What do you think?
Rate this book
The Charity Shop Detective Agency #2
The Beach Hut Murders
It’s almost summer in Southbourne and the ladies of the Charity Shop Detective Agency are ready for another season of sun, sea and . . . murder.
Amongst the rows of charming brightly painted cabins, an elderly man’s beach hut is set on fire in the middle of the night — while he slept inside.
By day, Fiona, Sue and Daisy volunteer at the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop. But, by night, they investigate crimes. And they’re determined to get to the bottom of this murder.
Malcolm Crainey was a bit of an eccentric, but he was harmless really. Who would want to kill him?
The ladies soon uncover a long list of possible suspects. Neighbours who hated Malcolm for refusing to swap huts. Members of the snobby beach hut association who took umbrage with Malcom’s quirky beachcombed cabin decorations.
Then another hut is burned down in the dead of night. Thankfully there was no one asleep inside this time. But the pressure is on — can Fiona, Sue and Daisy find the culprit before the beach hut murderer strikes again?
Amongst the rows of charming brightly painted cabins, an elderly man’s beach hut is set on fire in the middle of the night — while he slept inside.
By day, Fiona, Sue and Daisy volunteer at the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop. But, by night, they investigate crimes. And they’re determined to get to the bottom of this murder.
Malcolm Crainey was a bit of an eccentric, but he was harmless really. Who would want to kill him?
The ladies soon uncover a long list of possible suspects. Neighbours who hated Malcolm for refusing to swap huts. Members of the snobby beach hut association who took umbrage with Malcom’s quirky beachcombed cabin decorations.
Then another hut is burned down in the dead of night. Thankfully there was no one asleep inside this time. But the pressure is on — can Fiona, Sue and Daisy find the culprit before the beach hut murderer strikes again?
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2023
932 people are currently reading
848 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
July 30, 2023
This is the second book in The Charity Shop Detective Agency series by Peter Boland. I picked it up because the first one was an enjoyable cozy mystery and this one is as well. The book can easily be read as a one off and it would be easy to follow without having read the first book; however, the first book was fun too and does provide some background on the characters. This one involves initially one suspicious death in one of the local beach hut communities involving the burning of a beach hut. The qurstion is was it intentional or accidental.
Description:
It’s almost summer in Southbourne and the ladies of the Charity Shop Detective Agency are ready for another season of sun, sea and . . . murder.
Amongst the rows of charming brightly painted cabins, an elderly man’s beach hut is set on fire in the middle of the night — while he slept inside.
By day, Fiona, Sue and Daisy volunteer at the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop. But, by night, they investigate crimes. And they’re determined to get to the bottom of this murder.
Malcolm Crainey was a bit of an eccentric, but he was harmless really. Who would want to kill him?
The ladies soon uncover a long list of possible suspects. Neighbours who hated Malcolm for refusing to swap huts. Members of the snobby beach hut association who took umbrage with Malcom’s quirky beachcombed cabin decorations.
Then another hut is burned down in the dead of night. Thankfully there was no one asleep inside this time. But the pressure is on — can Fiona, Sue and Daisy find the culprit before the beach hut murderer strikes again?
My Thoughts:
I enjoy the cameraderie surrounding the ladies who work in the charity shop. There is also the irritating nearby snobby charity shop across the way, whose owner is quite uppity - she's back in this one. They mystery surrounding the beach huts is interesting and provides some surprising twists. I enjoyed the investigation the amateur detectives were pulled into. I also enjoyed some of the side stories - the cake deal at the charity shop, the mysterious woman who dropped off a box, but didn't just wanted the shop to hold it until she was ready to give it up, the politics with the woman who runs the community center, and the issues with the nearby owner of the Cat Alliance charity shop owner. Some quirkly characters add a lot to the book. I really enjoyed the freee-spirited character the ladies met who had come down from London to stay in one of the beach huts and was friends with the owner of the Cat Alliance shop.
Thanks to Joffe Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on August 3, 2023.
Description:
It’s almost summer in Southbourne and the ladies of the Charity Shop Detective Agency are ready for another season of sun, sea and . . . murder.
Amongst the rows of charming brightly painted cabins, an elderly man’s beach hut is set on fire in the middle of the night — while he slept inside.
By day, Fiona, Sue and Daisy volunteer at the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop. But, by night, they investigate crimes. And they’re determined to get to the bottom of this murder.
Malcolm Crainey was a bit of an eccentric, but he was harmless really. Who would want to kill him?
The ladies soon uncover a long list of possible suspects. Neighbours who hated Malcolm for refusing to swap huts. Members of the snobby beach hut association who took umbrage with Malcom’s quirky beachcombed cabin decorations.
Then another hut is burned down in the dead of night. Thankfully there was no one asleep inside this time. But the pressure is on — can Fiona, Sue and Daisy find the culprit before the beach hut murderer strikes again?
My Thoughts:
I enjoy the cameraderie surrounding the ladies who work in the charity shop. There is also the irritating nearby snobby charity shop across the way, whose owner is quite uppity - she's back in this one. They mystery surrounding the beach huts is interesting and provides some surprising twists. I enjoyed the investigation the amateur detectives were pulled into. I also enjoyed some of the side stories - the cake deal at the charity shop, the mysterious woman who dropped off a box, but didn't just wanted the shop to hold it until she was ready to give it up, the politics with the woman who runs the community center, and the issues with the nearby owner of the Cat Alliance charity shop owner. Some quirkly characters add a lot to the book. I really enjoyed the freee-spirited character the ladies met who had come down from London to stay in one of the beach huts and was friends with the owner of the Cat Alliance shop.
Thanks to Joffe Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on August 3, 2023.
August 7, 2023
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE BEACH HUT MURDERS (The Charity Shop Detective Agency Book #2) by Peter Boland is an engaging amateur sleuth cozy mystery and the second book in The Charity Shop Detective Agency series. This series features three senior volunteers at the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop who also work together to solve murders in the small English town of Southbourne. This book, even though it is the second in the series, is easily read as a standalone.
Summertime in Southbourne has residents looking to cool down on Mudeford Spit. People day trip in to use the beach and there are also several beach huts for those who can afford them. One night a beach hut burns to the ground and the resident is saved, but later dies of smoke inhalation. The Spit’s liaison officer hires the Charity Shop Detectives to find out who committed the arson that led to the death.
As the ladies investigate, there are many leads, but they all lead to dead ends and the CCTV is no help either. When another hut is burned, they are happy to find their new friend was not home, but they are still stuck with no hard evidence. When a third hut burns and almost kills a couple with their two children, the ladies are desperate for a breakthrough and take desperate measures which could end their sideline as detectives.
I enjoyed this outing of the Charity Shop Detectives more than the first. Fiona, Sue, and Daisy are all delightfully quirky and individually unique with just the right skillset when they come together to investigate clues and solve their cases. The secondary characters are just as fun, and the dialogue is witty. I feel the plot is intriguing and well-paced, the red herrings and twists are well placed and kept me guessing throughout. I was surprised by the conclusion and by the epilogue even more so.
I recommend this cozy mystery for an engaging amateur sleuth cozy mystery read.
THE BEACH HUT MURDERS (The Charity Shop Detective Agency Book #2) by Peter Boland is an engaging amateur sleuth cozy mystery and the second book in The Charity Shop Detective Agency series. This series features three senior volunteers at the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop who also work together to solve murders in the small English town of Southbourne. This book, even though it is the second in the series, is easily read as a standalone.
Summertime in Southbourne has residents looking to cool down on Mudeford Spit. People day trip in to use the beach and there are also several beach huts for those who can afford them. One night a beach hut burns to the ground and the resident is saved, but later dies of smoke inhalation. The Spit’s liaison officer hires the Charity Shop Detectives to find out who committed the arson that led to the death.
As the ladies investigate, there are many leads, but they all lead to dead ends and the CCTV is no help either. When another hut is burned, they are happy to find their new friend was not home, but they are still stuck with no hard evidence. When a third hut burns and almost kills a couple with their two children, the ladies are desperate for a breakthrough and take desperate measures which could end their sideline as detectives.
I enjoyed this outing of the Charity Shop Detectives more than the first. Fiona, Sue, and Daisy are all delightfully quirky and individually unique with just the right skillset when they come together to investigate clues and solve their cases. The secondary characters are just as fun, and the dialogue is witty. I feel the plot is intriguing and well-paced, the red herrings and twists are well placed and kept me guessing throughout. I was surprised by the conclusion and by the epilogue even more so.
I recommend this cozy mystery for an engaging amateur sleuth cozy mystery read.
August 3, 2023
Fiona, Partial Sue and Daisy are back on the case, investigating another crime in seaside Southbourne.
It's an unusually warm summer on the coast of England, and everyone would rather be enjoying the beach at Mudeford Spit than hanging around in the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop - the sleuthing volunteers included! That is, until a fire at one of the Spit's beach huts in the early hours of the morning ends in tragedy when an elderly resident dies of smoke inhalation. The summer tenants disappear and even a lot of the owners abandon their beach huts in favour of the safety of their permanent homes. It's so quiet that the normally bustling restaurant at the start of the Spit can't justify opening. Something has to be done to save the summer, so the liaison officer for the Beach Hut Residents’ Association approaches the Charity Shop Detective Agency for help in solving the murder.
Only too eager to get their teeth into a new case, the ladies head down to the Spit to begin their investigation. While they are able to identify lots of leads, every one of them seems to terminate in a dead-end. As the days pass, there is another fire, then another... The situation is becoming dire and the ladies need a breakthrough.
This book has all the charm of the previous one, and I enjoyed spending time with Fiona and co. I wouldn't say there's a lot of growth in the main characters, but Fiona's nemesis, Sophie, becomes more rounded throughout the course of the story. Once again there is plenty of clever misdirection and enough red herrings to choke Christchurch Harbour. The location of Mudeford Spit was appealing too - named Mudeford Sandbank in real life, Google will bring up plenty of images of the beach and the beach huts (more substantial than the Australian ones I'm familiar with). If I have any criticism of this book it would only be its length and the wordiness that causes it. But that's a catch-22, as it's the wordiness that provides a lot of the charm.
With thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an eARC to read and review.
It's an unusually warm summer on the coast of England, and everyone would rather be enjoying the beach at Mudeford Spit than hanging around in the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop - the sleuthing volunteers included! That is, until a fire at one of the Spit's beach huts in the early hours of the morning ends in tragedy when an elderly resident dies of smoke inhalation. The summer tenants disappear and even a lot of the owners abandon their beach huts in favour of the safety of their permanent homes. It's so quiet that the normally bustling restaurant at the start of the Spit can't justify opening. Something has to be done to save the summer, so the liaison officer for the Beach Hut Residents’ Association approaches the Charity Shop Detective Agency for help in solving the murder.
Only too eager to get their teeth into a new case, the ladies head down to the Spit to begin their investigation. While they are able to identify lots of leads, every one of them seems to terminate in a dead-end. As the days pass, there is another fire, then another... The situation is becoming dire and the ladies need a breakthrough.
This book has all the charm of the previous one, and I enjoyed spending time with Fiona and co. I wouldn't say there's a lot of growth in the main characters, but Fiona's nemesis, Sophie, becomes more rounded throughout the course of the story. Once again there is plenty of clever misdirection and enough red herrings to choke Christchurch Harbour. The location of Mudeford Spit was appealing too - named Mudeford Sandbank in real life, Google will bring up plenty of images of the beach and the beach huts (more substantial than the Australian ones I'm familiar with). If I have any criticism of this book it would only be its length and the wordiness that causes it. But that's a catch-22, as it's the wordiness that provides a lot of the charm.
With thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an eARC to read and review.
January 29, 2024
2.5 stars
The Beach Hut Murders by Peter Boland is the 2nd in the Charity Shop Detective Agency series, a new Cozy Mystery Series.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Fiona Sharp is in her mid-seventies, and enjoying a rather quiet life volunteering in a local charity shop called Dogs Need Nice Homes. That's where she adopted her scruffy terrier-cross Simon Le Bon. She works with "Partial Sue" (who often opens her mouth before thinking), and the rather meek, but tech-savvy Daisy. Together, they formed the Charity Shop Detective Agency. They love their tea and cake, and are quite bored without a good mystery to solve.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
When eccentric Malcolm Crainey dies of smoke inhalation after this beach hut has been set on fire, Fiona, Sue and Daisy are hired to investigate. Apparently the beach huts generate a lot of rental income, and there are now a lot of cancellations. The owners want this solved.
The ladies soon discover that Malcolm was not a favorite in the community. The members of the beach hut association tended to be a little snobby, and were not fond of Malcolm's hut decorations, and were annoyed when he refused to swap huts.
When another hut is burned down, Fiona, Sue and Daisy up their game. But they are thwarted at every turn. No one can even determine how the fires are started.
Meanwhile, DI Fincher and DS Thomas don't want them involved at all, and neither does the head of the beach hut association.
My Opinions:
Okay, I loved the first book in this series. But this book was way too long, with nothing happening, and much too descriptive. There was a lot of time spent on the weather. Then there were non-stop talk about the security cameras . There were two pages about a fly that came in the open door (yes, the fly gave them an idea, but OMG)!
I still love the characters, as they are all quite quirky, and the ladies work well together as a team. Other standard characters are quite annoying, but I guess that's the charm of the books. There were enough suspects to keep the actual perpetrator a mystery.
The plot, without all the extraneous details, was good.
I absolutely hated the cliff-hanger, which I always consider a ploy by the author to buy the next book. Very annoying!
Again, there's a glossary of British terns for the US readers at the end....not necessary in this day and age!
I already have the next book in the series....but to be honest, I'm not looking forward to it.
I know a lot of people will absolutely love this book, and if you are into cozy mysteries, give it a shot!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
June 4, 2025
Вторая часть серии отличается от первой: тут и смена локации, и много новых персонажей, и расследования куда продуманнее. Главные героини отправляются в элитный коттеджный поселок на берегу моря, чтобы найти таинственного поджигателя одного из домов, где в пожаре умер местный житель.
Первая половина книги мне показалась очень интересной. Неспешное повествование, знакомство с новым место и странными обитателями. Фиона, Дейзи и Сью — детективы-любители, поэтому и расследование ведут осторожно. Они не могут требовать того, чтобы заявиться к незнакомым людям с обыском, а сбор улик практически невозможен. При этом они не сдаются, даже когда все говорит им об обратном.
Загадка действительно увлекает. Маленькое сообщество соседей, живущее по собственным правилам, а жертва — самый обычный старичок. Начинаешь подозревать всех и каждого. Но в какой-то момент происходит натягивание совы на глобус, которое приводит к концу книги, написанному ну почти точь-в-точь как предыдущая. Ладно хоть автор не стал растягивать сильно.
Что мне не понравилось — так это отсутствие обещанной летней атмосферы. Практически все время в книге мы видим, как три бабули прогуливаются по песчаным пляжам вдали от своего благотворительного магазинчика. Но если заменить время года на зиму или осень, не изменится ничего. Из летнего в книге только новая подруга Битси в легких платьях и фруктовый лед для детей. Все.
Я думала, что они поедут в отпуск или хотя бы буду оставаться там на выходные. Ведь нет никакого резкого контраста с их обычной жизнью и поездками на пляж. Нет ни одной крошечной главы, где они наслаждаются летом. В общем, разочарование.
И уровень бабуличности в этой книге тоже сильно упал. Иногда мне казалось, что у главных героинь вообще нет ни гендера, ни возраста. Они слишком безликие, ведь автор почти не хочет посвящать нас в их жизнь вне расследования. Если бы не диктор, я бы вообще забыла, что они старушки.
