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Flora Steele Mystery #2
Morderstwo w zimowy dzień
Dla Flory Steele bujanie w obłokach i leniwe popołudnia to już przeszłość. Nadchodzą zmiany, których nie da się powstrzymać!
Kiedy w zimny styczniowy dzień Flora wybiera się na spacer po molo, nie spodziewa się, że we wzburzonych wodach zauważy ciało młodej kobiety. Jest zszokowana, gdy odkrywa, że ofiarą jest ktoś, kogo zna...
Przekonana, że w okolicy doszło do morderstwa, dociekliwa właścicielka księgarni prosi Jacka Carringtona, pisarza kryminałów, aby pomógł jej odkryć prawdę. Tylko razem mają szansę zdemaskować zbrodniarza.
Kłótnia na przyjęciu, odwołana wizyta u fryzjera i czerwony pompon znaleziony na drewnianym pomoście, na którym ostatnio widziano kobietę... Wszyscy mieszkańcy wioski są podejrzani. Kto z nich ma krew na rękach? Raymond, porzucona pierwsza miłość? Harry – najnowszy ukochany? A może Evelyn, jego zazdrosna żona? Flora za wszelką cenę pragnie rozwiązać zagadkę. Czy nie jest to jednak zbyt niebezpieczne?
Intrygująca powieść kryminalna osadzona w scenerii angielskiej wiosce Abbeymead. Idealna dla fanów Sherlocka Holmesa i Herkulesa Poirota.
Kiedy w zimny styczniowy dzień Flora wybiera się na spacer po molo, nie spodziewa się, że we wzburzonych wodach zauważy ciało młodej kobiety. Jest zszokowana, gdy odkrywa, że ofiarą jest ktoś, kogo zna...
Przekonana, że w okolicy doszło do morderstwa, dociekliwa właścicielka księgarni prosi Jacka Carringtona, pisarza kryminałów, aby pomógł jej odkryć prawdę. Tylko razem mają szansę zdemaskować zbrodniarza.
Kłótnia na przyjęciu, odwołana wizyta u fryzjera i czerwony pompon znaleziony na drewnianym pomoście, na którym ostatnio widziano kobietę... Wszyscy mieszkańcy wioski są podejrzani. Kto z nich ma krew na rękach? Raymond, porzucona pierwsza miłość? Harry – najnowszy ukochany? A może Evelyn, jego zazdrosna żona? Flora za wszelką cenę pragnie rozwiązać zagadkę. Czy nie jest to jednak zbyt niebezpieczne?
Intrygująca powieść kryminalna osadzona w scenerii angielskiej wiosce Abbeymead. Idealna dla fanów Sherlocka Holmesa i Herkulesa Poirota.
328 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2021
2159 people are currently reading
951 people want to read
About the author
Merryn Allingham
43 books310 followersI was born into an army family and spent my childhood moving around the UK and abroad. Unsurprisingly it gave me itchy feet and in my twenties I escaped an unloved secretarial career to work as cabin crew and see the world.
I still love to travel and visit new places, especially those with an interesting history, but the arrival of marriage, children and cats meant a more settled life in the south of England, where I've lived ever since. It also gave me the opportunity to go back to 'school' and eventually teach at university.
I've written seven historical novels, all mysteries with a helping of suspense and a dash of romance - sometimes set in exotic locations and often against a background of stirring world events.
My latest novel, A Tale of Two Sisters, is set in Constantinople at the turn of the 20th century when rebellion within the Ottoman Empire is growing ever louder. Against this background the novel traces the fate of two sisters, Alice and Lydia Verinder, and explores themes of family, love and loss.
I still love to travel and visit new places, especially those with an interesting history, but the arrival of marriage, children and cats meant a more settled life in the south of England, where I've lived ever since. It also gave me the opportunity to go back to 'school' and eventually teach at university.
I've written seven historical novels, all mysteries with a helping of suspense and a dash of romance - sometimes set in exotic locations and often against a background of stirring world events.
My latest novel, A Tale of Two Sisters, is set in Constantinople at the turn of the 20th century when rebellion within the Ottoman Empire is growing ever louder. Against this background the novel traces the fate of two sisters, Alice and Lydia Verinder, and explores themes of family, love and loss.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews
November 12, 2021
Flora Steele was accompanying Jack Carrington and young Charlie to the pier where the horror show, theatre and other activities had enticed the boy. But when Charlie’s shocked voice called to Flora and Jack, they didn’t expect to see the body of Polly Dakers floating in the ocean below the pier. Polly was a friend of them all and was soon to move back to Abbeymead where Flora had her bookshop – All’s Well – and Polly’s uncle and cousin lived. When the police decided Polly had either committed suicide or slipped on the ice at the end of the pier and fallen in, Flora was adamant it was murder.
With a reluctant Jack at her side, Flora’s investigations saw few suspects. But when Flora herself was attacked, Jack’s reluctance moved to belief in Flora – but his concern for her safety as she embarked on reckless pursuits, had him trying to keep her safe. But the danger worsened for Flora and Jack as they edged closer to the truth…
Murder on the Pier is the 2nd in the Flora Steele Mystery series by Merryn Allingham and it was fun and entertaining. I love a mystery with a bookshop involved, and as Jack is a crime writer as well, there’s plenty of intrigue in the plot. I’ll be looking for #3 when it comes out in the near future. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
With a reluctant Jack at her side, Flora’s investigations saw few suspects. But when Flora herself was attacked, Jack’s reluctance moved to belief in Flora – but his concern for her safety as she embarked on reckless pursuits, had him trying to keep her safe. But the danger worsened for Flora and Jack as they edged closer to the truth…
Murder on the Pier is the 2nd in the Flora Steele Mystery series by Merryn Allingham and it was fun and entertaining. I love a mystery with a bookshop involved, and as Jack is a crime writer as well, there’s plenty of intrigue in the plot. I’ll be looking for #3 when it comes out in the near future. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2021
Book two in the Flora Steele mystery series and Flora gets herself into some pretty deep water - literally!
There is another murder in the village and of course Flora becomes involved and drags Jack into it as well. Unfortunately the unknown murderer does not care for Flora's investigations and she suffers several attacks on her life. Luckily Jack is there to save her at the last moment.
The mystery is interesting and there are plenty of suspects, especially when Flora lets her imagination rip. Jack tries hard to keep her safe but she seems determined to only see what she wants to see. I must admit she irritated me once or twice when she refused to acknowledge common sense!
It is a good story though with a very pleasant setting, lots of good food, a book shop and many enjoyable characters. I like the romance developing so slowly between the two main characters and I am looking forward to more in book three.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
There is another murder in the village and of course Flora becomes involved and drags Jack into it as well. Unfortunately the unknown murderer does not care for Flora's investigations and she suffers several attacks on her life. Luckily Jack is there to save her at the last moment.
The mystery is interesting and there are plenty of suspects, especially when Flora lets her imagination rip. Jack tries hard to keep her safe but she seems determined to only see what she wants to see. I must admit she irritated me once or twice when she refused to acknowledge common sense!
It is a good story though with a very pleasant setting, lots of good food, a book shop and many enjoyable characters. I like the romance developing so slowly between the two main characters and I am looking forward to more in book three.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 9, 2021
When I read the first book of the author featuring Flora Steele & Jack Carrington, I had an expectation mismatch. It was a cute story in nice settings book lovers will enjoy, but the sleuthing felt amateurship. ‘A cozy crime novel’ as the description says at the end is absolutely the right categorization for this book though – it is a gentle & charming story with likeable characters in Flora & Jack.
In the first book, there is a dead man right in Flora Steele’s “All’s Well” bookshop in Abbeymead. This time it is a young lady – Polly Dakers found dead in the waters off the pier. There is nothing to suggest foul play and most, including law enforcement, assume it is case of an accidental fall or even suicide, but most likely the former. Flora is not convinced though, and decides to dig deeper with Jack (a novelist). There are a number of characters who Flora meets, and finds that Polly was in the midst of a complex circumstance. There is Raymond – who loves hers, there is Harry – who she is currently dating and is cheating on his wife Evelyn, a night club owner Frank Foster, each of them and others seemed to have things to hide.
I did have some inkling of who the (unexpected) murderer would be, but the book does well to keep the suspense till the end. The plot is not very sophisticated but it is a very relaxing read (also good for teens).
My rating: 3.75 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture & the author for a free electronic review copy.
