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Bunburry #9
Deadlier than Fiction
Miss Marple meets Oscar Wilde in this new series of cosy mysteries set in the picturesque Cotswolds village of Bunburry.
In "Deadlier than Fiction", amateur sleuth Alfie McAlister enjoys his volunteer work in Bunburry's community library, set up in the mansion of the formidable Miss Radford-Jones. The library is home from home for eleven-year-old Noah, an Agatha Christie fan who sees murder round every corner. At first Alfie dismisses this as a child's overactive imagination - but then he himself is attacked. Could young Noah be right after all?
In "Deadlier than Fiction", amateur sleuth Alfie McAlister enjoys his volunteer work in Bunburry's community library, set up in the mansion of the formidable Miss Radford-Jones. The library is home from home for eleven-year-old Noah, an Agatha Christie fan who sees murder round every corner. At first Alfie dismisses this as a child's overactive imagination - but then he himself is attacked. Could young Noah be right after all?
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2020
122 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Helena Marchmont
41 books188 followersHelena Marchmont is a pseudonym of Olga Wojtas, who was born and brought up in Edinburgh. She was encouraged to write by an inspirational English teacher, Iona M. Cameron. Olga won a Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award in 2015, has had more than 30 short stories published in magazines and anthologies and recently published her first mystery Miss Blaine's Prefect and the Golden Samovar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 30, 2025
In diesem neunten Band der Cosy Crime Buchreihe hat mir natürlich besonders gut gefallen, dass es sich auch um Bücher, eine Bücherei und das Lesen dreht.
Aber auch der Kriminalfall, den es hier selbstverständlich auch wieder gibt, konnte mich gut unterhalten und miträtseln lassen.
Ich mag das Setting, dieses kleine englische Dorf und seine speziellen Bewohner.
Es ist einfach eine wunderbare Reihe, mit der man sehr gut abschalten kann.
Aber auch der Kriminalfall, den es hier selbstverständlich auch wieder gibt, konnte mich gut unterhalten und miträtseln lassen.
Ich mag das Setting, dieses kleine englische Dorf und seine speziellen Bewohner.
Es ist einfach eine wunderbare Reihe, mit der man sehr gut abschalten kann.
June 16, 2024
3.5⭐️= Quite Good.
Audio.
Another enjoyable book in this gentle, village set, murder mystery. I loved the introduction of a younger face to the list of characters. He really is very charming and I hope that we see him as a regular character.
My only dislike was the fact that it ended a little abruptly.
Audio.
Another enjoyable book in this gentle, village set, murder mystery. I loved the introduction of a younger face to the list of characters. He really is very charming and I hope that we see him as a regular character.
My only dislike was the fact that it ended a little abruptly.
May 18, 2021
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
April 14, 2022
No, the ninth novella in this series isn’t about book writing but about a nascent library. Ten years ago, the local council closed the public library and sold the building. Multimillionaire philanthropist Alfie McAllister joins forces with the formidable Miss Irene Radford-Jones to set up a new library in several extra rooms in her huge mansion. A bereaved widow believes her husband’s heart attack was no accident, so she consults the Bunburry Triangle — Alfie and his two elderly friends, Marge Redwood and Liz Hopkins — and Liz’s great-niece, Constable Emma Hollis. It would ruin this wonderful novella to reveal anymore, but readers will meet some interesting new characters and find a cleverly plotted mystery.
It was fun to see Alfie and Miss Radford-Jones become friends and to meet the precocious 11-year-old bookworm Noah. (I do hope they make appearances in future novellas!)
It was fun to see Alfie and Miss Radford-Jones become friends and to meet the precocious 11-year-old bookworm Noah. (I do hope they make appearances in future novellas!)
November 4, 2020
I totally adored the new characters of Noah and Miss Radford-Jones, but the investigation of the crime/mystery fell totally flat. Alfie didn't investigate one bit.
July 9, 2021
⭐️3.5⭐️
January 2, 2024
Another fun book in this delightful series.
September 17, 2023
3 1/2 stars
Oh no... even though Betty was not back, the novel centered around her cottage and she was mentioned quite frequently. I loathe Betty and her "American" ways. (and I am American) I DO NOT want her to end up with Alfie.
Audiobook
Nathaniel Parker - Narrator
Duration: About 3 hours
As part of a compilation audiobook
Episodes 7-9
Duration: 09:26:58
Oh no... even though Betty was not back, the novel centered around her cottage and she was mentioned quite frequently. I loathe Betty and her "American" ways. (and I am American) I DO NOT want her to end up with Alfie.
Audiobook
Nathaniel Parker - Narrator
Duration: About 3 hours
As part of a compilation audiobook
Episodes 7-9
Duration: 09:26:58
October 4, 2020
Fun tale
Interesting characters, as usual. They always “play off” of each other in ways that are entertaining. The Cotswolds are the perfect setting. Good old English mystery.
Interesting characters, as usual. They always “play off” of each other in ways that are entertaining. The Cotswolds are the perfect setting. Good old English mystery.
April 28, 2021
Still an enjoyable series. Even when Alfie has his TSTL moments. Also I do wish Emma would get over herself. I reiterate she has done nothing to stake a claim on Alfie or let him know she might be interested in more than a friendship. If she does let him know. If she's worried about the constable making her life more miserable over dating Alfie, I'm sure he would agree to keep it quiet to help her out. he's nice that way. But honestly she hasn't done a thing, so those digs she keeps making at Alfie, because other women are interested and have no problem showing it, are getting annoying.
Although, on the other hand. Alfie needs to make up his mind on if he's interested in her or not, and actually let her know. If not just continue to be friends, if so stop letting life interrupt your moments with her. And give her something solid.
I do like Mrs. Radford-Jones and want to see more of her and Noah in the future.
I know these are short, but was there really a murder mystery investigation going on? Alfie lucked into finding the killer. Not that it did much of anything, actually no he didn't find the killer. He didn't have a clue who the killer was until he walked into the room with Mrs. Radford-Jones. In this case Noah did pretty much all of the work, including finding the killer. Alfie wasn't even present until later. Liz and Marge weren't even present, they had to find out the details much later from Emma. The Bunburry Triangle was a bit light in this installment.
Our narrator did a great job as usual.
Looking forward to the next book.
Recommended? Sure
Buy/Borrrow? Either or
Although, on the other hand. Alfie needs to make up his mind on if he's interested in her or not, and actually let her know. If not just continue to be friends, if so stop letting life interrupt your moments with her. And give her something solid.
I do like Mrs. Radford-Jones and want to see more of her and Noah in the future.
I know these are short, but was there really a murder mystery investigation going on? Alfie lucked into finding the killer. Not that it did much of anything, actually no he didn't find the killer. He didn't have a clue who the killer was until he walked into the room with Mrs. Radford-Jones. In this case Noah did pretty much all of the work, including finding the killer. Alfie wasn't even present until later. Liz and Marge weren't even present, they had to find out the details much later from Emma. The Bunburry Triangle was a bit light in this installment.
Our narrator did a great job as usual.
Looking forward to the next book.
Recommended? Sure
Buy/Borrrow? Either or
November 29, 2025
It must have been hard for children born in say 1996 or later, to suddenly have their likeness boiled down to a Harry Potter character, else, does not exist. Certainly our boy Noah, who seems like a Hastings wannabe with some analytic chops, is written off as a Harry Potter looking kid, probably because he wears glasses.
But he's a beautiful new addition to Bunburry. A latchkey kid who spends a lot of time at the library because he doesn't actually have a key to his house, Noah tugs at Alfie's heartstrings, growing up under similar conditions. As Alfie has many volunteer shifts at the library, who better to be a father figure to Noah, ply him with bacon rolls, fruit smoothies, library responsibilities, murders to solve.
Murders to solve? Yes. Because before there was a bespectacled wizard solving mysteries at Hogwarts, there was a bespectacled child detective, solving mysteries in his home town. And, at least on paper, Noah is more of an Encyclopedia Brown. But without friends his own age.
