‘Murder in the Village’ is a the first in a new cozy mystery series by Lisa Cutts. Belinda Penshurst has interests in businesses in her small village ‘Murder in the Village’ is a the first in a new cozy mystery series by Lisa Cutts. Belinda Penshurst has interests in businesses in her small village - one of them the local pub. When a suspicious death occurs there she is pulled into solving the mystery, along with retired police detective Harry Powell, a newcomer to the village. But that’s not the only strange thing going on. Dognappers seem to be targeting the village, and the pair join forces to find out why. And who is involved.
I must admit I didn’t take to Belinda right away, but as the story progressed I began to see where she was coming from. She appeared bossy and dismissive at first, but there was an element of humour there too. I liked Harry a lot. He was extremely kind and thoughtful, and his influence rubbed off on Belinda. I liked getting to know the village and the inhabitants. I look forward to more in this series.
I was given this ARC to review:
Merged review:
‘Murder in the Village’ is a the first in a new cozy mystery series by Lisa Cutts. Belinda Penshurst has interests in businesses in her small village - one of them the local pub. When a suspicious death occurs there she is pulled into solving the mystery, along with retired police detective Harry Powell, a newcomer to the village. But that’s not the only strange thing going on. Dognappers seem to be targeting the village, and the pair join forces to find out why. And who is involved.
I must admit I didn’t take to Belinda right away, but as the story progressed I began to see where she was coming from. She appeared bossy and dismissive at first, but there was an element of humour there too. I liked Harry a lot. He was extremely kind and thoughtful, and his influence rubbed off on Belinda. I liked getting to know the village and the inhabitants. I look forward to more in this series.
Millie’s boss is a nightmare. She’s demanding to the extreme and would put Miranda Priestly to shame. When on a business trip together, a man dies in Millie’s boss is a nightmare. She’s demanding to the extreme and would put Miranda Priestly to shame. When on a business trip together, a man dies in the same hotel. It’s not the first time it has happened though. When there are three deaths where Freya has been each time, Millie decides there’s more to it than coincidence. As she begins to look into the matter, things become dangerous. Can Millie find the truth before anyone else dies?
This is a funny, twisty mystery, with plenty of surprises. Millie had to be careful, as she didn’t know for sure what Freya was capable of. With some help, she went down a scary rabbit hole. Who could she trust? Why were all these men dying? It wasn’t a simple answer and I didn’t see it coming. The story was clever and surprising and a total revelation. ...more
Fiona Figg should be planning her wedding to Archie Somersby, but in the world of espionage things never go quite to plan. When Kitty Lane is knocked Fiona Figg should be planning her wedding to Archie Somersby, but in the world of espionage things never go quite to plan. When Kitty Lane is knocked out in a jujitsu club for suffragettes, Fiona finds her wedding arrangement will have to wait. A death amongst the group leads her into a perplexing investigation. When the charming but dangerous Frederick Fredericks turns up, she knows something is afoot. Can she still make it down the aisle in time? Or will secrets and lies scupper her plans?
The story is set in 1918 and the suffragette movement is in full swing again. As the women campaign, they become experts in martial arts. To fight the unfair and cruel tactics of the ‘cat and mouse’ scheme of the government, they see no other way. But someone is determined to stop them. As Kitty slowly recovers her memory, the case opens up in surprising ways.
This is a cracking mystery, with strong women and a fascinating link to historical events. I loved the fact that real life characters were part of the story. Sylvia Pankhurst and Countess Markiewitz, stalwarts of the suffragette movement play prominent roles, and add to the excitement.
The growing attraction between Fiona and Fredericks plays a vital part in the story, and is itself plagued with uncertainty and mystery. Can she trust him? Is he right about her fiancee - or is it just another line from a foreign agent? I never know who to trust. As Fiona and Kitty’s story develops, we may be one step forward in finding out the truth, but there is plenty of mystery left. A great read....more
After a long wait, Surfusion Restaurant finally opens. Tanya Bowe hopes that the opening night will be a success for her friends. It was not to be. AnAfter a long wait, Surfusion Restaurant finally opens. Tanya Bowe hopes that the opening night will be a success for her friends. It was not to be. An infamous and mysterious food critic attends, but his review is terrible - and to cap it all he dies at the table. Kieron and Rohan are the prime suspects, so Tanya must step in and help the local police find the culprit. Can she find out who had it in for the victim? Or will Surfusion be sunk before it even had a chance?