Первая половина книги мне показалась очень интересной. Неспешное повествование, знакомство с новым место и странными обитателями. Фиона, Дейзи и Сью — детективы-любители, поэтому и расследование ведут осторожно. Они не могут требовать того, чтобы заявиться к незнакомым людям с обыском, а сбор улик практически невозможен. При этом они не сдаются, даже когда все говорит им об обратном.
Загадка действительно увлекает. Маленькое сообщество соседей, живущее по собственным правилам, а жертва — самый обычный старичок. Начинаешь подозревать всех и каждого. Но в какой-то момент происходит натягивание совы на глобус, которое приводит к концу книги, написанному ну почти точь-в-точь как предыдущая. Ладно хоть автор не стал растягивать сильно.
Что мне не понравилось — так это отсутствие обещанной летней атмосферы. Практически все время в книге мы видим, как три бабули прогуливаются по песчаным пляжам вдали от своего благотворительного магазинчика. Но если заменить время года на зиму или осень, не изменится ничего. Из летнего в книге только новая подруга Битси в легких платьях и фруктовый лед для детей. Все.
Я думала, что они поедут в отпуск или хотя бы буду оставаться там на выходные. Ведь нет никакого резкого контраста с их обычной жизнью и поездками на пляж. Нет ни одной крошечной главы, где они наслаждаются летом. В общем, разочарование.
И уровень бабуличности в этой книге тоже сильно упал. Иногда мне казалось, что у главных героинь вообще нет ни гендера, ни возраста. Они слишком безликие, ведь автор почти не хочет посвящать нас в их жизнь вне расследования. Если бы не диктор, я бы вообще забыла, что они старушки.
October 18, 2025
3.5 stars
A cozy mystery with sunshine, seaside, and a trio of delightful ladies solving crimes like it’s their new favorite hobby. I loved their teamwork, but the book could’ve lost a few pages of “British weather updates” and “security camera play-by-play” without missing a beat. Fun, but could’ve been snappier!
A cozy mystery with sunshine, seaside, and a trio of delightful ladies solving crimes like it’s their new favorite hobby. I loved their teamwork, but the book could’ve lost a few pages of “British weather updates” and “security camera play-by-play” without missing a beat. Fun, but could’ve been snappier!
August 3, 2023
Another enjoyable romp in the seaside town of Southbourne!
Fiona, Sue and Daisy volunteer at the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop but, having had success on solving a previous crime, they are becoming known for their investigative skills. When one of the much-coveted beach huts is set ablaze - with the owner asleep inside - they find themselves hired. Determined to get to the bottom of things, the ladies soon compile a list of suspects; but then another hut is destroyed by fire which makes it even more important that they crack the case.
Having really enjoyed the Charity Shop Detective Agency, I was more than happy to read and review this second in series - and I was not disappointed. With a good solid mystery and a wonderful injection of humour, this was a terrific read. I adore the malapropisms which made me giggle each and every time. If you love a good, entertaining cosy mystery, then this is definitely a series for you. 4.5*.
Fiona, Sue and Daisy volunteer at the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop but, having had success on solving a previous crime, they are becoming known for their investigative skills. When one of the much-coveted beach huts is set ablaze - with the owner asleep inside - they find themselves hired. Determined to get to the bottom of things, the ladies soon compile a list of suspects; but then another hut is destroyed by fire which makes it even more important that they crack the case.
Having really enjoyed the Charity Shop Detective Agency, I was more than happy to read and review this second in series - and I was not disappointed. With a good solid mystery and a wonderful injection of humour, this was a terrific read. I adore the malapropisms which made me giggle each and every time. If you love a good, entertaining cosy mystery, then this is definitely a series for you. 4.5*.
June 21, 2025
As always, this author delivers an incredibly warm and heartfelt detective story—perfect for a rainy evening under a blanket with cocoa, or for lounging on a sandy beach with a watermelon smoothie.
Solving crimes alongside enthusiastic grannies is quite the adventure. Their theories are plentiful—some false, some absurd, but all utterly charming (even when dealing with murder).
3/5—the resolution felt a tad unrealistic, but the reading process itself was pure joy.
Solving crimes alongside enthusiastic grannies is quite the adventure. Their theories are plentiful—some false, some absurd, but all utterly charming (even when dealing with murder).
3/5—the resolution felt a tad unrealistic, but the reading process itself was pure joy.
February 14, 2024
This is my second book by Peter Boland. I love the Charity Shop mysteries. The premise that these older women run a charity shop and put themselves in danger by their private detective work is entertaining. I love the British terms as well.
This book had twists and turns and an interesting premise that caught me off guard. Boland also shows various interests each lady has that aids in their detective services. It’s nice to see books that show bright older people using their background knowledge and interests.
This book had twists and turns and an interesting premise that caught me off guard. Boland also shows various interests each lady has that aids in their detective services. It’s nice to see books that show bright older people using their background knowledge and interests.
October 15, 2025
Mary, a young grieving woman, brings a box of her deceased grandfather's goods to the Charity Shop, and seeing how the young woman is reluctant to part with the box, Fiona says she'll keep it aside for a few months till Mary can make a decision about it. This inconsequential scene seems random and odd at first, but it does demonstrate Fiona's compassion for others.
Some time later, it's almost summertime, and the three friends of the Charity Shop Detective Agency are asked to investigate a fire, and murder, of an eccentric man, Malcolm Crainey, who owned a beach hut.
The beach hut is part of a small neighbourhood on the water; there are rentals, but most are owned by wealthy people.
Fiona, Sue and Daisy are soon interviewing the residents of the Mudeford beach huts, digging into Malcolm's past, and following any scrap of information in an effort to figure out who set the fire. And while their investigation drags on, two more huts are set on fire, with one family only narrowly escaping in time.
Fiona knows something has to be done, and on a hunch, she hatches a daring plan and manages to help capture, with Sue and Daisy and the police, the culprits.
Along the way, they become friends with a sixty-year old, flamboyant, wealthy bon vivant, who is one of the individuals whose beach hut goes up in flames. They also get to know their nemesis, Sophie, who runs the charity shop opposite theirs,a little better, and find she has moments when she's almost pleasant. The three friends also gain an enemy whom I anticipate they'll meet in a succeeding instalment of this fun series.
The friendship amongst Fiona, Sue and Daisy is what makes this series cozy and humorous. The mystery, this time, was more intriguing than in book one, and I liked the complexity of their investigation, and how many problems they encountered during it. For amateurs, the Charity Shop Detectives did pretty well.
One to the next book!
Thank you to Netgalley and to Joffe Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Some time later, it's almost summertime, and the three friends of the Charity Shop Detective Agency are asked to investigate a fire, and murder, of an eccentric man, Malcolm Crainey, who owned a beach hut.
The beach hut is part of a small neighbourhood on the water; there are rentals, but most are owned by wealthy people.
Fiona, Sue and Daisy are soon interviewing the residents of the Mudeford beach huts, digging into Malcolm's past, and following any scrap of information in an effort to figure out who set the fire. And while their investigation drags on, two more huts are set on fire, with one family only narrowly escaping in time.
Fiona knows something has to be done, and on a hunch, she hatches a daring plan and manages to help capture, with Sue and Daisy and the police, the culprits.
Along the way, they become friends with a sixty-year old, flamboyant, wealthy bon vivant, who is one of the individuals whose beach hut goes up in flames. They also get to know their nemesis, Sophie, who runs the charity shop opposite theirs,a little better, and find she has moments when she's almost pleasant. The three friends also gain an enemy whom I anticipate they'll meet in a succeeding instalment of this fun series.
The friendship amongst Fiona, Sue and Daisy is what makes this series cozy and humorous. The mystery, this time, was more intriguing than in book one, and I liked the complexity of their investigation, and how many problems they encountered during it. For amateurs, the Charity Shop Detectives did pretty well.
One to the next book!
Thank you to Netgalley and to Joffe Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
December 9, 2024
3.5🌟
Audiobook
Another enjoyable cozy mystery. It was fun to return to the charity shop and to watch these characters in action. I think what I enjoyed most (as an American) was understanding more about those beach huts. I see them in the many British shows I enjoy, but now I have a better idea of how they are used and enjoyed (without the fires and murder, of course).
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Audiobook
Another enjoyable cozy mystery. It was fun to return to the charity shop and to watch these characters in action. I think what I enjoyed most (as an American) was understanding more about those beach huts. I see them in the many British shows I enjoy, but now I have a better idea of how they are used and enjoyed (without the fires and murder, of course).
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
March 3, 2025
Another jaunt to the Dorset coast for a light-hearted whodunnit! A book which you can read as an inbetweener and enjoy it nonetheless. Once again, Fiona, Partial Sue and Daisy investigate some mysterious fires on Mudeford Spit (somewhere I have since looked up) with the owners of the beach huts in uproar.
As I said about the previous book, it's a fun read and one that doesn't take too long. That isn't enough for a lot of books - especially for me - but it's the characters and location which really gives the story its charm. And charm is the key word here. There's something about sleepy seaside towns which allow you to picture every aspect of the story.
It's silly and it has made me chuckle multiple times. But at its heart, it's a charming little mystery wrapped on the south coast.
If anything, the whole book has made me want to go down there and rent a beach hut myself (possibly at my own peril 😂).
As I said about the previous book, it's a fun read and one that doesn't take too long. That isn't enough for a lot of books - especially for me - but it's the characters and location which really gives the story its charm. And charm is the key word here. There's something about sleepy seaside towns which allow you to picture every aspect of the story.
It's silly and it has made me chuckle multiple times. But at its heart, it's a charming little mystery wrapped on the south coast.
If anything, the whole book has made me want to go down there and rent a beach hut myself (possibly at my own peril 😂).
November 5, 2025
A bit of a (fairly large) round up in terms of a rating for me. I love the main characters but this story seemed to drag on, and on. There was a revolving door of suspects that flew by in a dizzying array of unbelievable circumstances. The two police from the first book are only in it at the very end. I will be jumping off the series now…bye!
October 25, 2023
A light and easy cozy mystery with low stakes. The story is a bit over the top and unbreakable ( not in a good way ) the characters didn't really grab me and it was difficult to get invested in the story. I prefer my mysteries to be a bit darker.
April 5, 2024
Premise was weak. The detectives were delightful!
The motive for the murder wasn’t the most believable. But, as always, the charity shop detectives were delightful. The culprit kind of came out of nowhere and the motivation for committing such a complex crime wasn’t developed enough.
This book didn’t provide as much insight into the characters lives or of the 3 detectives’ friendship. Not as much charm as the first book. Still enjoyable.
The Sophie character took a fun turn. Hopefully, Bitsy will appear in future installments.
Not as good as the first book. Good enough that I’m excited to start Book 3.
The motive for the murder wasn’t the most believable. But, as always, the charity shop detectives were delightful. The culprit kind of came out of nowhere and the motivation for committing such a complex crime wasn’t developed enough.
This book didn’t provide as much insight into the characters lives or of the 3 detectives’ friendship. Not as much charm as the first book. Still enjoyable.
The Sophie character took a fun turn. Hopefully, Bitsy will appear in future installments.
Not as good as the first book. Good enough that I’m excited to start Book 3.
July 31, 2024
Fun, cute and a little escapism. Didn't expect the ending at all which was great!
January 11, 2025
3.75 stars (Kindle). Misdirection. Snooty upper class. A breath of fresh air. Who knew Christchurch + Southbourne to be such a hotbed of sociopaths?!
June 24, 2025
An enjoyable and complex mystery with the same cast of likable characters as the first book in the series.
August 4, 2025
Inspiring senior citizens!
August 20, 2025
The second book of the Charity Shop Detective Angency.
This time, the ladies are investigating a serial arsonist who is setting posh beach huts on fire with deadly results.
I can't help but love these women as they astutely investigate the crime with just enough bumbling to throw folks off. It is a typical cozy mystery but well written with excellent characterization and plot and a resolution that didn't leave me feeling cheated.
This time, the ladies are investigating a serial arsonist who is setting posh beach huts on fire with deadly results.
I can't help but love these women as they astutely investigate the crime with just enough bumbling to throw folks off. It is a typical cozy mystery but well written with excellent characterization and plot and a resolution that didn't leave me feeling cheated.
October 30, 2025
Good cozy mistery
October 8, 2023
Charming
March 18, 2024
This book is second in a series of the charity shop detectives. I loved the first book so quickly bought the second and it didn't not disappoint. Cute storyline with likeable characteristic
June 23, 2025
Oh, how I love my charity shop ladies <3
Rarely does a sequel outshine the original mystery book. The characters really grow on you, getting so familiar. The location also gets so much better, lived-in. Can't wait for my ladies to have another adventure.
Rarely does a sequel outshine the original mystery book. The characters really grow on you, getting so familiar. The location also gets so much better, lived-in. Can't wait for my ladies to have another adventure.
March 14, 2025
i really do enjoy these but the motives for the murders are lowkey absurd. i’ll keep eating it up tho they’re comforting and fun
August 5, 2025
Fun reac
What have the charity shop detectives been up to? Love the quaint English Sea coast setting, and our usual group of characterss. This series is light and enjoyable to read.and laugh with. Looking forward to their next attempt at detection.
What have the charity shop detectives been up to? Love the quaint English Sea coast setting, and our usual group of characterss. This series is light and enjoyable to read.and laugh with. Looking forward to their next attempt at detection.
September 3, 2025
Did they solve the case with the help of a fly? It's almost a Deus ex machina but for bad detectives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2023
This is the second instalment of The Charity Shop Detective Agency where my favourite older ladies are investigating what starts as a murder in a beach hut that was set on fire, but turns into so much more.
I grew even fonder of Fiona, Sue and Daisy in this one. I love the banter that’s often hilarious and how different all of their personalities are, but they all work together so well. Bitsy was an excellent side character. This book does have a lot of characters in it, but I didn’t feel like it was overwhelming.
I love Peter’s writing - it’s so addictive, which leaves me wanting more. Just like I want more books in the series.
I absolutely love the ending, and if there is another book (which fingers crossed there is), I cannot wait to see what happens next!
⚠️ CWs: fire, murder, grief, alcohol use; mentions mental health illness (depression) & cheating ⚠️
I grew even fonder of Fiona, Sue and Daisy in this one. I love the banter that’s often hilarious and how different all of their personalities are, but they all work together so well. Bitsy was an excellent side character. This book does have a lot of characters in it, but I didn’t feel like it was overwhelming.
I love Peter’s writing - it’s so addictive, which leaves me wanting more. Just like I want more books in the series.
I absolutely love the ending, and if there is another book (which fingers crossed there is), I cannot wait to see what happens next!
⚠️ CWs: fire, murder, grief, alcohol use; mentions mental health illness (depression) & cheating ⚠️
May 12, 2025
I'm giving it four stars for the last few chapters, mostly. This book has a lot going on and had many twists. Three amateur investigators sticking their nose into small town matters... made it feel like The Golden Girls meets Murder She Wrote.
While I felt like some of the details were obvious or unnecessary, the story in itself was thorough. I don't quite understand the bits about the cake in the thrift shop. Maybe it's a cultural thing? It was perfect for what I wanted it for, though - a quick summer read. The epilogue made me interested in the sequel, as it had more sinister hues of a psychological thriller (which I prefer), although I don't feel like that's the way that this author writes.
Overall, if you're looking for a quick read, set in a seaside English town, and are interested in classic whodunit stories, this one is for you.
Thank you NetGalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
While I felt like some of the details were obvious or unnecessary, the story in itself was thorough. I don't quite understand the bits about the cake in the thrift shop. Maybe it's a cultural thing? It was perfect for what I wanted it for, though - a quick summer read. The epilogue made me interested in the sequel, as it had more sinister hues of a psychological thriller (which I prefer), although I don't feel like that's the way that this author writes.
Overall, if you're looking for a quick read, set in a seaside English town, and are interested in classic whodunit stories, this one is for you.
Thank you NetGalley for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews