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Ellie Haskell Mystery #7
The Spring Cleaning Murders
Dust mops are deadly in this “irresistible” (Minneapolis Star Tribune) and “wickedly witty” (Chicago Sun-Times) cozy mystery featuring the beloved Ellie Haskell—the signature heroine of Agatha Award nominee Dorothy Cannell.
When the ever-scrupulous and ever-caustic Mrs. Roxie Malloy leaves her employ in tears, Ellie Haskell—busy mother of twins—is forced to find another cleaning person. As she searches for someone who can at least aspire to taking Mrs. Malloy’s place, Ellie turns the household topsy-turvy, overcome with spring-cleaning fever. But when members of the Chitterton Fells Charwomen’s Association (C.F.C.W.A.) start biting the dust, Ellie swaps scrubbing for sleuthing to find out what dark secrets have been swept under the rug.
With the help of her husband, Ben, her feckless cousin Freddy, and an assortment of homemade cleaning solutions, Ellie joins the C.F.C.W.A.’s roster and embarks on a brief stint as a mercenary maid—just long enough to snoop through her neighbors’ things and find out which one has more than dust bunnies and dirty dishes to hide.
When the ever-scrupulous and ever-caustic Mrs. Roxie Malloy leaves her employ in tears, Ellie Haskell—busy mother of twins—is forced to find another cleaning person. As she searches for someone who can at least aspire to taking Mrs. Malloy’s place, Ellie turns the household topsy-turvy, overcome with spring-cleaning fever. But when members of the Chitterton Fells Charwomen’s Association (C.F.C.W.A.) start biting the dust, Ellie swaps scrubbing for sleuthing to find out what dark secrets have been swept under the rug.
With the help of her husband, Ben, her feckless cousin Freddy, and an assortment of homemade cleaning solutions, Ellie joins the C.F.C.W.A.’s roster and embarks on a brief stint as a mercenary maid—just long enough to snoop through her neighbors’ things and find out which one has more than dust bunnies and dirty dishes to hide.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2017
134 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Cannell
50 books253 followers(from Fantastic Fiction online)
Dorothy Cannell was born in London, England, and now lives in Belfast, Maine. Dorothy Cannell writes mysteries featuring Ellie Haskell, interior decorator and Ben Haskell, writer and chef, and Hyacinth and Primrose Tramwell, a pair of dotty sisters and owners of the Flowers Detection Agency.
(from Internet Book List)
Dorothy Cannell, a mother of four, grandmother of ten, and owner of a King Charles Spaniel, was born in England and moved to the United States when she was twenty. After living in Peoria, Illinois, for years, she and her husband recently moved to Belfast, Maine. Her first Ellie Haskell novel, The Thin Woman, was selected as one of the 100 Favorite Mysteries of the Twentieth Century by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.
Dorothy Cannell was born in London, England, and now lives in Belfast, Maine. Dorothy Cannell writes mysteries featuring Ellie Haskell, interior decorator and Ben Haskell, writer and chef, and Hyacinth and Primrose Tramwell, a pair of dotty sisters and owners of the Flowers Detection Agency.
(from Internet Book List)
Dorothy Cannell, a mother of four, grandmother of ten, and owner of a King Charles Spaniel, was born in England and moved to the United States when she was twenty. After living in Peoria, Illinois, for years, she and her husband recently moved to Belfast, Maine. Her first Ellie Haskell novel, The Thin Woman, was selected as one of the 100 Favorite Mysteries of the Twentieth Century by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
March 27, 2017
This is a series and Ellie Haskell is a mother of twins. She loses her cleaning lady, Mrs. Malloy when she has to leave for London to babysit her grandbaby and Ellie needs to replace her due to "spring cleaning." Ellie finds a new cleaning lady , but unfortunately she is soon found Murdered and Ellie finds herself playing "detective". More murders to come, let's see if Ellie can solve this case. This was a light and witty murder mystery and I enjoyed the spring cleaning theme.
June 30, 2017
This is a reprint of a book originally published in 1998. It is a good read of a cozy mystery that takes place in a small town outside of London England. This is the seventh book in this series.
Ellie Haskell found a book containing recipes for making your own cleaning products that was written by one of her ancestors. She decides to make and try some of the products and this begins a thorough Spring Cleaning. Ellie is also the mother of young twins and never seems to be able to finish anything. When Mrs. Malloy, her cleaning woman quits to go to London to take care of her grandchild, Ellie hires one of her associates to take over the cleaning. When Ellie goes to a meeting at someone else's house, she stumbles upon her replacement cleaning lady dead after a fall off a ladder. Was the death an accident or was it murder? Ellie has a feeling it was foul play, and she sets out to prove it. When another death occurs, she is sure there is something going on.
There are many things happening in this story. Her husband's restaurant is being picketed, her gardener/handyman is getting older and his health is declining. The twins are clambering for attention and Mrs. Malloy is acting strange, not answering any calls. One of her friends is trying to get her husband back and is involved with a married man and every time she hires someone to clean, something seems to happen to them. With all this going on, will Ellie figure out who the killer is and the motive? Will she be able to find out who the killer is before anyone else dies?
The characters in this story are what you would expect from an English mystery. They are quirky, especially the group of cleaning women, and fun. The list of suspects includes just about everyone except Ellie and her family. The plot moved slowly in some spots and quickly in others. I had suspects in mind along the way and changed my mind as often as Ellie did. The ending was a bit of a surprise, but fit in nicely. Each chapter began with a cleaning tip from the past and it was fun to read them. I am glad I live now though. A cute mystery for cozy mystery lovers. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Ellie Haskell found a book containing recipes for making your own cleaning products that was written by one of her ancestors. She decides to make and try some of the products and this begins a thorough Spring Cleaning. Ellie is also the mother of young twins and never seems to be able to finish anything. When Mrs. Malloy, her cleaning woman quits to go to London to take care of her grandchild, Ellie hires one of her associates to take over the cleaning. When Ellie goes to a meeting at someone else's house, she stumbles upon her replacement cleaning lady dead after a fall off a ladder. Was the death an accident or was it murder? Ellie has a feeling it was foul play, and she sets out to prove it. When another death occurs, she is sure there is something going on.
There are many things happening in this story. Her husband's restaurant is being picketed, her gardener/handyman is getting older and his health is declining. The twins are clambering for attention and Mrs. Malloy is acting strange, not answering any calls. One of her friends is trying to get her husband back and is involved with a married man and every time she hires someone to clean, something seems to happen to them. With all this going on, will Ellie figure out who the killer is and the motive? Will she be able to find out who the killer is before anyone else dies?
The characters in this story are what you would expect from an English mystery. They are quirky, especially the group of cleaning women, and fun. The list of suspects includes just about everyone except Ellie and her family. The plot moved slowly in some spots and quickly in others. I had suspects in mind along the way and changed my mind as often as Ellie did. The ending was a bit of a surprise, but fit in nicely. Each chapter began with a cleaning tip from the past and it was fun to read them. I am glad I live now though. A cute mystery for cozy mystery lovers. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
April 17, 2017
This is seventh book in the Ellie Haskell series and the first time I have read this author. I found an excellent story that the writing flow smoothly and was easy to read. It is a hard book to rate and review as much was happening. It takes place in a small town off the coast of England and occurred before computers and cell phones. It is true to the conditions of the time. I
Ellie is married and the Mother of twins. Mrs. Malloy, her long time cleaner gives her notice informing her that she moving to London to help take care of granddaughter. Her replacement, Mrs. Large is found dead. What is Mrs. Malloy's problem and was Mrs. Large's death an accident or MURDER? The antic of the twin was amusing and added much to the story. The health of Jonas and the love the family felt for their line-up gardener was another theme that I feel followers to series like. If course the home-made household remedies that were included were interesting.
I feel that had I read the earlier books I would be attracted to the characters and the many subplots. The latter were merged together nicely. I would recommend reading this series in order but this book worked well as a standalone. I will read more of this series as time allows.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Alibi through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book.The opinions expressed are my own.
Ellie is married and the Mother of twins. Mrs. Malloy, her long time cleaner gives her notice informing her that she moving to London to help take care of granddaughter. Her replacement, Mrs. Large is found dead. What is Mrs. Malloy's problem and was Mrs. Large's death an accident or MURDER? The antic of the twin was amusing and added much to the story. The health of Jonas and the love the family felt for their line-up gardener was another theme that I feel followers to series like. If course the home-made household remedies that were included were interesting.
I feel that had I read the earlier books I would be attracted to the characters and the many subplots. The latter were merged together nicely. I would recommend reading this series in order but this book worked well as a standalone. I will read more of this series as time allows.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Alibi through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book.The opinions expressed are my own.
April 30, 2017
The Spring Cleaning Murders by Dorothy Cannell is the 7th book in the Ellie Haskell mystery series, and is written as perfectly as the first 6 were. The Ellie Haskell stories are a personal favorite of mine, having first read The Thin Woman (book one) over 25 years ago. Ellie has found true love with her husband Ben and their 3-year-old twins Tam (Grantham) and Abbey (Abigail), and is happily living at Merlin's Court with them and Jonas (the caretaker) and Freddy (her cousin). Everything is going smoothly in Chitterton Fells until members of the CFCWA (Chitterton Fells Charwomans Association) start dying (and getting murdered) and Mrs. Malloy disappears. It's up to Ellie, Ben, and Freddy to discover who the murdering villain is. Ms. Cannell has such a gift with the written word, and this story is a perfect example. Witty, clever and fast-paced, and it left me a little misty-eyed at the end. Bravo!
June 18, 2018
Ellie Haskell loves to clean she is in spring cleaning fever when Mrs Roxie Malloy her Charwomen decides to turn in her resignation so she can move to London to help out her Son and his Wife Vanessa who is Ellie's cousin with the new baby. So she hires a new Charwomen from the Chatterton Falls Charwomen Assc. She hires Mrs Gertrude Large but for fewer hours than Mrs Malloy. When Mrs Large falls from a ladder in the home of a new Chitterton Falls resident and dies Ellie is once again in a spot. Even worse it seems the Charwomen are being murdered. Mrs Malloy is unreachable. So Ellie and Ben her Husband plus cousin Freddy go under cover as new cleaners in the hopes of finding clues in the homes of their clients to help the police solve these murders
May 31, 2015
Fun, silly fluff.
November 7, 2024
Delightful!! Gasped aloud multiple times!
August 31, 2017
Title: The Spring Cleaning Murders - Ellie Haskell Mystery Book 7
Author: Dorothy Cannell
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 5-9-2017
Pages: 238
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Sub-Genre: Suspense, Women's Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuth,
ISBN: 9780399180392
ASIN: B01KE61LTI
Reviewed For NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars
When the ever-scrupulous and ever-caustic Mrs. Roxie Malloy leaves her employ in tears, Ellie Haskell—busy mother of twins—is forced to find another cleaning person. As she searches for someone who can at least aspire to taking Mrs. Malloy’s place, Ellie turns the household topsy-turvy, overcome with spring-cleaning fever. But when members of the Chitterton Fells Charwomen’s Association (C.F.C.W.A.) start biting the dust, Ellie swaps scrubbing for sleuthing to find out what dark secrets have been swept under the rug.
With the help of her husband, Ben, her feckless cousin Freddy, and an assortment of homemade cleaning solutions, Ellie joins the C.F.C.W.A.’s roster and embarks on a brief stint as a mercenary maid—just long enough to snoop through her neighbors’ things and find out which one has more than dust bunnies and dirty dishes to hide.
Ellie, the mother of twins, decides it is time for a through Spring cleaning and wants to use some of the recipes for cleaning supplies she has found in an old book of one of her ancestors. With Mrs. Mallory announcing she is moving to London Ellie hires one of Mrs. Mallory's associates. When the woman dies from a fall Ellie thinks it was foul play, then another second char woman turns up dead. Ellie races to find a killer and the reason behind the killings before another body is found.
This is the seventh in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. Filled with a cast of characters that are diversified and interesting personalities. Well written plot with scenes move smoothly one to another. A quick fun read.
My rating of "The Spring Cleaning Murders - Ellie Haskell Mystery Book 7" is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KE61LTI/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Spring...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?Que...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Dorothy Cannell
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Published: 5-9-2017
Pages: 238
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Sub-Genre: Suspense, Women's Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuth,
ISBN: 9780399180392
ASIN: B01KE61LTI
Reviewed For NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars
When the ever-scrupulous and ever-caustic Mrs. Roxie Malloy leaves her employ in tears, Ellie Haskell—busy mother of twins—is forced to find another cleaning person. As she searches for someone who can at least aspire to taking Mrs. Malloy’s place, Ellie turns the household topsy-turvy, overcome with spring-cleaning fever. But when members of the Chitterton Fells Charwomen’s Association (C.F.C.W.A.) start biting the dust, Ellie swaps scrubbing for sleuthing to find out what dark secrets have been swept under the rug.
With the help of her husband, Ben, her feckless cousin Freddy, and an assortment of homemade cleaning solutions, Ellie joins the C.F.C.W.A.’s roster and embarks on a brief stint as a mercenary maid—just long enough to snoop through her neighbors’ things and find out which one has more than dust bunnies and dirty dishes to hide.
Ellie, the mother of twins, decides it is time for a through Spring cleaning and wants to use some of the recipes for cleaning supplies she has found in an old book of one of her ancestors. With Mrs. Mallory announcing she is moving to London Ellie hires one of Mrs. Mallory's associates. When the woman dies from a fall Ellie thinks it was foul play, then another second char woman turns up dead. Ellie races to find a killer and the reason behind the killings before another body is found.
This is the seventh in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. Filled with a cast of characters that are diversified and interesting personalities. Well written plot with scenes move smoothly one to another. A quick fun read.
My rating of "The Spring Cleaning Murders - Ellie Haskell Mystery Book 7" is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KE61LTI/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Spring...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?Que...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
May 8, 2017
A great plot!
We are transported to a small town in England, with magnificent houses filled with history and charm. The characters are unique, some eccentric to the extreme, some pompous and irritant and some just filled with insecurities.
In this installment, Mrs. H is set on spring cleaning her house, but her long time help Mrs. M puts her notice and moves to London to take care of her newborn granddaughter. Help is needed so in comes Mrs. Large, a formidable woman in every way. Suddenly strange things start to happen and not short of time so does murder, the question is who is the culprit and who maybe next.
Note: I received an ARC for review and an unbiased opinion.
We are transported to a small town in England, with magnificent houses filled with history and charm. The characters are unique, some eccentric to the extreme, some pompous and irritant and some just filled with insecurities.
In this installment, Mrs. H is set on spring cleaning her house, but her long time help Mrs. M puts her notice and moves to London to take care of her newborn granddaughter. Help is needed so in comes Mrs. Large, a formidable woman in every way. Suddenly strange things start to happen and not short of time so does murder, the question is who is the culprit and who maybe next.
Note: I received an ARC for review and an unbiased opinion.
May 9, 2017
This is a cute cozy mystery. I have read another in this series and they are quite good. They are entertaining and somewhat complicated without being confusing. I really like the main characters. I listened to this as text to speech on my kindle on my way to New Jersey from New Hampshire and was so engaged that I continued to read it once I arrived. I had started it earlier in the week, but I got to that point where you just have to know how it all wraps up. I definitely didn't predict the ending, which always speaks highly of a good mystery. If you like to be entertained with a fun mystery, I definitely recommend this.
December 8, 2018
Maids and Murder
This story takes place in a small town in England, but makes up
In size by killer hunting maids out of season. Can the rest of the
lady's solve the well kept secrets and solve the mystery or will
They too meet their fate by the killers hands. Read the who done
it mystery and solve the case.
Debra H.
This story takes place in a small town in England, but makes up
In size by killer hunting maids out of season. Can the rest of the
lady's solve the well kept secrets and solve the mystery or will
They too meet their fate by the killers hands. Read the who done
it mystery and solve the case.
Debra H.
March 23, 2017
This is only the second book I have read in the series but I enjoyed it.
The characters have grown on me and the whodunit was well written.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
The characters have grown on me and the whodunit was well written.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
December 16, 2022
A cute mystery. Was not very exciting, but I did not figure out who the murderer was, so all in all was an OK read.
April 12, 2025
Back with the Haskell's and their crazy lives! Mrs. Malloy needs to go to London to take care of her new grandbaby. And as such, Ellie needs a new housekeeper. When that housekeeper is found dead, was it just an accident or was she murdered? Ellie, Ben, and even Freddy agree to join the cleaning guild to find the answers. As expected there are lots of laughs and misunderstandings along the way. But it was a fun and engaging mystery!
July 27, 2024
This is a fun series. Light and interesting without any bad stuff.
May 13, 2025
It was an easy read, the storyline was a bit predictable, but I was looking for something easy.
August 13, 2025
Charming English mystery set in late 20th century.
June 17, 2017
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Ellie Haskell has discovered a book about cleaning, including recipes for DYI cleaning products in her attic. It was written by one of her ancestors, and she is so excited about the find she decides to do a thorough spring cleaning. Now she is in a pickle. Ellie’s cleaning lady, Mrs. Malloy, quit because her newborn granddaughter needs a nanny. Mrs. Malloy hasn’t always been the most efficient employee, and now the situation has become awkward because Ellie’s cousin Vanessa married Mrs. Malloy’s son. Being related wasn’t the most comfortable situation, but Ellie really counted on the extra help around the house. The replacement cleaning lady is not exactly what Ellie was hoping for, especially after she turns up dead.
Was the death an accident or was it murder? Ellie has a feeling it was foul play, and she sets out to prove it. Unfortunately, there are lots of obstacles along the way. First of all her husband has been a bit distracted because some activists have targeted his restaurant. Her gardener/handyman is not feeling well, and she is concerned that his age is finally slowing him down. Her twins are in a half day play school, but afternoons can be a hectic with them home, no help in the house and quite possibly a murderer on the loose.
The Spring Cleaning Murders is a cute cozy mystery. Ellie and her family have been the stars of this and twelve others in the series. It has all the elements of a perfect cozy. The quirky characters are endearing, the group of cleaning ladies is eclectic and interesting and the list of possible suspects includes almost everyone Ellie encounters. Will she be able to find out who the killer is before anyone else dies?
I loved the characters in this book. It was fun to try and figure out “who done it” with Ellie and her sidekicks. The bits of cleaning tips at the beginning of each chapter were a throwback to the past and fun to read. The end was cute with an unexpected twist.
There are thirteen books in the Ellie Haskell Mystery Series. this book is #8.
Copyright © 2017 Laura Hartman
Ellie Haskell has discovered a book about cleaning, including recipes for DYI cleaning products in her attic. It was written by one of her ancestors, and she is so excited about the find she decides to do a thorough spring cleaning. Now she is in a pickle. Ellie’s cleaning lady, Mrs. Malloy, quit because her newborn granddaughter needs a nanny. Mrs. Malloy hasn’t always been the most efficient employee, and now the situation has become awkward because Ellie’s cousin Vanessa married Mrs. Malloy’s son. Being related wasn’t the most comfortable situation, but Ellie really counted on the extra help around the house. The replacement cleaning lady is not exactly what Ellie was hoping for, especially after she turns up dead.
Was the death an accident or was it murder? Ellie has a feeling it was foul play, and she sets out to prove it. Unfortunately, there are lots of obstacles along the way. First of all her husband has been a bit distracted because some activists have targeted his restaurant. Her gardener/handyman is not feeling well, and she is concerned that his age is finally slowing him down. Her twins are in a half day play school, but afternoons can be a hectic with them home, no help in the house and quite possibly a murderer on the loose.
The Spring Cleaning Murders is a cute cozy mystery. Ellie and her family have been the stars of this and twelve others in the series. It has all the elements of a perfect cozy. The quirky characters are endearing, the group of cleaning ladies is eclectic and interesting and the list of possible suspects includes almost everyone Ellie encounters. Will she be able to find out who the killer is before anyone else dies?
I loved the characters in this book. It was fun to try and figure out “who done it” with Ellie and her sidekicks. The bits of cleaning tips at the beginning of each chapter were a throwback to the past and fun to read. The end was cute with an unexpected twist.
There are thirteen books in the Ellie Haskell Mystery Series. this book is #8.
Copyright © 2017 Laura Hartman
May 9, 2017
Our heroine's household is somewhat eccentric, including herself (an unemployed decorator), her husband (restaurateur), twin three-year olds, and Jonas who is presented as a gardener emeritus who lives upstairs as a guest but seems to have no familial ties. Add to this menage a char (housekeeper) who has to quit (now hold on, this gets complicated) because her son's wife, who is Ellie's (heroine's) cousin, is a model and really not up to the challenge of caring for her newborn daughter. And then there is Freddy (another cousin). And a host of other chars and neighbors who are up to their necks in . . . MURDER? Well, I mean, c'mon! Isn't that why you bought this book, because it is a murder mystery?
Unlike many large-cast mysteries, the characters are each sufficiently distinctly drawn that never once did I mix up the Brigadier with the Lord nor Mrs. Large with Mrs. Smalley, and although I was too busy enjoying myself to carefully check the clues, my instincts led me to the correct conclusion of this delightful story. I was also utterly charmed by the household hints which headed each chapter.
I am not sure when the current publisher (Random House) began reissuing these Ellie Haskell mysteries, but they are not necessarily coming out in order. In fact this is the second one I've read (the 7th in the series--and I previous read #9) and when I saw it listed in the Netgalley library I immediately requested a copy, looking forward (accurately!) to an entertaining few hours. And not that few. This is a "full" length novel, well paced, with room to explore but without grinding on tediously. Given my personal schedule, I frequently look for the novellas these days but often find them skimping on details to keep their shorter lengths. As Baby Bear would say, this was "Just right!"
Unlike many large-cast mysteries, the characters are each sufficiently distinctly drawn that never once did I mix up the Brigadier with the Lord nor Mrs. Large with Mrs. Smalley, and although I was too busy enjoying myself to carefully check the clues, my instincts led me to the correct conclusion of this delightful story. I was also utterly charmed by the household hints which headed each chapter.
I am not sure when the current publisher (Random House) began reissuing these Ellie Haskell mysteries, but they are not necessarily coming out in order. In fact this is the second one I've read (the 7th in the series--and I previous read #9) and when I saw it listed in the Netgalley library I immediately requested a copy, looking forward (accurately!) to an entertaining few hours. And not that few. This is a "full" length novel, well paced, with room to explore but without grinding on tediously. Given my personal schedule, I frequently look for the novellas these days but often find them skimping on details to keep their shorter lengths. As Baby Bear would say, this was "Just right!"
May 10, 2017
Ellie and Ben are a happily married couple who have twins, a cousin who lives in the gatehouse as well as a wonderful elderly friend who is the gardener, but really more of a grandfather figure.
In this family there are always events. Ellie is in the midst of spring cleaning, Ben's restaurant is under assault and Mrs. Malloy, their intrepid house cleaner has announced she is leaving them for family reasons.
The twins are wonderful characters who add a great deal to the story. They actually behave like real live children. Ellie leads a wonderful inner life. Her thoughts are always right on point. And Cousin Freddy has a terrific warped sense of humor. Everything about this series is based on what could be considered relatively normal people. Except for the murders, of course.
When Mrs Malloy bows out of their lives, another woman is going to become a regular house cleaner for the family. But, that does not work out at all.
Because this is a small village, various friends and neighbors play large parts in daily life as well as the murder investigations.
Ms Cannell creates characters who draw the reader into the story. Whether main characters or secondary characters, each one adds to the texture of the story.
The plot moves forward quickly. There are well done secondary plots involving people important to the family.
This is a British cozy with a British sense of style. And it is lovely. Although this book is part of a series, it works well as a stand alone read.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
In this family there are always events. Ellie is in the midst of spring cleaning, Ben's restaurant is under assault and Mrs. Malloy, their intrepid house cleaner has announced she is leaving them for family reasons.
The twins are wonderful characters who add a great deal to the story. They actually behave like real live children. Ellie leads a wonderful inner life. Her thoughts are always right on point. And Cousin Freddy has a terrific warped sense of humor. Everything about this series is based on what could be considered relatively normal people. Except for the murders, of course.
When Mrs Malloy bows out of their lives, another woman is going to become a regular house cleaner for the family. But, that does not work out at all.
Because this is a small village, various friends and neighbors play large parts in daily life as well as the murder investigations.
Ms Cannell creates characters who draw the reader into the story. Whether main characters or secondary characters, each one adds to the texture of the story.
The plot moves forward quickly. There are well done secondary plots involving people important to the family.
This is a British cozy with a British sense of style. And it is lovely. Although this book is part of a series, it works well as a stand alone read.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
May 4, 2017
The Spring Cleaning Murders
Author: Dorothy Cannell
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Alibi
Ellie Haskell has spring cleaning fever. She is besieged with problems like her housekeeper, Mrs. Malloy, giving notice and moving to London to take care of her infant granddaughter. Ellie searches for someone who can take Mrs. Malloy’s place, something that is not easy as everyone she hires ends up dead. Ellie is left with no alternative; she must investigate the murders and help make sure the last members of the Chitterton Fells Charwomen’s Association (C.F.C.W.A.) stay alive.
--
Ellie is a great character who happens to be suffering from spring fever and gets involved in a crazy murder investigation. Someone is killing the local cleaning ladies after Ellie hires them to work for her. The fact that the main character is a stay at home mother who cares deeply for those around her and her family make the story relatable to many women in today’s world.
Jonas and Freddy are the best characters beside the wonderful Mrs. Malloy. They bring the situations to life while giving the reader something to laugh about. There is charm in the way Ms. Cannell describe the people and the issues, without making the story unbearably annoying.
Although this book is a reprint of the original published in 1998, it is not dated and is still fresh and entertaining. The story is not fast-paced but does not ramble, and there is just enough detail to keep the reader interested in the location and the characters. The ending is a bit predictable but not to the point of the reader being disappointed. This book and series of books are recommended for anyone who wants their mysteries without a lot of violence, or sexual content and who like wholesome, good characters.
Author: Dorothy Cannell
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Alibi
Ellie Haskell has spring cleaning fever. She is besieged with problems like her housekeeper, Mrs. Malloy, giving notice and moving to London to take care of her infant granddaughter. Ellie searches for someone who can take Mrs. Malloy’s place, something that is not easy as everyone she hires ends up dead. Ellie is left with no alternative; she must investigate the murders and help make sure the last members of the Chitterton Fells Charwomen’s Association (C.F.C.W.A.) stay alive.
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Ellie is a great character who happens to be suffering from spring fever and gets involved in a crazy murder investigation. Someone is killing the local cleaning ladies after Ellie hires them to work for her. The fact that the main character is a stay at home mother who cares deeply for those around her and her family make the story relatable to many women in today’s world.
Jonas and Freddy are the best characters beside the wonderful Mrs. Malloy. They bring the situations to life while giving the reader something to laugh about. There is charm in the way Ms. Cannell describe the people and the issues, without making the story unbearably annoying.
Although this book is a reprint of the original published in 1998, it is not dated and is still fresh and entertaining. The story is not fast-paced but does not ramble, and there is just enough detail to keep the reader interested in the location and the characters. The ending is a bit predictable but not to the point of the reader being disappointed. This book and series of books are recommended for anyone who wants their mysteries without a lot of violence, or sexual content and who like wholesome, good characters.
May 14, 2017
Ellie Haskell is in the throes of spring cleaning "fever" when her flamboyant charwoman, Mrs. Roxie Malloy, turns in her resignation. Mrs. Malloy is off to London to help out her son and his wife, Ellie's cousin Vanessa, with their new baby. Ellie must secure the services of a new charwoman from the Chitterton Fells Charwomen's Association (C.F.C.W.A), a tight group of women with more rules and regulations than your average large corporation. She hires Mrs. Gertrude Large (all the charwomen must be addressed as Mrs. or Miss) but for fewer hours per week than Mrs. Malloy. When Mrs. Large is killed in a fall from a ladder in the home of one of Chitterton Fells' several new residents, Ellie is in a tight spot again. Even worse, the charwomen are being murdered in quick succession, and Mrs. Malloy seems unreachable. Ellie, her husband Ben, and cousin Freddy go "undercover" as a new cleaning concern with the idea of searching the homes of their clients for clues.
The Ellie Haskell Mysteries have long been favorites of mine from The Thin Woman onward and I am delighted that Random House Alibi is bringing them out in new editions for new readers. It has been a very long time since I first read them and I find them charming as ever. They are full of good humor, village life and a cast of eccentrics that will keep you chuckling. I had forgotten much of the plot so it was almost a new experience with a nice twist at the end. I recommend them for traditional British cozy fans and for complete escape reading.
Thanks to Random House Alibi and NetGalley for an advance digital copy. The opinions above are my own.
RATING- 4 Stars
The Ellie Haskell Mysteries have long been favorites of mine from The Thin Woman onward and I am delighted that Random House Alibi is bringing them out in new editions for new readers. It has been a very long time since I first read them and I find them charming as ever. They are full of good humor, village life and a cast of eccentrics that will keep you chuckling. I had forgotten much of the plot so it was almost a new experience with a nice twist at the end. I recommend them for traditional British cozy fans and for complete escape reading.
Thanks to Random House Alibi and NetGalley for an advance digital copy. The opinions above are my own.
RATING- 4 Stars
May 10, 2017
Ellie Haskell is cleaning house! Well, she's trying, anyway. It's not so easy with two 3-year-olds underfoot. But Ellie is determined to put her house through a good spring cleaning anyway. However, it's never quite that easy for the mom, wife, and professional interior decorator living in Chitterton Fells in England.
Ellie is all ready to start her cleaning when her housekeeper announces that she's quitting, leaving to care for her grandchild. But she offers Ellie a recommendation for a replacement, a friend of hers from the C.F.C.W.A., the Chitterton Fells Charwomen's Association, Mrs. Large. But Mrs. Large is not long for this world, and Ellie takes it on herself to go to great lengths to discover the secrets behind her murder.
Filled with quirky characters and a mild snarky humor, Dorothy Cannell's The Spring Cleaning Murders is a charming look at domestic life in Britain. Available in ebook format for the first time, this seventh novel in the Ellie Haskell series is a fun romp through domestic bliss and murder.
Although it may seem a little old-fashioned to some, it's the epitome of the English country house mystery and proves itself another fantastic Dorothy Cannell classic cozy. If you don't like starting a series in the middle, by all means, head back to the beginning with The Thin Woman, but follow through the series because you won't want to miss this fun look at the secrets that only our housekeepers know about us.
Galleys for The Spring Cleaning Murders were provided by the publisher through NetGalley.com.
Ellie is all ready to start her cleaning when her housekeeper announces that she's quitting, leaving to care for her grandchild. But she offers Ellie a recommendation for a replacement, a friend of hers from the C.F.C.W.A., the Chitterton Fells Charwomen's Association, Mrs. Large. But Mrs. Large is not long for this world, and Ellie takes it on herself to go to great lengths to discover the secrets behind her murder.
Filled with quirky characters and a mild snarky humor, Dorothy Cannell's The Spring Cleaning Murders is a charming look at domestic life in Britain. Available in ebook format for the first time, this seventh novel in the Ellie Haskell series is a fun romp through domestic bliss and murder.
Although it may seem a little old-fashioned to some, it's the epitome of the English country house mystery and proves itself another fantastic Dorothy Cannell classic cozy. If you don't like starting a series in the middle, by all means, head back to the beginning with The Thin Woman, but follow through the series because you won't want to miss this fun look at the secrets that only our housekeepers know about us.
Galleys for The Spring Cleaning Murders were provided by the publisher through NetGalley.com.
May 31, 2017
When Ellie Haskell describes the bliss of house cleaning, she's not being sarcastic. She really loves cleaning. Such a theme is to be expected with a novel titled "The Spring Cleaning Murders," by Dorothy Cannel. What is less expected is housekeepers unexpectedly in peril. The Charwomen's Association, a group of locally housekeepers, are losing members faster than you can shake out a rug.
Ellie is just as eager to turn out the murderer' as she is her cupboards. With the help of her former housekeeper, Roxie Malloy, the two snoop their way through their neighbors' homes and belongings looking for something more incriminating than hidden dirt, which of course, then puts them in peril.
Unfortunately. this is more cleaning manual than murder mystery. Chapters start off with cleaning tips, which annoyingly, pulls the reader right out of the novel and into boring reality. Sometimes nonsensical advice (i.e., dust the floor, then the ceiling) takes one further away from the story, leading to head scratching rather than page turning. Natural cleaning formulas and more tips are detailed excruciatingly throughout the novel. Despite the title, those aren't the reasons one picks out a murder mystery to read. The book is further bogged down by insipid dialogue, tedious daily activities and absurd plotting. It's enough to make those that hate cleaning pick up a duster instead of this tale.
(I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley, with no guarantee of a positive review or even that I would write one.)
Ellie is just as eager to turn out the murderer' as she is her cupboards. With the help of her former housekeeper, Roxie Malloy, the two snoop their way through their neighbors' homes and belongings looking for something more incriminating than hidden dirt, which of course, then puts them in peril.
Unfortunately. this is more cleaning manual than murder mystery. Chapters start off with cleaning tips, which annoyingly, pulls the reader right out of the novel and into boring reality. Sometimes nonsensical advice (i.e., dust the floor, then the ceiling) takes one further away from the story, leading to head scratching rather than page turning. Natural cleaning formulas and more tips are detailed excruciatingly throughout the novel. Despite the title, those aren't the reasons one picks out a murder mystery to read. The book is further bogged down by insipid dialogue, tedious daily activities and absurd plotting. It's enough to make those that hate cleaning pick up a duster instead of this tale.
(I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley, with no guarantee of a positive review or even that I would write one.)
May 2, 2017
Spring cleaning was in the air with Ellie Haskell determined to make her house sparkle from top to bottom. But of course with Ellie’s three year old twins, husband Ben, cousin Freddy and the elderly Jonas also under her roof, Ellie had her work cut out. And her housecleaner, Roxie Malloy had left in a hurry to babysit a new granddaughter. So Ellie’s search led her to the Chitterton Fells Charwomen’s Association – and her first visit to the home of the president had Ellie in shock when she discovered the body of one of the cleaning ladies at the base of a ladder…
But worse was to come when more of those intrepid ladies met a gruesome end – Ellie was devastated to say the least. She needed to turn her sights to finding the killer before more ladies bit the dust. Would her skills suffice? Or was she putting herself in danger by discovering things the killer didn’t want her to know?
The Spring Cleaning Murders is my first by Dorothy Cannell and I’m afraid I was disappointed. A cosy mystery – yes – but there really wasn’t much of a story to draw me in. The adult characters didn’t particularly hold my interest with the most likeable being the three year old twins. I had guessed the killer quite early in the piece as well. But I've also noticed others have rated this one highly, so it obviously just wasn't suited to me.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.
But worse was to come when more of those intrepid ladies met a gruesome end – Ellie was devastated to say the least. She needed to turn her sights to finding the killer before more ladies bit the dust. Would her skills suffice? Or was she putting herself in danger by discovering things the killer didn’t want her to know?
The Spring Cleaning Murders is my first by Dorothy Cannell and I’m afraid I was disappointed. A cosy mystery – yes – but there really wasn’t much of a story to draw me in. The adult characters didn’t particularly hold my interest with the most likeable being the three year old twins. I had guessed the killer quite early in the piece as well. But I've also noticed others have rated this one highly, so it obviously just wasn't suited to me.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.
May 23, 2017
The Spring Cleaning Murders is the eighth book in Dorothy Cannell's Ellie Haskel mysteries. In this particular story we start out with Roxie Malloy, Ellie's housekeeper/friend/accomplice resigning to move to London to care for her new granddaughter. While lost without her friend, Ellie puts on a good front, even trying other charladies, but none compare. And none come back as they each meet their demise.
With several new residents in the area, all of whom have employed the ladies before their deaths, and clues that don't quite match, Ellie is at it again, not seeing that she is placing herself in harms way. What is it that the charladies have seen that has put their lives in danger? And how fast can she solve this, especially when Mrs. M returns?
Meanwhile, things are not going too well at her husband's restaurant, Abigail's. Local vegan protestors are virtually closing them down. With Ellie's encouragement, he decides to close and stay home for the time being. He is set to learn all that their aging live in gardener, Jonas, can teach him.
He is also prepared to help Ellie, both with solving the mystery and producing the natural cleaning products that Abigail had left behind. However, their plans to discover the secret that brought others down fall short.
Fast paced, rich characters, and twisty turny events make this another winner in the Ellie Haskell mysteries. I do recommend this book.
With several new residents in the area, all of whom have employed the ladies before their deaths, and clues that don't quite match, Ellie is at it again, not seeing that she is placing herself in harms way. What is it that the charladies have seen that has put their lives in danger? And how fast can she solve this, especially when Mrs. M returns?
Meanwhile, things are not going too well at her husband's restaurant, Abigail's. Local vegan protestors are virtually closing them down. With Ellie's encouragement, he decides to close and stay home for the time being. He is set to learn all that their aging live in gardener, Jonas, can teach him.
He is also prepared to help Ellie, both with solving the mystery and producing the natural cleaning products that Abigail had left behind. However, their plans to discover the secret that brought others down fall short.
Fast paced, rich characters, and twisty turny events make this another winner in the Ellie Haskell mysteries. I do recommend this book.
July 18, 2017
Princess Fuzzypants here:
I have enjoyed every one of the Ellie Haskell books. In fact, I have liked each one successively more. I guess I have gotten to know the characters and the humour better. It is interesting as this book which was released in May is actually one of the earlier stories. Some of the things referred to in later books happen in this one. Oddly, even reading the series out of sequence does not detract at all.
Ellie has decided to do a thorough spring cleaning. She is disappointed when Mrs. Malloy says she must quit to go live with her son, his wife and new born daughter in London. She finds other chars to fill in for Mrs. Malloy but they have a nasty habit of being murdered, one by one. Ellie wonders if it is something personal.
At the same time, things are not going well in her husband's restaurant and the old gardener who lives with them is going downhill fast and there are several newcomers to town who figure in all of the goings on. It is quite a muddle that does not get resolved until the very end. I did suspect one of the culprits but the second was a surprise, as was the motives.
Ellie and her family are delightful characters- sweet but not saccharine. There are plenty of quirky characters and some laugh out loud moments but the humour is not slapstick. It is gentle and endearing.
This is a great holiday book, perhaps a good one with which to sample the series. It is light and entertaining.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.
