Reviewed: 17 May 2026

The Lone Island Mystery

by: Emylia Hall

Shell House Detectives, Book 7

Rating: (4.0/5)

An island, an estate, and ... murder

When I reflect on this story, I come away with a sense of sadness. True, this is a murder mystery, so that is not a surprise, but what I mean is that so many characters seem to radiate sadness unrelated to the deaths. From the start, I wanted to know why someone would want to be alone so much that they took a job caring for an island and chose to stay when their partner left. If you needed an example of how money cannot buy happiness, take a look at the family in this story.

The author did a good job confusing me, leading me down paths that didn't seem to go anywhere. The subplots tickled my interest along the way. From the start of the series, I have liked the Shell House Detectives' camaraderie. The way their life experiences complement each other. Again, we are treated to just how good this works. Ally and Jayden are supported by good friends and don't take that lightly. Another plus.

The theme of complex relationships (my interpretation) permeated the main plot and the subplots. A bit of a spoiler here, I like that Gus is still around, and Ray has not upset the dynamic of the Shell House Detectives and their support family. In this one and the last, we've seen Mullins mature. I think I also see a greater friendship, maybe even romance, brewing between him and Saffron. I was surprised by the sergeant's turn in this story - he, too, was working through a complex relationship.

Throughout the story, bits and pieces were dripped, moving through the relationships and the weather. I was glad that lessons were learned from past cases and more thought was put into it before rushing into danger. After all, there is a 1-year-old's birthday party to plan.

There is one point that I didn't see resolved, and maybe I am the only one who was looking for it to be. It didn't detract from the story, but it remains a curious point for me. I was on edge reading this story as I plodded along, hoping to figure out the guilty party first (I didn't).

A good addition to the series. I have some hopes for the next one, relationship-wise.

Happy Reading!

Release Date: 28-April-2026

Cozy Mystery, Read-and-Listen

Plot Summary

A wealthy family. An isolated island. A dead body. Is it a tragic accident or foul play? The Shell House Detectives are investigating again…

Lone Island is a remote and windswept spot, but for nature reserve warden Pippa Grant it’s always been a haven. Until a body washes ashore—and she’s the one to find it.

The police believe the deceased, Axel Marks, accidentally fell from the cliffs near Porthmerrin House, the grand estate on the mainland where Axel’s mother once served as housekeeper to the Grey family. But Pippa is adamant that there’s more to Axel’s death, and begs Ally and Jayden, the Shell House Detectives, to take the case.

Soon it emerges that Axel had a troubled past, and a complicated history with both Edward Grey and his son, Lucas. As the reasons behind Axel’s visit to Porthmerrin become clear, Ally and Jayden feel sure that the house holds the key, and both owners and staff come under scrutiny. But when the police switch their focus back to Lone Island, Ally and Jayden are forced to question whether it’s their client who has something to hide.

Was Axel murdered out of jealousy and greed, or because of an ancient betrayal? And how far will the killer go to achieve their ultimate goal? As Ally and Jayden finally bring the devastating truth to light, it’s clear that Axel’s death was just the beginning of the story…