The Arts Trail Killer

A Shell House Detectives Mystery, Book 5

By: Emylia Hall

Narrated by: Kristin Atherton

A killer on the loose, and a village gripped by fear. Can the Shell House Detectives save Porthpella?

Springtime on the Cornish coast and Porthpella’s artistic community are throwing open their doors, welcoming visitors to the annual Arts Trail. And this year, celebrity artist Harrison Loveday is the guest of honour.

However, the light mood soon darkens when there’s a dramatic death at the opening-night party, and after threatening messages start appearing around the village, fear takes over. Before long, Porthpella is shocked by a second brutal murder, and whisperings of a ‘serial killer’ start to circulate.

With the press descending on the Arts Trail for all the wrong reasons, the Shell House Detectives find themselves vying with the police to hunt down the killer, fast. As the pair uncover bitter rivalries and hidden agendas, plus a growing list of suspects, the question of who has both the means and the motive makes this the most complex case Ally and Jayden have faced yet.

Can the Shell House Detectives stop the Arts Trail Killer before they strike again?

©2025 by Emylia Hall. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“A colourful cast of characters, a rattling plot full of threats, red herrings, and murder—plus Ally and Jayden, who are rapidly becoming my favourite fictional detectives. The Arts Trail Killer is compelling, twisty, and beautifully written. I absolutely loved it.”—Lucy Diamond

“I adore this series…and this might just be the best yet!”—Lucy Clarke

“Her best mystery yet—an absolute treat from start to finish! A wickedly-plotted whodunnit with a cast of suspects fit for any Christie, all written with Emylia’s trademark heart and humour.”—Hannah Richell

Great addition to the series!

Character development of new characters and enriching development of constant characters in this series is top notch.

Gorgeous Series

Such beautiful language and deep intricate inner workings of human beings set in the seaside that helps the characters plum their human depths and relationships in their own times, ways and spaces. Read or listen to the whole series as it builds this wonderful Cornish world.

Another brilliant

I love this series! This was another great one! Hope there is more to come!

Better & more intricate

The Shell House Mysteries keep getting better & better. I'm reading them in order. This is the 4th or 5th in the series.

There is so much going on in The Arts Trail Murder, with so many plausible murderers with motives & opportunities coming into view every way you look...

Add in the well-developed major characters & their lives, it draws you in & makes you care.