I have enjoyed every one of the Ellie Haskell books. In fact, I have liked each one successively more. I guess I have gotten to know the characters and the humour better. It is interesting as this book which was released in May is actually one of the earlier stories. Some of the things referred to in later books happen in this one. Oddly, even reading the series out of sequence does not detract at all.
Ellie has decided to do a thorough spring cleaning. She is disappointed when Mrs. Malloy says she must quit to go live with her son, his wife and new born daughter in London. She finds other chars to fill in for Mrs. Malloy but they have a nasty habit of being murdered, one by one. Ellie wonders if it is something personal.
At the same time, things are not going well in her husband's restaurant and the old gardener who lives with them is going downhill fast and there are several newcomers to town who figure in all of the goings on. It is quite a muddle that does not get resolved until the very end. I did suspect one of the culprits but the second was a surprise, as was the motives.
Ellie and her family are delightful characters- sweet but not saccharine. There are plenty of quirky characters and some laugh out loud moments but the humour is not slapstick. It is gentle and endearing.
This is a great holiday book, perhaps a good one with which to sample the series. It is light and entertaining.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.
August 14, 2017
Who would have thought that the time honored tradition of Spring Cleaning could end up in murder? Well, that’s exactly what’s happening in the quiet little community of Chitterton Fells. Ellie Haskell finds herself right in the middle of the mystery when she finds her new cleaner, Mrs. Large, dead in the study at the home of the Miller sisters. At the same time, her long time cleaner Mrs. Malloy has left town to care for her new grandchild, leaving Ellie at loose ends just as she is starting her spring cleaning. Then protestors show up at her husband’s restaurant and Jonas’s health seems to be declining. Adding to the confusion are her 3-year old twins, Tam and Abbey, who are very busy indeed. Will Ellie and the members of the C.F.C.W.A. be able to figure out who is killing off the cleaning women?
This is such a fun cozy mystery. The author has created a charming community, full of all kinds of characters. Ellie and Ben are a delightful married couple and the twins are adorable, if a little nerve-wracking at times. The story line had a lot of twists and turns and really kept me guessing. I really enjoyed how the author didn’t just tell the story of the mystery but also told the story of the daily lives of Ellie and Ben. I found that the book overall had a bit of a literary fiction feel because of this. This is the 7th book in the Ellie Haskell mysteries and I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for future installments. Pure delight is to be had here!
This is such a fun cozy mystery. The author has created a charming community, full of all kinds of characters. Ellie and Ben are a delightful married couple and the twins are adorable, if a little nerve-wracking at times. The story line had a lot of twists and turns and really kept me guessing. I really enjoyed how the author didn’t just tell the story of the mystery but also told the story of the daily lives of Ellie and Ben. I found that the book overall had a bit of a literary fiction feel because of this. This is the 7th book in the Ellie Haskell mysteries and I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for future installments. Pure delight is to be had here!
May 25, 2017
I received a copy of this delightful cozy mystery via Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
I would recommend this for readers who appreciate British mysteries, along the lines of the Aunt Dimity series. The author has a wonderful wit and adds a dry sense of humor to the every day activities of Ellie's life.
Although this is part of a series, it can be read satisfactorily as a stand alone story.
Ellie and Ben are the happy parents of twin three year olds. Their household also includes an aged gardener and an on-site cousin, plus their long time, part-time, cleaning lady, Mrs. Malloy.
As the book begins, Ellie gets the sad news that Mrs. M. will no longer be available to clean the house. This is just the beginning of unfortunate circumstances for Ellie and the members of the Chitterton Fells Charwomen's Association.
As the Association numbers dwindle, due to the deaths of members, Ellie finds herself included in the search for secrets among friends and new village residents. The clues are subtle and it seems suspects with motive could be increasing in number.
It is the personalities that makes this a delightful series. The loving interactions, the loyalty, and the sarcastic, dry wit, especially of Mrs. Malloy.
If you enjoy strong character driven mysteries, this is a series you should read.
I would recommend this for readers who appreciate British mysteries, along the lines of the Aunt Dimity series. The author has a wonderful wit and adds a dry sense of humor to the every day activities of Ellie's life.
Although this is part of a series, it can be read satisfactorily as a stand alone story.
Ellie and Ben are the happy parents of twin three year olds. Their household also includes an aged gardener and an on-site cousin, plus their long time, part-time, cleaning lady, Mrs. Malloy.
As the book begins, Ellie gets the sad news that Mrs. M. will no longer be available to clean the house. This is just the beginning of unfortunate circumstances for Ellie and the members of the Chitterton Fells Charwomen's Association.
As the Association numbers dwindle, due to the deaths of members, Ellie finds herself included in the search for secrets among friends and new village residents. The clues are subtle and it seems suspects with motive could be increasing in number.
It is the personalities that makes this a delightful series. The loving interactions, the loyalty, and the sarcastic, dry wit, especially of Mrs. Malloy.
If you enjoy strong character driven mysteries, this is a series you should read.
July 22, 2017
I have to start out saying that I am NOTHING like the woman at the Prologue of this book. I laughed as I read this, wishing I had that desire sometimes. The thought of the book that was found in the attic and read by the wife/mother of the house made me shudder a bit. When at a meeting of local minded people at the house of a couple of sisters, Ellie is asked to look at another room in the house and perhaps offer up some tips on how they can make that room more inviting. What is found in that room? I'm not sure of what to make of Freddie. Who is he? How is he involved in all this? Who or what is behind the death of one of the Charwomen in the book? Who is Ben? What does he do? What does Ellie suggest to him? What about Jonas, who is he and what is his relationship to the others in the book? The title of this book took on a new meaning for me once I got into it and realized what the core group of women being Charwomen was about. You're going to have to read to see who or what is behind the death.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
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