What will these grannies do when murder’s not an option?
When a tumble down the stairs lands one of their friends in hospital, Peggy, Carole, and Madge don’t believe it was an accident. They come together to protect her. But this case isn’t as straightforward as they’d hoped. For starters, this time, murder’s not an option – but not for the reasons they’re all too used to hearing.
Without resorting to lethal methods, will Peggy, Carole, and Madge find a way to help their friend?
Between Friends is a short story in the forthcoming Vigilauntie Justice series – cosy(ish) noir(ish) stories set in London. The stories do have on-page violence but it's never graphic. There's minimal swearing and no romance or sex – but there's heaps of queer content and found family.
This short story reads like a cosy/cozy but is in fact, like the blurb says, cosy-ish and noir-ish. It certainly lives up to the ‘vigilauntie’. The story is brimming over with well-drawn, quirky characters who are not only distinctive but easy to love. There’s even a dog, Cookie, who’s similarly adorable.
I love it when authors reference social injustice in their stories. Here, it’s taken to the next level. While vigilante behaviour may not be something to embrace, it is eminently satisfying to read about little old ladies who care enough to take care of one another in the most decisive and alarming manner.
Recommended for readers who enjoy cosy/cozy reads, older protagonists, and fans of Miss Marple.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a light, attention grabbing and witty read and to be honest, you don't want to get on the bad side of these ladies 😂 The characters were unique, realistic and very determined I'll say. Two things bothered me though, I couldn't get myself to like Carole, I don't know if her character will be useful in the sequel or not and, there was some repetition that made the thing drag in places (like Madge sucking her teeth, it was mentionned too many times and was getting a bit annoying). Other than that, I'm curious to know how would the ladies tackle their next murder🤔
PS: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The ad for this collection made it feel like a cozy fun read, and I wasn't disappointed. A group of crafting ladies who form a sort of knitting circle with an edge find themselves aware of a bit of injustice and handle it as women of a certain age will ... with humor, a bit of guile, and a fair amount of annoyance. I mean, when you've lived through everything, you know how to fix anything, right?
I just wish there was more!!! I feel as though so much of the story was setting up so the actual plot didn’t have time to develop and really draw you in. Despite that.. i loved the characters with my whole heart but i just wanted more!!! I suppose that’s what you get with reading a prequel…
I will definitely be returning to read more about these crazy old ladies…
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
A clever and funny twist on mystery, this book is witty and unique the whole way through! It was a very easy and enjoyable read with plenty of likeable characters to meet along the way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy of this story for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A quick, short story about a small group of elderly women who enjoy their teas, knitting and gossip at the local coffee shop. When they find out a friend has been admitted to the hospital after a suspected fall, all is not what it seems and they decide to take matters into their own hands.
I really enjoyed the humour throughout this, it was a light relief to an otherwise slightly morbid theme. I found myself excited to keep reading just to see what happened next and loved how much we learned about each individual character.
The main things that stopped me giving this a higher rating were parts being slightly repetitive, including bits of the dialogue and I had felt lost at the start with the number of characters we were introduced to— I'd rather have been able to focus on the main characters for a little longer before trying to learn about anyone new. However, this did get easier as I kept reading and by the middle and end I was mostly comfortable with who everybody was.
I was pleasantly surprised by how the story ended, it's definitely made me interested in reading the next story of these characters.
“Friends in Need” by Elliott Hay is a delightful and quick-paced cozy mystery set in London. When their friend is hospitalized after a suspicious fall, Peggy, Carole, and Madge rally together to protect her, uncovering unexpected challenges along the way. The story packs a punch with its crisp writing and engaging plot, although I wished it was longer to further explore the enjoyable characters and their dynamics.
This cozy mystery strikes a balance between violence and graphic content, focusing on themes of friendship, found family, and queer representation. Without explicit romance or sexual scenes, the story keeps the spotlight on the intriguing plot and the unique bond between the characters. Overall, “Friends in Need” is a quick and satisfying read that blends elements of cozy mystery and noir, deserving of a solid four-star rating. I eagerly anticipate more from the Vigilauntie Justice series.
Peggy, Carole, and Madge are three friends who have intertwined lives, navigating their way through the world of justice and the complexities of their friendship. Their favourite spot is a quaint coffee shop founded by Madge's daughter, Sarah. When their friend Gertie is hospitalised after a fall, the friends embark on a mission to support her. The author skillfully captures the nuances of these characters within a few pages, and the inclusion of a canine companion named Cookie adds another layer to the tale. Despite the limited page count, the author captures the audience's attention. The story is set in the backdrop of elderly women and their canine companions, but the brevity of the book limits the exploration of the characters' depth. The protagonists embody the stereotypical image of tea-drinking, gossiping females facing a dilemma concerning their friend.
Friends in Need by Elliot Hays was such a fun and quick read, and I cannot wait to pick up the full novel featuring these ladies. It was a great novella and introduction to Peggy, Carole, and Madge. I love seeing older LGBTQ+ couples featured in novels, so that is always a plus too.
If you’re not sure about the full novel, or you want a quick and fun introduction to these ladies, definitely read this!
Thank you so much to Elliot Hays and BOOKSIREN for a copy in exchange for a review.
I enjoyed this short prequel, and am grateful to Booksirens for sending me a copy to read and review. The characters are starting to develop nicely, and I would be happy to read further books with them in, I think there is scope for a really entertaining story, or series of stories with these characters. I can see the influence of Richard Osman here, but it is not a copy of his work. However I think if you've enjoyed his books you will probably enjoy this too.
Friends in Need is a prequel to the new series Vigilaunte Justice, by Elliot Hay. It is about a group of elderly women who gather every morning at the local coffee shop to talk, knit, and of course have a bit of tea. One day, a friend is in the hospital because of a fall down the stairs. But things do not add up. Is there anything that these women can do to help? Great little intro. Love the characters, and was surprised by the ending. I can see this series going far. Thanks to BookSiren for the ARC of this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a fun and entertaining short story. I would place it in the cosy mystery genre. I found the characters quite humorous and would be interested to know if they are featured in other stories.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.
For a short prequel this did well to introduce the characters who will be focal in a coming series. The idea of a group of elderly persons plotting rather drastic solutions while crafting is really appealing, as is calling them vigilauntie. I'm looking forward to the first full book.
A delightful story I will read more of her work, I may even read some sci-fi that she's written, even though that is a genre I don't normally read, but if they are as enjoyable as this was, I may become a fan
Love all of this. Reminds me a little of the vigilante Burke series by Andrew Vachss but cozy rather than the hardest of boiled noir. Will be buying the new novel now as this stuff is fantastic.
This little gem is a short snappy prequel to 'A Little Murder Between Friends' - it's only about 40 pages long but it's touching and has all the right ingredients; a cute rescue dog, a group of mimatched "vigilAunties, a little dash of investigation, some dastardly planning, a big dollop of revenge and a lot of dark humour all stuffed into a little package. Reminiscent of the Thursday Murder Club but with a snarkier edge, I really enjoyed this little taster, and look forward to reading book #1.
NB: Thought the little weather descriptions under each chapter heading was a cute touch too.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Okay, my curiosity is piqued with this story about the three Margarets and Carole, and not to forget the sir being a part of it: Cookie. Two things always makes me want to read a particular book: knitting and feisty old ladies. This one's got it all, so I'm very much looking forward to this new series.
If you are looking for a quick read with enjoyable characterizations, this is the perfect book. I have not read any other books by this author, but you can tell that the characters are well thought out and colorful even in this short story.
Introduction to vigil aunties righting wrongs their way.
This short story has potential with introducing a cast of resourceful women of a certain age who have diverse talents which they devote to their sense of justice.
The author admits to being influenced in this creation by Richard Osman's murder club creation. This group lack their regard for rules and external morality, but from a very different social milieu. The story is not long enough to fill out the characters in anything other than caricature. The main sub-plot was around adoption of a dog and somewhat predictable. There is a major plot hole in that their method of administering justice could have as easily caused death as the trite outcome with lots of assumptions - full recovery is also possible and that would have acheived the opposite of their intentions.
An important note for readers where Fahrenheit is used as the temperature scale. The author has attempted to sketch the scene by including the weather report in the chapter heading. These are in London and are in degress Celsius. None of them are freezing.
I would be interested in reading more from this author who is starting out in the genre, but I hope this does not represent their best work.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
ENG Peggy and her friends Madge and Carole usually find themselves in a "creative circle" at a café. It's the occasion to chat while doing their creative crafts: Peggy writing a book, Madge knitting and Carole doing crochet. This time Madge informs the others that her friend Gertie is at the hospital because her husband beat her. They go to find her and then decide on a plan to "help her" with this issue. A short novel, easily read in an evening. I liked the characters, I'd enjoy reading other "adventures'' too, finding Peggy again and Cookie, the dog, maybe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
ITA Peggy va al solito bar per l'appuntamento del "circolo creativo" con le amiche Madge e Carole. È l'occasione per fare delle chiacchiere mentre fanno le loro attività creative: Peggy scrive un libro, Madge lavora a maglia e Carole all'uncinetto. Madge informa le altre che la sua amica Gertie è ricoverata in ospedale perché il marito l'ha picchiata. La vanno a trovare e pensano a un "modo" per aiutarla a risolvere la situazione. Un racconto breve, da leggere facilmente in una serata. Mi sono piaciuti i personaggi e mi piacerebbe leggere altre "avventure" per ritrovare Peggy con Cookie, il cane, magari.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente.
"This is only a temporary arrangement.' Peggy turned away and rested her fingers back on her keyboard. 'I'm glad you're no longer with that bastard. But you can't stay here. A few days is one thing. But only until we find you a proper home.' -Peggy
Friends in Need Vigilante Justice By Elliott Hay 44 pages Publication date June 23, 2023 whitehartfiction.co.uk a.co/d/1bMdDdj
I received a copy of this book from Book Sirens and the Author, and this is my review. Please, watch out for possible spoilers, including but not limited to, TW/CN/Etc.
Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres Contemporary, Mystery, Crime, Mystery, Comedy,Humorous, Cozy Mystery, Gay, Women Sleuths, Amateur Sleuths, Found Family, Novella, Abuse, Violence (not graphic), Some Language, No Spice/Romance, Noirish, Death, HEA, First in the Series, Short Story, Older Protagonists, and possibly more.
This is the first book I have read by Elliott Hay, and I am very intrigued to read more by them.
I loved these elderly ladies, and I so hope I am like them at their age. Also, there is a dog. I LOVE THE DOG. For how short this is, the characters all felt so real and fleshed out. Which I love. Esp, when it comes to crime and mysteries.
If you enjoy Older Protagonists Short Stories Cozish Mysteries Found Family HEA This just might be for you.
4/5 stars -Destynnee
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Peggy, Carole, and Madge enjoy getting together for coffee, knitting, and sharing the latest gossip. However, when one of their friends suffers a stroke after falling down the stairs, they suspect her husband of being abusive and pushing her down the stairs. In an effort to seek justice and protect their friend from further harm, they take action.
While their intentions may be noble, it raises the question of whether their actions are justified or if they are exacerbating the issues within the marriage. Additionally, there is the risk that their involvement could be discovered, potentially leading to further complications.
This story highlights the issue of domestic violence and the complex challenges faced by those who are impacted by it. It is important to approach such situations with sensitivity and caution, seeking out appropriate resources and support to ensure the safety and well-being of all parties involved.
This book follows the lives of 3 friends Peggy, Carole, and Madge who spend most of their time knitting and gossiping at their beloved coffee shop (cafe), which was started by Madge’s daughter Sarah. Together they serve justice in places where the ordinary law can’t reach, even resorting to measures beyond the typical approach. When their friend Gertie, who has an abusive husband suddenly ends up in hospital after a fall from the stairs, the friends decide to visit her and take matters into their own hands and try to find a way to help their friend. But things are not as easy as it seems, yet these friends seem to have great tricks up their sleeves to get things done.
The author wonderfully captures the essence of these characters, through a few pages. The dog named Cookie was also a great addition to the story, although I wanted a bit more on whether they adopted the adorable creature or not. The story is one of a kind, and the characters are uniquely written, that being said this book may not be appealing to all those who read. I felt that if the book had a slightly more mystery and suspense elements it would have been even better. It’s hard to capture the audience in a few pages, yet the author has a way of doing so.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Friends in Need is an introductory prequel, in the form of a short story, for the upcoming Vigilauntie Justice series. The science fiction writer Si Clarke is publishing these under the Elliot Hay nom de plume, in the genre of cosy(ish) noir(ish) stories set in London.
Right off the top, I’m not a big short story consumer. I like the depth and descriptions of something longer. This is where I found fault with this offering. I didn’t think there was enough time to adequately flesh out the main characters. They all have the same name derivation (although, they use different names in the stories) and it would have been nice to learn more about these quirks.
I enjoy Si Clarke’s writing, so I’m looking forward to the longer stories in this series. Four of five on Goodreads.
A short and quick-paced book, I found myself quite enjoying this vigilante story featuring a group of elderly women as protagonists. The plot is engaging, and all the characters are intriguing. Their unique dynamic, not only with one another but their surroundings, added a touch of humour while reading, perfectly lightening the tone when some heavier topics were being discussed.
Hay managed to perfectly balance themes of violence with those of friendship and family, making for a story that keeps you rooting for the ‘vigilaunties’ the entire time. I absolutely loved reading this prequel, and look forward to more from this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this short story. Peggy, Madge and Carol meet everyday for coffee, knitting and a good old fashioned gossip. When a friend of theirs is in trouble they are the first on the scene to help. It may not be the conventional way of helping but there isn't anything conventional about these ladies. This was a very easy read and I can't wait for more. I can see these ladies getting up to all sorts of mischief. They touch on sensitive subjects but in a real light hearted way. I loved sharing their adventures I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.