Stephanie Dagg's Blog
March 26, 2023
Murder at Waldenmere Lake by Michelle Salter
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…
Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3vDssgr
My review
The novel is set in a fascinating although difficult period of history. The First World War blighted so many lives and changed society irrevocably. The author creates the appropriate atmosphere.
We have an excellent heroine in Iris. She’s very likeable, endlessly resourceful, and we share her frustrations and successes vividly.
The plot is interesting and cleverly constructed. The pace throughout the book is lively and the action sweeps the reader along.
Very enjoyable.
Author bio
Michelle Salter is a historical crime fiction writer based in northeast Hampshire. Her novels feature local locations. She’s also a copywriter and has written features for national magazines. When 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/
Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/michelle-salter
March 13, 2023
An Early Death by Helen Golding
An Early Death
BREAKING NEWS Mystery Woman was in the Earl of Rossex’s car when it crashed
Reports are coming in that an unidentified woman was in the car that killed James Wilshire (24), the Earl of Rossex, when it crashed in Fenshire late on Tuesday evening and died from her injuries later in hospital. The police have not named the woman, but sources at Francis Court, where the earl lived with his wife Lady Beatrice (21) claim the dead woman was the wife of a member of staff.
The impertinence of the man! Who does this Detective Sergeant Richard Fitzwilliam think he is asking personal questions about the state of her marriage and insinuating that James was having an affair with the estate manager’s wife? Of course he wasn’t! She knew her husband and he wouldn’t do that to her. But what was James doing back in Fenshire on that fateful night when he’d told her he would be London? And why was Gill Sterling in the car with him when they barely knew each other? Unless, of course, she didn’t know her husband as well as she thought she did…
PLEASE NOTE: This is a prequel in the A Right Royal Cozy Investigation series and is not intended to be read as a standalone.
My review
Another magnificently enjoyable book in this excellent series, which I’m afraid I am a day late reviewing – sincere apologies to the author – due to Covid addling my brain…
The film industry has championed the prequel in recent years, and not always successfully, but that’s not the case with this energetic and entertaining story. It fits totally with what we already know of this series and its characters and provides some very interesting insights.
It retains all the fun and the sharp social commentary that we’ve come to enjoy in The Right Royal Cozy series. There’s a clever plot and a well-observed setting, but we’d expect no less from this super author.
Lots to enjoy!
Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BL23MPLQ (UK)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL23MPLQ (US)
https://books2read.com/u/mlXJGq for universal link
Author bio
Black & White 79%Hello. I’m Helen Golden. I write British contemporary cozy whodunnits with a hint of humour. I live in small village in Lincolnshire in the UK with my husband, my step-daughter, her two cats, our two dogs, sometimes my step-son, and our tortoise.
I used to work in senior management, but after my recent job came to a natural end I had the opportunity to follow my dreams and start writing. It’s very early in my life as an author, but so far I’m loving it.
It’s crazy busy at our house, so when I’m writing I retreat to our caravan (an impulsive lockdown purchase) which is mostly parked on our drive. When I really need total peace and quiet, I take it to a lovely site about 15 minutes away and hide there until my family runs out of food or clean clothes
Social Media Links –
Insta: www.instragram.com/helengolden_author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helengoldenauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helengoldenauthor
February 23, 2023
Quilling Me Softly by Nigel May – a very crafty cosy!
Quilling Me Softly
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…
My review
This is a crafty cosy mystery in every sense!
‘Quilling Me Softly’ caught my attention from the very start i.e. its witty title. I’m a sucker for these!
The novel ticks all the cosy mystery boxes you’d expect with a cast of fascinatingly eccentric characters, niche background (here the craft shop and club) and clever, not to say ingenious plot. There’s humour as well as tension, and the unexpected fits in neatly besides the expected.
The author has a sharp eye and depicts rural life, not quite as quaint as it might first appear, in great detail. He also gives us some wonderful interactions between the various characters.
It’s a well-crafted novel (yes, pun intended) that’s very enjoyable and provides a few hours’ happy escapism.
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/
Author Bio –
Nigel to 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
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.
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494546/
January 23, 2023
Blood on the Tyne: Red Snow by Colin Garrow
Blood on the Tyne: Red Snow (book 3 in the Rosie Robson series).
A dead body. A hoard of forged banknotes. A gangster out for blood.
