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Cornish Mysteries #3
The Mermaid's Call
Cornwall, 1845. Shilly has always felt a connection to happenings that are not of this world, a talent that has proved invaluable when investigating dark deeds with master of disguise, Anna Drake. The women opened a detective agency with help from their newest member and investor, Mathilda, but six long months have passed without a single case to solve and tensions are growing. It is almost a relief when a man is found dead along the Morwenstow coast and the agency is sought out to investigate. There are suspicions that wreckers plague the coast, luring ships to their ruin with false lights - though nothing has ever been proved. Yet with the local talk of sirens calling victims to the sea to meet their end, could something other-worldly be responsible for the man's death?
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2019
About the author
Katherine Stansfield
17 books63 followersKatherine Stansfield is a multi-genre novelist and poet who grew up on Bodmin Moor and now lives in Cardiff.
Her Cornish Mysteries crime series is set in the 1840s and features unorthodox detective duo Anna Drake and Shilly Williams. The pair investigate crimes based on real events in Cornish history and involve a good dash of local folklore. Think 'Sherlock Holmes meets the X Files meets Daphne du Maurier'.
Katherine is also one half of the writing partnership DK Fields, with her partner David Towsey. Head of Zeus will publish their political fantasy novel Widow’s Welcome, the first in The Tales of Fenest trilogy, in August 2019.
You can find Katherine on Twitter, @K_Stansfield, and keep up to date with events and new interviews via her website: http://katherinestansfield.blogspot.c...
Her Cornish Mysteries crime series is set in the 1840s and features unorthodox detective duo Anna Drake and Shilly Williams. The pair investigate crimes based on real events in Cornish history and involve a good dash of local folklore. Think 'Sherlock Holmes meets the X Files meets Daphne du Maurier'.
Katherine is also one half of the writing partnership DK Fields, with her partner David Towsey. Head of Zeus will publish their political fantasy novel Widow’s Welcome, the first in The Tales of Fenest trilogy, in August 2019.
You can find Katherine on Twitter, @K_Stansfield, and keep up to date with events and new interviews via her website: http://katherinestansfield.blogspot.c...
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 3, 2019
I was unaware when I choose to read this that this was already a well established historical series by Katherine Stansfield. I must admit that there were aspects to this novel which would have been improved had I read the others, in particular the ins and outs of the complicated lesbian relationship between the master of disguise, Anna Drake, running a detective agency, and the learning to read and write, Shilly, the narrator in the story.with her paranormal abilities. The women are not operating under their real names, and joined by Matilda, a German woman whose life they had saved previously, now an investor in their agency, in the grip of dreadful night terrors after her horrifying experiences. It is 1845, and the women have recently settled in Boscastle in Cornwall, with their helpful landlady, Mrs Yeo, and with no cases for some time despite an advertisement in the paper, tensions are building. Shilly is mystified that they are scrimping and saving so much when there is the money provided by Matilda, and concerned over the conflict between Anna and Matilda after the arrival of a mysterious letter over which Anna is being so secretive.
Things begin to look up when a client seeks them, looking for all the world like a drowned man walking in from his watery grave. Captain Frederick Ians is a desperate man who has been unable to sleep for some time, a broken man who has finally arrived home after a frantic journey on his ship after a nightmarish dream in which his brother, Joseph, is murdered with the strong presence of a woman, a mermaid to be specific. Anna laughs at this preposterous notion, but Shilly does not, superstitions and folklore about mermaids abound in this historical period with many who believe in the existence of mermaids and their terrifying calls to those who have suffered loss and grief. The Captain tells them of the discovery of a dead man on the Morwenstow coast, just like in his dream, and he wants them to confirm that it is Joseph and find out the circumstances of his death. As Matilda becomes ill, Anna and Shilly journey to get to the parson Robert Hawker and his dead house where the body lies. To their surprise, the parson's wife, Charlotte, turns out to the Captain's sister and the dead body is too mutilated to be able to identify. In a story of family, betrayal, grief and loss, where stories proliferate about the deliberate wrecking of ships, Shilly's special gifts are instrumental in getting to the bottom of the strange mystery.
This is an engaging and uunusual historical mystery that I enjoyed the more I read of it, the atmospheric location was a particular joy. It is a slow moving meandering tale with some colourful chararacters, although the pace picks up considerably as the multiple threads begin to connect towards the end. I was left rather puzzled as to exactly why Anna had withdrawn from a relationship with Shilly for so long, particularly as Shilly loved her so much that she had addressed her problems with drink. I found Anna a much more difficult character to like, whilst Shilly captured my interest and sympathies with great ease. I would say that for me, this was a book that grew on me slowly, and I would definitely recommend reading others in the series to get the most from this particular addition. Many thanks to Allison and Busby for an ARC.
Things begin to look up when a client seeks them, looking for all the world like a drowned man walking in from his watery grave. Captain Frederick Ians is a desperate man who has been unable to sleep for some time, a broken man who has finally arrived home after a frantic journey on his ship after a nightmarish dream in which his brother, Joseph, is murdered with the strong presence of a woman, a mermaid to be specific. Anna laughs at this preposterous notion, but Shilly does not, superstitions and folklore about mermaids abound in this historical period with many who believe in the existence of mermaids and their terrifying calls to those who have suffered loss and grief. The Captain tells them of the discovery of a dead man on the Morwenstow coast, just like in his dream, and he wants them to confirm that it is Joseph and find out the circumstances of his death. As Matilda becomes ill, Anna and Shilly journey to get to the parson Robert Hawker and his dead house where the body lies. To their surprise, the parson's wife, Charlotte, turns out to the Captain's sister and the dead body is too mutilated to be able to identify. In a story of family, betrayal, grief and loss, where stories proliferate about the deliberate wrecking of ships, Shilly's special gifts are instrumental in getting to the bottom of the strange mystery.
This is an engaging and uunusual historical mystery that I enjoyed the more I read of it, the atmospheric location was a particular joy. It is a slow moving meandering tale with some colourful chararacters, although the pace picks up considerably as the multiple threads begin to connect towards the end. I was left rather puzzled as to exactly why Anna had withdrawn from a relationship with Shilly for so long, particularly as Shilly loved her so much that she had addressed her problems with drink. I found Anna a much more difficult character to like, whilst Shilly captured my interest and sympathies with great ease. I would say that for me, this was a book that grew on me slowly, and I would definitely recommend reading others in the series to get the most from this particular addition. Many thanks to Allison and Busby for an ARC.
August 11, 2019
Death by mermaid? Inflate your life jacket!
This is an impressive read filled with quirky characters.
Anna is a detective from London, having fled the place for reasons that only become clear at the end of the book. She starts up a detective agency, pulls Shilly from under the cows to be her partner and together they settle in Cornwall.
Business is low until a body is found on the shore.
I liked how the story is told by Shilly, a simple young woman but for a paranormal gift that comes and goes in waves.
Set in the second half of the 19th century, there's a Victorian gothic coastal atmosphere surrounding our ladies.
I enjoyed the compassion these women share, in work as well as personal matters. Here we are, dealing with a serious murder mystery, while at the same time Anna gets dressed up as a man and is teaching Shilly how to read and write. The phonetic spelling is hilarious!
There are many moments of beauty, the setting is stunning, dark and delicious. The characters are indepth and moving at great pace. This well written story kept me engaged all the way to the breathtaking end. So good!
Thank you Netgalley and Allison & Busby for the ARC.
This is an impressive read filled with quirky characters.
Anna is a detective from London, having fled the place for reasons that only become clear at the end of the book. She starts up a detective agency, pulls Shilly from under the cows to be her partner and together they settle in Cornwall.
Business is low until a body is found on the shore.
I liked how the story is told by Shilly, a simple young woman but for a paranormal gift that comes and goes in waves.
Set in the second half of the 19th century, there's a Victorian gothic coastal atmosphere surrounding our ladies.
I enjoyed the compassion these women share, in work as well as personal matters. Here we are, dealing with a serious murder mystery, while at the same time Anna gets dressed up as a man and is teaching Shilly how to read and write. The phonetic spelling is hilarious!
