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bookwoman1967's review
1.0
The main characters annoyed me, I figured out the baddie and the motive before the murder, and I kept reading because the suspects were the most interesting part of the book. Evie is either majorly naive or seriously stupid and Margot is beyond irritating. Even the police detective was irksome.
I just talked myself into dropping a star.
annareadsmysteries's review
4.0
So when I mean I need a good cozy murder mystery, this is what I mean.
Now, is this an amazing book? By all means no - but it delivers for what it is and it doesn't try to be too clever. It does step over the believable a bit at the end, but since it was an engaging story and a charming setting, we will forgive it.
The only thing that I think needs working on is the little sister.
The story is about two sisters, who go to an island, as one of them might have inherited a hotel.
Now, so far so good. The big sister is from LA and she is obnoxious, which is fine, that's her charm. But - the author is not so sure what to do with the little sister. Her personality is all over the place. It's clear that she is not a good person, so you find it hard to sympathize with her. But then, she tries to be too nice in scenarios in which not many people would be. Personally, I think this one needs a bit of chizelling.
And only for this, it's a 4 - if the two main characters would be better, this would have been a good old 5.
I have TBR'd Hannah D's second book in this series, I'm looking forward to seeing if she fixes this issue in her second book.
Now, is this an amazing book? By all means no - but it delivers for what it is and it doesn't try to be too clever. It does step over the believable a bit at the end, but since it was an engaging story and a charming setting, we will forgive it.
The only thing that I think needs working on is the little sister.
The story is about two sisters, who go to an island, as one of them might have inherited a hotel.
Now, so far so good. The big sister is from LA and she is obnoxious, which is fine, that's her charm. But - the author is not so sure what to do with the little sister. Her personality is all over the place. It's clear that she is not a good person, so you find it hard to sympathize with her. But then, she tries to be too nice in scenarios in which not many people would be. Personally, I think this one needs a bit of chizelling.
And only for this, it's a 4 - if the two main characters would be better, this would have been a good old 5.
I have TBR'd Hannah D's second book in this series, I'm looking forward to seeing if she fixes this issue in her second book.
deanapotter's review
4.0
The Island Sisters Series is off to an entertaining and enjoyable start with Death at High Tide.
Evie Mead is in quite a spot. Her husband suddenly dies, she finds out they’re broke, a mysterious letter from her late husband finds its way into her hands and her sister, Margot, has a crazy idea to figure things out. These two sisters are very different yet extremely hilarious together. You can tell they have a bond even though they’ve been away from each other for years.
The seaside town of Tregarrick is a unique setting. I loved the hotel, once used as a mystery writer's getaway. Even with its outdated decor it had a whimsical charm. Like most small towns, everyone knows everyone and the inhabitants of this town make up a colorful cast of unique, strange yet entertaining individuals. There are many secrets floating around and when several murders occur within a short time, checking out a simple hotel becomes something much more complicated.
This is my first read by Author Hannah Dennison and I will admit I am pleasantly surprised. The characters had a lot of personality, layers and a bit of mystery to the. The setting is amazing with just a touch of a gothic feel. Winter seas can do that. Lol. The story was well paced and entertaining. The mystery was well plotted and I honestly hadn’t figured out who had actually done it. This is one of those stories that will suck you in and before you know it you have finished the book in one sitting. Evie and Margot are an interesting pair and I look forward to seeing what interesting situations these two will find themselves in.
Evie Mead is in quite a spot. Her husband suddenly dies, she finds out they’re broke, a mysterious letter from her late husband finds its way into her hands and her sister, Margot, has a crazy idea to figure things out. These two sisters are very different yet extremely hilarious together. You can tell they have a bond even though they’ve been away from each other for years.
The seaside town of Tregarrick is a unique setting. I loved the hotel, once used as a mystery writer's getaway. Even with its outdated decor it had a whimsical charm. Like most small towns, everyone knows everyone and the inhabitants of this town make up a colorful cast of unique, strange yet entertaining individuals. There are many secrets floating around and when several murders occur within a short time, checking out a simple hotel becomes something much more complicated.
This is my first read by Author Hannah Dennison and I will admit I am pleasantly surprised. The characters had a lot of personality, layers and a bit of mystery to the. The setting is amazing with just a touch of a gothic feel. Winter seas can do that. Lol. The story was well paced and entertaining. The mystery was well plotted and I honestly hadn’t figured out who had actually done it. This is one of those stories that will suck you in and before you know it you have finished the book in one sitting. Evie and Margot are an interesting pair and I look forward to seeing what interesting situations these two will find themselves in.
kate_and_books's review against another edition
4.0
Cozies the golden age of detective fiction. This was my first read of this genre and I found I really liked it. The premise is simple but it works and now the main characters.
Evie Meads husband has died and her future is uncertain. She stands to inherit a hotel on one of the Isles of Scilly so what do you do, well you get this wonderfully, hairbrained idea that you go out there and see what is all like.
An island and the people dependent on the tide, all of secrets and all have something to loose. The book kept me engaged and it was fun to read. Rachel’s sleuthing is very low key, subtle but it works.
However at times it was glaringly clear to the reader (or me) who the culprit was.
I look forward to continuing with this series.
Evie Meads husband has died and her future is uncertain. She stands to inherit a hotel on one of the Isles of Scilly so what do you do, well you get this wonderfully, hairbrained idea that you go out there and see what is all like.
An island and the people dependent on the tide, all of secrets and all have something to loose. The book kept me engaged and it was fun to read. Rachel’s sleuthing is very low key, subtle but it works.
However at times it was glaringly clear to the reader (or me) who the culprit was.
I look forward to continuing with this series.
blogginboutbooks's review
4.0
I like to sandwich cozy mysteries in between heavier reads, so I'm always on the lookout for fun ones. DEATH AT HIGH TIDE fits the bill well enough. It stars two sisters, one of whom is fairly dull, the other of whom is rather immature and over-the-top. They're not the most dynamic duo, but they're entertaining enough. The rest of the characters in the novel are quirky (always a plus in my book), although most of them are unlikable. As far as the mystery goes, it was compelling enough to keep me reading. I also got the killer wrong, which is always a nice surprise since I read so many mysteries I can usually guess whodunit. My favorite part of this book is the remote, moody, broody island setting. It's atmospheric and a little eerie, the perfect backdrop for a murder mystery. While I can't say I absolutely LOVED this series opener, I liked it enough that I plan to read the next installment. Dennison's writing style appeals, so I'm going to look into her Honeychurch Hall mystery series as well.
If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
kylibrarianjen's review
3.0
As far as mysteries go, this one was just so-so. I thought the "bad guy" was pretty obvious from the get-go and and I didn't spend my time trying to figure out whodunnit, so to speak. I will say there were some pretty unique characters and the setting is cute, so there is potential here for the series as a whole if you like cozy mysteries.
katreader's review
4.0
DEATH AT HIGH TIDE by Hannah Dennison
The First Island Sisters Mystery
Evie Meade is coming to grips with the sudden death of her husband. Then her accountant tells her she's pretty much broke and could very well even lose her house. Upon discovering Evie may be the owner of a remote hotel due to an unpaid debt, her sister, Margot, decides they should visit for a weekend. The sisters soon discover the residents of Scilly are unique, to say the least. From the animal communicating vicar to the elderly social media junkie, the stalker, and the inhospitable hosts, Tregarrick Rock isn't the most welcoming place. When Evie stumbles upon a dead body, she soon becomes a suspect. However, almost everyone on the island had a motive. Will Evie be able to prove her innocence or die trying?
Although promoted as a cozy mystery I consider DEATH AT HIGH TIDE to be a traditional mystery, and a very atmospheric one at that. The characters are unique, many of whom are quite mercurial in nature...and quite unpleasant. Tregarrick Island is more threatening as a location than comforting. It's intriguing, unique, and has its own mysterious ambience. I love the hotel's Art Deco design...although the 1970s decor can probably go!
The first Island Sisters mystery is full of secrets, love, and betrayal. It starts off slowly, seeming less like a mystery and more like contemporary fiction. While there was a vibe early on that things weren't quite right, the book was half way over before Evie discovered the body. And while danger lurked in the first part of the book, there wasn't true cause for alarm until almost the end. At which point there was a thrilling rush to stay alive.
DEATH AT HIGH TIDE is an atmospheric mystery that looks at relationships, loyalty, and betrayal. With a compelling setting and unusual characters it offers a wealth of possibilities for future books in the series.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The First Island Sisters Mystery
Evie Meade is coming to grips with the sudden death of her husband. Then her accountant tells her she's pretty much broke and could very well even lose her house. Upon discovering Evie may be the owner of a remote hotel due to an unpaid debt, her sister, Margot, decides they should visit for a weekend. The sisters soon discover the residents of Scilly are unique, to say the least. From the animal communicating vicar to the elderly social media junkie, the stalker, and the inhospitable hosts, Tregarrick Rock isn't the most welcoming place. When Evie stumbles upon a dead body, she soon becomes a suspect. However, almost everyone on the island had a motive. Will Evie be able to prove her innocence or die trying?
Although promoted as a cozy mystery I consider DEATH AT HIGH TIDE to be a traditional mystery, and a very atmospheric one at that. The characters are unique, many of whom are quite mercurial in nature...and quite unpleasant. Tregarrick Island is more threatening as a location than comforting. It's intriguing, unique, and has its own mysterious ambience. I love the hotel's Art Deco design...although the 1970s decor can probably go!
The first Island Sisters mystery is full of secrets, love, and betrayal. It starts off slowly, seeming less like a mystery and more like contemporary fiction. While there was a vibe early on that things weren't quite right, the book was half way over before Evie discovered the body. And while danger lurked in the first part of the book, there wasn't true cause for alarm until almost the end. At which point there was a thrilling rush to stay alive.
DEATH AT HIGH TIDE is an atmospheric mystery that looks at relationships, loyalty, and betrayal. With a compelling setting and unusual characters it offers a wealth of possibilities for future books in the series.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.