Tag: crime fiction

A body in a hospital isn’t so unusual. Unless they’ve been murdered!

1916, London: Keen to support the war effort, bookshop manager and sometime amateur sleuth Hannah Merrill has taken a volunteer role in the library of the nearby military hospital. But arriving at
the hospital one cold winter’s morning, she is horrified to find the body of a dead soldier in the library.
What’s more, a beautiful young nurse confides in Hannah that she thinks she’s being followed, and then she abruptly disappears. Hannah can’t shake the suspicion that the two cases are connected,
but she can’t solve the case alone. She’ll once again need to call upon her delightful, demanding, only-occasionally devious aunt, Violet. The two women know they must find the missing nurse before it’s too late… but they don’t realise they’re now both in the killer’s sights.

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Anita Davison is the author of the successful Flora Maguire historical mystery series. Previously published by Aria, she is writing a new cosy mystery series for Boldwood, the first title of which,
Murder in the Bookshop will be published in August 2023.

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My thoughts: when Hannah opens up the hospital library where she volunteers, she doesn’t expect to find a body there, but she does. One of the patients, not a popular man, so there’s plenty of suspects to be had. And then a potential witness, one of the nurses, vanishes. What is going on?

Hannah doesn’t need much of an excuse to do some investigating, Aidan doesn’t think it’s connected and to begin with he doesn’t believe the nurse, Alice, is really missing. So much for Scotland Yard! So Hannah, and Aunt Violet, look into the young woman themselves. She thought someone was following her, and everyone they talk to, her landlady, her aunt, her friend, seem to be hiding things. Anyone of them could have been involved.

Unravelling the murdered soldier’s somewhat sordid tale does give a few clues to the missing heiress too, she might have seen something that could be dangerous. But threats come from another angle as Hannah, Aunt Violet, Aidan and Darius visit Lowestoft, the most easterly town in England, to get some answers.

Set amid the worries of WW1, and threats in the North Sea, this is a smart, entertaining and enjoyable crime read. 

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.

Westleham Village 1948

As Valentine’s Day rolls around, Martha Miller finds herself unusually melancholy at the state of her own love life. With husband Stan still missing and with her growing feelings for Vicar Luke still
shrouded in secrecy, there’s only one place Martha can go – famous local beauty spot, Lovers’ Leap.
Legend has it that those with a broken heart throw themselves off the bridge that spans the river, but Martha is certainly not about to do such a thing! But it looks like someone else has had other ideas…. Because there in the river, Martha finds a body. But is this misadventure, a moment of lovesick madness, or is foul play afoot? Martha knows one thing…the villagers of Westleham have another crime to solve! Let the investigation commence! Find out if Martha and Luke can catch the killer in a brand new Martha Miller mystery from bestselling author Catherine Coles.

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Catherine Coles writes bestselling cosy mysteries set in the English countryside. Her extremely popular Tommy & Evelyn Christie series is based in North Yorkshire in the 1920’s and Catherine herself lives in Hull with her family and two spoiled dogs.

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My thoughts: in the middle of WW2, in a small English village, a young man is found dead in the water beneath the Lovers’ Leap, where legend has it, two young people, forbidden to be together, leapt to their deaths. Is this history repeating or is it something else entirely?

Out walking her dog, Martha finds the body, and after getting covered in mud too. It looks like a tragic accident but the autopsy reveals it’s murder. Could it be related to a strange incident in the village shop a few days before?

With the vicar, Luke, helping out, along with her gossipy friends, Martha thinks she can solve this one for Ben, the local Detective Inspector, and her future brother-in-law, if Ruby says yes.

Martha’s own feelings for Luke are threatening to boil over, if only missing husband Stan would either be found dead or alive and willing to agree to a divorce, then they could all move on, but no such luck. So for now the two of them will tiptoe around each other and focus on murder and not romance.

Uncovering a scam taking place right there in the village, one that might be connected to two deaths now, and involve Luke’s estranged father, a newcomer to the village, will hopefully provide distraction.

There’s lots going on and I couldn’t see how it was all connected until Martha laid it all out. She’d spotted the killer and quickly linked all the clues together, no wonder Luke finds her so fascinating, she’s rather brilliant. Setting up a trap for the murderer to walk into and getting it all very neatly resolved for the police to be able to charge the right people. Unfortunately not everyone ends up happy, but that’s life I suppose. A charming, clever and enjoyable read.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.

An an ambitious high-achieving young woman, unfairly bullied from her job, her career in ruins; her brother, a charming slacker getting by on good looks and charisma; an out-of-control unstoppable terrier called Winkle, and a popular social media star bludgeoned to death – who said pet-sitting would be a walk in the park?

Monica was on the corporate ladder striving to be a high-flying executive, but when the misogynistic bullying from the privileged pale stale males becomes too much she snaps and quits on the spot. At her lowest ebb, a chance remark from her charming slacker brother Paddy identifies a business opportunity – she becomes a pet-sitter!

She’s enthusiastic, she loves animals, and she’s got the management it’s bound to be a success, isn’t it? Monica quickly finds dealing with her team of misfits as easy as herding kittens.

Monica and Paddy soon very publicly clash with a much beloved personal trainer that has made their local park his own personal kingdom. However, after he is brutally murdered with his own dumbbell, legions of his online devotees are quick to pronounce Monica guilty in the court of social media opinion.

When the demands for retribution threaten to overspill into Monica’s real life, she knows she must find the killer before the lynch mob comes for her.

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Matthew Ross is the author of 3 published novels to date. His first novel, “Death Of A Painter” was selected by The Sun newspaper as one of its picks of the week. Matthew wrote his first novel after undertaking the prestigious Faber Academy 6-month novel writing course under the tutelage of Richard Skinner.

Prior to that Matthew wrote material for a leading British stand-up comedian for their live performances, corporate bookings, national theatre tours and their appearances on tv and radio shows such as “Have I Got News For You”, “Mock The Week” and “The News Quiz”.

In addition, he was commissioned to provide material and sketches for several comedy series that were broadcast on BBC Radio 4.

Matthew lives in Kent with his family and pets.

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My thoughts: I’ve read a couple of this author’s other books, so was keen to read his new crime fiction, and it was really enjoyable.

From the moment Monica loses it as she leaves her terrible job, to the gathering of the dog walkers and the utter chaos of the murder in the park investigation with a total idiot in charge of the case (I feel so sorry for Nicci, his DC, who should really be in charge), it’s just a tremendously fun and entertaining read, with enough gripping whodunnit? energy to keep me hooked. Can’t wait for the next one!

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own

When a woman’s mutilated body is discovered in a remote countryside property, Detective Kay Hunter is faced with one of the most challenging investigations of her career.

There is nothing in the victim’s past to explain her brutal slaying and no clues as to how her killer got away.

Then a second body is found in a run-down storage facility, the man’s remains covered in horrific injuries that bear the hallmarks of prolonged torture.

With two families demanding justice, Kay is under pressure from her superiors to deliver a swift result – but there is no evidence to connect the two victims.

When a third victim is found just a short distance from her own incident room, Kay realises that the killer has no intention of stopping – and they already have their next victim in their sights…

A Deadly Promise is the 13th book in the Detective Kay Hunter series by USA Today bestselling author Rachel Amphlett, and perfect for readers who love fast-paced crime thrillers.

Before turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio as a presenter and freelance producer for the BBC, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.

She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 30 novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.

Rachel’s stories are available in eBook, print and audiobook formats from libraries and retailers as well as her own shop on this website.

A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.

She loves hearing from readers and personally replies to every email.

Email: info@rachelamphlett.com
Website: http://www.rachelamphlett.com

My thoughts: a dark and compelling crime thriller from Rachel Amphlett, who writes some very gripping stuff.

The shocking murder of a young woman in the bathroom of the house she cleans leads the police to more horrific deaths, all of people who turn out to be in debt to some seriously nasty people  – loan sharks, but sharks don’t torture their food, these people do.

As the cost of living crisis, rising unemployment and stagnant benefits force desperate people to take money from dubious sources, the police are racing against time to stop the killers and save lives. A chance comment in lock up could hold the key to who these genuinely awful people are.

Gripping, intelligent crime fiction.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own

The summer is the hottest yet in the Brittany coastal town of Morranez, but when a new case lands on the desk of the Toussaints detective agency, there can be no time to relax.

As wild fires bear down on the town, the alert goes out for a missing girl. Nineteen-year-old Briony Moorcroft has seemingly been taken from her sleepy Welsh village and brought to France. Her parents are baffled and scared – Briony needs her life-saving medicine or this case will become even more sinister, and with the police dragging their heels, the Moorcrofts are relying on Mila Shephard and Carter Jackson’s sleuthing skills.

Meanwhile there are mysteries troubling Mila’s life too. Two years after the accident that swept her sister Sophie and brother-in-law Charlie away and left their daughter Ani in Mila’s care, new evidence resurfaces that makes Mila doubt everything. Can Carter and Mila find Briony before it’s too late? And is the truth about Sophie and Charlie finally about to be revealed…

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Louise Douglas is the bestselling and brilliantly reviewed author and an RNA award winner.TheSecrets Between Uswas a Richard and Judy Book Club pick. She lives in the West Country.

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My thoughts: Mila and Carter are tracking down two young women, one critically ill, who have run off to Brittany. But all is not as it seems there.

There’s also the possible sighting of the boat Mila’s stepsister Sophie and her husband Charlie were sailing when they went missing, or at least the remains of it. How will Mila’s niece, Ani, cope with hearing her father’s boat and maybe his remains have been found?

As thunderstorms threaten and wild fires destroy the Breton countryside, Mila must juggle her worries for Ani with the time crucial case, and discovers secrets hidden behind an every day facade.

Intelligent, gripping writing that brings the beautiful but threatened Brittany coastline and villages to life, with a cast of fascinating characters and stories. Sophie and Charlie had secrets too, will finding the boat bring them to the surface and what of Mila’s long distance relationship with fiancé Luke, back home in Bristol? Everything feels very delicate and tense, a delightful and enjoyable read. 

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.

An instalment in bestselling author T. A. Williams’ Armstrong and Oscar cosy mystery series!

A cosy crime series set in gorgeous Tuscany…

It’s murder in paradise!

A secluded villa…

When Dan Armstrong is asked to provide security at a private villa on the outskirts of Pisa, he’s prettysure it will be an easy job. Villa Gregory is remote; the gathered guests are rich – what could possiblygo wrong?A glittering gathering…

Inside the high walls of the palatial villa, Dan discovers the gathered guests are some of the most powerful tycoons in the media world, with plans for world domination. With so much at stake, Danredoubles his efforts to keep everyone safe.A detective under pressure?But when one of the group is found murdered, Dan’s heart sinks – especially considering Anna’s owndaughter is in the frame! When the police arrive, Dan meets formidable Inspector Adolfo Vinci, a man whose main talent seems to be for getting things wrong. It all goes from bad to worse for Dan as the man from the Leaning Tower starts leaning on him. It’s another case for Dan and Oscar to solve, and this one won’t be easy!

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T A Williams is the author of over twenty bestselling romances for HQ and Canelo and is now turning his hand to cosy crime, set in his beloved Italy, for Boldwood. The series will introduce us to retired DCI Armstrong and his labrador Oscar, and the first book, entitled Murder in Tuscany, was published in October 2022. Trevor lives in Devon with his Italian wife.

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My thoughts: I really like this series, Dan and Oscar are a delightful man & dog detective duo, like some of my favourite TV and book series, Oscar often sniffs out the perp and saves the day. As he does here.

I went to Pisa years ago with my family, and as with much of Tuscany, it’s incredibly beautiful, and the Tower is fascinating. Thankfully I didn’t witness any crimes though, while Dan seems to attract them. He’s playing security guard at a private villa where a top level meeting is taking place and they want privacy.

Until one of the guests is killed, and the police descend. Did someone break in, despite Dan’s patrols or was it one of the other guests? The deceased is not a popular man and has done some properly nasty things both professionally and personally and some of the other guests have reasons to dislike him, but to kill him?

When Anna’s daughter, who happens to be the victim’s assistant, is arrested, Dan is sure they’ve got the wrong person and despite the deeply unpleasant Inspector warning him off, decides to keep digging.

Thankfully the ever vigilant Oscar is by his side as Dan makes himself a target to catch the killer. Otherwise this could have been the last in the series!

I really had fun with this one, and the descriptions of food made me so hungry! Can’t wait for the next adventure for Dan and Co under the gorgeous Tuscan sun.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.

The Isle of Wight has always felt like a safe place to live for keen dog-walker and reluctant sleuth Susan. But after being involved in the investigation of a troubling crime near her old home, Susan decides to move to the peaceful village of Bishopstone.
Susan loves the sense of community and immediately throws herself into village life, volunteering at the local primary school and joining the choir of St Jude’s. So, when there is an altercation at the
meeting of the choir committee, followed by a shocking accident involving head teacher Lawrence, Susan is dismayed to realise her powers of deduction may be needed again.
There is a dangerous criminal hiding in plain sight and with the police reluctant to help, Susan must put together the pieces of the fiendish puzzle to flush out a killer before they strike again.
A brand new cosy mystery from the author of the bestselling The House Party. Perfect for fans of Frances Evesham, Faith Martin and LJ Ross.

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Mary Grand writes gripping, page-turning suspense novels, with a dark and often murderous underside. She grew up in Wales, was for many years a teacher of deaf children and now lives on the Isle of Wight.

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My thoughts: a man falls from the church roof, the keys in his pocket, the doors locked. A tragic accident or murder?

Lawrence was the local school’s headmaster, a popular local figure and head of the church’s choir committee. He and his wife Hazel have lived in the village for years. While some of his recent decisions had caused some upset, was it enough to drive someone to kill him?

Susan doesn’t think so, but Hazel asks her to dig into the events and people around them to see if anyone, the choir director, his deputy head, the vicar, had it in for him. Lots of people seem to have secrets of their own, and Susan has to reveal them to see if a murderer is hidden in the village.

Clever and entertaining, this is an enjoyable whodunnit with a nice little twist in the tale.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.

When local crime reporter Emma Fletcher is asked to help identify her friend’s blackmailer, she discovers a link to the recent death of a teacher at Allensbury Dance and Drama School.
Meanwhile, a police investigation is uncovering some dark secrets, and it is clear that someone is seeking revenge for past wrongs.
As Emma’s list of suspects continues to grow, the discovery of a second body puts her in the killer’s sights.
Warned off the investigation by the police for her own safety, Emma decides the best way to save herself is to find the culprit first.
With the help of fellow news reporter Dan Sullivan, Emma must work out who is targeting Allensbury Dance and Drama School before the killer strikes again.

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LM Milford is a crime fiction author who writes the Allensbury mysteries, covering the exploits of local newspaper reporter Dan Sullivan.
A former newspaper journalist, Lynne’s experience has influenced her work, although her stories were never as exciting as Dan’s.
Lynne was born and brought up in the north-east of England, but now lives in Kent with her husband and far too many books. She loves cooking, baking and holidays in Spain. She’s partial to a good red wine and plates of cheese.

Website Twitter Instagram Facebook Bluesky – @lmmilford.bsky.social

My thoughts: ballet school has never been so dangerous. Blackmail, murder, and secrets lurk in the halls of Allensbury Dance and Drama School.

Journalist Emma is digging into the situation and turning up some dark and worrying things buried beneath the elegant facade of ballet. With the help of colleague Dan, she’s determined to find the truth.

A smart and enjoyable crime novel, with lots of twists and some pretty unpleasant people, they can’t all be suspects but it’s hard to parse the truth from the lies.

*I was kindly gifted a copy of this book in exchange for taking part in this blog tour, but all opinions remain my own.