Heather’s Bookshelf: Murder in Lostmor
Author: Ann Smythe
Released: 11/19/25
Genre: Cozy Mystery
“Nestled below is Lostmor, an old Cornish fishing town whose narrow winding paths and cobbled streets lead down to a once bustling harbour. Sturdy, thick-walled cottages that for centuries served as homes for fishermen and their families, transformed over time into elegant holiday homes rented by the week. A few fishermen remain, resolutely steering their boats out to sea, cleaving through its depleted waters, striving to keep their forefathers’ old ways alive. Lostmor has seen plenty of change, yet it still holds its secrets close. Some date back to a time when ships were lured onto rocks, lives lost, and smuggling was commonplace. While others are still in the making…”
“Murder in Lostmor” is the sequel to Secrets of Lostmor. A review of Secrets of Lostmor can be found here. Events of the first novel result in the events of the second. If you plan to read Secrets of Lostmor, please do so before continuing with this review to avoid spoilers. However, this will be conducted as a standalone review.
Lily Sanders is living a happy life with her husband, Oliver, and daughter Edie, in Lostmor until they are misplaced due to a fire. The young family moves into Lily’s childhood home turned hotel, Penwyth House, while awaiting renovations.
Supported by their friends and community, Lily and her family try to make the most of their situation. But it seems like everyone in the moors has their secrets- and some are older than others…
Everything comes to a head at a Christmas party at the Penwyth Hotel when old adversaries clash with new friends. Will Lily and her family make it out of the holiday alive or will the sins of their past catch up with them all?
Trigger Warning: violence, adult language, attempted rape, murder, domestic violence, sexual situations, reference to drug use
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It picks up a few years after Secrets of Lostmor and absolutely builds off of the events of the initial tale. However, the author does well in working in the events of the original for those who jump into this one. I still recommend reading them in order, but Murder in Lostmor can be read as a standalone. Told through multiple POVs, but mostly Lily’s, they serve to give details of the past and motivations of the present. The ladies are highlighted in this one- Lily, her old friend Julia, and her new friend Nora. All receive noted attention and character development. The men in their lives…not as much… with the exception of the villains. I enjoyed the side story and attention that they received. The pacing and the rhythm of the writing make the story an enjoyable and easy read that has an underlying tension that propels you to keep flipping pages. Less mystery and more suspense, just about every storyline is tidied up by the end of the tale. I hope the author considers making this a trilogy as these characters are truly a joy to follow.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A cozy mystery with an enjoyable readability and intriguing characters.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Ann Smythe
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Find it for purchase here
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