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First Edition Library Mystery #2
Murder Is a Must
Determined to make the First Edition Library a success, Hayley Burke wasn’t expecting to have to solve an old friend’s murder in this all-new mystery from USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate.
Hayley Burke, curator of Lady Fowling's collection of first edition mysteries, is settling into her position at the First Edition Library in Middlebank House. She's even made progress with Lady Fowling's former secretary, the ornery Miss Woolgar. The women are busily preparing for an exhibition that will showcase Lady Fowling's life and letters. Hayley knows the exhibition is a huge undertaking and decides, against her better judgement, to hire Oona Atherton, her former boss from the Jane Austen Centre to help with the planning.
Oona is known for being difficult, but all seems to be going swimmingly until she and Hayley uncover a one-page letter that alludes to a priceless edition of MURDER MUST ADVERTISE signed by several Golden Age of Mystery authors. Oona feels this book could be the focal point of the exhibition and becomes obsessed with finding it.
When they find clues that appear to point to the book being somewhere in the First Edition Library, Oona is certain she's unraveled the mystery and texts Hayley the good news, but upon arriving back at Middlebank, Hayley finds her old boss dead at the bottom of the stairs. Did her discovery of the rare book get her killed or was it some angry shadow from her past? Hayley must read between the lines to catch a malicious murderer.
Hayley Burke, curator of Lady Fowling's collection of first edition mysteries, is settling into her position at the First Edition Library in Middlebank House. She's even made progress with Lady Fowling's former secretary, the ornery Miss Woolgar. The women are busily preparing for an exhibition that will showcase Lady Fowling's life and letters. Hayley knows the exhibition is a huge undertaking and decides, against her better judgement, to hire Oona Atherton, her former boss from the Jane Austen Centre to help with the planning.
Oona is known for being difficult, but all seems to be going swimmingly until she and Hayley uncover a one-page letter that alludes to a priceless edition of MURDER MUST ADVERTISE signed by several Golden Age of Mystery authors. Oona feels this book could be the focal point of the exhibition and becomes obsessed with finding it.
When they find clues that appear to point to the book being somewhere in the First Edition Library, Oona is certain she's unraveled the mystery and texts Hayley the good news, but upon arriving back at Middlebank, Hayley finds her old boss dead at the bottom of the stairs. Did her discovery of the rare book get her killed or was it some angry shadow from her past? Hayley must read between the lines to catch a malicious murderer.
326 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2020
113 people are currently reading
2,493 people want to read
About the author
Marty Wingate
33Ìýbooks653ÌýfollowersUSA Today best-selling author Marty Wingate writes The First Edition Library series (Berkley) set in Bath, England, about the curator of a collection of books from the Golden Age of Mystery. Book one, The Bodies in the Library, concerns murder among an Agatha Christie fan-fiction writing group, and in book two, Murder Is a Must (October 2020), an exhibition manager is found dead at the bottom of a spiral staircase. Marty also writes historical fiction: Glamour Girls (Alcove Press, January 2021) follows Spitfire pilot Rosalie Wright through both the physical and emotional dangers of the Second World War. Marty writes two further mystery series: the Potting Shed books (Alibi) feature Pru Parke, a middle-aged American gardener transplanted from Texas to England, and the Birds of a Feather series (Alibi) follows Julia Lanchester, bird lover, who runs a tourist office in a Suffolk village.
Marty prefers on-the-ground research whenever possible, and so she and her husband regularly travel to England and Scotland, where she can be found tracing the steps of her characters, stopping for tea and a slice of Victoria sponge in a café, or enjoying a swift half in a pub.
Marty prefers on-the-ground research whenever possible, and so she and her husband regularly travel to England and Scotland, where she can be found tracing the steps of her characters, stopping for tea and a slice of Victoria sponge in a café, or enjoying a swift half in a pub.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
November 30, 2020
Hayley Burke is the curator at Lady Georgiana Fowling’s First Edition library in Bath, England. The library is a mystery lovers dream, containing many Golden Age mysteries. Hayley and her former boss, Oona, are preparing a new exhibit showcasing Lady Fowling’s life and letters. When they learn a rare, signed book may be located somewhere in the library, Oona wants to locate it. Before the book id located, Oona is found dead. In addition to getting involved in the murder investigation, Hayley also needs to find the missing book.
Murder Is a Must is the second book in the First Edition Library Mystery series by Marty Wingate. This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first book, The Bodies in the Library, before this one. It’s a fabulous cozy series, and fans of cozies and Golden Age mysteries are sure to enjoy both books.
The setting is charming. The cast of characters is quirky and relatable. Hayley is a likable protagonist � smart, witty, and hard-working. The story is entertaining, and along with the mystery also includes other things happening in Hayley’s life.
A delightful cozy mystery. Recommended for fans of cozies, especially ones that feature books and libraries.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Murder Is a Must is the second book in the First Edition Library Mystery series by Marty Wingate. This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first book, The Bodies in the Library, before this one. It’s a fabulous cozy series, and fans of cozies and Golden Age mysteries are sure to enjoy both books.
The setting is charming. The cast of characters is quirky and relatable. Hayley is a likable protagonist � smart, witty, and hard-working. The story is entertaining, and along with the mystery also includes other things happening in Hayley’s life.
A delightful cozy mystery. Recommended for fans of cozies, especially ones that feature books and libraries.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2022
Sometimes I find myself binge watching a television series. The same thing can happen when I find a new-to-me author. MARTY WINGATE is the latest writer I am binge reading. I recently heard her speak at a writer’s conference and decided that among her several series the one that might be in my field of interest was First edition Library Mysteries. In the space of two weeks, I have read the first two (see my previous review of THE BODIES IN THE LIBRARY). Book 2 is titled MURDER IS A MUST.
As in the first book in the series, the story is set in Bath, England. The lead character is forty something Hayley Burke. She is the Curator of the First Edition Society Library created by the late Lady Georgiana Fowling in her former Georgian Town House. The Library features mysteries from the Golden Years of Mysteries, the 1920s and 1930s. Among the valuable first editions is a first edition of Dorothy Sayers� MURDER MUST ADVERTISE signed by all the members of the Detection Club in 1933. In reality, it is the most valuable of all of the books in the Library. And it is missing!
Hayley, her boss Glynis Woolgar (the Society’s Secretary/Director) and the Society’s Board have decided to hold an open-to-the-public exposition featuring Lady Georgiana’s books, furniture and life. The featured items will include the missing book and her Ladyship’s desk. The exhibition site, the Charlotte, and its booking director Naomi Faber, require all exhibitions to have a formal event planner. To that end, Hayley hires Oona Atherton with whom she has past experience. The time frame for the show’s opening is only three months away
Oona had proven to be difficult to work with but was a brilliant planner. Before hiring her, Hayley interviewed Zeno Berryfield another famous planner with a notorious past. Oona has a young assistant with promise, Clara Powell. Shortly after being hired, Oona is found at the bottom of a spiral staircase at the Charlotte. She was dead, possibly murdered. It is eerily similar to the storyline of “Murder is a Must�. With Oona’s death, Hayley is backed into a position of having to hire Zeno in order to get the exposition ready.
Not only are Hayley, Clara and Zeno faced with a short timeline but the missing book needs to be found. Just before her death, Oona had sent a message to Hayley that she knew where the missing book was located. Her notes are missing from the crime scene.
Investigating the murder are holdover (from book one) police officers Detective Sergeant Ronald Hopgood and his partner Detective Kenny Pyle. They and Hayley reluctantly share their notes concerning the investigation. Helping Hayley with exposition and other Library functions is her romantic interest Professor Val Moffat of Bath College’s writing department. Among his students is Detective Pyle. Playing an important role is tech wizard Dom Kilpatrick with whom Hayley had worked at the Jane Austen Centre, her previous employer.
There are suspects galore. Clara would like to be an event planner in her own right. Zeno wants the role of the event planner for the First edition Society. Stuart “Bulldog� Moyle is a book collector who would very much like to have the missing book.
There are not enough words for me to express how much I have enjoyed the first two books in Ms. Wingate’s series. Suffice it to say that I have now started book three in the series. If you want to be entertained by a good cozy mystery, read this book. If you would like to know a little bit about the rare book marketplace, you will enjoy this story. VERYHIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
GO! BUY! READ!
As in the first book in the series, the story is set in Bath, England. The lead character is forty something Hayley Burke. She is the Curator of the First Edition Society Library created by the late Lady Georgiana Fowling in her former Georgian Town House. The Library features mysteries from the Golden Years of Mysteries, the 1920s and 1930s. Among the valuable first editions is a first edition of Dorothy Sayers� MURDER MUST ADVERTISE signed by all the members of the Detection Club in 1933. In reality, it is the most valuable of all of the books in the Library. And it is missing!
Hayley, her boss Glynis Woolgar (the Society’s Secretary/Director) and the Society’s Board have decided to hold an open-to-the-public exposition featuring Lady Georgiana’s books, furniture and life. The featured items will include the missing book and her Ladyship’s desk. The exhibition site, the Charlotte, and its booking director Naomi Faber, require all exhibitions to have a formal event planner. To that end, Hayley hires Oona Atherton with whom she has past experience. The time frame for the show’s opening is only three months away
Oona had proven to be difficult to work with but was a brilliant planner. Before hiring her, Hayley interviewed Zeno Berryfield another famous planner with a notorious past. Oona has a young assistant with promise, Clara Powell. Shortly after being hired, Oona is found at the bottom of a spiral staircase at the Charlotte. She was dead, possibly murdered. It is eerily similar to the storyline of “Murder is a Must�. With Oona’s death, Hayley is backed into a position of having to hire Zeno in order to get the exposition ready.
Not only are Hayley, Clara and Zeno faced with a short timeline but the missing book needs to be found. Just before her death, Oona had sent a message to Hayley that she knew where the missing book was located. Her notes are missing from the crime scene.
Investigating the murder are holdover (from book one) police officers Detective Sergeant Ronald Hopgood and his partner Detective Kenny Pyle. They and Hayley reluctantly share their notes concerning the investigation. Helping Hayley with exposition and other Library functions is her romantic interest Professor Val Moffat of Bath College’s writing department. Among his students is Detective Pyle. Playing an important role is tech wizard Dom Kilpatrick with whom Hayley had worked at the Jane Austen Centre, her previous employer.
There are suspects galore. Clara would like to be an event planner in her own right. Zeno wants the role of the event planner for the First edition Society. Stuart “Bulldog� Moyle is a book collector who would very much like to have the missing book.
There are not enough words for me to express how much I have enjoyed the first two books in Ms. Wingate’s series. Suffice it to say that I have now started book three in the series. If you want to be entertained by a good cozy mystery, read this book. If you would like to know a little bit about the rare book marketplace, you will enjoy this story. VERYHIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
GO! BUY! READ!
December 5, 2022
Fun characters (even tho properly British) jostle about creating an exhibit on mystery books collected by an author of honor. When the primary exhibition manager is killed in a spiral staircase fall, it’s a madcap whodunnit with a couple quirky laughs and characters tossed in. (Dom reminded me of Ignatius J. Reilly) Orbiting stories add in to round this out to an easy read. Picked up some phrases along the way, so double score.
January 11, 2021
Another book that I have mixed feelings about. The story was pretty interesting, but it felt like there was a lot of talk about what the characters were going to do, but they didn't get around to doing them for a long time. It could have been shorter.
(SPOILER ALERT): The killer wasn't a surprise. I don't know why the police couldn't figure out that his alibi didn't cover the complete time that he could have committed the crime.
So, it was okay. I might read another in the series.
(SPOILER ALERT): The killer wasn't a surprise. I don't know why the police couldn't figure out that his alibi didn't cover the complete time that he could have committed the crime.
So, it was okay. I might read another in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2023
This is the second book in the First Edition Library Mystery series. Hayley Burke, curator at the First Edition Library, undertakes putting on an exhibition of Lady Fowler's life and work. She is stuck on the details of when and where to have the event as well as fining someone skilled to manage it. Quickly things fall into place and Hayley hires Oona Atherton to mange the event. Hayley previously worked under Oona and knows that she is a difficult and exacting boss.
Out of the blue Hayley finds documentation of a first edition of Dorothy L. Sayers' Murder Must Advertise which was signed by many of her and her contemporaries. While Oona is working on the exhibit, Hayley is searching for the missing book. Then Oona is found at the bottom of a spiral staircase just like the murder in Murder Must Advertise. Hayley and her friends then work to help the police solve the mystery.
I enjoyed this book almost as much as I did the first one. Once again the mystery was good with lots of suspects. I plan to read the third book in the series soon.
Out of the blue Hayley finds documentation of a first edition of Dorothy L. Sayers' Murder Must Advertise which was signed by many of her and her contemporaries. While Oona is working on the exhibit, Hayley is searching for the missing book. Then Oona is found at the bottom of a spiral staircase just like the murder in Murder Must Advertise. Hayley and her friends then work to help the police solve the mystery.
I enjoyed this book almost as much as I did the first one. Once again the mystery was good with lots of suspects. I plan to read the third book in the series soon.
October 23, 2020
I received an advance review copy from the publisher, via Netgalley.
Dorothy L. Sayers is my favorite Golden Age of Mystery writer, so I couldn’t resist this modern-day takeoff on her classic Murder Must Advertise.
The protagonist of the book (and of the first in the series, The Bodies in the Library) is Hayley Burke, the curator of the First Edition Library in Bath, which resides (as does Hayley) in the stately Georgian home of the late Lady Fowling, a minor mystery writer herself. Fowler’s home is a treasure trove of Golden Age books. As curator, Hayley organizes frequent speaker nights and other events. As this novel begins, Hayley is determined to mount an exhibition featuring Fowler and her collection.
Hayley’s ambitious project requires her to hire an exhibition manager—or at least she thinks it does. She chooses Oona Atherton, a supremely talented woman, but also a perfectionist who is difficult to work with. In short order, Oona is ordering around her intern, Clara, as well as Hayley and Hayley’s lover, Val, who is a literature professor. And in short order after that, Oona is found dead at the bottom of a spiral staircase, just like the featured death in Dorothy L. Sayers’s classic, Murder Must Advertise.
Coincidence plays a strong role in moving the plot along. Hayley is a fairly appealing character, though I grit my teeth at women like her, who lack self confidence and who allow themselves to be manipulated. The romance element is there for those who enjoy that, but isn’t too obtrusive.
I chose this book for its Golden Age connection, but there really isn’t all that much of it worked into the fabric of the book. The Golden Age is more of a hook for the series that an integral part of it. While this isn’t anywhere near the level of the Golden Age writers, it will likely appeal to those looking for a light cozy read with a bit of non-graphic romance thrown in.
Dorothy L. Sayers is my favorite Golden Age of Mystery writer, so I couldn’t resist this modern-day takeoff on her classic Murder Must Advertise.
The protagonist of the book (and of the first in the series, The Bodies in the Library) is Hayley Burke, the curator of the First Edition Library in Bath, which resides (as does Hayley) in the stately Georgian home of the late Lady Fowling, a minor mystery writer herself. Fowler’s home is a treasure trove of Golden Age books. As curator, Hayley organizes frequent speaker nights and other events. As this novel begins, Hayley is determined to mount an exhibition featuring Fowler and her collection.
Hayley’s ambitious project requires her to hire an exhibition manager—or at least she thinks it does. She chooses Oona Atherton, a supremely talented woman, but also a perfectionist who is difficult to work with. In short order, Oona is ordering around her intern, Clara, as well as Hayley and Hayley’s lover, Val, who is a literature professor. And in short order after that, Oona is found dead at the bottom of a spiral staircase, just like the featured death in Dorothy L. Sayers’s classic, Murder Must Advertise.
Coincidence plays a strong role in moving the plot along. Hayley is a fairly appealing character, though I grit my teeth at women like her, who lack self confidence and who allow themselves to be manipulated. The romance element is there for those who enjoy that, but isn’t too obtrusive.
I chose this book for its Golden Age connection, but there really isn’t all that much of it worked into the fabric of the book. The Golden Age is more of a hook for the series that an integral part of it. While this isn’t anywhere near the level of the Golden Age writers, it will likely appeal to those looking for a light cozy read with a bit of non-graphic romance thrown in.
September 24, 2022
This is a lovely and fun little series so far. Due a cancellation in a much-desired exhibition space, Hayley Burke, curator of the First Edition Library Society, has found herself in the position of putting an exhibition (Lady Georgianna Flowing: A Life in Words) with only a few months to spare, and she desperately needs an exhibition manager. She encounters Oona Atherton, a talented but extremely difficult exhibition manager, with whom she had worked earlier, and Oona takes the job.
At the same time, Hayley discovers that Lady Fowling had been given, by the author herself, a first edition of Dorothy Sayers' signed by the members of the Detection Club, comprised of the great writers of the Golden Age of Mystery, but the book is nowhere to be found. Once Oona is murdered, Hayley has two mysteries to solve: Who killed Oona and where is the book (and are they related)? Suspects abound. She also has to find a new exhibition manager, and so she hires Zeno Berryfield, an unusual (to say the least) candidate for the position.
And, in her personal life, Hayley's relationship with Val continues and she meets his twin daughters, resulting in more mysteries to solve.
I found it well plotted and the characters well drawn.
At the same time, Hayley discovers that Lady Fowling had been given, by the author herself, a first edition of Dorothy Sayers' signed by the members of the Detection Club, comprised of the great writers of the Golden Age of Mystery, but the book is nowhere to be found. Once Oona is murdered, Hayley has two mysteries to solve: Who killed Oona and where is the book (and are they related)? Suspects abound. She also has to find a new exhibition manager, and so she hires Zeno Berryfield, an unusual (to say the least) candidate for the position.
And, in her personal life, Hayley's relationship with Val continues and she meets his twin daughters, resulting in more mysteries to solve.
I found it well plotted and the characters well drawn.
November 5, 2020
Hayley Burke is determined to make the First Editions Library a success and relevant to today's fans of mystery novels. She is beginning a series of literary salons. But the big event to increase the Library's membership and reputation is an exhibition.
Hayley needs to find a perfect location and an exhibitions manager. Her first choice of venue has a surprise cancellation that Hayley is quick to jump on and an exhibitions manager that Hayley worked with previously is able to take the job. Oona Atherton is a wonderful, creative exhibitions manager but she is also a severe taskmaster who makes many enemies as she finishes her creative exhibitions. Hayley herself once with with Oona and knows her faults but thinks she's the best choice considering the need for a quick turnaround.
Hayley has also found a clue in one of the Library's books that indicates that there is a rare first edition of MURDER MUST ADVERTISE by Dorothy L. Sayers hidden somewhere which contains the autographs of all of the members of the Detection Club from 1933 including Sayers and Agatha Christie among others. The book would make a fine centerpiece for the exhibit - if only Hayley can find it.
But then Oona is found murdered and Hayley has a murder to solve, a new exhibition manager to hire, her boyfriend's two daughters to meet, and various other problems to solve including a fire caused by her ex-husband at her daughter's rental flat.
I enjoyed the many interesting characters in this one from an exhibition manager who is rather famous for his disasters to a computer geek with an obsessive personality but a great eye for detail. I enjoyed Hayley's new romance with Val which has many other obstacles than his two daughters disapproval of a a new woman in their father's life.
This was an engaging and entertaining new episode in this series. I look forward to more of Hayley's adventures.
Hayley needs to find a perfect location and an exhibitions manager. Her first choice of venue has a surprise cancellation that Hayley is quick to jump on and an exhibitions manager that Hayley worked with previously is able to take the job. Oona Atherton is a wonderful, creative exhibitions manager but she is also a severe taskmaster who makes many enemies as she finishes her creative exhibitions. Hayley herself once with with Oona and knows her faults but thinks she's the best choice considering the need for a quick turnaround.
Hayley has also found a clue in one of the Library's books that indicates that there is a rare first edition of MURDER MUST ADVERTISE by Dorothy L. Sayers hidden somewhere which contains the autographs of all of the members of the Detection Club from 1933 including Sayers and Agatha Christie among others. The book would make a fine centerpiece for the exhibit - if only Hayley can find it.
But then Oona is found murdered and Hayley has a murder to solve, a new exhibition manager to hire, her boyfriend's two daughters to meet, and various other problems to solve including a fire caused by her ex-husband at her daughter's rental flat.
I enjoyed the many interesting characters in this one from an exhibition manager who is rather famous for his disasters to a computer geek with an obsessive personality but a great eye for detail. I enjoyed Hayley's new romance with Val which has many other obstacles than his two daughters disapproval of a a new woman in their father's life.
This was an engaging and entertaining new episode in this series. I look forward to more of Hayley's adventures.
April 13, 2022
Hayley Burke is moving on with fundraising ideas for the First Edition Library, starting with a set of literary salons and she hopes to also have an exhibition showcasing the life and work of Lady Fowling,Ìý The latter suddenly is brought into sharp focus when Hayley is allowed to take a cancellation at the best exhibition place in Bath. the problem being that the cancellation is only 3 months away! Luckily Hayley manages to get the board's agreement and also she manages to hire Oona Atherton, a rather irascible and yet brilliant exhibition manager.Ìý The problems start over though when Oona is killed in a life imitating art method aligning with the killing in Murder Must Advertise, now Hayley needs to try and get the replacement manager to commit to a decent plan, help the police find the killer, oh and find a book signed by all the Detection Club members!
The fact that her male friend's twin (24 year old) daughters seem to be anti Hayley is the least of her worries at the moment! Can she keep sane, get the exhibition dealt with and have time to spend with Bunter the cat?
The fact that her male friend's twin (24 year old) daughters seem to be anti Hayley is the least of her worries at the moment! Can she keep sane, get the exhibition dealt with and have time to spend with Bunter the cat?
December 18, 2020
Another well plotted installment in an interesting new series. I was glad that Mrs. Woolgar was treating Hayley a lot better in this book. Hayley was doing a good job getting used to her position as curator and actually even got a few compliments from the woman. I was glad to see Hayley and her boyfriend Val were in a good place in their relationship too, and she even met his twins.
The showdown with the killer was a good one, and someone I thought might be a killer turned out to be a big help. I really liked the character of Dom, he kind of cracked me up and reminded me a little of Sheldon on TV with his exactness and how he remembered things. It'll be interesting to see where Hayley's adventures take her after the Lady Fowling remembrance exhibition.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
The showdown with the killer was a good one, and someone I thought might be a killer turned out to be a big help. I really liked the character of Dom, he kind of cracked me up and reminded me a little of Sheldon on TV with his exactness and how he remembered things. It'll be interesting to see where Hayley's adventures take her after the Lady Fowling remembrance exhibition.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
January 17, 2021
I love the setting and the characters, but the actual mystery wasn’t that great.
December 27, 2020
Murder is a Must earns 5/5 Classic Books...Engaging and Clever!
Haley Burke is anxious, about her first public event as curator of the First Edition Society. She has arranged for a literary salon evening with author Arthur Fish specking on “Fifty Ways to Murder,� and in exchange for having his own books available for purchase, he will waive his fee. A win—win for both her and Fish himself. Now...the next project. Haley has high expectations for an exhibition showcasing the fascinating life of Lady Fowling, the author, collector, and name sake of the First Edition Society. “Lady Georgiana Fowling: A Life in Words� would include a display of her personal journals, her own detective books on François Flambeaux, and, after finding a personal letter from Lady Fowling to Dorothy L. Sayers thanking her for the first edition copy of her “Murder Must Advertise� signed by members of the Detection Club, a find that could create a successful frenzy. She needs to get the Society’s approval, a venue to exhibit the artifacts, and someone to put it all together, but things fall into place with a cancellation at a popular location, a fortuitous run in with a former colleague, and an over-the-moon excited board of directors. But, the colleague from hell, leaked details about a book yet to be found, overzealous collectors, and after an incomplete text about the missing Sayers� novel, a dead body suspiciously found at the bottom of a set of stairs, Haley is put into serious overdrive.
Brilliant! Marty Wingate has done Sayers proud with a MUST read mystery perfect for all cozy fans. The drama has elements found in Sayers� “Murder Must Advertise� with a staircase, an accident not an accident, and as karma is dished out nicely, it is not without a few perilous moments. My inner “Lord Wimsey,� Sayers� fictional detective, had suspicions about the killer and motive, but lots of misdirection kept me guessing to the end. Haley is a favorite cozy character with whom many can easily identify: witty, patient, clever, but struggling, as we all do, with self-confidence. The supporting cast envelopes a variety of different personalities making it well-rounded and complete. The setting in a mansion turned into a sanctuary of mystery books is the perfect element to entwine those classics and spark further reading. Wingate’s well-written and steady-paced first-person narrative is enriched with descriptive language and dialogue that illustrates well emotions and the different personalities. Be prepared to be reading well into the late hours, as I did, so put on a pot of tea!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Berkeley Books thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Haley Burke is anxious, about her first public event as curator of the First Edition Society. She has arranged for a literary salon evening with author Arthur Fish specking on “Fifty Ways to Murder,� and in exchange for having his own books available for purchase, he will waive his fee. A win—win for both her and Fish himself. Now...the next project. Haley has high expectations for an exhibition showcasing the fascinating life of Lady Fowling, the author, collector, and name sake of the First Edition Society. “Lady Georgiana Fowling: A Life in Words� would include a display of her personal journals, her own detective books on François Flambeaux, and, after finding a personal letter from Lady Fowling to Dorothy L. Sayers thanking her for the first edition copy of her “Murder Must Advertise� signed by members of the Detection Club, a find that could create a successful frenzy. She needs to get the Society’s approval, a venue to exhibit the artifacts, and someone to put it all together, but things fall into place with a cancellation at a popular location, a fortuitous run in with a former colleague, and an over-the-moon excited board of directors. But, the colleague from hell, leaked details about a book yet to be found, overzealous collectors, and after an incomplete text about the missing Sayers� novel, a dead body suspiciously found at the bottom of a set of stairs, Haley is put into serious overdrive.
Brilliant! Marty Wingate has done Sayers proud with a MUST read mystery perfect for all cozy fans. The drama has elements found in Sayers� “Murder Must Advertise� with a staircase, an accident not an accident, and as karma is dished out nicely, it is not without a few perilous moments. My inner “Lord Wimsey,� Sayers� fictional detective, had suspicions about the killer and motive, but lots of misdirection kept me guessing to the end. Haley is a favorite cozy character with whom many can easily identify: witty, patient, clever, but struggling, as we all do, with self-confidence. The supporting cast envelopes a variety of different personalities making it well-rounded and complete. The setting in a mansion turned into a sanctuary of mystery books is the perfect element to entwine those classics and spark further reading. Wingate’s well-written and steady-paced first-person narrative is enriched with descriptive language and dialogue that illustrates well emotions and the different personalities. Be prepared to be reading well into the late hours, as I did, so put on a pot of tea!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Berkeley Books thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
February 8, 2021
Simple, romantic, intriguing setting but characters. Changeable stories from people related to the case made me slightly confused.
Aside from the mystery, I enjoyed woman`s life style having relationship with her daughter, a boy friend, her ex, step daughters(in the future possibly) She might be a bit of too emotional some time though.
I should have learned and read books of Golden Age Mystery that still attract us beforehand, as I only read several books from Jane Marple series or Poirot of Agatha Christie. So the next will be "Murder must advertise".
Aside from the mystery, I enjoyed woman`s life style having relationship with her daughter, a boy friend, her ex, step daughters(in the future possibly) She might be a bit of too emotional some time though.
I should have learned and read books of Golden Age Mystery that still attract us beforehand, as I only read several books from Jane Marple series or Poirot of Agatha Christie. So the next will be "Murder must advertise".
March 6, 2021
This series just gets better and better. There is something so comforting about reading a series where the characters are surrounded (both physically and mentally) by books. We were introduced to the First Edition Library in the first book, and in this we learn more about it's founder Lady Fowling - who seems like such a fun and eccentric women and literary fanatic. Imagine knowing some of history's most famous crime authors! This story revolves around the creative process of putting together Hayley's biggest project yet - an exhibition about this fascinating lady. Even with many bumps along the way, it was interesting to see a behind the scenes into the planning of such an event.
And even more than the setting, the characters are truly the best part of this book. Hayley is smart, creative, and mature sleuth that I really enjoyed following. She and Val are one of my favorite cozy couples because you can just see how much they adore and respect and glow around one another. And Miss Woolgar has certainly grown on me - I am dying to learn more about her past, I bet she has some interested stories to share! The mystery led every which way and just when you don't know who to suspect there are plot twists. I was able to guess the murderer (and am a bit proud of myself), but loved how the story unraveled. I can't wait to read more of this series, to see how the exhibition goes and to see more of these wonderful characters.
Thanks to the publisher for a netgalley copy; I'm thrilled to share my honest thoughts.
And even more than the setting, the characters are truly the best part of this book. Hayley is smart, creative, and mature sleuth that I really enjoyed following. She and Val are one of my favorite cozy couples because you can just see how much they adore and respect and glow around one another. And Miss Woolgar has certainly grown on me - I am dying to learn more about her past, I bet she has some interested stories to share! The mystery led every which way and just when you don't know who to suspect there are plot twists. I was able to guess the murderer (and am a bit proud of myself), but loved how the story unraveled. I can't wait to read more of this series, to see how the exhibition goes and to see more of these wonderful characters.
Thanks to the publisher for a netgalley copy; I'm thrilled to share my honest thoughts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2020
This was fun and held my attention; the lead character, Hayley Burke, was smart and driven, and her trajectory and personal relationships were interesting. I loved the setting - a library of first editions from mystery's Golden Age of Detective Fiction, curated by Hayley, who is also hoping to stage an exhibition. (Fans of Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Dorothy Sayers, and their fellow writers will find much to enjoy here - one of Sayers' novels, , even features prominently in the plot). When Hayley hires an exhibition coordinator, things go awry, and it's up to her (in cooperation with the local police) to solve the murder that results. I don't usually read a lot of cozies, but this is definitely one I would recommend to my library customers in search of that genre.
