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The Decoy
In the rural, English village of Heronsford, Eliza and David Armstrong live in the farmhouse Eliza was brought up in. Her now elderly mother lives in a small converted barn close by.
Surrounded by friends, the Armstrong’s appear to have an idyllic life. But when two members of their social group die in suspicious circumstances, a cloud falls over the village.
Are the deaths linked? And were they really accidents?
One of the villagers believes they have the answers and is prepared to risk everything to get to the truth…
Surrounded by friends, the Armstrong’s appear to have an idyllic life. But when two members of their social group die in suspicious circumstances, a cloud falls over the village.
Are the deaths linked? And were they really accidents?
One of the villagers believes they have the answers and is prepared to risk everything to get to the truth…
- GenresAudiobook
218 pages, ebook
First published August 5, 2019
19 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Florrie Palmer
8 books3 followersOne of the first British female singer-songwriters, Florrie’s songs have been recorded by many, including Agnetha Faltskog - the blonde from Abba - Manfred Mann, Mike Rutherford of Genesis, Elaine Paige and Sheena Easton. Her biggest hits were recorded by Sheena Easton, who secured the number one spot in America for six weeks with 9-5 (Morning Train) resulting in a platinum record followed by a number 12 with When He Shines.
In 1994, Florrie wrote a comic novel based on her experiences in the music business called Never Final Till it’s Vinyl.
The Decoy is her first venture into crime fiction. She is currently writing her second. Having lived in various English counties, as well as the South of France and Italy, Florrie now lives in Cambridge.
In 1994, Florrie wrote a comic novel based on her experiences in the music business called Never Final Till it’s Vinyl.
The Decoy is her first venture into crime fiction. She is currently writing her second. Having lived in various English counties, as well as the South of France and Italy, Florrie now lives in Cambridge.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 14, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
When I first started The Decoy by Florrie Palmer I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to like it, but as I continued to read, I liked it more and more and ended up really enjoying it!
What it's about: In the small English village of Heronsford, Eliza Armstrong and her husband live in the home she grew up in, with her mother Annie living on the property as well. Eliza and Jay's business is struggling, but their group of friends helps to take her mind off of it, although Jay is incredibly stressed to the point where Eliza barely recognizes the person she married. Suddenly when people in their group of friends start dying, everyone begins to wonder if they are related and possibly murders. One person knows, and they are prepared to die to expose the truth.
Palmer's writing in The Decoy was a little bit confusing for me at first, and I can definitely tell she has her own unique writing style. There is always a transition period for me when reading something set (and written) in another country, and this book was no exception. Once I started getting used to the writing, I was able to enjoy the book a lot more. The author really sets the stage in the beginning by introducing the reader to all of the different characters in the circle of friends. This part was where I got a little lost since there were so many people, but as I kept reading it became much easier to follow along, and I was able to differentiate between all of them and didn't get any of them confused.
The Decoy is also super short and was a very fast read (I am talking less than 3 hours fast!). Even the longer chapters seemed to fly by, and I felt like I was right there in Heronsford. I don't really feel like I got to know the characters all that well, but I'm not sure if that's because there were so many of them, the writing style, or just a me thing. Either way, I don't really think too much was lost there and Eliza and her mom Annie were definitely my favorites.
Song/s the book brought to mind: Make It Right by Foo Fighters
Final Thought: I was completely surprised by the ending of The Decoy, and there was a ton going on in this book. I kind of felt like I was watching a movie when I read it and I could totally see this on TV in some form. It was a really interesting and compelling little book, and I definitely recommend checking it out!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
When I first started The Decoy by Florrie Palmer I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to like it, but as I continued to read, I liked it more and more and ended up really enjoying it!
What it's about: In the small English village of Heronsford, Eliza Armstrong and her husband live in the home she grew up in, with her mother Annie living on the property as well. Eliza and Jay's business is struggling, but their group of friends helps to take her mind off of it, although Jay is incredibly stressed to the point where Eliza barely recognizes the person she married. Suddenly when people in their group of friends start dying, everyone begins to wonder if they are related and possibly murders. One person knows, and they are prepared to die to expose the truth.
Palmer's writing in The Decoy was a little bit confusing for me at first, and I can definitely tell she has her own unique writing style. There is always a transition period for me when reading something set (and written) in another country, and this book was no exception. Once I started getting used to the writing, I was able to enjoy the book a lot more. The author really sets the stage in the beginning by introducing the reader to all of the different characters in the circle of friends. This part was where I got a little lost since there were so many people, but as I kept reading it became much easier to follow along, and I was able to differentiate between all of them and didn't get any of them confused.
The Decoy is also super short and was a very fast read (I am talking less than 3 hours fast!). Even the longer chapters seemed to fly by, and I felt like I was right there in Heronsford. I don't really feel like I got to know the characters all that well, but I'm not sure if that's because there were so many of them, the writing style, or just a me thing. Either way, I don't really think too much was lost there and Eliza and her mom Annie were definitely my favorites.
Song/s the book brought to mind: Make It Right by Foo Fighters
Final Thought: I was completely surprised by the ending of The Decoy, and there was a ton going on in this book. I kind of felt like I was watching a movie when I read it and I could totally see this on TV in some form. It was a really interesting and compelling little book, and I definitely recommend checking it out!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
August 12, 2019
It's a quaint English village, filled with friendly residents, some of them even quirky. It's small, it's quiet, a place where everyone knows everyone else.
At least until now. Two members of the residents have died under suspicious circumstances. One lady, a photographer, seemingly drowned herself. She was known to be a non-swimmer, with a terror of water, in general. Would she have killed herself this way? And why?
One of the villagers believes she knows what happened ... and is prepared for anything to get to the truth. And the truth might surprise a lot of people.
Quietly suspenseful and full of finely drawn characters, this is not a shoot-em-up with blazing guns. It's more like a fine wine that goes down slowly, warming as it goes. The ending was unpredictable, and satisfying.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
At least until now. Two members of the residents have died under suspicious circumstances. One lady, a photographer, seemingly drowned herself. She was known to be a non-swimmer, with a terror of water, in general. Would she have killed herself this way? And why?
One of the villagers believes she knows what happened ... and is prepared for anything to get to the truth. And the truth might surprise a lot of people.
Quietly suspenseful and full of finely drawn characters, this is not a shoot-em-up with blazing guns. It's more like a fine wine that goes down slowly, warming as it goes. The ending was unpredictable, and satisfying.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 12, 2019
I do love a story set in a small village. This was well written and enjoyable.
When a woman is found dead a whole lot of questions are asked.
More murders means more questions.
This was a refreshing read from what I normally read. If you like cosy mysteries then this will be ideal for you.
When a woman is found dead a whole lot of questions are asked.
More murders means more questions.
This was a refreshing read from what I normally read. If you like cosy mysteries then this will be ideal for you.
August 11, 2019
If there’s one thing that this Ginger Book Geek likes, it’s discovering new authors. Florrie Palmer is most definitely a new author to me. I read the synopsis for ‘The Decoy’ and it certainly sounded like my kind of read. I started reading and overall I did enjoy the book.
I have to be honest and say that it took me quite a while to get into this book and I wasn’t actually sure that I would be able to finish reading it but that has more to do with the fact that I was very tired and feeling a bit under the weather and it shouldn’t be taken as a criticism of the author. I decided that I would persevere with the book and I am so glad that I did. ‘The Decoy’ is one of those slow burner type of books and much like a snowball rolling down a hill, the story gathers momentum before culminating in a tense and dramatic conclusion. I had to keep reading to see how the story panned out and what the truth of the matter was. I would say that I read the second half of the book quicker than the first half. As I was reading the latter half of the book, the pages of the book turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out what happened steadily grew.
‘The Decoy’ is well written. The author grabs your attention from the start and she draws you into the story. She also keeps your attention throughout the book by keeping the story fresh, the characters believable and the scenarios plausible. Florrie writes so realistically and she uses such powerful descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself and that I lived in the village where the murder had taken place.
Reading ‘The Decoy’ was like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. Some of the twists I was expecting but there was one twist in particular that I wasn’t expecting that crept up on me and slapped me in the face. I was left momentarily winded and speechless (that doesn’t happen often).
In short and overall I did enjoy reading ‘The Decoy’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers but particularly to those readers, who enjoy a cosy style of mystery in a village setting. I would say that fans of ‘Midsomer Murders’ might enjoy this book. In the future I will definitely be reading more of Florrie’s work. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I have to be honest and say that it took me quite a while to get into this book and I wasn’t actually sure that I would be able to finish reading it but that has more to do with the fact that I was very tired and feeling a bit under the weather and it shouldn’t be taken as a criticism of the author. I decided that I would persevere with the book and I am so glad that I did. ‘The Decoy’ is one of those slow burner type of books and much like a snowball rolling down a hill, the story gathers momentum before culminating in a tense and dramatic conclusion. I had to keep reading to see how the story panned out and what the truth of the matter was. I would say that I read the second half of the book quicker than the first half. As I was reading the latter half of the book, the pages of the book turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out what happened steadily grew.
‘The Decoy’ is well written. The author grabs your attention from the start and she draws you into the story. She also keeps your attention throughout the book by keeping the story fresh, the characters believable and the scenarios plausible. Florrie writes so realistically and she uses such powerful descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself and that I lived in the village where the murder had taken place.
Reading ‘The Decoy’ was like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. Some of the twists I was expecting but there was one twist in particular that I wasn’t expecting that crept up on me and slapped me in the face. I was left momentarily winded and speechless (that doesn’t happen often).
In short and overall I did enjoy reading ‘The Decoy’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers but particularly to those readers, who enjoy a cosy style of mystery in a village setting. I would say that fans of ‘Midsomer Murders’ might enjoy this book. In the future I will definitely be reading more of Florrie’s work. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 4* out of 5*.
August 14, 2019
The story is set in a rural village called Heronsfield near Cambridge and centres around a group of friends living there. Eliza and Jay live in her family's old farmhouse with two daughters, with Eliza's mother Annie situated conveniently near in a converted barn on their land. They are part of a close knit circle of friends there who meet up for drinks and meals, and life appears generally good until two of their number die in separate tragic accidents. The atmosphere over the whole village darkens and cracks begin to show in all their relationships. However one villager is starting to think that they might not be accidents and could even be at the hand of the same person. And if true then this knowledge could put them in terrible danger. This is a slow burn type of book and there are several chapters at the start describing all the main characters and their circumstances before anything dramatic happens at all. All the way through the story unfurls gradually over a period of months relating the characters suspicions about events in the village, and it is a long way into the book before something happens that definitely looks like foul play. Even then there is not a significant increase in tension or pace, but more of a gentle unravelling of the facts leading to a novel and interesting ending where everything is explained. The book has well defined characters, some of whom are likeable and some who are definitely a bit "off", and a beautifully described setting, and it put me in mind of an old fashioned Agatha Christie type whodunit, with each of the characters in turn seeming innocent or guilty as the story progressed. Recommended for those who like a good mystery. 4*
August 12, 2019
In the idyllic village of Heronsford, friends, family and neighbours regularly meet up for weekly socialising and the local pub…
There’s, Eliza and husband Jay and mum Annie, Actress Francesca, wealthy Bob and Stella, Kate and Hamish and Louise and Patrick.
One day Louise’ body is found in their pool and it’s thought possible suicide. Then Stella’s little dog is found dead in a pond….along with petty vandalism the villages takes a sinister turn and everyone is on edge…then another body is found …just who wants these women dead and why?
This is not a fast paced read, but a slow burn, with a sense of tension cleverly building right up to the heartbreaking end. A classic english whodunnit.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
There’s, Eliza and husband Jay and mum Annie, Actress Francesca, wealthy Bob and Stella, Kate and Hamish and Louise and Patrick.
One day Louise’ body is found in their pool and it’s thought possible suicide. Then Stella’s little dog is found dead in a pond….along with petty vandalism the villages takes a sinister turn and everyone is on edge…then another body is found …just who wants these women dead and why?
This is not a fast paced read, but a slow burn, with a sense of tension cleverly building right up to the heartbreaking end. A classic english whodunnit.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
August 14, 2019
This is my first book by this author, I enjoyed it from beginning to end. It is a creative story that left me sitting on the edge of my seat a few times. I enjoyed the characters as well. They are well developed and I enjoyed watching them grow throughout the story. It took a little bit for me to get into the story but once it took off it took off and I had a hard time putting it down. I didn't regret picking this book up and neither will you. I will be looking more from this author. I highly recommend this book.
July 29, 2019
I’m almost breathless after reading this book. I absolutely was not able to put it down. If you like people puzzles this is the book for you. Wow, trying to figure out who was evil and who was not was a wonderful challenge. I love this kind of book. It kept me intrigued right to the last page. I will probably read it again. I would love to see a movie made from this story. I’m so happy I have found another author that writes awesome psychological thrillers! I will be following her for sure.
August 1, 2019
An easy enjoyable read. Deceptively simple with what appeared to be less complex characters. However I did not guess the ending until it was revealed. Thank you Bloodhound books for an entertaining read.
November 19, 2020
I read about 30% of this book and sadly couldn’t get into it there was what seemed to be a lot of nothing going on and not enough pace or action. Sadly not for me
May 10, 2021
I did look at other people's reviews when, half way through the book, I was ready to shelve it. The book looks at the lives of a number of well to do couples, none of whom I liked, as a murderer starts killing them off. The reviews said the novel picked up 1/2 way and did become more interesting, and I did want to see 'who did it'. One that you would enjoy a lot more if you could invest in the characters.
February 27, 2021
This book took a very long time to get started, lots of boring details about the character’s lives before a murder took place. I nearly gave up but not being able to find anything else to listen to I stuck with it. There were a couple of surprises at the end but I don’t think I’ll visit any further of this author’s books
March 16, 2023
Just awful.
August 7, 2019
A small village in the countryside, a close group of friends, a dead dog, a couple of accidental deaths and all the suspicions that surround them are the basis for Florrie Palmer's The Decoy.
But, if you're expecting a gory, gruesome edge-of-your-seat thriller, you're going to be disappointed. Instead, what you get is a thoroughly engrossing and very English whodunnit, with smart writing, clever misdirection and a cast of characters that are well-written and very, very flawed. It kind of sneaks up on you and you're left feeling slightly confused and bewildered, and that, my friends, is a wonderfully refreshing change of pace for a genre usually filled with as much shock and awe as possible.
Reminiscent of a good Agatha Christie, I'd love to see this one come around as a limited series. I've already got a few casting suggestions!
Thanks so much to Bloodhound Books and to Florrie Palmer for the opportunity!
But, if you're expecting a gory, gruesome edge-of-your-seat thriller, you're going to be disappointed. Instead, what you get is a thoroughly engrossing and very English whodunnit, with smart writing, clever misdirection and a cast of characters that are well-written and very, very flawed. It kind of sneaks up on you and you're left feeling slightly confused and bewildered, and that, my friends, is a wonderfully refreshing change of pace for a genre usually filled with as much shock and awe as possible.
Reminiscent of a good Agatha Christie, I'd love to see this one come around as a limited series. I've already got a few casting suggestions!
Thanks so much to Bloodhound Books and to Florrie Palmer for the opportunity!
August 27, 2019
A very clever title for a very good book.
I love cozy mystery’s but there was something a bit different about this one, the style and narrative dragged me in and instantly transported me to a sleepy country village. The writing was intelligent and suited the main character of Annie, I liked her instantly. Yet despite being eased into the story and due to the intriguing prologue, a sense of impending doom pervaded every page. The story was pacy and as each character was introduced I couldn’t help but try to fathom who was going to meet their end and why. Florrie tied up all the ends very tightly and just as I like it, brought the take to a very neat conclusion. The title, by the way, is ver very clever. I do hope we will have another story soon from this author as I’m sure her style will appeal to readers of this genre.
I love cozy mystery’s but there was something a bit different about this one, the style and narrative dragged me in and instantly transported me to a sleepy country village. The writing was intelligent and suited the main character of Annie, I liked her instantly. Yet despite being eased into the story and due to the intriguing prologue, a sense of impending doom pervaded every page. The story was pacy and as each character was introduced I couldn’t help but try to fathom who was going to meet their end and why. Florrie tied up all the ends very tightly and just as I like it, brought the take to a very neat conclusion. The title, by the way, is ver very clever. I do hope we will have another story soon from this author as I’m sure her style will appeal to readers of this genre.
October 25, 2019
In the quiet little village of Herensford, a beautiful little place, where people want to live their lives without the hustle and bustle of the city...nothing much happens..until the day a woman is found dead..To her group of friends this comes as an immense shock..was it really an accident?..As her friends try to come to terms with her death and help the grieving husband and daughter..things begin to turn sinister.For although the village is picture- esque, the lives of those within it are far from perfect.There are those with pasts that are unravelling...Jealousy, Infedility and suspicion are at the root of this story. When things turn darker..one soul goes on a mission..but watch out for all the twists and shadows for all is not as it seems in this story...A little dark cracker of a read...Dark and Deadly ....
July 29, 2019
This book for me is the quintessential murder in an English village setting. We have the death/murder of one of its residents, however there are no witnesses and no suspects. Just as the villagers are getting back on track, there is a fire and another death - is this a murder or a freak accident? Add to this the personal trials and tribulations of everyday family life and the reader is moved along at a good pace, wondering who is causing all this heartache and why. Great twist at the end too just when you think it's all been fathomed out!
A great read if you like Miss Marple-esque murder/mysteries.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
A great read if you like Miss Marple-esque murder/mysteries.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
August 12, 2019
This is a new author to me, so I began reading with no expectations. It is definitely a "slow burner"! It is set in a rural countryside town and is written so well you actually feel you are part of the story. I think if you enjoy the type of book that has you guessing which person is the "goodie" or the "baddie", this book is for you! I was sat trying to work it out all the way though! I really enjoyed the story and found myself saying "just one more page" instead of sleeping! hahahaha! Will definitely read more of Florrie Palmers work.
A massive thank you to Bloodhound books and Florrie Palmer for the ARC, in exchange for a honest review.
A massive thank you to Bloodhound books and Florrie Palmer for the ARC, in exchange for a honest review.
July 29, 2019
Heresnsford is a typical country village where everyone knows everyone else. When two women die in suspicious circumstances the villagers start wondering if they are living in the midst of a murderer and stay looking at others in a different light.
This book is a show burner at first with Florrie Palmer setting the scene in a very descriptive way. Stick with it and you will be amazed as things unravel.
Ultimately this is a well written book that will have you wondering who the perpetrator is until one person solves it all.
This book is a show burner at first with Florrie Palmer setting the scene in a very descriptive way. Stick with it and you will be amazed as things unravel.
Ultimately this is a well written book that will have you wondering who the perpetrator is until one person solves it all.
March 27, 2022
Took a while to get into the story, but the ending wasn’t as satisfying as I was hoping for. It’s also really forgettable and I was ultimately left disappointed, as the idea and premise was there and it had some good reviews.
July 29, 2019
An enjoyable read that was entertaining in a gentle way. A quiet book about a quiet village and some of its questionable residents.
The murders slip up on the reader with uncertainty: was it murder; if so by whom and why? I guessed some of the clues about who was to die but did not guess the killer until the reveal..... Nor some of the other stuff finally revealed at the end.
Not a fast read with lots of blood and gore but a welcome change..... A bit like an Agatha Christie who dunnit.
The murders slip up on the reader with uncertainty: was it murder; if so by whom and why? I guessed some of the clues about who was to die but did not guess the killer until the reveal..... Nor some of the other stuff finally revealed at the end.
Not a fast read with lots of blood and gore but a welcome change..... A bit like an Agatha Christie who dunnit.
July 30, 2019
Heronsford is a quiet little village and a small group of friends regularly get together on a social basis.
They consist of several couples and a single woman. Everyone has their secrets, some more public than others. When Louise is found at the bottom of her pool, eyebrows are raised. Louise was terrified of water, so drowning herself wouldn’t have been an option, would it?
When someone else dies, Annie B, a retired QC, has her suspicions raised. Can she prove it?
They consist of several couples and a single woman. Everyone has their secrets, some more public than others. When Louise is found at the bottom of her pool, eyebrows are raised. Louise was terrified of water, so drowning herself wouldn’t have been an option, would it?
When someone else dies, Annie B, a retired QC, has her suspicions raised. Can she prove it?
August 7, 2019
At first, I wasn't sure about this book at all. Seemed like almost everyone in the rural English village of Heronsford was having a rough time. It took a while for me, for the story to really start going. But once murders started happening things really got going! I was surprised at who the "decoy" was and why. There were some characters that I really felt bad for, and some I wanted to just slap! Great story! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from Bloodhound Books.
August 7, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from Bloodhound Books to review. It didnt disappoint. In a similar vein to an Agatha Christie novel, it starts in a village in southern England where a group of rich friends dine together, spend leisure time together and have secrets. Secrets may get them killed.
As the body count starts to rise these secrets get revealed culminating in a thrilling end.
A very good read.
As the body count starts to rise these secrets get revealed culminating in a thrilling end.
A very good read.
August 29, 2019
“The Decoy” by Florrie Palmer is an enjoyable book. It is based in the countryside, and is about a few couples who meet regularly.Somewhere down the line, there appears to be a ruthless, murderous shadow hovering around this group of friends. One by one, they are being picked off. Who is it, and why are they doing this?
Even though this isn’t one of those books that drive you along at a breakneck pace, it is interesting enough to keep you reading, especially towards the end.
4 Stars
Even though this isn’t one of those books that drive you along at a breakneck pace, it is interesting enough to keep you reading, especially towards the end.
4 Stars
July 30, 2019
Once again I am grateful to Bloodhound Books for another ARC and an enjoyable read. This is an interesting story with lots of deaths, a whole slew of credible culprits and a surprising ending. However, I found the style of writing rather twee and the story lacked real tension. The characters were cyphers rather than fully developed personalities.
August 6, 2019
A “who done it” with a twist.
Who doesn’t love a good “who done it”!
Well this doesn’t disappoint.
Cleverly written this draws you in and you begin making your own assumptions on who killed the lovely Annie.
But not is all quite as it seems.
I loved the twist part way through: and here begins Annie’s part of the story, leading to; for me what was an emotional ending.
Who doesn’t love a good “who done it”!
Well this doesn’t disappoint.
Cleverly written this draws you in and you begin making your own assumptions on who killed the lovely Annie.
But not is all quite as it seems.
I loved the twist part way through: and here begins Annie’s part of the story, leading to; for me what was an emotional ending.
August 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of twists and turns with a great storyline. An intriguing read that keeps you guessing throughout. Murder, suicide or a dreadful accident? And if the former, what possible motive? The village is wrapped in secrets which slowly unfold. It's great to read a crime thriller with plenty of mystery and this book has it all.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews