Margaret Thatcher has just been elected (imagine a woman as Prime Minister!!) and the Yorkshire Ripper is terrorizing Northern England. Yorkshire 1979
Margaret Thatcher has just been elected (imagine a woman as Prime Minister!!) and the Yorkshire Ripper is terrorizing Northern England.
And, now Miv’s father feels like a move away from Yorkshire might be what’s BEST for his family, threatening to move them all “Down South”.
12 year old Miv has already lost her mother (for all intents and purposes) and she doesn’t feel like she could survive losing her best friend, Sharon too. Inspired by her favorite adventure books, “The Famous Five” by Enid Blyton, she comes up with a plan…
If she and Sharon can solve “The Ripper” case, maybe she won’t have to move away.
They make a “list of all the suspicious people” and begin investigating.
What they discover is that many of the neighborhood boys and men are up to “no good” but could they also be responsible for bludgeoning prostitutes with hammers and stabbing them to death?
This book progresses “suspect by suspect” and is filled with late 70’s/early 80’s NOSTALGIA which I both remember and love. (especially the songs!!)
The denouement is both shocking and unexpected.
It’s part “coming of age” story, part Historical Fiction, and part mystery and it brought back my own memories of reading Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew mysteries. Even the hardback book with its striking blue dust cover feels reminiscent of those times, and will become a cherished addition to my book shelf.
The heart of the story is the friendship between the two girls! This book was a gift from my good friend Susan- whom I met late in life-but we share so many interests that I bet we would have also been “thick as thieves” if we had met as young girls!
Jolene Garcia is a local TV reporter in Phoenix, Arizona, who splits her time between covering general interest assignments and working on special proJolene Garcia is a local TV reporter in Phoenix, Arizona, who splits her time between covering general interest assignments and working on special projects. Her most recent interview was with Larry Lemmon, “America’s true conservative voice”- and a controversial radio talk show host who was best known for his stance on pushing for a border wall, even before Trump did.
When word gets out about a death at Lemmon’s radio station, KFRK, Jolene and Nate Thompson, her photographer, rush to the scene-hoping to be able to report the facts first.
This could be a career-making story.
When the body is identified as Larry Lemmon, Jolene hopes that because she conducted his final interview, it would give her and her station an advantage. But as she chases the story, she finds herself always one step behind her nemesis, JJ, who reports for a rival station.
Colleagues and those with different political views, were just a few of the people who might want Lemmon dead. But who actually followed through with his murder?
Emmy Award winning reporter Cristina Estes is a Tony Hillerman Prize winner for this debut in the “Best First Mystery set in the Southwest” category-but I had a few problems with it.
It is chock full of facts past and present about my home State- Arizona, highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly. (Mostly the last two, but I guess that is what reporters see more of)
It is also so loaded with facts about how reporting has changed over the years from just reporting a story and competing for ratings, to competing for clicks on Social Media, and racing to be the first to “tweet” a breaking story.
So much so, that the story often reads more like an expose on the “cut throat day in the life of a journalist”- than as fiction-and the over abundance of facts took me out of the story, and slowed down the pace. Maybe those interested in this career might enjoy this more?
Also, a negative for me-that POLITICS played a big role in the narrative.
One thing I can say- when I found out what Lemmon did to get himself killed-I agreed with the PERP who declared that Lemmon got what was coming to him. ...more
Let me introduce you to the “Nosy Neighbors” seen peeking through the mail slot of this ADORABLE book cover!!
Flat #2 is the home of the cantankerous sLet me introduce you to the “Nosy Neighbors” seen peeking through the mail slot of this ADORABLE book cover!!
Flat #2 is the home of the cantankerous seventy-seven-year-old Dorothy Darling -Shelley House’s longest resident. Always armed with a cup of tea, and her diary, she notes all of the coming and goings of the residence in her trusty notebook. She is seen on the left. (And, by the way that is MS. Darling to you!)
Beside her in that mail slot, on the right, is pink haired Kat Bennett. She has recently moved into Flat #1 as Joseph Chambers illegal subtenant, and she and Dorothy were not always accomplices-having gotten off on the wrong foot. Also in flat #1 is Reggie-an adorable Jack Russell terrier and scene stealer! (Or Reginald, according to Ms. Darling)
Rounding out the building is : Flat #3 Omar Siddiq and his daughter, Ayesha Flat #4 The anti-social tenant who frequently disturbs their peace Flat#5 Tomas’s Wojcik and his pit bull, Princess and Flat#6 Gloria Brown and her “latest no good”boyfriend.
This unlikely assortment of neighbors will have to band together if they have any hope of saving the historic Shelley House from demolition from an unscrupulous developer, Ferguson Alexander.
As eviction day nears, and things become dangerous, Dorothy and Kat must do something that neither one is comfortable doing-trust another person-each other-if they are to outwit and outlast Ferguson.
Once again, Freya Sampson has penned a delightful, COZY story of a community coming together, and written characters who will feel like friends by the end of the book!
There are reasons that Dorothy and Kat are both so closed off-and those secrets aren’t the only surprise revelations!
A new book from Freya Sampson is now something I am always watching for-she is three for three for me!!
CAN HERCULE POIROT SOLVE A BAFFLING MURDER MYSTERY IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS?
This is book #5 in the new Hercule Poirot mystery series, authorized by the CAN HERCULE POIROT SOLVE A BAFFLING MURDER MYSTERY IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS?
This is book #5 in the new Hercule Poirot mystery series, authorized by the estate of Agatha Christie and penned by New York Times bestselling author, Sophie Hannah, but it is the first of the series that I have read, and it works just fine as a stand-alone.
It’s 19 December 1931.
Hercule Poirot is once again teaming up with Inspector Edward Catchpool from Scotland Yard-a character that Sophie Hannah created and introduced to the World in “The Monogram Murders”-the first in this series.
Although Edward’s mother, Cynthia is usually busy trying to marry him off, this time she appears at Poirot’s home-uninvited- to summon Poirot to a mansion which could literally crumble into the sea, at any given moment.
She needs Edward, and Poirot to accompany her to Norfolk, to solve the case of a man who was murdered in what was supposed to be the safe haven of Ward 6 at St. Walstan’s hospital.
Cynthia is invested in the case because her friend’s husband Arnold Laurier is soon to be admitted to that same hospital, and his wife, Vivienne is convinced he will be the killer’s next victim, though she refuses to offer an explanation of WHY.
But, Arnold who is an AVID fan of Poirot’s thinks the idea is ludicrous, and he would like to prove that, by helping Poirot to solve the case-from the inside.
Always up for a challenge, Poirot has less than a week to solve the crime if he wants to be home for Christmas-which he most definitely does. Their accommodations leave much to be desired-as the food served at Frellingsloe House is inedible and it’s hard to sleep when you fear you might fall into the sea.
Catchpool will keep a log of the findings which may, or may not, help you to follow the clues....more
“Your future contains dry bones. Your slow demise begins right when you hold the Queen in the palm of your hand. Beware the bird, for it will betray y“Your future contains dry bones. Your slow demise begins right when you hold the Queen in the palm of your hand. Beware the bird, for it will betray you. And, from that, there is no coming back. But daughters are the key to justice, find the right one and keep her close. All signs point toward your murder.”
It was all supposed to be just a bit of fun, when three teenage friends visit Madame Peony Lane at the Castle Knoll Country Fair in 1965. But, when Frances is given this grim prediction, she becomes fixated on its message. For the remainder of her life, she will try to outrun death, and solve her own murder.
Was the fortune teller right? Or was this a self fulfilling prophecy?
Sixty years later, Frances has summoned her great niece , Annabelle (Annie) Adams to her solicitor’s office. Although she has never met Annie, she has decided to make her the sole benefactor of her estate and assets.
But before the Will can be read, Frances is found dead.
Now, Annie must figure out who murdered Frances by deciphering the riddle of the fortune, and by unraveling the clues which can be found in a diary from 1966 (“The Castle Knoll Files”) AND from not ONE, but TWO “murder boards” that her great Aunt had been keeping.
But, not everyone wants this murder solved.
The story alternates between Annie’s perspective and the diary entries.
This was a story where the premise was better than the execution for me. I struggled to become invested, and when you are not invested it makes it more difficult to keep track of a large cast of characters, which this book has.
Most reviewers seem to prefer the diary entries to the present day, but they are written by a seventeen year old who is coming of age, which is not a favorite for this reader.
I preferred Annie’s chapters, BUT, I didn’t find the characters in either timeline to feel authentic which is a problem for me-or in other words, they seemed like “characters” as opposed to people you might actually meet.
So, despite a fun and original premise, this cozy mystery just was not a great fit for ME.
Other reviewers are rating this higher, so be sure to read a sample of reviews to see if it might be a better fit for YOU.
Now available
Thank You to the Publisher, Dutton, for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
How did Finlay and Vero end up on a road trip to Atlantic City, with Finlay’s ex husband, her two kids, and her mother?
Well, it all starROAD TRIP!!!
How did Finlay and Vero end up on a road trip to Atlantic City, with Finlay’s ex husband, her two kids, and her mother?
Well, it all started with a ransom note, and a plan to rescue the kidnapped!
Book 4 picks up right where the last book ended! No spoilers for any of the books here, but it really is imperative to start at the beginning of this series, as each installment builds upon the last!
This is the SILLIEST CAPER yet, and all of your favorite characters (except for Mrs. Haggerty) will find their way to Atlantic City to participate in the shenanigans, including hot cop, Detective Nicholas Anthony…ooh la la!
But, if you are disappointed that Mrs. Haggerty didn’t tag along, do not worry! It looks like she will have a prominent role in the next book in the series (yay!)
These books are reminiscent of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series for me-so if you enjoy(ed) those-you will love these! Both feature a leading lady who is always finding trouble, a side kick who once had a questionable past, a love triangle, and a lot of laughs!
I am here to “spill the tea” on the Audible version of this book-narrated by the wonderfully engaging Eunice Wong-this has been my FAVORITE aud4.5 ⭐️
I am here to “spill the tea” on the Audible version of this book-narrated by the wonderfully engaging Eunice Wong-this has been my FAVORITE audible listen so far this year!!
Vera Wong was born a rat, but she should have been a rooster-that is according to the characteristics of the signs in the Chinese horoscope!
Owner of Vera Wang’s World Famous Tea Shop in San Francisco’s China Town, she wakes up promptly at 430 AM each morning, without an alarm, texts her Gen Z son, Tilly, with “helpful” advice, and makes her way downstairs to open the store.
The shop is struggling, and she only has one regular customer despite being an expert in the lost Art of preparing tea. Then one morning, Vera finds a dead man in the middle of her tea shop with a flash drive in his outstretched hand.
Vera doesn’t know what comes over her, but after calling the cops like any good citizen would, she sort of . . . swipes the flash drive from the body and tucks it into the pocket of her apron for safekeeping.
Why?
Because Vera KNOWS she would do a better job at solving the crime than the police possibly could. All she has to do is wait for the murderer to return to the scene of the crime!
After all, NOBODY sniffs out a wrongdoing quite like a suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands.
And, since she knows that one of the keys to staying young is to keep up with the times-she is quite proficient at using “the TikTok” and “the Google” too!!
Soon she has befriended her “suspects” all NEW customers who have suddenly started frequenting her tea shop- Oliver-the twin brother of the Victim Julia-his widow Sana- alleged PodCast host and Riki, who claims to be a journalist
But as she gets to know them, she finds that she is hoping to be wrong this time-she doesn’t want any of them to turn out to be a murderer that she has to turn over to the inept Police.
This is a COZY mystery that actually did SURPRISE me! Plus it’s filled with LOTS of good humor that will make you smile and warm your heart! I highly recommend that you give it a listen!
I am glad that I didn’t miss out on meeting the marvelous, meddlesome Vera Wong!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this Audible!! AVAILABLE NOW!...more
When an old friend in the antiques business is killed, and the dangerous package he was protecting goes missing, the Thursd4.5 ⭐️
DEVILS WALK AMONG US
When an old friend in the antiques business is killed, and the dangerous package he was protecting goes missing, the Thursday Murder Club has their next case-despite the fact that heartache has hit close to home.
TW: Dementia
OMG! I want to get on the waitlist for an Apartment at Cooper’s Chase and join the Thursday Murder Club!
This series keeps getting BETTER and BETTER, and this time Richard Osman has combined a cozy mystery with some thoughtfully written sub plots which include the themes of “romance fraud” and “end of life decisions”.
Usually by the fourth book in a series, my interest starts to wane and I don’t continue on, but I have grown fond of this gang, and look forward to what’s next!
I am DEFINITELY continuing on!
Although the author has promised that Joyce, (and her wonderful diary entries) Elizabeth, Ibrahim, and Ron will be sticking around for a long time to come, it may be a bit of a wait until we catch up with them again…
His next book will feature a father-in-law/daughter-in-law detective duo, and I must admit-that sounds like FUN- I am looking forward to meeting them!
If you haven’t already-DO read this series IN ORDER, to appreciate how the characters and their relationships with one another build over time.
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of both the Audible and written copies of this title- AVAILABLE NOW!...more
I don’t really enjoy books about Spies or Assassins, so I was going to PASS on this one, but I DO gravitate towards “characteWell, the cover is cute….
I don’t really enjoy books about Spies or Assassins, so I was going to PASS on this one, but I DO gravitate towards “characters of a certain age” so when a lot of positive reviews started coming in for this book-I reconsidered!
Clearly sleuthing “Seniors” are having a moment with the success of Richard Osman’s “The Thursday Murder Club” series, and the “The Marlow Murder Club” by Robert Thorogood. Would a quartet of retiring female Assassins in their sixties capture my fancy as well?
OUTLIER ALERT
Apparently NOT.
But, surprisingly it WASN’T because they were ASSASSINS.
The strength of the books mentioned, or any COZY for that matter, are the CHARACTERS and that is the weakness of this book.
The book opens well enough in 1979 with a flashback to the the first mission that the women of “Project Sphinx” take on-posing as “Stewardesses” (even though that term was already replaced by flight attendant or cabin crew by then) to take out a quartet of Bulgarian men.
However, humor is subjective, and my first clue that the humor of this book would not be for me, was evident from page 12-when the first reference (of many) to “dicks” was made.
Chapter two and three return us to the PRESENT day, when our protagonists who are now retiring, have been sent on an all expenses paid, luxury cruise to (allegedly) thank them for their years of service. In reality, they have been gathered together so that could be eliminated by one of their own from the clandestine organization. that they have faithfully served for forty years.
When Billie makes their mark, they have to come up with a plan to stay alive.
In Chapter Four, the final pieces are assembled to set up this story with another flashback to 1978, where we will learn how Billie Webster, who will become the leader of this group, was recruited.
Personally, I think that this book would have benefited from introducing EACH of the women this way, because by 40%, I still couldn’t tell you much about any of the other three women.
I knew that Helen was the most beautiful and is barely functioning as she grieves the loss of her CIA husband, and Mary Alice is distraught that her wife thinks she is dead. I couldn’t really think of anything to make Nat stand out at this point.
Other than the women seeming awfully emotional and distracted for World Class Assassins, the CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT was lacking and by the end of the book, I hadn’t learned much more about any of them.
In addition, as the women would stick out their tongues at one another or give each other the middle finger, or make more jokes about “dicks” it seemed like I was reading about an elite group of twenty year old assassins, not a group of accomplished women in their sixties.
They just didn’t seem like “killers of a certain age” to me!
The ending leads me to believe that this COULD be the start of a series, but if so, it isn’t one that I will continue reading.
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up
A buddy read with Susan, who along with many other readers DID enjoy this-so be sure to read her amazing review before deciding if this would or would not be a fit for your personal tastes!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Berkley books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley in exchange for a candid review!...more
According to the author, Rebecca Keller, she wanted to write a MORALLY COMPLICATED story, about a GOOD person, who has succumbed to their worst impulsAccording to the author, Rebecca Keller, she wanted to write a MORALLY COMPLICATED story, about a GOOD person, who has succumbed to their worst impulse, and done a BAD thing.
And, she succeeded!
But, it doesn’t really READ like the twisty mystery/thriller that the TITLE and overly revealing SYNOPSIS suggests, even though there is a mystery thrown in.
Let me try to unpack this one in my 400th NetGalley review, so you will know what to expect when YOU pick it up!
First- this is an immediately engaging, thought provoking story that explores so many themes…aging with dignity, the loss of a child, survivor’s guilt, and anger and disillusionment with a legal system that doesn’t always seem just.
The characters feel like people you could meet, and the relationships between family members and friends are both relatable and believable.
Widow Francine Greene, a former Nurse has taken a tumble, and her grown children, Charlie and Iris, persuade her to move to the Ridgewood Apartments, a senior living community.
She immediately hits it off with Katherine, a woman she discovers shares her interest in books, eating pie after lunch, and watching their shared, secret guilty pleasure-“The Young and the Restless”. Katherine is the first new friend that Fran has made in years, and it has made the the transition to Ridgewood, so much easier.
What Fran doesn’t realize, until she joins Katherine and her husband, Nathanial for dinner one night, is that that he was the judge who presided over the case against the drunk driver, who took her granddaughter’s life.
The judge who let the driver off with only “house arrest” because he had lost mobility in both legs in the accident, so he felt this punishment was “ADEQUATE”.
He either has no idea or doesn’t care, about the ripple effects of his verdict on the Victims family, who didn’t find his ruling ADEQUATE at all.
So when Fran has access to the unobserved “medication cart” outside her apartment door, her desire for revenge combined with her medical expertise, is more of a temptation than she can resist. She tampers with the pills that will be delivered to the good Judge. ...more
This is the follow up to “Finlay Donovan is Killing It” and Finlay is back, now struggling to finish a follow-up to her own novel, which again “may orThis is the follow up to “Finlay Donovan is Killing It” and Finlay is back, now struggling to finish a follow-up to her own novel, which again “may or may not be based on her personal life”!
The story opens with another dead body-but this time it is the corpse of “Christopher”-her daughter Delia’s beloved pet goldfish! Gulp! ...more
How do you inspire a whole new generation of readers to want to become acquainted with the original, elderly female amateur detective, Agatha ChristieHow do you inspire a whole new generation of readers to want to become acquainted with the original, elderly female amateur detective, Agatha Christie’s “Miss Jane Marple”?
How about by putting together a collection of TWELVE original stories, penned by TWELVE of today’s most impressive, popular, best-selling authors?
That is what can be found within the pages of this book-short stories blending the unique perspectives of each author combined with the traditional aspects of the “Miss Marple” mysteries.
Miss Marple solves many crimes in her quaint village of St. Mary Mead, but she also often travels to visit childhood friends, or when accompanying her nephew, Raymond West and his wife, Joan on their journeys.
And, you can be sure that she will wear tweed, do some knitting and gardening, and have tea or Cherry Brandy, and sometimes even tea with Cherry Brandy which both go surprisingly well with village GOSSIP!
The authors are (in alphabetical order): Naomi Anderson Leigh Bardugo Alyssa Cole Lucy Foley Elly Griffiths Natalie Haynes Jean Kwok Val McDermid Karen M. McManus Dreda Say Mitchell Kate Mosse Ruth Ware
There have been many adaptations of the Agatha Christie stories, on both the big screen and the small, but if you want to see how Ms. Christie envisioned her beloved character, tune into the BBC television series, “Miss Marple”.
According to her grandson, Ms. Christie was never satisfied with how the character of Miss Marple was portrayed-so she penned a letter to character actress, Joan Hickson, whom she did envision in the role, telling her that she hoped that the actress would one day play the part-which she finally did-at the age of 78!
Ms. Hickson also narrated a number of Miss Marple stories on audiobooks.
Or you can just envision “Miss Marple” as you see fit-and dive right into the pages of these delightful stories!
As with all short story collections, some resonated more than others, and I am not going to rate them all individually but there are a few standouts that I DO want to mention, as they were my personal favorites!
Miss Marple’s Christmas by Ruth Ware-really captured the flavor of an old fashioned Christmas in St. Mary Mead-which would not be complete without a mysterious disappearance-really honoring the “feel” of the stories penned by Agatha Christie-Bravo!
Another favorite in keeping with her traditions was “The Mystery of the Acid Soil” by Kate Mosse, which begins with a train ride to visit a childhood friend.
Impressing me with a different approach was “Murder at the Villa Rosa” by Elly Griffiths which was told from the POV of Signor Jeffries, who meets Miss Marple in picturesque Italy. She was more of a secondary character but as always, she makes herself very useful with her “knowledge of human nature “.
Also taking a unique approach was author Karen M McManus. Since in her own books she writes from the POV of youth, her tale “The Murdering Sort” is told by Nicola West who may just be on her way to becoming a “chip off the old block” of her great great Aunt Jane (Marple).
This charming collection by HarperCollins is set to publish on September 15, 2022 and should satisfy fans of “Miss Jane Marple” old and new!!
When you read it, be sure to let me know which ones were your favorites!
Thank you for my gifted copy provided through Edelweiss! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
There is a new book coming out in September
[image]
which will have twelve new “Miss Marple” mysteries each penned by a different mystery writer fThere is a new book coming out in September
[image]
which will have twelve new “Miss Marple” mysteries each penned by a different mystery writer from our generation.
I thought it would be fun to listen to the original “Miss Marple” story to refresh my memory, so I can see which of the new ones best captures the flavor of the originals.
This BBC production from 2003, was the first of a series of full cast dramatizations, starring June Whitfield as Miss Marple. It feels like you are listening to a movie, with a range of sound effects such as tea being poured, or crowds chatting in the background, etc.
It is the story of Colonel Protheroe, the most detested man in the village of St. Mary Mead, who is found dead in the Vicar’s study.
As the investigation begins, it is Miss Marple who provides the best eye witness account, and provides a list of seven suspects.
A trap is set and the amateur sleuth’s theory is put to the test.
NOTHING gets past Miss Marple, and this 2 hour 20 minute production is a fun way to get acquainted with her if you haven’t read any of her stories.
Thank you to my local library for the borrowed copy!...more
The Thursday Murder Club has selected its next case…the murder of Bethany Waites.
So, they have set up an interview with her former co-host from “SoutThe Thursday Murder Club has selected its next case…the murder of Bethany Waites.
So, they have set up an interview with her former co-host from “South East Tonight” as a ruse to see if Mike Waghorn, might have some inside information that would help them solve the case. Ron will be interviewed for a piece on “retirement living” and then the gang will invite Mike to join them for dinner and serve him enough red wine to hopefully loosen his tongue.
Bethany had been investigating a huge VAT fraud involving mobile phones that had made millions for Heather Garbutt and Jack Mason. Heather went to jail, and Bethany went off a cliff in her car but her body was never found.
Jack somehow remains a very rich, free man.
In a sub plot, someone new isn’t happy with Elizabeth and she is warned that she must KILL or BE KILLED. And, “The Viking” is threatening her friend’s lives as well.
But, you know Elizabeth-she doesn’t even flinch as she takes care of the threat with a little help from her friends.
This is a COZY series that has improved with each installment!
Not only do the mysteries keep on getting better but the character development has me feeling like these are friends of mine who I am catching up with whenever a new book gets released!
Joyce (and her humorous journal entries) continue to fill us in on the details, and she has definitely earned her spot in the Club as she “googles” for answers.
Elizabeth continues to show us not only her grit but also her softer side, as she grapples with her beloved husband’s dementia, and realizes that she now considers Joyce to be her best friend!
And, Ibrahim and Ron continue to become more vulnerable as they grow confident by the loyal friendship that this Club has given to all four members.
All of your favorite supporting characters are back, along with some new faces who may be sticking around, but we have gotten to know everyone so well, that it isn’t hard at all to keep up with the growing cast.
A Book #4 has been announced but as of yet, it is untitled, and with a only a tentative publication date of September 2023, but you can be sure that I will ready to rejoin my friends at Cooper’s Chase for their next case, whenever that may be!
This installment is available now!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of the book and the delightful AUDIBLE, as I enjoyed toggling between the two as I read the story!...more
It’s the following Thursday in Cooper’s Chase and the Thursday Murder Cub has gathered over lunch to discuss a new cold case that they are consideringIt’s the following Thursday in Cooper’s Chase and the Thursday Murder Cub has gathered over lunch to discuss a new cold case that they are considering and to catch up with one another on the things that have kept them busy since they closed their last case.
Joyce is considering getting a rescue dog, and Ron is offering advice. The dog’s name is Alan, (who calls a dog, Alan?) but she won’t be pressured into keeping that name despite being told that dogs do NOT adjust well to suddenly being called something new!
Ibrahim has been reading “You” by Caroline Kepnes and is sympathizing with Joe. He also sympathizes with dogs outliving their human companions and is advising against adoption.
And, Elizabeth is distracted because she has just received a letter from a man from her MI5 days, who she believed to be dead, inviting her to share a bottle of wine with him….
But, not so distracted that she can’t offer a comment to Joyce that she knows full well that her mind as already been made up about the pooch in question!
After parting ways , Joyce shares with us in her journal that although learning to navigate Instagram has been fun, she really wishes something exciting would happen again. Perhaps a fire where nobody gets hurt or someone’s grandson going to prison?
Little does she know that “The Thursday Murder Club” will soon be embroiled in a dangerous new case involving 20 million dollars in stolen diamonds, MI5 spies and even the New York City Mafia!
It was fun to reunite with the members of “The Thursday Murder Club” from book one of the series, (as well as many of the other supporting characters) and I strongly recommend that you get acquainted with them by reading or listening to the first in the series-to better appreciate the growth of the relationships in this installment.
The strength of a “Cozy” is its characters and it’s what I enjoy MOST in this series although the mystery is THIS book was much stronger and more entertaining than the one in the first, for me!
Ibrahim suffers a brutal mugging, but these friendships grow because of it, especially with Ron and his young grandson who comes to visit.
Joyce continued to share her HUMOROUS observations with us in her journal, and I really enjoyed seeing Elizabeth SHINE as she puts her MI5 skills to use to solve this case in real time, with new “partner in crime” Joyce!
I had the pleasure of listening to the Audible narrated by the VERY talented and engaging Lesley Manville and I do hope she will be continuing her work with book three in the series, “The Bullet That Missed” which has an expected publication date of September 20, 2022.
I am looking forward to listening to that one, and can hardly wait! ...more
After solving a murder last year, things have returned to normal for “The Marlow Murder Club” which consists of crossword setter Judith Potts, and herAfter solving a murder last year, things have returned to normal for “The Marlow Murder Club” which consists of crossword setter Judith Potts, and her two friends, Suzie the dog sitter (and new radio personality) and Becks, the vicar’s wife, (who now has a secret).
But, an intriguing phone call is about to change all of that.
Sir Peter Bailey has invited Judith to his “drinks party” planned for the afternoon prior to his wedding to his much younger nurse, Jenny Page.
But, the soirée reveals tension between Sir Peter, and his two grown children, Tristram and Rosanna, who don’t approve of his bride to be. In fact, before the afternoon is over, the groom to be, will be found crushed to death in his study-a room locked from the inside.
The Police don’t believe it’s murder, but Judith disagrees.
Looks like the ladies have their second case……and it’s a locked room mystery.
This is book #2 of the Marlow Murder Club, a COZY mystery series by Robert Thorogood, creator of the BBC Murder Mystery series, Death in Paradise.
Our main protagonist, Judith Potts, has her own very unique personality and yet book two was very reminiscent of an Agatha Christie’s “Miss Marple” story, so if you enjoy those, you should enjoy this series as well!
As a bonus, you might even learn a thing or two about how the clues to crossword puzzles are written-and how to go about solving them too, as Judith thinks she has deciphered a hidden code in the crosswords written for The Marlow Press. (A fun sub plot)
If she has, will it lead her to the Murderer?
I enjoyed the first a bit more-it was more character driven-but the mystery aspect is probably stronger in this one!
I fell in love with seventy-seven year old Judith Potts immediately!
She was entirely happy with her life-enjoying a job as a crossword compiler, and I fell in love with seventy-seven year old Judith Potts immediately!
She was entirely happy with her life-enjoying a job as a crossword compiler, and grateful that she didn’t have to share her life with a man who would be asking where she was going every time she left the house, or what’s for dinner every night. She didn’t have to listen to one moan about the money she spent, or how much whiskey she was drinking in the evening as she assembled her jigsaw puzzles. Yes, life was good!
That is not to say, that she didn’t like men. In fact, when she is convinced that she heard an altercation and a gunshot at her neighbor, Stefan Dunwoody’s house, she goes above and beyond to be sure that he is ok.
Initially, local police don’t take her claims seriously-murders don’t happen in Marlow-but when he does indeed turn up dead-Judith decides to investigate on her own.
During her queries, she meets Becks Starling, a woman trying to be the perfect Vicar’s wife, and Suzie Harris, a local dog Walker with no filter-who unapologetically says whatever she is thinking.
The book started out a just a bit slow, but by the mid-point, I was as vested as the women were in solving the case.
All three were TENACIOUS, CREATIVE and BRAVE-and as their friendship grew, their personal confidence and self worth grew too-a lovely thing to witness.
While the mystery itself may have borrowed from a CLASSIC, the strength of a COZY is its characters, and the women of the Marlow Murder Club, are a delightful bunch and very easy to root for!
Will I read a sequel? Don’t Mind if I Do!!
And, PROPS to the adorable book cover which initially drew me in!
AVAILABLE NOW!
A sincere thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the gifted copy. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
First published in “The Sketch” in 1923, this is possibly the first Poirot story, a novella which has Hercule sharing the story of one of his early caFirst published in “The Sketch” in 1923, this is possibly the first Poirot story, a novella which has Hercule sharing the story of one of his early cases-one he did not solve.
Short and sweet like the box of chocolates which served as his only clue.
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