Murder at Waldenmere Lake

Iris Woodmore Mysteries #2

by Michelle Salter

A murder shocks the small town of Walden. And it’s only the beginning…

Walden, 1921. Local reporter Iris Woodmore is determined to save her beloved lake, Waldenmere, from destruction.

After a bloody and expensive war, the British Army can no longer afford to keep the lake – and a deadly battle for ownership begins.

Sir Henry Ballard of London and South Western Railway has the deepest pockets and plans to build a lakeside hotel where General Cheverton’s historic mansion stands.

When the popular General is found murdered in his home, the town of Walden is in turmoil. Little do the townsfolk know that far worse is to come.

A desperate Iris tries to take on the might of the railway company and find the killer. But it appears someone will stop at nothing to win the fight for Waldenmere…

An addictive cosy murder mystery with everyone's favourite amateur sleuth. Ideal for fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Claire Gradidge, Verity Bright, Emily Organ and Helena Dixon.

Readers are enjoying Murder at Waldenmere Lake

‘A cracking addition to the series … superbly written… lots of drama, intrigue, twists and turns’ Gingerbookgeek

‘WOW!! Another fantastic addition to my favorite historical series by Michelle Salter… So many unexpected developments, twists, shocking revelations, my god!!’ thebookdecoder

‘I have fallen head over heels for this series’ Booksbybindu

‘A terrific historical cozy mystery that will keep readers gripped …With plenty of tension, intrigue and suspense, Murder at Waldenmere Lake is an addictive historical cozy mystery … perfect for Anne Perry and Verity Bright fans’ bookishjottings

‘A real page turner and couldn't put it down. So much so that I stayed up until the early hours to find out what happened! Reader Review

‘What a great book! I loved the characters and the ever deepening plot’ Reader Review

‘An incredibly well-written historical mystery … interspersed with fascinating tit-bits of information both about the suffragettes and their sister organisation, the suffrage societies’ Reader Review

‘Starts well and then gets better! ’ Reader Review

‘I recommend this book to anyone who loves a twisty plot line that keeps you guessing’ Reader Review

‘As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was reading something special … Iris Woodmore … is such a fun, feisty and determined young lady’ Reader Review

‘Excellent read … Brilliant storyline' Reader Review

‘The writer's attention to detail and historical fact was very good … The characters are well drawn and believable’ Reader Review

‘The characters are brilliantly written and swept me along’ Reader Review

Praise for the Iris Woodmore Mysteries:

'The mystery itself is intriguing, with plenty of twists and unexpected developments. If you enjoy 1920s mysteries and learning about the suffragettes and all they stood for, then I highly recommend Death at Crookham Hall.' Verity Bright, author of The Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries

'A fabulous, well-written, mystery that holds all the promise of much more to come... The Iris Woodmore mysteries are fast becoming some of my favourites.' M J Porter, author of King of Kings

'A joy to read! Such a well-researched mystery. I absolutely loved the unconventional heroine, 1920s setting, engaging characterisation and poignant ending, all of which provide a captivating start to the Iris Woodmore cosy mystery series.' Anita Davison, author of the Flora Maguire Mysteries

‘Death at Crookham Hall is a lovely, murder mystery by a gifted writer.’ Helena Dixon, author of The Miss Underhay Mysteries

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Cozy, Romance, Fiction

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 21, 2023

About the author

Love a good mystery? You're in the right place!

Michelle Salter is a bestselling author of historical crime fiction and cozy crime novels. Her acclaimed Edwardian and 1920s murder mysteries feature suffragettes, pioneering women, Scotland Yard detectives, and shocking secrets from the First World War.

Each book can be read as a STANDALONE even if it's part of a series.

Michelle has gained a dedicated following of readers who enjoy gripping stories driven by captivating characters and ending with satisfyingly devious plot twists.

When she’s not writing, Michelle enjoys researching history, exploring Britain’s heritage, and sharing fascinating facts from the Edwardian era and Roaring Twenties on her blog and social media.

She lives in Hampshire, England, and loves reading classic crime novels, amateur sleuth mysteries, and Golden Age whodunits.

If you enjoyed reading one of Michelle's books, please take a moment to leave a review or rating.

If you'd like to receive news on competitions, signed copies, latest releases, plus a free Iris Woodmore Mystery short story, 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐲🔪
enter your email address here: https://bit.ly/MichelleSalterNews

'A fabulous murder mystery with twists and turns that had me turning the pages faster and faster.' Catherine Coles, bestselling author said of Murder at Merewood Hospital.

'If you enjoy 1920s mysteries…I highly recommend Death at Crookham Hall.' Verity Bright, bestselling author of the Lady Eleanor Swift mysteries.

'Death at Crookham Hall is a lovely murder mystery by a gifted writer.' Helena Dixon, bestselling author of the Miss Underhay mysteries.

'A joy to read! Such a well-researched mystery. I absolutely loved the unconventional heroine, 1920s setting, engaging characterisation and poignant ending, all of which provide a captivating start to the Iris Woodmore cosy mystery series.' Anita Davison, bestselling author of the Flora Maguire Mysteries.

'Fans of Anna Lee Huber and Downton Abbey will enjoy this engrossing historical crime mystery.' Tantor Media.

Reviews

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very much, this was a cozy mystery d the characters were funny and interesting. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waldenmere Lake and its surrounding land are the sight of a fight over its use in book two of the "Iris Woodmore" mysteries.

There are three parties with different plans for the green space:
-A railroad company wants to develop it into a 4-storey hotel with various amenities, (pool, etc.)
-The military had used the area up till a few years before as a training area, and local officials want to set up a convalescent hospital there for soldiers.
-The town, with Mrs. Sydons (from book one) intent on getting thre area designated as a nature preserve.

The current owner of the property is killed before the military or the town can proceed with their plans, and the railroad company snaps up the land from the murdered man's heir, a struggling painter located in London.

Iris is furious with the railroad company's unwillingness to listen to the townsfolk, and is shocked by how quickly construction begins. When the crew begins draining the lake, they find a tank within the waters, and even more shocking, a murdered man within the vehicle.

Iris thinks the railroad company may be involved with the first murder, but that doesn't explain the second dead man. She pokes and prods at locals' motives, hoping to find a way to halt the construction and find the murderers.

The story is actually more complicated that it initially appears, as the history between a prominent family and the military facility, and illicit relationships in the past, are also factors in this story.

Iris continues to grow, and is ever more certain that she wants to be a reporter. She's also dealt numerous shocks as she slowly determines the perpetrators of the murders, and a couple of her relationships are tested. The story is engrossing and complex.

Iris is left deeply affected by the end of the book, dissatisfied with much around her. Her decision at the end leaves me wondering what is next in store for her.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Laurie K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small British town on the shores of a picturesque lake in the aftermath of World War II, what begins with concerns over the sale of that lake for it’s development into a tourist resort ends in murder. Iris Woodmore, an investigative journalist with close ties to Walden and it’s inhabitants, has serious concerns about the development of Lake Waldenmere and its affect on the town. But when murder occurs she soon uncovers secrets and lies implicating several members of this tight-knit community.

The greatest strength of this book is the character of Iris. With Iris, the author has created a female protagonist that is interesting and fully developed. She is intelligent, inquisitive, and very independent.

I found the plot quite interesting, especially as it began delving into the past, the effect the war had on certain characters, and how it resulted in murder. Unfortunately, the central plot was often overshadowed by the subplot of saving the lake. I also think the book could have been shorter. Some of the narrative was entirely too repetitive and I often found myself struggling not to skim, or skip entire sections, as time after time the same information, question, or concern was raised.

Overall, Murder at Waldenmere Lake was entertaining but, just an ok read for me.

[Inishowen Cailín · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twisty tale of murder and secret relationships in village life post-war England.
I was not expecting this book to pack such an emotional punch but it did. I didn't see one of the murders coming and it took me completely by surprise.
I love Iris' outlook on life and how she wants to live it on her own terms regardless of society's expectations. It is refreshing to meet such a character in this genre and I hope she continues to have fun and doesn't cave to societal pressures anytime soon.
I really love how this series is historically rich in detail. It really feels like I'm in post-war England and can see first-hand the impact the war had on society in general. Shell shock among soldiers is pretty well known and taught in history classes but I had never considered the effects the war had on women who worked on the front line in field or military hospitals.
A fantastic book; an unpredictable and absorbing read.

[Nadishka Aloysius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of world war fiction and this was a good pick. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of an idyllic village facing the repercussions of the war. The beautiful scenery came through well. I liked the independent nature of Iris and the details about the suffragette movement and I look forward to learning more about her adventures and her relationship with George. And I really didn't see the end coming!

[Phoebe Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and reviewed the first book in the series, Death at Crookham Hall, back in January, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So I was excited to check out the second book in this new murder mystery series – and I was not disappointed.

After the end of the Great War, the British Army needs funds, urgently, so they're planning to sell off lands they'd used during and after the war – which are they now no longer need. As Waldenmere Lake is part of their property, negotiations are under way to sell it off. A large railway company is interested in building a hotel and lakeside resort in place but an old manor previously used as a training base is in the way. Its owner, General Cheverton, refuses to budge. When he is found dead, and his cash-strapped nephew inherits the large house, the company owner finds a way in.

But he hasn't counted on the local opposition, led by intrepid local councillor Mrs Siddons, who wants the council to buy the property. But things turn ugly when the army appears to accept the company's offer, as does the general's heir. But Mrs Siddons doesn't give up, nor does Iris.

Is there a way of saving Waldenmere Lake from being turned into a theme park for the rich, its flora and fauna trampled into the mud?

A tricky case for our reporter sleuth, Iris Woodmore, who goes off to investigate the general's murder, with the tacit approval of her boss. But her father has arrived home from his latest journey, and he's not happy at her actions. The rift between them grows, as the case gets murkier.

Then another murder happens that throws Iris’ world into turmoil, and she is more determined than ever to find out who's responsible. Is it the railway company, ruthlessly picking off opponents, or is there something else afoot?

I really like Iris. She's a young, independent woman, not afraid to ask uncomfortable questions. But she is also a woman of her time, frustrated at the inability of doing certain things of her own accord. Whilst her father would prefer her home and safe, she fights the injustice she sees around her with the help of her columns in the local paper. Her social conscience remains staunch throughout, but she has to realise sometimes that she needs help. And that's something she finds tricky.

In many ways, Iris resembles her late suffragette mother, whose unexplained death is covered in Death at Crookham Hall. She just doesn't quite realise it yet.

The murder plot is intriguing, with several possible suspects, including some characters close to Iris. The expansion of the railway companies, and their power at the time, are very well portrayed. As is the local opposition to ’modernity’. It's a tricky subject that the author deals with very well.

I had an inkling about one of the strands, and was proved right in the end, but Murder at Waldenmere Lake remains a gripping and very engaging murder mystery.

The Iris Woodmore Mysteries is fabulous new series, set in rural southern England, with a very likeable heroine. I'm looking forward to reading the next instalment, later in the spring.

A highly recommended read!

Note: I received an ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publication Date: 21st March 2023

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Enjoyable

1921, Walden

Local reporter Iris Woodmore is back in action, and this time she is intent on saving the beloved Waldenmare Lake from being destroyed in the name of progress.

The war is over, and the British Army can no longer afford to maintain the convalescent home or the lake. The Walden City Council wants to buy it for rehabilitation, while the railway company wants to convert the location into a tourist spot.