Newcastle, December 1955. Returning home after a weekend away, singer and amateur sleuth Rosie Robson discovers a man lying on a baggage trolley with his throat cut. After the police get involved, an attack on Rosie and her boss prompts Inspector Vic Walton to find a safe house for the pair. But the bad guys seem to be one step ahead of them and Rosie is forced to track down a possible witness to the murder in a bid to learn the truth. Can the canny crooner solve the mystery before a Newcastle gang boss catches up with her?
Set on Tyneside, Blood on the Tyne: Red Snow is book #3 in the Rosie Robson Murder Mysteries series.
My review
Oh dear, I’m a bit late to the party – apologies to the author for missing my slot on 13th January. I’d made a note to do my review on the 23rd. So much for being better organised in 2023.
Anyway, better late than never I hope.
I hadn’t read the two Rosie Robson books that precede this one in the series, but that didn’t matter too much as the book is written such that you quickly establish who’s who and find out any background information that you need to know. However, I shall be reading them now.
Blood on the Tyne: Red Snow is a very exciting, fast-paced thriller with a strong, interesting, resourceful and likeable protagonist. The setting is in and around Newcastle-upon-Tyne, somewhere I lived for a good few years although not in the 1950s! The author brings this area vividly to life in his writing.
The plot is clever and swift and sweeps you along. The action begins pretty much from the very start and you don’t get a lot of time to breathe once it’s begun.
The author’s sharp wit is always there, adding touches of humour.
A super story that’s very enjoyable and shines a light on an often forgotten decade in British history.
Purchase Link – https://geni.us/3PKXkN
Author Bio:
True-born Geordie Colin Garrow grew up in a former mining town in Northumberland and has worked in a plethora of professions including taxi driver, antiques dealer, drama facilitator, theatre director and fish processor. He has also occasionally masqueraded as a pirate. Colin’s published books include the Watson Letters series, the Terry Bell Mysteries and the Rosie Robson Murder Mysteries. His short stories have appeared in several literary mags, including: SN Review, Flash Fiction Magazine, The Grind, A3 Review, Inkapture and Scribble Magazine. These days he lives in a humble cottage in Northeast Scotland.
Social Media Links –
Website (Adults) https://colingarrow.org/
Website (Children) https://colingarrowbooks.com/
Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B014Z5DZD4
Twitter https://twitter.com/colingarrow
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/colingarrow
December 16, 2022
Not Mushroom for Death by Helen Golden
TV Chef Luca Mazza Dies After Collapse at Food Show on the King’s Private Estate
Luca Mazza (38), who was taken ill during a food demonstration at the Fenn House Food and Wine Festival two days ago, is now known to have ingested poison. Lady Beatrice (36), the king’s niece, who is working on a refurbishment project at Fenn House with her business partner Perry Juke (34), is believed to be comforting Luca’s boss and close friend Sebastiano Marchetti (38), who she began dating last month.
Is he crazy? Why else would Detective Chief Inspector Richard Fitzwilliam suggest that Sebastiano poisoned Luca without any evidence? So now, with the help of her little dog Daisy and her best friends Perry and Simon, Lady Beatrice will have to prove to Mr Know-it-all Fitzwilliam that Seb is innocent. But with so many people having access to the food preparation area at the show how will she find out who did murder Luca before Fitzwilliam lets his personal dislike get the better of him and arrests Seb?
My review
The witty title gives you a good idea of what this book will be like i.e. a clever novel with touches of humour. I always enjoys books by this author since you can rely on larger-than-life characters, intrigue and plot twists galore, and some furry friends getting involved along the way.
We’ve met Lady Beatrice before in ‘For Richer, For Deader’, and though this book works fine as a standalone, if you’ve read that particular novel you get an added layer of richness. You’ll spot some character development taking place.
The novel is very much set in the present day, and plays to the current fascination engendered in ordinary people by celebs and the aristocracy, whether merited or not. These fabulous fictional characters definitely deserve, and demand, our attention and we get a glimpse of how the other half probably live from this author, which is fun.
Poisoning may be a little predictable in murder mysteries, but it offers so much scope to a whodunit as so many people could have dunit! And it goes so well with cookery and culinary shows, something we all love to watch these days.
So in summary, another splendid, lively and wickedly entertaining book from this talented author.
Purchase Links
Amazon – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BFBMT9BP (UK) and https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFBMT9BP (US)
Author bio
Black & White 79%Hello. I’m Helen Golden. I write British contemporary cozy whodunnits with a hint of humour. I live in small village in Lincolnshire in the UK with my husband, my step-daughter, her two cats, our two dogs, sometimes my step-son, and our tortoise.
I used to work in senior management, but after my recent job came to a natural end I had the opportunity to follow my dreams and start writing. It’s very early in my life as an author, but so far I’m loving it.
It’s crazy busy at our house, so when I’m writing I retreat to our caravan (an impulsive lockdown purchase) which is mostly parked on our drive. When I really need total peace and quiet, I take it to a lovely site about 15 minutes away and hide there until my family runs out of food or clean clothes
Social media links
Insta: www.instragram.com/helengolden_author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helengoldenauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helengoldenauthor
December 1, 2022
Publication Day for Dead In Tune, by me!
Dead in Tune
It’s nearly Christmas, a time for peace and goodwill. Or maybe not.
First the house of a young Spanish family is burned down, and then a Dutch clog dancer is battered almost to death with his own footwear. On the night of the carol service, at which the Worldwide Friendship Club’s choir is singing, a Scottish bagpiper is found dead. By Martha, who has come across enough dead bodies already this year to last her a lifetime.
Convinced there’s a link to the choir, Martha and best friend Lottie set out on the trail of the murderer. Their unconventional sleuthing methods land one of them in rather a lot of trouble…
‘Dead In Tune’, the sequel to ‘Hate Bale’, is an entertaining, festive cosy mystery set in rural France.
Purchase Links
Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BNC68N6B/
Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNC68N6B/
Author Bio –
I’m an English immigrant living in France with my family, after many years in Ireland. We have a seventy-five acre farm with animals ranging from alpacas to zebra finches. I work part-time as a freelance editor. The rest of the time I’m helping to run our carp fishing lake business and inevitably cleaning up after some or other animal.
I’ve written both fiction and non-fiction books, and plenty of them – somewhere around the fifty mark now! Originally I was published by two presses in Ireland, but more recently I’ve taken the self-publishing route. I’m a keen book blogger, and I also love knitting, natural dyeing, gardening and cycling.
Social Media Links –Twitter https://twitter.com/llamamum
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/StephanieDaggBooks
November 28, 2022
The Word is Love by Florence Keeling
The Word is Love
Lucky in life but unlucky in love, Lucy Greenfield owns a successful carriage business along with her best friend Max, and they have never been busier since their shire horses gained fame from their roles in the hit movie A Little in Love.
Too busy for romance, Lucy is surprisingly swept off her feet when Spencer arrives seeking help with his horse, and something more from Lucy. As quickly as Lucy falls, she wonders if all is not as it seems. Max can prove it, but that means he will have to express his true feelings for Lucy.
Relationships are strained as secrets unravel, and Lucy needs to solve the riddle of words to best describe how she feels… For her best friend.
Together, they must overcome what’s keeping them apart before it’s too late, if they are going to realise that the word is love.
My review
Well, this is a truly lovely book.
We have likeable, relatable, down-to-earth characters against a very interesting background of a carriage business. Not something you come across every day. It’s fascinating to find out about how such a business is run, and about the special horses that pull them. The story is compelling, and, after the right amount of ‘will they, won’t they’, the ending is just what we want. There’s a festive element as Christmas brings everything to a head at the end.
I don’t think there’s anything more to say about the novel! It’s delightful. Oh, and I should mention the superb cover. As you can see, it’s inviting and chic. The synopsis above gives you a good idea of what the story’s about, and I can assure you that it’s superbly and entertainingly written. So do read this book and discover this wonderful author.
Purchase Links
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BHRPXK5V
US – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHRPXK5V
Author bio
I was born in Coventry but now live in Nuneaton. I married the love of my life over 20 years ago and we have two almost grown up children. We share our lives with two mad dogs as well.
Writing is a great passion of mine, that one day I hope to be able to turn into a career but until that day comes, I will continue working in accounts and payroll.
I also write for children as Lily Mae Walters.
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/florence.keeling.7
Twitter – https://twitter.com/KeelingFlorence
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/florence.keeling/
November 26, 2022
The No-Hopers Christmas Club by Geraldine Ryan
The No-Hopers Christmas Club
As warming as a mince pie and a glass of sherry, these eighteen festive-themed shorts are just waiting to be unwrapped.
A lonely dog shelter volunteer battles to find new homes for her long-time canine residents while realising her own future is just as uncertain. As the new year approaches, can a fellow animal lover give her the fresh start she so wants for her dogs.A widowed grandmother prepares to reunite with her forbidden first love, only to discover the grand country pile from where he’s sent her a Christmas card isn’t quite what it seems.A single woman finally meets a man to couple up with over the festive season, but will the eccentric mistress of her late father destroy her plans?An ambitious 20-something attends a lavish Christmas party with only one aim – to bag a rich husband. But her plans are derailed when a troubling connection with the aristocrat she’s set her sights on is revealed.Geraldine Ryan is a prolific short-story writer whose work has appeared in Woman’s Weekly and Take a Break’s Fiction Feast magazines. This yuletide collection follows hot on the heels of her first published anthology Riding Pillion with George Clooney. While Christmas comes but once a year, these moving and humorous tales will stay with you for a lifetime.
My review
This is a collection of modern, meaningful, utterly riveting short stories.
Short stories are an underestimated literary form. Familiarity with them, as we come across them so often in magazines, has bred contempt and we tend to dismiss them as no big deal. However, to craft one that creates an adequate sense of place, that presents us rounded and convincing characters, that tells us enough of a story to keep us entertained and also keep us guessing takes a lot of talent.
Geraldine Ryan is an expert short-story teller. We dip in and out of so many lives in the course of these eighteen varied stories. The reader runs the full gamut of emotions, everything from happiness to suitably seasonal gentle sadness whilst encountering suspense, mystery, romance, family tensions, scheming and loyalty, to give just a few hints! Every tale has its festive element too.
This is women’s fiction through and through, presenting us with fabulous, relatable heroines and reflecting women’s issues.
And don’t be daunted by the title – there’s always hope, especially at Christmas!
Purchase Links
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/No-Hopers-Christmas-Club-Geraldine-Ryan-ebook/dp/B0BMJST5H8/
US – https://www.amazon.com/No-Hopers-Christmas-Club-Geraldine-Ryan-ebook/dp/B0BMJST5H8/
Author bio
Geraldine Ryan is a proud Northerner who has spent most of her life in Cambridge – the one with the punts. She holds a degree in Scandinavian Studies, but these days only puts it to use when identifying which language is being spoken among the characters of whatever Scandi drama is currently showing on TV. For many years, she worked as a teacher of English and of English as a second or foreign language, in combination with rearing her four children, all of whom are now grown-up, responsible citizens. Her first published story appeared in My Weekly in 1993. Since then, her stories have appeared in Take a Break, Fiction Feast and Woman’s Weekly, as well as in women’s magazines abroad. She has also written two young adult novels – Model Behaviour (published by Scholastic) and The Lies and Loves of Finn (Channel 4 Books.) She plans for Riding Pillion with George Clooney to be the first of several short story anthologies.
Keep up to date with Geraldine’s news, be the first to hear about her new releases and read exclusive content by signing up to her monthly newsletter Turning the Page. By adding your details, you’ll also receive a free short story. Use this link to subscribe: https://bit.ly/Turningthepage
Social Media Links – https://twitter.com/GeraldineRyan
https://www.facebook.com/geraldineryanwriter
November 21, 2022
An Ear for Trouble by K T Lee
An Ear for Trouble
Elise Butler is a wildlife biologist who enjoys her stable (if somewhat predictable) job in finance at the World Wildlife Trust. However, when the veterinarian at Riverbend Animal Conservation Center goes missing, Elise offers to help the unlucky wildlife Conservation Center get back on its feet. Not only will the job in Riverbend, Indiana let her get back to her roots of working with animals, but it’s also a short drive from her sister’s workplace at Riverbend K-9 Academy, a training center for some of the FBI’s best explosive detection dogs.
FBI Special Agent Finn Cooper and his canine partner, Sedona, are chasing a well-funded animal trafficking ring. After an injury sidelines Finn from official FBI undercover work, he goes to work at Riverbend K-9 Academy to stay busy while he recovers…and to investigate his only remaining lead in the animal trafficking case.
Just as Elise begins to settle into life in Riverbend, her sister asks her to help the K-9 Academy by fostering one of their puppies. Finn is eager to keep Elise focused on training Zeke, the enthusiastic German shepherd puppy earmarked to become Riverbend’s first wildlife detection K-9, and keep her well away from his quiet animal trafficking investigation. Zeke quickly proves himself an expert both at chewing shoes and sniffing out clouded leopards. When Zeke starts finding scents where they don’t belong, Elise and Finn begin to realize that the Conservation Center may be more criminal than unlucky. And if Elise doesn’t keep her nose out of it, she might be the next target.
An Ear for Trouble is Book 2 in the Riverbend K-9 Series. All books in the Riverbend K-9 Series may be enjoyed as standalone novels or as a series.
My review
This is a cosy with a difference. Whilst animals feature extensively in these lighter mysteries, they aren’t often involved in the sleuthing side of things! But here with have Zeke who proves to be Elise’s right-hand dog. There’s also Sedona helping Finn, but they’re a more professional pairing.
Events seem a little complex to start with, but all becomes clear as the action proceeds. The personalities of the characters both human and animal emerge, and the plot begins to unfold. We also get an insight into dog training, zoo operation and organization and endangered wildlife. I always enjoy learning when I’m being entertained, so thanks to the author for that.
The second in a series, the book works fine as a standalone. I shall be reading the first book in the series, and there will be more books to come I’m sure as I’m sure Finn and Elise’s relationship will develop more.
An interesting and clever cosy mystery.
Purchase Links
AmazonKoboApple BooksGoogle PlayBarnes and Noble
Author bio
K.T. Lee is a writer, mom, and engineer who grew up on a steady diet of books from a wide variety of genres. She’s the author of multiple books, including those in the Riverbend K-9 Series and The Calculated Series.
Social Media Links –
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KTLeeWrites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ktleeauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ktleewrites
Giveaway to Win 10 x e-copies of An Ear For Trouble (Open INT)
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
November 20, 2022
For Richer, For Deader by Helen Golden
Synopsis
Is the wedding between Sir Hewitt Willoughby-Franklin’s step-daughter and billionaire’s son off?
Rumours are that the recent death of Kelley Lindsell (29), the personal chef of tycoon Rudy (68) and Sheri Trotman (65) at Sir Hewitt’s Fawstead Manor country estate in Fenshire, has spooked Sybil Bransgrove (36) so badly she’s considering cancelling her nuptials.
Meanwhile the bride and her mother, Lady Grace (61), are being supported by family friend Lady Beatrice (36), the Countess of Rossex, who, alongside her business partner Perry Juke, is currently managing the project to refurbish the Manor House and Lodge on the estate.
Not again! Now that Lady Grace has asked Lady Beatrice to liaise with the police during the investigation into Kelley’s death, she’ll have to cooperate with boorish Detective Chief Inspector Richard Fitzwilliam whether she likes it or not. Her only relief will be solving the murder with the help of her friends Perry and Simon and her dog Daisy to get rid of him faster. But with so many wedding party guests staying on-site, any one of them could be the killer. Can they find out who it is before Sybil calls off the wedding…
My review
I’m delighted to be reviewing ‘For Richer, For Deader’ by this super author.
I like my mysteries cosy and light with plenty of touches of humour, larger-than-life characters, a few four-footed friends and a very clever plot. This book ticks all those boxes, and also creates an impressively aristocratic atmosphere for us at the country estate.
The action moves swiftly and keeps us on our toes as we’re really not sure what’s going to happen next. This author is adept at giving us unexpected twists and turns, and there’s certainly some of those in this book.
The synopsis above might suggest that there’s a slightly bewildering array of dramatis personae but that isn’t the case. They’re all so distinctive you very quickly suss out who’s who and how they all interact.
The cover is very catchy and classy.
In summary, this is immensely enjoyable escapism that whiles away an hour or two very, very agreeably. A big thank you to the author.
Purchase Links
Amazon – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BF5P3C9N (UK) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BF5P3C9N (US)
Author bio
Hello. I’m Helen Golden. I write British contemporary cozy whodunnits with a hint of humour. I live in small village in Lincolnshire in the UK with my husband, my step-daughter, her two cats, our two dogs, sometimes my step-son, and our tortoise.
I used to work in senior management, but after my recent job came to a natural end I had the opportunity to follow my dreams and start writing. It’s very early in my life as an author, but so far I’m loving it.
It’s crazy busy at our house, so when I’m writing I retreat to our caravan (an impulsive lockdown purchase) which is mostly parked on our drive. When I really need total peace and quiet, I take it to a lovely site about 15 minutes away and hide there until my family runs out of food or clean clothes
Social Media Links –
Insta: www.instragram.com/helengolden_author
