In the fifth instalment of The Shell House Detectives, Emylia Hall once again delivers a richly layered mystery, full of atmosphere, intrigue, and emotional resonance. Even five books in, this series continues to surprise me, with The Arts Trail Killer raising the stakes in a chilling new case.
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Springtime on the Cornish coast and Porthpella’s artistic community are throwing open their doors, welcoming visitors to the annual Arts Trail. And this year, celebrity artist Harrison Loveday is the guest of honour.
However, the light mood soon darkens when there’s a dramatic death at the opening-night party, and after threatening messages start appearing around the village, fear takes over. Before long, Porthpella is shocked by a second brutal murder, and whisperings of a ‘serial killer’ start to circulate.
With the press descending on the Arts Trail for all the wrong reasons, the Shell House Detectives find themselves vying with the police to hunt down the killer, fast. As the pair uncover bitter rivalries and hidden agendas, plus a growing list of suspects, the question of who has both the means and the motive makes this the most complex case Ally and Jayden have faced yet.
Can the Shell House Detectives stop the Arts Trail Killer before they strike again?
The Arts Trail Killer Review
The story opens with a disquieting prologue—a detached, unnerving insight into the killer’s mind. Their view of the media, of fear, and the letter to the editor that will never be sent, set a dark tone. I found myself trying to match this voice with each character as the story progressed—and came up short. That creeping unease stayed with me.
It’s been two years since Ally and Jayden first set up the Shell House Detectives, and while there’s been no case over the winter (Ally has been away visiting her daughter, and preparations are in full swing for the Arts Trail), their lives haven’t stood still. I loved catching up with Ally, Jayden, and Saff.
The Arts Trail brings plenty of drama to Porthpella. At the centre is renowned artist Harrison Loveday—a man who knows how to play people, but whose real motives for returning to the village are far from artistic. His arrogance grated on me, and I had a sense he was holding something back.
The night before the trail opens, a party is held and a death occurs. Ally’s past collides with the present at the party in the form of Raymond Finch – I was heartbroken for Gus! I couldn’t shake my suspicion of Finch and watched him closely—and I’ll admit, part of me wanted him to be the killer! How dare he unsettle Ally and put the brakes on a possible future for her! That’s how emotionally attached I am to the characters …
While Ally and Jayden’s skills proved invaluable in the last case, the police’s respect has clearly waned again. The dynamic between the authorities and the Shell House team remains a point of tension, and it’s frustrating but believable.
Just when you think you’ve got a grip on what’s going on, Emylia Hall drops a twist that makes you question everything. Is that detail a red herring? Or something crucial? You don’t always know—and that’s what makes it so compelling. Did I guess the killer? NO!
One quote from Ally really stayed with me: “When you’re the one left behind in a place, the people you miss are everywhere and nowhere.” It captures the reflective tone that runs underneath the tension.
And then there’s the ending—an absolute cliffhanger. I don’t think it could lead into a case (unless someone was watching) but I’m sure it must be tied into the future somehow. Please don’t leave us with this loose end 🙂 There are family who need answers …
With four more mysteries planned, I can’t wait to see where the Shell House Detectives go next. This series has drawn me in completely—even though it’s not my usual genre. Emylia Hall has crafted a world that feels real, characters I’ve come to care about deeply, and mysteries that never fail to surprise. The Arts Trail Killer is a brilliant addition to the series—twisty, layered, and deeply satisfying.
Books in the Shell House Detectives series
About the Author
Emylia Hall lives in Bristol with her husband and son, where she writes from a hut in the garden and dreams of the sea. She is the author of the Shell House Detective Mysteries, a series inspired by her love of Cornwall’s wild landscape. The first, The Shell House Detectives, was a Kindle Top 10 Bestseller, with the rights being optioned for TV. The Arts Trail Killer is her fifth crime novel. Emylia has published four previous novels, including Richard and Judy Book Club pick The Book of Summers and The Thousand Lights Hotel. Her work has been translated into ten languages, and broadcast on BBC Radio 6 Music. She is the founder of Mothership Writers and is a writing coach at The Novelry.
Instagram: @emyliahall_author
X: @emyliahall
