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A Beth Haldane Mystery #9
The Murder Affair
In a quiet little village, mourners gather for a church funeral. But some of the tears flowing are fake – and Beth Haldane suspects foul play…
On a rainy afternoon, Beth Haldane accompanies her elderly mother Wendy to the funeral of her boyfriend and local councillor Len. But as they gather in the church, Beth can’t help but notice how many women are there who look just like her mother.
As the service begins it soon becomes clear that all of the women thought they were Len’s special someone – and one of them even claims to be his distraught wife. Wendy suspects foul play and immediately asks Beth to investigate.
As Beth begins to speak to the women she has to ask, was one of Len’s many disgruntled girlfriends out for revenge? Why was Len borrowing money from the ladies he romanced? And why did his work for the local council seem so suspicious?
Then, Len’s secretary Bella is found dead amongst the dahlias in a planter. Beth starts to suspect Len was involved in something far more dangerous than she’d assumed but what did Bella know about his business that led to her unfortunate end?
With the village rumour mill in full swing, fingers start to point at Wendy. After all, distraught Wendy is telling everyone who lends her an ear that Len was murdered – and she saw Len the very evening he was found dead. The clock is ticking for Beth to clear her mother’s name before it’s too late!
A deliciously cozy and gripping murder mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and The Thursday Murder Club.
Readers are hooked on the Beth Haldane
‘Wow!!! Absolutely LOVED this cozy murder mystery... another brilliant addition to a fantastic series!!… you may just end up as addicted as I was and buying all the previous books in this brilliant series!!!... completely sucked me in from beginning to end… truly is a page turner and I felt myself walking around with my kindle in my hand every chance I could get.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘EXCELLENT!… I read this book in one day and I didn't regret a thing about that!... When you think the story is solved there comes more twists and turns… A page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended.’ Nat’s Bookish Corner, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A lot of fun… thoroughly enjoyed it… It kept me hooked and guessing… Highly recommended.’ Annarellix, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Absolutely brilliant instalment in this fantastic series… fabulous.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow, what a page-turner… the best… Bottom line, this instalment of the Beth Haldane mystery series is a winner… It packs quite a punch.
On a rainy afternoon, Beth Haldane accompanies her elderly mother Wendy to the funeral of her boyfriend and local councillor Len. But as they gather in the church, Beth can’t help but notice how many women are there who look just like her mother.
As the service begins it soon becomes clear that all of the women thought they were Len’s special someone – and one of them even claims to be his distraught wife. Wendy suspects foul play and immediately asks Beth to investigate.
As Beth begins to speak to the women she has to ask, was one of Len’s many disgruntled girlfriends out for revenge? Why was Len borrowing money from the ladies he romanced? And why did his work for the local council seem so suspicious?
Then, Len’s secretary Bella is found dead amongst the dahlias in a planter. Beth starts to suspect Len was involved in something far more dangerous than she’d assumed but what did Bella know about his business that led to her unfortunate end?
With the village rumour mill in full swing, fingers start to point at Wendy. After all, distraught Wendy is telling everyone who lends her an ear that Len was murdered – and she saw Len the very evening he was found dead. The clock is ticking for Beth to clear her mother’s name before it’s too late!
A deliciously cozy and gripping murder mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and The Thursday Murder Club.
Readers are hooked on the Beth Haldane
‘Wow!!! Absolutely LOVED this cozy murder mystery... another brilliant addition to a fantastic series!!… you may just end up as addicted as I was and buying all the previous books in this brilliant series!!!... completely sucked me in from beginning to end… truly is a page turner and I felt myself walking around with my kindle in my hand every chance I could get.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘EXCELLENT!… I read this book in one day and I didn't regret a thing about that!... When you think the story is solved there comes more twists and turns… A page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended.’ Nat’s Bookish Corner, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A lot of fun… thoroughly enjoyed it… It kept me hooked and guessing… Highly recommended.’ Annarellix, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Absolutely brilliant instalment in this fantastic series… fabulous.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow, what a page-turner… the best… Bottom line, this instalment of the Beth Haldane mystery series is a winner… It packs quite a punch.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2023
293 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Alice Castle
20 books154 followersAlice Castle lives in South London. She was a feature writer on national newspapers for many years. She has a degree in Modern History from St Andrews University, is the British Royalty expert for Flemish TV, and lived in Brussels for nearly a decade. Her first novel, Hot Chocolate, sold out in two weeks and her second, the cozy crime novel The Murder Mystery, is an Amazon bestseller. She has written nine more whodunnits starring single mum amateur sleuth Beth Haldane. She has also written two psychological thrillers for Harper Collins, The Perfect Widow and The Invitation, under the name A.M. Castle
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 27, 2023
EXCERPT: There it was. The sure sign of dark deeds, a white SOCO tent shivering in the autumnal breeze. Beth had recently had one of these in her own back garden for far too long. Immediately she started wondering how she could possibly get some information on what was going on. Could it really be another killing? And if so, who was the victim?
ABOUT 'THE MURDER AFFAIR': In a quiet little village, mourners gather for a church funeral. But some of the tears flowing are fake – and Beth Haldane suspects foul play…
On a rainy afternoon, Beth Haldane accompanies her elderly mother Wendy to the funeral of her boyfriend and local councillor Len . But as they gather in the church, Beth can’t help but notice how many women are there who look just like her mother.
As the service begins it soon becomes clear that all of the women thought they were Len’s special someone – and one of them even claims to be his distraught wife. Wendy suspects foul play and immediately asks Beth to investigate.
As Beth begins to speak to the women she has to ask, was one of Len’s many disgruntled girlfriends out for revenge? Why was Len borrowing money from the ladies he romanced? And why did his work for the local council seem so suspicious?
Then, Len’s secretary Bella is found dead amongst the dahlias in a planter. Beth starts to suspect Len was involved in something far more dangerous than she’d assumed but what did Bella know about his business that led to her unfortunate end?
With the village rumour mill in full swing, fingers start to point at Wendy. After all, distraught Wendy is telling everyone who lends her an ear that Len was murdered – and she saw Len the very evening he was found dead. The clock is ticking for Beth to clear her mother’s name before it’s too late!
MY THOUGHTS: So many suspects! The Murder Affair is a fun read. I had to suspend belief in places and there were a few things, one in particular, that niggled,but beyond that I enjoyed this episode of Beth Haldane Mysteries. Although this is a series, each book can be read as a stand-alone as each contains a complete mystery.
Beth isn't a yummy mummy - she's short, dumpy and lives in old jeans and sweaters. She is, however, incredibly inquisitive. She has a 13 year old son, Jake, and her partner Harry is a detective who mostly doesn't share his information and is always telling Beth to stay out of the way.
Beth enlists the help of her best friend Katie, a yoga instructor, and her brother's girlfriend Julie-Ann to help her solve this mystery.
Running parallel to the mysterious death of Len, is the story of the two teenage boys, Jake and Charlie, navigating their first school social, and the cruelty of teenage girls.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#TheMurderAffair #NetGalley
I: @alice_castle_ @bookouture
T: @AliceMCastle @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #cosymystery
THE AUTHOR: Alice Castle lives in South London with her two children and two cats. She was a feature writer on the Daily Express for many years and has written for most other national newspapers. She has a degree in Modern History from St Andrews University, is the British Royalty expert for Flemish TV, and lived in Brussels for nearly a decade.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Murder Affair (A Beth
Haldane Mystery #9) by Alice Castle for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
ABOUT 'THE MURDER AFFAIR': In a quiet little village, mourners gather for a church funeral. But some of the tears flowing are fake – and Beth Haldane suspects foul play…
On a rainy afternoon, Beth Haldane accompanies her elderly mother Wendy to the funeral of her boyfriend and local councillor Len . But as they gather in the church, Beth can’t help but notice how many women are there who look just like her mother.
As the service begins it soon becomes clear that all of the women thought they were Len’s special someone – and one of them even claims to be his distraught wife. Wendy suspects foul play and immediately asks Beth to investigate.
As Beth begins to speak to the women she has to ask, was one of Len’s many disgruntled girlfriends out for revenge? Why was Len borrowing money from the ladies he romanced? And why did his work for the local council seem so suspicious?
Then, Len’s secretary Bella is found dead amongst the dahlias in a planter. Beth starts to suspect Len was involved in something far more dangerous than she’d assumed but what did Bella know about his business that led to her unfortunate end?
With the village rumour mill in full swing, fingers start to point at Wendy. After all, distraught Wendy is telling everyone who lends her an ear that Len was murdered – and she saw Len the very evening he was found dead. The clock is ticking for Beth to clear her mother’s name before it’s too late!
MY THOUGHTS: So many suspects! The Murder Affair is a fun read. I had to suspend belief in places and there were a few things, one in particular, that niggled,but beyond that I enjoyed this episode of Beth Haldane Mysteries. Although this is a series, each book can be read as a stand-alone as each contains a complete mystery.
Beth isn't a yummy mummy - she's short, dumpy and lives in old jeans and sweaters. She is, however, incredibly inquisitive. She has a 13 year old son, Jake, and her partner Harry is a detective who mostly doesn't share his information and is always telling Beth to stay out of the way.
Beth enlists the help of her best friend Katie, a yoga instructor, and her brother's girlfriend Julie-Ann to help her solve this mystery.
Running parallel to the mysterious death of Len, is the story of the two teenage boys, Jake and Charlie, navigating their first school social, and the cruelty of teenage girls.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#TheMurderAffair #NetGalley
I: @alice_castle_ @bookouture
T: @AliceMCastle @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #cosymystery
THE AUTHOR: Alice Castle lives in South London with her two children and two cats. She was a feature writer on the Daily Express for many years and has written for most other national newspapers. She has a degree in Modern History from St Andrews University, is the British Royalty expert for Flemish TV, and lived in Brussels for nearly a decade.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Murder Affair (A Beth
Haldane Mystery #9) by Alice Castle for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
June 13, 2023
"In a quiet little village, mourners gather for a church funeral. But some of the tears flowing are fake – and Beth Haldane suspects foul play…"
...
My Goodness! Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday that I was reading and thoroughly enjoying the first book in this series and now here I am with book #9 in front of me, having sampled none of the intervening episodes, yet pleasantly surprised that this works brilliantly as a stand alone story. There are several references to Beth's previous investigations, however they are peppered into the narrative and dialogue succinctly, so as to in no way overwhelm this storyline for any serious series readers, nor leave you feeling short changed if you were meeting Beth Haldane for the first time...
...
We now find Beth working as an archivist for the Wyatt Museum, where she is also writing a book about the very dubious past of the family's ancestry, playing as they did, an important role in the slave trade, from where their massive fortune was derived. That the the local population of Dulwich Village has benefitted from the family's ill-gotten gains is in no doubt, however, the present custodians of the estate have decided to catalogue and share the history, in the hope that by discussing the past, they can help to change the future. Beth is a long-term widow, and successful amateur sleuth, living in one of the more modest houses in this upmarket area with her teenaged son Jake. Whilst solving her first case, Beth made the acquaintance of Detective Harry York. It seems that whilst I have been absent, their relationship has moved on over the intervening period and Harry is now happily living with Beth and Jake, although rather annoyingly for Beth, Harry never shares any details surrounding his current cases, especially if he gets wind that Beth might be carrying out her own investigations, although it sounds as though he has had to pick up the pieces of Beth's bruised and battered body on more than one occasion.
Beth's mother Wendy, also a widow for many years now, lives a stones-throw away from Beth, although the two lead very separate lives. If truth be known, they rarely see eye-to-eye about anything and Beth spends all her time living in the shadow of her older brother Josh, who can do no wrong, even though his job as an overseas war correspondent, travelling to some of the most troubled hotspots of the World, means he seldom visits home, although when he does, Jake hangs on his every word in total adoration.
Thus the scene is set for Wendy to receive a massive shock, when a local council official, to whom she believes herself engaged, dies suddenly. When his funeral descends into chaos, it is apparent that a philandering Len Broughton had led a far from innocent life, with his duplicity towards Wendy being the mere tip of the iceberg. Harry is treating Len's death as 'natural causes', although a distraught Wendy is convinced it is murder, especially when she herself comes under suspicion from some of her fellow bridge club members, a slur on her good standing in the community she cannot countenance. She pleads with Beth to discover the truth surrounding her paramour's demise, to help her clear her name. Beth, who had no idea that her mother even had a 'gentleman friend', enlists the help of her best friend, Kate, who, in this area where appearances are everything, is as down to earth as Beth herself. It soon becomes apparent that the duplicitous and swindling Len, is not only married, but alongside his other addictions, likes to indulge in a little consenting polyamory, with just about any female with breath in her body, making him a sitting target for so many people. When the body of someone closely associated with Len is found, natural causes surrounding both deaths are ruled out and a full-scale murder enquiry is launched, presided over by Harry himself, with 'assistance' from the amateur duo, who may, or may not, prove to be more of a hindrance than a help!
...
This is just how I like my reading: short chapters which means there are plenty of breakout points for when real life gets in the way of my me time, whilst also keeping this multi-layered and highly textured storyline, well-structured and signposted, fluently written, evenly paced and seamlessly evolving, with literally never a dull moment.
Beth Haldane is a refreshingly new style of amateur sleuth, that of the younger middle-aged, single parent, living in slightly straitened circumstances following the death of her husband, in smart Dulwich Village, in the London Borough of Southwark. That she doesn't quite fit into the thriving 'in scene' of the wealthy, entitled, yummy mummy brigade, has long since failed to worry Beth, despite the fact that she is reminded of her difference in social standing at every opportunity, especially by her fellow 'playground mother' nemesis, Belinda McKenzie and her cronies.
The very nature of Len's errant lifestyle, means that just about the entire village of Dulwich, are suspects in his untimely demise, making the list I had begun compiling, rather redundant. Whilst I had my suspicions early on about the most obvious suspect, which in fact turned out to be correct, watching Beth and Kate unearth some aspects of Len's life which amazed even them, as did the eventual cause of his demise, was a real eye-opener and not without several moments which made me either gasp out loud, or smile quietly to myself.
A large, sprawling cast of guest characters occupy this storyline, none of which, with the exception of Beth’s best and true friend Katie Wood, are particularly likeable. Selfish, demanding, manipulative and duplicitous, are all words which come readily to mind, to describe this eclectic mix of the upper middle classes, who all seem to be jostling for some unspoken recognition or position, regardless of whose shoulders they need to stand on to attain the heady heights they want to achieve for themselves, their families and their offspring. Whereas Beth and Kate complement each other nicely, with one of them being as organised and methodical, as the other likes to fly by the seat of her pants. Even Beth's mother Wendy tends to keep her distance, living as she does, in the slightly smarter end of town. However, she is quick enough to ask for Beth's help when the chip are down and her reputation is at stake. I had hoped that there might have been a slight thawing in their relationship when Len's murderer had been unmasked, but I'm not so sure that is going to happen any time soon. Beth has really had to fight for herself and her son Josh, although the burden and loneliness have been eased somewhat with the arrival of Harry, who seems have an easy-going relationship with both both Beth and Jake, although I am still trying to decide if he is taking the situation a little too much for granted as a convenient option for an easy life. The jury is out, so I'll just have to wait for the series to progress.
The physical footprint of the story is confined to a single, quite niche location, so for anyone looking for travel to far flung places, there may be slight disappointment. However, some astute and often rather humorous, observational narrative and dialogue, genuinely offers a great sense and feeling of sights and sounds, time and place. So, if a short sojourn to Dulwich Village, as witnessed from both sides of the class divide, is what you crave, then you definitely won’t feel cheated by this book.
...
My Goodness! Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday that I was reading and thoroughly enjoying the first book in this series and now here I am with book #9 in front of me, having sampled none of the intervening episodes, yet pleasantly surprised that this works brilliantly as a stand alone story. There are several references to Beth's previous investigations, however they are peppered into the narrative and dialogue succinctly, so as to in no way overwhelm this storyline for any serious series readers, nor leave you feeling short changed if you were meeting Beth Haldane for the first time...
...
We now find Beth working as an archivist for the Wyatt Museum, where she is also writing a book about the very dubious past of the family's ancestry, playing as they did, an important role in the slave trade, from where their massive fortune was derived. That the the local population of Dulwich Village has benefitted from the family's ill-gotten gains is in no doubt, however, the present custodians of the estate have decided to catalogue and share the history, in the hope that by discussing the past, they can help to change the future. Beth is a long-term widow, and successful amateur sleuth, living in one of the more modest houses in this upmarket area with her teenaged son Jake. Whilst solving her first case, Beth made the acquaintance of Detective Harry York. It seems that whilst I have been absent, their relationship has moved on over the intervening period and Harry is now happily living with Beth and Jake, although rather annoyingly for Beth, Harry never shares any details surrounding his current cases, especially if he gets wind that Beth might be carrying out her own investigations, although it sounds as though he has had to pick up the pieces of Beth's bruised and battered body on more than one occasion.
Beth's mother Wendy, also a widow for many years now, lives a stones-throw away from Beth, although the two lead very separate lives. If truth be known, they rarely see eye-to-eye about anything and Beth spends all her time living in the shadow of her older brother Josh, who can do no wrong, even though his job as an overseas war correspondent, travelling to some of the most troubled hotspots of the World, means he seldom visits home, although when he does, Jake hangs on his every word in total adoration.
Thus the scene is set for Wendy to receive a massive shock, when a local council official, to whom she believes herself engaged, dies suddenly. When his funeral descends into chaos, it is apparent that a philandering Len Broughton had led a far from innocent life, with his duplicity towards Wendy being the mere tip of the iceberg. Harry is treating Len's death as 'natural causes', although a distraught Wendy is convinced it is murder, especially when she herself comes under suspicion from some of her fellow bridge club members, a slur on her good standing in the community she cannot countenance. She pleads with Beth to discover the truth surrounding her paramour's demise, to help her clear her name. Beth, who had no idea that her mother even had a 'gentleman friend', enlists the help of her best friend, Kate, who, in this area where appearances are everything, is as down to earth as Beth herself. It soon becomes apparent that the duplicitous and swindling Len, is not only married, but alongside his other addictions, likes to indulge in a little consenting polyamory, with just about any female with breath in her body, making him a sitting target for so many people. When the body of someone closely associated with Len is found, natural causes surrounding both deaths are ruled out and a full-scale murder enquiry is launched, presided over by Harry himself, with 'assistance' from the amateur duo, who may, or may not, prove to be more of a hindrance than a help!
...
This is just how I like my reading: short chapters which means there are plenty of breakout points for when real life gets in the way of my me time, whilst also keeping this multi-layered and highly textured storyline, well-structured and signposted, fluently written, evenly paced and seamlessly evolving, with literally never a dull moment.
Beth Haldane is a refreshingly new style of amateur sleuth, that of the younger middle-aged, single parent, living in slightly straitened circumstances following the death of her husband, in smart Dulwich Village, in the London Borough of Southwark. That she doesn't quite fit into the thriving 'in scene' of the wealthy, entitled, yummy mummy brigade, has long since failed to worry Beth, despite the fact that she is reminded of her difference in social standing at every opportunity, especially by her fellow 'playground mother' nemesis, Belinda McKenzie and her cronies.
The very nature of Len's errant lifestyle, means that just about the entire village of Dulwich, are suspects in his untimely demise, making the list I had begun compiling, rather redundant. Whilst I had my suspicions early on about the most obvious suspect, which in fact turned out to be correct, watching Beth and Kate unearth some aspects of Len's life which amazed even them, as did the eventual cause of his demise, was a real eye-opener and not without several moments which made me either gasp out loud, or smile quietly to myself.
A large, sprawling cast of guest characters occupy this storyline, none of which, with the exception of Beth’s best and true friend Katie Wood, are particularly likeable. Selfish, demanding, manipulative and duplicitous, are all words which come readily to mind, to describe this eclectic mix of the upper middle classes, who all seem to be jostling for some unspoken recognition or position, regardless of whose shoulders they need to stand on to attain the heady heights they want to achieve for themselves, their families and their offspring. Whereas Beth and Kate complement each other nicely, with one of them being as organised and methodical, as the other likes to fly by the seat of her pants. Even Beth's mother Wendy tends to keep her distance, living as she does, in the slightly smarter end of town. However, she is quick enough to ask for Beth's help when the chip are down and her reputation is at stake. I had hoped that there might have been a slight thawing in their relationship when Len's murderer had been unmasked, but I'm not so sure that is going to happen any time soon. Beth has really had to fight for herself and her son Josh, although the burden and loneliness have been eased somewhat with the arrival of Harry, who seems have an easy-going relationship with both both Beth and Jake, although I am still trying to decide if he is taking the situation a little too much for granted as a convenient option for an easy life. The jury is out, so I'll just have to wait for the series to progress.
The physical footprint of the story is confined to a single, quite niche location, so for anyone looking for travel to far flung places, there may be slight disappointment. However, some astute and often rather humorous, observational narrative and dialogue, genuinely offers a great sense and feeling of sights and sounds, time and place. So, if a short sojourn to Dulwich Village, as witnessed from both sides of the class divide, is what you crave, then you definitely won’t feel cheated by this book.
May 4, 2023
Local Councilman Len died in his office and Beth Haldane is coerced into attending with her long widowed mother, Wendy. Turns out that all of the mourners are women in their fifties who each claims to be his favorite (think Viagra) except for the one who claims to be his wife. Beth is also a widow, her son Jake's at that awkward testosterone age, and her relationship with local DI Harry York (and his massive book collection of Golden Age novels) is getting a bit too comfortable.
Wendy wants Beth to investigate the man's death because she is sure that one of the others murdered him, so Beth gets her good friend, Katy. But then the councilman's secretary is murdered and the sleuthing really gets serious! A really pleasant read about the kind of people you'd find anywhere involved in things we'd rather leave between the pages of a good book.
I requested and received and EARC from Bookoutre via NetGalley. Thanks for the fun cozy!
Wendy wants Beth to investigate the man's death because she is sure that one of the others murdered him, so Beth gets her good friend, Katy. But then the councilman's secretary is murdered and the sleuthing really gets serious! A really pleasant read about the kind of people you'd find anywhere involved in things we'd rather leave between the pages of a good book.
I requested and received and EARC from Bookoutre via NetGalley. Thanks for the fun cozy!
May 24, 2023
When Beth Haldane goes to a funeral with her elderly mother, she is shocked to discover that her mother had been involved with the deceased, Len. Even more shocking, more than a few of the mourners are elderly like her mother and they were also involved with Len. Beth’s mother Wendy begs Beth to find her boyfriend’s killer, and refuses to take no for an answer.
Beth wants to know how Len, a man of a certain age, had so many women at his beck and call. Sadly, Len is not the only murder victim, and Beth is determined to solve both murders, knowing full well that she will not get much help from her boyfriend Harry, a local detective. In fact, Beth wonders about her future as she knows that she is becoming much more than an amateur detective.
This Beth Haldane series is a real treat and I truly enjoy following Beth on her exploits. This latest book in a delightful series was thoroughly enjoyable and I look forward to Beth’s next adventure.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion
Beth wants to know how Len, a man of a certain age, had so many women at his beck and call. Sadly, Len is not the only murder victim, and Beth is determined to solve both murders, knowing full well that she will not get much help from her boyfriend Harry, a local detective. In fact, Beth wonders about her future as she knows that she is becoming much more than an amateur detective.
This Beth Haldane series is a real treat and I truly enjoy following Beth on her exploits. This latest book in a delightful series was thoroughly enjoyable and I look forward to Beth’s next adventure.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion
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May 25, 2023Aah, coming back to this series is like coming home.
Accompanying her mother to a funeral, Beth Haldane expects everything to go quietly; what she doesn't expect is a whole bunch of women causing a scene as the deceased seems to have been in a relationship with them - all of them, more of less - and then his wife makes herself known. Beth has never seen a funeral like it. How did the man die - and why? With her mother a target of all the local gossips, Beth agrees to investigate and find out what really happened.
I love this series! Beth Haldane isn't your usual 'cosy' investigator, and Alice Castle writes a fabulous mystery. She has the character of the 'ladies who lunch' to a 'T' and I just revel in every aspect of her stories. Having followed this series, I feel as if I know Beth and her family quite well. Each story is entirely different, but no less entertaining. Who knew Dulwich was such a hot bed of crime - and gossip? Another wonderful read and one which I thoroughly enjoyed. No doubt about it, five glowing stars and one I happily recommend to all lovers of really excellent cosy mysteries.
Accompanying her mother to a funeral, Beth Haldane expects everything to go quietly; what she doesn't expect is a whole bunch of women causing a scene as the deceased seems to have been in a relationship with them - all of them, more of less - and then his wife makes herself known. Beth has never seen a funeral like it. How did the man die - and why? With her mother a target of all the local gossips, Beth agrees to investigate and find out what really happened.
I love this series! Beth Haldane isn't your usual 'cosy' investigator, and Alice Castle writes a fabulous mystery. She has the character of the 'ladies who lunch' to a 'T' and I just revel in every aspect of her stories. Having followed this series, I feel as if I know Beth and her family quite well. Each story is entirely different, but no less entertaining. Who knew Dulwich was such a hot bed of crime - and gossip? Another wonderful read and one which I thoroughly enjoyed. No doubt about it, five glowing stars and one I happily recommend to all lovers of really excellent cosy mysteries.
May 21, 2023
Another great cozy mystery in this series. Set again in Dulwich, with the same characters. This was a great who dun it which kept you guessing until the end. I do enjoy these books and hope there are more to come. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
November 13, 2023
I’ve been following this series since the beginning (when they were the Dulwich mysteries!) and they are great cosy British mystery stories with a very relatable main character and clever plots.
Beth Haldane returns in this 9th instalment to investigate the murder of an aging Lothario and attempt to balance that with the demands of her unreasonable mother, chaperoning teen school discos, smoothing out her friends’ personal problems and avoiding doing any work at her day job!
It is not only Beth that is likable and endearing, I also love her relationships with regular side character – son Jake, partner Harry, her pets and her various friends and family members – and how they have all developed as the series has progressed.
The plot technically stands alone perfectly well, but I would really recommend reading the series in order and seeing how Beth grows from a broke and lonely single mum to an intrepid investigator, mostly-confident teen boy mum, police partner and professional skiver (I seriously love her approach to her archive work!).
There were SO many suspects in this particular plot that I was amazed Beth even managed to narrow them down, but with the help of frequent sidekick Katie and her irrepressible pup Beth manages to sniff out a killer with a minimum of head-bonking this time round. It’s all a bit far-fetched but such good, entertaining fun, well-written and easy to read, so most mystery fans won’t mind the odd pinch of salt!
Beth Haldane returns in this 9th instalment to investigate the murder of an aging Lothario and attempt to balance that with the demands of her unreasonable mother, chaperoning teen school discos, smoothing out her friends’ personal problems and avoiding doing any work at her day job!
It is not only Beth that is likable and endearing, I also love her relationships with regular side character – son Jake, partner Harry, her pets and her various friends and family members – and how they have all developed as the series has progressed.
The plot technically stands alone perfectly well, but I would really recommend reading the series in order and seeing how Beth grows from a broke and lonely single mum to an intrepid investigator, mostly-confident teen boy mum, police partner and professional skiver (I seriously love her approach to her archive work!).
There were SO many suspects in this particular plot that I was amazed Beth even managed to narrow them down, but with the help of frequent sidekick Katie and her irrepressible pup Beth manages to sniff out a killer with a minimum of head-bonking this time round. It’s all a bit far-fetched but such good, entertaining fun, well-written and easy to read, so most mystery fans won’t mind the odd pinch of salt!
May 17, 2023
The Murder Affair by Alice Castle
A Beth Haldane Mystery Book #9
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Bookouture and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
In a quiet little village, mourners gather for a church funeral. But some of the tears flowing are fake – and Beth Haldane suspects foul play…
On a rainy afternoon, Beth Haldane accompanies her elderly mother Wendy to the funeral of her boyfriend and local councillor Len . But as they gather in the church, Beth can’t help but notice how many women are there who look just like her mother.
As the service begins it soon becomes clear that all of the women thought they were Len’s special someone – and one of them even claims to be his distraught wife. Wendy suspects foul play and immediately asks Beth to investigate.
As Beth begins to speak to the women she has to ask, was one of Len’s many disgruntled girlfriends out for revenge? Why was Len borrowing money from the ladies he romanced? And why did
My Opinion
I have been working my way through this series and I feel that I must warn people to not live in or around Dulwich as there is a lot of murder. Beth has accompanied her mother to the funeral of her boyfriend - but it appears that he was seeing a lot of women. Wendy begins to think that there is more to Len's death and asks Beth to look into who could have murdered him.
This is another great, cosy mystery by Alice Castle. I enjoy this series and really like how Beth uses rumours to get to the bottom of the murders that she investigates. I am very happy that I stumbled upon this series and after nine books I really feel at home with these characters.
Rating: 4/5
A Beth Haldane Mystery Book #9
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Bookouture and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
In a quiet little village, mourners gather for a church funeral. But some of the tears flowing are fake – and Beth Haldane suspects foul play…
On a rainy afternoon, Beth Haldane accompanies her elderly mother Wendy to the funeral of her boyfriend and local councillor Len . But as they gather in the church, Beth can’t help but notice how many women are there who look just like her mother.
As the service begins it soon becomes clear that all of the women thought they were Len’s special someone – and one of them even claims to be his distraught wife. Wendy suspects foul play and immediately asks Beth to investigate.
As Beth begins to speak to the women she has to ask, was one of Len’s many disgruntled girlfriends out for revenge? Why was Len borrowing money from the ladies he romanced? And why did
My Opinion
I have been working my way through this series and I feel that I must warn people to not live in or around Dulwich as there is a lot of murder. Beth has accompanied her mother to the funeral of her boyfriend - but it appears that he was seeing a lot of women. Wendy begins to think that there is more to Len's death and asks Beth to look into who could have murdered him.
This is another great, cosy mystery by Alice Castle. I enjoy this series and really like how Beth uses rumours to get to the bottom of the murders that she investigates. I am very happy that I stumbled upon this series and after nine books I really feel at home with these characters.
Rating: 4/5
May 22, 2023
4.5 Stars
On a rainy afternoon, Beth Haldane accompanies her mother Wendy to the funeral of her boyfriend and local councillor Len Broughton. But as they gather in the church, Beth can’t help but notice how many women are there who look just like her mother. As the service begins it soon becomes clear that all of the women thought they were Len’s special someone – and one of them even claims to be his distraught wife. Wendy suspects foul play and immediately asks Beth to investigate. Then, Len’s secretary Bella is found dead amongst the dahlias. Beth also is coerced into helping at Jake’s Year 8 disco.
This is the ninth outing for Beth & whilst it could be read as a stand alone I’d recommend reading in order to fully appreciate all the characters whom I've grown to love or dislike throughout the series. I love the diminutive Beth & her differing relationships with her son Jake, partner Harry, her mother Wendy, best friend Katie & nemesis Belinda. This was an entertaining & humorous mystery with plenty of suspects as Len did spread himself around! There are quite a few twists & turns with some surprises especially Nina & Wilf, there are also red herrings. I loved the final chapter & that Beth definitely helped Jake
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
On a rainy afternoon, Beth Haldane accompanies her mother Wendy to the funeral of her boyfriend and local councillor Len Broughton. But as they gather in the church, Beth can’t help but notice how many women are there who look just like her mother. As the service begins it soon becomes clear that all of the women thought they were Len’s special someone – and one of them even claims to be his distraught wife. Wendy suspects foul play and immediately asks Beth to investigate. Then, Len’s secretary Bella is found dead amongst the dahlias. Beth also is coerced into helping at Jake’s Year 8 disco.
This is the ninth outing for Beth & whilst it could be read as a stand alone I’d recommend reading in order to fully appreciate all the characters whom I've grown to love or dislike throughout the series. I love the diminutive Beth & her differing relationships with her son Jake, partner Harry, her mother Wendy, best friend Katie & nemesis Belinda. This was an entertaining & humorous mystery with plenty of suspects as Len did spread himself around! There are quite a few twists & turns with some surprises especially Nina & Wilf, there are also red herrings. I loved the final chapter & that Beth definitely helped Jake
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 14, 2023
The Murder Affair is the ninth book in the A Beth Haldane Mystery series. When amateur sleuth, Beth Haldane is approached by her mother who thinks her boyfriend was murdered, Beth finds herself on another case that quickly unravels a few secrets around Dulwich that she would have been better off not knowing. Like the fact that half the senior female population has been involved with the victim at one time or another. As Beth searches the rumor mill and puts the puzzle pieces together she works as quickly as she can to clear her mothers name.
I have read a few books in the Beth Haldane series and I have enjoyed everyone of them. This book did not disappoint. I enjoy the characters in this series and the way that Beth goes about sleuthing and using the rumor mill to search out the truth. I really enjoyed the premise in this book and the way the multiple girlfriends angle played out! This is a great British cozy series and is worth the read!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
I have read a few books in the Beth Haldane series and I have enjoyed everyone of them. This book did not disappoint. I enjoy the characters in this series and the way that Beth goes about sleuthing and using the rumor mill to search out the truth. I really enjoyed the premise in this book and the way the multiple girlfriends angle played out! This is a great British cozy series and is worth the read!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
June 4, 2023
Gah! I really thought I'd outwitted the author this time... but Alice Castle is always a step ahead, exposing the dodgy doings of Dulwich, and that's what makes these books so brilliant. I loved seeing so many familiar characters return to this instalment for Len-gate (what a charmer that guy was!) and I hope the series will continue. Every single book has been a delight from start to finish. The Murder Affair was no different: eloquently written, hilarious and full of red herrings. Just how I like my cosy mysteries.
August 17, 2023
Two and a half stars.
Beth is shocked to be asked by her mother Wendy to accompany her to a funeral. Even more shocked to discover that her mother was engaged to the deceased. However, when they get to Len's funeral there seems to be a disproportionate number of female mourners, including his wife!
Although the police think Len died of natural causes, Wendy suspects foul play (by Len's wife) and demands Beth investigates. Soon Beth uncovers that not only was Len a serial philanderer with multiple women hanging off his arms, he also wasn't averse to borrowing large sums of money from them. Moreover, his job as a local councillor seems to have lent itself to Len helping or hindering planning applications for a 'fee'.
The police still don't suspect foul play, not until Len's secretary Bella is found dead in the street. Now everyone is pointing the finger at everyone else and Wendy wants her name cleared before her Bridge tournament.
Sadly for me this series has become very rinse-and-repeat. Too much dog walking and Year 8 disco, too many of Beth's friend Nina's malapropisms (which aren't in the least bit funny). All the characters, including Beth, are just two-dimensional. All of which I could probably live with, but the plots always seem to end the same way, with Beth finding 'something', which is not shown to the reader, and then willingly/deliberately be alone with the murderer so that they can attempt to murder her.
I'm afraid this is the last book I will be reading in this series. Like the Stephanie Plum series it has become a parody of itself.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
Beth is shocked to be asked by her mother Wendy to accompany her to a funeral. Even more shocked to discover that her mother was engaged to the deceased. However, when they get to Len's funeral there seems to be a disproportionate number of female mourners, including his wife!
Although the police think Len died of natural causes, Wendy suspects foul play (by Len's wife) and demands Beth investigates. Soon Beth uncovers that not only was Len a serial philanderer with multiple women hanging off his arms, he also wasn't averse to borrowing large sums of money from them. Moreover, his job as a local councillor seems to have lent itself to Len helping or hindering planning applications for a 'fee'.
The police still don't suspect foul play, not until Len's secretary Bella is found dead in the street. Now everyone is pointing the finger at everyone else and Wendy wants her name cleared before her Bridge tournament.
Sadly for me this series has become very rinse-and-repeat. Too much dog walking and Year 8 disco, too many of Beth's friend Nina's malapropisms (which aren't in the least bit funny). All the characters, including Beth, are just two-dimensional. All of which I could probably live with, but the plots always seem to end the same way, with Beth finding 'something', which is not shown to the reader, and then willingly/deliberately be alone with the murderer so that they can attempt to murder her.
I'm afraid this is the last book I will be reading in this series. Like the Stephanie Plum series it has become a parody of itself.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
May 23, 2023
Another good addition to the Beth Haldane cozy mystery series. Beth Haldane, a single mother and overall normal person trying to get it right raising her kid, doing her job, settling into a relationship and struggling with her relationship with her mother. The story begins with Beth wrangled into going to funeral with her mom for her mother's boyfriend. Only, things get really interesting--and funny--when the service is interrupted by brawl of fifty-somethings over who was Len's one and only. Well, Len turns out to have had many ones and onlys. Beth's mom is sure that it is murder and begs her to find out the truth. So Beth begins an investigation, but with what seems like half the town on the possible murderer list, she'll need help from her best-friend.
I like Beth. She's very normal, not someone who has it all together or who can do almost anything. (The only slightly unrealistic thing is how her curiosity leads her to investigate murders. Not the thing that your average person will do. But if there weren't these people, there would far less mysteries published in the world).
There are some funny scenes and good relationships. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the story interesting as well. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I like Beth. She's very normal, not someone who has it all together or who can do almost anything. (The only slightly unrealistic thing is how her curiosity leads her to investigate murders. Not the thing that your average person will do. But if there weren't these people, there would far less mysteries published in the world).
There are some funny scenes and good relationships. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the story interesting as well. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2023
When her Mum asks Beth to go with her to a funeral one day
Beth agrees but is shocked at what her Mum has to say.
It seems the deceased was her Mum's boyfriend
Who has met a tragic, unexpected end.
The funeral is attended by lots of others
One claiming to be his wife, Beth soon discovers!
There are many other women who are distraught
Making the funeral totally fraught!
When Beth's Mum then asks her to investigate
Beth can't help agreeing, her Mum to placate.
But when she discovers how many girlfriends he had
She starts to think he really was bad!
Her Mum is convinced someone killed her friend
Beth is cajoled and agrees in the end.
Together with her own friends, Beth starts to investigate
But when someone else dies, perhaps she's too late?
With her Mum in mourning and wanting to know,
Harry being quiet and her son more so,
Beth uncovers surprises about folks she thought she knew
And keeps avoiding work and the work she should do!
Another great cosy mystery with family dramas galore
As Beth endeavours clues to find and explore.
With rumours, insinuations and village dramas, too,
A fun read I highly recommend to you!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Beth agrees but is shocked at what her Mum has to say.
It seems the deceased was her Mum's boyfriend
Who has met a tragic, unexpected end.
The funeral is attended by lots of others
One claiming to be his wife, Beth soon discovers!
There are many other women who are distraught
Making the funeral totally fraught!
When Beth's Mum then asks her to investigate
Beth can't help agreeing, her Mum to placate.
But when she discovers how many girlfriends he had
She starts to think he really was bad!
Her Mum is convinced someone killed her friend
Beth is cajoled and agrees in the end.
Together with her own friends, Beth starts to investigate
But when someone else dies, perhaps she's too late?
With her Mum in mourning and wanting to know,
Harry being quiet and her son more so,
Beth uncovers surprises about folks she thought she knew
And keeps avoiding work and the work she should do!
Another great cosy mystery with family dramas galore
As Beth endeavours clues to find and explore.
With rumours, insinuations and village dramas, too,
A fun read I highly recommend to you!
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.
June 18, 2023
A Beth Haldane Mystery #9
In a quiet village, mourners gather for a church funeral. But some of the tears flowing are fake - and Beth Haldane suspects foul play. On a rainy afternoon Beth Haldane accompanies her elderly mother Wendy to the funeral of her boyfriend Len. But as they gather in church, Beth can't help but notice how many women are there who look just like her mother. As the service begins it doon becomes clear that all the women thought they were Len's special someone - and one of the claims to be his distraught wife. Wendy suspects foul play and immediately asks Beth to investigate.
Beth is trying to clear her mother's name in the death of her boyfriend and conman Len. There are lots of other women claiming they were all the love of Len's life. I really liked everything about this cosy murder mystery. There's plenty of clues and red herrings to keep us guessing, and Beth manages to unravel a few secrets that she wishes she now hadn't known. There's also some humour thrown into the mix. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AliceCastle for my ARC of #TheMurderAffair in exchange for an honest review.
In a quiet village, mourners gather for a church funeral. But some of the tears flowing are fake - and Beth Haldane suspects foul play. On a rainy afternoon Beth Haldane accompanies her elderly mother Wendy to the funeral of her boyfriend Len. But as they gather in church, Beth can't help but notice how many women are there who look just like her mother. As the service begins it doon becomes clear that all the women thought they were Len's special someone - and one of the claims to be his distraught wife. Wendy suspects foul play and immediately asks Beth to investigate.
Beth is trying to clear her mother's name in the death of her boyfriend and conman Len. There are lots of other women claiming they were all the love of Len's life. I really liked everything about this cosy murder mystery. There's plenty of clues and red herrings to keep us guessing, and Beth manages to unravel a few secrets that she wishes she now hadn't known. There's also some humour thrown into the mix. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AliceCastle for my ARC of #TheMurderAffair in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2023
This was another fun Beth Haldane mystery from Alice Castle. I had read the first three books in the series and was invited to read the ARC for #9. I was able to jump into the story without feeling like I was missing a ton from the books in-between (though I do want to go and read them as well!).
Once again, Beth finds herself involved in a situation that turns out to be a murder. This time, a brewhaha erupts at a funeral for local councillor, Len, when the women in attendance all start to express their relationships with him. Unfortunately, they don't all know about each other (or his wife) and it turns out that maybe, just maybe, Len was using them all. Beth's mother is insistent that Len loved her and that he must have been murdered by one of the other women. To quiet her down, Beth agrees to do some investigating and finds out that maybe murder was what took Len down.
The book was an easy, enjoyable read and I liked reconnecting with so many characters from the first three books. If you are a lover of cozy mysteries with a small-town feel, you'll enjoy the Beth Haldane series.
Once again, Beth finds herself involved in a situation that turns out to be a murder. This time, a brewhaha erupts at a funeral for local councillor, Len, when the women in attendance all start to express their relationships with him. Unfortunately, they don't all know about each other (or his wife) and it turns out that maybe, just maybe, Len was using them all. Beth's mother is insistent that Len loved her and that he must have been murdered by one of the other women. To quiet her down, Beth agrees to do some investigating and finds out that maybe murder was what took Len down.
The book was an easy, enjoyable read and I liked reconnecting with so many characters from the first three books. If you are a lover of cozy mysteries with a small-town feel, you'll enjoy the Beth Haldane series.
Read
June 6, 2023Beth Haldane’s personality shines through in this cozy crime story. The dialogue between Beth and her friends and family is full of humour and shows you how down to earth she is. The contrast between Beth and the entitled inhabitants of Dulwich comes over clearly and the observations of how society is operating in this affluent area are pithy and to the point.
Beth’s relationship with her mother is an interesting dynamic. Although you can tell that she is frustrated at her mother’s attitude towards her, Beth nevertheless feels protective and obviously loves her family very much. Family and friendship are important in the story but not everyone is a sympathetic character. The murder mystery at the centre of the story is well paced and makes for an entertaining read. This is Book 9 in the Beth Haldane series but shows no sign of getting stale . Her relationship with Harry is subtly drawn and gives an interesting dynamic as he raises his eyes at Beth’s sleuthing.
In short: clues and red herrings abound
Beth’s relationship with her mother is an interesting dynamic. Although you can tell that she is frustrated at her mother’s attitude towards her, Beth nevertheless feels protective and obviously loves her family very much. Family and friendship are important in the story but not everyone is a sympathetic character. The murder mystery at the centre of the story is well paced and makes for an entertaining read. This is Book 9 in the Beth Haldane series but shows no sign of getting stale . Her relationship with Harry is subtly drawn and gives an interesting dynamic as he raises his eyes at Beth’s sleuthing.
In short: clues and red herrings abound
May 22, 2023
Another enjoyable Beth Haldane mystery
Castle has once again placed us in another adventure in Dunwich, this time the victim is a bit of a lothario. It’s up to Beth and her friends to clear her mother’s name in the murder of her newly-appointed fiancé.
This is the third book I’ve read in this series. I did skip a few in between. However I’m happy to report that this lapse did not affect my enjoyment of this story in the least.
Castle has an incredible talent for creating small town mysteries with a distinctive English flair. The new characters introduced were thoroughly vetted and very interesting. The action was consistent, and the cliffhangers at the end of every chapter well suitably crafted.
I did feel as though the plot stalled a bit in the middle. I lost a bit of momentum for a while, but was drawn in again about 3/4 of the way through.
An entertaining and enjoyable read.
Castle has once again placed us in another adventure in Dunwich, this time the victim is a bit of a lothario. It’s up to Beth and her friends to clear her mother’s name in the murder of her newly-appointed fiancé.
This is the third book I’ve read in this series. I did skip a few in between. However I’m happy to report that this lapse did not affect my enjoyment of this story in the least.
Castle has an incredible talent for creating small town mysteries with a distinctive English flair. The new characters introduced were thoroughly vetted and very interesting. The action was consistent, and the cliffhangers at the end of every chapter well suitably crafted.
I did feel as though the plot stalled a bit in the middle. I lost a bit of momentum for a while, but was drawn in again about 3/4 of the way through.
An entertaining and enjoyable read.
June 15, 2023
Favorite Quotes:
Beth’s relationship with her mother had never been an easy one. She didn’t want to judge Wendy too harshly, but she did sometimes wonder whether she had cooked her father to death, presenting him with huge fry-ups every morning and massive steamed puddings every night, until he succumbed to a heart attack far too early. What was more, the family diet changed radically the day after her father’s demise, and Wendy had been picking at muesli and salad ever since.
‘He promised me he wasn’t seeing anyone else. But I’m beginning to wonder if he wasn’t telling me an incy bit of a lie,’ quavered Wendy, holding the damp tissue up to her welling eyes… Judging by the number of disgruntled well-preserved women in widow’s weeds packing out the church, yes, Len had been telling a thumping great whopper.
‘What actually is polyamory?’ Beth was silent for a second, then plunged in. ‘I think it must just be the latest modern way of saying everyone’s sleeping around and monogamy’s for old farts.’
It took a lot to get the better of Belinda McKenzie. As Beth knew only too well. She’d been trying for years and never managed it. Julie-Ann was clearly a ninja-level practitioner of dark arts Beth could only dream of.
My Review:
I adore this amusing and cleverly penned series, the wily author has populated her tales with realistic and uniquely composed yet recognizable quirkiness, and combined that with the humorous observations and witty inner musings of the main character. Nina’s malapropism is rather brilliant.
I remain enamored with the pixie-booted Beth, she is far from perfect and haphazard about observing her work hours and attending to her own personal appearance yet tenacious in following her insatiable curiosity. I would enjoy knowing her in the real world but must settle with following her exploits on my Kindle.
Beth’s relationship with her mother had never been an easy one. She didn’t want to judge Wendy too harshly, but she did sometimes wonder whether she had cooked her father to death, presenting him with huge fry-ups every morning and massive steamed puddings every night, until he succumbed to a heart attack far too early. What was more, the family diet changed radically the day after her father’s demise, and Wendy had been picking at muesli and salad ever since.
‘He promised me he wasn’t seeing anyone else. But I’m beginning to wonder if he wasn’t telling me an incy bit of a lie,’ quavered Wendy, holding the damp tissue up to her welling eyes… Judging by the number of disgruntled well-preserved women in widow’s weeds packing out the church, yes, Len had been telling a thumping great whopper.
‘What actually is polyamory?’ Beth was silent for a second, then plunged in. ‘I think it must just be the latest modern way of saying everyone’s sleeping around and monogamy’s for old farts.’
It took a lot to get the better of Belinda McKenzie. As Beth knew only too well. She’d been trying for years and never managed it. Julie-Ann was clearly a ninja-level practitioner of dark arts Beth could only dream of.
My Review:
I adore this amusing and cleverly penned series, the wily author has populated her tales with realistic and uniquely composed yet recognizable quirkiness, and combined that with the humorous observations and witty inner musings of the main character. Nina’s malapropism is rather brilliant.
I remain enamored with the pixie-booted Beth, she is far from perfect and haphazard about observing her work hours and attending to her own personal appearance yet tenacious in following her insatiable curiosity. I would enjoy knowing her in the real world but must settle with following her exploits on my Kindle.
June 9, 2023
A wonderfully addictive read. A mystery that really held my attention all the way through and a host of characters that delight and entertain. This series shows no sign of slowing down.
I loved the underlying humour flowing through this book. It added a lighthearted touch. In addition to the mystery and murders, Beth had to contend with family life, friendships and frenemies. I found the mean girls subplot to be quite entertaining especially when Beth and her friends met each barb with one of their own. Beth's mother and brother are equally as entertaining and it amazes me that Beth manages to stay sane around them.
For an addictive, light-hearted read and clever mystery the Beth Haldane series hits the mark.
I loved the underlying humour flowing through this book. It added a lighthearted touch. In addition to the mystery and murders, Beth had to contend with family life, friendships and frenemies. I found the mean girls subplot to be quite entertaining especially when Beth and her friends met each barb with one of their own. Beth's mother and brother are equally as entertaining and it amazes me that Beth manages to stay sane around them.
For an addictive, light-hearted read and clever mystery the Beth Haldane series hits the mark.
May 12, 2023
When Wendy’s boyfriend dies, Beth attends the funeral with her mother. But looking around, there seem to be a lot of women there, all grieving. And they have one thing in common, aside from knowing Len…they all look very similar.
With Wendy as one of many women along in Len’s harem, Beth agrees to look into his death as they agree it might just have been murder. Can Beth clear her mother’s name or will they be the killer’s next victims?
This is one of my favorite British cosy series.
With Wendy as one of many women along in Len’s harem, Beth agrees to look into his death as they agree it might just have been murder. Can Beth clear her mother’s name or will they be the killer’s next victims?
This is one of my favorite British cosy series.
May 23, 2023
Again, I wonder how Beth manages to keep her job at Wyatt’s School, because she is hardly ever there! This time Beth is trying to clear her mother’s name in the death of con man and playboy Len. So many women all claiming they were the only love of Len’s life, and Beth is determined to find out who caused his death. As always, there is lots of humour as well as opportunities for Beth to get into trouble!
May 19, 2023
Len certainly spread himself around! This is the first book I have read in this series and it is reminiscent of Midsummer Murders - seemingly cosy village but lurking beneath the surface a lot of murky goings on. Deliciously English village. I received this as an advance copy from the author via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
January 27, 2024
good story but…
Beth seems to never be at her regular paying job. Gets a bit unrealistic after a while, always going off for coffee (when she’s worried about money) and ignoring her real job. I guess this is why it’s fiction.
Beth seems to never be at her regular paying job. Gets a bit unrealistic after a while, always going off for coffee (when she’s worried about money) and ignoring her real job. I guess this is why it’s fiction.
March 30, 2024
I’ve really enjoyed this series, but this one held my attention less than the others. I just got really tired of reading about Beth’s spineless attempts to appease her mother, Wendy. at all costs, while going along with every bit of garbage Wendy felt like dishing out.
February 20, 2025
Easy cosy mystery
Another fantastic book in the series. Always want to know about Beth and Harry and their ups and downs. Love how realistic the relationship between Beth and her mum Wendy!
Another fantastic book in the series. Always want to know about Beth and Harry and their ups and downs. Love how realistic the relationship between Beth and her mum Wendy!
June 3, 2025
The Nine Book Series is a fun read!
Good character development. Interesting mysteries to solve. Descriptions of family life were humorous. Love both dogs.
Thank you Alice for a charming murder series.
Good character development. Interesting mysteries to solve. Descriptions of family life were humorous. Love both dogs.
Thank you Alice for a charming murder series.
August 23, 2023
Love this series, looking forward to the next book.
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