REVIEW
There’s no perfect setting for a cosy mystery than a village country fair, and bookshop owner Flora and crime writer Jack are preparing for the Abbeymead event, when disaster strikes. Local cheesemaker Gilbert Barrow is found dead in his van, the instrument of his death being one of his very own cheeses. Murder, mystery and cheese – three of my favourite things!
This is the 14th outing for Flora Steele, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Allingham quickly gets everyone up to speed with who’s who in the quaint village in this 60s set historical mystery. Readers are given any backstory they need to know without sacrificing any of the storytelling. Flora and Jack are trying hard not to get involved, but some mysteries are hard to resist. It’s a mystery that pulls you in and keeps you guessing, suspecting everybody until the final reveal.
With adorable characters you want to root for and villains to suspect and boo, it’s a fantastic cosy read, and I can’t wait for the next adventure!
Many thanks to Bookouture and the author for the gifted eARC for review.
ABOUT THE BOOK
When a body is discovered at their local country fair, amateur detectives Flora and Jack Carrington agree this death smells suspicious – and it’s not just the killer cheese. It’s the scent of murder…
Sussex, 1960: It’s the perfect day for Abbeymead’s autumn fair. The village green has been transformed into a riot of stalls and tents, and Flora and Jack are keen to sample all the local produce. But when local cheesemaker Gilbert Barrow crashes into the fair, he brings the festivities to a dead halt.
Flora rushes to the van and finds Gilbert slumped over the wheel, killed by his prize-winning round of cheese, which has broken free of its bonds. Flora is immediately alert – surely Gilbert would have been more careful with his treasured prize… and with his life?
Certain there’s more to this than just a tragic accident, Flora and Jack begin investigating Gilbert’s close circle – his jealous cousin, Bea, his corporate dairy rival, Reginald, and his estranged wife, Vivienne. When Gilbert’s new girlfriend is attacked, the race to find out who had the biggest motive heats up faster than fondue. But can Flora and Jack sniff out the killer – or will their investigation crumble before the murderer strikes again…?
A completely gripping and page-turning, charming cozy mystery novel packed to the brim with brilliant twists. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and J.R. Ellis will love Murder at the Country Fair.
Readers love the Flora Steele Mysteries:
‘Fantastic!!! Absolutely devoured in one sitting!!… Absolutely addictive!!!… My heart was in my throat… OMG!!!! THAT ENDING!!!! LOVE, LOVE, ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!!!… ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! DID I MENTION I LOVED IT???!!!!… Clear your schedules as you won’t be able to put this book down!… Kept me turning the pages late at night!!… I LOVED it.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘An easy, enjoyable cozy mystery… Charming… Entertaining… Warm, lively, and full of personality… Wonderful… Filled with charm, community, and just enough danger… A fun cozy mystery… Delightful… Perfect.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wonderful! I absolutely adored this… Had me finishing in no time! I highly recommend!!!… I was drawn in instantly.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Fantastic… I really didn’t want to put this book down for even a second… Totally immersive… Bravo!!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I started this with my morning coffee and didn’t put it down until it was finished… I could not tear myself away.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I loved this… Keeps you guessing to the very end. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, another twist… Wow… I completely loved this.’ Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Enchanting and atmospheric… Completely absorbing and wholly immersive… Will sweep you up in all its secrets and mysteries… Truly a delight… Truly wonderful.’ The Staffymum’s Book Nook, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Fabulous… I really do love this series… A terrific cosy crime… Highly recommend.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cosy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.
Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with her husband and one last cat, Bluebell. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet classes and plenty of walking.
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