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Charlotte Dean #4

Plans for Murder in Kingfisher Falls

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A happy life. A bright future. A past which is catching up...

Charlotte Dean is finally living the life she wants. Happy in her small town of Kingfisher Falls with a great job and loving boyfriend, everything is perfect.

But after a terrible accident rocks the community, Charlotte suspects there is more to it. Much more. When someone comes forward to point their finger at a beloved member of the community, Charlotte isn't about to allow history to repeat itself. As she begins to do her own investigation, a chance sighting of someone from her old life sends Charlotte's world into a tailspin, forcing her to doubt her relationship with Rosie, and future in Kingfisher Falls.

But is there a common link behind everything, and who is really behind the planned shopping mall near the bookshop?

In a shocking series of events, Charlotte comes face to face with the past and will have to risk everything, even her life, to overcome the most dangerous situation yet.

This book was previously titled Deadly Past. Since the rights were returned to the author, it has had a light rewrite, fresh edit, new title, and new cover.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2020

213 people are currently reading
140 people want to read

About the author

Phillipa Nefri Clark

90 books365 followers
Phillipa lives just outside a beautiful town in country Victoria, Australia. She also lives in the many worlds of her imagination and stockpiles stories beside her laptop.

She writes from the heart about love, dreams, secrets, discovery, the sea, the world as she knows it… or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.

With a passion for music, the ocean, nature, reading, and writing, she is often found in the vegetable garden pondering a new story.

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5 stars
292 (61%)
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143 (30%)
3 stars
35 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Brenda.
5,125 reviews3,026 followers
May 24, 2024
Charlotte Dean was happy in Kingfisher Falls. She loved working with Rosie in the bookshop, and knowing she was purchasing it from Rosie in the future. She also had deep feelings for Trevor, the local police officer, and also Rosie's son. They initially met in River's End where Charlotte moved from, to Kingfisher Falls. The night there was a fire in the street where the bookshop was, was a terrifying one, but learning there was a body in the shop which was destroyed, and that it was murder, sent Charlotte's sleuthing antennae vibrating. What was happening in Kingfisher Falls? Ever since she'd arrived in town twelve months prior, things had gone wrong. And was her past finally catching up with her?

Deadly Past is the 4th in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and another excellent addition to the series! Charlotte is a great character, although impulsive and not scared of taking a risk, much to Trev's horror! I loved catching up with Daphne Jones and her husband John for a short while too. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Phrynne.
4,065 reviews2,747 followers
August 28, 2024
The fourth book in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries now sold under its new title of Plans for Murder in Kingfisher Falls.

Charlotte is happily settled down, working for Rosie in the bookshop and dating local policeman, Trevor. Several events occur to upset the status quo, notably a fire in a nearby shop and the discovery of a dead body inside. Charlotte immediately starts to help the police discover who set fire to the shop and why. At the same time she is coping with a personal mystery - who is watching her and has her long lost sister returned at last.

There is a lot going on in this book with more than one mystery, lots of sleuthing and some serious suspense. I enjoy spending time with all of the main characters and look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Helen.
2,932 reviews66 followers
September 26, 2020
What another awesome story in this fabulous series, MS Nefri Clark has such an imagination to think up all of these mysteries in the small town of Kingfisher Falls and getting sleuth “Detective Charlotte” helping the love of her life police office Trevor Sibbritt, but she often gets herself in predicaments that Trevor needs to save her from he is such a hero, if you love a good who-dun-it mystery then this is the series to pick up.

Things seemed to be settling down in town, until a fire and a death, Charlotte is sure that it was not an accident and when she starts investigating she finds that the council and its leaders are again up to no good and with ex policeman Sid Browne and his wife moving back to town and him becoming and annoyance to Charlotte again she is sure he is involved as well.

Charlotte feels that she is being watched by a woman who looks like someone from her past which sets her on pins and needles, there is also a new person moved into town a sculptor who is opening up a new business and Charlotte is concerned for who this person is and who she thinks is watching her are they one in the same. There is a lot going on and with it looking like a loved local is being framed Charlotte and Rosie (Trevor’s Mum) pull out all stops with investigating to help solve the mystery.

Trevor is working hard with the help of Katrina and Bryce detectives sent to help, to catch a murderer and bring the culprits in, they are hitting a few brick walls here and there and Charlotte is more than happy to help, Trevor worries about the danger she often puts herself in but is always appreciative of her help, but when Charlotte’s life is on the line Trevor is there as always.

This story is so well written the characters are amazing and are really my friends now I am turning the pages as fast as I can but savouring every word in the story. I love Charlotte and her vulnerability and the way that Trevor and Rosie are always there for her, she finally feels like she has a family, and maybe that will be added to. A fabulous story I loved it so much and am looking forward to more in the series.

I highly recommend this book and series MS Nefri Clark writes awesome stories, you would not be sorry when you picked up any of her books, must read stories thank you for another excellent story.
Profile Image for Patty Duplechin.
781 reviews9 followers
October 24, 2020
Charlotte Dean is enjoying a life in Kingfisher Falls. When she hears a local was kill in a fire she doesn’t believe it was an accident. Sleuth Charlotte, finds evidence that the council was burning bushes behind the bookshop. No one knew but Charlotte thinks it could have something to do with a new shopping mall. She feels that someone is watching her. Will her past come back to haunt her? She gets a glimpse of the stalker. Now will her life get turned upside down? Will she lose everything and everyone she loves? If you love a mystery and a sleuth, you will love this one.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
October 4, 2020
Deadly Past is the fourth book in the Charlotte Dean Mysteries series and is an engaging read. This is the first book I have read in this series and I really enjoyed it. The characters are well developed, likable, and realistic. The story is well written and flows smoothly from start to finish with death, danger, and a dark past coming back to haunt Charlotte.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
Profile Image for Malvina.
1,929 reviews9 followers
April 1, 2021
I'm enjoying this ongoing series, with the sleuthing mystery side of things adding fresh interest.
Profile Image for Janie.
1,535 reviews15 followers
October 1, 2020
"Deadly Past (Charlotte Dean Mysteries Book 4)" by Phillipa Nefri Clark is a wonderful continuation of this series from the author. I highly recommend the series that takes place in the small town of Kingfisher Falls. Charlotte and Trevor are back and solving crimes. This time because of a fire and a death which brings another mystery to this small town.
Profile Image for Charlyn.
819 reviews3 followers
December 26, 2024
Kingfisher Falls gets messier

Charlotte’s stay in the town has earned her the nickname “Detective,” but her intervention in previous books has earned her the wrong kind of attention. And her own curiosity caused often causes her to put herself in danger. Her boyfriend Trev is her protector and it is the sweet relationship with Trev, Charlotte, and Trev’s mom, Rosie, that is so endearing. Like others in the series, this book is tense, with new revelations about Charlotte’s past.
Profile Image for Dorothy  Scott.
923 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2020
Charlotte is settling into her present life when she comes believe an apparent accidental death is really murder. Something does not seem right with some council activity. She also gets a feeling someone is watching her. Deadly Past is an exciting novel and I especially like the hometown feel of Kingfisher Falls.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cindy.
800 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2021
Wonderful series

I love this series and how the relationships develop more in each book. I also enjoy reading about the setting in the books, Australia. I do recommend starting with the River's End series before these Charlotte Dean ones, but if you don't, you should at least start with book 1 in the Dean series. I won't repeat the synopsis as you can read it elsewhere. Now I am off to grab book 5.
136 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2020
Deadly Falls by Phillipa Nefri Clark is the continuing story set in the small community of Kingfisher Falls. Charlotte is settling into life in a small community but feels she is being watched. She and Trevor find themselves investigating another murder. Not is all that it seems. A great read and highly recommended.
2 reviews
November 3, 2020
I am so thrilled with the Charlotte Dean stories. Each one keeps you guessing until the end and Deadly Past is no exception. The only thing disappointing is that the story ends...now I await the next release from Phillipa Nefri Clark as I love the way she writes.
256 reviews7 followers
September 12, 2022
This series of books has been such a joy to read. Brilliantly written, lovable characters that you become quiet fond of and feel like you know them all personally. The whole series as with River End, has truly been engaging and enjoyable. And now to the next one....
8 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2025
another excellent read

I can’t get enough of these wonderful books by Phillipa Nefri Clark.

The characters are drawn so well that I feel I know them.

Romance as well as mystery. Wonderful scenery. What more could I ask for?
66 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2021
Another great

I would highly recommend reading this book was like the previous ones in this series. Keeps you on your toes.
439 reviews5 followers
February 11, 2021
Great Read

I have enjoyed this series. You will want to read every book in the series. Enjoyable reading with enjoyable characters.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,631 reviews
June 24, 2024
great story, brought together some loose ends...
Profile Image for Jeanette.
538 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2025
I absolutely love this series. I'm very attached now to the characters and will be quite sad after I read the next one and there are no more.... :)
47 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2020
Really enjoyed the series, on my last book.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,428 reviews12 followers
January 17, 2021
Book 4 in this hard to put down, cozy mystery series, one which I am binge reading voraciously.

Are the usual suspects up to their old tricks? A fire breaks out in the realtors 2 doors away from the bookshop, and once it's out, a body is found.

Charlotte is drawn into the investigation once again, especially when it transpires someone is buying up the land behind the shops and into the bushland.

Whilst dealing with this, the garden centre is bought and a new business is opening, doors this have links to Charlotte and what she was told in book 3? Someone is following her at a distance, any time Charlotte tries to make contact/ take a photo, the person runs away. Who is it? What do they want?

A brilliant read which I couldn't put down! I'm looking forward to reading these next book in this great cozy mystery series.
Author 3 books12 followers
January 19, 2021
I adored this book. I couldn't put it down because from page one I was invested in the main character, Charlotte Dean, and wanted to know what would happen next. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Diane.
595 reviews23 followers
November 17, 2023
Plans for Murder in Kingfisher Falls

As we have come to expect in this series, plenty of action that begins with a gunshot. Surprises and reveals as many of the characters show who they really are, both good and bad. This is a delightful read and I highly recommend this series with its cosy mysteries, some laughs and some tears. On now to book #5 and the final in the series
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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