Mystery at Southwood School

Eve Mallow Mystery #9

by Clare Chase

Eve Mallow’s going back to school! But when a former student is murdered, Eve must discover who taught her a deadly lesson…

Eve Mallow is delighted when she’s asked to cater Founders’ Day at Southwood School. It’s the best – and most secretive – school for miles around, and Eve can’t wait to see what it’s really like. But when she arrives, the atmosphere is far from scholarly. Natalie Somerson, ex-pupil and professional gossip, is the guest of honour, but nobody seems to want her there… especially when her speech stirs up an old scandal about a secret love affair. So why was she invited?

The next morning, Natalie is found dead in a locked attic room. To make matters worse, Eve’s boyfriend Robin becomes the police’s prime suspect. Determined to prove his innocence, Eve starts to investigate everyone with a stake in the school. Is it the prudish principal, worried about Natalie’s influence? Her former teacher, whose life Natalie made miserable? Or the head girl, who seemed to hate Natalie one day and adore her the next?

When strange letters arrive at the school and Eve finds a bottle of Natalie’s perfume in the most unexpected place, she senses time is running out to save Robin’s good name. Eve had better study her suspects and unmask the real killer… before they give her a fatal mark!

An utterly delightful and page-turning English cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Frances Evesham, J.R. Ellis and Agatha Christie.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Contemporary, British Literature, Amateur Sleuth

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2022

About the author

Clare Chase writes classic mysteries. Her aim is to take readers away from it all via some armchair sleuthing in atmospheric locations.

Her debut novel was shortlisted for Novelicious’s Undiscovered Award, as well as an EPIC award post-publication, and was chosen as a Debut of the Month by LoveReading. Murder in the Marshes (Tara Thorpe 1) was shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers award.

Like her heroines, Clare is fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in settings as diverse as Littlehey Prison and the University of Cambridge, in her home city. She’s lived everywhere from the house of a lord to a slug-infested flat and finds the mid-terrace she currently occupies a good happy medium.

As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s novels.

You can find Clare's website and blog at www.clarechase.com

Reviews

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am delighted to be catching up with the latest happenings in this charming cozy mystery series. It was great to be back with Eve and her beloved dachshund Gus who live in the sweet little village of Saxford St Peter.

Amateur sleuth, tea-shop employee and obituary writer, Eve just keeps getting better and better with each story. I find her ebullience, confidence and intuitiveness very refreshing, which is a credit to Clare Chase's writing skills, and I feel as though I am meeting up with an old friend when I'm reading a new Eve Mallow mystery. Her dog, Gus is also a favourite who has captured my heart, though in this novel he is staying with a neighbour of Eve's. The author's superb and varied characterisation is fantastic, and in this brilliant story, there is certainly no shortage of suspects including Eve's own boyfriend, as Eve realises, when an ex-pupil of Southwood School is found dead in a locked attic.

Mystery at Southwood School has a well-thought-out, compelling plot, and enough twists to keep the most demanding armchair sleuth satisfied. Clare Chase always writes with such flair and an easy style and this was a story that held my attention well, loving my escape into Eve's world of diabolical deeds. Whilst I recommend reading the books in order, you don’t need to be familiar with the characters to fully enjoy these mysteries. I am eagerly anticipating what Clare Chase has in store for Eve Mallow next, in book ten, Mystery at Farfield Castle.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

[Nadishka Aloysius · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed previous books in this series. Unfortunately I just couldn't get into this one. The pace was glacial and nothing much was happening. After every interview Eve and her friend hashed over what they had learned. Eve was driven by her fear that Robin would be discovered and that was mentioned ad nauseum. I jumped to the end to see who the culprit was!

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve Mallow is about to perform double duties yet again. Catering at the Southwood School for the Founder’s Day event is not the only thing that will keep Eve busy. In fact, when a former student is murdered, Eve puts on her amateur sleuth hat and is determined to find the murderer. Her secret boyfriend Robin is working as a temporary gardener at the school, and after it is learned that he had briefly talked to the murder victim, Robin becomes the chief suspect. This really increases Eve‘s determination to figure out what happened because she is certain that Robin had nothing to do with the murder.

Eve begins talking to as many people as she possibly can, discovering that the victim was not well liked at all, almost from the first day that she originally started at the school. Could it be the school principal, a former teacher, or perhaps another former student? Time is definitely of the essence to find the killer.

This is an excellent installment to a delightful series. Each time Eve proves more than adept at finding the killer as each story changes. Eve’s having a personal stake in this particular murder makes this book even more intriguing.

Robin‘s story has always been a mystery of its own in this series. This particular book lays into that a bit more which will no doubt leave lovers of this series with a sense of satisfaction regarding Robin. As always, Eve always manages to find herself in the most precarious situations. This book an easy read because I felt like I had to know who is behind everything in this book just as Eve did. Clare Chase writes this series with flair, making this book and every previous book in this series truly worthy reads. I am really excited for book ten in this fabulous series, which is Mystery at Fairfield Castle.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please also enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/Wx2S4klD4lc

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. I wasn’t able to really get into the book. It was a good mystery but seemed to drag on for me.

Eve Mallow is asked to cater a Founders Day event at Southwood School. This is a prestigious and secretive school for girls and Eve can’t wait to get inside.

Natalie Somerson is an ex-pupil of the school and now hosts a gossip show where she reveals scandals. She is not well liked but holds some sway at the school.

When Natalie is found murdered, the school is shocked and there seem to be a lot of suspects, including Eve’s boyfriend, Robin. Eve is determined to prove he is innocent and investigates herself. Will she help find the killer before someone else dies?

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Priya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would be well received by new readers but as a long term follower I am finding it monotonous. The characters are quite similar to some of the previous books and they seem to be getting enmeshed. I feel the author should give a break and restart the Tara Thorpe series instead.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

How far would you go to protect loved ones?

Eve Mallow and her friend Viv are catering a Founder's Day event at the Southwood School, a boarding school for girls. Quite frankly, even before we get to the murder, the place sounded dismal. Ironically, aside from the head girl, the student body gets little attention as the story focus is on the adult staff members for the most part. They are an interesting, even odd bunch who, quite frankly, don't seem at all happy with the choice of former student Natalie as guest of honor. Natalie, now a rich and famous talk show host, seems to create not just tension but anger. No surprise, she is the murder victim. Who killed Natalie?

Why was she even invited given that most seem to find her appearance unwelcome? Why does Eliza seem to openly hate her? Why is she so cutting to head girl Scarlett? Who were the people Eve saw outside her window at night meandering about? Are they connected to the murder? Gasp, did Eve see the murderer? And, hey, how did Natalie know Robin, Eve's boyfriend who is incognito and definitely doesn't want to attract police attention? How will Robin's story tie into it all, if at all? Who stood to gain from Natalie's death? As an obituary writer for a high profile magazine, will Eve find herself in danger as she snoops, er, interviews various suspects (and there are many) for the obituary? I bet you know the answer to that one. Eve may write obituaries but she doesn't want to write Robin's or, for that matter, her own. Why....oh, more than enough teasers. Read the book.

Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the invite to Founder's Day. As always, it was fun to practically see Eve's brain cells whirling as she tries to unravel the crime and protect Robin. Let's hope the future is less stressful for them.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery at Southwood School is the 9th book in the Eve Mallow series. I have not read the previous books and I had no problem following this story. The mystery is contained in the book, but there is some backstory about one of the characters that I was missing. Having said this, I will go back and start this series from the first book. Eve is an obituary writer and also works with her friend Viv in her bakery. She is seeing Robin, a man with a mysterious past. Viv and Eve are preparing cakes for Southwood School's Founder's Day celebrations and are staying at the school while baking. Each year there is a special guest and this year it is Natalie Somerson, ex-pupil and rather nasty talk show host. When Natalie ends up dead, Robin is the main suspect as he had been seen arguing with Natalie. Not only to get him off the hook, but to keep his past secret, Eve is working overtime to find the real killer.

My one complaint is that the build up was quite lengthy, but once Natalie was found dead, I was pulled completely into the story. The mystery was quite detailed and had several suspects. The clues were scattered and there were also a few red herrings which kept me from guessing who the culprit was. Eve is a great character. She is a smart investigator, even though she is only an amateur sleuth. She is well liked and has a lot of friends who will help her do whatever she needs. Viv is her Dr. Watson and I would love to see more of her. I liked how the characters were developed and multi-dimensional, so I felt like I knew them. This was a quick moving mystery, with several twists and a big surprise regarding the motive and the perpetrator. I recommend this book to those who enjoy a good cozy mystery.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southwood School has a history of being both secretive and matriarchal while producing famous and popular alumni alongside those glad to leave its confines and begin to flourish. Obituary writer Eve Mallow's best friend, Viv, is one such ex-pupil; her schooldays weren't happy but Southwood's home economics facilities sparked a love of cakes and baking, enticing her to stay. Now the successful owner of Monty's Café she and Eve have been asked to cater the Founders' Day celebrations and going back as an adult is bound to be a different experience isn't it?

Also attending is another old girl, controversial television chat show host Natalie Somerson, whose reputation definitely precedes her. Also present, but in a purely professional capacity, is Eve's secret beau Robin, covering for Southwood's sidelined head gardener. When a body is found in an isolated area of the school everyone comes under suspicion, although some more than others, especially if they remove the focus from the school itself. Asked to write the obituary Eve finds herself in the right place to investigate the vicious murder but as Robin’s past threatens to jeopardise their future she finds it easy to get sidetracked. With danger drawing ever closer could Eve have finally taken on too much?

Book nine in this brilliant series is absolutely my favourite so far and way up amongst the best I've read this year. The location and school staff felt instantly relatable and right with characters to root for as well as dislike, just as in any real educational institution. The story kept me engaged throughout and I was sorry to reach the end. The main protagonists are old friends now and welcomed with open arms while the more minor characters are also a familiar and necessary part of each storyline. Viv's mother-in-law, Sabina, who is brilliantly awful, has now been added to this group and will hopefully return in the near future.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This was a pleasure to read and review and comes very highly recommended.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve Mallow is back on the case. She is invited to cater the Founders Day event at the very prestigious Southwood School. She can’t wait to see the inside of the beautiful and historic building. When she arrives, she discovers that the building is much more beautiful than she expected. Alumni, Natalie Somerson and queen gossip girl is the guest of honor. Her speech brings up an old scandalous secret love affair, angering many attendees. The next day Natalie is found dead in a room in the attic that was locked. The police’s number one suspect happens to be Eve’s boyfriend Robin. Eve’s immediate mission is to find the killer and clear Robin’s name. She begins her own investigation, interviewing everyone she possibly can, from the school principal to former teachers. Natalie affected so many lives, and not in a positive way. Eve needs to quicken her sleuthing and find the killer before she becomes the next victim.

I loved this installment to the fabulous Eve Mallow Mystery Series. This story immediately pulled me in from the very beginning. It was a quick read because I couldn’t wait to find out whodunnit. I was flying through the pages at a rapid speed, as my heartbeat quickened, and my mind raced, wondering who was the culprit. Eve Mallow is such a likable character, and I found myself cheering her on to solve the case. This book is perfect for all cozy mystery fans, with the perfect combination of intrigue plus plot twists and turns. This wonderful addition to the series can be read as a stand-alone novel, but I recommend reading the whole series. I definitely recommend this book.

Thank you Clare Chase for such a gripping continuation to the amazing Eve Mallow Mystery Series, I loved it.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve Mallow is delighted when her friend Viv is asked to cater for Founders’ Day at Southwood School. It’s the best school for miles around, and Eve can’t wait to see what it’s really like. But when she arrives, the atmosphere is far from scholarly. Natalie Somerson, ex-pupil and professional gossip, is the guest of honour, but nobody seems to want her there… especially when her speech stirs up an old scandal about a secret love affair. The next day, Natalie is found dead in a locked attic room. To make matters worse, Eve’s boyfriend Robin, who's a temporary gardener becomes the police’s prime suspect. Determined to prove his innocence, Eve starts to investigate everyone with a stake in the school.
This is the ninth outing for Eve & whilst it could be read on its own the characters have developed throughout the series & I love how the relationships have changed & grown. Whilst much of the story is set at the school it concentrates on ‘the coven’ the name of the management committee. There are plenty of twists & turns as well as red herrings. This book has the added interest of Robin being a suspect & there’s the worry of his secret being revealed. Whilst I love Eve, Robin, Viv & even Moira the characters at the school are a pretty unlikeable bunch. I was drawn in from the start & read the book in a couple of sittings & loved the ending!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Lizzie Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

We meet up with our intrepid investigator, Eve Mallow, who is actually an obituary writer, who in the process of learning about her dead subjects has turned into an amateur sleuth. In the period between obituary writing, she works part time for Viv who runs Monty’s teashop in the village of Saxford St Peter in Suffolk where Eve has settled following her move from London, and a controlling ex-husband

Although pleased to have been asked to assist Viv in the catering for Founders Day at the prestigious Southwood School, Eve is becoming less enamoured as Viv who attended the school tells her how strict the rules were. Currently they are on their way to meet ‘the coven’ the name for the committee that run the school. If that doesn’t give you the heebie-jeebies it does me.

As they near the entrance for the meeting several other join them, the headmaster of the school, Sabina Montague, mother of Viv’s late husband Oliver, and the mother-in-law from hell. Also, instantly Eve recognisees Natalie Somerson, the famous talk-show host who is there as a former student of the school and this year’s guest of honour.

But it quickly becomes apparent that there are tensions between the staff over Natalie’s presence and when she gives her speech it clearly stirs up old resentments with several people present. She is also extremely rude to the current head girl. Why? Eve asks herself was Natalie invited?

When Eve spots Natalie talking to Robin, who is doing some gardening in the school grounds, and who regular readers of this series will know looks after most of the gardens in Saxby St Peter, she is instantly on alert. He and Eve are in a relationship but known only to three other people, the reason being that Robin’s past has to stay that way – in the past. Eve later learns that Natalie is certain she knows Robin from somewhere and she is sure it will come to her eventually.

When a body is found in the school Robin immediately comes under suspicion, particularly by the odious Inspector Palmer. Luckily Detective Sergeant Greg Boles is on the case but can he and Eve find the killer before Palmer arrests Robin.

This is the ninth book in the series, and they get and better. Intriguing, and cleverly plotted with lots of red herrings and twists along the way. I greatly enjoyed this entry in the series.

A terrific read. Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good English cozy! Clare Chase delivers with Mystery at Southwood School. Here we find Eve and her friend Viv hired to assist with catering for Founders Day at the prestigious Southwood School. Eve can’t wait to see the school for herself, as it has quite the reputation. But she finds that all isn’t pomp and circumstance in the halls of academia. Former student Natalie Somerson is also there for Founders Day, and while she may be well-known, she is definitely not well-liked. In fact, she seems to delight in stirring up trouble.

When Natalie is found dead, suspicion falls on Robin, Eve’s clandestine love and a former police detective in deep cover to avoid men who would do him harm. He was seen with Natalie, and as a fill-in gardener at the school, he’s a convenient scapegoat for the (rather inept) detective in charge. Eve knows that she has to figure out the truth before Robin’s cover is blown.

I really enjoy this series! Eve is a wonderful character. As an obituary writer, she has the opportunity to interview potential suspects legitimately, and she can often unearth details that people might not mention to the police. This usually leads to her coming up with some idea to find out more by putting herself into precarious situations, which leads to some tense moments and a whole lot of mystery fun.

We learn a bit more about Robin here, and the potential threat to his identity and possibly his life (and Eve’s!) is an interesting story arc. I really like Eve and Robin, and I was holding my breath to see how this thread would play out.

Chase kept me guessing as to who the guilty party really was. There were several people cast as the potential killer – the headmaster’s wife, possibly jealous of Natalie’s interest in her husband; the head girl, whose feelings for Natalie seemed to run hot and cold; Natalie’s current husband, who may or may not have accused her of an affair. But each time I thought I’d figured it out, the story shifted, and the murderer was not who I expected it would be!

