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A Meredith and Alec Thatch Mystery #1
Murder By Multiples
Quiet Fenwood-On-Sea is the perfect place for an heiress with secrets to hide. Or a killer.
Beautiful heiress Meredith Thatch married for love, and scandalized her community in the process. But her neighbors don't know the half of it. These days, she and spouse Alec keep a low profile, managing her hospital for recovering soldiers and invalids - and growing the finest roses in the county.
But when the most despised landowner in the area winds up dead shortly after feuding with the hospital, the finger of suspicion turns on the couple. And that's only the first murder.
With a Scotland Yard inspector asking uncomfortable questions and a killer on the loose, they need to solve the crime sooner rather than later. But how can they find a killer when there are suspects everywhere they turn, and motives all over the place?
Beautiful heiress Meredith Thatch married for love, and scandalized her community in the process. But her neighbors don't know the half of it. These days, she and spouse Alec keep a low profile, managing her hospital for recovering soldiers and invalids - and growing the finest roses in the county.
But when the most despised landowner in the area winds up dead shortly after feuding with the hospital, the finger of suspicion turns on the couple. And that's only the first murder.
With a Scotland Yard inspector asking uncomfortable questions and a killer on the loose, they need to solve the crime sooner rather than later. But how can they find a killer when there are suspects everywhere they turn, and motives all over the place?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2023
105 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Ford
74 books128 followersRachel Ford lives in beautiful Central Wisconsin. She is a programmer, who works in everything from SQL to .NET to Cisco CVP and IVR. Her latest foray into new and exciting things has been developing custom Java plugins for CVP applications.
Rachel also enjoys recreating historically authentic jewelry, and mixing historical recreations with fantasy elements to create exciting new pieces.
When not designing jewelry or tinkering with computers, Rachel spends her time writing and reading science fiction and fantasy.
Rachel also enjoys recreating historically authentic jewelry, and mixing historical recreations with fantasy elements to create exciting new pieces.
When not designing jewelry or tinkering with computers, Rachel spends her time writing and reading science fiction and fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 19, 2023
It’s 80% whodunnit. The sapphic relationship is not central but relevant. It’s a nice, tame murder mystery.
August 23, 2023
I have probably read a dozen books by this author. She writes across several different genres and this one was a murder mystery. The writing is always good. The author is a very good story teller. She tends not to use vulgar language, (which I appreciate, unless the story demands it).
This one was set in England in the early Twentieth century. It was after the war, but I am not certain which world war. It could have been either, I suppose. Let's call it WW1.
The language is not British English, but it is mostly written in such a way that it captures the "flavor" of the times, very well.
The two main characters are married women and that is a common feature with several of this author's books. If that triggers you, then you may not enjoy it, although, there are no love scenes of any kind. The only thing about this where I found it hard to suspend my disbelief is that until about 3/4 of the way through the book, not a single character realizes that one of these characters is female. While it is quite likely that there were couples in those days that DID try to hide their gender in order to conform to societal expectations, this aspect of the story was a detraction for me.
While I know this author is a strong LGBT advocate, the gender of the Alec character really did not make or break the story. It made it seem a bit less plausible to me that she could successfully dupe so many people into believing she was a man.
There was one part of the story where the author slipped and made a modern day observation, with one person commenting, "At the end of the day..." Otherwise, she was consistent in her tone.
I saw someone comment that this should be considered a "cozy mystery." I am not really sure it fits in that genre, but I considered that. To me, it is just a straight up mystery. It was an enjoyable read. There was a slight twist, which was more or less satisfying. It appears that this might be part of a series. This book is completely self-contained, however. You do not need to read anything else to enjoy this book fully. That is always a positive thing with a series.
This one was set in England in the early Twentieth century. It was after the war, but I am not certain which world war. It could have been either, I suppose. Let's call it WW1.
The language is not British English, but it is mostly written in such a way that it captures the "flavor" of the times, very well.
The two main characters are married women and that is a common feature with several of this author's books. If that triggers you, then you may not enjoy it, although, there are no love scenes of any kind. The only thing about this where I found it hard to suspend my disbelief is that until about 3/4 of the way through the book, not a single character realizes that one of these characters is female. While it is quite likely that there were couples in those days that DID try to hide their gender in order to conform to societal expectations, this aspect of the story was a detraction for me.
While I know this author is a strong LGBT advocate, the gender of the Alec character really did not make or break the story. It made it seem a bit less plausible to me that she could successfully dupe so many people into believing she was a man.
There was one part of the story where the author slipped and made a modern day observation, with one person commenting, "At the end of the day..." Otherwise, she was consistent in her tone.
I saw someone comment that this should be considered a "cozy mystery." I am not really sure it fits in that genre, but I considered that. To me, it is just a straight up mystery. It was an enjoyable read. There was a slight twist, which was more or less satisfying. It appears that this might be part of a series. This book is completely self-contained, however. You do not need to read anything else to enjoy this book fully. That is always a positive thing with a series.
June 8, 2023
I love cozy mysteries. The lovable characters. The communities where you put the book down and say "really how many murders can they have in this town?" just as you pick up the next book to visit that same town again.
**Spoiler - but one that other reviewers have openly addressed so I felt compelled to address it too**
I've seen a few reviews of this book that give away one of my favorite surprises - the secret of the relationship between Merry and Alec. It saddens me a little bit because that had been one of my favorite "Oh, I didn't expect that" moments. But as soon as I had that thought, I moved on and just loved them as characters and as a couple. Some say it is unrealistic to think a couple could pull something like that off in the time period. I am not so sure because I've read stories where women dressed up as men for so many reasons (but mainly to be able to exercise rights they could not if they lived as women). So I am not convinced this couldn't happen, and as a fiction story, I think that is all that possibility is all I need to be happy that it could happen.
I'll also add - their relationship is a part of the story, but this isn't a romance. Their love is not the central theme. There aren't any graphic depictions of their relationship. Just subtle expressions that make it clear they love each other very much.
I look forward to more stories about Merry and Alec.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
**Spoiler - but one that other reviewers have openly addressed so I felt compelled to address it too**
I've seen a few reviews of this book that give away one of my favorite surprises - the secret of the relationship between Merry and Alec. It saddens me a little bit because that had been one of my favorite "Oh, I didn't expect that" moments. But as soon as I had that thought, I moved on and just loved them as characters and as a couple. Some say it is unrealistic to think a couple could pull something like that off in the time period. I am not so sure because I've read stories where women dressed up as men for so many reasons (but mainly to be able to exercise rights they could not if they lived as women). So I am not convinced this couldn't happen, and as a fiction story, I think that is all that possibility is all I need to be happy that it could happen.
I'll also add - their relationship is a part of the story, but this isn't a romance. Their love is not the central theme. There aren't any graphic depictions of their relationship. Just subtle expressions that make it clear they love each other very much.
I look forward to more stories about Merry and Alec.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2023
Meredith and Alec are forced to try to solve the murder of a nasty landowner in the area with whom they had argued in the past. In the end, they cleverly solved the case. Okay, I managed to give this book three stars because it was entertaining and seemed to be decently well-written. I declined to give it more stars for the following reasons. First, I believe I was misled by the description of the book. It gave the impression that the couple were, in fact, heterosexual. Now, I understand that they were play-acting the life of a heterosexual couple in the story, but it was still very misleading. As a reviewer, I try to choose carefully what I review, but in this case, I was clearly misled. Second, I find it very hard to believe that this could have happened in rural England immediately after the war. There were clearly many people who knew what was going on, yet there wasn't much reaction to it? I doubt they would have been that successful in their ruse. So, props for the writing but not for the deceit.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest review voluntarily.
June 7, 2023
*** NO SPOILERS ***
A well written period piece mystery. The author did an excellent job (in my opinion) of capturing the flavor of the upper and lower class situation of the time and reflecting it in the thoughts and actions of the characters. The plot moved quickly with twists, turns, clues and red herrings to keep the reader guessing to the end. The historical details in the story and the descriptions of things of that time period led me to believe that the author had done a nice bit of research for the story rather than just make things up as I've seen some authors do. The author also did a nice job in handling the secrets that the various people in the story kept and how those secrets played into the bigger picture.
I think this would be a good read for anyone who likes historically placed mysteries and I recommend it to them. A solid four stars. I will be seeking out her other mysteries for my own reading.
This was a "read and review" book where I received the book in exchange for an honest review.
** NO SPOILERS ***.
A well written period piece mystery. The author did an excellent job (in my opinion) of capturing the flavor of the upper and lower class situation of the time and reflecting it in the thoughts and actions of the characters. The plot moved quickly with twists, turns, clues and red herrings to keep the reader guessing to the end. The historical details in the story and the descriptions of things of that time period led me to believe that the author had done a nice bit of research for the story rather than just make things up as I've seen some authors do. The author also did a nice job in handling the secrets that the various people in the story kept and how those secrets played into the bigger picture.
I think this would be a good read for anyone who likes historically placed mysteries and I recommend it to them. A solid four stars. I will be seeking out her other mysteries for my own reading.
This was a "read and review" book where I received the book in exchange for an honest review.
** NO SPOILERS ***.
June 17, 2023
An interesting variant of an upper class murder mystery investigation. An upper class lady, Meredith who marries the 'son' of a member of the family staff, but who is actually his daughter, Alec, this is in the time when same sex relationships weren't acceptable.
The 'big house' is used for providing treatment for mentally and physically injured ex-servicemen, but isn't necessarily popular in the village.
Then a new landowner gets killed, and suspicion falls on the patients at the hospital, and by association on Meredith and Alec, especially from a Scotland Yard inspector. This means that Meredith and Alec must solve the mystery before their situation is looked at too closely.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the plot was clever, with lots of twists and turns and the characters are also well written and interesting.
I did receive an advance copy of this book, but this is an honest review based on my own opinions.
The 'big house' is used for providing treatment for mentally and physically injured ex-servicemen, but isn't necessarily popular in the village.
Then a new landowner gets killed, and suspicion falls on the patients at the hospital, and by association on Meredith and Alec, especially from a Scotland Yard inspector. This means that Meredith and Alec must solve the mystery before their situation is looked at too closely.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the plot was clever, with lots of twists and turns and the characters are also well written and interesting.
I did receive an advance copy of this book, but this is an honest review based on my own opinions.
July 20, 2023
Our couple may be a bit unorthodox, but they just want to live a peaceful life together. Alas, that is not meant to be and if they can't solve the local murders, the best they can hope for in adjoined jail cells.
This is book one of the series, so all good there.
This is a murder mystery with a FF couple as our stars. The story is well written and easy to read with a period setting that is quite quaint. I have read several books by this author and the characters are always the stars of the show. This book is certainly no different. The characters are well done and fit together quite nicely. They are also rather clever, which is a trait they are going to need to solve this one. The mystery is a good one and definitely includes plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. Overall, I really enjoyed this introduction to a new set of characters and look forward to more adventures with them.
Highly recommended.
This is book one of the series, so all good there.
This is a murder mystery with a FF couple as our stars. The story is well written and easy to read with a period setting that is quite quaint. I have read several books by this author and the characters are always the stars of the show. This book is certainly no different. The characters are well done and fit together quite nicely. They are also rather clever, which is a trait they are going to need to solve this one. The mystery is a good one and definitely includes plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. Overall, I really enjoyed this introduction to a new set of characters and look forward to more adventures with them.
Highly recommended.
November 25, 2025
I got quite urked throughout this book reading due to them calling Alice/Alec "him" and I for some reason faltered through those parts due to that. Of course, I have heard that two women weren't allowed to marry in England well up until about 2009, but here's the thing, they would do it like how it was described in this story. The one woman would dress, act, talk, and carry themselves very much LIKE a man, but they were still acknowledging the fact they are both women.
No amount of short hair or masculine could make me see them as a man. No amount of masculine can ever take away natural female anatomy and that would be clear as day to anyone who paid attention. Especially in such a small town as that.
So, the whole "him/her" Alice/Alec thing was the only part that aggravated me. The twist at the end was a bit predictable, but still funny and entertaining.
No amount of short hair or masculine could make me see them as a man. No amount of masculine can ever take away natural female anatomy and that would be clear as day to anyone who paid attention. Especially in such a small town as that.
So, the whole "him/her" Alice/Alec thing was the only part that aggravated me. The twist at the end was a bit predictable, but still funny and entertaining.
June 3, 2023
Murder By Multiples is a newly released cozy mystery book written by Rachel Ford. I rather thought this book was pretty overall entertaining. The book reads like a typical English mystery set in early 20th century set after the War. The book is full of lots of fun characters that kept you interested. It has an intriguing plot where bodies are dying and this poor inspector must try and figure out what is going on and how it all fits together. Didn't come close to guessing the ending. There was some really funny parts too. Alec and Merry make a great set of partners! Definitely recommend to read. Would love to read the next one that comes out. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 9, 2023
Murder By Multiples is a delightful period mystery tale of murder in the small English community of Fenwood-on-Sea. The author has created detailed, completely believable characters in a tale that is easy to read, a venue that has a cozy feel and a storyline which keeps the reader guessing until the very end. I do not like to reiterate storylines, especially about murder.mysteries, as I feel it steals from the enjoyment of other readers. However, this book is one for those who enjoy warm characters, well developed mysteries, and enjoyable period writing. I received an ARC and this is my honest appraisal of this novel.
June 29, 2024
Murder by Multiples is a cozy murder mystery set in a small coastal town in post-WWI England. Our mystery solvers are an inspector from Scotland Yard and a married couple, Merry Thatch and her husband, Alec nee Alice.
The main characters are great, and there are a lot of side characters who are well developed. I enjoyed the mystery and it wasn’t obvious at all who it was until the very end, which was great. My biggest complaint, and what dropped the rating for me, was the repeated incorrect usage of apostrophes in plural, singular possessive, and plural possessive last names. It was driving me NUTS. I’ll give it a 3 1/2 stars, but I’m not rounding up on this one.
The main characters are great, and there are a lot of side characters who are well developed. I enjoyed the mystery and it wasn’t obvious at all who it was until the very end, which was great. My biggest complaint, and what dropped the rating for me, was the repeated incorrect usage of apostrophes in plural, singular possessive, and plural possessive last names. It was driving me NUTS. I’ll give it a 3 1/2 stars, but I’m not rounding up on this one.
June 2, 2023
I thought this book was entertaining. It reads like a typical English mystery set in early 20th century after the War. Set in a small town there was a lot of secrets and anger over the newcomer landowner that was not a nice guy. Lots of fun characters and an interesting plot where bodies are dying and the poor inspector must figure out what is going on and how it all fits together. Made me laugh and try to guess who the murderer was. And yes the 2 main characters were not as expected and holding a great secret and there were murders but the story was relatively clean.
April 12, 2024
I absolutely loved this!! Oh my gosh!! I think "cozy sapphic mysteries" are well on their way to being a favorite sub-genre!!
Fenwood-On-Sea is such a charming town!! I know next to nothing about the 1920s English countryside, so have no reference as far as authenticity, but it felt fun!! So many lovely characters, especially the titular Thatch couple, and the Inspector Beresford! I sincerely hope the second book sees the Inspector returning, as his character was just as entertaining as, if not more so than, Merry and Alec (who themselves were sweet).
Fenwood-On-Sea is such a charming town!! I know next to nothing about the 1920s English countryside, so have no reference as far as authenticity, but it felt fun!! So many lovely characters, especially the titular Thatch couple, and the Inspector Beresford! I sincerely hope the second book sees the Inspector returning, as his character was just as entertaining as, if not more so than, Merry and Alec (who themselves were sweet).
June 1, 2023
Alec and Meredith Thatch have a run in with scrupulous landowner at their hospital for wounded soldiers. When the man ends up dead fingers of suspicion point solely at the couple. With Scotland Yard breathing down their necks they startup their own investigation to apprehend the killer before he gets them incarcerated. Very well written cosy with great background and characters
I received an arc and my reviews are my own
I received an arc and my reviews are my own
June 7, 2023
Murder By Multiples (A Meredith and Alec Thatch Mystery Book 1), my forty-eighth read from author Rachel Ford. This time Fird delves into the mystery genre and as always, no matter the genre a Rachel Ford book can be counted on to be entertaining & enjoyable. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 15, 2024
Loved this book
A great read. An entertaining slightly different period murder mystery with great characters and strong storyline with enough twists and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. Having the main characters a same sex married couple, one living as the husband is a great twist although I found it a little odd no-one spotted it. I like Rachel Ford's books and her mysteries particularly. Highly recommended.
A great read. An entertaining slightly different period murder mystery with great characters and strong storyline with enough twists and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. Having the main characters a same sex married couple, one living as the husband is a great twist although I found it a little odd no-one spotted it. I like Rachel Ford's books and her mysteries particularly. Highly recommended.
June 11, 2023
Rachel Ford does a great job in creating a mystery novel, it was a perfect start to this series. I enjoyed the way the characters were written and it does everything that I was hoping for. I was invested in the mystery going on and the characters in this world. It left me wanting to read more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2024
Fun read
Really interesting murder mystery the roaring 20ies. Characters are interesting and likeable. Fun murder mystery read. Small village life in England I enjoyed this book
Really interesting murder mystery the roaring 20ies. Characters are interesting and likeable. Fun murder mystery read. Small village life in England I enjoyed this book
June 2, 2023
Was an interesting read. Didn't guess the end. There was some funny parts. Alec and Merry make a great team! Definitely recommend. Would read the next one.
June 27, 2023
A good solid plot and plenty of twists and intrigue in this one. An excellent read for anyone who likes a good murder mystery.
August 1, 2024
Love this story
Great mystery! wonderfully entertaining and engaging characters, lots of twists and turns. A most enjoyable read. Highly recommend for nice weekend
Great mystery! wonderfully entertaining and engaging characters, lots of twists and turns. A most enjoyable read. Highly recommend for nice weekend
November 4, 2024
Good mystery and setting. But be careful, there is a volume 0 that I didn’t know about and am a bit frustrated as I read series in order.
May 31, 2025
A "Have The Book - TBR" Goals list read.
August 2, 2025
This was a fun, well written cozy mystery. The characters were great, and I loved Merry and Alec’s story.
September 10, 2025
An interesting period piece.
Merry and Alec know how to keep secrets and solve murders. I enjoyed the clues. Some of which I missed until the big reveal.
Merry and Alec know how to keep secrets and solve murders. I enjoyed the clues. Some of which I missed until the big reveal.
January 30, 2026
Murder Mystery
Wow you had me guessing right to the end Rachel Ford. What a great yarn. Looking forward to the next instalment of Meredith and Alec Thatch Mystery
Wow you had me guessing right to the end Rachel Ford. What a great yarn. Looking forward to the next instalment of Meredith and Alec Thatch Mystery
July 23, 2023
I’m a sucker for historical mystery tales, and especially when they’re set in the UK. Add in the sweet love story of Merry & Alec who risk so much to be together and find a way to be together in a very traditional society and conservative time period, and I’m sold!
Merry and Alice were in love, but societal pressures wouldn’t allow their relationship be accepted. Fret not, dear reader, love prevails! Merry returns to her hometown after her wealthy father’s death, happily married to Alec Thatch.
The peace of the sleepy English village is disturbed when an unpopular citizen is murdered and Alec is a suspect. Follow the clever couple as they investigate to clear Alec’s name and stop a killer, while keeping their secret safe.
**Possible spoiler?**
I don't think it's a spoiler because the author opens the book with Merry and Alec (nee Alice)'s relationship being addressed. The village is scandalized because they're of different social classes, but they're keeping a secret much more dangerous - Alec used to be called Alice. The way it's written, I didn't get the impression Alec was transgender (in the way we define it today), but living and dressing as a man because it was the only way a lesbian couple could be together in the situation and time period they were in.
As another reviewer mentioned, their romance was a part of the story, but this is not a romance novel. It's a fantastic cozy mystery! I look forward to more mysteries with Merry and Alec!
Thanks to Rachel Ford and her publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC and review it here.
Merry and Alice were in love, but societal pressures wouldn’t allow their relationship be accepted. Fret not, dear reader, love prevails! Merry returns to her hometown after her wealthy father’s death, happily married to Alec Thatch.
The peace of the sleepy English village is disturbed when an unpopular citizen is murdered and Alec is a suspect. Follow the clever couple as they investigate to clear Alec’s name and stop a killer, while keeping their secret safe.
**Possible spoiler?**
I don't think it's a spoiler because the author opens the book with Merry and Alec (nee Alice)'s relationship being addressed. The village is scandalized because they're of different social classes, but they're keeping a secret much more dangerous - Alec used to be called Alice. The way it's written, I didn't get the impression Alec was transgender (in the way we define it today), but living and dressing as a man because it was the only way a lesbian couple could be together in the situation and time period they were in.
As another reviewer mentioned, their romance was a part of the story, but this is not a romance novel. It's a fantastic cozy mystery! I look forward to more mysteries with Merry and Alec!
Thanks to Rachel Ford and her publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC and review it here.
December 9, 2023
This is a delightful tale and what I consider a cozy mystery story. It is a sapphic tale with Meredith, who is landed gentry and Alec, who is masquerading as a man as her husband. It takes place in England just after the first World War, in a small community in the countryside. The writing is gentle and sweet and it is fade to black intimacy. The central part of the story is the murder of one of their neighbors and the investigations, of which they take part. There are side stories that tug at the heart. The townsfolk are interesting as second characters and I would love to revisit this couple in the next book in the series
February 16, 2024
great characters
Good story that presents English twists and turns, in the style of Agatha Christie love the build up to the grand finale
Good story that presents English twists and turns, in the style of Agatha Christie love the build up to the grand finale
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews