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Vale of Tears (Bradecote and Catchpoll #5) by Sarah Hawkswood (Sept/Oct 25)
By Susan · 5 posts · 10 views
By Susan · 5 posts · 10 views
last updated Sep 20, 2025 02:26PM
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Vale of Tears (Bradecote and Catchpoll #5) - SPOILER Thread - (Sept/Oct 25)
By Susan · 5 posts · 6 views
By Susan · 5 posts · 6 views
last updated Sep 21, 2025 08:01AM
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What mysteries are you reading at the moment? (2024-2025)
By Judy · 978 posts · 162 views
By Judy · 978 posts · 162 views
last updated Sep 23, 2025 05:38AM
What Members Thought

3.5-4 stars for this fun and entertaining cozy mystery. Brett does a great job of diving right in, introducing a great character, Mrs. Pargeter, a widow moving into a refined seaside hotel for senior citizens on Britain’s south coast.
I’ve read many mystery series over the years, and find one often must make allowances for ‘first book’ syndrome, where an author painstakingly (and often clumsily) establishes main characters, setting, time period, etc. Sometimes the series gets better, book by book ...more
I’ve read many mystery series over the years, and find one often must make allowances for ‘first book’ syndrome, where an author painstakingly (and often clumsily) establishes main characters, setting, time period, etc. Sometimes the series gets better, book by book ...more

Oct 02, 2018
Lillian
rated it
really liked it
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review of another edition
Shelves:
mystery-modern-cozy
A new favorite!

I knew this was a light, quick mystery before reading it. There is a little creeping melancholy about it. Nevertheless, the main character (and her deceased husband) are fascinating. Also, the false leads worked right up until the end. I didn't guess who done it. (But then... I rarely do.) Overall, an entertaining speedy story.
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Very tempted to go on to the next one. I really think it's a 4.5 for me because of something at the end, but that may be just my urge to edit because of my own writing. So glad to have found this series!
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Excellent book set in 'genteel' England in the early 80s. Good pacing, excellent mystery. It has been awhile since I've actually enjoyed a cozy! Recommend!
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Mar 15, 2022
Gardener0126
added it

May 29, 2023
Sarah Niebuhr Rubin
marked it as to-read

May 13, 2025
Jody Seibert
marked it as kindle