In the first book, there is a dead man right in Flora Steele’s “All’s Well” bookshop in Abbeymead. This time it is a young lady – Polly Dakers found dead in the waters off the pier. There is nothing to suggest foul play and most, including law enforcement, assume it is case of an accidental fall or even suicide, but most likely the former. Flora is not convinced though, and decides to dig deeper with Jack (a novelist). There are a number of characters who Flora meets, and finds that Polly was in the midst of a complex circumstance. There is Raymond – who loves hers, there is Harry – who she is currently dating and is cheating on his wife Evelyn, a night club owner Frank Foster, each of them and others seemed to have things to hide.
I did have some inkling of who the (unexpected) murderer would be, but the book does well to keep the suspense till the end. The plot is not very sophisticated but it is a very relaxing read (also good for teens).
My rating: 3.75 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture & the author for a free electronic review copy.
November 12, 2021
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.
Murder at the Pier is the second in the Flora Steele series of cosy mysteries by Merryn Allingham set in 1950s England, the first of which I’d read and reviewed a few months ago. Twenty-five-year-old Flora Steele lives in the small village of Abbeymead in Sussex, where she runs a bookshop, the All’s Well which she inherited from her aunt who’d brought her up. In the first book, The Bookshop Murder, the body of a young man was found in her bookshop by reclusive mystery writer, Jack Carrington who lives in the village, and had ventured out of his house on that occasion to pick up his order. The police dismissed it as a natural death but Flora was unconvinced and teamed up with a reluctant Jack to solve the case.
In Murder in the Pier, we pick up a little while after the events of the first book when Jack and Flora decide to take Charlie (the young boy from the village who does Jack’s errands and helps in his garden) out for a treat for it was he who had helped save Flora in the previous mystery. They have a reasonably fun day out in Brighton, though they must settle for a Harlequin show instead of the pantomime they had originally planned. When they are out walking on the pier, poor young Charlie makes a grisly discovery—the body of a young woman floating in the waters below. And this isn’t an unknown woman, but Polly Dakers from their own village who used to work in the manor-house-turned-hotel, The Priory, and had left to make her career as a model. The police in the form of detective Inspector Alan Ridley decides this was an accident, may be suicide (the medical evidence does not indicate otherwise), and is happy to leave things at that but once again, Flora doesn’t agree. Polly was a young woman with dreams and plans, thus unlikely to have jumped, and on the last occasion Flora saw her at the village, she had been afraid of someone she saw.
Jack is as usual reluctant to become involved but Flora manages to drag him in all the same. Soon it emerges that there were many who may have wanted Polly dead—Frank Foster a menacing club owner from London who seemed to scare her though he claimed to be in love with her; Raymond Parsons who was her cousin Sylvia’s boyfriend but had been seeing rowing with her; her current beau/’sponsor’ Harry, or even Harry’s estranged wife, Evelyn who may have reached her limits bearing his indiscretions. Flora and Jack talk to Polly’s family and trail the suspects trying to figure out what actually did happen, and as always, there are attempts on their lives which suggest that they are on the right track.
Meanwhile we also follow developments in the village where The Priory had shut down after the events of the first book because of which some of Flora’s friends lost their jobs; the lives of other characters including Kate Mitchell who runs the Nook, a small café in the village and also Flora and Jack’s relationship which is under a bit of threat when his former love Helen appears unexpectedly in the village.
This was an enjoyable entry in the series which I ended up liking a little bit more than the first book. While the mystery in this book is complete in itself, because of the fact that we were introduced to and given the background of some of the characters including the victim Polly Dakers in the first book, I felt perhaps reading in order would make a little more sense.
The mystery in this book I liked better than the one in the first book, and while I did manage to guess whodunit someway in (confirmed by something that happens as well), I still enjoyed following the investigation to see how it tuns out. Even though the mystery was a fairly straightforward one, there were secrets aplenty which we learn as we go along and which made it interesting to read.
In this one the police once again wash their hands off the investigation attributing Polly’s death to an accident (or suicide), but don’t look into it much further. In the first book, this same attitude seemed hard to digest but here I somehow managed to look past it—perhaps because I had gotten used to it (as a device to enable Flora to investigate) but also may be since here, there weren’t additional suspicious circumstances which were there in the first (at least on the face of things).
Besides the mystery, I also enjoyed following the stories of the characters in the village, Flora’s friendship with Kate, and Alice who was cook at The Priory, and of course, Flora and Jack’s relationship. The characters seem almost like old friends now so it was fun seeing how things were going with them.
I am certainly looking forward to picking up the next one in the series, all the more so because Jack and Flora plan to travel to Cornwall where Jack’s next mystery book is to be set!
3.75 stars rounded off to 4.
Murder at the Pier is the second in the Flora Steele series of cosy mysteries by Merryn Allingham set in 1950s England, the first of which I’d read and reviewed a few months ago. Twenty-five-year-old Flora Steele lives in the small village of Abbeymead in Sussex, where she runs a bookshop, the All’s Well which she inherited from her aunt who’d brought her up. In the first book, The Bookshop Murder, the body of a young man was found in her bookshop by reclusive mystery writer, Jack Carrington who lives in the village, and had ventured out of his house on that occasion to pick up his order. The police dismissed it as a natural death but Flora was unconvinced and teamed up with a reluctant Jack to solve the case.
In Murder in the Pier, we pick up a little while after the events of the first book when Jack and Flora decide to take Charlie (the young boy from the village who does Jack’s errands and helps in his garden) out for a treat for it was he who had helped save Flora in the previous mystery. They have a reasonably fun day out in Brighton, though they must settle for a Harlequin show instead of the pantomime they had originally planned. When they are out walking on the pier, poor young Charlie makes a grisly discovery—the body of a young woman floating in the waters below. And this isn’t an unknown woman, but Polly Dakers from their own village who used to work in the manor-house-turned-hotel, The Priory, and had left to make her career as a model. The police in the form of detective Inspector Alan Ridley decides this was an accident, may be suicide (the medical evidence does not indicate otherwise), and is happy to leave things at that but once again, Flora doesn’t agree. Polly was a young woman with dreams and plans, thus unlikely to have jumped, and on the last occasion Flora saw her at the village, she had been afraid of someone she saw.
Jack is as usual reluctant to become involved but Flora manages to drag him in all the same. Soon it emerges that there were many who may have wanted Polly dead—Frank Foster a menacing club owner from London who seemed to scare her though he claimed to be in love with her; Raymond Parsons who was her cousin Sylvia’s boyfriend but had been seeing rowing with her; her current beau/’sponsor’ Harry, or even Harry’s estranged wife, Evelyn who may have reached her limits bearing his indiscretions. Flora and Jack talk to Polly’s family and trail the suspects trying to figure out what actually did happen, and as always, there are attempts on their lives which suggest that they are on the right track.
Meanwhile we also follow developments in the village where The Priory had shut down after the events of the first book because of which some of Flora’s friends lost their jobs; the lives of other characters including Kate Mitchell who runs the Nook, a small café in the village and also Flora and Jack’s relationship which is under a bit of threat when his former love Helen appears unexpectedly in the village.
This was an enjoyable entry in the series which I ended up liking a little bit more than the first book. While the mystery in this book is complete in itself, because of the fact that we were introduced to and given the background of some of the characters including the victim Polly Dakers in the first book, I felt perhaps reading in order would make a little more sense.
The mystery in this book I liked better than the one in the first book, and while I did manage to guess whodunit someway in (confirmed by something that happens as well), I still enjoyed following the investigation to see how it tuns out. Even though the mystery was a fairly straightforward one, there were secrets aplenty which we learn as we go along and which made it interesting to read.
In this one the police once again wash their hands off the investigation attributing Polly’s death to an accident (or suicide), but don’t look into it much further. In the first book, this same attitude seemed hard to digest but here I somehow managed to look past it—perhaps because I had gotten used to it (as a device to enable Flora to investigate) but also may be since here, there weren’t additional suspicious circumstances which were there in the first (at least on the face of things).
Besides the mystery, I also enjoyed following the stories of the characters in the village, Flora’s friendship with Kate, and Alice who was cook at The Priory, and of course, Flora and Jack’s relationship. The characters seem almost like old friends now so it was fun seeing how things were going with them.
I am certainly looking forward to picking up the next one in the series, all the more so because Jack and Flora plan to travel to Cornwall where Jack’s next mystery book is to be set!
3.75 stars rounded off to 4.
December 6, 2023
Ale to było fajne!
Pierwszy tom był git, ale nie zrobił na mnie większego wrażenia. Za to tutaj bawiłam się wyśmienicie! Mam wrażenie, że mogliśmy lepiej zapoznać się z bohaterami, akcje były czasem poplątane, ale ma to swój urok.
To nie jest wymagająca książka. Raczej jedna z tych lekkich i przyjemnych. Słuchałam w audio i miło spędziłam czas :)
Już czekam na kolejne tomy!
Pierwszy tom był git, ale nie zrobił na mnie większego wrażenia. Za to tutaj bawiłam się wyśmienicie! Mam wrażenie, że mogliśmy lepiej zapoznać się z bohaterami, akcje były czasem poplątane, ale ma to swój urok.
To nie jest wymagająca książka. Raczej jedna z tych lekkich i przyjemnych. Słuchałam w audio i miło spędziłam czas :)
Już czekam na kolejne tomy!
November 10, 2021
**Happy Publication Day**
*****
3.8 Stars
One Liner: Works as a breather and a timepass read.
Flora Steele is back in action dragging Jack with her to solve yet another crime. Set in 1955 in Sussex, the story continues a few months after book one ended. Flora is busy managing the book store, All is Well, while Jack somehow completed the draft of his seventh book.
It’s winter, and the villagers have gathered in the wake of Bernie, the no-good missing husband of Kate. He was missing for months when his body was finally found. Polly arrives at the wake, all dressed up in riches.
However, she’s soon found dead and floating under the pier. The police, of course, call it an accident or a suicide. But Flora has other ideas. She knows Polly was murdered and intends to find out who the killer is. Jack has no option but to tag along. As the list of suspects increases, will the duo solve the case on time? How will they fare when the killer decides to target them instead?
I requested the ARC the instant I saw it. The first book was entertaining, and I was eager to read the next installment in the series. Murder on the Pier works pretty well as a standalone, though it can be a little confusing to remember all the characters.
The flow is decent, and so is the storyline. Flora is an amateur sleuth, and it shows. However, she’s got a brain and uses it well (at least half the time). There’s slight progress on the personal track, which is artfully woven into the main plot.
The sleuthing is interesting, and I could guess the killer halfway through. Since I don’t mind guessing it right, I was still curious to know how Flora and Jack would come to the conclusion. My once ruse is that the book didn’t feel as charming as the first one. It’s good, but not what I’d call great. Still, I’ll be reading book three and hoping that it would be set in Cornwall.
To sum up, Murder on the Pier is a light cozy mystery and works as a great timepass read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#MurderonthePierAFloraSteeleMysteryBook2 #NetGalley
*****
3.8 Stars
One Liner: Works as a breather and a timepass read.
Flora Steele is back in action dragging Jack with her to solve yet another crime. Set in 1955 in Sussex, the story continues a few months after book one ended. Flora is busy managing the book store, All is Well, while Jack somehow completed the draft of his seventh book.
It’s winter, and the villagers have gathered in the wake of Bernie, the no-good missing husband of Kate. He was missing for months when his body was finally found. Polly arrives at the wake, all dressed up in riches.
However, she’s soon found dead and floating under the pier. The police, of course, call it an accident or a suicide. But Flora has other ideas. She knows Polly was murdered and intends to find out who the killer is. Jack has no option but to tag along. As the list of suspects increases, will the duo solve the case on time? How will they fare when the killer decides to target them instead?
I requested the ARC the instant I saw it. The first book was entertaining, and I was eager to read the next installment in the series. Murder on the Pier works pretty well as a standalone, though it can be a little confusing to remember all the characters.
The flow is decent, and so is the storyline. Flora is an amateur sleuth, and it shows. However, she’s got a brain and uses it well (at least half the time). There’s slight progress on the personal track, which is artfully woven into the main plot.
The sleuthing is interesting, and I could guess the killer halfway through. Since I don’t mind guessing it right, I was still curious to know how Flora and Jack would come to the conclusion. My once ruse is that the book didn’t feel as charming as the first one. It’s good, but not what I’d call great. Still, I’ll be reading book three and hoping that it would be set in Cornwall.
To sum up, Murder on the Pier is a light cozy mystery and works as a great timepass read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#MurderonthePierAFloraSteeleMysteryBook2 #NetGalley
May 5, 2025
Drugie podejście do serii, a ja znowu jestem na nie.
Tym razem nasza Flora Steele podczas spaceru po molo, znajduje ciało młodej kobiety, a w dodatku zna ją osobiście. Ponownie Flora angażuje do pomocy Jacka Carringtona, żeby pomógł jej rozwiązać zagadkę i ująć sprawcę.
Nie wiem. Nie czuję tego nadal, a fabuła, a wraz z nią zachowania bohaterów są dość naciągane. Sprawa poprowadzona jest w taki sposób, że my jako czytelnicy rozwiążemy ją bez żadnego trudu, a Flora oraz Jack krążą wokół tropów, a potem wybierają najbardziej naciąganą opcję zamiast kierować się prostotą. Ponadto niektóre rozwiązania wyskakują niczym królik z kapelusza i nie widzimy tego związku przyczynowo-skutkowego. Relacja między bohaterami zaczyna się zacieśniać, ale nie kupuję tego, bo jest bardzo męcząca. Raz do siebie lgną, raz odpychają. Wszyscy wiemy jak to się skończy, ale to będzie naciągane do granic możliwości jeszcze pewnie przez kilka książek, żeby było o czym pisać.
Nie wiem czy będę kontynuować tę serię, bo miał być vibe Agathy Christie, ale to nie działa na wielu płaszczyznach. Może kiedyś sięgnę po trzeci tom jak akurat mi wpadnie pod rękę i w międzyczasie zdążę zapomnieć jakie wrażenia te książki po sobie zostawiły.
Tym razem nasza Flora Steele podczas spaceru po molo, znajduje ciało młodej kobiety, a w dodatku zna ją osobiście. Ponownie Flora angażuje do pomocy Jacka Carringtona, żeby pomógł jej rozwiązać zagadkę i ująć sprawcę.
Nie wiem. Nie czuję tego nadal, a fabuła, a wraz z nią zachowania bohaterów są dość naciągane. Sprawa poprowadzona jest w taki sposób, że my jako czytelnicy rozwiążemy ją bez żadnego trudu, a Flora oraz Jack krążą wokół tropów, a potem wybierają najbardziej naciąganą opcję zamiast kierować się prostotą. Ponadto niektóre rozwiązania wyskakują niczym królik z kapelusza i nie widzimy tego związku przyczynowo-skutkowego. Relacja między bohaterami zaczyna się zacieśniać, ale nie kupuję tego, bo jest bardzo męcząca. Raz do siebie lgną, raz odpychają. Wszyscy wiemy jak to się skończy, ale to będzie naciągane do granic możliwości jeszcze pewnie przez kilka książek, żeby było o czym pisać.
Nie wiem czy będę kontynuować tę serię, bo miał być vibe Agathy Christie, ale to nie działa na wielu płaszczyznach. Może kiedyś sięgnę po trzeci tom jak akurat mi wpadnie pod rękę i w międzyczasie zdążę zapomnieć jakie wrażenia te książki po sobie zostawiły.
November 7, 2023
troche flaki z olejem
January 7, 2022
“Meet Flora Steele – bookshop owner, bicycle-rider, daydreamer and amateur detective!”
Whilst the technical definition of ‘Golden Age’ detective fiction, is predominantly recognised as the decades of the 1920s and 1930s, the scope of the genre can apparently also be extended to other periods and I personally think that “The Flora Steele Mysteries” whilst set in the mid 1950s, qualify for a number of reasons, not the least of which being that the village setting, with its fairly predictable mix of local characters and tradespeople, are very reminiscent of the format for the “Miss Marple” series, by best selling author Agatha Christie, despite the fact that our sleuthing duo of Jack and Flora, are considerably younger in years than the estimable Miss Marple.
The combination of bookshop owner Flora and crime writer Jack, sounds like an amateur detective partnership made in heaven, although at first glance they may not be an obvious fit, as Jack is as taciturn and considered in his approach to their unofficial investigations, as Flora is impulsive and garrulous, which often puts them somewhat at odds with each other. Having only recently solved the case of The Bookshop Murder though, it would appear that Jack and Flora are gradually coming to an understanding in their relationship which places them more on an even footing, although I suspect that Jack will always be worried about letting Flora out of his sight for too long when a new case is there to be worked, as her impetuous nature rather courts trouble and danger, which has a nasty habit of placing them both in life threatening peril, as Flora is prone to acting first and considering the consequences later.
