Murder at Maple Grange

Violet Brewster #3

by Jane Bettany

'A fast read, and I enjoyed the unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend this book and the series to mystery lovers.' NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Maple Grange is the perfect place to retire for the residents of Merrywell. But when a murder investigation unfolds on its grounds, Violet Brewster must dust off her sleuthing skills once again!

Violet Brewster has just finished a project at local retirement village Maple Grange, when she learns that one of the residents, Phyllis Gibson, has passed away suddenly.

Violet is surprised that Phyllis left her a beautiful jewellery box in her will. When she goes to collect it, Maureen Bond, Phyllis’s best friend, tells Violet that Phyllis had become paranoid during her last days, and was convinced that someone was trying to kill her.

When Maureen is pushed off her balcony, it becomes clear that something ominous is happening at Maple Grange. Violet is certain that the clues lie within the jewellery box. As the dangerous occurrences continue, can Violet unlock its contents and uncover the killer, before someone else gets hurt?

Don't miss the third book in the Violet Brewster Mystery series, perfect for fans of Clare Chase and Fiona Leitch!

Praise for Jane ‘An enjoyable cozy, with plenty of twists and turns, and a fun glimpse into village life.’ Clare Chase

‘Jane Bettany delivers a cozy with a dash of sass – thoroughly enjoyable and utterly irresistible.’ Peter Boland

‘A murder mystery with a blossoming romance… what more could one ask for? Delicious!’ Katie Gayle

‘Murder at the Book Festival is a delightful cozy mystery… I can't wait to follow Violet and her friends in their next adventure!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Another enjoyable and entertaining mystery in a well imagined and delightful setting, a credible and deftly drawn cast and a solid mystery at its very heart.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, British Literature

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2024

About the author

I am the author of the DI Isabel Blood crime novels, set in the fictional Derbyshire town of Bainbridge, and the cosy crime series featuring amateur sleuth Violet Brewster, which is also set in Derbyshire.

My debut novel In Cold Blood (the first in the DI Isabel Blood series) won the 2019 Gransnet and HQ writing competition, for women writers over the age of 40 who had written a novel with a protagonist in the same age range.

Before turning to novel writing, I had been writing short stories and non-fiction articles for over twenty years, many of which have appeared in women’s magazines, literary magazines, newspapers and online.

I live in Derby, UK and have an MA in Creative Writing.

Reviews

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The third book in this series is a welcome return to the Derbyshire area and Violet Brewster. Once more, Jane Bettany proves that she can write an engaging protagonist who is fallible, personable and, above all else, genuine. I always feel that a cosy mystery in a small town/village setting requires strong characters, because the settings are usually quiet. And this book has many strong characters. And one thing I think many cosy mystery series do well is return to characters, even if it's to tie them to the new mystery briefly, and this book does just that. Reading this, I was reminded of the first book in the series, and how much fun it was when Violet interviewed the residents of the village about their memories.

Some of the new characters we meet in this book are what I think of as a delightful trope, a group of active, clever, and fun elderly woman. They all reside in a retirement community and they are wonderful in this story. And it's the contrast of the dark nature of the mystery against their vibrancy at, and times, vulnerability that make this mystery more engaging.

While I enjoyed the setup of this mystery and much of the investigation, I have to say the conclusion let me down. Not the reveal of the culprit, which I found surprising and clever, but the drawn out moments of explanation and the scenes where Violet faces the culprit. It felt too removed from the rest of the story and almost caperish, which is not the tone I've come to enjoy in this series so far.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Dawn Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the other books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed them, so I was really looking forward to reading the latest, Murder at Maple Grange. It did not disappoint.

Jane Bettany holds the reader with the twists and turns of the plot. Amateur sleuth Violet Brewster gets involved in solving crimes that have been taking place at a local upmarket retirement village. Aside from the investigation we see Violet Brewster settling well into village life and we can follow the developing relationships between the characters. I highly recommended, especially for fans of cosy crime. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Sam Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put this one down really enjoyed this one.

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another good entry in the Violet Brewster mystery series. This time Violet ends up getting involved in some mysterious events at a local apartment complex for "posh" senior citizens. I thought the mystery was interesting, and liked getting to know the main characters a bit more. I'll definitely pick up the next in the series.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Violet Brewster Mystery Series.

Back to the sleepy Derbyshire village of Merrywell we go in this next instalment of this lovely series. Once again I was hooked from that intriguing prologue and flew through it in 2 sittings. And I had no idea who "did it" I love these books and look forward to seeing what Violet gets caught up in next time!

Violet Brewster has just finished a project at local retirement village Maple Grange, when she learns that one of the residents, Phyllis Gibson, has passed away suddenly.

Violet is surprised that Phyllis left her a beautiful jewellery box in her will. When she goes to collect it, Maureen Bond, Phyllis’s best friend, tells Violet that Phyllis had become paranoid during her last days, and was convinced that someone was trying to kill her.

When Maureen is pushed off her balcony, it becomes clear that something ominous is happening at Maple Grange. Violet is certain that the clues lie within the jewellery box. As the dangerous occurrences continue, can Violet find who is responsible before anyone else gets hurt?

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet Brewster has just finished a project at local retirement village Maple Grange, when she learns that one of the residents, Phyllis Gibson, has passed away suddenly. Violet is surprised that Phyllis left her a beautiful jewellery box in her will. When she goes to collect it, Maureen Bond, Phyllis’s best friend, tells Violet that Phyllis had become paranoid during her last days, and was convinced that someone was trying to kill her. When Maureen is pushed off her balcony, it becomes clear that something ominous is happening at Maple Grange.
The third outing for Violet & another well written, engrossing cosy mystery. Whilst it could easily be read on its own I’m thoroughly enjoying getting to know Violet but also some of the other residents of Merrywell. Strong characters, a well paced story, twists & turns had me reading this book in two sittings & an added bonus was I didn’t work out who the villain was
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in the Violet Brewster Mystery series!! I was so happy to reconnect with Violet as I love her character. The story is well written and very descriptive. It begins in Sept 1955 with an introduction to the Horse Chestnut Gang, who are a trio of girls from the same village and an incident that no one talks about! In the present, Violet receives a call from Dawn Pilcher Head of Resident Services at Maple Grange (few miles from Bakewell) and executor of Phyllis Gibson's will, a resident who lived here saying Violet has been left a jewellery box. The Memory Box had completed a project here a few months ago and Phyllis took part. Violet is shocked when she hears Phyllis has died. Violet and Matthew collect the box and she becomes friendly with a resident here, Maureen Bond. Shortly after her visit, there is an incident where Maureen is injured. This leads Violet into doing an unofficial investigation and discovering the reasons behind the accident. All the sub plots tie in so nicely to a surprising ending.

[Claudia Cheyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet Brewster became friends with some of the residents of Maple Grange in the previous book when she filmed interviews with them. She can hardly believe it when she gets the news that Phyllis Gibson has died several months later. Phyllis bequeathed a beautiful antique jewelrey box to her that Violet had admired. Violet runs into Phyllis's best friend Maureen who tells Violet that the death was not from natural causes, but a case of murder. Violet is drawn into the investigation.
In this installment of the series Violet's daughter lost her job and broke up with her boyfriend, so she moves in with her mother. Violet's cat disappears for days. I love how she handles the situation when someone tells Violet where she might find her missing pet. It's nice to read a book in which the characters care about one another. They sometimes offer advice which is very good, but a bit hard for the receiver to accept right away. I'm looking forward to seeing Violet and Matthew's relationship go forward in book 4.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cosy mystery is the third book in the Violet Brewster series. In this instalment, Violet inherits a pretty jewellery box in the will of someone she knew, which comes as a surprise to her. She has a feeling that something isn't quite right, and decides to investigate the situation further.

I've read all of the books in this series so far, and I love how the author brings the characters and setting to life. I've become somewhat fond of the fictional village of Merrywell and its residents, I always enjoy the references to the Derbyshire locations that I'm familiar with too.

A cosy mystery like this is my ideal type of book to relax with, and this was a light, entertaining read with some surprising twists. I've enjoyed all of the series so far, and I hope to read more about Violet and the residents of Merrywell in future.

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

[Cidney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Violet Brewster is a compiler of memories, she helps people to write their memoirs either in book form or on edited tapes for their loved ones. She is currently compiling a video for some residents of a very expensive care home when they suddenly start dying off. One of them has given her a very expensive box and when it is opened it is empty. Although Violet later discovers its secret compartment and is very puzzled.

She decides to look into their deaths with the help from the other two girls who were at school together, then finds herself and the girls in real danger. Nice story, moves along at a pace set from the beginning, I was reading this on the one hour bus journey it takes to get to Norwich that I quite forgot why I was heading to Norwich market, to get two watchstraps put on my watches, and a very good job they did too!

I think there are some more in this series so I shall keep a lookout for them.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet Brewster's business The Memory Box is doing very well, enough for her to hire an assistant, Molly Gee. She goes out to Maple Grange Seniors Residence to interview a nice lady who wants to do a history video of her life. Maureen Bond is a lively lady, but sad that one of her best friends, Phyllis, had recently died. Then Maureen has a strange accident - actually an attempted murder. She's pushed from behind while out on her balcony, and would have fallen to her death if not for the large flower box on the apartment balcony below. She confides to Violet that Phyllis had thought she was being targeted for injury before her death, and now Maureen was being hurt. Violet decides to investigate.

This was a fun read, and got even better as it went along. Many thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy. I look forward to the next one in this series.

[Mackenzie Busalacchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at Maple Grange is the delightful third installment of the Violet Brewster mystery series. Violet has just completed a project at Maple Grange, a luxury retirement village, when she hears that one of the residents has passed away and has left a gorgeous jewelry box for Violet in her will. When Violet goes to collect the box, Maureen, another resident at the village, shares that she believes the death was actually murder. While Violet doesn't initially believe Maureen, she finds herself forced into investigating after someone pushes Maureen off her balcony. Who is trying to kill the residents of Maple Grange? And can Violet find the killer before they strike again?

Murder at Maple Grange is a fun cozy with a satisfying mystery. I continue to enjoy the characters and love the charming setting of Merrywell. I already can't wait to follow in Violet's next adventures.

[Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was pretty disappointed with this read. I was excited for an easy page turner murder mystery but found this book dull overall. A shame as I feel the plot could have had potential. I found that there was too much time explaining every minute detail, such as exactly how a website was searched, that it lost momentum. And had side narratives that gave no real purpose to the book. I also found the dialogue to be fairly stilted between characters, and struggled to really bond with Violet as a character. She seemed unbelievable in this book at being only 47 years, and it read as her being much more of a boomer than gen X. I also found her to be unlikeable. Her reaction to the whereabouts of her missing cat being just one example.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, the third in the Violet Brewster series, was another enjoyable and fast-paced read, with some new and interesting characters thrown into the mix.
This is cosy crime at its best, with lots of lovely food and drink to boot!
I thought I’d deduced who might have been the killer early on but that proved to be a clever red herring. Jane’s descriptions are wonderfully vivid, so that I feel as though I’m there – on the balcony in the retirement village, or in the park on a chilly winter’s night.
I love the Derbyshire setting and I’m also enjoying the on-going romance between Violet and Matthew. Looking forward to the next instalment already!

[Emy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet is surprised when she is left a beautiful box following the death of Phyllis Gibson, someone who she nearly knew. But when Phyllis' friend Maureen, tells Violet that she had become worried that someone was out to kill her just before she died. Then Maureen is pushed off her balcony, it becomes more apparent that something more sister is going on.
This was a lovely cosy mystery. The story had a good pace and easy flow to it. I liked the characters, who were well rounded complete with some quirks. Overall and enjoyable tale which is perfect for a summer read.

[CJ Eve]

You can't help but be charmed by the village of Merrywell and it's community.

Book three in the Violet Brewster series which sees Violet unexpectedly inherit a jewerly box from a former customer that sees her plunged into the sinister goings on at Maple Grange and some amateur sleuthing is required.

I must admit I was really taken with the residents of Maple Grange I could see them clearly in the writing and development of the story.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had recently read and enjoyed the first two books in this series, so I was delighted to be able to read an advance copy of this book. I enjoyed reconnecting with the continuing characters as well as the new additions. It was a fun, cozy-ish mystery with a lot of red herrings. It was a fast read, and I enjoyed the unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend this book and the series to mystery lovers.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story begins with four young girls in the mid-1950s; a tragic event sets the scene for a twenty-first-century mystery. Violet meets some old friends at the retirement village when she receives an unexpected bequest. The story flows well, with believable characters and a relatable setting. I guessed what would happen, but the twists and false leads are good, and it's an engaging story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Judy Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and written in such a way ~you can’t put it down

I am an avid readers of mysteries. Having been born in Wales but brought to the “colonies” as a baby, I’m particularly interested in soft UK mysteries. The Violet Brewster mystery series is perfectly written. I love the spunk and vitality of their heroine. Set in the real world with current references the story plays out charmingly. I can’t wait to read her fourth adventure.

[Aynsley Galway · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I missed the boat with this series, but even as a stand-alone it was incredibly dull. The concept of the story is decent, everyone loves a revenge murder plot but most of the book is like reading a script, the same script, over and over. I felt like Jane Bettany had used a thesaurus to write this book, reading words I’d never heard of and making Violet sound so old fashioned.

Overall, not my ‘pot of tea’.

[Jo Bathurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up from my local book club as the blurb was similar to The Thursday Murder Club books.
It was in a similar vain, as it was about a retirement village and murder.
A forty something woman has become the local amateur sleuth and wants to help the community of the retirement home.
It wasn’t as well written and the plot was okay.
This was the third in a series and I haven’t read the others.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series’ latest installment was a true pleasure to delve into. The depth of the characters and the complexity of the plot were remarkable. The compelling mystery kept me conjecturing.
It receives my full recommendation.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
A more extensive review will follow

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third outing for Violet but the first read for me and can be read as a standalone as I have done. It a well written cosy mystery with strong characters and a good paced story. The twists & turns kept me reading and I wasn't able to work out the villain which is always good. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Overall another entertaining read by this author (this is one of two series she writes). One of the problems with amateur sleuths is that they often get themselves in the middle of situations for no reason and have little common sense, which can get irritating. Still, I’d recommend this author and both her series (the other one features a female detective, also in England).

[Linda Leedham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this gentle murder story from Jane Bettany one of a series of violet brewster murders , set in the Matlock area. Which adds to the story for me having lived in that area. The story starts with a death at Maple Grange , not thought to be suspicious until another accident happens to another resident and questions begin to be asked looking forward to the next book soon.

[Jan J Tait · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

Book 3 in this series and I really enjoyed it . It was good that it had a slightly different twist with attempted murders. Enjoyed the additional character of Violets daughter. Hope there is another book in this series soon .

[Jenny Bain · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy the reading wasn't alot of interest things to keep the reader going, felt like I was reading scripts of neighbours... and it had really old fashion saying like it was suited to someone in their 70s.

[Gillian Poucher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Violet Brewster mystery I've come across. Fun, fast-paced cosy crime with engaging characters and a well-executed plot which kept me guessing and turning the pages.

Looking forward now to catching up with the two previous mysteries in the series!

[Lisa Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually enjoyed this one more than the previous one, cozy mystery with just enough characters to keep it interesting.A box with a secret compartment and a group of friends from the maple grange estate who are being targeted without knowing why. Lots of fun.