June 3, 2022
Curator for the first edition library, Hayley desperately needs a manager for their proposed forthcoming exhibition. In fact, she's desperate enough to hire Oona, whom she's worked with before. Oona is brilliant at what she does, but she works everyone around her into the ground, and leaves feelings of hostility in her work. So when Oona falls to her death from the spiral staircase leading to her office, Hayley is a little suspicious. At the same time, Hayley and her love interest Val are desperately trying to get a little privacy. While I can't say the ending is a stunning surprise, I really enjoyed every moment of reading this one, second in the series, as Hayley deals with her job, her co-workers, her aging mother and her slowly maturing daughter, Val's twin girls, and catching up with all the mysteries she didn't read before she got her new job.
April 5, 2021
I like the style of this book.
I’m not sure the publisher has picked the correct narrator for the story as she sounds too young, and the accent is rather too posh to sound like it originates from Herefordshire.
For all that, I like the main character and how she fits in to her job as curator, and to her attachment to Lady F and Middlebank.
I’m not sure the publisher has picked the correct narrator for the story as she sounds too young, and the accent is rather too posh to sound like it originates from Herefordshire.
For all that, I like the main character and how she fits in to her job as curator, and to her attachment to Lady F and Middlebank.
October 9, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Crime for the advanced review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own and not affected by the giveaway.
Hayley Burke, Curator of the First Edition Society, a library for first and rare editions of classic mystery novels by women writers in the Golden Age of mysteries. ( was the focus of the first novel in the series and is the focus of this second book). Hayley is passionate about the Society, started by the late Lady Georgiana Fowling. Hayley is about to launch an innagural lecture series and is anxious that should go well. Then she wants to do an exhibit on Lady Fowling's life and writings. The only problem- well two problems- is finding a venue and hiring an exhibition manager. Her ideal venue, The Charlotte, a Georgian terraced house across from The Assembly Rooms, is booked solid for 3 years. That is, until Hayley happens to overhear a cancellation and books the place immediately. Gulp! With the board members on her side at last, Hayley seeks an exhibition manager. She manages to land Oona Atherton , the premiere exhibition manager and someone she worked with while at the Jane Austen Centre. The only problem is Oona is hell to work with! She's demanding and leaves no spare time but she really is the very best. The exhibit will center around Lady Fowling's rare, first edition, copy of Dorothy L. Sayers's signed by many of the famous authors of the day. There's just one little hitch- no one knows where the book is! Hayley must try to use the clues Lady Fowling left behind to search for it in time for the exhibition. When Oona's assistant, Clara Powell, finds Oona dead at the bottom of a winding staircase outside the office space just as she discovered the whereabouts of the missing book, it seems life is imitating art. Who would want Oona dead? Hayley is forced to hire her second choice exhibition manager, Zeno Broadfield. He's very eccentric and Hayley worries what the board and their guests will think! Meanwhile she and her boyfriend Val are trying to find some ALONE time together, in private, without interruptions, when his daughters come to town unexpectedly and want to meet Hayley. Hayley is very nervous! She also has to field phone calls from her daughter about her ex-husband Roger's latest schemes. Can she do her job, find the book, manage Zeno, keep the board and sponsors happy as well as keeping her romance alive? She'll leave murder solving to the police this time ... well maybe she'll just ask a few people to confirm their alibis!
I have no memory of requesting an ARC of this book and forgot all about it until I logged onto my NetGalley account. oops! It was well worth requesting. I enjoyed it very much. The mystery had enough red herrings to keep me guessing. I was positive it was one of two people but the murderer turned out to be a surprise. I had it all figured out but then got distracted. I especially liked the lost book plot and the quest to find it, almost more than the murder mystery. I am intrigued enough to want to read and have downloaded a digital copy from the library. My only major complaint about this story is that Hayley has too much going on in her life. I would rather have seen the romance slowed down and evolve gradually and leave the family drama for later. It was unnecessary for a relationship of barely only 4 months and made the book super long. I could have done without the Roger drama too but he's necessary for Hayley to figure out her dynamic with Zeno.
For an ARC, I didn't notice too many errors. There were a couple of typos but Adobe Digital Editions wouldn't let me highlight or bookmark when I saw them. There was one formatting error with the large capital letter
The characters are great! I LOL at Hayley because I also have a degree in 19th-century literature and would love to work for the Jane Austen Centre but have little knowledge of the classic mystery writers. I know a wee bit more than Hayley because I read cozy mysteries but like Hayley, I've read one Christie and seen a few movies! Hayley is kind and motherly. She's frazzled and sometimes snaps at people when she shouldn't but that's OK because it makes her human. She tries to look after younger women and protect them. Hayley is a Mama Bear when it comes to her Dinah. At 23, Dinah isn't quite ready to be an adult yet and needs her mother's guidance and help, especially when it comes to her father, Roger. Roger is one of those ne'er do well dreamers with big plans and schemes but no results. This time Roger goes too far. I really like how Hayley tried hard with Clara and how she dealt with Val's daughters too.
What I really don't like is the romance. Four months seems awfully fast to be sleeping together and meeting families. He was forced to meet Dinah because she showed up at her mum's flat unannounced when he was there but she doesn't really need to meet his daughters yet. Maybe I'm out of touch with modern, middle-aged romances but if I'm going to read a series, I want a nice, slow burn romance. Val is a nice guy but rather bland. I don't get much chemistry between them. Bess and Becky are opposite sides of one coin! Bess is bold, tough and bossy while Becky goes along with whatever her sister says. I understand their protectiveness towards their dad but he's a grown man and can take care of himself. Bess's story didn't go where I thought it would.
Mrs. Woolgar is growing on me. She seemed uptight and conservative in the first book, but she's getting to know Hayley better and they seem to be coming to an understanding. She's just protective of the Society and Lady Fowling's memory. I have to admit to liking Bunter, the cat too. He's charming and not over used or used in a cartoony, cutesy sort of way. Adele is a fun friend but her romantic drama was misplaced and unnecessary. Board members Mrs. Audrey and Mrs. Sylvia Moon are lovely ladies and don't appear enough in this novel. Hayley's mum is very wise and witty. I love how she does anagrams - on an app on her phone! I hope the anagrams keep her mind sharp. Hayley doesn't need to deal with her mom losing her memory.
New characters include author Arthur Fish. He's an odd duck but seems popular. His friend, Bulldog Moyle is a sketchy guy. He's an unusual book collector. He seems more the flipper type but his passion seems to be buying rare books on the cheap but not selling. He's way too interested in the Sayers book to not be suspicious. Bulldog becomes Hayley's chief suspect in the murder. I adore Dom Kilpatrick, an IT manager who once worked with Hayley. He appears to be on the autism spectrum given his love for routine, attention to detail, lack of understanding of emotions and not wanting to be touched. He's a positive portrayal of someone with a disability. I think he's sweet and although most people would say he lacks social skills, he really doesn't. He makes eye contact and he speaks quite well. Dom even has a girlfriend! I was happy with the role he plays in the story. Another writer, Margaret Raines, is also eccentric. Are all writers in this world talkative and eccentric? She sure talks a lot about herself, especially for an ex-cop. People seem to really like her though.
I can see why Oona was murdered. She's very driven and doesn't understand people who don't have type A personalities and her work ethic. She's way too intense for me even with her creative ideas. I really disliked how she announced prematurely the rare book find. Doesn't she know that invites thieves possibly murderers into the Society's orbit? Oona seems to have a brilliant mind and solves the mystery of the missing book but her notes are also missing! Was the murder about the book or was it personal? If it was personal, it could be someone she worked with in the past or present. The murderer could be also be about a failed relationship! Even though she was a difficult person, Oona really didn't deserve to die, especially not like that. Not that anyone deserves to be murdered but as far as characters in a book go, she didn't. She was complicated and unlikable, yes but not a bad person.
Zeno Berryfield reminds me a lot of Gilderoy Lockhart from . Zeno is... unusual. His sense of style is eclectic and his idea of a great exhibition is too sensational for the stuffy First Edition Society. I understand Hayley's concerns, especially later on when he starts brainstorming (OMG snooze) but sometimes I think she's a little hard on him. Still, that doesn't mean I like the man or would hire him for a literary exhibition. He's lazy and creativity is as unusual as his suit and tie. Could he be a murderer? He doesn't seem to know Oona is dead at first and seems genuinely shocked at the news. Plus he doesn't know about the book or the exhibition yet, does he?
Naomi Faber, reservations manager at the Charlotte seems a bit uptight. Just because one organization with a committee didn't work well together doesn't mean all others automatically won't. She's the reservations manager so why is she so concerned with the exhibition? I think she's rather rude and snippy to everyone and bossy too. I suspect she could be after Oona's job and may have murdered the other woman. It seems plausible yet she has an alibi.
Clara Powell seems like a nervous young woman and an eager beaver. She's a bit over eager to achieve and has made Oona her model. I don't think that's very healthy. She seems fragile. There seem to be hints that Clara feels underappreciated, perhaps put-upon and that makes her appear more like she has a steely spine and perhaps her shock at finding Oona dead is faked or shock over having killed someone? Tommy King-Barnes is a modern day druid. He seems fun and unique but Hayley uncovers some information that makes him seem suspicious. I don't want him to be a murderer or a co-conspirator. He's so friendly and nice and helped Hayley a lot. He takes Naomi's fussiness in stride too.
Detective Sergeant Hopgood is tough but fair. He seems to respect Hayley but is also annoyed by her interference in the first investigation. I appreciate the fact he's not incompetant because Bath is a city and there IS some crime. Kenny Pye is a nice young man. He knows not to cross his boss but he also knows Hayley is going to do what she wants anyway. Kenny is kind and considerate. He has a sympathetic nature and an understanding of something that is unique to himself and another character. I can relate to that.
Lady Fowling sounds like she was an amazing woman. I liked the brief look into her mind and the little peek at her detective hero. I especially thought it was cute how she wrote in radio play commercials. I was disappointed Hayley didn't realize that's what Lady Fowling was doing.
I love how Bath is a character in the novel. I enjoyed an incredible visit there in 2013 and in my mind I could walk the streets with Hayley. I recognized a lot of the street names and of course the Jane Austen Centre and Assembly Rooms. I did not remember seeing what was across from the Assembly Rooms and the author's note reveals the Charlotte is fictional. One quibble - COFFEE? In a Georgian city? :Cringe: Do only tourists seek out quaint tea shops? I loved all the references to biscuits eaten with tea and now I have to see if I can buy some McVitie's Penguins! I somehow missed them the two times I was in England. I do like digestive biscuits though and don't think Hayley should turn her nose up at Maries. They're sort of like thick graham crackers. Yes they could be improved by chocolate LOL!
The ARC doesn't have the preview of the third novel in the series but that makes me even more eager to read it!
Content:
Loves touching skin
Closed door love scenes
Hayley Burke, Curator of the First Edition Society, a library for first and rare editions of classic mystery novels by women writers in the Golden Age of mysteries. ( was the focus of the first novel in the series and is the focus of this second book). Hayley is passionate about the Society, started by the late Lady Georgiana Fowling. Hayley is about to launch an innagural lecture series and is anxious that should go well. Then she wants to do an exhibit on Lady Fowling's life and writings. The only problem- well two problems- is finding a venue and hiring an exhibition manager. Her ideal venue, The Charlotte, a Georgian terraced house across from The Assembly Rooms, is booked solid for 3 years. That is, until Hayley happens to overhear a cancellation and books the place immediately. Gulp! With the board members on her side at last, Hayley seeks an exhibition manager. She manages to land Oona Atherton , the premiere exhibition manager and someone she worked with while at the Jane Austen Centre. The only problem is Oona is hell to work with! She's demanding and leaves no spare time but she really is the very best. The exhibit will center around Lady Fowling's rare, first edition, copy of Dorothy L. Sayers's signed by many of the famous authors of the day. There's just one little hitch- no one knows where the book is! Hayley must try to use the clues Lady Fowling left behind to search for it in time for the exhibition. When Oona's assistant, Clara Powell, finds Oona dead at the bottom of a winding staircase outside the office space just as she discovered the whereabouts of the missing book, it seems life is imitating art. Who would want Oona dead? Hayley is forced to hire her second choice exhibition manager, Zeno Broadfield. He's very eccentric and Hayley worries what the board and their guests will think! Meanwhile she and her boyfriend Val are trying to find some ALONE time together, in private, without interruptions, when his daughters come to town unexpectedly and want to meet Hayley. Hayley is very nervous! She also has to field phone calls from her daughter about her ex-husband Roger's latest schemes. Can she do her job, find the book, manage Zeno, keep the board and sponsors happy as well as keeping her romance alive? She'll leave murder solving to the police this time ... well maybe she'll just ask a few people to confirm their alibis!
I have no memory of requesting an ARC of this book and forgot all about it until I logged onto my NetGalley account. oops! It was well worth requesting. I enjoyed it very much. The mystery had enough red herrings to keep me guessing. I was positive it was one of two people but the murderer turned out to be a surprise. I had it all figured out but then got distracted. I especially liked the lost book plot and the quest to find it, almost more than the murder mystery. I am intrigued enough to want to read and have downloaded a digital copy from the library. My only major complaint about this story is that Hayley has too much going on in her life. I would rather have seen the romance slowed down and evolve gradually and leave the family drama for later. It was unnecessary for a relationship of barely only 4 months and made the book super long. I could have done without the Roger drama too but he's necessary for Hayley to figure out her dynamic with Zeno.
For an ARC, I didn't notice too many errors. There were a couple of typos but Adobe Digital Editions wouldn't let me highlight or bookmark when I saw them. There was one formatting error with the large capital letter
The characters are great! I LOL at Hayley because I also have a degree in 19th-century literature and would love to work for the Jane Austen Centre but have little knowledge of the classic mystery writers. I know a wee bit more than Hayley because I read cozy mysteries but like Hayley, I've read one Christie and seen a few movies! Hayley is kind and motherly. She's frazzled and sometimes snaps at people when she shouldn't but that's OK because it makes her human. She tries to look after younger women and protect them. Hayley is a Mama Bear when it comes to her Dinah. At 23, Dinah isn't quite ready to be an adult yet and needs her mother's guidance and help, especially when it comes to her father, Roger. Roger is one of those ne'er do well dreamers with big plans and schemes but no results. This time Roger goes too far. I really like how Hayley tried hard with Clara and how she dealt with Val's daughters too.
What I really don't like is the romance. Four months seems awfully fast to be sleeping together and meeting families. He was forced to meet Dinah because she showed up at her mum's flat unannounced when he was there but she doesn't really need to meet his daughters yet. Maybe I'm out of touch with modern, middle-aged romances but if I'm going to read a series, I want a nice, slow burn romance. Val is a nice guy but rather bland. I don't get much chemistry between them. Bess and Becky are opposite sides of one coin! Bess is bold, tough and bossy while Becky goes along with whatever her sister says. I understand their protectiveness towards their dad but he's a grown man and can take care of himself. Bess's story didn't go where I thought it would.
Mrs. Woolgar is growing on me. She seemed uptight and conservative in the first book, but she's getting to know Hayley better and they seem to be coming to an understanding. She's just protective of the Society and Lady Fowling's memory. I have to admit to liking Bunter, the cat too. He's charming and not over used or used in a cartoony, cutesy sort of way. Adele is a fun friend but her romantic drama was misplaced and unnecessary. Board members Mrs. Audrey and Mrs. Sylvia Moon are lovely ladies and don't appear enough in this novel. Hayley's mum is very wise and witty. I love how she does anagrams - on an app on her phone! I hope the anagrams keep her mind sharp. Hayley doesn't need to deal with her mom losing her memory.
New characters include author Arthur Fish. He's an odd duck but seems popular. His friend, Bulldog Moyle is a sketchy guy. He's an unusual book collector. He seems more the flipper type but his passion seems to be buying rare books on the cheap but not selling. He's way too interested in the Sayers book to not be suspicious. Bulldog becomes Hayley's chief suspect in the murder. I adore Dom Kilpatrick, an IT manager who once worked with Hayley. He appears to be on the autism spectrum given his love for routine, attention to detail, lack of understanding of emotions and not wanting to be touched. He's a positive portrayal of someone with a disability. I think he's sweet and although most people would say he lacks social skills, he really doesn't. He makes eye contact and he speaks quite well. Dom even has a girlfriend! I was happy with the role he plays in the story. Another writer, Margaret Raines, is also eccentric. Are all writers in this world talkative and eccentric? She sure talks a lot about herself, especially for an ex-cop. People seem to really like her though.
I can see why Oona was murdered. She's very driven and doesn't understand people who don't have type A personalities and her work ethic. She's way too intense for me even with her creative ideas. I really disliked how she announced prematurely the rare book find. Doesn't she know that invites thieves possibly murderers into the Society's orbit? Oona seems to have a brilliant mind and solves the mystery of the missing book but her notes are also missing! Was the murder about the book or was it personal? If it was personal, it could be someone she worked with in the past or present. The murderer could be also be about a failed relationship! Even though she was a difficult person, Oona really didn't deserve to die, especially not like that. Not that anyone deserves to be murdered but as far as characters in a book go, she didn't. She was complicated and unlikable, yes but not a bad person.
Zeno Berryfield reminds me a lot of Gilderoy Lockhart from . Zeno is... unusual. His sense of style is eclectic and his idea of a great exhibition is too sensational for the stuffy First Edition Society. I understand Hayley's concerns, especially later on when he starts brainstorming (OMG snooze) but sometimes I think she's a little hard on him. Still, that doesn't mean I like the man or would hire him for a literary exhibition. He's lazy and creativity is as unusual as his suit and tie. Could he be a murderer? He doesn't seem to know Oona is dead at first and seems genuinely shocked at the news. Plus he doesn't know about the book or the exhibition yet, does he?
Naomi Faber, reservations manager at the Charlotte seems a bit uptight. Just because one organization with a committee didn't work well together doesn't mean all others automatically won't. She's the reservations manager so why is she so concerned with the exhibition? I think she's rather rude and snippy to everyone and bossy too. I suspect she could be after Oona's job and may have murdered the other woman. It seems plausible yet she has an alibi.
Clara Powell seems like a nervous young woman and an eager beaver. She's a bit over eager to achieve and has made Oona her model. I don't think that's very healthy. She seems fragile. There seem to be hints that Clara feels underappreciated, perhaps put-upon and that makes her appear more like she has a steely spine and perhaps her shock at finding Oona dead is faked or shock over having killed someone? Tommy King-Barnes is a modern day druid. He seems fun and unique but Hayley uncovers some information that makes him seem suspicious. I don't want him to be a murderer or a co-conspirator. He's so friendly and nice and helped Hayley a lot. He takes Naomi's fussiness in stride too.
Detective Sergeant Hopgood is tough but fair. He seems to respect Hayley but is also annoyed by her interference in the first investigation. I appreciate the fact he's not incompetant because Bath is a city and there IS some crime. Kenny Pye is a nice young man. He knows not to cross his boss but he also knows Hayley is going to do what she wants anyway. Kenny is kind and considerate. He has a sympathetic nature and an understanding of something that is unique to himself and another character. I can relate to that.
Lady Fowling sounds like she was an amazing woman. I liked the brief look into her mind and the little peek at her detective hero. I especially thought it was cute how she wrote in radio play commercials. I was disappointed Hayley didn't realize that's what Lady Fowling was doing.
I love how Bath is a character in the novel. I enjoyed an incredible visit there in 2013 and in my mind I could walk the streets with Hayley. I recognized a lot of the street names and of course the Jane Austen Centre and Assembly Rooms. I did not remember seeing what was across from the Assembly Rooms and the author's note reveals the Charlotte is fictional. One quibble - COFFEE? In a Georgian city? :Cringe: Do only tourists seek out quaint tea shops? I loved all the references to biscuits eaten with tea and now I have to see if I can buy some McVitie's Penguins! I somehow missed them the two times I was in England. I do like digestive biscuits though and don't think Hayley should turn her nose up at Maries. They're sort of like thick graham crackers. Yes they could be improved by chocolate LOL!
The ARC doesn't have the preview of the third novel in the series but that makes me even more eager to read it!
Content:
Loves touching skin
Closed door love scenes
February 25, 2021
Such a fun series! I cannot wait to walk the streets of Bath just like Hayley. And her accommodations...swoon!
December 1, 2020
Murder Is A Must is the second book in the First Edition Library Mystery series.
Haley Burke is settling in nicely to her job as curator of the First Edition Library. The library of the late Lady Fowling’s collection of first edition books of Golden Age of Mystery authors, First Edition Library. Haley has started having literary salons, and these salons have been quite popular. When an opening comes up at a nearby exhibition hall, she decides to have an exhibition that will showcase the library. She hires Oona, who she has worked for before and not the best of conditions, but she knows Oona is a top-rate organizer. They soon find a note suggesting a first edition copy of Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers and signed by all the Golden Age authors. Soon, Oona informs Haley that she may know where the missing book is. Haley heads over to the exhibition hall but arrives too late, finding Oona’s dead body at the bottom of a staircase. Haley will now have to learn whether Oona was murdered because she had information on the missing book or she had made someone mad enough to end her life.
The blossoming romance between Haley and Val continues to grow. Haley will meet Val’s twin daughters and fears that they will try and come between Haley and Val.
I enjoyed this story and felt it was well-written and plotted, and the characters were well-developed and quite enjoyable.
It will be interesting to see what will happen next for Haley.
Haley Burke is settling in nicely to her job as curator of the First Edition Library. The library of the late Lady Fowling’s collection of first edition books of Golden Age of Mystery authors, First Edition Library. Haley has started having literary salons, and these salons have been quite popular. When an opening comes up at a nearby exhibition hall, she decides to have an exhibition that will showcase the library. She hires Oona, who she has worked for before and not the best of conditions, but she knows Oona is a top-rate organizer. They soon find a note suggesting a first edition copy of Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers and signed by all the Golden Age authors. Soon, Oona informs Haley that she may know where the missing book is. Haley heads over to the exhibition hall but arrives too late, finding Oona’s dead body at the bottom of a staircase. Haley will now have to learn whether Oona was murdered because she had information on the missing book or she had made someone mad enough to end her life.
The blossoming romance between Haley and Val continues to grow. Haley will meet Val’s twin daughters and fears that they will try and come between Haley and Val.
I enjoyed this story and felt it was well-written and plotted, and the characters were well-developed and quite enjoyable.
It will be interesting to see what will happen next for Haley.
December 31, 2020
Review to follow
January 18, 2021
Murder is a Must
First Edition Library Mystery #2
By Marty Wingate
ISBN 9781984804136
martywingate.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Determined to make the First Edition Library a success, Hayley Burke wasn’t expecting to have to solve an old friend’s murder in this all-new mystery from USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate.
Hayley Burke, curator of Lady Fowling’s collection of first edition mysteries, is settling into her position at the First Edition Library in Middlebank House. She’s even made progress with Lady Fowling’s former secretary, the ornery Miss Woolgar. The women are busily preparing for an exhibition that will showcase Lady Fowling’s life and letters. Hayley knows the exhibition is a huge undertaking and decides, against her better judgement, to hire Oona Atherton, her former boss from the Jane Austen Centre to help with the planning.
