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Peridale Cafe #29
Pumpkins and Peril
Bribery, murder, and a missing painting…Julia must solve the puzzle before time runs out for Peridale.
When the leader of the Peridale Preservation Society is found murdered at a Halloween party, cafe owner Julia South-Brown suspects the killing is tied to secrets surrounding a controversial local development project. A cryptic letter left by the victim hints at long-buried truths tied to a lost portrait, and as Julia and her family race to locate the painting before a pivotal council vote, they find themselves on a dangerous collision course with powerful forces who will stop at nothing to keep hidden agendas buried.
From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the shadowy corridors of power, Julia must navigate a tangled web of lies, bribery, and corruption to uncover the shocking centuries-old secrets that could forever change the fate of her village. But sinister threats loom as she gets closer to the truth.
With an ominous deadline fast approaching, Julia faces an impossible back down from the fight and let her beloved community be destroyed, or risk everything to stand against the forces that have Peridale trapped in their lethal grip. The key to victory might lie in the secrets of the past, but will Julia solve the mystery in time to save the village she loves?
A FUN British village cosy/cozy mystery packed with HEART, HUMOUR, FAMILY DRAMA, and plenty of TWISTS and TURNS! The 29th 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.
From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the shadowy corridors of power, Julia must navigate a tangled web of lies, bribery, and corruption to uncover the shocking centuries-old secrets that could forever change the fate of her village. But sinister threats loom as she gets closer to the truth.
With an ominous deadline fast approaching, Julia faces an impossible back down from the fight and let her beloved community be destroyed, or risk everything to stand against the forces that have Peridale trapped in their lethal grip. The key to victory might lie in the secrets of the past, but will Julia solve the mystery in time to save the village she loves?
A FUN British village cosy/cozy mystery packed with HEART, HUMOUR, FAMILY DRAMA, and plenty of TWISTS and TURNS! The 29th 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
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2023
224 people are currently reading
129 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 36 reviews
November 12, 2023
Another one read and thoroughly enjoyed it I can't wait for the next book to see where the storyline goes
November 19, 2023
Interesting but serious
I read this out of order, so that explains why I was confused by the upheaval in Peridale. This book did have a cozy murder, but it took a decided backseat to the controversy swirling around the town. My best advice is not to read these 2023 stories out of order.
I read this out of order, so that explains why I was confused by the upheaval in Peridale. This book did have a cozy murder, but it took a decided backseat to the controversy swirling around the town. My best advice is not to read these 2023 stories out of order.
November 10, 2023
A black cloud has been hanging over Peridale for the last few books, James Jacobson. While this wealthy developer hadn't made a direct appearance, it was clear he had plans for Peridale. In this latest edition, Jacobson's plans burst out into the open, and Julia, Baker, Jessie, and all the rest of the regulars are horrified.
Of course we have a murder in this book, but it seems clearly connected to the plans of Jacobson. Once again, we have chapters told from the POV of Julia, Baker, and Jessie, but none (thankfully) from Dot, Julia's grandmother ... whew! I really like the increasing prominence of Jessie in this series, and look forward to seeing more of her in future books. Yes, Julia, Baker, and Jessie did seem to be running around investigating at cross-purposes at time in this one, but I still enjoyed it.
While the murder is solved, this definitely ends on a cliffhanger, and I look forward to seeing what happens in the next.
Of course we have a murder in this book, but it seems clearly connected to the plans of Jacobson. Once again, we have chapters told from the POV of Julia, Baker, and Jessie, but none (thankfully) from Dot, Julia's grandmother ... whew! I really like the increasing prominence of Jessie in this series, and look forward to seeing more of her in future books. Yes, Julia, Baker, and Jessie did seem to be running around investigating at cross-purposes at time in this one, but I still enjoyed it.
While the murder is solved, this definitely ends on a cliffhanger, and I look forward to seeing what happens in the next.
December 17, 2023
This was a rather long drawn out read, but all of the details were necessary so we could see the full picture and the importance of ‘Nay’ votes for Peridale’s future. It wasn’t a fun read like what I’m used to, but sometimes it’s good to be serious. I guess.
James Jacobson is at it again. He’s scheming behind the town’s back and sending out his minion to destroy lives and buy people in order to make a buck for himself. He’s bullying townsfolk into supporting his plan.
However, some can’t be bought and that is clear when Peter McBride is found with a knife in his back - both literal and figuratively. Peter was the only one that James was having difficulties buying a vote in his direction from. So who killed him? Well, Julia is on the case. She will “dig, dig, dig” until she discovers the truth. Julia can’t be bought no matter what the price and her daughter Jessie, a newspaper reporter, also needs the truth. That truth may cause her her life.
In the end, James got his votes and nothing and no one can stop him from developing the town of Peridale into a metropolis with hundreds of new cookie cutter homes and chain stores. The townspeople won’t recognize the place they grew up in after James is done.
I have faith in Julia and Jessie. The two determined ladies will be the change needed and Peridale will be saved! I believe this and I believe it will happen in the next book: “Mince Pies and Madness (Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Book 30)”.
James Jacobson is at it again. He’s scheming behind the town’s back and sending out his minion to destroy lives and buy people in order to make a buck for himself. He’s bullying townsfolk into supporting his plan.
However, some can’t be bought and that is clear when Peter McBride is found with a knife in his back - both literal and figuratively. Peter was the only one that James was having difficulties buying a vote in his direction from. So who killed him? Well, Julia is on the case. She will “dig, dig, dig” until she discovers the truth. Julia can’t be bought no matter what the price and her daughter Jessie, a newspaper reporter, also needs the truth. That truth may cause her her life.
In the end, James got his votes and nothing and no one can stop him from developing the town of Peridale into a metropolis with hundreds of new cookie cutter homes and chain stores. The townspeople won’t recognize the place they grew up in after James is done.
I have faith in Julia and Jessie. The two determined ladies will be the change needed and Peridale will be saved! I believe this and I believe it will happen in the next book: “Mince Pies and Madness (Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Book 30)”.
August 4, 2025
Another great addition to this overlasting and apparently never ending cozy mystery series
Read in an August while having a hard time pretending go be in November, it's a lil bit wholesome to see the author take a different route and skip the single detatched stories to create a narrative that spans across multiple books
But maybe after almost 39 novels a small recap of the cases and characters mentioned in the book... that would help? I got a good memory but I ended up struggling thinking about all the older cases mentioned 💀
Anyway, the best book if you want to feel frustrated. I get it, it's a cozy mystery and the author market it towards pearl clutchers who gasps at words like fuck, but some decent threat and a good "fuck you" was very much needed.
Low key digging the sour note ending, but a bit surprised at the delusion of the character thinking they could save it with an ancient paper that has no legal weight 😑
Read in an August while having a hard time pretending go be in November, it's a lil bit wholesome to see the author take a different route and skip the single detatched stories to create a narrative that spans across multiple books
But maybe after almost 39 novels a small recap of the cases and characters mentioned in the book... that would help? I got a good memory but I ended up struggling thinking about all the older cases mentioned 💀
Anyway, the best book if you want to feel frustrated. I get it, it's a cozy mystery and the author market it towards pearl clutchers who gasps at words like fuck, but some decent threat and a good "fuck you" was very much needed.
Low key digging the sour note ending, but a bit surprised at the delusion of the character thinking they could save it with an ancient paper that has no legal weight 😑
November 8, 2023
Book 29, back in Peridale where sedate, country village life is about to be shattered if local boy James Jacobsen has his way.
Julia's cafe is in a prime spot needed to make James' plan viable. Can she be persuaded to sell up?
Jessie is doing well at the paper, but is she getting herself in deeper than she can manage this time?
Of course, Julia and Barker get themselves involved in solving a murder, this time of one of the planning committee tasked with passing the plans to destroy Peridale.
I really enjoy reading these books and am looking forward to the next book being released.
The books are all standalone stories, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline, especially these past few books!
Julia's cafe is in a prime spot needed to make James' plan viable. Can she be persuaded to sell up?
Jessie is doing well at the paper, but is she getting herself in deeper than she can manage this time?
Of course, Julia and Barker get themselves involved in solving a murder, this time of one of the planning committee tasked with passing the plans to destroy Peridale.
I really enjoy reading these books and am looking forward to the next book being released.
The books are all standalone stories, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline, especially these past few books!
November 12, 2023
Greed, Graft, and Gumption
I'm stunned and amazed at some of Peridale's residents' being overwhelmed and bribed by the newcomer's money, saddened by the murder of the friend whose unwillingness to participate, heartened by Julia and her family and friends' stubbornness and insistence on Peridale's remaining its lovely quaint village, and by Jessie's continuing growing ability as an investigative reporter. Much was discovered, a criminal politician was arrested, and the village is uniting against the wealthy developer. Now, we must wait for "Mince Pies and Murder" to read the outcome of the village's struggle to maintain its faith and charm. Just WOW.
I'm stunned and amazed at some of Peridale's residents' being overwhelmed and bribed by the newcomer's money, saddened by the murder of the friend whose unwillingness to participate, heartened by Julia and her family and friends' stubbornness and insistence on Peridale's remaining its lovely quaint village, and by Jessie's continuing growing ability as an investigative reporter. Much was discovered, a criminal politician was arrested, and the village is uniting against the wealthy developer. Now, we must wait for "Mince Pies and Murder" to read the outcome of the village's struggle to maintain its faith and charm. Just WOW.
June 25, 2025
I DNFed this one, because I felt very bogged down in it, and I simply didn't feel invested or interested in the book, despite the fact that I was well over halfway done with it.
I have enjoyed other books and series by this author, and I have others in this series in my kindle library. I am willing to admit that I may have simply chosen a poor place to start reading this series, so I'm going to give the series another chance by going back to the very beginning and starting there.
I may reread this one but, for now, I'm leaving it as a DNF.
I do, however, recommend the author and her other books. I would give her a try, at least, if you're a fan of cozies!
I have enjoyed other books and series by this author, and I have others in this series in my kindle library. I am willing to admit that I may have simply chosen a poor place to start reading this series, so I'm going to give the series another chance by going back to the very beginning and starting there.
I may reread this one but, for now, I'm leaving it as a DNF.
I do, however, recommend the author and her other books. I would give her a try, at least, if you're a fan of cozies!
November 16, 2023
best one yet
I have loved all of the Peridale Cafe books but I’m loving the direction Agatha Frost is taking the series. So much drama and trying to figure out if James Jacobson is going to get what he wants - more money to build and to turn the little town into a big city. Julia and Barker along with Jesse and the rest of the crew take down a murderer and bring the saga he step closer to being figured out. Loved it!
I have loved all of the Peridale Cafe books but I’m loving the direction Agatha Frost is taking the series. So much drama and trying to figure out if James Jacobson is going to get what he wants - more money to build and to turn the little town into a big city. Julia and Barker along with Jesse and the rest of the crew take down a murderer and bring the saga he step closer to being figured out. Loved it!
November 27, 2023
Great Book!
Every new Peridale book is even better than the previous one and so far I have loved every book since the first one in the series. We learn more about the history of Peridale in this book. There is also terrific character development. I love that it seems like Jessie may have a developing love interest. This book was very exciting and has a cliff-hanger ending. I can’t wait for the next book!
Every new Peridale book is even better than the previous one and so far I have loved every book since the first one in the series. We learn more about the history of Peridale in this book. There is also terrific character development. I love that it seems like Jessie may have a developing love interest. This book was very exciting and has a cliff-hanger ending. I can’t wait for the next book!
December 28, 2023
I’m Over This Plot
I’ve read all 29 books in this series, & I have thoroughly enjoyed it up until the last few books. This ongoing plot with James Jacobson is dragging on and on, and the mystery picture in this book was downright confusing. I felt like I was just going through the motions as I read it.
I already have Book 30 and have pre-ordered Book 31. I’m hoping after Book 30, this series will return to some normalcy.
I’ve read all 29 books in this series, & I have thoroughly enjoyed it up until the last few books. This ongoing plot with James Jacobson is dragging on and on, and the mystery picture in this book was downright confusing. I felt like I was just going through the motions as I read it.
I already have Book 30 and have pre-ordered Book 31. I’m hoping after Book 30, this series will return to some normalcy.
January 15, 2024
History Repeats Itself
As always Agatha Frost never disappoints. I enjoy the character's and the background behind them . I like the history and secrets behind the town of Peridale. I enjoyed reading about the multiple suspects as well. Not all stories have a happy ending. Keep a look out for the plot twists. I recommend not just this book but the whole Peridale Cafe
series is a Good Read.
As always Agatha Frost never disappoints. I enjoy the character's and the background behind them . I like the history and secrets behind the town of Peridale. I enjoyed reading about the multiple suspects as well. Not all stories have a happy ending. Keep a look out for the plot twists. I recommend not just this book but the whole Peridale Cafe
series is a Good Read.
November 27, 2023
one of Ms. Frost’s best so far! love it!
I feel like the last two of Ms. Frost’s Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Books have been some of her best!! I have lived the action, mystery, and suspense in them! Would definitely recommend them to be read! Looking forward to the next in this series ❤️
I feel like the last two of Ms. Frost’s Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Books have been some of her best!! I have lived the action, mystery, and suspense in them! Would definitely recommend them to be read! Looking forward to the next in this series ❤️
June 6, 2024
Great storytelling
Julia and her family and friends are fighting for her village to remain as is, however the developers are using every tactic in the book including threats to stop her. That is the essence of this very readable story with it's fast pace storyline, very believable characters and great murder mystery. Great book.
Julia and her family and friends are fighting for her village to remain as is, however the developers are using every tactic in the book including threats to stop her. That is the essence of this very readable story with it's fast pace storyline, very believable characters and great murder mystery. Great book.
November 5, 2023
Great cozy mystery. This series just keeps getting better. Julia and the gang are at it again. This time they are trying to save Peridale from a greedy developer. The ending was great and I can’t wait for the next book.
November 25, 2023
Great reads!
From the first Peridale mystery to the last; each book is a great read. A few twists, turns and some unexpected happenings make each cozy mystery a great story. I can't wait to see what is in store!
From the first Peridale mystery to the last; each book is a great read. A few twists, turns and some unexpected happenings make each cozy mystery a great story. I can't wait to see what is in store!
Read
November 30, 2023No ending??!!
So disappointing!! After hours of reading and stress that the evil people are winning, to finally find there is no ending!!!!! And the evil continues on.... Really horrible... Don't bother... I feel like I have wasted hours of my time!!!
So disappointing!! After hours of reading and stress that the evil people are winning, to finally find there is no ending!!!!! And the evil continues on.... Really horrible... Don't bother... I feel like I have wasted hours of my time!!!
December 12, 2023
Best book in the series so far
I hated to put it down. What a great book! It even had an unusual ending. Can't Waite to start the next on in this series. We get so attached to all the characters that it's almost like your own neighborhood.
I hated to put it down. What a great book! It even had an unusual ending. Can't Waite to start the next on in this series. We get so attached to all the characters that it's almost like your own neighborhood.
December 19, 2024
Review
This was one of the better books in the series. The murder was solved but the main problem wasn't. I like how the characters are evolving especially Jesse. Can't wait for the next one.
This was one of the better books in the series. The murder was solved but the main problem wasn't. I like how the characters are evolving especially Jesse. Can't wait for the next one.
November 4, 2023
I always love these books,they never fail to entertain you and keep you guessing. Julia , Gran , Jessi & the rest of the gang 🧡
November 5, 2023
Really enjoyed this one. Am looking forward to the 30/11 for the next instalment!
November 6, 2023
Lovely
These high quality cozy Mysteries in this series are lovely and quite interesting. I think I do need a slice of pumpkin pie now!
These high quality cozy Mysteries in this series are lovely and quite interesting. I think I do need a slice of pumpkin pie now!
November 7, 2023
Pumpkins and Peril
And the plot thickens. I just hope that no one else has o die over this ridiculousness. Now onto the next book.
And the plot thickens. I just hope that no one else has o die over this ridiculousness. Now onto the next book.
November 13, 2023
Disappointing. Seemed choppy and rushed, but still ended in a cliffhanger.
November 16, 2023
Another great book from this series. The characters are relatable, the storyline is intriguing and makes you want to read more!
Read
November 16, 2023I alway love Peridale books. This one was a bit scary. Hope it all gets solved in the next one. I have read all the series and always loved it.
January 9, 2024
Wow! So many twists and turns. Just when I thought I had the murderer figured out, NOPE, I had it wrong. So many sub-plots within the book, I just couldn’t put it down…
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January 14, 2024Julia's fight to save Peridale
Great story as usual can't wait for next book to see what Julia can do to see the village from development
Great story as usual can't wait for next book to see what Julia can do to see the village from development
February 8, 2024
enjoyed the book...
February 15, 2024
As always, Agatha has done it again. Five Stars!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews