Murder in an English Castle (A Flora Steele Mystery #10) by Merryn Allingham
Genre: Historical mystery, Cosy mystery
Read: 17th November 2024
Published: 20th November 2024
★★★★ 4 stars
DESCRIPTION:
Flora Steele and Jack Carrington as they are called to a castle to unearth the clues of a murder most medieval…
Sussex, 1959. The sun is shining on the breathtaking castle as the Abbeymead Historical Society prepare their re-enactment of the Battle of Lewes. But the fun ends abruptly when council worker Alex Vicary falls to his death from the castle ramparts. A shadowy figure runs from the scene, but Alex was a beloved member of the community… who could possibly want him dead?
As Flora and Jack investigate further, they dig up troubles Alex kept buried from those closest to him. Perhaps he was pushed by his money-hungry landlord, Larry Morton, who was trying to sell Alex’s home? Or maybe his oldest and shiftiest friend, Bruce Sullivan, who gambled away the money Alex loaned him? Or could it be his wide-eyed new girlfriend, Diane Croft, who dodges questions about Alex’s death, and hides presents from another suitor?
But when Flora discovers an engagement ring among Alex’s possessions, she is stunned to learn that his relationship with Diane was more serious than everyone thought. With whispers of another man fighting for Diane’s heart, were the battle lines drawn for love?
Then the body of a second member of the society is found, and the pair realise time is running out. Will history repeat itself with yet another death? Or can Flora and Jack catch their killer before the medieval murderer bids them both adieu?
A totally compelling and absolutely charming cozy mystery novel. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis will adore this unputdownable series!
MY THOUGHTS:
A murder most medieval...
It's 1959 and the Historical Society is rehearsing their re-enactment of the Battle of Lewes when it all ends in tragedy. Alex Vicary falls to his death in front of many on-lookers who were unsure at first if this were part of the event. Until Jack Carrington and his wife Flora rush forward to assist and check for signs of life...of which there are none. Needless to say, the day ends on a sad note as the crowd disperses and the ambulance cart Alex off to the mortuary.
Some days later, Alex's best friend and sous chef at the Priory, Hector walks into the All's Well and begs Flora to help. He is sure his friend's death was murder and is certain he saw someone push him from the wall from which he was stood in the battle re-enactment. Jack was just as certain that it was an accident as was Inspector Alan Ridley so if Flora were to investigate it would be without the assistance of her husband.
She doesn't get far before Jack discovers her digging and insists on helping her if she is intent on looking into the poor man's death...even if just to set his friend's mind at rest. But they don't expect to uncover a wealth of secrets from blackmail to bullying to threats and another death!
This is the tenth outing for Flora and Jack now happily married and planning a somewhat belated honeymoon in Venice in June. But somehow are found investigating yet another murder which they ultimately solve.
Filled with secrets, misunderstandings, red herrings and plenty of twists, this is another light read and a delight to revisit old friends in Abbeymead once again.
I would like to thank #MerrynAllingham, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #MurderInAnEnglishCastle in exchange for an honest review.
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MEET THE AUTHOR:
Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with her husband. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet classes and plenty of walking.
Social Media links:
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