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A Beginners Guide To Murder
The brand new book from a powerful literary voice.
Grace, Meg and Daphne, all in their seventies, are minding their own business while enjoying a cup of tea in a café, when seventeen-year-old Nina stumbles in. She’s clearly distraught and running from someone, so the three women think nothing of hiding her when a suspicious-looking man starts asking if they’ve seen her.
Once alone, Nina tells the women a little of what she’s running from. The need to protect her is immediate, and Grace, Meg and Daphne vow to do just this. But how? They soon realise there really is only one answer: murder.
And so begins the tale of the three most unlikely murderers-in-the-making, and may hell protect anyone who underestimates them.
Grace, Meg and Daphne, all in their seventies, are minding their own business while enjoying a cup of tea in a café, when seventeen-year-old Nina stumbles in. She’s clearly distraught and running from someone, so the three women think nothing of hiding her when a suspicious-looking man starts asking if they’ve seen her.
Once alone, Nina tells the women a little of what she’s running from. The need to protect her is immediate, and Grace, Meg and Daphne vow to do just this. But how? They soon realise there really is only one answer: murder.
And so begins the tale of the three most unlikely murderers-in-the-making, and may hell protect anyone who underestimates them.
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2021
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5235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
July 5, 2021
There is plenty of charm, and quirkiness in this darkly themed offbeat crime fiction from Rosalind Stopps, whilst it took me a little time to become fully immersed, once I was, I was completely enthralled. The heart of this story is the tender relationships that develop between the elderly Meg, Grace, and Daphne, and their ferocious love, need and desire to protect and save the vulnerable, exploited and abused 17 year old Nina, irrespective of the dangers this poses to themselves. The three women attended Pilates class, and whilst not really knowing each other, they go to a cafe when the distraught and terrified Nina enters. Recognising she is in danger, they go out of their way to help her escape from what is a clearly the baddest of men, the dead eyed Toad, a Belgian.
Nina is taken to Meg's home, but it is to take some time to get the palpably fearful and traumatised girl to tell them what has happened to her and for them to understand that going to the police is not an option. Nina's back story is slowly revealed, initially she is lonely and isolated, an able and academically orientated care home girl, desperate for a close friend, meeting Shaz, maintaining a relationship with her despite major concerns, right up to the point she ends up under the cruel and coercive control of the Toad. Meg, Grace and Daphne are extraordinary and courageous women who have their own troubling and disturbing histories that include loss, abuse, prison, distressing marriages and other demons, each of them retreating from the world. They find themselves feeling deep connections and beginning life long friendships with each other, all instigated by their meeting with Nina. When Nina is taken, the steely eyed old women make a pact, they may be absolute beginners, but they are committed to venturing into uncharted territory to murder the Toad, and rescue Nina.
Stopps creates and develops a stellar cast of characters with the elderly women and Nina, thrown into a world where runaway girls and care home girls are targeted, their lives heartbreakingly destroyed by the worst of humanity. Whilst Meg might initially appear to be the weakest of the three women, hearing the voice of Henry, her late horror of a husband, there are depths to her that show she has it within her to do whatever it takes to ensure Nina's safety. All of them find love and support from each other, instrumental in pushing them all to start to live life again, illustrating it is never too late to change and begin to walk more emotionally fulfilling paths in life. The women gather a wonderful cast of characters around them, including Des, the hopeless criminal, the homeless Gordon and Susannah, Clara and Greg. This is a wonderfully entertaining and compulsive read, with dark humour, of older women who decide to open their hearts to Nina, to each other, and others, who did not look the other way when Nina and danger enters their lives. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Nina is taken to Meg's home, but it is to take some time to get the palpably fearful and traumatised girl to tell them what has happened to her and for them to understand that going to the police is not an option. Nina's back story is slowly revealed, initially she is lonely and isolated, an able and academically orientated care home girl, desperate for a close friend, meeting Shaz, maintaining a relationship with her despite major concerns, right up to the point she ends up under the cruel and coercive control of the Toad. Meg, Grace and Daphne are extraordinary and courageous women who have their own troubling and disturbing histories that include loss, abuse, prison, distressing marriages and other demons, each of them retreating from the world. They find themselves feeling deep connections and beginning life long friendships with each other, all instigated by their meeting with Nina. When Nina is taken, the steely eyed old women make a pact, they may be absolute beginners, but they are committed to venturing into uncharted territory to murder the Toad, and rescue Nina.
Stopps creates and develops a stellar cast of characters with the elderly women and Nina, thrown into a world where runaway girls and care home girls are targeted, their lives heartbreakingly destroyed by the worst of humanity. Whilst Meg might initially appear to be the weakest of the three women, hearing the voice of Henry, her late horror of a husband, there are depths to her that show she has it within her to do whatever it takes to ensure Nina's safety. All of them find love and support from each other, instrumental in pushing them all to start to live life again, illustrating it is never too late to change and begin to walk more emotionally fulfilling paths in life. The women gather a wonderful cast of characters around them, including Des, the hopeless criminal, the homeless Gordon and Susannah, Clara and Greg. This is a wonderfully entertaining and compulsive read, with dark humour, of older women who decide to open their hearts to Nina, to each other, and others, who did not look the other way when Nina and danger enters their lives. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
September 24, 2021
A trio of septuagenarians combine wits and resources to help a troubled teen in danger.
Nina has run away from a menacing beast of a man nicknamed “Toad” who isn’t easily letting go. He’s actively searching for her to return and is almost at their doorstep.
What the three need now is a plan.
The book begins in the moment and the backstories of Meg, Daphne, and Grace are filled in as the book progresses. The focus on Meg really drew me in because of her movement from quiet church mouse to confident and assured. I loved watching her growth and discovering her past.
This isn’t a cozy mystery. Inexperienced non streetwise women in their seventies fumbling about planning a murder portends to be a light read. It’s anything but - with dark subject matter and a sinister element.
I figured out Nina’s situation early on and if anything, I was more tense knowing what was to come. The author did surprise me with a delightful twist at the end.
I loved the writing style. There was a soulful element with insightful comments regarding perceptions about aging and becoming invisible to others.
I’ll definitely read more by Rosalind Stopps and am happy to own a hardback copy to re-read at some point. It’s that good.
Hardback copy purchased at Book Depository.
Nina has run away from a menacing beast of a man nicknamed “Toad” who isn’t easily letting go. He’s actively searching for her to return and is almost at their doorstep.
What the three need now is a plan.
The book begins in the moment and the backstories of Meg, Daphne, and Grace are filled in as the book progresses. The focus on Meg really drew me in because of her movement from quiet church mouse to confident and assured. I loved watching her growth and discovering her past.
This isn’t a cozy mystery. Inexperienced non streetwise women in their seventies fumbling about planning a murder portends to be a light read. It’s anything but - with dark subject matter and a sinister element.
I figured out Nina’s situation early on and if anything, I was more tense knowing what was to come. The author did surprise me with a delightful twist at the end.
I loved the writing style. There was a soulful element with insightful comments regarding perceptions about aging and becoming invisible to others.
I’ll definitely read more by Rosalind Stopps and am happy to own a hardback copy to re-read at some point. It’s that good.
Hardback copy purchased at Book Depository.
May 12, 2021
Grace, Meg and Daphne, all in their seventies, are sitting quietly in a coffee shop planning a murder. They want to save young Nina from The Toad because they have taken her into their hearts. They discuss and hatch a daring plot which all three seem remarkably ill suited for but as the book points out so cleverly, appearances can be so deceptive. The story is told from the perspectives of all four women.
I loved ‘Stranger she knew’ by the author so began to read this one with high expectations which are so not disappointed, in fact, I think this book is even better! The plot certainly has a very dark side to it and the narrative makes these points of shock and horror clear but without ever being unnecessarily graphic. You know what’s going on, you don’t need it spelling out but you hate the lack of humanity. The book is very well written, it has a darkly humorous vibe which works so well alongside the black themes. The characterisation is superb. Grace gets right to the heart of a situation and is clear minded, Meg is ‘said’ by her late husband Henry to be a ditherer, inept and incompetent but for me she’s more than rather wonderful. She may give off a ‘dumpy grandma vibe’ but she’s astute, caring and much braver than the odious Henry ever gave her credit for. Daphne is also wonderful and like all the women she carries a weighty ton of baggage. Their back stories emerge as we progress through and all their stories are sad. The three older women compliment each other, before Nina they knew each other vaguely through Pilates (strengthen those cores, dear hearts!) but their growing camaraderie and friendship aligned through Nina is heartwarming. They become like the Three Musketeers, ‘All for Nina and Nina for all’. Nina’s life story is sad but she’s an amazingly resilient young woman. I love that all four main characters are on the perceived periphery of society. The older ones are part of the invisible brigade written off because of beige, age, wrinkles or race that marginalises and pushes to the edge. I like it that more authors are making those at the upper end of the age spectrum central to the storytelling- lets break the mould! The book shines a light on those issues but also the power and beauty of friendship which leads to lighter or cast off burdens. There’s so much in the book you could mention, it has every element a good thriller should have and more. I loved it from start to finish. It’s compelling, wonderful, heartwarming, heart stopping, brave, funny and a simply great read with some fantastic characters to brighten your day.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
I loved ‘Stranger she knew’ by the author so began to read this one with high expectations which are so not disappointed, in fact, I think this book is even better! The plot certainly has a very dark side to it and the narrative makes these points of shock and horror clear but without ever being unnecessarily graphic. You know what’s going on, you don’t need it spelling out but you hate the lack of humanity. The book is very well written, it has a darkly humorous vibe which works so well alongside the black themes. The characterisation is superb. Grace gets right to the heart of a situation and is clear minded, Meg is ‘said’ by her late husband Henry to be a ditherer, inept and incompetent but for me she’s more than rather wonderful. She may give off a ‘dumpy grandma vibe’ but she’s astute, caring and much braver than the odious Henry ever gave her credit for. Daphne is also wonderful and like all the women she carries a weighty ton of baggage. Their back stories emerge as we progress through and all their stories are sad. The three older women compliment each other, before Nina they knew each other vaguely through Pilates (strengthen those cores, dear hearts!) but their growing camaraderie and friendship aligned through Nina is heartwarming. They become like the Three Musketeers, ‘All for Nina and Nina for all’. Nina’s life story is sad but she’s an amazingly resilient young woman. I love that all four main characters are on the perceived periphery of society. The older ones are part of the invisible brigade written off because of beige, age, wrinkles or race that marginalises and pushes to the edge. I like it that more authors are making those at the upper end of the age spectrum central to the storytelling- lets break the mould! The book shines a light on those issues but also the power and beauty of friendship which leads to lighter or cast off burdens. There’s so much in the book you could mention, it has every element a good thriller should have and more. I loved it from start to finish. It’s compelling, wonderful, heartwarming, heart stopping, brave, funny and a simply great read with some fantastic characters to brighten your day.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
May 26, 2022
I truly enjoyed this book. The older ladies in this book were so encouraging and brave. I pray to be as strong and willing as they are to help others. Some bits of this book was slow, that's why I took off a star. However, majority of this book kept me on my toes. The ending was so unexpected but so thankful it played out the way it did. Such a good read!
