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Miss Clara Vale Mysteries #1
The Picture House Murders
Murder is no occupation for a lady... or is it?
1929: Miss Clara Vale is a woman ahead of her time. Rather than attending Oxford to bag an eligible Duke (as her mother, Lady Vale, so desperately hoped), she threw herself into a degree in chemistry, with aspirations to become a scientist in her own right.
But the world isn't ready for Clara. Unable to land a job in science because she's a woman, she is stuck behind the desk at a dingy London library.
Until her estranged Uncle dies suddenly, leaving her his private detective agency, and laboratory, in his will.
Clara couldn't become a detective, could she?
The decision is made for her when one of her uncle's old clients comes to her for help with a case surrounding the local picture house and invites Clara to see the latest show, before they discuss the details.
But during the film, a fire suddenly engulfs the picture house, with tragic consequences.
It seems at first an accident, but Clara soon begins to question if it was in fact a carefully orchestrated murder.
She's suddenly in the middle of a deadly mystery and will discover her scientific skills make her a sleuth to be reckoned with... Can she catch the killer before they strike again?
1929: Miss Clara Vale is a woman ahead of her time. Rather than attending Oxford to bag an eligible Duke (as her mother, Lady Vale, so desperately hoped), she threw herself into a degree in chemistry, with aspirations to become a scientist in her own right.
But the world isn't ready for Clara. Unable to land a job in science because she's a woman, she is stuck behind the desk at a dingy London library.
Until her estranged Uncle dies suddenly, leaving her his private detective agency, and laboratory, in his will.
Clara couldn't become a detective, could she?
The decision is made for her when one of her uncle's old clients comes to her for help with a case surrounding the local picture house and invites Clara to see the latest show, before they discuss the details.
But during the film, a fire suddenly engulfs the picture house, with tragic consequences.
It seems at first an accident, but Clara soon begins to question if it was in fact a carefully orchestrated murder.
She's suddenly in the middle of a deadly mystery and will discover her scientific skills make her a sleuth to be reckoned with... Can she catch the killer before they strike again?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
October 8, 2023
Fiona Veitch Smith writes the first of a historical crime series set in London and Newcastle in 1929, which I listened to on audio, narrated reasonably well by the author and Hannah Genesius, including a Geordie accent where appropriate, and is approximately 9 hours and 35 minutes long. 30 year old Clara Vale feels like a fish out of water within her family, she has no desire to snag herself a rich husband, like her sister, as her mother wants, her feckless brother has gambling debts, and she refuses to accept her father's allowance, preferring to be independent and live on her meagre earnings as a librarian at a Bloomsbury library. This is not her chosen occupation, she had dreams of being a scientist after gaining a Chemistry degree at Oxford, but outdated attitudes ensured that she failed to secure a post as a scientist.
Clara first learns of the death of her beloved estranged Uncle Bob when she receives a solicitor's letter that she has been left something in his will, her mother having kept her in the dark. Mortified she had in recent years left their relationship drift apart, Clara travels to Newcastle, expecting a small amount of cash. So it comes as a shocking surprise to find herself the main beneficiary of Bob's estate, which included his house with its own laboratory, money and stocks, and his private inquiry firm. Bob leaves her a letter, telling her she would make a great investigator, something that will take her some time to believe. Initially planning to stay for a mere 5 days, Clara is to extend her stay as she finds herself drawn into a ongoing dark and murky case Bob had taken on, involving Alice, a desperate woman. There are break-ins, a bag snatching, the burning of a another picture house that ends in tragedy, and other murders.
Clara is using her scientific knowledge to build a dossier of evidence that she hopes will help Alice get the insurance payout she needs, having lost her husband in an accident. It still takes some time for Clara to believe she can be a PI. In the meantime, there a number of other obstacles in her path, such as the bank refusing her access to her money without her father's consent, her brother thinks he is entitled to Bob's inheritance, the housekeeper is lying, and the authorities are reluctant to listen to the evidence she is collating. This is an enjoyable and entertaining beginning to this series that outlines the position of women and the social norms and attitudes of the time, and Newcastle provides a wonderful location, but it is not without its flaws, the story takes some time to get going and there is a little too much repetition. Many thanks to the publisher for an ALC.
Clara first learns of the death of her beloved estranged Uncle Bob when she receives a solicitor's letter that she has been left something in his will, her mother having kept her in the dark. Mortified she had in recent years left their relationship drift apart, Clara travels to Newcastle, expecting a small amount of cash. So it comes as a shocking surprise to find herself the main beneficiary of Bob's estate, which included his house with its own laboratory, money and stocks, and his private inquiry firm. Bob leaves her a letter, telling her she would make a great investigator, something that will take her some time to believe. Initially planning to stay for a mere 5 days, Clara is to extend her stay as she finds herself drawn into a ongoing dark and murky case Bob had taken on, involving Alice, a desperate woman. There are break-ins, a bag snatching, the burning of a another picture house that ends in tragedy, and other murders.
Clara is using her scientific knowledge to build a dossier of evidence that she hopes will help Alice get the insurance payout she needs, having lost her husband in an accident. It still takes some time for Clara to believe she can be a PI. In the meantime, there a number of other obstacles in her path, such as the bank refusing her access to her money without her father's consent, her brother thinks he is entitled to Bob's inheritance, the housekeeper is lying, and the authorities are reluctant to listen to the evidence she is collating. This is an enjoyable and entertaining beginning to this series that outlines the position of women and the social norms and attitudes of the time, and Newcastle provides a wonderful location, but it is not without its flaws, the story takes some time to get going and there is a little too much repetition. Many thanks to the publisher for an ALC.
August 25, 2023
It was 1929 London, and Clara Vale, a scientist after her studies, was working in a library in London. No one would employ a woman scientist, no matter the qualifications she had, and while the library was a mundane, boring job, at least she had work. When Clara suddenly discovered her Uncle Bob had died some weeks prior, and her mother, Lady Vale, had made excuses not to go to the funeral, not even telling Clara, she was livid. Travelling by train to Newcastle, she saw her uncle's solicitors and learned he'd left her his house, which included a laboratory, plus his detective agency from which he'd enjoyed great success and respect.
Clara had only been in Newcastle a day when she was approached by one of Uncle Bob's clients, and so it saw Clara helping Alice, following the work her uncle had been doing to determine whether her picture house fire was deliberate. The police had closed the case, which meant there was no insurance pay out. But Alice knew it was arson; proving it was another matter. When Clara accompanied Alice to a picture, intending to discuss where to go with the investigation after the viewing, the sudden fire inside the theatre, which saw disastrous consequences, made Clara's mind up. She was sure there was evil afoot and would do everything in her power to prove it. But in doing so, was she putting herself in danger?
The Picture House Murders is the 1st in the Miss Clara Vale Mysteries by Fiona Veitch Smith and it was fun and entertaining. Clara is a great character, far ahead of her time, and her obvious enjoyment in the science of her endeavours makes her a good detective. I had worked out the perpetrator well before the reveal, but getting to the conclusion was well done. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Clara had only been in Newcastle a day when she was approached by one of Uncle Bob's clients, and so it saw Clara helping Alice, following the work her uncle had been doing to determine whether her picture house fire was deliberate. The police had closed the case, which meant there was no insurance pay out. But Alice knew it was arson; proving it was another matter. When Clara accompanied Alice to a picture, intending to discuss where to go with the investigation after the viewing, the sudden fire inside the theatre, which saw disastrous consequences, made Clara's mind up. She was sure there was evil afoot and would do everything in her power to prove it. But in doing so, was she putting herself in danger?
The Picture House Murders is the 1st in the Miss Clara Vale Mysteries by Fiona Veitch Smith and it was fun and entertaining. Clara is a great character, far ahead of her time, and her obvious enjoyment in the science of her endeavours makes her a good detective. I had worked out the perpetrator well before the reveal, but getting to the conclusion was well done. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2026
"…she turned to Mr. Jennings. ‘I don’t really know what to say. I mean, where do I start? Do I sell? Do I keep it? If I keep it, how do I run it? What do I even do as an enquiry agent?’"
Early in the book, we learn that Clara is the odd duck in her family. Her mother believes money and prestige should be life’s guiding principles. Clara does not. She shocked her family by going to Oxford and earning a degree in chemistry. Now her favorite uncle has died, and Clara has inherited his estate, house, and business.
Clara travels to Newcastle, where her uncle’s business and residence are located, and learns for the first time that he was a private investigator. The question becomes: what should she do with the life he has left her?
This is not simply a story about women’s rights. It is also about class, convention, independence, and the expected role of women. “Not that she would have to worry about such things if she accepted the allowance from her father. But she didn’t, and that was that. However, as a poorly paid librarian it was hard to turn her back on it, despite the entangling strings. But now – thanks to Uncle Bob – it looked like she might finally be able to cut herself loose once and for all. A two-thousand-pound house and a going business – value still to be determined. The house alone, even if she sold it, would put her in a very good place financially.”
"‘Aye, Miss Vale.’ He nodded. ‘In all seriousness, you need to think about this very carefully. Yes, there are a few exciting cases, but it’s mainly drudge work. And most"
"Just a short while ago she had been standing in the middle of the office, feeling like a small girl, completely out of her depth, asking: what am I to do with this place? But something had happened when she heard the phrase ‘the Lady Loughborough case’. Something had stirred in her. The same thing that had stirred in her when she watched The Canary Murder Case last week. Call it scientific curiosity if you will – the same curiosity that compelled her first at school, and then at university to conduct experiments in chemistry and physics. The questions ‘I wonder what would happen if …’ or ‘I wonder why that happens the way it does …’ were never far from her mind."
As readers, we know Clara will take over the business. Her first case involves a fire her uncle believed was arson, though the insurance company insists it was caused by negligence.
“Here she was, being offered her own laboratory and opportunity to put her research and investigation skills to good use. Granted, it was all a very amateurish affair – scientifically – but it was still hers. She could own her own business, run her own affairs, dabble in science … and she would have a lovely house to live in too. To top it all, she would not have to be financially tied to her parents again. It was 1929. She was a modern, educated woman. She was able to vote. She was able to work. She was able to own her own business.”
Smith seems to know Newcastle upon Tyne well and to be very fond of it; her descriptions are detailed and affectionate. Located roughly between Manchester and Edinburgh, Newcastle comes across as an intriguing cultural oasis in this period, circa 1930.
On the plus side, the novel offers an interesting lead character and a compelling challenge: Clara must navigate the early years of feminism following the suffrage movement while deciding what kind of life she wants to build. Several supporting characters are engaging, either because of who they are or because of what they do. The setting is also well chosen, and the use of local language adds welcome texture.
That said, Smith could strengthen the plotting and give the minor characters more depth. In future installments, I hope she finds an alternative to having the villain deliver a soliloquy in order to tie everything together.
All in all, this is a good start. My 3 stars isn't a put down.
Early in the book, we learn that Clara is the odd duck in her family. Her mother believes money and prestige should be life’s guiding principles. Clara does not. She shocked her family by going to Oxford and earning a degree in chemistry. Now her favorite uncle has died, and Clara has inherited his estate, house, and business.
Clara travels to Newcastle, where her uncle’s business and residence are located, and learns for the first time that he was a private investigator. The question becomes: what should she do with the life he has left her?
This is not simply a story about women’s rights. It is also about class, convention, independence, and the expected role of women. “Not that she would have to worry about such things if she accepted the allowance from her father. But she didn’t, and that was that. However, as a poorly paid librarian it was hard to turn her back on it, despite the entangling strings. But now – thanks to Uncle Bob – it looked like she might finally be able to cut herself loose once and for all. A two-thousand-pound house and a going business – value still to be determined. The house alone, even if she sold it, would put her in a very good place financially.”
"‘Aye, Miss Vale.’ He nodded. ‘In all seriousness, you need to think about this very carefully. Yes, there are a few exciting cases, but it’s mainly drudge work. And most"
"Just a short while ago she had been standing in the middle of the office, feeling like a small girl, completely out of her depth, asking: what am I to do with this place? But something had happened when she heard the phrase ‘the Lady Loughborough case’. Something had stirred in her. The same thing that had stirred in her when she watched The Canary Murder Case last week. Call it scientific curiosity if you will – the same curiosity that compelled her first at school, and then at university to conduct experiments in chemistry and physics. The questions ‘I wonder what would happen if …’ or ‘I wonder why that happens the way it does …’ were never far from her mind."
As readers, we know Clara will take over the business. Her first case involves a fire her uncle believed was arson, though the insurance company insists it was caused by negligence.
“Here she was, being offered her own laboratory and opportunity to put her research and investigation skills to good use. Granted, it was all a very amateurish affair – scientifically – but it was still hers. She could own her own business, run her own affairs, dabble in science … and she would have a lovely house to live in too. To top it all, she would not have to be financially tied to her parents again. It was 1929. She was a modern, educated woman. She was able to vote. She was able to work. She was able to own her own business.”
Smith seems to know Newcastle upon Tyne well and to be very fond of it; her descriptions are detailed and affectionate. Located roughly between Manchester and Edinburgh, Newcastle comes across as an intriguing cultural oasis in this period, circa 1930.
On the plus side, the novel offers an interesting lead character and a compelling challenge: Clara must navigate the early years of feminism following the suffrage movement while deciding what kind of life she wants to build. Several supporting characters are engaging, either because of who they are or because of what they do. The setting is also well chosen, and the use of local language adds welcome texture.
That said, Smith could strengthen the plotting and give the minor characters more depth. In future installments, I hope she finds an alternative to having the villain deliver a soliloquy in order to tie everything together.
All in all, this is a good start. My 3 stars isn't a put down.
September 5, 2026
Generally, I don't like "cozy" murder mysteries, but I thoroughly enjoyed THE PICTURE HOUSE MURDERS. It is set in 1929—my mother's time. Based on stories that she told me, is fairly accurate in terms of how women were treated in that time period. They were expected to marry. That's it. Certainly not hold a job once they married, no matter what their class.
The main protagonist of THE PICTURE HOUSE MURDERS is 30-year-old Clara Vale, trained as a chemist but unable to secure a job as a scientist. Thus, she is working as a librarian, refusing to bow down to her family's demands that she should put all her efforts into finding herself a rich husband (as her mother, and sister, did). She obtains freedom (of a sort) when she inherits the estate of her mother's brother, Clara's beloved Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob owned a detective agency, and Clara inherits that too.
Her first investigation involves an arson at a movie picture house, one that was in the process of making the transition from silent films to talkies. This isn't a complicated inquiry, and readers who choose this novel for the mystery are likely to be disappointed. But, it offers a good historical depiction of the time period, and particularly of the social norms and attitudes that circumscribed women in that era. It also offers a glimpse into the rapid changes that were taking place in the movie house industry at the time.
Consequently, not a mystery that taxes the reader's brain, but Clara is an enjoyable companion for a relaxing read. Plus, it provides a good rendition of the laws that restricted women's freedom during that time period.
The main protagonist of THE PICTURE HOUSE MURDERS is 30-year-old Clara Vale, trained as a chemist but unable to secure a job as a scientist. Thus, she is working as a librarian, refusing to bow down to her family's demands that she should put all her efforts into finding herself a rich husband (as her mother, and sister, did). She obtains freedom (of a sort) when she inherits the estate of her mother's brother, Clara's beloved Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob owned a detective agency, and Clara inherits that too.
Her first investigation involves an arson at a movie picture house, one that was in the process of making the transition from silent films to talkies. This isn't a complicated inquiry, and readers who choose this novel for the mystery are likely to be disappointed. But, it offers a good historical depiction of the time period, and particularly of the social norms and attitudes that circumscribed women in that era. It also offers a glimpse into the rapid changes that were taking place in the movie house industry at the time.
Consequently, not a mystery that taxes the reader's brain, but Clara is an enjoyable companion for a relaxing read. Plus, it provides a good rendition of the laws that restricted women's freedom during that time period.
October 8, 2023
This is the story of a young woman, Clara Vale, who comes into a house funds and detective agency courtesy of her uncle. Due to the time period things are very much against her and the story charts her attempts to overcome sexism and bias whilst finding her feet ‘up North’.
An easy listen on the whole, a little predictable but maybe that’s because I read so many in this genre? Slight criticism of the narration in that all male characters sounded identical so had to listen hard to know who was who. Additionally the parts pertaining to Clara’s sex life were cringeworthy, worse that the same ‘fumble’ was described numerous times. The aftermath of contraception options then read like a text book. Apart from that an enjoyable enough, easy listen.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and author for this audiobook in exchange for my personal, honest review. This review will also appear on my bookstagram account www.instagram.com/not_quite_a_bookshop
An easy listen on the whole, a little predictable but maybe that’s because I read so many in this genre? Slight criticism of the narration in that all male characters sounded identical so had to listen hard to know who was who. Additionally the parts pertaining to Clara’s sex life were cringeworthy, worse that the same ‘fumble’ was described numerous times. The aftermath of contraception options then read like a text book. Apart from that an enjoyable enough, easy listen.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and author for this audiobook in exchange for my personal, honest review. This review will also appear on my bookstagram account www.instagram.com/not_quite_a_bookshop
August 23, 2024
This was cozy and interesting, plus the writing was easy and engaging!👌⭐
I liked this mystery's setting and premise; the time period (late 1920s) and the corresponding events were why I bought the book. I expected the heroine to be more of Miss Phryne Fisher inspired lady-detective, yet she was much more reserved and studious.
I wished for the plot to be more of a mystery though...Pretty early on you get the idea of what's the crime actually about and who's done it, and as a reader you have to gradually see how the heroine comes to find the much-needed evidence. Sometimes evidence just falls in her lap😅
I'm interested in the continuation, so we'll see!
I liked this mystery's setting and premise; the time period (late 1920s) and the corresponding events were why I bought the book. I expected the heroine to be more of Miss Phryne Fisher inspired lady-detective, yet she was much more reserved and studious.
I wished for the plot to be more of a mystery though...Pretty early on you get the idea of what's the crime actually about and who's done it, and as a reader you have to gradually see how the heroine comes to find the much-needed evidence. Sometimes evidence just falls in her lap😅
I'm interested in the continuation, so we'll see!
November 13, 2023
Too many things were wrong; didn’t finish. Characters in 1929 spoke like people in 2023, and the author has absolutely no understanding of chemistry- you can’t identify kerosene by looking at it under a microscope.
October 15, 2023
A fab start to a new series. Set in a time period where women needed a males signature to inherit or open a bank account and sexism was riffe. Clara has a science degree and is working as an independent librarian when her uncle dies and leaves her amongst thibgs his detective agency.
As clara fights to getvwhats her qnd aolve this case.
The narration on the whole was good. Sadly the male characters soubded isentical and lacked wmotion. Sone of the more scientific info like contraception was read like a txt book. This might have been deliberate due to Clara's degree . A great first liaten a bit predictable in places but kept me ibvested in the overall story.
I loved the fact tgat it tgen turned out the story was based on a teue event with a few details amended..
This was a great short listen hopefully the next in the series will look more at the male characters and how they sound
Thank you net gallery and publisher and author and narrator for a solid 4 star listen.
As clara fights to getvwhats her qnd aolve this case.
The narration on the whole was good. Sadly the male characters soubded isentical and lacked wmotion. Sone of the more scientific info like contraception was read like a txt book. This might have been deliberate due to Clara's degree . A great first liaten a bit predictable in places but kept me ibvested in the overall story.
I loved the fact tgat it tgen turned out the story was based on a teue event with a few details amended..
This was a great short listen hopefully the next in the series will look more at the male characters and how they sound
Thank you net gallery and publisher and author and narrator for a solid 4 star listen.
March 21, 2025
The one word to describe this book is "meh." It's not horrible, but also not good. Most annoyingly, however, the author doesn't even seem to try to create realistic characters for a story set in 1929 - there are plenty of various correct historical references, but the characters themselves are too obviously modern and speak and behave implausibly for their time.
October 19, 2025
An engaging cozy mystery with a lead, Clara, who starts off well in the series opener and is likely to shine as it continues. The plot ticks along nicely, and the whodunnit is sustained really well all the way the through as you try to spot clues and seeds. The twist and climax work well :).
I got this thru Prime Reading, and I've TBR'd the audio of the next book since the narrator sounds really good.
I got this thru Prime Reading, and I've TBR'd the audio of the next book since the narrator sounds really good.
October 7, 2023
The Picture House Murders is an excellent start to a new series. Clara has inherited a business, a house and a good deal of wealth after the death of her uncle. Clara is an interesting character for the time period as she has a degree in science and an interest in continuing her uncle's enquiry agency.
The story reminds the modern reader of the limits society placed on women in the last century. Clara could not open a bank account without a letter of approval from her father or a male relative.
The mystery starts as a small task of providing enough evidence to cast doubt that a fire at the picture house was arson and not negligence. However, Clara finds herself embroiled in a much more complex case of murder. Allies cannot always be trusted and Clara must tread carefully as she fits the puzzle pieces together.
There is the beginning of a romance for Clara here but I'm hoping she remains independent of a husband for as long as possible and holds on to her freedom that financial independence brings.
I listened to the audio version of this book and found the narrator to be excellent and I will be happy to continue to enjoy the series in this format.
The story reminds the modern reader of the limits society placed on women in the last century. Clara could not open a bank account without a letter of approval from her father or a male relative.
The mystery starts as a small task of providing enough evidence to cast doubt that a fire at the picture house was arson and not negligence. However, Clara finds herself embroiled in a much more complex case of murder. Allies cannot always be trusted and Clara must tread carefully as she fits the puzzle pieces together.
There is the beginning of a romance for Clara here but I'm hoping she remains independent of a husband for as long as possible and holds on to her freedom that financial independence brings.
I listened to the audio version of this book and found the narrator to be excellent and I will be happy to continue to enjoy the series in this format.
November 20, 2024
Fun Cosy mystery
June 23, 2023
You know a book is good when you get up, realize you finished it last night and are really disappointed that you can't read it with your breakfast. This book reminds me of the best golden age of mystery writers, especially Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers. It's got the Agatha Christie mystery, LGBTQ inclusion and sense of scenery and the character development of Dorothy Sayers. I also appreciated the accurate historical notes, although the treatment of women in the 1920s occasionally made me put the book down and, enraged, go rant to my long-suffering husband. We are also introduced to a whole cast of characters besides Miss Clara who I'm pretty sure will feature in future books. Can't wait for the next one!
June 14, 2025
Dropped it soon. I have a hard time reading novels with a historical background. They do the research, and make sure that the reader knows that through squeezing in era related info everywhere, while projecting 21st century values and ideas into the same space.
Added to that, the boring tedious dialogue and chemical combination
Added to that, the boring tedious dialogue and chemical combination
April 16, 2025
The author spent a lot of energy researching fashion, frocks and fabrics, but perhaps not enough fleshing up realistic characters for the time period... or an engaging plot.
July 18, 2024
Many thanks to Netgalley, Bonnier UK Audio and the author for the ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The year is 1929 and women are finally allowed to go to university, hold their own wealth and vote. Ms. Clara Vale, a chemistry graduate from Oxford struggling to get employed in a job as per her qualification due to her gender finds out that her uncle has passed away and has left her his estate in Newcastle. On arrival in Newcastle, she finds out that her beloved but estranged uncle was a private investigator who has left her his practise if she would have it along with all of his estate and possessions.
Feeling completely out of place, confused and shocked at this news along with meeting one of his clients who is in desperate need for her help, Clara decides to prolong her stay and give herself some time to make this decision using this case as a tryout. The case involves a denied insurance claim on the burning down of a picture house that was ruled out as an accident due to negligence by the owners. Clara's uncle Bob suspected Arson and took on the case from Alice who also recently lost her husband in the midst of all this tragedy. When there is more and more scenarios that seems to support Alice and Bob's belief's Clara takes it upon herself to solve this case.
This was a gripping piece of fiction that masterfully dealt with a lot different factor's bringing it all together to a very satisfying conclusion. I was rooting for Clara from the very beginning and the author managed to keep me guessing till 85% mark which for me is a very successful crime thriller/ murder mystery. I absolutely loved the parts where Clara was using her knowledge as Scientist shine through in the detective work that she is trying her hand in. The narrator was brilliant with accents and character distinction and bringing Clara so much definition while keeping up the drama factor. Definitely a perfect book for Agatha Christie fans
The year is 1929 and women are finally allowed to go to university, hold their own wealth and vote. Ms. Clara Vale, a chemistry graduate from Oxford struggling to get employed in a job as per her qualification due to her gender finds out that her uncle has passed away and has left her his estate in Newcastle. On arrival in Newcastle, she finds out that her beloved but estranged uncle was a private investigator who has left her his practise if she would have it along with all of his estate and possessions.
Feeling completely out of place, confused and shocked at this news along with meeting one of his clients who is in desperate need for her help, Clara decides to prolong her stay and give herself some time to make this decision using this case as a tryout. The case involves a denied insurance claim on the burning down of a picture house that was ruled out as an accident due to negligence by the owners. Clara's uncle Bob suspected Arson and took on the case from Alice who also recently lost her husband in the midst of all this tragedy. When there is more and more scenarios that seems to support Alice and Bob's belief's Clara takes it upon herself to solve this case.
This was a gripping piece of fiction that masterfully dealt with a lot different factor's bringing it all together to a very satisfying conclusion. I was rooting for Clara from the very beginning and the author managed to keep me guessing till 85% mark which for me is a very successful crime thriller/ murder mystery. I absolutely loved the parts where Clara was using her knowledge as Scientist shine through in the detective work that she is trying her hand in. The narrator was brilliant with accents and character distinction and bringing Clara so much definition while keeping up the drama factor. Definitely a perfect book for Agatha Christie fans
September 18, 2023
4.5⭐️
really enjoyed this one, set in the 1920’s Clara Vale is an Oxford science graduate and at age 30 wants to live her own life, support herself and get a job she really wants.
Following the death of her uncle she finds he has left her an inheritance- a house, money and his detective agency 😃
really enjoyed this one, set in the 1920’s Clara Vale is an Oxford science graduate and at age 30 wants to live her own life, support herself and get a job she really wants.
Following the death of her uncle she finds he has left her an inheritance- a house, money and his detective agency 😃
November 10, 2023
As a fan of Mrs Fisher’s Murder Mysteries this hit all the right notes for me.
My only complaint is that the possible future romantic interest was a bit dull for me. Happy for Clara as a third-party, but no steam on my end.
My only complaint is that the possible future romantic interest was a bit dull for me. Happy for Clara as a third-party, but no steam on my end.
July 2, 2026
3.5 stars.
July 2026 - listened.
I quite like Clara Vale. She's not one of those bumbling heroines. She's an Oxford graduate and studied chemistry which is very handy when it comes to forensics, even though things were in their infancy at this stage.
July 2026 - listened.
I quite like Clara Vale. She's not one of those bumbling heroines. She's an Oxford graduate and studied chemistry which is very handy when it comes to forensics, even though things were in their infancy at this stage.
December 31, 2023
3.5 stars
September 10, 2024
Enjoyed this mystery set in 1929.
October 5, 2024
Easy read. Historical cozy mystery. I learned a lot and it was good fun!
October 11, 2024
This was a pretty good book. I like that the main character Clara was determined to fight for what was hers, help out a woman in need, and stand up to her parents and brother.
December 28, 2024
CAWPILE 7.00
4 STARS
Loved this- a feisty female main character, a detective agency and it's set in my local area?
win win win!
Really loved this and want to continue the series ASAP!
4 STARS
Loved this- a feisty female main character, a detective agency and it's set in my local area?
win win win!
Really loved this and want to continue the series ASAP!
February 5, 2025
An interesting premise, but the actual ‘mystery’ did not hold my attention for long. Not sure if I will continue with the series or not.
December 27, 2025
good plot
I enjoyed all the twists and turns kept you on your toes. Good characters, kept you guessing as to who were the bad guys and who weren’t.
I enjoyed all the twists and turns kept you on your toes. Good characters, kept you guessing as to who were the bad guys and who weren’t.
July 3, 2026
A real page turner! Looking forward to meeting the author next week.
June 18, 2024
If you want a cozy mystery that’s heavier on science than hunches, this is a good start. It wasn’t quite for me though.
January 5, 2026
Who talks about the heroine "feeling heavy in her bladder"??? Then her nonchalance at the end toward a character who was severely injured.... There are better books of a similar vein. Skip it.
October 2, 2025
A fine read. (Contains spoilers)
This was a very entertaining story.
I enjoyed the mystery and the prose is very easy to follow.
My main gripes and what has cost 2 stars, are the fact that there is way too much attention and description given to clothing choices. It reads like a teenager's first fanfic in places.
Additionally, the MC Clara was a mixed bag for me. She's supposed to be smart, independent and against the typical misogynistic views of the times- and yet she comes to the most obvious conclusions 100 pages too late. She also gets rightfully defensive about men treating women as if they are prone to hysterics, but then getting extremely emotionally compromised or overly angry in situations which call for a calm mind.
I enjoyed it enough to want to check out the next volume, but I do hope there are improvements on Clara's writing or it will turn into a DNF.
This was a very entertaining story.
I enjoyed the mystery and the prose is very easy to follow.
My main gripes and what has cost 2 stars, are the fact that there is way too much attention and description given to clothing choices. It reads like a teenager's first fanfic in places.
Additionally, the MC Clara was a mixed bag for me. She's supposed to be smart, independent and against the typical misogynistic views of the times- and yet she comes to the most obvious conclusions 100 pages too late. She also gets rightfully defensive about men treating women as if they are prone to hysterics, but then getting extremely emotionally compromised or overly angry in situations which call for a calm mind.
I enjoyed it enough to want to check out the next volume, but I do hope there are improvements on Clara's writing or it will turn into a DNF.
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