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Tudor and Stewart Abergwyn Mysteries #2
No Friends at Abergwyn: Tudor and Stewart Cosy Mystery
Abergwyn seemed a lot more exciting with Lorne. And that was before the camper van convoy arrived.
Peter Tudor was coming to terms with his quiet life as a district nurse when a bunch of strangers turn up to visit his maybe-boyfriend Lorne Stewart. They bring a mysterious package, secrets and jealousy from the past, and magic that even sceptical Peter can't ignore.
Then one of the strangers is found dead and Lorne is arrested for the murder. Peter has to play detective once more, with the help of a pack of tarot cards, Charlie the Amazing Jumping Dog, and Enzo the horse.
He might be able to solve the crime, but can he decide on his own future?
Peter Tudor was coming to terms with his quiet life as a district nurse when a bunch of strangers turn up to visit his maybe-boyfriend Lorne Stewart. They bring a mysterious package, secrets and jealousy from the past, and magic that even sceptical Peter can't ignore.
Then one of the strangers is found dead and Lorne is arrested for the murder. Peter has to play detective once more, with the help of a pack of tarot cards, Charlie the Amazing Jumping Dog, and Enzo the horse.
He might be able to solve the crime, but can he decide on his own future?
210 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2022
86 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 25, 2022
I'm a little bemused about the magical elements that are increasing intruding into this 'cozy' murder series. I like the author's writing style (from her Daniel Owen books) but this series - not so much; am seriously considering not getting the next one in this series. A few little quibbles ... in this day and age - what responsible grown-up would allow a small child to wander off with a stranger on their very first meet? And Ade's sudden turnaround of demeanor (hostile to almost ingratiatingly appreciative) jarred a little. Plus an uncomfortable (IMO) juxtaposition of a burgeoning kitchen-magic theme/plot. At best 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
January 30, 2024
Don’t drink gin when you take pain killers.
Also, I think my main issue with cozy mysteries as a series is it becomes more and more unbelievable that two average people outside of crime solving jobs encounter this much murder. Even if one or both of them have a bit of hedge witch magic.
Also, I think my main issue with cozy mysteries as a series is it becomes more and more unbelievable that two average people outside of crime solving jobs encounter this much murder. Even if one or both of them have a bit of hedge witch magic.
November 16, 2022
Needs another look through for editing, a couple of jarring typos. The final scene was confusing because the characters position kept flipping around.
August 2, 2022
** 3.5 Stars **
June 27, 2022
Peter Tudor is babysitting for six year old George. They’re making a stop at Lornes to take Charlie along. They’ve taken a walk down to the beach. At Lorne Stewarts he and George watch as several interesting “camper vans” are parking on Lorne’s field. As Peter and George watch Lorne meet these strange visitors, Peter feels uncomfortable about intruding and he can tell little George is nervous too. So they just head for the beach.
Lorne calls Peter to let him know he was seen and meets him and George on the beach along with Charlie. Lorne has something special to show Peter. One the strangers brought him a carved wood box with a book inside. The book belonged to his mother. It’s has all her recipes and the pages are interweaved with taro cards. The book also carried a special message to Lorne in a dream.
But trouble has already started with shouting from Detective Sgt. Ade Forrest and the arrest of one of the strangers. Things just go downhill from there when suspicious deaths start to occur and Forrest uses his threatening tactics with witnesses and Lorne is the number one suspect. Even with Peters own issues, he put’s those aside and starts his own investigation, with help from some unique friends, and hopes to save Lorne.
Ripley Hayes entertained me one again, with the second book in the “Tudor & Stewart Mystery” series. She has a teasing way that brings hints of magic and the explanation of various Taro cards into the story.
Peter and Lorne are still in a wonderfully magical relationship that keeps growing between them. There’s also a special dynamic with Peter and his mum Kay and also Dave. There’s the secondary shining stars of the cast: Charlie and Enzo and a new addition, Little George who adds his sweetness to the tale.
The tale is not without a group of suspicious characters, that make this an intriguing mystery: Wint, Lake, Venice, Dekker, Janis, and Ivan.
“No Friends at Abergwyn” has everything, suspense, danger, the touch of magic and romance. Another low key mystery from Ripley Hayes and I’m waiting for more!
