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Miss Busby #2

Death of a Penniless Poet

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DEATH of a PENNILESS POET

Gabriel Travis – a poet and book binder – has lived and worked above the popular bookshop in Chipping Common for many years. His story is tragic, his murder even more so. The police are convinced the bookshop owner is the culprit; the elderly and erudite, Ezekiel Melnyk.
Adeline Fanshawe is less convinced, indeed she is outraged that the police could even consider such a thing of the venerable bookseller. She naturally turns to Miss Busby, persuading her to bring her sleuthing skills to unpick the truth of the matter. In doing so, Miss Busby uncovers another tragic mystery, one that has lain dormant for far too many years.

If you love Miss Marple, you'll love this!

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2024

988 people are currently reading
220 people want to read

About the author

Karen Baugh Menuhin

43 books797 followers
1920's, Cozy crime, Traditional Detectives, Downton Abbey - I love them!
Along with my family, my dog and my cat.
At 60 I decided to write, I don't know why but suddenly the stories came pouring out, along with the characters. Eccentric Uncles, stalwart butlers, idiosyncratic servants, machinating Countesses, Fogg the dog and the hapless Major Heathcliff Lennox.
Suddenly a whole world built itself upon the page and I just followed along.

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5 stars
1,153 (56%)
4 stars
650 (31%)
3 stars
205 (10%)
2 stars
30 (1%)
1 star
12 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy.
3,868 reviews290 followers
February 29, 2024
This book kept me company through the sleepless night, but was the book the cause of my sleeplessness? Perhaps. It was more annoying than pleasing. Over the top cozy in the Cotswolds. I must say this so I can avoid reading anymore from "Miss Busby" series.

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106 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2024
I found this book to be quite disappointing. I don't know if it is an issue with collaboration or with editing or with my high expectations for an author I've so enjoyed previously. But, whatever the reason, I found this disjointed, repetitive, tedious and lacking in credibility. Miss Busby just doesn't cut it for me...
Profile Image for Chantelle Marshall.
553 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2025
2.8 stars (Audible). I purchased this before I realized it was 2nd in a series + I kept holding off reading it until I had acquired the first...but then I neglected to select another audiobook before my travels to/from work, so here we go...

To compare Miss Busby to Miss Marple is an injustice to that sweet, smart lady. Her counterpart, Adeline Featherstonehaugh (pronounced FANSHAW for the non-British enthusiasts) is annoying as fuck - 0.5 stars deducted immediately.

The mystery seemed to go on FOREVER + I was surprised that this was only 323 pages long. Guess I don't have to read the 1st in the series, after all, as I am too tired to deal with Adeline any further.
358 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2024
My Kind Of Sleuth!

I so enjoy a good cozy mystery with Miss Busby and her friends! They're a wonderful bunch to solve murders with. Keep them coming.
Profile Image for Eadle.
346 reviews8 followers
April 21, 2024
2.5 stars, rounding up for my loyalty to Heathcliff Lennox

Sigh. I really wish dear, sweet Miss Busby had remained a supporting character in the aforementioned series, instead of being awarded one of her own. There’s nothing offensive about her, but neither is there anything outstanding. She fits comfortably into the genre, with her dog, Barnaby, and cat Pud, residing in the cozy Lavender Cottage. It’s just a little too similar to, again, that aforementioned series.

DEATH OF A PENNILESS POET is a snazzy little title and it’s an intriguing little mystery, too. I don’t mind at all that I figured out the killers’ identity. It’s actually a nice vacation from the obligatory mind-blowing twisty twists. The murder victims and the wronged suspect easily extracted some feels and added much to the flow and investment of the story. And then—

Along comes Miss Adeline Franshawe, Miss Busby’s snobby, overbearing, portly, Rolls-driving pal and ruins everything. She is quite simply TOO annoying. The character is so insufferably irritating, she leaches the enjoyment out of the book for me. Miss Busby, you’ve got to choose your amateur-sleuthing friends more discriminately or I’ll have to abandon the series. (I probably won’t, but that doesn’t stop me from wishing the author would just double up on Heathcliff and let Miss Busby retire comfortably in say, Brighton.)
6,726 reviews5 followers
August 31, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎵😮🎉🤗🎉

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 2 of 4

Miss Busby and friends end up in the middle of a murder investigation that leads to two other dead persons. It has a lot of midsection before the truth is uncovered leading to the arrest of the murder and accessory.

I would recommend this series and author to readers of family and friends relationships British mystery novels 👒😎 2024
Profile Image for Charlene.
822 reviews
February 15, 2024
In this second book in the series, a troubled poet is found dead in his attic apartment, and his landlord, bookshop owner and gentle foreigner Ezekiel, is blamed. Miss Busby is urged to look into the case by Adeline, Ezekiel's friend. Before long, Scotland Yard Inspector McKay returns from Oxford to take over the case, with the help of newspaper reporter Lucy. The investigation turns up a six-year-old missing persons situation which may be tied to the murder. More secrets are uncovered in this quaint little village where things are not always as they seem. I loved returning to the Cotswolds with Miss Busby and her friends, her pets, and a much simpler, sweeter way of life ... in spite of the murders.
41 reviews
February 22, 2024
The Best of the Bunch

Whether it is Zoe Markham, or the freshness of new characters, one cannot say, but this is, in my view, the best I Ms Menuhin’s work so far. The plot is by far the most engaging, and the character development of the principals, all middle aged women or older, is by far the best. They are all full people and interesting to know. Well done and look forward to the growing confidence of our heroine and her compatriots
90 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2024
Miss Busby Investigates

I enjoyed this book very much and looking forward to the next in the series. Great characters, interesting plots and no gratuitous violence or sex, just straight forward murders to solve by the wonderful Miss Busby and friends. Would definitely recommend.
729 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2024
Very charming book

Love this new series with its charming characters and interesting storytelling. Miss Busby is cashiered into helping her friend prove the innocence of a old man of murder. While investigating the pertinent information, she stumbles on a another mystery involving a missing girl six years before. Are these two cases related and if so how does one prove it to the satisfaction of the dour, young, police inspector! This story hold your interest to the end.
474 reviews5 followers
March 29, 2024
Very well plotted with wonderful, eccentric and loveable characters...

So nice to be able v to read these cozies! This series by MS Menu him and Ms Markham was a pleasure to read. The Heathcliff Lennox series and this series are both welcome editions to the cozy mystery cannon.
Love the small village settings and the relationships between the character Wenger to know so well as the series continue. Love that this one is based on friendships between mature women of a. Certain age...mine! Easy to relate to each one in one way or another...especially when one is faxing the same issues...less active, easily 'wounded', A bit less steady on one's feet and a memory that cannot always be counted on...we, mature, older ladies know the drill!
I really enjoy the books for all those reasons and more...they are a fast, easy read...they deal with contemporary issues though they take place in the 1920's.
Love the hedges, the lanes, the cottages, the pets, the cars and the folks described in the books. Makes one feel at home in the environs.
I highly recommend these books to cozy mystery lovers everywhere. They are so well written.
Beware the kindle versions; they could do with some careful editing.
I love these.
Profile Image for Annette.
1,768 reviews10 followers
April 14, 2024
REALLY A 4.5 FOR ME

Miss Busby lives in a small village and knows everyone in her village and many of the people in the next village over. In short, she knows people and she knows about people. She is a former school teacher. Long ago, she was about to marry when the man she loved died. That has colored her outlook on the world. She is intelligent and very good at observation. In short, her detecting is based on her innate skill.

Miss Busby had investigated once before and helped the police solve a crime.

Her good friend, Adeline, convinces her that she must help a book seller in the next village. He is being considered the murderer of his roomate and best friend. Adeline is certain such a nice man could not possibly be a murderer.

The characters in the villages are all interesting and entertaining. And it is hard to imagine that any of these people could kill anyone. After all, there could not possibly be a motive.

But, it turns out there are secrets among these charming villagers. And some of the secrets are not happy ones.

First of all, I got really tired of Adeline. She behaves like a very young teenager who must get her own way. She has no consideration for others. In short, she is a tiresome character. It was hard for me to imagine Miss Busby being a long time friend of hers.

Inspector McKay is familiar with Miss Busby and finds it hard to include her in his investigation. Even though he had the advantage of her help in the past, he is not welcoming.

This story is well written. The characters are created as fully formed people. The plot generally moves at a good pace.

As things progress, it becomes clear who is a villain and who is not. But, the journey to the conclusion is a lovely one.

Although this is the second book in the series, it works well as a stand alone read. Past events and relationships are explained so there are no questions about what has gone before.

I am a fan of this series. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Betsy.
10 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2024
Another solid hit in the authors second series, Miss Busby investigates. Our main character, Miss Busby, has a “Watson” who continues to annoy me but there are so many wonderful aspects to this book I can live with Adeline, just barely. Could be happy with Miss B, Lucy, and the inspector. It is handy for MissB to have Adeline’s car available. Know it is not courteous but some character please tell Adeline to be quiet. The tentative friendship between our Miss B and the Scottish inspector continues.

The mystery is good and whilst I thought I had the killer I was wrong. Again!! Was close but no.
The second murder muddied the waters for me. The bookseller Ezekiel is incredibly mannered and you feel he has been so unhappy. Again this is an aura around him created by a very talented writer.

The villages, oh my the villages. Have often been to the Cotswolds and the pictures of them created by the author are perfection. Feel as if I am back there walking the streets and stopping in for tea or lunch or buying some nibbles for my b&b room. The villagers are all your friends.

If you haven’t figured out how much I love the books you’re just not paying attention.
Profile Image for Deborah.
80 reviews
September 10, 2025
After having read the first in the series, I decided to move on to this one so I would keep them in order. I enjoyed this book as it definitely helped me get to know Miss Busby, friend Adeline, and the detective much better and then of course there is Mary and Enid her friends. let's not leave out Barnaby and PUD the dog and cat. they actually are a lovely part of this series. I love cozy Mysteries when they include description of meals , foods and of course tea. this is done very nicely in their tea shop run by Maggie whose character also opens up a bit. The Scottish Detective, loves his Scottish shortbread and of course who wouldn't. The story is a bit complicated and hard to follow with three different deaths being discussed but it's all explained in the end. Definitely an easy to read cozy and I'm moving on to the third in the series. will Lucy and the detective end up in a romance ?it's certainly pointing in that direction.
Profile Image for Chautona Havig.
Author 275 books1,833 followers
May 5, 2024
I intended to give this a four-star rating, but when I sat down to think about it, I realized it wasn't. I really don't have any of the same criticisms I had with the first book, the mystery was even better, and our characters are already growing in their arcs. What more could you want? Oh, a great time solving a complicated murder that I nearly got wrong. Seriously, there was a possibility that came along in the last third of the story that nearly derailed me.
Miss Busby being a former teacher makes the authors' uses of subtle "lessons" here and there make sense without being preachy or pedantic. I really liked that aspect. You could see the lesson she might have given to a classroom if she'd dissected the murder in that setting but she never actually went there. Well done. Eager for the next. Not happy that it's so far away.
858 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2024
I must be a glutton for punishment. This author does not suit my taste. I found Heathcliff Lennox to be annoyingly self-satisfied and Miss Busby is certainly nicer but just seems so unlikely. I don't know how else to describe it. Of course Miss Marvel is unlikely too but Agatha Christie's books are tightly written and it's hard not to love them. That's not the case with these books. I hope I don't forget my feelings about this author and pick up another of her books. It will be a waste of money if I do.
Profile Image for Robin De regt.
56 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2024
pleasant enough cosy

Miss Busby is a delightful character. Menuhin paints a lovely world including Cotswold gardens, quaint tea shops, wandering lanes through tiny communities, and many “characters” for the setting. The Scottish inspector is great fun. Sadly, she makes one of her friends, Adeline, unpleasantly obnoxious and rude. It really did ruin the book for me. I may stay with the Heathcliff Lennox series instead
138 reviews
May 20, 2024
Good entry in the new series. World and character development continues to improve. Main protagonist and partner reminds me of early Watson and Holmes novels. Sometimes the slang is difficult to follow requiring constant backtracking to understand context and meaning. However, I do not mind as the writing is brilliant with highly detailed mannerism of the people depicted.

Highly recommended and I cannot wait for the next novel with Ms. Busby.
Profile Image for Heatherinblack .
738 reviews9 followers
May 30, 2024
Good mystery

Of course, they had to find Alice before anything was truly realized (it was obvious Alice would have to be included). I take issue with the inspector letting her be included as much as he did. The way he would visit randomly and learn all the important things. I do wish more people had been included. The topic of Ezekiel fell off rather suddenly and early, the rolls event seemed random to me. I’ll read them if they are free.
Profile Image for Mark Lucas-Taylor.
534 reviews
September 14, 2024
Death of a Penniless Poet

Miss Busby is approached by her close friend Adeline Fanshaw when a close acquaintance of Adeline is accused of murder.
An investigation follows and in the style of Agatha Christie nothing is as it first appears.
This second book in the Miss Busby series includes many familiar characters from the first book and introduces some new ones.
A cleverly crafted cosy murder mystery that is sure to delight readers of classic thrillers.
Profile Image for Maryann.
267 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2025
Miss Busby Reluctantly Takes the Case

Miss Busby is pulled into another murder investigation when her friend’s friend is wrongly accused. She patiently investigates, recognizes the logic of the situation and solves the case. I like that she respects the police and actually gives the inspector relevant information right away. I also like that an elderly sleuth recognizes her limitations. If you like cozy mysteries, you’ll enjoy this one.
Profile Image for Sally Orchard.
78 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2024
Another good read

I really enjoyed this book. It was full of the twists and turns that I find this author rather good at.

Miss Busby reminds me of Agatha Christine's, Jane Marple, an interfering old lady that gets her info through nefarious means.
Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,244 reviews69 followers
April 2, 2024
May 1922. Who would kill quiet poet and bookbinder, Gabriel Travis. The lodger of shop owner Ezekiel Melnyk and first suspect, because Travis was killed in the locked house. Inspector McKay investigates while Miss Isabella Busby and Mrs Adeline Fanshawe ask questions.
An entertaining historical mystery
Profile Image for Cindy Cynthia.
61 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2024
Lots of Fun!

As a woman of a certain age, I certainly admire Miss Busby and identify with her determination to be independent and her difficulty asking for assistance. It’s nice that she occasionally gets tired and still uses her ingenuity to find the culprits! This book moves fast and kept my interest throughout. I recommend it highly!
Author 3 books38 followers
April 30, 2024
Miss Busby is brought in to investigate the death of a book binder and poet when her friend Adeline's friend is accused of the murder. Poorly disguised as a suicide, it takes the discovery of another murder to put this mystery to bed.

I really enjoyed the complexity of this plot. The story ambles, it is a cozy after all, but it's a decadent ambling that I very much enjoyed.
Profile Image for Charline Romine.
819 reviews
October 8, 2025
The Flag

FINALLY, I guessed the culprit early in the book and stayed on to see how it was figured out! What a good mystery and mayhem with sorrow so sad. Miss Busy and friends are proven sleuths and are a step ahead of the Inspector. It is true, a very small and inconsequential thing can be the telling of the truth.
298 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2024
So Good!

I can't get enough of this author! Miss Busby is an intriguing character and so wise. I also love the Heath cliff Lenox books too. I very highly recommend this author to all!
275 reviews1 follower
February 29, 2024
Very Enjoyable

I am not sure that I enjoy these as much as I do the Heathcliff books, but they are an enjoyable read. As usual there are a number of red herrings but if you think about them carefully it is not overly difficult to settle on who the murderer would be.
370 reviews4 followers
March 2, 2024
I love this Author

This book started slow, like oh my, is this going to get going. Then it picked up and it was better. I love the Author and I hope Ms Busby can get to be as good as Heathcliff!!!!
398 reviews3 followers
March 25, 2024
Good read.

Mrs. Busby is clever and patient and but her friend Adeline is like a raged bull. But they get there. This book as a pleasure to read. Intelligent and well plotted. I can’t wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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