A Story to Strangle For

The Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries #4

by E.V. Hunter

"A thrilling murder mystery that kept me turning the pages. Well worth a read." Bestselling author T.A. Williams. A failing hotel…

With its reputation in tatters, Alexi Ellis is determined to save her beloved Hopgood Hall from any more bad press. A writing course for wannabe journalsits shouldn't cause too many issues and will hopefully take the heat off Hopgood Hall….

A shocking death…

But disaster strikes when one of the group is found dead in a local pub. What’s worse Alexi was the last person to see the victim alive, which makes her suspect number one.

A case too close to home?

Alexi is sure she is being set up, but who would go to such deadly lengths? With her reputation and liberty on the line, this is a case Alexi, Jack and Cosmo can’t afford to leave unsolved!

Perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Frances Evesham and Emma Davies.

Readers love the Hopgood Hall series!

'If you want to dip your toe into the cosy crime genre then this is the book for you! It is incredible. I loved every word and Cosmo the cat is just hilarious' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'A Date To Die For would make a fabulous early evening television series. I really enjoyed it and look forward to much more from E V Hunter'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'The author certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one heck of a story'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Suspense

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2024

Reviews

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy mystery full of complex characters red herrings and twists and turns. A particupant on a writing course turns up strangled. This is coipled alongside a jealous unrequited love and a disapperance. I loved the twists and turns and the relationships that were expressed within complex issuses such as abuse. The final reveal seemed to happen too quickly but thus was a solid 4 star read. Look forward to the next one.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and.

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW 



Review for 'A Story To Strangle For' by E.V Hunter. 


Read and reviewed via NetGalley for E.V. Hunter, Rachel's Random Resources, Book And Tonic, Boldwood Books, Poison & Pens and The Bold Book Club. 


Publication date 6th January 2024


This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the fourth book in the 'The Hopgood Hall Murder Mystery' series but can be read as a standalone. 



This novel consists of 20 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!



Well done and thank you EV Hunter on and for an absolutely successful cosy mystery and a fantastic start (for me) in what promises to be an addictive series!!! This book is very smoothly written with vivid descriptions which really help you see what's going on around you as well as the storyline. The blurb and the cover compliment the novel perfectly.


I absolutely LOVED this book and cannot wait to read previous and future books in this series!! 


I may have never read any of this authors books prior to this one but after sinking my teeth into this cracking cozy mystery I cannot wait to get stuck into the previous and future book!! Hunter's amazing and evocative writing skills really brought everything to life all throughout the story ensuring I could see the characters, the surroundings and feel everything the characters were feeling. I absolutely loved visiting the stunning Hopgood Hall in this book and I'm looking forward to returning there in the other books. The storyline is ram packed with crime, mystery, laughter, love, friendship, suspense and absolutely everything you could ask for in a cosy mystery!!! There was no way I could finish just one chapter as even though I kept telling myself I would and then go to bed each chapter ended in a way where I just HAD to know what happened next and before I knew it I had devoured the whole book in one sitting in a few hours!!! The storyline was realistic which I always prefer as it makes it more enjoyable to read when you can see that it is something that could happen. This book is well constructed and traditional and what starts off as one murder becomes quite multi layered with all the characters backgrounds coming out. It was a very compelling read. I would never have guessed who did what and I was completely shocked by the mega twists. An absolutely fantastic read filled with suspense, mystery, twists and much more (I can't say much more as I don't want to spoil it for future readers) Congratulations E.V Hunter, it is getting harder and harder to surprise me and you did just that!!! I loved the storyline that had the characters going out to find a story for their journalistic awareness course as I have yet to read a book with a storyline like it plus it gives the reader more people to suspect and more twists to be surprised with!!! With a fantastic storyline, unforgettable characters and twists and turns you won't see coming this book is perfect to devour in front of a fire on a winters day or relaxing on the beach under the sun!


Clear your schedules and pick up this fantastic and addictive page turner today!


Although this is the fourth book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

 


I loved meeting and getting to know all the new characters (for me as it is the first book I have read in this series) who are a delightful mix of personalities with intriguing backgrounds and each one was very compelling. Alexi, Jack and Cosmo very quickly became like friends to me and I am looking forward to meeting them again. Alexi and Jack make such a sweet couple and I love that you can see the trust they have in each other as well as how well they work together. However, I have to admit that Cosmo was definitely my favourite!!! Apologies to Alexi and Jack as I loved them both but as Cosmo is a cat, and one with an attitude at that, and I run Golden Oldies Cat Rescue And Hospice then they didn't stand a chance against a cat!!! Cosmo and his attitude made me laugh so many times as he reminds me of so many cats that I have previously fostered as well as some of my Golden Gang members I have now!! Along with getting to know Alexi and Jack I also enjoyed getting to know the range of different characters, although I must admit I wasn't a fan of them all!! I did however really like DI Mark Vickery who actually respected Jack's and Alexi's opinions and thoughts even when Alexi was a potential suspect, Jack is a former detective inspector and many DI'S in books I read, which actually included one I read just before this, are pompous and refuse help from those not in the force. Vickery, though, refused to take the easy option and did the hard work to ensure he arrested the correct person. An amazing group of realistic, strong and unique characters that I have loved getting to know and am looking forward to meeting again!! 



Congratulations E.V Hunter on an absolutely fantastic and successful cosy mystery and I cannot wait to get stuck into more books in this promising series!!! 




276 pages.


This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle and £9.99 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!! 


Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook. 


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[Kelsey Rhodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars! This book is the definition of cozy crime. There is a strong storyline and there are certainly twists and turns, but it didn't feel overwhelming heavy or dark like some mystery stories do. I liked getting to know Alexi and the cast of characters and found myself amused throughout the story. Would read more books by this author in a heartbeat.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man who was attending a writing seminar has been found dead by an apparent strangulation. Alexi, the owner of the venue was the last person known to have seen him, thus she is suspect number one.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely complicated and entertwined mystery filled with diabolical red herrings and mind-bending twists as well a engaging characters.
I requested and received an EARC from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another cozy little mystery. It has some twists and turns. I don’t think it’s my favorite of the series so far. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good suspenseful mystery with lots of twists and turns multiple suspects and intriguing character's. An enjoyable story all round. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publication Date: 06th Jan 2024

4 Stars

One Liner: A compact and engaging mystery

Alexi is determined to save Hopgood Hall’s reputation and prevent it from being termed a murder center. She uses her journalistic experience and contacts to conduct a five-day course for wannabe journalists. The course begins well, though there’s a minor annoyance.

However, when a murder happens, Alexi is distraught. Her attempts to divert the attention from the Hall backfired. Worse, she is the last person to see the dead person alive. While Alexi is not a prime suspect, she and Jack know things can change at any instant. The duo has no choice but to solve the case and free her name. Cosmos is more than happy to tag along if he can terrorize a few suspects on the way.

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Alexi and Jack.

My Thoughts:

Alexi and Jack are back in the next installment of the series. The book should work as a standalone since there’s enough background information to update you about their pasts. However, there will be many spoilers about their relationship.

Here, we seem to have two issues running in parallel. The mystery is one, and the insecurities in Alexi and Jack’s relationship are the other. Given that the suspect list may include people from their lives, this blend works well to most extent.

The mystery is really good. There are multiple threads and possibilities. We know everything will come together, but the path to this is not straightforward. I enjoyed reading how they uncovered information at every stage and regrouped to adjust the hypothesis. Quite a few red herrings, too.

Cosmo is being himself, alert to Alexi’s changing moods (it’s not easy being a suspect), and flaunting his royal attitude. Of course, this fluffy black cat has an accurate character-assessment meter, which helps Alexi and Jack vet their suspects.

