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: 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.

Social media links:

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REVIEW: Murder in the Bookshop by Anita Davison

Murder at the Bookshop (Miss Merrill & Aunt Violet Mysteries #1) by Anita Davison

Genre: Historical mysteries, Cosy mystery

Read: 14th August 2023

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 22nd August 2023

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

1915, London: Working in the dusty bookshop that her Aunt Violet mysteriously inherited, Hannah Merrill is accustomed to finding twists in every tale. But discovering her beloved best friend Lily-Anne – with a paperknife through her heart – in the middle of the bookshop, is not a plotline she saw coming.

The case is anything but textbook. With the discovery of a coded German message, and Hannah’s instinct that Lily-Anne’s husband is keeping secrets, she determines to get to the bottom of it.

She can’t do it alone though. To crack this case, Hannah will need the enlist the help of her outrageous, opinionated, only-occasionally-objectionable Aunt Violet.

They think they’re making progress until one of their chief suspects is found dead. And Hannah realises that she is herself now in the murderer’s sights. Will the final chapter be the ending of a killer… or just a killer ending?

A totally addictive, WW1-set cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Verity Bright, T.E. Kinsey, and Agatha Christie

MY THOUGHTS:

What a delightfully fun read this was! Filled with German spies, suffragettes, bombings, nefarious employees, family secrets and a murder or two, well, what more can you want? I loved both Hannah and her Aunt Violet.

London 1915: War is raging in Europe while Zeppelin raids over London leave the city in tatters, much to the dismay of Hannah's mother who wishes her daughter would return to the safety of Surrey. On the morning after a raid, Hannah hurriedly heads to the bookshop her Aunt Violet owns in Covent Garden and is relieved to find it undamaged. Their apprentice Archie is instilled behind the counter but their manager is nowhere to be found. Hannah casts her eye over the bookshop and is horrified to see the state it is in. It seems manager Monty Carstairs has been somewhat lackadaisical in keeping shop. It seems he is never there and leaves the running of the shop to their apprentice.

Hannah begins the task of tidying up and comes across what appears to be a deck of cards but upon closer inspection reveals they are postcards of scantilly clad girls that Archie informs her Monty has been selling on the side. Stuffing them into her handbag when she hears the bell over the shop door ring out and turns to find their absentee manager. But it seems he is not stopping. He only wanted to make sure Archie was doing his job before he headed off to lunch. Hannah fires him on the spot and declares that she will manage the shop herself. Monty threatens that this won't be the last she hears from him. After he storms out, Hannah realises she neglected to ask for his keys back.

The next morning when she arrives bright and early to continue with the work she and Archie made a start on the day before, she is horrified to discover her best friend Lily-Anne in her reading nook...with a paper knife protruding from her chest. She has Archie run for a policeman, who calls for his superior Inspector Farrell, who then investigates the murder.

Despite knowing she is a suspect, Hannah wants to know who killed her friend and so she and Aunt Violet stealthily do their own sleuthing.

There is so much more to this cosy little fun read but I won't spoil it for you. Let's just say there are red herrings aplenty and a little bit of romance along the way. There are no sex scenes and this is just good clean fun, in the form of Agatha Christie. But with more witty humour added.

I will be interested to see where things head next for the sleuthing duo as well as with Darius. Overall, an entertaining fun read that whiled away a few hours I read in one sitting.

I would like to thank #AnitaDavison, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #MurderInTheBookshop 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.

Social media links:

Wesbite | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

REVIEW: The Maiden by Kate Foster

The Maiden by Kate Foster

Genre: Historical mystery

Read: 23rd June 2023

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 26th April 2023

★★★★ 4 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Inspired by a real-life case and winner of the Bloody Scotland Pitch Perfect Award, Kate Foster's The Maiden is a remarkable story with a feminist revisionist twist, giving a voice to women otherwise silenced by history.

"In the end, it did not matter what I said at my trial. No one believed me."

Edinburgh, October 1679. Lady Christian is arrested and charged with the murder of her lover, James Forrester. News of her imprisonment and subsequent trial is splashed across the broadsides, with headlines that leave little room for doubt: Adulteress. Whore. Murderess.

Only a year before, Lady Christian was newly married, leading a life of privilege and respectability. So, what led her to risk everything for an affair? And does that make her guilty of murder? She wasn't the only woman in Forrester's life, and certainly not the only one who might have had cause to wish him dead . . .

'Threat hangs over every page like the awaiting guillotine, but the women in this book gleam sharper. Witty, gritty and full of heart, their voices rise through the brutality and hardship of 17th century Edinburgh, battling to be heard' – Cari Thomas, bestselling author of Threadneedle

MY THOUGHTS:

"In the end, it did not matter what I said at my trial. No one believed me."

I was excited to read this. I love historical fiction and set in 17th century Scotland intrigued me. Based on the real life case of a woman name Lady Christian Nimmo who was convicted of the murder of her lover, THE MAIDEN thus delves into the life of the adulterer turned murderess told in various perspectives of the women in her lover's life.

The year is 1679. Edinburgh, Scotland. And Lady Christian Nimmo stands accused of the murder of her lover James Forrester. The news is shocking; the trial scandalous. The lives and loves of the murderous whore splashed all over the new broadsheets leave little room for doubt. But how could this have happened? Just a a year ago Lady Christian was a respectable woman of society. Why would she just throw it all away and risk everything for such an act?

But alas, as it turns out, Lady Christian is not the only woman in Forrester's bedchamber to wish him animosity. So then who?

There was another lover who believed all his tales of love and that she was truly special. That she was the one he truly loved. Violet is an orphan who was taken into a brothel at a young age and she vows she will not go back to that life of depravity after a glimpse of the luxuries offered by Forrester, who was at first a client. But to Violet he became her ticket out of depravity.

But both women are the victims of exploitation by Forrester, used only for his needs, as he used many other women. He grooms them, exploits them, lies to them and uses them as he sees fit.

THE MAIDEN is an interesting tale, if a little drawn out in parts. I like the concept and idea but as with many based-on-fact tales can get a little bogged down in historical fact. But I do especially like the line "In the end, it did not matter what I said at my trial. No one believed me." Because in the end, it didn't matter. Women didn't have a voice in those times no matter how loudly they shouted. Men were the ones who held all the power. I am not a feminist by any means but I do believe the scales should be balanced a little more so - not one way or the other. To me, everyone is equal. And at the end of the day, our graves will be the same size as the next person. No one is above another.

An intriguing mystery that did hold my interest for the most part.

I would like to thank #KateFoster, #Netgalley, #MantleBooks and #PanMacmillan for an ARC of #TheMaiden in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Kate Foster is an author and journalist.

Her debut novel, The Maiden, (Mantle Books, 2023) is a feminist retelling of a 17th century Edinburgh murder. It won Bloody Scotland’s Pitch Perfect award 2020 and went on to become a Times and Waterstones bestseller. Kate was inspired to write the novel based on the local folklore of her childhood.

Kate has also been a journalist for around 25 years writing for national newspapers, specilaising in investigating and writing news and features mainly as a Health Editor.

Kate has extensive experience in pitching, writing and editing both in fiction and journalism and she loves working with other writers and readers. She has appeared at events and panels and enjoy taking part in talks, Q&As, book groups, workshops and mentoring. Kate became a debut author at the age of 48 and is happy to talk about her experience of the writing and publication process as an older debut. She enjoys exploring themes of historical retellings and women in history.

Social media links:

Twitter | Goodreads

 

REVIEW: The Missing Wife by Kerry Barrett

The Missing Wife by Kerry Barrett

Genre: Dual timeline, Historical fiction, Contemporary fiction

Read: 28th December 2022

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 8th December 2022

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

1933. Hannah Snow is fleeing her unhappy marriage to an MP when she finds herself in a small hotel on the banks of Loch Ness. But when a monster is spotted in the depths of the waters, the press descends – and Hannah finds her hiding place is discovered. Someone has been looking for Hannah, and when they find her events will take a devastating turn…

Present day. True crime podcaster Scarlett finds herself intrigued by the mystery of Hannah Snow, wife of a promising government minister who disappeared in 1933 – just months before her husband also went missing, presumed dead. As Scarlett works to uncover the truth, she discovers a tragic family secret, and a story as murky as the depths of the loch where Hannah and her husband were last seen…

MY THOUGHTS:

Wow. Just wow. This is my first read by Kerry Barrett and if all her books are as engaging and as intriguing as this one, then I just have to add her to TBR list! THE MISSING WIFE is just phenomenal! I loved every minute, every page, everything about it! Every. Minute. Detail. Everything! And did I say I loved it?

Going into this story, I really had no idea what to expect but I just love dual timelines and it was set around the beautiful Loch Ness in Scotland. It was just perfect. I just had to delve into this story and boy, was I immersed?! From start to finish. It is undoubtedly one of those "just one more chapter" types of books. It is one of those books that you just never want to end whilst wanting it to see how it all ended. And now that I've turned the last page, I am still sitting here just thinking about it...reliving every moment and how it made me feel.

London, 1933: Nineteen year old Hannah Snow has just married Lawrence Wetherby with great expectations for her marriage, though she doesn't love him and is quite sure he doesn't love her. But she is fond of him and is willing to make the best of things, after all his inheritance will save her own family from ruin. Lawrie is sixteen years her senior and his reasons for marriage are rather more private that not even Hannah is privy. Aside from the fact that there was a clause in his father's will stipulating that if Lawrie doesn't marry by his 35th birthday his younger brother Simon will inherit. And Simon was all for that...until Lawrie married Hannah.

But on their wedding night, Hannah walks into the bridal suite expecting her new husband but instead walks in something far more shocking. Armed with the camera Lawrie had earlier gifted her, Hannah snapped several shots before her presence was clocked and in the furore a sudden accident causes Hannah to flee. Believing her husband to be dead, Hannah boards a sleeper train to Inverness in Scotland where a new life awaits her...and her past remains a secret.

Present day: True crime podcaster Scarlett Simpson, who is also a broadcast assistant with radio station Britain Live, has just won an award for one of the podcasts in which she exhonerated a woman previously believed to have defrauded her employers some 40 years ago. Her ex Charlie, with whom she podcasts, steps up to receive the award without giving Scarlett a thank you or even a mention...considering it was all her work. To make it up to her, Charlie has a proposition for her made to him by an MP who wants Scarlett and Charlie to investigate a missing persons case from 1933. He will pay them £10,000 upfront with another £50,000 upon a satisfactory result. But there is a stipulation.

Refusing to comply, Scarlett walks out of the meeting and decides, with the prompting of her producer friend Robyn, to head up to Loch Ness herself to see if she can solve the mystery herself. Before Charlie gets wind of it or begins his investigations.

Can Scarlett find out what really happened to Hannah Snow and her husband Lawrence, who apparently went missing around the same time she did? Did she kill him and flee? Or did he kill her and disappear? Either way, the family now wants answers as they believe Hannah made off with the inheritance that should have passed to the younger brother as well as stealing some precious treasure. Can Scarlett uncover the truth before Charlie hightails it to Scotland to steal her thunder? 

What a wonderful enthralling story from start to finish! Not only was it an intriguing mystery, but it was also set against the backdrop of the first recorded sightings of "Nessie", the Loch Ness monster. And I love how Barrett incorporated this into her story. Not only was the Scotland setting exquisitely beautiful but the whole Loch Ness mystery added an atmosphere to it that was evocative and wholly absorbing.

I love the dual timeline and found myself captivated by both when usually it is one or the other that intrigues me more. In this case, both timelines were compelling and I loved both Hannah and Scarlett from the past and the present respectively. The transition between the timelines were seamless and woven together with ease. I loved how the transcripts Scarlett wrote were incorporated into the story but tailed off before revealing too much to the reader just yet. And the same with Hannah's columns, penned under the name Ann O'Shawn, which were also included gave the credence to the already compelling tale Barrett was weaving us with.

I have read many dual timeline tales over the years but this has to be hands down one of my favourites, of which there have been many but there is just something enthralling about this one. I loved every minute of it and found myself wanting to stay there - be it in 1933 with Hannah or the present day with Scarlett. Either way, I didn't want the story to end. By far, one of my most favourite dual timelines and one of my favourite reads this year. I've given many 5 star reviews this year but there is just something unforgettable about THE MISSING WIFE. I just hope Barrett's other works are as good but then, admittedly, this one will be a tough one to beat. However, I look forward to checking out some of her others in the future.

An easy 5 star read, I just loved everything about this book that ticked all the boxes for me. A perfect read that will remain a favourite for a long time to come.

Overall, THE MISSING WIFE is an intriguing mystery and a wonderful story that readers of historical fiction and dual timelines alike will not want to miss. If you love Lorna Cook and Kathleen McGurl, you will love THE MISSING WIFE!

I would like to thank #KerryBarrett, #NetGalley and #HQStories for an ARC of #TheMissingWife in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Kerry Barrett was a bookworm from a very early age and did a degree in English Literature, then trained as a journalist, writing about everything from pub grub to EastEnders. Her first novel, Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered, took six years to finish and was mostly written in longhand on her commute to work, giving her a very good reason to buy beautiful notebooks. Kerry lives in London with her husband and two sons, and Noel Streatfeild's Ballet Shoes is still her favourite novel.

Social media links:

Wesbite | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

REVIEW: The Cursed Heir by Heather Atkinson

The Cursed Heir (The Alardyce Trilogy #2) by Heather Atkinson

Genre: Historical thriller, Gothic, Victorian era

Read: 22nd October 2022

Goodreads

Amazon

Published: 25th October 2022

★★★★★ 5 stars

DESCRIPTION:

Edinburgh 1896. At Alardyce House, the family are gathered to celebrate the engagement of the heir to the estate, Robert, to his childhood sweetheart. But what should be a precious memory for his mother Amy, is marred by darkness. For Robert’s biological father was a demon and a criminal, and now Robert is coming-of-age, disturbing reports are beginning to emerge about his behaviour.

Amy is torn between her love and loyalty to her son, her hope that she can save his soul, and her growing sense of dread that the streets of Edinburgh aren’t safe when Robert is in town. Meanwhile the increasing distance between Robert and his stepfather Henry threatens the peace of her loving marriage.

The Alardyce family is riven by secrets and scandal, but will this most cursed heir of all, be the one to ruin their reputation forever, or can the power of a mother’s love save them all?

If you love Emily Organ, Kate Saunders and Ann Granger, you’ll love The Cursed Heir. Discover bestselling author Heather Atkinson and you'll never look back...

Please note this book was previously published as Corruption of the Son.

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the second book in the Alardyce Trilogy and whilst it could suffice as a standalone I do highly recommend that the first book "The Missing Girls of Alardyce House" be read before this one. Only then can the reader fully appreciate the background as well as the lengths applied by some of those therein.

THE CURSED HEIR is a chilling follow-up to the first, even more disturbing, book following on the legacy it seems that Matthew has left behind. After escaping the torturous cellar with the death of Matthew and Edward then tried and hanged for his murder and that of several others, Amy married Henry and went on to have three children with him, making their home at Alardyce House. Now Robert has grown and is becoming a young man...but just what else is he becoming?

Edinburgh, 1896: It's Boxing Day and Amy Alardyce has awoken from the most horrific nightmare where she was bound and at the mercy of her torturers - Edward Alardyce, her cousin, and Matthew Crowle, the father of her illegitimate son Robert. It is as if she right back there in Edward's basement and the horror she experienced at their deviant hands. But she awakens to find it was just a dream...one that had seemed so real. 

But now she has a new problem on her hands. Yesterday, her beloved son Robert announced his engagement to Jane, the niece of Esther, the one time wife of Matthew and victim of his abuse. Even worse, she witnessed for herself the lascivious leer and malicious grin that swept over her son's face as he gazed upon one of their maids. It is a look she knows all too well. One she saw on Matthew's face, as well as Edward's as he tortured her. But this cannot be. Robert is her sweet beautiful son. But he also shares some of the more unpleasant and deviant traits of his dead father.

Amy confides in her husband Henry before sharing her fears with Jane's guardian and aunt, Esther and husband William, who have loved and cared for Jane for most of her life. Together they know they must do everything to stop the wedding from ever going ahead for fear that he will be the ruin of young Jane. This leads to separating the young couple by any means necessary to a dramatic chase to Gretna Green to stop the impending marriage from proceeding.

Despite his looming darkness, Amy is sure she can reach the kind the gentle side of her beloved son before it's too late. But is it already too late? She enlists the help of a local herbalist, Magda, who returns from the previous book whilst Henry secures someone loyal and able to keep a close eye over Robert. But is it enough?

Then when a young maid is found beaten and bloody in the snow one morning, Amy's hopes of ever reaching her son are dashed. But Robert denies any knowledge of the incident as we delve deeper and deeper into this dark and sinister tale. Is someone setting Robert up? Or is he truly his father's son?

THE CURSED HEIR is never more aptly titled as we watch Amy and Henry battle with the concept that their son Robert may have inherited his biological father's sinister and evil traits. As the reader, we are privy to each of the character's thoughts but even we question just how far the apple really does fall from the tree.

The story unfolds with plenty of twists and shocks along the way as some secrets are kept even from our view. And when they come, how will those at Alardyce House and beyond react? Amy sees and speaks to Matthew in her dreams and often nightmares where he promises she will join him soon. But are they just dreams? Or something far more sinister? Is Amy's life in danger?

THE CURSED HEIR picks up right where the first book ended but the opening pages are just like being thrust back to that very moment of horrifying torture at the hands of Matthew and Edward. I swear I was having flashbacks myself! This book isn't as horrific as the first but it is still equally chilling.

I enjoyed the part everyone played although there were a couple of loose ends in Amy's maid Hazel and Robert's friend Andrew that I hope will be tied up in the final installment to this dark trilogy. I think my favourites were Rush and Magda. Nothing got past those two and I do hope to see more of them to come.

The final curtain, when it fell, gave a glimpse into what is to come...and I cannot wait to see how THAT plays out!

Overall, an addictive, albeit disturbing, and very chilling gothic thriller that will keep you up late into the night turning the pages until the very end.

I would like to thank #HeatherAtkinson, #Netgalley, #BoldwoodBooks and #RachelsRandomResources for an ARC of #TheCursedHeir in exchange for an honest review.

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Heather Atkinson is the author of over fifty books – predominantly in the crime fiction genre.  Although Lancashire born and bred she now lives with her family, including twin teenage daughters and a cat called Mavis, on the beautiful west coast of Scotland. 

Heather's tastes in all things are eclectic, which extends to her writing. Although she primarily write crime books - especially gangland thrillers - she also write paranormal, historical romance and fantasy. She publishes on Amazon Kindle and some of her novels are available in paperback too. She has also signed my first traditional publishing contract with Boldwood Books for the gangland Gallowburn series, set in Glasgow. As well as the republication of the Alardyce Trilogy, beginning with "The Missing Girls of Alardyce House".

When she's not writing - which isn't very often - she enjoys reading, especially the Assassin's Creed novels, Agatha Christie, Oscar de Muriel and Edgar Allan Poe, among many others. Heather also enjoys walking, exercising and spending time with her family.

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