The Body at Carnival Bridge

Iris Woodmore Mysteries #3

by Michelle Salter

A single shot is fired. Was it meant to kill?

London, 1922. When reporter Iris Woodmore returns to England after a scandalous trip abroad, not everyone is pleased to see her.

Her attempts to mend relationships and get her old job back aren’t helped by her growing attraction to the charismatic Reverend Archie Powell.

Only wealthy businesswoman Constance Timpson is pleased her friend has returned. Constance has deadly enemies and needs Iris to defend her from a hostile press – and a mysterious sniper.

When a single shot is fired, Constance doesn’t know if it was intended to scare or kill her. Then, two of Constance’s factory workers go missing, and it’s clear the threat is real.

Iris turns amateur sleuth to investigate the mystery – and discovers the sniper isn’t the only hidden enemy preying on women.

An addictive and cosy murder mystery to delve into! Ideal for fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Helena Dixon, Verity Bright, Claire Gradidge, and Emily Organ.

Readers LOVE The Body at Carnival Bridge

‘Everything you want in a historical mystery! Historical facts that play into the story, a murder, mystery and many twist and turns that keep you loving every page!’ Reader Review

‘Just loved this! I'm fascinated by the time period and the way the story is written. Definitely a must read...’ Reader Review

‘… a fantabulous historical mystery. Engrossing, unique and riveting. Highly recommended!’ Reader Review

Praise for the Iris Woodmore Mysteries:

'The mystery itself is intriguing, with plenty of twists and unexpected developments. If you enjoy 1920s mysteries and learning about the suffragettes and all they stood for, then I highly recommend Death at Crookham Hall' Verity Bright, author of the Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries

'A fabulous, well-written, mystery that holds all the promise of much more to come... The Iris Woodmore mysteries are fast becoming some of my favourites' M J Porter, author of The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles

'A joy to read! Such a well-researched mystery. I absolutely loved the unconventional heroine, 1920s setting, engaging characterisation and poignant ending, all of which provide a captivating start to the Iris Woodmore cosy mystery series' Anita Davison, author of the Flora Maguire Mysteries

‘Death at Crookham Hall is a lovely, murder mystery by a gifted writer’ Helena Dixon, author of The Miss Underhay Mysteries

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery, London, Cozy Mystery

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2023

About the author

Love a good mystery? You're in the right place!

Michelle Salter is a bestselling author of historical crime fiction and cozy crime novels. Her acclaimed Edwardian and 1920s murder mysteries feature suffragettes, pioneering women, Scotland Yard detectives, and shocking secrets from the First World War.

Each book can be read as a STANDALONE even if it's part of a series.

Michelle has gained a dedicated following of readers who enjoy gripping stories driven by captivating characters and ending with satisfyingly devious plot twists.

When she’s not writing, Michelle enjoys researching history, exploring Britain’s heritage, and sharing fascinating facts from the Edwardian era and Roaring Twenties on her blog and social media.

She lives in Hampshire, England, and loves reading classic crime novels, amateur sleuth mysteries, and Golden Age whodunits.

If you enjoyed reading one of Michelle's books, please take a moment to leave a review or rating.

If you'd like to receive news on competitions, signed copies, latest releases, plus a free Iris Woodmore Mystery short story, 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐲🔪
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'A fabulous murder mystery with twists and turns that had me turning the pages faster and faster.' Catherine Coles, bestselling author said of Murder at Merewood Hospital.

'If you enjoy 1920s mysteries…I highly recommend Death at Crookham Hall.' Verity Bright, bestselling author of the Lady Eleanor Swift mysteries.

'Death at Crookham Hall is a lovely murder mystery by a gifted writer.' Helena Dixon, bestselling author of the Miss Underhay mysteries.

'A joy to read! Such a well-researched mystery. I absolutely loved the unconventional heroine, 1920s setting, engaging characterisation and poignant ending, all of which provide a captivating start to the Iris Woodmore cosy mystery series.' Anita Davison, bestselling author of the Flora Maguire Mysteries.

'Fans of Anna Lee Huber and Downton Abbey will enjoy this engrossing historical crime mystery.' Tantor Media.

Reviews

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris has returned to England, short of money, and no longer with her boyfriend and travelling companion. Some people are uncomfortable or a little disgusted that she flouted convention, tarnishing her reputation, while others don't seem to care.

Iris attends an announcement by her friend and business owner Constance Timson (from book one) pertaining to her factory, and someone takes a shot at her. Constance is angering men all around because she no longer employs children, pays women the same as men, and says women who marry can continue to work at the factory. Trade unions and other male business owners are convinced this will destabilize everything. (No doubt the Earth would stop turning, it’s all so horrifying.)

Afterwards, one of Constance’s employees is overcome with shock and is taken away by a doctor for treatment. (Problem is, no one knows where the young woman is days later.)

As Iris needs a job, she goes to her old boss Elijah and gets her job back conditionally. She then returns to her father's home, unsure of her reception after her year away with a man he disapproved of. She discovers her father’s particular friend, Mrs. Keating, is much more comfortable in her dad’s home than Iris realized, and feels a little displaced in her former home.

Iris is shaken and angered that anyone would try to hurt Constance, so she decides she'll begin investigating, and though Detective Inspector Yates is less than thrilled, Iris begins talking to people, and uncovers not just injured men back from the war who are disgruntled that women would receive equal pay, but also finds the missing girl, now obviously murdered. The more Iris digs, the more surprises she receives, and the more she sees the women around her having to make hard choices about their families and their bodies, and encounters both support for what Constance is doing, as well as varying degrees of condemnation.

The Iris Woodmore series has really grown on me. I love the way author Michelle Salter weaves great historical details and attitudes into these stories, and highlights how so many social inequalities in the time after WWI still persist. I also like how Iris just keeps digging, using her position as a reporter, but also her network of friends and others to find things out the police rarely can about those surrounding the case. I also had to shake my head at Iris' dismaying choices in romantic partners, and initial insistence on a suspect, but her mistakes only make her more believable as a character.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris Woodmore Mysteries #3

It's 1922, and after spending a year trawling through Europe, Iris Woodmore returns home to find a changed Walden. Wealthy businesswoman Constance Timpson has introduced equal pay in her factories and allows women to retain their jobs after they marry. But these radical new working practices have made her deadly enemies. A mysterious sniper fires a single shot at Constance - is it a warning, or did they shoot to kill? When one of her female employees is murdered, it's clear the threat was all too real - and it's not just Constance in danger.

This is the first book in the series that I've read. This is an easy to read, cosy, murder mystery. There's lots of twists and red herrings. There's also plenty of suspects for us to choose from. With many relevant topics being covered, and they're still fighting for them today - workers rights, equal pay. This is a well written book and I was pulled in from the beginning. The characters are well developed. I really liked Iris, but I think I have missed out on some of the backstory. I will be looking out for more books in this series, and I hope to get the first two books read before then.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MichelleSalter for my ARC of #TheBodyAtCarnivalBridge in exchange for an honest review.

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Body at Carnival Bridge is the third book in the Iris Woodmore series, and it is going from strength to strength.

Some time has passed since the tragic events of book 2, and Iris is perhaps a little out of sorts with herself, but no sooner has she made contact with her old friends than tragedy strikes, and Iris is compelled to investigate the death of a young girl.

What ensues is a well-reasoned and intriguing mystery, highlighting the social inequalities of women in the aftermath of World War I and also referencing the harsh realities of the lives of women unable to access birth control. The author really excels in placing the reader in the period without overloading the narrative., and always with an eye to moving the mystery onwards.

The Iris Woodmore mysteries are fast becoming some of my favourites. The mystery is always reliable, the author has an eye for detail, and Iris herself is a likeable character, as are those surrounding her.

A fabulous mystery with more than an eye to the historical details.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.

[Phoebe Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Body at Carnival Bridge is the third adventure with intrepid, independent Iris Woodmore. I’ve reviewed the first two titles in the series, Death at Crookham Hall and Murder at Waldenmere Lake, and I was looking forward to reading more of Iris’ adventures.

This latest instalment begins after Iris returned from her travels, her reputation in tatters. But Iris is unconventional, the daughter of a suffragette, and she tends to shrug off criticism of her behaviour. Having to deal with unexpected changes at home, she wonders what to do with herself. Then her friend Constance is threatened, and Iris returns to Walden to investigate.

When a body is found, she suspects the threats had a more sinister background, and soon Iris is in the midst of investigations, her impetuousness leading her into trouble again. Can she solve the murder without a risk to her own life?

The Body at Carnival Bridge is set several months after Murder at Waldenmere Lake, when Iris and her friends suffered a great loss. She returns from her travels unsure of what to do. The threat to Constance gives her purpose, and it sets her off into the same direction where she left off in the previous book.

Iris is stubborn and wilful, not exactly qualities appreciated in women in the early 1920s, and at times I felt she showed a nasty streak. Her behaviour is unconventional, and the reactions of those around her, close to her, reflect that.

The setting and sense of change is very well portrayed here, as we see a young woman who questions existing rules. But we also get an idea of the restrictions of the times, the political upheaval, and men's overbearing attitude to a woman's place in society. The Body at Carnival Bridge reflects that with themes that were prevalent at the time, and the risks women often took to survive.

I liked that agenda, as it shows how women struggled to feed their children, post-war, and often widowed. They’d been good enough to work during the war, but were sent back to home and hearth afterwards. The author brings their dilemma vividly to life here.

As for Iris, I must say I didn't like her at times, despite everything having made very easy for her on her return. She comes across as ungrateful and spoilt. I thought she was quite fortunate. But as the story progresses, she also learns a personal lesson, and realises that she doesn't know everything. She’s now in her early 20s, and the learning curve is still steep.

There are several recurring secondary characters, and there was a fine balance in portraying how their lives have changed, too. We come to like those characters too, as readers, and I'm curious where their paths will lead them. I'm especially fond of Elijah, the local newspaper editor. His role is developing very nicely.

I had a couple of suspicions early on about who’s behind the threats and the murder, which proved to be correct, but there were still plenty of red herrings for The Body at Carnival Bridge to be an intriguing, gripping murder mystery. It does work as a standalone novel, but I would recommend reading the titles in order, as it's as much about Iris’ life as it is about crime. A fabulous series for readers who love quirky whodunits.

I'm looking forward to the next book!

Note: I was provided with a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

One Liner: A good mystery with some then socially relevant themes

1922, Waldenmere

Iris Woodmore is back home after a year of traveling across Europe. She is surprised by the changes in Walden. Constance Timpson has taken over the business and is established equal pay and opportunities for women working in the factories. Though she has support from Mrs. Sybil Siddons, not many are in favor of her ‘radical’ decisions.

A mysterious sniper fires at Constance, and soon, one of her female employees is found murdered. Iris realizes things are worse than expected and knows they need to find the killer before more women are harmed.

Can Iris deal with the latest developments in her life and career while solving the crime?

The story comes in Iris’ first-person POV.

My Thoughts:

Though this is book #3, it should work well as a standalone. There are enough bits and pieces of details scattered throughout to fill the gaps. I’m reading the series, so I think I did enjoy it a wee bit more.

Set in the 1920s, the main and subplots deal with themes like women’s rights, equal pay, lady politicians and business owners, etc. The setting is an integral part of the series and is seamlessly woven into each book.

Iris is back home in this book and has to deal with the varying responses from her family, friends, and acquaintances. I like most of what we see in the book. It sticks close to reality without exaggeration or drama. While I like the main character’s arc, I’m not sure about some of her choices. I guess it makes her appear real and flawed instead of someone perfect. The idea has merit, but maybe give her a little more stability in the coming books?

That said, the book depicts relationships quite well. We see a tangled mess here, but it doesn’t get overwhelming. In fact, it makes the coming books more interesting. I sure want to know who will choose whom and why.

Coming to the main mystery(ies), there is no lack of suspects or red herrings. The information is revealed in stages, giving the readers enough time to guess. I could guess the main culprit (it’s easy if this is your favorite genre). However, the conclusion is satisfactory, as I always like seeing how things are connected and tied up at the end.

While the pacing is decent, the book slows in the middle and feels like we are going in circles (too many cozies are doing this recently). The plot picks up again at around 70% and sustains from thereon.

To summarize, The Body at Carnival Bridge is a solid cozy mystery that blends crime and social issues without being preachy or boring. The cover and blurb of book #4 are out, and I look forward to reading it soon.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #TheBodyatCarnivalBridge

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not your typical frothy 1920s historical mystery (don't get me wrong, I enjoy them too). Instead it deals realistically with the physical, societal and work inequalities women faced.

The consequences of a woman mill owner who wants to introduce equal pay and the opportunity to continue working even after marriage results in death threats. Then a young woman worker is murdered. Iris Woodmore, a female journalist who has just returned from a year of travelling through Europe with a man, unmarried, struggles with her own reception by her local community and family from such a shocking trip investigates to discover more dangers and secrets than she imagined.

The 1920s was an exciting time with many new opportunities for women but there were still many problems. Salter doesn't shy away from showing the darker side to this time period and weaves a good mystery with a good story and historical details that make it live for the reader without drowning the reader in minutia.

Now if only Iris was as good at her love choices as she was with investigative journalism...

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

This is not your typical frothy 1920s historical mystery (don't get me wrong, I enjoy them too). Instead it deals realistically with the physical, societal and work inequalities women faced.

The consequences of a woman mill owner who wants to introduce equal pay and the opportunity to continue working even after marriage results in death threats. Then a young woman worker is murdered. Iris Woodmore, a female journalist who has just returned from a year of travelling through Europe with a man, unmarried, struggles with her own reception by her local community and family from such a shocking trip investigates to discover more dangers and secrets than she imagined.

The 1920s was an exciting time with many new opportunities for women but there were still many problems. Salter doesn't shy away from showing the darker side to this time period and weaves a good mystery with a good story and historical details that make it live for the reader without drowning the reader in minutia.

Now if only Iris was as good at her love choices as she was with investigative journalism...

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I’m Hooked!

WOW! That was my immediate reaction to The Body At Carnival Bridge about four chapters in. I was hooked on this series in the best way! This is the most daring and refreshing historical mystery series that I have ever encountered! Author Michelle Salter is not afraid to take on the taboo topics of the 1920s (and some may argue still taboo today) and weave them throughout a cleverly plotted edge-of-your-seat mystery. Every chapter brought a new nuance to the story which served to not only deepen the plot but create a larger and more viable suspect pool. No one was introduced unless they served a purpose, whether they were a red herring or not, they were a fully developed member of the cast making it far more difficult to discern the “real” culprit or culprits. But, the crème de la crème of characters is Iris Woodmore, amateur sleuth and resident bad girl, by 1920s standards anyway. She’s a free-thinking, trouser-wearing, independent woman who lives her life unapologetically and in-spite of the social norms of the day. This is evident in some of the more romantic scenes throughout the book. No need to worry, they are not overt in nature. Salter handles these scenes with such finesse that they smolder like a dying fire—just enough heat to make you sweat but not enough burn. Ok, I might have burned a little—seriously, that good! If ever Salter chooses to venture into another genre of writing she should try historical romance novels. I typically don’t read them but would if she wrote them. In the meantime, it is my hope that she continues the Iris Woodmore Mysteries for a long time to come. This is an amateur sleuth that is easy to identify with and become invested in regardless of the time period she occupies. My thanks to #MichelleSlater, #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks who provided me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris Woodmore arrives back home from an ill-fated affair on the continent. She needs to reconnect with her family, friends and work but becomes embroiled in a murder investigation as well. One of her friends is almost killed by a sniper then another young woman is found dead...
The Body at Carnival Bridge is an historical cosy murder mystery set in 1922. It is the third book in the series but the firts that I have read. There is information about the earlier books and I do think it would be beneficial to read the books in order.
Iris is a forward thinking young woman but stuck in 1922 when the world views women in a particular way. She has arrived home after a love affair failed but now her reputation is in tatters. Luckily she has a range of friends and family who support her as she attempts to regain her role in England.
The book is written from Iris' first person narrative which shows us how she is feeling about her situation as well as the murder investigation. I liked her feisty attitude as she strives to find her place 'back home' as well as solve the murder case. However she also has a more vulnerable side which we are able to observe through her inner thoughts.
I enjoyed the historical context and content of the book: the aftermath of WW1, the political and social position of women in society, the class system and police hierarchy. The author seems to have researched the era and location so the descriptions bring the plot to life (plus I know many ofthe areas she describes: Crookham, Basingstoke Canal, Aldershot etc)
The Body at Carnival Bridge is an enjoyable murder mystery and I liked the historical aspect of the plot and characters.

[Seriesbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to read the third book in the Iris Woodmore historical murder mysteries and The Body at Carnival Bridge by Michelle Slater lived up to my expectations.
I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.
I’ve become more invested in Iris’s complicated personal life ( family, professional and love life) over the course of the last three books. Iris has returned to Walden following her scandalous trip away with George and now has the reputation of a fallen woman. A big thing in 1922 England, despite the efforts of the suffragette movement and the hard work women had to take on in World War 1. I love how Iris is a reluctant and conflicted feminist.
I enjoyed the diverse range of characters including the romantic and realistic description of romantic relationships between older people and not just the complicated love lives of the young.
Although this is a murder mystery, I found the underlying historical and societal context more fascinating. As with the author's other books, the issues described in the book such as equal pay for women, the right to access safe, effective contraception and equal opportunities in the workplace are still relevant today.
Despite this, the underlying murder is suitably complex with plenty of motives and suspects for Iris to wade through along with her friends Percy, Constance and Ben.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Body at Carnival Bridge is the third book in the Iris Woodmore series and the first I have read of the series. I plan to play catchup ASAP. It's 1922 and Iris has returned to England after an extended period on the Continent. Soon she finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation involving Constance Timpson, a local businesswoman who is very modern in her thinking. She pays her female employees well, lets married women keep their jobs, believes in women voting and access to contraception. It may be 1922 but, sadly, those issues still face women today. Questions and suspects abound. Did the sniper have a bad aim or was the shot a warning to Constance? Why was the young woman killed and are there connections between them?
Besides being a very well crafted mystery with enough twists, turns and red herrings to keep me guessing, the historical research is also very well done. Historical mysteries are one of my favorite sub genres and, after reading The Body at Carnival Bridge, this series has earned its place on my list of must reads. I'm looking forward to reading #4, A Killing at Smugglers Cove due out July 10, 2023.
My thanks to the publisher Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Georgina Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a couple of crimes going on throughout this book - a murder and 2 shootings that Iris decides she needs to get the bottom of. She has just returned after travelling around Europe with a man who isn’t her husband. Her friend , Constance, who is the boss of a local biscuit factory is the target so she definitely needs to investigate.

At first, people seem wary of her, not wanting her reputation to rub off on them but as time and the investigations progress, people can see she is the same woman who left and still has the same passion to find the truth as she did before she left. We meet several dubious characters along the way, and we learn a lot about the working conditions for women of this time, and how Constance is working to change these. There’s also a lot of history of the Basingstoke Canal, which being near to where I live, was of interest to me.

I really enjoyed this book and the creation of the story and the sub-stories we encounter throughout. The characters are all typical of the time, and the writing is superb. This is book 3 in the series but a good standalone, I would like to read the others now to see how Iris grew and how she came to be in Europe 😊

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journalist, Iris Woodmore, doesn't always follow every rule -
She's independent, determined and somewhat cool.
Maybe she takes after her suffragette Mum?
Or on the lookout for whatever may come?

She's returned home after a year away
Hoping to pick up her old life one day.
However in Walden not is all as it was before
With some changes too dramatic to ignore!

In the Timpson factories there's now equal pay
And after they marry, women now can stay.
These changes are not welcome by all
Causing threats and danger to call.

A threatening letter, a shot fired and missing employees, too,
Just what should Constance Timpson do?
Is she in deadly danger? Is it a threat?
Or is she just the first to be targetted yet?

An enthralling page turner mystery
Set in the 1920s period of history.
With characters reconnecting after a year apart
Will Iris find the killer or a broken heart?

There are twists and turns galore
As Iris looks for clues and goes to explore.
There are historical references reflecting life in those times
Showing attitudes to life and these crimes!

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris is back from her travels with her heart if not her reputation intact. She's avoiding Walden and her father and is in London staying with her Aunt and Gran. Whilst covering a talk by entrepreneur and feminist Constance Timpson, she witnesses a shooting and becomes embroiled in a deadly case, putting her heart and life on the line again. Iris has developed as a character and is keen to return to Walden and her former job. The mystery has two main elements, the shooting and the suspicious death. The socio-political aspects of 1922 society are explored through the characters and events, making this a disturbing and poignant story at times. The suspects are numerous, and the mysteries are solved as the story progresses. The suspense builds as each clue is revealed. Iris is a likeable and intelligent amateur sleuth, the cast of characters makes the story engaging, and the historical setting is well-researched.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Aditya Sathe · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a scandalous trip abroad, Iris Woodmore returns home determined to reclaim her job and mend her strained friendships. However, her efforts are complicated by a growing attraction to the charismatic Reverend Archie Powell. Meanwhile, the world is shifting in the wake of the Great War; women are entering the workforce and demanding equal pay, championed by pioneering businesswomen like Constance Timpson and Mrs. Siddons, the local MP.
Not everyone welcomes this new era of equality. Despite the disapproval of others, Constance is relieved to have Iris back, especially as she is targeted with threatening letters and a sniper’s warning shot fired during a speech to her employees. The stakes turn deadly when two female employees vanish, and one is discovered dead on a Timpson factory boat. Iris must dive back into her role as an amateur sleuth to unmask a killer fueled by resentment. This is another gripping page-turner by Michelle Salter that will leave you craving more.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris returns to Walden.

Iris Woodmore’s return to Walden is made difficult by several factors. Her quick, unannounced departure to travel with George has earned her a tarnished reputation. She must patch up relations with her father and with her former employer Elijah if she has any hope of regaining employment at the newspaper. Her discovery of a body on a boat begins her involvement in not only reporting the news, but being part of it. Her father’s engagement causes her concern, as does her ragged relationships with Percy and Ben. Iris follows her mother’s footsteps in championing women’s rights and continues her own path in investigating things both criminal and political in Walden. And while she may be able to solve mysteries, she has yet to settle affairs of the heart, leading to the next book in the series.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris - just back from her almost year abroad with George. Her and George were fighting and she was running out of money.
Meeting at the factory for Constance Timpson to make announcements, such as closing Basingstoke Canal.
Someone takes a shot at her.
Rosie Robson died, abortion that went wrong. She liked Luke Denton;
Blanche Denton in prison for performing illegal abortions;
Dr Granville Mathers organized who did the abortions, he let Rosie die when she came to see him;
Reverend Archie Powell got Rosie pregnant, was the shooter at both places the factory and the Timpson estate, Crookham Hall;
Tolfee & Osmond arrested for embesslement;
Mickey Swann and wife moving to Walden;
Archie in charge of home where men lived, tried to sway Iris to thinking they were responsible for the shootings, However they just sent the warning letter to Constance;
Millicent Nightingale and Ursula, Millicent, an elementary school teacher;
Iris' father Thomas has been dating Katherine Keats;
Lizzy, Gran and Aunt Maud;

[Karren Hodgkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's complicated and that's just the way I like it. Having read others in the series, this one didn't disappoint. A great combination of historical context (changing labour practises as well as the fallout from WW!) and murder mystery. I appreciated a period of time having lapsed since the last instalment, Iris has definitely matured and while being her own woman, she is becoming increasingly aware of the consequences of some of her choices. Great book, great series, I highly recommend it. It's four stars out of five on the enjoyment scale.

With thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Iris, her courage, spunk and her social norm defying ways. The author has spent a-lot of time and effort in researching the sociopolitical climate of the time and it really shows. Crazy to think how things were just a hundred years ago and how many of the issues depicted persist today. The mysteries have me hooked as well, I’ve been bingeing this series coz I can’t get enough!

I’m going to start reading the fourth book immediately after I’m done writing this review, albeit with a tinge of sadness because it’s the last one in the series. Ms Salter please write more for us, I need more Iris in my life!

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a convoluted story involving people who are some of the most trusted people in our society. There is what looks like attempted assassinations, people are killed, romantic interludes are not what they seem, and judgements are made that were most unfair, but considered practical in a male driven world. The characters, both good and evil, are fascinating, the plot meanders a bit, but does get where it's going, and the premise is finding out who is killing people, why the shootings are occurring, and what is truly going on in the minds of men in that era. I most certainly recommend this book and all the prior ones in this series.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immediately fell in love with Iris. She gave me proper Phryne Fisher vibes with her forward thinking feminism and direct nature. The links to the suffragette movement in the story were really interesting. I was taken aback by the first criminal but I had already figured out the second. This is the first Iris Woodmore Mystery I have read and I will definitely be reading the first two! This book fit perfectly in my reading niche; period cosy mystery with strong female characters.

I received a copy of this book prior to release from NetGalley

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

The murder mystery is suitably complex with plenty of red herrings twists and turns motives and suspects for Iris to wade through along with her friends. However this isn't the only good thing about the book. It also covers so many societal issue's which are still relevant today such as equal pay, rights for worker's, safety for women etc. This series just keeps getting better and better as we learn more about the times and Iris herself, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beachcomber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series, but second one I’ve read - and it was very enjoyable. If anything, it was a little improved on the second book (which was good itself), and I really enjoyed reading this - and I look forward to the next one. This nicely dealt with the issue of women stepping up to fill men’s roles during war, and then being asked to step aside when the men returned (and to stop working when they married). Overall a very good story and characters, would recommend.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

[InsomniacBookwormBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Murder at Waldenmere Lake I was desperate for a sequel, and the Iris Woodmore Mysteries are swiftly becoming a new favourite of mine. The storyline follows on seamlessly from the previous book. The story in this book had me completely enthralled and I read it just as fast as the other books. The story is slowly revealed throughout the multiple twists and turns. I am on tenterhooks for the next book.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle Salter delivers another compelling and gripping cozy historical mystery, another excellent story that mixes historical fiction and mystery.
I was glad to catch up with Iris and the solid mystery kept me guessin and turning pages.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris is at it again! Excited to read this third book in this wonderful series!

Everything you want in a historical mystery! Historical facts that play into the story, a murder, mystery and many twist and turns that keep you loving every page!

Cannot wait for more!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book

Much better than the last book. Iris has lived a little more and learned a bit. She is getting more reasonable, but still has a long way to go. She just needs to get over herself as we say now.

[Tracy Benning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a signed copy through a FB page. Cozy crime, right up my street. Really enjoyed the detail of the time it is set in. Great main character.... fiesty young lady! Look forward to reading more of the Iris Woodmore series.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought his was a better read than the first two books in Salter’s Iris Woodmore series. This one focused more on changes to women’s (and children’s) rights but still had the same intrepid heroine in Iris Woodmore, who was developed more in this novel than in the first two books in the series.

[pauline ewen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this book and it has kept me guessing until the very end. I am now moving on to No. 4.