Murder at Southwood School is a lot of fun to read. It does what a good cozy should – it entertains, it lets you step outside your normal life for a bit, and it keeps you guessing until the end. I look forward to reading more in this series, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a British cozy.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 9 and still as fresh as a daisy - and also a series that is well worth starting from the beginning and reading in order. I know that I say that for every series, for continuity and backstory reasons, as well as character development, but in this case also cos all the books have been brilliant!
This time, we see Obituary Writer Eve Mallow going back to school. As an aside to her main profession, she also works in a tea shop alongside Viv, and they do outside catering and it is in this guise that she finds herself catering Founders' Day at, you guessed it, Southwood School!
Shenanigans ensue - don't they always, and one of the guests is found dead. Same old I hear you say. Well, yes, but there's a twist here too. This time, Eve's secret beau Robin is caught up on the wrong side of the investigation so Eve has to do without his connections... But she's a bit of a dab hand at all this stuff - it is book 9 after all! - so she is well placed to do her thing, ably assisted by others...
I love this series. I think the quirk of having an obituary writer as the amateur sleuth is a cracking idea and I love the way that Eve manages to get access to all and sundry on the pretext of said obituary but also being able to ask extra questions to progress her own investigations... brilliant!
And this book, like its predecessors also has everything I need to make a good book a great read. A cracking story that hits the ground running, holds me and my attention captive throughout, spitting me out at the end wholly satisfied. It also stars some great characters, both episode and series, big parts and extras, all well drawn and acting their parts well. And then the execution of all that - pacing is perfect, there is no superfluous waffle or padding, the book is exactly the length it needs to be to get the story across. It is the real deal...
Only bad thing was having to say goodbye to the cast at the end of the book. Can't wait to see what the author puts them all through next time... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery at Southwood School by Clare Chase. Eve Mallow is one of my favorite sleuths. A middle aged, obituary writer, of all things!. Well, not regular obituaries but high-end ones for national magazines. They are not always straightforward and give real insight into the person who has died. Sometimes that is a good thing, sometimes, not so much. In this case Eve is there at the right time, Natalie Somerson is to be at Southwood School, which she had attended as a young person. Viv had also attended so they had been asked to provide refreshment for a ceremony anointing Natalie as this year’s Founder’s Day Champion. It was a great honor. Natalie was a television talk show host known for being viscous after she had lulled her guest into a false sense of security. She loved to dig dirt and put it on display for the world. She had hated Southwood School so why was she here? Viv’s former mother-in-law was also an alumnus and there to do nothing more than make Viv’s life miserable.

As one would expect, Natalie ended up dead. The problem was there were too many suspects. No one liked her. In addition, Robin had been working there for a few days as a gardener. She had recognized him but had yet to place him. Someone had seen them talking, her trying to trap him, and so now he was a suspect. Eve was beside herself. There were so many possibilities and with Robin at stake she took chances she should not have, sneaking around the school at night and such. It was a good plot with an interesting resolution. Eve is a well-written character with new facets of her personality emerging in every book. Her support cast is developing well, too. The crimes in this series are always complicated with plenty of clues left for the reader if one is astute enough to catch them. It is always a good read, just different enough to make it interesting.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Mystery at Southwood School by Bookoutre, though Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #ClareChase #MysteryAtSouthwoodSchool

[dnsyl57 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve Mallow and Viv Montague are asked to cater the Founders' Day at the nearby Southwood School. The elite private girls school isn't all it is cracked up to be though as there are tensions among the leadership. The guest of honour for Founders' Day is former student Natalie Somerson who has a reputation for being a trouble maker and a professional gossip. The day after the celebration, Natalie is found dead in a locked attic room. She certainly didn't have many friends and had rubbed a lot of people the wrong way over the years at the school. Was it one of the staff who did her in? Was the head girl? Or was it an outsider? Perhaps one of her ex husbands? CDI Palmer seems to think it was Robin, who was filling in as a temporary gardener for the school and was seen in private conversation with Natalie. Eve knows her boyfriend didn't do it but with Robin's secret past at risk of being exposed and a killer on the loose, Eve is determined to find out who actually silenced Natalie and why.

My thoughts:
Clare Chase writes truly intriguing stories that draw you in and have you wondering who the guilty party is right to the reveal and climax. Eve is extremely observant and thorough in her research but also willing to take some risks - even when things get dicey. Her relationship with Robin is deep and can definitely pull at your heart as they work to solve the murder and clear his name. Viv is such a character! She means well, but subtlety isn't her strength! The dialogue and overall scenarios were well thought out. Ms Chase shares Eve's reasoning on the various scenarios as the story goes on which can be both enlightening and confusing as you really aren't sure which one might be the reality. I thoroughly enjoy reading this series and look forward to the next book in this series!

[Barbara Sousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery at Southwood School, the ninth book in Clare Chase’s Eve Mallow mystery series, is yet another clever whodunnit set in the quaint English countryside. Clare Chase knows how to weave a story, and this one sparkles. With a complex and compelling plot, an intrepid sleuth, colorful characters, and a slew of suspects, this book is thoroughly entertaining.

Obituary writer Eve Mallow is taking a break from writing to help her friend (and boss) Viv cater the Founders’ Day celebration at Southwood School. The school has a special connection for Viv as her (former) mother-in-law is an alumnus. The guest of honor, Natalie Somerson, has a long familial history with the school, but has gained a nasty reputation for her cutthroat interviews on her television show. Not surprisingly, she winds up dead, and there are suspects everywhere. Suspicion, however, falls on Eve’s secret boyfriend, Robin, who is acting as gardener for the school.

Like a fine wine, this series just keeps getting better and better. Eve’s ever-inquisitive nature is coupled with logic and common sense. Her friendship with Viv is heartwarming, and her relationship (albeit secret) with Robin gives her the impetus to brave dangerous situations to clear his name. There are numerous clues and red herrings, twists and turns, and the suspense is heightened with each page. Just when you think you have figured it out, everything shifts.

In Mystery at Southwood School, Ms. Chase has penned a charming and delightful cozy mystery that lives up to the high standards set by its predecessors. I am so looking forward to the next book in this venerable series.

Note: I received an ARC of Mystery at Southwood School from NetGalley and Bookouture. The above is my honest review.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celebrity Natalie Somerson has made a career out of other people's secrets and when she returns to her former school she confronts new and old enemies. It isn't long before Natalie is found dead and obituary writer and amateur sleuth Eve Mallow is on the case.
Mystery at Southwood School is the 9th book to feature Eve as she combines researching for an obituary with investigating murder.
Almost the first quarter of the book is devoted to setting up motives and introducing us to potential suspects. Natalie has plenty of enemies from her school days as well as the present day. She has a habit of getting into trouble but now someone puts a stop to it for good. I felt torn between liking her rebellious spirit and disliking her cruel streak.
The book is set in a prestigious boarding school and it looks likely that one of the inhabitants could be responsible although Natalie did have a string of past and current lovers. However Eve finds it difficult to believe that the staff or students could commit murder. She needs to investigate the various characters especially as the police suspect her own boyfriend Robin who has his own secrets to protect.
The book maintained my curiosity and every time I thought I was sure of the culprit, there was a twist or clue that made me suspect someone else. I enjoyed meeting up with the characters again and can't believe it is the 9th book in the series already!
Mystery at Southwood School is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery set in a traditional English boarding school.

[LJ (ljwritesandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obituary writer and part-time cafe employee Eve is back for her ninth mystery, which I had to double check as it feels like just yesterday this series started!

Eve's friend Viv has been invited back to her old school to cater Southwood's Founder's day event. She brings Eve along to help and for moral support to deal with her mother-in-law, who is a member of the school's board, otherwise known as the 'coven'.

Former pupil, part owner and now notorious talk show host Natalie Somerson, is determined to cause chaos, so it's not much of a surprise when she's found dead at the school. Much to Eve's horror, the investigation focuses on her beau Robin. Not able to let things lie, she begins writing Natalie's obituary as a cover to dig into her life and find the real culprit before it's too late.

Clare Chase has done it again with this well written and entertaining cozy mystery!

I really enjoyed the boarding school setting of this novel. With its rambling grounds, strange quirks, and traditions, it almost felt like a character in itself.

It was also nice to see Eve and Robin's relationship blossoming and we get to find out more about his background (it's always been an extra bit of mystery). The fact that Robin is a suspect added a further bit of tension, and we see the true extent of Eve's feelings for him.

If you love a modern cozy with a classic feel to it, then you really can't go wrong with the Eve Mallow series!

[Desiree · Rating 3 out of 5]

In mystery at Southwood Eve and Viv are catering at Viv's old school, a boarding school for girls. As usual after a couple of cakes the first body turns up in a hidden room. The victim, Natalie, a former pupil of the school, is a quite vicious talk-show host as well as a descendant of one of the schools founders. Furthermore she is not much loved by almost everyone at the school.
Outercourse Eve is asked by Icon to write Natalie's obituary, which gives her the chance to not only interview all the people involved for input for the obituary but also to get interesting information to help her find who murdered Natalie. This time Eve has an extra incentive because her boyfriend Robin features high on inspector Palmers list of suspects.

Of-course Eve manages to solve the mystery and exonerate her lover, but not before an other murder occurs. In this episode there also are some interesting developments in the relation between Eve and Robin.

I loved the developments in Eve's private life and of-course the cosy settings but found the plot a bit overly complicated and not very creditable. So 3 stars this time.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Eadie Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve Mallow is happy when she’s asked to cater Founders’ Day at Southwood School. Natalie Somerson, ex-pupil and professional gossip, is the guest of honor, but nobody seems to want her there. So why was she invited? Natalie is soon found dead in a locked attic room. Eve’s boyfriend, Robin, becomes the police’s prime suspect. Eve starts to investigate everyone with a stake in the school. Is it the prudish principal, worried about Natalie’s influence? Her former teacher, whose life Natalie made miserable? Or the head girl, who seemed to hate Natalie one day and adore her the next?
This is the 9th book in the Eve Mallow series. I haven't read another book in the series but that's not a problem as you can read them as a standalone too. I soon found that I was not able to put the book down as it was a cozy mystery that kept me on my toes. There were plenty of plot twists and I kept changing my mind about who the murderer was. I found Clare Chase to be an excellent writer. I would like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy for an honest review. If you like cozy mysteries then I know you would love this one!

[Isabelle D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve Mallow's 9th sleuthing adventure confirms that I'm far from tired of the series. I was happy to see her and other familiar characters again, and the boarding school's staff made an interesting set of suspects for the murder of a former student. I still love the way Eve uncovers secrets about the people she interviews (officially for the obituary she writes, really for both that and her no-longer-very-secret investigations), and how she imagines what could have happened with different people's possible motives and opportunities, until all the pieces fall into place to make her certain of the killer's identity.
For those who haven't read the previous books yet, this one wouldn't spoil the ending of either of the others but would reveal the secret of one suspect from the first, so I still recommend to start with the first book unless you already have this one, can't buy the others immediately and really don't mind partial spoilers.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love cosy mysteries, and the idea of a cosy mystery set in a school appealed to me. I thought it seemed like a nostalgic setting, because as adults we often enjoy reminiscing about our schooldays from time to time. When I chose this book, I was thinking of Agatha Christie's Cat Among The Pigeons, and possibly hoping for a modern take on that.

I found the story entertaining and felt that it had all the typical elements of a good modern cosy mystery. It was nicely written - in fact, it reminded me a little of some other books I've read, by authors like Helen Cox and Elly Griffiths.

Despite enjoying the story itself, I've only rated it 3 stars. This is because I didn't really connect with or relate to any of the characters. I was indifferent to them and didn't find any of them particularly interesting or likeable. Having said that, I enjoyed the story itself and thought it was nicely written, so I would still be interested in reading more books from the series to see how I get along with them.

[LittleRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve and Viv have a catering gig at a very mysterious and private school. While Viv shares all the tales from her days there, this is Eve’s chance to see it for herself. With famous former student as the main guest for Founder’s Day, you would think everyone would welcome Natalie back, but there are quite a few who are NOT happy to have her there…and her speech at the event doesn’t make things any better.

With Natalie all over Robin, Eve herself finds the woman annoying. But when Natalie is found dead, Robin is the main suspect. Can Eve fiure out who truly did the woman in, or will Robin be torn from her life and sent to prison? Not if Eve can help it!

This series is so well written! I enjoy each one of the entries and they grab you from page one and don’t let you go until you read the last sentence. With enough red herrings to keep you guessing, you’ll be trying to figure it out right along with Eve…and get the right suspect just as she does. A great series that is not to be missed by the cozy mystery lover!~

[Bette Reith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what really happens behind the walls of a private boarding school? Mystery at Southwood School by Clare Chase gives us an insider’s view. Eve gets her chance when a Natalie, a famous school alumnus, is murdered at the school. Being an obituary writer for a famous magazine has its advantages and Eve uses them to interview all the people that may be involved. She finds that no one really liked Natalie, but why then, was she elected to represent the school for a year? Who killed her? It seems everyone is keeping secrets, and everyone had a motive, but it is not until Eve’s boyfriend is named as a suspect that she intensifies her search for the killer.
I do not usually pick up a book in the middle of a series, but the description brought me right in from the first page. A very addictive read. Can’t wait to read the others. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve Mallow is going to Southwood School
Where someone is out to break their rule!
Catering for the celebrations for Foundation Day
Should be a simple, uneventful stay.

The guest of honour, Natalie Somerson, is a former student who
Always enjoyed getting into mischief, too.
Why was Natalie selected when most seem her to fear?
Especially as the role supposedly lasts for a year!

When Natalie is discovered, decidedly dead,
No one about her has a single good word to be said.
Eve can't resist investigating what's happening here
Especially as her love's name she needs to clear!

With teachers, students and other staff as suspects, as you'll see
Surprise discoveries have Eve wondering just who the killer could be.
With danger, secrets and surprises, too,
This is an enthralling read I highly recommend to you!

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
This is a brilliant cosy mystery and this is my honest review.

[Claudia Cheyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve and Viv are busy baking cakes to serve at the Founder's Day celebrations to be held at the private all-girls school where Viv attended and took culinary classes. The badly beaten body of Natalie Somerson, controversial talk show host who was also an alum, is found in a seldom used room on the campus. Natalie had seen Robin working in the school's gardens prior to her death and recognized him from his days on the London police force before he was forced to create a new identity. Now someone is in town looking for him. He tells Eve she must stay away from him. If these criminals discover they are friends, her life could be in danger as well. She realizes how devestating it would be if Robin suddenly had to flee and establish a new alias somewhere else and she and Gus could not follow him or know his whereabouts. This was another great installment in the Eve Mallow series. I did not figure out who the murderer was until the author revealed it.

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eve and her best friend, Viv, are asked to cater Founders' Day at Southwood School. Eve is also an obituary writer. Well, when the guest of honor Natalie's body is found, Eve puts her detective skills to use. Everyone is a suspect but there is a particular interest is in her boyfriend, Robin. What really happened at the school and will Eve solve the crime?

This was book #9 in the Eve Mallow series. It can be read as a stand-alone, as this was my first book in the series. If you enjoy a good cozy mystery, then I would recommend this one for you. It was something different from my normal books that I read and I did really enjoy it. I would pick up another book by Clare Chase in the future.

Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This review will be posted on my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think Clare Chase can write a mediocre mystery or one which isn’t gripping.
This one is an intriguing and well plotted novel, a solid mystery that kept me guessing and surprised with each twists.
I loved the atmosphere of the school, the secrets and the forced relationship amongst the person bound by the will of someone who died long ago.
There’s a lot of secrets, hidden stories and there’s Clare who’s fighting to save Robin.
There’s plenty going on in the life of the characters, read the book and you will be surprised if you read the rest of the series. I can’t wait to read the next story and I have high expectations.
I think you can fully appreciate the story if you read the rest of the serie even if it can be read as a stand-alone.
A well plotted, entertaining and gripping story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the Bookouture for this arc, all opinions are mine

[Karen Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 9th book in a series but you can easily read it as a stand alone, I had t read the others and didn’t find it a problem.

Eve is an obituary writer and attends a local private boarding school to help out a friend who is catering an event there. A former pupil Natalie now a TV star returns and ends up dead and Eve interviews people to get material for obituary and to investigate the murder!

The school is run by a group called the coven, could one of them have killed Natalie as she was not only a former pupil with a grudge but also part owner and related to other members of the coven and school.

Will another death make things easier to work out or just complicate things further. Add to the mix the temporary gardener, secret boyfriend of Eve with troubles of his own.

Thank you to NetGalley for my advance copy of this book.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author drew the "victim" so clearly that I couldn't WAIT for her to get murdered! The characters are always so well drawn, the twists diabolical, and the red herrings inventive. The publisher's blurb is pretty good, so no need for a recap on that. Loved it!
Eve Mallow is a character that draws you in with her personality, honest journalism in writing obits for select famous people, her sleuthing, and (of course) her delightful dachshund. She also has a day job working part-time in her friend's tea shop and a romantic friend who is a former police detective who is in a protection program.
This is not an unbiased review as I love this series!
I requested and received an uncorrected advance review e-book copy from Bookouture via NetGalley. Thank you!