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A Meredith and Alec Thatch Mystery #2
Murder By Rote
Aunt Anne’s house parties are to die for. Sometimes, literally.
When heiress Meredith Thatch accepted an invitation to a house party on her aunt’s country estate, she expected an exciting weekend for herself and partner Alec.
The worst storm in decades wasn’t in the cards, though. Neither was murder. Then a guest winds up dead in suspicious circumstances – and the only road in the area washes out.
Trapped in the manor, with every guest a possible suspect – and everyone harboring secrets – Meredith and Alec race to find the murderer.
Before their own secret comes out – or the killer strikes again.
When heiress Meredith Thatch accepted an invitation to a house party on her aunt’s country estate, she expected an exciting weekend for herself and partner Alec.
The worst storm in decades wasn’t in the cards, though. Neither was murder. Then a guest winds up dead in suspicious circumstances – and the only road in the area washes out.
Trapped in the manor, with every guest a possible suspect – and everyone harboring secrets – Meredith and Alec race to find the murderer.
Before their own secret comes out – or the killer strikes again.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2024
13 people are currently reading
28 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 32 reviews
July 7, 2024
The second installment of Merry and Alec Thatch's cozy mysteries is every bit as good as the first. They, and Inspector Beresford, are tasked with investigating a murder at an isolated house during a great storm. The characters are interesting, the plot is intriguing, the story is well written, and the surprises are surprising. The couple is as engaging as ever, and there's even a hint that the good Inspector's broken heart is beginning to heal. I'll be waiting for the next book.
July 8, 2024
Most importantly, I LOVED this book! It was a wonderful cozy mystery with lots of suspects all trapped together by storm and bridge failure and plenty of twists and turns!
The book is well written and well plotted. My only quibble was there were so many characters (all unique; all needed to fill out the story), I needed a cast of characters (like used to appear in paperback mystery novels). I quickly made one for myself to consult during my read. I became quite fond of most of these characters (except the clergyman), though they were often archetypal. I actually see that as a plus in cozy mysteries.
This is volume 2 in the Merry and Thatch series. As with other Rachel Ford series, having read this one, I simply MUST read the others. Though murder is grim and comes from dark emotions, there was lightness in the story so the grimness never weighed you down too much.
I would definitely recommend it for anyone who has enjoyed Agatha Christie mysteries or who enjoys historical mysteries (with just a bit of a modern twist).
The book is well written and well plotted. My only quibble was there were so many characters (all unique; all needed to fill out the story), I needed a cast of characters (like used to appear in paperback mystery novels). I quickly made one for myself to consult during my read. I became quite fond of most of these characters (except the clergyman), though they were often archetypal. I actually see that as a plus in cozy mysteries.
This is volume 2 in the Merry and Thatch series. As with other Rachel Ford series, having read this one, I simply MUST read the others. Though murder is grim and comes from dark emotions, there was lightness in the story so the grimness never weighed you down too much.
I would definitely recommend it for anyone who has enjoyed Agatha Christie mysteries or who enjoys historical mysteries (with just a bit of a modern twist).
July 26, 2024
This is a well written series and I just love Merry and Alec(Alice). These characters are well developed so you know how they work together and with others. Yes murder seem to fallow them everywhere they go. But they don't seem to get to over excited about it. They work well with the police and also with doctors. I love all the twist and turns that the author throws at everyone so that it take that much longer to figure out who the murderer is. I will be recommend this series to all my friends. I can't wait to start the next book in the series Murder by Poxy when it comes out next year.
July 3, 2024
Post WW1, a country estate house party. An eclectic mix of guests, from Russian nobility to a doctor and a vicar. Not to mention heiress Merry and her partner Alec Thatch, formerly known as Alice...
With secrets in everybody's backgrounds, the introduction of a famous spiritualist conducting a seance ruffles many feathers. When medium, Madam Silvie, is found murdered, it becomes clear someone will stop at nothing to keep their dirty laundry from being dragged into the the light. And the storm of the decade has washed the only access bridge away, marooning the guests along with the murderer. Can Merry and Alec uncover the truth before anyone else gets killed?
This is a very readable book, with a fine mystery and a well-developed cast of characters. Descriptions and dialogue carry the reader along, well involved with the investigation that twists and turns with abundant red herrings.
This is the first of this series I have read, and it stands alone just fine, with enough background I never felt out of my depth with who people were, and what was going on.
I did find the issue over Alec's sex rather distracting. Because the characters all believe she is a man, they refer to her in that manner, and yet as readers we are all the way being told 'she' did that, and 'she' thought that. I have absolutely no problem with Merry and Alec's relationship - it's quite in keeping with the experimental attitudes of the post WW1 period - it just seemed an unecessary complication for this novel.
The character I felt came most alive, was that of Inspector Berresford of Scotland Yard, who suffers the frustrations of dealing with the minimally competent police officer on site at the big house, when the inspector cannot get there because of the flooding. Thank goodness for telephones!
There is some action, a bit of off-screen violence, and more than one death - everything to keep murder mystery lovers enthralled. The denouement is of classic Agatha Christie style, so if that's your bag, then I recommend this book to you.
With secrets in everybody's backgrounds, the introduction of a famous spiritualist conducting a seance ruffles many feathers. When medium, Madam Silvie, is found murdered, it becomes clear someone will stop at nothing to keep their dirty laundry from being dragged into the the light. And the storm of the decade has washed the only access bridge away, marooning the guests along with the murderer. Can Merry and Alec uncover the truth before anyone else gets killed?
This is a very readable book, with a fine mystery and a well-developed cast of characters. Descriptions and dialogue carry the reader along, well involved with the investigation that twists and turns with abundant red herrings.
This is the first of this series I have read, and it stands alone just fine, with enough background I never felt out of my depth with who people were, and what was going on.
I did find the issue over Alec's sex rather distracting. Because the characters all believe she is a man, they refer to her in that manner, and yet as readers we are all the way being told 'she' did that, and 'she' thought that. I have absolutely no problem with Merry and Alec's relationship - it's quite in keeping with the experimental attitudes of the post WW1 period - it just seemed an unecessary complication for this novel.
The character I felt came most alive, was that of Inspector Berresford of Scotland Yard, who suffers the frustrations of dealing with the minimally competent police officer on site at the big house, when the inspector cannot get there because of the flooding. Thank goodness for telephones!
There is some action, a bit of off-screen violence, and more than one death - everything to keep murder mystery lovers enthralled. The denouement is of classic Agatha Christie style, so if that's your bag, then I recommend this book to you.
August 15, 2024
Trapped in a country manor with a murderer and a whole house of suspects. It's a classic setup, but that doesn't make our heroines one bit happier. Because there are always more victims in these circumstances and they would rather avoid being amongst them.
This is book two of the series, but it is written as a standalone, so no issues 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 latest installment and look forward to more adventures in the series.
Highly recommended.
This is book two of the series, but it is written as a standalone, so no issues 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 latest installment and look forward to more adventures in the series.
Highly recommended.
July 7, 2024
Murder by Rote is the second installment of the Meredith and Alec Thatch Mysteries. This installment has some issues that the first didn't, including a much more convoluted storyline that got bogged down in too many characters. So many, in fact, that at times the wrong person is mentioned, and it just didn't make sense the way the first mystery did.
Normally I'm forgiving of grammar issues and typos in ARCs because those are often caught and corrected before a book is published, but this installment suffers from the same repeated incorrect usage of apostrophes in plural, singular possessive, and plural possessive names that was extremely prevalent in the first, which I read the final published version of. I found it distracting to the point of frustration, and I'm doubtful that I'll continue with the series as a result.
I received a free ARC from StoryOrigin, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
Normally I'm forgiving of grammar issues and typos in ARCs because those are often caught and corrected before a book is published, but this installment suffers from the same repeated incorrect usage of apostrophes in plural, singular possessive, and plural possessive names that was extremely prevalent in the first, which I read the final published version of. I found it distracting to the point of frustration, and I'm doubtful that I'll continue with the series as a result.
I received a free ARC from StoryOrigin, but my review is unbiased and left voluntarily.
June 24, 2024
This book is a captivating mystery that keeps readers engaged with its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and evocative writing style.
The story centres on the murder of Madame Silvie during a house party, and the subsequent investigation led by Meredith (Merry) Thatch and her partner Alec.
Ford excels in the “show don’t tell” aspect of writing, using vivid descriptive passages to create an immersive reading adventure.
The characters’ actions and dialogue show their emotional responses, adding depth and relatability to their experiences.
However, some areas could benefit from improvement.
Certain sections of the plot feel slow because of extensive exposition. Balancing these parts with more action could enhance the pacing.
Deeper exploration of some subplots could provide a richer narrative experience.
The story centres on the murder of Madame Silvie during a house party, and the subsequent investigation led by Meredith (Merry) Thatch and her partner Alec.
Ford excels in the “show don’t tell” aspect of writing, using vivid descriptive passages to create an immersive reading adventure.
The characters’ actions and dialogue show their emotional responses, adding depth and relatability to their experiences.
However, some areas could benefit from improvement.
Certain sections of the plot feel slow because of extensive exposition. Balancing these parts with more action could enhance the pacing.
Deeper exploration of some subplots could provide a richer narrative experience.
June 24, 2024
This was a complicated and intricate murder mystery that reminded me of mysteries written and or/acted decades ago with amateur sleuths like Jessica Fletcher or Miss Marple or detectives like Holmes or Matlock (but police and not private eyes) and a large cast of characters. There were almost two dozen characters in this mystery, so red herrings were everywhere. The events were well plotted and the setting was so well described that I could see and feel the setting and the weather.
The downside for me was that I got confused as to who was who, especially since some characters used pseudonyms, mostly mentioned as in the past. At the end, I was surprised at who the killer was.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The downside for me was that I got confused as to who was who, especially since some characters used pseudonyms, mostly mentioned as in the past. At the end, I was surprised at who the killer was.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2024
An excellent read
A weekend at your favourite Aunts what could be better, well yes apart from that?
This is a great nostalgic read with a few murders and great characters the Mystic, the toyboy living of his rich lady has a Rolls he can't drive once the bridge out of the Manors gone. The pompous Vicar and several opposers yes a great mix plus a Mr and Mrs who are actually Mrs and Mrs oh and some Russian well you can read about then yourselves. As there are murders of course the police a local Bobby and the man from the Yard (Scotland Yard obviously) but he's stuck the wrong side of the bridge. All adds to the fun
The story is great an escape from reality and the suspense is really well crafted wonderful writing. I loved it and really hope You do as well.
A weekend at your favourite Aunts what could be better, well yes apart from that?
This is a great nostalgic read with a few murders and great characters the Mystic, the toyboy living of his rich lady has a Rolls he can't drive once the bridge out of the Manors gone. The pompous Vicar and several opposers yes a great mix plus a Mr and Mrs who are actually Mrs and Mrs oh and some Russian well you can read about then yourselves. As there are murders of course the police a local Bobby and the man from the Yard (Scotland Yard obviously) but he's stuck the wrong side of the bridge. All adds to the fun
The story is great an escape from reality and the suspense is really well crafted wonderful writing. I loved it and really hope You do as well.
July 1, 2024
A cozy mystery with a little but more depth than usual. This is the first time I have read a story from this author and was impressed by the amount of thought and planning that had gone into each character’s motive for the murders. Every “i” was dotted and every “t” was crossed which made it a bit laborious to get through sometimes. The characters of “Mr.” and Mrs. Thatch are very well written; a topic hidden during those times with only a few daring to flout public opinion. I need to read the first book to find out more about them and how it all started.
I thank the author for my ARC. It took me a while to get used to the American English but it didn’t detract from a good read.
I thank the author for my ARC. It took me a while to get used to the American English but it didn’t detract from a good read.
July 8, 2024
"The worst storm in decades wasn’t in the cards, though. Neither was murder. Then a guest winds up dead in suspicious circumstances – and the only road in the area washes out.
Trapped in the manor, with every guest a possible suspect – and everyone harboring secrets – Meredith and Alec race to find the murderer. Before their own secret comes out – or the killer strikes again." Meredith is stuck in a house with a murderer. Can she survive and solve the mystery?
This 1920's Cozy Mystery is good. I enjoyed the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
Trapped in the manor, with every guest a possible suspect – and everyone harboring secrets – Meredith and Alec race to find the murderer. Before their own secret comes out – or the killer strikes again." Meredith is stuck in a house with a murderer. Can she survive and solve the mystery?
This 1920's Cozy Mystery is good. I enjoyed the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
June 29, 2024
This story was super good. I did end up guessing who did it, but it wasn’t a sure thing. The story felt very Agatha Christie-esq and i really enjoyed reading it. My only complaint, apart from a couple of small editing errors, was because i had not read the first one, i couldn’t figure out what was going on with alec’s gender until i went and read a review for the first one. I would have gotten it eventually, but a little review of the main characters would have been nice so i didn’t feel confused for the whole beginning. Otherwise, it was a very fun mystery and i highly recommend it.
June 22, 2024
Murder By Rote (A Meredith and Alec Thatch Mystery Book 2), my fifty-nineth read from author Rachel Ford. This time Ford again 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 was a given 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).
June 26, 2024
This is the first book that I have read from Rachel Ford and I have enjoyed it very much. It worked well as a standalone and the author has provided enough background for each of the characters so that I understood the lay of the land, as it were. A cleverly written plot with an intriguing mystery and I enjoyed the twist at the end. I will certainly be looking out for more from this author in the future.
June 28, 2024
This had me guessing right to the very end! I enjoyed the convoluted mystery, the presence of the most believable red herrings, the workings of the minds of Merry and Alec, and the bumbling inept constable. They definitely made the story! I loved the history behind The Folly…that was pretty cool. I would be surprised if Merry and Alec ended up opening their own detective agency. This was fun to read and I loved it!
June 25, 2024
Not quite finished this terrific historical mystery, but wanted anyone else interested to know I’m loving the book. Only 4 stars because I don’t have a clue yet how this will end. However, if the more than interesting characters are any indication, along with a truly believable story, my rating is bound to go up.
June 26, 2024
I love Merry and Alec and this time they are involved in a murder mystery with lots of suspects. The story is great, and the stormy weather is so descriptive you can easily imagine yourself there. There were lots of twists and turns and I didn't see the culprit coming I have to admit. Bring on the next.
June 28, 2024
This is a fab whodunnit book that reminded me of Agatha Christie’s Marple or Heroit.
A house party turns murderous and a huge storm means that all the suspects plus Meredith and Alec alongside Inspector Beteford get trapped in the manor. There were so many twists, turns, and red herrings it was like being in a maze unable to navigate to the killer till right at the end.
A house party turns murderous and a huge storm means that all the suspects plus Meredith and Alec alongside Inspector Beteford get trapped in the manor. There were so many twists, turns, and red herrings it was like being in a maze unable to navigate to the killer till right at the end.
June 28, 2024
The book has a lot of characters and to get to the conclusion of the murders was a lot to sort through. For me it moved a bit slow in sections and while I did like the overall story, getting there was a bit longer than I would have preferred to move the story along. It is an intricate mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
June 29, 2024
Merry and Alec are visiting her aunt for a weekend get together. But then one of the guests is suddenly killed.
Great book, so much fun to read. The characters with all their little flaws are very well detailed, so that you have the feeling you are right in the middle of it all. The storyline keeps you guessing to the very end. A really wonderful book to read.
Great book, so much fun to read. The characters with all their little flaws are very well detailed, so that you have the feeling you are right in the middle of it all. The storyline keeps you guessing to the very end. A really wonderful book to read.
July 2, 2024
"Murder by Rote" is a captivating murder mystery set in England after World War 1. The story follows Merry and Alec, who are invited to a gathering at Merry's aunt's estate on an island during a massive storm. To everyone's surprise, the aunt has arranged for a medium to conduct a séance. It's fascinating to see how even the most seemingly innocent characters are hiding something. The séance results in a murder the next morning. If you enjoy classic murder mysteries from that era, I believe you will find this book to be enjoyable.
I received an arc
I received an arc
July 3, 2024
A murder mystery that happened 200 years ago in England, interesting and unique characters, vivid description of the horrible storm and the 3 murders in 3 days at the enclosed great house on an island, all these make a enjoyable read! It strongly reminds me of the famous " Death on the Nile" and the ending is a big surprise!
July 8, 2024
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review. This is a cute cozy that reminds me of reading Agatha Christie or Patricia Wentworth. A good mystery that gives the reader just enough clues to solve the story while also giving us red herrings. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next on in this series.
June 25, 2024
Very different to the previous book in the series. More hands on for Meredith and Alec. Lots of twists and no clear path as the clues and red herrings pile up. Loved the isolation provided by the weather. A well recommended read.
June 29, 2024
First book I have read by Rachel Ford. Took me
A little while to get interested but then couldn’t put
It down until the end. Did not guess which character was the murder until the last chapter. Would recommend the book
I am voluntarily giving this review from an ARC book.
A little while to get interested but then couldn’t put
It down until the end. Did not guess which character was the murder until the last chapter. Would recommend the book
I am voluntarily giving this review from an ARC book.
July 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this mystery set at a country estate. It's well written with vivid imagery and reminiscent of the Agatha Christie stories I've read in the past. The characters were well drawn and the plot kept me turning the page. If you like a good mystery, you can't go wrong with this one.
August 4, 2024
wonderful series
I hope this isn’t the end of the adventures of Alec and Merry. This was another page turner with an engaging cast of characters and many turns and twists to the mystery.
I hope this isn’t the end of the adventures of Alec and Merry. This was another page turner with an engaging cast of characters and many turns and twists to the mystery.
November 9, 2024
The BEST kind of mystery! Lots of secrets and trapped in one place during a major storm. Lots of suspense, twists and surprise secrets revealed here and there. A fun read! *I was given a copy via StoryOrgins and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
June 24, 2024
Very good mystery story with exceptional characters that keep it interesting all the way through the story
June 29, 2024
Another enjoyable read
I recommend this series its entertaining and fun read. Merry and Alex(Alice) are likeable and well developed. Murder follows them wherever they go.
I recommend this series its entertaining and fun read. Merry and Alex(Alice) are likeable and well developed. Murder follows them wherever they go.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews