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Peridale Cafe #2
Lemonade and Lies
Book 2 in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Series!
When the entire village is invited to a garden party for a mysterious ‘special announcement’, nobody expected that party to end with a man being thrown to his death from a window. The murder is committed at Julia South’s estranged father’s manor, so all eyes in Peridale turn to her to solve the case. In a race against the clock, Julia must juggle her blossoming romance with Detective Inspector Brown, and her young lodger, Jessie’s, sudden strange behaviour, to uncover the truth behind the man’s untimely death. With members of her own family in the frame, will Julia like what she discovers?
Can be read as a standalone, but enjoyed better as part of a series. A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe owning female amateur sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes!
When the entire village is invited to a garden party for a mysterious ‘special announcement’, nobody expected that party to end with a man being thrown to his death from a window. The murder is committed at Julia South’s estranged father’s manor, so all eyes in Peridale turn to her to solve the case. In a race against the clock, Julia must juggle her blossoming romance with Detective Inspector Brown, and her young lodger, Jessie’s, sudden strange behaviour, to uncover the truth behind the man’s untimely death. With members of her own family in the frame, will Julia like what she discovers?
Can be read as a standalone, but enjoyed better as part of a series. A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe owning female amateur sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes!
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2017
1688 people are currently reading
723 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Frost
75 books596 followersAGATHA FROST, an Amazon bestselling author, has written over thirty mystery novels. She lives in the North West English county of Lancashire with her two cuddly beagles and one cat.
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
October 21, 2017
I liked it but not as much as the first. The plot was good but, the thing that wasn't right for me was the fact that Barker (the detective) was pictured as a rookie, I'm more than fine with Julia having a very strong intuition and a great sense of deduction, but making a professional look like a begginer, nah, that didn't do for me.
All in all, it was a good book and I'll be reading the third one soon enough!
All in all, it was a good book and I'll be reading the third one soon enough!
November 9, 2020
Im so glad I jumped right back into this small town sooner than later. Here we get to know Julia a little more. We get to meet her estranged dad and what happened in their past. We also get to meet his younger wife who is Julia's age lol.
Barker plays more of a role here too and we get to see them solve the mystery which is oh so cute. I love their scenes together. The mystery was really good too. i just love Agatha Frost's writing.
I will continue on with the series. Jessie is another storyline I want to keep up with.
Barker plays more of a role here too and we get to see them solve the mystery which is oh so cute. I love their scenes together. The mystery was really good too. i just love Agatha Frost's writing.
I will continue on with the series. Jessie is another storyline I want to keep up with.
November 15, 2017
Julia and her investigative skills are going to get her in another hospital bed. This small town has more murder than Cabot Cove (Jessica Fletcher). Cozy, chic read on a cool November evening.
March 2, 2017
Once I finished the first book in this series I happily started book 2 right after that. Lemonade and Lies is just as good as book 1, maybe even a bit better. As I already knew a bit more of the characters and the town it was easy to get sucked into this book. I like this series, they are relatively quick reads, contain a fun murder mystery and the characters are interesting too. All in all these books are just a lot of fun and I am looking forward to read more by this author.
I liked the mystery in this one. The focus is on a few possible suspects, and you know one of them is likely the murder. But it's always a question whom of them actually did it and what are the red herrings. From the start I was thinking in the right direction, but guessed the actual murderer wrong. Although I think it would be near impossible to figure it out as there were very little clues in that direction. But once it was revealed it did make sense and I did notice the few clues that pointed in that direction. It was a nice twist and I was pleased my guess had been very close.
The side plot lines also continue a bit in this book, but like in the first book there's a strong focus on the mystery and less on the rest. But that totally works here. The side plot liens were fun too. I liked getting to know a bit more about Jessie and there's a small plot line surrounding her and a secret she's been keeping. I also liked how the romance between Julia and Barker develops a bit. And we see more of the other side characters as well. There are a few side plot lines involving some of the suspects as well and we get a better feel for this town and the people who live there.
This series is fun to read so far and I am already looking forward to the next book. The books are relatively quick reads, but as a lot of focus is on the mystery, the mystery still feels well done. There's a bit less focus on the side plots, so those developed slowly but surely over the course of the series. Which works nicely for this series. I like figuring out the murder mystery alongside Julia, she has a good eye for gathering the right clues and keeps an open mind. She a fun main character to read about.
To summarize: I started this book right after book 1 as I really enjoyed it. Lemonade and Lies is a great read, maybe even better than the first book. I really enjoyed the mystery in this one and figuring things out alongside Julia. I like Julia as a main characters and the side characters are fun too. I especially like Jessie and it was nice to see more of her in this book. I was pretty close with my suspect for who as the murderer, but guessed the actual person wrong. There were some clues in that direction, but they only make sense once you know who it is. The side plots develop a bit more slowly, but they are fun too. I am already looking forward to book 3!
I liked the mystery in this one. The focus is on a few possible suspects, and you know one of them is likely the murder. But it's always a question whom of them actually did it and what are the red herrings. From the start I was thinking in the right direction, but guessed the actual murderer wrong. Although I think it would be near impossible to figure it out as there were very little clues in that direction. But once it was revealed it did make sense and I did notice the few clues that pointed in that direction. It was a nice twist and I was pleased my guess had been very close.
The side plot lines also continue a bit in this book, but like in the first book there's a strong focus on the mystery and less on the rest. But that totally works here. The side plot liens were fun too. I liked getting to know a bit more about Jessie and there's a small plot line surrounding her and a secret she's been keeping. I also liked how the romance between Julia and Barker develops a bit. And we see more of the other side characters as well. There are a few side plot lines involving some of the suspects as well and we get a better feel for this town and the people who live there.
This series is fun to read so far and I am already looking forward to the next book. The books are relatively quick reads, but as a lot of focus is on the mystery, the mystery still feels well done. There's a bit less focus on the side plots, so those developed slowly but surely over the course of the series. Which works nicely for this series. I like figuring out the murder mystery alongside Julia, she has a good eye for gathering the right clues and keeps an open mind. She a fun main character to read about.
To summarize: I started this book right after book 1 as I really enjoyed it. Lemonade and Lies is a great read, maybe even better than the first book. I really enjoyed the mystery in this one and figuring things out alongside Julia. I like Julia as a main characters and the side characters are fun too. I especially like Jessie and it was nice to see more of her in this book. I was pretty close with my suspect for who as the murderer, but guessed the actual person wrong. There were some clues in that direction, but they only make sense once you know who it is. The side plots develop a bit more slowly, but they are fun too. I am already looking forward to book 3!
February 10, 2017
And we are back to Peridale! This second story in this cozy murder mystery is just as sweet, fun, light, and mysterious as the first. Our favorite baker, Julia, is back to her shenanigans of trying to outsmart Detective Inspector Brown before he can solve it, but Julia actually gets in the way and she wasn't even trying to do her sleuthing! How? Well, you must read it to find out. The crazy antics of the villagers of Peridale are at their best. Gran is fast becoming a favorite with her crazy antics. Jessie doesn't know how to find herself anf your heart pours out to her. Barker blushes...wait, what? Yup, tall, dark and handsome blushes but again, you will have to read to find out why. Besides, I love trying to figure it who did what even before Julia. This case has a good twist in the end, so you will be hanging on until then for the reveal. But if you do figure it out, the ending of this particular case is heartwarming. All in all, this is fast becoming an addictive series of the perfect combinations of sweet and laughter. Do not wait to pick up this series!
February 16, 2017
I liked my second visit to Peridale even better than the first one. Julia's involvement in this case happens for more personal reasons and a little more by chance with her father and his wife being some of the main suspects. They are an interesting couple that I hope to meet them again in future books.
