"'It is a good idea, isn't it? This party? I won't live to regret it?' 
'A party is always a good idea.'
But as the buzzer sounds again - impatiently and raucously - and Baz heads out of the kitchen, Saffron feels a sudden sense of foreboding. It comes out of nowhere, as quick and powerful as a rip current. 'A party is always a good idea,' she repeats to herself. Only this time with less conviction."

Book three of The Shell House Detectives, cosy crime series, see amateur detectives Ally and Jayden investigating the death of a famous, aging rocker, who's retired to Rockpool House in Cornwall. 

I enjoyed being back in Porthpella, enjoyed reading what happens next and may be in the future for friends Ally, her dog Fox, Jayden (a former police officer), Saffron and Gus. A locked room mystery in a large, cliffside mansion during a hot summer, made for a dramatic setting and introduced new characters - the dislikeable, greedy family and friends of musician and songwriter, Baz Carson, celebrating his 70th Birthday. This made for a pool of suspects, who all had motives that the police, including Sergeant Mullins as usual, are investigating. There are twists and turn as the reader learns more about the characters and suspects are ruled in and out. An engaging mystery, a gorgeous setting and great characters make this a series to get stuck into.

An enjoyable third entry in the series. I'm so glad there will be at least three more! This series really makes me want to visit Cornwall, in spite of the spate of murders.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. I loved this book - the characters are so warm and likeable and it manages to be a cosy read even whilst being a twisty murder mystery.

This was just as charming as the first book, although I didn't love the supporting cast of characters as much (and there weren't as many, to be fair). I like the relationship between Jayden and Ally, just as I did in the second book (I didn't read the first in the series). I also enjoy Gus and Saffron and Mullins (he might be my favorite). But - I would appreciate if these books were a little more concise. There was a point (just as there was in the second book) where things dragged down in the middle and then everything wrapped up without much of a bang. So while I appreciate the time with the characters, I found the resolution both too confusing and a little underwhelming. I had some guesses about what happened but I kept getting some characters mixed up. Also can Imogen come back and stay in Porthpella at some point?

I really enjoyed the book. Loved the story plot and twists. Approachable characters, realistic situations. Some descriptions or story „fillers” were tiny bit too long, but in overall - very good book and I’d read more by the author. Thank you, great job!

Summer is on the horizon in Cornwall, skies are clear and the temperatures are rising. Above the village of Porthpella at Rockpool, a strikingly white clifftop mansion, Baz Carson is waiting for his guests to arrive and his birthday celebrations to begin. The aging rock star has hired local chef Saffron to cater the whole weekend but things are about to take an unexpected and tragic turn. Meanwhile, Ally Bright, one half of the Shell House Detectives, is looking forward with amazement, to her first solo art exhibition but when a body is found she and her partner Jayden Weston, are hired to investigate

With tension running high at Rockpool after the publication of Baz’s tell all memoirs Ally and Jayden find themselves with a shortlist of suspects all of whom have compelling reasons to have had a hand in the suspicious death. When a second body is also found it is clear someone will stop at nothing to remain free. As things work towards a climax of accusation and blame Ally and Jayden's involvement suddenly becomes dangerously personal. Can they discover who is responsible before the cost becomes more than they can bear?

Book three in Emylia Hall's wonderful series was not for the fainthearted! With momentous decisions coming to light throughout this was a wonderful reading experience from start to finish. Ally and Jayden are the main protagonists but the cast of other regulars all have potentially life changing parts to play and it all works brilliantly. By the last few chapters I was reading with my heart in my mouth and I hope book four won't be long in coming as I really need to know what happens next!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Thomas and Mercer, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a brilliant read and one I highly recommend.

This was a real disappointment. Clearly trying to emulate the Thursday Murder Club books, this book features a disparate group of friends who happen to solve murders together. Problem is that they are uninteresting. I found myself skipping large chunks of text as it prattled on at length about their past lives. The mystery itself was of some interest, but the book ending fell flat. Oh well, I am sure there are many who will enjoy this.

The Rockpool Murder is the 3rd in the Shell House Detective series. I have read this series from the first book. Ally Bright is the main character. She is an artist as well as a partner in the Shell House Detectives with Jayden, a retired policeman. They live in the coastal town of Porthpella. She is having a one woman show of her artwork at the Bluebird Cafe owned by good friend, Sunita. Her friend and author, Gus Munro lives down the way.

Baz Carson is the new owner of the house, Rockpool. He was the lead singer of the band, The Nick. He has also written a book about his life which just came out. He has invited his band members, Davey Hart and Ruper Frost, ex-wife, Nicole Carson and his children Ruby Edwards and Jet Carson and his grand-daughter, Imogen Edwards to celebrate his 70th birthday. Also invited is his friend and ex girlfriend, Tallulalh Pearce and Felix Boyd a music journalist who is the son of his true love, Connie who died 5 years ago.

Saffron who owns Hang 10 Cafe has been hired to prepare the meals and serve. She is to live at the house for the weekend. While preparing the food she hears a scream from Imogen and runs to find, Baz floating face down in the pool. Saffron jumps in the pool to save him but he is already dead. The police are called. Tim Mullins is the first police officer to arrive with his boss, DS Skinner.

There is so much going on in this book to put on paper so I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the exciting and surprising ending.

I really enjoy this series and look forward to seeing what the next adventure of the Shell House Detective Agency. Will Gus stay in Porthpella and buy the house he is renting, Will Ally's daughter, Evie and her grandsons who have come for a surprise visit without her husband be staying,

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
Up to about half of the book I enjoyed it, but then I started to get a bit bored ... The story just went on and on and I had already guessed the murderer, so I tore through it to the end in a hurry.
The cast of characters (good & bad) were well-drawn, but somehow I couldn't connect with them; didn't love them, didn't hate them. They felt bland.
The book itself was mildly enjoyable, but nothing special.