68: Date with Danger – Julia Chapman
Opening with a death at a livestock market, Samson and Delilah are soon on the case of a dangerous group of sheep rustlers, out stealing valuable flocks across the Dales and beyond. The 5th book in the Dales Detectives series sees the two leads growing closer, but external forces are moving against them.
69: That’ll Teach Her – Maz Evans
When an unpopular primary school headmistress meets a sticky end, the parents of the class group chat suspect foul play and aren’t short of suspects. Dark and incredibly funny, Maz Evans is such a fun writer to read.
Full review: Review: That’ll Teach Her – Maz Evans
70: Green Teeth – Molly O’Neill
Beautifully written modern fairy tale drawing on folklore from across the British Isles, as told by a lake dwelling monster, Jenny Greenteeth herself.
Full review: Review: Green Teeth – Molly O’Neill
71: Date with Deceit – Julia Chapman
The 6th novel in the Dales Detective series. I’ve been trying to pace myself and read one a week, but they’re so good I can’t help myself. In this tale, the mayor’s wife suspects him of having an affair, and put Samson and Delilah on his tail. This leads them to a shoot at a country mansion, with Delilah undercover, but tragedy strikes when the mayor is found dead in his car, from a shotgun blast.
72: Date with Betrayal – Julia Chapman
…and straight on to the 7th novel of the Dales Detective series. The past is catching up with Samson O’Brien. Suspended from the Met police and due in court on charges of stealing drugs from the evidence lockers, dark forces are determined that he will never testify. A hitman is despatched to Bruncliffe to take out the community black sheep, but the village won’t have that happen to one of their own, and take steps to keep Samson safe. Probably one of my favourites of the series, I love seeing the community work together in the way only they can.
73: The Frozen People – Elly Griffiths
Ali Dawson works for the cold case team. But they’re a team with a difference. They’re able to go back in time to the original crime and investigate from there. Called upon by a prominent MP (and her son’s employer) to go back and clear his ancestor’s name, things go wrong when Ali finds herself stranded in the past. When the MP is later found dead, Ali’s son finds himself charged with his murder. Are the past and present cases linked?
I love Ely Griffiths’ writing, and always find myself completely immersed and reading on to find out what happens next, and this new series is no exception. Such an interesting premise and I need more of this series already!
74: A Crime in 5C – Eryn Scott
This 4th book in the series sees the apartment block at risk after the death of the owner. Meg’s aunt returns from Scotland and organises a fun scavenger hunt for all the residents to keep their mind off impending eviction, giving us a tour of Seattle. Back in the building, a body is found outside 5c, wearing a dress stolen from one of the other residents, and the dress itself may be key to solving the murder. The Murder at the Morrisey series is just what I need right now – cute and fun and really easy to read/listen to.
75: How to Slay on Holiday – Sarah Bonner
Twisty thriller set on the Greek Island of Mykonos. When Chloe wakes up after a night out to find her husband murdered in the bed next to her, she’s devastated. She hadn’t planned for him to die until they returned… who pre-empted her plans and what do they know?
Full review: Review: How To Slay On Holiday – Sarah Bonner
76: Murder at the Loch – Dee MacDonald
More murders up in the Scottish Highlands. A body is found floating in the loch, and the Laird’s new wife is poisoned at their wedding reception. Ally McKinley found the first body, and was present during the reception, so works to solve the murders to clear her own name. Are the cases linked? Gentle cosy crime.
Full review: Review: Murder at the Loch – Dee MacDonald
77: Murder Below Deck – Orlando Murrin
Surrounded by the ultra-rich in the opulent surroundings of a luxury SuperYacht, Chef and writer Paul Delamare may be the lone beacon of almost-sanity. Murder Below Deck is a fabulously entertaining murder mystery, with plenty of action and humour.
Full review: Review: Murder Below Deck – Orlando Murrin
78: Knife Skills for Beginners – Orlando Murrin
Brilliantly narrated, Knife Skills for Beginners is the debut novel from food writer and Masterchef contestant Orlando Murrin. Chef Paul Delamare is roped into teaching an exclusive culinary class to replace his friend, Celebrity Chef Christian. When Christian is later found dead, Paul finds himself under suspicion,
Wonderfully written and beautifully narrated, this is a great murder mystery.
79: Seeds of Murder – Rosie Sandler
Despite the title, there’s not a whole lot of murder in this novel. It’s still a great mystery though, although part of the mystery is how protagonist Steph Williams is able to put up with such awful people. Taking a placement as a gardener for a gated community of wealthy residents, Steph finds herself drawn in to acting as confidante to some, which puts her in a precarious position when residents start receiving blackmail notes. Fighting to save her job and clear her name, Steph knows the answers can be found by digging into the past.
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