Reviews for The Sea Breeze (published 2022)

I loved this historical mystery as it's solid, well plotted, and entertaining. It's a relaxing read featuring a cast of well developed and interesting characters. I want to read other books by this author and I think there's a lot of potential. Highly recommended.

NetGalley review, Nov/Dec 2022

Set in a fictionalized Devon port this splendid novel reminds me of what crime thrillers used to be like years ago. There are echoes of John Buchan and Erskine Childers in a story with plenty of the tropes required to make it work. The period setting is painted with skill and the characterization reflects the cultural and moral standards of the time. There's plenty of tension and intrigue and a real nail -biting denouement. It's a shame there are not more writers today capable of honouring the golden age of crime writing.

NetGalley review, Nov/Dec 2022

Slow burn mystery?! Do these exist?! In any case, this read is unique, memorable, and a must read…Have fun readers!

NetGalley review, Nov/Dec 2022

Excellent first mystery that allows the author’s journalistic and legal backgrounds to support the storyline. The request to figure out why a yacht is floating empty but with a body in the water brings Robert Lynnford to the Devonshire coast in 1951. Things continue from there, with friends going missing and mysteries to unravel. Well-crafted and enjoyable.

NetGalley review, Nov/Dec 2022

A satisfying mystery in traditional vein with a deftly drawn cast of characters, a well described backdrop and a very nicely done narrative. Afficionados of a solid, traditional mystery should enjoy.

NetGalley review, Nov/Dec 2022

I was attracted to the book by the cover and the story quickly pulled me in. The author really knows his legal procedure and the newspaper business. He does a good job in character development as well as keeping the action moving along. I enjoyed the book and will look for more of Riley's writing.

NetGalley review, Nov/Dec 2022

From the start, the author gave the impression of a calm and peaceful setting for the reader to escape into, and this is what I always expect when reading a cosy mystery - I want it to feel like an escape. As I carried on reading, I was reminded quite strongly of Agatha Christie - in particular, her book Evil Under The Sun. This made an impression on me because she is one of my very favourite authors, and I feel her style is difficult to emulate. It was an entertaining cosy mystery, relaxing to read, and not too long. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys cosy mysteries or typically enjoys authors like Agatha Christie.

NetGalley review, Nov/Dec 2022

Reviews for Elephant's Sapphire (published 2023)

Cleverly plotted with enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat and blessed with a terrific cast of exquisitely drawn characters, this dark and sophisticated tale of criminal shenanigans and greed really deserves to be discovered and enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!

NetGalley review, April 2023

Reading this was a bit like watching an old black-and-white film and admiring the quality of the writing rather than looking for any special effects.

NetGalley review, April 2023