I received this book from NetGalley and the publishers to read and review. All statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this book from NetGalley and the publishers to read and review. All statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
March 10, 2022
I was not sure what to expect going in but I ended up really enjoying it. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I eagerly turned each page.
Daphne, Grace, and Meg are a group of golden girls with an unbreakable bond. While enjoying some tea at a shop, a young girl approaching them clearly in need of some help. They agree to help the girl, especially when a intimidating man asks if they’ve seen her. The three ladies don’t bat an eyelash as they whisk the girl to safety.
The girl, Nina recounts her story and why she’s running. The three ladies unanimously agree the only way to truly protect Nina is to commit murder. What follows is an exciting series of events that show how brave these women are.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Daphne, Grace, and Meg are a group of golden girls with an unbreakable bond. While enjoying some tea at a shop, a young girl approaching them clearly in need of some help. They agree to help the girl, especially when a intimidating man asks if they’ve seen her. The three ladies don’t bat an eyelash as they whisk the girl to safety.
The girl, Nina recounts her story and why she’s running. The three ladies unanimously agree the only way to truly protect Nina is to commit murder. What follows is an exciting series of events that show how brave these women are.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
November 9, 2022
Three elderly women are enjoying a coffee in a café when a young woman bursts in and asks for their help. They are hesitant, but when a suspicious man claiming to be her father enters and unsettles them, they agree to help her. A Beginners Guide to Murder by Rosland Stopps is her debut novel with the most unlikely murder plot of 70s-something woman protagonists. It is an engrossing narrative with charming characters, who discover their strengths whilst dealing with this dangerous and threatening situation. A cosy mystery, yet it has some disturbing scenes of child exploitation that may affect some readers. A standalone thriller, it was a slow burn of a tale yet there was plenty of action and twists, making it a four star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
August 7, 2022
3.25⭐
Three lonely, 70 year old ladies ~ Meg, Grace and Daphne work together to help a young girl, Nina, hide from a dangerous man.
This was a darker read than I thought it would be ~ human trafficking, rape, physical abuse
I love that it's told in each of the four characters perspectives, but this was just okay for me. I actually skimmed some of the backstory of the ladies lives. Maybe that was supposed to be a way to toughen up these old ladies to show us what they have lived through, but meh, I wasn't feeling it. I did enjoy how it was all wrapped up as it stepped up the suspense towards the end. One thing is for sure, Nina made a good choice by seeking out the help from these ladies. Never underestimate the power and wit of the older generation because looks can be deceiving.
I do have Rosalind's other book in my queue, so I'm hoping that one is more up my alley.
*Thanks to Harper 360, the author and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
More reviews here ➡ Heather Adores Books
Three lonely, 70 year old ladies ~ Meg, Grace and Daphne work together to help a young girl, Nina, hide from a dangerous man.
This was a darker read than I thought it would be ~ human trafficking, rape, physical abuse
I love that it's told in each of the four characters perspectives, but this was just okay for me. I actually skimmed some of the backstory of the ladies lives. Maybe that was supposed to be a way to toughen up these old ladies to show us what they have lived through, but meh, I wasn't feeling it. I did enjoy how it was all wrapped up as it stepped up the suspense towards the end. One thing is for sure, Nina made a good choice by seeking out the help from these ladies. Never underestimate the power and wit of the older generation because looks can be deceiving.
I do have Rosalind's other book in my queue, so I'm hoping that one is more up my alley.
*Thanks to Harper 360, the author and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
More reviews here ➡ Heather Adores Books
January 28, 2023
I decided to pick A Beginner’s Guide to Murder by Rosalind Stopps up on a whim when I saw it in the library. The cover and the tagline "We had known him for two days when we decided to kill him..." immediately caught my attention and as a mystery lover, I knew I had to read it. What unfolds is not only a blend of profoundly serious topics, but often downright hilarious moments all told through Grace, Meg, Daphne, and Nina's viewpoints. We get a lot of backstory on our three 70-year-olds, and while that did slow the story down at times, I really enjoyed getting to know them as characters. Nina's POV is told mostly in the past, but it helps the reader get a clearer picture of her and what exactly she is running from - plus how she got in that mess in the first place.
I do wish the audiobook would have had more than 2 narrators for 4 viewpoints, but I thought Charlotte Strevens and Cornelia Colman did a wonderful job all the same. They really were quite talented, and they certainly enhanced my enjoyment of the book. Some parts were a little predictable, and I did at times want to palm my forehead after a blunder happened, but I still found myself thoroughly enjoying the story and it ended up being a lot of fun. It looks like A Beginner’s Guide to Murder is Stopps' sophomore novel and I will definitely have to go back and read her debut now. I would pick this up if you are a fan of dark humor, older characters, and mysterious circumstances. It gave me a little bit of a Killers of a Certain Age vibe, just with less knowledge and more errors.
I do wish the audiobook would have had more than 2 narrators for 4 viewpoints, but I thought Charlotte Strevens and Cornelia Colman did a wonderful job all the same. They really were quite talented, and they certainly enhanced my enjoyment of the book. Some parts were a little predictable, and I did at times want to palm my forehead after a blunder happened, but I still found myself thoroughly enjoying the story and it ended up being a lot of fun. It looks like A Beginner’s Guide to Murder is Stopps' sophomore novel and I will definitely have to go back and read her debut now. I would pick this up if you are a fan of dark humor, older characters, and mysterious circumstances. It gave me a little bit of a Killers of a Certain Age vibe, just with less knowledge and more errors.
