Too Many Cooks: Prudence Bulstrode 3

by Rosemary Shrager

Prudence Bulstrode has fond memories of St Marianne's School for Girls, the beautiful Cornish school where she boarded as a girl. It was at St Marianne's that Prudence first learned the joy of cooking, from her dear old Home Economics teacher, Mrs Agatha Jubber. So when she's invited back to the school, to lead a summer holidays course in the fundamentals of cookery, Prudence couldn't be more delighted. What's more, it's a chance to show her grand-daughter Suki the way school used to be in the good old days.But no sooner has Prudence arrived at St Marianne's, a gruesome discovery is made. The builders excavating the old hockey pitch to construct the new dormitories have unearthed human bones - bones dating from Prudence's own time at St Marianne's. Soon, Prudence recollects the story of the vanishing schoolmaster, Mr Scott, and the rumours that spread like wildfire one summer about his illicit affair with Agatha Jubber.So begins Prudence's very first cold case . . .

Genres: Crime

336 pages, Hardcover

Published June 25, 2024

Reviews

[Sophie E Oldham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great, easy and comforting read. The links back to Prus childhood brought a new slide and element to the story line. Well plotted, funny and highly enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next adventure for Pru and Suki.

[Not Quite A Bookshop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prudence and her granddaughter Suki are back for another adventure in this latest book by the chef Rosemary Shrager. As always, wherever these two go, murder is sure to follow. Think ‘Rosemary and Thyme’ with a culinary twist!
In this third instalment Prudence is returning to her Alma Mater to deliver classes in the kitchens where her own love of cooking flourished. That is until a body is discovered amongst building work on the school grounds. The body is that of a former teacher, Mr Scott, originally believed to have gone out to sea and committed suicide many years earlier. Can Prudence aide the police and pull off a cookery course that satisfies the board of governors at the same time?
Note - whilst this is described as the third instalment it can equally be read as a stand alone novel although personally I’d recommend following the two on their culinary adventures from day one. I love these books and the endearing characters that Rosemary has brought to life, so much so, that I was more engaged in their stories and didn’t even try to guess the killer.

[Rog Harrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a cosy mystery featuring an elderly woman who is a celebrity cook. I quite liked the first part of the story but then things just got a little too silly for my liking. I also felt that the author was pretty clumsy with her clues as early on I knew who the killer must be even though I did not know the motive. Not for me i am afraid.

[Barbara Mates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fine mystery romp for Chef extraordinaire Pru and her granddaughter Suki. This outing serves to strengthen the bounds of the two women (Suki is becoming quite skilled in the kitchen Pru on the other hand resisting technology) as their camper trailer takes them to Pru's alma mater. In addition to a really great mystery a look at friendship, family, and love.

[Tina Fulcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, a cosy mystery full of great characters and a super story line, of a celebrity cook visiting her childhood school, where a murder is discovered. Funny in places and a great read. Highly recommended.

[Jan Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m loving Prudence and Suki and their adventures. I only have one, tiny, complaint. The blurb says that a body is found underneath the hockey fields where they were building new dormitories. In the actual story the new building is to be an up-to-date gymnasium.
Another helping please!

[Dreximgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun engaging mystery. I really like Prudence and it was nice to see her go back to her roots and the mystery itself kept me guessing. I always enjoy myself with this series.

[Lynne - The Book Squirrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad, didn’t need to read the others.

[Rhianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the latest Prudence Bulstrode adventure!

[Tracia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and hope that there will be more Prudence Bukstrode murder mysteries. A good story set in Cornwall, which brought back memories of holidays, with an unexpected twist at the end.

[J Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read by Rosemary Shrager - absolutely love her stories!

[Tom Thorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

First class story, plot and writing. IMO easily the best of her 3 books

[Jolandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great cozy mystery by Rosemary Shrager.