Socialite turned unwilling sleuth Indigo-Daisy-Violet-Amber Hasluck-Royce-Jones-Bomberg is back again in this madcap murder mystery. In Murder Most FanSocialite turned unwilling sleuth Indigo-Daisy-Violet-Amber Hasluck-Royce-Jones-Bomberg is back again in this madcap murder mystery. In Murder Most Fancy Indigo literally falls over a body in her grandmother's garden. The man by all appearances looks to be homeless and Grandmother's neighbour, Dame Elizabeth Holly, asks Indigo and her personal assistant Esmerelda to unearth the man's identity so she can give him a decent burial. As the pair use their unconventional means of investigation the mystery thickens, and could someone be trying t0 kill them?
I haven't read the first book in this series, Heiress on Fire and I didn't feel like I had missed anything, so I would say this reads well as a standalone. Murder Most Fancy is a fun read filled with humour and wry wit. A diverse cast of characters combine to deliver a story that's not all about high society and name dropping. Indigo is well portrayed as the overindulgent rich girl. However, she is perfectly offset with her sidekick Esmerelda, who is laid-back and unassuming. I found it hard to get a hold on Esmerelda's character. She was a whole bunch of contradictions. She quite often had no idea what was going on around her but she was street wise, tech savvy and intelligent. I think Kellie McCourt has done an wonderful job of writing such a complex character and I am sure she will be a favourite of readers.
I loved the way each character had a partnering character with an opposite personality; Indigo and Esmerelda, also the two grandmothers, with Indigo's grandmother firm and no nonsense whilst Dame Elizabeth was softer and manipulated with kindness, showing opposites can get along and make lasting friendships.
At times I found the story was a bit too wordy however this could be easily overlooked when the wordiness was so funny. Murder Most Fancy is an addictive murder mystery filled with a diverse cast of likeable characters and shenanigans that will have you laughing out loud.
Till Daph Do Us Part is the first book in a series starring Daphne Jones, a traveling celebrant who likes to do a bit of sleuthing on the side. When soTill Daph Do Us Part is the first book in a series starring Daphne Jones, a traveling celebrant who likes to do a bit of sleuthing on the side. When someone is found dead at a wedding Daphne is officiating at she can't help but become involved in the investigation. Daphne reminded me of Miss Marple, she has an eye for things out of place and people tend to open up to her. This was a fun cosy mystery and I enjoyed Daphne's investigative process. The story had a couple of good twists that I didn't see coming. If you enjoy light, fun, Miss Marple type reads, Till Daph Do Us Part will appeal. *I received my copy from the author...more
I have come to know Pamela Hart through reading her Historical Fiction novels. However, she also writes Fantasy and children's novels under the name PI have come to know Pamela Hart through reading her Historical Fiction novels. However, she also writes Fantasy and children's novels under the name Pamela Freeman. Digging Up Dirt is her first foray into the cozy mystery genre.
Poppy McGowan works for the ABC children's network. She is currently renovating an old inner city house and when bones are found under her floorboards she sees it as a good opportunity to call in a couple of archeologists she knows and film the dig for a children's documentary. All is going well until one morning a body is found in the house and suddenly she is the number one suspect.
This story was such a lot of fun. Poppy is a character I easily warmed to. She was fun, upbeat and didn't take herself too seriously. The addition of nemesis Julieanne leant for some dark comedy. She was one determined, ambitious woman! Not at all happy about being a suspect Poppy decides to do some digging of her own.
Digging Up Dirt is a story that has many twists and turns and my thoughts on who the murderer was kept changing as i read on. With the involvement of an evangelistic church , politicians, the local council, heritage orders, archaeologists and news reporters after an exclusive, it all makes for an interesting and fast paced read.
Pamela Hart has proven herself to be a writer of remarkable versatility. I am eagerly looking forward to the next Poppy McGowan mystery now that she has proven to be an amazing investigative reporter. *I received my copy from the publisher...more
The Affacombe Affair, the second book in the Pollard & Toye series, is another enjoyable cozy mystery set in rural England.
When a murder haunts the smThe Affacombe Affair, the second book in the Pollard & Toye series, is another enjoyable cozy mystery set in rural England.
When a murder haunts the small, sleepy town of Affacombe and the local police investigation comes to a standstill, Scotland yard is called in to pick up the case. Set in the 1960's The Affacombe Affair has all the charm of the era; small close-knit town, a mix of well to do and working class, local traditions, garden parties and hidden secrets.
The story builds slowly revolving around the community, their day to day life and interactions. As the police investigation progresses hidden secrets are exposed and we find there is more than one person who may have wanted the victim out of the way.
Pollard & Toye didn't come into this story until about the 50% mark and I felt in this novel they didn't come across as the main characters. Olivia Stode, a community stalwart, is a wonderfully drawn character and it felt much like her story as she became involved with many aspects of the investigation and also did a little sleuthing of her own. Pollard solves the case by piecing together what seemed to be inconsequential evidence and a good dose of sheer luck.
I really enjoy following along with the investigation in cozy mystery reads, trying to pick up on clues and having my own guess at who-dun-it. But I must say I didn't guess the outcome of this case.
If you enjoy reading about quaint rural communities with a murder mystery thrown in The Pollard & Toye series is sure to appeal. I received my copy from the publisher...more
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp... 3.5 Stars Death of an Old Girl is the first cozy mystery in the Pollard and Toye crime series; an intricate po*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp... 3.5 Stars Death of an Old Girl is the first cozy mystery in the Pollard and Toye crime series; an intricate police procedural set in rural England. Originally published in 1967 it has been rereleased by Sapere Books.
The story is set during the Meldon Girls School’s annual festival and Old Girls reunion. A time of year when previous students (old girls) come together, reunite and catch up on the latest school developments.
After the weekend-long festivities are over and the school is about to be closed for the summer the body of an Old Girl is found hidden in the art room. DCI Pollard and DS Toye from Scotland Yard are called in to help with the investigation. Pollard clearly sees this as a chance to impress his superiors.
Death of an Old Girl is a slow paced and lengthy police procedural as Pollard and Toye piece together snippets of information from numerous interviews to develop an intricate time line.
There are a few good twists as Pollard digs deeper, murder isn’t the only crime being committed. He also uncovers one family’s long held secret and an eavesdropping busy body causes the perfect crime to come asunder.
I found Pollard’s sexist remarks a little grating but I suppose they were probably par for the course in the era the story was set.
The language of the characters came across as more 1930’s than the late 1960’s and it did take me a while to work out when the story was set. Also the old English slang was hard for me to understand so I was a bit lost there.
A classic cozy mystery from a master of the genre! Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, M C Beaton, Sophie Hannah and Faith Martin.
Diamond Rings are Deadly Things is the first in the Wedding Planner Mysteries series by Rachelle J Christensen.
Adrielle Pyper has moved to Sun Valley Diamond Rings are Deadly Things is the first in the Wedding Planner Mysteries series by Rachelle J Christensen.
Adrielle Pyper has moved to Sun Valley Idaho to pursue her lifelong dream of running her own business as a wedding planner. She had worked for a large and successful wedding planning company in San Francisco but after a life-altering incident she decides to start afresh closer to home.
The story is narrated by Adrielle and we get a close up look at her thoughts and life. Adrielle is feisty and self confident and doesn’t mind saying exactly what she thinks. She is a perfectionist and puts her heart and soul into the weddings she plans; there is no time for boyfriends or romance. Her business partner, Lorea, is a dressmaker. She sells the wedding dresses whilst Adrielle plans the weddings. Lorea is fun, chirpy and a romantic at heart. She is always trying to get Adrielle to loosen up, have some fun and maybe give love a chance.
Between planning the weddings of soap star Sylvia and Lorea’s good friend Natalie who is marrying the rich and famous Brock Grafton, who just so happens to be Sylvia’s ex, Arielle also gets herself mixed up in a diamond smuggling operation. Everyone is a suspect, from the old, friendly jeweller Walter Mayfield to Colton, the delivery guy, and the hot new lawyer in town, Luke.
As we follow Adrielle on her hectic wedding planning schedule, trying to squeeze a few dates in with Dallas, the local real estate agent, and solve a stalker problem. The story makes for quite a few laughs, a little bit of romance and edge of your seat suspense. I loved the insight into just how much work a wedding planner does.
I absolutely loved the craft and wedding decoration descriptions at the start of each chapter. Adrielle and her Mum have their own crafty blog which features in the story and which I’m happy to say is a real blog (Yes, I googled it!). www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com
Diamond Rings are Deadly Things is a real page turner, a clean cozy crime/ mystery. Adrielle is a fun protagonist and the ending will have you holding your breath!!! The perfect start to a new ‘must read’ series for me.
Content: no coarse language, no sex, minimal violence, a clean read.
Murder in Little Shendon is the first in a new murder mystery series. Local Inspector Stanley Burgess feels out of his depth when a resident i3.5 stars
Murder in Little Shendon is the first in a new murder mystery series. Local Inspector Stanley Burgess feels out of his depth when a resident is brutally murdered so he calls in former MI5 Sir Victor Hazlitt, who has family ties with the village, to help out with the investigation. Victor arrives with his charming friend and actor Beresford Brandon who he feels with his affable nature and good looks will be an asset when questioning people. As the trio split up to interview the townsfolk we find that the murder victim was not particularly well liked and a long list of suspects ensues when most interviewed had a motive and the opportunity.
Set in the quaint little town of Shendon where everyone knows each other and as the investigation proceeds we find there are lots of secrets unfolding.
This is an appealing murder mystery set sometime late 1940’s when everyone was very proper. The characterization is excellent and I could clearly imagine the little town and it’s quirky and eccentric residents.
My only problem with the story was the changing point of view; sometimes this happened mid page and was off putting.
If you enjoy watching shows like Midsummer Murders this novel will definitely appeal.
My thanks to the author and Book Publicity Services for my digital copy. ...more
Hunter Galen, a high flying stockbroker, finds his business partner, James Nowak, dead in their office and he’s the number one suspect. Hunter hires fHunter Galen, a high flying stockbroker, finds his business partner, James Nowak, dead in their office and he’s the number one suspect. Hunter hires family friend and PI, Nathan Price, to clear his name. However when Nathan’s licence is suspended for impeding an investigation it is up to Nicolette Price, Nathan’s cousin, a rookie PI fresh out of college to prove Hunter’s innocence.
Hunter takes an instant liking to Nicki’s straight forward manner and can’t help comparing her to his spoilt up market girlfriend, Ashley.
During their investigations Hunter and Nicki will uncover much more than they expected about James and also learn a few things about their own weaknesses.
A humorous, suspenseful romance set in the backwaters of Mississippi and post Katrina New Orleans. I must admit this Aussie girl knows nothing about these places but the vivid descriptions of the ramshackle fishing shack and the boat ride made me feel the fear and the beauty of the bayou.
The story concentrates on two separate mysteries that Nicki is trying to solve. Solving who killed James Nowak would definitely raise her PI status and the more personal, how her father died would give her peace of mind.
I originally went into this story thinking it was a murder mystery but when I changed my thinking to read it as a romance I fell into the story easier. This clean romance/mystery/suspense had me hooked. It was filled with salt of the earth characters such as Nicki’s grandparents, Hunter’s Aunt Donna and the wise old Jeanette Peteriere. It held lessons on judging people by their appearance and roots and believing in yourself.
The mystery kept me guessing, the suspense had me turning pages and the humour had me laughing. All wrapped in a romance that will have you yearning for a happy ever after.
I would recommend this book to all lovers of romance.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy to read and review.
Sorry, that person's shelf is private.
Veronica ⭐️
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