July 15, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
Grace, Meg and Daphne, all in their seventies, are minding their own business while enjoying a cup of tea in a cafe, when seventeen year old Nina stumbles in. She is clearly distraught and running from someone, so the three women think nothing of hiding her when a suspicious-looking man starts asking id they've seen her. Once alone, Nina tells the women a little a little of what she's running from. The need to protect her is immediate, and Grace, Meg and Daphne vow to do just this. But how? They soon realise there is only one answer: murder.
This story is beautifully written and it's poignant at times with some of it's contents. I loved the three old ladies characters, they were well rounded and believable. The plotline is both uncomfortable and unpleasant to read at times due to the content matter, but there's some dark humour too. We get glimpses into the ladies past life where two of them had to suffer racism and personal heartache. The story is told from the four women's points of view. This is a thought provoking read that held my attention throughout. I do recommend this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #RosalindStopps for my ARC of #ABeginnersGuideToMurder in exchange for an honest review
Grace, Meg and Daphne, all in their seventies, are minding their own business while enjoying a cup of tea in a cafe, when seventeen year old Nina stumbles in. She is clearly distraught and running from someone, so the three women think nothing of hiding her when a suspicious-looking man starts asking id they've seen her. Once alone, Nina tells the women a little a little of what she's running from. The need to protect her is immediate, and Grace, Meg and Daphne vow to do just this. But how? They soon realise there is only one answer: murder.
This story is beautifully written and it's poignant at times with some of it's contents. I loved the three old ladies characters, they were well rounded and believable. The plotline is both uncomfortable and unpleasant to read at times due to the content matter, but there's some dark humour too. We get glimpses into the ladies past life where two of them had to suffer racism and personal heartache. The story is told from the four women's points of view. This is a thought provoking read that held my attention throughout. I do recommend this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #RosalindStopps for my ARC of #ABeginnersGuideToMurder in exchange for an honest review
August 4, 2025
3⭐️ = AVERAGE
Audio.
I thought this would be right up my street - mature characters and with a touch of humour. Don’t get me wrong, it was okay and funny and dark in equal measures.
I just felt it dragged on, with a little too much back story on each character.
As always with a an audio, I’m notching it up a star. My concentration sometimes wanders!🤪
Audio.
I thought this would be right up my street - mature characters and with a touch of humour. Don’t get me wrong, it was okay and funny and dark in equal measures.
I just felt it dragged on, with a little too much back story on each character.
As always with a an audio, I’m notching it up a star. My concentration sometimes wanders!🤪
July 22, 2021
A Beginner's Guide to Murder is a scintillating and deceptively dark character-driven murder mystery/thriller centring around a trio of septuagenarian acquaintances from a London Pilates class who inadvertently find themselves protecting the most vulnerable in society. Meg, Grace and Daphne are a trio of elderly women who frequently meet up to live out their retirement together and often go to the local cafe to chat to get to one another more, having been thrown together through their love of Pilates. One day they hit the cafe as per usual and a clearly distraught and petrified 17-year-old Nina enters. They immediately recognise that she is in imminent danger, so they help her escape the horrifying Belgian known as Toad. The women pick up on the clues easily as they have been in Nina's situation before, sadly. They head back to Meg's home, and although she doesn't open up right away it doesn't take long before she is relaying her familiar story of abuse, trauma and exploitation to them. They understand that bringing the police in is not an option and this makes them even more fiercely protective of Nina as they seem to be the only support she has.
Growing up in a care facility, Nina fell under the control of cruel and manipulative Toad, so when she is abducted the women who have suffered through abuse, bereavement, grief, imprisonment and toxic marriages themselves, forge a lifelong, meaningful friendship with each other and forever form their own small support network. Together they decide that the only option they have is to murder the monstrous Toad to release Nina from his grip. This is a riveting, captivating and utterly brilliant read and it sucks you in with its rich charm and prose laced with deliciously dark humour. At first, it seems to have a cosy mystery feel to it but this was a great bit of subterfuge that soon fell away revealing a much more gritty and disturbing plot. However, the cast of eccentric characters is what really makes this thriller what it is. The three women of a certain age are explored in terms of their life's stories and you can't help but admire them and take them to heart. Their special bond pushes each of them to take the bull by the horns and illustrates that you are never too old for a thrilling adventure. A compulsive, delightfully absorbing and thoroughly entertaining read. Highly recommended.
Growing up in a care facility, Nina fell under the control of cruel and manipulative Toad, so when she is abducted the women who have suffered through abuse, bereavement, grief, imprisonment and toxic marriages themselves, forge a lifelong, meaningful friendship with each other and forever form their own small support network. Together they decide that the only option they have is to murder the monstrous Toad to release Nina from his grip. This is a riveting, captivating and utterly brilliant read and it sucks you in with its rich charm and prose laced with deliciously dark humour. At first, it seems to have a cosy mystery feel to it but this was a great bit of subterfuge that soon fell away revealing a much more gritty and disturbing plot. However, the cast of eccentric characters is what really makes this thriller what it is. The three women of a certain age are explored in terms of their life's stories and you can't help but admire them and take them to heart. Their special bond pushes each of them to take the bull by the horns and illustrates that you are never too old for a thrilling adventure. A compulsive, delightfully absorbing and thoroughly entertaining read. Highly recommended.
December 8, 2021
DNF @ 60%.
I just couldn't do it anymore with this read. It was putting me into a major reading slump. And when I see all the good reviews that this book has received, I think I must be reading a different book!
I really hate leaving bad reviews and I can count the number of 1 star reviews that I've given books over the years on one hand, but man alive, this one was terrible. The plot was absolutely ridiculous, the characters and their actions were ridiculous, the dialogue was ridiculous, trying to interweave serious topics with the flippant, light-hearted and all-together silliness of the 3 old woman was ridiculous. The whole thing was RIDICULOUS.
No, not for me. This one was a serious train-smash. I couldn't read another page!