Drew and Cheryl have relatively minor roles in this book compared to the previous ones. They are worried, though they continue to support Alexi. After all, despite their fears, murders attract more crowds and bring extra income.

The title and the cover suit the book. While you can guess how the murder was committed, you can also guess a crucial element of the mystery if you pay attention.

To summarize, A Story to Strangle For is a steady-paced cozy mystery with twists and turns that come together to make sense. The next murder might happen elsewhere, which could bring some relief to the Hopgood Hall’s owners.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #AStoryToStrangeFor

**

P.S.: A few too many ‘insofar’s (only 3-4 but still too many).

[Ilana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books featuring communications experts and journalists, because it resonates so much with my own professional experiences. I know for sure that a book, especially a murder mystery, casting such professionals guarantees a lot of intellectual challenges and fun.

With still a couple of months ahead to be spent in semi-darkness and cold, and few days into the New Year after long vacations, what can be better than getting back to the reading corner with a cosy mystery. A Story to Strangle For by E.V. Hunter kept me busy the last Monday morning for few intellectually eventful hours and it was exactly what I needed to start the week right.

Going through a rough personal and professional episode, Alexi Ellis is decided to get back her reputation and start anew. But as in life, it´s sometimes harder than expected. She has a plan which on paper looks perfect: organising a writing course for journalists. An idea that may save her reputation and take her beloved Hopegood Hall in Lambourn. However, disaster struck again, as one of the participants is found dead, and the only one that saw this person for the last time is no other than poor Alexi. Thus, finding the culprit as soon as possible is more than a matter of reputation: it may involve saving her freedom as well.

Alexi Ellis is the kind of characters I would love to meet in real life too. Creative, bold, courageous, acting perfectly under duress and first and foremost a journalist. The ways in which she leads the investigations is smart, and got completely caught off guard until the end, although I was offered enough hints to have a guess or two.

E.V.Hunter succeeded to manage a complex story which take diverse turns, covering a very big variety of subjects, including abuse and trauma, abusive relationship, criminal behavior. The whole setting is very wild, as it seems that everyone and their pets do hide something from the rest of the world. An intricate net of secrets that in crime novels as in real life it may cost lives and reputations.

A Story to Strangle For is a standalone, but it is part of the fourth in the Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries Series, which is a good news, because it seems I may have some good mysteries waiting for me for the next dark cold weeks to come.

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of a book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

After three murders affecting Lambourn and the Hopgood Hall hotel, Alexi Ellis feels like she has brought some kind of curse to the area, something which some of the locals led by B&B owner Polly seem to agree on. Her partner, private investigator Jack Maddox, a former Met detective, is terrified that any more bad press will send her running back to London and into the arms of her slimy former boyfriend Patrick. In an effort to raise the positive profile of the hotel and deciding that murder mystery weekends might be a little too close to home, Alexi has started a journalistic awareness course, with an initial six very diverse amateurs all hoping for a spot in the local paper if their work is chosen at the end. Thinking how well it is going on the penultimate day, the very last thing Jack needs is to be present on a case of his own at a nearby pub when the strangled body of one of Alexi’s students is found in the gents. Could it be something to do with the piece that the man was working on, that of the possible sighting of a wanted fugitive from justice? The story that caused the victim to upset the pub manager and argue with Alexi not long before he met his end? Or something deeper and darker from his past? Who exactly was he? Once again, Jack’s former colleague DI Mark Vickery arrives with DC Hogan to investigate the case. With Alexi as prime suspect, this time it’s personal, and Jack and Alexi will need to use all their skills to solve the murder and clear her name but just who wanted Peter dead and Alexi in the frame for murder?
All the very likeable main characters are back, including Cheryl, Drew, baby Verity and of course Cosmo, the incredibly large black cat with plenty of attitude and his adoring friend Toby the terrier. In fact Cosmo, a cat with excellent judgement where people are concerned, is most probably the real star of these books (but don’t tell him, it will only go to his head!). Lots of surprising twists make this a gripping story with some good suspects, and the easy writing style makes it a book incredibly easy to get lost in and enjoy. I am already looking forward to book five, A Deadly Affair.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexi Ellis has got a challenge of epic proportions on her hands as she tries to save her beloved Hopgood Hall in the fourth nail-biting title in the series, A Story to Strangle For.

