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Peridale Cafe #28
Eton Mess and Enemies
Delve deep into the heart and history of Peridale, under the watchful gaze of the moon and the camera lens...When a lauded documentary filmmaker sets foot in Julia's Café in the charming village of Peridale deep in the Cotswolds, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. They arrive to celebrate the completion of Barker Brown's much-anticipated second novel, casting the quaint town and its colourful inhabitants into the limelight. But as the excitement of the filming reverberates in the air, a chilling mystery unfolds under the glow of a full moon, drawing Julia and Barker into the heart of an enigma.The peace in Peridale shatters with the shocking discovery of Arthur Foster's body. Barker, a private investigator, had been tasked with locating Foster—an infamous arsonist—on behalf of the troubled Knight family. Found murdered in an eerie, abandoned forest dwelling adorned with candles and cryptic symbols, the crime scene hints at a sinister, perhaps ancient ritual behind the murder.As the camera lens captures their every move, Julia and Barker find themselves swept into the complex web of an investigation. From arson to gangs, and hushed whispers of a moon-centric cult, they must untangle the connections and hidden truths as reality and fiction intertwine, blurring the lines between Barker's novels and the mysteries unfolding in real life.
A FUN British village cosy/cozy mystery packed with HEART, HUMOUR, FAMILY DRAMA, and plenty of TWISTS and TURNS! The 28th book in the BESTSELLING Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Series. Standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A cat loving and cafe-owning amateur female sleuth set in a small village setting with quirky characters. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes.
A FUN British village cosy/cozy mystery packed with HEART, HUMOUR, FAMILY DRAMA, and plenty of TWISTS and TURNS! The 28th book in the BESTSELLING Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Series. Standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A cat loving and cafe-owning amateur female sleuth set in a small village setting with quirky characters. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2023
261 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Frost
75 books597 followersAGATHA FROST, an Amazon bestselling author, has written over thirty mystery novels. She lives in the North West English county of Lancashire with her two cuddly beagles and one cat.
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 2, 2023
As the 28th entry in the Peridale Cafe mystery series begins, Julia and Barker are getting ready to meet a documentary crew who are set to arrive in Peridale to produce a film about Barker! Julia's annoying grandmother Dot is arguing with everyone, proclaiming she was once an actress, and insisting she should be in the documentary.
I'll admit I was very afraid that Dot was going to take over this book. Worse yet, I feared we would once again get her POV. Fortunately, that didn't happen! While Dot makes a few more appearances, they're relatively brief, and she never dominates the story.
Instead, we once again get rotating POV, featuring Julia, Barker, and Jessie (their adopted daughter). Once again, there is character development, as Jessie is settling in more to working on the local newspaper as an investigative reporter. Julia is more focused on the cafe, although she does do some investigating. And Barker is still working as a PI, in addition to writing.
It's in Barker's role as PI that the mystery pops up for this book. I found the mystery intriguing, and at times definitely dark. I wasn't sure who the villain was until fairly well along in the book. The book ends with a couple looming issues, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next entry in the series.
I'll admit I was very afraid that Dot was going to take over this book. Worse yet, I feared we would once again get her POV. Fortunately, that didn't happen! While Dot makes a few more appearances, they're relatively brief, and she never dominates the story.
Instead, we once again get rotating POV, featuring Julia, Barker, and Jessie (their adopted daughter). Once again, there is character development, as Jessie is settling in more to working on the local newspaper as an investigative reporter. Julia is more focused on the cafe, although she does do some investigating. And Barker is still working as a PI, in addition to writing.
It's in Barker's role as PI that the mystery pops up for this book. I found the mystery intriguing, and at times definitely dark. I wasn't sure who the villain was until fairly well along in the book. The book ends with a couple looming issues, and I'm definitely looking forward to the next entry in the series.
July 29, 2024
The Cult of Lunara And A Grieving Family!
"Eton Mess and Enemies" is Book 28 of the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series, written by Agatha Frost. I love this series about Julia, Barker, and Jessie Brown, mom, dad and adopted daughter. Each of these characters are like real life people, and each of them strive to solve all of the current murders and mysteries. Julia is a cafe owner who has a knack for solving mysteries. Barker is a former D.I., turned P.I., and has written a best selling book about a cold case disappearance/murder case. Jessie is Julia and Barker's adopted older daughter. The couple also has a baby named Olivia who will be a year old in November. I absolutely love this series and recommend it to anyone who likes Agatha Christie. The new characters in each new book are introduced similarly to an Agatha Christie novel. This episode is about a documentary film crew that comes to Peridale to film a documentary about Barker, his first best-selling book, and the possibility of his second book; three current murders in town that look as though they are part of a cult ritual from the legendary thousands of years old Cult of Lunara and moon cycles; and an ending you may not guess before the big reveal. I am 69 years old and have read literally thousands of books in my lifetime. I pride myself at being able to solve the mystery and the killer long before they are revealed in the book. Let me remind everybody of that old saying, "Pride cometh before a fall." This book was one of the very few that I was shocked by who the killer was. Another thing I liked was the crazy rivalry between Julia's elderly grandmother, Dot, and another elderly woman in town, Ethel White. Those scenes were hilarious, the comic relief. Another main character to watch is Evelyn, the B&B 's fortune-teller psychic owner. She might actually have you believing in her mumbo jumbo visions before the end of the book. I gave this book a 5 star rating.
"Eton Mess and Enemies" is Book 28 of the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series, written by Agatha Frost. I love this series about Julia, Barker, and Jessie Brown, mom, dad and adopted daughter. Each of these characters are like real life people, and each of them strive to solve all of the current murders and mysteries. Julia is a cafe owner who has a knack for solving mysteries. Barker is a former D.I., turned P.I., and has written a best selling book about a cold case disappearance/murder case. Jessie is Julia and Barker's adopted older daughter. The couple also has a baby named Olivia who will be a year old in November. I absolutely love this series and recommend it to anyone who likes Agatha Christie. The new characters in each new book are introduced similarly to an Agatha Christie novel. This episode is about a documentary film crew that comes to Peridale to film a documentary about Barker, his first best-selling book, and the possibility of his second book; three current murders in town that look as though they are part of a cult ritual from the legendary thousands of years old Cult of Lunara and moon cycles; and an ending you may not guess before the big reveal. I am 69 years old and have read literally thousands of books in my lifetime. I pride myself at being able to solve the mystery and the killer long before they are revealed in the book. Let me remind everybody of that old saying, "Pride cometh before a fall." This book was one of the very few that I was shocked by who the killer was. Another thing I liked was the crazy rivalry between Julia's elderly grandmother, Dot, and another elderly woman in town, Ethel White. Those scenes were hilarious, the comic relief. Another main character to watch is Evelyn, the B&B 's fortune-teller psychic owner. She might actually have you believing in her mumbo jumbo visions before the end of the book. I gave this book a 5 star rating.
September 9, 2023
We are on the 28th book of this great cosy mystery series, and the stories don't get old. They get better! Peridale, home to Julia and Barker, cafe owner, and Police Detective turned author and PI; they get involved in the plethora of murders which seem to happen there. Their adopted daughter, Jessie, has just started work as a journalist on a local paper, and they have a young daughter Olivia. There are other regular characters, too, Dot and Percy; Evelyn, Shilpa, Julia's step mum Katie, and Laura Moyes, who is the local detective.
This story revolves around Evelyn's B&B, and a family staying there after their house was the subject of arson. Barker and Julia are being filmed for a documentary about their crime solving successes, and it takes a sinister turn when the likely suspect for the fire is found dead by Barker, in a mysterious way.
Jessie is her usual headstrong self. She gets involved in research for an article that is linked to the murders, but which gets her into trouble, the kind she may not survive.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, and I hope there are many more books to come. Well worth putting this book on your reading list!
Although each book is a standalone mystery, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and bigger storyline.
I'm looking forward to the next adventure in Peridale!
This story revolves around Evelyn's B&B, and a family staying there after their house was the subject of arson. Barker and Julia are being filmed for a documentary about their crime solving successes, and it takes a sinister turn when the likely suspect for the fire is found dead by Barker, in a mysterious way.
Jessie is her usual headstrong self. She gets involved in research for an article that is linked to the murders, but which gets her into trouble, the kind she may not survive.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, and I hope there are many more books to come. Well worth putting this book on your reading list!
Although each book is a standalone mystery, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and bigger storyline.
I'm looking forward to the next adventure in Peridale!
September 2, 2023
Another Five-star Episode in Peridale
So delighted to renew my life in Peridale, following the lives of Julia and Barker and Jessie and Dot and, and, and all of my favorite Peridale characters. This episode was almost too scary for me - if I didn't love Agatha Frost's Peridale as much, I might have stopped reading. However, I pushed through the scariest to totally enjoy the bickering between Julia's Gran (Dot) and Ethel, Evelyn's psychic input and Costa Rican tea, and finding that Jessie has grown into an amazing young woman, whose impetuous actions scared me, too, but she's so courageous. Interestingly, I figured out the murderer very quickly, but it wasn't until Agatha revealed that person and the reason for the murders that my belief was confirmed. It's another totally successful book with hints about the future, and now I'm waiting for the next sequel, dancing from foot to foot.
So delighted to renew my life in Peridale, following the lives of Julia and Barker and Jessie and Dot and, and, and all of my favorite Peridale characters. This episode was almost too scary for me - if I didn't love Agatha Frost's Peridale as much, I might have stopped reading. However, I pushed through the scariest to totally enjoy the bickering between Julia's Gran (Dot) and Ethel, Evelyn's psychic input and Costa Rican tea, and finding that Jessie has grown into an amazing young woman, whose impetuous actions scared me, too, but she's so courageous. Interestingly, I figured out the murderer very quickly, but it wasn't until Agatha revealed that person and the reason for the murders that my belief was confirmed. It's another totally successful book with hints about the future, and now I'm waiting for the next sequel, dancing from foot to foot.
September 15, 2023
Twists & Turns - an interesting, fun, read
I truly adore this series and anxiously awaited the publication of this book! AND, like many, hope all is well in Agatha Frost's world!
This story will keep you guessing "Who done it"! Peridale is such a quaint little village and the residents thereof become almost like family, they certainly become like old friends.
In this release, as in all the series books, the characters have depth, the plot is diabolical and with dimension. You will enjoy figuring who the evil protagonist is!! So grab a coffee, tea or whatever you like to drink, buckle up and enjoy the ride.
You will be glad you did for sure.
Let this series continue on and on so we can continue our visits to Peridale, enjoy their company and escape into their world for an afternoon, leaving ours behind for awhile!
I truly adore this series and anxiously awaited the publication of this book! AND, like many, hope all is well in Agatha Frost's world!
This story will keep you guessing "Who done it"! Peridale is such a quaint little village and the residents thereof become almost like family, they certainly become like old friends.
In this release, as in all the series books, the characters have depth, the plot is diabolical and with dimension. You will enjoy figuring who the evil protagonist is!! So grab a coffee, tea or whatever you like to drink, buckle up and enjoy the ride.
You will be glad you did for sure.
Let this series continue on and on so we can continue our visits to Peridale, enjoy their company and escape into their world for an afternoon, leaving ours behind for awhile!
January 14, 2024
Plot Twist's
This is a great whodunit read. I loved the variety of character's and possible killer's or killer. The cult angle was very interesting. I won't give spoiler alerts. I've been keeping up with the Period ale Cafe series for awhile now I have not been bored. If you enjoy
colorful character's like Evelyn tarot card reading hippie and full of plot twists I highly recommend this whole series of
book's. I'm on to book #29.
This is a great whodunit read. I loved the variety of character's and possible killer's or killer. The cult angle was very interesting. I won't give spoiler alerts. I've been keeping up with the Period ale Cafe series for awhile now I have not been bored. If you enjoy
colorful character's like Evelyn tarot card reading hippie and full of plot twists I highly recommend this whole series of
book's. I'm on to book #29.
June 4, 2024
Oh boy!
Oh my moon and stars. A documentary being made in the village regarding Barker's new book has brought out the usual busy bodies vowing to get into the film but when a murders occurs based on an obscure ancient lunar cult the village is shocked. Julia and Barker are trying to solve the case, meanwhile our intrepid reporter Jessie is up to neck trying to bring down a criminal gang with ties to a local MP. Great writing and wonderful characters make for a great read.
Oh my moon and stars. A documentary being made in the village regarding Barker's new book has brought out the usual busy bodies vowing to get into the film but when a murders occurs based on an obscure ancient lunar cult the village is shocked. Julia and Barker are trying to solve the case, meanwhile our intrepid reporter Jessie is up to neck trying to bring down a criminal gang with ties to a local MP. Great writing and wonderful characters make for a great read.
September 1, 2023
Different
I loved this book though I found it so different to he others in the series. At times really spooky. Jessie I was sure was going to get out, Billy is a keeper, he deserves his family but can still be Jessie’s friend. Jessie is not ready to settle down. The scene with Barker as really scary I was really afraid for him. Nicely done. Can’t wait for the next one.
I loved this book though I found it so different to he others in the series. At times really spooky. Jessie I was sure was going to get out, Billy is a keeper, he deserves his family but can still be Jessie’s friend. Jessie is not ready to settle down. The scene with Barker as really scary I was really afraid for him. Nicely done. Can’t wait for the next one.
September 1, 2023
Another exciting instalment
This series just gets better and the developing relationships between the characters gives hope of more to come. Not to mention other developments threatening the village! Looking forward to the next one!
This series just gets better and the developing relationships between the characters gives hope of more to come. Not to mention other developments threatening the village! Looking forward to the next one!
September 3, 2023
A mess"y" story, but intense and worth the read
I'm going back to reread the latter half of the book, I got a little lost in the details but it was a good story with plenty of plot twists to keep you interested.
I'm going back to reread the latter half of the book, I got a little lost in the details but it was a good story with plenty of plot twists to keep you interested.
September 5, 2023
Death and docomrntaries
Another get read by Agatha Frost. Barker gets more than her bargained for with a documentary crew following him and Peridale residents, telling g the story of murder and intrigue from his first book about Astrid.
Another get read by Agatha Frost. Barker gets more than her bargained for with a documentary crew following him and Peridale residents, telling g the story of murder and intrigue from his first book about Astrid.
September 6, 2023
Another stunner!
As usual, Miss Frost keeps us captivated with plot twists and turns as she reveals a little more background of some of our favorite characters; as well as intriguing new characters. I can't wait for the next book!!
As usual, Miss Frost keeps us captivated with plot twists and turns as she reveals a little more background of some of our favorite characters; as well as intriguing new characters. I can't wait for the next book!!
September 21, 2023
Full Moon Madness!
Who knows what will be uncovered in the tiny town of Peridale? Its great reading to find out what is buried deep within the stones walls of the Cotswolds. Enjoyed following Barker and Julia as they uncover those secrets.
Who knows what will be uncovered in the tiny town of Peridale? Its great reading to find out what is buried deep within the stones walls of the Cotswolds. Enjoyed following Barker and Julia as they uncover those secrets.
Read
September 23, 2023Documentary and the moon
Another great book from Perindale I never get bored of these mysteries they are so well written you feel you are part of the village so great news that their is more to come
Another great book from Perindale I never get bored of these mysteries they are so well written you feel you are part of the village so great news that their is more to come
October 2, 2023
Eton Mess and Enemies
The author really outdid herself with this one. Baker and Julia didn't see this coming. The killer I never saw that one. This little town is full of mystery.
The author really outdid herself with this one. Baker and Julia didn't see this coming. The killer I never saw that one. This little town is full of mystery.
November 6, 2023
Loved this book!
Twists and turns, exciting, humorous, and beautiful setting. Very enjoyable and takes you away from everyday stresses. I feel better after reading an Agatha Frost novel. Thank you!
Twists and turns, exciting, humorous, and beautiful setting. Very enjoyable and takes you away from everyday stresses. I feel better after reading an Agatha Frost novel. Thank you!
Read
November 30, 2023Great book!!!
I really enjoyed this book!!! Hard to believe that I have enjoyed reading all 28 and I am eager to start the next one!!! 28!!!! Wow!!!! That should let you know how great they are!!!!!!😁😁😁😁
I really enjoyed this book!!! Hard to believe that I have enjoyed reading all 28 and I am eager to start the next one!!! 28!!!! Wow!!!! That should let you know how great they are!!!!!!😁😁😁😁
August 30, 2023
another Exciting Peridale Cafe cozy mystery
Full of many twists and turns, you’ll love this book!!! Love the characters, can not wait for their next adventure
Full of many twists and turns, you’ll love this book!!! Love the characters, can not wait for their next adventure
September 4, 2023
I really enjoy this series. The suspense in this one was good and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
September 8, 2023
28 books in and still they pull you into another great read.
Dare I say it but this might be the best one yet.
All I need now is book 29
Dare I say it but this might be the best one yet.
All I need now is book 29
September 12, 2023
Wonderful read
I love these books all the characters are brilliantly written, they make me laugh ,I would recommend this book anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
I love these books all the characters are brilliantly written, they make me laugh ,I would recommend this book anyone who enjoys cosy mystery stories.
September 19, 2023
great story
Excellent book, gripping,interesting with enough background to make you stay intrigued. Looking forward to next book. Well done once again
Excellent book, gripping,interesting with enough background to make you stay intrigued. Looking forward to next book. Well done once again
October 1, 2023
Loved the book, had me worried about 2 of the main characters, can't wait to see what the next book
holds...
holds...
December 3, 2023
Another great read. Agatha never dissapoionts. Looking forward to the future with all the Peridale Cafe yet to come. Thank you, Agatha.
January 5, 2024
great intrigue
I have read all the books and so far this is my favorite. It’s more dark and scary than any of the other ones but I believe it kept me glued to the script…love it!
I have read all the books and so far this is my favorite. It’s more dark and scary than any of the other ones but I believe it kept me glued to the script…love it!
February 13, 2024
Loved it
February 29, 2024
A wonderful addition to the series.
The characters are fantastic. The plot is twisty and intense. The world building is great. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
The characters are fantastic. The plot is twisty and intense. The world building is great. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
April 9, 2024
Good book
May 24, 2024
Review
I love this series. This one was pretty dark. The murderer was a bit of a surprise. I'm glad the characters continue to evolve and that there are some new ones.
I love this series. This one was pretty dark. The murderer was a bit of a surprise. I'm glad the characters continue to evolve and that there are some new ones.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews