Ghosts! This is the first book in a new series and a new author for me. I truly had a hard time getting into this book. Maureen is an interesting MC but the author plays so many games with us and I don't know, I feel like she plays us wrong, which leaves you very off kilter and having a hard time knowing where to go with this story. Maureen, recently widowed, comes to Ocracoke Island, at the tail end of a hurricane, can only get to the Island by way of an old college friend, who works for the U S Park Service, and claims she there to see and collect shell and visit a place where she came with her late husband and later their children. When a murder takes place and Maureen wakes up on the shore after saving a beautiful shell, then finding the body, everyone needs to figure out what is going on, including the MC. We find out that our MC hasn't been honest with why she's there, who she knows, and we are caught up in all kinds of tales, oh yes, and maybe a helpful ghost. It is a very convoluted tale, a little too cute for me, but I will admit the last 60 pages or so kept me engrossed. I honestly haven't decided if I will read the next book or not. I want to thank #NetGalley and #Kensingtonbooks for the chance to check this one out.

I was a huge fan of Molly MacRae’s Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery series but I don’t tend to enjoy Americans writing about Scotland, so I skipped her Highland Bookshop Mystery series. Then, when I saw she had a new one coming out - Haunted Shell Shop Mysteries - I just had to pick it up! And just look at that cover! I love how bight and vivid it looks: modern, while keep a clear ‘the is a cozy’ vibe.
I knew going in that I enjoyed MacRae’s storytelling, and I got exactly what I expected there. The pacing is quick (quicker than the author’s previous series, though there I enjoyed the slower pace) and the writing very engaging and readable. The mystery itself maybe wasn’t the most impressive I’ve seen, but for a cozy series (especially the first instalment while we’re laying the groundwork) the mystery itself always comes second to the world-building, theming and characters for me.
COME SHELL OR HIGH WATER starts with a real bang – in the middle of an island storm, and with our protagonist, Maureen, suffering from an electrical jolt and a bout of amnesia that makes piecing together what happened a challenge. The atmosphere was excellent: just the thing to read on a dark and stormy night!
Maureen is a unique character: a widow in her 50s, something I’ve been seeing less of in recent cozies), and a malacologist (someone who specializes in fresh water mussels) with a passion for collecting shells. That’s certainly a new one to me! And it works very well with the rest of the books theming – a small, insular island community, pirates and hidden treasure, and lots and lots of shell-based puns.
COME SHELL OR HIGH WATER didn’t blow me away, but it was enjoyable and did keep me engaged. In fact, I read through most of the book in just a couple of sittings. I think this is a series to watch out for and, now Maureen and her ‘world’ is established, future books will only get better!

This is the first book in Molly MacRae’s new haunted shell shop series. Set on an island off the coast of North Carolina the book features a cast of quirky characters, including the ghost of a pirate. It’s a light humorous mystery with plenty of red herrings.

I was really excited to dive into Come Shell or High Water by Molly MacRae because I haven't read a lot of paranormal cozy mysteries. I was looking forward to reading about a ghost in a shell shop, haunting the place and moving around merchandise.

But this story was way more than I thought it would be! I found Come Shell or High Water to be a fresh new take on ghosts and the mystery behind why Maureen came to Ocracoke Island in the first place hooked me. I immediately wanted to know more about her connection to Allen and why she inherited her shop.

And I also wanted to know more about Emrys, the 18th century pirate ghost who inhabited the shell that Maureen found in the ocean. Once she takes it back to the shell shop, she learns that he too is trying to solve the mystery, and because he's been around for so long he may have more intel.

I like the idea of a ghost and a human working together, trying to solve crime. It's completely different from other mysteries that I've read. I enjoyed this first book in the series and look forward to finding out more about the town, the shell shop, and Maureen in the next Haunted Shell Shop Mystery.

To read my full review, visit: mariankrick.com

Rating: 4.5 stars

The first installment in the 'A Haunted Shell Shop Mystery' series, 'Come Shell or High Water' by Molly MacRae, is a captivating debut that sets the stage for a promising new series. Set on Ocracoke Island off the coast of North Carolina, this mystery novel expertly weaves together elements of suspense, humor, and supernatural intrigue.

When widowed folklorist Maureen Nash visits a legendary North Carolina barrier island shell shop, she discovers its resident ghost pirate and the mystery of a local’s untimely death . . .

MacRae's writing is engaging, and her characters are well-developed and relatable. The story is skillfully paced, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The author's vivid descriptions of the island setting and its quirky inhabitants add to the book's charm.

Overall, 'Come Shell or High Water' is an excellent start to the 'A Haunted Shell Shop Mystery' series, and I eagerly anticipate the next installment. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, this book is definitely worth checking out."

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Cozies and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Widow Maureen Nash arrives on Ocracoke Island which is dealing with the effects of Hurricane Electra. Unfortunately, she stumbles over the body of Allen Withrow, the man she came to see regarding the letters he sent to her late husband. With the help of an eccentric brother and sister duo and a ghost, she looks into the life of the dead man and why someone had reason to kill him. First in a new series with interesting characters and a resident ghost.
#ComeShellorHighWater #Kensington #NetGalley

This is the first in a new series. It was a real delight to read. The characters and whodunit were top notch. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

This sounded like a fun, summer, beachy cozy mystery with the added bonus of a ghost! While I enjoyed the mystery, setting in the Outer Banks, and learning about shells, the characters overwhelmed at times. At the beginning, it felt like you were dropped into a story and didn't have all the pieces, making it a frustrating experience for me. I needed more world and story building to help me enjoy the story to the fullest.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Molly MacRae's Come Shell or High Water is the first book in a new cozy paranormal mystery. An entertaining and smoothly paced story with the ghost of a pirate and a beautiful setting of Ocracoke Island.

Maureen Nash ventures to Ocracoke Island to investigate why Allen Withrow sent letters to her deceased husband regarding his family's past. Maureen is a likable heroine; and the secondary characters of Burt and Glady added depth to the plot as well as their humor with their interactions with each other. Plenty of twists, limited murder suspects and quirky characters kept me turning the pages.

Come Shell or High Water is the 1st book in a new series by Molly MacRae. This series follows recent widower Maureen, who ventures to Okracoke Island off the coast of North Carolina after a recent hurricane to vacation and study shells. Instead she finds a dead body, a family connection to a hidden treasure and a ghost! Lots of fun characters to get to know and a few cute cats too. I loved Maureen's neighbours and her sons. The mystery/murderer reveal, felt a bit hard to follow so that made me less invested in the plot, then getting to know the characters.
There's a lot of potential here for a great series, I'm looking forward to what's next now that the foundation has been established.

Come Shell or High Water is the first in a new series by Molly MacRae. This crazy mystery takes place on Okracoke Island off the coast of North Carolina (and a place that I have always wanted to visit!). The main character, Maureen, comes to the island shortly after the death of her husband for vacation and to study the island shells. She discovers a dead body, a ghost, very quirky residents, and a possible family connection to the area.

This was a fun story with a lot of humor. The pirate ghost is my favorite character; I thought it was a little improbable that he is attached to a shell, but then, he is a ghost so why not?

I’m not completely convinced that the identity of the murderer made a lot of sense but there were plenty of clues and red herrings to follow.

The setting, and the customs that have developed as part of the island's culture were interesting. Both were enhanced by the crazy brother and sister pair that team up with Maureen to help her find the murderer. Since the main character is in her fifties, she has two grown sons. It seems like they will be a part of the series and provide a nice, down-to-earth point of view while still being supportive to their mother.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington books for providing the digital early reader copy.

3.5 stars

A delightful start to a new series from a favorite author. Maureen stumbles upon a body while searching for shells on the island of Ocracoke. This story grabs the reader and off you go on a most intriguing adventure. Great story plot. Awesome characters. Thanks #Netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

Come Shell or High Water is set off the coast of North Carolina. Hitching a boat ride with a friend, Maureen lands on the island just after a hurricane has blown through. She studied mussels and loves all shells. She heads to the beach to see what the storm washed up and finds a body instead. The local deputy seems unduly suspicious of her so she and her new neighbors do their own investigating.
This is a fun cozy mystery in a unique setting. There are shell puns, humor, a ghost, and a tricky mystery. I’m looking forward to the next book in this new series.
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

Molly MacRae's newest cozy mystery series gets off to one "shell" of a start with COME SHELL OR HIGH WATER.

Folklorist and shell researcher Maureen Nash is a charming protagonist to helm this series, and it starts off in just about the most unique way possible. Upon arriving in the delightful island community of Ocracoke, NC, Maureen becomes an unreliable narrator in the most fascinating of ways. I must say, this had to be one of the most engaging experiences I've had starting a new series. Without giving away any spoilers, the way MacRae writes the opening scenes will have the reader and Maureen falling down the rabbit hole together in the best way possible.

COME SHELL OR HIGH WATER is a fabulous start to a new cozy mystery series full of fun characters, idyllic scenery, and a quirky ghost—I highly recommend picking this one up!

"Come Shell or High Water" is a delightful read, blending the charm of a cozy paranormal mystery with the serene backdrop of Ocracoke Island. Maureen's journey, amidst her personal struggles and the intriguing discovery of a dead body, is a captivating exploration of  a suspect in a murder mystery and self-discovery.

The incorporation of area folklore and information about the shells found on the island adds depth to the story, creating a rich tapestry of setting and context. After a slow start, the narrative gains momentum, drawing readers into a web of ghosts, quirky characters, and an engaging mystery. I enjoyed following the clues even though I zeroed in on the wrong culprit. 

As a senior reader, Maureen's character, a mature fifty-something female protagonist, offers a refreshing perspective, allowing me to connect with her experiences and emotions easily. The dynamic duo of Burt and Glady (brother and sister neighbors) adds humor and camaraderie, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the story.

Overall, "Come Shell or High Water" is a delightful blend of mystery, humor, ghostly pirates and coastal charm, making it a perfect escape for readers seeking a cozy and engaging read.I look forward to the next book in this new series.

Lol I grinned and laughed out loud throughout this novel.
Like the protagonist I absolutely adore shells. Any kind! I have a whole container of shells but my dream shell is a big conch shell.
My favorite thing was the writing style. Told in first person. I can so connect to the person telling the story sooo much better. To me, it's more personal.
Gladys and Burt are hoots for sure and certain.
I loved the tales about Blackbeard..
This author has done a great job in keeping me guessing throughout most of the book. It was what kept me turning the pages. I had to see what happened next! I sure wasn't disappointed at all.
I absolutely adored this book. It was great to visit the Outerbanks again.
I didn't want to leave my new friends either.
5 stars for a wonderful adventure! I highly recommend this novel.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Come Shell or High Water by Molly MacRae is the first book in the brand new Haunted Shell Shop Mystery series.

I LOVED the characters in this book, and I can't wait for the next one to come out. The main character, Maureen, is a bit more serious than her somewhat silly new neighbors, Gladys and Burt. Not only were they a great mix of personalities, but the author also decided a sensitive, somewhat brooding ghost that only Maureen could see to round out the group.

The plot was well thought out with some interesting twists. I think this is a five star book!

Widow, Maureen Nash, a former biologist who studied freshwater mussels, is on vacation on Ocracoke Island off the coast of North Carolina. She’s come to see The Moonshell, a shop belonging to Allen Withrow. The island is a mess from Hurricane Electra, and Maureen stumbles over a corpse near the beach whose identity will just about ruin her plans.. She also swears she sees a ghost and meets a very quirky and eccentric brother and sister—Burt and Glady—who help solve the crime.

I enjoyed this whimsical, yet far-fetched, light, para-ghost cozy mystery. There’s not very much haunting going on, but plenty of humor! The ocean setting is nice, and the seashells unique, and the island’s quirky residents are interesting. The premise of a ghost living in a shell is reminiscent of a genie in a bottle tale, with ghost Emrys Lloyd, being mostly a shy lurker. Burt and Glady interact like actors in an old slapstick comedy sitcom! Of course, there’s the requisite bad guy and dimwitted law officer. “Come Shell or High Water” is an entertaining read. The author adds recipes at the end. Enjoy!

I honestly reviewed an unedited, digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. all opinions are my own.

"Come Shell or High Water" by Molly MacRae is a great first book to the new "A Haunted Shell Shop Mystery" series. Maureen Nash is visiting vacation island spot she used to go to with her family before her husband passed away. While there she winds up getting involved in solving a murder and possibly a bit of a treasure hunt. She's also seeing things, specifically a pirate ghost. Luckily he's a polite and helpful ghost.

I have to say that I didn't quite see that person as the culprit in the end. After my main culprit got taken out I was a bit at a loss for who to suspect. I had suspicions but not strong ones and for sure not the person who it ended up being. I look forward to more from this series.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher. This if the first of a new series by Molly MacRae and I loved it. It is also the first of her books I’ve read and I’m going to search up her other series. Maureen Nash is still grieving the loss of her husband and so she decided she needed to get away and go to Ocracoke Island, a place she had visited before with her family. Here she can work on finding shells and her storytelling but what she finds instead is a shell, a murdered body. two new unique friends and a ghost.