The last time witchy car mechanic Victoria Fox did magic, she nearly blew up half a street. Oops. No more magic for her, but is a witch who doesn’t do magic still a witch?
Well, she does have a kitty familiar named Professor Studmuffin Salvitore III. She also has a knack for inviting magical trouble to her shop’s doorstep.
Like her business rival who shows up and offers her a deal. A tempting deal, but she shuts the door in his face anyway. Moments later, his star employee drops dead.
All roads lead to Victoria as the murderer. The problem? She didn’t do it. The other problem? Almost no one believes her.
It’s now up to her and her kitty familiar to prove she’s innocent. Tiptoeing closer to the truth could put them both in danger though. And it might just take a lead paw on the gas pedal to get them out.
Paranormal stories are not my usual read, but with this being a cozy mystery, I thought I’d give it go. It was actually great fun, with some bizarre but entertaining plots. Victoria doesn’t see herself as a witch, certainly not a practising one, and she has doubts she’d ever be able to pull of any spells after her last attempt went so disastrously wrong. Her familiar, a cat by the name of Professor Studmuffin Salvitore III bakes – of course – but with the driest sense of humour and the biggest ego ever. What could possibly be any more bizarre? Maybe when Victoria tries to prevent a series of deaths (one of which is her own) and has to keep travelling back in time with a spell to do so, but is constantly thwarted by one thing or another. It’s funny, amusing, yet you can’t help be drawn into Victoria’s life and her problems. For me, a non-American, the narration was an issue at times, usually when the narrator was in character, and the Southern accent was hard to understand. At one time, Victoria says something about “having a laff” (which to my British ears is having a laugh). However, after rerunning it a few times, I realised she meant “having a life”. I would definitely read more in this series but think I’ll stick to reading rather than listening. Great fun, quirky, and frequently chaotic – in the best possible way!
Age range: This is an adult book, but would be suitable for mature teens age 16+
Trigger warnings: Murders, historic racism
Amazon Rating: new book, not yet rated
(This is the third in the Simone Doucet series, but reads well as a standalone novel)
ABOUT ECHOES OF BALLARD HOUSE
Hidden secrets. Unearthed truths. Simone Doucet returns to uncover the sinister truth behind a series of murders within an opulent mansion in the heart of New Orleans’ Garden District.
Yearning to escape the confines of her New York City brownstone, Simone jumps at the opportunity to house-sit a gorgeous Queen Anne Victorian home in her cherished New Orleans Garden District. Upon her arrival, the walls whisper ancient voices, the owner’s parrot mimics an eerie nightly tune, and elusive footsteps echo through the floorboards. Simone quickly discovers she is not alone in this majestic house.
Tackling the afterlife alone, Simone becomes entangled in the stories of three tormented souls caught in a web of greed, hatred, and infidelity. Their deadly secrets converge in a bone-chilling tale of murder. Yet, within the grandeur of Ballard House, Simone is far from alone.
The peril she faces extends beyond the spectral world, and she will soon confront evil from both the living and the dead. What dark secret lies hidden within the walls of Ballard House?
PRAISE FOR THE SIMONE DOUCET SERIES
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Billups always packs a punch when the other worldly visitations appear, and I found myself eagerly switching back and forth from past to present day, learning of the connections between everyone involved. Watching Simone’s friendships and love interest evolve is a lovely side story, and the author’s depth of research about early 20th century American lifestyles is apparent and pays off in dividends. Toss in the early stages of COVID appearing in America, and there’s a realistic touch that grips readers until the end. What’s causing Simone’s friends to get ill, and is the ghost responsible for all the drama or an unknown illness beginning to spread around the world? I can’t wait to see what happens in a possible third installment. Thanks for making some magic happen, Ms. Billups. Amazon review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an intoxicating novel, one that you will not be able to set down. The novel is well written, and the world building is extensive and right in shape with the story. A story line of ghosts and paranormal adventures, a girl who goes on a trip with who roommates to New Orleans. She expects to have a wild weekend, only to find it complicated by witches and ghosts and all kinds of various paranormal events. This author is able to captivate you from page one. You find yourself hanging onto the edge of your seat, never being able to set the novel down. This is a complicated, nerve racking and wonderful all at the same time. I can’t wait to read the next one. I know it will be even better. Amazon review
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
E. Denise Billups was born in Monroeville, Alabama, and raised in New York City, where she currently resides. She’s a former Financial Analyst turned writer. A multi-genre fiction author, she’s published six novels and several supernatural short stories. A skilled artist, she trained as a dancer (ballet, modern, and jazz dance) in her younger years and dabbled in writing, which she would not pursue until much later.
