So. This is missing a bit of explanation of the who’s and why’s, and the pacing is a little spotty at times but in the main this is a pretty well executed murder mystery set in the mid-twentieth century on the coast of Britain. If you like the British Library Crime classics books that set at sea, this wouldn’t feel that out of place although the plot is a little more over complicated than genuine Golden Age mysteries tend to be. Not a bad read all in all.

It's Autumn, 1951. Robert Lynnford, star crime-reporter for The London Herald, is asked by an old friend to investigate the mystery of a yacht - the Sea Breeze - found at anchor in an isolated cove on the Devonshire coast with one of its crew floating dead in the water and the others missing.

When he arrives in the seaside town of Westcliff, Lynnford is alarmed to find his friend missing and his wife in fear for his life. Determined to set about to solve the case, Lynnford soon discovers that he’s not welcome himself and the local police refuse to co-operate with him.

But it takes much more than some threats to put off this reporter. When events quickly escalate, pieces of the puzzle snap into place and Lynnford uncovers a plan that has treachery at its heart and is yet more sinister than he could have imagined.

Omg talk about a roller coaster read wow this book kept me on the edge of my seat through out I just couldn't put it down this writer keeps you hooked and once your hooked your not letting go!

This is a relatively short, murder mystery drama set in a beautiful part of the world and rather reminiscent of an Agatha Christie plot. So much so that I suspect that the author is a Christie fan. Not the best written of all literature, but a fun mystery to while away the time nether less.

Set in a fictionalized Devon port this splendid novel reminds me of what crime thrillers used to be like years ago. There are echoes of John Buchan and Erskine Childers in a story with plenty of the tropes required to make it work.
The period setting is painted with skill and the characterization reflects the cultural and moral standards of the time. There's plenty of tension and intrigue and a real nail -biting denouement.
It's a shame there are not more writers today capable of honouring the golden age of crime writing.

I received this advance reader copy via Netgalley and Matador, in return for an honest review. Excellent first mystery that allows the author’s journalistic and legal backgrounds to support the storyline. The request to figure out why a yacht is floating empty but with a body in the water brings Robert Lynnford to the Devonshire coast in 1951. Things continue from there, with friends going missing and mysteries to unravel. Well-crafted and enjoyable.

I loved this historical mystery as it's solid, well plotted, and entertaining.
It's a relaxing read featuring a cast of well developed and interesting characters.
I want to read other books by this author and I think there's a lot of potential.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Slow burn mystery?! Do these exist?! In any case, this read is unique, memorable, and a must read…Have fun readers!

Robert Lynnford is a journalist for a London newspaper. He has been requested by friends, Sam and Gwen, to come to Westfield on the coast to check into a yacht found empty in the harbour with one of the sailors floating dead in the water and two others missing. Westfield is a cauldron of smuggling and other secrets that Lynnford gradually puzzles out. Sam had disappeared by the time he gets there and Gwen is obviously frightened and friendless in the village. Lynnford stays with the investigation despite his editor's objections that it is not an important enough story to spend time on.
I was attracted to the book by the cover and the story quickly pulled me in. The author really knows his legal procedure and the newspaper business. He does a good job in character development as well as keeping the action moving along.
I enjoyed the book and will look for more of Riley's writing. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC; the opinions are mine for which I was not compensated.

Traditional Vein..
Set 1951, the seaside town of Westcliffe. Reporter, Robert Lynnford, has arrived at the behest of an old friend having been asked to look into what appears to be a very strange occurrence indeed - yacht Sea Breeze was found anchored in a cove with one crew member discovered dead and the others missing. On arrival Lynnford meets with more alarming situations and finds himself in something even more sinister than he could have imagined. A satisfying mystery in traditional vein with a deftly drawn cast of characters, a well described backdrop and a very nicely done narrative. Afficionados of a solid, traditional mystery should enjoy.

From the cover design and description, I got the impression that this would be a pleasant cosy mystery, and something that I might enjoy, so I was pleased to be approved for a copy to review.

The cover design and illustration are eye-catching and pretty, with turquoise and shades of blue, emphasising the seaside setting of the story.

From the start, the author gave the impression of a calm and peaceful setting for the reader to escape into, and this is what I always expect when reading a cosy mystery - I want it to feel like an escape. As I carried on reading, I was reminded quite strongly of Agatha Christie - in particular, her book Evil Under The Sun. This made an impression on me because she is one of my very favourite authors, and I feel her style is difficult to emulate.

It was an entertaining cosy mystery, relaxing to read, and not too long.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys cosy mysteries or typically enjoys authors like Agatha Christie. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for a free copy to review.