I just couldn't do it anymore with this read. It was putting me into a major reading slump. And when I see all the good reviews that this book has received, I think I must be reading a different book!
I really hate leaving bad reviews and I can count the number of 1 star reviews that I've given books over the years on one hand, but man alive, this one was terrible. The plot was absolutely ridiculous, the characters and their actions were ridiculous, the dialogue was ridiculous, trying to interweave serious topics with the flippant, light-hearted and all-together silliness of the 3 old woman was ridiculous. The whole thing was RIDICULOUS.
No, not for me. This one was a serious train-smash. I couldn't read another page!
April 17, 2022
This is one of those books whose characters are probably going to live in my head forever, and that's not a bad thing. Three elderly ladies end up banding together to plan a murder and save a 17 year old girl who's being trafficked. They each have their own hidden tragedies that have kept them from having friends, being happy or fully living their lives, which are revealed over the book. There are dark themes in the book and it can be a difficult read at times but I loved the women and enjoyed the quirky characters.
I will say that it's difficult to fully get into a book told through multiple POVs when they all sound the same, but I liked the book and the women so much that I can get past it.
I read a digital ARC of this book for review.
I will say that it's difficult to fully get into a book told through multiple POVs when they all sound the same, but I liked the book and the women so much that I can get past it.
I read a digital ARC of this book for review.
January 21, 2023
This one wasn’t quite what I was expecting. I guess I was hoping for a little bit of humor or a more lighthearted read. This one was all suspense, but to me wasn’t even that suspenseful. It missed its mark with me but would be great for those who like a slow burn and seeing some grandmas rise up and take action!
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper 360, and Rosalind Stopps for providing me with this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper 360, and Rosalind Stopps for providing me with this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 19, 2022
I received a free digital galley from the publisher, via Netgalley.
Three 70-something women who recently met at a Pilates class are having coffee afterward and discussing how they can go about arranging the murder of a man nicknamed the Toad. As you do. And that’s how this sometimes comic mystery with dark themes begins.
Each chapter features one of four characters: the three women, self-effacing Meg, statuesque Jamaican Grace, the mysterious and bizarrely-dressed Daphne, and the 17-year-old Nina, who has asked for their help. Each character’s distinctive backstory plays out in her chapters.
I have such mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, each character is vividly drawn, and the action can is thrilling at times. On the other hand, the plot, which involves the trafficking of vulnerable young women, is hard to take, and three of the four women have backgrounds of being abused by men even before the current trafficking nightmare.
I wasn’t expecting to read a cozy, but the darkness of the plot and backstories is a strange contrast to the humorous elements in the women’s interactions with each other and their enlistment of a ragtag bunch to help them with their mission. I felt I was being emotionally manipulated; that the author had concocted a recipe to play with readers’ different emotions. It didn’t have that feeling of taking me away to its world. I stayed outside and watched the gears turn.
It’s certainly not a bad book; just one that didn’t resonate with me. I may be a little bit tough on it because of the blurb saying it’s like a Kate Atkinson book, when there is nothing about it that made me think of any of Kate Atkinson’s books. The publisher isn’t doing this author any favors with that blurb.
Three 70-something women who recently met at a Pilates class are having coffee afterward and discussing how they can go about arranging the murder of a man nicknamed the Toad. As you do. And that’s how this sometimes comic mystery with dark themes begins.
Each chapter features one of four characters: the three women, self-effacing Meg, statuesque Jamaican Grace, the mysterious and bizarrely-dressed Daphne, and the 17-year-old Nina, who has asked for their help. Each character’s distinctive backstory plays out in her chapters.
I have such mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, each character is vividly drawn, and the action can is thrilling at times. On the other hand, the plot, which involves the trafficking of vulnerable young women, is hard to take, and three of the four women have backgrounds of being abused by men even before the current trafficking nightmare.
I wasn’t expecting to read a cozy, but the darkness of the plot and backstories is a strange contrast to the humorous elements in the women’s interactions with each other and their enlistment of a ragtag bunch to help them with their mission. I felt I was being emotionally manipulated; that the author had concocted a recipe to play with readers’ different emotions. It didn’t have that feeling of taking me away to its world. I stayed outside and watched the gears turn.
It’s certainly not a bad book; just one that didn’t resonate with me. I may be a little bit tough on it because of the blurb saying it’s like a Kate Atkinson book, when there is nothing about it that made me think of any of Kate Atkinson’s books. The publisher isn’t doing this author any favors with that blurb.
July 5, 2022
A Beginner’s Guide to Murder
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Mystery Fiction
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 7/5/22
Author: Rosalind Stopps
Publisher: HQ
Pages: 368
Goodreads Rating: 3.65
TW ⚠️: Child abuse, child trafficking, and mental illness.
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and HQ and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Grace, Meg and Daphne, all in their seventies, are minding their own business while enjoying a cup of tea in a café, when seventeen-year-old Nina stumbles in. She’s clearly distraught and running from someone, so the three women think nothing of hiding her when a suspicious-looking man starts asking if they’ve seen her. Once alone, Nina tells the women a little of what she’s running from. The need to protect her is immediate, and Grace, Meg and Daphne vow to do just this. But how? They soon realise there really is only one answer: murder.
My Thoughts: The story begins in the current with Nina running into the cafe, and then backtracks all of their own stories and how we got to that point. Each of the ladies, Grace, Meg, Daphne, and Nina narrates, alternating, from their own perspectives. Even the story starts with a bang, there are some slow parts in the first half of the story as the foundation is built. The characters are well developed, with depth, growth, inventive, and is just really works for this story. The author does a fantastic job at the plot, it is dark and disturbing, which fills you with horror and suspense, but is not graphic, it is just done in a very mysterious tasteful way. The author’s writing style is thought provoking, has complexity in layers, creative, and intriguing. I enjoyed this book and would read other books by this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Mystery Fiction
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 7/5/22
Author: Rosalind Stopps
Publisher: HQ
Pages: 368
Goodreads Rating: 3.65
TW ⚠️: Child abuse, child trafficking, and mental illness.
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and HQ and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Grace, Meg and Daphne, all in their seventies, are minding their own business while enjoying a cup of tea in a café, when seventeen-year-old Nina stumbles in. She’s clearly distraught and running from someone, so the three women think nothing of hiding her when a suspicious-looking man starts asking if they’ve seen her. Once alone, Nina tells the women a little of what she’s running from. The need to protect her is immediate, and Grace, Meg and Daphne vow to do just this. But how? They soon realise there really is only one answer: murder.
My Thoughts: The story begins in the current with Nina running into the cafe, and then backtracks all of their own stories and how we got to that point. Each of the ladies, Grace, Meg, Daphne, and Nina narrates, alternating, from their own perspectives. Even the story starts with a bang, there are some slow parts in the first half of the story as the foundation is built. The characters are well developed, with depth, growth, inventive, and is just really works for this story. The author does a fantastic job at the plot, it is dark and disturbing, which fills you with horror and suspense, but is not graphic, it is just done in a very mysterious tasteful way. The author’s writing style is thought provoking, has complexity in layers, creative, and intriguing. I enjoyed this book and would read other books by this author.
September 1, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
A Beginner's Guide to Murder.
The newest literary trend consists of elderly main characters who are taken for granted because they're old, but in reality, they kick ass.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
Grace, Meg and Daphne are recent friends bonding over Pilates when a distraught young woman named Nina stumbles into the cafe where the three women are enjoying coffee and conversation.
When the women discover Nina is in need of assistance, they plan a dastardly deed; murder the abusive man.
The premise was darker than I expected, not that I minded, but the triggers are incredibly painful including sexual trafficking, abuse, and rape.
I wanted to like this more, but the fact all three women have been brutalized and marginalized by men left a sour taste in my mouth.
I appreciated the POVs from all four men, adding depth to their character and providing necessary development of their individual characters,
The POVs began to sound repetitive, especially from Meg's viewpoint, who referred to her deceased husband, often, referencing his indifference to her abilities and aptitude as a woman as well as his barbed insults. Obviously, all three women have issues and could benefit from counseling.
The writing was okay, but narrative was drawn out and too long.
For example, repeatedly calling Nina's abuser 'toad man' as opposed to using his real name; the recruitment of the 'assassins' and Dez, who sounded and acted like bumbling fools, as well as a couple of homeless people. Seriously.
I'm not sure if the inclusion of these characters was meant to sound inclusive and add diversity to the cast of characters, but they came off as silly and just more filler, padding the word count and further drawing out the narrative even more.
I found myself losing interest as the story progressed and things kept going wrong.
An open mind and the ability to suspend disbelief is necessary to keep reading because a part of me couldn't believe a sexual trafficker would bother with three old women, money or no money.
You're wasting time and money just by meeting with these old ladies?
I didn't believe it.
The ending was abrupt, not a smooth transition into the aftermath of what the women had to go through to obtain Nina's freedom.
I'm not sure if this was intentional or the author setting up for another book in the series.
This was too unbelievable to be taken at face value, even accounting for serious disbelief suspension.
The newest literary trend consists of elderly main characters who are taken for granted because they're old, but in reality, they kick ass.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
Grace, Meg and Daphne are recent friends bonding over Pilates when a distraught young woman named Nina stumbles into the cafe where the three women are enjoying coffee and conversation.
When the women discover Nina is in need of assistance, they plan a dastardly deed; murder the abusive man.
The premise was darker than I expected, not that I minded, but the triggers are incredibly painful including sexual trafficking, abuse, and rape.
I wanted to like this more, but the fact all three women have been brutalized and marginalized by men left a sour taste in my mouth.
I appreciated the POVs from all four men, adding depth to their character and providing necessary development of their individual characters,
The POVs began to sound repetitive, especially from Meg's viewpoint, who referred to her deceased husband, often, referencing his indifference to her abilities and aptitude as a woman as well as his barbed insults. Obviously, all three women have issues and could benefit from counseling.
The writing was okay, but narrative was drawn out and too long.
For example, repeatedly calling Nina's abuser 'toad man' as opposed to using his real name; the recruitment of the 'assassins' and Dez, who sounded and acted like bumbling fools, as well as a couple of homeless people. Seriously.
I'm not sure if the inclusion of these characters was meant to sound inclusive and add diversity to the cast of characters, but they came off as silly and just more filler, padding the word count and further drawing out the narrative even more.
I found myself losing interest as the story progressed and things kept going wrong.
An open mind and the ability to suspend disbelief is necessary to keep reading because a part of me couldn't believe a sexual trafficker would bother with three old women, money or no money.
You're wasting time and money just by meeting with these old ladies?
I didn't believe it.
The ending was abrupt, not a smooth transition into the aftermath of what the women had to go through to obtain Nina's freedom.
I'm not sure if this was intentional or the author setting up for another book in the series.
This was too unbelievable to be taken at face value, even accounting for serious disbelief suspension.
August 17, 2021
When I read the blurb for this I immediately thought of The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman and was hopeful of a nice twee cosy murder. Unfortunately this one was a little too twee for me and I found myself tiring of the old ladies stories.
While it does attempt to look at some very dark and serious issues such as child trafficking, mental abuse and issues within the care system I found the style to be completely mismatched with the content. I also found Nina's character underdeveloped and almost cast aside. I feel if the book developed Nina's character more and concentrated less on the cosy crime crossover this could have been something fantastic.
Unfortunately, the narration didn't help keep my attention either and I found myself to be zoning out quite a lot through out the chapters.
While it does attempt to look at some very dark and serious issues such as child trafficking, mental abuse and issues within the care system I found the style to be completely mismatched with the content. I also found Nina's character underdeveloped and almost cast aside. I feel if the book developed Nina's character more and concentrated less on the cosy crime crossover this could have been something fantastic.
Unfortunately, the narration didn't help keep my attention either and I found myself to be zoning out quite a lot through out the chapters.
July 9, 2021
I found A Beginner’s Guide to Murder to be a quirky read following three pensioners as they plot someone’s downfall.
Grace, Meg and Daphne are all in their seventies enjoying a cuppa in a cafe when seventeen year old Nina bursts in in quite a state shortly followed by a suspicious looking man asking if they’d seen her. Nina tells the women a little of what is going on and the women decide they must help her. There is only one solution: Murder!
I flew through this book in a couple of days. Well written with some frat characters. Thank you NetGalley, HQ and the author for the chance to review.
Grace, Meg and Daphne are all in their seventies enjoying a cuppa in a cafe when seventeen year old Nina bursts in in quite a state shortly followed by a suspicious looking man asking if they’d seen her. Nina tells the women a little of what is going on and the women decide they must help her. There is only one solution: Murder!
I flew through this book in a couple of days. Well written with some frat characters. Thank you NetGalley, HQ and the author for the chance to review.
July 10, 2022
I enjoyed this very much. The story was written from 4 different viewpoints and I did really like all of the characters. Because it was based around 3 women in their 70s, the book could have been reduced to a 'cozy crime' book. However the subject matter was serious.
Friendship, growth and bravery were 3 themes coming through to me.
Friendship, growth and bravery were 3 themes coming through to me.
August 23, 2022
A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO MURDER
Rosalind Stopps
Certainly, a touching book about three old women, Grace, Meg, and Daphne who take a seventeen-year-old Nina under their wing to protect her. I found the book quirky with a dark side that made the humor even funnier and the characters bigger than life! I really enjoyed how these old ladies joined together to share their wisdom about long lives and save Nina by killing the person that threatens her. I LOVED IT (The car chase is just super).
Now that I am nearing the age of these ladies, I am more assured that given enough time, we can get it done so I really enjoyed this generation as the main characters. I appreciated the humor, and abilities that the author allowed them to keep.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
Rosalind Stopps
Certainly, a touching book about three old women, Grace, Meg, and Daphne who take a seventeen-year-old Nina under their wing to protect her. I found the book quirky with a dark side that made the humor even funnier and the characters bigger than life! I really enjoyed how these old ladies joined together to share their wisdom about long lives and save Nina by killing the person that threatens her. I LOVED IT (The car chase is just super).
Now that I am nearing the age of these ladies, I am more assured that given enough time, we can get it done so I really enjoyed this generation as the main characters. I appreciated the humor, and abilities that the author allowed them to keep.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
September 8, 2022
I was being entertained at the start…but the back of my mind should have told me an arch, quirky, impish Crime novel about human-trafficking was going to self-destruct, with me in the blast radius.
Right at the exact page when Des, and his associates, get introduced seems to me when the switch gets flipped, and everything from then on feels wrong, way off course. When Gordon and his daughter show up, and stay around, with nothing to do and too many characters behaving strangely already, I just stacked my frustrations as best I could. By the time a character who knew she was in mortal danger because she had been in the thick of it several times already stops to try and clean up a tea stain on a carpet, my frustration stack fell over and spilled everywhere, and I didn’t stop to clean anything up.
Almost painful handling of what I thought was a serious subject for Crime novels. But what do I know.
Right at the exact page when Des, and his associates, get introduced seems to me when the switch gets flipped, and everything from then on feels wrong, way off course. When Gordon and his daughter show up, and stay around, with nothing to do and too many characters behaving strangely already, I just stacked my frustrations as best I could. By the time a character who knew she was in mortal danger because she had been in the thick of it several times already stops to try and clean up a tea stain on a carpet, my frustration stack fell over and spilled everywhere, and I didn’t stop to clean anything up.
Almost painful handling of what I thought was a serious subject for Crime novels. But what do I know.
January 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this book it was an easy read. I liked the 4 different perspectives and that the women weren't what you expected.
June 2, 2022
Funny and dark
June 30, 2022
A Beginner's Guide to Murder by Rosalind Stopps is a recommended murder mystery.
Three senior women who are all in their seventies, Meg, Daphne, and Grace are meeting for coffee after a Pilates class when a teenage girl named Nina comes running in looking for help. The women are going to but first she goes into the restroom. Then a toad-like man enters the shop, pursuing her. The women recognize he is dangerous and get rid of him. After this they come up with a plan to get Nina out of the shop in order to protect her. When they hear Nina's story they are all determined to protect her.
Chapters alternate between the points of view of Meg, Grace, Daphne, and Nina showing the current situation and also jumping back in time reveal their backstories. They are all sympathetic characters with backstories full of challenges. After a slow start the plot does become a more exciting dark comedy of sorts, although the plot could have been tightened up. In this case, the alternating chapters and time periods didn't work as smoothly as they do in other novels and the writing was lacking in my opinion. A three star rating makes me an outlier here but I really felt this novel was entertaining, but simply okay.
Trafficking of women is a serious topic. Busting up human trafficking rings is frequently in the news. For all the excuses and reasons to not involve the police immediately, in this day and age they should have been. The plot is too improbable for me to accept that murder would be easier. At this point in time you could go to the police and be believed and protected at least in the USA. I couldn't shake off the overwhelming urge to yell at these characters to go to the police, find a secure woman's shelter, get the help and protection that are available.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of HarperCollins.
Three senior women who are all in their seventies, Meg, Daphne, and Grace are meeting for coffee after a Pilates class when a teenage girl named Nina comes running in looking for help. The women are going to but first she goes into the restroom. Then a toad-like man enters the shop, pursuing her. The women recognize he is dangerous and get rid of him. After this they come up with a plan to get Nina out of the shop in order to protect her. When they hear Nina's story they are all determined to protect her.
Chapters alternate between the points of view of Meg, Grace, Daphne, and Nina showing the current situation and also jumping back in time reveal their backstories. They are all sympathetic characters with backstories full of challenges. After a slow start the plot does become a more exciting dark comedy of sorts, although the plot could have been tightened up. In this case, the alternating chapters and time periods didn't work as smoothly as they do in other novels and the writing was lacking in my opinion. A three star rating makes me an outlier here but I really felt this novel was entertaining, but simply okay.
Trafficking of women is a serious topic. Busting up human trafficking rings is frequently in the news. For all the excuses and reasons to not involve the police immediately, in this day and age they should have been. The plot is too improbable for me to accept that murder would be easier. At this point in time you could go to the police and be believed and protected at least in the USA. I couldn't shake off the overwhelming urge to yell at these characters to go to the police, find a secure woman's shelter, get the help and protection that are available.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of HarperCollins.
July 24, 2021
Three elderly ladies, acquaintances rather than friends, are enjoying small talk and coffee after their Pilates class, when a young, desperate looking girl bursts into the cafe asking for help. When they encounter the man she is running from, the ladies quickly realise that the only way to save the girl is to plot a murder.
This is a darkly witty and quirky novel, that explores some very difficult themes such as trafficking, kidnapping, rape, coercive control, forced adoption and the care system, but still somehow manages to be a heart warming read.
Our three pensioners, Meg, Grace and Daphne are the stars of the show, with their companionship and courage. As their friendship blooms, we get to know their stories and realise that each has a very personal reason for wanting to help Nina, the young girl. These three women share a history of damage caused by men they have known.
Despite this, the characters of Des, Gordon and Greg show that not all men are bad, even those that are on the shady side of the law. Furthermore, not all women are shown to be innocent.
With its sombre themes this novel could have been very bleak but there is a dark comedy in the way these ladies deal with a terrifying situation, in which they are clearly in over their heads. Despite their advancing years, they face a heinous adversary with strength and resilience.
I found this book very difficult to put down, especially towards the second half. It has a great pace to it and the multiple perspectives keep the story flowing well, without giving too much away at once.
It’s a novel showcases the courage and tenacity of women. Showing that age is no barrier to bravery.
Thanks to @hqstories for inviting me on the tour and for the #gifted copy, in return for an honest review.
This is a darkly witty and quirky novel, that explores some very difficult themes such as trafficking, kidnapping, rape, coercive control, forced adoption and the care system, but still somehow manages to be a heart warming read.
Our three pensioners, Meg, Grace and Daphne are the stars of the show, with their companionship and courage. As their friendship blooms, we get to know their stories and realise that each has a very personal reason for wanting to help Nina, the young girl. These three women share a history of damage caused by men they have known.
Despite this, the characters of Des, Gordon and Greg show that not all men are bad, even those that are on the shady side of the law. Furthermore, not all women are shown to be innocent.
With its sombre themes this novel could have been very bleak but there is a dark comedy in the way these ladies deal with a terrifying situation, in which they are clearly in over their heads. Despite their advancing years, they face a heinous adversary with strength and resilience.
I found this book very difficult to put down, especially towards the second half. It has a great pace to it and the multiple perspectives keep the story flowing well, without giving too much away at once.
It’s a novel showcases the courage and tenacity of women. Showing that age is no barrier to bravery.
Thanks to @hqstories for inviting me on the tour and for the #gifted copy, in return for an honest review.
July 29, 2022
This story had me unsure how to feel while reading it. The characters were cute, charming and diverse, yet the storyline was very dark and daunting when discussing murder and human trafficking. It just left me unsettled with how to organize my own expectation and how much to enjoy it. It just did not quite work for me.
October 6, 2022
Was this written by someone who has never had an adult conversation in real life?
June 14, 2023
I loved these ladies! I was drawn in by the title. ‘A beginners guide to murder’ sounds like an entertaining ride so I thought why not, I’ll jump in blind and see how it unravels. And it was so good! So enjoyable and it went by so quick.
Meg, Daphne and Grace, a trio of elderly kickass women who have been through the mills themselves. They band together to protect Nina, a young girl who is in desperate need of saving. I loved their characters and was rooting for them all along the way.
The whole story was thrilling and filled with suspense so it was easy to keep on listening. My audiobook was fab and narrated really well which also helped in my interaction with it. It was super easy to get into and super easy to listen to so I always looked forward to going back to it.
As it goes along, it continues to ramp up speed until you’re near the end and can’t listen (/ read) fast enough to find out what was going to happen! Really enjoyable.
Meg, Daphne and Grace, a trio of elderly kickass women who have been through the mills themselves. They band together to protect Nina, a young girl who is in desperate need of saving. I loved their characters and was rooting for them all along the way.
The whole story was thrilling and filled with suspense so it was easy to keep on listening. My audiobook was fab and narrated really well which also helped in my interaction with it. It was super easy to get into and super easy to listen to so I always looked forward to going back to it.
As it goes along, it continues to ramp up speed until you’re near the end and can’t listen (/ read) fast enough to find out what was going to happen! Really enjoyable.
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