There are many moments of beauty, the setting is stunning, dark and delicious. The characters are indepth and moving at great pace. This well written story kept me engaged all the way to the breathtaking end. So good!
Thank you Netgalley and Allison & Busby for the ARC.
June 5, 2022
Shilly Williams has a connection to things that are not occurring in this world, and it's a valuable talent to have when you run a detective agency with your partner Anna Drake. The newest member and investigator is Mathilda, and it’s been six months since they had a new case and their waiting in Cornwall.
Captain Fredrick Ian’s is unable to sleep, he keeps dreaming that his brother Joseph has been lured by a mermaid and he’s lying dead on a beach. Anna thinks his story is hilarious, Shilly however takes him seriously, at the time mermaids were a part of folklore with links to the sea and drowning.
A dead man is found on the coast of Morwenstow, very much like in the captain’s dream and he wants to know if it’s his brother? Anna and Shilly visit Parson Robert Hawker, he takes care of the dead and the damaged body is at his house. The two detectives have no idea the parson’s wife Charlotte is the Captain's and Joseph's sister and this adds to the intrigue. In an area where ship wrecking is a common practice and so are strange lights moving across the cliffs, Shilly uses both her investigative skills and special gift to identify the body is that of Joseph Ian’s and she discovers how he died.
I received a copy of The Mermaid's Call by Katherine Stansfield from NetGalley and Allison & Busby in exchange for an honest review and it’s the third book in the Cornish Mystery Series. I haven’t read the first two books, so it took me a little while to work out that Shilly and Anna Drake were in a romantic relationship and Anna dressed as a man. Parson Robert Hawker's character is based on a real person, and he kept his animals inside and including his pig. I enjoyed reading about Cornwall, ship wreckers and mermaids calling, in this historical mystery and three stars and a half stars from me.
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Captain Fredrick Ian’s is unable to sleep, he keeps dreaming that his brother Joseph has been lured by a mermaid and he’s lying dead on a beach. Anna thinks his story is hilarious, Shilly however takes him seriously, at the time mermaids were a part of folklore with links to the sea and drowning.
A dead man is found on the coast of Morwenstow, very much like in the captain’s dream and he wants to know if it’s his brother? Anna and Shilly visit Parson Robert Hawker, he takes care of the dead and the damaged body is at his house. The two detectives have no idea the parson’s wife Charlotte is the Captain's and Joseph's sister and this adds to the intrigue. In an area where ship wrecking is a common practice and so are strange lights moving across the cliffs, Shilly uses both her investigative skills and special gift to identify the body is that of Joseph Ian’s and she discovers how he died.
I received a copy of The Mermaid's Call by Katherine Stansfield from NetGalley and Allison & Busby in exchange for an honest review and it’s the third book in the Cornish Mystery Series. I haven’t read the first two books, so it took me a little while to work out that Shilly and Anna Drake were in a romantic relationship and Anna dressed as a man. Parson Robert Hawker's character is based on a real person, and he kept his animals inside and including his pig. I enjoyed reading about Cornwall, ship wreckers and mermaids calling, in this historical mystery and three stars and a half stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
September 18, 2019
The Mermaid's Call is the third book in Katherine Stansfield's 'Cornish Mystery' series, following on from Falling Creatures (which I've still to read) and The Magpie Tree. The Mermaid's Call can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone, although it does contain brief references to events in the earlier two books. However, there are still plenty of secrets to be learned - especially about Anna Drake - and even the book's narrator, Shilly, doesn't know everything about Anna's past meaning the reader doesn't feel at a disadvantage or, even if they do, it's a position they share with Shilly! Personally, I love that there are hints of things still to be discovered about both characters - I hope in future books in the series.
I mentioned that Shilly is the book's narrator and she fulfils this duty in her own distinctive style. Shilly has experienced traumatic events in her life and battled demons of her own but Anna is the real woman of mystery with secrets not only in her past but also, it appears, in the present. Shilly and Anna make an unconventional detective partnership to which each bring their own strengths, although Anna is very much in charge.
Anna's approach is all about collecting facts and evidence, establishing alibis and questioning suspects, helped by her expertise at adopting disguises in which she invariably poses as a man, an opportunity she seems to relish. As Shilly notes, 'Men's clothes gave her something else. Something I wished I could give her'. What Shilly describes as her ability to 'look askance' means her approach is more founded on impressions, instinct and even visions bordering on the supernatural. The relationship between Anna and Shilly goes beyond just a partnership in detecting crime though - at least, that's definitely what Shilly desires. And, for both of them, the detective agency is also a way, as women, to exert their independence and identity in a world controlled by men.
The case they are engaged to investigate takes them to Morwenstow and the curious household of Parson Hawker which is not only filled with cats and dogs and a rampaging pig but also a secret locked room - surely a requirement of any mystery novel! I was delighted to learn from the author's historical note that the Parson Hawker in the book is based on a real life character which certainly goes to support the statement that 'truth is stranger than fiction'.
In my review of The Magpie Tree I wrote that the book 'ticked all the boxes for me as a historical mystery: intriguing story line, interesting and engaging central characters, great period detail and atmospheric location'. I had the same feeling on turning the last page of The Mermaid's Call. A story of love, secrets, betrayal and revenge, sprinkled with a hint of the supernatural and full of twists and turns, The Mermaid's Call (and indeed the whole 'Cornish Mystery' series) is highly recommended for fans of historical crime mysteries.
I mentioned that Shilly is the book's narrator and she fulfils this duty in her own distinctive style. Shilly has experienced traumatic events in her life and battled demons of her own but Anna is the real woman of mystery with secrets not only in her past but also, it appears, in the present. Shilly and Anna make an unconventional detective partnership to which each bring their own strengths, although Anna is very much in charge.
Anna's approach is all about collecting facts and evidence, establishing alibis and questioning suspects, helped by her expertise at adopting disguises in which she invariably poses as a man, an opportunity she seems to relish. As Shilly notes, 'Men's clothes gave her something else. Something I wished I could give her'. What Shilly describes as her ability to 'look askance' means her approach is more founded on impressions, instinct and even visions bordering on the supernatural. The relationship between Anna and Shilly goes beyond just a partnership in detecting crime though - at least, that's definitely what Shilly desires. And, for both of them, the detective agency is also a way, as women, to exert their independence and identity in a world controlled by men.
The case they are engaged to investigate takes them to Morwenstow and the curious household of Parson Hawker which is not only filled with cats and dogs and a rampaging pig but also a secret locked room - surely a requirement of any mystery novel! I was delighted to learn from the author's historical note that the Parson Hawker in the book is based on a real life character which certainly goes to support the statement that 'truth is stranger than fiction'.
In my review of The Magpie Tree I wrote that the book 'ticked all the boxes for me as a historical mystery: intriguing story line, interesting and engaging central characters, great period detail and atmospheric location'. I had the same feeling on turning the last page of The Mermaid's Call. A story of love, secrets, betrayal and revenge, sprinkled with a hint of the supernatural and full of twists and turns, The Mermaid's Call (and indeed the whole 'Cornish Mystery' series) is highly recommended for fans of historical crime mysteries.
September 30, 2019
Let me put it this way: as soon as I finished the ARC of The Mermaid's Call that I'd received via NetGalley, I got online and ordered the two previous books in the series. Not only did I enjoy The Mermaid's Call, I was eager to get to know the central characters better, to see the evolution of their relationship—and to anticipate where the fourth volume in the series (there will be a fourth, I hope) will take them.
Set in the mid-1800s, this novel is a cross between a mystery, a piece of regional (Cornwall) fiction, and a lesbian romance along the lines of Patience and Sarah. And it succeeds as an example of each of these genres.
A sea captain, who has dreamed of his brother's death and raced home to find an unknown sailor has died exactly as he dreamed, engages the two-woman detective company of Williams and Williams to determine if the dead man is his brother and who is responsible for the man's death.
Anna and Shilly, who compose the detective business are an unusual pair. Anna is closed off, rigid, prone to creating false selves (which comes in handy in detecting), and well-educated. Shilly is just learning to read—Anna has promised to teach her, as long as Shilly avoids alcohol—and is clairvoyant, not just seeing what isn't there, but seeing things present that others easily miss. Anna finds the suggestion that the sailor was killed by a mermaid ridiculous. Shilly has seen a mermaid and has been hearing them as well, calling her to throw herself into the ocean.
The book's characters include a highly unusual pastor, both self-indulgent and generous, who lives surrounded by animals, his wife, and a man reviled by his neighbors who believe he steals their luck. There's also the issue of the theological influence of Wesley, "the fornicator."
The book is narrated in Shilly's voice, which works quite effectively both because of her "extra" senses and because of the challenges she faces trying to "read" a world when she can't read. Give yourself the pleasure of reading this title. I'm pretty sure you'll wind up wanting to read the entire series.
I received a free electronic ARC of this title for review purposes. The opinions are my own.
Set in the mid-1800s, this novel is a cross between a mystery, a piece of regional (Cornwall) fiction, and a lesbian romance along the lines of Patience and Sarah. And it succeeds as an example of each of these genres.
A sea captain, who has dreamed of his brother's death and raced home to find an unknown sailor has died exactly as he dreamed, engages the two-woman detective company of Williams and Williams to determine if the dead man is his brother and who is responsible for the man's death.
Anna and Shilly, who compose the detective business are an unusual pair. Anna is closed off, rigid, prone to creating false selves (which comes in handy in detecting), and well-educated. Shilly is just learning to read—Anna has promised to teach her, as long as Shilly avoids alcohol—and is clairvoyant, not just seeing what isn't there, but seeing things present that others easily miss. Anna finds the suggestion that the sailor was killed by a mermaid ridiculous. Shilly has seen a mermaid and has been hearing them as well, calling her to throw herself into the ocean.
The book's characters include a highly unusual pastor, both self-indulgent and generous, who lives surrounded by animals, his wife, and a man reviled by his neighbors who believe he steals their luck. There's also the issue of the theological influence of Wesley, "the fornicator."
The book is narrated in Shilly's voice, which works quite effectively both because of her "extra" senses and because of the challenges she faces trying to "read" a world when she can't read. Give yourself the pleasure of reading this title. I'm pretty sure you'll wind up wanting to read the entire series.
I received a free electronic ARC of this title for review purposes. The opinions are my own.
August 26, 2020
This is a third novel in a series and I didn't realise it. Despite having not read the first two novels in the series I still found this one to be an entertaining read.
August 1, 2019
I had no idea that this was a part of a series! Had I known that I think I would have read one of the earlier books first because I felt as though I was sort of thrown into the story without too much to go on. Sadly, this did affect how I felt about this book overall because most of the time I had no idea what was going on or why the characters interacted the way they did. It is a very interesting premise however. Shilly and Anna Drake are detectives and also lovers and have been called upon to try to solve a murder of a sea captain's brother done by a violent "mermaid". It sounds really promising but unfortunately wasn't enough to captivate me.
The writing style while beautiful isn’t for me at all and the mystery didn't seem that mysterious at all...It felt rather dull and lackluster. The cast of characters weren’t memorable and I often had to go back to refresh myself on who was who.
The book ultimately ends on a cliffhanger, which annoyed me. There was a plot point that was teased the entire time and when it finally seems that we get some closure, it ends! It felt like a huge let down honestly.
Again, this book probably just wasn't for me overall and maybe I need to read the books preceding it to really enjoy it. I did like that the main characters were lesbians and that they had disguises for their detective work. The mermaid murder aspect (haha) was cool as well.
Thank you very much to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The writing style while beautiful isn’t for me at all and the mystery didn't seem that mysterious at all...It felt rather dull and lackluster. The cast of characters weren’t memorable and I often had to go back to refresh myself on who was who.
The book ultimately ends on a cliffhanger, which annoyed me. There was a plot point that was teased the entire time and when it finally seems that we get some closure, it ends! It felt like a huge let down honestly.
Again, this book probably just wasn't for me overall and maybe I need to read the books preceding it to really enjoy it. I did like that the main characters were lesbians and that they had disguises for their detective work. The mermaid murder aspect (haha) was cool as well.
Thank you very much to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Did Not Finish
July 11, 2026DNFing at page 90. I just couldn't get into this one. I don't know if it's partly because I accidentally didn't realise this is the third one in a series, but the two characters who have a sort of relationship have a big age gap (19 and 40s) and the power imbalance present in that relationship made me quite uncomfortable. It's very Anne Lister and her young romantic interest. The older lady comes across as cold and manipulative as well. Some people might love age gap relationships and that is totally fine as long as both consenting adults obv, but it's just not for me.
April 5, 2020
Another enjoyable mystery with Shilly and Anna. This is the third book in the Cornish Mysteries series and I love how Katherine Stansfield weaves real life characters and events into the fictional landscape. Entertaining.
December 22, 2019
After six months without any mysteries to investigate and funds running out, a captain soaked to the skin blows in to Shilly's and Anna's world. A month before, he had a terrible dream; the day before he discovers it has come true. A nightmare. A man's body found torn to pieces on the rocky shoreline of the Cornwall coast. He believes that man is his long-lost brother, murdered. But there is a strangeness surrounding the circumstances of the death, of a woman's anguished and unnerving cry which calls to those who can hear her and draws them to the deadly shore. Answers need to be found before they vanish back into the sea along with the one who called him there.
The Mermaid's Call is a beautiful book of a dark and lonely place, and darker doings, told in Ms Stansfield's poetic, evocative prose. Within heartbeats of reading the first sentence you are transported to a world where the rich and the poor face each other across a brutal abyss; where the expanse of hope and hopelessness is tangible, and the difference between society's stance on right and wrong is at best, vague, and at worst, meaningless.
The atmosphere of the forlorn, poverty-stricken hamlet of Morwenstow overseen by its wealthy vicar and his menagerie of cats seeps from the pages, drawing one in to a place so authentic and real, it leaves its tattoo in one's heart long after the last page is read and the book is closed.
The Mermaid's Call is a beautiful book of a dark and lonely place, and darker doings, told in Ms Stansfield's poetic, evocative prose. Within heartbeats of reading the first sentence you are transported to a world where the rich and the poor face each other across a brutal abyss; where the expanse of hope and hopelessness is tangible, and the difference between society's stance on right and wrong is at best, vague, and at worst, meaningless.
The atmosphere of the forlorn, poverty-stricken hamlet of Morwenstow overseen by its wealthy vicar and his menagerie of cats seeps from the pages, drawing one in to a place so authentic and real, it leaves its tattoo in one's heart long after the last page is read and the book is closed.
July 7, 2019
The Mermaid’s Call by Katherine Stansfield is the latest in the ongoing storyline of Shilly and Anna Drake and their recently established Detective Agency.
This book is apparently part of the “Cornish Mysteries” series, however I have not read any of the books that depict the beginning of Shilly and Anna’s relationship, so I am unable to compare this book towards its predecessors. However, I feel that this can easily be a stand alone book with a stand alone mystery. As a newbie to this storyline, I was able to jump right in and understand the dynamics between the females and gather information overall that has created the foundation of who these women are, and why they act as they do.
I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect, and felt it had a good pace and complexity. I even enjoyed the slight “mystical component” that was added and it gave a mythical and dark layer to the story line. That aspect was slightly out of my normal reading genres, however I thought it was added tastefully.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and mystery. Only one star removed due to the fact that while I did not dislike the main characters, I also did not feel connected or invested in them either.
If you enjoy historical murder-mysteries, then this book is for you.
Thank you NetGalley and Allison & Busby for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
This book is apparently part of the “Cornish Mysteries” series, however I have not read any of the books that depict the beginning of Shilly and Anna’s relationship, so I am unable to compare this book towards its predecessors. However, I feel that this can easily be a stand alone book with a stand alone mystery. As a newbie to this storyline, I was able to jump right in and understand the dynamics between the females and gather information overall that has created the foundation of who these women are, and why they act as they do.
I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect, and felt it had a good pace and complexity. I even enjoyed the slight “mystical component” that was added and it gave a mythical and dark layer to the story line. That aspect was slightly out of my normal reading genres, however I thought it was added tastefully.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and mystery. Only one star removed due to the fact that while I did not dislike the main characters, I also did not feel connected or invested in them either.
