Murder at the Castle

Exham on Sea Mysteries #6

by Frances Evesham

She’s hot on the trail of the castle killer when disaster strikes close to home.The ancient calm of the castle is rocked by the sudden death of a volunteer, a woman begins to suspect her husband of forty years, and Libby faces opposition from the police.Plenty of quirky characters, dogs and cake feature in this murder mystery, as Libby and Max solve crime in the charming English seaside town of Exham on Sea.If you love Agatha Christie-style murder mysteries, cozy crime, dogs, cake and chocolate, download Murder at the Castle now, put your feet up, and find out whodunnit...Here's what readers are saying about the "This is a perfect short, cozy mystery.""It makes you wonder if English country villages are safe places to live. But I certainly would given half a chance.""Frances Evesham has invented an array of lively village personalities to get in Libby's way from her Goth teenage lodger to the pompous chair of the women's group or the rude but kindly garage proprietor.""With every book, I grow more fond of Libby and Exham.""If you like Miss Marple this amateur sleuth will enthral you."

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Crime, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, British Literature

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2018

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love me a cosy murder mystery

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first 4 books in this series some time ago, I revisited them with a view to reading the latest releases, and I had forgotten how hard they were to put down.

Libby now works with the police helping them as a civilian, with Max along too of course. She also still runs her chocolate and cake making business with Mandy, her lodger and surrogate daughter. Bear and Shipley help too in their canine way as well as Fuzzy the cat showing she's in charge, as all felines are.

Bear goes missing, and I had to keep reading til I found out what happens, as well as finding out who the murderer was of course.

Set in Somerset around well known landmarks, a great cozy mystery series.

The books are all standalone stories but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another murder mystery that is set in Exham on See. Libby now officially works with the police, but not everybody is happy about that. And big dog Bear gets missing, so there is another puzzle to solve for Libby and Max (while we're waiting for the day that get married). This is number six, to be continued.

2021 Books #63

[MJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

the real villain is transphobia

[J Alm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, funny character driven murder mysteries

For a while Max and Libby have been getting closer.

Unfortunately with work Max is in and out of the story.

A mysterious death at a castle, police being less than friendly and a competitor to the bakery on the horizon, Libby has more than enough on her plate, then disaster strikes leaving her even more overwhelmed as Bear the dog goes missing.

Sounds a lot to deal with but the writer is always on track with the story.

A joy to read, with some funny moments.

A firm favourite can't wait for the next book.

[Elizabeth Ducie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the ‘Murder At…’ serie of mysteries, set in the small town of Exham on Sea. Libby Forest is now an old friend, as are her business and life partner Max, her friend and co-worker, Maddy, and of course, the wonderful Carpathian sheep dog, Bear, and Fuzzy the baleful cat. And this time, the animals are joined by Shipley, the springer spaniel, who is developing a character all of his own. Quite a menagerie.

But as always, it is the extras in this book that make it seem so real. Margery Halfstead and devoted husband, William, whom we first see volunteering at Dunster Castle; the various members of the Exham History Society - all of whom will be familiar to any reader who’s ever been part of a small town social group; the customers in the bakery, including ‘the woman from the flower shop’ who finally gets a name. And of course, the police force. Libby and Max are now officially working as civilian support to the boys in blue - but that doesn’t mean everyone has to be happy with the arrangement.

This is another great afternoon’s entertainment; well-written and easy to read. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who likes their murder mysteries just a touch on the cosy side.

[Katy Cameron · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely ridiculous and overcomplicated storyline for what was a very short book (although it seemed to drag on forever). There were paranoid old ladies convinced their husbands/partners were having affairs (with absolutely no evidence), a missing dog that had absolutely no bearing on the story (other than it belonged to the main character's boyfriend), the oddest interpretation of what a goth is I've every heard, and a transphobic reason for the entire murder.

As for the main character, I couldn't understand why she was a police consultant in the first place, never mind the hatred the police officers had for her. I'm gathering in a previous book or two she's somehow solved a murder that the police couldn't, but in this one she didn't solve it, she just happened to catch the suspect in her bedroom and they confessed all!

This happened to be free on Audible, but the narration was terrible too! It definitely did not tempt me to go and read any more of the books in this series

[Alžběta]

What a wonderful mystery! After several somewhat disappointing books, reading "Murder at the Castle" felt like such a treat. The author writes so beautifully, and with such ease, I enjoyed every word of this novel. The best element of the book, however, is the excellent character creation and development. The author doesn't need long paragraphs of minute descriptions; she captures the essence of each character masterfully in little gestures or quick internal monologues.
"Murder at the Castle" is a sharp and fun mystery but written with such gentle touch (that I miss in many crime/mystery novels). The beauty and charm of Somerset shine through and bring the story even more alive.
I can't recommend this book enough - beautifully written, entertaining, and simply wonderful!

[Imogen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Twee setting, unbelievable characters, clunky narrative, plot verging on the absurd.
Do not be lured in by descriptions of this series as "Agatha Christie style" - the Queen of Crime would be turning in her grave at such comparisons.

[Shân Petry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very light. There's a murder but I never really felt involved with it. A couple of other stories meandered through but I didn't connect with any. When the murderer was revealed I just thought "Who?"

[Rowena Onions · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've stuck with this series even though I was rating the books more and more poorly. I've reached the end with this one. In my opinion, it reads like the plot outline for 2 unrelated stories without detail, characterisation or atmosphere.

[Cher · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very quick read no time to get to know the characters or the murder case

[Penelope · Rating 3 out of 5]

MURDER AT THE CASTLE, #6 in Exham on Sea Mystery series. I listened to the audio version nicely read by Charlotte Strevens.

MY RATING GUIDE: 3.5 Stars. I enjoyed it.
This was a easy, comfortable listen.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).

MURDER AT THE CASTLE is a Contemporary British/Cozy Murder Mystery set in the English seaside village of Exham on Sea, Somerset. Libby Forest/FMC, the local baker and creator of delectable chocolates, has recently begun a private investigation business on the side. Her fiancé, Max Ramshore/MMC works forensic/financial crimes with the police department and has eased Libby’s acceptance with the top man in the department. MURDER AT THE CASTLE deals with the sudden death of a volunteer during a guided tour at a local historic attraction - an old castle. Libby’s working dog, Bear, is stolen, as well, apparently one dog of many taken in a rash of stolen working dogs from homes and farms in the area. Libby and Max pool their talents with the police department working to identify the murderer at the castle. Also, who is stealing the dogs? Is it for profit? Can the dogs be found?

I found MURDER AT THE CASTLE a quick “reading,” easy listen read by Charlotte Strevens. It wasn’t a complicated murder mystery but I found it enjoyable enough while working outdoors for the afternoon. Readers who enjoy Clean and relaxing Cozy Murder Mysteries may wish to check this out. I have not read the earlier books in this series but found it suitable as a standalone mystery. I listened with the Audible Plus program - MURDER AT THE CASTLE was available for free but is being pulled from the program shortly. I hope to read the next book before it is gone as well. The voices were read quite nicely.

READER CAUTIONS - This was a Clean Murder Mystery.
VIOLENCE - A murder occurs off-scene, mentioned without graphic or dark details.
PROFANITY - None.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.

[IslandRiverScribe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A volunteer at the local castle is murdered during a tour by school students. Within a day, Libby's and Max's dog, Bear, disappears under suspicious circumstances, along with several other specialty breeds. And, to top it off, a very nasty piece of work (a character from a previous entry) is planning to open a competing bakery specifically to drive Libby and company out of business.

The police, with Libby and Max as civilian consultants, are working hard on the first case. The police, however, haven't enough resources to deal with the second. And the third problem isn't even remotely in the constabulary's purview. Then there's the wedding. It's planned, it's dated; now they just need to survive long enough to have it.

Libby and Max have their proverbial plates full.

This entry is an excellent addition to the Exham on Sea series. While fairly short -more novella size than novel - it is well written on both the mystery side (both of them) and the emotions side. And I don't believe I noticed a single proofing error.

Also, I don't remember Ms. Evesham ever using a different person's POV in any of the previous novels, so her use of it here really adds an extra dimension to the mystery. That tactic also gives us a sidelong look at how emotional responses based on heresay and appearances rather than fact can make devastating, if not irreversible, changes in a relationship.

As to the mysteries, I figured the who but not the why for the first and the why but not the who for the second. And the third problem was resolved in a manner I did not see on the radar at all. Good hook for the next book!

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read the previous titles in this series. They are most definitely cosy crime and I can see the attraction for some readers. They do have a definite plot with recurring characters and there is development through the plots and characters. It's kind of Mills and Boon romance meets very tame cosy crime. Having read a few I'd say they've got worse rather than better. With this genre you definitely have to suspend disbelief but having done that you need to feel confidence in the created world. I may be accused of being nit picky but the imaginary comprehensive school just wouldn't exist. It is happening in Somerset and there are no single sex boys only comprehensive schools in Somerset. Not many in England, full stop. Also the set up at The Castle which is supposedly a National Trust property doesn't convince and I say that as a long service NT volunteer. Of course cosy crime romances aren't realistic per se but there needs to be an element of realism otherwise they must become farcical. Writing by numbers. It's a shame really because the main characters of Libby, Max and Mandy work well and deserve better.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Derivative and clicheed to the max, but readable enough.

Yes I know women love cakes and chocolate, but please, why does *every* female protagonist in every single chicklit book or movie have to work in a bakery? Seriously, it gets tedious.

The author also commits the crime of introducing a plot crisis that peters out into nothing (someone does not get in contact / return texts / etc. but there's absolutely nothing wrong, they just didn't text back), right at the point where the tension is threatening to become exciting. Please don't *do* that. It was such an anticlimax.

Talking of anticlimaxes, the denouement was bathetic in its commonplace triviality.

And the last three chapters were unnecessary. As was most of the rest of the book.

If you're bringing it to read on a train journey or other situation in which you need to while away a few hours doing otherwise nothing, take another book as well, because this is as satisfying to the appetite as a silly dainty little cake that tastes of nothing.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An elderly woman dies from nicotine poisoning in this 6th book in the Exham on Sea murder series. Libby and Max are asked by the police to help with the investigation. The woman was a volunteer at the castle. An older man who also volunteers there has a heart attack, and while he's recovering in the hospital, his wife is attacked at her front door by a woman with a knife. And then Bear, Max and Libby's gentle giant sheepdog, disappears amongst rumours of dog nappers in the district. But there's good news too - Libby and Max are getting married soon, and Angela's boyfriend buys a building for a new bakery and cafe for Libby and Angela to run. Mandy, the goth chocolate apprentice, has passed her exams and can assist Libby even more. When do they have time to solve mysteries? But they do it.

[Mairi Chong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the charming Exham-on-Sea cosy series I have read and another I have thoroughly enjoyed. When a volunteer at a local castle dies suddenly in the castle kitchens and the cause of death is found to be nicotine poisoning, cake-baking Libby, who is now rather conveniently working for the police in an investigative informal role, happens to be right there on the scene. Very much a humorous, character-driven novel with little plot but lots of dogs, cakes and jovial banter. When I read these, I find myself not caring too much about the motive or culprit because the reasoning is often far-fetched, but please don’t be snobbishly put off. These are well-written books and thoroughly entertaining. Perfect with a slice of cake and a cup of tea on a Sunday afternoon.

[Carlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice addition to the series though not my favorite. Max and Libby are moving forward in their relationship, personally (she is moving in with him) and professionally as investigating consultants to the police (though not all the police are on board with this new arrangement!). A volunteer guide at Dunster Castle dies under suspicious circumstances ...was it an accident or homicide? Of course we know it's a homicide, but why would anyone kill such a sweet little old lady? Libby, with very little help from Max in this book, is on the case. At the same time Libby's dog Bear disappears. So they spend most of the book searching for Bear. All ends well as it is a cozy mystery!

[Gu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long story short: In the old castle, during visiting hours, a woman dies. Police investigation confirms it was a murder (poisoning). It is a "who did it" mystery set in the small town of Exham on Sea, featuring a smart lady ("Marple-like" character) who is cooperating with the police and solves the mystery.

☕🍂🧸🍁 It is a very cozy read for a rainy fall weekend 😌🍵🧸🤍 You will like it if you are a fan of Agatha Christie! 🤓

✔️ Here is a list of books for more cozy weekends this fall! Enjoy crime and adventure.


📖Do I recommend reading this book? Yes.

⏰How long does it take to read this book? Less than a day!

[David M Horak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby's at it again


It's been too long since Libby"s last crime solving adventure.
There were3-4 plots going on all marvelously linked or not. Two wonderful dogs Bear & Shipley have bigger roles in this book.
Libby still making sweets with Ange!a & Mandy. Libby & Max can't figure out when to get married. New Exham townies are introduced.
Things are chaotic with a murder at the castle, Bear is missing, when to get married, bakery competition, someone gets stabbed, a wife's suspicion, gossip and cover ups. What will happen next and will Libby catch the killer?

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dressing to Kill

Who wanted to make sure disgraced accountant, Beryl, didn't talk whilst in her cups? Why is the town keeping her drinking under wraps? Libby is distracted by her missing beloved dog, Bear. He's been dogknapped along with other dogs. Max disappears without word. The cops aren't happy with Libby consulting on the murder of the accountant. Plus, there may be a new bakery rival in town. Would anything else to wrong? You'd better be live it.
Another satisfying cozy mystery in the Exham on Sea mysteries by Ms. Eversham

[Evelyn Grabas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first excursion into the Exham on Sea Mysteries and I must say I enjoyed it immensely. I will be looking forward not only to future books, but looking into those that I have missed.'
One little thing though that I have to complain about. Bear was found and he returned home, but no mention is made as to whether two little red headed boys got their beloved Domino back. In my mind they did, but if you are going to bring it up, it shouldn't be left hanging in the air. I dislike having to come to my own conclusions as to how things end. If I did, I'd write my own book.

[Mirachil27 · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Want More!

I have enjoyed this series so much, I read all six books one after the other. Libby and her cakes and chocolates, her gentleman friend Max, her Goth ex-roommate Mandy, and of course the dogs Bear and Shipley, all make for a delightful cast of this cozy set of books set in the imaginary town of Exham on Sea in Somerset. I highly recommend the Exham books to any lover of light mysteries that hold your interest without foul language or blood and gore. My only complaint is that there are not more of them! Ms Evesham, we want more!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read of the author's work. A cute, entertaining, cozy read. Great story, good characters. The killing of a local figure who has had a tragic life has the community baffled. Who would do such a thing, but the bigger question is why? When two local sleuths lend a hand to the local police, things get complicated when their beloved dog, Bear, goes missing. With priorities competing, they split their talents between the two cases. Though this was a short read, it was thoroughly entertaining. Will look for more by this author.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

English country village and murder still happens, for PI Libby and Max to figure out. An elderly woman has been murder and Bear the dog, loved by many is gone. She also well know for her bakery,and chocolate shop, and a wedding soon. While she will try to find the killer, he will see what happened to Bear. A nice cozy mystery, like the characters and how they have grown of Max and Libby. Good series

[Scilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

While William and Margery are leading a student tour at Dunster Castle, an elderly woman volunteer is murdered. Libby and Max are helping the police, and William is a possible suspect at first. Libby is worrying about a new bakery coming to town, although she and Max have set a date for their wedding. Then their dog, Bear, disappears. It seems that several valuable dogs have gone missing, and finding Bear is the most important job.

[Anna Butler-Whittaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle cosy mystery.
Pleasant of its type, and surprisingly detailed despite how short it was. Enjoyable and well written, although the murderer’s ultimate motive seemed a bit unlikely in today’s world and for me I felt it was a reason that I wasn’t totally comfortable with as it reinforces certain stereotypes I’m not comfortable with. Overall enjoyable and easy to follow, and I would read or listen to more. For the reasons described I’ve give it 4 stars instead of 5.

[Brian Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

The only had thing about this series of books is waiting for the next one. Who would live in a country village in Britain takes their lives in their hands. Twist and turns galore and all because people keep other people's secrets believing it's the best think they can do . Roll on the next instalment

[Di Worley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series continues.....

As ever, enjoyed this latest book about murder in the beautiful Somerset countryside. This one though, had a side story, which had all of Bear's fans worried. It is a gentle and easy read, but am becoming fond of all the different characters that have appeared in the books.