Hopgood Hall seems to be dogged by bad luck and even worse publicity. With its reputation in the gutter, it’s going to take a miracle for Alexi and her team to reverse the ailing fortunes of the house that means everything to them. Still, Alexi refuses to give up without a fight and she is determined to do whatever it takes to turn things around. A writing retreat for aspiring journalists should be harmless enough – until mayhem – and murder – ensues…

One of the group attending the retreat has been found dead in the local pub – and Alexi is the very last person to have seen him alive. Finding herself as the prime suspect in this murder is the very last thing she needs at the moment. With a business to save, her name in the gutter and her freedom at stake, Alexi and her team need to find out whodunnit – fast.

Alexi is sure that she’s being set up, but who would go to such dastardly lengths? And why? With her team behind her, Alexi will leave no stone unturned to clear her name and unmask the culprit – even if it means putting herself in danger.

E V Hunter’s A Story to Strangle For is a gripping cozy mystery readers will polish off in one sitting. Fast-paced, exciting and unpredictable, readers will be on the edge of their seats desperate to find out who is setting Alexi up – and whether Hopgood Hall can ever be saved.

Perfect for cozy mystery fans, E V Hunter’s A Story to Strangle For is sure to entertain and delight.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Krystina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved my last E.V Hunter book so much that when I saw this one I had to read it. I've loved being back at Hopgood Hall and meeting all the familiar characters again, Cosmo is one of my favourites I love that he's so protective of Alexi and so spot on with his dislike of certain people. Don't get me wrong I really love seeing everything from Alexi and Jack's points of view but I had so many chuckles at Cosmo's behaviour, he's the star really.
I've loved the writing style of both books I've read, I found it so easy to get drawn into the story and engrossed in it, I swear I don't normally ignore people when they talk but this book was so all-encompassing when I was reading that I just didn't notice them. It's been such an enjoyable style to read.
I loved seeing more of Alexi and Jack's relationship in this one, I've only read two of the four books so I didn't see how it started but I got some more filler information in this book and I liked how it rounded out what I knew about them. There were so many different options for the murderer and I loved that I was never quite sure who did it until we were near the end, While I like trying to figure out ahead of time who did it, it's always best when I'm left guessing.
All in all, I've loved discovering this series of books and while I hope for Alexi's sake there aren't too many more murders at Hopgood Hall, I'm secretly hoping that this is a long series because it's just the right kind of cosy mystery for me.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: Looking for a great mystery series that has appealing and believable characters and a plot with twists and turns, intrigues and deceptions. Alexi has left London and her investigative journalist job at the newspaper run by her former lover. Jack left London and the Met when his career crumpled. Both of them were victims of betrayal and lies. They have found each other but there are those from their previous lives who refuse to let them get on with it. To what degree these people would descend to scupper their lives and love is gobsmacking. They will resort to almost anything but does that include murder?

As the two sort through all the machinations, Alexi is running a retreat for six people who are interested in investigative reporting. The deceased is one of them. It is possible that the killer is also one of them. But whether or not this is true is irrelevant to those in the village who claim Alexi is a jinx and should be ostracized and sent on her way. At times it must seem like almost everyone is lined up against the couple. Will it drive them apart or closer together? If kitty Cosmo has anything to say of the matter- and Cosmo never hides his feelings- they will emerge stronger.

