"Hemlock Bay" By Martin Edwards: Review/Giveaway

Reviewed by J. M. Landon

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase it. 

Hemlock Bay is a traditional mystery set in 1930s London. Jacob Flint, newspaper reporter for the local rag, and Rachel Savernake, a beautiful woman belonging to the upper echelon of British society, are an unlikely duo, solving crimes in the Golden Age Mystery Series penned by Martin Edwards. These mysteries are constructed in an Agatha Christie style with multiple characters, clues, red herrings, extravagant settings, and bumbling coppers.

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Image Source Poisoned Pen Press

It all starts when Rachel brings home a recently purchased, surrealist style painting which takes some imagination to discern the story it provokes. Rachel’s eccentric friends include the Truemans, a married couple who work for her as driver and housekeeper, along with the driver’s sister Margaret. All three live with Rachel. While the outside world believes them to be servants, they are, in fact, all dear friends who go on crime-solving adventures with Rachel. Also included in the friend circle is Jacob, the reporter who finds a newsworthy reason to tag along.

They all agree the story behind the canvas is too juicy not to delve into. Therefore, they all head to Hemlock Bay, a new resort area that includes a beach, an amusement park, cottages, and a hotel. Additionally, the lighthouse has been renovated into living quarters, and is being leased by no other than the artist of the Hemlock Bay canvas now hanging in Rachel’s house.

There are many imaginative characters who live and have gathered at the resort, which also, I might add, has a nudist beach. Some have come to the Bay to relax, others to swindle while hiding away from their reckless life, while others arrive with the sole intent to murder. There are subterfuge and intrigue, as well as several story lines for the reader to follow. As a bonus, there is a CLUEFINDER at the back of the book for those who love puzzles, as if the book itself is not enough. Something for the entire family to embark on.

Martin Edwards is a celebrated British crime writer recognized with multiple prestigious awards such as the CWA Diamond Dagger, Edgar, Agatha, Macavity, and H.R.F. Keating awards. His award-winning works include both fiction and non-fiction.

To enter to win a copy of Hemlock Bay, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "hemlock,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen July 18, 2026. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors!

You can click here to purchase this book.

J.M. Landon is retired and blissfully at work on the ‘great American novel.’ She’s worn many hats through her career including: wife, mother, piano teacher, middle school teacher, university professor, painter, jewelry maker, and dragon tamer. She has eight published short stories.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.