by Philip Eliot | Nov 9, 2025 | Mystery |
The BRAND NEW utterly gripping, unputdownable novel from Richard and Judy NUMBER ONE bestseller Louise Douglas ? Perfect for fans of perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Lucinda Riley and Jane Eyre ?1864, Bristol, England The seamstress is found in the darkened docks, floating, silenced. Those who found her are sure it must be a tragic accident, probably the result of too many drinks in a nearby public house. But journalist Nelly Brooks recognises the dead woman immediately – Nelly has her emerald shawl in her bag.Because they had met just one day before, when the seamstress had begged Nelly to investigate the death of the woman who’d given her that same shawl – a wealthy man’s wife. Nelly had tried to insist that her job at the newspaper is only meant to be writing about the best ways to darn a sock or to decorate a drawing room. She’s not meant to actually investigate anything. That’s a job for a man.But the seamstress trusted her, and Nelly knows she must find out the truth. Even though her investigation will bring her up against the great and the good of the city; with connections that go as high as the crown. And she will have nothing but her wits to ensure she does not become a murderous man’s next victim…Bestselling author Louise Douglas returns with darkly gothic historical novel of love, murder, madness and secrets!Readers love The Emerald Shawl:‘This atmospheric Victorian mystery pulls you in from the first page right through until the cracking conclusion. A brilliant read!’ ????? Rachel Burton, author‘An evocative, gothic tale of a feisty pioneering journalist taking on both the murky underworld of Victorian Bristol and the era’s restrictions on women’s lives. Louise Douglas’ writing envelops you in swirling mist and unseen menace.’ ????? Victoria Scott, author‘A beautifully crafted and compelling mystery, I was completely hooked. Definitely a five star read!’ Clare Marchant‘Oh my goodness, what a read – such a gripping story, wonderfully told – I honestly loved every moment… If historical and gothic are things that whet your appetite, with a substantial slice of excitement and danger, this is a book you’re going to love… Most definitely one of my books of the year.’ ????? Reader Review‘Words cannot describe what I felt for this work of art that this novel is… a brilliant Victorian Era mystery… I was on the edge of my seat many times.’ ????? Reader Review‘An absolutely terrific read… I read on long after I should have been in the land of nod and couldn’t wait to continue the next day. A beautiful read, well written with a great cast of characters and a firm storyline. Highly recommended and most definitely meriting all five glowing stars.’ ????? Reader Review‘A superb novel full of mystery, suspense and investigative charm… The author’s writing is so atmospheric… A real page-turner… I loved it.’ ????? Reader Review‘A great murder mystery that is steeped in danger, drama, and mysticism… Descriptive and intriguing. It captivates from the beginning… Had all my favourite things. Emotions, history, drama, romance, danger… I mean, what more can a reader ask for?’ ????? Reader Review
by Philip Eliot | Nov 9, 2025 | Crime Fiction |
When an outside evil preys on the people she’s charged to protect, will she sacrifice everything to keep them safe? Members of the Fire-Sky tribe have disappeared with a trace, but no one takes notice except a young woman who turns up dead by suicide. Pueblo Police Sergeant Nicky Matthews is assigned to the case but nothing adds up … until the suicide becomes a murder to hide the trail of a killer connected to dozens of missing tribe members. As Nicky delves deeper, she discovers a chilling threat that strikes at the very heart of what it means to be Fire-Sky: the missing were murdered because of ancestry, and, in a vengeful twist, the killer ensures the spirits of those taken will wander forever, lost to their People. With a hostile captain, interference by a politically powerful ex-lover, and a burgeoning relationship with an undercover agent investigating the murders, Nicky doesn’t know who she can trust. And when those closest to her are put in jeopardy, Nicky must be willing to sacrifice everything to save the people she loves.
by Philip Eliot | Nov 9, 2025 | Crime Fiction |
Halifax Homicide Detective Allan Stanton has been haunted for the last year by one case he couldn’t close: the brutal murder of a pretty twenty-two-year-old in Point Pleasant Park. On the anniversary of her death, the body of another young woman is found. The MO suggests the same person killed them both, but the long gap between murders is unusual for a serial killer.
Fellow detective Audra Price joins Stanton in the search for this ruthless predator. But neither is prepared to handle such a unique brand of psychopath. Over a decade of unsolved case files turn up a swath of carnage, cut all across Canada with bone-chilling efficiency. The only way to bring justice to the victims is by following the most horrifying trail of their careers—to a monster who knows he’s being hunted.
by Philip Eliot | Nov 9, 2025 | Crime Fiction |
Grace Reagan just bought a fixer-upper. It came complete with a grave in the backyard, a family she doesn’t want, and a new career that might get her killed.Lies, betrayal, and at least one murder are buried beneath the dirt and debris of the once magnificent Delaney House. Grace’s renovation of her family’s crumbling Eastern Shore mansion uncovers a dark past that everyone involved would like to forget, but she has too much invested in the project to back out.Angry relatives insist she doesn’t legally own the house, a squatter leaves her threatening messages, and her small construction team’s work is vandalized. Grace fights through every obstacle, and each day brings her closer to unraveling the truth about her family, including her long-missing father.But as she delves deeper into the mystery, Grace realizes that someone will stop at nothing to keep the secrets hidden. Will she find her answers only to lose her life?SQUATTER’S RIGHTS is Book 1 in the gripping Eastern Shore Mysteries series.
by Philip Eliot | Nov 9, 2025 | Cozy Mystery |
A pretty seaside town, a body on the beach, and a boatload of clues. Can super-sleuth Miss Jane Treen solve the mystery?England, 1941: When Jane Treen is summoned to her boss’s office at the end of a long day, she smooths down her tweed skirt and makes them both another strong pot of coffee. Brigadier Remmington-Blythe slides a folded copy of the evening newspaper towards her, with one small article circled in red ink. A body has been found on an English beach in the little seaside town where she grew up, and he wants her to investigate. Jane is used to managing secret agents and spies, but she is now part of The Secret Detective Agency, England’s answer to solving the most mysterious murders. Making her way to the coast and brimming with curiosity, she’s heartened that shy and handsome codebreaking genius Arthur Cilento will be joining her to help her wade through the fishy goings-on. Although Jane doubts he will appreciate her bringing her beloved one-eyed cat, Marmaduke…Together, Jane and Arthur drop anchor in her crumbling childhood home overlooking the sandy beach where the body was found. Surrounded by potential suspects, their eyes are on a devious doctor, an eccentric artist and a secret sweetheart. But as Jane and Arthur are searching for the truth, those giving evidence start to clam up. One thing seems sure: they need to reel in the killer before they’re out of their depth…Can The Secret Detective Agency triumph again, or will they meet their watery end at high tide?If you love twisty crime novels, top-secret intrigue and the very best of Golden Age mysteries, then you will adore Helena Dixon’s totally gripping cozy novel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Verity Bright! What readers are saying about The Seaside Murders:‘Kept me awake most of the night as I just had to finish it… grabbed my attention from the first page… with each new revelation, I just kept wanting to turn the pages… I highly recommend this book!’ Goodreads reviewer, ????????‘Amazing … I loved every. single. moment… And we need to talk about that ending… I was shocked?! I had a few suspects but oh, how wrong I was!! ’ Goodreads reviewer, ????????‘Had me flipping pages like crazy!… I loved the twisty plot!’ Goodreads reviewer, ????????‘I could not put the book down!’ NetGalley reviewer, ??????????‘I just loved this book! I loved the story and I just couldn’t put it down.’ Goodreads reviewer, ????????‘Had me hooked from start to finish.’ Goodreads reviewer, ??????????‘Phenomenal!… LOL… Had me turning the pages right away!… The best!!’ Goodreads reviewer, ??????????‘Absolutely loved it!’ Goodreads reviewer, ??????????‘Wow. I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. I read in one sitting. I loved everything about this book.’ sue.wallace1974, ??????????What readers are saying about The Secret Detective Agency:‘I ATE this up. what more could I ask for???… Loved it.’ Goodreads reviewer, ?????‘Hooked from start to finish… This book is an absolute delight!’ reading_barefoot_on_the_beach‘DANCE WITH BOOK GLEE AND READ HAPPILY!!… I love the characters! One moment I thought I knew who it was! The next minute a dead body shows up! I devoured it!… Must Read!… Bravo!!! ’ Goodreads reviewer, ?????‘The reveal. WHOOSH! THAT was unexpected. I was so sure of who it was…I was V E R Y wrong 🙂 . A really great read!’ Goodreads reviewer, ?????
