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

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Martin Edwards

Hemlock Bay

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

Martin Edwards

$24.99

Paperback

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English

ARIES
01 September 2025

Fiction & Literature; Historical mysteries; Thriller & suspense

Series: Rachel Savernake

Don't miss the traditional murder mystery with a delightful twist from the King of classic crime, Martin Edwards – MISS WINTER IN THE LIBRARY WITH A KNIFE is available to pre-order now.

A CRITIC CRIME BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024 RUNNER UP

'Martin Edwards is a true master of British crime writing' RICHARD OSMAN

Basil Palmer plans to murder a man called Louis Carson.

The problem is Palmer doesn't know anything about his victim, including where to find him.

After learning that Carson resides in a place called Hemlock Bay, Palmer travels there, posing as Dr Seamus Doyle and plotting murder along the way.

Meanwhile, after hearing a psychic has predicted a murder will take place in Hemlock Bay, amateur sleuth Rachel Savernake sets off, determined to discover the serpent that has slithered into this idyllic Eden.

When murder does occur at the resort, and after meeting a mysterious doctor called Seamus, Rachel finds herself entering a maze of intricate mysteries – just where she likes to be…

The fifth ingenious Rachel Savernake Golden Age Mystery, which can be read in any order, for fans of Ann Cleeves, Sophie Hannah and AK Benedict.

'Combines all the things I love most about crime fiction: atmospheric settings, twisty plots, intriguing characters and an unforgettable protagonist' ELLY GRIFFITHS

'Superbly satisfying... Golden age murder, subtly subverted period, clues galore and a hint of Gothic' KATE GRIFFIN

'Rachel Savernake is a hero to cherish' NICOLA UPSON

DISCOVER MORE THRILLING READS FROM THE KING OF CLASSIC CRIME, ALL FEATURING A CLUEFINDER SO YOU CAN PLAY DETECTIVE YOURSELF.

THE RACHEL SAVERNAKE GOLDEN AGE MYSTERIES

#1 GALLOWS COURT

#2 MORTMAIN HALL

#3 BLACKSTONE FELL

#4 SEPULCHRE STREET

#5 HEMLOCK BAY

STANDALONE MYSTERIES

#1 MISS WINTER IN THE LIBRARY WITH A KNIFE

Praise for Martin Edwards

'Crime fiction is blessed to have Martin Edwards.' 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

Readers love Hemlock Bay!

'Thoroughly entertaining murder mystery' 'Very clever' 'I love everything about the Rachel Savernake series' 'Martin Edwards just gets better and better' 'If you love cosy crimes the likes of Miss Marple then Edwards is one you need to read right away'

By: Martin Edwards
Imprint: ARIES
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 196mm, Width: 128mm, Spine: 28mm
Weight: 280g
ISBN: 9781035909810
ISBN 10: 1035909812
Series: Rachel Savernake
Pages: 400
Publication Date: 01 September 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Martin Edwards has won the Edgar, Agatha, H.R.F. Keating, Macavity, Poirot and Dagger awards as well as being shortlisted for the Theakston's Prize. He is President of the Detection Club, a former Chair of the Crime Writers' Association and consultant to the British Library's bestselling crime classics series. In 2020 he was awarded the Diamond Dagger for his outstanding contribution to crime fiction. Follow Martin on Twitter and Instagram (@medwardsbooks) and Facebook (@MartinEdwardsBooks).

Reviews for Hemlock Bay: From the 'true master of British crime writing', a chilling and twisty Golden Age mystery

'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!' * Kate Griffin * '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.' * Nicola Upson * This new title from the master of British crime writing is a cracker * Manx Independent * The latest of Edwards' impressive Rachel Savernake series... the writing is arresting but it is the plot that carries us along * The Critic * Riveting * The Sunday Post * Perfect for anyone who loves a puzzle mystery created in the Golden Age tradition... a proper old jape * Crime Fiction Lover *