But he's a beautiful new addition to Bunburry. A latchkey kid who spends a lot of time at the library because he doesn't actually have a key to his house, Noah tugs at Alfie's heartstrings, growing up under similar conditions. As Alfie has many volunteer shifts at the library, who better to be a father figure to Noah, ply him with bacon rolls, fruit smoothies, library responsibilities, murders to solve.
Murders to solve? Yes. Because before there was a bespectacled wizard solving mysteries at Hogwarts, there was a bespectacled child detective, solving mysteries in his home town. And, at least on paper, Noah is more of an Encyclopedia Brown. But without friends his own age.
October 9, 2020
There really IS a killer?
I enjoy reading these books and wait eagerly for the next. They are fun quick reads for a day relaxing and recognizing the mystery and how it is solved, always entertaining. I was lucky to start at the beginning of the series. Each book is a complete story but as progressing through the books you find out so much more about those in Bunburry that you feel they are your friends.
I enjoy reading these books and wait eagerly for the next. They are fun quick reads for a day relaxing and recognizing the mystery and how it is solved, always entertaining. I was lucky to start at the beginning of the series. Each book is a complete story but as progressing through the books you find out so much more about those in Bunburry that you feel they are your friends.
July 7, 2023
I love this series. It is so much fun listening to the adventures Alfie and Emma, Marge and the others get up to. Alfie moved to a cottage left to him by his aunt and becomes friends and amateur detectives/crime solvers with his aunts old friends, their niece Emma, an actual constable, and some help from his friend Oliver in London. You can listen to these books in one day, while doing chores or at the beach, and the narration is excellent.
January 31, 2026
Noah and Ms Radford-Jones/the library cohort is probably my favorite group of Bunburry side characters. Only Oscar and the ladies would rank higher in my book~ (the magnolia inn girls and Haridessa and the vicar are quite good too, and I appreciate Debbie’s constantly self-improving ways as well. I’d actually like to see more of Rakesh and his Indian restaurant as well as the Agatha’s actors. Betty is at the bottom of my list but alas, we get so much of her. 🙂↕️)
October 4, 2020
Another enjoyable read
Love reading this series, cosy light hearted reading. The only time the book sets my teeth on edge, is Alfie’s affected London ways with his cooking cous cous and courgette soup rather than good solid English food like Cumberland pie or eggs and bacon.
Love the characters, look forward to meeting them in the next novel.
Love reading this series, cosy light hearted reading. The only time the book sets my teeth on edge, is Alfie’s affected London ways with his cooking cous cous and courgette soup rather than good solid English food like Cumberland pie or eggs and bacon.
Love the characters, look forward to meeting them in the next novel.
April 30, 2021
Cute story
The Bunbury Triangle are hot on the case of a seemingly death by heart attack, the widow believes her husband died of fright. She wants to know who killed her husband, so Alfie starts to investigate and gets rough up for his troubles. Ms. Marchmont has written a witty story that keeps you entertained.
The Bunbury Triangle are hot on the case of a seemingly death by heart attack, the widow believes her husband died of fright. She wants to know who killed her husband, so Alfie starts to investigate and gets rough up for his troubles. Ms. Marchmont has written a witty story that keeps you entertained.
August 28, 2021
Lukijana ihana Nathaniel Parker.
Edellisen kirjan pettymyksen jälkeen tämä oli taas mukavaa kuunneltavaa. Muutama mielenkiintoinen uusi hahmo kylästä esiteltiin. Mitään varsinaista etsivätoimintaa tässä ei nyt ollut, mutta ei takerruta yksityiskohtiin. Mukavasti meni työ- ja paketin haku- ja vientireissut ihanassa syyssäässä tätä kuunnellessa.
Edellisen kirjan pettymyksen jälkeen tämä oli taas mukavaa kuunneltavaa. Muutama mielenkiintoinen uusi hahmo kylästä esiteltiin. Mitään varsinaista etsivätoimintaa tässä ei nyt ollut, mutta ei takerruta yksityiskohtiin. Mukavasti meni työ- ja paketin haku- ja vientireissut ihanassa syyssäässä tätä kuunnellessa.
