Poison at Penshaw Hall

The Milverton Mysteries #2

by G.B. Ralph

Addison Harper is back, and with another dead body at his feet. Only this time, the entire town saw it happen.

Milverton is in the running for the Terrific Town Award, so a dramatic death at the opening ceremony is far from ideal. Addison had only been lending a hand, but now finds himself much more involved than he’d ever hoped. To think his biggest worry before had been his upcoming date with Sergeant Jake Murphy.

As for the sergeant, he can hardly ignore a hall full of witnesses even if he wanted to. And they’re all pointing the finger at his date, Milverton’s newest arrival, Addison Harper.

Poison at Penshaw Hall is the latest in a wonderful cosy mystery series set in an enchanting small town nestled amongst stunning New Zealand scenery. Investigate The Milverton Mysteries for a chaotic cast of local busybodies, delicious baked treats, a demanding and disdainful ginger cat, a very slow-burn romance with a rather appealing policeman, and of course… murder!

Genres: Mystery, M M Romance, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, LGBT, Crime

305 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2023

About the author

G. B. Ralph is a Kiwi author of cosy mysteries and romantic comedies. His writing features chaotic yet lovable characters getting into trouble, an astonishing amount of crime, and handsome men falling for each other.

He’s currently documenting the increasingly implausible series of murders sweeping an enchanting small New Zealand town in The Milverton Mysteries, once described as “Agatha Christie, but make it gay.”

For updates, free short stories and to join his mailing list, visit gbralph.com

Reviews

[Aricka Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Addison twisted around to find Jake filling the doorway. His body heaved with exertion, eyes darting over Addison’s face and body. And then in an instant, his hands were on either side of Addison’s face, pressing their lips together."

The Milverton Mysteries are a great small-town cozy mystery series, and now that I understand our main character and realize we are actually in New Zealand, I’m fully on board.

Jake and Addison are having a very, very, very slow burn romance, which I can appreciate. This series is basically the New Zealand version of the Pirate’s Cove series and that’s 100% a compliment, because those are such a good time. We’ve got chaotic townspeople, a murder rate that skyrockets the moment our protagonist arrives, and of course, a hot police chief that Addison wants to knock boots with. But since this is cozy romance, we’re just getting some kissing, which I’m learning is apparently part of the genre.

I didn’t know this going in, but since this is only my second cozy mystery ever, I’m assuming the lack of cursing and sex is just how these books roll.

The mystery wasn’t hard to solve and that’s coming from me, a zero brain cell detective. I figured it out as soon as the lady died. But honestly, that’s not what the fun is about. The real entertainment is in watching Addison try to figure it all out, because he is such an amateur and honestly, not the sharpest tool in the detective shed. It's just fun to see him fumble through it and interact with the quirky, ridiculous residents of Milverton.

I had a good time.

[BeckieLouLou · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. Audiobook. Wonderfully cozy mystery, amateur sleuthing, charming townsfolk, supportive but frustrated police romantic interest. All the best stuff from this genre, great writing, wonderful narration. The romance is a slow-burn, so well done, subtle smiles and chaste kisses is all you get for 2 books, by book three the couple is newly established and the hanky-panky is door closed, lights out, no detail. The cozy mystery is typically low heat, so that’s on-brand and expected. Also on brand is the chit-chat and gossip sleuthing, really great. Series of 5 books, but only the first three on audio, so I am not-so-patiently waiting for the rest of the audio, I enjoyed these characters so much, I’m very tempted to read the rest of the series with my eyes. That’s saying something!

Cozy mystery, amateur sleuthing, marketing, police sheriff, no heat, m/m, small town.

[A.J. Lancaster]

Another charming instalment in this quirky cosy mystery series set in small-town New Zealand. This time it's poison! Oh no!

The cast of secondary characters with big personalities continue to be a highlight, and the set pieces of the Terrific Town Awards and local sculpture contest got a chuckle from me. The anxious, well-meaning amateur sleuth Addison is a deeply endearing main character, and my romance-loving heart is very invested in the progression of his slow-burn romance with local police sergeant Jake Murphy.

I was lucky enough to read an advanced version of this.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautifully written story from a author who understands what a cozy mystery is

Rating: 4.75🌈

“With nothing else for it, Addison took a deep breath and dove in, hoping to traverse the carnage and reach the cafe without being trampled under the masses of Milvertonians. He may not have known what was going on, but he did know he’d kill for a coffee.”

— Poison at Penshaw Hall (The Milverton Mysteries Book 2) by G B Ralph

Ahhhhh, the masses of Milvertonians! So lovely to be back in the cozy mysteries of G B Ralph! He’s returned with his second in The Milverton Mysteries series, Poison at Penshaw Hall. Addison Harper, still getting acquainted to the town and looking forward to his first date with Sergeant Jake Murphy, is in the thick of it all. We are right beside him.

So happy to see all the quirky people and places that Ralph has created for Milverton, New Zealand , his location for this cozy mystery series.

Ralph gets exactly what a cozy is all about, so his small township vividly reflects that weird and wonderful intimacy that only a small population of longtime residents can bring to a community. It’s in the names of the businesses, like Lynne’s Cafe, or in the believable dynamics that play out on the town square between the local septuagenarian and craft fair organizer.

A reader needs to have the foundation of the first novel, Murder on Milverton Square, to understand why Addison Harper has ended up in Milverton (a will from a long lost relative), has gotten a reputation as a amateur sleuth (a murder solved), and began getting a tenuous relationship with romantic overtones with the local Sergeant. I mean they are just inching towards anything approximating romance here. That’s the facts. But the charm, the mystery, and all the fabulous depth of detail are in the reading.

Poison at Penshaw picks up shortly after the events of the first book, the timeline being very close between the two novels. Addison is still weighing the possibility of staying in Milverton versus returning home to the life he left behind in Wellington, such as it was. Milverton is swaying away with its small town beauty and welcoming mix of personalities and culture. I was swayed too.

In fact, Ralph plunges the reader into the craziness that’s Milverton getting ready for a Terrific Town Award contest/ceremony. There’s statues to be judged, arguments among organizers, and goats on the lawn. Perfect cozy atmosphere for murder and mystery.

Things start to go awry immediately and some of our favorite characters are pulled into the murderous proceedings. In addition to Addison, there’s the wonderfully funny septuagenarian Mabel Zhou , town library and visitor center’s volunteer. I love this character and can’t get enough of her. Vibrant, gossipy, and dedicated to Addison, Mabel is lively woman who’s into everything. Constable Sean McGiffert and Constable Manaia Edwards are welcome sights but have limited roles here. But the author expands our knowledge of Milverton’s citizens and introduces new interesting people into the narrative. And does it in such a way that we get further insight into the history of the town and Addison’s great uncle.

The murder and investigations proceed as we expect. One official and one not so much. It’s the later that’s Addison’s involved in.0

At the end Ralph has moved everything forward incrementally, case solved so Addison and Jake can continue to work on their relationship. And a decision about staying in Milverton. Yes, they progress past heart eyes but not much.

If you’re looking for a sexy story, this isn’t it. Slow slow burn it is.

It’s also charming, funny, interesting, endlessly entertaining, and with characters I find endearing in that quirky small town way.

I can’t wait to see how Addison’s life there and his relationships progress.

If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, slow burn romances, and just fun, well written stories, this series and book is a wonderful place to explore. Read the series in the order they are written in:

The Milverton Mysteries :
- [x] Murder on Milverton Square #1
- [x] Poison at Penshaw Hall #2
- [ ] Death in Douglas Glade #3- Oct 2, 2024

[yazaleea · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s not the series for me… i found this even more boring than book 1. It feels like every single side characters are bare of any intent and purpose other than placing Addison in the exact plot situations needed to make the story limp forward. No agenda, no life, no substance other than being narrative devices, and that makes it seem like the whole book is just cardboard, with very little depths. Even the main character is not developed, and his amateur sleuthing is so random. The very slow burn thing was an element i liked before I realised it just meant they hadn’t kissed in the one week they’d known each other, and then I was disillusioned.

Also, i hate when the romance is one cop and one civilian, and the civilian is a suspect to a crime and 1. The suspect gets angry because their lover/person they’re interested in, does their job and considers them in the case or 2. When the cop is like, i know you are a suspect but i won’t investigate you because I like you so i know it’s not you. COP AND UNPROFESSIONAL?? PICK A STRUGGLE BITCH.

[Marsha L Respess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this story even more than the first one. I love Addison so much and his attraction to Jake is so sweet and hilarious at the same time. And who wouldn't love Mrs Zhou-Mabel to her friends who has the power to manipulate him into doing things outside of his comfort zone without making him mad. The competing events that lead to disaster were unbelievable and funny and made you want to visit Milverton. Of course when there is a murder(at first thought to be a tragic accident)Addison is cast by the newspaper as the chief suspect but Jake does not think he did it but does have to investigate. I was upset when Brutus was poisoned but relieved that he recovered to be his usual feisty self and that the murderer had not been experimenting with him before the real poisoning. I love Mabel and the chase scene towards the end was funny and scary and I was thrilled that Jake kissed him after being sure he was okay after the crash. I am glad he is staying and looking impatiently for the next book.

[Alastair H · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are the freaking cutest cozy mysteries I stg. They follow amateur sleuth (don't call him that to his face though 😂) Addison Harper and his mishaps as he runs around a very small New Zealand town getting himself into all sorts of trouble and clumsily flirting with the long-suffering police chief Jake Murphy.

Addison is the best character. He's funny and entertaining and his wide eyed innocent facade whenever Jake catches him doing something he shouldn't is so endearingly hilarious. This one didn't keep my attention quite as much as the first one but the rather exciting ending definitely made up for it. The romance is sweet and easy and a very slow burn. So far there hasn't been any steam and honestly I like it that way. They're very low angst while also managing to be thrilling and dramatic. Like..... fluffy drama... if that's a thing.

The plot for the third book also sounds really good. These books have everything I look for and like in cozy mysteries - if you like that genre (with plenty of gay shenanigans I mean please it's me) then you'll love these books.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really liking this series set in a 'quiet' New Zealand town.
Addison is still there trying to sort out Herbert's estate and is roped in to help with the Terrific Town Award he is caught up in yet another murder.
The town's characters are great and the fact there is no sex ( except 2 brief kisses) is great as it allows the reader to concentrate on the mystery.
Only problem is its nearly another year until book 3.

[Twentytoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it!

A fun cozy mystery! I had a lot of fun visualizing the chaotic murder and chase scene in the end. Idk how the author is going to top this one but I'm here for it. We need more cute animals!

[Rachel Clifton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet, funny murder mystery - really enjoyed this. Looking forward to book 3 already!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun easy to read cozy mystery with an interesting plot that kept me engaged and entertained. Small town quirky characters, a very slow burn romance and a cat called Keith.

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasant read! An enjoyable cozy mystery with all the classic elements and characters.

One thing that’s unique, in my mind, is how soon this takes place after the first book. It’s quite literally the same week as the first book. A lot of the time in cozies the timeline between installments is left kind of intentionally vague (like how cartoon characters never age). Just something I thought was neat.

[PaperMoon · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot (which starts immediately on from the end of the previous title of the series) barely raised a modicum of interest from me. Methinks there's a definite parting of ways now with the series/author.

[Katie Cassady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addison gets dragged into another investigation very much against his will. This one was just as entertaining as the first. It was nice to see the progression of his relationships with the Milverton residents and the hints for what's more to come as this series continues.

[Stepphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set very shortly after the happenings of the first book, Murder on Milverton Square, Addison is dragged along to help with the setting up of the Spring Craft Fair and the Opening Ceremony of the Terrific Town Awards, aimed at putting Milverton on the map and increasing the viability of the town as a “destination” of sorts.
Mabel ropes Addison in to help set up a few things and gives him a stunning t-shirt as payment for his efforts. When all is finished being set up, Miriam Roberts, the Event Organiser for the Opening Ceremony and Milverton’s Beautification Committee Chairperson ropes Addison in to help present an award, leveraging his newfound notoriety to help her achieve her goals.
However things turn south very quickly, a drink is consumed, an accident with a statue occurs, and someone ends up dead in front of a rather big crowd. Addison is again thrown into the middle of an investigation to clear his name, and some wild hijinks occur as he fights for his innocence.
The author took me on a cosy, funny, heartwarming, emotionally conflicting journey with Addison as he went about clearing his name, yet again. Red herrings were thrown at me, and I was left wondering if this really was a murder, or a tragic accident. Locals’ personal characters were questioned and accusations ran wild in my mind
New wonderful Milvertonian characters are introduced, and you learn more about Great Uncle Herbert and the life he lived. New relationships are formed, people get jealous, and some fancy new clothes are purchased for "sometime".
The relationship between Sergent Jake Murphey (also known as Sergent Hotty McHotty Pants) progresses faster than the last instalment and is rather satisfying to observe! Their interactions with each other are cute and made me giggle like the hormonal schoolboy I once was, there is more depth of character to Sergent Jake in this story and it feels good to know him slightly better. I would be interested in hearing some of what happened from the perspective of Sergent Jake as I feel like his would be an exciting story to hear.
I would, again, recommend this book to anyone who loves to read a cosy murder mystery where you laugh, cringe, jump to wild conclusions, and just have an all-round great time reading about the hilarious characters you will find in Milverton

[SebFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another murder to snuggle up with

Despite all the murders happening over in Milverton, returning to this cosy New Zealand town in book 2 had a very comforting feeling to it. It was fun to be back with Mabel and Lynne once more, safe to be cuddled up against Jake’s broad shoulders, and of course exciting to follow our amateur sleuth yet again as he gets mixed up in another murder mystery. But most of all it was good to be back in the capable hands of an author who really knows how to write in this genre.

Like the first book, this is a short book that can easily be read in an afternoon or two. The murder is nothing too shocking and any drama feels very much like something you would hear two people gossiping about over the garden fence. But it’s the meanderings of Addison Harper that is what you’re really here for. His determination not to get involved in another murder as weak as his determination to move back to Wellington. Both objections quickly dropped the moment his interest is peaked. And thank goodness for us that it is, as we get to follow him around town taking in some new sights, meet some new townsfolk and finally go on a date with Jake… though we have to wait for the last couple of chapters for that to happen!

Despite all this good stuff, part of me is hoping that future books, as hinted at by the author and Addison alike, might be a tad longer than these last two. Not because I feel these are too short, no. But because if this series is to succeed and evolve, it needs to dig a bit deeper into some of the main characters. They need to move from being 2 dimensional snippets of people and fleshed out into more substantial 3 dimensional characters. Ones we really get know and care about. A difficult task when trying to keep the feel of the books light, but one GB Ralph is more than capable of doing. And with that in mind, I look forward to book 3.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Addison is still in Milverton waiting for his great-uncle's estate to be resolved and enjoying the small town life. When he is roped into helping out at a local event, things go awry as the head of the Milverton Beautification Committee takes a deadly tumble.

I like Addison, and I'm still trying to manifest that bed and breakfast future for him (mostly because I want to read about it). He has a bit of a no-nonsense personality but made lighter because of his inquisitive side. He's friendly, good-hearted, and you can see why he fits perfectly in this small town life. I'm a fan of Jake, cozy mystery love interests can be hit or miss and I'm glad to say he's a hit. Even though he's police and he would rather Addison stay safe and out of the danger these cases bring, Jake tries to help in how own way. He warns him about being careful, which Addison actually follows most of the time, and is always a phone call away. He seems to actually enjoy Addison's analytical mind and you can already tell he cares deeply about Addison's well being. They are a cute couple, and I'm excited to see how their relationship grows.

The story was fine, it just took me forever to get through. The murder happened a ways into the book, and I feel like the aftermath wasn't anything super dramatic (especially compared to the death itself). There wasn't a ton of sleuthing, it was more just Addison going around talking to different people which wasn't the most exciting. I'm hoping the next ones are a bit more action packed because there's still plenty of mayhem and murder left in this quaint small town.

Read if you like:
• cozy mystery
• small town
• slow burn

•••••••••••••••••••••

[ReadToFilth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me awhile to read but that is not an indictment on the story, but more about the number of books I was reading at the time and where my interest was strongest.
The story is really good, I enjoyed the greater insight into the Mabel character. I like her a great deal and I really like her and Addison.
Addison is a great character and I look forward to learning more about him and his family as this series progresses. I also look forward to much more time with his best friend if she ever come to viit.
The mysteries are fun and I like how the information is pursued.

The only negative I have for the book is that the slow burn romance is just SO SLOW A BURN. I'd like for it to move forward at a bit faster a pace than what feels like 1 date per book. At that rate we'll never get anywhere with Addison and Jake.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addison Harper is still in Milverton, still trying to figure out how to get back to his job in the big city, wanting to get to know the sergeant better, making even more friends, and is the prime suspect in another murder. The murder mystery is the main thing, and the local law still thinks that Addison should keep his nose to himself and not in the crime investigation. We disagree!
I started the series in a sale platform but now I have them on my wish lists!
#PoisonAtPenshawHall by G.B. Ralph @gbralph_ narrated by Philip Battley @philbattley
#bromance #cozymystery #murdermystery #newzealand #smalltown #amateursleuth #inheritance #MilvertonMysteriesBk2 #septuagenarian #policesergeant @goodreads @bookbub @tantoraudio @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo #Waterstones #primesuspect #situationalhumor #witty @chirpbooks

[Suze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed Addison's outing once again.
Addison is once again dragged into things by Mabel - who should come with a nosy warning - and ends up in the thick of another death - though this one, is it suspicious or bad luck?
We get more of Addison being gradually drawn into moving permanently to Milverton - not there yet but you can see where it is going - whilst considering if anyone could have murdered someone in full view of the town - and also clearing himself from suspicion.
Jake is about and whilst at first their frisson is still there, it has not gone further.
Like all good cosy investigators, Addison gets himself and Mabel into hot water - and a wall - causing Jake to make his move! So progress at least.

[Christopher K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t Wait To Start #3… 💃💃💃‼️

“Murder on Milverton Square” was such an enjoyable introduction to this series, its characters, their wonderful interplay, of course, the murder(s) and surprisingly, the “action”. And though I was excited to launch right in to the second in the series, I didn’t realize and/or anticipate that my fondness for the people in this town, both old and new, would be even more so than the first time. Wonderful story. Wonderful people in the story, especially Addison and Jake, Lynn, Mabel, Keith 🐱 and so many others.
On to #3 (though sadly I’ll have to wait until the end of September for #4).
Oh and by the way, before I forget, the narrator for the audiobooks for this series, is “spot on”… 👏👏👏

[Karen]

I suspect that this is a series that would work best read in order - there did feel like there were a lot of things about Addison Harper here that it would have been better to know fully. All of which is a long winded way of saying if quirky, cosy, tongue in cheek, eccentrics, with a gay romance, set in an English Village with the sun shining and, and goats, (there's goats safely meandering about!), is your thing, perhaps start out with MURDER ON MILVERTON SQUARE (although I can't confirm there are any goats in that one). 

https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, cosy murder mystery set locally. I really enjoyed it. With recognisable characters and a hint of shock. The scenery and places i can relate to. It is great for my reading experience. I tried to take it slow as (hopefully) the third installment isn't due til later this year, but the last 100 pages flew by and the end of chapter 34 made me grin (yay!). The teaser for book 3 has me a bit worried though . . .

[Kez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cosy series set in New Zealand, everything about these books is an absolute delight. This second books in the series sees awkward protagonist Addison Harper find himself still stuck in a small town where everyone knows everyone's business, with a hot police sergeant. Going back to city life may be harder than Addison thought... Larger than life characters and a comically dramatic murder made this so much fun to read!

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

3½/5

Book 2 in the Milverton Mysteries series (book 1: 2024/91 Murder on Milverton Square 3½/5). Along with much of the town, Addison witnesses the death of a well-known local and investigates - over the objections of his maybe-more-than-a-friend Jake, the police sergeant.

Like its predecessor, tremendously cozy and tension-free. Mostly gossipy conversations with suspects and non-suspects, and the occasional light smouldering between Addison and Jake.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of fun and kind of funny, but not as strong as the first book. I think having this book pick up the day after the first book ended kind of middle things together a bit. I understand why it was done that way, but made everything feel way too rushed.
Also Addison isn't a great detective?
Still, overall it was fun and I'll pick up the next one in the series when I have time to sit and read it again.

[Damian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boring.

Again, this book was boring. As much as I would like to give G.B. Ralph a better review, I can't. There is no conversation between the characters, only what Addison is thinking or what he supposes what happened or could happen. Too many chapters that could have been done in twenty-five or less. In some case, some of the chapters reminded me of writing code for a program.

[David Van Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series, Murder on Milverton Square, and I think this second book is even better. This is a cozy mystery of the highest order. Each character is believable, delightful and develops with each encounter. I can hardly wait for the third installment. Get pen to paper, G.B. Ralph!!

[Judy Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful story set in the charming town of Milverton. This mystery is as cosy as they come, well read in the Tantor audiobook version. A real delight, when you want to read about kind and quirky people, the slightly hapless Addison is a great protagonist and the budding relationship with Jake is well written. Thoroughly enjoyable.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Milverton series. The mystery is well detailed and the solution not immediately visible. Addison and Jake’s romance is moving, but moving at a pace that is allowing it to grow and not be wham, bang, boom.

Love the series I hope it continues exactly as it currently growing. Good mystery, subtle, and a sprinkle of romance.