Crime and mystery: cosy mystery

Book SynopsisSaddle up for this first class historical mystery, perfect for fans of Helena Dixon and Verity Bright.London, 1918Fiona Figg finds herself back in Old Blighty saddled with shuffling papers for the war office. Then a mysterious card arrives, inviting her to a fancy house party at Mentmore Castle. This year’s Ascot-themed do will play host to a stable of animal defense advocates, and Fiona is tasked with infiltrating the activists and uncovering possible anti-war activity.Disguised as the Lady Tabitha Kenworthy, Fiona is more than ready for the “mane” event, but the odds are against her when both her arch nemesis, dark-horse Fredrick Fredricks, and would-be fiancé Lieutenant Archie Somersby arrive unexpectedly and “stirrup” her plans. And when a horse doctor thuds to the floor in the next guest room, Fiona finds herself investigating a mysterious poisoning with some very hairy clues.Can Fiona overcome the hurdles and solve both cases, or will she be pipped to the post and put out to pasture by the killer?What readers are saying about Kelly Oliver:'A fun, mix of whodunnit and thriller!' T. A. Williams'Fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek spy romp. Enjoy the ride!' Frances Evesham"Will keep you turning the pages and laughing all the way!" Dianne Freeman'The perfect wartime spy; Fiona Figg is smart, sneaky, and full of surprises… A fun whodunit that will keep you turning the pages!” Cathi Stoler, author of The Murder On The Rocks Mysteries.“A cross between an Agatha Christie and a Sherlock Holmes sleuthing story. Just brilliant!” NetGalley Reviewer"Covert in Cairo is simply delightful. Kelly Oliver’s immersive prose brings World War I era Egypt to life. Fiona Figg — with her tools, wigs, and disguises — is a sleuth you can’t help but root for." S.K. Golden, author of the Pinnacle Hotel Mystery series."This historical mystery delivers twists and turns. I can't wait for the next one!" Muddy Rose Reviews"I love Fiona Figg!" Margaret Mizushima“Couldn't put it down.” Amazon Reviewer"A perfect blend of wit, fun, and intrigue." Debra Goldstein“I am hooked on these amazing characters.” Amazon Reviewer"A fun diversion with an entertaining female lead."Kirkus Reviews“Fans of Susan Elia MacNeal will gobble up this series! Highly recommend." L.A. Chandlar“Diabolical plot twists, interesting red herrings, colorful characters, make this a good whodunit.” NetGalley Reviewer

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Book SynopsisThe BRAND NEW instalment in bestselling author T. A. Williams' Armstrong and Oscar cozy mystery series!A brand-new cozy crime series set in gorgeous Italy... It's murder in paradise!An old friend in need…Despite being retired from the police, Dan Armstrong is always on hand to help with solving a crime. So, when he’s contacted by an old colleague in need of help, Dan readily agrees. The only problem Dan can see is the location – an isolated mountain-top campsite of UFO enthusiasts.An unexplained death...But these are no ordinary star watchers, and when Dan arrives one member of the group is already dead. Some of the group suspect alien abduction, but Dan is sure the killer is much closer to home.An out of this world case?Dan doesn’t believe in aliens, but faced with a black hole of secrecy from the group of suspects, he and Oscar have their work cut out to catch the murderer…before they strike again.It's another case for Dan and Oscar to solve!A gripping new murder mystery series by bestselling author T.A. Williams, perfect for fans of Lee Strauss and Beth Byers.Praise for T.A. Williams!"The perfect combination of character, setting and plot, heralding an addictive new cozy mystery series!" Bestselling author Debbie Young."Watching unassuming detective Dan Armstrong weddle the truth out of folks is great fun. Highly Entertaining read!" Bestselling author Kelly Oliver.

