Bonfire of the Calamities

Beaufort Scales Mystery #8

by Kim M. Watt

A body.
A theft.
A good cause gone bad …

Miriam has never seen eye-to-eye with her sister. But when a body’s dumped on the doorstep of a Women’s Institute meeting and all signs point to Rainbow, Miriam knows her sister’s being framed. Rainbow might be monumentally irritating, but she’s no killer.

Going to the police would be the smart move, but even without the damning evidence on hand Rainbow’s got her own reasons for avoiding them. Before long she’s on the run, trusting to Miriam and the W.I. to clear her name. The killer’s left nothing to chance, though, and Rainbow’s in more danger than she realises - and she’s dragging the others right in with her.

Between rogue wildlife, clothing-optional informants, and Rainbow’s own team of obstinate rebels, the W.I. are in a desperate race to dodge the police and dig up the truth. But Miriam’s not backing down. Not this time. This is family, and she’s going to see this case through. Not even the dragons can stop her.

The killer might, though …



A funny cozy mystery (with dragons), for anyone that likes their mysteries British, gentle, and well-stocked with cake, tea, and friendship. And dragons, obviously.

Bonfire of the Calamities is the eighth book in The Beaufort Scales series of cozy mysteries (with dragons) - pick up Baking Bad today to see where it all began!

Note: This cozy mystery contains:
• no graphic violence
• no sex
• no strong language; however it does contain some blasphemous language
but there are copious quantities of cake and tea. You may need supplies.

Genres: Mystery, Fantasy, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Detective

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2023

About the author

Hello lovely people!

I’m Kim (as you may have guessed, given that you're on the author page for Kim). I write funny fantasies and off-beat cosy (or cozy, depending where you're from) mysteries set in a world not so dissimilar to ours - and in fact sharing many locations.

And in this not-dissimilar world you'll find mystery-solving dragons with a strong affection for barbecues and scones, and snarky feline PIs with human sidekicks. You'll run across baking-obsessed reapers running petting cafes stocked with baby ghouls, Apocalyptic riders on Vespas, and women of a certain age Getting Things Done. There may even be the odd born-again troll redefining troll-ness for the modern age about the place.

You'll find myth and reality clashing in small and spectacular ways, and discover the healing magic of tea and a really good lemon drizzle cake.

But, most of all, there will be friendship, and loyalty, and people of all species looking out for one another. Because these, above all things, are magic.

And you can find me rambling on about all this (and more) over on my website, or join me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for bad puns and many, many cat memes. Many.

Come join me!

Reviews

[Rebecca Gregory-Chifos · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is one unusual word to describe the books of the Beaufort Scales cozy mystery series, I think it might be "tenderness". Yes, the adventures are rollicking good fun, filled with chuckles and surprises (well, the entire concept of tea-drinking, cake-eating, mystery-solving dragons is pretty surprising!) But underlying the thriller moments and the laughter and the twists and turns and red herrings of the story itself is a rich, deep, wide compassion and empathy, and a wonderful understanding of human nature. The books never disappoint. Trust me--when one is sitting home alone, so sick that even mindless TV doesn't appeal, but the book keeps one's interest, anyway--that's a book worth reading.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kim M. Watt excels again. Of all the dragon mysteries, I think this was the best "who done it?" The Women's Institute with their noses where our infamous Detective Inspector doesn't want them. The sneaky dragons. The dandy and even a dryad get into the action in this most recent tale from Watt. The wit and human nature quips make these books delightful.

If you ever need a light read, pick up Kim M. Watt.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we are back in Toot Hansell, home of England's most redoubtable Women's Institute and also England's most progressive dragon colony. This is the 8th novel in the series, and the fun and the writing quality have not dropped by a millimetre, which is a remarkable achievement. This time the W.I. (and the long-suffering Detective Inspector Adams) are presented with a body .... and it appears that somebody is trying to frame Miriam's wayward sister. Which Miriam (and her friends) cannot be having with. No spoilers, but I for one was pleased that somebody got to be a Big Damn Hero ...

[Alyssa J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy to have another great Beaufort Scales novel! I think this one leans more towards mystery than cozy, the plot definitely feels very high-stakes, but there is plenty of humor and friendship feels as well, and it's great to be back with beloved characters.

Favourite quote:
"I will drive like a pensioner," he said.
"Don't do that. Look how the pensioners we know drive. It's terrifying."

I look forward to more books in this series!

[Denise Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another rollicking rollercoaster of a read from Kim M Watt! While not quite as Dragon-centric as some of the other Beaufort Scales mysteries, there is still enough of Beaufort and Mortimer to satisfy. It's not easy to have as long series (8 books and hopefully counting) without one or two dipping slightly below the mark, and even though I prefer the Gobbelino adventures, this is a brilliant book and keeps up with the high standard! One that I thoroughly enjoyed and read in one sitting, who needs to do housework and stuff like that when a great book is to hand? There's no point me telling you what it's about, the blurb does that, what I can tell you is that it carries on with the (sometimes envious) lives of certain ladies and certain Dragons who have been written so well I know them, and consider then friends. Who albeit live in a county or two away, but I'm from Yorkshire, so it's not too far! You can feel the November weather, the dark, sometimes unsettling night, the warmth of the fire, smell of smoke, taste the cakes...oh, and yes, another recipe book too! Seriously, what's not to love!!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

From ‘the scent of woodsmoke and quiet gentle lives’ in the Yorkshire Dales and ‘underestimate(ing) the abilities of women of a certain age’, the depositing of a body in a wheelbarrow for the members of the Toot Hansell WI to discover results in a confluence of danger, curiosity, initiative, cake, dragons, an invisible dog, a snarky cat, and courage as the friends wend their disordered way through a chaotic progression of events leading to solving the murder. A charming story, good-humoured and rich with improbability.

[Donna Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kim never disappoints her readers.you would think that after 8 books in the series it would start to get stale but NO another wonderful journey with these amazing characters .I enjoyed getting to know characters from previous books again.I did miss Walter and Amelia but I am certain they will be back.Congrats on a job well done Kim.I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary (Biblophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always look forward to another fun-filled adventure with the Beaufort Scales mysteries.

Returning are D.I. Adams (and her twitchy eye), her invisible dog, dragons, various Folk, and the nosy women of the W.I. This particular mystery centers around Miriam's troublesome sister Rose and her band of cohorts. When a dead body turns up in a wheelbarrow and W.I. money goes missing, Rose becomes the main suspect.

There's plenty of tea and cake, lots of theorizing, much running around, and headaches galore. Such fun! You can always count on a well-written mystery and characters that feel like friends who have come to visit. I found this particular book to be a little more intense that others in the series, not quite as light-hearted. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author. This in no way impacted my review.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another thoroughly enjoyable and fun mystery with the usual complement of dragons, cake and drama. I enjoyed the twist and turns but I really appreciated the deeper explorations of previous characters of love, friendship and family in all its many forms. It is easy to dismiss selfish characters like Rainbow but there's a generous and loving exploration of her redeeming qualities. So many funny moments but the emus and the unexpected effects of panadol are among my favourites .

[Lisa W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I keep repeating myself when writing reviews for this series, but here we go: loved it! Once again a very thrilling book with some plots twists and a wholesome last chapter. Again starring your well-known Folk friends and human friends. Can’t wait to read the next book, which just came out!

[Marie Cordalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

They’re back!!! The Toot Hansell WI, the dragons, Thompson and various and sundry other Folk, assorted wildlife, (Emus in the UK!?) and of course the bad guys.
It’s another madcap adventure. The kind that the WI seem to stumble into all the time, or perhaps it stumbles into them… not to mention lots of cake!
Beaufort is his usual wise old soul self and Mortimer his usual anxious scale shedding self. That is until one of his friends needs him and he becomes fierce.
Love them all so much and it was a blast living this latest adventure with them even if it did get harrowing at times!
I can’t wait for the next installment and more WI and dragons, Detective Inspector’s and invisible dogs and who knows maybe a clothing optional person or two ;)
Well played Ms Watt, well played!
And if you pay attention to the dates started and finished, yes I did spend most of the day reading it. I couldn’t put it down, it’s that good!
I received an ARC of this book and I can assure you that this review was motivated entirely by my enjoyment of it and the words in said review are totally, completely and unequivocally mine.

