THE HIGH TIDE MURDER by Emylia Hall

4.5* Great intro to this series, with enough back-story given that I wasn't lost.

This tale combines some sweet elements - an older woman with a younger former-PC as an investigating duo; older and younger characters interacting organically, sharing knowledge old and new; the presence of social media that very organically leads to the cosy mystery investigation; people with secrets; characters with the potential to be the killer due to events past, and a couple of extremely unpleasant men who get their  comeuppance. It was pretty well done, although there was too much emphasis on how much of a ditherer the Gus character was, and hints of a reformed Ray, the teen who'd broken, or at least bruised, Ally's young heart. She didn't seem to 'like' one above the other, and tbh, I found their many mentions and repetition of Gus's character flaw tiresome in the end. This also made him come across as Mr Boring, unfortunately. 

The mystery was nicely done, sad when revealed, showing how many people had been affected all those years back. There were several damaged relationships by the end, without my knowing which might be repaired. I actually felt for the killer. I didn't mind the lies, deception or crime, because it felt like justice was finally being done, by fluke, yet eye-for-an-eye style. Satisfyingly so, and not really feeling like they'd done something really wrong, for many reasons. 

There was a bit of filler, like with the hotel owners' relationship and their off-to-college daughter who got mentioned a few times but who didn't appear; Ray and Gus; Saffron and Roady - these 2 kept appearing as if to slow things down, irritatingly. I'd have liked to see the dead guy's wife enjoying her newfoundland freedom and liberation from her dragon of a MIL. Talk about a stereotypical old bat! I'd have liked a touch more time for Jayden and his wife, and a touch more honesty, especially if Summer was going to be on the periphery of their lives going forward. I'd have liked to know more about Elliott and Louisa and what happened to their marriage. Still, it's an entertaining and satisfying read.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for my reading pleasure. 

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