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Book Synopsis"A thrilling murder mystery that kept me turning the pages. Well worth a read." Bestselling author T.A. Williams.The competition is fierce….Desperate to try and rebuild the reputation of Hopgood Hall, owners Alexi Ellis and Cheryl and Drew Hopgood agree to host a realty TV baking show, spearheaded by their arrogant but enigmatic head chef Marcel Gasquet. Hopefully the ratings will bring in bookings to the struggling hotel and Cosmo, Alexi's antisocial feral cat, is hoping to get a starring role too!The temperature is high…Fiery and hot-headed, Marcel’s antics makes for brilliant television, but off-screen trouble is brewing. One of the contestants, femme fatale Juliette Hammond, makes it clear that she will do anything to secure the winning prize – even if it means sweetening up the prima donna chef.The results are deadly!So when Juliette is found dead, all eyes turn to Marcel. Has his fiery French temper got the better of him or has someone else fallen victim to Juliette’s devious ways?With the reputation of the hotel in tatters and Marcel's liberty on the line, Alexi needs answers and fast. And the only person she can turn to for help is her old friend and private eye Jack Maddox. Jack's working his own case, but he can't refuse Alexi and he knows more than anyone that this murder could cost them everything!Perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Frances Evesham and Emma Davies.

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Book Synopsis"A thrilling murder mystery that kept me turning the pages. Well worth a read." Bestselling author T.A. Williams.The high society wedding…Social media influencer Crystabel Hughes is determined her wedding to Giles Preston Smythe will be the talk of the town. No matter the cost or the upset, nothing will stop this wedding!A cheating groom…But for Alexi Ellis and the rest of the staff at Hopgood Hall, Crystabel’s demands are becoming increasingly extreme. And when Alexi spots the groom getting up close and personal with one of the bridesmaids, she fears trouble is only a bouquet toss away.A killer bride caught red-handed?And Alexi’s fears are confirmed when the groom is found dead on the night before the wedding, stabbed through the heart - the person holding the dagger. his beloved bride-to be Crystabel.Hopgood Hall doesn’t need any more bad press, but the race is on to find the killer and close the case before Crystable live streams her dilemma.Can Alexi, Jack and Cosmo find out why Giles was killed? And, more importantly, can they stop the killer before they strike again?Perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Frances Evesham and Emma Davies.Readers love the Hopgood Hall series!'If you want to dip your toe into the cosy crime genre then this is the book for you! It is incredible. I loved every word and Cosmo the cat is just hilarious' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'A Date To Die For would make a fabulous early evening television series. I really enjoyed it and look forward to much more from E V Hunter'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review'The author certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one heck of a story'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

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Book SynopsisNEW YORK,1900: A captivating cozy crime novel set on-board the maiden voyage of the S.S. Minneapolis, featuring series character Flora Maguire. Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey.Young governess Flora Maguire is on her way home from America on the maiden voyage of the S.S. Minneapolis with her young charge Eddy, Viscount Trent, when she discovers a dead body.Unconvinced when the death is pronounced an accident, Flora starts asking questions, but following threats, a near drowning and a second murder, the hunt is on for a killer. Time is running out as the Minneapolis approaches the English coast.Will Flora be able to protect Eddy, as well as herself?Is her burgeoning relationship with the handsome Bunny Harrington only a shipboard dalliance, or something more? And what secrets must Flora keep in order to stay safe?Previously published as Murder on the Minneapolis.What readers are saying about Death On Board:‘I thought it really evoked the era. And the atmosphere of an ocean-going cruise lent itself well to a murder scene. And you can quote me on that!’ FAITH MARTIN.‘Wow! I was kept guessing right to the end. A great read and I will be looking out for more of this author’s work!!!’‘I’m a big fan of this author’s work, so I was excited to read the first instalment in her new mystery series. It did not disappoint. Along with the sparkling dialogue and likeable characters I have come to expect, I found an intriguing, page-turning whodunnit.’‘With intrigue heaped upon intrigue [this] is certainly a great whodunnit that kept my attention from start to finish.’‘This is definitely a 5 star! Highly recommended!’‘Pulls you in and won’t let go!!!’

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Book SynopsisEven the most glamorous stately homes hide secrets and lies from the past...When Flora Maguire receives an alarming telegram informing her of her father’s tragic death in a riding accident, she races back from London to her childhood home.But when Flora and her new husband, Bunny, get to Cleeve Abbey – where she was once Governess to Eddy, Viscount Trent, and her father was butler to Earl Trent – it’s all is not well.Flora’s intention was to bury her father next to Lily, her mother, who sadly passed away when Flora was a small child. But it turns out that a mystery surrounds the whereabouts of Lily’s final resting place.No-one is willing to talk. And, with her father now dead in what seems like a suspicious accident, Flora must now strive alone to uncover hidden family secrets. And a terrible betrayal with the power to change everything…A cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey, and set in the glorious Cotswolds landscape.Previously published as Murder at Cleeve Abbey.What people are saying about Death at the Abbey:‘Intriguing… Clues to keep you guessing… I was caught up in the story immediately.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘I love, love, love this series! … The intricate plot with its many odd characters kept me turning the pages until the stunning end. I highly recommend this to everyone who loves historical fiction and who would like to venture into the cozy mystery genre. Highly recommended!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘An intriguing mystery… Flora makes a wily opponent with first rate detective skills.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars Would recommend to anyone who likes their heroines feisty.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

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Book SynopsisEven the most glamorous stately homes hide secrets and lies from the past...When Flora Maguire receives an alarming telegram informing her of her father’s tragic death in a riding accident, she races back from London to her childhood home.But when Flora and her new husband, Bunny, get to Cleeve Abbey – where she was once Governess to Eddy, Viscount Trent, and her father was butler to Earl Trent – it’s all is not well.Flora’s intention was to bury her father next to Lily, her mother, who sadly passed away when Flora was a small child. But it turns out that a mystery surrounds the whereabouts of Lily’s final resting place.No-one is willing to talk. And, with her father now dead in what seems like a suspicious accident, Flora must now strive alone to uncover hidden family secrets. And a terrible betrayal with the power to change everything…A cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey, and set in the glorious Cotswolds landscape.Previously published as Murder at Cleeve Abbey.What people are saying about Death at the Abbey:‘Intriguing… Clues to keep you guessing… I was caught up in the story immediately.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘I love, love, love this series! … The intricate plot with its many odd characters kept me turning the pages until the stunning end. I highly recommend this to everyone who loves historical fiction and who would like to venture into the cozy mystery genre. Highly recommended!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘An intriguing mystery… Flora makes a wily opponent with first rate detective skills.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars Would recommend to anyone who likes their heroines feisty.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

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Book Synopsis1903 London is bustling and glamorous. With troubling secrets simmering and worrying signs of war Flora Maguire must solve a deadly mystery which leads right to the heart of the corridors of power.When the body of a London socialite, and leading light of the burgeoning women’s suffrage movement, is found outside The Grenadier public house in London’s fashionable Knightsbridge, Flora Maguire can’t resist investigating.Mysterious letters are discovered in the victim’s belongings, including strange links to the foreign office. But why do the clues keep coming back to the assassination of a Baltic king?As Flora closes in on the killer, it soon becomes clear she is no longer safe in London, but – as her husband Bunny rushes to be by her side – will he be the one to save her, or will she have to find her own way out?Previously published as Murder at The Grenadier and A Knightsbridge ScandalWhat readers are saying about Death of a Suffragette:‘London makes for a wonderful setting for this cozy mystery, brought to life by the author's elegant prose and deep historical research. I am enjoying this series. Flora Maguire is an excellent amateur detective!’‘I just finished one Flora book to move onto another! … A super book to curl up with and apparently, there's more to come!’‘This is a series mystery lovers won't want to miss.’‘I enjoyed it tremendously!’‘Careful though, it’s hard to put it down once you start!!’

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Book SynopsisA fatal jump. A missing suffragette. An inexplicable murder.London, 1920. For the first time ever, two women are competing against each other to become an MP. Reporter Iris Woodmore has a big story on her hands when she accompanies one of the candidates to the House of Commons. But it’s a place that holds painful memories. In 1914, her mother died there when she fell into the River Thames during a daring suffragette protest. Then, in the shadow of Big Ben, a waterman tells Iris her mother didn’t fall – she jumped.Iris discovers that the suffragette with her mother that fateful day has been missing for six years, mysteriously disappearing just after the protest. Desperate to know the truth behind the fatal jump, Iris’s investigation leads her to Crookham Hall, an ancestral home where secrets and lies lead to murder…The first book in the Iris Woodmore cozy crime series.Previously published as The Suffragette’s Daughter'The mystery itself is intriguing, with plenty of twists and unexpected developments. If you enjoy 1920s mysteries and learning about the Suffragettes and all they stood for, then I highly recommend Death at Crookham Hall.' Verity Bright, author of Murder by Invitation'A fabulous, well-written, mystery that holds all the promise of much more to come... The Iris Woodmore mysteries are fast becoming some of my favourites.' M J Porter, author of King of Kings'A joy to read! Such a well-researched mystery. I absolutely loved the unconventional heroine, 1920s setting, engaging characterisation and poignant ending, all of which provide a captivating start to the Iris Woodmore cosy mystery series.' Anita Davison, author of the Flora Maguire Mysteries‘Death at Crookham Hall is a lovely, murder mystery by a gifted writer.’ Helena Dixon, author of Murder at the Village FairWhat real readers are saying:'Well written, with complex characters ... a thoughtful and compelling story ... readers of the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear might like this book.'"What a great book! Highly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction and a twisty plot."“…a real page turner… couldn't put it down. So much so that I stayed up until the early hours to find out what happens. The ending did not disappoint. A thoroughly enjoyable novel.”“The writer's attention to detail and historical fact was very good… characters are well drawn and believable… I would thoroughly recommend.”“1920s at its best…When you get to the end of a book and feel sad that the book is finished, you know you have just read a worthwhile story. The characters are brilliantly written and swept me along.”

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Book SynopsisWartime secrets, smugglers’ caves, skeletal remains...And the holiday’s only just begun…July 1923 - Iris Woodmore travels to Devon with her friends Percy Baverstock and Millicent Nightingale for her father’s wedding to Katherine Keats.But when Millicent uncovers skeletal remains hidden on the private beach of Katherine’s former home, Iris begins to suspect her future stepmother is not what she seems.The police reveal the dead man is a smuggler who went missing in 1918, and when a new murder occurs, they realise a killer is in their midst. The link between both murders is Katherine. Could Iris’s own father be in danger?'The Iris Woodmore mysteries are fast becoming some of my favourites.' M J Porter'Compulsive reading at its best. Iris Woodmore's fourth mystery has a mix of love, jealousy, and betrayal of the kind that can only lead to murder.' netgalley reviewer, five stars'The Iris Woodmore Mysteries are a firm favourite of mine – rich with period detail but with a damn fine mystery as well. Highly recommended.' netgalley reviewer, five stars'What an utterly delightful story! ... I am sure Dame Christie would have been delighted by this novel.' netgalley reviewer, five stars

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Book SynopsisA brand-new series perfect for Richard Osman readers and all fans of a page-turning whodunnit.It was meant to be the start of quiet season in the sleepy Cornish village of Seal Bay, but not for sexagenarian librarian and wild swimming enthusiast Morwenna Mutton. Because when a local businessman is found on the beach with a bread knife is his back, bungling police officer DI Rick Tremayne is soon out of his depth. Morwenna knows it’s going to be down to her to crack the case.The list of people the victim upset is long, the evidence is slight, and an arrest illusive. Morwenna has plenty to occupy her time what with ghostly goings-on at the library and skullduggery at her granddaughter’s school, but she could never resist a challenge. And even the most ruthless of murderers should quake at the sight of this amateur sleuth getting on her bike to track them down.If you love Miss Marple and The Thursday Murder Club, then you'll love The Morwenna Mutton mysteries.Readers love Judy Leigh:‘Loved this from cover to cover, pity I can only give this 5 stars as it deserves far more.’‘I loved reading this book, great characters and this author certainly knows how to put a good story together. I'm really looking forward to reading more books by her.’‘This author never disappoints, always a joy to find one of her books which I haven’t read.’‘This book is yet another triumph from an author who never disappoints me, and very much recommended.’

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Book SynopsisThe Colonel turns reluctant sleuth once more when tragedy strikes at a RAF reunion, in the latest atmospheric village mystery from Margaret MayhewThe village of Frog End may be peaceful, but that doesn''t mean that the Colonel''s life there is quiet - not with his friendly but nosy neighbour Naomi, desperate to know what he''s keeping in his new shed; the curious Miss Butler, who tracks his every move with her German U-boat captain''s binoculars; and the attentions of the local vicar, who''s keen to involve him in church affairs. That''s not forgetting the demands of the aloof, imperious cat Thursday, who seems to have adopted the Colonel.So the Colonel is pleased when his old friend Geoffrey Cheetham invites him up to the village of Buckby for the weekend, to coincide with a RAF reunion event. After depositing an outraged Thursday at the Cat Heaven cattery, he drives up, and meets his fellow guests at the Cheethams'' B&B: including a Lancaster bomber crew, reunited for the first time. But everything is not as it seems, and the Colonel finds himself taking on the reluctant role of sleuth once more when tragedy strikes . . .

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Book SynopsisA brilliantly observed, hilarious and poignant social satire. Wilcox’s Tula Springs novels (there are six and characters overlap) have the narrative litheness of an Armistead Maupin and the piercing tragi-comic insights of Edith Wharton. No scandal has ever rocked Tula Springs, Louisiana, like the discovery one morning of a dead body sprawled beneath L. D. Loraine’s window. No matter that L.D. is 91 and nearly bedridden – the evidence clearly points to him as the murderer of the nasty Mr Versey, his lackadaisical home attendant. Before justice can be done however half the staff of City Hall, a suspicious old curmudgeon of a judge, a home ec teacher, an uninspired dentist, the principal of a disreputable school, several adulterous housewives and even Miss Undine’s living room are implicated… Standing firmly and stubbornly at the centre of the action is the great niece of the accused, Olive Mackie. Outraged on learning that she too has been drawn into the case she decides that desperate action is called for and heads out to restore her reputation and to singlehandedly set things straight in the beleaguered town.Trade ReviewPraise for Wilcox: ‘Like Anne Tyler, Wilcox writes with a compassion best expressed in the willingness to laugh at his characters’ foibles.’New York Newsday ‘Mr Wilcox has real comic genius.’Ann Tyler ‘Wilcox conveys the paradoxical sense that human life may be random and absurd but that to capture that absurdity exactly in just the right words is to conquer it.’Mirabella

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Book Synopsis'I absolutely adored this book' - Stephen KingMeet Mrs Planksy, supposed retiree, reckless motorbike rider and exasperated solver of international internet scams.Mrs Plansky's Revenge is bestselling author Spencer Quinn's first novel in a new series since the meteoric launch of Chet and Bernie -- introducing the irresistible and unforgettable Mrs Plansky, in a story perfect for book clubs and commercial fiction readers.Mrs Loretta Plansky, a widow in her seventies, is settling into retirement in Florida while dealing with her 98-year-old father and fielding requests for money from her beloved children and grandchildren. Thankfully, her new hip hasn’t changed her killer tennis game one bit.One night Mrs Plansky is startled awake by a phone call from a voice claiming to be her grandson Will, who needs ten thousand dollars to get out of a jam.By morning, Mrs Plansky has lost everything. Law enforcement announces that her life savings have vanished, and that it’s hopeless to find the scammers behind the heist. First humiliated, then furious, Loretta Plansky refuses to be just another victim.In a courageous bid for justice, Mrs Plansky follows her only clue on a whirlwind adventure to a small village in Romania to get her money and her dignity back — and perhaps find a new lease on life, too.Trade Review'If you like Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich, hop on this train.''Terrific... Quinn radiates pure comedic genius.''I absolutely adored this book. Really fun but with a few teeth, as well. Mrs. Plansky is a terrific character. The story ticks along like a good watch.' -- Stephen King'Nothing short of masterful.''Mrs Plansky is a wonderfully memorable heroine, full of wit ... Readers will be eager to see what Mrs Plansky gets up to next.' * Publisher's Weekly *

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