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Hemlock Bay

From the 'true master of British crime writing', a chilling and twisty Golden Age mystery

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Hemlock Bay

By: Martin Edwards
Narrated by: Helen MacFarlane
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Bloomsbury presents Hemlock Bay by Martin Edwards, read by Helen MacFarlane.

'Martin Edwards is a true master of British crime writing' RICHARD OSMAN
'Combines all the things I love most about crime fiction: atmospheric settings, twisty plots, intriguing characters and an unforgettable protagonist' ELLY GRIFFITHS

The first rule of murder: know your victim.

Basil Palmer has decided to murder a man called Louis Carson. There’s only one problem: he doesn’t know anything about his intended victim, not who he is or where he lives.

Basil learns that Carson owns Hemlock Bay, a resort for the wealthy and privileged. Knowing that his plan will only work if he covers his tracks, he invents a false identity and, posing as Dr Seamus Doyle, journeys to the coast plotting murder along the way.

Meanwhile Rachel Savernake buys an intriguing painting of a place called Hemlock Bay, one that she cannot get out of her head. Macabre and strange, the image shows a shape that seems to represent a dead body lying on the beach.

Convinced that there is something sinister lurking amongst the glamour of the bay, Rachel books a cottage there – where she meets a mysterious doctor called Seamus Doyle…

Praise for Martin Edwards

'Crime fiction is blessed to have Martin Edwards.' THE NEW YORK TIMES
'Highly recommended, with a touch of the gothic.' ANN CLEEVES
'Martin Edwards celebrates and satirises the genre with wit and affection... He leaves you wanting more.' THE TIMES
'The brilliant Savernake is a fascinatingly enigmatic character.' WASHINGTON POST
'Martin Edwards holds his own with the best of classic crime.' DAILY MAIL
'Reads as if Ruth Rendell were channelling Edgar Wallace.' MICK HERRON
'If you haven’t yet discovered Martin Edwards’ books, you are in for a treat. His books are wonderful, filled with compelling characters, smart plots, great writing.' LOUISE PENNY(P)2024 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Crime Crime Thrillers Historical Mystery Supernatural Suspense Thriller & Suspense Murder
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Critic reviews

Very good... the teasers pile up
'Superbly satisfying, Hemlock Bay is the fifth in the Rachel Savernake series by absolute master Martin Edwards. It has everything! Golden age murder, subtly subverted period, clues galore and a hint of Gothic. Also, most importantly, it has Rachel!'
'The way that Martin Edwards honours crime fiction's rich past to create something new and distinctive is a joy. Rachel Savernake is a hero to cherish.'
This new title from the master of British crime writing is a cracker
The latest of Edwards' impressive Rachel Savernake series... the writing is arresting but it is the plot that carries us along
Riveting
Perfect for anyone who loves a puzzle mystery created in the Golden Age tradition... a proper old jape
A very clever novel indeed... [a] tour de force of plotting
A game between author and reader... if you like Golden Age novels you’ll love it
A wholly satisfying Golden Age-style whodunnit, fully and fairly clued, and with every revelation followed by another twist
All stars
Most relevant
Definitely the best of Martin Edward’s Rachel novels. I highly enjoyed the intricate plot and deftly woven characters. My only quibble is the narrator’s voice for Jacob Flint. It’s too slow, as if he was reading from a script. All other voices are good.

Atmospheric coastal crime

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