If you enjoy historical murder-mysteries, then this book is for you.
Thank you NetGalley and Allison & Busby for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
July 17, 2019
Before I started this book I didn't know it was a part of the series and I almost rated it lower for a lack of proper background. As much as mystery itself can be treated as standalone, the complicated relationship between characters has a backstory in earlier books. I didn't read them (but I plan to), so I decided rate this novel mostly for a mystery plot.
And I liked it. I think it was well constructed and not overcomplicated. There were a few suspects and the perpetrator wasn't obvious from the start and that's good. I also loved the mystical atmosphere, and setting that was frightening at times. I also love that parson character was basen on a real person. I always like it when a fiction can be mixed with reality.
As for characters - maybe they weren't special, but they weren't boring either. And this is for side characters, because Shilly and Anna is another story. I liked Shilly very much - she seem to be a simple person, but, though illiterate, she's intelligent, perceptive and ambitious. I don't really know what to think of Anna - I didn't really liked her, but maybe I willl understand her more if I read earlier novels and see how their relationship developed from the start,
This book ended, if not with the cliffhanger, with the promise of another mystery and a good setting for the next novel.
And I liked it. I think it was well constructed and not overcomplicated. There were a few suspects and the perpetrator wasn't obvious from the start and that's good. I also loved the mystical atmosphere, and setting that was frightening at times. I also love that parson character was basen on a real person. I always like it when a fiction can be mixed with reality.
As for characters - maybe they weren't special, but they weren't boring either. And this is for side characters, because Shilly and Anna is another story. I liked Shilly very much - she seem to be a simple person, but, though illiterate, she's intelligent, perceptive and ambitious. I don't really know what to think of Anna - I didn't really liked her, but maybe I willl understand her more if I read earlier novels and see how their relationship developed from the start,
This book ended, if not with the cliffhanger, with the promise of another mystery and a good setting for the next novel.
April 18, 2021
Enthralling, gripping and the best yet.
This is the third outing for Katherine Stansfield's pair of lady detectives, Anna and Shilly. Anna, whose ability to disguise herself as a man in order to carry out investigations, and Shilly who is still struggling to understand her gifts, are asked by a strange sea-captain to investigate the discovery of a body, recently washed up on the shore in a nearby village.
What follows is another thrilling, dark and complex adventure across the Cornish coast. The pair uncover family secrets, smugglers, crossed-lovers and much more. You can almost smell the sea air. Is there really a Siren, calling to men from the waves?
At the same time, the relationship between them continues to develop, not always for the best, and we learn there are more secrets being kept.
Fans of Daphne du Maurier, Antonia Hodgson and Imogen Robertson will love this series, and its well worth your time.
This is the third outing for Katherine Stansfield's pair of lady detectives, Anna and Shilly. Anna, whose ability to disguise herself as a man in order to carry out investigations, and Shilly who is still struggling to understand her gifts, are asked by a strange sea-captain to investigate the discovery of a body, recently washed up on the shore in a nearby village.
What follows is another thrilling, dark and complex adventure across the Cornish coast. The pair uncover family secrets, smugglers, crossed-lovers and much more. You can almost smell the sea air. Is there really a Siren, calling to men from the waves?
At the same time, the relationship between them continues to develop, not always for the best, and we learn there are more secrets being kept.
Fans of Daphne du Maurier, Antonia Hodgson and Imogen Robertson will love this series, and its well worth your time.
August 8, 2019
1845 Boscastle, Cornwall. Shilly Williams (the book is from her point of view) and Anna Drake have formed a detective agency and reside with their newest member, also an investor, Mathilda. On being approached by Captain Frederick Ians they travel to the Morwenstow coast to determine the identity of a recently found body, and who is guilty for his death,
On starting the book I was unaware that it was part of a series, it is obvious that the reader is missing the background story of these characters which would have be useful in knowing. The ending leaves some loose ends, unfortunately. Also I really didn't take to the two main characters.
A NetGalley Book
On starting the book I was unaware that it was part of a series, it is obvious that the reader is missing the background story of these characters which would have be useful in knowing. The ending leaves some loose ends, unfortunately. Also I really didn't take to the two main characters.
A NetGalley Book
September 22, 2019
I didn't enjoy this one too much, as I felt like there were pieces that were missing. I only found out after reaching this that it was part of a series, so that is probably why I couldn't get into it. Had I read the other books, I know I would have enjoyed this, as the writing was excellent and the characters were well developed. Due to the strong writing, I am giving this 5 stars, as I feel that my displeasure reading it had to do with not having read the other books in the series.
September 24, 2019
I'm happy I requested this ARC because I discovered a new to me historical mystery series.
The style of writing is amazing, the descriptions of Cornwall made you crave to be there, the cast of characters is well written and fleshed out.
The mystery was very good and it kept me guessing.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
The style of writing is amazing, the descriptions of Cornwall made you crave to be there, the cast of characters is well written and fleshed out.
The mystery was very good and it kept me guessing.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
January 23, 2020
Loved this book! I hadn’t read the previous two books in this series but didn’t feel lost. Normally, I wouldn’t have bothered reading the earlier books after reading this one but I was so captivated by the characters that I found myself not wanting the story to end, so I ordered them both!
A beautifully written book! Can’t wait to read more from this author.
A beautifully written book! Can’t wait to read more from this author.
August 6, 2019
This had such a good suspenseful atmosphere that continued throughout the book. Not only that but the characters were great and the mystery was perfect.
September 2, 2021
This could be an interesting book for many people but not for me.
May 11, 2025
to be honest I got bored in chapter 1 and gave up at the end of chapter 3. Too much speech, no descriptions and just dull.
July 30, 2019
EDIT: Read this back in 2019, via Netgalley as an E-ARC, from the publishers Allison & Busby (a big thank you to them!), and I apparently never put the review on Goodreads (I think I was on holiday?). Anyways, here it is, only two years later, I guess. All opinions are my own.
This is a detective story with an undertone of love and longing to be loved. It's set in Cornwall in the 1800s, where two women has set up a detective service. Are the start of the novel its apparent that business is not going that well, but soon there are news of a horribly disfigured body of a sailor being found on the shore of a small village some hours away. Our characters Anna and Shilly make their way there to provide their services.
Like I said, there is also a love story between Anna and Shilly. This interested me as I haven't read a historical novel with a same-sex couple in it before! It feels a bit unusual, more so than female detectives in the 1800s.
In terms of the story itself, it's pretty much a normal murder mystery, which in itself can be nice to read once on a while. I did like the superstitious elements, of course people living close to the sea believes in mermaids - it's easy to believe in such things when it's dark, cold and dreary! Added a lot to the story without being too weird for the setting.
However, I did find myself quite bored, unfortunately in the latter half of the book when the character Anna was horrible to Shilly. Anna kept a lot from Shilly that just didn't give anything to the story - rather, it gave the story a very abrupt, and frankly bad, ending. I guess it was supposed to be some sort of cliffhanger (I learned on Goodreads that this book is number three in a book series), but it just didn't work for me at all. I just got frustrated.
This is a detective story with an undertone of love and longing to be loved. It's set in Cornwall in the 1800s, where two women has set up a detective service. Are the start of the novel its apparent that business is not going that well, but soon there are news of a horribly disfigured body of a sailor being found on the shore of a small village some hours away. Our characters Anna and Shilly make their way there to provide their services.
Like I said, there is also a love story between Anna and Shilly. This interested me as I haven't read a historical novel with a same-sex couple in it before! It feels a bit unusual, more so than female detectives in the 1800s.
In terms of the story itself, it's pretty much a normal murder mystery, which in itself can be nice to read once on a while. I did like the superstitious elements, of course people living close to the sea believes in mermaids - it's easy to believe in such things when it's dark, cold and dreary! Added a lot to the story without being too weird for the setting.
However, I did find myself quite bored, unfortunately in the latter half of the book when the character Anna was horrible to Shilly. Anna kept a lot from Shilly that just didn't give anything to the story - rather, it gave the story a very abrupt, and frankly bad, ending. I guess it was supposed to be some sort of cliffhanger (I learned on Goodreads that this book is number three in a book series), but it just didn't work for me at all. I just got frustrated.
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