I am really reading a lot of cozy paranormals lately, so I was excited to try this one. I hadn’t read this author before, but this will definitely not be my last one. I loved the twisty mystery in this book with the fun characters. I don’t feel we got to know Maureen as much as I would have liked, but I’m hoping we will in the next book. I also love that we got to meet her sons in this. I hope they play a part in the next book. A well-written, fun cozy paranormal with interesting characters sure to entertain for a few hours. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

The story starts out slow but definitely picks up momentum and definitely is an enjoyable read. The mystery is intriguing and held my attention. I’m glad that certain characters got their comeuppance. Added bonus, the MC is older and has two adult children, with whom she has a great relationship. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Enjoyed this cozy mystery overall. Maureen shows up to a small coastal town, and finds a body and a ghost. Flipped back and forth about the elderly brother and sister, as I wasn't sure it they had a motive or not. Didn't like her friend not being there for her either. Still though, enjoyed it enough to see the ending. Would recommend.

Molly MacRae's new cozy mystery book series, Haunted Shell Shop Mystery, delivers all the goods! "Come Shell or High Water" is worth the read and I can't wait for book 2.

COME SHELL OR HIGH WATER is the first book in the brand-new Haunted Shell Shop mysteries by Mollie MacRae. I just loved this book, with its quirky protagonist, Maureen Nash, and her humorous mannerisms, shell and sea puns that will make you either groan or giggle, and her outlook on life. First off, Maureen is a woman with grown sons, and is finding her way after losing her husband the year before. It gives her a different perspective on life than a twenty-something-year-old and is one more relatable to older readers. Not only is Maureen a former malacologist, but she’s also a professional storyteller… and tells a story she does! From the opening sentence, which is an attention grabber for sure, to meeting an eighteenth-century Welsh ghost pirate, to investigating with her new octogenarian neighbor, the tale kept me enthralled. You can’t help but admire the cast of characters—they’re entertaining and exhibit the fine qualities of a small island community, which are helpful busybodies to assist however they can.

The characters drew me in and the mystery kept me turning pages. The murder happens early on with hints of a mysterious secret Maureen seems to be keeping too. After all, she really wasn’t supposed to be on the island and she’s not telling anyone how she got there since the ferry service closed because of the hurricane. But, since she’s the one that stumbled across the body and can’t account for her actions, Maureen becomes the number one suspect of local law enforcement. With the help of her elderly neighbors (who are a hoot themselves!), and the ghost pirate, Maureen investigates the murder. With twists and turns galore, I didn’t want to put the book down. There were plenty of clues to follow, suspects and red herrings to trick me, but in the end, I just wanted to sit back and enjoy the rollicking tale. This book has one shell of an ending that makes me fervently wish the second book was already in hand!

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#ComeShellorHighWater #NetGalley is a fantastic new book my Molly MacRae.
Maureen Nash is a malacologist, someone who specializes in fresh water mussels.
Maureen lost her husband unexpectedly and she's trying to navigate life without him, and a trip to Ocracoke Island, off the coast of North Carolina has her questioning everything.
Not only is the island a special place, there are secrets that are buried deep, and not everyone wants her to uncover them.
This is a fantastic book and well written. From the very beginning I found myself wondering what was going to happen and each chapter brought a new surprise to me.
The story is fascinating and I enjoyed every word.
I'm looking forward to reading more in the series and recommending this book to other people.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.