However, the old mansion on the site belongs to General Cheverton, who is determined not to leave him home. But when the General is found dead in his home, it becomes quite impossible for Iris to save the lake. But as new developments occur, Iris realizes that her fight isn’t limited to the land.
There’s a lot more to uncover, and she needs to get to the bottom of it, come what may.

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Iris.

My Thoughts:

Though this is the second book in the series, it works well as a standalone. At the same time, series readers will enjoy the new developments for the main character Iris.

The beginning is a little slow, but soon, the book picks up pace. It drags in the middle and goes in circles before finally moving ahead to the climax and reveal.

I like Iris more in this one. Her character arc is growing steadily while also keeping things realistic to a good extent. George is an interesting character, and I wish there’s more of him in the coming books.

The mystery is tied up well but takes time to unfold. Two tracks need to converge at a common point (the Waldenmere Lake), which meant the pacing is sacrificed. Some information is repeated multiple times in different conversations, further weighing down the narration.

However, the mystery here has a greater emotional connection to the characters than we normally see in this genre. This makes the plot more personal instead of something that needs to be solved and settled.

Though I like how Iris connects the dots, I wish the actual reveal was a little more detailed and came a bit sooner. That said, the red herrings were well done without going overboard.
The setting and treatment of women from that era are seamlessly woven into the plot. The observations, the changes, the resistance, etc., become a part of the story rather than taking the focus away from it.
I must admit that the author does endings very well. She somehow makes me enjoy the kind of endings I usually dislike. The same happened in book one too. I’m impressed!

To summarize, Murder at Waldenmere Lake is a strong continuation of the series with interesting characters and an attractive setting. I’m excited about book three (the cover has been revealed).

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #MurderatWaldenmereLake

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such a treat to return to Iris’ world and the beautiful setting of Waldenmere! I have fallen head over heels for this series and I thoroughly enjoyed this outing for Iris and the gang. This is the second book in the series but it can be read as a stand-alone but I would encourage you to read the first book as it was a corker and it was always good to get in at the start of a series. Especially, one I can see being here for quite a while. I have banged on before about how much I love this little subgenre of strong independent women between the wars, maybe as this was what I studied at uni but I love it and the Iris Woodmore Mysteries are a brilliant example of it!

Iris Woodmore lives in the picturesque town of Walden and especially loves the local lake Waldenmere. When the plans of a railway company are announced, the whole town is up in arms. They want to build a huge lakeside hotel and beach club. But there is a spanner in the works as the house and land they want to use is owned by General Cheverton and he refuses to leave! The army also wants to build a rehabilitation centre for convalescence for the armed forces but is struggling to raise the money. But when General Cheverton is found murdered it seems someone is determined to make sure their plans to develop Waldenmere succeeds! Iris is on the case to find out who…

Iris is thrown a lot to deal with in this book and I loved how her character developed. I especially loved her radical thinking in a certain area and her feminist leanings. Also, it was historically accurate as this generation of women did do a lot more of this (trying to word it so I don’t spoiler myself here) than what is the general consensus! The historical details were spot on throughout the book and I loved learning about the movement for national parks. It’s always the sign of a good piece of historical fiction if you start Googling and in this case I did!

Roll on book three - I can’t wait!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michelle Salter’s Murder at Waldenmere Lake is the second nail-biting historical cozy mystery featuring local reporter Iris Woodmore.

Iris is determined to do whatever it takes to save her beloved lake, Waldenmere, from destruction. But it’s proving to be an uphill battle due to the British Army no longer able to pay for its upkeep. With the Walden Council and a railway company determined to get their hands on the lake, it looks like Iris will have a challenge of gargantuan proportions on her hands – not that she is the slightest bit deterred by it! With an old mansion that is used as an officer training academy standing where the railway company plans to build a hotel, the only fly in the ointment for them is owner General Cheverton – who won’t leave his home and who refuses to sell up. However, when the general is found dead, it becomes increasingly obvious that something sinister is going on at Waldenmere…

Clearly somebody is willing to go to great lengths to get their hands on Waldenmere, but they haven’t counted on tenacious Iris Woodmore. The reporter is adamant that she will move mountains to find out who killed the General and keep her beloved lake from being completely and utterly destroyed by greed and avarice. But is she ready for what she’s about to uncover? And for the devastation that’s to come?

Murder at Waldenmere Lake is a terrific historical cozy mystery that will keep readers gripped and eagerly turning the pages. With a strong sense of place, a wonderful ability to make the past come vividly to life and plenty of tension, intrigue and suspense, Murder at Waldenmere is an addictive historical cozy mystery by Michelle Salter perfect for Anne Perry and Verity Bright fans.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

(An Iris Woodmore Mystery, Book 2 in the series, but easily read as a standalone.)
The story starts in Walden, Hampshire in 1921. It is written in the first person, from the view of Iris Woodmore, who is a reporter at The Walden Herald.
The lake, Waldenmere, is under threat from developers, but Mill Ponds – occupied by General Cheverton – is in the way of the suggested hotel that the railway company want to build. When Iris and her journalist colleague Elijah go to the mansion to ask the General for his thoughts on the matter, they find his lifeless body on the floor.
The book has a very authentic 1920s feel to it - and lots of smoking! Iris is a modern woman for the time with her fashionable short hair, wearing trousers and having a secret boyfriend. But we also see more traditional women characters like Alice who live at home with their parents and are discouraged from forming relationships with the opposite sex, especially if the young man is from a different class.
There’s an interesting environmental angle to the story too. As one side try to save the lake, they are helped by people from the Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves to stop them being built on. There’s also the issue of mental health raised, particularly in relation to soldiers and what would probably be described as PTSD nowadays.
I enjoyed the story and didn’t guess “whodunnit” so it held my interest throughout. I really liked getting to know the characters and I feel Iris Woodmore is a great series heroine.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: In the aftermath of WWI, so much has changed. So many limbs and lives were shattered by the barbarity of war. Although enfranchised, finally, women are still struggling against male chauvinism and tradition to forge their way in this new world. Iris is a working reporter on the small village paper. She has rejected many of the ‘givens” that once restricted her sex. But even she knows that one must pick their battles.

And there is a battle Royale being fought over the future of Lake Waldenmere now that the army has decided to sell off their property. Competing local groups are scuppered when the bottomless money pit of a railroad swoops in with plans to build a hotel and change the future into something unrecognizable. Some like Iris wonder whether their avarice has any part to play in the murder of a well loved local general. Clearly there are some shady goings on but Iris does not swing into full force until her best friend, Alice, is murdered in their beloved lake. Who would commit such a heinous act.

There are many suspects in Alice’s vast number of suitors. Which, if any of them, killed her. And if not one of them, whom? I was rather smug thinking I figured it all out and while I was almost right, there were a couple of twists I did not see coming which delighted me. What was already a great read became even better.

As a reader I was swept into the maelstrom of the early 20’s and was immersed in the story. Five purrs and two paws up.

[ReadandRated · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore the cover of this book. So evocative of the era. And at for that little crow on the letter T, he's gorgeous!

The story centres around a drive to protect Waldenmere Lake and the efforts of the townsfolk from preventing it from being sold on to a developer. The residents of the town of Walden, largely led by the book's superb protagonist, Iris Woodmore, desperately want to save the lake. The more Iris investigates, however, the more she uncovers about this sweet, sleepy little town - and the darker side of some of the residents.

Iris is a wonderful character, I enjoyed following her and her feisty ways! She is a perfect heroine for the time and exactly the short of woman you would want on your side. The story takes some dark turns though and poor Iris is in for a turbulent time ahead.

There is such a theme to this story about the War and I really feel that an older generation, or fans of historical fiction, would get so much more out of this aspect of the story. 

Overall, the writing style was atmospheric, Iris was a delight and Murder at Waldenmere Lake was an entertaining read. I wonder if I am just a little too fond of the grittier style thrillers to fully have appreciated its gentler touch.

My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Michelle Salter and Boldwood Books for letting me be a part of this blog tour. #MurderatWaldenmereLake #NetGalley

https://readandrated.com/2023/03/13/m...
@ReadandRated
@CoffeeCurls

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review Murder at Waldenmere Lake. All opinions and comments are my own.

The prologue (I dislike prologues) lets us know there are going to be secrets (and soldiers) from World War I somehow involved. Since the novel takes place in 1921, we won’t have long to wait. Plans are afoot to do something with the land surrounding Waldenmere, and readers quickly learn that those plans are not necessarily welcomed by those that live on and near the body of water. And so Murder at Waldenmere Lake begins apace, complete with plucky reporter Iris Woodmore, helpful boyfriends, and a myriad of other characters (local villagers and otherwise) that all add up to the big finale that shows us what the prologue was all on about.

I think the author could have done more to establish her readers into the setting, into the time frame, into making us believe that her characters were from that era. Iris is okay as the protagonist, but she didn’t stand out for me, even as she experiences tragedy, secrets and betrayals that come very close to home. Murder at Waldenmere Lake does have some twists and turns and strives to illustrate how the Great War impacted lives years after the conflict ended. An easy read, but missing much of that sense of time and place that belongs in a historical mystery.

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Waldenmere Lake is book two in the Iris Woodmore Mystery series set in the very early 1920s onwards.

Book 2, Murder at Waldenmere Lake, begins not soon after the events of the first book, and it's good to see some familiar characters return to Walden. As with book 1, the mystery is firmly rooted in the concerns of the period, recovering from the events of World War 1 while contending with changes in society. I really love how well-researched the two novels are. I love a cosy mystery, but I adore it even more when the author goes that one step further and adds so much more authentic settings to the novel.

As with book 1, there's a murder fairly early on in the novel, which seems impossible to solve, and events more quite sedately until there is another murder and events really begin to move at pace. And yet, even with the devastation Iris feels at the murder, she can't seem to work out who was responsible, and indeed, some personal betrayal strikes her low as well.

The mystery, when it is eventually solved, is delightfully nuanced. Looking back, there might have been some hints I should have read more into, but I didn't, and so, as with book 1, the big reveal is a surprise but a really well-constructed one. I adored this book. Iris is a great character, as is Percy and the people she interacts with.

A fabulously well-researched historical cosy mystery, and I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Seriesbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Murder at Waldenmere by Michelle Slater- a historical murder mystery set in 1921 and the second book of the Iris Woodmore mysteries( link to review to the first book below)
I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.
Iris continues to be a woman out of her time- a woman who doesn’t want to settle down but wants to live her life on her terms but in 1920’s rural England has its own restrictive rules. Rules and ideas might lead to her being accused of murder.
The murder of General Cheverton and another resident of Walden is suitably mysterious with plenty of suspects, motives and red herrings. The murder of the second victim was unexpected and shocking which I think takes it out of the comforting, cosy crime genre and gives this an edge.
Like the first book in the series, the book touches upon the societal and political issues of the day such as corruption, bribery, the destruction of nature for profit and to a degree blaming women for being victims of crime.
Despite that heart-breaking murder, the book ends on an optimistic note when Iris makes a decision that may change her life.
Content Warning
References to domestic abuse
Perfect for Fans of
Historical murder mysteries, Death at Crookham Hall by Michelle Slater ( review here)

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

This is a 1920s murder mystery,
Sharing events set back in history.
This time journalist Iris is hoping to make
Safe the Waldenmere Lake.

However, her plans seem destined to fail
As the council can't battle those from rail.
Plans for a convalescent home or a hotel there
Can she protect the lake, getting others to care?

With a battle to save the local lake
Iris is wondering what it will take
Getting the local MP and nature lovers, too,
Should help, she thinks, so that's what she'll do.