Oona is known for being difficult, but all seems to be going swimmingly until she and Hayley uncover a one-page letter that alludes to a priceless edition of MURDER MUST ADVERTISE signed by several Golden Age of Mystery authors. Oona feels this book could be the focal point of the exhibition and becomes obsessed with finding it.
When they find clues that appear to point to the book being somewhere in the First Edition Library, Oona is certain she’s unraveled the mystery and texts Hayley the good news, but upon arriving back at Middlebank, Hayley finds her old boss dead at the bottom of the stairs. Did her discovery of the rare book get her killed or was it some angry shadow from her past? Hayley must read between the lines to catch a malicious murderer. (From Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ)
Review:
It is a delight to read the second in this fresh and exhilarating series that highlights authors and best- selling novels from the Golden Age of Mystery! I enjoyed visiting these delightful, well-defined characters in Bath, England. The author mixes wit, history, and mystery into a unique blend that entertains modern readers in the same way that the classics enthralled readers past and present.
The First Edition Society was begun by the late Lady Georgiana Fowling, who gained a love of the classic mysteries from her beloved late husband. She included his extensive collection of signed first editions in the library at Middlebank House and added to it throughout her life. Hayley is the new curator of the library, and one of her goals is to rebuild the Society to the world-wide membership it once enjoyed.
Hayley, with the assistance of Val, her boyfriend, is preparing for the inaugural literary salon, a six-week program which highlights lecturers from various walks of life who are also mystery authors. As one who believes she needs to prove herself in this position, Hayley has also proposed an exhibition to highlight the life of Lady Georgiana Fowling. Included will be her journals, mysteries she wrote, and mysteries she loved. The exhibition will take place in about a year, dependent on obtaining a venue and exhibition manager. When a cancellation occurs at the preferred venue, Hayley jumps on it, and must find a manager quickly as the cancellation is only three months away!
Oona is a brilliant manager that Hayley once worked for. Her shows are excellent, but she is a challenging lady to work for. As demanding as she is with her assistants, she is equally demanding on herself. It is with mixed feelings that Hayley presents her to the board as a potential manager because Oona is the one person who could pull off the exhibition in the allotted time. Thankfully, she now comes with her own personal assistant.
Oona wows the board with her ideas for the show. Hayley secures a room for Oona and Clara, her PA, to work from at the venue. When searching through various collectible editions in the library, Hayley found a draft of a letter Lady Fowling sent to Dorothy Sellers. If Hayley can find the book referenced in the letter, it will be a focal point for the show � a first edition of the famous author’s 1933 novel, ‘Murder Must Advertise� signed by all members of the famous Detection Club! It will also add an unprecedented value to the library.
Oona texted Hayley that she found THE clue that will help them locate the novel, but her text is incomplete. Hayley hurries to see what Oona found, but someone else may have been the taken the clue. Oona is dead on the landing of exterior stairs to the office, a victim of murder, perhaps by someone with an interest in the valuable volume.
Hayley and others are described well with characteristics that bring them to life. Glynnis Woolgar, the secretary of the First Edition Society board and former PA to and close friend of Lady Georgiana, is warming up to Hayley. She wears elegant 1930’s-style clothing she has sewn herself. Hayley has many endearing attributes, including getting Bunter, Lady Fowling’s tortoiseshell cat, a new catnip mouse every week and talking with the life-size portrait of Lady Fowling on the library landing. And what woman dating a father of adult daughters hasn’t trembled when meeting those daddy’s girls?
Plot twists and turns identify or eliminate suspects in this murder investigation. It might not be in Hayley’s job description, but she feels the need to solve the case to protect Clara and make sure the exhibition is known for Lady Georgiana and her work rather than an unsolved murder. She also feels the responsibility to find the valuable Sayers first edition. This challenging mystery includes several surprises, including who provides the vital clue that identifies the real bad guy. I highly recommend this hard to put down novel with an incredible ending!
September 10, 2020
This is a classic style whodunit by one of my favorite authors.
Hayley seems to be enjoying her new job at the First Edition Library, and against her better judgement, she hires her former boss to help with an upcoming exhibit.
Secret clues intrigue Hayley and her old boss, but soon things take a disastrous turn, and Hayley finds herself wrapped up in a murder investigation.
Fans of this author will enjoy Murder Is a Must.
#netgalley #murderisamust
Hayley seems to be enjoying her new job at the First Edition Library, and against her better judgement, she hires her former boss to help with an upcoming exhibit.
Secret clues intrigue Hayley and her old boss, but soon things take a disastrous turn, and Hayley finds herself wrapped up in a murder investigation.
Fans of this author will enjoy Murder Is a Must.
#netgalley #murderisamust
July 7, 2020
While technically a cozy, I think this title (second in The First Edition Library Mystery series) is so much deeper and more developed than that. The research that Wingate does, and references to Sayers, Christie, etc makes me want to go read (and reread) everything from the Golden Age so I can catch even more of her Easter Eggs. Simply loved this book!
November 17, 2020
Oh no! Oona, a problematic but brilliant woman and ace exhibit manger, is dead. Murdered at Middlebank House where she was helping Hayley plan an event to showcase the first edition collection of Lady Fowling. Lady Fowling loved Golden Age mysteries and she had a lot of them- enough that Hayley curates the First Edition Library. She had a bit of a rough settling in period but things seem to have evened out and now...this! Fans of the cozy know that Oona's fractious personality is more likely to have led to her demise than the recent discovery that a copy of a Dorothy Sayers novel, signed by multiple authors, has gone missing. I loved this for all the references to these wonderful mystery writers (I'm going to go back and read some I've missed) as well as for the characters. Hayley's a mature woman with a mature love life and a nose for detective. The mystery is twisty (no spoilers from me) but not too complex. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun read which was fine as a standalone for me.
September 4, 2020
Hayley is the new curator of Lady Fowling's collection and member of the First Edition Society which involves (among a host of regular duties) arranging for an exhibition showcasing Lady Fowling's writing and collection. The regulars are certainly characters, but the infinitely capable but socially disastrous first event manager is murdered and her assistant is stuck in first gear since finding the body. Then there is the second event manager who is pretty loony in a different way. Hayley has been in contact with the DCI on the case before and keeps him up on any and every thing she happens across, all the while having some major wrangles in her personal life. I had not read the first book in series but never got lost in past issues. I loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Berkley Publishing/Penguin Random House via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Berkley Publishing/Penguin Random House via NetGalley. Thank you!
January 10, 2023
3.5 stars. Although I enjoyed this book, I didn’t find it as interesting as the first book. To me, it was missing the humorous moments that gave the other book its charm. I also found it a bit too long for the story it told. I found my mind drifting off through a lot of the middle. However I really like the main character and really good narration so I’m definitely going to try book 3.
February 3, 2021
Hayley Burke is curator for a First Editions Library in Bath. She is determined to put on an exhibition of the founders life and work. For that she needs an exhibition manager, who is murdered shortly after being hired. Of course a good murder mystery is as much about the people as about the murder and this book doesn't disappoint. There are great interpersonal relationships building in this series. Hayley and Val are at the very beginning of their relationship. They both have young adult daughters, so they have to travel the mine-fields of those relationships as well. I think this series shows great promise.
December 11, 2020
good, good, good
February 4, 2021
An excellent continuation of the First Edition Library Series. Hayley is a great curator of a library of murder mystery novels. This one has a murder much like a Dorothy Sayers book. A missing book of important value is also included along with the continuing romantic relationship between Val and Hayley. Can’t wait to see what Hayley does next.
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