A competition for the village’s best garden is interrupted by the discovery of a dead body. Does Cleo’s death have a connection to another death 25 years ago?
Mystery on Meadowsweet Grove is the 12th book to feature obituary writer and amateur sleuth Eve Mallow.
Secrets, lies, hidden tunnels, affairs, personal and professional animosity, a suspicious death in the past: this book has it all! Eve is inundated with suspects and motives as she begins to investigate the life and death of jeweller Cleo Marbeck. She is ably supported as always by her beau Robin and dachshund Gus as well as other villagers who have joined her friendship group over the series of books.
There are plenty of plot threads and secrets to reveal so the mystery is sustained until the end of the book. The writing style is easy to read and the village life felt authentic. The deaths are not described in graphic detail, in keeping with the cosy crime genre. I liked the emphasis on the characters and their relationships for underpinning the plot and resolution of the case.
Mystery on Meadowsweet Grove is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery in the English countryside.
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Book: Mystery on Meadowsweet Grove
Author: Clare Chase
Pub Day: May 2nd 2024
About the Book:
Saxford St Peter is having an open gardens day! But one of the villagers has murder, not marigolds, in mind… And now Eve Mallow needs to unearth a killer.
Everyone in Saxford is delighted when jeweller Cleo Marbeck suggests a prize for the village’s best garden. Flowers are planted, grass is cut, and the competition is on. But the event only digs up dirt… Twenty-five years ago, a young woman fell to her death in Cleo’s house, and rumours soon resurface about Cleo’s part in the tragedy.
Eve’s best friend Viv is hosting Stevie, her son’s fiancée, ahead of the wedding. On the open garden day, Stevie has a horrible flashback: the memory of a woman lying at the bottom of a staircase. But she sees it in a totally different house from the one where Honor died…
Hours later Cleo’s body is found, drowned in her own pond. Almost everyone in Saxford has been in and out of her garden, sowing suspicion everywhere. But Eve is convinced the flashback has triggered the crime… and when the police turn their sights on Stevie, she’ll have to work fast to solve the case and save the wedding.
So who wanted Cleo in the ground? The son of the woman who died, out for revenge? The employee passed over for promotion? Her long-term lover, who she refused to marry? And why do so many suspects live on Meadowsweet Grove?
When someone else takes a tumble downstairs, Eve knows she’s close to grubbing up the truth. But can she catch the killer or is she heading for a fatal fall?
A page-turning and completely charming English cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Sarah Yarwood-Lovett.
Author Bio
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 on 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 books.
You can find Clare’s website and blog at www.clarechase.com
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TRIGGER WARNING: Nazi antisemitic ideology and violence
1943, Germany. Jews in hiding. Nazi officers working against their leadership. Friends and family in danger of being denounced and arrested at every turn…
The Berlin Wife’s Vow is an historical book set during the second half of WW2. It is the fourth book in a series and I do feel that I would have benefitted from reading the earlier books to better understand the journey the characters have been on. I was able to catch up quickly but it did feel a little like I’d been dropped into the middle of a story.
There are a wealth of characters introduced to us at the start of the book. All of them are struggling to cope with life in Germany under the Nazis and are united in wanting to subvert the regime. Edith is married to a Jew and has been rejected by her brother who is a Nazi officer at an extermination camp. Her other brother is involved with resistance, putting his life in danger. Thea is brutally beaten until she agrees to betray others, while Helga and her family are trying to help those at risk of arrest and deportation.
Initially I was unsure of the wife and vow in question so felt that the title and book blurb didn’t quite match the plot (this was before I realised that it was the 4th book in a series). However, I understood better later in the book as events progressed. The writing style is easy to read and the characters were all depicted authentically and vividly brought to life. There is unpleasant violence and attitudes as you would expect due to the historical and geographical setting but these were not gratuitous. This was balanced by the kindness, love and hope that the characters cling to as they battle the worst of humanity.
The author has clearly researched the background for the book and has invested a lot in her characters and plot development over the series. My degree is in history and I have studied Nazi Germany a lot but I enjoyed being shown new perspectives and lesser known events such as the Rosenstrasse protest.
The Berlin Wife’s Vow is an engaging, emotional and well researched historical novel.
Book Description:
She kneels by her husband, his face contorted with pain. “You must get yourself to safety,” he tells her. She grips his hand tighter as a tear tracks down her drawn, pale face. “I promised to stay beside you. I will keep that vow to the end.”
Berlin, 1944. Edith Falkenstein weeps with joy when the crowds of brave women protesting on Rosenstrasse manage to save their Jewish relatives, including her husband Julius, from deportation to the camps.
Julius once believed abiding by the rules would shield him and his wife. But now he knows better: there is no such thing as mercy from the Nazis, and they must do all they can to save others. Their apartment, long stripped of its luxurious furnishings, might offer little protection from the frigid winter air, but it has become a place of secret shelter—though it puts all their lives at risk.
As bombs rain a thunder of devastation on the city and Soviet soldiers close in from the east, the Nazis have only become more desperate, and more deadly. For the inhabitants, their only option is to flee. But when another raid leaves Julius critically injured, Edith realises he is far too frail to make the perilous journey. She closes her eyes and prays for a miracle.
The final days of the war are here, but there is no cause for celebration in Berlin, where death lingers on every corner. Their love has been the source of their strength and survival all these long years, but will either of them live to see the end?
An absolutely page-turning and deeply heartrending story of one woman’s promise to protect the people she loves. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, The Alice Network and The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
Author Bio:
Marion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to “discover the world” and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she’s now living with her family.
Inspired by the true story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime, she started writing historical fiction, set during World War II. Her books are filled with raw emotions, fierce loyalty and resilience. She loves to put her characters through the mangle, making them reach deep within to find the strength to face moral dilemma, take difficult decisions or fight for what is right. And she never forgets to include humor and undying love in her books, because ultimately love is what makes the world go round.
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Maggie is adjusting to life’s changes. Her children are all grown up and her parents are battling age. Can she ever find happiness again or will she always put others first?
Maggie in the Middle is an emotional yet light hearted book about big changes.
It is a situation that many people find themselves in. An empty nest as your kids grow up and then the responsibility of caring for parents as their health deteriorates. All the while trying to work and live your own life. This is the situation Maggie finds herself in: her children have flown the nest, her parents are struggling with mental and physical health.
There are some huge issues dealt with in this book and it could have been very heavy. However, the writing is light hearted in tone and there are plenty of bad jokes to counter the deep emotions. I felt Maggie’s distress, frustration and grief. Her sister is completely unreasonable and this is partially excused in the final chapters but I did not feel this was sufficient justification for her abhorrent behaviour throughout the book.
Maggie finds friendship and love through a dog rescue centre. Her developing relationship with Bess the German Shepherd was just delightful and uplifting. This also provides Maggie with the opportunity to move on with her life and confront the big changes that she has been avoiding.
Maggie in the MIddle is packed full of emotion and cheesy jokes, radiating warmth from every page.
Maggie In The Middle
WHEN LIFE FEELS LIKE…
A TEST YOU DIDN’T STUDY FOR
When Maggie King turned sixty, she thought her life complete.
Now she’s sixty-one, and everything has gone horribly wrong.
Husband Greg has abruptly upped and left leaving Maggie bewildered. But there’s no time to question his departure because her ancient parents are all-consuming.
Once fondly referred to as the Golden Oldies, they’re now the BOBs – Bad-Tempered Old Buggers.
Sister Freya is never available to help, and Maggie is rapidly reaching the end of her tether.
She wants her life – and husband – back.
Instead, she’s trapped in what has been coined the Sandwich Generation – supporting both children and parents – except this particular sarnie is in danger of falling apart.
Maggie needs to learn that when life is like a club sandwich, it needs the best ingredients – and that includes lashings of love and some knee-trembling romance!
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Author Bio – Prior to turning her attention to writing, Debbie Viggiano was, for more years than she cares to remember, a legal secretary. She lives with her Italian husband, a rescued pooch from Crete, and a very disgruntled cat. Occasionally her adult children return home bringing her much joy… apart from when they want to raid the fridge or eat her secret stash of chocolate. Tweet @DebbieViggiano or follow her on Facebook!
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A series of murders on the street of York. Very differents ways of death but only one motive and one killer. Can Smith and his colleagues prevent the murderer fulfilling his mission…?
The Loner is the 27th book in the DS Jason Smith series.
The covid lockdown is about to begin and a killer is trying to complete his murders. In the space of a few days, there are a number of deaths and the bodies all have post mortem stigmata mutilations. Smith has issues at home and work to contend with as well as the impending lockdown and catching a killer. His daugher is pregnant and a new police officer is making life tricky.
The pace of the book and the rapidity of the murders are relentless. Chapters are short and the narrative is dialogue-led so the action and plot races along. The murders are quite graphically described and we have some chapters that show us the killer’s viewpoint to increase the tension and anticipation.
I make no secret that I love this series of books. The writing style is engaging and the characters jump from the pages. Grisly descriptions are balanced by the banter between the police team and among Smith’s family.
The Loner is a tense and gripping police procedural and serial killer thriller.
THE LONER (Detective Jason Smith #27) by Stewart Giles
From bestselling author: Stewart Giles comes another brilliant addition to the Detective Jason Smith series.
Sometimes, it’s the quiet ones you need to be careful of.
Detective Jason Smith has always considered himself to be a bit of a loner. His colleagues would agree with him.
But Smith has no idea that another solitary soul is about to give him the worst nightmares of his life.
Another loner is killing people in York, and this one isn’t about to stop until he’s caught.
He kills indiscriminately, and he’s extremely good at it.
It’s going to take a loner to catch a loner, and Smith is the only man who can stop the worst serial killer York has ever seen.
What readers are saying about THE LONER:
It’s a bit gruesome in parts but completely gripping and unpredictable. I found the plot to be highly original and wonderfully thought out. Absolutely brilliant! – CAROL
I love Stewarts books as I know I will quickly get into the story and have a wonderfully entertaining read. It’s one you can settle down with and despite the subject matter feel comfortable and at home with. A thrilling roller coaster of a read I really didnt want to end. A huge 5* – MISFITS FARM
Stewart Giles has a vivid imagination and the books he writes certainly keep me entertained. Highly recommended. – MAUREEN
Stewart Giles has done it again. Another absolutely unique story which had me hooked from the first chapter. – AMAZON REVIEWER
Stewart Giles – Author Bio
After reading English at 3 Universities and graduating from none of them, I set off travelling around the world with my wife, Ann, finally settling in South Africa, where we still live.
In 2014 Ann dropped a rather large speaker on my head and I came up with the idea for a detective series. DS Jason Smith was born. Smith, the first in the series was finished a few months later.
3 years and 8 DS Smith books later, Joffe Books wondered if I would be interested in working with them. As a self-published author, I agreed. However, we decided on a new series – the DC Harriet Taylor: Cornwall series.
The Beekeeper was published and soon hit the number one spot in Australia. The second in the series, The Perfect Murder did just as well.
I continued to self-publish the Smith series and Unworthy hit the shelves in 2018 with amazing results. I therefore made the decision to self-publish The Backpacker which is book 3 in the Detective Harriet Taylor series which was published in July 2018.
After The Backpacker I had an idea for a totally new start to a series – a collaboration between the Smith and Harriet thrillers and The Enigma was born. It brought together the broody, enigmatic Jason Smith and the more level-headed Harriet Taylor.
The Miranda trilogy is something totally different. A psychological thriller trilogy. It is a real departure from anything else I’ve written before.
The Detective Jason Smith series continues to grow. I also have another series featuring an Irish detective who relocated to Guernsey, the Detective Liam O’Reilly series. There are also 3 stand alone novels.
Website: www.stewartgiles.com
Twitter: @stewartgiles
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewart.giles.33
Cressida Fawcett is enjoying a tour of Winchester Cathedral with her aunt when they come across the body of a man. Her aunt’s maid is standing over the body holding the candlestick that struck him. She is instantly arrested but Cressida is sure she is innocent…
Death in the Crypt is the 5th book set in the 1920s to feature amateur sleuth Cressida Fawcett and her friends.
Nancy the maid is found standing over the body of her fiance. Cressida believes her protestations of innocence and arranges for DCI Andrews to lead the case. Of course, she can’t help starting an investigation herself while she waits for him to arrive! She is ably assisted by her dog Ruby and her high class friends Dotty and Alfred. But danger, a ghost and another murder mean trouble…
Cressy is a wonderful lead character. She is feisty and has determined never to marry in order to preserve her independence in an era when gender roles were severe and unfair. But her heart is tempted and confused by her feelings. Her dog Ruby is delightfully naughty which gives Cressida the chance to investigate more subtly.
I loved the familiar setting of Winchester Cathedral. This site has a special place in my heart and I remember the ethereal nature of the crypt. I thought that the historical and geographical settings, social conventions and class/gender roles had been well researched to underpin the plot and character behaviour.
Death in the Crypt is an enjoyable historical murder mystery.
Book Description:
The Honourable Cressida Fawcett is expecting the cathedral crypt to be full of dry old bones. But when she finds a body murdered just moments before, she’ll need divine inspiration to solve her most mysterious case yet…
Winchester, 1925. When heiress and amateur sleuth Cressida Fawcett is invited to her aunt’s mansion on Cloister Close, she is looking forward to a quiet stay in the historic town. The views of the cathedral are heavenly – and her aunt’s maid, Nancy, makes devilishly good ginger biscuits! But it seems Cressy and her pug Ruby won’t be allowed to rest in peace… On a tour of the crypt, they are shocked to stumble across the body of Anthony, the gentle, devoted verger. And a wild-eyed Nancy is standing over him, bloodied candlestick in hand…
Since Nancy was caught red-handed and the only other suspect is the Silent Friar, the legendary local ghost, Detective Andrews of Scotland Yard thinks the case is closed. But Nancy swears she would never have killed Anthony; they were in love. And while Cressy may not believe in ghosts, she does believe Nancy. So, whose soul is full of murder most foul? And will they strike again?
As she digs through parishioner gossip, Cressy discovers that for a man of the cloth, the verger had a surprising number of enemies. Was a local antiques dealer driven to murder over an illegal trade in holy relics? Would the head bellringer kill to achieve his musical ambitions? Or is the saintly Dean, whose black-cloaked figure resembles the Silent Friar and whose wife recently drowned, hiding a deadly sin?
The cathedral conceals many secrets, and it seems Cressy will need a miracle to uncover the truth. But then Cressy finds a hidden passageway to the crypt. Is this how the murderer escaped? The sceptical police lack faith in her theories, but can she catch the killer and save Nancy from the hangman’s noose? Or will she be too late to prevent another funeral march?
A totally gripping and deliciously witty historical murder mystery with a gasp-out-loud reveal, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss.
Author Bio:
Fliss Chester lives in Surrey with her husband and writes historical cozy crime. When she is not killing people off in her 1940s whodunnits, she helps her husband, who is a wine merchant, run their business. Never far from a decent glass of something, Fliss also loves cooking (and writing up her favourite recipes on her blog), enjoying the beautiful Surrey and West Sussex countryside and having a good natter.
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