However much the fight is on
If the rail company win, the lake will be gone
What will it's draining reveal?
Just what did the water conceal?

Get ready for murders and mystery
In this brilliant cosy crime thriller set back in history.
There are twists galore
And clues too easy to ignore!

A fascinating read to keep you turning the page
As secrets, family dramas and tempers rage.
Who could the perpetrator be?
Read it for yourself and then you'll see!

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Laurie J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started with this book in the series and was enjoying the plucky heroine. It held the vibe of “Murder She Wrote” in a small country town recovering in post-WWI aftermath. Strange twists strongly interlaced with the history of the time kept me listening past my bedtime.

But then — spoiler — her best friend is murdered. This flipped the cozy vibe into an insular, trust no one, cold, cut throat story. The heroine takes stupid risks — by herself —seemingly not caring that a killer is still out there and acts a fool around others accusing anyone with a thread of a motive. There no longer was an enjoyment of the unfolding whodunnit but a painful chore to finish.

At the end, I didn’t feel connected to the main character to continue. And it appears that she’s the only recurring character in this series. Everyone else in this story isn’t in the description of the next book or mentioned in the description of the last book. I thought a characteristic of a cozy series was to have more than one recurring character. I don’t know that I’ll go back to read the first in the series or continue with the next one.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 upped to 5
I'm loving this series that mixes historical fiction with cozy mystery and it's both entertaining and compelling.
The author did a good job in describing the effects of the aftermath of WWI on an area and how different economical interest can affect the life of people.
There's a mystery but there's also some interesting social remarks and issues like environment.
Iris is growin and I'm loving the evolution of this well thought character, these characters are not static but they change and I like this.
The solid mystery kept me guessing and surprised me with the numerous twists. I couldn't guess the culprit and thoroughly enjoyed it.
My only note: there's some repetition and some parts are a bit too long and put the mystery on the backseat.
I highly recommend this series and this novel as they're well written and intriguing.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

The lake, Waldenmere, is the target of a railroad company for development as a tourist destination and with it the destruction of wildlife and the town feel the locals love. General Cheverton, owner of the house standing in the way of the development, is found murdered in his home. More murders follow. Small newspaper reporter Iris Woodmore is determined to find out who is responsible before more die...including her.

This is not your typical frothy 1920s historical mystery. WWI and the horrible repercussions on both soldiers and the civilians who helped behind the lines in hospitals play a big role in this book. The restrictive role women were expected to live, the expectation of families who didn't necessarily see how the world was changing, and all the emotional burdens that come with it are interwoven into this story along with a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

May 1921 - Walden Hampsire;
Fighting over who will control the lake and property around it;
Nature Group - wants the town to retain control;
Army - wants the General's home to become a convalescent home for returning home veterans;
Developer - hotel and pool;
General Cheverton's home is near the lake; He is MURDERED;
Colonel and Florence Thackeray,
Mrs. Siddons, on council, Mansbridge;
Juliet Rendall, nature preserve,
Percy Baverstock, nature preserve,
Wildmay Manor,
George Hale, friend of Iris, works at council offices;
Alice, Iris' friend;
Ben Gilbert, son of a blacksmith, Alice's boyfriend;
Nathan Cheverton - the General's nephew;
Robert Elmes - man found in the tank in the pond, had an affair with Florence Thackeray for 2 years, Juliet was his sister; Looking for info on her brother she was surprised by General Cheverton and SHOT him. She thought Alice had the affair with her brother and confronted her, they fought and she MURDERED Alice.
Will Iris go away?

[Charlene Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into reading this book blind, didn’t know much about it or the author, didn’t even realize that this is a series.
Normally, I like to read a series in order, and I don’t usually like books that are too far back in history.
Particularly war time.
Well, this book changed my mind about those things.
I didn’t feel you had to have read a previous book for this one to make sense, and the writing style of the author is so engaging that it kept me interested regardless of it being a more historical setting. I looked forward to getting back to reading it each time.
It is so well written, so interesting, definitely a book I would recommend!
And I will definitely seek out other books by the author.

Thankyou to author Michelle Salter, Bolden Books amd Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
🌸📚🤗 Charlene @lastnownext

[Bibliophileverse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Waldenmere Lake by Michelle Salter, a historical mystery with its exciting and gripping plot, entertains us till the end. The story started off as a cozy mystery, but soon it turned out to be so wonderful that I could not put it down. The climax was a bit too unexpected for me. Iris Woodmore was nicely defined with all the other characters. I liked the emotional connection among all the characters too. The most interesting thing was that I was not able to guess the culprit till the final revelation.

The story is based on pride, jealousy, war, and emotions. Also, it traces some events to show what war can do to the people and their minds that instantly clicked with the characters. Mystery readers are definitely going to enjoy this book. The book deserves 5 stars.

Read more at https://bibliophileverse.blogspot.com...

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possible spoilers

This was a pleasant read... I liked the forward thinking Iris and how she did not bow down to how women of that age could be treated.
The setting was lovely, and I can imagine being up in arms about it being developed.
It works well as a stand alone book, as I didnt feel I'd missed out on not reading book 2.
At times though, it felt to me, as if there had been a murder and nothing was done about it.
I know the pacing is different in these cosy crimes, but by the time we had a second body, things were still ambling along nicely.
Having said that, I enjoyed the writing style, and the time it's set in, so would happily read book 3.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Iris Woodmore Mysteries series is an absorbing and emotional read. After reading book one, I felt I knew the characters and was invested in their lives. The mystery has many twists and explores the aftermath of WWI and its effect on those directly involved. It's a poignant, well-researched story that immerses readers in the 1920s. Iris is an intelligent and likeable character, and the dynamic between her and her boss and friends is realistic.

I like the historical details, the setting and the twisty mystery that Iris solves.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dredging up the past becomes deadly.

Waldenmere Lake is an asset to the small town of Walden, but the murder of one of those living on its shores and the need to do something about the ownership of the lake and lakeside property foments the ire of local residents. Iris, as a local reporter for the newspaper, investigates both the murder and the purchase of the lake by those whose intent is to build a large hotel on the shores. Affairs of the heart take center stage. The book covers the effects of war, the role of women, and Iris’s future. It was a page-turner for me, with an ending leaving me ready for the next book.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much better than the first book well done to the author. This was an enthralling murder mystery but was also so much more with saving the lake from being turned into a tourist resort and the shell shock suffered by soldiers from the first world war. There were plenty of suspects twist plots and red herrings resolving into 3 murders in the end and I couldn't out this down till the end which was a surprise also. Recommended, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[N.L. Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

The residents of Walden are trying to protect Waldenmere Lake from being sold to a developer, but when General Cheverton is found dead, whose home is located in the way of the developers, it seems that someone won’t let anyone stand in their way.

I loved the main character Iris, she has a great attitude and Salter writes a really atmospheric piece.

This is the second book in the series and although I felt this could be a stand-alone I would like to go back and read the first in the series.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual read at all but this cozy/historical crime mystery was like a breath of fresh air. This is the second in the Iris Woodmore series but reads well as a standalone.

It’s a few years after the end of World War One, Iris is a feisty investigative journalist & her interest is piqued when she hears that Lake Waldenmere is to be redeveloped as a tourist resort. The sale of this land results in murder but how is it also linked to the war?

An interesting plot but a fairly slow pace which distracted from my enjoyment, hence dropping a star.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this second book in the Iris Woodmore series marginally better than the first (Death at Crookham Hall). Parts of the plot, and the character of Iris, were better developed than they were in the first novel..Both titles were over 300 pages and to be honest, they would have been better if they had at least 50 pages removed and the plot strengthened so that almost every sentence was key in some way to plot and character development. It like, the first novel in this series were only okay reads for me but could have been much more.. 3.5** rounded down to 3**