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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.
suzydemric's review
4.0
Great start to a series, that I will continue reading (think there are just 2 total so far). I enjoyed the setting very much, and thought the main character and her sister were nicely developed.
Enjoyed the supporting characters too, many of whom will be back apparently in the second book.
The mystery was solid, with decent red-herrings, though the culprit was easy enough to suspect.
Might check out the author's other series.
Enjoyed the supporting characters too, many of whom will be back apparently in the second book.
The mystery was solid, with decent red-herrings, though the culprit was easy enough to suspect.
Might check out the author's other series.
arian_dragonelf's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
arthuravalos's review
4.0
Sisters Evie and Margot come together after the death of Evies husband. Determined to get away and relax they book a trip. Their trip is to a small hotel on an island in which Evie is set to inherit. Looking to see the place before it’s official the ladies set out. When two of the islands residents end up murdered and secrets come out about the inheritance and the death of Evies husband the islands residents secrets come spilling out.
This was a cute little mystery that reminded me of those old murder mystery novels you see on the shelves of used bookstores.
This was a cute little mystery that reminded me of those old murder mystery novels you see on the shelves of used bookstores.
msnyderk's review
4.0
What an extremely interesting and well written cozy! Interesting locale and characters. I was hooked from page one and couldn’t put it down. I figured out the murderers before the end but it took me a while! Looking forward to the next book!
thisandthatwithkaren's review
5.0
“Death at High Tide” by Hannah Dennison the first instalment in the "An Island Sisters Mystery" series. I thought this was a great start to a new series. I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in one sitting. It’s starts of a little slow in the beginning but when they get to the island it really picks up.
The characters of Evie and Margot couldn’t be more different but at the end you start to see that Margot isn't so bad. I loved Mister Tig the tuxedo cat! There were a bunch of other quirky characters on the island too.
It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I didn’t suspect the killer till almost the end just before Evie did.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Minotaur Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
The characters of Evie and Margot couldn’t be more different but at the end you start to see that Margot isn't so bad. I loved Mister Tig the tuxedo cat! There were a bunch of other quirky characters on the island too.
It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I didn’t suspect the killer till almost the end just before Evie did.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Minotaur Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
bookwife's review
3.0
Interesting story but I knew who the villain was from the second we met him.
I really liked the sisters though and I like the setting so I’m looking forward to reading the next book. I just hope the villain isn’t as obvious.
I really liked the sisters though and I like the setting so I’m looking forward to reading the next book. I just hope the villain isn’t as obvious.
kbranfield's review
4.0
4.5 stars.
Death at High Tide by Hannah Dennison is a charming cozy mystery with a rugged setting.
Evie Mead is mourning the sudden loss of her husband, Robert, when she discovers she is bankrupt. However, among the paperwork is a letter and a promissory note for a hotel on the remote island of Tregarrick Rock. Her sister Margot, who flew over from Hollywood, convinces Evie to at least give the hotel a once over as a distraction if nothing else. Evie and Margot's rose-colored vision of the hotel is quickly shattered when they learn exactly how isolated the dated Art Deco hotel truly is. Trapped on the island, they soon become suspects in a shocking murder. Can they convince Detective Sergeant Patricia "Patty" Williamson they are not killers?
Evie is still stunned at her husband's death. She cannot yet plan Robert's funeral since his son must return to England from Australia. At Margot's urging, Evie reluctantly agrees to a quick peek at Tregarrick Rock. Their trip is off to inis auspicious start as she battles seasickness, unexpected travel delays and grumpy locals. And this all before she and Margot arrive at the hotel where they are confronted by '70s decor, the angry owner, treacherous cliffs and blinding fog. When one murder quickly becomes two, Evie and Margot want nothing more than to return home. However, DS Williamson warns them they have to remain on the island during the investigation.
Margot is rather high maintenance, overdresses and over packs. She also spins a tale that could land her and Evie in hot water after the murders. She is supportive of Evie, but Margot is also preoccupied with crises of her own. While Margot is panicked at the unfolding events on Tregarrick Rock, Margot is rather blasé about the murders and investigation.
Death at High Tide is a delightful cozy mystery with a likeable but naive lead protagonist. The storyline is engaging and fast-paced. Although Evie and Margot are vibrantly developed, the secondary characters are a little one-dimensional and not as appealing. Tregarrick Rock is a rough and changeable setting that is quite atmospheric. Hannah Dennison brings this clever mystery to a dramatic, action-filled conclusion. A wonderful first installment in the Island Sisters Mystery series that fans of cozy mysteries are sure to enjoy!
Death at High Tide by Hannah Dennison is a charming cozy mystery with a rugged setting.
Evie Mead is mourning the sudden loss of her husband, Robert, when she discovers she is bankrupt. However, among the paperwork is a letter and a promissory note for a hotel on the remote island of Tregarrick Rock. Her sister Margot, who flew over from Hollywood, convinces Evie to at least give the hotel a once over as a distraction if nothing else. Evie and Margot's rose-colored vision of the hotel is quickly shattered when they learn exactly how isolated the dated Art Deco hotel truly is. Trapped on the island, they soon become suspects in a shocking murder. Can they convince Detective Sergeant Patricia "Patty" Williamson they are not killers?
Evie is still stunned at her husband's death. She cannot yet plan Robert's funeral since his son must return to England from Australia. At Margot's urging, Evie reluctantly agrees to a quick peek at Tregarrick Rock. Their trip is off to inis auspicious start as she battles seasickness, unexpected travel delays and grumpy locals. And this all before she and Margot arrive at the hotel where they are confronted by '70s decor, the angry owner, treacherous cliffs and blinding fog. When one murder quickly becomes two, Evie and Margot want nothing more than to return home. However, DS Williamson warns them they have to remain on the island during the investigation.
Margot is rather high maintenance, overdresses and over packs. She also spins a tale that could land her and Evie in hot water after the murders. She is supportive of Evie, but Margot is also preoccupied with crises of her own. While Margot is panicked at the unfolding events on Tregarrick Rock, Margot is rather blasé about the murders and investigation.
Death at High Tide is a delightful cozy mystery with a likeable but naive lead protagonist. The storyline is engaging and fast-paced. Although Evie and Margot are vibrantly developed, the secondary characters are a little one-dimensional and not as appealing. Tregarrick Rock is a rough and changeable setting that is quite atmospheric. Hannah Dennison brings this clever mystery to a dramatic, action-filled conclusion. A wonderful first installment in the Island Sisters Mystery series that fans of cozy mysteries are sure to enjoy!