Death On The West Cliff

by Jan Durham

Murder stalks the art world in this seaside town.

The long summer days bring visitors flocking to the little fishing town of Whitby… and the short summer nights bring murder.

When the night watchman at the West Cliff Art Gallery is found dead, everyone in the town is baffled.

All the gallery alarms were disabled, and the thieves had free run of the place. So why didn’t they steal anything? Widow Liz McLuckie is determined to find out.

Her investigation leads her into the murky world of art fraud. To solve the mystery, Liz plans a daring heist of her own. All she needs is a fake Russian oligarch, a pair of unruly ten-year olds, and Nelson, the ugliest (and bravest) dog in Yorkshire. What could possibly go wrong?

Death on the West Cliff — Book 6 in the Kipper Cottage Mystery Series. Perfect for fans of Stella Cameron and Frances Evesham.

Genres: Mystery

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2023

About the author

Welcome to Kipper Cottage! I write the Kipper Cottage cozy crime series set in Whitby, featuring amateur sleuth Liz McLuckie and her motley assortment of friends - and of course Nelson, the bravest bull terrier in Yorkshire.

I’d love to live in Whitby (all that sand, sea and fish and chips!) but actually live just outside Edinburgh with my husband, three kids, a one-eyed whippet and a fat black pug. I began my writing career as an advertising copywriter, and have since had novels published by Random House and HarperCollins. I also write for tv.

I enjoy psychological thrillers and crime fiction of all kinds, from the coziest of cozies to the blackest of noirs. I love talking to my readers, so please do get in touch with me via my website – kippercottagemysteries.co.uk - or on Instagram - kippercottagemysteries

Thank you for reading my books!

Reviews

[GeraniumCat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice gentle murder mystery (if there can be such a thing) set in Whitby, North Yorkshire. If you know Whitby you'll be able to imagine the town as Liz walks round it (and imagine the fish and chips, too - happy memories!).

When a nightwatchman at an art gallery is killed, Liz sets out to investigate on behalf of the man's widow and soon and finds herself in the seedy world of art fraud. She's helped - and inevitably hindered at times - by her many friends.

If, like me, you enjoy mysteries with identifiable settings (often leading to happy musings over google maps), you should find plenty to like in this one, which is part of a series. I'll be reading more of them.

Thanks, NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the advance copy.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art theft gone wrong

Plucky Liz McLuckie is back and in the midst of another thorny investigation. A young man Christian Petit a security guard at the local art gallery has been killed. Liz knows he and his wife from a prior investigation so she calls on the widow and against her better judgment she decides to help look into his death.
There’s lots of upheaval in this book. Breakups and make ups, a very humorous yet dangerous scheme to find out if a painting is a fake, tension and a sea captain who keeps popping up expectedly. Some big changes personally for the characters but I think there’s some better ones on the horizon. I enjoyed the mystery a ton. The shenanigans are seriously inventive and hilarious and the group of friends who help along the way are definitely ones you want to stand by through thick or thin. Stands up well as an individual but also great as a series. One of my favs that I eagerly await for the next installment of!

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of this series, Liz and Nelson are great characters and the setting and cast of characters are delightful.
This is not my favourite as I found the plot a bit confusing at times but it was as entertaining as the rest of the series
Enjoyable. It can be read as a stand alone but the it's better to read the series in order
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the charming coastal town of Whitby, the arrival of summer heralds longer days, balmy evenings, and the promise of a thriving tourist season. Yet, beneath the picturesque façade of this quaint fishing town lies a sinister mystery, one that will challenge the wit and resolve of its resilient residents. In Jan Durham's delightful and suspenseful novel, "Death on the West Cliff: Kipper Cottage Series Book #6," murder casts a long shadow over the serene art world.

The story unfurls when the lifeless body of the night watchman at the West Cliff Art Gallery is discovered, sending shockwaves through the close-knit community. As the town grapples with the unsettling crime, the mystery deepens. The perpetrators, it seems, had deliberately deactivated all of the gallery's alarms, granting them unrestricted access. Yet, bafflingly, nothing was stolen. It's a conundrum that confounds both the townspeople and the authorities. Enter Liz McLuckie, a determined widow who finds herself embroiled in the pursuit of truth.

Liz's relentless pursuit of justice takes her on a captivating journey through the shadowy realms of art fraud. Her quest for answers unfolds in a riveting way, intertwining intricate plotlines and the rich array of characters that populate the town. Durham orchestrates the elements of suspense and intrigue, keeping readers engaged and guessing. It's a tale where every detail matters, where secrets and motives are shrouded in a web of deception.

Widow Liz McLuckie has resilience and tenacity that are inspiring and relatable. As she digs deep into the world of art fraud, Liz's character undergoes a transformation, revealing her strength amidst the town's turmoil.

Nelson, the ugliest (and bravest) dog in Yorkshire, adds a delightful and heartwarming dimension to the story. As he stands by Liz's side in her quest for the truth, his loyalty and courage become emblematic of the unbreakable bonds that unite the people of Whitby.

Durham's writing is a blend of wit and suspense, laced with moments of humor that serve as a respite from the tension. Her descriptions of the picturesque coastal town and its inhabitants create a backdrop against which the drama unfolds. The storytelling is punctuated by clever twists and turns.

At its core, "Death on the West Cliff" is a narrative that explores the themes of community, friendship, and the indomitable human spirit. As Liz McLuckie navigates the complexities of the case, she discovers that sometimes the most unexpected alliances can lead to the most remarkable outcomes.

"Death on the West Cliff: Kipper Cottage Series Book #6" is a brilliantly crafted novel of mystery and intrigue. Jan Durham combines the charm of a small coastal town with the suspense of a compelling murder mystery -- engaging characters, a well-constructed plot, and a dash of humor.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The long summer days are bringing visitors flocking to the little fishing town of Whitby. When Christian the night watchman at the West Cliff Art Gallery is found dead, everyone in the town is baffled. All the gallery alarms were disabled, and the thieves had free run of the place. So why didn’t they steal anything? Liz McLuckie is determined to find out, her investigation leads her into the murky world of art fraud.
The sixth outing for Liz & she’s still like a dog with a bone when there's a murder in Whitby especially when one of her friends is of interest to the police. I loved the mix of the mystery & the events of both Liz’s life & her friends. There are the usual red herrings & twists & turns before Liz is in danger & the villain caught. There’s also much going on in everyone's love lives with break ups & make ups. Interlaced in it all is a good dose of humour & some heartbreak. A well written captivating cosy mystery & I can't wait to read what happens next

My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a consistently enjoyable cozy mystery series. The setting is Whitby and the investigator is a widow who has a couple of cottages, one of which she lives in with a young friend at University, and one of which she rents out. Though a relative newcomer to the town, she's accepted by a motley group of friends who all end up helping out in her investigations. She has a good relationship with one of the younger police officers, but the main DI can't stand her.

In this case, the security guard is found dead when an art gallery opens but it appears, at least at first, that nothing has been stolen. Later, another man -- a well known art forger -- is found dead as well and Liz can't help but suspect a connection. As she begins to dig into things, she finds disputes among the family selling the artwork as well as inconsistencies in the stories offered by the gallery owner and employees. Are the two deaths really connected, or just coincidental.

Overall, a good, fairly quick, read. Definitely will continue the series.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz McLuckie just wanted to get to the launderette. She had a new visitor coming to stay in her guest cottage and needed to be there to meet him and his dogs when they arrived. But after stopping for chats with friends and waiting for the bridge to close--oh and the police cars outside the art gallery-- she was running late. She had to know what was happening at the gallery, after all. Turns out the night watchman was found dead. Clearly he was murdered, but why? Nothing was stolen so it wasn't a robbery. Liz had been warned off her independent investigations so was determined to stay out of it this time, but when the night watchman's widow begged her to help, how could she refuse? As always, her quirky friends and of course, Nelson, her wonderful dog, were on hand to assist! This is the 6th in the Kipper Cottage series and it was a good, solid, enjoyable read. I'll be honest--there were a couple of times when Liz said or did things that I thought were out of character. However, I enjoyed the art theme and reading about Liz and her friends as they go through their lives. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an eARC.

[Ms. Sethi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This new installment of Jan Durham's Kipper Cottage series give us some updates on different characters' lives and picks up some threads from previous books/stories, but could still work as a stand-alone read. I was looking forward to this update, but found this mystery a little all over the place both with the events happening and how Liz, the main character, investigates it. This book felt more like she was grasping at straws and trying out various solutions instead of investigating more methodically or logically.

There was a lot of relationship drama in this book which also felt like it distracted a bit from the mystery as there was so much switching back and forth. However, the characters all feel like old friends and the location was as cozy and mystery-appropriate as ever, which kept me reading until the end!

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do enjoy reading this series of mystery books set in Whitby. Liz owns 2 fishermen's cottages, Gull and Kipper; one she rents out and one she lives in. Liz has a habit of getting herself mixed up in police investigations, especially when they involve murder!

In this book, one of the characters from previous books is found murdered at an art gallery. Liz is sure something isn't right about the timings. Also, the gallery owner seems a bit strange to her. So, she does what she always does and gets involved.

Relationships seem to be going awry, Tilly and Mags; Kevin and Anna and Liz and Benedict. Can any of them get back on track?

It's a good read, easily read in a few hours. Each book is a standalone mystery, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. It just seems to get better and better. This time Liz is drawn into the world of art theft and forgery when the security guard at the local art gallery and can't help but get involved especially when the police are quick to jump to conclusions.

This was a total page turner, and full of laugh out loud moments. One in particular stands out regarding an art class but you'll have to read it to see what I mean. There are a few personal issues involved here also and not all good, so it's not all funny moments. I felt a bit sad at the end and am eager to read the next one to see what's in store next for Liz and the gang.

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

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz has a new murder to solve with one of the ex workers from the Stella Mae Benedict has a sleepover that Liz isn’t happy about we also get to see more of the skipper and his dog Griff. I love these books and love that so many characters reoccur in each book I have only read three so far and cannot wait for the next one but will play catch-up in the interim. There’s a really great mysteries and I love Liz her dog Nolan Benedict his son I just love everybody the characters a great the mysteries of fun and it’s a great way to pass the afternoon. it’s a book I highly recommend please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

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

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engaging mystery with a likeable sleuth in Liz and a colourful cast of supporting characters including Nelson the dog. The setting of Whitby is a nice change and well depicted and works ideally as a backdrop to the mystery. The plot is well worked and intriguing, the suspects numerous and red herrings galore although I did spot the answer but it didn't ruin the story which was enjoyable and entertaining and my first read in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Kipper Cottage series.
Jan Durham has a lovely captivating way of writing and her descriptive is wonderful.
This is one of those books, once you start reading, you are totally captured into a well written storyline and plot. It has great characters and the lovely setting of Whitby.
I thought I had this all worked out but I was totally wrong, thanks to the author's clever twists.
I very much look forward to the next book in the series.

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

[Gea · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems Liz McLuckie is willing to do just about anything (as you will find out) to get the information she needs to solve the latest mystery she’s gotten involved in. This time Liz is solving a case of art fraud and the deaths of two people connected to the fraud. As usual, the town of Whitby is lovingly featured, and we catch up with the regular characters from previous books in the series. Liz's feelings towards Benedict tend to run hot and cold and it’s not surprising their relationship hits a rocky patch.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another page turner from kipper cottage. Liz McLuckie gets caught up in another murder mystery in Whitby, as well as walking her dog Nelson and taking sheets to the launderette. All in a day’s work now. However, this one gives Liz an insight to her own instincts. Can she rely on them now they’ve let her down? Her personal life takes a bit of a downturn, or should I say takes a new direction? You don’t have to have read the 5 stories before this one, it does well as a stand alone story. But I guarantee you’ll go back to the beginning and read them all.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner by Jan Durham featuring resourceful Liz McLuckie and her rag tag band of neighbors. These are great characters and I really enjoyed spending time with them. Plus, there's great mystery. Liz always seems to find herself in the right (or wrong) place, and is usually one or two steps ahead of the local police, led by Liz's nemesis, Flynn. There is ONE character I am suspicious of, and don't care for, and that's Benedict! I'll be looking forward to #7 to see if he and Liz really do have a future.

P.S. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC.

[Zoe H Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kipper Cottage stories have to be one of my favourite series ever!
I love the way Jan Durham writes, and the fact that it is set in one of my favourite places is a real bonus!
Liz McCluckie has her investigating hat on again when the night watchman at a local art gallery is found dead.
However, it seems that nothing was taken! What could be the reason behind the break in? Liz is determined to find out, but could she be putting herself at risk?
Read to find out....

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder comes once again to the touristy town of Whitby but don't worry Liz and her trusty companion Nelson is on the scene. I loved visiting with these characters. They are so full of life and they really make the story. I liked the way that the author presented the murder element. It was very clean and not gruesome. I was really entertained.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I freely left this review.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I loved the setting for this book (Whitby) I found the plot a little too convoluted and the evidence not very logical. Rather than being a detective, Liz is a local business woman who has an interest in local crime. I was not particularly convinced by the relationship with her love interest or friends / acquaintances .
My opinion is that the book was OK, not particularly enthralling . Not very much action . Not really for me

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Liz!

I love the protagonist in this series. Liz's quirky friends add such color to this cozy mystery as well as the fabulous detail of the village. Great series and wonderful escapism reading. If British cozy mysteries are your guilty pleasure, you will delight in this series. Well thought out plot and interesting subplots throughout. I recommend this book enjoyed with a pot of tea and a few shortbread.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liz gets herself involved in another suspicious death in Whitby, this time it is Christian, the Frenchman that Skipper had to let go from his fishing boat. He is found dead at the Gallery where he worked as a security guard following a break-in. Liz discovers art forgery and more thefts, putting herself in danger.
Good read.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful easy reading.

Yet another highly entertaining read from one of my favourite authors Jan Durham.
Set in one of my favourite places in England,  Whitby!
I know Whitby very well and visit often, so the places in the story seem like home to me.
Can't wait for the next tale in the series to appear!
Keep them coming Jan!

[SAMMYE R GRIZZARD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuity error

The mystery and the characters are every bit as enjoyable as I expect from this author. I admit, I will tend to overlook an awful lot of oopsies in what I read. But when Griff, the dog owned by Skipper went from a Wolfhound to a Greyhound towards the end of the book.......
I still enjoyed the book, and would recommend this authors books to others.

[Janis Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still loving this series, will defjnitely keep buying them as they appear.

The continuity issues are just getting to me, as well as the fact some character descriptions seem an identical copy and paste from previous books. This does not help fix continuity, sorry.

But I did read them back to back in a matter of days, so maybe the fault is with a reader who should have paced herself.

[Victoria Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death On The West Cliff is the 6th book in the Kipper Cottage series. This instalment is another enjoyable cosy mystery with plenty of red herrings ro keep the reader on their toes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for my ARC.

[Loris · Rating 2 out of 5]

great stuff.

Yet another corker from Jan Durham. I just love these cozy murder mysteries. The characters are superb and even though they are different they blend in with each other. Every time I read one I want to go back to Whitby. Roll on the next murder. Can’t wait.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Christian Petit and why??? The painting isn't a fake??? Blackmail??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Ranada · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the previous books! Hoping the next will be better.

[Claire Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thumbs Up

A other good read. The The Kipper Cottage Mysteries are all fast reads and fun to read. I truly enjoyed tnem.

[Timstandish · Rating 3 out of 5]

My least favorite in this series so far. Seems very contrived and frankly whiney. May read the next one but if they y continue in the way they have been it will be the last.