Mystery of the inn by the shore : $b A novel

A sleepy coastal town once bustling with trade now clings to life along a stretch of reclaimed sand, where a new hotel has sprung up to serve golfers discovering the hidden “links.” Into this quiet scene arrive three friends from London—Otto, a thoughtful journalist with literary ambitions; Willie, a good‑natured artist prone to romantic entanglements; and Clifford, a bright‑eyed barrister waiting for his break. Their seaside holiday is flavored with camaraderie, witty banter, and the gentle rivalry that comes from probing each other’s quirks.

When Willie’s attention drifts toward the reclusive Colonel Bostal, the others suspect a secret hidden behind the old man’s modest home on the marshy road to Shingle End. A sudden visit to the house uncovers an unexpected figure—a stern, garden‑clad woman whose presence hints at deeper family ties and concealed motives. As curiosity deepens, the trio finds themselves drawn into a subtle, lingering mystery that promises more intrigue than the tranquil shore suggests.