I can't resist a new cosy mystery series, and if this first book - Miss Beeton's Murder Agency - is anything to go by, it promises to be an engaging sI can't resist a new cosy mystery series, and if this first book - Miss Beeton's Murder Agency - is anything to go by, it promises to be an engaging series.
Alice Beeton, a distant relative of the famous Victorian expert Isabella Beeton, runs a household management agency in London ... most of the time. But when one of her new hires (a new recruit she possibly did not vet thoroughly enough) is found murdered, Alice can't resist getting involved in the investigation (even when the rather dashing detective tells her the case has been passed "upstairs" to his bosses - a red flag for intrigue if ever there is one!)
While the setting and characters are interesting and, for the most part, engaging, the story does lag in parts and the mystery solving aspect is confusing at times, but Alice's determination (even going under cover) to get to the truth is admirable and often chaotically amusing. As a dog lover, Alice's best furry friend, Agatha steals the show, but I was mortified that an Interpol agent would act the way she did regarding Agatha. 'll not spill the beans here, but needless to say, be ready to be furious at their tactics.)
In general, the story has the comforting vibes of a cosy mystery, with a cast of quirky and very likeable characters in support of Alice's effort to solve the mystery. The set up for future books in the series is solid, and I'll definitely look out for the next book.
On a side note - as the book was an advanced copy, the recipes were illegible due to dodgy formatting - thus not fulfilling that important cosy requirement of making me want to cook something delicious :)
It's an entertaining, easy read, hitting the cosy tropes well, and with an unusual premise. ...more
As much as I enjoyed this story, it was much shorter than I expected (yes, I know it's a prequel!) which meant it lacked depth and felt rushed. ConsidAs much as I enjoyed this story, it was much shorter than I expected (yes, I know it's a prequel!) which meant it lacked depth and felt rushed. Considering the theme is one of a pet-sitting senior sleuth, the dog, Scooter, was left alone for hours while Viviane was out and about on endless shopping trips and meals / drinks out. The mystery plot of the gigolo scammer is well-told and the story does move at a good pace, so much so it's easy to read in one sitting. I quite liked Viviane but felt her reason for being in Mexico - as a pet-sitter - was glossed over, and used as a conduit to allow her a free trip to Mexico. Can't believe she'd be hired for another job either, but I'll reserve judgement to see how she gets on in Devon; hopefully the theme will be stronger there and not just another excuse for another holiday. A fun, fast read with great series potential. ...more
*** Audiobook *** This is a well-balanced mystery with plenty of suspects among the users of her limo service. The development of Andi's relationship w*** Audiobook *** This is a well-balanced mystery with plenty of suspects among the users of her limo service. The development of Andi's relationship with her neighbour and his girlfriend is original and intriguing ad kept me listening. An easy "read" by virtue of a subtle narrator, and an overall clean, cosy mystery. ...more
Essie Cobb is a law unto herself. When she sets her mind to something, there's no stopping her. With the support (and often even without it) of three Essie Cobb is a law unto herself. When she sets her mind to something, there's no stopping her. With the support (and often even without it) of three friends who share her table in the dining room, she's an unstoppable force. A fellow resident in a coma? How odd. But for Essie, it's not just a passing thought, it's an invitation to solve a mystery. An easy, well-paced read with characters you can cheer along as they live their everyday life at Happy Haven and get to the bottom of Bob's very sudden coma....more
Claire Richards (not the one from STEPS! ;) Sorry, a British reference there that I could help seeing) comes from a privileged background, her family Claire Richards (not the one from STEPS! ;) Sorry, a British reference there that I could help seeing) comes from a privileged background, her family owning one of the biggest vineyards in California, but she's been struggling to put herself back together after a nasty road accident, and wants to put as much distance between herself and her ex, Henry (not to mention her mother), so moving to Paris could be the answer. She's also a pretty decent chef and has ambitions to have a Michelin star, so working towards that goal at Teaks restaurant is a dream come true.
She's loving her life, especially the early starts with her coffee and croissant before visiting the market (Theo, in particular) where her culinary imagination thrives with new, fresh and seasonal produce. It's all going to plan until the new head chef, James Sullivan, arrives. Not that she objects to working for a new chef but this one seems particularly critical of her and is not a fan of her spontaneity.
Is this your typical enemies to lovers, opposites attract story? It does have those tropes, indeed, but it has many more elements running in the background that make this a funny and engaging read. I'd say it's a slow burn, since Claire is reluctant to accept her feelings, especially when she is also trying to ignore Henry - and she's doing a decent job of it until her sister decides to buy her wedding dress in Paris meaning a family visit is on the cards. Relationships are believable, dialogue flows well and the underlying romance will have you rooting for Claire and James. As for the MIchelin star... you'll have to read it for yourself. Overall, Yes, Chef is a light, easy read; an entertaining, well-written story with plenty of feel-good moments with the perfect balance of fun, drama and romance....more
This was my first book by this author, and I was really in the mood for something high-energy and engrossing. It delivered on both counts. Jumping strThis was my first book by this author, and I was really in the mood for something high-energy and engrossing. It delivered on both counts. Jumping straight into the inciting incident in which an unidentified hero saves the life of a US Senator, his actions replayed on TV screens nationwide in the hope that someone would recognise this rogue hero. That someone was Curtis Delaney who, after years of estrangement due to a family matter, saw through the blurry images of the cap-wearing hero his brother, Finn. Having parted on bad terms, Curtis is curious about his brother's involvement in this high profile case. Whether subconsciously he sees this as a way to reach out to Finn is not made clear, but Curtis feels a need, a desire, an instinct that makes him want to find Finn. And, of course, it was never going to be easy. Finn has led a very different life from Curtis, and has done things he is not always proud of, but working for Victor Travers sees him fall in love - deeply - with Mariana, and his perspective on life changes, especially when he senses something going on between Mariana and Victor. What follows is a fast paced hunt on Curtis's part and a vengeful mission for Finn. An intense race to the finish sees many things change for both brothers, but the gap between them narrows even if only in terms of seeing justice done. Action-packed as well as emotional and touching, the story explores the familial relationship while the revenge plot plays out. Sadly, not everyone gets their happy ending but there's a sense of fulfilment and bonding and hope. A great read, and a new author to follow. ...more
A secret society for professional women to rival the old boys' network and give women a greater chance of success - rather than having to juggle everyA secret society for professional women to rival the old boys' network and give women a greater chance of success - rather than having to juggle everything, or work twice as hard for less visibility - I can see the attraction for Cass and her fellow lawyer & friend Nat. But with the opportunity to join this elite group coming so soon after the mysterious death of their colleague, Sara, you can understand them feeling a tad uneasy. Especially when it is said that no-one leave the Inside (unless in a body bag, it seems) Yet, ambition often calls for ruthlessness, and when both women apply for the much coveted spot, it soon becomes evident that the Inside is much more than a network for career climbers ...so much more. Besides, Cass has a more immediate problem to solve: her job and her reputation are on the line after a client pushes her too far and the firm choose his version of events over hers. For Cass especially, Sara's death came as a complete shock, and she's unconvinced by claims that Sara took her own life to the extent that she can't resist investigating herself. What she finds soon see her suspicions grow, causing her to question what it means to be a member of Inside. As her involvement with the exclusive group increase, she picks up on more unsettling aspects that show a murky side to the group. Murky and dangerous.
This is an addictive read, the pace intensifying the closer Cass gets to the truth. If she pushes too hard, she puts herself at risk, but it's a risk she's prepared to take to get justice for Sara. Hugely entertaining, tense and exciting. I look forward to reading more by this author. ...more
Armed with notebook and pen, I sat down to read this full of expectation. I didn't need to make any notes, the investigation was over all too soon andArmed with notebook and pen, I sat down to read this full of expectation. I didn't need to make any notes, the investigation was over all too soon and the outcome - unfortunately - was all too obvious and not in the least bit challenging. A tad too simplistic, but a fun way to pass an hour or so....more
"Fortune’s Wheel," the first book in Carolyn Hughes' Meonbridge Chronicles series, is set in the aftermath of The Black Death. The stor***Audiobook***
"Fortune’s Wheel," the first book in Carolyn Hughes' Meonbridge Chronicles series, is set in the aftermath of The Black Death. The story depicts the village of Meonbridge, where survivors face bereavement and uncertainty as they rebuild their lives. The plot follows three main female protagonists: Alice, a widow determined to remain independent; Eleanor, left to manage her lands after her parents' death; and Lady Margaret, who subtly opposes her husband’s harsh rule over the villagers. As the villagers strive to put their lives back together, desperate poverty leads to unrest and causes greater rifts between the haves and the have-nots. Running alongside this unrest is the mystery about the disappearance of Alice's daughter, Agnes. Combined, these plots bear witness to the challenges of the feudal system as greater demands are made by the villagers for a fairer life. This is history made clear with very typical tales of very typical people.
I've read many of the books in the series and am used to - and appreciate - Carolyn's immersive writing, rich in historical detail and authenticity. Yet to hear the story being told brings a new perspective to the hardships of those times. The narrator, at first I admit to finding "breathy" but as the story developed, the subtle changes in voice brought the whole period to life. I felt like I was witnessing the scenes, even sometimes part of the community as the depth of emotion, of injustice, of hope and despair drew me in. I knew to expect a lot from Carolyn's books, and this audiobook did not disappoint. I look forward to hearing more of the Meonbridge community, whether in written or spoken word. ...more
Missy has inherited her mum's matchmaking agency, though she has very different ideas on how to run it. What she didn't expect was fo*** Audiobook ***
Missy has inherited her mum's matchmaking agency, though she has very different ideas on how to run it. What she didn't expect was for the ghost of her dead mother to be readily on hand to criticise. Well, who would? Missy and her mum Naomi didn't have the greatest mother and daughter relationship. But to save her mum from an eternity in hell, Missy agrees to a business-related challenge: to match 10 people in genuine love matches( unlike some of the "money-focused" and "status-oriented" matches that Naomi was famous for) The challenge sees them bicker but, with the help of a great cast of characters, more is revealed about Naomi's life that gives Missy the chance to finally understand why her mum was the way she was. The twist towards the end seals the deal in seeing the mother and daughter come closer, and allows them both to move on. The secondary characters are funny, kind, and supportive and help make this an enjoyable story to listen to. The narration is clear and easy to follow and the story flows seamlessly, though I would have liked it to be longer. ...more
Paranormal stories are not my usual read, but with this being a cozy mystery, I thought I'd give it go. It was actually great fun, with** Audiobook **
Paranormal stories are not my usual read, but with this being a cozy mystery, I thought I'd give it go. It was actually great fun, with some bizarre but entertaining plots. Victoria doesn't see herself as a witch, certainly not a practising one, and she has doubts she'd ever be able to pull of any spells after her last attempt went so disastrously wrong. Her familiar, a cat by the name of Professor Studmuffin III bakes - of course - but with the driest sense of humour and the biggest ego ever. What could possibly be any more bizarre? Maybe when Victoria tries to prevent a series of deaths (one of which is her own) and has to keep travelling back in time with a spell to do so, but is constantly thwarted by one thing or another. It's funny, amusing, yet you can't help be drawn into Victoria's life and her problems. For me, a non-American, the narration was an issue at times, usually when the narrator was in character, and the Southern accent was hard to understand. At one time, Victoria says something about "having a laff" (which to my British ears is having a laugh). However, after rerunning it a few times, I realised she meant "having a life". I would definitely read more in this series but think I'll stick to reading rather than listening. Great fun, quirky, and frequently chaotic - in the best possible way! ...more
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