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Murder at Monterey
A long weekend at the seaside should be enjoyable for the Thorntons, but murder soon changes everything.
Mr George Carmichael has invited them to his home to celebrate the birthday of his elder daughter Prudence. Alexandra and Edith can’t understand why, because even though they had attended Miss Violet’s Finishing School together, they never liked Prudence Carmichael, nor she them.
Alexandra suspected that Mr George wanted to quiz her father over the prices of his various antiques. This had happened before, but they’d never all been invited.
After travelling from Thornton Park to Queenscliff, a town on the Victorian coast, they arrive at Monterey, the Carmichael’s home. On the first evening, tensions run high between Prudence and her younger sister, Winifred, over the possession of an emerald necklace.
Alexandra also discovers that almost everyone has their hand out wanting money, as if they consider George Carmichael their personal bank manager.
Later that evening when murder happens, Alexandra isn’t surprised. However, she is astonished at who is murdered.
Mr George Carmichael has invited them to his home to celebrate the birthday of his elder daughter Prudence. Alexandra and Edith can’t understand why, because even though they had attended Miss Violet’s Finishing School together, they never liked Prudence Carmichael, nor she them.
Alexandra suspected that Mr George wanted to quiz her father over the prices of his various antiques. This had happened before, but they’d never all been invited.
After travelling from Thornton Park to Queenscliff, a town on the Victorian coast, they arrive at Monterey, the Carmichael’s home. On the first evening, tensions run high between Prudence and her younger sister, Winifred, over the possession of an emerald necklace.
Alexandra also discovers that almost everyone has their hand out wanting money, as if they consider George Carmichael their personal bank manager.
Later that evening when murder happens, Alexandra isn’t surprised. However, she is astonished at who is murdered.
- GenresMystery
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2024
15 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Read
31 books104 followersMulti Award Winning, multi genre author, Ellen Read, is the author of The Thornton Mysteries – cosy murder mysteries set in Australia. Ellen also writes ghost stories and thrillers. Her latest book is a fantasy, based on the Triple Goddess of Celtic mythology and soon to be published by Serenade Publishing.
When she’s not writing, she’s reading, painting or taking photographs.
Ellen loves to read fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. She particularly loves history and stories of ancient myths and legends. Authors such as Agatha Christie, Mary Stewart, Robert Graves, Edgar Allan Poe, and Victoria Holt have influenced her work.
www.ellenread.com
https://linktr.ee/ellenreadauthor
When she’s not writing, she’s reading, painting or taking photographs.
Ellen loves to read fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. She particularly loves history and stories of ancient myths and legends. Authors such as Agatha Christie, Mary Stewart, Robert Graves, Edgar Allan Poe, and Victoria Holt have influenced her work.
www.ellenread.com
https://linktr.ee/ellenreadauthor
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 13, 2024
This was great! Who doesn’t love a bit of murder at a house party on the seaside?? 😃 There was a great cast of characters, plenty of family dysfunction, lots of time discussing murder over tea in the garden…all the good stuff! 😆 I hope we see more of Ruby in future books. I enjoyed her attitude 😆
August 26, 2024
Great Story!!
This Mystery Story was woven well with History!!
This Mystery Story was woven well with History!!
June 16, 2024
Murder at Monteray
I’ve had the pleasure of reading this as an ARC and what a wonderful escape into the glamorous world of Lexi and Benedict once again now with their new baby girl Grace.
Book six in the series doesn’t disappoint with a fully authentic ambience and wonderfully described costumes and location.
The perfect foil for a murder and the simmering tensions of rivalry, envy and covetousness to pose a chilling mystery.
Who dunnit? You’ll have to preorder and find out on June 16th.
Enjoy this wonderful cozy mystery set in Australia.
I’ve had the pleasure of reading this as an ARC and what a wonderful escape into the glamorous world of Lexi and Benedict once again now with their new baby girl Grace.
Book six in the series doesn’t disappoint with a fully authentic ambience and wonderfully described costumes and location.
The perfect foil for a murder and the simmering tensions of rivalry, envy and covetousness to pose a chilling mystery.
Who dunnit? You’ll have to preorder and find out on June 16th.
Enjoy this wonderful cozy mystery set in Australia.
June 16, 2024
This is the sixth book in this series and I have not read the previous books but this one certainly can be read as a stand alone book. You soon catch up with the main characters from the previous series. It’s set in 1930’s Australia and there’s a lot of interesting facts about life especially for women in the emerging world of the thirties. Also insightful information on how the privileged conduct themselves. The murder and crime scenarios will keep you guessing right up to the end. A very warm and enjoyable and engaging novel.
November 27, 2024
I have just finished reading “Murder at Monterey” –Book 6 in the Thornton Mystery Series. As with the other 5 books I enjoyed this very much – a nice cosy easy read, and I like that the ending is not predictable.
Set in the 1930’s this story takes the Thornton family to “Monterey”, the family home of the Carmichael family in Queenscliff – coastal Victoria.
What should be a relaxing visit to the seaside becomes anything but as murder, theft and mystery lead to another intriguing story. We again meet Lexi, her husband Benedict and their new baby girl Grace, Lexi’s best friend Edie, her husband James, and Lexi’s father Thomas. After reading the 5 previous books I now feel I know them all personally. [Alexandra and Edith have become Lexi and Edie to me now] The easy life of the well to do during that period is beautifully portrayed, without making the characters seem at all shallow.
A new location brings with it new many characters – mainly the Carmichael family and their friends and relatives who are also invited to Monterey for the birthday celebration. As usual Ellen Read’s descriptive writing style brings to life a diverse range of interesting characters. Add jealousy, theft and a murder or two and we have a “who done it” that keeps you guessing until the end. Murder certainly seems to find Lexi wherever she goes.
I would certainly recommend this book – it could be read as a stand alone story, although I feel you would be missing much if you didn’t start at book one and follow the family and their lives and adventures.
Set in the 1930’s this story takes the Thornton family to “Monterey”, the family home of the Carmichael family in Queenscliff – coastal Victoria.
What should be a relaxing visit to the seaside becomes anything but as murder, theft and mystery lead to another intriguing story. We again meet Lexi, her husband Benedict and their new baby girl Grace, Lexi’s best friend Edie, her husband James, and Lexi’s father Thomas. After reading the 5 previous books I now feel I know them all personally. [Alexandra and Edith have become Lexi and Edie to me now] The easy life of the well to do during that period is beautifully portrayed, without making the characters seem at all shallow.
A new location brings with it new many characters – mainly the Carmichael family and their friends and relatives who are also invited to Monterey for the birthday celebration. As usual Ellen Read’s descriptive writing style brings to life a diverse range of interesting characters. Add jealousy, theft and a murder or two and we have a “who done it” that keeps you guessing until the end. Murder certainly seems to find Lexi wherever she goes.
I would certainly recommend this book – it could be read as a stand alone story, although I feel you would be missing much if you didn’t start at book one and follow the family and their lives and adventures.
June 16, 2024
It’s five stars from me as this is my favourite, so far, in ‘The Thornton Mysteries’ Series: Murder at Monterey, book no. 6.
Set in the 1930s, the author has depicted the fashion, style and decorum to delightful perfection.
The main cast, Alexandra, Benedict, Edith, James and Thomas are invited to a weekend by the seaside to celebrate an acquaintances birthday. That’s when the intrigue begins!
We are introduced to the eclectic Carmichael family. Curiosity is soon roused with Edie playing a shocking and pivotal role in a murder case.
Alexandra (Lexy) engages her inner sleuth and begins to unravel the complexities of the Carmichaels and their diverse relatives.
It all comes to a crashing crescendo with a windy headland walk to visit the lighthouses.
Murder, mystery and mayhem are pieced together in this eloquently strung story by the talented author, Ellen Read.
Set in the 1930s, the author has depicted the fashion, style and decorum to delightful perfection.
The main cast, Alexandra, Benedict, Edith, James and Thomas are invited to a weekend by the seaside to celebrate an acquaintances birthday. That’s when the intrigue begins!
We are introduced to the eclectic Carmichael family. Curiosity is soon roused with Edie playing a shocking and pivotal role in a murder case.
Alexandra (Lexy) engages her inner sleuth and begins to unravel the complexities of the Carmichaels and their diverse relatives.
It all comes to a crashing crescendo with a windy headland walk to visit the lighthouses.
Murder, mystery and mayhem are pieced together in this eloquently strung story by the talented author, Ellen Read.
September 5, 2024
Murder at Monterey is the sixth book in the Thornton Mysteries with Alexandra again in rhe middle of a murderous plot, this time at a birthday celebration of a former classmate who was not well liked by either Alexandra or Edith. So why the invitation??
Once again, Read casually brings us into the story as if we were invited guests and have a seating at the table. I enjoyed the lovely dinners and the many tea times. I found myself listening to dinner conversations around me; always on alert for clues.
Ahhh, dinner was so gorgeously presented, I could almost taste it. I loved “listening” in on the side conversations and my mind was busy sorting out what’s important. I’m a people watcher and listener by nature so I soon found myself immersed in all the table talk, what was said, not said and paying attention to nonverbal cues around me.
Read has a way of bringing the reader into the midst of the story. The characters are colorful, layered and real. Murder at Monterey is heavily character oriented and as I gazed around the dinner table, I found myself wondering who’s going to turn up dead, why and by whom. Of course, I was wrong. Another cuppa tea, please…. Read excels in the interweaving of the characters making for a delightful reading weekend.
Ohhh, don’t skip the glossary and Author Note at the end.
A Delectable ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Once again, Read casually brings us into the story as if we were invited guests and have a seating at the table. I enjoyed the lovely dinners and the many tea times. I found myself listening to dinner conversations around me; always on alert for clues.
Ahhh, dinner was so gorgeously presented, I could almost taste it. I loved “listening” in on the side conversations and my mind was busy sorting out what’s important. I’m a people watcher and listener by nature so I soon found myself immersed in all the table talk, what was said, not said and paying attention to nonverbal cues around me.
Read has a way of bringing the reader into the midst of the story. The characters are colorful, layered and real. Murder at Monterey is heavily character oriented and as I gazed around the dinner table, I found myself wondering who’s going to turn up dead, why and by whom. Of course, I was wrong. Another cuppa tea, please…. Read excels in the interweaving of the characters making for a delightful reading weekend.
Ohhh, don’t skip the glossary and Author Note at the end.
A Delectable ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 2, 2024
Ellen Read has created another beautiful story. Set on the 1920s/30s, it was the era of elegance. Although this is book six, it is standalone. I fell in love with the characters and wanted to know more about them.
Alexandra and Edith are close friends, so much so that they feel like sisters. The former and her husband live in Thornton Park with her father. They are all deal in antiques, so priceless artefacts figure highly in the story.
Alexandra, Edith, their husbands and her father are invited to the engagement of Miss Prudence Carmichael. This is strange because Alexander and Edith have had little to do with the woman since they left finishing school years before.
The weekend sees a houseful of invited guests, mostly relatives of the Carmichael family. Jealousy, murder, and theft, are rife and keep everyone on their toes.
This is a great story because it also tells of friendship, camaraderie, and love, especially between our main characters. It’s a lovely world to immerse yourself into, a gentler age to live with charming etiquette that makes a lasting impression. I recommend it,
Alexandra and Edith are close friends, so much so that they feel like sisters. The former and her husband live in Thornton Park with her father. They are all deal in antiques, so priceless artefacts figure highly in the story.
Alexandra, Edith, their husbands and her father are invited to the engagement of Miss Prudence Carmichael. This is strange because Alexander and Edith have had little to do with the woman since they left finishing school years before.
The weekend sees a houseful of invited guests, mostly relatives of the Carmichael family. Jealousy, murder, and theft, are rife and keep everyone on their toes.
This is a great story because it also tells of friendship, camaraderie, and love, especially between our main characters. It’s a lovely world to immerse yourself into, a gentler age to live with charming etiquette that makes a lasting impression. I recommend it,
June 23, 2024
The sixth story in the Thornton Mysteries, the Thorntons go to Monterey, the Carmichael’s home to celebrate the eldest daughter's birthday. while there a murder happens, who did it and why. The story was engaging and kept me turning pages as the story heads to the answer. I found the story to be well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2024
Ellen Read’s Murder at Monterey is a quintessential traditional murder mystery that transports readers into a world reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s iconic tales. The story revolves around two devoted sisters, Alexandra and Edith, who are invited to a grand party by Prudence, the enigmatic hostess. Their initial reluctance to attend, due to past encounters with the guest of honor, is overridden by the allure of a weekend getaway. Upon arrival, the sisters and their entourage mingle with the eclectic mix of guests, setting the stage for a suspenseful and tragic turn of events.
The narrative takes a dark twist when a guest is found dead, and another is discovered standing over the body, leading to a classic "whodunit" scenario. This homage to Christie’s masterpieces, such as the Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple series, grips the reader from the opening line, "Alexandra felt the loss..." The story is laced with foreshadowing, as exemplified by the line, "I, for one, hope we don’t have any murders while we’re there," which expertly builds tension leading up to the murderous climax. Ellen Read’s adept use of dialogue enhances the suspense and character development, although the story takes its time to dive into the core action. This deliberate pacing allows readers to become intimately acquainted with the characters and their possible motives, enriching the overall narrative. As the sixth book in the series, Murder at Monterey showcases Read’s ability to create compelling characters and intricate plots.
Murder at Monterey by Ellen Read is a masterfully crafted murder mystery that pays homage to the classic works of Agatha Christie. Through meticulous character development and a well-paced narrative, Read weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a long-time fan of traditional murder mysteries or new to the genre, this book is a must-read that promises a thoroughly engaging experience. I eagerly await the next adventure in this series.
The narrative takes a dark twist when a guest is found dead, and another is discovered standing over the body, leading to a classic "whodunit" scenario. This homage to Christie’s masterpieces, such as the Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple series, grips the reader from the opening line, "Alexandra felt the loss..." The story is laced with foreshadowing, as exemplified by the line, "I, for one, hope we don’t have any murders while we’re there," which expertly builds tension leading up to the murderous climax. Ellen Read’s adept use of dialogue enhances the suspense and character development, although the story takes its time to dive into the core action. This deliberate pacing allows readers to become intimately acquainted with the characters and their possible motives, enriching the overall narrative. As the sixth book in the series, Murder at Monterey showcases Read’s ability to create compelling characters and intricate plots.
Murder at Monterey by Ellen Read is a masterfully crafted murder mystery that pays homage to the classic works of Agatha Christie. Through meticulous character development and a well-paced narrative, Read weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a long-time fan of traditional murder mysteries or new to the genre, this book is a must-read that promises a thoroughly engaging experience. I eagerly await the next adventure in this series.
July 5, 2024
Another lush and heartwarming historical cosy murder mystery in the lovely Thornton series. The family is expanding and when Alexandra and Edie are invited to an old school chum's birthday party, it takes two cars to ferry them plus their husbands, Alexandra and Benedict’s baby, Grace, Edie’s furbaby, Bella, and, of course, the patriarch of the family, Alexandra’s father.
Unsure why they have been invited to Prudence’s birthday — they weren’t exactly friends at finishing school — Alexandra and Edie realise it’s a chance for Pru to show off when her engagement is announced at dinner. But, this would not be a Thornton story without a murder, or two, and pretty soon the mysterious deaths are coming thick and fast, along with the theft of a priceless emerald necklace, and enough in-family squabbling and bad blood between Pru’s family to keep even Alexandra satisfied.
This is a quick read, in the way Agatha Christie’s books are sharp and to the point, but that doesn’t mean the author has skimped on details—quite the opposite. I strongly advise that you do not read this book hungry, as all the descriptions of the lavish dinners, robust breakfasts, and endless rounds of cucumber sandwiches and cake on the lawn will leave you raiding the fridge.
Alexandra is a woman ahead of her time. Independent and intelligent, she refuses to play along with the strict conventions of her time. A keen dealer in antiques and an amateur sleuth, she carries the story with strong backup from her adoring father and husband and the sister-like relationship she shares with Edie.
There are thrills and spills galore in this tale set in 1920’s Melbourne society, along with all the tea, and the author has obviously researched this period thoroughly. For readers who love gentle murder mysteries and stories with strong family vibes, I highly recommend the Thornton series.
Unsure why they have been invited to Prudence’s birthday — they weren’t exactly friends at finishing school — Alexandra and Edie realise it’s a chance for Pru to show off when her engagement is announced at dinner. But, this would not be a Thornton story without a murder, or two, and pretty soon the mysterious deaths are coming thick and fast, along with the theft of a priceless emerald necklace, and enough in-family squabbling and bad blood between Pru’s family to keep even Alexandra satisfied.
This is a quick read, in the way Agatha Christie’s books are sharp and to the point, but that doesn’t mean the author has skimped on details—quite the opposite. I strongly advise that you do not read this book hungry, as all the descriptions of the lavish dinners, robust breakfasts, and endless rounds of cucumber sandwiches and cake on the lawn will leave you raiding the fridge.
Alexandra is a woman ahead of her time. Independent and intelligent, she refuses to play along with the strict conventions of her time. A keen dealer in antiques and an amateur sleuth, she carries the story with strong backup from her adoring father and husband and the sister-like relationship she shares with Edie.
There are thrills and spills galore in this tale set in 1920’s Melbourne society, along with all the tea, and the author has obviously researched this period thoroughly. For readers who love gentle murder mysteries and stories with strong family vibes, I highly recommend the Thornton series.
May 31, 2024
Prudence Carmichael aka Pru the Shrew had certainly earned her nickname in many many ways and was not the most popular person either at their finishing school or today, at her birthday party. So it was a surprise that she was not the dead body found at the foot of the stairs in the early hours of the next morning.
I have read all the Thornton mysteries and this one is just as exciting as all the others! Well written and cleverly plotted, a delight of a mystery, exciting, intriguing and full of fun.
I have read all the Thornton mysteries and this one is just as exciting as all the others! Well written and cleverly plotted, a delight of a mystery, exciting, intriguing and full of fun.
June 23, 2024
Alexandra and company are off to celebrate an old school acquaintance's birthday at the Carmichael home on the coast. Family dysfunction and a surprise murder make for an interesting party but Lexi and the gang are up to the challenge of solving the mystery and finding out what exactly is going on at the Carmichael home. This is an interesting, cozy mystery with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2024
This book did a great job of keeping me intrigued. Though it is in a series, it can be a stand alone, which is how I read it. However now I want to go back and read more! Great book for those who love mystery and strong women! The book was interesting, entertaining, and clean.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2024
A weekend away, turns horribly wrong, with intrigue and mystery, this book was fabulous.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy from Ellen, I look forward to reading more of her books.
I definitely rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy from Ellen, I look forward to reading more of her books.
I definitely rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 21, 2024
This is my first book by Ellen Read. When I began this story, I was quite confused due to the fact that this follows what seems to be a series. But as I continued I found my self more and more enraptured by the mystery . I will definitely need to read prior books.
I recommend!.
I recommend!.
July 16, 2024
Murder at Monterey is the sixth book in The Thornton Mysteries series. This enjoyable historical mystery has likable characters and an interesting storyline.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
December 6, 2024
Great book, couldn't put it down.
I feel like I know the characters 😊
I feel like I know the characters 😊
May 17, 2024
We enter the 1930s with Murder at Monterey. The family size has increased, and because of this I have trimmed down on the scope of this book, as I will for book seven and eight. By this I mean, the big historical back stories are pared back, and I have focused on making the books more cosy mystery styles.
A relaxing weekend by the sea turns into a tale of mystery and intrigue for the Thorntons.
George Carmichael has graciously invited them to his home to celebrate his daughter Prudence's birthday. Despite attending the same finishing school as Prudence, Alexandra and Edith never quite got along with her, and they wonder about the real reason behind the invitation.
Alexandra suspects that Mr. George might be interested in discussing the prices of his antiques with her father, a situation that has occurred previously but never led to a formal invitation.
Tensions escalate on the first evening between Prudence and her sister Winifred over an emerald necklace.
Alexandra also notices that many of the guests are seeking financial assistance from George Carmichael, treating him as their personal bank.
When a murder occurs later that evening, Alexandra is not entirely surprised, but the identity of the victim leaves her shocked.
A relaxing weekend by the sea turns into a tale of mystery and intrigue for the Thorntons.
George Carmichael has graciously invited them to his home to celebrate his daughter Prudence's birthday. Despite attending the same finishing school as Prudence, Alexandra and Edith never quite got along with her, and they wonder about the real reason behind the invitation.
Alexandra suspects that Mr. George might be interested in discussing the prices of his antiques with her father, a situation that has occurred previously but never led to a formal invitation.
Tensions escalate on the first evening between Prudence and her sister Winifred over an emerald necklace.
Alexandra also notices that many of the guests are seeking financial assistance from George Carmichael, treating him as their personal bank.
When a murder occurs later that evening, Alexandra is not entirely surprised, but the identity of the victim leaves her shocked.
June 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. I have read and enjoyed others in this series, but it could be a standalone, even though you would be missing out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2024
I loved Murder at Monterey. Another great cosy mystery from Ellen Read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews