This is William Shaw at his absolute best. It’s an exquisitely written crime story, with the superb characters, setting and pace that I have come to expect from the author. It needs to win every crime award going.

The first in a series featuring DS Eden Driscoll set in Teignmouth.
It is the first book I have read from this author and I enjoyed it although I did not feel that it stood out from all the other crime novels that I have read. Eden is a bit hot headed and might be in trouble for over aggressive behaviour in his job at the met when finds that his estranged sister is missing and a nephew needs someone to look after him. The main thrust of the story is the investigation into his missing sister and secondly Eden adapting to dealing with small village life and his initial ambivalence in looking after his nephew. I don’t think I will be giving away any secrets saying that the relationship grows and it is probably realistic that many people in Eden’s position are initially not that keen.
The plot in general was fairly straight forward with a major twist right at the end just when I thought the book was almost finished. I did not feel that this twist was essential to the plot and it made me wonder if it had been a late addition to spice things up.
Not sure what will be happening in the next book in the series but I guess it will still be set in Teignmouth and I will be interested in reading it.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC

I really enjoyed the plot, the setting and the characters who are introduced in this new series. Detective Eden Driscoll becomes more likeable the more his character and backstory are revealed, and Teignmouth provides an atmospheric setting for this murder mystery/thriller. The pacing is exactly right. The tension caused by the growing unease that something is really wrong is counterbalanced by chapters with action packed peril.
I haven’t read anything by this author before and having read The Red Shore, I will certainly be keen to read the next book in this new series and meanwhile will take a look at the author’s back catalogue.

Wow what a page turner from the first page following Met detective Eden Driscoll who gets a call to say his sister has disappeared off her boat leaving her son Finn alone.
What follows is a heart wrenching story of how Eden takes on Finn and tries to find out what happened to his sister who was a accomplished sailor so thinks something sinister happened.
This had me wanting to read more and hoping Eden finds out the truth for his sake and Finn.
Would highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I always enjoy books by the author and I was waiting eagerly for this new series, which did not disappoint. The Devon setting was beautifully described in this tension filled read which kept me interested right from the start. I loved the main character of Eden and his past story, left me looking forward to seeing his development as the series progresses. Finn was an interesting little boy, very realistically portrayed by the author and his relationship with Eden seems to be progressing well. The plotting had plenty of twists and the ending left me wanting to find out more of what life has in store for Eden in the West Country. A very decent crime thriller which I would recommend to lovers of the genre. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

My first book by this author and he has certainly gained a new follower.. I loved this book, it is a very well written thriller with an extremely likeable protagonist and well portrayed supporting characters, it gripped me from the start and I didn’t want it to end. So pleased that this is the first in a new series as I want to know more about Eden and his life moving forward-just need to read the back catalogue from the author while I wait.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review and to the author for such excellent writing.

A boy found locked in a cabin and his mother missing. When Eden Driscoll receives a call to say that this his sister Apple has disappeared and he needs to look after his nephew, he is reticent after the conclusion of his own big case. His life is in London as a police officer, not looking after a boy he didn’t know existed, the son of a sister he no longer spoke to. Eden adapts to life in Teignmouth and his carer duties. Nonetheless, he can’t resist getting involved in his sister’s case, leading to dangerous consequences.

I loved the start of this book. It is atmospheric and puts you right in the action. The chapters are short and punchy and having you propelling through the story. I didn’t find Eden or his nephew endearing at first, with them both awkward in their own ways, but it was heartwarming to see their relationship grow. I also liked the characters of Bisi, the social worker, and Molly, Apple’s friend, and found they complimented the story well. I found this book crept up on me. I enjoyed the premise but as I read, I was impressed by the small details that weave into an intricate plot. The Red Shore looks like it’s going to be the start of a compelling new crime series.

What a fabulous story, this is a new author to me and I devoured the book in a day, finishing it late into the night. Incredibly gripping, lots of twists and turns with an unexpected and exciting ending. Lots of characters that maybe the villains but turned out ok and as always with a murder/mystery nice people that weren’t so nice after all! Who do you trust? It certainly keeps you guessing right to the end - superb!

Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review

I've been meaning to sample the work of William Shaw for a while now, but I always seemed to get side tracked by other books. Imagine my delight when I was invited to read The Red Shore by none other than -yes, you've guessed it- William Shaw. The fact that it's the first book in a new series was a bonus. ⛵
This was quite a thrilling read, opening with a young boy waking up in the cabin of his mother's boat, discovering he has been locked in, and no one is answering his calls. If that doesn't reel you in, I'm not sure what will. ⛵
What follows is a well paced, atmospheric police procedural with plenty of twists and suspense to keep the reader hooked. ⛵
Eden Driscoll is our deeply flawed main character. He has an interesting back story, though I feel we only scratched the surface in The Red Shore. ⛵
There are some great characters in the book. Young Finn and Bisi were my favourites. ⛵
This has the makings of a good series, and I look forward to seeing what's next in store for Eden. ⛵
Thanks to Hemlock Press, HarperCollins UK and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

Eden Driscoll is a police officer in the Met, working on a domestic violence case, when he is called to Devon, because his estranged sister Apple is missing after sailing out to sea at night.
On arrival, he finds that he is now also responsible for his 9 year old nephew, Finn.
The mystery of Apple’s whereabouts, and whether she is still alive deepens, as Eden becomes embroiled in small-town gossip, and discovers Apple’s past.
They has a very unconventional childhood, which is revealed during the course of the book, and explains their relationship now.
As secrets of Apple’s life emerge, Eden finds himself and Finn in deadly danger.
This was a cracking story with well-drawn characters, and a thrilling climax.
I look forward to hearing more about Eden.

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this book.

This really reads like a train. I had already read most of Shaw's other detective novels and this new series promises to be as good as the two others. He is a master at making the setting part of the story and since this one is set in the coastal town of Teignmouth, get ready for some nautical adventures. One of the reasons I like these books is that Shaw knows how to build up some suspense, the story has some surprises but remains believable at all times. I definitely want to read more books about Eden and am wondering if he will remain in Devon for his next book or go back to London. If you haven't read anything by Shaw, this is as good a place to start as any.

I really enjoyed this book and it kept me very engaged.The storyline was very well constructed, well balanced and believable.(so many time the ending is rushed or far fetched ).The descriptions of locations were well described which makes it easier to imagine the various scenes. The characters were very likeable, especially Molly. I will certainly seek out more titles by this author. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This was my first book by William Shaw and it was a cracker.

Met detective Eden Driscoll never wanted a child, but when his estranged sister vanishes from her sailboat, he is asked to look after her son Finn – the nephew he hadn’t even known existed.

Resettled in the seaside town of Teignmouth, Eden adjusts to his newfound parenthood. Then Finn disappears from school, and Eden knows something is dreadfully wrong.

When Eden's sister's body is finally found, floating in the sea, local police rule her death an accident, but Eden isn’t convinced. She was an experienced sailor and would never sail without a life jacket. Eden starts searching his sister’s life for answers, and what he discovers changes everything.

I am hoping this is going to be the first in a series of books with Eden as the main character. He is clearly a flawed individual but has a deep care and compassion for victims and will leave no stone unturned in looking for answers.

I also enjoyed some of the other secondary characters so I can see this developing well in a long series of books.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Hemlock Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Met Detective- DS Evan Driscoll finds out his estranged sister, Apple, is missing and she has a 9 year old son called Finn, all he know is that he isn't cut out to be a father figure. However, he goes to Teignmouth on the Devon Coast to sort out the tangled web that Apple appears to have been caught up. Along the way, I found it sweet how Evan treated Finn in his short time knowing of the child's existence but when Finn is taken from his school, Evan moves mountains to find him. This was a gripping, emotional, page turner of a book. The sub plots all tie up nicely to a dramatic conclusion.

DS Eden Driscoll is a Met Police officer tying up a case of female cruelty when he receives a message from Devon and Cornwall Police that his sister is missing believed lost at sea and as he’s estranged from her he wasn’t aware she had a son, his nephew. He travels to Devon and then the mystery really begins. Lots of twists and turns as Eden attempts to be a responsible adult to a child with zero knowledge of what’s involved and suspicions about his sister’s death lead him to investigate. Rather violent at times this exciting yarn races along skilfully using the local area even including the Ten Tors challenge in the climax. Good stuff and a new character to look forward to.

4.5 stars

I’ve been a fan of William Shaw’s novels for a while now and so I’m keen to see what this start of a new series offers.

Out at sea, the weather in the Channel is getting worse and locked in the cabin of a yacht is a nine year old boy. Alone. Metropolitan Police DS Eden Driscoll of the MIT has never wanted children and makes that abundantly clear to his coworkers. The morning after a successful operation he gets a phone call that changes everything. His estranged sister Apple is missing and the now rescued boy on the boat is Finn, his nephew, whom he never knew existed. With a heavy heart, Eden makes his way to Teignmouth in Devon and his first meeting with Finn is not exactly auspicious. Under a certain amount of pressure from social worker Bisi, Eden agrees to stay for a week and look after Finn, a task for which he is ill equipped. It’s clear from the start that something has gone dreadfully wrong for Apple and the more Eden digs the muddier the waters become.

First of all, William Shaw always select the most atmospheric of settings and this one is superb for providing a fantastic backdrop for the unfolding drama. I can picture with ease Apple’s tiny cottage and its location on the red shore close to where the estuary meets the sea as it’s so wonderfully described.

I really enjoy this tightly plotted novel which has plenty of suspenseful moments and some good twists and turns in the storytelling. The two principal characters of Eden and Finn are fantastic and the developing relationship between them is heartwarming. Eden is a complex man with a complex background (likewise Apple of course) and Finn is wonderful and is brilliantly and empathetically portrayed as he feels very authentic. I want to give him a big hug, but it might be risky! They both show that characters do not have to be perfect to be very likeable as well as extremely interesting. All the characters such as Molly, Apple’s friend, are very well conveyed too.

The plot builds well, it takes many a surprising direction, there are moments of high tension and lots of action that makes for a thrilling read. I’m looking forward to reading what happens next to these two – Teignmouth or The Big Smoke? Overall, this was a very entertaining and immersive read with a cover that really does the book justice.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to. HarperCollins, HarperFiction/ Hemlock Press for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.

The Red Shore by William Shaw is the first novel I have read from this author but I will defintely be reading more of his work. Red shore starts of quite dramatically with DS Eden Driscoll and his team in the MET trying to catch a wife abuser and all rounnd nasty person, the following day Eden gets a call from Devon & Cornwall police that his estranged sister is missing & before he knows it he's in charge of her son Finn who he didn't even no existed.
The story flows quite well, with only a few places that dragged out but I liked Edens character & I look forward to reading more about him.

DS Eden Driscoll is just closing a case when he learns of his estranged sister's having vanished and the fact he has a nephew.

He goes to try to help and finds himself in the middle of a deepening mystery when his nephew also goes missing.

A high quality suspense novel with some decent twists and turns, leading to an enjoyable and tense denouement.

Super fodder for the detective novel fan.

The morning after celebrating a good result in an ongoing case, DS Eden Driscoll, an officer in the Met, takes a call from Devon and Cornwall Police. They are calling to inform Eden that his sister is missing after an incident at sea. Not only is it a missing person case, there is also the small issue of Eden’s nephew, Finn, who was discovered in the drifting boat, locked in the cabin. Not having had any contact with his sister for twelve years, Eden is surprised to hear she is living is Devon, even more surprised to discover he has a nephew that he knew nothing about.

This was a nicely paced, exciting plot line. Well written with good characters and a surprisingly twisty ending! I thoroughly enjoyed the locations, always good to read books with a setting I am familiar with, so that was an added bonus. Not so keen on the ‘battle of the boats’, felt it went on just a little too long.

A good start to what will hopefully become the first in a new series of DS Driscoll stories, which I will happily read.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK.

Many authors like to make their lead detectives stand out, whether by sexuality, ethnicity, past misdemeanors, being on the spectrum or having complex personal relationships, I don't believe I have read one where an unknown nine year old boy (his nephew) has been foisted on him, that is until now! Met detective Eden Driscoll picks up the pieces of his estranged sister's life in Devon after she goes missing at sea leaving her son alone in a yacht just off the coast of Devon. He didn't even know he had a nephew. Set chiefly in Teignmouth, Eden tries to solve the mystery surrounding his missing sister whilst adjusting to being responsible for his nephew's welfare. His nephew doesn't like the situation at all which he makes perfectly clear to Eden, after all the little lad just wants his Mum back, not this stranger in his home. Eden Driscoll had to leave his Met Police life on hold whilst he went down to Devon, a single man with no parenting skills, he gets a baptism of fire from his nephew. Meanwhile, down Devon, Eden seems to get caught up in things which weren't of his making but seem associated with his sister's disappearance. With his copper's nose twitching he decides things aren't quite what they seem and investigates by himself.
I really enjoyed The Red Shore, especially the interaction between an unwilling Eden who seems to be forced to take guardianship of his nephew. The mystery itself was fast paced and page turning. I loved the location too as I have fond memories of Shaldon, the Ness, Teignmouth and Combeinteignhead. Sadly I have to knock one star off for giving a razor sharp clue too early.