As an avid reader of many genres, she was greatly influenced by magical realism, mystery, suspense, and supernatural novels. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s running miles in the park, finding her inner calm with yoga, experimenting with vegan dishes, and enjoying time with family and friends.
I’ll admit to not being a regular reader of paranormal books, and those labelled as “horror” tend to have me running for the hills, but I will always make an exception for E. Denise Billups, and in particular for the Simone Doucet series.
Why? Well, simply because this series is more than simply a story, it’s an experience. The author writes so eloquently, so evocatively that it’s impossible not to feel involved, included and in so deep you have no choice but to read till the end.
In this, the third book of the series, Simone is house-sitting for a friend, using the time to write up the story she uncovered during her last encounter with one of her ancestral spirits. What she is not aware of – and what her friend has kept from her – is the gruesome history of Ballard House. And it takes but moments for Simone’s sixth sense to alert her to something that will soon endanger her own life.
For Ballard House was the scene of an horrific crime one hundred years ago, and the victims still seek an acknowledgement of what happened, as well as a reckoning for the culprit, but more than that they seek closure. Within the walls of Ballard House lies a secret so sad, so haunting that Simone cannot ignore. The spirits need to be heard. They need someone to act for them. They need Simone to finish what was left unresolved.
As the story progresses, however, the spirits are aware of another evil, and this one threatens Simone’s ability to help, and even her life. They cannot allow evil to win again, nor will they. In telling Simone their stories, she is able not only to make sense of the events back in 1919, but also to understand that history has distorted the facts. He who was presumed guilty of the killings was not the infamous murderous axe-man that the city feared. And while revenge lay at its core, his was not the only act of vengeance that festered through successive generations.
Lies, secrets, jealousy and revenge blend together in this heady cocktail of death and devastation, and Simone – as the conduit to unravel the mysteries – discovers that her presence in Ballard House is the only way to bring peace the spirits and let the house become a home once more. But she has to survive the ordeal first.
Beautifully written, intoxicatingly immersive and hugely engrossing, Echoes of Ballard House will keep you engaged throughout. The spirits are determined to be heard, and for Simone, their stories run skin deep. The way in which the author weaves that final twist, the one that makes it so personal to Simone, seems effortless and yet inspired.
After reading this, the idea of house sitting – even for a friend or family member – may forever be off the cards, but if you must, remember to take notice of the parrot (other pets may be available)!
Peggy Rector didn’t expect to be solving any murders when she returned to her hometown of Stinky Springs in Texas. Then again, she didn’t ever imagine she’d be on the suspect list either. In between writing her novel and trying to catch a stalker, and attempting to avoid being eaten by a mountain lion, she has enough on her plate. But when you add in her quirky neighbours, a possible romance and her beloved pets, Peggy’s life just got more complicated. This is a fabulous cosy mystery, full of great characters, community disputes, ex-wives who don’t want to remain ex-wives and lots of small town shenanigans. I will definitely be back for more. That said, I listened to the audiobook version, which I had to slow down to 75% as the dialect was way too strong and fast for my ear (non- American), so I’ll be reading the next books in the series.
