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Tudor and Stewart Abergwyn Mysteries #3
Murder Without Magic
Peter and Lorne have taken the plunge: moved in together in a little house by the sea.
Peter has his dream job, and Lorne has his dream kitchen, and so what if things go bump in the night next door? they can ignore it. The ghost with a violent streak isn’t so easy to ignore. Nor is the dead body in next door’s garden.
Much against their better judgement, and the advice of their friends, Peter and Lorne are dragged kicking and screaming into another investigation.
Only two questions remain: do the bad guys have any idea how hard it will be to to defeat Peter and Lorne, and second, has Peter finally started to believe in magic?
Peter has his dream job, and Lorne has his dream kitchen, and so what if things go bump in the night next door? they can ignore it. The ghost with a violent streak isn’t so easy to ignore. Nor is the dead body in next door’s garden.
Much against their better judgement, and the advice of their friends, Peter and Lorne are dragged kicking and screaming into another investigation.
Only two questions remain: do the bad guys have any idea how hard it will be to to defeat Peter and Lorne, and second, has Peter finally started to believe in magic?
129 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2023
41 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 6, 2023
Peter and Lorne have taken a big step, they are now living in their very own house. The house is part of the sixty year old homes in Terras Affordd (Coast Terrace) in North Wales. It’s everything they wanted and it even has a yard for Charlie. Peter’s mum and Dave moved in together in Abergwyn and are planning a wedding. Wint, Lorne’s uncle moved into Lorne’s caravan, also in Abergwyn, and he has good company with Enzo. And Ade Forrest, Peter’s ex, is also becoming a good friend to both Lorne and Peter.
All seems to be happy until Lorne announces they have a ghost. Peter is still trying to get used to the idea that magic and ghosts do exist. Peter took a new job at the hospital and Lorne is a professional chef and has written several cook books. But as busy and stressful as things have been they make time for each other and Charlie.
But for Lorne and Peter their new little world will get turned upside down, with a ghostly voice, a dead body and strange noises coming from the house next door. It seems that DS Powell is rude and doesn’t care what’s happened and people seem afraid to talk about the house with the noises.
Lorne and Peter don’t like that they’re not getting the answers to the noisy house and the body. So they start their own investigation, but it doesn’t come without danger and destruction. How far will they get, when no one want’s to talk, and danger could be lurking at every corner?
Ripley Hayes really outdid herself with “Murder Without Magic.” This was definitely scary and Lorne and Peter have to call in some favors to get information that was hard to come by. It’s another cosy mystery with secrets, ghosts, a little Lorne magic and danger. And I loved the lover’s quarrel and how sweetly it ended.
Everyone makes an appearance: Peter’s mum Kay and Dave, Ade, Griff, and Uncle Wint. Ian and Heather who make friends with Peter and Lorne first and Freddie James who comes to the rescue. And what would the entire story be without: Charlie and Enzo.
I highly recommend “Murder Without Magic” book 3 in the “Tudor and Stewart Cosy Mysteries.” It’s a quick read and for me a page turner. I like the new covers that come with this delightful series. Ripley Hayes just keeps making this series better and better.
All seems to be happy until Lorne announces they have a ghost. Peter is still trying to get used to the idea that magic and ghosts do exist. Peter took a new job at the hospital and Lorne is a professional chef and has written several cook books. But as busy and stressful as things have been they make time for each other and Charlie.
But for Lorne and Peter their new little world will get turned upside down, with a ghostly voice, a dead body and strange noises coming from the house next door. It seems that DS Powell is rude and doesn’t care what’s happened and people seem afraid to talk about the house with the noises.
Lorne and Peter don’t like that they’re not getting the answers to the noisy house and the body. So they start their own investigation, but it doesn’t come without danger and destruction. How far will they get, when no one want’s to talk, and danger could be lurking at every corner?
Ripley Hayes really outdid herself with “Murder Without Magic.” This was definitely scary and Lorne and Peter have to call in some favors to get information that was hard to come by. It’s another cosy mystery with secrets, ghosts, a little Lorne magic and danger. And I loved the lover’s quarrel and how sweetly it ended.
Everyone makes an appearance: Peter’s mum Kay and Dave, Ade, Griff, and Uncle Wint. Ian and Heather who make friends with Peter and Lorne first and Freddie James who comes to the rescue. And what would the entire story be without: Charlie and Enzo.
I highly recommend “Murder Without Magic” book 3 in the “Tudor and Stewart Cosy Mysteries.” It’s a quick read and for me a page turner. I like the new covers that come with this delightful series. Ripley Hayes just keeps making this series better and better.
June 11, 2023
An engaging and entertaining missing persons case with lashings of baked goods and a dab of spooky-lite. A couple of editing issues such as being the only real downer.
March 3, 2023
I love these 2. Another cozy no sex mystery, this time it revolves around their next door neighbor.
I am hoping there will be another in the series.
I am hoping there will be another in the series.
January 30, 2024
DO NOT DRINK AND TAKE PAIN KILLERS. once again, drinking and pain killers are not to be mixed.
April 25, 2023
great storyline, fantastic characters
Rating: 4.75🌈
Murder Without Magic is a stellar story. Third in Ripley Hayes’ Tuder and Stewart Cosy Mystery series, it’s one that is so much more than its 169 pages numerically would have you believe.
Within a plot to find out who murdered the person in the garden next door to their new home, Hayes’ story encompasses a newly established relationship that deepens through adversity, personal differences over things held basic to Lorne like magic and ghosts, emotional doubts , and abiding love.
Yes , there’s a ghost. Our favorite horse from Abergwyn makes a hugely important contribution, as does Uncle Wint.
The mysteries, multiple, are poignant, terrifying , and fascinating. Hayes’ narrative lays out this element so well that it’s easy to get involved in the process of discovery. Ade, our detective from Abergwyn, is also part of the supporting cast.
But the heart is our couple, Peter and Lorne. Having a new home, establishing themselves in place where they don’t know anyone, a new dream job for Peter with all its stresses, a dream kitchen for Lorne. Only to have everything start to come apart.
That personal struggle to grow together as a couple while solving the mysteries is what makes me love this story, this series and author so.
The people have flaws, they don’t always react well, but because they do love each other, they eventually find a way to make it work and get the culprits.
I think this might be the final book in the series. Hope not. But if it is, I’m happy to see them off in their new kitchen and place by the sea.
Highly recommend this entire series. Read them in the order they are written.
Also don’t miss the recipe for Lorne’s Emergency Refrigerator Cake at the end! It’s a winner!
Tudor and Stewart Cosy Mystery series:
- [x] No Accident at Abergwyn #1
- [x] No Friends at Abergwyn #2
- [x] Murder Without Magic #3
Rating: 4.75🌈
Murder Without Magic is a stellar story. Third in Ripley Hayes’ Tuder and Stewart Cosy Mystery series, it’s one that is so much more than its 169 pages numerically would have you believe.
Within a plot to find out who murdered the person in the garden next door to their new home, Hayes’ story encompasses a newly established relationship that deepens through adversity, personal differences over things held basic to Lorne like magic and ghosts, emotional doubts , and abiding love.
Yes , there’s a ghost. Our favorite horse from Abergwyn makes a hugely important contribution, as does Uncle Wint.
The mysteries, multiple, are poignant, terrifying , and fascinating. Hayes’ narrative lays out this element so well that it’s easy to get involved in the process of discovery. Ade, our detective from Abergwyn, is also part of the supporting cast.
But the heart is our couple, Peter and Lorne. Having a new home, establishing themselves in place where they don’t know anyone, a new dream job for Peter with all its stresses, a dream kitchen for Lorne. Only to have everything start to come apart.
That personal struggle to grow together as a couple while solving the mysteries is what makes me love this story, this series and author so.
The people have flaws, they don’t always react well, but because they do love each other, they eventually find a way to make it work and get the culprits.
I think this might be the final book in the series. Hope not. But if it is, I’m happy to see them off in their new kitchen and place by the sea.
Highly recommend this entire series. Read them in the order they are written.
Also don’t miss the recipe for Lorne’s Emergency Refrigerator Cake at the end! It’s a winner!
Tudor and Stewart Cosy Mystery series:
- [x] No Accident at Abergwyn #1
- [x] No Friends at Abergwyn #2
- [x] Murder Without Magic #3
May 2, 2023
I’ve enjoyed this series so far, but something about this one felt a little disconnected. I think maybe taking the main characters out of the setting established in books 1 and 2 is part of it, but then also incorporating more of the quasi-magical gave the book a different tone. Overall it was a fine read, but it felt like one step forward…and a step to the left.
March 24, 2023
Considering I don't really enjoy cozy mysteries, I really like Ripley Hayes' approach here with Peter and Lorne. This is another strong book in their series, and I like so many things about it -- their growth of their relationship, the new setting, the returning secondary characters, and the mystery. The mystery was probably the strongest part of this, and I found it very intriguing.
I actually missed the over-involvement of Peter's mom (and her boyfriend) and even Ade, Peter's previous love-interest (I don't believe they fully dated, though, so I wouldn't call him Peter's 'ex'). And some of the tension present in the previous two books was missing here (between Peter and Lorne). The relationship is more settled, so that aspect wasn't quite as compelling as before.
Still, this was very good, and I'll keep looking for Hayes' books!
I actually missed the over-involvement of Peter's mom (and her boyfriend) and even Ade, Peter's previous love-interest (I don't believe they fully dated, though, so I wouldn't call him Peter's 'ex'). And some of the tension present in the previous two books was missing here (between Peter and Lorne). The relationship is more settled, so that aspect wasn't quite as compelling as before.
Still, this was very good, and I'll keep looking for Hayes' books!
May 19, 2023
Peter and Loren move into their new home and love it. Peter gets his job he loves in the A&E of the hospital and Charley, dog, loves his new life also. Then a dead body shows up in their neighbors yard and Wint shows up on Enzo, the horse, who acts magical too. A dead body, a woman who has been missing for five years, A woman who walks her two dogs and no one knows who she is, thumping and a laughing male voice in the salmon house next door, a hostile cop, a hostile ghost who won't give out any information, a destroyed kitchen, physical harm and some wonderful neighbors and new friends. I just hope that there is going to be another book of these wonderful characters. It would be so sad if there isn't.
November 18, 2023
Another body
Peter and Lorne are magnet for dead bodies. A new home in a new city with new friends and another dead body or two. They have resident ghost who can not move on till she is found. A bitchy cop named Powell who was also related to the bad guy. So what happened to her and cover ups and false arrests and her aggressive accusations. They never said and I wish I knew that she was punished too. There are too many of these crooked cops and no justice is served to them in all of these series. Officers are not above the law and because they are responsible for helping the public there punishment should be more efficient and strict.
Peter and Lorne are magnet for dead bodies. A new home in a new city with new friends and another dead body or two. They have resident ghost who can not move on till she is found. A bitchy cop named Powell who was also related to the bad guy. So what happened to her and cover ups and false arrests and her aggressive accusations. They never said and I wish I knew that she was punished too. There are too many of these crooked cops and no justice is served to them in all of these series. Officers are not above the law and because they are responsible for helping the public there punishment should be more efficient and strict.
January 18, 2024
So this one was for me the best book in this series. I still think that the relationship misses a bit of intimacy and connection - not necessarily in the physical sense - but in general. But it was better than in the previous books - simply by actually being a relationship with ups and downs (aka differences of opinion).
The mystery was well crafted and kept me reading. I think this is the last book in this series and if it is - it's a good one and leaves our main characters at a good point.
The mystery was well crafted and kept me reading. I think this is the last book in this series and if it is - it's a good one and leaves our main characters at a good point.
March 6, 2023
Short but very sweet. I love Ripley Hayes and this is a lovely continuation of the Tudor and Stewart story - they are a delight. Interesting plot - and the role of the horse is fabulous. Charming - but you need to read in order to get the most out of the series. Amazing new covers for this series, too.
March 23, 2023
Adore these two
What a great series! Lorne and Peter are such an interesting and unlikely match which is what makes their ongoing love story so great. They do have the knack of stumbling over dead people like all cozy mystery characters do and this case is a doozy. Hope there are more of these coming!
What a great series! Lorne and Peter are such an interesting and unlikely match which is what makes their ongoing love story so great. They do have the knack of stumbling over dead people like all cozy mystery characters do and this case is a doozy. Hope there are more of these coming!
June 5, 2023
One thing bothers me
Every time Peter and Lorne face danger, Peter is useless...as a nurse, he should know where to hit and how to protect himself, but always depends on Lorne or others to save him. Even the dog Charlie and the horse Enzo are better at fighting off killers. I mean, get real, Peter only seems capable of attacking cake.
Every time Peter and Lorne face danger, Peter is useless...as a nurse, he should know where to hit and how to protect himself, but always depends on Lorne or others to save him. Even the dog Charlie and the horse Enzo are better at fighting off killers. I mean, get real, Peter only seems capable of attacking cake.
April 15, 2024
This is a fun book
I love this book and the characters in it. My only problem with this book is that it is too short. I suppose it could be longer by exploring the characters in more depth and maybe adding a few complications to the plot but maybe not. Maybe it is perfect just the way it is. But it's still too short
I love this book and the characters in it. My only problem with this book is that it is too short. I suppose it could be longer by exploring the characters in more depth and maybe adding a few complications to the plot but maybe not. Maybe it is perfect just the way it is. But it's still too short
March 11, 2023
I’ve grown increasingly fond of Peter and Lorne and this glimpse of their life together is fun and satisfying. I thought the mystery was a little flat and rushed at the end. But overall I enjoyed the story.
July 15, 2023
I think this is a perfect cozy mystery. Lorne and Peter are such great characters and the story is very well written. I like that there is a touch of magic and the paranormal in the books. Looking forward to another one hopefully. Recommend reading.
September 17, 2023
Fun read
It’s not too long but it’s got lots of action. It’s better if you’ve read the first two though. I love these characters, especially the horse. I hope we get to see them all again.
It’s not too long but it’s got lots of action. It’s better if you’ve read the first two though. I love these characters, especially the horse. I hope we get to see them all again.
October 3, 2023
3.5*
Peter and Lorne stumble over more death and destruction and shady characters.
Wint and Enzo show up unexpectedly as well!
They do battle their way through ghostly interference and dodgy police to sort the answers
Peter and Lorne stumble over more death and destruction and shady characters.
Wint and Enzo show up unexpectedly as well!
They do battle their way through ghostly interference and dodgy police to sort the answers
March 1, 2023
very good
I enjoy the adventures of Lorne and Peter. This one was no exception. A fun cozy mystery. I look forward to the next series with Charlie.
I enjoy the adventures of Lorne and Peter. This one was no exception. A fun cozy mystery. I look forward to the next series with Charlie.
June 19, 2023
I love these books. Somewhat romantic, somewhat magical, somewhat mysterious, but utterly cozy, these are books that I want to fully move into.
May 25, 2025
Loved this series. The characters are colourful and quirky, including a horse and a dog. This was a bit more violent than the previous books due to some very unsavoury characters, but the guys won in the end and all ghostly visitors got their HEA. it you're looking for a cozy, warm well written read, this series is one you'll enjoy
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews