The Body in the Ice House

A Georgina Drake Mystery #2

by Kate Hardy

Meet Georgina professional photographer, novice gardener, and… amateur sleuth?

Georgina Drake’s job photographing beautiful Hartington Hall takes a dramatic turn when she enters the ancient ice house to find the lady of the manor dead on the floor. The second wife of the irascible owner of the hall, Karen Berry had plenty of enemies. Her death could have been an accident, but when Georgina hears how Karen had argued with her husband, alienated her two step-daughters, and fired the long-standing housekeeper for theft, she’s not convinced…

As the police, led by attractive DI Colin Bradshaw, round up the household for interviews, Georgina takes her suspicions and her boisterous spaniel Bertie for a walk through the grounds. And is horrified when he digs up a human skeleton. Georgina is once again in the middle of a baffling mystery.

What dark secret at Hartington connects the two crimes and can Georgina unmask the killer before they strike again…?

A totally delightful cozy crime novel set in charming Norfolk. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Midsomer Murders!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, British Literature, Contemporary, Crime, Amateur Sleuth

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2024

About the author

Kate Hardy is the award-winning author of more than 100 books for Harlequin Mills & Boon and the Georgina Drake cozy crime series for Storm. Her novel 'Breakfast at Giovanni's' won the RNA Romance Prize in 2008, 'Bound by a Baby' won the RNA RoNA Rose in 2014 and ‘A Will, A Wish, A Wedding’ won the RNA Liberta Books Shorter Fiction award in 2021. She's been shortlisted six more times for the award, as well as for two Romantic Times awards.

She lives in Norwich in the east of England with her husband, two grown-up children, springer spaniels Archie and Dexter, and too many books to count. She's a bit of a nerd who loves cinema, live music, the theatre, ballet, history and cooking, and adores anything Italian. She loves doing research, particularly if it's hands-on and means experimenting with cooking. Reviewers say that her books are full of warmth, heart and charm - and also that you'll learn something new and interesting from them!

Kate also writes bestselling local history books under the name of Pamela Brooks.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgie Drake accompanied her good friend Sybbie to Hartington Hall to photograph it and the surrounding gardens and buildings in preparation for opening the Hall to the public. Hattie and Posy, daughters of the household and Sybbie's god daughters, knew this was a good way for the Hall to make money for its upkeep. The elderly residence was beautiful but the money needed to keep it in good shape was astronomical. After photographing the house, they headed toward the old ice house, currently locked and a home to the local bats, a protected species. It was when they went inside - unusually the door was unlocked - that Georgie discovered a body at the bottom of the hole which had kept ice frozen back in the day. When it was discovered to be the second wife of Henry Berry, owner of Hartington Hall, police were called, with DI Colin Bradshaw, Georgie's good friend, arriving on the scene.

As the investigation into the death ramped up, Georgie began to look into events herself. What she found, along with what Colin couldn't discuss, saw Georgie and Sybbie put themselves in danger. And when Bertie, Georgie's spaniel, dug up human bones in the grounds of the Hall, that proved to be at least a century old, Georgie's investigation into the past began in earnest. Would they discover the answers to both deaths?

The Body in the Ice House is the 2nd in A Georgina Drake Mystery series by Kate Hardy and I loved it! Georgie is an excellent character and her friend Sybbie is as well. Bertie is adorable, while Doris is perfect! I'm looking forward to the next in the series, hopefully not too far away. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous story in this awesome series, I love Georgina and Doris and her musketeers, Sybbie Cesca and Jodie add to that Bertie and of course there is DI Colin Bradshaw, if you love a good mystery then this is one to pick up, it is such a page turner.

Georgie is asked by Sybbie to help out with taking some photos for her goddaughters at the historic estate of Hartington Hall, she brings Bertie along for the day as well, when Georgie arrives at the historic ice house to take some photos there is a body at the bottom, who turns out to be the second wife of Lord Henry Berry, Karen Berry, is it an accident or is it murder, it appears that Karen is not a well-liked person who in the four years she has been married to Henry has done her best to alienate not only his daughters, Hattie and Posy but staff who have worked at the estate for many years. She has not been very loving to her own daughter Ellen either who spends a lot of time with the bats that are protected and live in the ice house.

The police have been called and DI Colin Bradshaw arrives to start the investigation, this is the second body that Georgie has uncovered and her and Colin are very good friends, not only that but when Georgie’s dog Bertie does some digging he uncovers human bones, two bodies in one day and again Georgie is caught up in the mystery again.

Georgie is very good at investigating murders herself it seems and with a bit of help from Doris she uncovers a lot about the mystery of the bones found and with more searching uncovers a lot of facts about Karen Berry and her past, all of which she passes onto Colin, but will they uncover the truth before Georgie is in danger again?

I loved this one from start to finish a one sitting read again, it is so well written and a must read for any cosy mystery lover, I was guessing till the very end and I can’t wait for book three to arrive, Thank you Kate Hardy for another brilliant story.

My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another smasher! I love the way these books are written. Murder mysteries of the modern variety with older protagonists who don't have dramatics at the drop of a hat and a ghost added in for good measure without the whole supernatural genre. A bit of something for everyone and a real.hook to grab your attention and making you eager for the next installment. 
I guessed who might be behind things about a third of the way through and only because there wasn't a lot said about that person.
The characters are well thought out and very realistic and the book reads easily and flows really well.
If only I knew Shakespeare to get those references, I know I'd find those fantastic as well.
4.5 stars for me!
Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of time has passed since the previous entry, and Georgina is now in a very slow relationship with Colin. Like the first, this book features a mystery in the present as well as a cold case when a skeleton is uncovered by Georgina's dog. I found both the modern murder and the historical murder to be interesting. Once again, Doris, the ghost living in Georgina's house appears, and helps identify some aspects of the cold case.

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outing with Georgina and Doris and gang with another mystery to solve. Reading this series is like putting on a pair of comfortable socks, you know the dance and i enjoyed every second. A perfect cozy mystery with loveble characters. The actual setting of the mystery and the way it is skillfully worked out and revealed is what always keeps me coming back to this series. There is always more than one mystery to solve a nd a vast of colourful side characters who are often related to the main group. The use of geneology and perfect interactions are at the heart of the story. I love the relationship between geogina and doris and the element of real police included. Its a joy to read, long may the series continue. I hope it continues to delight and entwine for many more books to come. I worry that if things are resolved the series will end. Thank you so much netgallery, publisher and author

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Georgina Drake mysteries series, and I was looking forward to it, as I enjoyed the first one.

Cosy mysteries are one of my favourites, and this had all the comforting cosiness I hoped for. I felt some of the characters were a little bit eccentric, but that's often the case with cosy mysteries, and it adds to their charm.

I also felt as though I got to know Georgina better in this book, got to know more about the deeper side of her. This was a pleasant, relaxing cosy mystery read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

[Patricia Moren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. There were lots of different parts to it which all unravelled at the end. A great selection of characters who made the story come to life.

[Theresa Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Kate Hardy has become a firm favourite of mine. Loved it just as much as the body at rookery farm. I want to know more about Doris!

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good mystery! Georgie goes to Hartington Hall to take photos for their website and discovers the body of Lady Ellingham in the ice house. On the same day, Bertie, her spaniel, digs up the bones of someone buried under an oak tree at Hartington Hall. As before, Georgie asks questions and throws out theories about both cases which helps Colin solve Lady Ellingham's murder. With Doris' help, she's also able to help determine who the bones belong to. I really like Georgie, she's so down to earth. And the paranormal twist with Doris is great.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A solid cozy mystery set in Norfolk England, the second in a series featuring freelance photographer Georgina Drake, I breezed through this book on a rainy day.

Georgina finds herself embroiled in murder (again) while photographing the estate of her best friend Sybbie's goddaughters Rosie and Hattie. The victim, hilariously named Karen, was the unpopular stepmother to Rosie and Hattie. Adding to complications Georgina's dog digs up old human bones on the estate.

Both mysteries were interesting and while I had a fair inkling who the culprit was I was happily engaged in the various revelations which kept me turning the page. Georgina was also an interesting character - curious, sharp and observant. I hadn't read the first book and at the start there was an implied knowledge I hadn't realised until later, for instance Georgina is hearing impaired or that she was widowed and had kids. However, those were minor added details that had no bearing on the mystery.

Doris the ghost who can only communicate with Georgina was a surprise twist which added a lovely dash of whimsy to the book. I really enjoyed their friendship, as Georgina was also trying to help Doris discover how she died. I am certainly looking forward to book three to see how that story develops, as well as what murder Georgina stumbles onto next.

This is the perfect book for a holiday read, be it summer or winter, or in my case, a rainy, cold summer day.

Thanks to Storm and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Emma Freddura · Rating 3 out of 5]

So how does Georgina get herself where the dead bodies are. I would have liked to hear more about Anna and her story. But we will see what the 3rd book brings with more ghostly stories.

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure who was going to be the murderer here, but as usual the author does a good job of keeping it a secret until the end!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read "The Body In The Ice House" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the second book in the Georgina Drake series and it's a wonderful continuation of the story of Georgie, Doris and Colin - and not to forget Bert too who has a very important part to play in this story.

Georgie and her friend Sybbie (Lady Wyatt) are going to Harrington Hall because Sybbie had asked Georgie to photograph the place for her goddaughters Henriette (Hattie) and Rosalind (Posy) Berry. Doris is along for the ride because she has learned that she can leave Rookery Farm if she's with Georgie. No one knows that she's in the car along for the ride except Georgie and Bert. Doris is the best character ever written - she's serious, funny and sad at times. A wonderful friend to Georgie. We know that she died on Valentine's Day in 1971 at the age of 18 - the same day that Georgie was born. Georgie is trying to locate Trev her boyfriend and several new clues are revealed in this book.

While at Harrington Hall Doris give out a similar warning about a dead body as she did at Rookery Farm. Georgie finds a body in the ice house on the property. It appears to be Karen the current Lady Ellingham), who has been portrayed as the wicked stepmother. DI Colin Bradshaw appears and quickly points out that if there is a dead body Georgie will find it.

Later Doris sends Bert off and when Georgie finds that he's been digging - she sees another body. Whenever they smell lavender - the family ghost is around. Doris tells Georgie that the ghost is named Annie and smells of lavender because she used to make sachets.

Karen hated living in the country, she wanted Henry to sell up and move them to Mayfair. There are many theories as to why Karen might be dead and all the suspects seem to live at Harrington Hall. Karen had been accusing staff of theft when things would go missing from the Hall and the girls would mention it to their father.

There is an attempt on Georgie's life which she brushes off as nothing serious. But her life was save by 2 ghosts and a spaniel but she can't tell anyone about it. Then there is another accident - is she getting close to revealing the identity of the killer? Georgie isn't even sure yet who it might be but someone thinks she knows.

The story of Anne Lusher and William Berry is heartbreaking. William died back in 1854 and journals in the Hall fill in his story and they learn how Anne died and why.

An interesting theory develops when they learn that Karen had a habit of marrying older men and the men dying within a few years both of "natural" causes. The girls were worried because Henry had not been acting like himself - was he about to become a victim as well? The entire story comes together when Ellen goes missing and a culprit that perhaps no one considered admits what they have done.

An absolutely wonderful read and I can't wait for the next book in the series. The characters are welcoming and Ms. Hardy's writing style has the reader feeling as if they were also right there with the characters.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this second book in the Georgina Drake series opens, she is on her way to a photo shoot with her dear friend, Sybbie, wonderful dog, Bert, and of course, her housemate, Dora the ghost (they communicate via Georgie's hearing aid). They are on their way to a stately home that used to be inhabited by Sybbie's dear friend. When that friend died, it didn't take long for the widower to marry again, much to the dismay of his grown daughters. They plan to turn the home into a tourist attraction so they can keep it up and share the history. When Sybbie asked of Georgie could take publicity photos, she readily agreed.

While everyone was chatting, Dora went off on her own and 'met' another ghost who met with an untimely end at the house more than a century before. When everyone else went to the ice house to grab some photos, Dora had more bad news for Georgie--there was a newer body at the bottom of a fairly larger drop. Turned out is was the second wife who had argued with her husband and stormed off for a London shopping spree--or so they thought..Things move on from there--why was this woman even in the ice house? Did she ever go to London? Did she fall or was she pushed? With a little help from her friends, including Bert and Dora, Georgie embarks on dual investigations to discover what happened to each woman. She also continues to work on the mystery involving Dora, which continues from the first book.

I really enjoy this series a lot.It's well written with a great setting and likable characters. I read the first book in the series, but you don't have to have read it to enjoy this one. The combination of a current and a historical mystery, along with the ongoing storyline involving what happened to Dora is a unique way to structure these books--and the author does this very well. Everything flows together and it never seems clunky. The historical mystery also provides a window into the history and culture of the time, and we see how things have changed or not changed as we move between Dora's story, the new mystery, and the old one. This is a fun read, but also includes some serious issues. If you're a cozy mystery fan and enjoy something a bit out of the ordinary, then this series might just be for you--it's a gem!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital ARC.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widow Georgina Drake is a photographer who lives in an a small English village after the death of her husband two years ago. She was offered to photograph the historical Harrington Hall. The owners are wanting to open it up to the public so in comes Georgina. Georgina and her friendly ghost, Doris, who no one can hear but Georgina since she has new hearing aids heads to the Hall. As she starts taking pictures she discovers a dead body at the bottom of the ice house. Who can it be? What happened? Again Georgina is right in the middle of a mystery. They call the police and her friend handsome DI Colin Bradshaw shows up. They investigate it and find it’s the Lady of the Manor, Karen Berry. The young second wife of the owner of they hall. Everyone is a suspect. Her step-daughters, her husband, the staff and her own daughter. She was not a well liked person. Anyone could have done it. Each have reasons to get rid of her. As Georgina takes her dog, Bertie on a walk during the interviews, he digs up some bones, and everyone wonders if this is another murder? How old is the bones? Another mystery for Georgina to solve. As Georgina, who is an amateur sleuth tries to help solve the mystery, things start to happen. There are accidents, they find that things have been stolen and they slowly find out Lady Karen has secrets. Will they find the murderer? Who could have done that? Why? Will Georgina help DI Bradshaw solve the mystery? The characters are wonderful. What’s not to love with a cute dog, a friendly ghost who Georgina is trying to solve her death, a handsome DI and Georgina’s friends. If you love a good mystery, this one is for you. I couldn’t put the book down. Worth the read. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily

[Maryann Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Body in the Ice House is a delightful and intriguing novel, the second in Karen Hardy's Georgina Drake mystery series. Georgiana ( Georgie) Drake is a fifty plus photographer, recent widow, mother of two adult children, in a budding relationship with DI Colin Bradshaw and a bit of a sleuth. I forgot to mention that she has a lovely ghost, named Doris, living in her home. The novel begins with Georgie and her dear friend Lady Wyatt Sybbie on their way to Hartington Hall, the home of Sybbe's goddaughters, Henriette (Hattie) and Rosiland (Posy) Berry to photograph their lovely estate and grounds. While touring the grounds, they find a body in the ice house. Lo and behold it is the body of Lady Ellingham, Karen Berry, the new wife of Hattie and Posy' s father, Henry Berry. The girls had a rather turbulent relationship with their stepmother, referring to her as Fault Finder General, and the four year marriage of Henry and Karen was less than blissful. Of course, Karen's teenage daughter Ellen appeared devastated by the death of her mother, and immediately accused Hattie and Posy of hating her and most likely killing her. I hope that I have shared just enough to pique your interest. I did fail to mention the subplots in which Georgiana is trying to solve how two ghosts died. I enjoyed The Body in the Ice House, while a fairly light read, it was suspenseful, funny and captivating; I definitely recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Body in the Ice House; that in no way influenced my review. 4 stars.

[Jackie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Body in the Ice House A Georgina Drake Mystery Book 2). by Kate Hardy. Storm Publishing, 2024.

Photographer Georgina Drake happily sets out to do a favour for a friend and her two god daughters. Taking publicity photos as they show her around their Tudor estate about to be opened to the public, the group find a body, a recent death. And Georgina’s dog digs up a second victim in the garden, not as recent.

The characters are relatively ordinary, like people we might know. There are other forms of criminal activity, police are involved, there are suspects. This book is well written and engaging. When I started reading, I relaxed a bit; it was intriguing but pleasant, without the gritty unpleasantness I’ve come take for granted, encountered in the last 200+ crime fiction books that I have read.

This is the first book I’ve read by Kate Hardy, an established author. I’ve already downloaded the first in this series and am heading off to begin reading it now.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of The Body in the Ice House for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #TheBodyintheIceHouse #NetGalley.

[Chris L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

In "The Body in the House," Kate Hardy continues Georgina Drake's story in the second novel containing Drake's character. This time, she tries to solve the murder of a much-despised younger stepmother who ends up dead at the bottom of an ice house. She's joined by her "boyfriend" Colin, her ghost sidekick Doris, and her friend Sybbie.

Hardy does an excellent job with the process of solving a mystery. She details the research, the questioning, the websites, the genealogy searches, etc. In this aspect, I would like to see another book with Georgina Drake because Drake is a believable detective rather than one of those too-good-to-be-true detectives who know every small detail.

If I were to change anything, I would want the dialogue to be tighter and sharper. Some of the dialogue feels perfunctory and Hardy is so clever in other aspects that I wished for stronger dialogue. The romance between Colin and Georgina suffers a bit because of the dialogue. If Colin and Georgina continue as a couple in a third book, I want more impactful dialogue.

With that said, I enjoyed my time with "The Body in the Ice House" and I'm optimistic for a third Georgina Drake mystery.

[Tredaran · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly straightforward murder mystery in the cosy crime genre, involving Georgina Drake, a photographer and a woman of a certain age, who comes across a woman’s body in the ice house of an old country estate in Norfolk. Her romantic interest is a handsome local detective and she is also assisted in her investigations by Doris, the ghost of a young woman who died some fifty years earlier who communicates with Georgina through her hearing aid and whose death Georgina is also investigating. Doris, in her communications with the local afterlife, comes across another murder mystery, this time in the 19th century, which also features.

Whilst the involvement of a ghost in the investigative process is quirky and original, the murders themselves were fairly straightforward and predictable, leaving only the circumstances of Doris’ death unresolved and to be followed up in a sequel. Whilst it’s good to see a more mature female protagonist solving crimes, the plot was nothing to write home about.

With thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgina Drake s job photographing beautiful Hartington Hall takes a dramatic turn when she enters the ancient ice house to find the lady of the manor dead on the floor. Karen Berry had plenty of enemies. Her death could have been an accident, but when Georgina hears how Karen had argued with her husband Henry, alienated her two step-daughters Hattie & Posy, and fired the long-standing housekeeper for theft, she’s not convinced. As the police, led by DI Colin Bradshaw, round up the household for interviews, Georgina takes her suspicions and her boisterous spaniel Bert for a walk through the grounds. And is horrified when he digs up human bones. Georgina is once again in the middle of a baffling mystery.
The second outing for Georgie & another captivating cosy mystery. I’m really enjoying this series Georgie is a widow who is hard of hearing & wears hearing aids, she can also talk to Doris an eighteen year old who died in Georgie’s farmhouse half a century ago. She’s also dating Colin. The murder of Karen is intriguing as things aren’t what they seem as Colin & Georgie dig deeper. There’s also the mystery surrounding the bones by the oak tree, which added to the book. The characters have depth & I love the dynamics in the relationships plus there’s an adorable spaniel too. I look forward to many more in the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Shirley Ann Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Body in the Ice House is the second book in this engaging series and is just as good, if not better, than the first book! Georgina is hired to take photos of Hartington Hall. While touring the ancient ice house, she finds the dead body of Karen Berry, the lady of the manor. Then that same day her dog Bertie digs up some ancient human bones. This time, with the help of Doris the ghost, Georgina has two mysteries to help solve. There are numerous suspects as snobby Karen ruffled a few feathers and was not well liked by either her step-daughters or whats left of the staff. This was a fast paced mystery that had me hooked from the very first page! I love this author's writing style. There is a twisty plot, intrigue, suspense, likeable characters, a budding romance, and an adorable dog. My thanks to the publisher and netgalley for giving me this book to read and review. 5/5 Stars.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and I found it so easy to get into without reading the first.
The Georgina Drake mystery in sleepy little Wenborough, widow Georgina retired photographer is doing a shoot at Hartington Hall, when Posy and Hattie lead her into the old ice house in the woods on the estate,and it is unlocked nobody ever comes here, they are in for a gruesome find, it's the lady of the manor Karen covered in blood on the floor dead, Georgina since moving from London, for a quiet life this is her second murder she has seen nothing is ever dull here.
This book is sharp witty full of humour with lots of entertaining characters all rolled into the chapters.
I enjoyed every bit of it, as this is my first book from this author without a doubt I will be reading more of her work.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Body in the Ice House by Kate Hardy is the second book in the new Georgina Drake Mystery series and I loved it. It was a sweet cosy mystery book that was a joy to read.
This is a book for a cold rainy day, seating in front of a fire with a blanket over your knees with a hot chocolate drink.
This book has excellent characters and another great story, that will have you gripped from the beginning. This second book did not disappoint and was another 5 star read, just like Kate's first book.

A wonderful read. I highly recommend.

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the e-arc.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first body Georgina and her pet dog find is from yesterday (definitely a good riddance), but the skeleton that Bertie (literally) digs up is historical in age so not in the realm of the local police. The cold case is that of a young woman who became a ghost fifty years ago who is rarely heard from and then only by Georgina due to her new hearing aids.
Very nice cosy mystery developing into a very enjoyable series that I plan to keep up with!
I requested and received an EARC from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Debbie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful read in a lovely English setting with a likeable and intelligent protagonist (of a certain age), a wonderful cast of characters, and a well written mystery. I did not identify the murderer before the reveal. Georgina has become one of my favorite protagonists, and I enjoy watching her embrace her new life with a new business, a budding relationship with Colin, all the while maintaining her friendships with her female friends (living and dead} and investigating the occasional murder. I anxiously await my next visit with Georgina and friends.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and I hadn't read the first one so wasn't sure what to expect. Having a ghost involved isn't something I would usually read but in this instance it wasn't too intrusive to the mystery or mysteries themselves and was quite funny at times. An all round enjoyable read and will look out for more from this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cosy mystery set in my home county of Norfolk. Georgie Blake, photographer turned sleuth with the help of the voice of Doris the ghost who communicates through Georgia's hearing aids. She turns up at Hartington Hall to take photos for Posy and Hattie to set up the hall for visitors. But on arriving at the Ice House Georgie finds a body. Turns out its Karen, the disliked Lady of the Manor. Added to this an historic death is also bring investigated. I loved the way the past and present investigations were dealt with. A perfect read for fans of Midsomer Murders

[Angela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC in return for my honest opinion

I had read the first book in the series and had been unsure about the 'ghost' connection but I had enjoyed it so looked forward to reading this one.

And I was so surprised to find it even better than the first. The story flowed much more easily and was an easy read.

It is a cosy mystery as expected with intrigue and murder thrown in but follows on the story of 'Doris' which it seems is to be continued.
I could almost see those words written at the end - which for me was slightly abrupt.

Well written, it fleshed out the characters from the previous book while bringing in new ones.

A great way to while away a Winter's evening

[Lorraine Woodall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasantly entertaining book. I thought this was a regular mystery and so wasn't expecting a ghost but I quite enjoyed that addition to the norm. It added an interesting dimension to the usual crime read genre and was tactfully accomplished.
This obviously isn't the first book in the series and made references to previous events but they are explained within this book and so do not spoil this read but given the choice my preference would be to read the other book first.
The characters are well described and believable (even the ghost) and the pace of the book is good. I enjoyed it.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

It's always a little challenging when you jump into a series without reading the first book, but there was enough background woven throughout that it made sense pretty quickly. Very creative take on a dual-timeline mystery. I am very interested in reading more by this author.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.