"Cosy crime slays on the Isle of Wight with an intrepid team of amateur sleuths at the helm."
So beautifully easy to slide into, this novel hits all the right notes if you enjoy the cosier side of crime. Astrid Swift sails into the Isle of Wight, and straight into a death the police have decided isn’t suspicious. She is welcomed into a local art club who join in with her amateur sleuthing.
The Trust, M.H Eccleston’s debut, was the first time we met Astrid. Death on the Isle confirms this series is growing into its main character, fabulous locations, and changing supporting cast. Astrid Swift, while kind, determined, and a good friend, could also be described as meddlesome, which adds a certain bite to proceedings.
She oversteps the mark on several levels, which may induce wincing, wry smiles, and ensures that cosy doesn’t get too comfortable. The location came alive, so vividly described I could picture my surroundings as I stepped onto the page. I loved the members of the art club, the differing personalities create a supportive net around Astrid.
The plot ticks along nicely, adding a complication here, and a diversion there until it really takes off. I thoroughly enjoyed the direction of proceedings, and the ending felt entirely suitable. Contained within a spirited, smart plot, Death on the Isle is an entertaining mystery, served with a slice of quirky humour.

Amateur sleuth Astrid Swift investigates a maritime mystery in this cosy crime adventure set on the Isle of Wight.
| Primary Genre | Crime and Mystery |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
Win a Pair of Tickets to Agatha Christie’s The Hollow at a Venue of Your Choice.
Closing date: 15/10/2026
Amateur sleuth Astrid Swift investigates a maritime mystery in this cosy crime adventure set on the Isle of Wight. The sailors are ashore, and murder is afoot.
Death on the Isle features in the following genres: Crime and Mystery, Crime and mystery: cosy mystery, Crime and mystery: private investigator / amateur detectives, Crime and mystery: women sleuths, Fiction, eBooks of the Month, Recommendations, Books of the Month
Paperback, Ebook (Epub), Hardback. £8.99, down from the £9.99 cover price. In Stock.
Death on the Isle was written by M.H. Eccleston and published by Head of Zeus
Death on the Isle has 329 pages
Yes it is part of An Astrid Swift Mystery series
£8.99, reduced from £9.99. In Stock.