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The Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries #3
A Marriage to Murder For
The high society wedding… Social media influencer Crystabel Hughes is determined her wedding to Giles Preston Smythe will be the talk of the town. No matter the cost or the upset, nothing will stop this wedding! A cheating groom… But for Alexi Ellis and the rest of the staff at Hopgood Hall, Crystabel’s demands are becoming increasingly extreme. And when Alexi spots the groom getting up close and personal with one of the bridesmaids, she fears trouble is only a bouquet toss away. A killer bride caught red-handed? And Alexi’s fears are confirmed when the groom is found dead on the night before the wedding, stabbed through the heart - the person holding the dagger. his beloved bride-to be Crystabel. Hopgood Hall doesn’t need any more bad press, but the race is on to find the killer and close the case before Crystable live streams her dilemma. Can Alexi, Jack and Cosmo find out why Giles was killed? And, more importantly, can they stop the killer before they strike again? Perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Frances Evesham and Emma Davies. Readers love the Hopgood Hall series! 'If you want to dip your toe into the cosy crime genre then this is the book for you! It is incredible. I loved every word and Cosmo the cat is just hilarious' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review 'A Date To Die For would make a fabulous early evening television series. I really enjoyed it and look forward to much more from E V Hunter'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review 'The author certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one heck of a story'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2023
52 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 24, 2023
Publication Date: 07th September 2023
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining but a little slow
Social media influencer Crystabel Hughes is getting married at Hopgood Hall. The staff and owners are doing their best not to snap at the bridezilla’s extremities. However, Alexi can’t help but feel a nagging sensation of something not being right.
The cheating groom, Giles, is found murdered a night before D-day with the would-be holding the dagger. Alexi and Jack jump into action, knowing they have to solve the case before Hopgood Hall faces the bad press.
Things aren’t easy with so many secrets, suspects, and Crystabel’s constant need to film everything for her social media popularity. Can the duo find the killer in time?
The story comes in Alexi and Jack’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
I was excited to read book #3 after enjoying #2. This one also has a good load of drama, suspects, secrets, and of course, a murder.
The setting is the Hopgood Hall again, so naturally, Drew, Cheryl, and Alexi (the owners and investor) are worried about what it would mean to the place’s reputation. Being a scene of crime is hardly good business, though morbid curiosity did bring more guests and profits.
The concerns of the characters come across clearly. Alexi’s internal thoughts and conflict align with her worries and sense of justice. Solving the case is more important for them as their future depends on how well they can minimize the damage to Hopgood Hall’s reputation.
Though the book is just 270 pages, the pacing is on the slower side. Fortunately, there’s enough movement for the plot to progress. Just that recurring interrogations reduce the narrative pace.
Similar to book #2, we get a rough backstory in the first chapter so the reader knows the basic information about the main characters and the setting. While this technique works for now, it may feel odd as the series grows. Imagine Alexi thinking about the whole thing in book #10.
Cosmos does what he likes the best – be the darling of the press and scare the hell out of everyone else. Of course, he loves Alexi and Jack and tolerates little Verity. I like how Jack thinks Cosmos could help sniff out the potential murder. Maybe this huge black cat will have a prime role in one of the upcoming cases.
The mystery, as such, is intriguing. Crystabel is annoying and hard to empathize with. Her mom, Gloria, is worse, so it’s no wonder the wedding party wants her to be the killer. Yet, Alexi and Jack know they have to be sure. There’s something called conscience and justice, after all. The information is revealed in bits and pieces. The missing link comes in the last part of the book, though we can guess the killer based on other details.
It was a little hard to track the names Cheryl and Crystabel. The common alphabets in both make it tough to not confuse one with another, especially when both are mentioned in the same scene or conversation. This may not be an issue for other readers.
I’m not sure why we have this trend of ending a novel a couple of steps before the finish line. While it may work for some books, it doesn’t help when a few questions remain unanswered in a mystery. The subplot will anyway be left open for further development, but all aspects related to the book’s mystery need to be tied up in the same one.
To summarize, A Marriage To Murder For is an entertaining mystery that deals with issues like parental ambition, manipulation, and, most importantly, how much is too much where social media influencers are concerned.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#AMarriageToMurderFor #NetGalley
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining but a little slow
Social media influencer Crystabel Hughes is getting married at Hopgood Hall. The staff and owners are doing their best not to snap at the bridezilla’s extremities. However, Alexi can’t help but feel a nagging sensation of something not being right.
The cheating groom, Giles, is found murdered a night before D-day with the would-be holding the dagger. Alexi and Jack jump into action, knowing they have to solve the case before Hopgood Hall faces the bad press.
Things aren’t easy with so many secrets, suspects, and Crystabel’s constant need to film everything for her social media popularity. Can the duo find the killer in time?
The story comes in Alexi and Jack’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
I was excited to read book #3 after enjoying #2. This one also has a good load of drama, suspects, secrets, and of course, a murder.
The setting is the Hopgood Hall again, so naturally, Drew, Cheryl, and Alexi (the owners and investor) are worried about what it would mean to the place’s reputation. Being a scene of crime is hardly good business, though morbid curiosity did bring more guests and profits.
The concerns of the characters come across clearly. Alexi’s internal thoughts and conflict align with her worries and sense of justice. Solving the case is more important for them as their future depends on how well they can minimize the damage to Hopgood Hall’s reputation.
Though the book is just 270 pages, the pacing is on the slower side. Fortunately, there’s enough movement for the plot to progress. Just that recurring interrogations reduce the narrative pace.
Similar to book #2, we get a rough backstory in the first chapter so the reader knows the basic information about the main characters and the setting. While this technique works for now, it may feel odd as the series grows. Imagine Alexi thinking about the whole thing in book #10.
Cosmos does what he likes the best – be the darling of the press and scare the hell out of everyone else. Of course, he loves Alexi and Jack and tolerates little Verity. I like how Jack thinks Cosmos could help sniff out the potential murder. Maybe this huge black cat will have a prime role in one of the upcoming cases.
The mystery, as such, is intriguing. Crystabel is annoying and hard to empathize with. Her mom, Gloria, is worse, so it’s no wonder the wedding party wants her to be the killer. Yet, Alexi and Jack know they have to be sure. There’s something called conscience and justice, after all. The information is revealed in bits and pieces. The missing link comes in the last part of the book, though we can guess the killer based on other details.
It was a little hard to track the names Cheryl and Crystabel. The common alphabets in both make it tough to not confuse one with another, especially when both are mentioned in the same scene or conversation. This may not be an issue for other readers.
I’m not sure why we have this trend of ending a novel a couple of steps before the finish line. While it may work for some books, it doesn’t help when a few questions remain unanswered in a mystery. The subplot will anyway be left open for further development, but all aspects related to the book’s mystery need to be tied up in the same one.
To summarize, A Marriage To Murder For is an entertaining mystery that deals with issues like parental ambition, manipulation, and, most importantly, how much is too much where social media influencers are concerned.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#AMarriageToMurderFor #NetGalley
January 7, 2024
Crystabel, a minor celebrity and the bride from hell, is marrying local racehorse trainer’s son Giles at Hopgood Hall. The hotel has flourished, partly due to having gained notoriety after it hosted a cookery contest with an added unexpected murder and also there having been another previous murder in the locality, both of which journalist Alexi Ellis and her partner private investigator Jack Maddox, a former Met detective, were instrumental in solving. Alexi is now a minority shareholder in the hotel owned by old friends Drew and Cheryl Hopgood who also have a 7-month-old daughter Verity and terrier Toby who is inseparable from Alexi’s enormous feral cat Cosmo. Even before the wedding, Alexi and Jack can see something is not right between the so-called happy couple and this is borne out when they discover Crystabel used to be engaged to the best man Simon who is trying his best to discourage Giles from the marriage, something Giles’s father is also determined to prevent. Then Alexi spies Giles in an embrace with one of the bridesmaids, Crystabel’s cousin Jenny. It looks like Crystabel has some kind of hold over Giles and her desire to control is all consuming, just like her own mother. The very last thing the hotel needs is another murder but that’s exactly what it gets when Giles is found stabbed to death and Crystabel is holding the murder weapon. It’s surely obvious who the killer is, when DI Mark Vickery and DC Hogan arrive to formally investigate? Maybe a little too obvious, think Jack and Alexi, but will the overworked police consider the other possible motives and suspects? Could it be connected to a falling out between some of the wedding party two years ago on a Greek holiday? With Vickery’s blessing, Jack knows he will need to delve deeper to satisfy his conscience that the right culprit is arrested and save Hopgood Hall from a lifetime of being known as murder central.
All the very likeable main characters are back, including tantrum prone head chef Marcel and his new apprentice, runner up from the competition in book two, the wonderfully laid-back Anton. Still the absolute star of the story for me simply has to be Cosmo, the incredibly large black cat with plenty of attitude who inspires hero worship in Toby the terrier and mortal fear in anyone he decides to torment. With an engrossing and twisty plot and lots of red herrings to confuse the reader, this is a book incredibly easy to get lost in and enjoy. I am already looking forward to book four.
All the very likeable main characters are back, including tantrum prone head chef Marcel and his new apprentice, runner up from the competition in book two, the wonderfully laid-back Anton. Still the absolute star of the story for me simply has to be Cosmo, the incredibly large black cat with plenty of attitude who inspires hero worship in Toby the terrier and mortal fear in anyone he decides to torment. With an engrossing and twisty plot and lots of red herrings to confuse the reader, this is a book incredibly easy to get lost in and enjoy. I am already looking forward to book four.
January 16, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
A Marriage to Murder For is the third Hopgood Hall cozy by E.V. Hunter. Released 3rd Feb 2023 by small press indie Boldwood Books, it's 268 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.The other books are also available on KU and the fifth book in the series is due out middle 3rd quarter 2024 from the same publisher.
This is a well written, engaging, and finely constructed amateur sleuth mystery pairing a former investigative journalist (and boutique hotel co-owner) with a handsome PI trying to keep a summer wedding event on a smooth footing during a blistering summer. There's a strong side element of romance, so readers who prefer romance in their cozies will likely enjoy that aspect of the story. The characters are well rendered and mostly believable and the pacing and plot are well done and the denouement and resolution of the various plot threads are satisfyingly wrapped up by the end of the book. It's a continuing series, so if read out of order, some of the character developments and relationships will be spoiled, but otherwise it works fine as a standalone.
Spelling and vernacular are British standard English, but won't pose a problem for readers in context.
Four stars. A fun continuation of a nice light series. With four books extant in the series, and a fifth due out in Aug '24, it would make a good choice for a short binge or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
A Marriage to Murder For is the third Hopgood Hall cozy by E.V. Hunter. Released 3rd Feb 2023 by small press indie Boldwood Books, it's 268 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.The other books are also available on KU and the fifth book in the series is due out middle 3rd quarter 2024 from the same publisher.
This is a well written, engaging, and finely constructed amateur sleuth mystery pairing a former investigative journalist (and boutique hotel co-owner) with a handsome PI trying to keep a summer wedding event on a smooth footing during a blistering summer. There's a strong side element of romance, so readers who prefer romance in their cozies will likely enjoy that aspect of the story. The characters are well rendered and mostly believable and the pacing and plot are well done and the denouement and resolution of the various plot threads are satisfyingly wrapped up by the end of the book. It's a continuing series, so if read out of order, some of the character developments and relationships will be spoiled, but otherwise it works fine as a standalone.
Spelling and vernacular are British standard English, but won't pose a problem for readers in context.
Four stars. A fun continuation of a nice light series. With four books extant in the series, and a fifth due out in Aug '24, it would make a good choice for a short binge or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
August 19, 2023
Thank you to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have been majorly into Cozy Mysteries the past while and figured a story featuring a journalist, a private investigator, and a cat named Cosmo that takes place on a boutique hotel in horse country would be an excellent new series to begin.
Unknown to me before I requested the book, this is the third book in the series. So that I could do it justice, I read the first two before starting this one. The series is wonderful and this instalment was an exciting addition to Alexi, Jack and Cosmo’s tales.
In A Marriage to Murder For, Crystabel, a budding influencer and reality tv star, is marrying her fiancé Giles this weekend at Hopgood Hall and all festivities are being filmed for their exclusive series about the wedding. Crystabel is ever controlling and crashes her intended’s stag, in an attempt to have a joint party. After Giles turns her and her bachelorette party away, Crystabel is humiliated. Later, Giles turns up murdered and Crystabel is holding the knife and covered in his blood.
Crystabel is the main suspect (from both the police and the entire wedding party) but Alexi and Jack aren’t so sure. It’s up to them to find out what really happened so that Hopgood’s reputation is untarnished.
While not true cozies (there is some swearing, violence and sexual activity) the mysteries are good and I really enjoy finding out what happened. I felt like I figured out who the killer was quite early in this one but couldn’t completely figure out why they did what they did until the very end.
I am looking forward to the next instalment and will continue to read along Alexi and Jack’s journey.
Unknown to me before I requested the book, this is the third book in the series. So that I could do it justice, I read the first two before starting this one. The series is wonderful and this instalment was an exciting addition to Alexi, Jack and Cosmo’s tales.
In A Marriage to Murder For, Crystabel, a budding influencer and reality tv star, is marrying her fiancé Giles this weekend at Hopgood Hall and all festivities are being filmed for their exclusive series about the wedding. Crystabel is ever controlling and crashes her intended’s stag, in an attempt to have a joint party. After Giles turns her and her bachelorette party away, Crystabel is humiliated. Later, Giles turns up murdered and Crystabel is holding the knife and covered in his blood.
Crystabel is the main suspect (from both the police and the entire wedding party) but Alexi and Jack aren’t so sure. It’s up to them to find out what really happened so that Hopgood’s reputation is untarnished.
While not true cozies (there is some swearing, violence and sexual activity) the mysteries are good and I really enjoy finding out what happened. I felt like I figured out who the killer was quite early in this one but couldn’t completely figure out why they did what they did until the very end.
I am looking forward to the next instalment and will continue to read along Alexi and Jack’s journey.
August 6, 2024
Minor celebrity Crystabel is hoping her wedding to Giles will boost her career. But they are not the loved up couple they appear. She started dated him on the rebound and is still in contact with her ex, while GIles is in love with one of her bridesmaids. The wedding definitely won't go ahead once Giles is found stabbed to death with Crystabel standing over him with a bloody dagger...
A Marriage To Murder For is the third book in the Hopgood Hall cosy murder mystery series. I have previously read and reviewed the first two books: A Date To Die For and A Contest To Kill For.
Alexi's foray into hotel management is still not very successful. She has encouraged her friends and business partners to host weddings but this new venture looks doomed to failure. Bridezilla Crystabel and her henpecked fiance Giles are their first clients and on the joint stag and hen night there are incidents aplenty. By the end of the evening Giles is dead and Crystabel is the chief suspect but Alexi and Jack's observations may provide alternative suspects and motives.
Straightaway we are sympathetic to Giles as he is bossed around by his bride to be. This contrasts with Alexi and Jack's relationship which is getting stronger. However, her newpaper editor ex Patrick is still hovering in the background especially once he sniffs out a story. Alexi and Jack want to resolve the murder quickly to protect the hotel so start their own investigation into the hen and stag guests. Once again there are touches on gentle humour and the inclusion of Cosmo the cat adds light relief to the grisly matter of murder.
A Marriage To Murder For is an enjoyable murder mystery.
A Marriage To Murder For is the third book in the Hopgood Hall cosy murder mystery series. I have previously read and reviewed the first two books: A Date To Die For and A Contest To Kill For.
Alexi's foray into hotel management is still not very successful. She has encouraged her friends and business partners to host weddings but this new venture looks doomed to failure. Bridezilla Crystabel and her henpecked fiance Giles are their first clients and on the joint stag and hen night there are incidents aplenty. By the end of the evening Giles is dead and Crystabel is the chief suspect but Alexi and Jack's observations may provide alternative suspects and motives.
Straightaway we are sympathetic to Giles as he is bossed around by his bride to be. This contrasts with Alexi and Jack's relationship which is getting stronger. However, her newpaper editor ex Patrick is still hovering in the background especially once he sniffs out a story. Alexi and Jack want to resolve the murder quickly to protect the hotel so start their own investigation into the hen and stag guests. Once again there are touches on gentle humour and the inclusion of Cosmo the cat adds light relief to the grisly matter of murder.
A Marriage To Murder For is an enjoyable murder mystery.
September 5, 2023
Name of Book: A Marriage to Murder for
Author: E.V. Hunter
Series: Hopgood Hall Mystery #3
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: September 7, 2023
My Rating: 3.7 rounded up!
Pages: 270
Social media influencer, minor TV celebrity and socialite Crystabel Hennessay wants her wedding to Giles Preston Smythe to be the talk of the town.
Hopgood Hall, owners Alexi Ellis and Cheryl and Drew Hopgood as well as the rest of the staff, are finding bridezilla Crystabel’s demands becoming more extreme.
When Alexi spots the groom getting a bit too close with one of the bridesmaids, she fears trouble is only a bouquet toss away.
Things never get to the bouquet tossing as Giles turns up murdered and Crystabel is holding a knife covered in blood. –Has the killer bride been caught red-handed?.
As the story continues there is no doubt that Crystabel is unlikeable therefore difficult to any sympathy and actually don’t really care if she is guilty or not. Then Yikes her mom, Gloria, - Hmmm apple – tree!
Have to admit I love little Verity and am sure she will be in Series #4.
Story was a bit slow at times but turned out to be an enjoyable read.
Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 7, 2023.
Author: E.V. Hunter
Series: Hopgood Hall Mystery #3
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: September 7, 2023
My Rating: 3.7 rounded up!
Pages: 270
Social media influencer, minor TV celebrity and socialite Crystabel Hennessay wants her wedding to Giles Preston Smythe to be the talk of the town.
Hopgood Hall, owners Alexi Ellis and Cheryl and Drew Hopgood as well as the rest of the staff, are finding bridezilla Crystabel’s demands becoming more extreme.
When Alexi spots the groom getting a bit too close with one of the bridesmaids, she fears trouble is only a bouquet toss away.
Things never get to the bouquet tossing as Giles turns up murdered and Crystabel is holding a knife covered in blood. –Has the killer bride been caught red-handed?.
As the story continues there is no doubt that Crystabel is unlikeable therefore difficult to any sympathy and actually don’t really care if she is guilty or not. Then Yikes her mom, Gloria, - Hmmm apple – tree!
Have to admit I love little Verity and am sure she will be in Series #4.
Story was a bit slow at times but turned out to be an enjoyable read.
Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 7, 2023.
September 13, 2023
The 3rd book in this cosy mystery series is set in Lambourne, England; in the heart of racing country. Alexi has invested in her friends, Cheryl and Drew's hotel, and persuaded them to offer weddings. She is living with Jack, a private investigator whom she met when she moved from London.
A social media influencer chooses them to host her wedding, and is a bride from hell.The stag party is also held at the hotel, the groom, Giles, being born in the same area and whose family are race horse trainers, so of course, Crystabel decides to move her hen party there, on the same date!
When the groom to be is found murdered, and the bride to be is found holding the murder weapon, Alexi and Jack have to work fast to find out what actually happened, and minimise any adverse effect to the hotel.
I really enjoyed reading this book and found it hard to put the book down. My only issue, and it's not a major point, is that the book ended abruptly. Once the case had been solved, the book ended. Whilst each book is a standalone cosy mystery, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
I'm looking forward to the next book from Hopgood Hall!
A social media influencer chooses them to host her wedding, and is a bride from hell.The stag party is also held at the hotel, the groom, Giles, being born in the same area and whose family are race horse trainers, so of course, Crystabel decides to move her hen party there, on the same date!
When the groom to be is found murdered, and the bride to be is found holding the murder weapon, Alexi and Jack have to work fast to find out what actually happened, and minimise any adverse effect to the hotel.
I really enjoyed reading this book and found it hard to put the book down. My only issue, and it's not a major point, is that the book ended abruptly. Once the case had been solved, the book ended. Whilst each book is a standalone cosy mystery, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
I'm looking forward to the next book from Hopgood Hall!
September 8, 2023
2 1/2 stars. Crystabel Hughes, a social media influencer, is planning a big wedding at Hopgood Hall. She is a bridezilla on steroids and her mother is even worse. When Alexi Ellis, former investigative reporter, sees the groom in a hot clutch with another woman she knows things could get even more explosive. And when the bride-to-be is found standing over the dead body of the prospective groom holding a bloody knife...well, it won't do Hopgood Hall's reputation any good so she calls upon her present beau, Jack, an investigator, and her own experience to find out the truth before things go from bad to worse.
Overall, it is enjoyable but it doesn't really stand out from many other cozies I have read. Cosmo, the cat, is fun and I like Jack and Alexi as a couple. The mystery is solid. Parts seemed a bit slow and Crystabel and her mother were nightmares so I didn't really care for them. But, if you want a cozy mystery to read that deals with social media influencers and all that goes with that, give it a try.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Overall, it is enjoyable but it doesn't really stand out from many other cozies I have read. Cosmo, the cat, is fun and I like Jack and Alexi as a couple. The mystery is solid. Parts seemed a bit slow and Crystabel and her mother were nightmares so I didn't really care for them. But, if you want a cozy mystery to read that deals with social media influencers and all that goes with that, give it a try.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
September 11, 2023
I was completely hooked on this book before I had even got to the end of chapter one, I did not want to put it down(thankfully I had the day to read it uninterrupted) and I enjoyed reading every page.
It was really well written, I instantly connected with and loved Alexi, her relationship with Jack was lovely, I enjoyed reading from both perspectives. And they worked well together as a crime-solving team, they each had their strengths and both had opportunities to use them, and the fact that the local police seemed quite fine with them helping was amusing to read and see play out.
Shockingly I had no idea who the killer was! Normally I have some kind of inkling of who it might be but id dismissed the killer early on in favour of someone else stupidly, though I blame the good writing and not my being oblivious to the signs.
I had no idea it was part of a series when I started reading it, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it anything that I might have needed to know from the previous books was slipped into this one so you definitely don't need to read them in order. But I do plan on going back and reading the other two whilst I eagerly await more in this series.
It was really well written, I instantly connected with and loved Alexi, her relationship with Jack was lovely, I enjoyed reading from both perspectives. And they worked well together as a crime-solving team, they each had their strengths and both had opportunities to use them, and the fact that the local police seemed quite fine with them helping was amusing to read and see play out.
Shockingly I had no idea who the killer was! Normally I have some kind of inkling of who it might be but id dismissed the killer early on in favour of someone else stupidly, though I blame the good writing and not my being oblivious to the signs.
I had no idea it was part of a series when I started reading it, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it anything that I might have needed to know from the previous books was slipped into this one so you definitely don't need to read them in order. But I do plan on going back and reading the other two whilst I eagerly await more in this series.
September 7, 2023
A Marriage to Murder For by E.V.Hunter
Book 3 0f 3 of The Hopwood Hall Murder Mysteries
The high society wedding…
Social media influencer Crystabel Hughes is determined her wedding to Giles Preston Smythe will be the talk of the town. No matter the cost or the upset, nothing will stop this wedding!
But for Alexi Ellis and the rest of the staff at Hopgood Hall, Crystabel's demands are becoming increasingly extreme. And when Alexi spots the groom getting up close and personal with one of the bridesmaids, she fears trouble is only a bouquet toss away.
A Marriage to Murder For is an excellent finish to this great series of books. Totally Compelling, well-written and unputdownable. I have enjoyed many of this author's books; this series is no exception. I recommend reading the first two books in this series to get the maximum enjoyment of these stories, but all three can be read as standalone.
I want to thank Publishers Boldwood Books, author E.V. Hunter and Rachels Random Resources for a copy to read and review and a place on tour.
Book 3 0f 3 of The Hopwood Hall Murder Mysteries
The high society wedding…
Social media influencer Crystabel Hughes is determined her wedding to Giles Preston Smythe will be the talk of the town. No matter the cost or the upset, nothing will stop this wedding!
But for Alexi Ellis and the rest of the staff at Hopgood Hall, Crystabel's demands are becoming increasingly extreme. And when Alexi spots the groom getting up close and personal with one of the bridesmaids, she fears trouble is only a bouquet toss away.
A Marriage to Murder For is an excellent finish to this great series of books. Totally Compelling, well-written and unputdownable. I have enjoyed many of this author's books; this series is no exception. I recommend reading the first two books in this series to get the maximum enjoyment of these stories, but all three can be read as standalone.
I want to thank Publishers Boldwood Books, author E.V. Hunter and Rachels Random Resources for a copy to read and review and a place on tour.
January 16, 2024
Hopgood Hall as a wedding venue
Hopgood Hall, the boutique inn owned by Alexi’s friends Drew and Cheryl has profited from the attention garnered by a murder onsite. Bridezilla and social media influencer Crystabel has chosen it as the site for her wedding. Her groom-to-be, Giles, is part of the local horse culture. Crystabel and her mother Gloria are both demanding and self-centered, in charge of the weekend. And Giles appears to allow it—until he doesn’t. And soon after, he is murdered at the stag party and Crystabel has the bloody dagger in her hand. Alexi and Jack throw themselves into the investigation, although no one doubts that Crystabel could have done it; there’s just not enough evidence that she did. Finding a suspect isn’t a problem; finding a motive is. Cosmo, the drama-queen cat, is his usual temperamental self, quickly using his animal sense to ferret out the good and the wicked as he meets each person. Another entertaining episode at Hopgood Hall.
Hopgood Hall, the boutique inn owned by Alexi’s friends Drew and Cheryl has profited from the attention garnered by a murder onsite. Bridezilla and social media influencer Crystabel has chosen it as the site for her wedding. Her groom-to-be, Giles, is part of the local horse culture. Crystabel and her mother Gloria are both demanding and self-centered, in charge of the weekend. And Giles appears to allow it—until he doesn’t. And soon after, he is murdered at the stag party and Crystabel has the bloody dagger in her hand. Alexi and Jack throw themselves into the investigation, although no one doubts that Crystabel could have done it; there’s just not enough evidence that she did. Finding a suspect isn’t a problem; finding a motive is. Cosmo, the drama-queen cat, is his usual temperamental self, quickly using his animal sense to ferret out the good and the wicked as he meets each person. Another entertaining episode at Hopgood Hall.
September 13, 2023
This is my first book in the Hopgood Hall Murder series with a resident ‘detective’ cat.
This book is about a social media influencer who was found with the body of her fiancé and the murder weapon in her hands.
I like the suspense and how I am able to come up with different suspects with different motives. There was nothing to give away the real culprit.
Each of the suspect had a motive to commit murder.
I was glad that the elephant in the room was addressed (Greece). But what I did not see what the culprit, kudos to the author.
Cosmos is a star. Animals have been known to possess some kind of special abilities (in my culture it is believed that dogs can tell if someone is dying or a tragedy is imminent).
I look forward to reading even more books in the series. Lovers of crime, mystery and police procedural drama will enjoy this.
I received a copy of this book and the review is entirely mine and voluntary.
This book is about a social media influencer who was found with the body of her fiancé and the murder weapon in her hands.
I like the suspense and how I am able to come up with different suspects with different motives. There was nothing to give away the real culprit.
Each of the suspect had a motive to commit murder.
I was glad that the elephant in the room was addressed (Greece). But what I did not see what the culprit, kudos to the author.
Cosmos is a star. Animals have been known to possess some kind of special abilities (in my culture it is believed that dogs can tell if someone is dying or a tragedy is imminent).
I look forward to reading even more books in the series. Lovers of crime, mystery and police procedural drama will enjoy this.
I received a copy of this book and the review is entirely mine and voluntary.
September 10, 2023
This cosy mystery is set at Hopgood Hall, the location for a social influencer wedding. The events leading up to the inevitable crime are full of sensory imagery, drawing the reader into the story. With the hotel's reputation on the line, Alexis and Jack race to solve the crime. The mystery has scandalous secrets and many suspects. I like the suspense building, the amateur detectives and the cast of vibrant characters.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
October 7, 2023
A good whodunit to cost down with.
This is a really enjoyable read that will have you wondering, guessing all the way through. The characters are so well described you are quickly drawn into favouring some and hating others. It moves along at a comfortable pace allowing you to put it down but look forward to picking it up again soon! For lovers of a good whodunit I can recommend it.
This is a really enjoyable read that will have you wondering, guessing all the way through. The characters are so well described you are quickly drawn into favouring some and hating others. It moves along at a comfortable pace allowing you to put it down but look forward to picking it up again soon! For lovers of a good whodunit I can recommend it.
November 9, 2024
I mainly read these for the semi-feral cat, who hisses like mine does, and is friends with a small dog. Otherwise, a bit too "cherchez la femme" for me--women betraying other women, killing men, being killed by men and deserving it, etc. We meet the ultimate Bridezilla, who resembles the unsympathetic victim of a previous outing in this series. Along with the cat, the recurring characters are a private eye and a free-lance journalist.
December 29, 2025
I read Marriage For Murder by Deathsdoll on AO3. The story is incomplete and was discontinued in 2018. Here’s a little synopsis from the author. She would kill for that house. She had nothing left. No family. No money. Just her name and that house. When the handsome Mr. Harold Colby purchases it out from under her after the tragic murder of her beloved brother, she swears to herself to do anything at all within her control to make sure she gets that house back. 8 chapters.
September 14, 2023
Hopgood Hall is hosting a pre-wedding party and are dealing with a bridezilla who is making outrageous demands. But when the social influencer bride to be is found holding a dagger over the body of her dead fiancé, Alexi, Jack and their fellow sleuths (including Cosmo the cat) do not believe she is the killer.
October 1, 2023
A Good Murder Mystery
Book 3 was a good read. You already know all the main characters & it is great to see their progression. The spirited car
The cat is a nice touch to this series of books, as well.
Book 3 was a good read. You already know all the main characters & it is great to see their progression. The spirited car
The cat is a nice touch to this series of books, as well.
October 12, 2023
Another well plotted and compelling mystery by this author. It kept me guessing and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Can't wait to read the next one.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Can't wait to read the next one.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 27, 2025
4.5 rounded up.
I'm really enjoying this murder mystery series. I love the audiobooks and I love that E.V. Hunter doesn't give murderer away until the confession at the end. I'm liking the way that Alexi and Jack's relationship is developing through out the series.
I'm really enjoying this murder mystery series. I love the audiobooks and I love that E.V. Hunter doesn't give murderer away until the confession at the end. I'm liking the way that Alexi and Jack's relationship is developing through out the series.
September 13, 2023
Really good love this series. Hope we get more
October 16, 2023
Another great story.
I am so glad I found this series. The plot is interesting, the main characters are likeable. It’s not too light but not dark at all. What’s not to enjoy
I am so glad I found this series. The plot is interesting, the main characters are likeable. It’s not too light but not dark at all. What’s not to enjoy
December 7, 2023
Another competent mystery tale.
A further good tale but with poor proof reading, which was anoying. Why was American grammar used? Otherwise quite a page turner!
A further good tale but with poor proof reading, which was anoying. Why was American grammar used? Otherwise quite a page turner!
September 11, 2023
Book 3 of another favourite cosy mystery series of mine, this time we see a “celebrity” wedding about to take place at the hotel until someone murders the groom. Step up Alexi and Jack to find out who and save the hotel from bad publicity and possible closure, this being the 3rd murder associated with it.
Crystabel, the bride to be, is a nightmare - everything has to be her way and perfect with it. No ones likes her and her controlling mother but a booking is a booking. As usual, Cosmo the cat sees right through these two and takes an instant dislike. Plenty of good characters, and a few familiar faces from previous books in the series make up the cast in the latest instalment.
A great standalone, well written and planned as usual, a fast paced easy to read cosy murder mystery - long may they continue!
Crystabel, the bride to be, is a nightmare - everything has to be her way and perfect with it. No ones likes her and her controlling mother but a booking is a booking. As usual, Cosmo the cat sees right through these two and takes an instant dislike. Plenty of good characters, and a few familiar faces from previous books in the series make up the cast in the latest instalment.
A great standalone, well written and planned as usual, a fast paced easy to read cosy murder mystery - long may they continue!
September 8, 2023
This is book three in this series. I thought this one had a good mystery. I was kinda surprised by the ending.
It kept me guessing to the end. Definitely looking forward to the next one. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the early copy
It kept me guessing to the end. Definitely looking forward to the next one. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the early copy
January 8, 2024
I love this series so much and is a go to if I want a cosy mystery to escape with. This is a slower pace story compared to the previous two books but this is no bad thing. I think this story still has the same mix of intrigue, betrayal and even a dash of romance. The characters are so well written and are a mix of personalities that gel well together and as we get to know them throughout the novels they feel so real and authentic. I love the twists and turns and they kept me guessing til the very end and I was so sad when it ended and I just hope there will be more installments to this wonderful series.
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