We are presented with a great cast of suspects and some twists and turns that kept me on my toes.
It was good to read that Jessie, the homeless girl that Julia took in foster care has settled in nicely and is well accepted with the rest of the family.
The ending was surprising and quite unique. I can't wait to see what's coming up next in Peridale and if the romance between Barker and Julia is going to spice up a bit.....
*Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review*
We are presented with a great cast of suspects and some twists and turns that kept me on my toes.
It was good to read that Jessie, the homeless girl that Julia took in foster care has settled in nicely and is well accepted with the rest of the family.
The ending was surprising and quite unique. I can't wait to see what's coming up next in Peridale and if the romance between Barker and Julia is going to spice up a bit.....
*Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review*
August 3, 2018
I wi be honest. I could only barely remember the first book in the series when i started this title today but I did enjoy this instalment regardless. It was a quick fun read with a smart mystery that kept me guessing until the end. The author has started to be some principal characters that the reader can connect with as the series moves on. The flow of the story itself also move along well so moved easily and quickly through the story. As far as cozies go, this has a lot in common cozy tropes i.e. woman owns bake shop/cafe, new detective in town, the two hit it off while solving a murder but that being said, the mystery and the characters still made this a fun read and a series I will most likely continue.
February 8, 2017
Julia returns in a mystery that blows her already excellent previous story out of the water.
Ashley John has well and truly hit his stride with this - the characters are likeable and the story is genuinely exciting, befuddling and completely impossible to put down with a finale that takes your breath away.
Consider me a fan of this brilliant series.
Ashley John has well and truly hit his stride with this - the characters are likeable and the story is genuinely exciting, befuddling and completely impossible to put down with a finale that takes your breath away.
Consider me a fan of this brilliant series.
July 12, 2019
This series is addicting! 📚
January 17, 2022
Book 2 Julia now has a bake shop that her young tenant Jessie is an employer there. In book 1 Jessie was stealing yummy baked goods and she was homeless. But Julia decided to help the young lady instead of putting her in jail. This one is about Julia father's new wife ( she was Julia age) announcing something important that they were doing. Everyone was beloved they were having a baby. But it came that they were building a spa at the mansion that the new wife's father has have her. Everyone was miffed! The new wife brother was screaming at new wife in the house and Julia heard Charles ( the bro) that you always got everything. Then he had a fight with another guy Richard cause he slept with his fiance. Well anyways Charles got pushed out window in castle. Was it a push or did he commit suicide. It was an ok book
December 11, 2020
4.5 Stars
rounded up to 5 Stars.
October 30, 2018
Julia South owns & runs the Peridale Cafe.
Julia lives with her cat, Mowgli and a
young girl who has been in various foster
homes. Julia would like to adopt Jessie if
possible. Jesse also works in the Cafe.
Julia sister, Sue and her Aunt Dot also
live in Peridale.
Julia’s father lives in the Peridale Manor
with his new wife, Katie. They are having a
garden party for the village and family to
make a big announcement.
But a damper befalls the garden party
when Katie’s rogue of a brother falls out
of a window to his death.
An accident or accidentally on purpose??
Although Detective Inspector Barker Brown
is at the party therefore on the scene, Julia
decides to investigate.
A good mix of mystery, suspense, secrets,
surprises plus twists and turns.
The characters are all colorful, well developed,
some quirky but interesting small town
characters.
An enjoyable read!!
This is book # 2 in the Peridale Cafe Mystery
series. It can be read as a stand alone.
Julia lives with her cat, Mowgli and a
young girl who has been in various foster
homes. Julia would like to adopt Jessie if
possible. Jesse also works in the Cafe.
Julia sister, Sue and her Aunt Dot also
live in Peridale.
Julia’s father lives in the Peridale Manor
with his new wife, Katie. They are having a
garden party for the village and family to
make a big announcement.
But a damper befalls the garden party
when Katie’s rogue of a brother falls out
of a window to his death.
An accident or accidentally on purpose??
Although Detective Inspector Barker Brown
is at the party therefore on the scene, Julia
decides to investigate.
A good mix of mystery, suspense, secrets,
surprises plus twists and turns.
The characters are all colorful, well developed,
some quirky but interesting small town
characters.
An enjoyable read!!
This is book # 2 in the Peridale Cafe Mystery
series. It can be read as a stand alone.
March 20, 2019
I would have enjoyed this book more if the main character wasn't so freaking judgmental. And inconsistent. For someone who doesn't care about her father and stepmother, she did end up super involved in the investigation. I mean, she definitely doesn't care, she's just pretty chismosa.
February 9, 2018
I'm attempting to clean up my older Kindle Unlimited titles, and this was the oldest on the list (July last year...oops) It wasn't that I didn't want to read it or anything, it's just the longer I left it the further it was from book one and...yeah. It'll probably be just as long until I read book three, knowing me!
Still though, this is a nice little cozy mystery series, and I like most of the characters and the mystery. Sometimes the writing is a little simple, but it gets the point across. The romance is a little cliched, but the fact that Barker doesn't mind getting beaten on the mystery solving part is refreshing. Most of the detectives in these kind of books don't like getting outsmarted!
A quick, fun read. Four stars.
Still though, this is a nice little cozy mystery series, and I like most of the characters and the mystery. Sometimes the writing is a little simple, but it gets the point across. The romance is a little cliched, but the fact that Barker doesn't mind getting beaten on the mystery solving part is refreshing. Most of the detectives in these kind of books don't like getting outsmarted!
A quick, fun read. Four stars.
February 10, 2017
Julia is back on the case!! Although this time around it's much more personal. Julia's father, now married to the very rich and annoying Katie Wellington, who happens to be the same age as Julia~ has decided to throw a garden party with a "big announcement". With most of Peridale in attendance, lemonade isn't the only thing being served, so is murder. Jealousy, greed and secrets~ the makings of a suspect filled case, but not all is at it seems. Julia doesn't give up until she solves the case, even if it means putting herself in harms way. Lemonade is full of drama, suspense and a twist I totally didn't see coming!!! I could not put this book down, and I can't wait to see what's in store for Julia next!!!
June 11, 2019
3,5 ster. Ook dit deel las weer lekker weg, hoewel ik hier wel iets meer 'spanning' in vond zitten. Er was een stukje waar ik gewoon door wilde lezen en dat had ik in het vorige deel niet.
Ondanks dat het niet heel diepgaand is, vind ik de personages goed neergezet, heb ik er inmiddels een band mee gekregen en ben ik ook benieuwd hoe het verder gaat. Kom maar op met de volgende 8 delen!
Ondanks dat het niet heel diepgaand is, vind ik de personages goed neergezet, heb ik er inmiddels een band mee gekregen en ben ik ook benieuwd hoe het verder gaat. Kom maar op met de volgende 8 delen!
September 11, 2023
So this is the 3rd cozy mystery I read in a row and unfortunately I kept getting the details mixed up in this one with the others. It's not a bad book at all, but Julia did get on my nerves and isn't my favorite Cozy Mystery protagonist. Also, not really a huge fan of her love interest. The mystery was pretty weak as well and a little too obvious with the clues not really adding up to a satisfying reveal. But I like the feel of this small town and enjoy visiting it. Looking forward to book 3.
February 19, 2017
This is the second book in the Peridale Cafe Mystery series.
The entire town is invited to the manor of Julia's estranged father for a mysterious "special announcement." With the whole town in attendance, the last thing anyone expected was a murder to occur as the party began to wind down. A man was thrown from a window and everyone turns to Julia to solve the murder.
Julia is unable to resist the need to get involved and immediately jumps in to get as much details as she can before Detective Inspector Brown puts a stop to it. She must tread lightly, as the relationship between her and Detective Inspector Brown is just beginning to blossom and she doesn't want to jeopardize what could be between the two of them.
She is also concerned about Jessie, her young lodger, who is sleep walking and acting strangely. She wants to be there for Jessie, yet at the same time wants to give the young woman her space, as not to spook her.
This murder is complicated because the murder took place at her father's manor. They do not have the best relationship, and tensions only rise when there are implications some members of Julia's family may be involved in the murder.
Julia is back at it again. Doing what she has to do in order to get all the facts and solve this murder. I did read the first book and this book had the same mystery and intrigue as the first book. It had me engaged from the start. I was playing Detective along with Julia and Detective Inspector Brown trying to figure out who the murderer was. I love books that engage the readers. It makes you feel like you are a part of something much bigger than what is around you. I have become very fond of this author and mysteries, which were never a genre I sought out. I can't wait to see what happens in Peridale.
The entire town is invited to the manor of Julia's estranged father for a mysterious "special announcement." With the whole town in attendance, the last thing anyone expected was a murder to occur as the party began to wind down. A man was thrown from a window and everyone turns to Julia to solve the murder.
Julia is unable to resist the need to get involved and immediately jumps in to get as much details as she can before Detective Inspector Brown puts a stop to it. She must tread lightly, as the relationship between her and Detective Inspector Brown is just beginning to blossom and she doesn't want to jeopardize what could be between the two of them.
She is also concerned about Jessie, her young lodger, who is sleep walking and acting strangely. She wants to be there for Jessie, yet at the same time wants to give the young woman her space, as not to spook her.
This murder is complicated because the murder took place at her father's manor. They do not have the best relationship, and tensions only rise when there are implications some members of Julia's family may be involved in the murder.
Julia is back at it again. Doing what she has to do in order to get all the facts and solve this murder. I did read the first book and this book had the same mystery and intrigue as the first book. It had me engaged from the start. I was playing Detective along with Julia and Detective Inspector Brown trying to figure out who the murderer was. I love books that engage the readers. It makes you feel like you are a part of something much bigger than what is around you. I have become very fond of this author and mysteries, which were never a genre I sought out. I can't wait to see what happens in Peridale.
February 12, 2017
I love the village of Peridale and their quirky ways!!! Julia is back with Dot and Sue, add Jessie to the mix and the ladies are quite the family. When everything seems to be going pretty well, everyone is summoned to the Peridale Manor, the whole town!!! What could be this big announcement that Katie Wellington-South and her husband Brian South, also known as Julia and Sue's dad, have to make? This little party with food and lemonade turns into the murder mystery that will blow your mind.
Ashley has a way of making you thinki it's one person who is guilty but then maybe it's someone else. I think I changed my mind on who did it more than I can count on one hand.
I'm really looking forward for more from Peridale and hoping to see Barker and Julia get to go on a date and make it to the end!!
Definitely a 5 star read!! Love these mysteries!!!!
Ashley has a way of making you thinki it's one person who is guilty but then maybe it's someone else. I think I changed my mind on who did it more than I can count on one hand.
I'm really looking forward for more from Peridale and hoping to see Barker and Julia get to go on a date and make it to the end!!
Definitely a 5 star read!! Love these mysteries!!!!
February 15, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Well Julia does it again but totally by accident this time. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. It's another sweet, page turning mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.
I actually had more of an idea of the murderer this time just not the exact one. The story is well written and keeps you guessing giving plausible suspects from the get go and until the end you go from one person to the next not knowing until the author reveals the murderer at the end.
This mystery series is really well written and I can't wait for the next book.
Well Julia does it again but totally by accident this time. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. It's another sweet, page turning mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.
I actually had more of an idea of the murderer this time just not the exact one. The story is well written and keeps you guessing giving plausible suspects from the get go and until the end you go from one person to the next not knowing until the author reveals the murderer at the end.
This mystery series is really well written and I can't wait for the next book.
September 22, 2019
The second installment in the Peridale Cafe Mystery series is quite similar to the first. It's a quick, easy read and perfect when you're looking for something that doesn't require a large reading investment on your part.
While this book does pick up where the first one left off, it can be read as a stand alone with no problem.
I like this book because:
- the setting (small town atmosphere) is cute and entertaining
- the characters are likable and well developed
- the plot is simplistic and yet realistic
- the romantic relationship building between the main character and the detective is not center to the story
- the story is light (no cursing and nothing graphic about the murders)
- does not end on a cliff hanger
While this book does pick up where the first one left off, it can be read as a stand alone with no problem.
I like this book because:
- the setting (small town atmosphere) is cute and entertaining
- the characters are likable and well developed
- the plot is simplistic and yet realistic
- the romantic relationship building between the main character and the detective is not center to the story
- the story is light (no cursing and nothing graphic about the murders)
- does not end on a cliff hanger
February 12, 2017
Loved Lemonade and Lies. Julia is back with her investigative skills trying to solve another murder case. This book will keep you wondering who did it til the very end. I recommend reading this amazing book.
August 30, 2020
This was a good mystery. Julia is invited to her estranged fathers house for a big announcement. Not only is it not what she was expecting but someone ends up dead. Now Julia tries to figure out who is behind it and why. Of course by the end it is solved and all is well for now.
August 5, 2019
4 Stars
This is the second book in the Peridale Cafe mysteries by Agatha Frost.
Now that we have one book behind us and the setting and characters are in our mind, this story lets us focus more on the mystery and the history behind who Julia really is and where she comes from.
Julia’s father is married to Katie, a much, much younger woman who wants to turn the family’s Victorian home into a day spa. Katie’s brother is not in line with the plans. He thought the house would go to him once the old man bought the farm but he knows that their father would give bubbly and beautiful Katie anything she wanted even his inheritance! Not long after Charles makes this realization, he is thrown from a high window in the old Victorian to meet his death on the ground amongst the shards of broken window glass.
The gauntlet has already been thrown by DI Barker Brown for Julia to stay out of his investigation so she doesn’t mention to him the footprints she finds leading to the bathroom or the inclinations she has deduced. She has a greater grasp of intentions merely because this is her town and she knows many of the people so well. Many people would have been slapped with a charge of impeding an investigation and slammed in the poky but not Julia since the Detective Inspector is sweet on her.
There wasn’t as many leaps in logic in this story but there were still enough to make it frustrating to read. I am hoping that the farther Agatha Frost gets into this world the more comfortable we all get with these characters and with the flow of how it all will transpire from book to book.
Good mystery and I was hopeful at the end that something was developing between Julia and the good Detective Inspector Brown.
This is the second book in the Peridale Cafe mysteries by Agatha Frost.
Now that we have one book behind us and the setting and characters are in our mind, this story lets us focus more on the mystery and the history behind who Julia really is and where she comes from.
Julia’s father is married to Katie, a much, much younger woman who wants to turn the family’s Victorian home into a day spa. Katie’s brother is not in line with the plans. He thought the house would go to him once the old man bought the farm but he knows that their father would give bubbly and beautiful Katie anything she wanted even his inheritance! Not long after Charles makes this realization, he is thrown from a high window in the old Victorian to meet his death on the ground amongst the shards of broken window glass.
The gauntlet has already been thrown by DI Barker Brown for Julia to stay out of his investigation so she doesn’t mention to him the footprints she finds leading to the bathroom or the inclinations she has deduced. She has a greater grasp of intentions merely because this is her town and she knows many of the people so well. Many people would have been slapped with a charge of impeding an investigation and slammed in the poky but not Julia since the Detective Inspector is sweet on her.
There wasn’t as many leaps in logic in this story but there were still enough to make it frustrating to read. I am hoping that the farther Agatha Frost gets into this world the more comfortable we all get with these characters and with the flow of how it all will transpire from book to book.
