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Island Sisters Mystery #1
Death at High Tide
Death at High Tide is the delightful first installment in the Island Sisters series by Hannah Dennison, featuring two sisters who inherit an old hotel in the remote Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall and find it full of intrigue, danger, and romance.
When Evie Mead’s husband, Robert, suddenly drops dead of a heart attack, a mysterious note is found among his possessions. It indicates that Evie may own the rights to an old hotel on Tregarrick Rock, one of the Isles of Scilly.
Still grieving, Evie is inclined to leave the matter to the accountant to sort out. Her sister Margot, however, flown in from her glamorous career in LA, has other plans. Envisioning a luxurious weekend getaway, she goes right ahead and buys two tickets—one way—to Tregarrick.
Once at the hotel—used in its heyday to house detective novelists, and more fixer-upper than spa resort, after all—Evie and Margot attempt to get to the bottom of things. But the foul-tempered hotel owner claims he's never met the late Robert, even after Evie finds framed photos of them—alongside Robert's first wife—in his office. The rest of the island inhabitants, ranging from an ex-con receptionist to a vicar who communicates with cats, aren't any easier to read.
But when a murder occurs at the hotel, and then another soon follows, frustration turns to desperation. There’s no getting off the island at high tide. And Evie and Margot, the only current visitors to Tregarrick, are suspects one and two. It falls to them to unravel secrets spanning generations—and several of their own—if they want to make it back alive.
When Evie Mead’s husband, Robert, suddenly drops dead of a heart attack, a mysterious note is found among his possessions. It indicates that Evie may own the rights to an old hotel on Tregarrick Rock, one of the Isles of Scilly.
Still grieving, Evie is inclined to leave the matter to the accountant to sort out. Her sister Margot, however, flown in from her glamorous career in LA, has other plans. Envisioning a luxurious weekend getaway, she goes right ahead and buys two tickets—one way—to Tregarrick.
Once at the hotel—used in its heyday to house detective novelists, and more fixer-upper than spa resort, after all—Evie and Margot attempt to get to the bottom of things. But the foul-tempered hotel owner claims he's never met the late Robert, even after Evie finds framed photos of them—alongside Robert's first wife—in his office. The rest of the island inhabitants, ranging from an ex-con receptionist to a vicar who communicates with cats, aren't any easier to read.
But when a murder occurs at the hotel, and then another soon follows, frustration turns to desperation. There’s no getting off the island at high tide. And Evie and Margot, the only current visitors to Tregarrick, are suspects one and two. It falls to them to unravel secrets spanning generations—and several of their own—if they want to make it back alive.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published August 18, 2020
116 people are currently reading
3982 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Dennison
43 books508 followersBritish born, Hannah originally moved to Los Angeles to pursue screenwriting. She has been an obituary reporter, antique dealer, private jet flight attendant and Hollywood story analyst. After twenty-five years living on the West Coast, Hannah returned to the UK where she shares her life with two high-spirited Hungarian Vizslas. She enjoys all country pursuits, movies, and theatre, reading and seriously good chocolate.
Hannah writes the Honeychurch Hall Mysteries (Constable) the Island Sisters Mysteries (Minotaur) and the Vicky Hill Mysteries (Constable)
Fun Fact: Hannah is part of the BookTalk author group on social media with pals Kate Carlisle, Jenn McKinlay and Paige Shelton.
Hannah writes the Honeychurch Hall Mysteries (Constable) the Island Sisters Mysteries (Minotaur) and the Vicky Hill Mysteries (Constable)
Fun Fact: Hannah is part of the BookTalk author group on social media with pals Kate Carlisle, Jenn McKinlay and Paige Shelton.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews
June 6, 2020
This is the first book I've read by the author Hannah Dennison and for me, it was a miss. I enjoy cozy mysteries that are character-driven. I can usually overlook other things in a series as long as I find the characters likable, engaging, or quirky. When I click with a character I will keep returning for each new book in a series. Unfortunately, I just couldn't connect with these characters. I just didn't like the main characters all that much to care about the story. I also thought the secondary characters were flat as well. As a result, I struggled to get through this book and found myself picking up others to read and then trying to return to this one.
I did like the setting. The hotel on the island off the coast of England allows the author a lot of potential for the plot of this book as well as future installments. I also thought the mystery was solid. This was the part of the story I enjoyed. I thought the author laid out the clues well and provided the reader with a lot of viable suspects.
As I said at the beginning, what keeps me connected to a series are the characters. I just didn't connect with the characters in this book. Perhaps with a bit of retooling and tweaking the author would be able to create some dimensional characters that would engage me as a reader.
This wasn't a bad start to a series, it just wasn't for me and that's okay.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
I did like the setting. The hotel on the island off the coast of England allows the author a lot of potential for the plot of this book as well as future installments. I also thought the mystery was solid. This was the part of the story I enjoyed. I thought the author laid out the clues well and provided the reader with a lot of viable suspects.
As I said at the beginning, what keeps me connected to a series are the characters. I just didn't connect with the characters in this book. Perhaps with a bit of retooling and tweaking the author would be able to create some dimensional characters that would engage me as a reader.
This wasn't a bad start to a series, it just wasn't for me and that's okay.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
July 31, 2020
Evie Mead's life takes a huge turn when first her husband dies unexpectedly and then she finds she is the owner of a hotel in the Isles of Sicily. Evie travels with her sister Margot to have a look at the place. They are met with hostility from the man who states he owns the hotel and proclaims he never met Evie's husband. Then dead bodies start turning up....and unfortunately at high tide there is no way off the island. Immediately viewed as suspects in the murders, Evie and Margot investigate to find a killer.
This is the first book I've read by Hannah Dennison. I love it when I find a new-to-me author that I enjoy! This book was an enjoyable read for me....a bit of a gothic type feel, a lovely setting, and an interesting mystery. Very engaging! The pacing was perfect....the characters engaging. I can't wait to read more of this series!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
This is the first book I've read by Hannah Dennison. I love it when I find a new-to-me author that I enjoy! This book was an enjoyable read for me....a bit of a gothic type feel, a lovely setting, and an interesting mystery. Very engaging! The pacing was perfect....the characters engaging. I can't wait to read more of this series!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
March 30, 2020
I went into Death at High Tide, the debut novel to a new series, without knowing a thing about the book but the blurb and absolutely nothing about the author, Hannah Dennison. I must admit that I went into the book thinking it was super-shallow chick lit, but was I wrong! Our protagonist, newly widowed Evelyn “Evie” Mead, is a bit naïve, but she’s resourceful, generous and impossible to dislike. Her sister on the other hand, …
When Evie’s husband dies unexpectedly, Evie, the man’s second and much-younger wife, finds herself bereft. Evie’s sister, a Hollywood producer named Margot Chandler, returns home to England to help out. It’s due to Margot that the sisters head out to the fictional Scilly island of Tregarrick Rock (the island is fictional, although the Scillys are real and, indeed, quite tiny); it seems that Evie may actually be heir to the hotel there. Or not. The sisters soon find out more than they ever wanted to know about this desolate hotel and the denizens of Tregarrick Rock.
Dennison’s novel serves up plenty of twists, surprises and laughs. I enjoyed it much, much more than I expected to. I can’t wait for the next one. In fact, I’m so eager to read more by Dennison, that I’m going to read Murder at Honeychurch Hall, the debut novel in one of Dennison’s other series.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books and in exchange for an honest review.
When Evie’s husband dies unexpectedly, Evie, the man’s second and much-younger wife, finds herself bereft. Evie’s sister, a Hollywood producer named Margot Chandler, returns home to England to help out. It’s due to Margot that the sisters head out to the fictional Scilly island of Tregarrick Rock (the island is fictional, although the Scillys are real and, indeed, quite tiny); it seems that Evie may actually be heir to the hotel there. Or not. The sisters soon find out more than they ever wanted to know about this desolate hotel and the denizens of Tregarrick Rock.
Dennison’s novel serves up plenty of twists, surprises and laughs. I enjoyed it much, much more than I expected to. I can’t wait for the next one. In fact, I’m so eager to read more by Dennison, that I’m going to read Murder at Honeychurch Hall, the debut novel in one of Dennison’s other series.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books and in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2020
The only good thing about this book is that it’s a fast read. Every character is awful. Our main character is meant to be a grieving widow who just recently lost her husband suddenly. She says she’s grieving but it isn’t shown. Telling me a character is grieving but not showing it won’t make me sympathetic to them. I felt nothing but annoyance for this character. Whenever she looked at someone there was an instant rattle off of the brands they were wearing. And every man she meets is attractive. Every single one.
She has a sister who is a caricature of the Hollywood producer. Blond, too skinny, loud and abrasive. She wears expensive clothing and name drops more than any actual person ever would. It is impossible to take her seriously. The sister is totally fine being in her sibling’s business and being nosy but when it’s the other way around and genuine concern she explodes. The way they handle each other doesn’t feel like a real sibling relationship.
That and the sister talks about trying to set up her recently widowed sister with one of the men they meet. It doesn’t sit well with the image of a grieving widow at all. But that image is barely there.
There’s an old woman who’s nosy, another who cheats, an abusive husband, various other people.
I take serious issue with a few things. One: one of the characters is suffering from a terminal illness. He’s taking very high doses of morphine. Out of nowhere he doubles over in pain and needs his medication. Less than twenty minutes later it’s apparently kicked in.
That’s not how it works, and media always gets this wrong. Firstly, someone suffering an illness who needs to take strong medication for it is always highly aware of the time to avoid being doubled over or incapacitated by their pain. It takes, at the very minimum thirty minutes for oral medication to begin to work because it has to be digested. I suffer from this myself and seeing it portrayed incorrectly when it’s so easy to get right is infuriating.
Next, the main character learns one of the others has a prison history. She immediately says that she sees this tattooed woman in a different light. Her tattoos become ominous, could they be gang affiliated. Yet she already knows one of the tattoos is just the stereotypical “name and name forever” type. Like names carved into a tree.
Not only does the sister name drop, but there’s also another older woman who talks too much about Netflix, the Kardashians, Game of Thrones. That and iPhones was mentioned multiple times. Too many brands that were listed in clusters. While they are real, they felt so out of place in the book and will do nothing but date the book as the years go by and these things become obsolete.
The first murder happens at the fifty percent point of the book and it holds no shock value at all. There was nothing about it that made me care. We’re given a sob story by the man who found the body who acts incredibly creepy and continuously grabs the main character even though she says to let go. The story of how he met the deceased is meant to be emotional but it comes out of nowhere and therefore has no real effect.
I will not be giving this author another read.
She has a sister who is a caricature of the Hollywood producer. Blond, too skinny, loud and abrasive. She wears expensive clothing and name drops more than any actual person ever would. It is impossible to take her seriously. The sister is totally fine being in her sibling’s business and being nosy but when it’s the other way around and genuine concern she explodes. The way they handle each other doesn’t feel like a real sibling relationship.
That and the sister talks about trying to set up her recently widowed sister with one of the men they meet. It doesn’t sit well with the image of a grieving widow at all. But that image is barely there.
There’s an old woman who’s nosy, another who cheats, an abusive husband, various other people.
I take serious issue with a few things. One: one of the characters is suffering from a terminal illness. He’s taking very high doses of morphine. Out of nowhere he doubles over in pain and needs his medication. Less than twenty minutes later it’s apparently kicked in.
That’s not how it works, and media always gets this wrong. Firstly, someone suffering an illness who needs to take strong medication for it is always highly aware of the time to avoid being doubled over or incapacitated by their pain. It takes, at the very minimum thirty minutes for oral medication to begin to work because it has to be digested. I suffer from this myself and seeing it portrayed incorrectly when it’s so easy to get right is infuriating.
Next, the main character learns one of the others has a prison history. She immediately says that she sees this tattooed woman in a different light. Her tattoos become ominous, could they be gang affiliated. Yet she already knows one of the tattoos is just the stereotypical “name and name forever” type. Like names carved into a tree.
Not only does the sister name drop, but there’s also another older woman who talks too much about Netflix, the Kardashians, Game of Thrones. That and iPhones was mentioned multiple times. Too many brands that were listed in clusters. While they are real, they felt so out of place in the book and will do nothing but date the book as the years go by and these things become obsolete.
The first murder happens at the fifty percent point of the book and it holds no shock value at all. There was nothing about it that made me care. We’re given a sob story by the man who found the body who acts incredibly creepy and continuously grabs the main character even though she says to let go. The story of how he met the deceased is meant to be emotional but it comes out of nowhere and therefore has no real effect.
I will not be giving this author another read.
August 18, 2020
Rating: 3 Scillonian Stars
When I requested this book from NetGalley, I thought I was getting a light-hearted cozy mystery with a pair of sweet senior citizen sisters. What I received was a closed-door mystery with middle-aged sisters who come from very different worlds. As it turns out, that was fine with me.
This book reminded me of Agatha Christie’s ‘And Then There Were None’. Recently widowed Evie Mead, and her Hollywood Producer sister Margot travel to the island of Tregarrick. Evie’s recently deceased husband may have claim to a hotel on this remote island in the Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall. Since the seemingly rich Robert left Evie penniless, Margot urges Evie to scope out this new potential source of income. The Scillonians (Scilly residents) are wary of the two sisters when they arrive. It is not a great cover story, but Margot introduces them as film producers who are scouting for a location for a new ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie set to be filmed in the Isles of Scilly.
Tregarrick can only be reached by boat, or by sea tractor at low-tide. Hence the closed-door aspect of the mystery. The murder of a local on the remote island did not happen until about halfway through the book. There was lots of time spent introducing the sisters and their respective backgrounds; describing the Isles of Scilly and its history; describing the remote rundown family owned hotel on Tregarrick; and introducing the other various characters found on the island. The setting of the scene was good, but it meant that not much mystery action took place until deep into the book.
Even though I had puzzled out who the murderer was, and what their motivation was before the end of the book. I still found this to be an enjoyable read. It is not up to Miss Marple standards. However, those are high standards! This book was intriguing. It has prompted me to look out for the next book in the series when it is published.
I would recommend this to patient readers of quasi-cozy mysteries. I have a hunch that this sister duo has more capers up their sleeves. I want to read about their next adventure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher via NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.
When I requested this book from NetGalley, I thought I was getting a light-hearted cozy mystery with a pair of sweet senior citizen sisters. What I received was a closed-door mystery with middle-aged sisters who come from very different worlds. As it turns out, that was fine with me.
This book reminded me of Agatha Christie’s ‘And Then There Were None’. Recently widowed Evie Mead, and her Hollywood Producer sister Margot travel to the island of Tregarrick. Evie’s recently deceased husband may have claim to a hotel on this remote island in the Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall. Since the seemingly rich Robert left Evie penniless, Margot urges Evie to scope out this new potential source of income. The Scillonians (Scilly residents) are wary of the two sisters when they arrive. It is not a great cover story, but Margot introduces them as film producers who are scouting for a location for a new ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie set to be filmed in the Isles of Scilly.
Tregarrick can only be reached by boat, or by sea tractor at low-tide. Hence the closed-door aspect of the mystery. The murder of a local on the remote island did not happen until about halfway through the book. There was lots of time spent introducing the sisters and their respective backgrounds; describing the Isles of Scilly and its history; describing the remote rundown family owned hotel on Tregarrick; and introducing the other various characters found on the island. The setting of the scene was good, but it meant that not much mystery action took place until deep into the book.
Even though I had puzzled out who the murderer was, and what their motivation was before the end of the book. I still found this to be an enjoyable read. It is not up to Miss Marple standards. However, those are high standards! This book was intriguing. It has prompted me to look out for the next book in the series when it is published.
I would recommend this to patient readers of quasi-cozy mysteries. I have a hunch that this sister duo has more capers up their sleeves. I want to read about their next adventure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher via NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.
August 26, 2020
This book was a great armchair vacation to places I'd never be traveling (mainly because even in normal times, I'm not a travel fan). It even inspired me to look up sea tractors, the vehicle that hauled Margot and Evie across to the hotel on Tregarrick Rock.
There were so many different characters, and I got that really cool Agatha Christie type of vibe reading the book. The setting was kind of eerie at times, and everyone seemed to have secrets they were keeping--or someone knew they were keeping and were being blackmailed for said secrets. Kind of a crazy place for Evie who had just lost her husband, but Margot seemed to fit right in. She was already used to crazy Hollywood, so the island and dealing with its inhabitants didn't take a whole lot of effort on her part. Margot and police chief Patty were two of my favorite characters. Patty had a wicked sense of humor, but overall, she was good at her job.
I had a person in mind as the killer at a sort of early stage, and I was happy to find out that I was right. Reading and getting thrown off course by the red herrings is always fun though, so I wasn't too concerned if I didn't guess right. I had such a good time reading this that I didn't want it to end, and now I'm really excited to read the next book whenever it comes out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
There were so many different characters, and I got that really cool Agatha Christie type of vibe reading the book. The setting was kind of eerie at times, and everyone seemed to have secrets they were keeping--or someone knew they were keeping and were being blackmailed for said secrets. Kind of a crazy place for Evie who had just lost her husband, but Margot seemed to fit right in. She was already used to crazy Hollywood, so the island and dealing with its inhabitants didn't take a whole lot of effort on her part. Margot and police chief Patty were two of my favorite characters. Patty had a wicked sense of humor, but overall, she was good at her job.
I had a person in mind as the killer at a sort of early stage, and I was happy to find out that I was right. Reading and getting thrown off course by the red herrings is always fun though, so I wasn't too concerned if I didn't guess right. I had such a good time reading this that I didn't want it to end, and now I'm really excited to read the next book whenever it comes out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
November 5, 2020
📚 Hello Book Friends! DEATH AT HIGH TIDE by Hannah Dennison was a fun and witty cozy mystery, full of deceit, sarcasm, diversion, and good old fashion detective work. It is a great start to this new series. I am looking forward to reading Evie and Margot’s next mystery adventures.
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August 5, 2020
Loved this cozy mystery! Great storyline. Fun characters. I guessed the “whodunit” but I still enjoyed every minute of it.
Thank you Minotaur Books for my advanced copy!
Thank you Minotaur Books for my advanced copy!
May 29, 2021
An easy to read cosy mystery, set on one of Scilly Isles.
Decent plot although felt ending was a little rushed and a couple of things did not link together, in my opinion.
Great characters and setting. Would read the next in the series. 👍
Decent plot although felt ending was a little rushed and a couple of things did not link together, in my opinion.
Great characters and setting. Would read the next in the series. 👍
June 13, 2020
I received a copy from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Evie’s husband, Robert, suddenly passes away, her entire world is turned upside down. Not only did she just lose the love of her life, but also just found out that they were broke and she’s about to lose the house they shared. Then Evie finds out that she might own a hotel she’s never heard of while her sister, Margot, tries to help her sort out the puzzle that her life has become. Armed with her grief, some luggage, and her secretive yet outspoken sister, she takes a trip to Tregarrick Rock to check the place out. The only problem? Someone is murdered at the hotel and now they’re trapped.
When I saw that Hannah Dennison was releasing the first book in a new series, I was super excited because I love her Honeychurch Hall mysteries. Unfortunately for me, I had a hard time getting into this book. I don’t particularly care for Evie and I found many of the characters unlikable, especially Margot and Jago. The one character I did love was super interesting but wasn’t fully developed before they were gone.
My other complaint is that the murder mystery started way too late in the book. If I hadn’t already known that the mystery surrounded a murder from the summary, I would’ve thought that it was actually surrounding Robert’s secrets. However, I did like that Evie and Margot were terrible at investigating once the mystery started because it was very realistic.
I did like the setting of the book. Tregarrick Rock sounds absolutely beautiful even during the off season when the weather isn’t the best for visiting. While the hotel needs some work, it sounds like a beautiful place to stay. I’m not sure how practical it is from a business perspective since going to and from the hotel depends on the tide, but I loved how it was described.
Sadly, this book turned out not to be up my alley. I might pick up the next book in the series when it’s published just to see if the series just had a bit of a rocky start, but we’ll see.
When Evie’s husband, Robert, suddenly passes away, her entire world is turned upside down. Not only did she just lose the love of her life, but also just found out that they were broke and she’s about to lose the house they shared. Then Evie finds out that she might own a hotel she’s never heard of while her sister, Margot, tries to help her sort out the puzzle that her life has become. Armed with her grief, some luggage, and her secretive yet outspoken sister, she takes a trip to Tregarrick Rock to check the place out. The only problem? Someone is murdered at the hotel and now they’re trapped.
When I saw that Hannah Dennison was releasing the first book in a new series, I was super excited because I love her Honeychurch Hall mysteries. Unfortunately for me, I had a hard time getting into this book. I don’t particularly care for Evie and I found many of the characters unlikable, especially Margot and Jago. The one character I did love was super interesting but wasn’t fully developed before they were gone.
My other complaint is that the murder mystery started way too late in the book. If I hadn’t already known that the mystery surrounded a murder from the summary, I would’ve thought that it was actually surrounding Robert’s secrets. However, I did like that Evie and Margot were terrible at investigating once the mystery started because it was very realistic.
I did like the setting of the book. Tregarrick Rock sounds absolutely beautiful even during the off season when the weather isn’t the best for visiting. While the hotel needs some work, it sounds like a beautiful place to stay. I’m not sure how practical it is from a business perspective since going to and from the hotel depends on the tide, but I loved how it was described.
Sadly, this book turned out not to be up my alley. I might pick up the next book in the series when it’s published just to see if the series just had a bit of a rocky start, but we’ll see.
June 17, 2020
Two sisters head off to a small island in the Scilly Isles when it appears one of them may own the island through a loan default to her husband's estate. Evie, the possible heiress, seems to have a more even personality than her sister Margot who is always name-dropping and drove me nuts. When a couple of deaths occur on the island, it is pretty much a "locked room" mystery because of the tidal changes. Evie, of course, acts stupidly as do many amateur sleuths. The book started very slowly. The murder did not occur until the second half of the book. It began to engage me more after a body was found. In spite of the weaknesses of this first installment, it offers potential as a series. I really liked the blogging cat! I received an electronic advance copy through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.
August 12, 2020
Cozies the golden age of detective fiction. This was my first read of this genre and I found I really liked it. The premise is simple but it works and now the main characters.
Evie Meads husband has died and her future is uncertain. She stands to inherit a hotel on one of the Isles of Scilly so what do you do, well you get this wonderfully, hairbrained idea that you go out there and see what is all like.
An island and the people dependent on the tide, all of secrets and all have something to loose. The book kept me engaged and it was fun to read. Rachel’s sleuthing is very low key, subtle but it works.
However at times it was glaringly clear to the reader (or me) who the culprit was.
I look forward to continuing with this series.
Evie Meads husband has died and her future is uncertain. She stands to inherit a hotel on one of the Isles of Scilly so what do you do, well you get this wonderfully, hairbrained idea that you go out there and see what is all like.
An island and the people dependent on the tide, all of secrets and all have something to loose. The book kept me engaged and it was fun to read. Rachel’s sleuthing is very low key, subtle but it works.
However at times it was glaringly clear to the reader (or me) who the culprit was.
I look forward to continuing with this series.
May 6, 2020
“Death at High Tide” by Hannah Dennison the first instalment in the "An Island Sisters Mystery" series. I thought this was a great start to a new series. I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in one sitting. It’s starts of a little slow in the beginning but when they get to the island it really picks up.
The characters of Evie and Margot couldn’t be more different but at the end you start to see that Margot isn't so bad. I loved Mister Tig the tuxedo cat! There were a bunch of other quirky characters on the island too.
It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I didn’t suspect the killer till almost the end just before Evie did.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Minotaur Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
The characters of Evie and Margot couldn’t be more different but at the end you start to see that Margot isn't so bad. I loved Mister Tig the tuxedo cat! There were a bunch of other quirky characters on the island too.
It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I didn’t suspect the killer till almost the end just before Evie did.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Minotaur Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
August 11, 2020
Death at High Tide by Hannah Dennison is the debut of An Island Sisters Mystery series. It is November in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England where Evie Mead just lost her husband, Robert to a heart attack. She is learning that her financial status is shaky, and Evie is glad to have her sister, Margot there with her. It turns out that Evie might be the owner of Tregarrick Rock which is part of the Isles of Scilly off the Cornish coast. Margot believes Evie needs to get away and they head off Tregarrick Rock. Evie Mead and Margot Chandler are as different as two sisters can be. Evie likes to wear comfortable clothing and is a homebody while Margot is a film producer who lives in Los Angeles and likes to wear designer clothes plus name drop. Margot is loud and outspoken. She does not hesitate to interfere in Evie’s personal affairs. However, Margot does not like Evie asking about her life. The characters lacked development. I would have liked more information on the sisters and the secondary characters fleshed out a bit more. I did feel that Death at High Tide was a slow starter with the death of Jago Ferris not occurring until the second half of the book. After Detective Sergeant Patty Williamson arrives on the island, the action begins to pick up. The police force may be small, but they are thorough. DS Patty Williamson has here eye on the two sisters and she is not about to let them head home. Evie takes matters into her own hands and begins searching for clues. She is new to the sleuthing game and makes some rookie mistakes. Evie and Margot discuss the evidence and come up with various theories. Those readers who devour mysteries will be able to solve this whodunit easily. I loved the descriptions of the Isles of Scilly and Tregarrick Rock. It sounds like a beautiful place to live despite the challenges getting there. The Art Deco hotel sounds like a gem despite the garish décor (rip out the 70s tacky and restore it to its former glory). Death at High Tide transports reader to the Isles of Scilly with pirate picture propaganda, a condescending curmudgeon, a prying patron, a secretive sister, an erratic employee, fatal fog, and temperamental tides.
August 14, 2020
I enjoy Hannah Dennison's writing, especially her Honeychurch Hall series, but my reaction to Death at High Tide was decidedly lukewarm. The setting is perfect, and a lot can be done with the tired old hotel, but the problems arose in both plot and characterization.
Whodunit was altogether too easy to deduce. I had strong suspicions the first time a character was introduced, and I was certain I was right shortly thereafter. That always takes some of the sparkle out of the proceedings. However, there were some excellent red herrings and damsel in distress segments.
Then there were the characters. Detective Sergeant Patricia Williamson didn't set well with me. I found her sense of humor difficult to fathom, and most of the time she seemed more interested in her latest date than in doing any sort of policing. Evie was much too timid, and I don't think the reasons why can all be laid at the feet of grief. My reaction to Evie's sister Margot was swift and sure. For much of the book, she's a diva-- a type of person I have very little use for. For a weekend getaway she packs enough designer labels for a two-month stay. When warned about the swiftness of the tide and the difficulty of getting to Tregarrick Rock, she purposely drags her feet and takes as long as possible to do what she needs to do. And she's the sort who needs a four-member Beck-and-Call Staff to do her bidding. By book's end, the detective sergeant and Margot have changed a bit, but will it be enough for me?
The jury's still out and probably will be until the next book in the series makes its appearance.
(Review Copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
Whodunit was altogether too easy to deduce. I had strong suspicions the first time a character was introduced, and I was certain I was right shortly thereafter. That always takes some of the sparkle out of the proceedings. However, there were some excellent red herrings and damsel in distress segments.
Then there were the characters. Detective Sergeant Patricia Williamson didn't set well with me. I found her sense of humor difficult to fathom, and most of the time she seemed more interested in her latest date than in doing any sort of policing. Evie was much too timid, and I don't think the reasons why can all be laid at the feet of grief. My reaction to Evie's sister Margot was swift and sure. For much of the book, she's a diva-- a type of person I have very little use for. For a weekend getaway she packs enough designer labels for a two-month stay. When warned about the swiftness of the tide and the difficulty of getting to Tregarrick Rock, she purposely drags her feet and takes as long as possible to do what she needs to do. And she's the sort who needs a four-member Beck-and-Call Staff to do her bidding. By book's end, the detective sergeant and Margot have changed a bit, but will it be enough for me?
The jury's still out and probably will be until the next book in the series makes its appearance.
(Review Copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
September 20, 2020
In this new series, "An Island Sisters Mystery," Death At High Tide gives us an introduction to Evie and Margot, sisters with more in common then readers will initially expect. Set in a hotel in an out of the way island that can only be accessed during low tide, we learn about family secrets, old wounds, and a possible future.
The characters in this first book are invigorating. The sisters appear to be very different from each other, but they learn and grow throughout the story, and towards the end, we begin to understand what makes them special. The hotel is a large part of this story as the series is based on it, and though it is described as old and in need of updating, it holds charm and promise of what it can become. Detective Patty would be a great character in her own series. I liked her attitude and the way she handles everything, especially the sisters.
I love the setting. A hotel that can only be reached by boat or a weird type of tractor is unique, although Agatha Christie used something similar. This story does have the feel of Ten Little Indians as well, making Christie fans want to check it out. Many of Christie's books began at a hotel or by the sea, so this new book is not out of the ordinary. There are plenty of suspects, twists, and turns, and possible scenarios that can and do evolve into real evidence and a solution most will see coming.
In general, the characters are a bit rough around the edges, but with the first book in a series, this is not uncommon. The victim was not likable, but readers will want to know who the killer is even if they don't care about the motive. The pace is good, and the writing smooth and precise. I will be checking out the next book in the series, and recommend readers read Death At High Tide with an eye towards future installments.
The characters in this first book are invigorating. The sisters appear to be very different from each other, but they learn and grow throughout the story, and towards the end, we begin to understand what makes them special. The hotel is a large part of this story as the series is based on it, and though it is described as old and in need of updating, it holds charm and promise of what it can become. Detective Patty would be a great character in her own series. I liked her attitude and the way she handles everything, especially the sisters.
I love the setting. A hotel that can only be reached by boat or a weird type of tractor is unique, although Agatha Christie used something similar. This story does have the feel of Ten Little Indians as well, making Christie fans want to check it out. Many of Christie's books began at a hotel or by the sea, so this new book is not out of the ordinary. There are plenty of suspects, twists, and turns, and possible scenarios that can and do evolve into real evidence and a solution most will see coming.
In general, the characters are a bit rough around the edges, but with the first book in a series, this is not uncommon. The victim was not likable, but readers will want to know who the killer is even if they don't care about the motive. The pace is good, and the writing smooth and precise. I will be checking out the next book in the series, and recommend readers read Death At High Tide with an eye towards future installments.
August 18, 2020
Death at High Tide An Island Sisters Mystery by Hannah Dennison is a highly intriguing mystery chocked full of suspense, secrets, and intense edge of your seat plot.
Evie's husband has died and seems to have left her with nothing except a mysterious island hotel. Her sister Margot talks her into going there for the weekend to check it out but who knew they would be dropping right into such a mysterious past that will wrap them up in the middle of secrets and murder.
The people that Evie finds at the hotel are strange and secretive you might even say mean and vile especially Jago and his wife Tegan. Lily is eccentric but knows the secrets it seems of the people and island. They all weave such a mysterious story that it is hard to put down.
I recommend this book and look forward to the next one
I received this book for my honest opinion and review
Evie's husband has died and seems to have left her with nothing except a mysterious island hotel. Her sister Margot talks her into going there for the weekend to check it out but who knew they would be dropping right into such a mysterious past that will wrap them up in the middle of secrets and murder.
The people that Evie finds at the hotel are strange and secretive you might even say mean and vile especially Jago and his wife Tegan. Lily is eccentric but knows the secrets it seems of the people and island. They all weave such a mysterious story that it is hard to put down.
I recommend this book and look forward to the next one
I received this book for my honest opinion and review
March 1, 2020
Death at High Tide by Hannah Dennison is the first book in the Island Sisters mystery series.
Although the mystery is deftly woven I found it difficult for me to relate to either Evie or Margot. The setting of Tregarrick Rock Hotel in the Islands of Scilly was definitely atmospheric which deftly added to the mystery without overpowering the characters. A smoothly paced plot with an "edge of your seat" reveal.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Minotaur Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Although the mystery is deftly woven I found it difficult for me to relate to either Evie or Margot. The setting of Tregarrick Rock Hotel in the Islands of Scilly was definitely atmospheric which deftly added to the mystery without overpowering the characters. A smoothly paced plot with an "edge of your seat" reveal.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Minotaur Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
August 9, 2021
Quelle agréable surprise !
L'histoire se déroule sur une île proche des côtes anglaises (Tregarrick, dans les îles Scilly). L'héroïne débarque en plein mois de novembre sous la pluie et un vent glacial. Elle vient d'hériter d'un hôtel de son défunt époux et tâte le terrain en toute discrétion, car elle n'a plus un sou en poche. Sa sœur et elle prétendent d'ailleurs faire des repérages pour un tournage de film hollywoodien !
Mais peu après leur arrivée, un accident mortel emporte un client de l'hôtel. Bientôt suivi par d'autres morts inexpliquées. Malheureusement, à cause de la tempête, elles se retrouvent coincées sur l'île et doivent se dépatouiller avec un tueur en série qui fait des ravages.
Bon point pour l'ambiance du roman. J'ai beaucoup aimé le cadre sauvage et isolé. Beaucoup aimé la frivolité de l'intrigue aussi. Les crimes se multiplient mais ne font pas peur. Le suspense non plus n'est pas fou. C'est la tendance du moment : un bon "cosy mystery".
Les deux frangines sont attachantes. Elles ont beaucoup à se raconter et vont profiter de l'occasion pour ne plus cacher leurs petits secrets. Enfin bref, j'ai bien envie de les retrouver dans la suite de leurs aventures.
L'histoire se déroule sur une île proche des côtes anglaises (Tregarrick, dans les îles Scilly). L'héroïne débarque en plein mois de novembre sous la pluie et un vent glacial. Elle vient d'hériter d'un hôtel de son défunt époux et tâte le terrain en toute discrétion, car elle n'a plus un sou en poche. Sa sœur et elle prétendent d'ailleurs faire des repérages pour un tournage de film hollywoodien !
Mais peu après leur arrivée, un accident mortel emporte un client de l'hôtel. Bientôt suivi par d'autres morts inexpliquées. Malheureusement, à cause de la tempête, elles se retrouvent coincées sur l'île et doivent se dépatouiller avec un tueur en série qui fait des ravages.
Bon point pour l'ambiance du roman. J'ai beaucoup aimé le cadre sauvage et isolé. Beaucoup aimé la frivolité de l'intrigue aussi. Les crimes se multiplient mais ne font pas peur. Le suspense non plus n'est pas fou. C'est la tendance du moment : un bon "cosy mystery".
Les deux frangines sont attachantes. Elles ont beaucoup à se raconter et vont profiter de l'occasion pour ne plus cacher leurs petits secrets. Enfin bref, j'ai bien envie de les retrouver dans la suite de leurs aventures.
September 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! There was a lot of detail, which I love, but I had to find a quiet place to read. Looking forward to continuing the series!
December 28, 2020
Such a fun start to this cozy mystery series. Loved it. Characters and setting - all most enjoyable for the mystery reader.
July 24, 2020
I was excited to learn than author Hannah Dennison has a new series coming out, and the first book, "Death at High Tide", did not disappoint. The premise is simple: two sisters go to visit an island hotel that one of them may or may not have inherited. What ensues is much more complicated as the inheritance is questionable and the body count rises.
I loved the concept of setting this series on an isolated island that can only be accessed at certain times of day due to the tides. The whole isolation aspect gave the story a slight Gothic air, which I very much enjoy and seldom (if ever before) see in cozies. The descriptions, of both the landscape and the hotel itself, were just detailed enough to enable me to "see" everything, without bogging down the narrative at all.
I also enjoyed getting to know main characters Evie and Margot. Evie was likable and intelligent, with just the right touch of vulnerability in keeping with a new widow. Margot initially came across as pushy and entitled, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt, as I've read other books by Ms. Dennison and trusted her not to offer up an irredeemable major character. Sure enough, as I got to know Margot better and understood what her life had been like up to this point, I liked her more. I imagine we'll see lots of character growth from her in future installments. One other note: I appreciated her traditional morality and strong views about the sanctity of marriage. It's rare to find this in any genre these days, so kudos to the author!
The mystery itself was interesting, and was made even more so by the limited suspect pool provided by the island. Despite the relatively small number of people involved, there was plenty of room for doubt, suspicion, and clue-hunting. The author did a fabulous job of expanding on the old "closed-room mystery" sub-genre, and doing so in a unique and fascinating way. Early on, I suspected that the villain was up to something, but it didn't cross my mind that this person could be the killer until near the end. I love a mystery that keeps me guessing, and this one did just that.
Honestly, I loved everything about this story, and can't wait until the next book comes out.
Five out of five chunks of perfect sharp cheddar!
I loved the concept of setting this series on an isolated island that can only be accessed at certain times of day due to the tides. The whole isolation aspect gave the story a slight Gothic air, which I very much enjoy and seldom (if ever before) see in cozies. The descriptions, of both the landscape and the hotel itself, were just detailed enough to enable me to "see" everything, without bogging down the narrative at all.
I also enjoyed getting to know main characters Evie and Margot. Evie was likable and intelligent, with just the right touch of vulnerability in keeping with a new widow. Margot initially came across as pushy and entitled, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt, as I've read other books by Ms. Dennison and trusted her not to offer up an irredeemable major character. Sure enough, as I got to know Margot better and understood what her life had been like up to this point, I liked her more. I imagine we'll see lots of character growth from her in future installments. One other note: I appreciated her traditional morality and strong views about the sanctity of marriage. It's rare to find this in any genre these days, so kudos to the author!
The mystery itself was interesting, and was made even more so by the limited suspect pool provided by the island. Despite the relatively small number of people involved, there was plenty of room for doubt, suspicion, and clue-hunting. The author did a fabulous job of expanding on the old "closed-room mystery" sub-genre, and doing so in a unique and fascinating way. Early on, I suspected that the villain was up to something, but it didn't cross my mind that this person could be the killer until near the end. I love a mystery that keeps me guessing, and this one did just that.
Honestly, I loved everything about this story, and can't wait until the next book comes out.
Five out of five chunks of perfect sharp cheddar!
August 18, 2020
The cover blurb of DEATH AT HIGH TIDE sounded like the perfect read for me, and I did like it overall…just not as much as I thought I would. The remote island setting with its rundown hotel is the perfect backdrop for an atmospheric murder mystery, but the first murder does not take place until 150 pages into the story. There is some buildup to the murder, but it took too long to get there. This and characters that are not very likable left me struggling to stay engaged with the story.
Evie is thirty-four and left in a precarious financial situation when her much older husband dies suddenly. She claims to dearly, deeply love him, but I never felt her grief. Her older sister is a stereotype of everything I dislike - rich/thin/entitled/name-dropping/pop culture obsessed. After she finally opens up to Evie, she becomes slightly more tolerable. The other characters include an adulteress, a cruel, potentially abusive husband, an unstable ex-con, a gossip, a thief, and (obviously) a murderer. The only decent fellow is the hotelier’s son.
Once the murders finally occur, the story picks up and is much more interesting. The clues are all there, but I did not figure out whodunit until shortly before they were revealed, hence my three star rating instead of two. The book is a quick read with a steady pace.
I still think the premise has great potential so I will probably give the next book in the series a go before passing final judgment on the series. I have enjoyed author Dennison’s other books. Recommended to readers who enjoy a traditional mystery format and a remote English setting.
I received an advance copy of this title from the author and Minotaur Books and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
Evie is thirty-four and left in a precarious financial situation when her much older husband dies suddenly. She claims to dearly, deeply love him, but I never felt her grief. Her older sister is a stereotype of everything I dislike - rich/thin/entitled/name-dropping/pop culture obsessed. After she finally opens up to Evie, she becomes slightly more tolerable. The other characters include an adulteress, a cruel, potentially abusive husband, an unstable ex-con, a gossip, a thief, and (obviously) a murderer. The only decent fellow is the hotelier’s son.
Once the murders finally occur, the story picks up and is much more interesting. The clues are all there, but I did not figure out whodunit until shortly before they were revealed, hence my three star rating instead of two. The book is a quick read with a steady pace.
I still think the premise has great potential so I will probably give the next book in the series a go before passing final judgment on the series. I have enjoyed author Dennison’s other books. Recommended to readers who enjoy a traditional mystery format and a remote English setting.
I received an advance copy of this title from the author and Minotaur Books and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
August 19, 2020
Death at High Tide takes us to the Scilly Islands for the first in a new series. The first half of this book was more about setting the scene and introducing the characters and setting. The descriptions of the island paint a pretty picture. I must say, the idea of visiting a hotel on an island that's only accessible a couple of times a day depending on tide is kinda neat. In real life, of course, I could do without the cast of quirky characters who all seem to be hiding something!
Halfway through the book we finally get not one, but two dead bodies. Of course our main character Evie dives in to try and figure out whodunit while being a suspect herself. With the island Doctor Doolittle giving clues from the resident cat and Evie's own run-in with a familiar face, once the bodies show up the book starts flowing at a faster pace and the pieces fall together to wrap it all up.
There was less of a cozy feel to this book than I am accustomed to for the genre, and if I didn't know it was supposed to be a cozy I would've guessed it to just be general mystery fiction.
Thank you to the publisher/author for a copy of this book. Opinions stated are my own.
Halfway through the book we finally get not one, but two dead bodies. Of course our main character Evie dives in to try and figure out whodunit while being a suspect herself. With the island Doctor Doolittle giving clues from the resident cat and Evie's own run-in with a familiar face, once the bodies show up the book starts flowing at a faster pace and the pieces fall together to wrap it all up.
There was less of a cozy feel to this book than I am accustomed to for the genre, and if I didn't know it was supposed to be a cozy I would've guessed it to just be general mystery fiction.
Thank you to the publisher/author for a copy of this book. Opinions stated are my own.
August 20, 2020
3.5 stars
Death at High Tide has the feel of an Agatha Christie mystery in many respects, but almost in caricature. In fact it reminds me more of an old Tim Conway / Don Knotts movie – Private Eyes – where all the characters are more than a little “off” and none are especially likable. The closed room nature of the vividly drawn setting (an eccentric Art Deco hotel on an isolated island only accessible when the tide cooperates) definitely gives the book a boost of interest, as do the closely guarded secrets of its inhabitants. While the only character I found consistently engaging was killed off in this first book, I’m still curious as to where the series will go from here. Fans of British cozies should give this one a try for sure!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that this book does contain more cursing & coarse language than is typical for this genre.
first appeared on Reading Is My SuperPower
Death at High Tide has the feel of an Agatha Christie mystery in many respects, but almost in caricature. In fact it reminds me more of an old Tim Conway / Don Knotts movie – Private Eyes – where all the characters are more than a little “off” and none are especially likable. The closed room nature of the vividly drawn setting (an eccentric Art Deco hotel on an isolated island only accessible when the tide cooperates) definitely gives the book a boost of interest, as do the closely guarded secrets of its inhabitants. While the only character I found consistently engaging was killed off in this first book, I’m still curious as to where the series will go from here. Fans of British cozies should give this one a try for sure!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that this book does contain more cursing & coarse language than is typical for this genre.
first appeared on Reading Is My SuperPower
June 26, 2020
I have to admit I approached this book with trepidation after seeing the mixed reviews online and what I perceived to be excessive gushing on the book cover.
But, the truth is that I loved this book. This book is my favorite cozy mystery in I don't know how long. The characters were dynamite, and the story unfolded nicely. While I had an inkling of who did the murdering, it kept me guessing. The side plots added nicely to the story without being a distraction. The scenery was excellent, and I thought the ending set it up nicely to be the start of a new series. My only complaint with this book is that I will have to wait until I can read the next one.
I received a free advanced reader's copy of this book for my unbiased opinion.
But, the truth is that I loved this book. This book is my favorite cozy mystery in I don't know how long. The characters were dynamite, and the story unfolded nicely. While I had an inkling of who did the murdering, it kept me guessing. The side plots added nicely to the story without being a distraction. The scenery was excellent, and I thought the ending set it up nicely to be the start of a new series. My only complaint with this book is that I will have to wait until I can read the next one.
I received a free advanced reader's copy of this book for my unbiased opinion.
September 20, 2021
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I'm not a huge fan on really descriptive details but with the island setting and the hotel I did feel like it was necessary. Parts of the book bored me and I didn't like most of the characters. I kept putting the book down to read others. I will however give the second book a try and have hope to like it more since the introduction to the island is done.
September 17, 2021
Not a bad start to the series. The sisters relationship was believable and I like that they have a future working together. I thought the murderer was a little obvious. They try to throw in stuff to make you think it's someone else so at least that kept me interested. I liked where this one was based and hope to get more of that in future books!
August 18, 2020
Death at High Tide
By Hannah Dennison
Death at High Tide is the first book I have read by author Hannah Dennison. It is the first in the Island Sister series and I enjoyed it very much! The main character, Evie, is a young widow who has just learned her husband did not leave her financially secure as she had anticipated. He did, however, a note indicating he had loaned a large sum of money to a friend and an exceedingly small island off the coast of England called Tregarrick Rock was used as collateral. Along with her sister, Margot, visiting from the States, she travels to the island – with much seasickness for Evie, unfortunately – to check out this island she supposedly owns and for some rest after the turmoil of her husband’s death. But she gets anything but rest on the island.
Amid foggy weather, Evie finds the body of the man to which her husband had loaned the money. She and her sister try to investigate all the other people on the island, learn of their relationships, to see if they can figure out who the murderer is. While doing that, Evie finds another person on the island dead in the bedroom next to her own. The mystery does get a bit convoluted and I had to really concentrate to keep everything straight. The actual murderer was somewhat of a surprise at the end.
Overall, this was a good book in a beautiful location and is an incredibly good introduction to the rest of the Island Sister series. I do intend to read the rest of the series. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good cozy mystery in interesting locales.
I was given a free copy of this book in the hope that I would review it. I am happy to do so.
By Hannah Dennison
Death at High Tide is the first book I have read by author Hannah Dennison. It is the first in the Island Sister series and I enjoyed it very much! The main character, Evie, is a young widow who has just learned her husband did not leave her financially secure as she had anticipated. He did, however, a note indicating he had loaned a large sum of money to a friend and an exceedingly small island off the coast of England called Tregarrick Rock was used as collateral. Along with her sister, Margot, visiting from the States, she travels to the island – with much seasickness for Evie, unfortunately – to check out this island she supposedly owns and for some rest after the turmoil of her husband’s death. But she gets anything but rest on the island.
Amid foggy weather, Evie finds the body of the man to which her husband had loaned the money. She and her sister try to investigate all the other people on the island, learn of their relationships, to see if they can figure out who the murderer is. While doing that, Evie finds another person on the island dead in the bedroom next to her own. The mystery does get a bit convoluted and I had to really concentrate to keep everything straight. The actual murderer was somewhat of a surprise at the end.
Overall, this was a good book in a beautiful location and is an incredibly good introduction to the rest of the Island Sister series. I do intend to read the rest of the series. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good cozy mystery in interesting locales.
I was given a free copy of this book in the hope that I would review it. I am happy to do so.
August 19, 2023
Death at High Tide is set on the Cornish coast on the isolated Tregarrick Rock. Evie Mead and her sister Margot head there for a respite after the death of Evie's husband, and also to clarify whether Evie's late husband had a financial connection to it. It is anything but a restful trip, as the sisters are not welcomed with open arms and soon become embroiled in a murder.
The book gets high marks for its locale. Author Hannah Dennison captures the good and bad of a seaside setting, and gives a nice description of a fading hotel (with decor circa the 1970s). The characters are distinct, although there are few likable characters (despite its beautiful location, there is no happiness on Tregarrick Rock). The reader can at least root for Evie, as the story is told from her point of view and she comes across as mostly sympathetic.
The overall plot of the mystery is consistent and mostly plausible, but is dragged down by its execution. There are a few great coincidences that are fortuitous for the killer, clunky instances where suspects freely spill their guts to Evie (a stranger to all of them) and a Poirotesque gathering of suspects three-quarters of the way through the book that devolves into pure farce (the investigating officer gathers everyone together to question them all at once instead of individually; that is not only unprofessional and counterproductive but is made worse by her sarcasm and unblinking credence for a vicar that communicates telepathically with a cat). Ultimately, this is one of those mysteries where the sleuths don't really solve the puzzle, but instead make enough inquiries to enrage the killer into wanting to silence them.
Perhaps the most annoying thing in the book was the overuse of brand names for typical objects and frequent mentions from pop culture. That not only comes off as pretentious, but it will badly date the book when someone picks it up ten or twenty years from now. That said, this book was written with great enthusiasm and is still a decent way to whittle away a lazy afternoon.
The book gets high marks for its locale. Author Hannah Dennison captures the good and bad of a seaside setting, and gives a nice description of a fading hotel (with decor circa the 1970s). The characters are distinct, although there are few likable characters (despite its beautiful location, there is no happiness on Tregarrick Rock). The reader can at least root for Evie, as the story is told from her point of view and she comes across as mostly sympathetic.
The overall plot of the mystery is consistent and mostly plausible, but is dragged down by its execution. There are a few great coincidences that are fortuitous for the killer, clunky instances where suspects freely spill their guts to Evie (a stranger to all of them) and a Poirotesque gathering of suspects three-quarters of the way through the book that devolves into pure farce (the investigating officer gathers everyone together to question them all at once instead of individually; that is not only unprofessional and counterproductive but is made worse by her sarcasm and unblinking credence for a vicar that communicates telepathically with a cat). Ultimately, this is one of those mysteries where the sleuths don't really solve the puzzle, but instead make enough inquiries to enrage the killer into wanting to silence them.
Perhaps the most annoying thing in the book was the overuse of brand names for typical objects and frequent mentions from pop culture. That not only comes off as pretentious, but it will badly date the book when someone picks it up ten or twenty years from now. That said, this book was written with great enthusiasm and is still a decent way to whittle away a lazy afternoon.
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