REVIEW: Murder by Firelight by Merryn Allingham

Murder by Firelight (A Flora Steele Mystery #12) by Merryn Allingham

Genre: Cosy mysteries, Historical mysteries

Read: 30th August 2025

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Amazon

Published: 4th September 2025

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

No one can hold a candle to amateur detectives Flora Steele and Jack Carrington as they ask the burning question… Who is the killer walking the cobbled streets of their historic little town?

Sussex, November 1959. There’s a chill in the air at the Lewes bonfire celebration. Carnival floats fill the narrow streets, fireworks crackle overhead, and Flora and Jack feel the heat of the burning torches lining the streets. But when Trevor French, chief of the Grove Bonfire Society, tumbles from his parade float, they know something is afoot. Trevor didn’t just fall – and amidst the crowds, his killer slips away through the smoke-filled night.

But who would want the respected Trevor dead? As Flora and Jack question the vying bonfire societies, they find a surprisingly competitive underbelly at play. Did Edwin Brooker, former chairman, stoke the flames of rivalry too far? Or are the tears of the victim’s friend, Leo Nelson, faked to keep himself safe?

Just as the sleuths believe they’ve figured it out, the body of a key suspect in the case is found dead on their hearth rug, and Flora and Jack realise that no one is safe – including themselves. Together, can they smoke the murderer out? Or will their chances of survival go up in flames?

A completely addictive and absolutely charming cozy mystery novel. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis will adore this unputdownable series!

MY THOUGHTS:

Flora and Jack are back in Abbeymead and are on the case of yet another murder! This place is getting as deadly as Midsomer (though maybe with not quite as many murders). 

In this twelfth book featuring the dynamic duo, Flora and Jack are attending a Bonfire Night celebration watching a parade of floats depicting various themes in vivid display. The streets of Lewes are crowded and noisy and are not at all the couple's favourite celebration but the atmosphere has them enthralled. In the midst of celebrations, one of the costumed participants falls from their float for a local historical society. When Jack races to their aid, he discovers the man is dead - seemingly stabbed, no less. 

Inspector Alan Ridley is on the case for but a short time when his replacement Inspector Brownlow (I got The Bill vibes from twenty five years back with that name...lol) takes over but proves to be nothing short of useless. Ridley's mother had a stroke and had taken ill so Alan had gone to care for her whilst Brownlow couldn't detect a snowflake in a blizzard. 

This time Flora is reluctant to investigate whilst Jack is keen to clear his friend Leo Nelson's name, whom Brownlow has decided is the guilty party whether the evidence points to him or not. Leo has taken on the tenancy of Overlay House where Jack had lived prior to his marriage to Flora and he isn't so sure that Leo is guilty and is determined to ensure the truth is uncovered. But the mystery is a real mystery as their doesn't appear to be any motive for the murder. The victim, Trevor French, whilst suspect in some eyes had no real cause to leave him dead. Although Edwin Brooker, who was chairman prior to French and had been for ten years until French came in a swept up the position. Brooker, an electrician by trade, is seemingly aggrieved at having been replaced so easily. But is it motive enough to kill?

Jack manages to convince Flora to question French's wife Lilian and local seamstress Thomasina Bell who was an active member of the Grove Society where Trevor was chairman and whose float he had fallen from. Again Flora was reluctant but some of the tidbits of information she garnered from the women whetted her appetite for the truth. But can they uncover the truth of what really happened to Trevor French and why before Brownlow can stuff it up?

I am so relieved to find Flora and Jack back in Abbeymead as the mysteries just seem to work better when they are on home ground. Unlike Agatha Christie's Miss Marple who worked well in any locale as well as St Mary Mead (but then Miss Marple didn't go abroad in my recollection), Flora and Jack are best at home in Abbeymead. In this book, Jack has finished his tenure at Cleve College in Lewes so the couple have now returned to Abbeymead full time, rather than part the week in Lewes and the rest in the village. I am keen to see what is in store for them in Abbeymead now that they are back in the village and the residents there can take on more of a role in future stories. I have missed the regular inclusion of Charlie who did resume his job as delivery boy temporarily in this one.

I can't believe this is the twelfth book of the series and I have read them all! Each book can be read as a standalone but I think the reader would gain more from reading them series in its entirety to fully grasp who is who and the passing mention of some of those who have gone before to some who pop up on occasion this time.

My only complaint is the inaccuracy of the ten pound pom programme mentioned in this book where people could emigrate to Australia for ten pounds (still quite a sum in those days). A character was said to have been part of the programme and emigrated twenty years before but as the setting is 1959 and the date the person emigrated is actually revealed in the book as being June 1939, the ten pound pom programme didn't begin until after the war in 1945.

I did guess who the murderer was but not the motive until it was gently revealed in passing (still long before the murderer was). There are plenty of twists and red herrings in this one to keep you guessing to the end...which does so with a bang!

I look forward to seeing what's in store for Flora and Jack now that they are firmly back in Abbeymead...where I hope they will stay!

I would like to thank #MerrynAllingham, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #MurderByFirelight in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cosy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

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:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads 

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

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REVIEW: The Venice Murders by Merryn Allingham

The Venice Murders (Flora Steele #11) by Merryn Allingham

Genre: Cosy mystery

Read: 5th May 2025

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Amazon

Published: 9th May 2025

★★★ 3 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Amateur detective and bookshop owner Flora Steele, and her dashing new husband Jack Carrington, are finally embarking on the honeymoon of a lifetime. But will gorgeous gondola rides be ruined by their most heart-stopping case ever?

Venice, 1959: As Flora and Jack step onto the beautiful, historic streets of Venice, they vow to put sleuthing aside to finally enjoy their honeymoon. But on their very first sun-soaked morning, whilst enjoying sparkling wine and mouthwatering pastries, they’re interrupted when hotel receptionist, Franco Massi, is discovered floating face-down in the Grand Canal.

Remembering poor Franco’s kind demeanour when they checked into the Cipriani Hotel, Flora quickly realises her honeymoon phase is over: she must solve the case. She saw a hot-headed restaurant owner arguing with Franco the night he died. Could their mysterious argument have gone too far? Or could it have been Franco’s jilted ex-fiancée Bianca, who acted so coldly at news of his death? Was it a crime of passion that sent him tumbling into the waters?

When Flora learns from a priest that a priceless painting has disappeared from his church along with his elderly housekeeper, she begins to marry together the clues that will lead her to a dangerous family that will stop at nothing to get their revenge. Will Flora and Jack crack the case before the killer claims another victim? Or will it be ‘death do us part’ for this crime-solving couple?

A completely gripping and totally charming cozy murder mystery novel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and J.R. Ellis!

MY THOUGHTS:

Gorgeous gondola rides along the Grand Canal...and a murder on their doorstep...

Flora and Jack are finally embarking on their honeymoon of a lifetime! To beautiful Venice, gorgeous gondolas and cosy cafes in market squares. To anyone this is a trip of a lifetime, but when the hotel receptionist Franco Massi is found dead having drowned in the Grand Canal, the evening before, Flora can hardly resist the urge to investigate and uncover the truth. Jack is vehemently against it but when his mother's new husband Count Falconi arrives at their illustrious hotel to beg for their help in a cause of his own, he reluctantly agrees to see what they can do. Little, is what he hopes, unlike Flora who intends uncovering the truth.

But if a visit from an Italian count wasn't enough, then Jack's estranged mother Sybil pops up to put her two pence worth in, in the hope the couple would "do what they do" and help with the recovery of the church painting and the parish priest's housekeeper. Sounds a little like an episode of Father Brown with Flambeau hot on the trail of some illustrious treasure.

So with all that in mind, Flora is determined to get to the bottom of the murder and the disappearances of both the painting and the housekeeper, all of which she believes is linked to a village from which they all come.

While there is plenty of action and a lot going on in this book, I felt the location and all its attributes took away from the cosiness of the mystery which I found somewhat lacking this time round. I absolutely adore Jack and Flora and their sleuthing partnership, but I could have done without the Lonely Planet guide to Venice. 

This wasn't my favourite of the books and I must admit I was much happier to see Jack and Flora return home to Abbeymead and all the familiar nooks and crannies there. I can't wait to see what's in store for the couple in Book 12! I can hardly believe this is book 11, as it seems like yesterday we were introduced to Flora and the grumpy and reclusive crime fiction writer Jack.

I would like to thank #MerrynAllingham, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheVeniceMurders in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cosy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

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:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads 

PUBLISHER:

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SPOTLIGHT: The Venice Murders by Merryn Allingham

 

The Venice Murders (Flora Steele #11) by Merryn Allingham

Genre: Cosy mystery

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 9th May 2025

DESCRIPTION:

Amateur detective and bookshop owner Flora Steele, and her dashing new husband Jack Carrington, are finally embarking on the honeymoon of a lifetime. But will gorgeous gondola rides be ruined by their most heart-stopping case ever?

Venice, 1959: As Flora and Jack step onto the beautiful, historic streets of Venice, they vow to put sleuthing aside to finally enjoy their honeymoon. But on their very first sun-soaked morning, whilst enjoying sparkling wine and mouthwatering pastries, they’re interrupted when hotel receptionist, Franco Massi, is discovered floating face-down in the Grand Canal.

Remembering poor Franco’s kind demeanour when they checked into the Cipriani Hotel, Flora quickly realises her honeymoon phase is over: she must solve the case. She saw a hot-headed restaurant owner arguing with Franco the night he died. Could their mysterious argument have gone too far? Or could it have been Franco’s jilted ex-fiancée Bianca, who acted so coldly at news of his death? Was it a crime of passion that sent him tumbling into the waters?

When Flora learns from a priest that a priceless painting has disappeared from his church along with his elderly housekeeper, she begins to marry together the clues that will lead her to a dangerous family that will stop at nothing to get their revenge. Will Flora and Jack crack the case before the killer claims another victim? Or will it be ‘death do us part’ for this crime-solving couple?

A completely gripping and totally charming cozy murder mystery novel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and J.R. Ellis!

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cosy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

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:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads 

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

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REVIEW: Murder in an English Castle by Merryn Allingham

Murder in an English Castle (A Flora Steele Mystery #10) by Merryn Allingham

Genre: Historical mystery, Cosy mystery

Read: 17th November 2024

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Amazon

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.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cosy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

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:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads 

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

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REVIEW: The Missing Heirloom Mystery by Rachel Ward

The Missing Heirloom Mystery (Supermarket Mysteries #5) by Rachel Ward

Genre: Cosy Mystery

Read: 29th October 2024

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Amazon

Published: 22nd October 2024

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Meet Bea Jordan: a checkout girl with a heart of gold and a knack for solving murders.

With the annual Kingsleigh Flower and Produce Show fast approaching and a tomato thief on the loose, Bea and best friend Ant have had little time for each other.

Now a grizzly discovery is waiting for them by the pumpkin patch . . .

The body of Dylan Bradley, their old history teacher. Someone stuck a trowel in his head and left him for dead.

But who would want to hurt Dylan?

When the discovery of a second body throws the townsfolk into full-blown turmoil, Bea must juggle small-town secrets, rivalries and murder with her growing feelings for Ant.

Can Bea dig up the truth before the killer strikes again, or has she finally planted the seed for her own demise?

If you love Richard Osman, Peter Boland, the Reverend Richard Coles and Ian Moore, prepare to be enchanted by this gripping British cozy murder mystery full of twists and loveable characters.

MY THOUGHTS:

Finders keepers, losers . . . Dead?

Bea works as a checkout chick at the local Costsave supermarket where her best friend Ant corrals the trolleys and whatever else falls under his remit. The pair are an unlikely duo - best friends and amateur sleuths - and Bea loves hanging out with Ant. 

Recently, Ant has taken up gardening discovering a love for growing things where he helps his older mates get ready for the upcoming flower and garden show...and with Marvin the marrow taking pride of place in their allotment garden. One afternoon after work, Ant asks Bea if she'd like to accompany him and to meet Marvin. Hesitant after her near miss (in a previous book, I daresay) but intrigued, she agrees and together they take a picnic to the allotment. All is going well until Ant discovers friend and fellow gardener Dylan Bradley dead in his locked shed, a trowel through his skull.

Soon the police are in attendance, the allotment is cordoned off and after giving statements the pair is dismissed, free to go home. After investigating alongside Bea, Ant has decided to uncover the culprit who murdered his friend but is surprised when Bea wants no part of it. So he and his friends at Costsave draw up their own investigation in their makeshift incident room at the back of Costsave.

Determined to uncover the truth, Ant and his friends decide to stake out the allotment at night with a metal detector to see if they can unearth some more treasures like the one Dylan had discovered shortly before his death. But what they discover instead is far more grisly than any of them anticipated. Human remains buried deep in one of the garden beds which open up a forty year old mystery.

Bea still declines to join in the investigations until Ant comes across a book Dylan had published about the history of Kingsleigh, marking some items with circles and dates. She decides to visit the council to view some of the artefacts but nothing prepares her for what she's about to uncover.

A delightful modern cosy mystery centred in the fictional village of Kingsleigh and its inhabitants, this series is an amateur version of Midsomer Murders with the local supermarket as its centrepiece. An easy read that was enjoyable from start to finish has a host of very well drawn characters (both good and bad). It's not easy to identify the villains and the end result is somewhat surprising but satisfying nonetheless. Given that this is book 5 in the series and I've not read any of the others, I didn't feel disadvantaged in any way as this can be read as a standalone.

Overall, an enjoyable and entertaining read for fans of Midsomer Murders and cosy mysteries.

I would like to thank #RachelWard, #ZoolooBookTours and #JoffeBooks for an ARC of #TheMissingHeirloomMystery in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Rachel Ward is a fifty-something award-winning author who writes adult crime books, YA thrillers and non-fiction. 

Her first book, Numbers, about a girl who can see death dates won numerous awards in the UK and around the world, and was published in 26 countries and is optioned for film/TV. 

Her cozy crime series, The Supermarket Mysteries, set in and around a supermarket in a small English town, has hit the Amazon top 20 Cozy Mystery chart, and starts with The Missing Checkout Girl Mystery. Rachel hosts a monthly crime book chat on X/Twitter, #cosycrimeclub, at 11.00am UK time on the first Tuesday of each month. 

She has also written psychological thrillers (as R. M. Ward) including Safe With You, which was featured in Heat Magazine.

Her new non-fiction book, Write Your Cozy Mystery: A Practical How To Guide, was published in 2024. 

Rachel has two grown up children, and lives in Bath, UK, with her husband and two little dogs. She is also an artist and photographer, and has exhibited locally. She likes to post a cheerful photograph every morning on social media (X/Twtter: @RachelWardbooks) to start the day off the right way.  

Social Media links:

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

REVIEW: Murder at Cleve College by Merryn Allingham

Murder at Cleve College (A Flora Steele Mystery #9) by Merryn Allingham

Genre: Cosy Mysteries, Historical mystery

Read: 3rd October 2024

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Amazon

Published: 24th July 2024

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Bookshop owner Flora Steele and writer Jack Carrington fell in love solving mysteries. Now they’re taking their first steps as husband and wife… straight into their most perplexing case yet.

Sussex, 1958: A radiant Flora is being twirled across the dancefloor by her dashing new husband, Jack. It’s the perfect wedding in Abbeymead, until a mysterious stranger is found dead just outside the village.

But when Flora finds an envelope tucked into the man’s silver cigarette case, the address is key to discovering the poor chap’s name – Russell Farr. He isn’t known to any of the villagers, so at first all signs point to a tragic accident. That is, until they discover Farr previously worked at the esteemed Cleve College, where Jack is now a writer-in-residence.

The college has made Jack feel uneasy ever since he learned his predecessor drowned in its lake, and now it appears a second suspicious death is connected to it. But who would want two mild-mannered academics dead?

Could it be Jocelyn, the ambitious young teacher with her sights set on the top? Joe, the sly porter living beyond his means? Or perhaps Maurice, the college dean who seems far more interested in power than educating students?

Just when it looks like no amount of studying will crack this case, a chance encounter brings Flora closer to the truth. But when Jack goes missing, it seems someone is determined to teach them both a lesson.

Can Flora and Jack outwit the killer before they graduate to becoming the next victims? Or will their first case as husband and wife be their last?

An absolutely page-turning cosy mystery, packed with unforgettable characters and sensational twists! Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis.

MY THOUGHTS:

Amateur sleuths Flora Steele and writer Jack Carrington are back with yet another murder to solve...

This time the young couple discover a body in a ditch just a short distance from their home in Abbeymead (and not Cleve College as the title misguidingly suggests). The man has no identification on him nor is it anyone they know. With days out from their wedding, Flora and Jack hand the mystery over to Inspector Alan Ridley at Brighton CID and set to the exciting lead up to their big day.

And the day arrives but the joy is shortlived when Alan turns up at the reception and asks for Flora and Jack's assistance with the case that in his opinion has no leads whatsoever and going nowhere. Loathe to abandon their celebrations, the couple undertake investigations in lieu of a honeymoon and upon revisiting the crime scene, it isn't long before Flora discovers a letter with an address in Brighton...but no name. Leaving the All's Well in the capable hands of her new assistant Rose Lawson, Flora and Jack set off to Brighton and the address on the letter. They discover the occupant of the said flat, a Russell Farr, hasn't been seen for some weeks. Should they let the inspector know? Or should they sit on it for a few days and see what they come up with?

In the meantime, Jack has taken up a part time position at Cleve College in Lewes whilst Flora uses the time to visit a nearby town where she meets the effervescent Roberta Raffles. It isn't long before Flora finds that Roberta has inveigled her way into her life and she suspects the poor woman is a little lonely what with her own husband working away in London all week.

Jack meanwhile is trying to find his feet at Cleve College and while he enjoys the job, he is somewhat uneasy about some of the staff and goings on there. After all, his predecessor mysteriously drowned in the lake on the college's grounds. And then there is the handyman that appears to be following Jack and watching him at every turn. It's when attempts are made on Jack's life that the couple put their heads together to unravel the mystery of Russell Farr's demise in a village he has no connection to, the strange goings on at Cleve College and the mystery surrounding the abandoned Rillington orphanage.

Another delightful outing with the now Mr and Mrs Jack Carrington as they undertake yet another murder mystery to solve in the vein of Agatha Christie, Midsomer Murders and Father Brown combined. I admit with all the lead up to Flora and Jack's wedding, and Alice's take on it all, I was disappointed that it featured so little. Mid-chapter we seemed to get a rushed description of Flora walking down the aisle, nothing of the ceremony and a little of the reception celebrations afterwards until Alan shows up...in the middle of their wedding! I guess it's the romantic in me that just wanted to savour the romance of their big day a little more. But having said that, it is still an entertaining and exciting mystery that the couple have in front of them. Loads of speculation, a little evidence and bam! Flora has it solved. She is, after all, known for her hunches. Some of which are correct, while others are way off base.

Overall, another entertaining visit to Abbeymead. Though they ventured further afield to Brighton and Lewes this time, I must admit I prefer it (much like Alice) when they remain in the safe confines of their village...even if there is murder about!  Can't wait for the next one and see what's in store for the newly married couple.

I would like to thank #MerrynAllingham, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #MurderAtCleveCollege in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cosy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

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:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads 

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

 

REVIEW: Murder in the Library by Anita Davison

 

Murder in the Library by Anita Davison
Genre: Historical mystery, Cosy mystery
Read: 30th March 2024
Goodreads
Amazon
Published: 19th February 2024

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

A body in a hospital isn’t so unusual. Unless they’ve been murdered!

1916, London: Keen to support the war effort, bookshop manager and sometime amateur sleuth Hannah Merrill has taken a volunteer role in the library of the nearby military hospital.

But arriving at the hospital one cold winter’s morning, she is horrified to find the body of a dead soldier in the library.

What’s more, a beautiful young nurse confides in Hannah that she thinks she’s being followed, and then she abruptly disappears.

Hannah can’t shake the suspicion that the two cases are connected, but she can’t solve the case alone. She’ll once again need to call upon her delightful, demanding, only-occasionally devious aunt, Violet.

The two women know they must find the missing nurse before it’s too late… but they don’t realise they’re now both in the killer’s sights.

A totally gripping, unputdownable, WW1-set, cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Helena Dixon, Verity Bright, and Agatha Christie.

MY THOUGHTS:

What another delightful cosy mystery featuring Hannah Merrill and her Aunt Violet! Still in the midst of the Great War, there is more murder, more suspicious activities, more nefarious characters as well as the hint of romance or two! What more can you want in a delightful cosy mystery brimming with wit and humour?

London 1916: After the murder in their bookshop six months or so previously, renovations have brought the aging premises back to life as Aunt Violet elects to man the front whilst volunteering niece Hannah for the library at the local military hospital. Hannah loves her job and exchanging tales with the recuperating patients, until one of them turns up dead in the library one morning.

Enter the amiable Inspector Aidan Farrell, not at all surprised to find Hannah in situ as it were. However, the other witnesses to the discover or thereafter somehow prove to be somewhat recalcitrant. One of them apparently so faint she has been given leave to go home and recover. But then when Nurse Alice Dalglish proves difficult to track down for questioning, Hannah believes her disappearance to be linked to that of the murder of the soldier, Sergeant Tillman, whom she found in the library.

What ensues is a race around London in a search for answers to both the murder and Alice's whereabouts. Of course it is Hannah doing to unofficial investigating with the help of her incorrigible Aunt Violet. With the help of both Inspector Farrell and Darius Clifford. But will they get too close to the truth and place themselves in danger? Or will they uncover the murderer and Alice's whereabouts?

Peppered with humour, wit and the hint of romance for both young ladies, who are decidedly single, this is a delightful addition to this cosy mystery series. I think I enjoyed this one even more than the first one which I found utterly delightful!

A quick read which I devoured in one sitting, I can't wait for the third one "Murder at Midwinter Manor" which is to be published in September. Another delightful escapade, I'm sure.

I would like to thank #AnitaDavison, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #MurderInTheLibrary in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in London, Anita has always had a penchant for all things historical. The citys colourful history has always influenced Anita's writing, even when it was stories scribbled in lined exercise books. Having lived all over the UK and parts of Europe, she is now back in her home city where she immerses herself in writing about the 17th Century.

Anita now lives in the beautiful Cotswolds, the backdrop for her Flora Maquire mysteries.

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REVIEW: The Library Murders by Merryn Allingham

The Library Murders (A Flora Steele Mystery #8) by Merryn Allingham

Genre: Cosy Mystery, Historical fiction

Read: 20th February 2024

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Published: 20th February 2024

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Bookshop owner and amateur detective Flora Steele and her fiancé, crime writer Jack Carrington, discover words can kill as they solve their most puzzling case yet…

It’s a sunny morning in Abbeymead as Flora cycles through the village and knocks on the door of the local library, planning to deliver a gift to librarian Maud Frobisher to mark her retirement. But Flora is shocked when she finds Maud slumped in the corner, and even more startled when she recognises the man holding the murder weapon – an enormous hardback book.

Flora’s known Lowell Gracey since her college days, but what is he doing working for Maud and now the main suspect in her murder? Suspicion mounts when Flora and Jack discover that Lowell is heavily in debt, and that a priceless rare first edition has recently gone missing, but Lowell is adamant that he’s innocent, and Flora believes him.

The pair are once more drawn into an investigation, but who would kill a beloved librarian? Perhaps Rose Lawson, a mysterious newcomer to Abbeymead known to be in dire financial straits? Or pompous bestselling author Felix Wingrave, who rumours say would do anything to get his hands on a valuable book for his collection?

Then the village is rocked by the discovery of a second body. Flora and Jack realise a vital clue lies in the pages of a novel – but the plot is thickening and the killer is closing in…

Flora and Jack are determined to solve this fiendish case by the book – but will this be the end of their story?

A completely page-turning and addictive cozy crime mystery. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis will adore this unputdownable series!

MY THOUGHTS:

Abbeymead is once again awash with crime as it hosts it very own crime writing festival to rival Bloody Scotland!

As a bookshop owner, Flora Steele has been asked to host a stall at the event which is sure to garner much publicity and loads of sales for the All's Well. And as a crime writer in situ, Jack Carrington is well placed to help Basil Webb, founder of the Dirk and Dagger society, host the event and introduce its variety of crime writers. 

What no one expects is to find elderly librarian Maud Frobisher dead in her mobile library van on the morning the conference is due to start! And found by none other than amateur sleuth Flora! But then this is Abbeymead...

Inspector Ridley is called in from Brighton and it appears to be an open and shut case in his opinion but Flora is not so sure. Yes, she knows the person who she found standing over the body with a bloodstained copy of "Lord of the Rings" but she finds it difficult to believe that he is the killer. And so with Jack's help, she endeavours to dig deeper to find the real culprit.

It isn't long before another body turns up, this time in the Cross Keys pub, wrapped up tight like a mummy. Significant? Maybe. But what is even more surprising is the identity of the anonymous guest, now body in situ.

Flora and Jack must work doubly hard to prove the police's current suspect's innocence by digging deeper to uncover the real motive and real killer. But can they do so before it's too late? And with their own wedding to plan in their midst?

Another entertaining addition to this delightful cosy series in which Flora and Jack, and even Charlie Teague, endear the reader to become firm favourites that warm the heart. Another wonderful read that was quick to devour and thoroughly entertaining from start to finish.

Can't wait for book 9 and the prospect of Flora and Jack's upcoming nuptials. A murder at the wedding I see coming...

I would like to thank #MerrynAllingham, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheLibraryMurders in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cosy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

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.

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REVIEW: Murder in a French Village by Merryn Allingham

Murder in a French Village (A Flora Steele Mystery #7) by Merryn Allingham

Genre: Cosy mystery

Read: 5th November 2023

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Amazon

Published: 30th October 2023

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Join bookshop owner Flora Steele and handsome writer Jack Carrington as they set off on a French adventure and solve a chilling crime!

Jack is stunned to receive a call from his estranged mother, Sybil, asking him to drop everything and come to France. Together with Flora, his fellow sleuth, they pack their suitcases, dreaming of fragrant lavender fields and freshly baked pain au chocolat. It’s only when they arrive that they discover the shocking truth – Sybil’s friend was killed on a street in Paris, and she is desperate for their help.

The case leads them to a picturesque village in the south of France where life should be rosé, but even the bright blue skies can’t hide the fact that something is very wrong. And the mystery only deepens when Flora discovers that Sybil was in fact the intended target. Who would want her out of the way?

Perhaps Sybil’s relationship with wealthy Italian count Massimo Falconi has something to do with it. His darling daughter Allegra, ruthless business partner Pascal and his jealous estranged wife Isabella all have reasons for revenge…

Then when another person in the small French town dies in suspicious circumstances, Flora is convinced the two untimely deaths must be connected. Just when the case seems impossible to crack, a chess box provides an unlikely clue.

Can Flora discover the truth before Sybil meets her end? Or could trouble in paradise spell a final au revoir for the detective duo?

A completely addictive cozy crime novel. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis!

MY THOUGHTS:

Another foray into this delightful cosy series featuring our favourite bookshop owner and crime writer, turned amatuer sleuths! This time they are called to France where Jack's estranged mother has summoned them after the sudden and untwoard death of her friend Ruby.

Upon arrival in France, after a somewhat rough crossing over the channel which saw Flora turning a shade of green, the crime fighting duo got straight to work investigating the hit and run on a Paris street with seemingly few answers. When Jack's mother Sybil announced that her betrothed, the count - Massimo Falconi - was whisking her back to the safe confines of Provence, Jack and Flora felt their answers lay further afield. For Flora, her reason for this trip (aside from accompanying Jack) was to see the graves of her parents that were apparently nestled within the south of France.

From Paris to Provence, inquiries lead the duo hot on the tail of a murderer intent on harm. But who wants to be rid of her mother? The count's former wife, Isabella, who is unable to let go? Or his daughters Allegra and Clio? Or maybe one of the many servants of the chateau? Or even the vineyard manager, who may have designs on inheriting the vineyard for himself? 

Soon Flora and Jack find themselves laden with suspects and no real motive. But if they are to prevent any further attempts on Sybil's or even Flora's lives, the sleuths must work fast to uncover the truth...and quickly!

Another delightful cosy mystery this time set mostly in France, with only the first and last chapters back in the safe confines of Abbeymead. But the promise in the final chapters allude to something bigger coming...and I for one am looking forward to it. I never tire of this series. It is light easy reading with a touch of humour.

While this isn't my favourite of the series, it is still an interesting adventure and opens up new doors for the crime fighting duo, making it an easy and enjoyable read. I look forward to the next one with baited breath!

I would like to thank #MerrynAllingham, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #MurderInAFrenchVillage in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cosy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

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:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads 

PUBLISHER:

Stay up to date with upcoming releases from Bookouture by following them on these social media accounts.

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