It is a story where possession is disguised as love and truth is something very hard to find. It kept me riveted from beginning to end. Five purrs and two paws up.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Story to Strangle For is an enjoyable contemporary cosy murder mystery with an absorbing storyline and memorable characters. It is the first of E.V. Hunter‘s Hopgood Hall mysteries I have read but I don’t think it will be the last. Although this is number four in the series, it was fine to read as a standalone book because background information was given about the characters as needed.

I liked getting to know ex-journalist and amateur sleuth Alexi, her partner Jack and Cosmo the judgmental cat. 🙂 There is a lovely bond between the three of them. The story is perfectly plotted and well written, introducing new characters among the wannabe journalists and balancing these with existing ones like bubbly Cheryl and Drew and tame police Inspector Vickery.

The writing style is modern and confident and is easy to get engrossed in. The investigation is fun, I wanted to know whodunit and I did not guess the ending. I could imagine this being made into a television series along the lines of Midsomer Murders or Agatha Raisin. A Story to Strangle For really does have all the attributes needed for a good cosy mystery and I fully recommend it to fans of the genre.

Thank you to the publisher for my copy of A Story to Strangle For and to Rachel’s Random Resources for my spot on the tour.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fourth instalment of the Hopgood Hall Murder Mystery series centres on Alexi Ellis’s new project: teaching a journalism course featuring six students competing for space in a national newspaper.

When one of Alexi’s students winds up murdered (the fourth murder since she moved to Lambourn), she is viewed by the locals and the police as a person of interest.

Desperate to prove her innocence, she and her partner Jack Maddox (an ex-cop, now private investigator) dig into the complicated case to find out exactly what happened to Peter Foreman and why.

I requested an e-ARC of this book because I have read the first three instalments. I was excited to get started on this one but the first half took me a week to read. It was very slow and repetitive and heavily focused on Alexi and Jack’s insecurities in their new relationship.

I almost DNF’d this book but I read some reviews from other readers that they enjoyed the story. The final half was much, much better and I really enjoyed untangling the complicated web of Peter Foreman’s life and how everything was connected.

The second half was 4 stars but the first half, I’d only give 2 stars so I’ve averaging out at ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

Thank you to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!!

[LJ (ljwritesandreviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounded up from 2.5

A story to strangle for is the fourth in the Hopgood Hall murder mysteries but works perfectly fine as a standalone.

This book started off strong for me. Alexi is running an exclusive course for a select few wannabe journalists. One of them ends up dead. Alexi, who already has a reputation for being a trouble magnet, is high on the list of suspects.

I liked Alexi and Jack as a couple. Alexi is a former journalist and Jack a police officer turned private investigator. They gelled well together during their investigations, playing off one another. It was also entertaining to see their journey as a fairly new couple and the pitfalls around that.

There was plenty of initial intrigue and tension, but then we hit the midpoint, and that's where it started to go wrong for me. I felt like there weren't enough suspects and the story relied on coincidences. As for the killer reveal... I also wasn't sold on it, nor the motive behind the murder.

I wouldn't rule out reading another book in this series as I enjoyed the characters. I just wish the mystery in this book had been better.

[Inishowen Cailín · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having not read any previous books in the series, I enjoyed this one immensely. I will definitely want to check out the first book and continue crime solving with Alexi, Jack and Cosmo.

In this instalment, another murder with a connection to Alexi is the last thing she needs. Jack is worried that it will be enough to send her packing and end their fledgling romance. However, Alexi is made of sterner stuff and she is determined to get answers and find the real killer.

For a cosy crime novel, it surprisingly alludes to some dark themes (other than murder) such as institutional child abuse and domestic abuse. However, the subject matter is dealt with sympathetically and it doesn't weigh the story down.

I admire how the author ties everything together. There was more than one twist I didn't see coming so the story held my attention and kept me guessing. There were a few people I didn't know whether to trust or not.

This was a satisfying read, clever and twisty with a group of characters I want to read more of.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journalism workshop at Hopgood Hall.

Alexi once again tries to bolster the boutique inn in which she’s invested by having a journalism workshop for interested writers. To test the waters, the first group is a small group from a group approved by Alexi’s former lover and editor,
Patrick. Patrick will judge the final submissions for publication in the paper he edits. Hopgood Hall has too frequently received attention about murders at the inn and Alexi is trying her best to improve her relations with the village. When one of the participants is found dead, the focus on murder and its reflection on the inn causes Alexi and her partner Jack to investigate. This book is all about relationships, Alexi and Jack’s with interference from Patrick and Jack’s business partner Cassie; the victim and one of the other participants; a missing woman and her husband; Patrick and one of the participants; and more. The past has a strong influence on the plot here. Another enjoyable read about Jack and Alexi (and that picky cat, Cosmo).

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in this mystery series, set in a hotel in racing country.

Alexi has invested in a hotel and conference centre run by her best friend and husband. There have been several murders in the area since Alexi moved there, which has affected the hotel trade. Before Alexi moved to the area, she was a successful journalist in London; to capitalise on this, she is running a writing course for would be journalists.

When one of her course participants is murdered, she and her partner, Jack, an ex policeman turned private investigator have to find out what happened and who killed the person as its clear Alexi is being set up. Alexi's ex partner, Patrick, the man who caused her to walk out of the job she loved, is involved in the course and has never given up hope of reconciling with her.

It was a really good read, which kept me guessing to the end.

Each book is a standalone mystery, but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

[Caitlin Gonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

E.V. Hunter’s 4th book in The Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries series follows Alexi Ellis as she conducts a writing course for wannabe journalists at Hopgood Hall. Her hope is that the reputation of the Hall focuses on something other than its murderous past.

Unfortunately for Alexi, one of her students is found dead, and Alexi is supposed the last to see him alive. Feeling like she is being set up, Alexi, Jack, and Cosmo the cat must find out who would want such tragic results before she winds up in jail, or worse.

This is not a standalone novel. While not often, there were moments of “who the heck is this person? What is their relationship?” Not confusing, but obvious that I was missing something. I liked DI Mark Vickery, because he did not reject the amateurs’ help, but he also didn’t encourage it either. I hated Cassie, and something tell me she would have been the character that I felt the series could do without. I can’t stand people who think they are better for someone. He’s not into you, boo. Move on.

I enjoyed the mystery. There were plenty of red herrings, and I honesty wasn’t expecting the overall result. I was glad of who the killer was, though. It felt like well-deserved closure. Alexi’s attitude, or self-pity, however, did not help. There were moments when it seemed like she was giving up, and I was just like “not yet girl. There’s still time.” I also didn’t like Jack burying his head in the sand until he couldn’t anymore.

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Story to Strangle For by E.V. Hunter is a very good story. I read it in one sitting as I couldn't put it down. The story had suspense, multiple suspects, and interesting characters.

The story is about Alexi Ellis, who is determined to save her beloved Hopgood Hall from any more bad press. A writing course for wannabe journalists shouldn't cause too many issues and will hopefully take the heat off Hopgood Hall. But, of course, disaster strikes when one of the group is found dead in a local pub. What’s worse, Alexi was the last person to see the victim alive, which makes her suspect number one.

The book falls into the cozy mystery genre. Cosmo the cat is a great character! This is book 4 in the series.

I would recommend this book, as it is a fun, enjoyable read with a good mystery.

#AStorytoStrangleFor #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review:
Hopgood Hall is a lovely place, there’s nice and likeable people but the murder rate is on par with some of the most violent places in the world.
People can be a bit nervous around the owner of the place and when there’s a new murder Alexi and Jack must find a solution to avoid further bad press.
It’s a twisty and complex mystery, there’s plenty of suspects and there a lot of surprises. Anyone can be the culprit, friend included.
It’s a slow burning story, the first part slower and preparing for the second one which is fast paced, and action packed.
It can be read as a stand-alone and it’s an enjoyable story. I found the first part a bit slow but this is a matter of taste.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

[Georgina Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another story in the Hopgood Hall hotel series and another fab read. Following on from the murders in the previous books, Alexi hopes to rebuild the hotels reputation by using her own and starting a journalist writing course. As ever, things don’t go smoothly when another murder is committed.

There are plenty of twists in this one, new and old characters surfacing and adding themselves to the suspect list. Jack won’t let Alexi or the hotel take the brunt of this one and sets out to find the truth. Cosmo is ever present, letting them know in no uncertain terms who can and can’t be trusted.

I did think that the business with Cassie was emphasised a bit much in this book, I’m sure it was resolved a couple of books back in the series so it seemed a bit weird to bring it back up and with such force in this one, but it was vital to the story so did fit in a way.

Hopefully there’ll be more from this series - a perfect cosy mystery series that I’m fully invested in!

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hotel where murders have taken place
Has Alexi Ellis endeavouring to help it save face.
This renown journalist is hosting a course there
For just six who journalist dreams share.

However, a killer strikes nearby once more
As a participant is murdered, that Alexi can't ignore.
She was the last one known to see the victim alive
To find the killer she, Jack - and Cosmo - will now strive.

A fascinating read where the participants history
Add to the evidence needed to solve this mystery.
With jealousy, a disappearance and so much more
There are a plethora of clues to be found and to explore.

I really enjoyed this contemporary cosy murder mystery
And how sometimes present events link to childhood history.
For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in The Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries sees investigative journalist Alexi running a prestigious course for would-be journalists at Hopgood Hall. It's an attempt to focus on the positive aspects of the hotel rather than the murders that have taken place. Predictably, things go wrong, and what follows is an engaging, cosy mystery with noir elements that have Alexi and her partner, Jack, the private investigator, at the forefront.
I like the characterisation, the dynamic between Alexi, Jack and Cosmo, the cat who is an astute judge of character. The investigation is well-paced and includes new, diverse characters and old familiar ones.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[zoe Hitchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexi Ellis is running a writing course for would be journalists at Hopgood Hall.
As expected things don’t run smoothly when an attendee of the course is found dead at the local pub .
To add to Alexi ‘s woes she was the last person to see the victim alive .
Alexi’s partner Jack begins to look in to the murder in his role as a private investigator.
The story is well written and the dynamic between Alexi and Jack works well .
There are plenty of twists and turns and red herrings in the story and I didn’t guess the perpetrator .
An enjoyable cosy mystery read .
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Story to Strangle For by E.V. Hunter is the forth book in the The Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries series this is the first book I have read and really enjoyed it. This book was a cosy mystery book and a very easy read especially as it has great characters lots of good red herrings with twists and turns, that will have you guessing to the very end! Very clever.

I had no problem getting into this book especially as I have not read the other three books, but I will be going back to purchase them as they were a quick and easy read, which is great for a raining day or a holiday.

Big thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood for my ARC.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good murder mystery. It's set in the English countryside & has a cat as a prominent character, which I am a fan of.

I did get a little confused at times because I had not read the others in this series, & because there are quite a few characters at play.

I think this could have done with a bit more editing. There were several things that repeated themselves, whether actual thoughts / sentences, or just how the author described the characters doing something.

It did have a good ending & I might come back to the others in this series at some point.

[Lubybel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like to be taken on a journey full of twists and turns this book is definitely for you. A triumph for the Author as she has written a page turner with a complex storyline. I'm not usually a reader of murder mystery, but I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by E. V. Hunter. I am looking forward to reading more of her books and fully recommend A Story To Strangle For. My appreciation goes to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this advance copy for my honest review.

[MS M ADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series.

The plot was complex with several twists and turns and I wasn’t sure exactly who had done it until the end. If I have one criticism it would be the several references to Civil Servants being pedantic and boring! Most civil servants don’t work in top secret departments and certainly aren’t boring! I am looking forward to the next one very much!