I adore how PJ Skinner involves the family and friends in each of her stories. We have become familiar with them, and it ups the stakes considerably when any of them are suspected of a crime. This time Kieron and Rohan are in the middle of a perplexing case. Their partner Ghita, Tanya’s best friend, is distraught that all their hard work may have been in vain. With the help of her merry band of associates, Tanya is determined to solve the case.
‘Last Orders’ is exciting and enthralling, but it also has warmth and a genuine feeling of love. Although many threads from the past have been tied into this story, it can also be read as a standalone. It is the best so far, and I look forward to more of Tanya and her friends....more
The year is 1916, and Hannah and Aunt Violet are visiting Hannah’s sister for Christmas. Midwinter Manor is the perfect setting for a snowy festive seThe year is 1916, and Hannah and Aunt Violet are visiting Hannah’s sister for Christmas. Midwinter Manor is the perfect setting for a snowy festive season. But things don’t turn out quite as planned.
When one of the other houseguests is murdered, the local police don’t seem up to the job. If they are going to find the real culprit, Hannah and Violet must investigate- or the wrong person will end up getting accused.
I love historical mysteries, as they combine my two favourite genres. This story is set during the First World War, and the repercussions for those fighting is evident. But some would rather the men kept their suffering under wraps. They would prefer psychological trauma was hidden. The roles expected of women are also an integral part of the story.
Hannah is a clever, independent woman with ambition and ability. I enjoyed seeing her develop her investigative skills. Her character is well developed - as are all of the characters in this novel. I love that there is continuity, and that we get to spend time with her friends and family.
This story was about finding the truth and also about being true to oneself. A great mystery and one of the best I’ve read in a long time. ...more
Virginia Woolf and her sister, artist Vanessa Bell, live quietly in the Sussex Downs, far from the noise and bustle of London. But life is anything buVirginia Woolf and her sister, artist Vanessa Bell, live quietly in the Sussex Downs, far from the noise and bustle of London. But life is anything but boring. When a young man is murdered the sisters are compelled to investigate - if only to clear the innocent. The glamorous set they socialise with bring their own secrets and the women soon realise that everything is not as simple as it seems. Can they uncover the killer before anyone else dies?
I love real life characters in novels, and these particular women really appealed to me. The Bloomsbury set, of which they were the most famous members, was renowned in Sussex. Using this as the basis of a story was ingenious. Name dropping real people, and imagining their lives embroiled in a murder mystery worked perfectly.
The setting was equally fascinating, as was the time period - at the height of the Golden Age of Detection. The author caught the mood of the time and kept me enthralled throughout. The story was fascinating and well written with engaging characters. I loved it.
Ally McKinley’s hopes for a quiet life running a guest house in the Highlands are soon shattered when a body is found in her yard. An amateur genealogAlly McKinley’s hopes for a quiet life running a guest house in the Highlands are soon shattered when a body is found in her yard. An amateur genealogist researching his family tree ends up with a dagger in his back. As he was one of Ally’s guests, she feels compelled to investigate. Especially since the police don’t seem to have a clue. Why would anyone kill an American tourist? Did he find out something that would threaten any of the locals? It’s baffling, but Ally isn’t going to give up. Can she solve the case before anyone else is hurt?
I love cosy mysteries and especially those with interesting settings. ‘Murder in the Scottish Highlands’ ticks all the boxes for me. Ally is easy to like, and I found myself keen to spend time with her as she settled into her new home. She was an outsider and as she found out about the area, we did too. Were any of her neighbours likely suspects? She has no preconceived ideas about them, so was the ideal person to find out.
I loved the genealogy aspect too. I found it fascinating and could see how long buried secrets could cause problems in the present day. Ally’s investigating put her in danger, but it also brought her into contact with some very interesting new people in the community. I enjoyed finding out about them too.
Dee MacDonald sets the scene well, with a compelling writing style. I loved it.
Twin sisters Mercy and Lizzie inherit a bookshop and cottage in Ireland from their grandfather. A grandfather they have never met. After deciding to mTwin sisters Mercy and Lizzie inherit a bookshop and cottage in Ireland from their grandfather. A grandfather they have never met. After deciding to move to the picture perfect little village of Shamrock Cove, they are shocked to find that crime can be found even in the most beautiful places. When one of their new neighbours dies in front of them - and accuses Mercy of murder - they feel compelled to find out the truth.
As they settle into their new bookshop, they get to know the villagers, and find that secrets lie beneath the surface. The victim was not universally liked. But did any of his neighbours kill him?
Mercy is a mystery writer and uses her acquired skills to help her investigate. Her knowledge on certain subjects puts her in the frame more than once, and the rather attractive local detective sees her as a suspect. Can she convince him of her innocence?
I liked the sisters and the beautiful Irish setting. Seeing the village from the viewpoint of these newcomers worked well, and I found myself immersed in their story. They had very different personalities and different strengths. By pooling these, they made a formidable team. I loved the community element of the story too, and can’t wait to be back in Shamrock Cove again....more
Iris Woodmore is back in investigative mode after a body is found in Christmas Close. On the day the Prince of Wales visits Winchester, Iris is sent tIris Woodmore is back in investigative mode after a body is found in Christmas Close. On the day the Prince of Wales visits Winchester, Iris is sent to cover the event. But the death of a pantomime player takes precedence, and Iris finds herself involved in the case. As a friend of the family is pulled in for questioning, Iris feels she must try and find the truth. If only to clear her friend. But the reappearance of her nemesis makes life more difficult and she must keep herself safe whilst helping others.
This story was set in 1923, and the scars of the First World War are still evident. Some people will be haunted by it for many years to come. I enjoy the historical aspect of these books and the fact that the realities of war are not covered up.
Iris is a strong and independent woman and unusual for her time. She’s a female journalist and finds she has to push against prejudice at every turn. We are reminded that only some women have the vote at this time and the fight for equality is still ongoing.
The mystery is compelling and well written, with interesting characters. Iris is wonderful, but the people around her really add to the story, and I enjoy reading about them too. There are more than a few surprises and some worrying moments for Iris. She takes risks and is determined. But her personality is such that people trust her and she gets them to reveal themselves. An ideal strength for a journalist and investigator. A great story. ...more
Dan Armstrong and his devoted canine sidekick Oscar are in need of a holiday - if only to keep Dan’s girlfriend on side. His private detective businesDan Armstrong and his devoted canine sidekick Oscar are in need of a holiday - if only to keep Dan’s girlfriend on side. His private detective business has kept him so busy, he’s often neglected spending time with Anna. But a break in Portofino might just do the trick. That is until a body is washed up and Dan may have a clue to who it is. The locals investigating ask Dan to help, and he finds himself once again involved in a murder involving fellow Brits.
I loved the glamorous setting of Portofino, and the gorgeous super-yacht housing the British celebrities. T A Williams chooses the most amazing settings for these mystery stories and I can’t get enough. Once again Dan toils to find the killer in the beautiful Italian sun.
As I become more familiar with Dan and Oscar, I want more of their adventures. The writing is perfectly pitched and allows me to immerse myself in the story. The characters feel real. I can just imagine a filmed version of this story being a big hit....more
When one of your friends comes under suspicion you have to get involved. Well Tanya Bowe does. After the brutal death of a thoroughly unpleasant indivWhen one of your friends comes under suspicion you have to get involved. Well Tanya Bowe does. After the brutal death of a thoroughly unpleasant individual at the Seacastle Vintage Fair, Tanya’s friend Grace is questioned by the police. But Grace isn’t the only one who hated the victim. As Tanya investigates, long-held secrets are uncovered and some very strange connections leading to a local coven and those linked to it. Can she clear Graces’s name and find the real killer? Or will the killer outsmart her this time?
Tanya is so likeable and easy going. She’s a great friend to have, and I love that her friends are always involved in some way in her investigations. This time we find out more about Grace, who until now, has been more on the periphery of the friendship group.
The interactions work so well between all of the friends and there is particularly good character development in this story. We discover more about them and this brings a growing interest for me in of all of them.
The story was engaging and kept me guessing. I loved it - but most of all I loved the camaraderie.
Now that a campsite is in operation on the farm, Jude Gray hopes that business might start to pick up at last. A hen party settles in for the weekend,Now that a campsite is in operation on the farm, Jude Gray hopes that business might start to pick up at last. A hen party settles in for the weekend, but things don’t go according to plan. A problem with her beloved sheep, and a missing hen causes Jude problems. But is there more to it? Is someone targeting the farm? Once more, Jude becomes involved in an investigation. With the help of her Detective Inspector friend, Binnie, she is determined to find out the truth.
I’ve come to look forward to joining Jude and her family and friends on Malvern Farm. I can be assured of a fantastic story, with plenty of twists and turns - and a whole lot of heart. This time Jude doesn’t have to go far to find suspects. As the tale unfolds, we find out that everyone has a secret. And where there are secrets, there are reasons to silence those in the know.
The characters are so well drawn, with the empathetic and caring Jude, her no-nonsense friend Binnie, and the lovely pairing of Noah and Lucy. The unsavoury characters are perfectly written. In fact, they are so well done, that I hadn’t a clue whodunnit right until the end.
Private Investigator Dan Armstrong gets a lot more than he bargained for when he takes on a new case on the Italian Riviera. Bianca Moretti comes to hPrivate Investigator Dan Armstrong gets a lot more than he bargained for when he takes on a new case on the Italian Riviera. Bianca Moretti comes to him for help, even though he had her put away when he was still at Scotland Yard. She’s convinced a man has been murdered at her father’s luxury nudist retreat - even though the local police have decided it was an accident. When Dan arrives to investigate he soon realises he’ll have to go with the flow. And that means stripping off too. With the help of his faithful companion Oscar, he delves into the mystery, hoping to solve the case before anyone else dies.
The beautiful Italian Riviera is just as much a character in this story as any of the people. The sunny, laid-back lifestyle draws the holidaymakers to the resort - but not everyone is there simply for a holiday. The author describes the area in such magnificent detail, making me feel as if I am wallowing in the sunshine too. But we must always remember, no matter how sunny and beautiful it is, something sinister lies beneath the surface.
Dan’s investigative style is quiet and friendly, disarming the suspects as he goes along. His unassuming manner gets more of a result than any confrontational style existed by police. And having his adorable dog Oscar by his side helps him break down barriers.
The story was well written, with an eminently likeable main character. A great mystery....more
Seal Bay residents welcome a travelling theatre company to the village, with excitement building as opening night approaches. Morwenna Mutton, local lSeal Bay residents welcome a travelling theatre company to the village, with excitement building as opening night approaches. Morwenna Mutton, local librarian and wild swimmer finds her investigative skills in demand again when one of the cast dies on stage. Was it natural causes or did someone have cause to help the death along? As Morwenna delves deeper into the case, it becomes apparent that it’s not going to be a short suspect list.
I loved the Cornish setting and the beautiful descriptions of the locality. The use of local language was also fascinating. The women in Morwenna’s family are wonderful, from her elderly but sprightly mother, to her young granddaughter. The strength shown by each of them gave the story an extra special element.
Morwenna is truly unique. At a time when most women would be happy to take it easy, she is intent on taking on more. Her work and family are important to her, but it is her determination to solve a mystery that makes her stand out. She is feisty and unrelenting. She puts herself in peril again and again, never stopping to consider the danger.
A great mystery with a fantastic leading lady. ...more
Told over two time lines, ‘The Mystery of Yew Tree House’ pulls the reader into a mystery, with long-hidden secrets. Adelaide Stride lives with her daTold over two time lines, ‘The Mystery of Yew Tree House’ pulls the reader into a mystery, with long-hidden secrets. Adelaide Stride lives with her daughters at Yew Tree House in 1940. The fear of German invasion hovers over the whole country - but that is not the only worry she has. Not everyone is fighting for the same goal. Some have their own personal reasons to be involved in the war effort. And they are not always altruistic. In 2023 Stella Darnell, her partner and his children book a holiday in the house. When a body is found at the bottom of the garden it becomes apparent that a murder has been uncovered. But how old is the body - and who was around at the time of the killing? Will secrets from the war years be uncovered after eighty years? And will the culprit face justice at last?
The story is well written and cleverly plotted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. This is the ninth book in the series, so I was coming to it with no previous knowledge of the characters and their backgrounds. I did find it a challenge to warm to some of those involved, and maybe would have found them more sympathetic had I read any of the other books. I did like Stella a lot though. Her strength and tenacity appealed to me. One particular character made my skin crawl and the author certainly succeeded in making him repulsive. You’ll know who I mean when you read it.
The historical aspect was the more interesting and appealing part of the story for me. I enjoyed finding out about the day to day lives off those living through the war. And it showed that the enemies were not always those we expect.
Saying no to the unwanted and lecherous advances of her boss leads Harriet White into a whole new direction in her life and career. As a punishment heSaying no to the unwanted and lecherous advances of her boss leads Harriet White into a whole new direction in her life and career. As a punishment he banishes her to the bowels of the bank and a small office, where she is expected to answer some very unusual mail. Mail addressed to the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Despite being entirely fictional, people still believe that Holmes exists and continue to ask for his help in important and not so important matters. Harry writes back with a standard reply - he has retired and now keeps bees in Sussex. But one letter gives her pause for thought. Could she really help a family in dire need? Could she find their missing daughter? The case of the missing made thus begins….
I found Harry to be an intriguing character, with a strength of purpose. She was determined to make her own way in the world and would not be cowed. She put herself in danger and took chances to help others. I loved the idea that people believed in Sherlock Holmes and put their faith in him. Little did they know who really was helping them.
The story was compelling and very well written. I could imagine London in 1932, and the disparity between the rich and poor. Poor young women were treated badly as Harry soon found out. The rich in society still clung on to their money and status, but things were changing and before long their gilded lifestyles would change.
I really like Harry White and would love to join her in further adventures....more
Yet again Fiona Figg has lost her heart to nemesis Frederick Fredericks. Travelling to the heart of Moscow to find him, she finds herself in the middlYet again Fiona Figg has lost her heart to nemesis Frederick Fredericks. Travelling to the heart of Moscow to find him, she finds herself in the middle of some very dangerous political machinations. Not everyone is happy that the Romanovs were deposed the previous year, and factions plan to overthrow the Bolsheviks. Fiona goes undercover at the home of the head of the Secret Police. But her efforts land her in the the midst of a brutal murder - and she is a suspect. Can she clear her name, and avoid being killed too? Or has she taken one too many risks this time?
I loved that the story was set during the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. The historical detail and the wonderfully descriptive language took me into the heart of an important moment in history. It was also exciting and full of peril - as I expect from a Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane mystery.
Fiona is a strong and determined woman. Her work is unusual for the time, and she has to fight to be recognised and trusted. Kitty’s persona changes with the wind. She is adept at showing herself to be a flighty young thing one minute - and a martial arts expert the next. One should never underestimate Kitty Lane.
The dilemma for Fiona will always be who to trust. Her heart pulls her one way and her head the other. Time will tell if she ever discovers the true natures of both men in her life. I look forward to finding out if she ever succeeds. ...more
It is testament to Tanya’s kind and caring nature that she agrees to organise her ex husband’s wedding to his pregnant fiancee. But when tragedy strikIt is testament to Tanya’s kind and caring nature that she agrees to organise her ex husband’s wedding to his pregnant fiancee. But when tragedy strikes on the wedding day, she finds herself at the centre of it all - and George is prime suspect. Can she clear his name - if only for her stepson Mouse’s sake? Or will the case throw up more questions, and more motives?
Tanya has come a long way and the fact that she’s even willing to contemplate organising the wedding shows just how much. But she’s not doing it for herself. Mouse still struggles with his relationship with George and this could help bring them together. She’s also helping her friends, who will be providing some of the elements of the wedding. And it is to these friends that she turns when things get tough. They band together and help Tanya solve what could be her toughest case yet.
I found it interesting to see George so vulnerable and I realised that there was another side to him. Maybe for the first time Mouse saw that too. I love the growing relationship between Tanya and Harry and hope that there may be more developments in the future.
The story had heart and showed that people can heal and move on from what once seemed insurmountable. PJ Skinner manages to blend a fantastic mystery with people I can care about. ...more
The return of notorious drug smuggler Bruce Hopkins to Essex puzzles not only his former wife, but the local police too. Having fled to the Costa del The return of notorious drug smuggler Bruce Hopkins to Essex puzzles not only his former wife, but the local police too. Having fled to the Costa del Sol many years ago, his wife is surprised that he would be so desperate to see her again. When things turn nasty for Bruce, Kenton and Brazier are on the case - along with the strange arson attack on a local church. As they delve deeper secrets from the past give some insight into what may be causing the sudden upturn in the crime statistics. Can they find out the truth before anyone else is hurt?
I love that the author made me think. This was a puzzling case and kept me guessing throughout. I liked the setting and the time period. It was just far enough in the past to show the big changes that have happened in the last few decades.
The working relationship between the two police officers was interesting. One represented the more sensitive side of policing - while the other would have been at home in The Sweeney. But it worked.
A well written mystery, dealing with a difficult subject....more
Hannah Merrill is volunteering in a military hospital library while her beloved bookshop is renovated. The war is taking its toll, and wounded men areHannah Merrill is volunteering in a military hospital library while her beloved bookshop is renovated. The war is taking its toll, and wounded men are flooding into the wards. Supplying books goes some way to helping their recovery. But events take a sinister turn when a body is found in the library. A nurse also disappears after confiding her fears of being stalked. Hannah’s instincts tell her there may be a link - and there’s no way she’s going to leave it to the police when she can help. With the help of Aunt Violet, she is under pressure to solve the mysteries before anyone else dies.
I love Hannah and Aunt Violet’s adventures. They are strong, intelligent women, determined to make their way in the world. The First World War allows women to work and participate in ways never before seen. And this pair are poised to jump right in. The historical detail is wonderful, and I found it easy to imagine the period. The sights and sounds of wartime London are perfectly portrayed.
I found the mystery element exciting and thrilling and I couldn’t stop reading. The author managed to weave a well written historical mystery with a touch of romance. The perfect blend. I loved it....more
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