Good mystery and I was hopeful at the end that something was developing between Julia and the good Detective Inspector Brown.
April 9, 2018
When she receives an invitation for a garden party from her estranged father, Julia South would rather eat nails instead of facing her father and his rich socialite wife Katie Wellington-South at their manor. But since the whole village is invite, she reluctantly agrees to go together with her gran, her sister and her new foster daughter Jessie. Before the big announcement is made, Julia accidentally witnesses a heated argument between Katie and her brother Charles but she can't really understand what this is about but that is made clear with the announcement when Katie tells everybody that she wants to transform the manor into a spa for rich people. Her brother crashes the party and has another fight with Katie. Soon afterwards the guest witnesses a man falling from a window in the manor and it is clear that he did not fell down by an accident. Of course Julia has to investigate again, especially when her father soon becomes a suspect..
This series is my new favorite and I'm really glad that there are already ten books available. I really like the people of Peridale and especially Julia and her family and friends. Here we get to know Julia's father a bit better and learn about the past. I have to admit, I was hoping it the murderer was Katie or the father as they came across quite shallow and not really nice. I could understand Julia's resentments against her step-mother as Katie was the same age as Julia.
Another interesting murder case and again 5 stars
This series is my new favorite and I'm really glad that there are already ten books available. I really like the people of Peridale and especially Julia and her family and friends. Here we get to know Julia's father a bit better and learn about the past. I have to admit, I was hoping it the murderer was Katie or the father as they came across quite shallow and not really nice. I could understand Julia's resentments against her step-mother as Katie was the same age as Julia.
Another interesting murder case and again 5 stars
February 13, 2017
This is another absolutely delightful - if such a phrase can be used to describe a murder mystery story - installment from the talented pen of Agatha Frost.
While a lot younger than Miss Marple, Julia reminds me of a mix of a younger version and Tuppence Beresford, another wonderful Agatha Christie female character who mixed daring do and espionage with investigative research.
In this Peridale mystery the stakes are somewhat higher for Julia as she investigates the murder of her father's second wife's brother. Mix in troublesome behaviour from young waif Jessie and a pending first date with the dashing Detective Inspector, and things literally end up crashing around her.
Once more there is an intriguing twist which wasn't obvious to me before the big reveal and once again the Englishness of the setting was exceptionally well done.
While reading this one I had to go make a cup of tea and pop in a couple of crumpets!
#ARC received from the author in return for a fair and honest review.
While a lot younger than Miss Marple, Julia reminds me of a mix of a younger version and Tuppence Beresford, another wonderful Agatha Christie female character who mixed daring do and espionage with investigative research.
In this Peridale mystery the stakes are somewhat higher for Julia as she investigates the murder of her father's second wife's brother. Mix in troublesome behaviour from young waif Jessie and a pending first date with the dashing Detective Inspector, and things literally end up crashing around her.
Once more there is an intriguing twist which wasn't obvious to me before the big reveal and once again the Englishness of the setting was exceptionally well done.
While reading this one I had to go make a cup of tea and pop in a couple of crumpets!
#ARC received from the author in return for a fair and honest review.
June 18, 2025
This seems like it will turn into a fun series with short but engaging mysteries. As with most cozy mysteries, there is a romantic element, but (so far at least) the romance takes a back seat to the mystery, and that suits me just fine. If I want romance, I'll read a romance book!
I like Julia, the MC, her friends and most of her family. Initially, I wasn't sure about her father, but he grew on me as the book progressed; I'm not sure I'll ever warm up to Katie, her father's new wife, but you can't like everyone :)
We barely met the murder victim before the body was found, so beyond a couple of people who were so obvious they couldn't be the killer, there wasn't much to go on when considering possible suspects. Even as the investigation continued, suspects were few and far between. I was suspicious of one character after a certain point, and I was close. I couldn't come up with a motive, though, until it became obvious in the book.
The next book from this series is in my audio library, and I hope to listen to it relatively soon, so I don't forget the characters and their relationships (again!).
I like Julia, the MC, her friends and most of her family. Initially, I wasn't sure about her father, but he grew on me as the book progressed; I'm not sure I'll ever warm up to Katie, her father's new wife, but you can't like everyone :)
We barely met the murder victim before the body was found, so beyond a couple of people who were so obvious they couldn't be the killer, there wasn't much to go on when considering possible suspects. Even as the investigation continued, suspects were few and far between. I was suspicious of one character after a certain point, and I was close. I couldn't come up with a motive, though, until it became obvious in the book.
The next book from this series is in my audio library, and I hope to listen to it relatively soon, so I don't forget the characters and their relationships (again!).
February 20, 2017
What a perfect follow-up to Pancakes and Corpses! We are back with Julia and the gang for a new mystery and I loved every bit of it! This book is a fun ride and a good mystery and Julie once tries to figure out who-dun-it! In Lemonade and Lies (OH what a perfect title!) a murder is committed during a big garden party held by Julia's father and his young wife, and don't call her Julia's step-mother! Of course Detective Inspector Brown is on hand to investigate but so is Julia. There are more cakes and treats and almost-moments between Julia and Barker and it's all just wonderful!
I am in love with this series, it's fun and mysterious and just an overall great time. I loved getting know more about these characters, it just makes the series even more fun as it continues. Agatha Frost does a great job of setting up the mystery and keeping you guessing, giving plenty of could-have-done-its and evidence to follow. I really enjoy this series and am already looking forward to the next book! I am excited to see Julia's next adventure and maybe an uninterrupted date between her and the adorable Detective! A definite must-read!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book
I am in love with this series, it's fun and mysterious and just an overall great time. I loved getting know more about these characters, it just makes the series even more fun as it continues. Agatha Frost does a great job of setting up the mystery and keeping you guessing, giving plenty of could-have-done-its and evidence to follow. I really enjoy this series and am already looking forward to the next book! I am excited to see Julia's next adventure and maybe an uninterrupted date between her and the adorable Detective! A definite must-read!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book
February 4, 2020
A very quick read—quite nice
and palate-cleansing after the heavy slog through the MLK, Jr. book.
This is the second book in a cozy mystery series, but I had no trouble w/ not having read the first book. Julia owns a cafe in an English village full of nosy people. While at a garden party thrown by her estranged father and his overly-young-for-him wife, a man is thrown out the window. It is the brother of Julia’s step-mum. Julia’s detective instincts are piqued, and she tries to beat her love interest, a local detective, to the punch in solving the murder.
Of course, Julia endangers herself and the denouement is very heart-thumping and enjoyable, the twist slightly different from normal. Can Julia also figure out what’s bothering the street waif she has taken in? Will she ever have an honest-to-goodness date w/ the detective? Read it and see.
and palate-cleansing after the heavy slog through the MLK, Jr. book.
This is the second book in a cozy mystery series, but I had no trouble w/ not having read the first book. Julia owns a cafe in an English village full of nosy people. While at a garden party thrown by her estranged father and his overly-young-for-him wife, a man is thrown out the window. It is the brother of Julia’s step-mum. Julia’s detective instincts are piqued, and she tries to beat her love interest, a local detective, to the punch in solving the murder.
Of course, Julia endangers herself and the denouement is very heart-thumping and enjoyable, the twist slightly different from normal. Can Julia also figure out what’s bothering the street waif she has taken in? Will she ever have an honest-to-goodness date w/ the detective? Read it and see.
April 27, 2019
Julia was invited to a special tea party at her Fathers new home for a big announcement that he now shares with his new wife who incidentally is the same age as Julia. It was not the announcement Julia and the others were expecting at all and to make matters worst a murder occurred while drinks were being served. Immediately Julia’s sleuthing senses were activated putting her in the sight of the killer. An exciting intriguing and enjoyable read.
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