Murder at Bunting Manor

The Maisie Cooper Mysteries #2

by Greg Mosse

'Fabulous, full of wit, mystery, romance and small town politics... The characters are witty, quirky... The plot is twisty and engaging with lots of red herrings... I enjoyed hunting through the puzzle pieces alongside Maisie and Jack, but despite my best intentions, I couldn't guess the culprit' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Something is afoot in the little village of Bunting and someone is trying to kill the lady of the manor. Luckily, amateur sleuth Maisie Cooper is on the case.

Maisie Cooper is done catching murderers, thank you very much. Having recently brought her brother's killers to justice, she's ready to go back to her glamorous life in Paris. But little does she know that the idyllic Sussex countryside is home to more than one criminal...

When Maisie receives a letter asking for her help in the little village of Bunting from the lady of the manor, she is curious enough to accept. She is then shocked to discover that the very woman requesting her assistance is her estranged Aunt Phyllis, who believes that someone is out to kill her. Maisie must follow the clues to find the culprit before they strike again.

As Maisie investigates alongside handsome Sergeant Wingard, she starts to

Why would someone want Aunt Phyllis dead?
What could her eccentric aunt have possibly done to be the target for a killer?
And does Maisie quite like all this detective business after all?

Readers are gripped by Murder at Bunting Manor:

'I loved the way that I was pulled into the mystery of the plot. I found myself constantly looking for potential clues which made it feel like a real puzzle to get stuck into. I had a lot of fun reading this book' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Mixes classic whodunnit with cozy mystery elements... Kept me guessing... I thoroughly enjoyed it' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Historical, Cozy Mystery, British Literature

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2023

Reviews

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

One Liner: Decent cozy mystery

Maisie Cooper has to stay back in Sussex to attend the trial of her brother’s murder. Solving the case seems to have made her popular. Maisie gets an offer to investigate the unsettling events in and around Bunting Manor. Turns out the place is owned by Mrs. Pascal, none other than Aunt Phyllis, the estranged aunt Maisie knew as a child.

It seems that someone has a grudge against Aunt Phyllis and is out to kill her. However, Maisie learns there are a lot more secrets being kept from her, and the only way to get to the bottom of the truth might be to keep asking questions. With help from Sergeant (and childhood friend) Jack Wingard, Maisie needs to find the culprit before there are more dead bodies.

The story comes in the third-person POV of different characters.

My Thoughts:

Though second in the series, the book works well as a standalone. I’m glad to report that it mentions the date right at the beginning. It’s provided in the prologue and the first chapter, making it easy to understand the setting and track the case.

The book pretty much takes off where the previous one ended. Maisie is getting ready to attend the trial and wondering about her job, housing, and earnings (or the lack of it).

The pacing is slow, similar to the previous one, and Maisie spends a lot of time trying to get people to talk and share something useful.

There are distinct characters like Aunt Phyllis, Zoe (16yo orphan), Archie, etc., However, the dialogue between characters is a bit strange. I understand this is done to highlight their eccentricities. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen. They stand out only in a couple of instances. The rest of the time, the characters seem as if they are on a stage.

One secret is stretched a bit too much. I can see why, but it is easy to figure out the secret. Though I can see why, the reveal somehow doesn’t deliver.

The mystery is decent. Easy to guess, but not right away. There are no last-minute twists. Even with some information being withheld (common in mysteries), there is enough to connect the dots and arrive at a conclusion. The rest is supplied by the characters later on.

Maisie and Jack’s friendship is okay, but I’m not convinced by how much she thinks about him in this book. That connection just isn’t there yet. The chemistry feels forced despite it being a super slow burn.

To summarize, Murder at Bunting Manor is a good continuation of the first book and has its merits. It makes a decent cozy mystery. However, I am unable to connect with the characters and enjoy the book as I should. My journey with the series ends here.

Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #MurderatBuntingManor

[Rainbow Goth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this installment to be quite enjoyable, and it certainly maintains the cozy mystery vibe that makes the series appealing. However, I felt that it lacked the same level of engagement as the first book. The plot, while intriguing, didn’t quite draw me in as deeply this time around. One aspect I particularly missed was the development of the relationships between the characters. Given that the timeline spans only a few weeks between the first and second books, I understand that significant changes might be limited. However, I would have appreciated seeing more growth and evolution in their interactions, which would have added layers to the story and made it more compelling. Overall, while it was still a pleasant read, I think the characters deserved a bit more depth in their journeys.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something is afoot in the little village of Bunting and someone is trying to kill the lady of the manor. Luckily, amateur sleuth Maisie Cooper is on the case. Having recently brought her brother's killers to justice, Maisie's ready to go back to her glamorous life in Paris. When Maisie receives a letter asking for her help in the little village of Bunting from the lady of the manor, she is curious enough to accept. She is then shocked to discover that the very woman requesting her assistance is her estranged Aunt Phyllis, who believes that someone is out to kill her.
The second outing for Maisie & it’s easily read on its own. A well written, well paced book with strong characters. I really like Maisie & loved the dynamics between characters especially Maisie & Phyllis’. There are twists, turns & red herrings & I was kept guessing as to who the villain was until the end. I look forward to more in the series as I feel I’m only just getting to know Maisie
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Maisie Cooper Mystery series, and I truly enjoyed this one as well. I'm glad the third book has been published already.
The book keeps you on your toes throughout, and I had several theories whilst reading it. Most of them wrong
Even though it's a murder mystery, there aren't a lot of grusome details, and if you enjoy books by Ian Moore and Richard Osman, you will enjoy the Maisie Cooper series by Greg Mosse

[Julia Close · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good cosy crime!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the 2nd book in the series (I haven't read the first) there are parts relating to the first book but this stands well on its own. I enjoyed the story although very very descriptive in parts.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately did not enjoy this at all . Really struggled to get into it .

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

The most yap I have ever sat through. Although the final wrap up was satisfying, most of the book dragged on with nothing really happening.

[Read, Read, No Sleep, Repeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed book 1, Murder at Church Lodge earlier this year, so I was keen to catch up with Maisie and the villagers. This book was equally fabulous, full of wit, mystery, romance and small town politics. Don’t worry if you haven’t read book 1, as it reads well as a stand-alone. The author sets the scene perfectly, filling in any knowledge gaps quickly to allow the reader to catch up.

It starts from where the previous story left off, as Maisie, still reeling and raw from solving her brother’s murder, inadvertently finds herself in the centre of another mystery, this time surrounding her estranged Aunt Phyllis’s property Bunting Manor. Someone has a grudge against Phillis and is out to kill her, and Aunt Phyllis enlists Maisie’s help to sleuth out whodunnit. As Maisie begins to uncover dark secrets, she’s once again pulled into a web of murder and deceit and must work with the handsome Sergeant Wingard to bring the culprit to justice.

I really love this series. The characters are witty, quirky and engaging and I enjoyed getting to know Maisie better and learning more about her motivations. The plot is twisty and engaging with lots of red herrings and seemingly unrelated events that Mosse expertly weaves together to a completely unexpected and jaw dropping conclusion. I enjoyed hunting through the puzzle pieces alongside Maisie and Jack, but despite my best intentions, I couldn’t guess the culprit.

I enjoyed the new setting of Bunting and the introduction of new characters. The glorious scenery, inhabitants, politics and ambiance of the sleepy village are well observed and brought to life so beautifully that I could picture it. The BBC needs to snap this up as it would make a great TV series!

Murder at Bunting Manor is a cosy mystery with a lot of heart, perfect to curl up with on a cold autumn day.

[Carly Rushforth · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are so easy to read and the 1970’s vibe in a small rural village is just perfect and you’ll never guess whodunnit.

This story/mystery starts just one week after the events of the previous book and Maisie is feeling very raw and emotional and to top

It all off she has to leave Church Lodge which was her brother’s home.

If it wasn’t for the court cases she’d be back in Paris in her little apartment but could she leave her budding romance with Jack?.

This mystery had so many red herrings that at some points I had no clue at all who the culprit was, I also enjoyed Maisie reconnecting with her Aunt as she thought she had no family left.

Jacks Grandma is sweet and a little feisty, I enjoyed reading about her and Jack of course plus his relationship with Maisie.

This story is the perfect cozy mystery with a whole host of entertaining characters to get you through the cold evenings.

[Donna Morfett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book into Greg's new venture into the cozier end of the crime genre.
After successfully finding her brothers killer, and awaiting the trial before she can return to her glamorous life in France, Maisie Cooper gets a mysterious note to go and help a lady in a wealthy mansion just outside of town.
When she arrives she's even more shocked to discover its her estranged aunt Phyll.
When the body of Phyliss' former lodger is found, Maisie starts to investigate.
I loved the enclosed village life and the various characters within it. All so different and underestime any at your peril. I loved Zoe, young, naive, abandoned by almost everyone who should have cared about her. Yet somehow still found a strength and kindness.
Phyll was bloody infuriating. I wanted to shake her and say for god sake woman just spit it out will you. Stop being so vague!!!!!
I don't know how Maisie stood it!
I couldn't stop reading and had to keep reading to the end to find out the truth.

[Amy (Amy_justonemorechapter) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading another Maisie Cooper mystery, after being introduced to the series earlier this year. Although this is a series you could read this book as a stand alone book. I adore the small village setting in the book, with the sense of community. This follows on from events from the first book, Mosse has a great way of explaining the history of events so you are reminded of what’s happened. Mosse is a fantastic writer, he includes many mysteries layered into the book but somehow they have a connection. When the big reveal happened I was completely shocked. The book has been left at a cliffhanger so I can only hope there’s going to be a third book released. An easy 4 star for me, a great story which was so engaging. The story revealed more about Maisie too which was refreshing to read.

[Melanie]

Greg Mosse does it again in the second of this series featuring Maisie Copper in this cosy mystery series.

Maisie receives a letter form the lady of Bunting Manor asking for help and she finds herself pulled into a world of murder and intrigue again.

Maisie is a charming character and one you come to love. You get to know her even better in this second book.

The story is well plotted and keeps you reading as you want to know what happens next.

The setting draws you in and is beautifully described and makes you feel like you are there.

This series is a real gem and one I will read again and again.

Thanks to the publisher and author for including me on the blog tour for this great book.

[Fleurtje Eliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

With Maisie (her name comes from the Greek meaning 'pearl') being perceptive as she is, I tried paying attention to details of this book hoping to be an amateur sleuth myself. So with her having a cold, I expected it to be essential to discovering a clue... well, it wasn't which made me laugh about myself :)

Interesting dynamics between Zoe, Maisie and her Auntie Phyllis. We'll see what happens next in the third part of this series...

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

[Ryan Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Bunting Manor is the second book in this cozy mystery series. It follows the previous book nicely. Set in the early 1970's, Maisie Cooper is still in Sussex awaiting the trial of her brother's murdere. An offer to investigate for the lasy of Bunting Manor entices Maisie until she finds the Lady of the Manor to be her estranged aunt Phyllis. Maisie still decides to investigate with help from police sergeant Jack Wingard. It provided another fun mystery in a small town with interesting suspects and leads to follow. Also Maisie has grown on me as an amateur detective. And a different Era makes it interesting. It was great.

[Richard Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second instalment in this new series and as enjoyable as our first encounter. Again set in a 1970’s village. The authors writing style, I found, made you want to read more and drew you into another intriguing plot. It is also nice to see how the previously introduced characters and relationships between them are developing. Well written, great plot, intriguing characters and an interesting setting. As before Looking forward to carrying on with the next in the series and seeing what further adventures are to come.

[Carolien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisie Cooper must remain in Sussex for another few weeks as she is the main witness in her brother's murder trial. It appears as if word has spread of her sleuthing abilities when she is asked to take on an investigation on behalf of an eccentric, rich lady in the village of Bunting. But Phyllis Pascal has more than one secret and her meeting with the old lady will not only involve the disappearance of a homeless woman, but also secrets much closer to home. I have enjoyed both instalments of this series to date and look forward to the next one in the series.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only weeks after solving her brother's murder, Maisie finds herself pulled into another investigation in the nearby village of Bunting to help her aunt find a killer.

This was the perfect follow-up to Murder at Church Lodge.

I enjoyed that this book closely follows the events of the first in the series because you get a real sense of how Maisie is feeling about everything that has already happened. At the same time it was refreshing to see a different setting and meet some new characters.

I loved the way that I was pulled into the mystery of the plot. I found myself constantly looking for potential clues which made it feel like a real puzzle to get stuck into. I had a lot of fun reading this book.

I already can't wait to see what happens next in the Maisie Cooper series.

Thank you Hodder & Stoughton for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[A.A. Chaudhuri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I raced through this exquisitely plotted utterly intriguing cosy crime mystery brimming with vivid description, colourful characters and a strong, fearless heroine you can’t help but root for. Murder at Bunting Manor is funny, charming and full of soul yet spiked with a delicious hint of darkness that will keep you gripped and turning the pages. Not to be missed and an absolute must for all Christie fans!

[Elizabeth Ducie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another case for Maisie Cooper to get her teeth into. Lots of red herrings and plot twists. I guessed the culprit before they were finally revealed, but that didn't spoil the enjoyment in any way. Maisie's indecision over personal matters, while understandable, will become tiresome if it persists much longer. And the poor woman seems to have an inordinate number of dead bodies to deal with in a short space of time. But a good read that rattles along at a fair pace.

[Chautona Havig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still enjoying the characters. This one could've been five stars if we hadn't been given a "Secret" so obvious that someone as clever as Maisie should've figured it out rather quickly. Then again, she was a bit close to it.

That said, I think we needed something near the end to really make us doubt what we're sure we know (or maybe that's just me--but this time it felt like anyone would figure it out rather quickly).

Still, I really loved and enjoyed it and was eager to read the next.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a bit of a strange one as the lady asking for help is really Maisie's Aunt who she hasn't seen in many years and had no idea lived so close which seemed a bit strange and distracted me. The murder mystery itself was interesting and kept my interest but the strange relationships were a distraction. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Maisie and love these stories that mixes classic whodunit with cozy mystery elements. The mood is a bit darker than the standard cozy mystery but it's a well plotted and solid mystery that kept me guessing.
I thoroughly enjoyed it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Alexander Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this; the plot was fast-moving and intriguing and. the characterisations were appealing. I could have done without the rather clumsy ploy of Maisie Cooper's auntie, Phyl. consistently refusing to answer Maisie's questions. ("I'll tell you later.") Also, for a novel set in 1972, there was little of the 70's in evidence.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the Maisie cooper series and they are going from strength to strength this develops the characters back stories and has a deftly woven plot a thoroughly enjoyable cosy read 4.5* from me

[Luis Pavon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit that the beginning of the book was a bit slow but the development of the characters and the amazing story about Zoe, Aun Phyl and Maisie helself was great. Love the ending. Was just perfect

[Renette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got a little lost with a couple of the characters and that was important in figuring out exactly what was going on. Not only was there a murder, but there were secrets as well. The secrets I got. Who was murdered, well that was the question.

[Del · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this based on a high recommendation but I found it to be extremely tedious with a shallow predictable plot and full of long winded exposition. If you are looking for a exciting suspenseful engaging mystery look elsewhere.

[Sue de Boeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. Maisie Cooper is a very likeable sleuth and her ‘will they won’t they’ relationship with Jack adds an extra feeling of intrigue. Couldn’t put it down so need the next one now to see how things develop.

[Elainebowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

A cracking good read the characters are really well written and the description of the places are wonderful I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.