulting in a plot that feels far from seamless. The author tries to build a sense of mystery around completely mundane things.
Around the 15% mark, the story finally began to pick up enough to keep me reading. However, by the midpoint, the book hits absolute autopilot. It becomes a passive reading experience where I was only barely curious enough about the dead body to keep turning the pages.
There were several moments that took me out of the story. For instance, a character suggests checking a Ring doorbell camera as if it's a revolutionary, groundbreaking idea—completely ignoring the fact that almost everyone has them nowadays, and it should have been the very first thing investigated.
There is a highly ironic line in the book where a character describes a fictional story as "fairly clichéd – a house party where a guest was found dead in a wardrobe, and an uninspiring pool of suspects." Unfortunately, that is exactly how this book felt to me.
With a deeply underwhelming resolution, a clunky "trip hunting down info" plotline, and one-dimensional characters, I am giving this a very generous 2 stars.
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2026
Death by the Sea is a delightful, fast-paced cozy mystery that completely captured my attention from beginning to end. This was my first time reading Hannah Ellis, and I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I became invested in the story. With its quaint setting, witty writing, intriguing mystery, and cast of characters who aren’t always as straightforward as they first appear, this was exactly the kind of entertaining read that makes it difficult to press pause. I ended up listening to the entire audiobook in a single day!
One of the aspects I particularly enjoyed was the balance between the cozy atmosphere and the more morally ambiguous elements of the characters. Not everyone is entirely good or bad, and those shades of grey add an extra layer of interest to the story. The setting provides a charming backdrop for the mystery, while the brisk pacing keeps the plot moving and maintains a sense of curiosity about what might happen next. The dialogue is witty and engaging, making the story feel lively without losing sight of the mystery at its heart.
The audiobook narration was another real highlight. The narrator did an excellent job bringing the characters to life, with distinct character voices and convincing accents that helped make each personality recognizable and engaging. The performance complemented the humour and pacing of the story beautifully, making this an especially enjoyable listening experience. Good narration can make a real difference in a cozy mystery, where character interactions and dialogue are such an important part of the appeal, and this performance certainly delivered.
Although this was my introduction to Hannah Ellis’s work, it has certainly made me eager to continue with the series. I enjoyed the characters and the setting enough that I am looking forward to spending more time with them and discovering how they develop in future installments. There is something particularly satisfying about finding a new cozy mystery series that leaves you wanting to return to its world, and this book did exactly that for me.
Overall, Death by the Sea was an entertaining, witty, and thoroughly engaging cozy mystery, with a charming setting, an intriguing cast, and excellent audiobook narration.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing / Brilliance Audio for providing this ALC. This is my honest review.
October 20, 2026
🎧 Listened in audio (ARC by NetGalley)
📢 Narrated by Maxim Reston | ⏱ Duration: 10 hours
Genre: Cozy Mystery
🏷️ Publisher name: Brilliance Publishing and Brilliance Audio
"If you want things done, ask a woman." That line sums up the business Jamie is temporarily minding, and I loved it. It's a charming, original backdrop for a cosy mystery, and it gives Jamie plenty of reasons to get tangled up in the town's affairs.
Jamie is only meant to be keeping things ticking over in a windswept Scottish seaside town. Instead he ends up at the centre of a local death and some very nosy gossip. His controlling girlfriend adds to the pressure, so his adventures in the town feel like a real escape, and I enjoyed every step of them. I had tremendous fun following him.
The found-family setup is the book's biggest strength. The misfit team Jamie falls in with is wonderfully written, and I was invested in them as a group as much as in the mystery. The book is warm and funny, and the characters play off each other well.
The ending surprised me, which I always appreciate in a mystery. But it felt like too much of a stretch of the imagination, and I think it could have been better. It didn't quite match how grounded and believable the rest of the story felt.
Would I recommend it?
Death by the Sea is a warm, funny cosy mystery set in a windswept Scottish seaside town, and the lovable misfit team is the real draw. The ending stretched my imagination too far for me, but I'd happily recommend this to anyone who likes cosy crime with a coastal setting and an ensemble cast. I'm glad it's the start of The Misfit Detectives series and I'm curious where they go next. Add it to your TBR.
📢 Narrated by Maxim Reston | ⏱ Duration: 10 hours
Genre: Cozy Mystery
🏷️ Publisher name: Brilliance Publishing and Brilliance Audio
"If you want things done, ask a woman." That line sums up the business Jamie is temporarily minding, and I loved it. It's a charming, original backdrop for a cosy mystery, and it gives Jamie plenty of reasons to get tangled up in the town's affairs.
Jamie is only meant to be keeping things ticking over in a windswept Scottish seaside town. Instead he ends up at the centre of a local death and some very nosy gossip. His controlling girlfriend adds to the pressure, so his adventures in the town feel like a real escape, and I enjoyed every step of them. I had tremendous fun following him.
The found-family setup is the book's biggest strength. The misfit team Jamie falls in with is wonderfully written, and I was invested in them as a group as much as in the mystery. The book is warm and funny, and the characters play off each other well.
The ending surprised me, which I always appreciate in a mystery. But it felt like too much of a stretch of the imagination, and I think it could have been better. It didn't quite match how grounded and believable the rest of the story felt.
Would I recommend it?
Death by the Sea is a warm, funny cosy mystery set in a windswept Scottish seaside town, and the lovable misfit team is the real draw. The ending stretched my imagination too far for me, but I'd happily recommend this to anyone who likes cosy crime with a coastal setting and an ensemble cast. I'm glad it's the start of The Misfit Detectives series and I'm curious where they go next. Add it to your TBR.
July 1, 2026
Thank you so much Net Galley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review!
This book was such a cozy mystery book. It is written well and has a strong found family component to it. I think the story would benefit more for vivid descriptions of the characters and a little bit more character development. I know this is just the beginning for this series so there will be plenty of opportunities to see these characters grow and development so I am hopeful to see that in the next books.
This book was such a cozy mystery book. It is written well and has a strong found family component to it. I think the story would benefit more for vivid descriptions of the characters and a little bit more character development. I know this is just the beginning for this series so there will be plenty of opportunities to see these characters grow and development so I am hopeful to see that in the next books.
October 21, 2026
Loved this book! Such an easy read with interesting characters and a nice cosy vibe that fit the setting perfectly. The murder mystery aspect was great but the underlying story and twist at the end were what really sold it for me! 4.5 :)
June 30, 2026
Very breezy little mystery with lots of sharp twists. For the Midsomer Murders fans, for sure. Will absolutely read the rest when they’re published. Perfect palate cleanser.
Review of advance copy
This was such a cute and cozy mystery book. I characters were all really well developed and I loved them all. I need to know all Moira and Jamie's secrets now!
October 28, 2026
Lovely easy read and ends in a way that leaves it open for a sequel
October 29, 2026
A simply-written, predictable cosy read
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Rating: 2.3/5
If you're looking for a pleasant, unchallenging read to while a way a few hours during the day, then this series opener from Hannah Ellis may well tick the boxes that you want it to. It is a character-driven mystery that is very much at the soft end of the cosy mystery scale. The premise and the plot developments are of the type that an author would only ever get away with in a story of the cosy variety - they certainly wouldn't stand up to scrutiny otherwise. The characters are reasonably engaging and the dialogue is generally well-written and comes across as quite natural. Overall though, unless I find myself going through a particularly quiet spell with regard to my fictional reading material, I don't think there is enough here to tempt me back for more from this series.
If you're looking for a pleasant, unchallenging read to while a way a few hours during the day, then this series opener from Hannah Ellis may well tick the boxes that you want it to. It is a character-driven mystery that is very much at the soft end of the cosy mystery scale. The premise and the plot developments are of the type that an author would only ever get away with in a story of the cosy variety - they certainly wouldn't stand up to scrutiny otherwise. The characters are reasonably engaging and the dialogue is generally well-written and comes across as quite natural. Overall though, unless I find myself going through a particularly quiet spell with regard to my fictional reading material, I don't think there is enough here to tempt me back for more from this series.
October 13, 2026
Title: Death by the Sea
Series: The Misfit Detective #1
Author: Hannah Ellis
Format: 🎧
Performed by Maxim Reston
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Publisher: Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio
Pub Date: October 1, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pages: 284
Have to admit while doing a search for my next read, this cover got my attention, then I read the blurb and I was sold!
Thirty-year-old Jamie Sinclair lives in London and is an IT Specialist but is between jobs-he says is on career break. He has been doing DIY jobs around the apartment he shares with his girlfriend. He finds he is enjoying it.
While job hunting, he sees an ad from a lady named Moira - ‘House Sitter is needed for two months in a home on the coast of Scotland, needs to care for the resident cat, Misty; do minor repairs around the house as well odd handyman jobs in the neighborhood’ - (the last part is because Moira offers a service business - Moira has regular clients that need gardening and some odd jobs. She will continue to schedule and bill via email during her stay in New Zealand.)
Jaime accepts the house setting job and heads to Scotland. Is delighted that Moira was correct in it is a seaside house and the view from several rooms in the house is spectacular! He immediately likes his new environment.
Moira has some jobs lined up for him - a gardening job and then a fix-it job at the Lanford home.
When Jamie meets Mrs. Lanford, the sixty-year-old client, he finds her interesting as she takes a liking to him and teases him about meeting her stepdaughter as they are both single.
He is flattered but turns his attention to doing the repairs. When he returned the next day to finish the work he started, he finds Marguerite Lanford at the bottom of her stairs and the banister Jamie repaired yesterday is broken.
Jamie now finds he is a suspect in her death.
He finds Cal and Skye eating in Moira’s kitchen. They are both familiar with the house as Moira had taken them in when they were homeless. (Moira often took in teens in need.) Now both are doing well, Cal is a successful gym owner, and Skye is a student, shares an apartment and does odd jobs. Since they are familiar with Moira’s house they know that the cat Jamie believes is Misty is a look alike and not the real Misty.
They become friends and Cal and Skye want to help clear Jamie’s name as well as find the culprit who is responsible. They are friends with Emma MacCleod as they knew her when she was a police officer. She now is Detective Constable and is investigating the case. They know she will share info with them. It seems Emma is willing to help Jamie as well.
Aww this was GREAT- Love Jamie and his Misfit friends- The ending left me wanting more - I am now ready for The Misfit Detectives Book #2 “Trouble at High Tide!
Additionally, Maxim Reston was GREAT at performing all the characters.
Also love this cover and the look on Misty's face!
I want to thank NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date was October 1, 2026.
Series: The Misfit Detective #1
Author: Hannah Ellis
Format: 🎧
Performed by Maxim Reston
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Publisher: Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio
Pub Date: October 1, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pages: 284
Have to admit while doing a search for my next read, this cover got my attention, then I read the blurb and I was sold!
Thirty-year-old Jamie Sinclair lives in London and is an IT Specialist but is between jobs-he says is on career break. He has been doing DIY jobs around the apartment he shares with his girlfriend. He finds he is enjoying it.
While job hunting, he sees an ad from a lady named Moira - ‘House Sitter is needed for two months in a home on the coast of Scotland, needs to care for the resident cat, Misty; do minor repairs around the house as well odd handyman jobs in the neighborhood’ - (the last part is because Moira offers a service business - Moira has regular clients that need gardening and some odd jobs. She will continue to schedule and bill via email during her stay in New Zealand.)
Jaime accepts the house setting job and heads to Scotland. Is delighted that Moira was correct in it is a seaside house and the view from several rooms in the house is spectacular! He immediately likes his new environment.
Moira has some jobs lined up for him - a gardening job and then a fix-it job at the Lanford home.
When Jamie meets Mrs. Lanford, the sixty-year-old client, he finds her interesting as she takes a liking to him and teases him about meeting her stepdaughter as they are both single.
He is flattered but turns his attention to doing the repairs. When he returned the next day to finish the work he started, he finds Marguerite Lanford at the bottom of her stairs and the banister Jamie repaired yesterday is broken.
Jamie now finds he is a suspect in her death.
He finds Cal and Skye eating in Moira’s kitchen. They are both familiar with the house as Moira had taken them in when they were homeless. (Moira often took in teens in need.) Now both are doing well, Cal is a successful gym owner, and Skye is a student, shares an apartment and does odd jobs. Since they are familiar with Moira’s house they know that the cat Jamie believes is Misty is a look alike and not the real Misty.
They become friends and Cal and Skye want to help clear Jamie’s name as well as find the culprit who is responsible. They are friends with Emma MacCleod as they knew her when she was a police officer. She now is Detective Constable and is investigating the case. They know she will share info with them. It seems Emma is willing to help Jamie as well.
Aww this was GREAT- Love Jamie and his Misfit friends- The ending left me wanting more - I am now ready for The Misfit Detectives Book #2 “Trouble at High Tide!
Additionally, Maxim Reston was GREAT at performing all the characters.
Also love this cover and the look on Misty's face!
I want to thank NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date was October 1, 2026.
October 12, 2026
I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
First off, let me say that I thought the story flowed very well and, for the audiobook version, the narrator was excellent. Now to Jamie. He is a pretty insufferable person. This surprisingly did not hinder my enjoyment of the story once I decided to assume that he was written this way completely on purpose. Jamie has a very thoughtful girlfriend whom he resents and she deserves better. He's such a perfect characterization of the quarter-life-crisis man-child. For example, when Violet, his girlfriend, gives him suggestions for fun things to do in Scotland while he's away, he gets mad and is like "ugh does she think I can't look up my own activities I'm a big boy" (that's my interpretation of him). He's happy to be away so he can eat junk food without being reminded that he's not a teenager anymore and doesn't care at all that quitting his job and moving to Scotland for a few months might affect his relationship. Multiple times, townspeople suggest that he get set up with different local women and he seems to forget or not really care that he has a girlfriend. I was honestly shocked that he didn't actually cheat on her. His fragile masculinity is threatened when he has to drive a girly work van and goes to a gym class that only has one other man in attendance. After all of this, it was very satisfying when the whole town started digging at him for his terrible handyman work that possibly led to someone dying. His ego could not take this, so his entire motivation for investigating the potential crime is to prove that it wasn't his fault and he's actually very good at fixing things. Throughout the whole story, Jamie never cares about the victim's family or the victim, only about his own pride. Even towards the end, he is waiting for praise from police office Emma about his good detective skills and he can't understand why she is more focused on consoling the victim's family. It was hinted that Emma is skeptical of Jamie but also that she was warming up to him. I generally liked Emma, so I hope she keeps a good head on her shoulders and doesn't try to get with Jamie in a sequel. I also hope Violet breaks up with him so he can learn some lessons.
Alright, Jamie rant over. Despite Jamie's flaws, or really because of them, I laughed a lot while listening to this and the audiobook got me through a long weekend of gardening and house chores. The ending actually left me very interested to see where the story goes. I'd recommend this for readers/listener who can find the humor in Jamie being the worst.
First off, let me say that I thought the story flowed very well and, for the audiobook version, the narrator was excellent. Now to Jamie. He is a pretty insufferable person. This surprisingly did not hinder my enjoyment of the story once I decided to assume that he was written this way completely on purpose. Jamie has a very thoughtful girlfriend whom he resents and she deserves better. He's such a perfect characterization of the quarter-life-crisis man-child. For example, when Violet, his girlfriend, gives him suggestions for fun things to do in Scotland while he's away, he gets mad and is like "ugh does she think I can't look up my own activities I'm a big boy" (that's my interpretation of him). He's happy to be away so he can eat junk food without being reminded that he's not a teenager anymore and doesn't care at all that quitting his job and moving to Scotland for a few months might affect his relationship. Multiple times, townspeople suggest that he get set up with different local women and he seems to forget or not really care that he has a girlfriend. I was honestly shocked that he didn't actually cheat on her. His fragile masculinity is threatened when he has to drive a girly work van and goes to a gym class that only has one other man in attendance. After all of this, it was very satisfying when the whole town started digging at him for his terrible handyman work that possibly led to someone dying. His ego could not take this, so his entire motivation for investigating the potential crime is to prove that it wasn't his fault and he's actually very good at fixing things. Throughout the whole story, Jamie never cares about the victim's family or the victim, only about his own pride. Even towards the end, he is waiting for praise from police office Emma about his good detective skills and he can't understand why she is more focused on consoling the victim's family. It was hinted that Emma is skeptical of Jamie but also that she was warming up to him. I generally liked Emma, so I hope she keeps a good head on her shoulders and doesn't try to get with Jamie in a sequel. I also hope Violet breaks up with him so he can learn some lessons.
Alright, Jamie rant over. Despite Jamie's flaws, or really because of them, I laughed a lot while listening to this and the audiobook got me through a long weekend of gardening and house chores. The ending actually left me very interested to see where the story goes. I'd recommend this for readers/listener who can find the humor in Jamie being the worst.
October 30, 2026
Engaging Cozy Mystery
Setting: Coastal Scotland (near Edinburgh)
Overview
They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but the striking, minimalist cover art immediately caught my eye—a sleek black cat set against a clean blue background with just a few key details (pliers, coffee, keys, missing cat flyers, and subtle blood splatters). That minimalist design, along with the title, hooked me instantly—and I’m so glad it did! Hannah Ellis delivers an extraordinarily engaging, easy-to-read cozy mystery that pulls you into its world right from the very first chapter.
The Plot & Setting
Set in a picturesque Scottish coastal town just outside Edinburgh, the story kicks off when a woman tragically falls to her death. While one character is actually on the police force, it’s the local civilians poking their noses into police business who really propel the investigation forward.
What makes the book so captivating isn't just the main murder mystery, but the layers underneath. There’s a second mystery brewing around the main character, Jamie, and her past. Having moved from London to house-sit for a woman named Moira, Jamie is trying to build a new life, but her past and her long-distance relationship with her girlfriend, Violet, add compelling emotional tension. (Violet’s subtle, controlling nature makes for a frustrating dynamic, but it adds great realism to Jamie's journey!)
The Characters
Though the core cast is compact—around four or five main characters, including Moira and a lovely black cat named Misty—every single one is written with distinct personality and warmth. Through their actions, daily habits, and interactions, you get to know them intimately and quickly find yourself rooting for your favorites.
Why You Should Read It
Fast-Paced & Accessible: Written in a clean, straightforward style that makes it effortless to get lost in.
Charming Dynamics: Perfect blend of amateur sleuthing, small-town community vibes, and authentic character relationships.
Atmospheric: The Scottish seaside setting provides a cozy yet mysterious backdrop.
Final Verdict
Death by the Sea is a wonderfully charming, relatable, and engrossing mystery. It strikes the perfect balance between lighthearted amateur detective work and deeper character-driven drama. Beautiful stuff all around—I thoroughly enjoyed this read and am already eagerly counting down the days until the next book drops in January 2027!
Setting: Coastal Scotland (near Edinburgh)
Overview
They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but the striking, minimalist cover art immediately caught my eye—a sleek black cat set against a clean blue background with just a few key details (pliers, coffee, keys, missing cat flyers, and subtle blood splatters). That minimalist design, along with the title, hooked me instantly—and I’m so glad it did! Hannah Ellis delivers an extraordinarily engaging, easy-to-read cozy mystery that pulls you into its world right from the very first chapter.
The Plot & Setting
Set in a picturesque Scottish coastal town just outside Edinburgh, the story kicks off when a woman tragically falls to her death. While one character is actually on the police force, it’s the local civilians poking their noses into police business who really propel the investigation forward.
What makes the book so captivating isn't just the main murder mystery, but the layers underneath. There’s a second mystery brewing around the main character, Jamie, and her past. Having moved from London to house-sit for a woman named Moira, Jamie is trying to build a new life, but her past and her long-distance relationship with her girlfriend, Violet, add compelling emotional tension. (Violet’s subtle, controlling nature makes for a frustrating dynamic, but it adds great realism to Jamie's journey!)
The Characters
Though the core cast is compact—around four or five main characters, including Moira and a lovely black cat named Misty—every single one is written with distinct personality and warmth. Through their actions, daily habits, and interactions, you get to know them intimately and quickly find yourself rooting for your favorites.
Why You Should Read It
Fast-Paced & Accessible: Written in a clean, straightforward style that makes it effortless to get lost in.
Charming Dynamics: Perfect blend of amateur sleuthing, small-town community vibes, and authentic character relationships.
Atmospheric: The Scottish seaside setting provides a cozy yet mysterious backdrop.
Final Verdict
Death by the Sea is a wonderfully charming, relatable, and engrossing mystery. It strikes the perfect balance between lighthearted amateur detective work and deeper character-driven drama. Beautiful stuff all around—I thoroughly enjoyed this read and am already eagerly counting down the days until the next book drops in January 2027!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A charming, gently suspenseful cosy mystery set against a wonderful Scottish backdrop.
Death by the Sea follows Jamie Sinclair, who takes on a temporary house‑sitting job in a blustery Scottish seaside town, tasked with caring for a glossy black cat. When his elderly client unexpectedly dies after a routine handyman visit, Jamie finds himself pulled into a swirl of local gossip, family secrets, and small‑town speculation.
I found this such an enjoyable cosy mystery. From the first few chapters, I settled straight into the story and felt that familiar curiosity building — that need to know what really happened. I love mysteries that reveal clues slowly rather than rushing the twist, and this book does exactly that. Little details surface at just the right moments, keeping the tension gentle but constant.
The Scottish seaside setting adds so much warmth and atmosphere. Even with a murder at the centre, the book feels cosy, inviting, and easy to sink into. Jamie is a great protagonist: a little gullible at times, but that’s part of his charm, and it makes his involvement in the mystery feel all the more believable. The supporting cast is equally enjoyable, and a couple of characters I wasn’t sure about early on genuinely grew on me as the story unfolded.
I had my theories about the culprit, not entirely correct, but close enough to feel satisfying. I much prefer this to mysteries overloaded with red herrings, where guessing the murderer becomes impossible. This story strikes a nice balance: clever, but not needlessly complicated.
The pacing is spot‑on, and the whole book is such an easy, enjoyable read that I finished it in an afternoon. If you enjoy small‑town mysteries, amateur sleuths, and twists that feel grounded rather than outlandish, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
I’m already looking forward to reading more in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Death by the Sea follows Jamie Sinclair, who takes on a temporary house‑sitting job in a blustery Scottish seaside town, tasked with caring for a glossy black cat. When his elderly client unexpectedly dies after a routine handyman visit, Jamie finds himself pulled into a swirl of local gossip, family secrets, and small‑town speculation.
I found this such an enjoyable cosy mystery. From the first few chapters, I settled straight into the story and felt that familiar curiosity building — that need to know what really happened. I love mysteries that reveal clues slowly rather than rushing the twist, and this book does exactly that. Little details surface at just the right moments, keeping the tension gentle but constant.
The Scottish seaside setting adds so much warmth and atmosphere. Even with a murder at the centre, the book feels cosy, inviting, and easy to sink into. Jamie is a great protagonist: a little gullible at times, but that’s part of his charm, and it makes his involvement in the mystery feel all the more believable. The supporting cast is equally enjoyable, and a couple of characters I wasn’t sure about early on genuinely grew on me as the story unfolded.
I had my theories about the culprit, not entirely correct, but close enough to feel satisfying. I much prefer this to mysteries overloaded with red herrings, where guessing the murderer becomes impossible. This story strikes a nice balance: clever, but not needlessly complicated.
The pacing is spot‑on, and the whole book is such an easy, enjoyable read that I finished it in an afternoon. If you enjoy small‑town mysteries, amateur sleuths, and twists that feel grounded rather than outlandish, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
I’m already looking forward to reading more in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There’s something rather comforting about a cosy mystery set in a small Scottish seaside town, with local secrets, an unexpected death and a troublesome black cat thrown into the mix. Death by the Sea had some enjoyable moments and a few twists that kept me interested, even if it didn’t quite draw me in as much as I’d hoped.
Jamie Sinclair is temporarily house-sitting in a windswept Scottish town, looking after a house, doing a few handyman jobs and caring for a glossy black cat. When his elderly client unexpectedly dies after a routine repair, Jamie finds himself caught up in local gossip and a mystery that seems to involve far more than first meets the eye. As he begins digging into the family’s secrets alongside an unlikely pair of locals, he soon discovers that everyone seems to have something to hide.
I found this one a little slow to begin with, and unfortunately I struggled to connect with some of the characters. There were also moments where the dialogue felt a little forced and unnatural, which made it harder for me to become fully immersed in the story.
That said, once the mystery got going, the pacing became much steadier and I found myself more interested in where everything was heading. The twists were definitely the highlight for me. They were interesting enough to keep me guessing and ultimately the main reason I’ve given this three stars.
I’m not sure I’ll continue with the series, but I’m still glad I picked this one up. It was a pleasant enough cosy mystery, and I enjoyed the parts that worked for me.
Recommended for: Readers who enjoy cosy mysteries, small Scottish towns, amateur sleuths, family secrets and a little feline mischief along the way.
Trigger warnings: Death, murder, grief, bereavement and family conflict.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Jamie Sinclair is temporarily house-sitting in a windswept Scottish town, looking after a house, doing a few handyman jobs and caring for a glossy black cat. When his elderly client unexpectedly dies after a routine repair, Jamie finds himself caught up in local gossip and a mystery that seems to involve far more than first meets the eye. As he begins digging into the family’s secrets alongside an unlikely pair of locals, he soon discovers that everyone seems to have something to hide.
I found this one a little slow to begin with, and unfortunately I struggled to connect with some of the characters. There were also moments where the dialogue felt a little forced and unnatural, which made it harder for me to become fully immersed in the story.
That said, once the mystery got going, the pacing became much steadier and I found myself more interested in where everything was heading. The twists were definitely the highlight for me. They were interesting enough to keep me guessing and ultimately the main reason I’ve given this three stars.
I’m not sure I’ll continue with the series, but I’m still glad I picked this one up. It was a pleasant enough cosy mystery, and I enjoyed the parts that worked for me.
Recommended for: Readers who enjoy cosy mysteries, small Scottish towns, amateur sleuths, family secrets and a little feline mischief along the way.
Trigger warnings: Death, murder, grief, bereavement and family conflict.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 11, 2026
Jamie Sinclair takes a temporary handyman job in Scotland, plus he has to mind Misty the cat too (bonus!)
Some time away from the hustle and bustle of London, a sweet cat and being beside the seaside - sounds ideal doesn't it? Except after Jamie does a repair in a customer’s home, she dies. Suddenly he finds himself thrust into the spotlight, being seen to have caused the death. Except Jamie knows the repair was solid, even if Detective Constable Emma MacLeod is unconvinced. So Jamie takes it upon himself to find out what really happened that morning...
The Pros:
1) You have a couple of mysteries in the story - one obviously being the death of the customer.
2) I always love an amateur sleuth story.
3) The Scottish seaside town is a fab setting and it made me feel kind of relaxed whilst reading the story.
4) There are a variety of characters and Cal, in particular, is a fun one.
5) There were some questions/situations left open and I can see this is for the benefit of the series continuing.
The Cons:
1) I did find this was more of a relaxed, slower burn sort of mystery and I do prefer a bit more suspense etc.
The Summary:
Yes, I was drawn to the book as it had a cat on the cover (surprise, surprise lol) and obviously Misty was my fave character. I loved the Scottish seaside setting, I genuinely felt rather relaxed listening to the story. I’m always a fan of an amateur sleuth story and with Sky and Cal, they make up a humorous team. I did find the story was a bit too slow paced for me - as in, I wasn’t gripped with the mystery, and I didn't feel suspense for example. There are a few plot lines that are left open at the end, which I assume will be addressed as the series continues... whilst it was a nice enough read, it wasn’t compelling enough for me to carry it on.
I rated the book 3.75 stars.
Some time away from the hustle and bustle of London, a sweet cat and being beside the seaside - sounds ideal doesn't it? Except after Jamie does a repair in a customer’s home, she dies. Suddenly he finds himself thrust into the spotlight, being seen to have caused the death. Except Jamie knows the repair was solid, even if Detective Constable Emma MacLeod is unconvinced. So Jamie takes it upon himself to find out what really happened that morning...
The Pros:
1) You have a couple of mysteries in the story - one obviously being the death of the customer.
2) I always love an amateur sleuth story.
3) The Scottish seaside town is a fab setting and it made me feel kind of relaxed whilst reading the story.
4) There are a variety of characters and Cal, in particular, is a fun one.
5) There were some questions/situations left open and I can see this is for the benefit of the series continuing.
The Cons:
1) I did find this was more of a relaxed, slower burn sort of mystery and I do prefer a bit more suspense etc.
The Summary:
Yes, I was drawn to the book as it had a cat on the cover (surprise, surprise lol) and obviously Misty was my fave character. I loved the Scottish seaside setting, I genuinely felt rather relaxed listening to the story. I’m always a fan of an amateur sleuth story and with Sky and Cal, they make up a humorous team. I did find the story was a bit too slow paced for me - as in, I wasn’t gripped with the mystery, and I didn't feel suspense for example. There are a few plot lines that are left open at the end, which I assume will be addressed as the series continues... whilst it was a nice enough read, it wasn’t compelling enough for me to carry it on.
I rated the book 3.75 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a cosy little mystery and exactly the kind of read I needed. It’s the type of book you can pick up, settle into, and just enjoy without it feeling too complicated or overwhelming.
The Scottish seaside setting was probably one of my favourite parts. It created such a nice atmosphere, and I loved the small-town feel where everyone seems to know everyone and there are always little secrets floating around.
Jamie was a great character to follow. I liked that he wasn’t written as some perfect detective who instantly solves everything. He’s just an ordinary person who gets pulled into something unexpected and starts asking questions because he wants to know what really happened. That made the investigation feel much more natural.
I also enjoyed the way the mystery came together. There were enough clues to keep me guessing, but it never felt like the story was throwing random twists at me just to be surprising. I had a few theories while reading, and although I wasn’t completely right, I enjoyed trying to figure it out.
My only small criticism is that I would have liked a little more depth from some of the side characters. There were a few people I wanted to know more about, but since this is the beginning of a series, I’m hoping we’ll get more of that in future books.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable cosy mystery with a lovely setting, an easy pace, and characters I’d happily spend more time with. It’s not trying to be overly dark or complicated—it’s simply a fun mystery that’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon read.
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book in the series.
The Scottish seaside setting was probably one of my favourite parts. It created such a nice atmosphere, and I loved the small-town feel where everyone seems to know everyone and there are always little secrets floating around.
Jamie was a great character to follow. I liked that he wasn’t written as some perfect detective who instantly solves everything. He’s just an ordinary person who gets pulled into something unexpected and starts asking questions because he wants to know what really happened. That made the investigation feel much more natural.
I also enjoyed the way the mystery came together. There were enough clues to keep me guessing, but it never felt like the story was throwing random twists at me just to be surprising. I had a few theories while reading, and although I wasn’t completely right, I enjoyed trying to figure it out.
My only small criticism is that I would have liked a little more depth from some of the side characters. There were a few people I wanted to know more about, but since this is the beginning of a series, I’m hoping we’ll get more of that in future books.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable cosy mystery with a lovely setting, an easy pace, and characters I’d happily spend more time with. It’s not trying to be overly dark or complicated—it’s simply a fun mystery that’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon read.
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book in the series.
October 11, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy of the audio book.
This was an entertaining, cozy, small-town murder mystery. Even though I didn't connect with some of the characters, they each had unique quirks and a dry sense of humor that I enjoyed as the story unraveled. The main character, Jamie, quits his job in London to take on a temporary house-sitting gig, where he spends his time fixing up the place as a handyman. His girlfriend back in London isn't thrilled with his decision, but readers will have to see how that unfolds for themselves. While their *ahem toxic* relationship tension isn't the primary focus, it adds a nice layer to the book.
The core murder mystery sends Jamie on a mission to clear his name with the help of his new small-town friends. Meanwhile, a detective named Emma is doing her own investigating while trying to keep Jamie and the locals from interfering. Naturally, this does not work, and the sleuthing continues.
There were multiple things going on at the same time as the main story progressed, including Jamie's personal relationship with his girlfriend, a secret relationship that was later revealed, a mysterious cat he wasn't supposed to be looking after (or was he?), and his discovery of whether this temporary job was a coincidence or if he was meant to be there. None of these subplots took away from the main story of Jamie trying to figure out who tampered with the fence he fixed, an act that made him the main suspect in a murder. This was such a fun and interesting read, and I hope to read more cozy, small-town murder mysteries like this one. I am truly looking forward to the 2nd book in the series.
This was an entertaining, cozy, small-town murder mystery. Even though I didn't connect with some of the characters, they each had unique quirks and a dry sense of humor that I enjoyed as the story unraveled. The main character, Jamie, quits his job in London to take on a temporary house-sitting gig, where he spends his time fixing up the place as a handyman. His girlfriend back in London isn't thrilled with his decision, but readers will have to see how that unfolds for themselves. While their *ahem toxic* relationship tension isn't the primary focus, it adds a nice layer to the book.
The core murder mystery sends Jamie on a mission to clear his name with the help of his new small-town friends. Meanwhile, a detective named Emma is doing her own investigating while trying to keep Jamie and the locals from interfering. Naturally, this does not work, and the sleuthing continues.
There were multiple things going on at the same time as the main story progressed, including Jamie's personal relationship with his girlfriend, a secret relationship that was later revealed, a mysterious cat he wasn't supposed to be looking after (or was he?), and his discovery of whether this temporary job was a coincidence or if he was meant to be there. None of these subplots took away from the main story of Jamie trying to figure out who tampered with the fence he fixed, an act that made him the main suspect in a murder. This was such a fun and interesting read, and I hope to read more cozy, small-town murder mysteries like this one. I am truly looking forward to the 2nd book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Death by the Sea has all the hallmarks of a delightful cozy crime: a picturesque setting, a charming cast of quirky characters offering plenty of potential suspects, and, of course, a cat. It is the first book in the new cozy crime series The Misfit Detectives.
Thankyou to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the ARC. My review is voluntary.
Hannah Ellis’s writing style is simple and leans heavily on dialogue, making it feel realistic and easy to follow.
The book has a strong found family element that really brings the characters and their relationships to life. The amateur sleuth is male, while the professional one is female. It’s not unique for the genre, but less common than the reverse, making it a nice touch.
The mystery itself is fairly simple, and it seems the author has used the first book in the series to establish the character. Hopefully, future instalments will offer more twists and surprises.
The book features a romantic subplot that feels genuine rather than overly sentimental, making it an acceptable element for readers primarily interested in the mystery.
Towards the end of the book, the author reveals a mystery that will likely become an overarching theme throughout the series.
This is the author’s second cozy crime series, and judging by past experience, it’s likely to grow nicely throughout the entire arc, making it well worth the time investment.
Best suited for those looking for a gentle, easy read.
October 14, 2026
I loved the setting with the house looking out over the Scottish beach, and the town being on the seaside. Jamie was supposed to mind the house, business and cat sit, but so much was going on outside of that. He meets the town's citizens, and somehow ends up as a murder suspect when an old lady is found dead. He unfortunately helped her tighten the screws on a rail, and the next day the woman took a tumble down the stairs and died.
I struggled to connect with both the plot which contained a fair bit of dialogue, but also Jamie, the main character. I didn’t understand his relationship with his girlfriend, which seemed more annoying and controlling, than supportive. The ending also left me with more questions than answers, but since it’s a series then perhaps all the answers are given in the next book.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book. The narrator, Maxim Reston, did a good job reading the plot, even though I needed to rewind a couple times because I needed to figure out who said the line he read.
Overall an ok book, but not my best read. I’m not sure how much I’ll remember when book 2 comes out. So I’m gonna rate this 2.25 stars out of 5.
Disclaimer: I received this audiobook from NetGalley. A grateful thanks to NetGalley, the author Hannah Ellis and the publisher Brilliance Audio for this ALC. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own, and I leave this unpaid review voluntarily.
I struggled to connect with both the plot which contained a fair bit of dialogue, but also Jamie, the main character. I didn’t understand his relationship with his girlfriend, which seemed more annoying and controlling, than supportive. The ending also left me with more questions than answers, but since it’s a series then perhaps all the answers are given in the next book.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book. The narrator, Maxim Reston, did a good job reading the plot, even though I needed to rewind a couple times because I needed to figure out who said the line he read.
Overall an ok book, but not my best read. I’m not sure how much I’ll remember when book 2 comes out. So I’m gonna rate this 2.25 stars out of 5.
Disclaimer: I received this audiobook from NetGalley. A grateful thanks to NetGalley, the author Hannah Ellis and the publisher Brilliance Audio for this ALC. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own, and I leave this unpaid review voluntarily.
June 28, 2026
A Cosy Mystery That Kept Me Guessing
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this one. From the first few chapters, I found myself settling into the story and wanting to know what had really happened. I love a good mystery that slowly reveals little pieces along the way instead of giving everything away too early, and this did exactly that.
The seaside setting gave it such a cosy feel, even with a murder at the centre of the story. I liked trying to piece everything together alongside the characters, and there were a few moments where I changed my mind about who I thought was responsible. It’s always a good sign when a mystery keeps me second-guessing myself.
The characters were easy to spend time with, although I would have loved a little more depth from a couple of them. That’s really the only reason this wasn’t quite a five-star read for me.
Overall, this was a fun, cosy mystery that was easy to get lost in, and I ended up finishing it quicker than I expected because I genuinely wanted to know how it would all unfold. If you enjoy small-town mysteries, amateur sleuths, and stories with plenty of twists without being overly dark, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a read. I’ll happily continue with this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this one. From the first few chapters, I found myself settling into the story and wanting to know what had really happened. I love a good mystery that slowly reveals little pieces along the way instead of giving everything away too early, and this did exactly that.
The seaside setting gave it such a cosy feel, even with a murder at the centre of the story. I liked trying to piece everything together alongside the characters, and there were a few moments where I changed my mind about who I thought was responsible. It’s always a good sign when a mystery keeps me second-guessing myself.
The characters were easy to spend time with, although I would have loved a little more depth from a couple of them. That’s really the only reason this wasn’t quite a five-star read for me.
Overall, this was a fun, cosy mystery that was easy to get lost in, and I ended up finishing it quicker than I expected because I genuinely wanted to know how it would all unfold. If you enjoy small-town mysteries, amateur sleuths, and stories with plenty of twists without being overly dark, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a read. I’ll happily continue with this series.
Review of advance copy
Sat down with no expectations on this book, but hoping to sink into a gripping cozy mystery. Unfortunately, I was left wanting.
I feel like there are too many different plots that the author has tried to squeeze into this book, which has unfortunately prevented any of them being fleshed out into something meaningful. Dare I say, interesting. This extends to the murder mystery itself, which is half hearted and thoroughly predictable.
The lack of any real character development made connections to anyone in the book almost non existent in my experience. There are some potentially really interesting stories there to be explored more and build some kind of personality into the otherwise drab side characters in the story. A lot of mystery around these characters and interesting backgrounds are alluded to… but never explored any further. It feels like a real missed opportunity.
There are hints of romance throughout, though not with the main characters actual partner. In typical fashion from this book though, they are almost in grasp but never really gotten a hold of. Maybe the idea is to have these undercurrents running throughout the book but for me, this just didn’t land.
I honestly felt so little for the characters, that I really didn’t care “whodunit” and I probably won’t return for the second iteration of this story.
I feel like there are too many different plots that the author has tried to squeeze into this book, which has unfortunately prevented any of them being fleshed out into something meaningful. Dare I say, interesting. This extends to the murder mystery itself, which is half hearted and thoroughly predictable.
The lack of any real character development made connections to anyone in the book almost non existent in my experience. There are some potentially really interesting stories there to be explored more and build some kind of personality into the otherwise drab side characters in the story. A lot of mystery around these characters and interesting backgrounds are alluded to… but never explored any further. It feels like a real missed opportunity.
There are hints of romance throughout, though not with the main characters actual partner. In typical fashion from this book though, they are almost in grasp but never really gotten a hold of. Maybe the idea is to have these undercurrents running throughout the book but for me, this just didn’t land.
I honestly felt so little for the characters, that I really didn’t care “whodunit” and I probably won’t return for the second iteration of this story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Death by the Sea begins with Jamie Sinclair taking what should be a simple house-sitting job in a Scottish seaside town. He plans to look after a black cat, complete a few handyman projects, and enjoy some distance from London. Instead, an elderly client dies after one of his routine repairs, leaving Jamie surrounded by gossip and determined to prove that his work was not responsible.
The coastal setting and troublesome cat give the book the comfortable atmosphere I look for in a cozy mystery, while Jamie’s uncertain position in town adds enough tension to keep the story moving. I also enjoyed the odd group that forms around him, including a gym owner and an observant student, even though Detective Constable Emma MacLeod would prefer that they stop interfering. Their investigation gradually exposes the secrets within one local family.
This is the first book in The Misfit Detectives series, and the mismatched amateur investigators give it a promising foundation. A few parts took time to develop, but I liked Jamie and would happily return to this seaside community for another mystery. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
The coastal setting and troublesome cat give the book the comfortable atmosphere I look for in a cozy mystery, while Jamie’s uncertain position in town adds enough tension to keep the story moving. I also enjoyed the odd group that forms around him, including a gym owner and an observant student, even though Detective Constable Emma MacLeod would prefer that they stop interfering. Their investigation gradually exposes the secrets within one local family.
This is the first book in The Misfit Detectives series, and the mismatched amateur investigators give it a promising foundation. A few parts took time to develop, but I liked Jamie and would happily return to this seaside community for another mystery. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
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September 23, 2026I'm not normally so scathing in reviews, but this book gives cosy mysteries a bad name. Don't let this book put you off reading cosy mysteries if this is your first one. They're not all this bad. Cosy is a tonal choice, not a quality exemption. The absence of graphic violence, bleakness or psychological brutality doesn't mean you can dispense with good prose, convincing characters, proper plotting and an ending. Unfortunately, this book does all those things.
The plot is weak. The characters are two dimensional. It has a non-ending ending.
Specifically on the writing - the dialogue tags and adverbs are repetitive and often unnecessary, sometimes even semantically peculiar. The narration routinely explains emotions that the dialogue has already conveyed. Some constructions are simply awkward. Characters frequently say things for the reader's benefit rather than because another character needs to hear them. And the emotional narration sometimes contradicts the actual tone of the dialogue. All this makes it an incredibly hard read.
I don't agree with one reviewer that it was probably written by AI - I think ChatGPT would have done a better job, frankly. There are lots of decent cosy mysteries out there, find them and don't bother with this one.
The plot is weak. The characters are two dimensional. It has a non-ending ending.
Specifically on the writing - the dialogue tags and adverbs are repetitive and often unnecessary, sometimes even semantically peculiar. The narration routinely explains emotions that the dialogue has already conveyed. Some constructions are simply awkward. Characters frequently say things for the reader's benefit rather than because another character needs to hear them. And the emotional narration sometimes contradicts the actual tone of the dialogue. All this makes it an incredibly hard read.
I don't agree with one reviewer that it was probably written by AI - I think ChatGPT would have done a better job, frankly. There are lots of decent cosy mysteries out there, find them and don't bother with this one.
October 12, 2026
This is my first book by Hannah Ellis. I was immediately drawn to the promise of a cosy murder mystery set on the idyllic Scottish coast, and it generally fit the vibe I was looking for.
The story follows Jamie, who takes on a house/job/pet sitting opportunity in a small Scottish seaside town. In desperate need of a break after quitting his job in London and wanting to explore his birth roots, he is more than glad to accept the offer. However, when an elderly client unexpectedly dies, suspicion quickly falls on Jamie. All evidence seems to point to an accident at the hands of a botched handmany job he had done the previous day. Desperate to clear his name, Jamie teams up with some unlikely locals to uncover the truth. Only to discover some neighbourly secrets along the way.
On a whole, I quite enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read, with a pretty simple plot to follow. I loved delving into the Scottish scenery and the different variety of characters we meet along the way. They all had their own quirky personalities and humour to offer. Cal, in particular, was my favourite. However, I do feel the characters weren't developed enough to know anything about either of them by the time the story ended to feel any strong investment. It is a very slow burn throughout type of read and the mystery solving takes centre stage. As a self confessed sleuth and murder mystery lover, I did find the lack of red herrings and suspense a bit underwhelming, but it was relaxing all the same.
That said, it is set up for what I expect to be a long series to come, with the found family teasers and the unanswered questions have me interested to continue with it.
The story follows Jamie, who takes on a house/job/pet sitting opportunity in a small Scottish seaside town. In desperate need of a break after quitting his job in London and wanting to explore his birth roots, he is more than glad to accept the offer. However, when an elderly client unexpectedly dies, suspicion quickly falls on Jamie. All evidence seems to point to an accident at the hands of a botched handmany job he had done the previous day. Desperate to clear his name, Jamie teams up with some unlikely locals to uncover the truth. Only to discover some neighbourly secrets along the way.
On a whole, I quite enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read, with a pretty simple plot to follow. I loved delving into the Scottish scenery and the different variety of characters we meet along the way. They all had their own quirky personalities and humour to offer. Cal, in particular, was my favourite. However, I do feel the characters weren't developed enough to know anything about either of them by the time the story ended to feel any strong investment. It is a very slow burn throughout type of read and the mystery solving takes centre stage. As a self confessed sleuth and murder mystery lover, I did find the lack of red herrings and suspense a bit underwhelming, but it was relaxing all the same.
That said, it is set up for what I expect to be a long series to come, with the found family teasers and the unanswered questions have me interested to continue with it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read the electronic ARC of this book.
I love cats and cozy murder mysteries, so I was naturally drawn in by the cover. I thought the premise sounded good and was looking forward to reading this one. I struggled to get into the story initially, as I found the characters to be a little flat, and there was less depth to them than I would normally like. I did enjoy the cozy atmosphere and found some of the side characters to be quite memorable, and I am looking forward to getting to know them more in future books. I thought the main storyline was good and felt that the idyllic coastal Scottish setting really helped add to the cozy atmosphere.
With this book being the first in the series, I am definitely interested in reading the next one to see how the characters grow and change and to see what adventures they get into next. As cozy mysteries go, I thought this one was a good start to a series, and I am looking forward to reading the next one.
Content Warnings:
Murder
Death
*All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
I love cats and cozy murder mysteries, so I was naturally drawn in by the cover. I thought the premise sounded good and was looking forward to reading this one. I struggled to get into the story initially, as I found the characters to be a little flat, and there was less depth to them than I would normally like. I did enjoy the cozy atmosphere and found some of the side characters to be quite memorable, and I am looking forward to getting to know them more in future books. I thought the main storyline was good and felt that the idyllic coastal Scottish setting really helped add to the cozy atmosphere.
With this book being the first in the series, I am definitely interested in reading the next one to see how the characters grow and change and to see what adventures they get into next. As cozy mysteries go, I thought this one was a good start to a series, and I am looking forward to reading the next one.
Content Warnings:
Murder
Death
*All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
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