BLOG TOUR: The Conservatory (The Aunt Lily Yorkshire Dales Mysteries Book 1) - Anthony Aberford

Some secrets are best left buried; others are better never planted!

In a restored Victorian conservatory, four grieving women from the local wellness centre discover that their friend's mysterious death, amongst her toxic plants, was not an accident.

When eccentric homoeopath Aunt Lily arrives on her tricycle, she seems just the person to help uncover answers. But who is she really, and why is she there?

A sixteenth-century journal hidden in the conservatory holds dark secrets that could change everything. And an enigmatic stranger will stop at nothing to find it – making false promises and real threats.

Can the friends resist his temptations and unlock the book's hidden secrets in time? Do they have the strength to make an impossible choice before it is too late?

A creepy tale of intrigue and suspense, full of witty and charming characters, this brand-new cosy mystery novel is perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Jill Johnson and Janice Hallett who like their tea with a twist of tension.

 

What did I think?

I have to start my review of The Conservatory by mentioning the amazing cover.  It is absolutely stunning and it entices the reader to discover the dark but enchanting story inside.

Aunt Lily is a wonderful character; she is so mysterious, quirky and vividly described that she virtually pops out from the page.  Aunt Lily reminded me of Mary Poppins the way she turns up in such an unusual and unforgettable way so I loved her the moment I met her.  She has arrived just in time to help a group of women investigate the death of their friend.  It looked like an accident but it was murder!

The story is interspersed with extracts from a mysterious 16th century book and I loved how Anthony Aberford weaves this into the story.  It does get quite dark with almost a good versus evil tussle to get hold of the book and I really enjoyed this imaginative and tense supernatural element.

Incredibly intriguing and completely captivating, The Conservatory is a fantastic introduction to a new series and I can't wait to meet up with Aunt Lily again.  This is pure escapism and I loved it.

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

Hobeck Books

Amazon

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BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR: The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting (Retired Assassin's Guide, book 2) - 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 chaos.

What did I think?

Well this was a fun read.  I didn't realise it was book two in the series when I picked it up but it can definitely be read as a standalone as I really enjoyed it.

Dante is the retired assassin and although he's moved to Te Kohe in New Zealand to get away from his past, he remains very alert to threats and isn't ready to hang up his weapons just yet.  I loved Dante and his lack of social skills - he's not good dealing with people as he has usually been sent to kill them.  It certainly makes dating very challenging (for Dante) and very amusing (for the reader).

I didn't feel lost at all, having not read the first book, as I quickly got to know Dante and his very small circle of friends.  They're a bit like the Scooby Gang as they investigate a murder with their own unique set of skills.  The plot thickens when the orchid convention comes to town and it is clear that collectors will do anything to get their hands on the rarest orchids.  

It's such an enjoyable read with an intriguing murder and a fantastic cast of characters that I want to read more about.  With a host of shady suspects, it's impossible to predict and I couldn't read fast enough to find out whodunnit.  I didn't guess right of course but I don't mind being wrong when there's such a breathtaking conclusion to experience.

Unusual, unpredictable and impossible to put down, The Retired Assassin's Guide to Orchid Hunting is an incredibly charming cosy mystery that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.  

I received a gifted paperback for the Love Books Tours bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

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BOOKSTAGRAM TOUR: Murder Most Foul (A Harvey Ross Coastal Mystery, Book 1) - Theo Harris

A hidden satchel. A long-buried murder. A seaside town with secrets worth killing for…

When Harvey Ross's terrier unearths an old leather satchel on Sheringham beach, the retired Detective Inspector discovers something the Norfolk waves should have claimed decades ago: evidence of an unreported 1950s murder—and a cryptic reference to treasure the locals swear doesn't exist.

Newly divorced and restless, Harvey can't resist pulling the thread. But as he navigates seaside gossip, forgotten grudges, and lies that have aged like the salt-worn groynes along the coast, he realizes someone is watching. Someone who's kept this secret for seventy years and won't let a meddling newcomer drag it into the light.

With Max at his side and allies among Sheringham's quirky residents, Harvey must solve the mystery before the next high tide washes away more than just footprints in the sand.

A delightful coastal cozy brimming with charm, twists, and dark currents beneath the surface. Perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton, Richard Osman, and Frances Evesham. 

What did I think?

I really enjoyed Murder Most Foul and I'm so glad that Theo Harris has more books planned in the Harvey Ross Coastal Mystery series.

I loved the coastal setting of Sheringham in Norfolk that I found really easy to visualise thanks to the vivid and descriptive writing.  I also loved Harvey Ross and his dog Max who are brought to life so well that they almost pop out from the page.

Harvey may have retired from the police force but he still has a copper's nose so when Max finds an old satchel on the beach there's a mystery for Harvey to solve.  There's an old arsenic bottle in the satchel that relates to a murder most foul indeed.  A murder that was never investigated at the time and one that someone in the town doesn't want Harvey to investigate.

This is a very intriguing story that hooked me from the start as I wanted to uncover the secrets that had been buried with the satchel.  I absolutely raced through the book as I couldn't put it down and I became very fond of Harvey (and Max) over the course of the book.  I can't wait to catch up with them again and I will definitely be reading more books in this fabulous series.

Mysterious, dangerous and captivating, Murder Most Foul is a fantastic start to an exciting new series.  It may be cosy crime but it has an intelligent and intricate plot that kept me riveted from start to finish.  A very highly recommended read.

I received a gifted paperback for the Love Books Tours bookstagram tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

Amazon

About the author:

Theo Harris is an emerging author of crime action novels. He was born in London, raised in London, and became a cop in London. Having served as a police officer in the Metropolitan Police service for thirty years, he witnessed and experienced the underbelly of a capital city that you are never supposed to see. Theo was a specialist officer for twenty-seven of the thirty years and went on to work in departments that dealt with serious crimes of all types. His experience, knowledge and connections within the organisation have helped him with his storytelling, with a style of writing that readers can associate with. Theo has many stories to tell, starting with the ‘Summary Justice’ series featuring DC Kendra March, and the 'Harvey Ross Coastal Mystery' series, and will follow with many more innovative, interesting, and fast-paced stories for many years to come. 

For more information about upcoming books please visit theoharris.co.uk

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The Dog Sitter Detective's Christmas Tail - Antony Johnston

It's almost Christmas, and actress and amateur sleuth Gwinny Tuffel is still pondering what to buy DCI Birch (retired) and whether she could adopt a new furry friend.

But sorting through her late father's papers leads her into his mysterious past, pointing to an enigmatic 'liaison' now living in a Somerset commune populated by a group of retired spies.

When Gwinny and Birch are unexpectedly snowed in at the remote farmhouse, they find that any skeletons in her father's closet have been joined by a body in the attic.

Surrounded by people for whom keeping secrets is second nature, along with an energetic Cocker Spaniel, Gwinny and Birch are embroiled in a murder case once again.

Will they uncover the culprit and escape in time for Christmas?

 

What did I think?

The Dog Sitter Detective's Christmas Tail is the fourth book in the Dog Sitter Detective series but you can certainly read it as a standalone.  I only discovered the series at book three, The Dog Sitter Detective Plays Dead, but I loved catching up with Gwinny and Birch again. 

Gwinny and Birch head off on an intriguing trip when Gwinny discovers a mysterious old folder among her late father's effects.  It turns out to be a very interesting discovery indeed as the trail leads Gwinny and Birch into the world of spies, secrets and espionage.

Oh my goodness, I absolutely loved this book and raced through it as quickly as the snow fell on the remote farmhouse where Gwinny was delving into her father's surprising past.  The snow falls thick and fast so Gwinny and Birch get snowed in and the story turns into a fantastic locked room mystery when a body is found in the morning and not a flake of snow has been disturbed.  

The characters are so wonderfully drawn that they virtually pop out of the page.  I could both visualise and hear them in my head as the riveting story unfolded.  There are so many secrets and mysteries in the book that I raced through it and read it a lot quicker than I expected.  It's perhaps not as festive as you might expect from the cover, but it's more realistic and authentic and doesn't need twinkly lights and sparkly tinsel.

Impossible to predict and difficult to put down, The Dog Sitter Detective's Christmas Tail is a riveting and intriguing locked room mystery that will delight fans of cosy crime.  A very highly recommended read.

I received a gifted hardback from Allison & Busby and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

BLOG TOUR: Flora's Cotswold Christmas Mystery - Anna A. Armstrong

It’s December 1924, and when the Honourable Flora Farrington hears of the untimely death of her old schoolfriend Maud, she smells something suspicious—and it’s not the Christmas pudding. With her usual flair for investigation (and an eye on the ever-dashing Inspector Busby), Flora throws herself into the mystery—helped along by her old Nanny and the ever-faithful dachshund, Dorothy.

The quiet Cotswold village is anything but peaceful: a war-scarred doctor, a capable nurse, ambitious social climbers and missing morphine all muddy the festive waters. When Flora’s fearless daughter Debo ends up in danger, the case turns chilling in more ways than one. From Christmas shopping in Oxford to a dramatic chase through the frosty countryside, Flora finds herself uncovering secrets far darker than she imagined—as sparks begin to fly between her and Busby.

Will Flora solve the case before the bells ring—or will Christmas bring one final, deadly twist?

 

What did I think?

Flora's Cotswold Christmas Mystery is a fun mystery with a festive feel and I raced through it in one sitting.  It's a novella at 167 pages long but it is packed with entertainment and unforgettable characters.

It's set in 1924 and there's a wonderful cast of characters at the start of the book that picks out the main characteristics of each character in a delightful and informative way.  I found it really useful and referred to it throughout the book so I didn't lose track of who was who.

Flora is a great character and she's a fan of the P.G. Wodehouse books which has turned her into a female Bertie Wooster, what-ho!  It's making me smile just thinking of Flora now and that's before I'm reminded of Nanny (her very own Jeeves) and Dorothy (the dachshund).

The 1920s era is beautifully described and I really felt as if I had stepped back in time.  It's written with so much warmth and humour that it's an incredibly entertaining murder mystery with a dash of romance.  I really enjoyed it and it's definitely one to put on your Christmas list.

I received a gifted paperback to read and review for the virtual book tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

Foyles

Amazon

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More Than Murder - Jayne Chard

TWO ESTRANGED SISTERS. ONE DISAPPEARING BODY.

A witty, cosy mystery packed with twists, turns and tea!

When her flamboyant and spirited half-sister, Frankie, returns to Little Clarsden to claim her share of Rose Cottage, left to them by their Aunt Lucy, she is met with a frosty reception from Julia, who still harbours an old grievance. In an attempt to mend their fractured relationship, the sisters attend a murder mystery weekend at the grand country house of the Medfield estate in the rolling hills of Somerset.

After the first evening’s supper, a “poisoned dart” “kills” one of the guests. In the classic whodunit style of a country house mystery, the game of tracking down the “killer” is afoot.

The playful intrigue takes a sinister turn when the sisters discover a real body hidden in a secret passage. When the body disappears before anyone else can see it, no one believes it ever existed.

As night falls, dark clouds are massing like a cloak of a thousand ravens. A fierce storm leaves the guests trapped in the mansion. With fallen trees and debris rendering the guest’s escape impossible, the killer strikes again.This time, everyone believes the sisters.

With the body count rising and two murders to solve, our sharp-witted, sleuthing sisters set aside their differences, determined to unravel the tangled clues of the murder mystery, track down the real killer, and uncover the truth.

Amid the glamour and intrigue of the other guests and the actors slipping in and out of character, it’s difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction. Nothing and no one is as they seem.

As the sisters get closer to the truth, someone wants them silenced—permanently. With laugh-out-loud banter, a hint of danger, and a twist even Agatha Christie would admire, can Julia and Frankie catch the culprit before the murder weekend becomes their last.

With witty and charming characters and a plot with more twists and turns than a country road, More Than Murder is a delightful blend of humour, mystery and the classic country house crime, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, M.C. Beaton and Benjamin Stevenson.

More Than Murder is the first book in this cosy crime series.

 

What did I think?

More Than Murder is a fun cosy mystery that I really enjoyed.  It is the first book in a new cosy crime series featuring two estranged sisters so I'm intrigued to see what Jayne Chard has in store for Julia and Frankie next.

Julia is hoping that her sister Frankie will never return to the quaint village of Little Clarsden so that she will inherit her aunt's cottage by default.  Unfortunately for Julia, Frankie turns up like the proverbial bad penny to claim her share of  Rose Cottage.  As the sisters attempt to get along as best they can, they are helped by Frankie winning a ticket for two to a murder mystery weekend.  Their relationship begins to repair ever so slowly when they have to work together to identify a killer who turns out to be more real than the murder mystery weekend organisers had planned. 

I loved the murder mystery weekend setting and with a lot of the characters being actors it's never been more true to say that some people aren't who they seem.  I enjoyed following the clues with Julia and Frankie and the competitiveness between them and the other participants was very amusing.

It remains to be seen whether the sisters can live together and share Rose Cottage so I am interested to see where the series is going next.  If I was one of the sisters, I would be worried that the next book was going to be called 'Murder in Rose Cottage'.

Witty, charming and twisty, More Than Murder is a great start to an intriguing new cosy mystery series and I can't wait to read more.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from Amazon

BLOG TOUR: Cheddar Luck Next Time - Beth Cato

A cozy cheese-scented mystery with delightful characters, a dash of murder and tons of intrigue, perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club and The Maid.

Cheese-obsessed Bird Nichols has just inherited her grandmother’s estate in a quiet, quirky Californian town. But when a body is found on her property, her life begins to get rather loud…

Bird Nichols is ready to make a fresh start in a familiar place. Last year, her parents died together in a car crash and her beloved grandmother is presumed dead from an ocean drowning. Bird is now moving onto her grandmother's California coastal property, and finally living out her dream. Bird loves cheese like nothing else. It's her autistic special interest, and she designs her boards along her sensory needs, and other people love them, too.

But just when everything seems to be going right, the local troublemaker ends up dead on her rural road. Grizz, the closest thing Bird has to family, is the sheriff department's favourite suspect, but she is determined to prove Grizz’s innocence. So now, Bird needs to unpack her possessions, assemble her pretty cheese boards, and find the true murderer before they strike again.

 

What did I think?

Oh wow, I loved this fun and slightly bonkers book!  I mean a cosy mystery with cheese and a cat that makes Garfield look slim, not to mention a lovable and inspirational main character who is autistic - what's not to love?  

Bird loves cheese and, as a cheeselover myself, I was positively salivating at some of the vivid descriptions of the smell and taste of her cheese boards.  Bird has suddenly found herself alone in the world after the devastating death of her parents followed by the disappearance of her grandmother.  Bird inherits her grandmother's estate and moves to Foghorn, which despite its name used to be a quiet town until trouble followed Bird into town.

You really can't help but love Bird and her unusual name.  I think the fact that she is autistic is great for diversity in literature and it really made me think about our own character quirks and how difficult it must be when they are amplified to such a debilitating degree.  Bird shows that she can live and thrive with autism and she turns her fixation with cheese into her livelihood.

Just like her Grandma, Bird can't help investigating crime and she finds herself drawn into a web of danger and deceit when a murderer strikes in Foghorn.  During her investigation, Bird rescues the victim's cat Bowser and just thinking of this big orange furball puts a smile on my face.  What a great character he is - I could almost feel his purrs reverberating through the book!

Whilst the storyine has its own contained plot, there are some tantalising threads of the story left unfinished so I hope that this is the start of a new series.  I really enjoyed my virtual visit to Foghorn and would love to return.  If you love cosy mysteries (and cheese and cats) then please do not miss this book; I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it.

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

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Three Bags Full - Leonie Swann

On a hillside near the quaint Irish village of Glennkill, the flock gathers around the dead body of their shepherd, George, who lies pinned to the ground with a spade. George cared deeply for the sheep, reading to them daily, and as a result they are far smarter than your average flock.

Led by Miss Maple, the sharpest sheep in Glennkill (and possibly the world), they set out to find George's killer. With an assortment of woolly investigators on the case, there are furtive missions into the village and a collection of two-legged suspects to chew over.

Dazzingly original, Three Bags Full introduces a band of detectives who are a breed apart.

What did I think?

As soon as I heard that Hugh Jackman was starring in Three Bags Full, a movie about sheep detectives, I just had to read the book that the film is based on and it is every bit as fun and unique as I thought it would be.

I do love a cast of characters in a book and Three Bags Full starts with a 'dramatis oves' to introduce the reader to all of the sheep characters in the book.  I loved this - it adds an element of fun to the book but also reminds us that animals have their own quirks and characteristics too.

The flock love George their shepherd, who reads to them every night and has promised them a trip to Europe, so they are completely distraught to find him dead one day.  There are lots of clues for them to follow to identify the murderer, starting with the spade that has been stuck in him and the hoofprint on his chest.  When the villagers gather round, they don't realise that the sheep are listening...

Oh I did enjoy this book, it is so much fun and I loved all of the sheep characters.  The sheep don't think like humans so I did sometimes struggle with what on earth they were talking about and I still don't know what 'the thing' is but I've had fun trying to work it out.  The mystery of George's death is very well plotted and I would never have worked it out in a million years, so well played Leonie Swann, well played indeed.

Highly original and impossible to predict, Three Bags Full is an unusual, fun and surprising murder mystery.  If you love cosy mysteries and you're looking for something different to read then I would highly recommend Three Bags Full.  I can't wait to see the movie now, even though I know whodunnit.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Read the book before you see the film and buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

The Dog Sitter Detective Plays Dead - Antony Johnston

Gwinny Tuffel is on location in the misty Yorkshire Dales filming a small part in Draculania, a genderswapped remake of Bram Stoker's classic tale, when life begins to imitate art a little too closely. One of the cast members is found dead inside a locked trailer, with a stake through their heart.

With a prima donna in the starring role, filming is already facing delays, while Gwinny is being run ragged by Lily, the Jack Russell terrier she's looking after for a friend in hospital. Against the backdrop of Hendale Hall with its own vampire legend, a flesh-and-blood killer has struck. Will Gwinny be able to find the murderer before the production or any further victims are cut?

 

What did I think?

The Dog Sitter Detective Plays Dead is book three in the Dog Sitter Detective series but it is the first one I have read and I absolutely loved it.

It's such a refreshing change to have an older protagonist and I loved Gwinny from the start, as well as Lily the Jack Russell who she is looking after for a friend.  Gwinny has returned to work as an actor to make ends meet after taking time out to look after her father but the filming of Draculania is brought to a standstill when one of the actors is murdered in a trailer with a door locked from the inside.

With all of the actors pointing their fingers at each other, the police have quite a job on their hands to find out what happened.  It was really funny to see them all blaming each other and of course the leading lady has to make it all about her.  Luckily, Gwinny has a bit of experience as an amateur detective but the leading lady thinks she can identify the murderer before Gwinny (and the police).

This was such a fun, easy read that I read in two sittings as I couldn't put it down.  I found it really easy to warm to the characters, despite not having read the earlier books.  I really loved how Antony Johnston captured the essence of a little Jack Russell and created the larger than life character of Lily.  If Gwinny hadn't been such a strong, loveable character I think Lily may have stolen the show for me.

The Dog Sitter Detective Plays Dead is a cracking locked room mystery and an absolute must-read for cosy mystery fans.  I don't know how this series had slipped under my radar but it's definitely got a new fan now.

Many thanks to Allison & Busby for sending me a gifted hardback to read and review; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

BLOG TOUR: Murder on the Menu (The Bad Girls Detective Agency book 3) - Katie Marsh

Since Amber started the Bad Girls’ Detective Agency, she’s been feeling the pressure. So – when she and her best friends win a trip to a new luxury castle retreat on a remote island – she hopes it will be a chance to relax in style.

The girls are all excited to experience world-famous chef Valerie la Fontaine’s tasting menu. 

But none of them expect there to be another dish being served that weekend: revenge. And when Valerie is found dead inside a locked room in a tower, the Bad Girls know this is a case that only they can solve…

Hilarious and gripping mystery – perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, The Traitors, and How to Kill Men and Get Away With It.

 

What did I think?

Murder on the Menu is book 3 in The Bad Girls Detective Agency series and although you can read it as a standalone I think it is better if you have read one or more of the earlier books to fully understand the characters.

It's a fun murder mystery that almost reads like a game of Cluedo based in a castle with a handful of guests and lots of rooms for a killer to hide in.  Luckily for the guests left standing after a killer strikes, Amber and the Bad Girls are on the guest list and they're straight on the case.

I enjoyed catching up with the girls again and there are some interesting developments in Amber's personal life that really warmed my heart.  There are some interesting (and some shady) characters in the story that kept the plot moving along at a good pace and I couldn't wait to discover all of their hidden secrets.

With a remote and slightly sinister setting, Murder on the Menu is a fun murder mystery that is a great book to read on a dark and chilly winter's night.   

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Purchase here: https://mybook.to/OnTheMenu

About the author:

Katie Marsh wrote five bestselling, uplifting women’s fiction novels before turning to cosy crime for Boldwood. Previously published by Hodder, the first in her new crime series  How Not To Murder Your Ex, following the fortunes of the Bad Girls Detective Agency, was published in December 2023.

Social Media Links 

Facebook: @KatieMarshAuthor

Twitter:@marshisms

Instagram: @KatieMarshAuthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KatieMarshNews

Bookbub profile: ​​@KatieMarsh

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BLOG TOUR: The Poison Pen Letters (The Village Detectives Book 2) - Fiona Walker

We regret to announce the tragic death of Phoebe Fredericks… 

When crime novelist Phoebe opens the post and receives an invitation to her own funeral, she’s horrified. Not least because the date of her death is marked as tomorrow. 

Deciding it’s nothing more than a prank from an enemy from her past, she determines to put it to the back of her mind. 

But the next morning, when her completely infuriating postman (who likes to think himself her no.1 literary critic) rings her doorbell, a parcel of poisoned pen-nibs explodes in his face. 

Forced to confront the fact her correspondence is more RIP than RSVP, Phoebe realises someone must want her dead. 

Together with the newly-formed Village Detectives – Juno, Mil and Felix – Phoebe resolves to find out who is behind the poison pen letters before they strike again and her fate is signed, sealed and delivered! 

A totally hilarious, modern cozy crime mystery, from million-copy bestselling author Fiona  Walker, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Janet Evanovich and Janice Hallett. 

What did I think?

I didn't realise that The Poison Pen Letters is the second book in a series when I first started reading it, so you can totally read it as a standalone as I really enjoyed it.  It's a cosy mystery but it also has a bit of a comedy crime caper about it so be prepared to laugh a lot along the way.

I loved my virtual visit to the picturesque village of Inkbury and Fiona Walker's vivid writing drew a beautiful picture in my mind.  Of course the village may look lovely on the outside but something evil is lurking beneath the surface and one of the villagers ends up dead...but was that person the intended victim?

Author Phoebe Fredericks has been targeted with disturbing poison pen letters that would have had me running for the hills but her friends, the Village Detectives, are determined to find out who is writing them.  Phoebe has quite a list of people she has fallen out with in the past so the detectives, led by Juno, have their work cut out for them and a road trip is on the cards.

Juno is a fabulous character; it's so refreshing to have a middle-aged protagonist and she reminded me of an older Bridget Jones, especially when her mother tries to set her up with an eligible bachelor.  Juno did provide a lot of the laughs for me and I want to read the first book now just to see what she gets up to before this book.

As funny as it is cosy, The Poison Pen Letters is a witty and compelling mystery that entertained and surprised me.  I will definitely be picking up the first book in the series and I will be keeping an eye out for more visits to Inkbury.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Purchase link: https://mybook.to/poisonpensocial

About the author:

Fiona Walker is the million copy bestselling author of joyously funny romantic comedies. Most  recently published by Head of Zeus, she will be turning to cozy crime for Boldwood. The first in her new Village Detectives series, The Art of Murder, will be published in May 2024. 

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fionawalkeruk 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fionawalkeruk 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fionawalkeruk/ 

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/FionaWalkerNews 

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/fiona-walker 

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BLOG TOUR: The Cat Who Cracked a Cold Case (Conrad the Cat Detective Book 3) - L T Shearer

A crime gone unsolved for five years . . .

The life of Lulu Lewis, a retired police detective, took an unforgettable turn when Conrad first introduced himself to her. Unforgettable because:

a) Conrad is a special cat.

b) Special because he told her so.

Yes, that’s right, he can talk.

(For obvious reasons, this ability remains a closely guarded secret while they live together on her canal boat, The Lark.)

Visiting an old friend in Manchester, the pair stumble across a chilling news report about a trail of bodies found across the city that echo a string of cold case murders from Lulu’s past in London.

Joining forces with the local police, the pair must use every ounce of their intuition in order to find a connection between the seemingly random killings – and track down a ruthless murderer . . .

What did I think?

I didn't realise that this was the third book in a series when I picked it up but it can totally be read as a standalone because I loved it.  I am so pleased that I have found this fabulous cosy mystery series and I plan to read the first two books as I'm missing Conrad and Lulu already.

Lulu might have retired from the police force but she still has a copper's nose and Conrad has a cat's nose for sniffing out criminals too.  I absolutely loved the special relationship between Lulu and Conrad and how Conrad travels around on Lulu's shoulders.  Conrad is definitely more of a companion than a cat and it feels completely natural for Lulu to have two-way conversations with him.

I really liked the waterway setting that might suggest a gentle pacing but the cosy mystery plotline is so multi-stranded and compelling that I couldn't put the book down, reading it in half the time I expected.  It is even bringing a smile to my face now, especially thinking about part of the story when Lulu and Conrad are hot on the tail of a thief.

Completely original and incredibly compelling, The Cat Who Cracked a Cold Case is the cosiest of cosy mysteries.  It entertained and delighted me, in addition to warming my heart and leaving a smile on my face.  L T Shearer has gained a new fan; I can't wait to read more about Lulu and Conrad.  A highly recommended read.

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

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About the author:

L T Shearer has had a lifelong love of canal boats and calico cats, and both are combined in The Cat Who Caught a Killer, a one-of-a-kind debut crime novel. The story continues with The Cat Who Solved Three Murders and The Cat Who Cracked a Cold Case. 

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