Jack has an unofficial understanding with local police detective Alan Ridley, who is open to casting a professional eye over the more technical details behind the plots of Jack’s books, to ensure their authenticity and accuracy. However, this does nothing to endear Alan to Flora, as she considers him far too quick to try and close a case down with probable cause and with the minimum amount of inconvenience; rather than assuage any nagging suspicions of foul play, by digging around for actual cause and suspects. Somewhat reluctantly, Jack has to agree that Ridley may not always take the most thorough route to solving a crime, although he will always try to keep the officer appraised of any developments and impending sticky situations, so that he and his team can be on hand if Jack and Flora get out of their depth, as so often happens.
The couple has also come to rely more and more on the astute observation and forthright manner of Jack’s young protegee, twelve-year-old, Charlie Teague. Charlie more than has his wits about him when it comes to being in the right place at the right time to earn himself a few pennies and whilst he may be a little rough around the edges, he is big-hearted, honest and keen to please. Jack and Flora, to their utmost chagrin, have rather silenced Charlie on more than one occasion during the course of this investigation though, as his young mind, sharp as it is, is subjected to the sight of a dead body floating in the sea and a personal near death experience involving a sabotaged boat and a large expanse of fast-flowing water, when he is unable to swim. A bit of TLC and a good plateful of food, usually revives Charlie in an instant, however the couple are more than aware that his mother should be able to rely on them to take more care of her young son, when he is in their charge.
Whilst not strictly a crime of passion, this case has a complicated mix of emotions and motives and a rather large and sprawling list of suspects, which Flora and Jack are not particularly organised about eliminating and really don’t begin to narrow down too much until the very last minute, and then only when they are confronted by the real perpetrator, who wasn’t even on their list, but I have to say was on my own, although maybe not right up there at the top. To elaborate any further really would be to disclose ‘spoilers’ and give the game away, for any armchair detectives out there, so you really do need to follow in Jack and Flora’s footsteps and see where the journey leads you, or perhaps you too, will be one step ahead and egging them on towards the finish line. The only clue I’m willing to share – ‘Is blood really thicker than water?’
Murder On The Pier is my idea of a textbook story format. It has a beginning which hits the ground running and after just a few pages I knew that something bad was going to happen pretty soon. The storyline is well paced with the action almost non-stop and plenty of cleverly added twists and turns to keep me on my toes and guessing. The ending is pretty neatly tied up with no nasty loose ends left hanging, although there is a rumour that the action might be moving location in the coming episodes, unless that’s just another red herring. I also don’t like my protagonists to end up dead and thankfully Jack and Flora manage this final challenge, but only by the very skin of their teeth and after several soakings, much bruising and the physical drawing of blood. How much longer can their luck hold out before there is some serious damage done and one of them is badly, perhaps fatally hurt!
Whilst this traditional murder mystery series is fast becoming compellingly addictive and growing in depth, each episode works well as a stand alone story, with the backstory deftly woven into the narrative and dialogue without detracting from the detail of the current investigation, making for a fluid, multi-layered, well structured storyline, which is rich in atmosphere and beautifully textured. The fluent and assured writing is visually descriptive, adding a wonderful three dimensional sense of time and place, which came to life on the pages as I was reading, transporting me back in time, immersing me in the action and making me part of the village life. Author Merryn Allingham, did an excellent job of changing the pace of the action and lowering the tension, only to ramp it back up again at a moments notice, just as I started to get comfortable with my new surroundings. Perhaps my one tiny niggle would be that, whilst Brighton is a real and tangible location, the village of Abbeymead is fictional, which doesn’t sit so comfortably with my ‘nerdy’ wish to have real places so I can physically track the action.
Jack and Flora are growing in stature with each episode in this village saga, as their relationship is slowly nurtured and begins to flourish. They are however, both badly shaken up by this most recent of cases. Jack because he realises that much against his better judgement, his feelings for Flora are growing deeper by the day and he wants to protect her. He is concerned about the age difference between them and the fact that hitherto he has been quite reclusive, struggling to become part of the community, because of a past which he can’t shake off and which refuses to let him move on. He knows deep down that this is very much his own state of mind and is therefore even more confused and concerned when he realises that little by little, Flora is breaking down his self imposed wall of exile and he is being ever so subtly, forced out into the open gaze of a village which is more than willing to embrace him, if only he will unburden himself and allow them to.
Flora is genuinely rocked to her core and has had her confidence badly knocked by her recent ordeals, and she too recognises the strength of the connection which is growing between Jack and herself, although she is not quite ready to cede to his gentle ministrations, fiercely strives to maintain her independence and is confused by her feelings of jealousy, when an unwanted face from Jack’s past turns up out of the blue. Behind all her surface bravado and bubbly confidence, Flora is actually quite a fragile and vulnerable person, for whom moving to Abbeymead to live with her aunt, was an emotional salvation for the distressed child, with the bookshop affording her a real sense of belonging and purpose to her future.
Once Jack and Flora have had the closest thing they have ever had to a true heart to heart conversation, it remains to be seen if they can move on together, or will an impending shift in focus, tear them apart rather than bring them closer?
Merryn has created a multi-faceted, well drawn, developed and defined cast of supporting characters who, whether they are on the side of good or bad, are authentically realistic to the times and genuinely believable in the individual roles which have been created for them. She has then afforded them all a good strong voice, with which to tell their story and direct the course of the action, which is probably just as well, as in this rather insular small community, everyone has an opinion and a wish to be heard, but only once you can prove that you can carve a worthwhile place for yourself amongst their ranks. Not all of the characters are easy to connect with or relate to, although generally the individual dynamics and synergy between them, works quite well, so whilst they may be quite complex and emotional, sometimes unreliable and a little vulnerable; they are all compelling, addictive, vibrant and totally worth investing in.
Engaging, enjoyable, emotional, escapist entertainment! – What more can I ask from a book?
To meet the author and share some of my most memorable extracts from the book, visit...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
Whilst the technical definition of ‘Golden Age’ detective fiction, is predominantly recognised as the decades of the 1920s and 1930s, the scope of the genre can apparently also be extended to other periods and I personally think that “The Flora Steele Mysteries” whilst set in the mid 1950s, qualify for a number of reasons, not the least of which being that the village setting, with its fairly predictable mix of local characters and tradespeople, are very reminiscent of the format for the “Miss Marple” series, by best selling author Agatha Christie, despite the fact that our sleuthing duo of Jack and Flora, are considerably younger in years than the estimable Miss Marple.
The combination of bookshop owner Flora and crime writer Jack, sounds like an amateur detective partnership made in heaven, although at first glance they may not be an obvious fit, as Jack is as taciturn and considered in his approach to their unofficial investigations, as Flora is impulsive and garrulous, which often puts them somewhat at odds with each other. Having only recently solved the case of The Bookshop Murder though, it would appear that Jack and Flora are gradually coming to an understanding in their relationship which places them more on an even footing, although I suspect that Jack will always be worried about letting Flora out of his sight for too long when a new case is there to be worked, as her impetuous nature rather courts trouble and danger, which has a nasty habit of placing them both in life threatening peril, as Flora is prone to acting first and considering the consequences later.
Jack has an unofficial understanding with local police detective Alan Ridley, who is open to casting a professional eye over the more technical details behind the plots of Jack’s books, to ensure their authenticity and accuracy. However, this does nothing to endear Alan to Flora, as she considers him far too quick to try and close a case down with probable cause and with the minimum amount of inconvenience; rather than assuage any nagging suspicions of foul play, by digging around for actual cause and suspects. Somewhat reluctantly, Jack has to agree that Ridley may not always take the most thorough route to solving a crime, although he will always try to keep the officer appraised of any developments and impending sticky situations, so that he and his team can be on hand if Jack and Flora get out of their depth, as so often happens.
The couple has also come to rely more and more on the astute observation and forthright manner of Jack’s young protegee, twelve-year-old, Charlie Teague. Charlie more than has his wits about him when it comes to being in the right place at the right time to earn himself a few pennies and whilst he may be a little rough around the edges, he is big-hearted, honest and keen to please. Jack and Flora, to their utmost chagrin, have rather silenced Charlie on more than one occasion during the course of this investigation though, as his young mind, sharp as it is, is subjected to the sight of a dead body floating in the sea and a personal near death experience involving a sabotaged boat and a large expanse of fast-flowing water, when he is unable to swim. A bit of TLC and a good plateful of food, usually revives Charlie in an instant, however the couple are more than aware that his mother should be able to rely on them to take more care of her young son, when he is in their charge.
Whilst not strictly a crime of passion, this case has a complicated mix of emotions and motives and a rather large and sprawling list of suspects, which Flora and Jack are not particularly organised about eliminating and really don’t begin to narrow down too much until the very last minute, and then only when they are confronted by the real perpetrator, who wasn’t even on their list, but I have to say was on my own, although maybe not right up there at the top. To elaborate any further really would be to disclose ‘spoilers’ and give the game away, for any armchair detectives out there, so you really do need to follow in Jack and Flora’s footsteps and see where the journey leads you, or perhaps you too, will be one step ahead and egging them on towards the finish line. The only clue I’m willing to share – ‘Is blood really thicker than water?’
Murder On The Pier is my idea of a textbook story format. It has a beginning which hits the ground running and after just a few pages I knew that something bad was going to happen pretty soon. The storyline is well paced with the action almost non-stop and plenty of cleverly added twists and turns to keep me on my toes and guessing. The ending is pretty neatly tied up with no nasty loose ends left hanging, although there is a rumour that the action might be moving location in the coming episodes, unless that’s just another red herring. I also don’t like my protagonists to end up dead and thankfully Jack and Flora manage this final challenge, but only by the very skin of their teeth and after several soakings, much bruising and the physical drawing of blood. How much longer can their luck hold out before there is some serious damage done and one of them is badly, perhaps fatally hurt!
Whilst this traditional murder mystery series is fast becoming compellingly addictive and growing in depth, each episode works well as a stand alone story, with the backstory deftly woven into the narrative and dialogue without detracting from the detail of the current investigation, making for a fluid, multi-layered, well structured storyline, which is rich in atmosphere and beautifully textured. The fluent and assured writing is visually descriptive, adding a wonderful three dimensional sense of time and place, which came to life on the pages as I was reading, transporting me back in time, immersing me in the action and making me part of the village life. Author Merryn Allingham, did an excellent job of changing the pace of the action and lowering the tension, only to ramp it back up again at a moments notice, just as I started to get comfortable with my new surroundings. Perhaps my one tiny niggle would be that, whilst Brighton is a real and tangible location, the village of Abbeymead is fictional, which doesn’t sit so comfortably with my ‘nerdy’ wish to have real places so I can physically track the action.
Jack and Flora are growing in stature with each episode in this village saga, as their relationship is slowly nurtured and begins to flourish. They are however, both badly shaken up by this most recent of cases. Jack because he realises that much against his better judgement, his feelings for Flora are growing deeper by the day and he wants to protect her. He is concerned about the age difference between them and the fact that hitherto he has been quite reclusive, struggling to become part of the community, because of a past which he can’t shake off and which refuses to let him move on. He knows deep down that this is very much his own state of mind and is therefore even more confused and concerned when he realises that little by little, Flora is breaking down his self imposed wall of exile and he is being ever so subtly, forced out into the open gaze of a village which is more than willing to embrace him, if only he will unburden himself and allow them to.
Flora is genuinely rocked to her core and has had her confidence badly knocked by her recent ordeals, and she too recognises the strength of the connection which is growing between Jack and herself, although she is not quite ready to cede to his gentle ministrations, fiercely strives to maintain her independence and is confused by her feelings of jealousy, when an unwanted face from Jack’s past turns up out of the blue. Behind all her surface bravado and bubbly confidence, Flora is actually quite a fragile and vulnerable person, for whom moving to Abbeymead to live with her aunt, was an emotional salvation for the distressed child, with the bookshop affording her a real sense of belonging and purpose to her future.
Once Jack and Flora have had the closest thing they have ever had to a true heart to heart conversation, it remains to be seen if they can move on together, or will an impending shift in focus, tear them apart rather than bring them closer?
Merryn has created a multi-faceted, well drawn, developed and defined cast of supporting characters who, whether they are on the side of good or bad, are authentically realistic to the times and genuinely believable in the individual roles which have been created for them. She has then afforded them all a good strong voice, with which to tell their story and direct the course of the action, which is probably just as well, as in this rather insular small community, everyone has an opinion and a wish to be heard, but only once you can prove that you can carve a worthwhile place for yourself amongst their ranks. Not all of the characters are easy to connect with or relate to, although generally the individual dynamics and synergy between them, works quite well, so whilst they may be quite complex and emotional, sometimes unreliable and a little vulnerable; they are all compelling, addictive, vibrant and totally worth investing in.
Engaging, enjoyable, emotional, escapist entertainment! – What more can I ask from a book?
To meet the author and share some of my most memorable extracts from the book, visit...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
January 28, 2025
Dobrze, że w następnym tomie bohaterowie wyjeżdżają z tego miasteczka, bo niedługo żaden z mieszkańców by się nie ostał, tyle ich umarło na przestrzeni tych dwóch książek. 4⭐
November 14, 2023
Polecam najpierw zapoznać się z "Morderstwem w księgarni", ponieważ sporo tutaj nawiązań do pierwszej części serii.
Zimy i zimowego klimatu nie ma zbyt wiele - zimna woda, w której znaleziono zwłoki, nieco mrozu za oknem i tyle. Na to się zatem nie nastawiajcie.
"Morderstwo w zimowy dzień" podobało mi się mniej niż pierwsza książka tej autorki, głównie dlatego, że za dużo było w niej "romantyzmu" i naiwnych, nieodpowiedzialnych zachowań głównej bohaterki.
Klimat małego miasteczka był znów mocno wyczuwalny, dużo lokalnych sekretów i działań po znajomości. Sprawca zbrodni był jednak łatwy do odgadnięcia, więc przy niektórych tropach przewracałam oczami z nudów.
Zimy i zimowego klimatu nie ma zbyt wiele - zimna woda, w której znaleziono zwłoki, nieco mrozu za oknem i tyle. Na to się zatem nie nastawiajcie.
"Morderstwo w zimowy dzień" podobało mi się mniej niż pierwsza książka tej autorki, głównie dlatego, że za dużo było w niej "romantyzmu" i naiwnych, nieodpowiedzialnych zachowań głównej bohaterki.
Klimat małego miasteczka był znów mocno wyczuwalny, dużo lokalnych sekretów i działań po znajomości. Sprawca zbrodni był jednak łatwy do odgadnięcia, więc przy niektórych tropach przewracałam oczami z nudów.
December 9, 2024
Podobał mi się mniej niż 1 tom, zagadka kryminalna średnia, za mało czułam komfortowości, brakowało mi tego zimowego klimatu, ale bohaterów nadal lubię i przyjemnie się tego słucha mimo wszystko, tylko od kolejnej części będę oczekiwać więcej. Za dużo też dramatów, żeby we wszystko uwierzyć.
August 12, 2024
Bardzo prosty, małomiasteczkowy kryminał. Dla mnie jest to komfortowe czytadło, po które sięgam, kiedy mam ochotę przesiąść się na mniej skomplikowaną literaturę. Były momenty, gdzie upór i poczucie wyższości Flory doprowadzały mnie do szału, ale trzeba jej przyznać - pchała akcję do przodu :) Jack w przeciwieństwie do Flory jest cudownym głosem rozsądku, za co go uwielbiam.
Polecam, ale na bardzo specyficzny nastrój :)
Polecam, ale na bardzo specyficzny nastrój :)
December 8, 2023
To było tak fajne! Znalałam MOJE cosy mystery <3
January 17, 2022
Flora Steele walking along the pier found a body in the cold water, it is young Polly. Police and family think that Polly's death was an accident, but Flora thinks otherwise and now she needs to look into this suspicious death.
Nice cozy mystery, thanks to Netgalley.
Nice cozy mystery, thanks to Netgalley.
June 10, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐
Jest jeszcze lepsza niż 1 tom! Tyle przygód, zwrotów akcji i zakończenie! Od razu sięgam po trzeci i nie wiem co zrobię, jak już go skończę i będę musiała czekać na następny! To moja nowa ulubiona seria kryminalna! Te kryminały są takie wciągające i komfortowe! A klimat angielskiej wsi lat 50tych - cudo! Kocham Florę Steele! No i odczułam ogromną satysfakcję, bo odpadłam przestępcę!
Jest jeszcze lepsza niż 1 tom! Tyle przygód, zwrotów akcji i zakończenie! Od razu sięgam po trzeci i nie wiem co zrobię, jak już go skończę i będę musiała czekać na następny! To moja nowa ulubiona seria kryminalna! Te kryminały są takie wciągające i komfortowe! A klimat angielskiej wsi lat 50tych - cudo! Kocham Florę Steele! No i odczułam ogromną satysfakcję, bo odpadłam przestępcę!
November 13, 2021
Flora Steele and Jack Carrington make a fine pair when it comes to solving murders. In fact, they proved quite successful once before. Jack is a crime writer with the intent of getting back to his next novel. Flora has a bookshop to run. However, not only has another murder occurred, Flora knew the victim. She just has to get involved. Quite naturally, Flora has every intention of getting Jack’s help once again.
