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Lake District Mystery #8
The Crooked Shore
'So you want to know why I killed Ramona Smith?'
The new Lake District cold case mystery sees Hannah Scarlett investigating the disappearance of a young woman from Bowness more than twenty years ago. Hannah's former boss, Ben Kind, thought he knew what happened to Ramona Smith. The prime suspect was charged, but found not guilty. Now the case comes back into the public eye as the result of a shocking tragedy on the Crooked Shore, on the south coast of the county.
The new Lake District cold case mystery sees Hannah Scarlett investigating the disappearance of a young woman from Bowness more than twenty years ago. Hannah's former boss, Ben Kind, thought he knew what happened to Ramona Smith. The prime suspect was charged, but found not guilty. Now the case comes back into the public eye as the result of a shocking tragedy on the Crooked Shore, on the south coast of the county.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published July 22, 2021
79 people are currently reading
3115 people want to read
About the author
Martin Edwards
357 books808 followersMartin Edwards has been described by Richard Osman as ‘a true master of British crime writing.’ He has published twenty-three novels, which include the eight Lake District Mysteries, one of which was shortlisted for the Theakston’s Prize for best crime novel of the year and four books featuring Rachel Savernake, including the Dagger-nominated Gallows Court and Blackstone Fell, while Gallows Court and Sepulchre Street were shortlisted for the eDunnit award for best crime novel of the year. He is also the author of two multi-award-winning histories of crime fiction, The Life of Crime and The Golden Age of Murder. He has received three Daggers from the Crime Writers’ Association and two Edgars from the Mystery Writers of America and has also been nominated three times for Gold Daggers. In addition to the CWA Diamond Dagger (the highest honour in UK crime writing) he has received four other lifetime achievement awards: for his fiction, short fiction, non-fiction, and scholarship. He is consultant to the British Library’s Crime Classics, a former Chair of the CWA, and since 2015 has been President of the Detection Club.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
June 30, 2022
Leaving it at this.
June 11, 2022
I'm yet to embark on the previous titles in Martin Edwards' Lake District Mystery series, but thoroughly enjoyed reading The Crooked Shore. I'm looking forward to catching up with the rest of the series in the near future, but can assure potential readers that this title works perfectly well as a standalone.
A suicide by drowning draws D.C.I. Hannah Scarlett into a cold case investigation related to the disappearance of local woman Ramona Smith twenty-one years previously. The case was originally investigated by D.I. Ben Kind, Hannah's mentor and predecessor, who also happens to be her partner Daniel's late father. Kind had identified Ramona's former employer, gift shop owner Gerald Lace, as the prime suspect in her presumed murder. While Lace was acquitted at his subsequent trial, he and his family were never able to escape the stigma of his association with Ramona's disappearance. Lace later committed suicide by walking into the treacherous waters of the crooked shore, a tragedy now echoed by the suicide of Lace's son, Darren, in the same place and manner. But could Gerald Lace have been unjustly accused, and if so what happened to the ill-fated Ramona?
Meanwhile, the man who witnessed Darren's suicide, Kingsley Melton, is preoccupied by the sudden reappearance of Logan Prentice, a charming young man whom he suspects of fraud and murder. Melton manages a plush but remote apartment development, Strandbeck Manor, and is cultivating a romantic attachment with wealthy and alluring resident Tory Reece-Taylor. He believes Prentice is targeting Tory and that her life is in danger - how can he convince local authorities of Prentice's malfeasance before it's too late?
Martin Edwards deftly weaves the two narrative threads into a complex and intriguing mystery. Meanwhile, there is added interest in the shape of D.C.I. Scarlett's personal life. She and Daniel appear happy in their relationship, but there are inevitable stressors associated with the demands of her job and the frequent travel he undertakes as a published author. A potential rival emerges in the shape of Alex Samaras, a beautiful and charming woman who rescued Daniel's sister Louise when she fell in a river while walking a neighbour's dog. Alex is a gushing fan of Daniel's writing and Louise can't help but wonder if romance might blossom between them.
I appreciated Edwards' more traditional style of mystery writing, but must emphasise that this is in no way a sedate or "cosy" mystery. The plot is complex and the dramatic denouement is both satisfying and unexpected. The characters are all well-developed and their motivations believable. Edwards uses the stunning setting of the Lake District to atmospheric effect, and while the eponymous "crooked shore" itself is imaginary, there are plenty of real life references to keep armchair travellers like myself satisfied!
I have no hesitation in highly recommending The Crooked Shore to all readers who enjoy well-crafted mysteries and complex plots. I'm looking forward to bringing myself up to speed with the remainder of the Lake District Mystery series.
My thanks to the author, Martin Edwards, publisher Allison & Busby and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
A suicide by drowning draws D.C.I. Hannah Scarlett into a cold case investigation related to the disappearance of local woman Ramona Smith twenty-one years previously. The case was originally investigated by D.I. Ben Kind, Hannah's mentor and predecessor, who also happens to be her partner Daniel's late father. Kind had identified Ramona's former employer, gift shop owner Gerald Lace, as the prime suspect in her presumed murder. While Lace was acquitted at his subsequent trial, he and his family were never able to escape the stigma of his association with Ramona's disappearance. Lace later committed suicide by walking into the treacherous waters of the crooked shore, a tragedy now echoed by the suicide of Lace's son, Darren, in the same place and manner. But could Gerald Lace have been unjustly accused, and if so what happened to the ill-fated Ramona?
Meanwhile, the man who witnessed Darren's suicide, Kingsley Melton, is preoccupied by the sudden reappearance of Logan Prentice, a charming young man whom he suspects of fraud and murder. Melton manages a plush but remote apartment development, Strandbeck Manor, and is cultivating a romantic attachment with wealthy and alluring resident Tory Reece-Taylor. He believes Prentice is targeting Tory and that her life is in danger - how can he convince local authorities of Prentice's malfeasance before it's too late?
Martin Edwards deftly weaves the two narrative threads into a complex and intriguing mystery. Meanwhile, there is added interest in the shape of D.C.I. Scarlett's personal life. She and Daniel appear happy in their relationship, but there are inevitable stressors associated with the demands of her job and the frequent travel he undertakes as a published author. A potential rival emerges in the shape of Alex Samaras, a beautiful and charming woman who rescued Daniel's sister Louise when she fell in a river while walking a neighbour's dog. Alex is a gushing fan of Daniel's writing and Louise can't help but wonder if romance might blossom between them.
I appreciated Edwards' more traditional style of mystery writing, but must emphasise that this is in no way a sedate or "cosy" mystery. The plot is complex and the dramatic denouement is both satisfying and unexpected. The characters are all well-developed and their motivations believable. Edwards uses the stunning setting of the Lake District to atmospheric effect, and while the eponymous "crooked shore" itself is imaginary, there are plenty of real life references to keep armchair travellers like myself satisfied!
I have no hesitation in highly recommending The Crooked Shore to all readers who enjoy well-crafted mysteries and complex plots. I'm looking forward to bringing myself up to speed with the remainder of the Lake District Mystery series.
My thanks to the author, Martin Edwards, publisher Allison & Busby and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
June 13, 2022
Having read this book in 2021, under its original UK title The Crooked Shore, I re-read it in advance of its June 2022 US release by Poisoned Pen Press as The Girl They All Forgot. I didn't detect any significant variations between the two versions, as occasionally occurs on re-release.
The eighth instalment in Martin Edwards' Lake District Mystery series, The Girl They All Forgot is an enthralling mystery which reads well as a standalone or entry point to the series, for those who have not read the preceding titles.
A suicide by drowning draws Cumbria (UK) D.C.I. Hannah Scarlett into a cold case investigation related to the disappearance of local woman Ramona Smith, twenty-one years previously. The case was originally investigated by D.I. Ben Kind, Hannah's mentor and predecessor, who also happens to be her partner Daniel's late father. Kind had identified Ramona's former employer, gift shop owner Gerald Lace, as the prime suspect in her presumed murder. While Lace was acquitted at his subsequent trial, he and his family were never able to escape the stigma of his association with Ramona's disappearance. Lace later committed suicide by walking into the treacherous waters of the Crooked Shore, a tragedy echoed in the present by the suicide of Lace's son, Darren, in the same place and manner. But could Gerald Lace have been unjustly accused, and if so what happened to the ill-fated Ramona?
Meanwhile, the man who witnessed Darren's suicide, Kingsley Melton, is preoccupied by the sudden reappearance of Logan Prentice, a charming young man whom he suspects of fraud and murder. Melton manages a plush but remote apartment development, Strandbeck Manor, and is cultivating a romantic attachment with wealthy and alluring resident Tory Reece-Taylor. He believes Prentice is targeting Tory and that her life is in danger - how can he convince local authorities of Prentice's malfeasance before it's too late?
Martin Edwards deftly weaves the two narrative threads into a complex and intriguing mystery. Meanwhile, there is added interest in the shape of D.C.I. Scarlett's personal life. She and Daniel appear happy in their relationship, but there are inevitable stressors associated with the demands of her job as a senior detective and the frequent travel he undertakes as a published author. A potential rival emerges in the shape of Alex Samaras, a beautiful and charming woman who rescued Daniel's sister Louise when she fell in a river while walking a neighbour's dog. Alex is a gushing fan of Daniel's writing and Louise can't help but wonder if romance might blossom between them.
I appreciated Edwards' more traditional style of mystery writing, but must emphasise that this is in no way a sedate or "cosy" mystery. The plot is complex and the dramatic denouement is both satisfying and unexpected. The characters are all well-developed and their motivations believable. Edwards uses the stunning setting of the Lake District to atmospheric effect, and while the "crooked shore" itself is imaginary, there are plenty of real life references to keep armchair travellers like myself satisfied!
I have no hesitation in highly recommending The Girl They All Forgot to all readers who enjoy well-crafted mysteries and complex plots. I'm looking forward to bringing myself up to speed with the remainder of the Lake District Mystery series.
My thanks to the author, Martin Edwards, publisher Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
The eighth instalment in Martin Edwards' Lake District Mystery series, The Girl They All Forgot is an enthralling mystery which reads well as a standalone or entry point to the series, for those who have not read the preceding titles.
A suicide by drowning draws Cumbria (UK) D.C.I. Hannah Scarlett into a cold case investigation related to the disappearance of local woman Ramona Smith, twenty-one years previously. The case was originally investigated by D.I. Ben Kind, Hannah's mentor and predecessor, who also happens to be her partner Daniel's late father. Kind had identified Ramona's former employer, gift shop owner Gerald Lace, as the prime suspect in her presumed murder. While Lace was acquitted at his subsequent trial, he and his family were never able to escape the stigma of his association with Ramona's disappearance. Lace later committed suicide by walking into the treacherous waters of the Crooked Shore, a tragedy echoed in the present by the suicide of Lace's son, Darren, in the same place and manner. But could Gerald Lace have been unjustly accused, and if so what happened to the ill-fated Ramona?
Meanwhile, the man who witnessed Darren's suicide, Kingsley Melton, is preoccupied by the sudden reappearance of Logan Prentice, a charming young man whom he suspects of fraud and murder. Melton manages a plush but remote apartment development, Strandbeck Manor, and is cultivating a romantic attachment with wealthy and alluring resident Tory Reece-Taylor. He believes Prentice is targeting Tory and that her life is in danger - how can he convince local authorities of Prentice's malfeasance before it's too late?
Martin Edwards deftly weaves the two narrative threads into a complex and intriguing mystery. Meanwhile, there is added interest in the shape of D.C.I. Scarlett's personal life. She and Daniel appear happy in their relationship, but there are inevitable stressors associated with the demands of her job as a senior detective and the frequent travel he undertakes as a published author. A potential rival emerges in the shape of Alex Samaras, a beautiful and charming woman who rescued Daniel's sister Louise when she fell in a river while walking a neighbour's dog. Alex is a gushing fan of Daniel's writing and Louise can't help but wonder if romance might blossom between them.
I appreciated Edwards' more traditional style of mystery writing, but must emphasise that this is in no way a sedate or "cosy" mystery. The plot is complex and the dramatic denouement is both satisfying and unexpected. The characters are all well-developed and their motivations believable. Edwards uses the stunning setting of the Lake District to atmospheric effect, and while the "crooked shore" itself is imaginary, there are plenty of real life references to keep armchair travellers like myself satisfied!
I have no hesitation in highly recommending The Girl They All Forgot to all readers who enjoy well-crafted mysteries and complex plots. I'm looking forward to bringing myself up to speed with the remainder of the Lake District Mystery series.
My thanks to the author, Martin Edwards, publisher Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
June 4, 2022
What a pleasure to find thar Martin Edwards has returned to his Lake District series featuring DCI Hannah Scarlett, now head of the cold case unit. She remains in a relationship with Daniel Kind, son of Ben Kind, a former police officer of the same department, who trained Hannah. Hannah and Daniel seem to have been apart more than together in recent months due to her busy work schedule and David’s fairly steady travel schedule because of his book writing, often having to do with crime.
As the story opens, a local man whose father was involved in the disappearance of a young woman some twenty years before, walks into the sea and dies while a local man watches from a distance, disbelieving. As it happens, he is recreating his father’s act also twenty years before. Lives were destroyed by that young woman’s disappearance and suspected death. Now Hannah will reopen the original case and try to satisfy the remaining family member.
There are parallel stories that are interesting but initially feel somewhat random. Never fear. Edwards knows exactly where he is going and has a good time getting there. Welcome back to Grasmere and the Lakes District.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
As the story opens, a local man whose father was involved in the disappearance of a young woman some twenty years before, walks into the sea and dies while a local man watches from a distance, disbelieving. As it happens, he is recreating his father’s act also twenty years before. Lives were destroyed by that young woman’s disappearance and suspected death. Now Hannah will reopen the original case and try to satisfy the remaining family member.
There are parallel stories that are interesting but initially feel somewhat random. Never fear. Edwards knows exactly where he is going and has a good time getting there. Welcome back to Grasmere and the Lakes District.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
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May 11, 2022DNF
Unfortunately I couldn't get into this book for some reason. The plot has everything and I was really excited to pick it up. I stayed with it until about 20% but I felt my mind wandering constantly and I just couldn't get into it. Hopefully I will have the urge to pick it up again in the future!
Unfortunately I couldn't get into this book for some reason. The plot has everything and I was really excited to pick it up. I stayed with it until about 20% but I felt my mind wandering constantly and I just couldn't get into it. Hopefully I will have the urge to pick it up again in the future!
March 8, 2022
So this was an other of those books that I was reading and half way through realized was part of a book series! how smart am I? but one thing I have to say first is that this book does perfectly fine as a standalone. the opening sentence makes sure that you are hooked all the way till the end.
"So, you want to know why I killed Ramona Smith?" how captivating is that! and from what I have read about this series afterwards, the whole series ( 8 titles) is really good and well written. the writer has a magical way with his words that makes you ache to read more, I was anxious and desperate to know what was going to happen in the end. no issues with the story what so ever. I'm really eager to read the previous books as soon as possible. and I have to say this is my honest opinion. One of the best reads of this past couple of weeks.
this review will be published on NetGallery and Goodreads.
thanks to net gallery for providing my copy.
"So, you want to know why I killed Ramona Smith?" how captivating is that! and from what I have read about this series afterwards, the whole series ( 8 titles) is really good and well written. the writer has a magical way with his words that makes you ache to read more, I was anxious and desperate to know what was going to happen in the end. no issues with the story what so ever. I'm really eager to read the previous books as soon as possible. and I have to say this is my honest opinion. One of the best reads of this past couple of weeks.
this review will be published on NetGallery and Goodreads.
thanks to net gallery for providing my copy.
June 8, 2022
Twisty, sinister, and complex!
The Girl They All Forgot is an intense, menacing police procedural that takes us to the Lake District, England, where DCI Hannah Scarlett and her team now find themselves investigating the twenty-one-year-old cold case of a young woman, Ramona Smith, who vanished without a trace one evening, when the son of the man who was originally arrested for the crime, found innocent, and subsequently committed suicide, commits suicide himself in the same place on the twentieth anniversary of his father’s death.
The writing is sharp and tight. The characters are persistent, clever, and flawed. And the plot, including all the subplots, seamlessly intertwine and unravel into a gripping tale full of deception, manipulation, community, abuse, fraud, vengeance, mayhem, and murder.
Overall, The Girl They All Forgot is a surprising, suspenseful, taut eighth novel in this Lake District Mystery series that I thoroughly enjoyed with its intriguing characters, unpredictable storyline, and more than satisfying conclusion.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Girl They All Forgot is an intense, menacing police procedural that takes us to the Lake District, England, where DCI Hannah Scarlett and her team now find themselves investigating the twenty-one-year-old cold case of a young woman, Ramona Smith, who vanished without a trace one evening, when the son of the man who was originally arrested for the crime, found innocent, and subsequently committed suicide, commits suicide himself in the same place on the twentieth anniversary of his father’s death.
The writing is sharp and tight. The characters are persistent, clever, and flawed. And the plot, including all the subplots, seamlessly intertwine and unravel into a gripping tale full of deception, manipulation, community, abuse, fraud, vengeance, mayhem, and murder.
Overall, The Girl They All Forgot is a surprising, suspenseful, taut eighth novel in this Lake District Mystery series that I thoroughly enjoyed with its intriguing characters, unpredictable storyline, and more than satisfying conclusion.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2023
Another good book in this series, with a great plot that took me by surprise. More on the relationship with Hannah and Daniel. Great descriptions of the Lake District, which continues to fuel my desire to visit this part of the world. I'm wondering if this is the last in the series..??...maybe, but hoping not.
June 7, 2022
The Girl They All Forgot, Martin Edwards’s eighth Lake District Mystery, seethes with a foreboding of violence, even as it looks back at a long-buried cold case of murder. The Crooked Shore, accursed scene of the crime, looms ever-present with malicious intent. Magnificently creepy estate agents, stop-at-nothing gigolos, and lustful widows with bags of cash make this a tense and irresistibly gripping read. It will suck you in like the Crooked Shore’s murderous quicksand. No use struggling against it. You’ll lose. Brilliant.
November 25, 2021
Rather sluggish in the middle but then everything, and I mean everything happened in the last ten pages. Rampaging would-be murderers, inept murderers, and a glorious twist (which I guessed might happen but not the person involved). Tied up the loose ends of the entire series.
September 17, 2022
This book is a brilliant who dun it. The plot had me engaged from start to finish with well developed characters and a depth ths isn't understood until the final twist. I didn't see the end coming and I loved it! I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you @netgalley for the #gifted arc.
Thank you @netgalley for the #gifted arc.
June 23, 2022
Having read a number of the author's books, this held my interest where it was difficult to pause. I like his writing style and enjoy the Lake District mysteries.
July 14, 2022
Edwards is a fine writer and his books are filled with interesting people, great atmosphere and notable plots. The opening one-page “Afterwards” is clever and I was only half-right in guessing what it was all about. But I quickly grew weary of this edition of his Lake District Mysteries simply because so many of the characters are despicably manipulative or despicably susceptible to manipulation. Has there ever been a more clueless, delusional, sadder character than Kingsley Melton? So many of the characters are on the make and are atrociously amoral. It just ate away at my enjoyment. I do like Hannah and Daniel, although I loathe Daniel’s sister Louise who is trying to undermine his relationship with Hannah by introducing a person who turns out to be quite dangerous. And let’s be clear: we all know who Tory really is fairly quickly. That said, the prose is fine and enjoyable, and we get to resolve some very old business with Ben Kind. And the “girl” in the title is not the obvious person.
July 1, 2022
Goodreads Giveaway. Lake District Mystery #8. DCI Hannah Scarlett is now heading a cold case squad and her newest case is the disappearance and presumed murder of Ramona Smith 21 years ago. When the son of the man convicted commits suicide Hannah begins to doubt Gerald Lace's guilt. When the new interviews with witnesses sheds new light she comes up with an alternate theory. But can she prove it? I have read and enjoyed other books by this author but I felt this entry started off really slow until midpoint and savored the twist at the conclusion. Although I thought Hannah's team were well developed, the other characters were very unlikeable and I didn't become invested in who Killed Ramona. That being said it was still a solid crime novel and I will continues to follow this author's work due to prior enjoyment.
May 30, 2022
The Girl They All Forgot is so full of twists and turns, red herrings and a surprise ending it was very hard to put down so the lights stayed on.
Although this is the eighth book in the series , I had not read any of them, it certainly can be read as a stand alone.
Now I want to go back and read them all to find out the back story of Hannah and Daniel.
I thought I had cleverly guessed the "whodunit" and the ending but I was so wrong.
Martin Edwards and Lake Mystery Series you have a new fan who can't wait to read the earlier books and I eagerly await the next book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for introducing me to Martin Edward's The Lake District Mystery's .
Although this is the eighth book in the series , I had not read any of them, it certainly can be read as a stand alone.
Now I want to go back and read them all to find out the back story of Hannah and Daniel.
I thought I had cleverly guessed the "whodunit" and the ending but I was so wrong.
Martin Edwards and Lake Mystery Series you have a new fan who can't wait to read the earlier books and I eagerly await the next book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for introducing me to Martin Edward's The Lake District Mystery's .
May 29, 2022
5/29/2022 Not often I get two big "did that just happen?" moments in one book. Full review tk at .
July 27, 2021
The question
‘So, you want to know why I killed Ramona Smith?
is the opening line and is addressed to DCI Hannah Scarlett. But who is asking the question?
Scarlett is just back from a conference in London where she had presented a paper on the challenge of leading cold case reviews. She is still surprised to find herself now described as an expert in solving unsolved crimes.
When Kit Gleadall, the new Police and Crime Commissioner, asks Hannah to look into the twenty-one- year-old case of the disappearance of Ramona Smith from Bowness, it takes her a while to bring the case to mind. Recollection brings back memories of the investigating officer Ben Kind who had a prime suspect who he was convinced was guilty. Although Smith’s body was never found the prime suspect was charged and tried for the murder. He was found not guilty, but eventually committed suicide. Following another death, the case has resurfaced.
Kingsley Melton is the manager of Strandbeck Manor, a period house that has been turned into luxury apartments. Taking his ease on the shoreline, named The Crooked Shore, Kingsley is shocked to see Logan Prentice jog past him. Logan Prentice who Kingsley suspects of evil deeds.
As Hannah begins re-interviewing the people who were investigated in the original case, those that are still alive that is, she ponders on Ben Kind - a very shrewd cop, who she had liked very much but who had sadly been killed in a hit and run. These pondering naturally take her to his son Daniel Kind, ex TV historian who Hannah had been dating. But she had not seen him for six weeks as he had been travelling abroad promoting his new book. Whilst it had been wonderful to see him again things seemed different. Maybe, he had someone else.
Narrated in the third person by Kingsley Melton and Hannah Scarlett, there are many strands to this story, which are skilfully drawn together. Like many good stories the clues lie in the past. The Crooked Shore is one of the best books I have read in along time. Just when you think you know it all, there is a sudden jaw-dropping twist that I most certainly didn’t see coming. Most highly recommended as a book not to be missed.
------
Reviewer; Lizzie Sirett
‘So, you want to know why I killed Ramona Smith?
is the opening line and is addressed to DCI Hannah Scarlett. But who is asking the question?
Scarlett is just back from a conference in London where she had presented a paper on the challenge of leading cold case reviews. She is still surprised to find herself now described as an expert in solving unsolved crimes.
When Kit Gleadall, the new Police and Crime Commissioner, asks Hannah to look into the twenty-one- year-old case of the disappearance of Ramona Smith from Bowness, it takes her a while to bring the case to mind. Recollection brings back memories of the investigating officer Ben Kind who had a prime suspect who he was convinced was guilty. Although Smith’s body was never found the prime suspect was charged and tried for the murder. He was found not guilty, but eventually committed suicide. Following another death, the case has resurfaced.
Kingsley Melton is the manager of Strandbeck Manor, a period house that has been turned into luxury apartments. Taking his ease on the shoreline, named The Crooked Shore, Kingsley is shocked to see Logan Prentice jog past him. Logan Prentice who Kingsley suspects of evil deeds.
As Hannah begins re-interviewing the people who were investigated in the original case, those that are still alive that is, she ponders on Ben Kind - a very shrewd cop, who she had liked very much but who had sadly been killed in a hit and run. These pondering naturally take her to his son Daniel Kind, ex TV historian who Hannah had been dating. But she had not seen him for six weeks as he had been travelling abroad promoting his new book. Whilst it had been wonderful to see him again things seemed different. Maybe, he had someone else.
Narrated in the third person by Kingsley Melton and Hannah Scarlett, there are many strands to this story, which are skilfully drawn together. Like many good stories the clues lie in the past. The Crooked Shore is one of the best books I have read in along time. Just when you think you know it all, there is a sudden jaw-dropping twist that I most certainly didn’t see coming. Most highly recommended as a book not to be missed.
------
Reviewer; Lizzie Sirett
May 22, 2022
The Girl They All Forgot is the 8th book in the Lake District Mystery series, though I did not realize it until part way through this fascinating and engrossing book. Hannah Scarlett is a cold case detective and investigates the death of Ramona Smith twenty one years ago. Meanwhile, a man commits suicide in the same location and in the same way as his father did twenty years prior. The incident was observed. Not only that but a needy rental agent worries about the welfare of the woman he is besotted with as he has a few "aha" moments. However, his beloved is tenacious and has a way of getting what she wants. Twisted relationships abound which add intrigue to the mystery aspects. Though I hated the relationships themselves, the way they contributed overall is brilliant.
That first sentence, though! Beguiling and arresting, the entire book is jam packed with incredible twists. Martin Edwards truly has a way with words and is very skilled at masterfully weaving plots and subplots together. Though the characters were unlikeable (some downright despicable) in my view, the stories themselves really grew on me, particularly the layers of mystery. And one needn't like the characters to enjoy a good book.
Mystery and Thriller fans ought to seek this out. It was a bit confusing to begin with but that could be because this was the first I read in the series. Do know there are adult situations and language.
My sincere thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this utterly enthralling and original book. I feel compelled to read the other books in the series.
That first sentence, though! Beguiling and arresting, the entire book is jam packed with incredible twists. Martin Edwards truly has a way with words and is very skilled at masterfully weaving plots and subplots together. Though the characters were unlikeable (some downright despicable) in my view, the stories themselves really grew on me, particularly the layers of mystery. And one needn't like the characters to enjoy a good book.
Mystery and Thriller fans ought to seek this out. It was a bit confusing to begin with but that could be because this was the first I read in the series. Do know there are adult situations and language.
My sincere thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this utterly enthralling and original book. I feel compelled to read the other books in the series.
January 23, 2023
DCI Hannah Scarlett is in charge of an under-staffed cold case unit in the Cumbria Constabulary. Not 30 pages in and already a senior officer has offered her more staff to investigate a case because he in turn is being pressured by others even more senior. Wonders will never cease!
The author has put a lot of development into the characters, and after reading for a while I became annoyed with some, and suspicious of others - rightly so as it turns out. That's why I put the book down for a week, but now I regret having done that.
It turned out to be quite an exciting finish. Admittedly the author disposed of an annoying loose end in a couple of lines, maybe the desired word-count had been achieved. At nearly 400 pages it's quite long. There's also a very unexpected twist, so good luck if you like to guess the culprit. Perhaps some of the conversations bog down a bit, but I still decided to award this a 4.5. This is No. 8 in the Lake District series and it stands up pretty well in my opinion. I may possibly have read another one in the series, can't remember offhand.
The author has put a lot of development into the characters, and after reading for a while I became annoyed with some, and suspicious of others - rightly so as it turns out. That's why I put the book down for a week, but now I regret having done that.
It turned out to be quite an exciting finish. Admittedly the author disposed of an annoying loose end in a couple of lines, maybe the desired word-count had been achieved. At nearly 400 pages it's quite long. There's also a very unexpected twist, so good luck if you like to guess the culprit. Perhaps some of the conversations bog down a bit, but I still decided to award this a 4.5. This is No. 8 in the Lake District series and it stands up pretty well in my opinion. I may possibly have read another one in the series, can't remember offhand.
July 26, 2021
I haven’t read the previous books in the series, and apparently the main characters have been around for some time now. But that didn’t deter me to enjoy this story, not even a second.
It’s been twenty years since a murder case remained unsolved and now, after all this time, someone wants to open the cold case again because there’s something interesting happening around the same setting that could cause a lot of chaos in the future.
It immersed me in the story from the beginning to the end; the author has a way with his words that makes me want to never stop reading and falling for each piece of a puzzle that he drops around when least expected.
It’s much more psychological twisted than mystery story and I love when a book really challenges me in that way, because not only one of my theories was right in here.
A very compelling read that highly recommend.
arc review
It’s been twenty years since a murder case remained unsolved and now, after all this time, someone wants to open the cold case again because there’s something interesting happening around the same setting that could cause a lot of chaos in the future.
It immersed me in the story from the beginning to the end; the author has a way with his words that makes me want to never stop reading and falling for each piece of a puzzle that he drops around when least expected.
It’s much more psychological twisted than mystery story and I love when a book really challenges me in that way, because not only one of my theories was right in here.
A very compelling read that highly recommend.
arc review
July 17, 2021
You can always rely on Martin Edwards for a well-written, pacy murder mystery. I am pleased to say that The Crooked Shore is no exception to the rule.
Featuring Edwards’ series detective DCI Hannah Scarlett, this book focuses on a cold case disappearance of Ramona Smith and the tragic ripples the case caused throughout the close knit Lake District community. Hannah needs to solve the mystery quickly to prevent more deaths.
A solid four star good read, with beautiful scenery and deliciously nasty characters to be bumped off.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.
Featuring Edwards’ series detective DCI Hannah Scarlett, this book focuses on a cold case disappearance of Ramona Smith and the tragic ripples the case caused throughout the close knit Lake District community. Hannah needs to solve the mystery quickly to prevent more deaths.
A solid four star good read, with beautiful scenery and deliciously nasty characters to be bumped off.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.
July 9, 2024
It seems I am on a bit of a binge of crime/police procedurals at the moment and I cannot believe that this is the 8th book that I have read in this series. Edwards does a good job and his knowledge of the genre of crime fiction and its history is evident in his style and ability. I like his characters, the cold cases are interesting, the marriage of old cases with modern ones is generally cleverly done. While this was not my favorite of the series - the ending was rather rushed - I will continue to read the Scarlett and Kind mysteries should more be written!
July 21, 2021
Outstanding, one of the best in the series. Full review at classicmystery.blog
July 27, 2021
Rating - 4.5
I cannot recommend this series enough. Martin Edwards is an incredibly skilled writer of mysteries (I read his Golden Age novels last year) and this book was no exception. There are red herrings galore and morally grey characters, both in the suspects list and elsewhere.
I particularly liked the pacing and the end had me frantically turning pages, desperate to find out what was going to happen.
Huge thanks again to Allison and Busby for the copy and for letting me be a part of the tour. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series
I cannot recommend this series enough. Martin Edwards is an incredibly skilled writer of mysteries (I read his Golden Age novels last year) and this book was no exception. There are red herrings galore and morally grey characters, both in the suspects list and elsewhere.
I particularly liked the pacing and the end had me frantically turning pages, desperate to find out what was going to happen.
Huge thanks again to Allison and Busby for the copy and for letting me be a part of the tour. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series
May 20, 2022
I used to quite like Martin Edwards’s Lake District series.
Maybe I’ve outgrown them.
Or maybe they’ve become a bit too much like Midsomer Murders, just too many of them, and the similarities are evident - which I guess is what makes them so popular with some people.
This particular mystery is light on action, heavy on mundane chatter between characters, local product placement, but most of all, far too long.
Though some of the story happens in the National Park, a lot of it is at Morecambe Bay, which is of less interest as a setting.
Maybe I’ve outgrown them.
Or maybe they’ve become a bit too much like Midsomer Murders, just too many of them, and the similarities are evident - which I guess is what makes them so popular with some people.
This particular mystery is light on action, heavy on mundane chatter between characters, local product placement, but most of all, far too long.
Though some of the story happens in the National Park, a lot of it is at Morecambe Bay, which is of less interest as a setting.
January 22, 2022
Life is certainly nasty, brutish, and short—at least for most of the characters in Edwards’s much-awaited new installment, set on the edge of England’s Lake District. DVI Hannah Scarlett is in charge of cold cases, and she’s actually been funded well enough to put together a small team. Here she’s investigating the disappearance of a young woman, Ramona Smith, who is presumed to have been murdered 21 years ago.
The case gets noticed when a young man commits suicide by running into quicksand—at the exact location and date that his father, who was acquitted of Ramona’s murder, took his life. The search for Ramona takes Hannah and colleagues through quite a number of plot lines with quite an assortment of characters, one creepier than the last: a sexually repressed antiques dealer, an over-the-top toy boy, a sexy—but completely plastic—middle-aged woman, and so many more.
What’s remarkable is how intertwined the characters are; even Hannah’s personal life comes into play. As Hannah digs deeper into the evidence of the past, and confronts the present, readers have the pleasure of seeing such a complex narrative effortlessly resolve itself. For readers of Ann Cleeves, Mark Billingham, and Clare Donoghue.—Brian Kenney, First Clue
For more reviews of forthcoming crime fiction, subscribe to our weekly newsletter, First Clue:https://www.getrevue.co/profile/First...
The case gets noticed when a young man commits suicide by running into quicksand—at the exact location and date that his father, who was acquitted of Ramona’s murder, took his life. The search for Ramona takes Hannah and colleagues through quite a number of plot lines with quite an assortment of characters, one creepier than the last: a sexually repressed antiques dealer, an over-the-top toy boy, a sexy—but completely plastic—middle-aged woman, and so many more.
What’s remarkable is how intertwined the characters are; even Hannah’s personal life comes into play. As Hannah digs deeper into the evidence of the past, and confronts the present, readers have the pleasure of seeing such a complex narrative effortlessly resolve itself. For readers of Ann Cleeves, Mark Billingham, and Clare Donoghue.—Brian Kenney, First Clue
For more reviews of forthcoming crime fiction, subscribe to our weekly newsletter, First Clue:https://www.getrevue.co/profile/First...
June 12, 2021
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
When I requested it, I didn't realize it was the eighth in a series. It stood fairly well on its own, although at times I felt as if I was missing something. I couldn't get a handle on Daniel and Hannah's relationship at all, and the way Louise kept trying to set Daniel up with Alex was inexplicable to me.
Initially I found the Tory/Logan/Kingsley thread unpleasant, but it grew on me. The resolutions at the end were not at all clued for the reader and I didn't find them particularly likely, but the plot held together fairly well in retrospect. I would have preferred the balance of the narrative to be more heavily weighted towards the police procedural thread, but perhaps this series is always a blend of perspectives.
When I requested it, I didn't realize it was the eighth in a series. It stood fairly well on its own, although at times I felt as if I was missing something. I couldn't get a handle on Daniel and Hannah's relationship at all, and the way Louise kept trying to set Daniel up with Alex was inexplicable to me.
Initially I found the Tory/Logan/Kingsley thread unpleasant, but it grew on me. The resolutions at the end were not at all clued for the reader and I didn't find them particularly likely, but the plot held together fairly well in retrospect. I would have preferred the balance of the narrative to be more heavily weighted towards the police procedural thread, but perhaps this series is always a blend of perspectives.
February 20, 2022
This is the last book in an excellent mystery series, a mix of police procedural and classic whodunnit that kept me turning pages as it’s a gripping and atmospheric story.
What happened in the past is affecting what is happening in the present, a cold case is being reopened as the son of the supposed culprit took his life as his father did.
This is the main plot, a supposed murder without a corpse. A supposed culprit who took his life.
There are a lot of secrets in this story, there a lot of what if and you follow the investigation trying to understand if everything was done to discover the truth.
There’s a subplot involving other characters who seems loosely related to the main story. I didn’t like them at the beginning, but it grew on me and became another fascinating part of the story.
The plot is well crafted, Martin Edwards is a talented storyteller, and this story always kept my attention alive.
Hannah and her teams are well thought and likeable, clever and interesting. Tori is a fascinating character: a mysterious woman who is able to manipulate and get what she wants, even if I didn’t like her, I couldn’t help being fascinated.
There are some slow moments in the middle, but the last part was a rollercoaster, fast paced and action packed.
This book starts and end with a bang.
An excellent, gripping and highly entertaining story that I strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
What happened in the past is affecting what is happening in the present, a cold case is being reopened as the son of the supposed culprit took his life as his father did.
This is the main plot, a supposed murder without a corpse. A supposed culprit who took his life.
There are a lot of secrets in this story, there a lot of what if and you follow the investigation trying to understand if everything was done to discover the truth.
There’s a subplot involving other characters who seems loosely related to the main story. I didn’t like them at the beginning, but it grew on me and became another fascinating part of the story.
The plot is well crafted, Martin Edwards is a talented storyteller, and this story always kept my attention alive.
Hannah and her teams are well thought and likeable, clever and interesting. Tori is a fascinating character: a mysterious woman who is able to manipulate and get what she wants, even if I didn’t like her, I couldn’t help being fascinated.
There are some slow moments in the middle, but the last part was a rollercoaster, fast paced and action packed.
This book starts and end with a bang.
An excellent, gripping and highly entertaining story that I strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 31, 2022
This book just felt like a mess from start to finish. Many reviews said this could be read/understood as a standalone and not part of a series, but the author introduced too many characters too quickly, with no real characterization to distinguish anyone. The characters were both flat and completely unlikeable, to the point where I wasn't rooting for anyone and just wanted to be finished with the book. The plot was very disjointed and while I suppose it did come together at the end, the journey to get there was muddled and confusing. Also, while not as important, the setting was equally as confusing as the plot, as the author didn't do a great job at explaining the actual town(s?) the story took place in. There were descriptions of where scenes took place, but not about how far they really were in relation to one another/where they were in general. Overall a very disappointing and tiring read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
August 26, 2021
With suspicious deaths, cold cases and a sumptuous setting, Edwards’ latest novel is an impressive tale of relationships centred on the Lake District. This novel follows The Dungeon House, but works well as a stand alone with some well established characters. DCI Hannah Scarlett is a determined investigator, keen to increase her team to better find leads in the twenty year old disappearance of a young local woman. Ramona Smith had a reputation locally for a complex romantic life, and her mysterious fate has cast a destructive shadow over many lives. The investigation has sprung to life again with a new tragedy that could only happen on the Crooked Shore, a special place of particular danger. Hannah’s team must work hard to track down all the potential people who may know the truth of past events and contemporary dangers. With at least one murder already committed, the desperate search for the killer must speed up to prevent more deaths.
This intense novel is written with several strands of story. Hannah is obviously a skilled and experienced detective who is keen to get her team up to full strength, with the support of the new Police Commisioner, Kit Gleadall. The Prologue features an anonymous speaker confessing to the murder of Ramona Smith, and from that moment various characters are introduced who may well fulfill that role. Edwards is extremely able to introduce three dimensional characters with realistic attitudes and personal histories that weave in and out of the narrative. The establishment of the setting is well done, with the particular atmosphere of a town and countryside of historic significance. I enjoyed the writing immensely and was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this excellent novel.
Kingsley Melton is sitting on a bench overlooking the Crooked Shore. He is charged with selling luxury apartments at Strandbeck Manor, a difficult job for this man in his fifties, who has the air of one defeated by life. The appearance of a lone jogger barely attracts his attention, while Kingsley considers a sighting of a young man that he feels he has every reason to suspect of guilty dealings. Logan Prentice has spent time at a nursing home where Kinsley’s mother was a resident, and Kingsley believes him guilty of a crime there. While he contemplates this, the jogger becomes trapped in the sand in front of him and Kinsley can only look on in horror as the tide advances. His obsession with a woman who lives in an apartment in the manor comes to dominate his waking hours. It emerges that the jogger possibly meant to end his life in an horrific way, following his father’s suicide exactly twenty years before. Gerry Lace had been the chief suspect in the disappearance of Ramona, an investigation led by the late Ben Kind. The death of his son, Darren Lace, on the beach provokes a reassessment of what really happened to Ramona, with implications for many people in the area.
This novel has real depth as both the investigators and the investigated are seen with all their interrelated stories. It is a relatively small community in a contemporary world where rumours and theories of guilt are easily communicated. This is a thriller where time is of the essence as old wounds and new dangers emerge, and Edwards maintains the tension admirably throughout. The characters are well drawn and realistic. The plot is complex as the investigation and action takes place in the present but is affected by the past. This is a well written novel which I found completely involving and intriguing. I recommend it strongly to those who enjoy a contemporary thriller with a strong sense of place and complex characters.
This intense novel is written with several strands of story. Hannah is obviously a skilled and experienced detective who is keen to get her team up to full strength, with the support of the new Police Commisioner, Kit Gleadall. The Prologue features an anonymous speaker confessing to the murder of Ramona Smith, and from that moment various characters are introduced who may well fulfill that role. Edwards is extremely able to introduce three dimensional characters with realistic attitudes and personal histories that weave in and out of the narrative. The establishment of the setting is well done, with the particular atmosphere of a town and countryside of historic significance. I enjoyed the writing immensely and was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this excellent novel.
Kingsley Melton is sitting on a bench overlooking the Crooked Shore. He is charged with selling luxury apartments at Strandbeck Manor, a difficult job for this man in his fifties, who has the air of one defeated by life. The appearance of a lone jogger barely attracts his attention, while Kingsley considers a sighting of a young man that he feels he has every reason to suspect of guilty dealings. Logan Prentice has spent time at a nursing home where Kinsley’s mother was a resident, and Kingsley believes him guilty of a crime there. While he contemplates this, the jogger becomes trapped in the sand in front of him and Kinsley can only look on in horror as the tide advances. His obsession with a woman who lives in an apartment in the manor comes to dominate his waking hours. It emerges that the jogger possibly meant to end his life in an horrific way, following his father’s suicide exactly twenty years before. Gerry Lace had been the chief suspect in the disappearance of Ramona, an investigation led by the late Ben Kind. The death of his son, Darren Lace, on the beach provokes a reassessment of what really happened to Ramona, with implications for many people in the area.
This novel has real depth as both the investigators and the investigated are seen with all their interrelated stories. It is a relatively small community in a contemporary world where rumours and theories of guilt are easily communicated. This is a thriller where time is of the essence as old wounds and new dangers emerge, and Edwards maintains the tension admirably throughout. The characters are well drawn and realistic. The plot is complex as the investigation and action takes place in the present but is affected by the past. This is a well written novel which I found completely involving and intriguing. I recommend it strongly to those who enjoy a contemporary thriller with a strong sense of place and complex characters.
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