A Killing at Smugglers Cove

Iris Woodmore Mysteries #4

by Michelle Salter

Wartime secrets, smugglers’ caves, skeletal remains... And the holiday’s only just begun…

Summer, 1923. Reporter Iris Woodmore travels to sunny Devon with her friends Percy Baverstock and Millicent Nightingale for her father’s wedding to Katherine Keats.

But when Millicent uncovers skeletal remains hidden on the private beach of Katherine’s former home, Iris begins to suspect her future stepmother isn’t all she seems.

Police reveal the dead man was a smuggler who went missing in 1918. But when a new murder occurs, they realise the killer is still in their midst – and the link between both murders is Katherine. Could Iris’s own father be in danger?

A completely gripping cozy mystery story ideal for fans of Verity Bright, Claire Gradidge, Jacqueline Winspear, Helena Dixon and Emily Organ!

Readers love A Killing at Smugglers Cove:

'Compulsive reading at its best. Iris Woodmore's fourth mystery has a mix of love, jealousy, and betrayal of the kind that can only lead to murder' Five Star Reader Review

'The Iris Woodmore Mysteries are a firm favourite of mine – rich with period detail but with a damn fine mystery as well. Highly recommended' Five Star Reader Review

'What an utterly delightful story! ... I am sure Dame Christie would have been delighted by this novel' Five Star Reader Review

Praise for the Iris Woodmore Mysteries:

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

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

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

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

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Suspense, Family Drama, Historical, Fiction

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2023

About the author

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Iris Woodmore Mysteries Book 4

July, 1923 - Iris Woodmore travels to Devon with her friends Percy Baverstock and Millicent Nightengale for her father's wedding to Katherine Keats. But when Millicent uncovers skeletal remains hidden on the private beach of Katherine's former home, Iris begins to suspect her future stepmother is not what she seems. The police reveal the dead man is a smuggler who went missing in 1918, and when a new murder occurs, they realise a killer is in their midst.

There were plenty of twists and red herrings in this historical crime series. Iris, Millicent and Percy stumble across the skeletal remains in a hidden smugglers cave and Iris has to do some investigating into what had happened to him. There is a lot of historical details in this well written book that reads quite like an Agatha Christie novel. This book does read well as a standalone, there's plenty of backstory included so you don't feel you have missed out on anything. This is a good cosy mystery.

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

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable, entertaining read!!
Iris and her two friends, Millicent and Percy are down in Devon for the wedding of Iris's father. She is none too happy about it, feeling that the memory of her mother is fading fast and this marriage won't help. She's almost determined to find something against Katherine, her future stepmother that will perhaps, stop the wedding. While out sight seeing with her friends, they stumble across a body and so the mystery begins.
This is an absolute must for Christie fans or anyone who enjoys the Golden Age Mysteries of the 20's and 30's. It had everything! Wonderful descriptions of Devon, a mystery with many twists and turns but above all some fascinating characters. I would read the book for these alone.
Percy was one of my favourites. He was so funny at times but always looking out for the girls. I thought Iris was a bit selfish regarding her father and Katherine. She was only considering her own feelings.
I had an inkling about something and I was delighted when I was right but I didn't guess who committed the second murder. This is my first book by this author and I see it's a series. I'm going to go back and start at the beginning because this was so entertaining.
It's also begging to be televised!!
Highly recommended!

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris Woodmore is on vacation in Dawlish with friends Millicent and Percy. Iris is not looking forward to the event that is to happen soon: her father is marrying Katherine Keats. Iris is worried that her father has forgotten her mother, and Iris is against the marriage, and is hoping something will prevent it, despite everyone else thinking how good it would for both her father and Katherine to be married.

While the friends (who are part of the wedding party) are at a beach, Millicent finds a several years dead man, sitting in a cave. The cave and that part of the beach are called Smugglers’ Cove, and are owned by Rupert Keats, Katherine’s brother-in-law. With the unexpected find, police are involved, and the trio meet Rupert and his wife Nathalie, a former Belgian refugee, and their son Timmy.

Iris can’t help herself, and begins digging into local stories to find out who the dead man could be, especially after police are quick to say that the dead man was a former town ne’er do well.

Iris also is reacquainted with two other former Belgian refugees, Emile and Marc, whom Iris met in a hospital during the war, and who’ve made their lives in the town.

Iris becomes even more suspicious of Katherine the more she learns about the woman, her deceased husband, and her activities during the war. She also becomes better acquainted with Nathalie and Annette, Marc's wife. Then Rupert dies during a dinner with his family, Marc and Annette, and Iris.

Iris suspects that someone is responsible for the deaths of both Rupert and the other dead man, and keeps asking questions. Iris' father is unhappy about Iris talking to the police, and digging, especially as the more she digs, the more she convinces herself that Katherine has something nefarious in her past, despite everyone telling her to quit. What she ends up finding about the murders is nothing she wanted to know. But she does find herself more accepting of Katherine, finally.

This was another good entry in this series. There are lots of twists, secrets, conflicting stories, and sadness. I liked the vacation activities (the sea bathing and the cumbersome swimsuits the women wore made me thankful for the progress of cultural attitudes), and the descriptions of Devon.

I liked how difficult Iris found the upcoming marriage. She's only just healed from her mother's death, and it's understandable that she has misgivings about her father moving on, particularly as he hasn't seemed to have been as affected as Iris by the death. Of course, nothing is ever as clear cut as it seems, whether in Iris' understanding of her personal relationships, or in the relationships that bind those affected by Rupert's death.

I enjoyed this book a lot, and look forward to more sleuthing by Iris.

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

[Inishowen Cailín · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compulsive reading at its best. Iris Woodmore's fourth mystery has a mix of love, jealousy, and betrayal of the kind that can only lead to murder. Iris has put it upon herself to unravel the threads of how the victim and the people of the area are connected and who had the most reason to want the victim dead.

The discovery of one murder leads to another and things start getting more tense as it is clear that a murderer is amongst them hiding in plain sight. Red herrings and clever twists made this an addictive read.

I like the fact that this book can be read as a standalone even though it's the fourth in the series. It is obviously more enjoyable to follow Iris from the beginning but there will be no confusion for any reader jumping in at this point.

[Jessica Janeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy historical Murder mystery. I just couldn’t come to terms with the main character, being a sleuther. She had so much going on. She was trying to find out who really is Catherine, who is to marry her father, & figuring out this murder mystery that seems to go back a couple of years. There was so much going on, but sometimes it was good because you could easily get lost. The think I enjoyed was the friend circle and their personalities. This does seem to be the 4th book in the series, so maybe I could have felt more attached to them if I would have started from the beginning.

Thank you @netgally for the free e-arc
#akillingatsmugglerscove #netgally

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris and a couple of close friends are in Devon for the second marriage of her father. Before long they come across a skeletonized body simply sitting fully dressed in a cave along the shore. His only ID is a train ticket and this does coincide with a local man who disappeared five years earlier. Iris smells a rat when certain other fact come to light, so she and friends involve some slightly older relatives in searching for the truth. Great characters, world building, unusual twists and creative red herrings. I loved it!
I requested and received an EARC from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

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

4.3 Stars

One Liner: A good combo of history and mystery

July 1923, Walden and Dawlish

Iris Woodmore, Percy Baverstock, and Millicent Nightingale travel to Dawlish (on the coast of South Devon) for a holiday and to attend Iris’s father’s wedding to Katherine Keats. The trio explores Smugglers Cove on a private beach and stumble upon a dead body (rather skeletal remains).

The police reveal that the remains belong to a smuggler who went missing a few years ago. However, Iris and her friends know the case has too many inconsistencies. Iris decides to investigate it herself. She can’t help but wonder how her would-be stepmother is tied to the case. When a new murder occurs, Iris knows she needs to find the truth and possibly save her father’s life.

The story comes in the first-person POV of Iris Woodmore.

My Thoughts

I can happily say that the series is getting better. While this one can be read as a standalone, it will work better when read in order (or at least after book one). One of the main themes of the book is how Iris deals with her father’s remarriage, and the context in previous books will help understand her emotions.

The book uses the historical setting to enhance the main and the subplots. From bathing machines and swimming stockinettes for women to the changes brought by the railways, smuggling, the impact of war (WWI), the lives of Belgium and Dutch refugees, etc., are seamlessly incorporated into the plot.

Iris’ character is growing well. She is a rebel but still bound by societal restrictions on women. She cannot resist being inquisitive until she learns the truth. While this leads to some strained relationships, she does her best to balance the two.

The case introduces new characters Iris knew in her past. This book has a lot of characters to track, but it won’t be an issue if you are familiar with the recurring ones. They already have distinctive personalities and are easy to remember.

Despite the seriousness of the themes, the overall tone is light-hearted and suits the genre. The case throws a few twists and red herrings too. It took me a while, but I could figure out the mystery correctly.

There’s a small revelation at the end, which seems like a surprise, but it does tie up with the contents until then. We just have to pay more attention. I don’t think this will have a huge impact on the coming books anyway. It might come in handy if necessary.

True to the premise, the wedding is not the central point despite it being a crucial element. I like how everything works together cohesively so that the case is solved, new information is revealed, and there’s character development.

In fact, this one gets better with the pacing too. It’s a few pages smaller than the previous books and has the right pacing. No dragging in the middle or going around in circles. I hope the same continues throughout the series.

To summarize, A Killing at Smugglers Cove is an entertainer that deftly combines the historical setting and an intriguing mystery. I like that Iris is taking her stand about her love life without giving in to pressure from everyone around her. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

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

#NetGalley #AKillingatSmugglersCove

***

P.S.: The author’s note at the end is quite interesting. Imagine a train driver stopping the train to pick mushrooms at random. ;)

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her latest adventure, Iris Woodmore is not at her home in leafy Walden in the south-east of England, but travelling to Devon to attend her father's wedding to Katherine Keats. She's still not able to come to terms with the fact that her father is re-marrying, and she fears her mother's memory will drift further into the background. But unable to talk to him about it, she makes herself miserable with her attitude – which has not gone completely unnoticed by her friends.

Fortunately (for Iris and us), Iris doesn't travel alone – her friends Percy and Millicent are with her, as are her newspaper boss, Elijah, and his wealthy partner, Horace (who, of course, have taken separate rooms in a plush hotel). I'd been concerned about missing those regulars in Iris’ latest murder mystery case, but I needn't have feared.

So when Millicent stumbles across a skeleton in a concealed cave on a small cove belonging to the property of the family of Katherine's late first husband, we know Iris would not be fobbed off easily by the local police's quick assumption as to the dead man's identity.

Despite the surprisingly quick solution, questions remain, and Iris draws in her network of friends, including Horace's influence, to dig deeper – and discover long-hidden secrets in her new stepmother's family. When she meets old acquaintances from London – exiled Belgian friends who'd remained in Devon – she is delighted, but this encounter also has consequences she'd rather not explore too deeply.

And little does she know the series of dangerous events her snooping triggers...

In A Killing at Smugglers Cove, we see a somewhat sombre Iris to start with. She has concerns about her father's marriage to Katherine, and when she realises the woman is somehow involved in this old murder case, her thoughts verge between relief – that perhaps it was better her father did not marry the woman – and guilt at her frail hope. She is almost unlikeable, which is intentional, as she acts like a spoilt teenager. Deep inside, her fear is real, but she's reluctant to talk to her father about it.

Elijah (my fave character in the series) warns her about her sometimes foul mood and what he considers unfounded suspicions about Katherine. He's not only her employer, but also a good friend, concerned with the impact her attitude has on her father, in turn an old wartime friend and colleague of his.

A Killing at Smugglers Cove is a gripping new instalment in this fabulous murder mystery series, this time set in beautiful countryside on the Devon coast, with plenty of stories about smugglers and other illegal activities. The author knows the area well, and this shows in the story, with plenty of local details fed nicely into the plot, so we get the full picture of what life at the coast was like 100 years ago. This added to an already riveting reading experience.

Another cleverly intriguing read by Michelle Salter. I'm looking forward to Iris’ next adventure...

Note: I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

A Killing at Smugglers Cove is the 4th book in a pleasantly engaging and well written historical cozy series by Michelle Salter. Released 10th July 2023 by Boldwood Books, it's 216 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audiobook, 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, along with the other books in the series. A fifth book, A Corpse in Christmas Close , is due out in third quarter 2024 from the same publisher.

For cozy mystery fans there are (happily) a wealth of series which fit the bill. There aren't as many which also combine modern day relevance and sensibility with a period setting and well constructed mystery plot. Iris Woodmore is intelligent, sensible, and likeable. Additionally, she has a good relationship with her friends (one is a "perennial bachelor", the other is a primary school teacher).

With the discovery of skeletal remains on a summer holiday, they're soon drawn into investigating the circumstances around the unfortunate man's demise when it's clear the local constabulary has no intentions of doing so. There are several disparate subplot threads which entwine into a very well crafted denouement and resolution.

All in all, a satisfying and well written cozy interwar mystery very much in the classic style, with the addition of sympathetically written non-traditional male supporting character (and his private life is *not* central to the plot, which is a welcome change), and a healthy friend relationship between the two female characters.

There are 4 books currently in the series, but it works perfectly well as a standalone, with the codicil that some of the names were easily confused for the first couple of chapters. Being able to do a quick search with the ebook version is a benefit to keep the names straight until they're fixed in the reader's head.

Four stars. A good choice for public library acquisition, or home use.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Sandra Vdplaats · Rating 5 out of 5]

I say, what an utterly delightful story! Loved every word, and am sad to see them go, - I sincerely hope there will be another sequel - I have been a huge Agatha Christie fan all my life, and I am sure Dame Christie would have been delighted by this novel. I think it’s perfect to be filmed, and indeed, it cannot be a coincidence that once again Belgians are starring in this Christie-like period mystery.

Everything about this story is delightful: the 1920s atmosphere, the people, who become like family in the end. I was sad to read how the affects of war and love can define someone's life like that. I could easily empathise with the story and its protagonists.
I just wanted to be there - comforting them in their grief, travelling along the coast by train, drinking tea with ‘wacky’ aunt Millicent, or dancing the foxtrot with Percy - what a delightful man - or strolling along the beach and going for picnics. Loved the dry humour! -

I immediately felt as if the book had been written with lots of love and consideration - the author wants readers to share her love for the setting and its people. My hunch turned out to be right, a personal note from the writer explains that her family has always worked and lived in these parts.

It's the 1920s, with the grief and aftermath of the Great War still palpable.
Iris Woodmore has mixed feelings about her father's upcoming marriage to Katherina Keats.
The newspaper she works for closes for a week and Iris travels to her aunt Millicent to attend the wedding later that week.
When she takes a walk along the beach with her aunt, they find a skeleton in a cave, investigations show it’s most likely Arnold Rowe who had been missing since 1918.

This is the beginning of a quest to find out why this man sought refuge in the cave, why and how he died, and what does Iris' soon-to-be stepmother have to do with the whole matter? Had she been in contact with her father before, and why so much remains unclear about this matter?

The story remains light-hearted, although the horrors of the trenches and the Belgian refugee influx during WWI do play an important role in the lives of these people, and actually in the resolution of the murder.

I say, this was utterly delightful and amusing and an excellent summer reading . Escapist literature pur sang! 5 star(fish )🙂 - highly recommended.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this arc. I leave my review voluntarily.

[Lynsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘A Killing at Smugglers Cove’ is a nostalgic-filled tale that was packed full of action and twists and turns! I have begun to adore this series and this outing was a brilliant addition to it. Then I have a soft spot for historical mysteries set on the South English coast - blame ‘Evil Under the Sun’ for that! Sometimes when you have a series and it moves location it can feel clumpy and not flow as well but was not the case here. The location added to the story and is the perfect example of when mixing it up goes right. Although we are now on book 4 you can easily pick this up as a new reader! I do recommend reading the rest of the series though as they are great reads.

Iris Woodmore is on the way to Devon for the marriage of her father to Katherine Keats, along with her friends Percy and Millicent. But when Millicent finds the skeletal remains in a hidden cave on an isolated cove life gets a bit more complicated for Iris. The cove happens to be the private property of Katherine’s former house and this causes Iris to question everything she knows about her future stepmother. The police reveal that the body is that of a local smuggler who went missing in 1918 but when another death occurs we know the murderer is still around. Is Katherine a killer and is Iris’ father at risk?

I just loved the storyline in this one. You have a great murder mystery that involves Iris’ family so this time it's personal for her to solve it. The vulnerability shown by Iris was touching as it shows that she is still a young woman confused and hurting from the death of her mother some years ago. Change can be confronting and the author did a great job of putting this onto the page. I think this is the best book of the series and a lot of it is to do with the development of the characters in a way since the series started. Iris is a different woman - more confident at work and in relationships, both romantic and familial. She has a bit of experience under her belt and I can't wait to see what happens next in her story! Oops, I went off-topic a bit there. The inclusion of wartime stories proved to be a winner as it gave the whole book an air of danger and then the nod to the history of smuggling was wonderful.

Let me know if you pick this one up!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder hits far too close to home in the latest Iris Woodmore mystery by Michelle Salter: A Killing at Smugglers Cove.

July 1923 and there’s celebration in the year as Iris is off to Devon with her friends Percy and Millicent for her father’s wedding to Katherine Keats. Everything is set for this happy occasion, but jubilation quickly gives way to trepidation when Millicent makes a shocking discovery that might end up putting this wedding in jeopardy – not to mention somebody in prison: skeletal remains buried deep on the private beach of Katherine’s former home.

Iris cannot help but wonder just what her soon-to-be stepmother is mixed up in. What does she know? What secrets is she hiding? Could she be a threat to her family? Or is Katherine covering up for somebody? Never one to resist a mystery, Iris begins doing some sleuthing of her own. As the police unearth evidence that reveal that the dead man had gone missing in 1918, another body is found. There is a killer in their midst and Iris needs to find them quickly – or who knows who might be next…

A Killing at Smugglers Cove is another entertaining historical cozy mystery by Michelle Salter in her always enjoyable Iris Woodmore series. Beguiling, exciting and unpredictable, A Killing at Smugglers Cove keeps readers guessing and on the edge of their seats turning the pages late into the night desperate to find out whodunnit.

A satisfying mystery I hated putting down, Michelle Salter’s A Killing at Smugglers Cove will delight fans of the Golden Age of Crime Fiction everywhere and have them eager for the next installment of this fantastic series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Seriesbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Iris Woodmore mysteries by Michelle Salter are fast becoming my favourite historical mystery series and I loved A Killing at Smugglers Cove.
I received a copy of the book for a free and unbiased opinion.

Iris’s is a little suspicious of her father’s fiancé and the story of when Katherine and her father met and being at the location of the wedding just confirms this when she finds skeletal remains.
Iris finds herself in the middle of another mystery as she tries to find out who the man was? Where did he come from? Why did he die? And of course, who killed him? The skeletal remains also brings traumatic memories of the first world war for everyone involved.
This is a good old fashioned murder mystery with plenty of suspects and motives that will satisfy any cosy crime fans. But to me the best part of the book is the rich and sometimes weird historical detail. I loved reading about ( and then googling) bathing machines and swimming stockinettes. The story is set 1923- a time of great societal change especially for woman and their clothes as well as the resettlement of refugees and former servicemen and women dealing with aftermath of war.
Iris has grown as character but who is still ahead of her times while still being bound by the restrictions of 1920’s England.
Percy, Millicent, Horace and Elijah are great supporting characters and book end with slightest hint of romance for Iris.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris Woodmore, reporter;
Traveling to Devon for the wedding of Iris' father Thomas and Katherine;
Katherine's husband Major Laurence Keats funeral was 1919;
Millicent, teacher and her great aunt Ursula. Iris plans to move in with them;
Elijah and Horace Laffaye, newspaper;
Stephen Damerell, Thomas' friend;
Grandparents: Bartholomew and Clemintina Woodmore, Nan and Gramps;
Jewel of the Sea where Percy is staying, run by Emerald Dubois;
The Second Mrs. Tanqueroy, a play;
Skeleton found in a cave, smuggler who disappeared in 1918, Arnold Rowe, Joyce, his wife; But really it was Ferinand Pichard's skeleton;Arnold Rowe turned up alive;
Sergeant Norsworthy investigating; Superintendent Endicott, Sergeant Hoxton;
Captain Rupert Keats, wife Nathalie, sister of Emile Vandamme, a chef, son is Timothy;
Mrs. Green, Arnold Rowe was her nephew
Marc Jansen - Annette his wife; Iris knew him from the war, liked him.....
Ferdinand Peters, Annette's brother who was killed by the Germans;
Poison, chloral hydrate, killed Captain Rupert Keats
Jean Claes grave, really Ferinand Pichard?
Pier View Boarding house, Rita, Mum, Aggy;
Nathalie was originally engaged to Ferdinand;
Rupert KILLED Ferdinand when he came looking for Annette and Nathalie;
Nathalie KILLED her husband, Rupert with chloral hydrate

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Killing At Smugglers Cove by Michelle Salter is an entertaining historical cosy crime novel. It is part of An Iris Woodmore Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The action takes place in 1923 at Dawlish on the south Devon coast. The light-hearted tone is reminiscent of Miss Marple as the amateur super sleuthing kicks in.
World War I is over but still some secrets remain as people are forbidden to talk of wartime exploits due to the official secrets act. It does not stop Iris Woodmore trying to sniff out a story!
As remains are found in Smugglers Cove and then another body turns up, the residents wonder if they could be linked. The local police seem to be decidedly lacking in their investigations as Iris Woodmore decides to dig deeper.
The roaring twenties are in full swing. There is a gaiety at times as people try to put the war behind them.
Michelle Salter has perfectly captured the atmosphere of the time with her words.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Killing At Smugglers Cove. I think it would make a perfect early evening television drama. I look forward to more exploits from Iris Woodmore.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

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

This is a historical cosy mystery and crime,
Set in the 1923 period of time.
Iris Woodmore travels to Devon with her friends
Her father's wedding there to attend.

Iris isn't certain about Katherine, his wife to be,
She convinced she's not quite just what you see.
However, no one seems to share her concern
And Katherine's past she can't discern.

When skeletal remains are found by Millicent, her friend
The friends' exploration of the shore comes to an end.
With police suppositions not ringing true
Iris and friends decide to investigate, too.

With old friends and new ones embroiled in the mix
Iris isn't sure how they mystery she'll fix.
Especially when her father's wife to be
Seems to be involved in this mystery.

Who was the skeleton and what happened there?
He's been missing for years, does no one care?
The search to identify him brings new information, too,
Will that help uncover the vital clue?

An engaging read with twists and surprises
As Katherine's past roles Iris finally realises.
Will this bring her and Katherine closer or push them apart?
What of the danger to her father's heart?

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

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the Iris Woodmore mystery series, and A Killing at Smugglers Cove does not disappoint.

Moving away from Walden, where many of the previous adventures have taken place, Iris is on holiday, if you can call it a holiday, when it’s for her father’s remarriage. But no sooner does she arrive than a body is discovered, or rather, the skeletal remains of a body.

Iris, of course, can’t help but involve herself, especially as it’s possible her soon-to-be stepmother might somehow be involved, and that might just prevent her father from marrying again – not that she ever quite says as much.

What ensues is a delightfully twisty tale, interwoven with what a holiday in the 1920s might have been like and featuring her trusty sidekicks alongside her.

A Killing At Smugglers Cove is filled with rich period drama, including a lesson in smuggling and avoiding the excise men, and the mystery, as in the first three books, is perfectly staged and well-developed, poignant and unexpected.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the Iris Woodmore Mysteries are a firm favourite of mine – rich with period detail but with a damn fine mystery as well. Highly recommended.

[Colin Garrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4 in the Iris Woodmore Mysteries series and is the first I’ve read by this author. When Iris and her pals, Millicent and Percy, are in Devon for a wedding, Iris is a bit put out. It’s her father who’s about to be married and Iris thinks it’s way too soon for him to be moving on after the death of her mother. The thought of digging the dirt on her dad’s wife-to-be, gives Iris something to concentrate on. However, while out for a walk on the beach, she and her friends discover the skeletal remains of a man.

Billed as a period cosy mystery, the book’s cover and the setting, place it firmly in the 1920s. The story is appealing enough and while there are occasionally a lot of characters to keep track of, there are some nice distractions and a few red herrings in the tradition of Agatha Christie. Having said that, the comparison with Christie (by some reviewers) is perhaps a little out of place, as the plot doesn’t have anything like the same level of development about it as the Queen of Crime’s novels.

Nevertheless, it’s an enjoyable tale that kept me reading right to the end.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: Iris is in Devon to attend the marriage of her father to Katherine. She is not happy with the situation as she believes his remarriage somehow diminishes the marriage he had with her late mother. When she and her friends Percy and Millicent stumble across a skeleton in a cave beneath the cliff where Katherine once lived, her imagination is fired up to find some flaw that will justify her feelings towards her future step mother.

Considering how “modern”” Iris is with some of her own life decisions, she can be not only harsh but judgemental. She does realize what she is doing and has a qualm or two. When the whole story emerges about who the deceased was and who committed a second murder, Iris has a new perception of Katherine that allows her to be happy for the couple. Like her father, Katherine has led an exciting life.

Iris is very nosey, as many of the other characters tell her but she never does stupid or high risk things as she tries to uncover the truth. All the characters in the story are three dimensional and compelling. It makes for a satisfying read. Five purrs and two paws up.

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest in the Iris Woodmore mystery series set shortly after the end of World War 1 in Britain. Iris and her friends investigate the identity and murder of a skeleton found in a cave. Iris is particularly interested in whether the murder involves her future stepmother since the skeleton was found where Katherine used to live - and Iris isn't too happy about the upcoming wedding.

I really enjoy this series and the latest entry. Michelle Salter is excellent at conveying the longstanding effects of the war on society and on how life in Britain is changing particularly for women. Watching Iris develop her investigative skills while she gets involved with unsuitable men is a treat, and overall the characters and settings are well-portrayed. This could be read as a standalone, but given the development of the characters and their relationships over the course of the series, it's best to read the series in order. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris, Millicent & Percy find a body in a cave.

Iris and her friends have taken a holiday before they prepare for her father’s wedding. At a secluded beach, Millicent goes rock hunting in a cave where she discovers a skeleton, still clothed. They quickly discover they are trespassing on a private beach that belongs to the brother of the deceased husband of Iris’s father’s bride. The body is identified, but not to the satisfaction of Iris. Iris is still uncomfortable with her father’s fiancée, Katherine, and begins to wonder if she could have anything to do with the dead man whose death had occured when Katherine and her husband had lived there. And so begins a mystery involving love, unfaithfulness, and the desperation of families damaged and separated by war. And , of course, women’s rights. Another good mystery in the Iris Woodmore series.

[TF · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical cosy crime story features Iris Woodmore, a 24 year old inquisitive journalist.
Although Iris is technically on holiday, when she and her friends stumble across a body hidden in an old smuggler's cave, she can't help but investigate the circumstances surrounding the discovery!
Unfortunately some evidence points towards her father's fiancée - and the wedding is in a few short weeks!
This gorgeous story has sufficient twists to please any reader and evoked memories of reading Agatha Christie books for me. A genuine page turner.
This is the first book I've read from this series, but I feel sufficient back story was explained to ensure this wasn't a problem and I fully intend to now read the first 3!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy.

[Georgina Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great cosy mystery, and book 4 in the series. It was a great standalone, I didn’t realise it was part of a series until I got the blurb from Amazon (even though I read book 3 earlier in the year!).

Set just after the First World War, Iris is in Devon for her fathers wedding, and whilst rock collecting in a cove with her friend, they find a body in a cave. This starts the inquisitive mind of Iris whirling and she sets about finding out who the body was and what happened to him.

As the story progresses, we find out more about Iris and her soon to be stepmother Katherine, and the history that joined all the characters together. At times, it seems the wedding may be in jeopardy.

Well written, fun and serious at the same time. Hoping for more adventures of Iris soon.

[Beachcomber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m increasingly enjoying this series, which continues to get better and better. This one was particularly enjoyable thanks to being set in Devon, where I live - I know Teignmouth and Exeter well, and enjoyed looking up the streets mentioned, and knowing where they were so I could picture it. Aside from that, this had a good plot - intricate enough to be interesting, but not overwhelming, and a good mystery. All in all, a very good read!

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

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Iris Woodmore mysteries series.

I have reviewed two of the previous books in this series and enjoyed them, and I enjoyed this one too. These are charming cosy mysteries set in the 1920s. I like Iris as a protagonist, and I like the way she connects with and interacts with the other characters. In this one, there were some new characters that I didn't recall from the previous two that I've reviewed, and these new characters interested me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

It doesn't get much better finding yourself transported to Devon in 1923 with a cast of characters that find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation. Oh, an a wedding.. well who knows if it will take place or not!!

Iris and her friends travel to attend the wedding of her father and Katherine. But when a skeleton is found and another death occurs, all is seems something is not right in Devon!!

An entertaining, whodunit with several red herrings and guesses as to who the villian might be! Loved it!

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evocative in place and time, this historical mystery set in 1923 Devonshire is engaging. Iris travels to Devon with friends Percy and Millicent to enjoy a holiday before her father's wedding. When they discover skeletal remains, Iris is drawn into a wartime mystery involving Belgian refugees and Katherine, her father's fiancee, who she is unsure about. I love the vibrant characters and the immersive twisty mystery. This tale has a believable mix of humour, poignancy, and a clever conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Courtney Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Killing at Smugglers Cove by Michelle Salter was a fun read. I loved the time period and how fabulously Salter’s writing transported me there. Historical cozy mysteries are a favorite of mine and this book did not disappoint. The FMC, Iris Woodmore, was likeable and relatable and the banter between her and her companions was very entertaining. I was pleased that I did not predict the big reveal at the end. While this was book four in the series and I have not read the others, I felt that I was able to read it as a stand-alone without confusion.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Coastal Murder

The discovery of a body in a cave leads to questions of identity as well as 'who' murdered him! The plot questions the wartime activities of some of the characters, which lead to to unexpected revelations. With red herrings thrown into the mix the culprit is eventually unmasked, hiding some surprising motives. With a wedding added to the mix, the story holds the reader gripped throughout as we follow the thoughts and actions of Iris who is attempting to make sense of everything happening around her. Great stuff.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this series as the characters have flaws, but they are very likable. The historical facts are also weave into the story which make it very interesting. Iris’ dad is getting married to Katherine which has Iris at six and sevens. Iris,Percy and Millicent find a body in a cave that is linked to Katherine’s ex brother-in-law and her dead husband. Another death occurs, Several secrets are revealed, lies led to many tragedies that could have been prevented. A good story with a few twists and turns.