Each new instalment in The Shell House Detectives series feels like catching up with old friends, and The High Tide Murder is a standout return to Cornwall’s atmospheric coast.
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- Category : Crime & Mystery
- Publisher : Thomas & Mercer
- Publication date : 4 Nov. 2025
- Language : English
- Print length : 399 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1662521804
- ISBN-13 : 978-1662521805
A violent storm. An isolated hotel. A brutal murder. The Shell House Detectives are on the case—and everyone here is a suspect.
The High Tide Hotel, overlooking stunning Trebaron Cove, is a dream destination for an autumnal getaway. But the serene atmosphere of this luxury enclave is shattered when the body of a guest is discovered on the terrace, directly below their balcony.
The victim’s friend is adamant that this was no accident, and when it emerges that the dead man was a detective with a chequered past, the police enquiry intensifies. Meanwhile fellow guest Jayden, one half of the Shell House Detectives, wastes no time in bringing Ally on board to help find the killer.
With the hotel cut off by a storm on the night of the murder, everyone at the High Tide is a suspect. As Ally and Jayden delve deeper into the pasts of both guests and staff, they uncover a mass of secrets and complex connections. Who wanted this man dead—or rather, who wanted him dead most? As the tide turns, the investigation leads them into a life-or-death situation. Who will pay the final price for discovering the truth?
The High Tide Murder Review
It’s no surprise that The High Tide Murder is another brilliant instalment in The Shell House Detectives series—I’ve loved every book so far!
Emylia Hall has such skill in showing rather than telling, nudging you toward conclusions that may not be entirely correct (the power of suggestion at its best!). I found myself constantly analysing relationships, making judgement calls, and second-guessing everything.
This time we’re swept off to the High Tide Hotel, perched above beautiful Trebaron Cove and cut off from the world by a violent storm. Jayden and Cat are there celebrating Jay’s birthday, a delayed treat that quickly turns into something far darker. The guest list is wonderfully varied including: Summer, a travel blogger, and her partner Blake; Kathleen and Drew, joined by a surprise arrival; and hotel owners Louisa and Elliott, whose history adds intriguing layers to the mystery.
One of the things I love most about this series is that there’s a host of characters who have motives, and Emylia Hall plays with that brilliantly here. Guests—and a few staff members—could plausibly be the killer, and this time I was sure I’d cracked it. The isolation of the setting and the raging storm heighten the tension, and this author never pads out her narrative. Every detail is there for a reason, though some clues are easy to miss or open to multiple interpretations (which I absolutely love – keeps me on my toes!).
There’s a moral dilemma at the heart of this story that left me feeling just as torn as Ally and Jay were. And yes—there is a moment that had me right on the edge of my seat with my heart pounding. It reveals so much about that character’s true nature. I’m honestly not sure what I would have done!
It was a joy to be back with Ally, Jay and co as they continue to navigate their lives. I was hoping Gus might step into the spotlight again—but he remains on the periphery. I was also anxious to find out how Ally was getting on with Ray …
Emylia Hall’s writing once again draws you in completely and refuses to let go. The mix of “locals” and “outsiders” keeps the series feeling fresh, and the emotional complexity woven through the mystery gives this book real staying power.
I will be genuinely sad when this series ends. These characters feel like friends now—even the detectives—and I’ve loved getting to know all their quirks over the six books.
If you’ve enjoyed any of the previous instalments, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re new to the series, you’re in for an addictive, atmospheric, cleverly plotted mystery that will keep you turning the pages long after you should have gone to sleep.
Read my reviews of earlier books in the series:
• Book 1 – The Shell House Detectives
• Book 2 – The Harbour Lights Mystery
• Book 3 – The Rockpool Murder
• Book 4 – Death at the Vineyard
• Book 5 – The Arts Trail Killer
Author Info
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 High Tide Murder is her sixth 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
