#Blogtour Murder in the Bookshop by Anita Davison

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour Murder in the Bookshop by Anita Davison.

About the Author

Anita Davison is the author of the successful Flora Maguire historical mystery series. Previously published by Aria, she is writing a new cosy mystery series for Boldwood, the first title of which, Murder in the Bookshop, will be published in August 2023. Follow @anitasdavison on Twitter, @Anitadavison3740 on Instagram.

About the book

Someone’s been read their last rites…

1915, London: Working in the dusty bookshop that her Aunt Violet mysteriously inherited, Hannah Merrill is accustomed to finding twists in every tale. But discovering her beloved best friend Lily-Anne – with a paperknife through her heart – in the middle of the bookshop, is not a plotline she saw coming.

The case is anything but textbook. With the discovery of a coded German message, and Hannah’s instinct that Lily-Anne’s husband is keeping secrets, she determines to get to the bottom of it.

She can’t do it alone though. To crack this case, Hannah will need the enlist the help of her outrageous, opinionated, only-occasionally-objectionable Aunt Violet.

They think they’re making progress until one of their chief suspects is found dead. And Hannah realises that she is herself now in the murderer’s sights. Will the final chapter be the ending of a killer… or just a killer ending?

A totally addictive, WW1-set cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Verity Bright, T.E. Kinsey, and Agatha Christie.

Review

Running a bookshop in the middle of London, as the bombing of the city by the Germans begins in earnest, isn't a simple task. It's also slightly more difficult to run a business when someone decides to commit a murder in said bookshop. Everyone starts to look like a suspect even Hannah and her Aunt Violet.

It reminded me of Christie's Tommy and Tuppence, the Miss Scarlet series with the slightly rebellious Aunt Violet giving a bit of Miss Fisher vibes. Set in 1915 with Britain finally coming to the realisation that there is no end in sight when it comes to the war, in fact the real devastation is only just beginning.

There are plenty of personal tragedies and perhaps what is the most tragic is the way the remaining men, regardless of age, are treated with such disdain for not volunteering. This is before they have no choice and the thoughtless cruelty of their own friends, neighbours and fellow countrymen and women poisons their country. 

I enjoyed the way the author combines historical fact with the comfortable feel of characters inviting you in for a look into their lives and keeps the story on a never quite even keel by introducing death, betrayal and suspicion into the mix.

Buy Murder in the Bookshop at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: Boldwood Books; pub date 22 Aug. 2023. Buy at Amazon com. Buy here.

#Blogtour Murder in the Highlands by Debbie Young

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour Murder in the Highlands by Debbie Young. 

About the Author

Debbie Young is the much-loved author of the Sophie Sayers and St Brides cosy crime mysteries. She lives in a Cotswold village where she runs the local literary festival, and has worked at Westonbirt School, both of which provide inspiration for her writing. 

She is bringing both her series to Boldwood in a 13-book contract. They will be publishing several new titles in each series and republishing the backlist, starting in September 2022. Follow @DebbieYoungBN on Twitter

About the book

Sophie and Hector are heading to the Highlands. - For Sophie it’s a trip home and for Hector it’s time to meet Sophie’s parents... Though their trip has village tongues wagging about a stop at Scotland’s notorious elopement spot, Gretna Green.

No matter what, it’ll make a nice break from the murder and mayhem that has been plaguing their beautiful Cotswolds village. But Sophie and Hector are barely on the road before they’re being hassled by reckless drivers and at their first rest stop a body is discovered.

Then comes a series of ‘accidents’ that leave poor Hector a little worse for wear. Is someone after Hector? Who could even know he was in the Highlands? Accidents or not, can they find some way to keep Hector safe?

Review

Sophie and Hector are off on a holiday to the Highlands. The intention is for Hector to get to know Sophie's parents, although the people around them are convinced the two of them are planning to take their relationship to a new level.

Quite inadvertently the two of them become involved in a crime when a body is found on their travels. A coincidence? Is the death connected the strange series of events connected to Hector, who appears to have become an easy target for road raging bullies and what odd incidents that are making their 'meet the parents' trip a little uncomfortable.

It's a cosy read, a light-hearted mystery with a strong set of relatable characters. The setting of the town/village Sophie and Hector live in is both a driver, and the hive of interpersonal relationships that give the series both a personal touch and its charming moments.

It will be fun to see Sophie and Hector continue with their very particular style of sleuthing, the accidentally falling straight into a mystery kind of read. And of course reading about how their helpful villagers, friends and family further influence their relationship.

Buy Murder in the Highlands at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Buy at Amazon com. Buy via Boldwood Books.

#BlogBlitz A Lethal Arrogance by D.S. Lang

 It's a pleasure to take part in the BlogBlitz A Lethal Arrogance-An Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery  Book 3 by D.S. Lang.

About the Author

D.S. Lang, a native Ohioan, has been making up stories since she was a little girl, and she still is! Along the way, she studied English and social studies as an undergrad. After graduate school, she went on to teach government and American history in high school. She also taught English at the junior high, high school, and college levels. In addition, she has worked as a program coordinator, golf shop manager, and online tutor.

Now, she spends much of her time reading, researching, and writing. Most recently, she has delved into the Great War era and the years immediately after it. Her Arabella Stewart Historical Mystery Series was inspired by her Great Uncle Brice who served in the American Expeditionary Force during World War One, and by her love of historical mysteries. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with family and friends, including her dog Izzy. Follow DSLang on Facebook

About the book

After returning home from her service as a United States Army Signal Corps operator in the Great War, Arabella Stewart’s goal, to save her family’s resort, seems within reach as the summer season progresses. She and her business partner, Mac MacLendon, look forward to re-establishing a successful championship golf tournament, once the signature event of the resort’s year. 

Problems arise when one of the contestants, an overbearing snob who has created problems at other competitions, clashes with more than one person. When he is found dead, the victim of a suspicious automobile crash, Bella once again helps Jax Hastings, the town constable and her childhood friend, investigate. As they pursue answers, Bella and Jax find several suspects who might have wanted to make the victim suffer for his lethal arrogance.

Review

Bella is determined to jump-start the family business again. The war has taken it's toll both emotional and financially. Nearly everyone has suffered loss, as has Bella. Learning to come to terms with life without her brother and the holes he has left in the family. It's actually this loss that connects her to Jax, although they refuse to confront the obvious.

Instead they band together to find the killer of an awful man, who was despised by many. The attempts to save Ballantyne Inn are threatened by the early demise of this particularly vile individual.

I think this is less of a whodunnit and more of a 'can you find anyone who wouldn't have dunnit' - yeh that's how likeable the victim is. Is there anyone who didn't have a reason to bump him off?

It's historical romance with cosy mystery as a sideline. Lang weaves the emotional fragility of war trauma, loss, post-war world rebuilding, romance and crime together in this read. The result is a tender approach to each other, whilst navigating a murder most wicked. Note: this dude totally deserved it.

Buy A Lethal Arrogance at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour The Last Lemming by Chris Chalmers

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour The Last Lemming by Chris Chalmers.

About the Author
Chris Chalmers was born in Lancashire and lives in south-west London. He's been the understudy on Mastermind, visited 40 countries and swum with marine iguanas. His first novel, 'Five To One', was winner of a debut novel competition and nominated for the Polari First Book Prize; his latest, 'The Last Lemming', is out now in paperback and ebook. He has written a diary for 42 years and never missed a night.

Click on a reading from 'The Last Lemming', or a Five-To-ONE-MINUTE-MOVIE for a 60-second intro to the main characters and themes of 'Five To One'. Or search 'chris chalmers novelist' on YouTube, for clips of Chris reading from his other books, poems about Christmas Eve and butcher's shops, and fox cubs dancing to ABBA. (Yep, it's as high-brow as that.)

Follow @CCsw19 on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Visit chrischalmers.net, Buy The Last Lemming

About the book
TV naturalist ‘Prof Leo’ Sanders makes it to his deathbed without a whiff of scandal — then confesses his career-defining wildlife discovery was a hoax.

A National Treasure shattering his own reputation on YouTube is enough to spark a media frenzy, and the curiosity of part-time journalism student Claire Webster who makes him the subject of her dissertation.

Her investigations lead to Prof Leo’s estranged family, and a high-flying advertising guru he also slandered in the video. Ultimately Claire uncovers the truth behind the discovery of the Potley Hill Lemming — the first new species of British mammal in a century.

It’s a mystery spanning four decades; a tale of greed, obsession and long-forgotten murder at a lonely beauty spot.'

Review
It's a cosy mystery which definitely has a comedy vibe, perhaps not intentionally but the whole lemming storyline was highly entertaining.

Claire is hot on the trail of an intriguing story. A national phenomena caused by the discovery of an elusive species, which is stopped in its tracks when the animals disappear soon after. The person who discovered them, Leo, is thrown for a loop and caught between trying to maintain credibility and wanting the acknowledgment.

The media frenzy is a double-edged sword. It brings recognition, attention and notoriety, but it also threatens to take all of those things and more away at the same time. It changes Leo and determines his actions, choices and the rest of his life.

Why would a man so invested in the truth turn around and call himself a fraud, how desperate is he or is this about discrediting someone else entirely?

Chalmers keeps readers questioning what it is they have got themselves into. Is it a coming-of-age story, one about discovering what you want in life, a window into the world of competitive wildlife conservation or is it really all about an unidentified body? I guess that is the charm of this read - you never really know what is heading your way.

Now I've written my review I am just popping my wellies on, grabbing my night goggles and wildlife camera - it's time to hunt the elusive Lemmings!

Buy The Last Lemming by Chris Chalmers at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: J.Mendel Books; pub date 10 July 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour Murder on the Downs by Julie Wassmer

It's a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Murder on the Downs by Julie Wassmer.

About the Author
Julie Wassmer was born in the East End of London, studied at Kingston University and had a variety of different jobs before she finally settled down to become a professional television drama writer.
She worked on several TV series, including ITV’s London’s Burning, C5’s Family Affairs and the popular BBC soap, EastEnders, which she wrote for almost 20 years.

In 2010, her autobiography More Than Just Coincidence was published by Harper Collins/True. The book entered the Sunday Times Best Selling Non Fiction Top Twenty and went on to become Mumsnet Book of the Year.

In 2015, Julie’s debut crime novel, The Whitstable Pearl Mystery, was published by award-winning publisher, Little, Brown Book Group. Six other books have since followed in the series with more on the way, and the television rights to the series have been optioned by the TV production company, Buccaneer, the makers of Marcella, starring Anna Friel.

Julie moved to Whitstable twenty years ago where she shares a home with her husband, Kas, and three cats, Charlie, Lily and Maisie. She also spends a great deal of time campaigning on environmental issues.

Murder on the Downs is the seventh book in the Whitstable Pearl Mystery series.

Follow @juliewassmer on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Visit juliewassmer.com, Buy Murder on the Downs

About the book
A controversial new property development is planned in Whitstable which will encroach upon the green open space of the downs, to the dismay of Whitstable residents who view this as the thin end of the wedge with regard to local wildlife conservation.

A campaign springs into life, spearheaded by a friend of Pearl's family, Martha Laker. A committed environmentalist, Martha is no stranger to controversy herself. She has also managed to divide opinion across town, with the locals viewing her as their fearless champion while establishment figures seeing only an interfering agitator.

Tensions escalate between the developers and Whitstable residents, straining Pearl's close relationship with London-born police officer, DCI Mike McGuire, who harbours concerns that the local campaign will spiral out of control. Pearl's loyalties are torn, but the protest duly goes ahead - and newspaper headlines claim a moral victory for the residents in this David and Goliath battle.
But the victory is short lived when Pearl discovers a dead body on the downs...

Review
Pearl is thrown into the middle of a fight between a property developer and the locals in Whitstable. She doesn't really want to take sides, especially because she is trying to focus on her budding relationship between herself and DCI Mike McGuire. Her hand is forced, although perhaps more due to nostalgia as opposed to admitting the practicality of more people needing affordable housing. That twinge of nostalgia places her firmly on one side. It's all fun and games, and a bit of rebellion, until somebody turns up dead.

Wassmer captures the essence of rural and coastal smalltown mentality and definitely hits the nail on the head when it comes to the gentrification of areas perceived as perfect by those with second homes. If you happen to live in one of those areas it's easier to understand the more negative implications for the locals. DfL's (down-from-London) don't help the local economy because their holiday homes are empty for the majority of the year. They tend to be key figures and string-pullers when it comes to environmental and conservation protests. It makes them look good. Yes, I am a wee bit cynical.

Wassmer knows exactly how things roll between locals and second home holiday dwellers. The plot is built around the same kind of tension, disgruntled opinions and energy the two sides tend to evoke. Combined with a cosy mystery crime vibe and a blossoming romance this is the kind of read you need when you want distraction and a bit of smalltown quirkiness.

Buy Murder on the Downs ( Whitstable Pearl Mysteries) at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Constable; pub date 7 May 2020 - £8.99 Paperback/eBook. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour Every Dog Has His Day by Chloe Grace

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Every Dog has his Day by Chloe Grace. It's a cosy mystery with a four-legged, furry canine detective in the starring role.

Get your free copy of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, the prequel to Every Dog has his Day.

About the Author
Chloe Grace is the cozy mystery pen name for romantic mystery author, Karen Botha. While she doesn’t understand animals quite as well as Bella in the Albertus Eagle Detective Beagle cozy mysteries, she does chat along to her rescue dog, Shadow, pretty much all day.
And she’s sure that he chats back.

Chloe lives with Shadow and her hubby in a small outpost of London city—funnily enough it’s a little like where Bella and Albie live. As a family they like to go on walks in the local woods and throw a tennis ball until their respective arms ache, which is usually before Shadow shows any hint of exhaustion.

While her first romance novels were inspired by true life events, the Albertus Eagle series are complete imagination – although her conversations with Shadow can’t be ignored.

Follow @karenbothanovel on Twitter, Follow Chloe Grace on Facebook, Follow Karen Botha on Instagram, on Goodreads, on BookBub, on Facebook, 

Visit karenbotha.com and the Chloe Grace mysteries

Buy Every Dog Has His Day

About the book
They say every dog has his day.
Well, today I've certainly had mine.
Hey, I'm Albertus Eagle and it turns out I'm an unwitting pet detective. I haven't always been such a successful legal beagle, but when I'm confronted with a case that is so personal I can't ignore it, I discover I have a passion for finding those who don't want to be found.

Cleo the cat. Well, she came along for the ride too.
So, sure I've had my day today, but not in the sense of being past my prime. To the contrary, the fun is just starting. And I am buzzing with a new purpose, mixed with a tiny amount of vindictive elation.

Why?
Because, I've not only found myself a new home after the untimely demise of my previous owner, but I've also made amends with the cat. It turns out she's not that bad, really.
On top of that though, and this is what really sends shivers racing all the way down my spine to my paws, is that we've fingered a killer.

How?
Because you human’s, you underestimate us animals. And while you go about your business ignoring our very existence, the cat and I are listening and taking notes.

This is the first full length novel in the Albertus Eagle detective beagle series of animal cozy mysteries, starring Albertus Eagle, and his two sidekicks, Cleo the cat and Bella Schuhmann, the smart human who actually understands him. In this wonderful full length book packed with humour and satire, we see the world of murder and intrigue set up through the eyes of a loyal dog turned amateur sleuth.

Review
Move over Columbo, here comes Albertus Eagle the famous canine detective. A beagle who is ready to save the day and take down criminals one murderer at a time. He is supported by his feline sidekick Cloe, and his human Bella.

Albie and Cloe have gone from riches to rags, because their owner was murdered. Luckily they are both adopted by Bella, who is just as determined to find the person who took their owner from them.

What's interesting is that Albertus, Albie for short, clicks with and understands Bella quite well and vice versa, and Bella can communicate with Cloe too. Not sure where she has acquired these skills, perhaps there is an app for it.

They are listening, taking notes (*wonders how are they taking notes*), and solving crimes for the humans, because clearly they are incapable of doing so by themselves. In fact they, the humans, are seemingly unaware that dogs and cats rule the world.

Albie's commentary is hilarious at times, especially when he is throwing shade at everyone including other breeds. 'We all know Ridgebacks are a flighty bunch' - burn.

This is the perfect story for readers who love animals and a cosy mystery. It's entertaining, sweet and highly amusing at times.

It's a cosy mystery with a four-legged, furry canine detective in the starring role. The kind of read that is just right if you need a bit of relaxation, a few giggles and come away from it with a smile on your face. The author definitely delivers when it comes to that.

It's not meant to be a complex thriller. It is exactly what it says on the box.

Buy Every Dog Has His Day on Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour Who's That Girl by T.S. Hunter

Today it's a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour for the second book in the Soho Noir series, Who's That Girl by T.S. Hunter.

About the Author
Claiming to be only half-Welsh, T.S. Hunter lived in South Wales for much of his latter teens, moving to London as soon as confidence and finances allowed. He never looked back.

He has variously been a teacher, a cocktail waiter, a podium dancer and a removal man, but his passion for writing has been the only constant.

He's a confident and engaging speaker and guest, who is as passionate about writing and storytelling as he is about promoting mainstream LGBT fiction.

He now lives with his husband in the country, and is active on social media as @TSHunter5

Follow @TSHunter5 @RedDogTweets on Twitter, on Goodreads,
Buy Who's That Girl

About the book
A femme Fatale with a point to prove.

It’s the summer of 1985 in London's Soho, and Joe Stone is settling into his new life living in the heart of London's developing gay scene.

When Danny Devraux—the compere they've hired to host their charity ball, The Frock Show—is found dead backstage, it falls to Joe and his friend and flatmate, Russell, to figure out what happened.

All they have to go on is a broken stiletto found near the scene, and the briefest glimpse of a mystery woman fleeing the club. But who was she? And why did she kill the most loved man in cabaret?

Past secrets, bent coppers, drag queens and old lovers all play their part in this noirish murder mystery.

Review
This is the second book in the Soho Noir series, which are short cosy mystery reads. It's a LGBT series set in the 80s, as you may be able to tell by the titles.

Once again Joe and Russell find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery. The duo was thrown together, albeit reluctantly, in the first book. The two of them discovered that they had more in common than they thought. Both of them are still learning to navigate the world as gay men, which in the 1980s included being in the midst of the height of the HiV and Aids pandemic.

Aids has caused the deaths of 35 million people worldwide since the 1980s. Unfortunately it was dubbed the 'gay plague' which lead to further discrimination of homosexuals, especially men.

In this story a compere, Danny Devraux, is murdered backstage at a charity event. Joe and Russell investigate the murder to make sure an innocent man doesn't go down for the crime. They find plenty of shocking secrets that put Danny in a completely different light.

I like the whole concept of a fast pocket crime read with an 80s flair and set in the LGBT community. It has the feel of a modern crime with a classic mystery vibe. Hunter gives the reader an idea of how difficult must have been at that time for people of a specific sexual orientation. Even the police were foe rather than friend.

This story is more structured and less excitable than the first, which I personally found a lot more persuasive. It had a more easygoing feel to it, whereas the first was a whirlwind of an introduction to the series.

Side note: I am absolutely loving the book covers for the Soho series.

Buy Who's That Girl at Amazon UK or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Red Dog Press: pub date; 4 Jun. 2019. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of Tainted Love (Soho Noir #1) by T. S. Hunter

The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

I wouldn't describe this as a novel, it is more like a series of tales that interconnect. At the same time the tales can be viewed as short chapters, because some of the threads are woven from the first to the last one.

It is quirky with a strong geographical and cultural vibe to it. Mma Ramotswe is the main character, and boy does she drive the story.

In the midst of all the witty repertoire, folklore infused messages of morality and general sense of humour, there are some serious topics too.

I think McCall likes to slide them under innocent looking rocks, the type of rocks scorpions use to hide in the shade. When you move them or are in the close vicinity you just never know what might scuttle out and pinch you.

In a sense the author lulls the reader into a false sense of security. You get all comfortable, fuzzy and smile at jolly ol' Mma Ramotswe, then bam you're blind-sided by domestic violence. A slap to the head and you're frozen by the kidnapping and murder of children for the use in witchcraft rituals. A joke here and a giggle there, and racism raises its nasty little head.

It is a very subtle way of introducing the reader to the complexities of the country and the intricacies of the power structures within the country. At the same time the reader gets a taste of the people and their traditional settings.

I liked it. It has a quirky charm to it.

Buy The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.

Sidney Chambers and the Perils of the Night by James Runcie

If you didn't happen to catch the TV première of Grantchester then you are definitely missing out on a treat.The second season has just started on ITV.

The series is based on James Runcie's The Grantchester Mysteries featuring the sleuth Sidney Chambers, the canon detective with a flair for secrets and mysteries.

Perils of the Night is a collection of Sidney Chambers stories, some of which you may recognise from the TV series, although the script writers have changed the plots slightly.

In this book Sidney introduces the two ladies in his life to each other. A recipe for disaster one might think. Personally I am rooting for neither of them. Amanda is way too spoilt little rich girl and Hildegard is a bit of an ice queen. Hildegard also ends up involving Sidney in the rise of the wall in Germany, albeit inadvertently.

One of the main elements of the Sidney Chambers books is the relationship between Sidney and Keating. Their bromance is a highlight of both the stories and the tv series. The two of them come from completely different walks of life, and yet their friendship demolishes all boundaries between them.

I'm not sure if crime follows Sidney around or whether he is instantly drawn to it, because no matter where he goes there is always some kind of incident. Murder, theft, spies, oh and the idiosyncrasies of village life.

The television series really has managed to capture the essence of Sidney and Keating perfectly, and the stories written by James Runcie. Sidney Chambers is the perfect mixture of cosy mystery and small minded morality.

Buy Perils of the Night at Amazon UK or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.

Read Sidney Chambers and The Shadow of Death