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Dinner Lady Detectives #3
A Terrible Village Poisoning
With school out for the summer, Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are taking advantage of the break to go on holiday. They plan to explore the village of St-Martins-on-the-Water and rest before the chaos of Mrs Smith's impending hen do. By the end of their first night, the local mayor lies dead on the floor of the hotel restaurant, having been poisoned by his meal. The villagers are The Poisoner is back. As the residents turn to the duo with suspicion and begin to freeze them out, Margery and Clementine are left with more questions than answers. Everyone is convinced that the pair – and Clementine in particular – are bad news, but why? And as more people in the village start to become unwell, the question remains, is The Poisoner back, or is this the work of a new killer? And will they strike again? A charming cosy mystery that will make you laugh out loud, perfect for fans of Julia Chapman and Fiona Leitch. ‘ A favourite series of mine . Hendy has written a great mystery with the perfect blend of suspects, clues and red herrings that you’ll be scratching your head till the end . Highly recommend!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ An enjoyable, light hearted read . I love Clementine and her dry wit and humour, and Margery is the perfect partner for her... The characters are so well written that they are really easy to picture in the mind's eye .’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ I am absolutely in love with the series… it made me laugh out loud ! Margery and Clem are a delight. Can’t wait for book four!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘This cozy crime was a perfect read on a cold day snuggled under a blanket and drinking hot tea . I really enjoy this. I loved Margery and Clementine .’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ Another excellent adventure .’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ I'm a massive fan of Clementine and Margery , if ever I needed a crime solved I would definitely call on these two. This book had so many twists and turns and it definitely did keep me guessing till the end. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of cosy crime and classic murder mysteries .’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘It was lovely to be with Margery, Clementine and the gang… a quick read with an easy going storyline that comes to a satisfying conclusion .’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘Loving the dinner lady detectives, they are fantastic! This instalment won’t leave fans disappointed because the ladies are back to mischief… a great fun-filled read, highly recommended .’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review ‘ Margery and Clementine are so loveable, and they always make me smile and warm my heart . This was another fun, entertaining, cosy mystery .’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review
292 pages, Paperback
Published February 23, 2023
118 people are currently reading
809 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
April 12, 2023
What a drag of a book to read. Didn’t enjoy the writing style at all sadly
April 9, 2023
3.5⭐
Margery and Clementine decide to go on holiday before Rose’s wedding, where in the hotel they’re staying in, the mayor drops dead and it’s up to the dinner lady detectives to catch the killer…
I felt like it was very predictable but it was an enjoyable read. I feel like compared to the second book, Clementine was back to her usual self that we saw in the first book instead of being annoying. Although, I still found myself rolling my eyes at some of the things she’d come out with, especially about the whole swearing thing - I feel like it’s old now.
There were certain plot lines that I felt like they were pointless because they would be focussed on so much, just for them to be killed in the end. They didn’t really add anything to the story so I didn’t see the point to them being there. Instead of focussing of them, it could be used to let us know about the characters as I feel like even after three books, I don’t truly know any of the characters which makes me not care or feel connected about any of them. I also wasn’t a fan of the ending - I just didn’t buy the cliff scene at all.
Personally, I don’t see Clementine and Margery as wives, to me they go on more like they are best friends who live together because how has it took until the third book of the series for them to finally kiss? They really don’t act as a married couple.
⚠️ CWs: gun use, poisoning, murder of animals, murder, child death, alcohol use, cheating, profanity and mentions cancer ⚠️
Margery and Clementine decide to go on holiday before Rose’s wedding, where in the hotel they’re staying in, the mayor drops dead and it’s up to the dinner lady detectives to catch the killer…
I felt like it was very predictable but it was an enjoyable read. I feel like compared to the second book, Clementine was back to her usual self that we saw in the first book instead of being annoying. Although, I still found myself rolling my eyes at some of the things she’d come out with, especially about the whole swearing thing - I feel like it’s old now.
There were certain plot lines that I felt like they were pointless because they would be focussed on so much, just for them to be killed in the end. They didn’t really add anything to the story so I didn’t see the point to them being there. Instead of focussing of them, it could be used to let us know about the characters as I feel like even after three books, I don’t truly know any of the characters which makes me not care or feel connected about any of them. I also wasn’t a fan of the ending - I just didn’t buy the cliff scene at all.
Personally, I don’t see Clementine and Margery as wives, to me they go on more like they are best friends who live together because how has it took until the third book of the series for them to finally kiss? They really don’t act as a married couple.
⚠️ CWs: gun use, poisoning, murder of animals, murder, child death, alcohol use, cheating, profanity and mentions cancer ⚠️
April 26, 2023
I have read both of the previous books featuring the Dinner Lady Detectives, and I really enjoyed them, so I was really excited to be approved for a copy of this book to review.
Margery and Clementine are so loveable, and they always make me smile and warm my heart. This was another fun, entertaining cosy mystery. In some ways, I found it slightly more serious than the previous two books. In fact, there were some moments towards the end that made me a little bit tearful. Having said that, I was still left with the same feeling of warmth and comfort that I felt reading the first two books.
In reading this particular book, there were moments when I felt very aware of strong bonds between the characters. The bonds of love and support, not only between Margery and Clementine themselves, but also some of the other characters. This was something that made me tearful, while warming my heart at the same time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
Margery and Clementine are so loveable, and they always make me smile and warm my heart. This was another fun, entertaining cosy mystery. In some ways, I found it slightly more serious than the previous two books. In fact, there were some moments towards the end that made me a little bit tearful. Having said that, I was still left with the same feeling of warmth and comfort that I felt reading the first two books.
In reading this particular book, there were moments when I felt very aware of strong bonds between the characters. The bonds of love and support, not only between Margery and Clementine themselves, but also some of the other characters. This was something that made me tearful, while warming my heart at the same time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
May 20, 2023
Margery and Clem are back again! This time it’s a fun new location as they visit Rose‘s country house to arrange the hen party prior to her marriage to the headmaster, and of course the rest of the dinner ladies are along for the ride! It’s not long before the pair find themselves at the centre of a murder by poisoning enquiry and need to investigate if only to prove their own innocence. Another great cosy crime from the pen of Hannah Hendy with likeable characters and a clever twist with the potential mistaken identity. If you like this genre Hannah’s Dinner Lady Detectives series should be on your bookshelf.
May 10, 2024
Amusing cosy crime with the dinner lady team.
March 31, 2025
Had me gripped from start to finish. The main characters were really well written.
May 10, 2023
A murder mystery with a twist or two. Easy, enjoyable read.
August 13, 2024
Nice cozy mystery to cleanse the pallet. Also really enjoying the elderly mysteries - less romance novels, more mystery!
April 5, 2023
I really enjoy these characters and series. This instalment did not disappoint.
January 20, 2023
I loved this!!! So much!!!! I just sat and read this for 4-5 hours! It was lovely to be back with Margery, Clementine and the gang again doing what they do best solving things!
I really enjoyed it would 100% recommend.
Margery and Clementine are just the cutest and I love them 🥺
I really enjoyed it would 100% recommend.
Margery and Clementine are just the cutest and I love them 🥺
February 26, 2023
I love this series so much. Definitely my favourite one yet! :)
February 17, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ — if you want all the mystery and knowledge about the poisoning plants with humorous traits. This one for you
I’m glad that Clementine was quite herself in the book rather than the second one. She is back with her humorous remarks and sarcasm in a good way. Also, Margery’s way of thinking was improved a lot in here and all the Dinner Lady took part on solving the crime! I’m so happy and almost screaming when all of them has their own part on solving it. Even though not enough or like sort of team play on solving but at least we get the whole Dinner Lady in! Oh, Rose in here has beautifully written characters especially when she screaming about HEIST! That’s my favorite
The storyline was too much. For the mystery, it all packed up into one thing but I don’t think the writing is that good. Because mostly, everything goes round and round. Yes, it does make the readers wondering but for most part on my end, it confused me even more — not in a good way. Also, it took place outside Dewstow! FINALLY, we have another place for Margery and Clementine play the detectives!
The Moral of The Story and Issues this book hold quite focusing on (1)Family. It’s good because, it’s a small village where the setting was and brings up lots of families traits in the book represents the village. (2)There’s different traits about the villagers or the locals and the outsider. How it treated and everybody treated each other. Quite remarkable, actually. (3)Coping mechanism, walking, to ease your mind while you have too much happening in your mind. That’s memorable.
Overall, I enjoyed this book as much because of Clementine and Rose. Then, the author give The Dinner Lady’s member to took part on solving the crime is quite amazing! We need more of them. However, the mystery writing of this book about the connection, the murderer, the poison and other stuff quite confusing not in a good way for me. It would be much better ifs:
🔹the writing about the mystery not goes round and round especially about the truth,
🔹Only one perspective isn’t enough, but when its too many. Whose telling the truth? and those two can solve it when they are amateurs? NOPE,
🔹The ending on the cliff was NONSENSE, she should be written more tragedy on it into good conclusion
However, this book give me few knowledge about poison and it also has a plus. Event though there isn’t much telling about British Culture again or any kind that indicates “BRITISH”, this book is amusing. If there is any other book about Clementine in the future, I would probably look for it!
Thank you NetGalley for giving me privileges to read this one ahead from publication date
I’m glad that Clementine was quite herself in the book rather than the second one. She is back with her humorous remarks and sarcasm in a good way. Also, Margery’s way of thinking was improved a lot in here and all the Dinner Lady took part on solving the crime! I’m so happy and almost screaming when all of them has their own part on solving it. Even though not enough or like sort of team play on solving but at least we get the whole Dinner Lady in! Oh, Rose in here has beautifully written characters especially when she screaming about HEIST! That’s my favorite
The storyline was too much. For the mystery, it all packed up into one thing but I don’t think the writing is that good. Because mostly, everything goes round and round. Yes, it does make the readers wondering but for most part on my end, it confused me even more — not in a good way. Also, it took place outside Dewstow! FINALLY, we have another place for Margery and Clementine play the detectives!
The Moral of The Story and Issues this book hold quite focusing on (1)Family. It’s good because, it’s a small village where the setting was and brings up lots of families traits in the book represents the village. (2)There’s different traits about the villagers or the locals and the outsider. How it treated and everybody treated each other. Quite remarkable, actually. (3)Coping mechanism, walking, to ease your mind while you have too much happening in your mind. That’s memorable.
Overall, I enjoyed this book as much because of Clementine and Rose. Then, the author give The Dinner Lady’s member to took part on solving the crime is quite amazing! We need more of them. However, the mystery writing of this book about the connection, the murderer, the poison and other stuff quite confusing not in a good way for me. It would be much better ifs:
🔹the writing about the mystery not goes round and round especially about the truth,
🔹Only one perspective isn’t enough, but when its too many. Whose telling the truth? and those two can solve it when they are amateurs? NOPE,
🔹The ending on the cliff was NONSENSE, she should be written more tragedy on it into good conclusion
However, this book give me few knowledge about poison and it also has a plus. Event though there isn’t much telling about British Culture again or any kind that indicates “BRITISH”, this book is amusing. If there is any other book about Clementine in the future, I would probably look for it!
Thank you NetGalley for giving me privileges to read this one ahead from publication date
Read
September 22, 2023I wasn’t going to comment on this one, but my reason for not wanting to is a subject for a future essay. Anyway, it seems that the author has already written my review within the novel itself:
They weren’t detectives, not really, they were just two stupid middle-aged women who had gotten themselves into hot water yet again. Or
Clementine just went trundling off into the next chaotic misadventure, dragging Margery along behind her . . .
I’m sure that the author wrote those descriptions with tongue in cheek, but there is more than a grain of truth to them. She pretty accurately describes the goings-on in the first three books. In other words, there is nothing really new. The enjoyment or excitement that the reader gets from these books is exactly the same in all of them. The series reminds me of the more famous Kylie Kendall series, by Claire Mcnab. They are enjoyable, to be sure, occasionally even delightful, but they are incredibly alike. I have made it through the first three but just can’t get up the interest in reading the same book a fourth (or fifth, or sixth) time.
So when should a reader say whoa? And when should the writer realize that they have said the same things in previous books and start something else? That’s for you to decide.
As for A Terrible Village Poisoning, I noticed a few more editorial misses and a number of typos—all of which should be dealt with. But for the rest: same ole, same ole. As Kurt Vonnegut once wrote, “Enough, Enough!”
Final Rating: 3
Note: I read the ebook version of this novel that was available at Amazon in March, 2023
Another Note: This review is included in my book The Art of the Lesbian Mystery Novel , along with information on over 1100 other lesbian mysteries by over 350 authors.
They weren’t detectives, not really, they were just two stupid middle-aged women who had gotten themselves into hot water yet again. Or
Clementine just went trundling off into the next chaotic misadventure, dragging Margery along behind her . . .
I’m sure that the author wrote those descriptions with tongue in cheek, but there is more than a grain of truth to them. She pretty accurately describes the goings-on in the first three books. In other words, there is nothing really new. The enjoyment or excitement that the reader gets from these books is exactly the same in all of them. The series reminds me of the more famous Kylie Kendall series, by Claire Mcnab. They are enjoyable, to be sure, occasionally even delightful, but they are incredibly alike. I have made it through the first three but just can’t get up the interest in reading the same book a fourth (or fifth, or sixth) time.
So when should a reader say whoa? And when should the writer realize that they have said the same things in previous books and start something else? That’s for you to decide.
As for A Terrible Village Poisoning, I noticed a few more editorial misses and a number of typos—all of which should be dealt with. But for the rest: same ole, same ole. As Kurt Vonnegut once wrote, “Enough, Enough!”
Final Rating: 3
Note: I read the ebook version of this novel that was available at Amazon in March, 2023
Another Note: This review is included in my book The Art of the Lesbian Mystery Novel , along with information on over 1100 other lesbian mysteries by over 350 authors.
April 1, 2024
Another fab installment of a cosy murder mystery series.
The third book in series is not set in the school like the other two so it was nice to have a bit of a change of scenery for this one but I do prefer the school setting but i just think thats because they are the Dinner Lady Detectives so it’s odd to see them outside the school.
I loved revisiting Margery and Clementines characters as the are such loveable people. They have a great relationship and know exactly how each other works but at times I see them more as best friends than wives.
All in all I just think it’s a cute series to read and look forward to the next book.
The third book in series is not set in the school like the other two so it was nice to have a bit of a change of scenery for this one but I do prefer the school setting but i just think thats because they are the Dinner Lady Detectives so it’s odd to see them outside the school.
I loved revisiting Margery and Clementines characters as the are such loveable people. They have a great relationship and know exactly how each other works but at times I see them more as best friends than wives.
All in all I just think it’s a cute series to read and look forward to the next book.
February 2, 2025
I am making my way through the dinner lady detectives series and so far I am really enjoying seeing what scrapes and shenanigans that Marjery and Clementine find themselves in this time.
This instalment takes place further Summer break and the two ladies take a little break from Dewstow to celebrate their wedding anniversary but low and behold they find themselves embroiled in murder and mystery in the little village of St-Martin’s- on - the- water. Capers are afoot in this gentle cosy mystery. Poisoning, murder, secrets and lies await.
This instalment takes place further Summer break and the two ladies take a little break from Dewstow to celebrate their wedding anniversary but low and behold they find themselves embroiled in murder and mystery in the little village of St-Martin’s- on - the- water. Capers are afoot in this gentle cosy mystery. Poisoning, murder, secrets and lies await.
July 24, 2024
I don’t care what people say, this series is perfect for a cosy read to relax with. This one was summer themed, so just right for sitting in the garden and enjoying in the sun (which has come out, at last!).
September 3, 2023
Very interesting and well written
October 25, 2024
For lovers of cold cases, mystery journals, and secret family.
February 23, 2025
My favourite one yet
September 6, 2025
It wasn't amazing but wasn't terrible. It was just a nice easy read and a pretty predicatable ending I personally felt.
April 28, 2025
3.75 stars 🌟🌟🌟
November 16, 2023
4.5/5
An absolutely adorable read, with lovely characters (elderly detectives who are also wifes??? sign me up), unpredictable plot twists and a solid mystery.
An absolutely adorable read, with lovely characters (elderly detectives who are also wifes??? sign me up), unpredictable plot twists and a solid mystery.
August 22, 2023
3.5*/5.
This is the first in the series that I’ve read about these dinner lady detectives, and for the most part it was an enjoyable read. There were a lot of already-established characters, which will be familiar to those who have read the series from the beginning, and that left me a bit wrong-footed in that they were just names on a page to me. Not the fault of the author, but a bit more back-story might have been useful to help round them out a little. Having said that, it works perfectly well as a standalone, and was an enjoyable read if a touch on the leisurely side (bearing in mind the ages of the characters - 50-somethings (of which I am one, so please don’t come at me for that)).
I felt the name of the village, St Martin’s-on-the-Water was quite idyllic sounding, although I have no idea where it’s meant to be - are they still in Wales? For some strange reason, I thought they’d arrived in Cornwall, but I don’t think that’s right. Regardless, after travelling on a motorway, they’ve arrived somewhere that might be Wales or England. The descriptions of the area were quite well done, as was the way the village holds onto secrets, sometimes for generations.
I did put two and two together before Margery & Clementine, however, and felt they missed a particularly obvious clue, but enjoyed the story enough to follow it through with them. Overall, it was a light and fun read and I’d recommend it for an enjoyable rainy day read, with tea and biscuits to hand.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an eARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
This is the first in the series that I’ve read about these dinner lady detectives, and for the most part it was an enjoyable read. There were a lot of already-established characters, which will be familiar to those who have read the series from the beginning, and that left me a bit wrong-footed in that they were just names on a page to me. Not the fault of the author, but a bit more back-story might have been useful to help round them out a little. Having said that, it works perfectly well as a standalone, and was an enjoyable read if a touch on the leisurely side (bearing in mind the ages of the characters - 50-somethings (of which I am one, so please don’t come at me for that)).
I felt the name of the village, St Martin’s-on-the-Water was quite idyllic sounding, although I have no idea where it’s meant to be - are they still in Wales? For some strange reason, I thought they’d arrived in Cornwall, but I don’t think that’s right. Regardless, after travelling on a motorway, they’ve arrived somewhere that might be Wales or England. The descriptions of the area were quite well done, as was the way the village holds onto secrets, sometimes for generations.
I did put two and two together before Margery & Clementine, however, and felt they missed a particularly obvious clue, but enjoyed the story enough to follow it through with them. Overall, it was a light and fun read and I’d recommend it for an enjoyable rainy day read, with tea and biscuits to hand.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an eARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
April 10, 2023
Great read, great characters, brilliant storyline, kept me interested all the way throughout, read the other two books and this one was definitely just as good. Really worth the read, hoping this is not the end for the dinner lady detective’s.
March 20, 2023
I love this series
It's a nice way to spend a couple of evenings. Keeping Clem and Marjery company, whilst they solve yet another mystery. Some lovely characters in this story. Full of humour, drama, and solid friendships. The clues are there, so follow the dinner ladies on their latest escapade as they solve the clues!
It's a nice way to spend a couple of evenings. Keeping Clem and Marjery company, whilst they solve yet another mystery. Some lovely characters in this story. Full of humour, drama, and solid friendships. The clues are there, so follow the dinner ladies on their latest escapade as they solve the clues!
March 26, 2023
I’m struggling with what to say about this book. I haven’t read any of the previous books in the series which I didn’t find to be too much of a problem, but it would give readers a little more back story. I found certain parts of this book to just go on and on, repeating itself for no reason. I didn’t dislike it, it was a cosy murder mystery which I really enjoy, but I didn’t particularly love it either. I didn’t enjoy the ending (the cliff scene was really thrown in there), but throughout there were some funny moments.
Thanks to NetGalley, Hannah Hendy and Canelo for this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley, Hannah Hendy and Canelo for this ARC.
April 5, 2023
I had a hard time getting into this story, yeah it was intriguing but at times it felt forced and couldn't read more of a couple of chapters at the time!
It was interesting how the story came together but again it felt like going in circles.
PS: I received an ARC from NetGalley!
It was interesting how the story came together but again it felt like going in circles.
PS: I received an ARC from NetGalley!
October 18, 2024
ive never dnf a book before. but i really really could not get into this book. theres a lot of dialogue; maybe too much. and each chapter felt like a task to finish. not my cup of tea.
April 13, 2025
So slow I’m sorry but my life is too short to read plodding books. I really did try to finish it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews