A Reformed Character

Pitkirtly Mysteries #3

by Cecilia Peartree

Can anyone ever really change? Christopher and Amaryllis ask themselves this question when a young man they already know as a troublemaker knocks at the door of their holiday caravan one wet day.
Their attempt to answer it takes them and their friends on a dangerous journey from a Pitkirtly ice-cream shop to a knitting club and then to a cattery before it reaches a deadly conclusion in an old railway yard.
This is the third novel in the Pitkirtly series of quirky mysteries, following 'Crime in the Community' and 'Reunited in Death' (also available on Kindle).

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

173 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2011

About the author

Cecilia Peartree is the mystery writing pen name of a former database manager who lives in Edinburgh. She is a history graduate and as well as writing, she uses her spare time to research family history, serve on a local committee and look after cats.
In real life, Cecilia has two sons, one a computer consultant and one a writer, film-maker and social media specialist.
Incidentally, there are now 27 books in the Pitkirtly Mystery series, and 6 in the Adventurous Quest series, but who's counting? (Apart from me, of course) Recently published work includes six historical novels (with more in progress) and 3 mysteries in a new series, as well as some random odds and ends.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third in the Pitkirtly mystery series. The stories are set in the fictitious small town in the Fife area and I like the scattered use of Scottish colloquial words in the dialogue, even though I have to look them up on my kindle which fortunately translates them for me. A collection of quirky characters led by retired spy Amaryllis Peebles gets embroiled in helping a local lad who is accused of murder. There is never a dull moment when Amaryllis involves herself in anything.

Reading these stories is a bit like putting on a comfortable pair of shoes, or your favourite dressing gown. Cecilia is very good at highlighting observational quirks of human nature. If you like cozy mysteries I highly recommend the Pitkirtly series but start at the beginning with Crime In The Community.

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are several people who could be fingered as the reformed character of the title. Christopher, in a new job, becomes dynamic. Darren, the not-quite-naughty boy, has an alibi though initially things look rather dark for him, Jock discovers an affinity with cats and even Amaryllis, ex-spy and hard woman, takes up knitting. This story has its twists and turns and surprised me on a few occasions.

This is another delightfully dotty and pleasurable read with characters I feel closer to in each book. It’s a cosy mystery in the sense that we don’t see too much of the blood and guts but there’s a definite sense of body-count here – it’s a nice story but it’s by no means bland. I really enjoy this style of humour and suspense. Altogether a great read.

[Joo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book set in the Pitkirtly village. When I reviewed the second, I said it was better than the first. Now I am saying the third is better than the first.


I suppose these books can be classed as cosy mysteries. All I can say is I love them to bits. From the ex special agent Amaryllis, to the now head of the village heritage centre Christopher to Old Jock and Mrs Stephenson and Big Dave - the characters of this village are just a joy to read about.


This book was just unputdownable. There is a new book out and I look forward to reading it. The first book is free, so grab it and enjoy meeting this wonderful bunch of characters.

[Elizabeth Ducie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another outing for Christopher, Amaryllis and the rest of the characters in Pitkirtly. A great example of a cosy murder series with plenty of humour along the way. This time, it's Jock McLean who takes centre stage.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amaryllis Peebles and friends take on the case of a wrongly accused youth. Amusing Scottish mystery.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read on my kobo. Easy reading and entertaining.