Lorne calls Peter to let him know he was seen and meets him and George on the beach along with Charlie. Lorne has something special to show Peter. One the strangers brought him a carved wood box with a book inside. The book belonged to his mother. It’s has all her recipes and the pages are interweaved with taro cards. The book also carried a special message to Lorne in a dream.
But trouble has already started with shouting from Detective Sgt. Ade Forrest and the arrest of one of the strangers. Things just go downhill from there when suspicious deaths start to occur and Forrest uses his threatening tactics with witnesses and Lorne is the number one suspect. Even with Peters own issues, he put’s those aside and starts his own investigation, with help from some unique friends, and hopes to save Lorne.
Ripley Hayes entertained me one again, with the second book in the “Tudor & Stewart Mystery” series. She has a teasing way that brings hints of magic and the explanation of various Taro cards into the story.
Peter and Lorne are still in a wonderfully magical relationship that keeps growing between them. There’s also a special dynamic with Peter and his mum Kay and also Dave. There’s the secondary shining stars of the cast: Charlie and Enzo and a new addition, Little George who adds his sweetness to the tale.
The tale is not without a group of suspicious characters, that make this an intriguing mystery: Wint, Lake, Venice, Dekker, Janis, and Ivan.
“No Friends at Abergwyn” has everything, suspense, danger, the touch of magic and romance. Another low key mystery from Ripley Hayes and I’m waiting for more!
April 11, 2023
a magical cosy with great characters
Rating: 4.5🌈
No Friends At Abergwyn is the second story in the Tudor and Stewart Cosy Mystery trilogy and it’s even better than the first.
Ripley Hayes dives into the background of the magical baker who lives in a field, Lorne Stewart. Peter Tudor, the nurse who’d left his A&E job in the city to come home to care for his disabled mother, has found himself at odds with his life in Abergwyn. While he’s fond of his hometown, his mother has ample support, a boyfriend, and no real need for him. And his skills aren’t being used in his current job. Only in his new relationship with Lorne can he be said to be happy. With questions.
Does Peter believe in magic?
Hayes builds a story strong on mysteries, full of questions both personal and those that involve the mystical. All threaded so neatly together that it feels completely natural.
With the ancient oaks, the sea, Enzo the horse and Charlie the dog, both of which seem perfectly capable of communicating with the humans they adore, and magic that makes itself a real presence. These are storylines that pull the reader in , through murders, through personal experiences, drama and joy!
The characters are sympathetic, easy to empathize with, interesting and layered.
The third book should be the most interesting in that it’s removed from Abergwyn. That was a character all it’s own.
Now onto the last one of the trilogy.
I’m highly recommending this and the one prior. Great characters and elements. I love a terrific cosy. Here you have two!
Loving those covers!
Note: don’t miss out on the recipes at the end!
Tudor and Stewart Cosy Mystery series:
- [x] No Accident at Abergwyn #1
- [x] No Friends at Abergwyn #2
- [ ] Murder Without Magic #
Rating: 4.5🌈
No Friends At Abergwyn is the second story in the Tudor and Stewart Cosy Mystery trilogy and it’s even better than the first.
Ripley Hayes dives into the background of the magical baker who lives in a field, Lorne Stewart. Peter Tudor, the nurse who’d left his A&E job in the city to come home to care for his disabled mother, has found himself at odds with his life in Abergwyn. While he’s fond of his hometown, his mother has ample support, a boyfriend, and no real need for him. And his skills aren’t being used in his current job. Only in his new relationship with Lorne can he be said to be happy. With questions.
Does Peter believe in magic?
Hayes builds a story strong on mysteries, full of questions both personal and those that involve the mystical. All threaded so neatly together that it feels completely natural.
With the ancient oaks, the sea, Enzo the horse and Charlie the dog, both of which seem perfectly capable of communicating with the humans they adore, and magic that makes itself a real presence. These are storylines that pull the reader in , through murders, through personal experiences, drama and joy!
The characters are sympathetic, easy to empathize with, interesting and layered.
The third book should be the most interesting in that it’s removed from Abergwyn. That was a character all it’s own.
Now onto the last one of the trilogy.
I’m highly recommending this and the one prior. Great characters and elements. I love a terrific cosy. Here you have two!
Loving those covers!
Note: don’t miss out on the recipes at the end!
Tudor and Stewart Cosy Mystery series:
- [x] No Accident at Abergwyn #1
- [x] No Friends at Abergwyn #2
- [ ] Murder Without Magic #
October 30, 2022
Book two in lovely English murder series [mm)
Read the the first two books quickly, not pausiing to review the first. This is a very comfortable read, small village murder story, with us riding along with an interesting and massively likable and sweet main character who has come back to his childhood village to care for his mother. Mystery adds interest, characters with good emotional detail and back story, and developing love interest. No sex on page, sweet mm romance. I really enjoy the two as they get closer. Touch of fantasy\magic, with tarot and cooking and feelings all stirred together. The murders occur off screen, some action and violence as the murderers are tracked down.
The author has a deft touch, with little twists, scenery and humor, and background details re work and relationships that make the book richer. Hope the author expands on some of those layers a bit, as I would like to see these characters a bit more outside the main mystery.
This was a delight I really needed on my last day of vacation!
Read the the first two books quickly, not pausiing to review the first. This is a very comfortable read, small village murder story, with us riding along with an interesting and massively likable and sweet main character who has come back to his childhood village to care for his mother. Mystery adds interest, characters with good emotional detail and back story, and developing love interest. No sex on page, sweet mm romance. I really enjoy the two as they get closer. Touch of fantasy\magic, with tarot and cooking and feelings all stirred together. The murders occur off screen, some action and violence as the murderers are tracked down.
The author has a deft touch, with little twists, scenery and humor, and background details re work and relationships that make the book richer. Hope the author expands on some of those layers a bit, as I would like to see these characters a bit more outside the main mystery.
This was a delight I really needed on my last day of vacation!
January 23, 2023
No Friends at Abergwyn
This is exactly as it says on the box, a Gay Cosy Mystery.
Set several months after the first book Peter and Lorne are gradually developing their relationship but things take a twist when old acquaintances of Lorne turn up ostensibly to bring Lorne his mother’s recipe book. Almost immediately a murder occurs and Lorne is arrested as a suspect. What ensues is a complicated mystery with too many suspects, no clues and no apparent motive.
Lots of baked goods, hidden pasts and secrets and of course Enzo and Charlie.
Lorne and Peter are the sweetest couple and Kay, Peter’s mother & “Dave from next door” are a wonderful example that you’re never too old for love.
This is exactly as it says on the box, a Gay Cosy Mystery.
Set several months after the first book Peter and Lorne are gradually developing their relationship but things take a twist when old acquaintances of Lorne turn up ostensibly to bring Lorne his mother’s recipe book. Almost immediately a murder occurs and Lorne is arrested as a suspect. What ensues is a complicated mystery with too many suspects, no clues and no apparent motive.
Lots of baked goods, hidden pasts and secrets and of course Enzo and Charlie.
Lorne and Peter are the sweetest couple and Kay, Peter’s mother & “Dave from next door” are a wonderful example that you’re never too old for love.
November 18, 2023
Why couldn't they figure it out????
Lorne gets unwelcome visitors from his past, pulling onto his lot and making themselves at home. Utter chaos is what they are from the moment they arrive. During the first night there one of them is murdered, but who did it? Peter, Lorne and Ade drive themselves nuts trying to put the pieces. It was literally driving me crazy that they couldn't see the elephant in the room(aka: baby). It answers all the questions they have and it took them the whole book to figure it out. Oh well but there is a lot of energy, great characters , a loving dog named Charlie and a brilliant protective horse named Enzo. A great mystery book and series so far.
Lorne gets unwelcome visitors from his past, pulling onto his lot and making themselves at home. Utter chaos is what they are from the moment they arrive. During the first night there one of them is murdered, but who did it? Peter, Lorne and Ade drive themselves nuts trying to put the pieces. It was literally driving me crazy that they couldn't see the elephant in the room(aka: baby). It answers all the questions they have and it took them the whole book to figure it out. Oh well but there is a lot of energy, great characters , a loving dog named Charlie and a brilliant protective horse named Enzo. A great mystery book and series so far.
January 13, 2024
There is something about this series that doesn't sit perfectly well with me. I mean, I'll continue reading and I'm actually enjoying reading it but something is just not working for me. I think the relationship is part of my problem - I don't feel it. I can't really see it. And then this book contains my pet-peeve....lack of communication about the issue of "where are we heading and how can we continue?".
Add in the dashes of magic and I'm just wondering....is it supposed to be a cosy mystery or a PRN book? It's like the author wants to add PRN to their usual trope because it's selling at the moment. But it's not really working for me.
Nonetheless - I still was entertained enough to continue.
Add in the dashes of magic and I'm just wondering....is it supposed to be a cosy mystery or a PRN book? It's like the author wants to add PRN to their usual trope because it's selling at the moment. But it's not really working for me.
Nonetheless - I still was entertained enough to continue.
July 8, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
These are indeed very cozy. I really like that the magic aspect seems so…normal. This is not a fantasy by any means, but as Lorne would say, magic exists for those who believe in it. So the magic is there, and doesn’t really have an explanation, but somehow it works in the context of this series.
Peter and Lorne are completely charming, as is their little community (despite the murders). The action takes place much closer to home in this installment when a group of van dwellers pay Lorne a visit, and one of them winds up dead. There are pieces of this mystery that were very obvious, but others not so much, which felt like an ok balance for a cozy mystery.
These are indeed very cozy. I really like that the magic aspect seems so…normal. This is not a fantasy by any means, but as Lorne would say, magic exists for those who believe in it. So the magic is there, and doesn’t really have an explanation, but somehow it works in the context of this series.
Peter and Lorne are completely charming, as is their little community (despite the murders). The action takes place much closer to home in this installment when a group of van dwellers pay Lorne a visit, and one of them winds up dead. There are pieces of this mystery that were very obvious, but others not so much, which felt like an ok balance for a cozy mystery.
May 15, 2025
Another reviewer called this series cozy and I have to agree that it is a prefect description. Its a lovable, cozy, somewhat crazy series. The characters are lovable with all their quirks and while the business of murder is never pleasant, this is written in keeping with the theme of the series - kinda cozy. This book brings some colourful characters into the mix from Lorne's past and a bunch of mayhem and nasty business with them. Peter and Lorne are still navigating their relationship, Abe does an about face and Peter's mum has a 'surprise'. Charlie is still Charlie, Enzo is still Enzo and between them all, they rub along well together. Thoroughly enjoyable 'cozy' series
May 19, 2023
I was right that this second book in this series was as good or better than the last book. Loren and Peter get in deep again in trying to figure out who killed Dekker on Loren's property. Old acquaintances showed up in there caravans and plunked themselves down in Loren's field and murder and mayhem ensue. Danger once again dogs their footsteps, a book that throws tara cards at peter and vibrates, a murder, an assault, trying to figure out who Loren's father is and the string of friends and family and you have another excellent book.
November 27, 2022
Not sure how I managed to finish it. The editing is atrocious and the plot moves along at a glacial pace. I was utterly uninterested in the mystery and got bored very quickly. I wish we’d gotten more of Peter and Lorne actually investigating and less of whatever this was. I am also increasingly uncomfortable with how Lorne is written, seems very othering and borderline racist to me, I would be very interested in how a traveller views his characterisation.
February 18, 2023
I enjoy this whimsical series, with a little touch of “other”.
Lorne and Peter are soon knee deep in bodies - and Evan is still key to lots of goings on.
Ade is involved, but times are changing as he softens towards the pair.
Lorne’s mother’s recipe book gives guidance in their relationship and this gets resolved with Peter’s mum’s interference.
The murderers do get fiund out from the small pot of suspects but still a few twists to the end.
Lorne and Peter are soon knee deep in bodies - and Evan is still key to lots of goings on.
Ade is involved, but times are changing as he softens towards the pair.
Lorne’s mother’s recipe book gives guidance in their relationship and this gets resolved with Peter’s mum’s interference.
The murderers do get fiund out from the small pot of suspects but still a few twists to the end.
September 19, 2022
I'd give this 4.5 stars. Even though it's a cozy mystery, I still really enjoyed Peter and Lorne, and the mystery here was intriguing. I also liked seeing a little more of Lorne's vulnerability in this, and I especially liked . I can't wait to read the next one (coming out soon, hopefully).
January 29, 2023
A perfectly serviceable cozy mystery. Overall quite gentle with a mystical bent. The the hippies, tarot, and magic reminded me all that folk horror from the seventies, although without any real horror elements. I like this book but at the same time it's fairly forgettable.
I do wonder how the series will continue or if it does, given how this one ends.
I do wonder how the series will continue or if it does, given how this one ends.
April 14, 2024
Well written cozy mysteries
Characters you can care about and rather respectable mysteries. So often you find that authors are unable to do both things well. Well written and with nary a grammatical nor typographical error from an author who obviously cares about quality. I want more Tudor and Stewart mysteries!
Characters you can care about and rather respectable mysteries. So often you find that authors are unable to do both things well. Well written and with nary a grammatical nor typographical error from an author who obviously cares about quality. I want more Tudor and Stewart mysteries!
June 10, 2022
Yummy
Though this doesn't have the grit of the previous series it's still a great read. Any thing she writes is.
The characters are just as engaging and the dialogue is just as sharp.
There are lots more cake and a lot more cuddles. And it made me smile......a lot!
Though this doesn't have the grit of the previous series it's still a great read. Any thing she writes is.
The characters are just as engaging and the dialogue is just as sharp.
There are lots more cake and a lot more cuddles. And it made me smile......a lot!
June 10, 2022
I love a good cozy mystery where we can focus on the story and not on page sex.
I like Peter and Lorne as a couple and can't wait to see how their relationship continues and where Peter's career takes him.
I like Peter and Lorne as a couple and can't wait to see how their relationship continues and where Peter's career takes him.
June 10, 2022
This book was such a great read. Caught my attention and couldn't stop reading until I finished. Peter and Lorne are great characters, especially with Lorne's "magic is everywhere" and Peter's disbelief. Well written story, I hope there is going to be more stories like these.
June 14, 2022
a gay cozy mystery
It doesn’t get better than Ripley Hayes. Peter Tudor has moved back to Abergwyn to take care of his mother, and Lorne Stewart lives there in a campervan, and then it gets complicated. This is a fun low-angst love story!
It doesn’t get better than Ripley Hayes. Peter Tudor has moved back to Abergwyn to take care of his mother, and Lorne Stewart lives there in a campervan, and then it gets complicated. This is a fun low-angst love story!
June 17, 2022
More Please!?
Please oh please can we have more Tudor and Stewart stories? I just fell in love with the characters, including the horse and the dog! Great mysteries, great suck-you-in-immediately writing, and great subtle romance!
Please oh please can we have more Tudor and Stewart stories? I just fell in love with the characters, including the horse and the dog! Great mysteries, great suck-you-in-immediately writing, and great subtle romance!
June 18, 2023
A Rainbow Mystery!
We all love a good mystery. Even better when we have characters we care about, who reflect our rainbow lives. This delightful tale meets that recipe with a twist a a breath of fresh sea air from the coast of Wales.
We all love a good mystery. Even better when we have characters we care about, who reflect our rainbow lives. This delightful tale meets that recipe with a twist a a breath of fresh sea air from the coast of Wales.
April 21, 2023
Another Cozy Murder
I adore Peter and Lorne and the small magic that surrounds them. Enjoyed this one just as much as the first and look forward to reading more from Ripley Hayes!
I adore Peter and Lorne and the small magic that surrounds them. Enjoyed this one just as much as the first and look forward to reading more from Ripley Hayes!
November 25, 2023
Perfect cozy mystery! What a fun read and great characters.
May 2, 2025
3.5 stars
June 29, 2022
What a fun read
I stumbled across this wonderful cozy mystery while looking for camping mysteries. With just the right amount of mystery, romance, and magic I couldn't have been happier. I can't wait to read more of Ripley Hayes books.
I stumbled across this wonderful cozy mystery while looking for camping mysteries. With just the right amount of mystery, romance, and magic I couldn't have been happier. I can't wait to read more of Ripley Hayes books.
January 29, 2023
You know…after reading the first book, I was willing to give this one a shot. I was hoping it wouldn’t suffer from the same challenges the first book in a series usually does.
It didn’t! As far as story and character development goes, this book was 4 stars compared to 3.
So what brought it back to 3 stars?
Personal preference, that’s it. I didn’t love how the “hinting at magic” or “magical tendencies” turned into overt “yeah there’s definitely magic and the resolution never would’ve happened without it.”
It didn’t! As far as story and character development goes, this book was 4 stars compared to 3.
So what brought it back to 3 stars?
Personal preference, that’s it. I didn’t love how the “hinting at magic” or “magical tendencies” turned into overt “yeah there’s definitely magic and the resolution never would’ve happened without it.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews