The Murder Affair

Author – Alice Castle

Before turning to crime, Alice Castle was a UK newspaper journalist for The Daily Express, The Times and The Daily Telegraph. Alice is an avid reader of crime fiction, her favourite stories are cozy crimes with a strong sense of place. When she couldn’t find a series about her beloved south London, she decided to write her own – and single mum amateur sleuth Beth Haldane was born. Alice also writes twisty psychological thrillers for HQ Digital under the name A.M. Castle. The Perfect Widow was a top selling audiobook in 2019 and The Invitation hit the top 50 on Amazon UK in 2021. Alice lives with her two children and two cats and, if she isn’t writing or reading a whodunit, she’ll be watching one on telly.

Social Media Links –

Website

Home

Facebook URL

https://www.facebook.com/alice.castle.355

Instagram URL

https://www.instagram.com/alice_castle__/

Publisher – Bookouture

Pages – 290

The Blurb –

In a quiet little village, mourners gather for a church funeral. But some of the tears flowing are fake – and Beth Haldane suspects foul play…

On a rainy afternoon, Beth Haldane accompanies her elderly mother Wendy to the funeral of her boyfriend and local councillor Len. But as they gather in the church, Beth can’t help but notice how many women are there who look just like her mother.

As the service begins it soon becomes clear that all of the women thought they were Len’s special someone – and one of them even claims to be his distraught wife. Wendy suspects foul play and immediately asks Beth to investigate.

As Beth begins to speak to the women she has to ask, was one of Len’s many disgruntled girlfriends out for revenge? Why was Len borrowing money from the ladies he romanced? And why did his work for the local council seem so suspicious?

Then, Len’s secretary Bella is found dead amongst the dahlias in a planter. Beth starts to suspect Len was involved in something far more dangerous than she’d assumed but what did Bella know about his business that led to her unfortunate end?

With the village rumour mill in full swing, fingers start to point at Wendy. After all, distraught Wendy is telling everyone who lends her an ear that Len was murdered – and she saw Len the very evening he was found dead. The clock is ticking for Beth to clear her mother’s name before it’s too late!

A deliciously cozy and gripping murder mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and The Thursday Murder Club.

Today is my stop on The Murder Affair blog tour. Many thanks to Bookouture for the chance to read and review.

My thoughts – This is a wonderful series and I love Beth’s character. I would advise that you go back and enjoy the full set of books. This is the ninth book and see’s Beth helping her mother after a bereavement. This being Len, her boyfriend.

However Wendy’s grief turns into despair when half of the congregation believe they are the partner of the deceased. Did all these women have grounds for murder? Naturally Beth is on hand to investigate to see what really did happen to him.

Another one of Alice’s books that I have read in one go. An excellent series.

I love the Beth Haldane books and have reviewed these other titles.

The Slayings in Sydenham

The Body in Belair Park

Revenge on the Rye

Purchase Links – The Murder Affair

Trauma to Truth

Author – Clare Robinson.

Claire lives in the south of the U.K with her 2 teenage children and 4 crazy cats.

She has used poetry her whole life to document thoughts, feelings and emotions that can’t always be put into spoken words.

Her spiritual practices , meditating, giving gratitude every single day and Mindfulness have added greatly to her creativity, she believes in the universal powers that be and of course the magic in everyday!

Claire has many interests and has many qualifications under her belt , having a keen interest in psychology and aiding others in their recovery.

Claire loves nature, the beach, a lover of music and a regular concert goer. Claire loves travelling and exploring but she is happiest surrounded by family and friends or as an avid reader, curled up with a great book.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090513774696

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

Pages – 109

The Blurb –

Trauma to Truth is a self help book, using poetry and prose that documents a journey through trauma to truth. It tells a story from start to finish and how it is possible to go from recovery to starting the discovery of who you can become..

It begins with Trauma and how it was personally viewed and moves through the process of unpicking, un-ravelling, highlighting the highs, lows and all the emotions in between. it covers anger, domestic abuse, grief, love and loss, finally finishing with forgiveness. It is a raw and honest account of one woman’s story to share that there is in fact light at the end of the tunnel and you do not have to be defined by your past.

Today is my stop on the Trauma to Truth blog tour. Many thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the chance to read and review.

My thoughts – What a book this is. I admire the author greatly to be able to share her thoughts in this way. It is beautifully written with passages of prose followed by poems. It is a heart breaking read but also a message of hope.

Whilst it can be a hard read I would say it is an essential one.

Purchase Links – Trauma to Truth

Death of a Painter

Author – Matthew Ross.

Matthew Ross is the author of 3 published novels to date. His first novel, “Death Of A Painter” was selected by The Sun newspaper as one of its picks of the week. Matthew wrote his first novel after undertaking the prestigious Faber Academy 6-month novel writing course under the tutelage of Richard Skinner.

Prior to that Matthew wrote material for a leading British stand-up comedian for their live performances, corporate bookings, national theatre tours and their appearances on tv and radio shows such as “Have I Got News For You”, “Mock The Week” and “The News Quiz”.

In addition, he was commissioned to provide material and sketches for several comedy series that were broadcast on BBC Radio 4.

Matthew lives in Kent with his family and pets.

Social Media Links –

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/PoynterElectricalServices
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattw_ross/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mattwross
Website: www.mattwross.uk

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52865668-death-of-a-painter

Publisher – Curlew Crescent

Pages – 348

The Blurb –

When Mark Poynter discovers a murder on his worksite all of his financial problems suddenly seem a lot closer to home: was this a warning his debts are overdue?

Suspected of being the killer and worried at being the intended victim, the murder only makes Mark’s money problems worse, leading him to turn to the local villain, Hamlet, who has his own unique repayment plan in mind for Mark.

When two more deaths plunge him even further into debt, Mark finds himself faced with a choice – help the police and clear his name or help the villain and clear his debt.

Set in the Medway Towns on the grey margins of criminality, where no job’s too big, no dodge’s too small…

Today is my stop on the Death of a Painter blog tour. Many thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours and Curlew Crescent for the chance to read and review.

My thoughts – This is such a good read. It is a mixture of funny and quite dark.

When Mark finds his client dead, the police immediately think he is the prime suspect. The fact that he is in debt to some serious people doesn’t help matters and he really needs the money for the job.

To clear himself he has to resort to desperate measures, where he finds himself in dangerous situations. This sounds quite dark but it is balanced brilliantly with the humour of the book. There are lots of quirky characters along the way, that make you laugh out loud.

A good read.

Purchase Links – Death of a Painter

The Body at Carnival Bridge

Author – Michelle Salter.

Michelle Salter is a historical crime fiction writer based in northeast Hampshire. Many local locations appear in her mystery novels. She’s also a copywriter and has written features for national magazines. When she’s not writing, Michelle can be found knee-deep in mud at her local nature reserve. She enjoys working with a team of volunteers undertaking conservation activities.

Social Media Links –

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleASalter

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/michelle-salter

Publisher- Boldwood Books

Pages – 317

The Blurb –

How deadly is the fight for equality?

It’s 1922, and after spending a year travelling through Europe, Iris Woodmore returns home to find a changed Walden. Wealthy businesswoman Constance Timpson has introduced equal pay in her factories and allows women to retain their jobs after they marry.

But these radical new working practices have made her deadly enemies.

A mysterious sniper fires a single shot at Constance – is it a warning, or did they shoot to kill? When one of her female employees is murdered, it’s clear the threat is all too real – and it’s not just Constance in danger.

As amateur sleuth Iris investigates, she realises the sniper isn’t the only hidden enemy preying on women.

Today is my stop on The Body at Carnival Bridge blog tour. Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the chance to read and review.

My thoughts – This is the second book I have read in the Iris Woodmore series the first being Murder at Waldenmere Lake.

This book sees Iris investigating when her friend Constance’s life is put in danger. As with any good mystery there are twists and turns along the way before we get to find everything out. I am enjoying the character of Iris, a lot has changed for her since the last book and getting some back story really adds to a protagonist I feel.

As well as the mystery the author has really give a feel of the time, not just the attitudes or style but the social history. What was going on in the country, which gives an authentic feel.

Really good series.

Purchase Links – The Body at Carnival Bridge

A Contest to Kill For

Author – E.V. Hunter

Evie Hunter has written a great many successful regency romances as Wendy Soliman and is now redirecting her talents to produce dark gritty thrillers for Boldwood. For the past twenty years she has lived the life of a nomad, roaming the world on interesting forms of transport, but has now settled back in the UK.

Social Media Links –

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wendy.soliman.author

Twitter – https://twitter.com/Wendyswriter

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wendy_soliman/

Newsletter Sign Up – https://bit.ly/EvieHunter

Bookbub profile – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/evie-hunter-572c1816-05f2-47c2-9c13-6d10a229670b

Publisher – Boldwood Books

Pages – 295

The Blurb –

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 reailty 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!

Today is my stop on the A Contest to Kill For blog tour. Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the chance to read and review.

My thoughts – This is the second in the Hopwood Hall mystery series. I would advise that you read the A Date to Die For before starting this book. This is because the identity of the killer in the first book is revealed in A Contest to Kill For.

This murder mystery revolves around a television cookery programme, and things really start to boil over when a contestant is found murdered. As the competition is being held in her hotel, Alexi is on hand to cast her eye over all the possible suspects and conduct her own investigation.

I hadn’t read the first book in the series, so was coming to the characters for the first time. Alexi is a good strong character and an excellent protagonist for the series. She works well with Jack and obviously there is more than just a friendship brewing there. However Cosmo steals the show for me!

A great who dunnit, and I shall be reading others in the series.

Purchase Links – A Contest to Kill For

Death on Cromer Beach

Author – Ross Greenwood

Ross Greenwood is the author of crime thrillers. Before becoming a full-time writer he was most recently a prison officer and so worked everyday with murderers, rapists and thieves for four years. He lives in Peterborough.

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ross.greenwood.756

Twitter: https://twitter.com/greenwoodross

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rossg555/

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

Bookbub profile:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ross-greenwood

Publisher – Boldwood Books

Pages – 450

The Blurb –

A brutal double murder on a Norfolk beach horrifies the town of Cromer. The way the victims died is chilling and so Norfolk’s Major Investigation Team task DS Ashley Knight to manage the case.

It soon becomes clear that the murders were carefully planned and the finger of suspicion points to an organised crime gang, but as the evidence mounts, a far more sinister theory emerges.

Ashley has been allocated a young but opinionated partner in Hector Fade, and sparks soon fly. Annoyingly for Ashley, Hector is no pushover and looks destined for great things. When the pair delve into the case, they struggle to understand who would inflict such suffering on their victims and hope the crime is a one off from a deranged and dangerous individual. But then another body is found.

There’s a killer on the loose who wants them to believe that the beach has a memory. They must be caught, or others will meet their end by the sea.

Today is my stop on the Death on Cromer Beach blog tour. Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the chance to read and review.

My thoughts – I really like Ross Greenwood books so I was pleased to be able to read this new one. The action starts straight away as two bodies are found on the beach. Their murders are brutal and Ashley is sure this is the start of a particularly hard murder investigation. To add to her pressure a new recruit is to be part of the team.

The story moves at a fast pace as we follow the team investigate various suspects. There are a lot of red herrings along the way but the ending was a real surprise.

I really liked Ashley’s character and it was interesting to see how her and Hector, the recruit, work together. I look forward to reading the next instalment.

Purchase Links – Death on Cromer Beach

Covert in Cairo

Author – Kelly Oliver

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

Social Media Links –
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/kellyoliverauthor
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/kellyoliverbook
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kellyoliverbooks/
Newsletter Sign Up:
https://bit.ly/KellyOlivernews
Bookbub profile:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly-oliver

Publisher – Boldwood Books

Pages – 298

The Blurb –

Cairo. December 1917.
Following a tip off from notorious spy Fredrick Fredricks, Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane of British
Intelligence find themselves in the hustle and bustle of Egypt. But ancient mummies aren’t the only
bodies buried in the tombs of Cairo.
When a young French archeologist is found dead in a tomb in the desert with his head bashed
in, and an undercover British agent goes missing, the threat moves closer to home.
As they dig deeper, soon Fiona and Kitty uncover a treasure trove of suspects, including competing
excavators, jealous husbands, secret lovers, and belligerent spies! Fiona wonders if the notorious Fredrick Fredricks could be behind the murders? Or is the plot even more sinister?
One thing is clear – If Fiona and Kitty can’t catch the killer, they might end up sharing a sarcophagus
with Nefertiti.
With humor as dry as the Arabian desert, and pacing as fast as a spitting camel, Fiona and Kitty are
back in another sparkling adventure, this time in WW1 Egypt.

Today is my stop on the Covert in Cairo blog tour. Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the chance to read and review.

My thoughts –

I haven’t read any books by this author before so starting with this book was a treat. It is a really good read that pulls you in immediately. The descriptions of Cairo were lovely and drew me to that time and place, giving the book a real atmosphere.

There are two main characters and we follow their adventures as they try to solve the murder of a archeologist. I like the relationship between Kitty and Fiona, it is interesting to see how their differing personalities work together. There are lots of jokes along the way, as well as historical figures, as they sift their way through plenty of suspects to find a killer.

An enjoyable read.

Purchase Link – Covert in Cairo

Murder at Waldenmere Lake

Author – Michelle Salter

Michelle Salter is a historical crime fiction writer based in northeast Hampshire. Many local locations appear in her mystery novels. She’s also a copywriter and has written features for national magazines. When she’s not writing, Michelle can be found knee-deep in mud at her local nature reserve. She enjoys working with a team of volunteers undertaking conservation activities.

Michelle Salter

Social Media Links –

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleASalter

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/michelle-salter

Publisher – Boldwood Books

Pages – 323

The Blurb –

A murder shocks the small town of Walden. And it’s only the beginning…

Walden, 1921. Local reporter Iris Woodmore is determined to save her beloved lake, Waldenmere, from destruction.

After a bloody and expensive war, the British Army can’t afford to keep the lake and build a convalescent home on its shores yet they still battle with Walden Council and a railway company for ownership. But an old mansion used as an officer training academy stands where the railway company plans to build a lakeside hotel. It belongs to General Cheverton – and he won’t leave his home.

When the General is found murdered, it appears someone will stop at nothing to win the fight for Waldenmere. Iris thinks she can take on the might of the railway company and find the killer. But nothing prepares her for the devastation that’s to come…

Today is my stop on the Murder at Waldenmere Lake blog tour. Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the chance to read and review.

My thoughts – I really liked this introduction to the Iris Woodmore mysteries, it is the second book in the series.

The books are set in the 1920’s so as well as being a mystery, there is historical element too. The author has obviously taken great care to provide authentic detail from this era for her story. At a time when women’s roles were considerably different it is interesting to see a female protagonist and the issues she faces.

Iris is called into action when the local lake and surroundings are under threat from development, especially when an ally is found murdered. She struggles to fight the development and find the murder and are they linked?

A really well written mystery and I look forward to reading more.

Purchase Links – Murder at Waldenmere Lake

Quilling Me Softly

Author – Nigel May

Nigel is no stranger to the worlds of both publishing and crafting. He has published seven previous novels – six glam fiction blockbusters such as Trinity, Addicted and Revenge, which saw him gain fabulous reviews and nicknamed as the ‘UK’s male Jackie Collins’, and a gripping psychological thriller called The Girl Unknown. Quilling Me Softly is his first foray into the cosy crime world. Crafting is very close to his heart as he has been working as a TV presenter on the UK’s biggest crafting TV channel, Create & Craft, for over 16 years, and he has launched his own successful craft range, A-May-Zing, as well. He was named top Male Personality Of The Year in the Crafts Beautiful Awards in 2021.

As well as writing and telly hosting, Nigel presents a weekly national radio show on Gaydio, interviewing celebrities from the worlds of TV, film and music. He lives in Brighton and his obsessions include Eurovision, all things 80s, flea markets and juicy reality TV. 

Social Media Links –

Twitter @Nigel_May

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/nigelmay/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nigel.may

Pages – 401

The Blurb –

Meet the craft group swapping decoupage for deception and glues for clues…

Violet Brewer is the owner of Rooney-at-Burrow’s charming wool shop, Brewer’s Loop, and the organiser of its weekly crafting group. Nothing much usually happens in the sleepy little English village. Until now.

But when Sir Buster Burniston, much-loved owner of nearby Burrow Hall, is found dead, a cloud of mystery lingers in the village air. Or at least it does for Violet and her fellow craft mates in Team C.R.A.B – the Crafters of Rooney-at-Burrow. They are certain that the old man’s death might not be as cut and dried as Violet’s police officer nephew, Samuel, seems to think. Violet has lived in the village for over sixty years, and something tells her and her creative pals that there is more behind Sir Buster’s sad demise. Violet and her friends are determined to turn detective, despite what her nephew says. And soon murder is on the cards at their meet and make sessions as they discover a mystery that needs to be unpicked stitch by stitch…

Today is my stop on the Quilling Me Softly blog tour. Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the chance to read and review.

My thoughts –

Quilling Me Softly is a cosy crime mystery that revolves a craft group, who spring into action when one of the villagers is found dead. Worried that the death will be classed as natural causes, they decide to investigate for themselves, especially as his wayward children are now back on the scene.

The book is full of unique characters with different skills that combine well to make a good detective team. As with any good cosy crime drama, there is a lot of humour along the way as the team work their way through the people they think are suspects in the murder of Sir Buster Burniston.

This is a really good read, which I hope will be the start of a series. I enjoy crafting and reading so reading this book really was a no brainer for me, and I wasn’t disappointed that I chose this book.

THE HUGE QUILLING ME SOFTLY CRAFT GIVEAWAY (Open Int)

Seeing as Quilling Me Softly is based around the members of a fabulous craft group and Nigel also works in the world of craft it only seems right that the launch of Quilling Me Softly should come with a massive crafty prize giveaway! Nigel has teamed up with one of the craft world’s most inventive companies, the incredible Lisa Horton Crafts to give away a bumper bundle of crafting goodies worth over £150. Included in the prize bundle are loads of inspirational layering stencils and embossing folders plus the worldwide crafting smash that is the Ulti-Mate Multi Tool – it’s the perfect crafting tool for everyone when it comes to stamping, stencilling and blending.

To enter click here

Purchase Links –

Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Quilling-Me-Softly-completely-addictive-ebook/dp/B0BTLXF6LZ/

Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/Quilling-Me-Softly-completely-addictive-ebook/dp/B0BTLXF6LZ/

Murder at the Priory Hotel

Author – Merryn Allingham.

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cosy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with her husband and one last cat, Bluebell. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet classes and plenty of walking.

Merryn Allingham

Social Media Links –

Home – Merryn Allingham – Author

https://www.facebook.com/MerrynWrites

Tweets by MerrynWrites

Publisher – Bookouture

Pages – 269

The Blurb – Join Flora Steele – bookshop owner, bicycle-rider, and amateur detective – as she faces her most puzzling case yet!

Sussex, 1957: When Flora Steele andhandsome crime writer Jack Carrington attend the grand re-opening of the Priory Hotel in the beautiful little village of Abbeymead, their day out is cut short when the flame-haired female singer in the band suddenly drops dead before their eyes.

Flora is stunned by the unexpected turn of events and immediately deduces foul play. Beverly Russo was a spirited young woman with a big voice and Flora is determined to get to the bottom of her untimely demise – especially as the detective sergeant leading the investigation is so hopeless. The first clue in the extraordinary case is Beverly’s missing ruby ring…

As Flora makes her enquiries, she discovers that Beverly wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea and there’s more than one person in Abbeymead who had reason to dislike her. But who had the biggest motive: Beverly’s former beau Tommy May, jealous love rival Sally Jenner, or the local doctor who seems to be up to no good…

Then one of the suspects is found dead in the woods near the Priory Hotel. The murder weapon – a musical instrument. As the investigation reaches a high note, Flora knows she must find the culprit and make them face the music before anyone else is hurt. But will Flora’s tenacity put a dangerous spotlight on both her and Jack?

A delightful cozy crime novel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis!

Today is my stop on the Murder at the Priory Hotel blog tour. Many thanks to Bookouture for the chance to read and review.

My thoughts – This is the fourth in the Flora Steele series. I have also read and reviewed:

The Bookshop Murder

This book sees Flora looking into the murder of a singer at the Priory Hotel. Flora is getting used to being in the middle of crime scenes and it isn’t long before her and Jack are once again investigating.

I really like this cosy crime series and am enjoying how the characters are developing through the books.

Highly recommended.

Purchase Links – Murder at the Priory Hotel