November 19, 2025
There are too many to review, thanks to Goodreads' not-working sidebar, so I'm copying and pasting a series review on each one:
Marchmont has created a delightful village, hilarious characters, and interesting mysteries that kept me buying the next to find out what's up in the Cotswolds. An absolute delight.
Marchmont has created a delightful village, hilarious characters, and interesting mysteries that kept me buying the next to find out what's up in the Cotswolds. An absolute delight.
December 19, 2025
I do enjoy this Bunburry series and find it helpful to read several one after the other as the background story does have a thread running through the series. They are very short and have fairly basic plotlines so they're perfect for when you just want something fun to listen to which doesn't tax the brain too much.
October 1, 2020
Cozy indeed
As usual Marchmont delivers a charming plot with the same charming characters. Bunburry is a very special place where crime takes place only to be solved by the Bunburry Triangle. Read and enjoy!
As usual Marchmont delivers a charming plot with the same charming characters. Bunburry is a very special place where crime takes place only to be solved by the Bunburry Triangle. Read and enjoy!
October 2, 2020
Another great read 🔰
Thoroughly enjoyed the next book in the series, only complaint would be I read it far too quickly 😁. Loving the new characters Mrs Radford -Jones, Noah and Gwendolyn. Hope to read more about them.
Thoroughly enjoyed the next book in the series, only complaint would be I read it far too quickly 😁. Loving the new characters Mrs Radford -Jones, Noah and Gwendolyn. Hope to read more about them.
October 4, 2020
Always a good read.
I thoroughly enjoy this series of books. The characters are interesting and quirky but fun, kind, and intelligent. I would love to visit Bunburry and meet them all.
I thoroughly enjoy this series of books. The characters are interesting and quirky but fun, kind, and intelligent. I would love to visit Bunburry and meet them all.
October 10, 2020
Review:
I !ove British cosy mysteries and even though these are set in modern times, they still retain the ambia CD of the Golden Age of mystery. Plus, I really like the characters and adore the village of Bunburry. If it were real I would move there!
I !ove British cosy mysteries and even though these are set in modern times, they still retain the ambia CD of the Golden Age of mystery. Plus, I really like the characters and adore the village of Bunburry. If it were real I would move there!
October 12, 2020
Another great story from Helena Marchmont
I am hooked on Bunburry! Great story telling. The culprit is not who you expect. The descriptions are so well done I hear Alfie speaking inside my head.
but when is Alfie going to meet his father.
I am hooked on Bunburry! Great story telling. The culprit is not who you expect. The descriptions are so well done I hear Alfie speaking inside my head.
but when is Alfie going to meet his father.
January 1, 2021
4 stars for being pleasantly amusing village cozy novella with delightful characters. The audiobook lulled me to sleep (or back to sleep) in minutes. What more could one ask for the last book of 2020?
March 19, 2022
A favourite in this series. Loved Noah - he's an intriguing new character and I hope he returns. I do wish Alfie would stop pining after Betty and think about Emma! The library is a great setting and lovely addition to the Bunburry milieu.
August 9, 2022
Pleasant Reading.
I liked this book. It has :
1.A happy ending.
2. Morality
3. Kindness
4. Is well written
5. Has likeable characters.
6. Has plausible villains.
7. Is not too long.
I liked this book. It has :
1.A happy ending.
2. Morality
3. Kindness
4. Is well written
5. Has likeable characters.
6. Has plausible villains.
7. Is not too long.
October 10, 2020
Great series
Have enjoyed this entire series. Looking forward to more. Will keep this series in my library. Read the entire series it is awesome.
Have enjoyed this entire series. Looking forward to more. Will keep this series in my library. Read the entire series it is awesome.
October 12, 2020
A GREAT READ - LIGHT, FUNNY, WELL WRITEN WITH THE SAME PEOPLE AS THE THREE OTHER
BOOKS IN THE SERIES. I ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH -SORRY WHEN IT FINISHED.
BOOKS IN THE SERIES. I ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH -SORRY WHEN IT FINISHED.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews