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Libby Sarjeant #3
قتل در چله زمستان
وقتی تئاتری مخروبه به عنوان ارث از جانب یکی از اقوام ناشناس به بلا مورلی میرسد، او بیاندازه شگفتزده میشود؛ اما وقتی جسدی در آن مییابد، با حیرت بیشتر به فران کسل، یکی از افراد محلی که از توانایی غیبگویی برخوردار است، تلفن میزند و تقاضای کمک میکند. فران با همکاری دوستش، لیبی سرجنت، که کارآگاهی آماتور است، به تحقیق دربارهی سابقهی خانوادگی و افراد خانوادهی پدری بلا میپردازد و آنچه از تحقیقاتش به دست میآورد، موضوعی است هشدار دهنده و... ؛
354 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2008
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206 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 28, 2020
Just like miss marple but recent one. Once you start you cant put it down
July 15, 2015
The Libby Sarjeant mysteries are cozy, delightful and entertaining. This third book was no exception.
The author once again did an excellent job of depicting the small English village of Steeple Martin and its wonderful cast of characters whose lives are so intertwined they seem like one big family. Fran Castle is still somewhat of an outsider, but she is gradually working her way into the family dynamic. And, the family dynamic seems to involve a great deal of eating and drinking in pubs and cafes, and apparently such loving endearments as “old trout”, “fathead”, and “silly cow”. :)
Libby was her usual down-to-earth, nosey, personable character whose insatiable curiousity and need-to-know nature involved her in yet another murder mystery, dragging a reluctant Fran along with her. Despite Fran’s insecurities and dithering, she did have her sharp mind and insightful psychic gift going for her when she chose to use it. I must say though I am disappointed by the potential love triangle Ms. Cookman has concocted for Fran. I have a clear favourite, but I’m not sure whether Fran does or not and that irks me! :) At least, Libby seems to have settled quite comfortably into her relationship with Ben.
There was a great deal of stuff going on in this book—Christmas preparations, the pantomime that most of the village was involved in, Peter and Harry’s Civil Partnership ceremony, Fran’s move to her new cottage, and, of course, the murder mystery and Fran’s and Libby’s research into Bella’s family connections. The complex and confusing connections in Bella’s family history were difficult to keep track of at times, but they gradually unraveled into a startling conclusion.
This was another hit for me in this delightful series and I would highly recommend it to fans of the genre.
The author once again did an excellent job of depicting the small English village of Steeple Martin and its wonderful cast of characters whose lives are so intertwined they seem like one big family. Fran Castle is still somewhat of an outsider, but she is gradually working her way into the family dynamic. And, the family dynamic seems to involve a great deal of eating and drinking in pubs and cafes, and apparently such loving endearments as “old trout”, “fathead”, and “silly cow”. :)
Libby was her usual down-to-earth, nosey, personable character whose insatiable curiousity and need-to-know nature involved her in yet another murder mystery, dragging a reluctant Fran along with her. Despite Fran’s insecurities and dithering, she did have her sharp mind and insightful psychic gift going for her when she chose to use it. I must say though I am disappointed by the potential love triangle Ms. Cookman has concocted for Fran. I have a clear favourite, but I’m not sure whether Fran does or not and that irks me! :) At least, Libby seems to have settled quite comfortably into her relationship with Ben.
There was a great deal of stuff going on in this book—Christmas preparations, the pantomime that most of the village was involved in, Peter and Harry’s Civil Partnership ceremony, Fran’s move to her new cottage, and, of course, the murder mystery and Fran’s and Libby’s research into Bella’s family connections. The complex and confusing connections in Bella’s family history were difficult to keep track of at times, but they gradually unraveled into a startling conclusion.
This was another hit for me in this delightful series and I would highly recommend it to fans of the genre.
May 31, 2016
Fran Castle is asked if she will help Bella Morleigh who has inherited a cottage and a derelict theatre from relatives she didn't know existed. Fran, with her psychic abilities, senses there is more going on than she is being told and is suspicious because it is the police who have asked her to get in touch with Bella. Fran's friend, Libby Sarjeant, is also interested in the case especially when Bella discovers a body inside the derelict theatre when she visits it for the first time.
Both Fran and Libby are involved in the forthcoming production of the pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, which Libby helps to run and they're also looking forward to celebrating the Civil Partnership of their friends, Peter and Harry. In spite of all that is going on in their lives, both Fran and Libby find Bella' situation intriguing and they are keen to find out more about her family for her.
I enjoyed this third book in the Libby Sarjeant series and I recommend it to anyone who likes their crime stories set in the English countryside and with not too much violence. I like the added ingredient of Fran's psychic abilities. I also like the fact that Fran and Libby don't always get on and they do have arguments and snap at one another. They are not perfect people and don't always behave well.
The books in this series can be read as a standalone novels but it is probably best to read them in the order in which they were published so that you are aware of all the background.
Both Fran and Libby are involved in the forthcoming production of the pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, which Libby helps to run and they're also looking forward to celebrating the Civil Partnership of their friends, Peter and Harry. In spite of all that is going on in their lives, both Fran and Libby find Bella' situation intriguing and they are keen to find out more about her family for her.
I enjoyed this third book in the Libby Sarjeant series and I recommend it to anyone who likes their crime stories set in the English countryside and with not too much violence. I like the added ingredient of Fran's psychic abilities. I also like the fact that Fran and Libby don't always get on and they do have arguments and snap at one another. They are not perfect people and don't always behave well.
The books in this series can be read as a standalone novels but it is probably best to read them in the order in which they were published so that you are aware of all the background.
July 25, 2010
When a body is discovered in the derelict Alexandrian theatre in Heronsbourne, the police call in physic Fran Castle to see if there is any connection between the body and the new owner of the threatre, Bella Morleigh. All Fran can tell them is that there is some connection somewhere but what she isn't sure. Calling on her friend Libby Sargent (the two of them have been involved in two other murder inquiries), they help Bella investigate her families history, the aunt she didn't know she had who left her the theatre, and her grandmother who started it. As Libby and Fran begin to work out the connections between Bella, the body (Laurence Cooper), the Place (where Cooper had worked) and the owners of the Place (also known as Anderson Place); things start falling into place. All this whilst at the same time, Libby is trying to organise the panto in the village theatre, Fran is trying to get to grips with her physic powers, and their friends Peter and Harry are about to tie the knot.
In many respects this could be described as a cosy read about a group of friends in a village in Kent, with a murder thrown in; but it's the detail that Cookman portrays about the lives of the two protagonists, their friends and the research, that make novel.
In many respects this could be described as a cosy read about a group of friends in a village in Kent, with a murder thrown in; but it's the detail that Cookman portrays about the lives of the two protagonists, their friends and the research, that make novel.
April 13, 2018
This is the 2nd Lesley Cookman/Libby Sarjeant I have read. Set in the fictitious village of Steeple Martin in the real County of Kent the story is about a woman who is left a cottage and a decaying old seaside theatre by and aunt she never knew. Very quickly murders follow with a body being found in the theatre and Libby's friend, Fran, is asked to delve into the family background of the beneficiary by a friendly local policeman as the police are stumped by the reason for the murder and the identity of the victim. The more the friends investigate (which they do in between helping friends with a Civil Partnership and directing a pantomime) do they discover links going back to the Edwardian era. Quite frankly, the family relationships at that time do become a little complicated. While a family tree or trees would help (instead of the list of characters in the front, some of which never, or hardly ever, appear), I do realise such might serve as a spoiler. There is a totally surprising twist in the last few pages which I admit I hadn't seen. The dialogue and characterisation are good lifting the book out of the 'cosy crime' genre of which the author is said the be 'the Queen'
There is a map if Steeple Martin in the front of the book. Can you find the cat?
There is a map if Steeple Martin in the front of the book. Can you find the cat?
September 26, 2011
Psychic investigator Libby Sarjeant, with the help of friend Fran Castle, sorts out a somewhat complicated double murder after Bella Morleigh is left a derelict theatre by an aunt she did not know she had.
Plenty of twists and turns but also plenty of seemingly irrelevant prattle.
Plenty of twists and turns but also plenty of seemingly irrelevant prattle.
September 12, 2014
Another late night, simple-to-read British mystery that I enjoyed.
January 7, 2017
Ended rather abruptly!
May 24, 2023
I try to dabble in most genres. Cosy crime is one I tend to try and read at least once a year. This wasn't a terrible example of it but it did have flaws.
The main flaw for me was the main character, Libby. I just couldn't imagine half of her spoken sentences coming from an actual person. This made it harder to believe her.
A secondary flaw was the pacing. There's cosy and then there is a plot that would be overtaken by continental drift. It was that slow. Things just weren't happening. Take the padding out and you have less story than the average novella.
The main positives involve some of the supporting characters. They seemed a lot more realistic than Libby did. Fran probably could have been a bigger role here too. It might have helped.
I'll probably not return to the series. Life is too short.
The main flaw for me was the main character, Libby. I just couldn't imagine half of her spoken sentences coming from an actual person. This made it harder to believe her.
A secondary flaw was the pacing. There's cosy and then there is a plot that would be overtaken by continental drift. It was that slow. Things just weren't happening. Take the padding out and you have less story than the average novella.
The main positives involve some of the supporting characters. They seemed a lot more realistic than Libby did. Fran probably could have been a bigger role here too. It might have helped.
I'll probably not return to the series. Life is too short.
December 5, 2025
The third in the series, and I’m getting to know who everyone is. I do just slightly find Libby too nosy. For someone who keeps claiming she’s not “Miss Marple”, she keeps everyone’s - specifically Fran’s - nose to the grindstone to solve these various murders. I wish in this one that there was a bit more about the theatrical angle - Libby is directing a panto of “Jack in the Beanstalk” written by Peter - but I recognize it wasn’t the central plot of the book. I read this on my Kobo e-reader and I wish there was an easier way to access the map at the beginning of the book. I also had difficulty figuring out where all these little villages are in relation to Steeple Martin. Nonetheless, the plot was solid, if a bit convoluted (the past really is a different country in this book) so I’ll be reading the next in this series.
October 30, 2017
This was an ok read - the plot moved at a steady pace and the characters were well-written. However, I have a major dislike of psychics solving murder cases - it is all too easy for a writer to get themselves (and their characters) out of trouble with either a dream that gives a missing clue...or a sudden burst of inspiration with no real reason (apart from being a psychic) for the information being visited upon a character...or a character just "knowing" something crucial to the case....etc. etc. So, although this was an ok story, I cannot give it more than 3 starts due to the involvement of a psychic. Sorry, but that character spoiled the book for me.
August 2, 2017
Good story
I am really getting into this series now that I've read 3 of them. I love the genealogical aspects of the mysteries. Looking forward to book 4.
I am really getting into this series now that I've read 3 of them. I love the genealogical aspects of the mysteries. Looking forward to book 4.
December 16, 2020
A fun village mystery
June 18, 2025
Not a bad author, but a bit slow paced for my liking.
September 17, 2014
In "Murder in Midwinter" the third of the Libby Sarjeant murder mysteries, the village sleuth of Steeple Martin and her friend Fran Castle, a reluctant psychic have been asked to look into any connection between the death of Laurence Cooper found murdered in a derelict theatre and its owner Bella Morleigh . With Christmas festivities on the horizon, Libby's friends' Civil Partnership ceremony , Fran's move to her new home in Nethergate, and a pantomime production in rehearsal the women have little time to spare until the sister of the deceased is found murdered.
Skilfully Lesley Cookman has set the stage in Steeple Martin, a small village where the residents seem like one big family. Not only are many of the main characters involved in the theatre production, but congregate at the Pink Geranium to eat, drink and discuss any clues uncovered. With a map of Steeple Martin and a list of characters the reader can't help but feel at home in this artsy village.
The plot includes not only murder, an abusive marriage and a stolen necklace but baffling connections to a rundown seaside theatre and a well-known hotel. In captivating twists and turns the list of suspects slowly dwindles until logically-minded Libby and insightful Fran finally put the pieces of the puzzle together in a startling conclusion.The story is mesmerizing with its twists and turns and love interests, especially Fran's who's dating one man and attracted to another.
The characters like the plot are well-developed, realistic and personable especially the Miss Marple of Steeple Martin, Libby Sarjeant who's down-to earth, intuitive and very nosey. Her friend Fran Castle who's not as outgoing and insecure about finding love in her middle-age has a sharp mind and instinctive powers of reasoning. She continually tries to come to grips with a psychic ability that's in demand by the local police force. These two characters and more add to the depth and drama of a delightful murder mystery which often is filled with more talking than action.
I like the Libby Sarjeant murder mysteries which are entertaining, and always leave you baffled until the end.
Skilfully Lesley Cookman has set the stage in Steeple Martin, a small village where the residents seem like one big family. Not only are many of the main characters involved in the theatre production, but congregate at the Pink Geranium to eat, drink and discuss any clues uncovered. With a map of Steeple Martin and a list of characters the reader can't help but feel at home in this artsy village.
The plot includes not only murder, an abusive marriage and a stolen necklace but baffling connections to a rundown seaside theatre and a well-known hotel. In captivating twists and turns the list of suspects slowly dwindles until logically-minded Libby and insightful Fran finally put the pieces of the puzzle together in a startling conclusion.The story is mesmerizing with its twists and turns and love interests, especially Fran's who's dating one man and attracted to another.
The characters like the plot are well-developed, realistic and personable especially the Miss Marple of Steeple Martin, Libby Sarjeant who's down-to earth, intuitive and very nosey. Her friend Fran Castle who's not as outgoing and insecure about finding love in her middle-age has a sharp mind and instinctive powers of reasoning. She continually tries to come to grips with a psychic ability that's in demand by the local police force. These two characters and more add to the depth and drama of a delightful murder mystery which often is filled with more talking than action.
I like the Libby Sarjeant murder mysteries which are entertaining, and always leave you baffled until the end.
February 11, 2011
The third in the Libby Sarjeant series this is another complex Marple-esque murder mystery that begins with a mystery letter from an unknown relative leaving Bella, a married woman living in London with her two children and not so pleasant husband, a cottage and derelict theatre. As she arrives in Nethergate she discovers a body in the theatre and so begins Libby and Fran's quest to find the identity of the murderer, their connection to Bella and the connection between Bella and the body in the theatre. Although this is a thoroughly enjoyable read and the storyline is just as complex and gripping as the other book in the series I've read so far (the seventh) this book was spoilt a little for me by Fran. I found her a little irritating and whiney at times and there was many an occasion I would've happily given her a good shake and told her to get a grip. But that's could just be me! Other than that this is a fantastic read to curl up on the sofa with a very large mug of tea and a woolly blanket.
December 15, 2016
Started off good and quite predictably. However ,this story seemed to drag and drag leading to an easy solution for the author.
A disappointing read from the last book. Not a clever writer but her last book at least kept a reader interested. This book,I just kept wish it was over. I do admire she doesn't use cheap theatrical devices to have her psychic character move her story along. Not sure if believe but I suspect if it does,it would be like this. A sixth sense that we all have but a few amongst us have it incredibly developed intuition and perception.
A disappointing read from the last book. Not a clever writer but her last book at least kept a reader interested. This book,I just kept wish it was over. I do admire she doesn't use cheap theatrical devices to have her psychic character move her story along. Not sure if believe but I suspect if it does,it would be like this. A sixth sense that we all have but a few amongst us have it incredibly developed intuition and perception.
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March 7, 2013The third in the "Libby Sarjeant" series sees Fran consulted by Bella Morleigh, who has been left a derelict seaside theatre by an unknown relative.
Bella wants to know more about her family, particularly when a body is found in the theatre, and despite being deep in pantomime rehearsals at The Oast House Theatre, Libby and Fran Castle, a local psychic, are soon involved in another murder investigation.(less)
Book #3
Bella wants to know more about her family, particularly when a body is found in the theatre, and despite being deep in pantomime rehearsals at The Oast House Theatre, Libby and Fran Castle, a local psychic, are soon involved in another murder investigation.(less)
Book #3
December 29, 2014
Just when you think you solved crime up pops another game changer. Characters keep moving rapidly through their paces leaving reader happy to have shared time. Thought I had figured out who killer was early on but again fooled by clever author.
February 25, 2015
Another referral from friend which provided a most delightful mystery. Have found authors characters like old friends who stop by for a chat which always reveals a surprise. Worthy of mystery fans time. Series which can be read out of order but most fun when followed consecutively.
November 14, 2015
A nice gentle read but very enjoyable.
January 29, 2017
Would have been much better without the obligatory homosexual
July 14, 2022
Listened to on Audible
July 21, 2012
The third book in is this easy-to-read and charming crime story.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews