Salt Sisters

by Katherine Graham

What secrets is this seaside town hiding?

Izzy’s world is shattered when her sister Amy is killed in a tragic accident. She’s forced to come home from abroad, back to the small village she worked so hard to escape and a past she wanted to forget.  

Soon her family demands more than she is ready to give, and Izzy must reconsider her choices - sacrificing the dream life she built for herself on the other side of the world. 

But was Amy’s death an accident or something more sinister?  

When Izzy sets out to determine what happened, she realises how little she knew her sister and how deep the mystery runs in this quaint seaside village.  

Can she uncover the truth while confronting the secrets that drove her away in the first place - before her life is put in danger, too? 

Genres: Crime

338 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2021

About the author

I'm the author of the Seahouses Mystery series: twisted murder-mysteries set in a picturesque fishing village on the Northumberland coast.

I’m from the North East of England. I love 90s RnB, Cadbury’s chocolate buttons, spin classes and bubble baths.

Reviews

[Paul Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review

A beautifully crafted debut mystery novel from Katherine Graham. With a central theme of family and the special bond of sisters, kept this reader enthralled.

The characters are well written and whilst I cared more about some than others, the author gives each one of them an identity that it's easy to imagine exactly what they are all like. Or are they? Testament to Ms Graham that this reader was taken in, only to be proved wrong.

The author takes the reader on a journey, not unlike the central character Izzy, on a voyage of discovery. Not everything is what it seems. We, the reader, become absorbed and easily transported to the seaside town of Seahouses in the north of England.

I'm hesitant to write too much for worry of plot spoilers, but I would highly recommend this book to those that like a great mystery, but it's more than that: Salt Sisters is a close look into family dynamics, the relationship between sisters, daughters and mothers, and how that influences life choices. It’s filled with fascinating, well drawn characters, an exciting plot, and an atmospheric setting.

Katherine Graham is a new author with a bright future. I can't wait for her next book.

[ghostly_bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

CAWPILE 7.29
4 STARS

Found this treasure in a local charity shop- I was shocked to see something set as local as Seahouses!
I really enjoyed the atmosphere in this, the characters were well written, I didn't see the twist coming. I'm really impressed-for a debut it is really good.
I am tempted to get the sequels.

[Lucy Errington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed. Characters all had good depth and development. Storyline was good and loved the way little things linked in with each other! Thought it was amazing for a debut novel

[Lusia McAnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book with its complex twists and turns. Couldn’t put it down until I finished it and found out who dunnit! Some great characters and locations. I could smell the sea and hear the waves and gulls. Brilliant.

[Anne Simms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this from the author. I was a bit wary, knowing that it was a first novel, but it's really very well-written with an intriguing story, very likeable characters, plenty of suspense, a bit of romance, and an unusual setting - I don't think there are many novels set in Seahouses, Northumberland! This would make a brilliant book club read as there are a variety of interesting themes - loss and grief, family relationships, friendship, trust, and ultimately, hope. It's written in the first person so we share Izzy's personal journey as she tries to make sense of the tragedy and find out the truth. It's not all doom and gloom, though! Some of Izzy's thoughts are very funny and her growing relationship with her sister's children is heartwarming. Seahouses is almost a character in itself, with it's winding lanes, cosy pubs, long stretches of sandy beach, and the ever-present North Sea. A very satisfying read.

[Grahame Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cracking debut novel. From starting it in the morning after my shower I literally couldn't put it down, not even eating until 13:15 (unheard of for me!). The parallels with LJRoss (age, looks, NE setting) are obvious but, thankfully, Katherine's work doesn't suffer from the same geographic quirks or insistence that the north east has a network of motorways (!).

I love the simple, clear but still eloquent writing style. The characters are interesting and the introduction/relationship of/between them is handled with great skill.......my growing senility causes me to have problems with less expertly written introductions. Seahouses is a perfect setting for a book of this nature. The plot is well thought out and the big reveal will have all but the most pain in the ar** clever dicks surprised.

As a fledgling fiction writer myself I took great inspiration from Katherine's works and will try (and fail!) to emulate her! It also took me until 55yo before - after a lifetime writing business/technical instructions, documents and guidance myself - I wrote my first novel series, therefore she doesn't need to worry too much that it took her 13 years to bring this to fruition. I have signed-up to her mailing list so I am first off the blocks when novel 2 comes out - PLEASE ensure it does Katherine and thanks for a truly enjoyable morning this time round.

[Stew Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a very well written book in my opinion, a truly outstanding effort for the author's first novel. Set in a part of the world I am familiar with, she describes it well and really sets the scene beautifully. The characters were well written, even the secondary characters have a role to play and had their own part in the story. The was a good variety of characters to keep things interesting. The mystery of the 'whodunnit' is very well thought out from start to finish, giving you just enough information to keep you guessing and wanting to know more. I did guess 'whodidit' but it didn't take anything away from my enjoyment of reading the ending and how the story was wrapped up. The author wrapped everything up so well, it is a very satisfying ending. A well recommended read.

[Oundle Crime · Rating 5 out of 5]

No-one in our book group (Oundle Crime) had ever heard of Katherine Graham, or read anything by her, but this is the first of three novels set in Seahouses in Northumberland. I read it on holiday and loved it! Years ago, Izzy left Seahouses to build a new life on the other side of the world. Now she’s been called back after her sister, Amy, has been killed in a car accident, leaving behind her husband and two children. Izzy soon begins to suspect there was more to the car accident than meets the eye but uncovering what really happened could well put her own life in danger. I couldn’t stop reading this. The descriptions of the landscape (which I know well) are excellent and it’s a great story – twisty and interesting. I loved this so much I've already bought the next two books.
Review by: Mo, Oundle Crime

[Wong Jun · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic debut to a crime series. It’s a great read and you are instantly invested in the characters. What I love the most about this book in the end on how these characters were inspired by the writers rich life experience and it made me feel like I know the writer personally. Brought this along to my week long beach holiday. I am a slow reader but this book got me hooked to the point that I cannot put it down. Reading it with the salty sea breeze makes it even more atmospheric. I cannot wait to start on the next two books.

[Chopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this book, a new author for me.
Have now purchased the other 2 in the series.
I am moving very shortly to the area the book is based, Seahouses, so purchased on the off chance while browsing the historic & guide books of the area.
I enjoy reading fictional books based on places, especially areas I know well. Having read a lot of the Ann Cleeves (Vera) or seen the TV adaptions , also the DC Ryan ( Ross) books, so this was a welcome addition to the local authors. Hopeful for the next two books to be of the same standard or better.

[Sam Crossland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy read, quite predictable though for me. Everything fell into place for the characters and there wasn't really an element of reality. I do know this is a story and doesn't need to be real but reality makes a story more credible for me.
We've never visited Northumberland bit have considered going and the descriptions in the book certainly paint a quaint, charming and idyllic lifestyle. I could definitely stay in Pudfin Cottage and look out at the sea with my first cuppa.

[Ulla Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping tale with a well-crafted, fast paced storyline that had you hooked from the beginning.
A true “ who-dunnit” mystery where the clues kept revealing themselves and where the villain was the one person you’d never suspected. The characters are well defined and totally believable, which to me is essential to keep you in the story. Highly recommended

[Catherine Kimberley]

I’ve just finished Salt Sisters and couldn’t put it down! So many twists and turns with clever insight and understanding into grief, I loved every minute. I’m from the North East myself and spent many happy childhood holidays along the Northumberland coast. The spirit of family life is captured brilliantly.

[Karen Mcguiness · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry but a very boring read

I only managed to read until chapter eight then skipped to the finale two chapters. I guessed who the murderer was by this point . To be honest I didn't care about the surviving sister she got on my nerves and clearly had a drink problem that nobody addressed and left her in charge of three grieving children.

[Mr Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing ever happens in Seahouses - really?

A good mix of thoughts and relationships with the twist of a suspicious death. The lead character tries to adapt to returning from working abroad, whilst realising that village life is not as straightforward as she expected.
I can't wait to read more from this author.

[Olivia Morris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was enjoying this book until I wasn't. the setting is lovely and its nice how the characters are built. But I knew who had killed her well before the end and it was just annoying me how obvious it was but that Izzy was just being so stupid. So the premise was good but the execution fell very flat for me personally.

[Jeremy Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read and a wonderful debut from a very talented lady.

Through strong narrative the characters in the book were well defined and the twists and turns throughout the story made it a page turner. I look forward to the next book.

[Lorraine Fagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

A fabulous, fast paced and multi-layered story. I read it while holidaying in the area which made it all the more special. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Dina Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugely enjoyable murder mystery novel, mainly because of the superbly crafted characters. The plot was slightly predictable, but the book makes for such delightful reading that one can easily forgive that. A fabulous first novel, and I, for one, will be eagerly awaiting what comes next.

[Jayne Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read that had me hooked from the first paragraph! Well written and despite me thinking it may have been Rachel the writer did it in a way that it was the last chapter before it was revealed. Amazing book with a fantastic love of a British village and a well written emotive book

[Linda Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

I usually have mysteries figured out, but this one had me guessing and second guessing myself. This was so well-written. I really enjoyed the writer's style. I'll definitely check out other works of hers, especially the rest of this series.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW ! WHAT A RIDE!

This is one of those rare stories that lives up to the hype. It IS a page-turner. It DOES keep you guessing. Absolutely worth investing the time to read this tale. I highly recommend this book. ENJOY!

[Mrs F.G.Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent if somewhat gloomy book, explaining the problems involved with losing someone very dearly loved - in this case a sister - and how children and adults react in totally different ways. Very empathic writing. Good plot with a few twists and turns on the way. Found it difficult to put down.

[Joy "CupOfChai AndAhGoodBook" Corbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

a MUST READ

This story is truly one that makes you realise you really shouldn't judge a person before you know what's really going on. This was truly endearing, inspiring, heart-breaking, beautiful, and shows how one person can add so much to those around them.

[Joanne Levey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the seahouses setting-a place I’ve been and could picture. The solution to the mystery was a little far fetched and I felt the character development to make it believable wasn’t quite there. I did want to read to the end though to find out what happened. Overall it was ok.

[Cathy Kilsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! I loved the way this was written and was just the right level of jumpy for me! Fantastic first book and I look forward to reading more from the author.

[Barbara Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will look out for the next Katherine Graham novel, this was a really good story, well written and set in Seahouses just up the coast from where I live so it was easy to imagine the landscape.

[maria seilius · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good debut novel with a good cast of interesting characters .

[Jo L Caunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

8

[Janine Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Read it in three sittings. Some great twists and turns. Nice local author, was nice to read about places that we visit regularly.