[Natalie aka Tannat · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Janina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling installment of the Beaufort Scales mysteries and a real page-turner! It was funny, it was emotional, it was exciting. I genuinely didn't want to put it down.

I also particularly enjoyed the little hints to previous novels (such as "What happened in London" - also a great read, btw) and that there was a sense of real danger early for our beloved ladies of the W. I.
10 out of 10 (or 5 out of 5, I guess) would recommend!
Also. EMU!

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book about the Toot Hansell Women’s Institute & the two dragons, Beaufort & Mortimer. It starts off with them noticing that the barrow with the Guy (for Guy Fawkes) was missing from the hall. Along with it the collection box. Due to nature lovers deciding that the grass on the village green should be left to grow it takes a while for them to start looking & whilst they are doing that the barrow is left outside the Community Hall with a body in it & a note on it giving it to them! Miriam’s sister Rainbow is definitely involved & knows she’s being framed. Her protest group breaks into private zoos & frees the animals, but (!) someone has infiltrated it & is also robbing the houses of valuables. Lots of laughs, but a lot of very serious stuff is going on & the poor ladies are all into it up to their necks, plus the invisible dog of DI Adams & Alice’s cat helping the dragons & their humans. A great read.

[Patty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I discovered this series recently and have binge-listened to them all, just in time to arrive at this book as it was released. This is the first story that I didn't enjoy.

The lightheartedness, humor and atmosphere of fun I found in the earlier books are MIA, the plot meanders along at a crawl, and the overall feeling is just grim. The characters' traits and dialogue seem to be on a continuous loop – Dandy's red eyes peak from behind his dreadlocks, DI Adams curses the WI and needs coffee, Gert's chain of relatives is vast, and Alice is the voice of reason to counteract Miriam's ubiquitous anxieties. If Mortimer does any more stress-shedding he's going to be bald.

The last book was more somber and serious than the previous ones, but this one brought no delight at all and I finally gave up with about four hours of the audio book left to finish.

[Lucy Grassick · Rating 5 out of 5]

8 books later and we've come to the end of the series (for now) I've spent the past few months immersed in a world of tea drinking dragons, invisible dogs, detectives and meddling elderly women of the WI in the idyllic Yorkshire Dales and I've loved every minute of it.

[R. Jetleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a great ride with Mortimer, Beaufort, and company!

[Tsippi Jelingold · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest installment in the Cloverly Dragons series is a delight, as expected. It mixes a motley group of nature protectors with art thefts and a dead body, and is both funny and clever. The mood is autumnal and the writing is beautiful and lyrical, with bouts of heart-pounding action and laughter.
Watch out for the emus.

[Rosa Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

as ever : wonderful and enchanting!! every book of Kim Watt is written on the same high level of beautiful language, detailed scenery and warm feelings of friendship and family, with delightful doses of snarky, fairytale characters. I hope for many more of those books!

[Jenny Striem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another book by Kim M. Watt that I really love!

As always no spoilers in my review, because the book is way too good to be harmed by telling you too much.

This is the 8th book in the Beaufort Scales series and as soon I began reading - it felt like coming home.

It is set in a picturesque little village named Toot Hansell in Yorkshire, where not only the Womens Institute but also a variety of mystical creatures are quite active in helping to solve murders.
As always with the books by Kim M. Watt the story directly pulls you into itself, which makes it perfect for days where you need some time outside your normal life.
A harmonious mixture of a wonderful described nature and surrounding, tension and warm-hearted beings, who cherish and live loyality, friendship, loving kindness and a good teatime.

The writing style and story are outstanding, being the 8th book you could expect it getting dull or too unrealistic, but quite contrary it just makes you feel like coming home, meeting and getting more and more to know friends and even how the crime is set does not at all sound unrealistic (not for Toot Hansell and the W.I.).
It was the first time I was able not to rush through a book by Kim M. Watt (well, okay, probably the last 25% needed speed reading), but not for being less enthralling perhaps more because of this coming home and being able to relax and cherish the story feeling.

I highly recommend reading it. Please read the series from the beginning if you are new to the series, it simply makes more sense.
...and it makes even more pleasure if you as well read D.I. Adams and Gobbelino London. Different series, that have some points of contact or give you more in depth knowledge.

I had the great luck to get an advanced readers copy for free for an honest review. My opinion was not influenced by this. I really love the book and would otherwise have bought it as soon as possible.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

I loved this latest addition to the Toot Hansel and Beaufort Scales cozy mysteries.

The boiler at the community centre has died, its late autumn and starting to feel pretty nippy and much too cold to have a meeting of the Toot Hansel WI in a cold hall. Worse than the dead boiler is the missing Guy for the November the 5th bonfire and even worse the collection tin that was with it. Where has it gone.

Time to investigate! The ladies of the WI start searching and after a while they discover the wheelbarrow the Guy was in but instead of the Guy there is a dead body!! Who is he and how did he get there and how did he die.

Miriam and Alice go to talk to the sprite Nellie who lives in the village pond and she implicates Miriam’s sister, eco warrior Rainbow, in the murder.

Miriam knows Rainbow would never commit a murder, set animals free and commit mayhem certainly but not murder. Time for the WI to investigate.

The Dragon Lord Beaufort Scales and nervous and anxious second in command Mortimer decide to help, along with Thompson the cat.

The police are called in which means DI Adams and Miriam’s nephew Colin Collins along with invisible ‘dog’ Dandy arrive to investigate, reluctantly alongside the WI.

What follows is a chase to find Rainbow, find out who the murderer is, who’s been stealing art and valuables from local big houses and what exactly has been going on.

There are thrills and spills and heroes galore in human form, dragon and animals of all shapes and sizes.

This is an exciting fun filled book and I highly recommend it v

[Tammie Painter · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...even if she didn't imagine she'd be in any danger...there was just something very reassuring about having dragons handy."

Yep, Kim Watt's done it again, and taken us on another delightful romp with the ladies (and dragons) of Toot Hansell that's full of humor, heart, and, well... attack emus, naturists, and troubling discoveries in one's wheelbarrow.

While preparing for Bonfire Night, the ladies of the Toot Hansell Women's Institute discover that not only is their guy (Americans, think "scarecrow" and you'll get the idea) has gone missing...and it's been replace with a dead body. Mayhem, suspicion, adventure, and plenty of baked goods (and tea) ensue, taking readers on a wonderfully impossible-to-put-down jaunt.

I absolutely love how Kim can mix in cheeky jokes and murder with so much warmth and cozy feelings. And her setting work is spectacular. It barely takes Kim a few sentences before you're right there in the heart of the village and its surrounding countryside at the start of November, shivering along with the ladies both indoors (due to a broken boiler) and out. Which makes it even better when the ladies finally pull out the tea mugs and toasty warm scones. Seriously, I'm never more angry for a proper scone than when I read these books.

And of course, all the dragon scenes are my favorite, especially Mortimer's hypochondria (his being convinced he has rabies elicited several laugh-snorts). And second favorite is the irascible D.I. Adams who has to put up with, not only her invisible dog, but also the ladies of the WI getting involved in yet another murder.

Overall, a great continuation of the series!!!

[Julia Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This opens with the usual WI suspects milling around the village hall discovering the body in the wheelbarrow, calling the police, laying down a perimeter and muddying the evidence. Then things settle into a slow burn, building up evidence and red herrings, racking up the tension leading to an explosive cliffhanger, and finally the fire is banked up for the night as things are gently sorted out. Another tremendous outing with the WI and Dragons - not to mention the emus. DI Adams hopes we’ll never mention them again. They are not to be trifled with. They beat the Australian army, you know.

Anyway, gentle Miriam whose sister may or may not be the murderer and anxious Mortimer, a dragon who doesn’t like adventures and danger, both get a chance to shine, their characters flowering beautifully from nervous but determined to full-on hero mode. (Miriam ascribes her behaviour to a reaction to paracetamol, but I suspect some of the changes will stay with her.) DI Adams, despite her twitching eye, seems much more at home with the WI this time round, and it is always good to see Dandy being useful. The story is full of kindness and camaraderie, fun and flightless birds, wiles and wisdom, and, of course, tea and soooo much cake.

I read an ARC copy because I really could not wait for the book to be published. I loved this series of books so far and am delighted to say that this one does not disappoint. Opinions expressed in this review are mine alone, and include my opinion that if you haven’t read the rest of this series you should rectify this immediately…and try out the recipes!

[Scott Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Toot Hansell/Dragons/DI Adams books are what I imagine Terry Pratchett would curl up with on a cold winter's night. From almost the first few pages "...the smell of woodsmoke brought to mind deep chairs and steaming kettles..." Ms. Watt deftly weaves us, the readers, into the warp and weft of her story. The prose never becomes 'twee', or self-referential. The heart of all these books are people (and dragons) and the relationships between them. As the classic line goes that describes the very reason Star Trek has been so beloved by so many millions for so very many years "it's not about the technology or the sci-fi. It's about relationships!" I'm a 65 year old person, retired, and can relate to the W.I. And, there are SO many times reading this (and all the other books in the Beufort Scales stories) that I've found myself getting misty-eyed (shut up! I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying!). These are cracking good mysteries (and I don't even really LIKE mysteries!). There are dragons; there are 'women of a certain age' (well, I'M of a certain age, meself, sooo...); there are car chases, mystical Folk, police procedurals, and most of all... Heart. These books are bursting with heart. Bursting with the deep, ancient roots of community; of the feeling of place; of the innate certainty that we all, no matter if we've skin, or fur, or scales, are connected. I suggest you go right out and read all of them. And then, read them again. You'll feel much better for it.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding tale from Kim about the Cloverly dragons, the W.I, sentient police, invisible people and a true cosy mystery. We are led in with what would be normal in a village - the hall boiler broken and the guy with collection tin missing. However, we are then faced with a murder investigation and everything goes haywire. The story develops excitingly and amusingly with thefts, chases through woods which are sensed as being aggressive through years of ill-treatment, and horrible weather.

The descriptions of landscape and weather are so much part of the story and the inclusion of Mortimer as having a "superpower" of scenting and sensing people and emotions is masterful. Beaufort as ever is inquiring, funny and a true friend. Mortimer, normally nervous and retiring, displays he can be truly angry and daring when his friends are hurt or in trouble.

Good to see Barry back and becoming a real character - no doubt he will be around in future.

Best comment may be Mortimer worrying about getting rabies from a bat: "Erratic behaviour wasn't exactly going to be a warning sign, otherwise half the Cloverly clan had had rabies for the past three years."

Good to know we will be getting more about the dragons, Miriam, Alice, DI Adams etc.

[Carro · Rating 5 out of 5]

As ever, I star rate books I've read by category - so this is a five star cozy mystery. I'd also say that while cozy, it isn't fluffy. I've followed this series with great enjoyment and it is still going strong. This latest episode is set in the run up to bonfire night in the village (which for non-UK is 5th November and is, well, complicated - Guy Fawkes and co-conspirators tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605 killing members of Parliament and the King - and ever since he has been burnt in effigy on the anniversary of the day he tried to do it - an excuse for big bonfires and latterly letting off fireworks - hence the reference to the WI having a guy - sort of a scarecrow-ish). Anyway someone nicks the guy, the collecting box (the old call was Penny for the Guy) and leaves a real dead body in the wheelbarrow. The WI goes all out to solve it, while of course keeping everyone supplied with cake and home made cookies - brain food supreme. This is another great dose of Yorkshire countryside, strong women including DI Adams, Dandy the invisible dog, Thompson the snarky cat and of course, Mortimer and Beaufort of the Clovelly dragons. Great fun.

[✿Claire✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the latest in the Beaufort Scales Mysteries series and my word how much I love them. A brief overview, Toot Hansell, like many British villages, has a WI (Woman's Institute, a social group for women famous for its jam and calendars!). Unlike most villages, it also has dragons. Not the huge scary dragons of legend but smaller friendly ones, about the size of a large dog or small pony. One of those is Beaufort Scales, the High Lord of the Cloverly dragons. Another is Mortimer, a younger dragon who desperately tries to keep Beaufort out of mischief. Which is a bit tricky given the number of crimes and murders happening around the village which the WI and Beaufort just can't help getting involved in investigating. 
Wonderful characters, beautiful descriptions, and plenty of tea and cake. I love this series. I think on this occasion Mortimer was my favourite character, I just wanted to give him a hug poor thing. But he's brave and wonderful and brilliant. The tension was just right, enough of it without being graphic or excessive. The cast were wonderful as always. The recipes at the back of the book well worth a look. I can't wait for the next one!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here be dragons and bonfires! A rollicking cozy mystery in the Beaufort Scales series

The lovely group of slightly eccentric ladies of the Women’s Institute are back investigating a new mystery. A body has turned up at their Bonfire planning meeting. The ladies and the dragons are up to their eyeballs in mysterious goings-on in Toot Hansell. DI Adams's main suspect happens to be Miriam’s sister Rainbow! The W.I. has to work quickly if they are to find Rainbow and exonerate her before she is arrested.

This is such a fun series with the cozy companionship of the Women’s Institute friends and the hilarious hijinks of the dragons. Add in escaped exotic pets and the local protest group and there are plenty of laughs to be had. Invisible dogs, magical cats, and plenty of cake make this an exciting and satisfying read! I highly recommend you read this and all the other books in the series to escape into the laugh-out-loud world of Toot Hansell.

Thanks fo the author for a DRC.

[Sam Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolute stonker of a story! I'm a huge Kim M Watt fan and think she's a brilliant writer. For me, part of the joy of her work is that there are so many layers to find when you really start thinking about the books.

Of course, there's always the storyline. Apparently, the sleuthing endeavours of the Toot Hansell WI have not gone unremarked as a body is dumped outside a WI meeting one winter's night with a puzzling, even concerning, note attached. When it appears that Miriam's sister Rainbow may be involved, it gets up close and personal, and shenanigans ensue. Ms Watt always ensured that the pace is spot on, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, and character development with each new adventure.

Underneath all of that- which is a brilliant example of the genre- are other themes: friendship, family, acceptance of Otherness, and other things that make life meaningful and beautiful.

Kim, we of the Toot Hansell Auxiliary love you and thank you for our own wonderful family, brought together by your fabulous imagination and skill.

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Kim M. Watt and everything they write with Bonfire of the Calamities no exception. It brings together all the usual characters from the Toot Hansell W.I. I love talking animals and especially dragons and cats. Who knew they were mostly given to speaking in snark but it fits the story. It was fun for me to notice the references to Watt’s other series, Gobbelino (sadly at an end). Having grown up reading Agatha Christie, it was entertaining to read the list of suspects getting winnowed down. I was ashamed of myself for not making an important connection, even though I share an undergraduate degree with one character. I did not expect another character to learn about the benefits of hugging when the situation calls for it.This series introduced me to lemon drizzle cake and now I’m hooked on it, not unlike one of the dragons. I especially admire the author for writing a cute cozy mystery even though their life was in transition. I am happy that this series is not yet at an end. I received a free copy of the book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.