Blog Tour: The Locked Room by Holly Hepburn

Join Harriet White in 1930's London for another glorious Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery, for fans of Nita Prose and Janice Hallett.

After a very close call on the Norfolk Fens, Harriet White is about ready to hang up her deerstalker and settle back into her normal life, working in a bank on Baker Street. Until she discovers a letter in The Times newspaper challenging Sherlock Holmes to prove his status as the world’s greatest detective, by solving an impossible mystery. The letter, signed Professor James Moriarty, advises Holmes that the crime will be committed within the following seven days. There will be no further clues – Holmes himself must deduce which crime is the correct one to investigate.

Dismissing the letter as a prank, Harry goes about her business until news breaks of the theft of valuable jewel collection from a safe in an apparently locked room in a Mayfair townhouse.

Intrigued in spite of her misgivings, Harry dons a disguise and investigates. But as she begins to unpick the puzzle, a body is found. And now, a stranger, and far more deadly mystery begins to unfold around her...

Review

Come along on a charming mystery with a plucky young heroine, nefarious villains, and just a hint of romance!

Though I haven't read the previous in this series, I enjoyed this entry as it follows Harry White - granddaughter of a baron who works as Sherlock Homes' secretary - knowing, of course, that Holmes is fictional, her role to let hopefuls know that the great detective has retired. What her bosses can't know is that every now and then, Harry solves the mystery instead. When a challenge to Holmes from his literary nemesis Moriarty is placed in the papers, Harry soon realises that her recent successes (from earlier books) have attracted the notice of shadowy figures, and someone wants to know who has been solving crimes under the name of Sherlock Holmes.

Harry is a classic heroine - adventurous, headstrong, and insightful - but I also appreciated her kindness and how she didn't make stupid decisions in the name of furthering the plot. Now, she might be a little bit oblivious to romance, but even clever people have blind spots. She is surrounded by an interesting cast of characters - few enough to keep track of but not so many as to be confusing. I liked her burgeoning friendship with Beth, and do I sense a possible frisson between Beth and Harry's brother?

The mystery was clever, not immediately obvious but believably twisty. Careening from the townhouses to the underground clubs and back again, this was a great way to spend an evening and I hope Harry's adventures continue!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions and words are my own 

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/TheLockedRoom

Author Bio

Holly Hepburn writes escapist, swoonsome fiction that sweeps her readers into idyllic locations, from her native Cornwall to the windswept beauty of Orkney. She has turned her hand to cosy crime inspired by Sherlock Holmes himself. Holly lives in leafy Hertfordshire with her adorable partner in crime, Luna the Labrador.

Social Media Links 
Instagram: @HollyH_Author
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/HollyHepburnNews

Blog Tour: The Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting by Naomi Kuttner

Assassin. Gardener. Reluctant cat adoptee.

All Dante wants is to be left alone in the small New Zealand town no one’s heard of. No drama. No bodies. No questions. But then, of course, the orchid convention comes to town, and Dante is knee deep in suspects, intrigue, and red herrings.

On top of all this, Dante must navigate a mysterious woman from his past, cat issues, and the terrifying prospect of a first date. And he has to do it while fighting his instinct to solve problems the old-fashioned way: permanently.

The ‘Retired Assassin’s Guide to Orchid Hunting’ is a cosy paranormal mystery with found family, ghosts, a grumpy assassin and a sunshine gardener.

Come for the murder, stay for the cat, the gardens, and the New Zealand country charm.

Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DWVD5XRM
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0DWVD5XRM

Review

About the only thing I know about orchids is that they are incredibly fussy plants that bloom at the store and never again - and yet this lovely mystery had me absorbed in the world of exotic orchid hunters as they hold a conference in a little town in New Zealand and one expert topples to the floor, dead. Our eclectic crew of sleuths - titular retired assassin Dante, gardener and ghost whisperer Charlie, and international woman of intrigue Eleanor - must solve the murder before conference finishes and the attendees scatter back around the globe. Joining the cast are an English Lord, an Italian scientist, a French collector, and a mysterious redhead - oh, and Inspector Avery, who is definitely on holiday and wants nothing to do with mysterious deaths and the even more mysterious Eleanor.

Written in short, engaging chapters, the characters reel you right in. I simply love to read about Dante and his struggles to maintain his no-kill streak. His former profession colours his perspective in the most entertaining manner, until a first date is approached with just as much gravity (if not more) than the murder at the conference. Oh, and his cat is getting fat.

Overall, if you enjoyed the first one or are simply a fan of cosy mysteries with a touch of the paranormal, this is definitely the book for you. As a kiwi, I also adored the little touches of home in the narrative - from the native flora and fauna, to geography, colloquialisms, and the overall vibe. I just felt the whole book was such a delightful cosy mystery about orchids, relationships, and trying really hard to not kill people.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own. 

Author Bio
Naomi is a writer living in New Zealand. When not busy writing or raising her twin son and daughter, she spends her free time (ha!) surfing, kitesurfing, and retrieving her shoes from Max the dog.

Social Media Links
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16314712.Naomi_Kuttner 
https://www.facebook.com/NaomiKuttnerAuthor/ 
https://naomikuttner.com/ 
https://www.instagram.com/naomikuttner/ 

Blog Tour: The Secret Lives of the Doyenne of Didsbrook by Tessa Barrie

 The remote village of Didsbrook is thrown into turmoil after its best-known resident, the former actress turned best-selling novelist Jocelyn Robertshaw, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. 

Villagers are appalled to learn that the charismatic Jocelyn died from Hemlock poisoning. Police claim she shot and ate a quail that had ingested hemlock. A theory disputed by all who knew her well. The animal-loving Jocelyn would never kill anything, but due to the lack of forensic evidence, police rule death by misadventure. 

Jocelyn’s young protégée, Lucy Fothergill, determined to discover the truth about what happened to her mentor, discovers a hidden stash of Jocelyn’s notebooks, revealing jaw-dropping secrets from Jocelyn’s past. The impression Jocelyn gave the world that she lived a near-perfect life was an Academy Award-winning performance.

Believing the events from Jocelyn’s past may have led to her death forty-eight years later, Lucy begins to piece together the clues that lead to the truth.

The sleepy village of Didsbrook is about to wake up!

Review

Put together a beloved philanthropist, a suspicious death, and a a village full of singular personalities, and what do you get? In this case, a enjoyable romp through a happy little village that has been turned on its head and the winding path to a happy ending.

It hits a lot of the right notes: the police are perfectly infuriating, our heroine is plucky and persistent, and the secrets are bubbling under the surface. While some are more signposted than others, they are more twisted than one would expect and unravel in a most satisfying manner.

As I read, I realised that this does feel more like women's fiction framed by a murder mystery than a true cosy, but if you go in with the right expectations I suspect you will have a good time.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own. 

Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Lives-Doyenne-Didsbrook-secrets-ebook/dp/B0F9P9DM57
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Lives-Doyenne-Didsbrook-secrets-ebook/dp/B0F9P9DM57

Author Bio
Tessa Barrie was born in Harrogate, Yorkshire, and despite her parents uprooting her at the age of three and moving her down south, she is proud of her Yorkshire heritage. 

Growing up, she recalls her family life being more Little House on the Prairie than The Waltons because her early years were fraught with drama. However, intermingled with all the emotional disruption, she remembers humour squeezing its way through the frayed feelings.

So, incorporating humour in her writing has become very important to her as she believes that, however dark a story gets, there should always be a subtle sprinkling of humour.

In June 2021, Tessa self-published her debut novel, Just Say It, a bittersweet family saga, and her second novel, The Secret Lives of the Doyenne of Didsbrook, a quirky murder mystery, is currently on pre-order and is due for release on 1st July 2025. Her third novel, The Rebuilding of Freya Michaels, will be published in 2026.

Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/TessaBarrieAuthor/
https://www.instagram.com/tessa_barrie/?hl=en
https://x.com/TessaBarrie
https://tessabarrie.substack.com
https://tessabarrie.com

Review: The Retired Assassin's Guide to Country Gardening by Naomi Kuttner

A cosy mystery set in NZ by a Kiwi author? Deadly force restrained by cosy vibes? I knew I had to read this immediately and I'm glad I did.

Dante's anonymous retirement is almost immediately scuppered by his choice to settle in a small town - which any small town resident or reader can tell you is the opposite of anonymous. It's further disrupted by faux affable blackmail, expensive fireworks, and a dead woman. His involvement in the resulting murder investigation lands him in an unlikely alliance with a stately older woman and his nervy young gardener - and all while keeping an eye on the rare corpse flower in his greenhouse.

I found the mystery quite straightforward and there were a couple of investigative holes that irked me, and the paranormal aspects felt a little unnecessary, but the characters and overall vibe of the book is extremely charming - not to mention Dante's recovery support group.

If any of the above sounds good to you, pick this up and enjoy!

4.5 stars, rounded up for national pride

Blog Tour: A Notable Omission by Isabella Muir

A 1970s debate on equality is overshadowed by a deadly secret...

Spring 1970. Sussex University is hosting a debate about equality for women. But when one of the debating group goes missing, attention turns away from social injustice to something more sinister.

It seems every one of the group has something to hide, and when a second tragedy occurs, two of the delegates – amateur sleuth Janie Juke, and reporter Libby Frobisher - are prepared to make themselves unpopular to flush out the truth. Who is lying and why?

Alongside the police investigation, Janie and Libby are determined to prise answers from the tight-lipped group, as they find themselves in a race against time to stop another victim being targeted.

In A Notable Omission we meet Janie at the start of a new decade. When we left Janie at the end of The Invisible Case she was enjoying her new found skills and success as an amateur sleuth. Here we meet her a few months later, stealing a few days away from being a wife and mother, attending a local conference on women's liberation to do some soul-searching...

Purchase Link
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Notable-Omission-Janie-Juke-mystery-ebook/dp/B0BQCLRYS6
US - https://www.amazon.com/Notable-Omission-Janie-Juke-mystery-ebook/dp/B0BQCLRYS6

Review

A fascinating little mystery with a likeable protagonist. 

Janie Jukes is a librarian, a mother, and a part time sleuth. She credits her love of Agatha Christie for any of her success, though it seems that this case is solved through solid police work, intuition, and being a good listener. With lots of little clues dropped, I guessed at the solution before the big reveal, but the story was no less for it.

It's an enjoyable read set in the 1970's, bringing second wave feminism to the forefront as Janie and her friends Libby attend a conference on Women's Rights. There are a heap of little references that signal the time period but even more telling are the attitudes! While it took me a little while to warm to reporter Libby (as a librarian, Janie caught my heart easily) I'm genuinely interested to see how things play out next for these two after their brush with Women's Lib.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio

Isabella is never happier than when she is immersing herself in the sights, sounds and experiences of family life in southern England in past decades – specifically those years from the Second World War through to the early 1970s. Researching all aspects of life back then has formed the perfect launch pad for her works of fiction. It was during two happy years working on and completing her MA in Professional Writing when Isabella rekindled her love of writing fiction and since then she has gone on to publish seven novels, six novellas and two short story collections.

This latest novel, A Notable Omission, is the fourth book in her successful Sussex Crime Mystery series, featuring young librarian and amateur sleuth, Janie Juke. The early books in the series are set in the late 1960s in the fictional seaside town of Tamarisk Bay, where we meet Janie, who looks after the mobile library. She is an avid lover of Agatha Christie stories – in particular Hercule Poirot. Janie uses all she has learned from the Queen of Crime to help solve crimes and mysteries. This latest novel in the series is set along the south coast in Brighton in early 1970, a time when young people were finding their voice and using it to rail against social injustice.

As well as four novels, there are six novellas in the series, set during the Second World War, exploring some of the back story to the Tamarisk Bay characters.

Isabella’s love of Italy shines through all her work and, as she is half-Italian, she has enjoyed bringing all her crime novels to an Italian audience with Italian translations, which are very well received.
Isabella has also written a second series of Sussex Crimes, set in the sixties, featuring retired Italian detective, Giuseppe Bianchi, who is escaping from tragedy in Rome, only to arrive in the quiet seaside town of Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, to come face-to-face with it once more.
Isabella’s standalone novel, The Forgotten Children, deals with the emotive subject of the child migrants who were sent to Australia – again focusing on family life in the 1960s, when the child migrant policy was still in force.

Find out more about Isabella and her books by visiting her website at: www.isabellamuir.com

Social Media Links
https://isabellamuir.com/
https://www.facebook.com/IsabellaMuirAuthor
https://twitter.com/SussexMysteries

Blog Tour: Chaos at Carnegie Hall by Kelly Oliver

Agatha Christie meets Downton Abbey in the Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mystery series opener.

Can Fiona catch a killer and find a decent cup of tea before her mustache wax melts?

1917. New York.

Notorious spy, Fredrick Fredricks, has invited Fiona to Carnegie Hall to hear a famous soprano. It’s an opportunity the War Office can’t turn down. Fiona and Clifford are soon on their way, but not before Fiona is saddled with chaperon duties for Captain Hall’s niece. Is Fiona a spy or a glorified babysitter?
From the minute Fiona meets the soprano aboard the RMS Adriatic it’s treble on the high C’s. Fiona sees something—or someone—thrown overboard, and then she overhears a chemist plotting in German with one of her own countrymen!

And the trouble doesn’t stop when they disembark. Soon Fiona is doing time with a group of suffragettes and investigating America’s most impressive inventor Thomas Edison.

When her number one suspect turns up dead at the opera and Fredrick Fredricks is caught red-handed, it looks like it’s finally curtains for the notorious spy. But all the evidence points to his innocence. Will Fiona change her tune and clear her nemesis’ name? Or will she do her duty? And just what is she going to do with the pesky Kitty Lane? Not to mention swoon-worthy Archie Somersby . . .

If Fiona’s going to come out on top, she’s going to have to make the most difficult decision of her life: the choice between her head and her heart.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3dMIUoT

Review

 Despite being billed as the first in the series, it feels like we come into this series with plots already in progress. Plucky Fiona Figg is constantly belittled by her male coworkers at the war office but is nonetheless sent to follow a potential German spy to America. Armed with a suitcase of disguises and pressed into service as chaparone to a bright young woman, she finds herself caught up with historical figures and embroiled in a murder. 

I loved this take on the historical period as we explore how the rest of the world fared. World War One rages in Europe and sits behind everyone's motives, but America is far from the front lines and life continues on. I wouldn't want to visit the time but it's certainly fascinating! The (period appropriate) misogyny Fiona faces make me grit my teeth. Fiona isn't always the most perceptive - despite her photographic memory - so there are plenty of red herrings and it did seem that everyone got very distracted. Although the mystery ended up solved, it didn't seem to matter as much as setting up the series. However, I'm not sure I care enough about the characters to read what they do next.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio
Kelly Oliver is the award-winning, bestselling author of three mysteries series: The Jessica James Mysteries, The Pet Detective Mysteries, and the historical cozies The Fiona Figg Mysteries, set in WW1. She is also the Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University and lives in Nashville, Tennessee. She is bringing new titles in the Fiona Figg series to Boldwood, the first of which, Chaos in Carnegie Hall, will be published in November 2022.

Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyoliverauthor  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kellyoliverbook  
Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly-oliver

Blog Tour: Murder At The Summer Fete by Victoria Walters

A fete worse than death…

 After finding the killer of Lucy Roth six months ago, life has settled back to normal for bookshop owner, Nancy Hunter, and her grandmother, Jane. The annual Dedley End village fete is just around the corner, and Nancy is delighted when bestselling author, Thomas Green, agrees to launch his first new novel in ten years there.

But then a series of sinister events lead Nancy to realise someone is trying to sabotage their fete, so she, along with Jane and their journalist friend Jonathan, must turn detective to discover who isn’t at all thrilled about the return of Thomas Green.

When a body is discovered at the summer fete, the death scene mirroring that in Thomas’ latest bestseller, they realise that there’s another killer in Dedley End, but can they outsmart someone who appears to have pulled off the perfect crime?

The clues are right under Nancy and Jane’s noses, if only they can find them. Because the answers to life’s questions can always be found in a book…!

A twisty, unputdownable cozy mystery that fans of Richard Osman, S.J. Bennett and The Marlow Murder Club will love.

Purchase Links
AMZ: https://amzn.to/3HE7928  
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3JLSUtX
Apple: https://apple.co/3zDUyte

Review

Murder at the Summer Fete is a clever cosy mystery with engaging characters and a tightly written plot. Despite being second in a series, it made me feel like I wanted to read the first rather than feeling lost.

Bookseller Nancy Hunter is hip-deep in organising the village fete, complete with a special author guest, but it seems that someone is intent on sabotaging the visit. Then a dead body is found mirroring the murder in the author's latest mystery, and Nancy, her grandmother Jane, and her best friend Jonathan must scramble to find the killer among them.

There are tons of little touches than make this stand out among cosy mysteries - it addresses the oddity of Nancy getting caught up in another murder, there are sensible discussions around working with or around the police, and while there are red herrings and twists, the answer is foreshadowed without being overly obvious. It does get a little wordy and meta - characters in a murder mystery discussing how their life is like a novel - but given how they sell mystery novels I really can't fault them!

Best enjoyed with a cup of tea and a lovely stretch of uninterrupted time, this is a great cosy and I'm interested to see how the series unfolds!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio

Victoria Walters writes up-lifting and inspiring stories. She's the author of the bestselling GLENDALE HALL series, which continues with its third book HOPEFUL HEARTS at GLENDALE HALL in September, as well as two other standalone novels - SUMMER at the KINDNESS CAFE, and THE SECOND LOVE of my LIFE. She has been chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent and shortlisted for two RNA awards. Victoria was also picked as an Amazon Rising Star, and her books have won wide reader acclaim.

Victoria is a full-time author. She lives in Surrey with her cat Harry, and loves books, clothes, music, going out for tea and cake, and posting photos on Instagram.

Find out more about Victoria by following on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on Twitter at @Vicky_Walters or by visiting her blog at: https://victoria-writes.com/.

Blog Tour: The Mystery of the Lost Husbands by Gina Cheyne

Is murdering husbands an addiction or merely a bad habit?

This is the question facing Private Investigator Cat Harrington when rich builder, Tom Drayton, dies shortly after his wedding night. Suspicion falls on his widow, Anastasia Rodriguez, the survivor of three previous ‘lost’ husbands.

Two years later, Anastasia is engaged again, to Cat’s friend Angelo, an Italian snail collector.

Angelo’s sister, Gia, employs Cat and the SeeMs Detective Agency to discover if her brother’s financé is a killer.

The search for Anastasia’s lost husbands takes Cat and her team from Scotland to the South of Spain and on to Argentina.

They have just a few weeks before the wedding to discover if Anastasia is a murderer and save their friend from becoming victim number five.

For fans of Arsenic and Old Lace and The Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mystery-Husbands-SeeMS-Detective-Agency/dp/1915138019/
US - https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Husbands-SeeMS-Detective-Agency/dp/1915138019/ 

Review

Cat, Miranda, and Stevie run a detective agency that mainly searches for lost dogs, but when Cat's friend announces his engagement to a four-time widow, the unlikely trio must investigate whether beautiful Anastasia Rodriguez is a victim of bad luck or a stone-cold black widow. It's a rollercoaster romp around the world, spiced up by flashbacks. Not only do we get a look into Anastasia's past, but that of our detectives and how they met. It's clear none of them are your typical sleuths! I liked that they were women in different stages of life, with kids and even some grandkids around. Of course, there's a huge cast of characters that was a little hard to keep up with, but it's fun to sit back and let them play out, and there's heaps of room to get to know them more in future books. There are a few loose ends but it is overall a promising start to a new series.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio

Gina has worked as a physiotherapist, a pilot, freelance writer and a dog breeder.
As a child, Gina's parents hated travelling and never went further than Jersey. As a result she became travel-addicted and spent the year after university bumming around SE Asia, China and Australia, where she worked in a racing stables in Pinjarra, South of Perth. After getting stuck in black sand in the Ute one time too many (and getting a tractor and trailer caught in a tree) she was relegated to horse-riding work only. After her horse bolted down the sand, straining a fetlock and falling in the sea, she was further relegated to swimming the horses only in the pool. It was with some relief the racehorse stables posted her off on the train into eastern Australia to work in a vineyard... after all what could go wrong there?
In the north of Thailand, she took a boat into the Golden Triangle and got shot at by bandits. Her group escaped into the undergrowth and hid in a hill tribe whisky still where they shared the 'bathroom' with a group of pigs. Getting a lift on a motorbike they hurried back to Chiang Rai, where life seemed calmer.
After nearly being downed in a fiesta in Ko Pha Ngan, and cursed by a witch in Malaysia, she decided to go to Singapore and then to China where she only had to battle with the language and regulations.
Since marrying the first time, she has lived and worked in many countries including Spain and the USA.
For a few years Gina was a Wingwalking pilot, flying, amongst others, her 64-year-old mother standing on the wing to raise money for a cancer charity. She was also a helicopter instructor and examiner and took part in the World Helicopter Championships in Russia and the USA.
She became a writer because her first love was always telling a good yarn!
Under the name Georgina Hunter-Jones she has written illustrated children's books such as The Twerple who had Too Many Brains, and Nola the Rhinoceros loves Mathematics.
She now lives in Sussex with her husband and dogs, one of who inspired the Biscuit and Pugwash Detective Series about naughty dogs who solve crimes.
The Mystery of the Lost Husbands is the first in the SeeMS Detective Agency series and Gina's first crime novel for adults.

Social Media Links
Website: www.ginacheyne.com

Dogged by Death by Laura Scott

Back in town and struggling to get her veterinary practice off the ground, Ally never expects to find one of her clients with his head bashed in. Suddenly her attempts to grow her client list are complicated by trying to keep her true crime obsessed grandfather from investigating - and the lead detective being an old crush certainly doesn't help the situation.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book - Ally, her grandfather, the three widows he lives with, and Noah, along with the various townspeople. The author did a good job building the town of Willow Bluff and the people in it. Ally's work as a vet is integral to the story and well-explored. I'm definitely interested in reading more!

I was however put off by Ally constantly ignoring Noah's request that she stop investigating - and that this decision is supported by the text. If I was Noah, having a witness constantly interfering with the investigation and accusing you of incompetence would not lead to a date at the end. And for all the conversations and discoveries, it seems like the mystery was solved by accident and would've soon been solved by the police anyway? I guess it felt like a bit of a let-down.

There are the bones of a good series here and it's a solid cosy mystery with an enjoyable theme. Overall, a good read but not an outstanding one. If animal stories are your thing, this would be a good cosy mystery for you.

Dogged by Death is available in ebook and hard copy.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own

A Hex for Danger by Esme Addison

Aleksandra Daniels is slowly settling into the family business and learning to wield her hidden magic. Her happy life is threatened when a travelling artist is murdered and one of her small circle of friends is the prime suspect. While Alex's investigation is hampered by her boyfriend being the lead detective, it is further complicated by industrial espionage and magical interference. Has Alex cast her last spell?

I found this mystery well put together, with enough clues that it fitted together and enough red herrings to keep me guessing. The solution was clever and well written! Unfortunately, the ongoing story arc totally spoiled the first book (victim, murderer, motive), so heads up for that, this series should not be read out of order. The paranormal added an interesting twist but some of it felt a little confused; it’s definitely building up an ongoing story arc. 

The lead character really frustrated me - mostly on how her detective boyfriend sets down clear and sensible boundaries (both for her safety and his job) and she steps all over them, along with violating her family’s ethics, and doesn’t face any consequences in this book. It also annoyed me that everyone assumed Celeste's guilt over what seemed like very circumstantial evidence - which is fine for the town gossips, but I'd expect the police to look for actual evidence, especially with an incorrect arrest in recent memory.

Overall this was a good read and a well written mystery but there were a few things that bothered me and I'd suggest starting at the first book.

A Hex for Danger is available now in ebook or hard copy.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own

The Murder Before Christmas by Michele Pariza Wacek

Charlie Kingsley makes tea. She's not a detective and she certainly isn't interested in investigating a murder. However, when her customer Courtney is accused of poisoning her husband, Charlie finds herself roped into proving Courtney's innocence. Of course, with everyone hiding something and the police focussed on Courtney, Charlie will have to have a cuppa with everyone in town to steep out the truth.

This is a festive cosy mystery with a plucky lead and a small cast of characters. It is first in a spin-off series based around Charlie, but worked perfectly well as a standalone.

I loved that Charlie's profession assisted in the investigation without feeling squeezed in or pasted on.The murderer wasn't obvious, especially at the start, but made perfect sense as the secrets came out. It did feel like Charlie driving between a lot of conversations without much tension, but as far as cosy mysteries go, this was an enjoyable and well-written read, and I'd be interested in catching up with these characters again.

Best enjoyed with your own cup of tea!

The Murder Before Christmas is available now

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via The Indie Pen PR; all opinions are my own.

Blog Tour: Lost Souls by Jenny O'Brien

A MISSING GIRL. A RACE AGAINST TIME.

Ten-year-old Elodie Fry vanishes overnight, along with a rucksack filled with her meagre belongings. Acting DI Gaby Darin and her team are fighting the clock to reunite Elodie with her distraught mother – but was Elodie kidnapped or did she run?

Later that day, a local undertaker uncovers a nasty surprise: the remains of an unidentified second adult among a late pensioner’s ashes. Torn between the two investigations, Gaby decides the gruesome discovery at the crematorium must wait – the team are desperate to find Elodie before they lose her trail.

But as she follows the evidence, Gaby realises the two cases have a sinister connection… and there’s a killer on the loose.

Can Gaby find the missing girl alive… or is she already too late

Purchase Link - http://smarturl.it/Lost_Souls

Review

As detectives scramble to find missing ten-year-old Elodie Fry, a crematorium worker presents evidence of a second body found with another man's ashes. Acting DI Gaby Darin doesn't have the time to spare to look into it, nor into the sudden disappearance of a local pensioner, but has to spread her team even thinner to do so. On top of this, Gaby is trying to juggle a fledgling relationship and possibly apply to make her DI status permanent. With so many balls in the air, it seems inevitable that one's going to drop - and someone's going to get hurt.

A fast paced, tightly written mystery, this was my very first introduction to Gaby Darin and her bullpen of detectives, each with their own problems. Fourth in the series, this definitely made reference to (and possibly spoiled) previous books and key past events, so I perhaps wouldn't start here. It was a little difficult to work out what was backstory and what occurred in earlier books. Nonetheless, the multiple points of view helped provide insights into various characters, even if it was a little hard to keep them all straight at times. It's no coincidence that the titular Lost Souls are plural, as Elodie isn't the only one who needs help.

We spend the most time with Gaby, whose grim determination to get the job done is starting to falter against a backdrop of personal developments and an overwhelming caseload. I really liked Gaby and would like to see more of her, both what happened previously and where she goes from here. Rusty is really sweet (he seems like a great guy) and the tension in their relationship stems from his son, who is rather resentful of the new person in his father's life.

The twists and turns as the disparate pieces of the story draw together kept me guessing almost all the way through and it all fell into place with a satisfying click, even if the motive wasn't clear. As for the more personal side of the story? There's definitely going to be a change to the status quo and I'm curious as to how this shakes things up.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio

Born in Dublin, Jenny O'Brien moved to Wales and then Guernsey, where she tries to find time to write in between working as a nurse and ferrying around 3 teenagers.

In her spare time she can be found frowning at her wonky cakes and even wonkier breads. You'll be pleased to note she won't be entering Bake-Off. She's also an all-year-round sea swimmer. Readers can find out more about Jenny and her books on her blog: (jennyobrienwriter.wordpress) and she can also be found on Twitter and Instagram as 'scribblerjb' and Facebook (Jenny O'Brien Guernsey Writer)

Blog Tour: Banana Devil Cake by Susan A King

 

With the murder of last year’s fête judge now but a hazy memory, the village of Elmesbury has retired to its former tranquil existence. That is, until a mysterious newcomer sets in motion a series of events that will see members of the W.I. crossing wooden spoons at dawn.

In the midst of preparing for her long-awaited engagement party, redoubtable village busybody Beattie Bramshaw not only finds herself embroiled in a one-woman campaign to save the elm tree from which the village gets its name, but having to contend with an outbreak of unrest within her beloved W.I. group. Rivalry to win favour with the judge of this year’s fête has fuelled dissent within the ranks and, when two members are found dead in mysterious circumstances, suspicions run rife.

Confident the devil is not only in the cake but in the detail, Beattie determines to uncover the clues that will ultimately lead to the killer’s conviction. But can she solve the mystery before another member of the W.I. is picked off?

Banana Devil Cake is a comedy crime caper in the spirit of Agatha Raisin and one that is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Prepare yourself for a tale of tea, cake and riotous goings-on from the author of Marrow Jam.

Purchase Links
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08SWDG367
US - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08SWDG367

Review

Village shenanigans with a side of murder

Elderly but indomitable Beattie Bramshaw has a lot on her plate, in some cases literally. She's planning her engagement party, campaigning to save the village elm, and helping to organise the village fete with the fractious W.I. Just as one problem is put in its place, another rises to meet it - like the sudden death of not one, but two of her compatriots at the W.I. Suspicion falls on a celebrity psychic hiding out in the village after scandal, but Beattie can't seem to stop digging.

This is the second in a series, and fair warning - it totally spoils the ending of the first one in an extended series of court scenes. While this isn't usual for murder mysteries, it does signal this is a rather different sort of book - one without a dead body until 48% of the way through.

This may prove troublesome for those who want their murders front and centre, however for those who would rather take the scenic route, it's a fun slice of life with a cast of quirky villagers. Beattie may be bossy and stubborn, but you can't help but be charmed by her take-no-nonsense attitude to life (and death). I especially enjoyed her ruminations on the best way to spy on the neighbours. The women of the W.I. are headstrong and diverse, leading to heads butting all over the place.

I did guess the murderer quite quickly (which isn't usual for me) but it was nice to see all the pieces slot into place. I do feel like there were a few plot threads that weren't entirely wrapped up - was Leo trying to butter Beattie up? what was up with the quiche? and did anyone manage to bake a proper Banana Devil Cake?

Unanswered questions aside, this was a fun comedic caper through the cutthroat world of village baking with a side of murder. If that sounds like your cup of tea, you'll love this.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own.

Author Bio

Susan A. King lives with her husband in a quiet suburb in Hampshire. Between them they have four grown-up sons.

The inspiration for her Beattie Bramshaw novels comes from her long experience and observation of competitors at the local Romsey Show, where she regularly aspires to win Best in Show with her floral arrangements.

Social Media Links
Twitter @SusanKing63
Insta @susan.king63

Blog Tour: After the Storm by Isabelle Muir

When a violent storm blasts England’s south coast, it’s up to retired Italian detective Giuseppe Bianchi to sift through the devastation and piece together the tragic events left behind in the storm’s wake.

Giuseppe Bianchi’s brief visit to Bexhill-on-Sea has become an extended stay. He is loath to return to his home in Rome because of the haunting images that made him leave in the first place. 

During his morning walks along the seafront with Beagle, Max, he meets Edward Swain, who becomes Giuseppe's walking companion. They form a friendship of sorts and find they have a similar outlook on life.

But the devastating events of a single night lead Giuseppe to question the truth about Edward Swain. Teaming up with young journalist, Christina Rossi - his cousin's daughter - Giuseppe learns about the brutal reality lurking behind the day-to-day life of families in the local community. And as the story unravels Giuseppe is reminded how anger and revenge can lead to the most dreadful of crimes.

After the Storm is the second novel in the Giuseppe Bianchi mystery series – the much awaited sequel to Crossing the Line.

Grab your copy today and enjoy the intrigue of traditional English mystery, cleverly combined with a continental twist.

Purchase Links
UK –  https://www.amazon.co.uk/After-Storm-Giuseppe-Bianchi-mystery-ebook/dp/B08P534Y2K  
US – https://www.amazon.com/After-Storm-Giuseppe-Bianchi-mystery-ebook/dp/B08P534Y2K 

Review

As 1954 draws to a close, a devastating storm blows into the seaside town of Bexhall-on-Sea leaving tragedy in its wake. Retired Italian detective Giuseppe Bianchi is convinced there is more to the death of his friend than a fallen tree but fears he is chasing at shadows.

There's something very British about this mystery. In some ways, it was very refreshing to read something so... normal. There's no shocking plot twists or clever gimmicks, merely an ongoing investigation that unfolds to reveal the full story. In some ways, the mystery serves as a railroad to carry the intertwining themes of family and unresolved pasts.

Despite being the second in the series (Giuseppe encountered tragedy immediately after arriving in England a few months prior), I didn't find it difficult to understand family dynamics and enough of the past was explained that I wasn't left hanging. It's all very tangled, but the ending hints at hopes of reconciliation.

I found this a very comfortable read, a quietly enjoyable period piece with fish-out-of-water elements. The solution was logical, if rather sad, and Giuseppe's unofficial status means that justice is not certain. Overall, a good option for when I'm in the mood for a mystery.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own.

Author Bio
Isabella is never happier than when she is immersing herself in the sights, sounds and experiences of the 1960s. Researching all aspects of family life back then formed the perfect launch pad for her works of fiction. Isabella rediscovered her love of writing fiction during two happy years working on and completing her MA in Professional Writing and since then she has gone on to publish six novels, three novellas and two short story collections.

Her latest novel, After the Storm, is the second novel in a new series of Sussex Crimes, featuring retired Italian detective, Giuseppe Bianchi who is escaping from tragedy in Rome, only to arrive in the quiet seaside town of Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, to come face-to-face with it once more.

Her first Sussex Crime Mystery series features young librarian and amateur sleuth, Janie Juke. Set in the late 1960s, in the fictional seaside town of Tamarisk Bay, we meet Janie, who looks after the mobile library. She is an avid lover of Agatha Christie stories – in particular Hercule Poirot. Janie uses all she has learned from the Queen of Crime to help solve crimes and mysteries. As well as three novels, there are three novellas in the series, which explore some of the back story to the Tamarisk Bay characters.

Isabella’s standalone novel, The Forgotten Children, deals with the emotive subject of the child migrants who were sent to Australia – again focusing on family life in the 1960s, when the child migrant policy was still in force.

Social Media Links
https://isabellamuir.com
https://twitter.com/SussexMysteries
https://www.facebook.com/IsabellaMuirAuthor

Public Trust by Tess Shepherd

When Lola Michaels wakes up to a strange man in her apartment, his hands touching her throat, she’s petrified. And, although one scream sends her nighttime visitor running, she can’t shake the feeling that next time she might not be so lucky.

LAPD Lieutenant Jacob Simmone isn’t entirely sure what to make of the situation either. Lola is a gorgeous, single woman, living in an eight-hundred-square foot artist’s studio. Why would a man break in while she was home? Why would he leave without taking a single item? It’s only when the bodies of similar female victims start surfacing in the same neighborhood, that he realizes there may be something more to Lola’s midnight encounter. And, as Jacob and Lola are thrown into a situation that neither of them could have expected,—or wanted—Jacob can’t help but wonder if he’s making a mistake, if he’d be more effective at tracking a killer without Lola always nearby, clouding his brain. Little does he realize that, maybe, he can’t catch a break because someone else, someone with real power, is holding all the cards…

Review

Before you get sucked in by the quirky, artsy cover, let me warn you that this is romantic suspense and contains themes of murder, abuse, and trauma.

It actually handles all of the above pretty well, but it's not as light as the cover makes out.

Lola is a sweetheart, a semi-successful artist who fears her tale of a midnight intruder won't be believed. Luckily, Lieutenant Jacob is instantly smitten and will do anything to keep her safe. Less luckily, the recent murders of similar women do a lot to bolster her story but don't help her feel any safer. Jacob must protect 'the one who got away' who is fast making a place in his heart, while maintaining a professional distance...

Spoiler alert: he doesn't. Maintain a professional distance.

This actually threw me all the way out of the book because that level of unprofessionalism is downright irresponsible and to see it practically encouraged by his superiors was all sorts of wrong. Even if the UST is off the charts. I was really hoping they'd at least keep it together until Lola's life was out of danger.

Apart from that, the murder mystery came together nicely, though I'd have preferred a few more breadcrumbs of clues rather than the big reveal of a stranger. I feel like there were a few opportunities to provide foreshadowing that were missed as I spent a bit of time going back and forth trying to find out if I'd missed something.

Overall it was a pretty decent romantic suspense with an interesting supporting cast, but there were a few niggles that stopped me really getting into it so I give it four stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via NetGalley, all opinions are my own

Blog Tour: Death at Rainbow Cottage by Jo Allen

At the end of the rainbow, a man lies dead.

The apparently motiveless murder of a man outside the home of controversial equalities activist Claud Blackwell and his neurotic wife, Natalie, is shocking enough for a peaceful local community. When it’s followed by another apparently random killing immediately outside Claud’s office, DCI Jude Satterthwaite has his work cut out. Is Claud the killer, or the intended victim?

To add to Jude’s problems, the arrival of a hostile new boss causes complications at work, and when a threatening note arrives at the police headquarters, he has real cause to fear for the safety of his friends and colleagues…

A traditional British detective novel set in Cumbria.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3fl0tJj 

Review

Death at Rainbow Cottage is your typical police procedural as we follow DCI Jude Sattherwaite and his team through a murder investigation. Having jumped in at book four, I still found myself able to sort through most of the main cast of characters. The jumps to bystander perspectives were a little harder to follow, but at least there's a search function for when I was wondering where I'd seen a character before.

What seems like an overabundance of focus on the personal lives of the police suddenly becomes relevant as the lines between friend, colleague, and potential suspect begin to blur. There is a new Superintendent after the old one left under a cloud of scandal, and she is completing her mandate of equality and inclusion with a series of workshops facilitated by the residents of the titular Rainbow Cottage. The main character is dating one of his detectives but both of them have complications from past relationships coming up to haunt them. It all fits quite nicely into a theme of acceptance - not simply of differences, but also of oneself.

On the mystery side, I found the book well plotted though would have appreciated some maps. While I did see the murderer coming, I wasn't certain until the end, but looking back it made perfect sense. Overall, a solidly enjoyable murder mystery with an interesting cast of characters.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio

Jo Allen is the author of the successful DCI Satterthwaite series of detective novels set in and around the English Lake District, where she lives. After a career in economic consultancy she took up writing and was first published under the name Jennifer Young in genres of short stories, romance and romantic suspense. In 2017 she took the plunge and began writing the genre she most likes to read – crime. In common with all her favourite characters, she loves football (she's a season ticket holder with her beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers) and cats.

Social Media Links
Twitter @JoAllenAuthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoAllenAuthor   
Instagram @JoAllenAuthor

Publication Day Push: Preserved by Fiona Sherlock

She's stuck in the past, the killer wants to immortalise his future. When a local farmer announces on social media that he has discovered a bog body in Ardee, the world’s historians are keen to explore the secrets of the life and grisly death of the victim. Antique journalist January Quail is fighting to keep her newspaper job and uncovers far more than she bargained for.

The victim is actually a recent murder, and January uses her nose for the truth to investigate the County Louth town. From shopkeeper to the publican, everyone is a suspect, but when the Gardai can’t find the killer, can January?

Once she sets down the liqueur glass, January gains the confidence of the lead garda investigator. Within days, the case unravels into a much more dangerous situation with a killer on the loose. 

Despite the risk, January is electrified that this newest discovery has come at the perfect time to inject some colour into her flailing career. January relinquishes her old ways to fight for survival, abandoning her antiques column and vintage corsets to solve a cryptic crime that has the experts puzzled. This woman who longs to lives in the past must now fight for her life in the present.

Purchase Links
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Preserved-Fiona-Sherlock-ebook/dp/B08R7QNCSN/
US - https://www.amazon.com/Preserved-Fiona-Sherlock-ebook/dp/B08R7QNCSN/

Author Bio

Fiona Sherlock is a crime writer from Bective, in Ireland. Her murder mystery games are played across the world.  She also writes poetry and prose but cannot stay away from a good murder.  After spending a decade in Dublin working in public relations and journalism, she moved to the country for mid-day fires and elderflower champagne.

Social Media Links
http://instagram.com/fionasherlock
https://twitter.com/fionasherlock
https://www.facebook.com/DionysisDiary/
 

Blog Tour: Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Hellenic Abduction by Columbkill Noonan

 Zeus is used to getting what he wants...but that was before he met Barnabas Tew!

Barnabas and Wilfred, the unluckiest detectives ever, are happily enjoying their time in India, working on mastering their emotions, and learning how to do all sorts of interesting yoga poses. They're having a splendid time, and feel as if they've finally found some peace in their lives. Everything changes, though, when Zeus suddenly whisks them away from their idyllic retreat and demands that they solve a case for him.

Having no choice, they reluctantly accept the job, but quickly come to realize that nothing is as it should be. Zeus' motives are suspect from the beginning, the rest of the Greek gods and goddesses are untrustworthy at best, and Barnabas' temper hasn't improved at all during his time in India. And, most importantly, who is the mysterious lady who keeps popping up just when they need her? Is she friend, or is she foe?

To make matters even worse, both Barnabas and Wilfred have unresolved feelings of their own. Can they settle their own emotional affairs, once and for all? Will they figure out what's right and what's wrong in this topsy-turvy world of lies, intrigue, and trickery? Or will the Greek gods and goddesses prove too much for them?

Purchase Link - mybook.to/Hellenic

Review

Two Victorian-era detectives bicker their way through mythological Greece.

Caught up by a cyclone, bumbling detective Barnabas Tew and his assistant-turned-partner Wilfred are instructed by Zeus to rescue a princess. Anyone with a passing familiarity with Greek myth or a modicum of reading comprehension (whose numbers include Barnabas and Wilfred) would be able to guess that Zeus's intentions are less than honourable, yet in the interests of self-preservation, they agree to take the case.

Not having read the previous books in the series, I can't tell if it is normal for this detective series to contain quite so little detecting. Rather than solve a mystery, Barnabas and Wilfred are bounced between figures and places of Greek mythology on a series of hare-brained quests and dead-ends with what seems like very little agency but a lot of bickering. I did feel like the dynamic between Barnabas and Wilfred began to get repetitive and can almost imagine practically everyone they meet looking into the camera like The Office with Barnabas and Wilfred scuffling in the background. There are some funny moments as characters are bewildered by Barnabas's cavalier approach to, well, everything.

I enjoyed how the author wove together different stories, often with a unique spin. I really liked how Barnabas called out how many of them involve Zeus cheating on Hera with unfortunate results for the mortals involved. There was an added layer of depth there with both men mourning lost loves from previous books while judging if closing the case for Zeus was really the right thing to do. The ending, while solid, seemed like quite the deus ex which felt unsatisfying though perhaps thematically appropriate?

Overall I enjoyed reading this book but the story didn't quite hit the spot for me.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

Author Bio

Columbkill Noonan is the author of the best-selling Barnabas Tew series, which features a proper British detective from Victorian London who ends up solving mythological cases for gods all around the world. She was was born in Philadelphia and grew up in the suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland, and teaches Anatomy and Physiology at a university in Maryland. Her writing is mostly speculative fiction (especially stories that involve mythology, or the supernatural, or any combination thereof). Some of her work is a bit on the spooky side, but usually there is a touch of humor (who says the afterlife has to be serious?) 

When she's not teaching or writing, Columbkill can be found with her rescue horse (whose name is Mittens), hiking in the woods, or doing yoga of all kinds (aerial yoga and SUP yoga are particular favorites). She is an avid traveler, and can't wait to get back to seeing the world again. You can visit her on Twitter @ColumbkillNoon1, or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ColumbkillNoonan.

Social Media Links –

@ColumbkillNoon1

https://www.facebook.com/ColumbkillNoonan

Release Day: Sherlock Holmes & the Ripper of Whitechapel by M. K. Wiseman

I am afraid that I, Sherlock Holmes, must act as my own chronicler in this singular case, that of the Whitechapel murders of 1888. For the way in which the affair was dropped upon my doorstep left me with little choice as to the contrary. Not twelve months prior, the siren’s call of quiet domesticity and married life had robbed me of Watson’s assistance as both partner and recorder of my cases. Thus, when detective inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard required a lead—any lead—I found myself forced to pursue Jack the Ripper alone and without the aid of my faithful friend. And all for the most damnedable of reasons:

Early on in my investigations, Dr. John H. Watson, formerly of 221b Baker Street, emerged as my prime suspect.

Purchase Link

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sherlock-Holmes-Ripper-Whitechapel-Wiseman-ebook/dp/B088P92XWC

US - https://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-Ripper-Whitechapel-Wiseman-ebook/dp/B088P92XWC

Review

In this book, we find the two fascinations of Victorian mystery enthusiasts: Sherlock Homes and Jack the Ripper. However, this take is a little different.The investigation is narrated by Sherlock himself because his chief suspect is Dr Watson.

This twist carries with it a number of points of interest - first, Watson is beloved and familiar, yet the author cleverly creates doubt in both Sherlock's mind and the reader's. Second, the deductions that so impress Watson are matter-of-factly unremarkable to Sherlock, and thus are skimmed over in his narration. Lastly, the shift from whodunit to didhedoit changes this from less of a mystery and more of a thriller. The friendship between Holmes and Watson, usually so foundational, is truly put to the test as the body count rises. All in all, this is not your usual Sherlock Holmes story at all! 

The characters are either Holmes canon characters or real life players in the Whitechapel murders, which is a nice touch. It was good to see how Watson's marriage and move from Baker Street strained his closeness with Holmes, yet Holmes is exceedingly complimentary towards Mary and not jealous. 

I will say that I found the ending confusing and a bit rushed. A lot happened and I had to reread it to understand how everything panned out. There are several items that I thought were left unexplained and so let the book down a bit.

If you enjoy Sherlock Holmes and would like a slightly different twist on a previously undiscussed portion of his life, do pick this up.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources, all opinions are my own

Author Bio

M. K. Wiseman has degrees in Interarts & Technology and Library & Information Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her office, therefore, is a curious mix of storyboards and reference materials. Both help immensely in the writing of historical novels. She currently resides in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

Social Media Links

http://mkwisemanauthor.com

https://twitter.com/FaublesFables

https://www.facebook.com/FaublesFables/

https://www.instagram.com/faublesfables/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073540.M_K_Wiseman