The Shell House Detectives

A retired widow and an ex-cop team up to investigate a mysterious disappearance in the coastal town of Porthpella, where dark deeds are hidden among the dunes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2023
Publisher: Amazon Publishing

Welcome to the coastal paradise of Porthpella, where murder lurks among the dunes.

Late one night, a distraught young man knocks on the door of retired and recently widowed Ally Brights remote home on the Cornish coast. But before she can make sense of his confused words, he's gone—not to be seen again until he's found the next morning at the foot of the nearby cliffs.

In an instant, the peace of Ally's beachcombing life is shattered. Feeling responsible for the young man's fate, she wants to help find answers—as does ex-cop Jayden Weston, whom Ally meets at the scene. He shares her certainty that there's more to the story than attempted suicide.

When it emerges that the man is newly released ex-offender Lewis Pascoe, and that Helena, the wealthy new owner of his grandmother's home, has subsequently disappeared, the tight-knit community of Porthpella is thrown into turmoil.

Driven by their need to know more, the duo decides to investigate the mystery together. Is there a connection between the Pascoe family's tragic history and Helena's disappearance? And if there is a killer stalking Porthpella, do Ally and Jayden have what it takes to catch them?

As they delve deeper into the case, Ally and Jayden discover a web of secrets and lies that stretches back generations. They encounter a cast of characters, each with their own motivations and agendas, including Helena's estranged husband, who is hiding a dark secret of his own.

As the stakes rise, Ally and Jayden find themselves in danger. They must navigate through a maze of treachery and deception, using their wits and instincts to outsmart the killer and bring them to justice.

In the end, Ally and Jayden uncover the truth about Helena's disappearance and the Pascoe family's tragic history. They confront the killer, who is revealed to be someone they never expected.

The book is a cleverly plotted and thoroughly enjoyable read, filled with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. It explores the dark corners of human nature and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, with their flaws and strengths making them all the more compelling. Ally is a strong and independent woman who is determined to find the truth, while Jayden is a skilled investigator with a troubled past.

The setting of Porthpella is beautifully described, with the coastal landscape providing a backdrop for the unfolding drama. The author's attention to detail is impressive, and the reader can feel the salt air and the sand between their toes as they read.

Overall, "The Beachcomber" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery. It is a well-crafted story that keeps the reader engaged and guessing until the very end. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781662505126