80: Feet of Clay – Terry Pratchett
When an old priest is found dead, with a piece of rolled up paper between his lips but no sign of anyone else being involved, suspicion points to those that even the undead despise – the unalive. Golems. The clay men used as mere tools, doing the jobs that no one else will do. Meanwhile, the pressure is piling on Commander Vimes as someone is poisoning the Patrician. Absolutely adore this series, and never get tired of re-reading.
81: A Storm in a Teacup – Rachael Gray
A compelling cosy mystery that makes us question what we think we know about the characters we know and love. It’s a brilliant addition to an outstanding series; one of the best cosy series out there.
Full review: Review: A Storm in a Teacup – Rachael Gray
82: Murder Takes Root – Rosie Sandler
Delightful modern cosy with gardener Steph Williams as the lead sleuth. Hired to restore an Estate’s garden back to the original plans. When one of the estate staff is found dead in his quarters, Steph doesn’t believe this was a suicide and works to uncover the truth. Really easy to listen to, still doesn’t make me want to be a gardener.
83: Murder in Bloom – Rosie Sandler
The third book in the Gardener Mysteries series sees Steph Williams head to pastures new and take part in a competition to create a show garden. We meet her fellow competitors, and the celebrity judges, but when one of the judges is found dead, the competition organisers are determined to pass this off as a mere accident. Steph isn’t so sure though. It seems that while popular with the public, the judge in question had upset quite a few people, but who may have hated her enough to want her dead? A series I’l be watching out for as the books are so easy to listen to with excellent pacing and narration.
84: The Marlow Murder Club – Robert Thorogood
From the writer of Death in Paradise comes the tale of crossword setter Judith Potts, who teams up with vicar’s wife Bex and dog walker Suze. When Judith hears a gun shot at her neighbour’s house, the police try to dismiss it but Judith is certain about what she’s heard. Later stumbling across his body during her own investigations, Judith is determined that this is a puzzle that she has to solve. I love the mix of characters in this light-hearted but engrossing mystery.
85: Death Comes to Marlow – Robert Thorogood
The second of the Marlow Murder Club mysteries starts off with one of my favourite scenes, as seventy something year old Judith Potts has an awkward moment while out swimming naked in the Thames. I do love how uncompromising she is. Both she and Suze are string characters who seem to gel rather than clash, and the presence of both seems to raise mousey vicar’s wife Bex to find her own confidence after years of being a “good wife and mother”. In turn, Bex is often the voice of reason, able to rein in the more fanciful ideas of Judith and Suze, and has a quiet determination of her own that they respect and listen to. The Murder Club get involved in the locked room mystery that is the death of local dignitary Sir Peter Bailey, shortly before he was due to be married. The series gets better with every book, and I’m enjoying the re-listens.
86: A Trial in Three Acts – Guy Morpuss
Entertaining legal thriller with a really likeable lead. When an actress is beheaded on stage in a historical fiction based play, her Hollywood star ex-husband is the prime suspect. Charles Konig KC is instructed to take the case at the Old Bailey, assisted by New York lawyer Yara Ortiz.
Full review: Review: A Trial in Three Acts – Guy Morpuss
87: The Widow’s Guide to Murder – Amanda Ashby
Recently widowed 60 year old Ginny Cole has moved to Little Shaw in Lancashire to start afresh. It’s not all going to plan, with a rude neighbour, having to re-enter the workforce, and then on her second day, going to work at the library only to find her rude boss dead on the floor. And her neighbour is the investigating detective.
Turns out investigating a death is a great way to meet new friends, and the cast of supporting characters is wonderful. I think Ginny is going to be just fine!
88: The Porridge of Countess Berthe – Alexandre Dumas
A long over-looked fairy tale from Alexandre Dumas, newly translated by Alix Daniel. Set in Germany, the story opens with a traveller recounting a fairytale to a fellow passenger on a Rhine Steamer about a castle they’re passing.
Full review: Review: The Porridge of Countess Berthe – Alexandre Dumas
89 – 91: The Ginger Gold Mysteries 1-3 – Lee Strauss
Murder on the SS Rosa
Murder at Hartigan House
Murder at Bray Manor
When looking for new cosy historical reads, a follower on BlueSky recommended I pick up Lee Strauss’ Ginger Gold series as it’s their comfort read. I wasn’t disappointed. Set in the 1920s, war widow Ginger Gold is heading back to London from Boston to settle her father’s estate. Travelling the England with her late father’s former nurse and now medical student Haley Higgins on the SS Rosa, her wartime experience is called upon when the Captain is murdered.
On returning to her family’s former house, Hartigan House, Ginger is shocked to find that there has been a body locked in for over a decade. Who was the victim? Can the culprit still be brought to justice?
In the third story, Ginger and Haley head out to Ginger’s in-laws, where mysterious occurrences have been spooking her late husband’s mother. It’s not long before there’s murder afoot, and Ginger is once again on the case.
Glamorous fashion and murderous plots and intrigue abound in these really enjoyable stories, with a dash of romance perhaps?
92: The Dog Sitter Detective – Antony Johnston
Former actress Gwinny Tuffel withdrew from the profession to care for her elderly father and his increasing needs, but on his death, she finds there’s nothing left financially and may have to consider a return to the screen or stage.
But first, there’s the matter of her best friend’s next wedding. Tina is marrying an Olive Oil Magnate, a union that some people aren’t happy about. And then her fiancé Remy is found dead before the nuptials can take place. With Tina the prime suspect, Gwinny is determined to find the real culprit. The only problem is, with Tina held in the police cells, there’s the matter of the two Salukis to take care of. Gifts from Remi’s sister, Gwinny finds herself as the Dog Sitting Detective!
Hugely fun start to the series, Gwinny is just magnificent, and I’ve loved this re-read.
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