As before, there is no shortage of suspects. Meanwhile, just as it seems that Flora and Jack are actually drawing closer together, someone from Jack’s past comes into the picture and upsets the fine balance he and Flora have found. Will they be able to push past hurt feelings and focus on the murder at hand?
If Flora had already experienced danger once before, the stakes are even higher this time. Flora will leave no stone unturned even if it means upsetting more than a few people as she doggedly pursues the truth.
Murder on the Pier is the perfect sophomore book in this terrific cozy mystery series. I love Flora and Jack together as they make a fine pair of sleuths. I look forward to see their romance blooming. This book could do well as a standalone but if you are like me and like backstories then you might enjoy the first book in this series, The Bookshop Murder, as I did. I am eager for the next book in the series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
As before, there is no shortage of suspects. Meanwhile, just as it seems that Flora and Jack are actually drawing closer together, someone from Jack’s past comes into the picture and upsets the fine balance he and Flora have found. Will they be able to push past hurt feelings and focus on the murder at hand?
If Flora had already experienced danger once before, the stakes are even higher this time. Flora will leave no stone unturned even if it means upsetting more than a few people as she doggedly pursues the truth.
Murder on the Pier is the perfect sophomore book in this terrific cozy mystery series. I love Flora and Jack together as they make a fine pair of sleuths. I look forward to see their romance blooming. This book could do well as a standalone but if you are like me and like backstories then you might enjoy the first book in this series, The Bookshop Murder, as I did. I am eager for the next book in the series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
January 27, 2024
Lata 50-te, niespieszne Abbeymead i zagadkowa śmierć młodej Polly. Tak w skrócie można opisać to co spotka Was w książce pt. "Morderstwo w zimowy dzień". Wyjadacze kryminałów nie nastawiajcie się jednak na wartką akcję z błyskotliwych gliniarzem, tylko na spacery i domysły pary mieszkańców Abbeymead. Flora i Jack, właścicielka księgarni i pisarz, to właśnie oni doprowadzą do rozwiązania sprawy.
Miłośnicy zbrodni w latach 50-tych czy samych lat 50- tych nie nastawiajcie się na spacery brukowanymi ulicami czy na szukanie śladów za pomocą szkła powiększającego. Tego tu nie ma w ogóle nie czułam klimatu tamtych lat.
Śmierć Polly tylko na początku wydaje się zagadkowa. Jeszcze przed płową książki jest taki fragment który w sposób znaczny może nasunąć czytelnikowi rozwiązanie sprawy.
A tak w ogóle w trakcie czytania doszło do mnie, że czytam drugą część bez poznania pierwszej. Okazuje się jednak, że nie było to problemem.
Podsumowując nie jest to zła książka dla nowicjusza, może dać się wciągnąć
Dla mnie była jednostajna nie wzbudzała we mnie tylu emocji i nie wyzwalała tylu myśli ci prawdziwy, rasowy kryminał.
Książkę poznawałam (dokładnie) w połowie jako ebook, a drugą połowę przesłuchałam. I ta druga opcja zdecydowanie wygrywa przy tym tytule.
Miłośnicy zbrodni w latach 50-tych czy samych lat 50- tych nie nastawiajcie się na spacery brukowanymi ulicami czy na szukanie śladów za pomocą szkła powiększającego. Tego tu nie ma w ogóle nie czułam klimatu tamtych lat.
Śmierć Polly tylko na początku wydaje się zagadkowa. Jeszcze przed płową książki jest taki fragment który w sposób znaczny może nasunąć czytelnikowi rozwiązanie sprawy.
A tak w ogóle w trakcie czytania doszło do mnie, że czytam drugą część bez poznania pierwszej. Okazuje się jednak, że nie było to problemem.
Podsumowując nie jest to zła książka dla nowicjusza, może dać się wciągnąć
Dla mnie była jednostajna nie wzbudzała we mnie tylu emocji i nie wyzwalała tylu myśli ci prawdziwy, rasowy kryminał.
Książkę poznawałam (dokładnie) w połowie jako ebook, a drugą połowę przesłuchałam. I ta druga opcja zdecydowanie wygrywa przy tym tytule.
January 16, 2025
Ta seria nie zostaje mi w głowie na długo, ale w trakcie dobrze się bawię. Lubię ten klimat małego, angielskiego miasteczka.
December 24, 2024
3.75⭐️
November 8, 2023
Przyjemna lektura do posłuchania przy pracy. Podobała mi się nieco mniej niż pierwszy tom, ale ma fajny klimat. Będę słuchać kolejnych 🙌
November 17, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Murder On The Pier' by Merryn Allingham.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Merryn Allingham, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 10th November 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. It is also the second book in the 'Flora Steele Mystery' series. I have previously read 'The Bookshop Murder' which is the first book in the series and which I highly recommend, although this can be read as a standalone.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis!.' I am a huge fan of all three of those authors so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Merryn and if this is half as good as 'The Bookshop Murder' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 33 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Gloucester and Brighton, England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times. I have in fact visited and holidayed in Gloucester on many occasions including this year so am looking forward to possibly recognising name places.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Flora Steele ad Jack Carrington. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book was very well written and I do believe some research went into it as everything linked correctly in with the era it was set in which was 1955. It is a real bug bear for me when I read a historical novel and the author hasn't done their research and gets basic information mixed up so well done Merryn!! It was very well written and I found the synopsis and the cover fitted the storyline perfectly, The descriptions were great and it really felt as if I was in the story.
Well I must say this is yet another explosive book in an absolutely addictive series!!! The storyline was very interesting and quite fast paced. I absolutely loved the fact that the main characters (Flora) owns a Bookshop and Jack is an author. There is just something about a book where there is a lot of emphasis on books for me and this book was packed with them!! I really enjoyed that it was set in the past and the storyline really suited that. It really is a nice cozy mystery that will keep you guessing throughout. At no point did I suspect who was doing what or why so another huge well done there Merryn!!! I have read many a mystery and find that I am working out the killer/perp quicker every time and there's nothing worse than working out who did what when your need even half way through a book. I loved that this book is based in Gloucester and Brighton as the atmospheres suit the book perfectly. Not only is this quite a suspense and action filled mystery but there was just the right amount of quirkiness, laughter and attitude to give it a nice mix!!! A fun, addictive, unputdownable cozy crime mystery.
Although this is the second 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 am really invested in the characters and really enjoyed meeting Flora and Jack again both with their fantastic and quirky personality!!! In fact all of the characters had their own individual personalities which worked really well with each other. I am definitely looking forward to meeting Flora and Jack again and some more of the villagers. The community was really close knit which is realistic in small communities and I enjoyed getting to know them.
Congratulations Merryn on yet an absolutely fantastic book in an absolutely epic series!! I am really looking forward to see what Flora and Jack get up to next!!! Here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an addictive perfect mix of mystery, crime, suspense and quirkiness which kept me turning the pages late at night!! An explosive start to a new series!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Suspense, Mystery, Thriller, Murder Mystery and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Helena Dixon, Agatha Christie, Dee MacDonald, Fliss Chester and anyone looking for a historic cosy mystery!!
270 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited 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.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#MurderOnThePier #Bookouture #MerrynAllingham #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@MerrynAllingham @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
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Review for 'Murder On The Pier' by Merryn Allingham.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Merryn Allingham, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 10th November 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. It is also the second book in the 'Flora Steele Mystery' series. I have previously read 'The Bookshop Murder' which is the first book in the series and which I highly recommend, although this can be read as a standalone.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis!.' I am a huge fan of all three of those authors so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Merryn and if this is half as good as 'The Bookshop Murder' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 33 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Gloucester and Brighton, England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times. I have in fact visited and holidayed in Gloucester on many occasions including this year so am looking forward to possibly recognising name places.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Flora Steele ad Jack Carrington. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book was very well written and I do believe some research went into it as everything linked correctly in with the era it was set in which was 1955. It is a real bug bear for me when I read a historical novel and the author hasn't done their research and gets basic information mixed up so well done Merryn!! It was very well written and I found the synopsis and the cover fitted the storyline perfectly, The descriptions were great and it really felt as if I was in the story.
Well I must say this is yet another explosive book in an absolutely addictive series!!! The storyline was very interesting and quite fast paced. I absolutely loved the fact that the main characters (Flora) owns a Bookshop and Jack is an author. There is just something about a book where there is a lot of emphasis on books for me and this book was packed with them!! I really enjoyed that it was set in the past and the storyline really suited that. It really is a nice cozy mystery that will keep you guessing throughout. At no point did I suspect who was doing what or why so another huge well done there Merryn!!! I have read many a mystery and find that I am working out the killer/perp quicker every time and there's nothing worse than working out who did what when your need even half way through a book. I loved that this book is based in Gloucester and Brighton as the atmospheres suit the book perfectly. Not only is this quite a suspense and action filled mystery but there was just the right amount of quirkiness, laughter and attitude to give it a nice mix!!! A fun, addictive, unputdownable cozy crime mystery.
Although this is the second 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 am really invested in the characters and really enjoyed meeting Flora and Jack again both with their fantastic and quirky personality!!! In fact all of the characters had their own individual personalities which worked really well with each other. I am definitely looking forward to meeting Flora and Jack again and some more of the villagers. The community was really close knit which is realistic in small communities and I enjoyed getting to know them.
Congratulations Merryn on yet an absolutely fantastic book in an absolutely epic series!! I am really looking forward to see what Flora and Jack get up to next!!! Here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an addictive perfect mix of mystery, crime, suspense and quirkiness which kept me turning the pages late at night!! An explosive start to a new series!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Suspense, Mystery, Thriller, Murder Mystery and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Helena Dixon, Agatha Christie, Dee MacDonald, Fliss Chester and anyone looking for a historic cosy mystery!!
270 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited 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.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#MurderOnThePier #Bookouture #MerrynAllingham #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@MerrynAllingham @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
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October 24, 2025
słabiutka. W połowie książki rozwiązałam zagadkę i z dużym bólem musiałam czekać aż główni bohaterowie również ją rozwiążą. całość mało zagadkowa, dużo bardzo imion, które się mieszały, bardzo dużo dialogów o dupie marynie, które nie były zbyt związane z czymkolwiek. no nie polubiłyśmy się z tą książką za bardzo.
December 19, 2023
3,5⭐️
Jakoś tak nie wiem, mniej mi się ten tom podobał 🤷♀️
Jakoś tak nie wiem, mniej mi się ten tom podobał 🤷♀️
June 1, 2025
Dobrze się tego słuchało w formie audio.
October 19, 2021
I absolutely love the sleuthing partnership of Flora Steele and Jack Carrington! They’re such a great counterbalance for each other and the other series characters are warm and wonderful to come back to as well. As for the mystery, I whizzed through it – there was lots of satisfying focus on the clues but plenty of action and drama too. The first book in the series was thoroughly enjoyable and if anything, I appreciated this one even more. A perfect period cosy.
November 30, 2023
"Morderstwo w zimowy dzień" autorstwa Merryn Allingham to powieść, która przenosi czytelnika w nostalgiczny nastrój mroźnych dni, oferując jednocześnie urok otulającego kryminału w stylu cozy. Choć słowa "otulający" i "kryminał" pozornie mogą do siebie pasować, to gwarantuję Wam, że tak właśnie tak jest. Autorka doskonale balansuje między subtelnością a napięciem, kreując opowieść, która wciąga od pierwszych stron. Jednym z najważniejszych atutów tej powieści jest sposób, w jaki Allingham podejmuje temat kryminalnej zagadki. Zamiast opowiadać o krwawej zbrodni, skupia się na wyważonych opisach, co sprawia, że lektura jest zarówno intrygująca, jak i przyjemna. Czytelnikowi pozostawiane są subtelne wskazówki, prowadzące go przez zawiłą intrygę, a sama rozgrywka staje się swoistym łamigłówkowym doświadczeniem.
Niezwykle ciekawym aspektem jest także kreacja bohaterów, szczególnie Flory Steele, właścicielki księgarni All's Well, oraz pisarza kryminałów, Jacka Carringtona, detektywów-amatorów. Ich relacja, choć pozbawiona romantycznych wątków, jest głęboka i autentyczna. Dialogi między nimi, przekomarzania oraz wzajemna troska sprawiają, że czytelnik połączy się z postaciami na emocjonalnym poziomie, co dodaje powieści nowego wymiaru. Warto również podkreślić, że chociaż książka nie skupia się na romantycznych wątkach, to relacja między głównymi bohaterami jest bardzo wciągająca. Autorka zręcznie pokazuje, jak dynamika między postaciami może być centralnym elementem opowieści, nawet bez elementu romansu.
Fabuła powieści płynie nieśpiesznie, co nie oznacza, że jest pozbawiona dynamiki. Zawiłe wydarzenia, opisowe fragmenty oraz otulający styl tworzą atmosferę, która jednocześnie kojąca, a jednocześnie wzmagająca czujność czytelnika. Ta równowaga między opisowością a napięciem jest jednym z największych sukcesów książki. Autorka nie obarcza czytelnika szczegółami krwawej zbrodni, wszelkie opisy są bardzo subtelne, wyważone. Sama zagadka kryminalna jest niezwykle ciekawie skonstruowana, Allingham cały czas zostawia czytelnikowi wskazówki, choć te są na tyle niejednoznaczne, że łatwo je przeoczyć - sama dopiero po połowie książki doszłam do tego, kto jest sprawcą, choć identycznie jak Flora Steele - zmieniłam się w chodzącą podejrzliwość.
"Morderstwo w zimowy dzień" to idealna lektura dla miłośników klasycznego kryminału, zwłaszcza tych, którzy cenią sobie styl cozy. Urokliwe opisy, świetnie skomponowana fabuła oraz fascynujące postacie, prowadzące amatorskie śledztwo, sprawiają, że powieść ta zasługuje na uwagę zarówno fanów gatunku, jak i czytelników poszukujących odskoczni od bardziej brutalnych kryminałów. To retro-kryminał, który wplata wątki zagadkowe w otoczenie pełne uroku, tworząc niezapomniane doświadczenie czytelnicze.
Niezwykle ciekawym aspektem jest także kreacja bohaterów, szczególnie Flory Steele, właścicielki księgarni All's Well, oraz pisarza kryminałów, Jacka Carringtona, detektywów-amatorów. Ich relacja, choć pozbawiona romantycznych wątków, jest głęboka i autentyczna. Dialogi między nimi, przekomarzania oraz wzajemna troska sprawiają, że czytelnik połączy się z postaciami na emocjonalnym poziomie, co dodaje powieści nowego wymiaru. Warto również podkreślić, że chociaż książka nie skupia się na romantycznych wątkach, to relacja między głównymi bohaterami jest bardzo wciągająca. Autorka zręcznie pokazuje, jak dynamika między postaciami może być centralnym elementem opowieści, nawet bez elementu romansu.
Fabuła powieści płynie nieśpiesznie, co nie oznacza, że jest pozbawiona dynamiki. Zawiłe wydarzenia, opisowe fragmenty oraz otulający styl tworzą atmosferę, która jednocześnie kojąca, a jednocześnie wzmagająca czujność czytelnika. Ta równowaga między opisowością a napięciem jest jednym z największych sukcesów książki. Autorka nie obarcza czytelnika szczegółami krwawej zbrodni, wszelkie opisy są bardzo subtelne, wyważone. Sama zagadka kryminalna jest niezwykle ciekawie skonstruowana, Allingham cały czas zostawia czytelnikowi wskazówki, choć te są na tyle niejednoznaczne, że łatwo je przeoczyć - sama dopiero po połowie książki doszłam do tego, kto jest sprawcą, choć identycznie jak Flora Steele - zmieniłam się w chodzącą podejrzliwość.
"Morderstwo w zimowy dzień" to idealna lektura dla miłośników klasycznego kryminału, zwłaszcza tych, którzy cenią sobie styl cozy. Urokliwe opisy, świetnie skomponowana fabuła oraz fascynujące postacie, prowadzące amatorskie śledztwo, sprawiają, że powieść ta zasługuje na uwagę zarówno fanów gatunku, jak i czytelników poszukujących odskoczni od bardziej brutalnych kryminałów. To retro-kryminał, który wplata wątki zagadkowe w otoczenie pełne uroku, tworząc niezapomniane doświadczenie czytelnicze.
September 18, 2024
Wracamy do hrabstwa Sussex, do przebojowej Flory Steele i jej towarzysza kryminalnych przygód Jacka Carringtona. I zanim przejdziemy do recenzji, mam do Was pytanie: lubicie książki, których akcja dzieje się w Anglii?
Na początek dość ważna informacja. „Mörderstwo w zimowy dzień” jest powiązane z wydarzeniami, które miały miejsce w książce „Mörderstwo w księgarni”, dlatego zalecam zacząć lekturę od pierwszego tomu serii.
Merryn Allingham coraz bardziej podbija moje serce swoją twórczością. Uwielbiam jej styl pisania oraz to, jak przez całą książkę od początku do końca czuć małomiasteczkowy klimat. Autorka oprócz wyśmienitych głównych bohaterów, stworzyła fantastyczną społeczność. Postacie drugoplanowe są wyraziste, każdy ma swoją historię i trudy życiowe, które zręcznie zostają wplecione i nadają głębie zgranej społeczności Abbeymead.
Między Jackiem a Florą zacieśniły się więzi przyjaźni. Jestem ciekawa, czy z każdą kolejną książką bohaterowie zrozumieją to, co dla czytelnika i pewnej drugoplanowej bohaterki, jest wręcz oczywiste, czyli fakt, że byliby idealną parą. Jednak odnoszę wrażenie, że autorka buduje między nimi relację od samych podstaw, co jeszcze bardziej mnie zauroczyło.
Wspólne dochodzenie do prawdy i szukanie dowodów było wręcz ekscytujące. Uwielbiam to, że fabuła nie jest na siłę przekombinowana, a jednocześnie czuć napięcie w oczekiwaniu na następny ruch mördercy. Choć było czuć delikatną nutę podobieństwa między pierwszym a drugim tomem, absolutnie mi to nie przeszkadzało. Czy mój zmysł do łączenia dowodów i wskazówek był szybszy niż Flory Steele? Otóż tym razem tak. Jednakże znając już twórczość autorki, do samego końca nie byłam niczego w stu procentach pewna.
„Mörderstwo w zimowy dzień” sprawdzi się idealnie nie tylko w jesienny lub zimowy wieczór, ale również w te upalne letnie dni, gdyż, jak głosi tytuł, w Abbeymead mają cudownie chłodny klimat! Pozazdrościć!
Oceniam: 4/5🥃
Marcela 🐝
Na początek dość ważna informacja. „Mörderstwo w zimowy dzień” jest powiązane z wydarzeniami, które miały miejsce w książce „Mörderstwo w księgarni”, dlatego zalecam zacząć lekturę od pierwszego tomu serii.
Merryn Allingham coraz bardziej podbija moje serce swoją twórczością. Uwielbiam jej styl pisania oraz to, jak przez całą książkę od początku do końca czuć małomiasteczkowy klimat. Autorka oprócz wyśmienitych głównych bohaterów, stworzyła fantastyczną społeczność. Postacie drugoplanowe są wyraziste, każdy ma swoją historię i trudy życiowe, które zręcznie zostają wplecione i nadają głębie zgranej społeczności Abbeymead.
Między Jackiem a Florą zacieśniły się więzi przyjaźni. Jestem ciekawa, czy z każdą kolejną książką bohaterowie zrozumieją to, co dla czytelnika i pewnej drugoplanowej bohaterki, jest wręcz oczywiste, czyli fakt, że byliby idealną parą. Jednak odnoszę wrażenie, że autorka buduje między nimi relację od samych podstaw, co jeszcze bardziej mnie zauroczyło.
Wspólne dochodzenie do prawdy i szukanie dowodów było wręcz ekscytujące. Uwielbiam to, że fabuła nie jest na siłę przekombinowana, a jednocześnie czuć napięcie w oczekiwaniu na następny ruch mördercy. Choć było czuć delikatną nutę podobieństwa między pierwszym a drugim tomem, absolutnie mi to nie przeszkadzało. Czy mój zmysł do łączenia dowodów i wskazówek był szybszy niż Flory Steele? Otóż tym razem tak. Jednakże znając już twórczość autorki, do samego końca nie byłam niczego w stu procentach pewna.
„Mörderstwo w zimowy dzień” sprawdzi się idealnie nie tylko w jesienny lub zimowy wieczór, ale również w te upalne letnie dni, gdyż, jak głosi tytuł, w Abbeymead mają cudownie chłodny klimat! Pozazdrościć!
Oceniam: 4/5🥃
Marcela 🐝
February 9, 2022
If post-war cosy mysteries are what you crave
Read this one, I'm sure it'll make you rave!
Set in a Sussex village in 1955 you'll meet
Lots of folks you'd like to actually greet.
Flora Steele and Jack Carrington are friends who
Seem to accidentally get involved in a mystery or two.
In this one a trip to visit Brighton and the pier
Is where they discover Polly Dakers, she's dead, I fear.
Is it a suicide, an accident or murder? They have to know!
So again it is off investigating that they go.
There are secrets, surprises and so much more
That they'd discover as they start to explore.
With a plethora of clues and danger around both of them
Will they survive investigating yet again?
WOW! I thoroughly enjoy reading about the village and times
As well as these two endeavouring to solve the crimes.
It is a series I hope to return to in future to read more
About Abbeymead, the folks and times I adore.
I admit I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there's a chance
This sleuthing couple will develop into a romance!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
Read this one, I'm sure it'll make you rave!
Set in a Sussex village in 1955 you'll meet
Lots of folks you'd like to actually greet.
Flora Steele and Jack Carrington are friends who
Seem to accidentally get involved in a mystery or two.
In this one a trip to visit Brighton and the pier
Is where they discover Polly Dakers, she's dead, I fear.
Is it a suicide, an accident or murder? They have to know!
So again it is off investigating that they go.
There are secrets, surprises and so much more
That they'd discover as they start to explore.
With a plethora of clues and danger around both of them
Will they survive investigating yet again?
WOW! I thoroughly enjoy reading about the village and times
As well as these two endeavouring to solve the crimes.
It is a series I hope to return to in future to read more
About Abbeymead, the folks and times I adore.
I admit I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there's a chance
This sleuthing couple will develop into a romance!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
November 22, 2023
-Intrygująca powieść kryminalna osadzona w scenerii angielskiej wioski Abbeymead. Idealna dla fanów Sherlocka Holmesa i Herkulesa Poirota-
Ciekawy i lekki kryminał, który przeczytałam w zaledwie kilka godzin.
❗️
Flora, bohaterka książki znajduje w wodzie ciało młodej dziewczyny. Nie spodziewa sie tego, że jest jedną z jej znajomych. Prosi o pomoc Jacka, pisarza kryminalnego, aby rozwikłać zagadkę morderstwa. Chociaż było podejrzenie, że to samobójstwo, to Flora nie dała temu wiary i za wszelką cenę chce dowiedzieć się prawdy i dopaść zbrodniarza.
❗️
Książkę "Morderstwo w zimowy dzień" możemy zaliczyć do raczej tych spokojnkejszych, bez rozlewu krwi, bez gonitwy, na spokojnie. Z dnia na dzień prowadzący śledztwo są bliżej rozwiązania, i złapania sprawcy, który sporo ma na sumieniu.
Sprawca jako przebieraniec nie okazał się takim spryciarzem jakim by chciał. Jedna mała rzecz, który zgubił okazała się być silnym dowodem na jego winę.
❗️
Myślę, że dla co niektorych rozwiązanie samo się nasunęło, ale warto doczytać do końca, aby się upewnić na sto procent co i jak !!!
❗️
Cieszę się, że miałam przyjemność przeczytania książki bo bardzo mi się podobała.
Ciekawa, przyjemna w czytaniu, połączona z obyczajówką, i godna polecenia bo warto po nią sięgnąć.
Ciekawy i lekki kryminał, który przeczytałam w zaledwie kilka godzin.
❗️
Flora, bohaterka książki znajduje w wodzie ciało młodej dziewczyny. Nie spodziewa sie tego, że jest jedną z jej znajomych. Prosi o pomoc Jacka, pisarza kryminalnego, aby rozwikłać zagadkę morderstwa. Chociaż było podejrzenie, że to samobójstwo, to Flora nie dała temu wiary i za wszelką cenę chce dowiedzieć się prawdy i dopaść zbrodniarza.
❗️
Książkę "Morderstwo w zimowy dzień" możemy zaliczyć do raczej tych spokojnkejszych, bez rozlewu krwi, bez gonitwy, na spokojnie. Z dnia na dzień prowadzący śledztwo są bliżej rozwiązania, i złapania sprawcy, który sporo ma na sumieniu.
Sprawca jako przebieraniec nie okazał się takim spryciarzem jakim by chciał. Jedna mała rzecz, który zgubił okazała się być silnym dowodem na jego winę.
❗️
Myślę, że dla co niektorych rozwiązanie samo się nasunęło, ale warto doczytać do końca, aby się upewnić na sto procent co i jak !!!
❗️
Cieszę się, że miałam przyjemność przeczytania książki bo bardzo mi się podobała.
Ciekawa, przyjemna w czytaniu, połączona z obyczajówką, i godna polecenia bo warto po nią sięgnąć.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 390 reviews