A most enjoyable cozy mystery with the added twist of a cocktail recipe at the end of each chapter, all of which I’m tempted to try 😉 Avalon Nash finds herself unexpectedly employed as a bartender in Tranquillity when she was only meant to be passing through. However, the death of her predecessor gives her the opportunity of a job and a new start (from what we have to discover as her past is only glossed upon here but, no doubt, more will follow in subsequent books).
So, who killed Joseph, the previous bartender, and why? Surely Avalon will leave it to the police to solve… until other strange events quickly follow, including one that leaves her with a very sore head. This mystery is chock-full of secrets and twists than turn the story on its head a few times; nothing is as straightforward as it seems. With interesting characters and beguiling backstories, there is definitely more to Tranquillity than Avalon ever expected.
I listened to the audiobook version and found the narration to be really well-done, engaging and clear.
1915, London: Working in the dusty bookshop that her Aunt Violet mysteriously inherited, Hannah Merrill is accustomed to finding twists in every tale. But discovering her beloved best friend Lily-Anne – with a paperknife through her heart – in the middle of the bookshop, is not a plotline she saw coming.
The case is anything but textbook. With the discovery of a coded German message, and Hannah’s instinct that Lily-Anne’s husband is keeping secrets, she determines to get to the bottom of it.
She can’t do it alone though. To crack this case, Hannah will need the enlist the help of her outrageous, opinionated, only-occasionally-objectionable Aunt Violet.
They think they’re making progress until one of their chief suspects is found dead. And Hannah realises that she is herself now in the murderer’s sights. Will the final chapter be the ending of a killer… or just a killer ending?
A totally addictive, WW1-set cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Verity Bright, T.E. Kinsey, and Agatha Christie
Anita Davison is the author of the successful Flora Maguire historical mystery series.
Previously published by Aria, she is writing a new cosy mystery series for Boldwood, the first title of which, Murder in the Bookshop, will be published in August 2023.
A mismanaged bookshop, bomb attacks, a potential spy ring and the murder of her best friend are the challenges facing Hannah Merrill in this cosy mystery set in WWI Britain. Add to that a touch of romance, barely-disguised jealousy within her social circle, and the shenanigans of her Aunt Violet – an ardent suffragette and frequent thorn in the side of the authorities – is it any wonder Hannah’s mother wants her to return to the safety of Surrey’s elite?
Well, that’s not going to happen.
After sacking the bookshop’s manager – Monty Carstairs – for mismanagement, Hannah determines to run it herself. She has far more in common with her aunt than her mother, and relishes the opportunity to be an independent woman in business. But Monty’s legacy (a series of postcards with secret messages in German indicating further attacks on the city), the subsequent discovery of her best friend, Lilly-Anne, murdered in the bookshop, stabbed with Hannah’s paper knife, and a series of strange visitors thwart her endeavours.
Inspector Farrell is called in to investigate the murder, and Hannah also shows him the postcards. Instinctively, she knows there is more to her friend’s death than meets the eye, and with the help of her wonderful aunt, she sets out to find the killer. But what of the spy ring? Could she be asking for more trouble? Is she in danger herself?
Murder in the Bookshop is a fun cosy mystery. There are plenty of red herrings, and the killer’s identity is kept secret until near the end. While that’s a good sign for a mystery novel, I felt the resolution itself was rushed and not as convincing as it could have been, and the spy plotline was a bit glitchy and lacked credibility. I loved Aunt Violet’s personality, and her incessant flirting with Farrell. Hannah is harder to like, as she keeps a lot of her emotions bottled up, especially when it comes to the romance that never was with the soon-to-be-married Darius. That said, the twist in the tale infers there may be a happy ending after all. I’ll be looking out for the next in the series to see how things develop.
A brand-new cozy crime series set in gorgeous Tuscany…It’s murder in paradise!
A lazy weekend in the country…
Dan Armstrong and the new love of his life, Anna, are heading to a hotel deep in the gorgeous Tuscan countryside for a long weekend, looking forward to some time away from the stresses of their day jobs. With the beautiful and historic city of Siena just around the corner, it promises to be relaxing and enjoyable. What could possibly go wrong?
A mutilated body…
But when a mutilated body is discovered in the hotel grounds Dan is called in to help with the investigation. But who or what could have been responsible for such a vicious attack? Was it the work of wild animals, or is there a brutal murderer at large?
A killer who cried wolf?
Dan knows he is dealing with a clever killer – whether whether two- or four-legged! And as he sets out to solve the case he begins to worry about his own loyal canine companion. Could Oscar be in more danger than any of the other hotel guests or is a murderer trying to cover their tracks?
T A Williams is the author of over twenty bestselling romances for HQ and Canelo and is now turning his hand to cosy crime, set in his beloved Italy, for Boldwood. Trevor lives in Devon with his Italian wife.
I’m always excited when a new book in the Armstrong & Oscar Cosy Mystery series is released, so there was never any doubt t I’d be up for reviewing this fourth instalment. As expected, the author sells the setting like a seasoned tour guide and not even the fear of a wolf attack would deter me from wanting to visit this beautiful part of Italy. That said, the delegates at the environmental conference who are staying at the same hotel as Dan (on a break with new love Anna, dog Oscar, police friend Virgilio and his wife, Lina) insist that wolves are unlikely to attack people. So when Dan thinks he hears a wolf howling on their first night there, no-one expects to find a dead body the next morning. Had Dan really heard a wolf? Were the experts wrong? Well, many of the local farmers think so and they aren’t shy in voicing their concerns. But when the medical examiner rules out a wolf attack, Dan and Virgilio can’t help but look at the hotel’s visitors – primarily the delegates – for their suspects. You see, while they are supposed to be on holiday, neither can curb their interest in the case, both keen to help out where possible, much to Virgilio’s wife’s dismay. The story closely follows Dan’s thought process as he, aided by Oscar in more ways than one, tries to eliminate some guests from the long list of suspects. However, with dodgy alibis aplenty and so many secret (or not so secret) affairs and dalliances among the delegates, the culprit looks to be hiding easily in plain sight. Well, for a while at least as I worked things out early on, identifying the killer though not their motive long before the end. If I’m honest, for me, Dan’s thought process is a tad long-winded and drawn out in this book, although the mechanics of solving the case are nicely punctuated by sight-seeing trips which show Anna’s expertise in all its glory, as well as offering up a very believable dilemma for Virgilio and his wife. These extra plot-lines emphasise how much Dan has settled into his life as a PI in Italy and give substance to the relationships he has made there. A series I’ll never tire of returning to, not just for Oscar’s antics but for the sense of knowing I’m in for an entertaining read.
SEAT 97: wrong place, wrong time: the mystery of a very public murder
A man who had it coming, or mistaken identity?
People are finding their seats for a soul concert when a shot rings out. David Barron crumples to the floor. Next to him, journalist Nick Colton and his wife, Greta, step in to help.
The assassin quickly escapes from the building. Realising this might be the scoop of his life, Nick rushes after him. Although the man evades him – perhaps a good thing, seeing as he is holding a gun – Nick is determined to find the killer. Despite the misgivings of the police.
So who was David Barron and why was he shot? Why was he holding the lethal ticket for Seat 97?
Can you work out the mystery?
This is a totally gripping standalone crime mystery set in London that will keep you guessing.
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Author Bio
Tony Bassett, a former Fleet Street journalist, has had seven crime novels published so far.
This latest book, Seat 97, introduces Nick Colton, a journalist who is swept up into a murder investigation. It is a standalone novel which may possibly lead to a series. The book is published by London-based independent publishers The Book Folks, who specialise in crime fiction.
Tony is best known for his Midlands series of crime novels featuring DCI Gavin Roscoe and DS Sunita Roy (Murder On Oxford Lane, The Crossbow Stalker, Murder Of A Doctor and Out For Revenge, all published by the Book Folks).
He first developed a love of writing at the age of nine when he and a friend produced a magazine called the Globe at their junior school in Sevenoaks, Kent. When he reached his teenage years, growing up in Tunbridge Wells, his local vicar staged one of his plays, about Naboth’s Vineyard.
At Hull University, Tony was named student journalist of the year in 1971 in a competition run by Time-Life magazine and went onto become a national newspaper journalist, mainly working for the Sunday People in both its newsroom and investigations department.
His very first book to be published, the crime novel Smile Of The Stowaway, was released in December 2018. It concerns a Kent couple who harbour a stowaway and then battle to clear his name when he is charged with murder.
Then, in March 2020, the spy novel The Lazarus Charter, was released. It involves foreign agents operating in the UK. The book has kindly been endorsed by Marina Litvinenko, widow of the murdered Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko, and by Stan and Caroline Sturgess, parents of the innocent mother-of-three poisoned with novichok in Salisbury in 2018.
Tony has five grown-up children. He is a Life Member of the National Union of Journalists. He lives in South-East London with his partner Lin.
This was a refreshing change in murder mystery crime for me, straddling the genres of a police procedural with a grittier take on a cosy mystery by virtue of its protagonist and principal sleuth being a male, investigative journalist. Intriguing, indeed.
The story begins dramatically with the shooting of the victim at the theatre only minutes after having introduced himself to journalist, Nick. That said, why the victim felt the need to explain why he was occupying said seat 97 felt a tad forced, but regardless, that information is the catalyst that compels Nick to stick with the case along with the certainty of what he and his wife witness of the presumed killer’s actions. Suspicions are raised, and quickly dismissed by police, which only makes Nick more determined to confirm those suspicions. However, doing so, is not as simple and I enjoyed seeing the facts unfold as Nick puts the pieces of the puzzle together, despite being encouraged to stay out of it by the police. It felt like a race to the finish to see whether he would be proved right or whether he’d been on a wild goose chase all along.
Well-paced and full of intrigue, Seat 97 is a compelling read that kept my attention throughout, and now knowing more about the author I’m keen to check out his other books – a win-win for me!
BREAKING NEWS Mystery Woman was in the Earl of Rossex’s car when it crashed
Reports are coming in that an unidentified woman was in the car that killed James Wilshire (24), the Earl of Rossex, when it crashed in Fenshire late on Tuesday evening and died from her injuries later in hospital. The police have not named the woman, but sources at Francis Court, where the earl lived with his wife Lady Beatrice (21) claim the dead woman was the wife of a member of staff.
The impertinence of the man! Who does this Detective Sergeant Richard Fitzwilliam think he is asking personal questions about the state of her marriage and insinuating that James was having an affair with the estate manager’s wife? Of course he wasn’t! She knew her husband and he wouldn’t do that to her. But what was James doing back in Fenshire on that fateful night when he’d told her he would be London? And why was Gill Sterling in the car with him when they barely knew each other? Unless, of course, she didn’t know her husband as well as she thought she did…
PLEASE NOTE: This is a prequel in the A Right Royal Cozy Investigation series and is not intended to be read as a standalone.
Hello. I’m Helen Golden. I write British contemporary cozy whodunnits with a hint of humour. I live in small village in Lincolnshire in the UK with my husband, my step-daughter, her two cats, our two dogs, sometimes my step-son, and our tortoise.
I used to work in senior management, but after my recent job came to a natural end I had the opportunity to follow my dreams and start writing. It’s very early in my life as an author, but so far I’m loving it.
It’s crazy busy at our house, so when I’m writing I retreat to our caravan (an impulsive lockdown purchase) which is mostly parked on our drive. When I really need total peace and quiet, I take it to a lovely site about 15 minutes away and hide there until my family runs out of food or clean clothes
I’ve only read one book in the series so far – Not Mushroom for Death – but I was so pulled into the world the author has created that I’ve since added books one and two to my Kindle. But before I got around to reading them, the opportunity came up to read the prequel, and having done so I can’t wait to catch up with the other books.
Poor Lady Beatrice to be widowed so early in their marriage, and at a time when she has exciting news to share with her husband. Then, to top it all, the rumours of “the other woman” in the car run amok, only to add to Bea’s pain even more.
As for DS Richard Fitzwilliam, well that was such fun to read. He is so not a people person, and working in intelligence suits him, but when the team investigating the crash is short of staff, a transfer is meant to be a good opportunity for him to show off his talents. And so begins his “difficult” relationship with Lady Beatrice which was evident when I read book three. And then there’s the story of his own personal life – again, most interesting. There’s obviously more to see here … dun, dun, dun…
Again, I loved everything about this story, the setting, the characters and the scope for endless more mysteries to come. As I noted in book three, there are several POVs in this story and the author does use a lot of internal thoughts to get into the characters’ heads and “show” why they make the decisions they do. Generally, these italicised thoughts are well-used, short and to the point, but I began to tire of the intrusion these made into the story when they took up too much of the page. That said, they are, for the most part, effective in moving the story forward.
Another engaging read in what is fast becoming one of my go-to series, and I hope to catch up with the other books – and particularly with the wonderful Perry, Simon, and Daisy – before A Dead Herring is released in May.
When millionaire magnate, Rex Hunter is found with his head bashed in on the eighth hole of his prestigious golf and country club in beautiful Chianti, it’s a clear case of murder. Hunter was rich and successful and the envy of many, so retired DCI Dan Armstrong thinks the case will be a hole in one to solve….
A despised victim…
But as Dan and his trusty sidekick Oscar begin to dig deeper into Hunter’s lifestyle, they discover a man despised by many. A renown womaniser, ruthless boss and heartless family man, it seems no one is particularly sorry to see Hunter dead. And the list of possible suspects is endless…
A murderer covering their tracks.
Dan is determined to catch this clever killer, but it seems every new lead brings another dead end. Will this be one case Dan and his canine companion won’t solve?
T A Williams is the author of over twenty bestselling romances for HQ and Canelo and is now turning his hand to cosy crime, set in his beloved Italy, for Boldwood. The series will introduce us to retired DCI Armstrong and his labrador Oscar and the first book, entitled Murder in Tuscany, will be published in October 2022. Trevor lives in Devon with his Italian wife.
I’ve read a few books by this author before and love how easy he makes it to get engrossed in the story. Obviously, the Italian setting helps with the escapism, but it’s more than a travel guide – though who wouldn’t want to escape to Tuscany after reading this, I do not know – the story is packed with truly great characters. From the wily locals who see and hear everything (and love to share over good food and grappa-fuelled coffee) to those who have made their life in the area and come with baggage (usually ex-wives and numerous affairs that would test any Casanova worthy of the title). Former (but for how long?) DCI Dan Armstrong doesn’t seem able to give up on his old life at the Yard, despite being in a new country, and despite having second thoughts over the breakdown of his marriage and subsequent divorce. Together with his dog, Oscar, Dan has become part of the community, and so when Australian millionaire and owner of the country club, Rex Hunter is murdered, it’s no wonder his good friend and local police inspector calls on him to help with “translations”. And if he wants to ask a few questions of his own, or follow up on some leads when “walking” Oscar, then why not? The victim is not well-liked and the suspects mount up, but when further murders occur it’s clear this will be no easy case to solve. I loved how the author gives insight as to how Dan is thinking, who he suspects, and what he thinks has happened. However, even Dan has to admit feeling blind-sided by this mystery, and there are red herrings galore that misdirect the reader with great skill until the truth becomes apparent. Peppered with glimpses of life in Tuscany, amusing antics with Oscar, and an array of fascinating encounters with locals, it’s easy to see why Dan is enamoured of the area. However, in this book, he starts to wonder how he might fill his time in the years to come. Dan can’t live by tennis matches and Chianti alone, so where does his future lie: as an author (his first book has been accepted by a London publisher) or as an investigator? Will he ever be able to put that part of his life behind him? I can’t wait to find out. PS – I was gutted to find this is the second book in the series, but will be making up for it by grabbing a copy of book one – Murder in Tuscany – before the next in the series is ready.
TV Chef Luca Mazza Dies After Collapse at Food Show on the King’s Private Estate
Luca Mazza (38), who was taken ill during a food demonstration at the Fenn House Food and Wine Festival two days ago, is now known to have ingested poison. Lady Beatrice (36), the king’s niece, who is working on a refurbishment project at Fenn House with her business partner Perry Juke (34), is believed to be comforting Luca’s boss and close friend Sebastiano Marchetti (38), who she began dating last month.
Is he crazy? Why else would Detective Chief Inspector Richard Fitzwilliam suggest that Sebastiano poisoned Luca without any evidence? So now, with the help of her little dog Daisy and her best friends Perry and Simon, Lady Beatrice will have to prove to Mr Know-it-all Fitzwilliam that Seb is innocent. But with so many people having access to the food preparation area at the show how will she find out who did murder Luca before Fitzwilliam lets his personal dislike get the better of him and arrests Seb?
Hello. I’m Helen Golden. I write British contemporary cozy whodunnits with a hint of humour. I live in small village in Lincolnshire in the UK with my husband, my step-daughter, her two cats, our two dogs, sometimes my step-son, and our tortoise.
I used to work in senior management, but after my recent job came to a natural end I had the opportunity to follow my dreams and start writing. It’s very early in my life as an author, but so far I’m loving it.
It’s crazy busy at our house, so when I’m writing I retreat to our caravan (an impulsive lockdown purchase) which is mostly parked on our drive. When I really need total peace and quiet, I take it to a lovely site about 15 minutes away and hide there until my family runs out of food or clean clothes
Who doesn’t love a punny title? It’s one of the best things about cosy mysteries, and it certainly caught my attention. I hadn’t read any of the others in the series but I am definitely planning to go back and check them out. By the way, the story works perfectly well as a standalone, I just want to know more about the key characters. I’ll be honest, I did wonder if this would be a historical cosy given the main character is a proper Lady but I loved that it was a contemporary tale with a made-up Royal family of its own. Lady Beatrice, together with her business partner, the fantastic Perry Juke, is working on a refurbishment project for the King while a cooking event is taking place starring Chef Seb – Lady Bea’s boyfriend – and a host of other chefs. When one of the main participants – Luca – takes ill and later dies, rumours of an unfortunate case of food poisoning run amok. And so begins the mystery. Had Luca been foraging and accidentally picked poisonous mushrooms? Did someone else plant the mushrooms in his dish?
So many questions, so many suspects, and so many secrets. Let me just say that Lady Bea’s dog, Daisy knows the answer 😉
When it appears that Luca was murdered, Lady Bea’s nemesis in the form of DCI Fitzwilliam is brought in to investigate. Now, these two, I understand, have met before in other cases and he is not keen on her meddling. Which means, that’s the green light for her to “meddle” and solve the case before him. But will she? There’s a frisson of romantic tension bubbling away here which only adds to the fun. Aided and abetted by the marvellous duo of Perry and Simon, not forgetting the instinctive reaction of her dog, Daisy, what follows is an entertaining mystery, and a tongue-in-cheek view of royal gossip. (Timely, indeed 😉 )
My only issue was the use of so many POVs which seemed to be used to reveal their inner thoughts and in so doing move the story forward. That said, each POV was presented with consistency and clarity. I loved the setting, the royal obligations to behave a certain way, and the inclusion of Lady Bea’s son brought a touch of youthful exuberance to the story (although Perry has his fair share of that too) I loved the characters, their relationship with each other, the behind-the-scenes details of the royal rooms being refurbished… in fact, it was a most amusing and engaging read with the promise of more to come. I’ll be back for more; I just need to catch up on the others in the series first.
Just 4 My Books 