Murder at the Fair: A completely gripping British cozy murder mystery

The Maisie Cooper Mysteries #4

by Greg Mosse

The fourth book in the Maisie Cooper cosy mystery series.

Readers love the Maisie Cooper

'Maisie Cooper is a brilliant main character, an everyday Miss Marple!... I love cosy crime and I loved this book!' Reader review 5 stars

'Fans of Osman are in for a treat!' Peter James

'Classic cosy murder mystery... several red herrings, and I didn't guess the ending' Reader review 5 stars

'I loved the twists and turns in this book and can't wait for the next one' Reader review 5 stars

'A cosy mystery with a lot of heart that sucked me in from page one and kept me guessing until the end' Reader review 5 stars

'I loved the small village setting... I thought the characters were fantastic and I loved the gossip in village life. I kept guessing how everything tied in, and had a huge shock when the ending was revealed' Reader review 5 stars

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2024

Reviews

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another intriguing read from this author!

In this fourth book in series, it is summer in Sussex and what could be nicer than a local fair? Exactly where Maisie Cooper is heading, hoping for a relaxing day with lots of friendly faces and happy events. However, she hasn't bargained for the tension existing between the villagers and the woman from the 'big house' - she who is in control of who rents the houses in the village, and sets the rents. As the day continues, murder occurs . . .

Having really enjoyed the first book in series, I'm sorry to realise that I've missed the next two but I've made a note to catch up with them. This fourth book is another cleverly crafted mystery and one which drew me in from the beginning and kept me there until the very end. A very satisfying read, and one I'm happy to give 4.5* and my recommendation to all lovers of cosy mysteries.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent novel in the series this features events around a village fair a satisfying mix of delving into village life and the life of the characters as well as introducing a mystery 4.5* from me

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer is in full swing in the picturesque Sussex countryside, and Maisie Cooper is bound for the annual Bitling Fair. Maisie expects to enjoy homemade cakes, a glass of cider and a spot of Morris dancing. What she doesn't bargain for is the tensions running high between the villagers of East Bitling and the disagreements being stirred up by the high and mighty Lady Catherine, from the big house on the hill.
The fourth outing for Maisie & another well written cosy mystery. I’m thoroughly enjoying this series set in the 1970’s, it’s well written & the author gives a good feel for the times. I really like Maisie. The pace was good, there were twists & turns & I was kept guessing as to who the villain was. Roll on book five
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Ellie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m really sorry to say this, but I found this book extremely boring. There are endless descriptions of the village, yet very little actually happens. At one point, I didn’t even realize who the victim was. The book felt overly descriptive, without a real plot. The dialogues keep going, along with interactions and situations that, in my opinion, have nothing to do with the actual storyline—if there even is one.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Maisie Cooper Mystery #4

Summer is in full swing in the picturesque Sussex countryside, and Maisie Cooper is bound for the annual Bitling Fair. Maisie expects to enjoy homemade cakes, a glass of cider, and a spot of Morris dancing. But what she doesn't bargain for is the tensions running high between the villagers of East Bitling and the disagreements being stirred up by the high and mighty Lady Catherine, from the big house on the hill. Is this nothing more than village politics? Or by the time the sun has set on the fair, will Maisie Cooper have another murder on her hands?

Set in the 1970s. Lady Catherine is not a nice character. She's raised the rents, and she's going to close down local businesses, she's just being vindictive. Maisie Cooper is attending the annual Bitling Fair. Her only thoughts are cake tasting, a glass of cider, and Morris dancing. But that's not all she gets.

This cosy murder mystery has been descriptively written. Maisie feels something bad is going to happen, and it's not long before she is fully invested in a murder investigation. The characters are well-developed, and the pace is steady. This is an enjoyable series. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

Published 29th August 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Hodder&Stoughton and the author #GregMosse for my ARC of #MurderAtTheFair in exchange for an honest review.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual in my reviews I will not rehash the plot or publisher's blurb - instead I recommend that you read this for yourself.

This is the 3rd book in the "Maisie Cooper", series, set in the 1970s. The book is another classic "cosy murder mystery", this time set in and around a country village close to Bunting Manor. However, the novel would work fine as a standalone read as there's plenty of background.

Maisie's intuition is seldom wrong, and her feelings that something bad will happen are borne out as the plot unfolds. There is plenty of other interest along the way - with developments in the relationship between Maisie and Jack, plus the village fair - with all its traditions.

There are plenty of new characters to add to the mix, and some we met in the other novels, so there's continuity.

I like Greg Mosse's writing style, and the characters and dialogue feel realistic. Looking forward to more in this series.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another welcome addition to Maisie’s sleuthing adventures near Chichester. Filled with anecdotal history about the South Downs regions in West Sussex during the early 1970’s, helps to bring this period to life. The characters are plenty and are well developed. Tension steadily builds as local landowner, and incredibly mean person, Lady Catherine is raising rents and preparing to close local businesses out of pure spite. Consequently it’s easy to predict who the victim will be, but picking out the perpetrator from a long list of suspects is going to be difficult. If you like a fast paced mystery, this might not be for you. The author takes a meandering pace fully developing characters and describing life in detail during this period in time. The book is well written and enjoyable and will appeal to most ages, and being a cosy has no graphic descriptions, no offensive language, and no sex.
Many thanks to NetGalley, and Hodder & Stoughton for the advance electronic copy, much appreciated.

[Chautona Havig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one nearly got five stars. I really enjoyed a lot of it, and I think I've finally decided what I like about these. The pacing fits the time--not a crawl through medieval days or speed-of-light frenetic you might find for today. It has its faster moments but mostly, it was just a slower pace of life in the seventies. And that's reflected in the writing. It's actually rather genius.

Again, Mosse's characterization is his greatest strength. I think one way to see that is how Maisie gets it wrong. She has to talk to people. Work through things. She doesn't just hear someone say something and instantly know the answer. I see that kind of thing in too many cozies and love that it isn't here.

[zoe Hitchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisie Cooper is looking forward to the annual Bitling Fair in the glorious Sussex countryside .
However where Maisie is , murder is never far behind .
This book is slow paced but is set in the 1970’s where the pace of life was quite a bit slower than today , and only enhances the story it certainly doesn’t detract anything from it .
The characters are likeable and the writing descriptive which makes the story flow along perfectly.
Maisie is a character similar to Miss Marple and when things click in to place for Maisie the perpetrator better be prepared .
An enjoyable read with plenty of twists and turns .
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton .

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at the Fair is a fun cosy murder mystery .The characters are very real set near Chichester in the 1970's this is a slow read but it gives lovely descriptions of life in this time .It is lovely to read a book that has no swearing or sex or gruesome violence .Maisie is a very engaging character who always seems to know when anything bad is about to happen .A very enjoyable read .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked about this story was the fact it is set in 1972 when I was a child and things seemed simpler back then. This is well reminisced by the author and adds to the tale. The main character is once again caught up in a murder by chance, and although this is a series, it reads well as a sandalone too.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review

[Richard Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great series that I am following from Greg Mosse and this latest book doesn’t disappoint. Love this author’s writing style and the plots are always interesting to follow. Plenty of suspense and thrilling moments. It’s great how we see many of the character’s relationships developing. A recommended ready for mystery fans.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 days again to read a book. Seriously ffs😭😭. I really enjoyed this book and I’m sad there’s no more in this series but I love Greg Mosse as an author and have 2 of his other books so will read those next!! I need to get out of this reading slump or I’ll never compete my reading challenge lol. Anyway 10/10 recommend <33

[Ryan Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Fair is the 4th 1970's set British village cozy mystery featuring Maisie Cooper. The fun takes place at a the village fair and ends in murder of couse. Maisie finds herself investigating again. It was an intriguing and entertaining read.

[Elizabeth Ducie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisie Cooper does it again, this time without Jack.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series following the adventures of Maisie Cooper. I look forward to book 5.

[Julie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy reading enjoyed though

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Mia Steinert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many characters in my opinion. Despite the character list it was too confusing.