The Limestone Manor

Limestone Manor Mysteries #1

by Jonny Thompson

When retired police detective Clifford Shaw hesitantly steps off the train in his former hometown of St. Marys, Ontario, the last thing he expects to greet him is a murder. The only thing worse than being inadvertently roped into the investigation is the surprise he receives when the too-good-to-be-true room rental from his lifelong friend Hans has one massive catch. It’s in a shared house with six other retirees. Already hesitant about returning to the town he swore he never would, Cliff has one week to figure out if he wants to refuse the room or give his old town one last chance. All this while he helps unravel a mystery to save ‘The Town Worth Living In’.

Genres: Mystery

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2023

About the author

Jonny Thompson is an award-winning writer from Ponamogoatitjg/Dartmouth, NS. His debut novel Ash and Sun was released in 2022 and his novels Atlantis and The Limestone Manor, were released in 2023. He looks forward to following them up soon.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Limestone Manor by Jonny Thompson

Synopsis /

When retired police detective Clifford Shaw hesitantly steps off the train in his former hometown of St. Marys, Ontario, the last thing he expects to greet him is a murder. The only thing worse than being inadvertently roped into the investigation is the surprise he receives when the too-good-to-be-true room rental from his lifelong friend Hans has one massive catch. It’s in a shared house with six other retirees. Already hesitant about returning to the town he swore he never would, Cliff has one week to figure out if he wants to refuse the room or give his old town one last chance. All this while he helps unravel a mystery to save ‘The Town Worth Living In’.


My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Author, Jonny Thompson's third novel, The Limestone Manor is a terrifically fun cosy mystery (which I hope will be turned into a series) that follows retired Toronto police detective, Clifford Shaw. Eighty-two-year-old Cliff returns to his hometown of St. Marys - a town he once swore he'd never go back to - at the invitation of his long-time friend Hans. Hans, who owns the yellow brick house, (lovingly known as Limestone Manor) is using the rambling old manor house as a sort of share house, which he shares with six other retirees.

The story opens with Cliff arriving at St. Mary's by train. It's been a while since he last visited, leaving St. Mary's some fifty years earlier. Approaching St. Mary's station, an announcement over the speaker system causes a small amount of concern: 'However, we're experiencing some delays at this stop for anyone continuing on with us to Stratford, and we apologise for the inconvenience.'

When the train finally pulled into the station and Cliff disembarked, he found he was immediately surrounded by the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police). Trying to surreptitiously listen in to the many conversations going on around him, Cliff managed to deduce that someone (or something) had fallen from the tracks and into a creek. What he couldn't work out from the conversations was if that someone (or something) jumped or was pushed and whether they were now dead or alive. Cliff is questioned by the OPP and then escorted by an officer to Limestone Manor.

With similarities to 'The Thursday Murder Club', Cliff, together with the retired residents of Limestone Manor get together unravel the mystery of the body in the lake.

Thompson has written a cast of wonderful supporting secondary characters. The other residents of Limestone Manor - Kitty, Sol, Bunty, Hans, and Mrs Chen are wonderfully described and each have their own unique personality quirks. This is another case of underestimating the capacity of our elders! Remember son, it’s a gift to be young but it’s a privilege to be old.

The mystery itself is well plotted and moves along at a clipped pace, with enough red herrings and twists to keep you from guessing the plot ending. Thompson's writing flows well and the ending of one scene seamlessly segues to the next. Once you start, you'll be wanting to finish this in one sitting.

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this short read and wish there was a 2nd one to follow the characters on another adventure. I live in St. Marys so I could picture everything!

[Isabel ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.

Wow, I was pleasingly surprised by this book! I had a lot of fun reading it.

I would say this is definitely a cozy mystery. The main focus of the story is on Cliff and his friends living at the Limestone Manor.

I've never read a book where the main characters are elderly people. I really liked that. It was so fun reading about their adventures and how they interact with each other. This book really helped me feel better about growing old. I've been thinking a lot about how each day I'm closer and closer to death and that makes me feel so much anxiety. It's very overwhelming. These characters helped me realize that being old is not that bad. You can know you don't have much time left on Earth and still have fun and feel happy.

The cast of characters is amazing. They're so unique and funny in their own way. I would love to be a part of their friend group. I particularly liked Jan. And by liking, I mean that I have a tiny crush on him. I also grew to like Cliff more and more as the story went on.

This book is full of nostalgy, as Cliff reminisced of his old days in St. Mary's. I really liked the descriptions and the overall vibe of this small town in Canada. I think it's so charming and magical. I would love to live there.

It would be wonderful if this story turned into a series. It definitely feels like this first book was a setup for a future series. There's nothing I wish more than to be back at St Mary's and see these lovely characters having more adventures.

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Travelling Pages for sending me this FREE Complimentary EBook to promote and review for Jonny as part of his Spotlight Tour last week.

Even tho this was only the 2nd Novel ive read by Jonny i have to say i really enjoyed this one so much more then i did "Ash and Sun". This one reminded me alot of Agatha Christie's "Murder on The Orient Express" meets "Death in the Air" but with a Candian twist.

The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Cliff wasnt my favorite at first but by the end i did start to like him.

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was really in Ontario while reading especially when the scenery was described.

Overall a Wonderfully Written Mystery!! Can't wait to read more by Jonny in the future!!

[Amanda Curry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Limestone Manor was so cute and cozy. Everything you’d want in a cozy mystery plus retirees(CAN WE GET MORE BOOKS WITH ELDERLY MCS!? I love them so much). The gang is a hilarious rag tag bunch from St Marys, Ontario with Cliff being a retired cop/ detective from Toronto, coming back home. They try to solve a mystery that has a lot of twists and turns, a few that’s predictable a few that are not. I wish they’re was a second book because I’d love to revisit these characters again. All in all it’s a fun, light read, and I’d like to thank the author for giving me a copy for my honest review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

For this septuagenarian former ER and jail nurse addicted to mysteries, this story was the best and funniest I've read in ages! At the instigation of an old friend, Cliff leaves his solitary digs in Toronto and plans to rent a room in Hans house back in the home town he escaped years ago. When he first arrives he observes a crime scene, meets a young smart constable, and finds that his friend's son is a local cub reporter. He is also surprised and dismayed to find out that the room comes with some irregular conditions. Let the fun begin! His fellow housemates are also of an age and become staunch allies. LOVED IT!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Chantry Publishing House via NetGalley. Thank you and hope for more!

[Alison Galloway · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book I've read from this author and if I'm being honest, my least favorite. It wasn't bad, I just enjoyed the other books by this author more. I also think this made me realize cozy mysteries aren't my thing. It was a cute cozy mystery. I loved the idea of the main characters being older and in retirement age.

[Shirley Ann Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful mystery about retired detective Clifford Shaw, who after many years, reluctantly returns to his hometown to rent a room from his old friend Hans. The room comes with strings as it is a shared home for five senior citizens and Cliff has to decide if he wants to buy in or not. A young man is murdered and Cliff gets drawn into the murder investigation with some unexpected help from his new roommates. There are lots of suspects for the group to investigate and each roommate contributes to the investigation, resulting in an unexpected but nice ending. These characters are all very well written and each have their own quirky personalities. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

[Anna Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading this author. I found it entertaining from the beginning. I liked the retired group wanting to be involved. The mystery kept me guessing and I enjoyed the characters & the setting. I do hope there is more in this series.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Christina Macdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great read and the plot twists kept you engaged. Definitely can see another book coming from these characters. I was just in St. Mary's and I found myself in some of the places I was reading about which made this an even better read.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and entertaining cozy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. Well plotted, solid mystery, fleshed out and likeable characters
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Lisa Velda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a bit longer than usual to get into this story, but I was pleasantly surprised! I loved that our main character, Cliff, was elderly. I also loved the banter between the other Limestone Manor residents. I personally found the story itself a bit dull from time to time, but I definitely still enjoyed this Cozy Mystery. #arc #netgalley

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pleasant little story about an 82 year old former police detective moving from Toronto to the small town of St. Marys. Cliff grew up in St. Marys and swore he'd never go back, but the offer of a room in a house with his best friend Hans brings him back. There's action at the train station when he arrives and he learns the local OPP have discovered the body of a young man beneath the nearby bridge. It's assumed he commited suicide, but since he was a visitor to the town, no-one knew him. Cliff meets his house mates and is dismayed to find out he's to live with seven other seniors in the Limestone Manor (he's a loner). But he's quickly caught up in social activities and gets involved into investigating the death of the young man.

Many thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this cozy mystery.

[Literary Titan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Limestone Manor, author Jonny Thompson invites readers into the quaint town of St. Marys, Ontario, through the eyes of Clifford Shaw, a retired detective who finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery. Shaw's return to his hometown, a place he once vowed to leave behind, is marked by an unexpected stay at Limestone Manor, a residence filled with lively retirees. Thompson skillfully blends suspense and humor, crafting a cozy mystery that navigates the intricate twists of small-town secrets.

Clifford Shaw emerges as a compelling protagonist, whose initial reluctance to embrace change and his introspective musings on life's journey add depth to his character. As Shaw stumbles upon a murder, his journey takes an intriguing turn with his new, unconventional roommates at Limestone Manor playing a pivotal role.

Thompson's talent for character development shines as he introduces a diverse cast of supporting characters, each contributing to the novel's rich tapestry with their distinct quirks and personalities. The narrative's strength lies in the dynamic between the Manor's residents as they transform from mere roommates into a cohesive unit, tackling the mystery together. Their interactions create a blend of suspicion and camaraderie, making every character both a potential suspect and a likable ally. This unique dynamic propels the story toward an unexpected yet satisfying conclusion, keeping readers thoroughly engaged.

The Limestone Manor is a multifaceted tale that resonates on multiple levels. It is not only an engrossing mystery but also a poignant reflection on community, aging, and the concept of home. Thompson's writing transcends generational boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on elder characters that is both entertaining and enlightening. This book is an excellent choice for mystery enthusiasts of all ages, providing a delightful escape into a world where every twist is as surprising as it is enjoyable. Thompson's work is a testament to his storytelling prowess, leaving readers eagerly anticipating his future literary offerings.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

With a few minor tweaks this could have possibly been a 4 star book for me. I was initially interested in checking out this title because the description was giving off some "Thursday Murder Club' vibes and I have loved that series. This is by no means a rip off of that series, but it does create the same kind of quirky senior citizen team of detectives. I loved the interactions between all the residents of Limestone Manor. And although Cliff is a bit too cantankerous at the beginning, it doesn't take long to take a liking to him. The biggest weaknesses in this book are the dialogue (not all the time, but enough to throw off the flow of the story) and the mystery itself. With the dialogue I just felt like there were times when the words coming out of characters' mouths were not realistic and/or a little cheesy. When that happened it took me out of the story for just long enough to have trouble believing the events that were going on. And with the mystery I felt like Cliff figured it out so early that then it just came to waiting around for the proof. It's made clear at the end why the police were behaving in such an incompetent manner, but until then it just seemed like they were really bad at their job. Other that those two aspects, I really enjoyed the story and following Cliff as he went from loner to part of the family of residents at Limestone Manor. I would most certainly read more stories involving these characters. Jonny Thompson is definitely an author to keep an eye on!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Limestone Manor is a cozy village mystery series opener by Jonny Thompson. Released 18th Nov 2023, it's 266 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

It's always fun to find new authors. This is a nicely entertaining village cozy featuring an octogenarian retired police detective living in a house share, and who's suddenly faced with a murder which he and his housemates need to get to the bottom of if their collective is to continue.

The plotting moves along at a good pace and the mystery is well engineered and comes to a satisfying resolution. Surprisingly good characterization and setting and the prose is pleasant and easy to read. The language is relatively clean (PG, a few damns, a couple other mild curse words, and one bloody). As stated before, the main characters are all seniors, and the author has a lot of fun with it without ever being mean or ridiculing.

Four stars. It's not foreshadowed or stated explicitly in the review materials, but it would definitely make a nice series and readers can hope the author revisits the characters going forward.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Tanvi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

This was a cozy mystery set in a small town featuring a retired Detective who returns to his hometown and is thinking about setting there.

The book is well written and moves along at a steady pace, but has a lot of background information, irrelevant to the case at hand. That might be due to the fact that the author is trying to set the background for the next book in the series (if any), but it pulls focus from what they are trying to solve.

I liked that the characters were old and set up their own home instead of living in a retirement home, but it also seemed a little unrealistic for someone aged 80+ to walk around half the day and climb hills, or to sit on a motorcycle. I would have liked it more if the characters were maybe 20 years younger.

Overall, still a very good read, and I enjoyed the book.

I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a conventional mystery, then I don’t think this is for you. Despite Cliff being a retired detective from the Toronto PD, the mystery itself isn’t your run-of-the-mill police procedural story. This is a heartwarming, insightful and hilarious cozy mystery that has octogenarians for the main and supporting characters.

I like the author’s writing style. He successfully captured the charm of small town living and through Cliff and his friends, he gave us a first person point of view about living beyond the senior age. I, myself, have family who are in their seventies which made this story much more meaningful.

I hope the author will turn this into a series. I can not get enough of their respective personalities, so happy, compassionate and witty!

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Limestone Manor by Jonny Thompson is a nice, light read with elderly sleuths which was quite lovely.

I liked all the characters, they were such a pleasant bunch and interesting to read about. All of them are quirky in their own way. It was intiguing to see things from older people's perspective and life experience.
The mystery was pretty engaging although it dragged from the middle and it was a bit difficult to continue reading.
I also liked the setting, it was very picturesque little hilly town.
If this series continues I will read another installment.

[Cherry London · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cliff an ex-cop couldn’t forget his detecting skills with him being 80 now, his instincts were still in tack. His quiet town was changing with the invasion of the motorbike thugs and murder. Sleuthing was like wearing an old glove for Cliff, it was his health he was concerned about, with the young thugs and the murderer.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book! Esp for a new author. I both laughed and held my breath. I would defiantly read it again. I have also shared the book with others already. I enjoyed the description of the town. But the people were what actually kept me interested. I really hope their is a sequel.

[Awellborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different cozy

Great read and a bit different than most cozy reads. A group of senior citizens saves the day for a small Canadian town and brings companionship to a tough retired cop who doesn’t know he how much he needs it.
Hope this is the start of a series.

[Richard Aseltine Jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun

This book had some good twists and turns. The character s were fun without being too cute or annoyingly weird.

[Krystal Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how charming this book is and it was such a lovely book to read.

[Liz Sdraulig · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! One of those books that's hard to put down.
The characters are relatable and interesting. St. Mary's could be your hometown.