What do you think?
Rate this book
The Deadly Dozen Mysteries #1
Lunch with the Deadly Dozen
A secret group of retired experts hunt a methodical serial killer, in this compelling debut crime thriller set in London . . .
Widowed and in his sixties, Thomas Quinn has been invited to lunch by Lexington Smith, the leader of a covert team who call themselves The Twelve. When Thomas decides to join group, he finds himself united with other retired specialists—from a surgeon to a locksmith to a cabbie—in a quest to capture and assassinate a killer targeting homeless victims on London’s transport system.
Also on the team is Monica Lodhia, a retired chemistry professor with a tragic past to whom Quinn feels drawn. As the body count rises, Thomas, Monica, and the crew try to determine a pattern. But can they protect this vulnerable population by identifying a predator before he strikes again?
Widowed and in his sixties, Thomas Quinn has been invited to lunch by Lexington Smith, the leader of a covert team who call themselves The Twelve. When Thomas decides to join group, he finds himself united with other retired specialists—from a surgeon to a locksmith to a cabbie—in a quest to capture and assassinate a killer targeting homeless victims on London’s transport system.
Also on the team is Monica Lodhia, a retired chemistry professor with a tragic past to whom Quinn feels drawn. As the body count rises, Thomas, Monica, and the crew try to determine a pattern. But can they protect this vulnerable population by identifying a predator before he strikes again?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2024
274 people are currently reading
254 people want to read
About the author
Peter Berry
3 books8 followersPeter Berry (known as PB to friends) was born in Surrey at the end of the 1960s and miraculously graduated from the University of York with a degree in history. He used this knowledge of the world to begin a career in PR which quickly lead to working in telly, theatre and film. In the 1990s he worked with Channel 4 publicising many of their US imports - Friends, E.R., Oprah Winfrey, Frasier and the short-lived but much loved by eight people, Bakersfield. He also used to receive Christmas phone calls from the actor, James Stewart. In 1996, he ambled into the music industry and spent ten high-speed years working with musicians as diverse as Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Steps, The Who, Groove Armada, Meat Loaf (always two words), George Benson, Billy Ocean, Atomic Kitten and many more. In 2001, he began working with Jamie Oliver and ultimately became the chef's Head of PR, travelling the world and eating delicious food; the toughest of gigs indeed. In 2016, he started the food PR business, Berry & Green with the excellent Chloe Green (no relation to Suzanne Green in Lunch with the Deadly Dozen). In 2019 he started writing a novel on the basis that, despite the excitement of the previous thirty five years, he hadn't actually ever created anything interesting (apart from a three page biography of The Blue Nile in 2004 which was quite good). The result, after four years, eighteen drafts, numerous rejection letters and four title changes, is Lunch with the Deadly Dozen. He lives in Hertfordshire with his wife, two daughters and a cockerpoo. He listens to music every day and is probably doing that right now.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
May 1, 2024
Lovely cozy mystery that proves 70 is the new 50!! Hopefully this is the first in what proves to be new enjoyable series!
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC of LUNCH WITH THE DEADLY DOZEN.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC of LUNCH WITH THE DEADLY DOZEN.
March 15, 2025
Thomas Quinn is rather at loose ends: retired from being a sports agent and in his 60's, he lost his wife a few years before; daughter too busy for much time with him; and a somewhat-estranged son. He gets a call from a strange gentleman, and agrees to meet him for lunch.
In this way, Thomas learns about The Twelve, an eclectic group of retirees who are tasked with extrajudicial "disappearances" of criminals whom the police can't quite bring to justice. The Twelve have existed for centuries, well-funded by the legacies of by-gone members.
Thomas decides to join the group - because they seem like a great group of people and what else does he have to do? Almost immediately upon joining, The Twelve are called upon to help with a criminal - possibly more than one? - killing homeless folks by giving them sandwiches. The sandwiches contain a poison that doesn't kill immediately, so the homeless are found in more-remote subway stations, sometimes days later. The police simply do not have the manpower to patrol all the subway lines into and out of London. But an elderly group of pensioners could definitely ride the rail lines...
Many of the Twelve are paired up, Thomas with Monica, a retired chemist, to ride the rails. Will they find the criminal? They will definitely find danger! But will Thomas also find a new life?
This was a fun read with a serpentine plot line; I definitely didn't know what twist was coming next! I thought it was going to be a mash-up of "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" and possibly "The Thursday Murder club", but it holds up as a taut mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. 5 stars.
In this way, Thomas learns about The Twelve, an eclectic group of retirees who are tasked with extrajudicial "disappearances" of criminals whom the police can't quite bring to justice. The Twelve have existed for centuries, well-funded by the legacies of by-gone members.
Thomas decides to join the group - because they seem like a great group of people and what else does he have to do? Almost immediately upon joining, The Twelve are called upon to help with a criminal - possibly more than one? - killing homeless folks by giving them sandwiches. The sandwiches contain a poison that doesn't kill immediately, so the homeless are found in more-remote subway stations, sometimes days later. The police simply do not have the manpower to patrol all the subway lines into and out of London. But an elderly group of pensioners could definitely ride the rail lines...
Many of the Twelve are paired up, Thomas with Monica, a retired chemist, to ride the rails. Will they find the criminal? They will definitely find danger! But will Thomas also find a new life?
This was a fun read with a serpentine plot line; I definitely didn't know what twist was coming next! I thought it was going to be a mash-up of "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" and possibly "The Thursday Murder club", but it holds up as a taut mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. 5 stars.
March 30, 2024
On the trail of a serial killer a group of pensioners with attitude pull out all the stops to put an end to the murders. Throughout the story you will get to know the members of the group referred to as 'The Dozen', each equipped with their own skill set and knowledge base. The result is a very enjoyable cozy mystery with a difference, and perhaps with the message that you are never too old or over the hill, may that be for solving crimes or even a bit of romance.
March 30, 2024
What a gem of a book this is. An unusual premise (a group of pensioners are a secret organisation who deal with the low life of London), great writing and fabulous characters. I really hope that this is the start of a series as I'm not ready to say goodbye just yet.
February 28, 2025
A mystery novel about 12 senior citizens that help the police solve crimes. Each person has their own expertise. I found the book a bit slow, but it still held my interest.
September 15, 2024
5⭐️
AD-PR PRODUCT
A delightful cosy crime thriller with amazing characters. 😍
What a fun read this was! From the moment I picked it up I fell in love with the eclectic group of retirees and had a wide smile on my face. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about this book. What an incredible debut!
Thomas, a widow in his sixties, is invited to lunch by Lexington, the leader of a covert team called The Twelve. Thomas joins the group formed of retired specialists in a quest to catch and assassinate a killer targeting the homeless on London’s transport system. Thomas finds himself paired with Monica, a retired chemistry professor, and together, along with the team, they must find the killer to protect the vulnerable population.
There is something about retiree characters that immediately transports into my heart and captures my attention! I love it! Thomas was a wonderful character and I loved the connection he formed with the other characters - especially Monica and Chris. This book was very character driven and it worked well.
Perfect for autumn as it was so cosy and a real palate cleanser, I loved how multifaceted and richly detailed this book was. I could picture everything. Berry provides you with everything you require, offering cosy crime, murder, important themes, a brilliant premise and a sprinkle of romance. What more could you need!
Largely set on the London Underground, this read was further brought to life during my daily commute as I was reading this whilst on the tube. I felt like I was sat with Thomas and Monica and I loved this!
The book was easy to inhale and made you want to turn the page. Despite the murders, it was so uplifting and provided insight into grief, friendship and living your life. Everything was tied up satisfyingly in the end too, in this well-polished debut.
I buddy read this with @mynextreads (as we love our OAP reads) and @amylostinbooks and we all really enjoyed this book. I cannot wait for the second instalment in January!
A huge thank you to @pbscribblesstuff for this copy. ❤️
If I could urge you to do something today, it’s to go and check this book out! 🩷
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
AD-PR PRODUCT
A delightful cosy crime thriller with amazing characters. 😍
What a fun read this was! From the moment I picked it up I fell in love with the eclectic group of retirees and had a wide smile on my face. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about this book. What an incredible debut!
Thomas, a widow in his sixties, is invited to lunch by Lexington, the leader of a covert team called The Twelve. Thomas joins the group formed of retired specialists in a quest to catch and assassinate a killer targeting the homeless on London’s transport system. Thomas finds himself paired with Monica, a retired chemistry professor, and together, along with the team, they must find the killer to protect the vulnerable population.
There is something about retiree characters that immediately transports into my heart and captures my attention! I love it! Thomas was a wonderful character and I loved the connection he formed with the other characters - especially Monica and Chris. This book was very character driven and it worked well.
Perfect for autumn as it was so cosy and a real palate cleanser, I loved how multifaceted and richly detailed this book was. I could picture everything. Berry provides you with everything you require, offering cosy crime, murder, important themes, a brilliant premise and a sprinkle of romance. What more could you need!
Largely set on the London Underground, this read was further brought to life during my daily commute as I was reading this whilst on the tube. I felt like I was sat with Thomas and Monica and I loved this!
The book was easy to inhale and made you want to turn the page. Despite the murders, it was so uplifting and provided insight into grief, friendship and living your life. Everything was tied up satisfyingly in the end too, in this well-polished debut.
I buddy read this with @mynextreads (as we love our OAP reads) and @amylostinbooks and we all really enjoyed this book. I cannot wait for the second instalment in January!
A huge thank you to @pbscribblesstuff for this copy. ❤️
If I could urge you to do something today, it’s to go and check this book out! 🩷
⚠️ Please check out the trigger warnings! ⚠️
March 19, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It reminded me a lot of the movie Red with Bruce Willis, Helen Miren, and Morgan Freeman. The characters are wonderful, not overblown, but very realistic, and there's even a new love development that was handled very well without any graphic scenes needed. . They also give me hope that life doesn't necessarily end at 65!! The story is very engaging, with some unexpected revelations and developments. I hope Mr. Berry doesn't intend for this to be a one-off because I'd like to spend more time with these characters.
I received a review copy from the author via Bloodhound Books and this is my honest opinion.
I received a review copy from the author via Bloodhound Books and this is my honest opinion.
November 11, 2025
This book was such a cosy and deadly read. It was very unique, the writing was excellent and the characters were just delightful.
In his sixties widowed Thomas is invited to join a secret organisation...of retired experts who help the police with their investigations. This time The Twelve are hunting a serial killer who is murdering homeless people on London's underground.
One of the best and most unique things about this book is all the planning it takes to catch the killer. I really liked all the talks and different ideas (and when things didn't go to plan). Thomas is such a lovely character... my favourite is definitely Monica though. It was great how it was a varied range of characters and how they all contributed in their own way. I loved the yoga and the cooking and the camaraderie.
Humour, cosiness, murder, mystery and love - this book truly has it all.
In his sixties widowed Thomas is invited to join a secret organisation...of retired experts who help the police with their investigations. This time The Twelve are hunting a serial killer who is murdering homeless people on London's underground.
One of the best and most unique things about this book is all the planning it takes to catch the killer. I really liked all the talks and different ideas (and when things didn't go to plan). Thomas is such a lovely character... my favourite is definitely Monica though. It was great how it was a varied range of characters and how they all contributed in their own way. I loved the yoga and the cooking and the camaraderie.
Humour, cosiness, murder, mystery and love - this book truly has it all.
March 21, 2024
What a lovely gentle but gruesome in parts thriller. Quite an easy read with great characters that all gel well. I would love to think a Deadly Dozen really does exist for the more elusive killers. Hope there are more books to come.
March 15, 2024
This was certainly a story with a difference. Cozy yet not in the usual way. Thomas is invited to join a group of retired professionals who form a group called The Twelve and are responsible for tracking down and killing killers. An organised vigilante group of assassins, as such.
The premise had piqued my interest and I must say I really enjoyed it. I loved the painstaking preparatory work that was involved before the final act and really liked the various characters in The Twelve. All different characters but all bringing different qualities and abilities to the table. It was a read that was perfect for a bout of pure escapism and I hope that there is more to come from this deadly group.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this and this is my honest review.
The premise had piqued my interest and I must say I really enjoyed it. I loved the painstaking preparatory work that was involved before the final act and really liked the various characters in The Twelve. All different characters but all bringing different qualities and abilities to the table. It was a read that was perfect for a bout of pure escapism and I hope that there is more to come from this deadly group.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this and this is my honest review.
April 3, 2024
Lunch With The Deadly Dozen by Peter Berry
Thomas Quinn has been invited to join a secret organization called, “The Twelve.” It is a society of elderly members who perform covert operations. They help the police handle the criminals who have no right to live. Quiet and deadly assassins, these people believe they are doing society a favor.
A serial killer is riding the local trains. He’s killing innocent homeless men. It becomes a rush against time to find the killer before he kills again.
Peter Berry has done an excellent job introducing us to a wonderfully original story! It is fast-paced and easy-to-read. The characters are perfectly described with each of The Twelve having their own traits and areas of expertise. The scenery is so well described, you will find yourself riding the train! I definitely recommend this book!
Thomas Quinn has been invited to join a secret organization called, “The Twelve.” It is a society of elderly members who perform covert operations. They help the police handle the criminals who have no right to live. Quiet and deadly assassins, these people believe they are doing society a favor.
A serial killer is riding the local trains. He’s killing innocent homeless men. It becomes a rush against time to find the killer before he kills again.
Peter Berry has done an excellent job introducing us to a wonderfully original story! It is fast-paced and easy-to-read. The characters are perfectly described with each of The Twelve having their own traits and areas of expertise. The scenery is so well described, you will find yourself riding the train! I definitely recommend this book!
May 2, 2024
Review- What a fun and unique cozy mystery, who would have thought of a group of pensioners joining a secret organisation to help deal with crime in London. Through this book you will really get to know each of the characters, their quirky personalities and enjoy seeing friendships and relationships blossom. Some twists and turns along the way with some added humour and enjoyable food references. I’m really hoping this is the start of a series as I would like to delve into the characters lives and adventures a lot more. 4 stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a huge thank you to the author for reaching out to me this book was a joy to read.
October 7, 2024
Far Fetched
Thursday murder club meets the Kingsmen. I skimmed most of this book as there was far too much character building and not much story. It is well written which is why 2 stars rather than 1 but far too much stuff that did not drive the story forward. Could be half the length.
Thursday murder club meets the Kingsmen. I skimmed most of this book as there was far too much character building and not much story. It is well written which is why 2 stars rather than 1 but far too much stuff that did not drive the story forward. Could be half the length.
June 30, 2024
Very dissapointing
I loved the premise of the book but clever murder mystery it is not. Most of the story is taken up with the details of the relationships within the group - the murder and investigation is incidental to the story. I will not be buying any further books
I loved the premise of the book but clever murder mystery it is not. Most of the story is taken up with the details of the relationships within the group - the murder and investigation is incidental to the story. I will not be buying any further books
March 22, 2024
I loved this book. It was so gentle, and a unique and charming concept. Although there is murder and tension, it really was a page turner because of the characters and their story. Utterly charming and easy to read.
I hope there is more to come.
I hope there is more to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2025
Overall a good cozy mystery. A little too much explaining about the houses they meet in and too much police involvement for a group that’s supposed to be a secret. Hopefully a promise of improvement and good series potential.
December 29, 2024
It started real good but, by the middle, it lost speed. Interesting bunch of characters.
February 6, 2025
The premise was good. Twelve senior citizens tracking down dastardly villains and doing away with them, sometimes permanently. I enjoyed the music, the treats, the meals, the wine. BUT!! My least favorite genre is romance. Gag a maggot. And I got sick and tired of reading the new romance between a long-time member and the newest. I don't care to read about her hands in his shorts and the stirrings he's feeling. My only hope was that one of them would be killed during this mission. Alas, it did not happen. Ergo, I will be reading no more in this series. If you are a romance fan, don't be put off by the mystery nomenclature. It's more romance than mystery; you'll love all the kissing and snuggling
April 14, 2024
A wonderful mix of a fun story, great writing, and the odd cynical comment that gave me a good chuckle.
February 3, 2025
I wanted to give this a try especially because all the characters are older people and I loved that concept. Unfortunately the story was very slow-moving and I just could not connect to any of the characters particularly.
I was just not engaged with this and couldn't find a reason to stick with this when there are so many other books I want to read. Moving on.
I was just not engaged with this and couldn't find a reason to stick with this when there are so many other books I want to read. Moving on.
April 5, 2024
Lunch with the Deadly Dozen by Peter Berry is a very entertaining crime novel with a dozen old age pensioners as a group of twelve who fight crime and bring the criminal to a certain end.
The story meanders along while the group try to find out who is killing homeless men. After finding the villain it is what the group decides should be a fitting end to his crime spree.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
Highly recommended
April 1, 2024
This is the story of 12 pensioners called The Dozen all from different backgrounds and professions who get together to eliminate some of London's vile criminals that seem to get away with their crimes and the police seem unable to want to deal with it.
It's a clever novel the author has done well with the cast of eleven giving the characters body and class. This is a well-written cosy novel with romance thrown in as well.
I want to thank Bloodhound Books for an ARC but the review is entirely my thoughts.
It's a clever novel the author has done well with the cast of eleven giving the characters body and class. This is a well-written cosy novel with romance thrown in as well.
I want to thank Bloodhound Books for an ARC but the review is entirely my thoughts.
March 27, 2024
Widowed for six years Thomas Quinn has begun to lose his way. Until lunch with Lexington Smith leads to join the Twelve a covert group who remove people. When someone starts killing London's homeless with sandwiches laced with poison Thomas is thrown into his first case, while still getting to know his fellow members.
A cozy with an edge - and a cast all over pensionable age. The characters are appealing - particularly the blossoming romance between Thomas and Monica. Proof that they may be old but they are definitely not obsolete. I really hope that this is the start of a long running series.
A cozy with an edge - and a cast all over pensionable age. The characters are appealing - particularly the blossoming romance between Thomas and Monica. Proof that they may be old but they are definitely not obsolete. I really hope that this is the start of a long running series.
March 31, 2024
Thomas, a widower, receives a phone call inviting him to lunch, although he does not know Lexington Smith he is intrigued and accepts the invitation.
Thomas is asked to join a secret group of older people who help London by ‘disappearing’ various criminals, he will be the 12th member of this historical group.
A well written and interesting book, hopefully there will be more.
Thomas is asked to join a secret group of older people who help London by ‘disappearing’ various criminals, he will be the 12th member of this historical group.
A well written and interesting book, hopefully there will be more.
March 16, 2024
Cozy crime with an edge! The first chapter really pulled me in and had a great ending, encouraging me to devour this ebook. Enjoyable read, great humour, unpredictable storyline. There were some sad back stories to characters and some tender moments between the characters too. Publication date - 3rd April 2024 #lunchwiththedeadlydozen #peterberry
April 15, 2024
Really enjoyable book
I’ve read several disappointing books over the last few weeks in an effort to broaden my “go to” authors - and this is the only one that I’m glad I came across.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and the characters within - and it was a real page turner.
I’ve read several disappointing books over the last few weeks in an effort to broaden my “go to” authors - and this is the only one that I’m glad I came across.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and the characters within - and it was a real page turner.
June 29, 2025
I very much enjoyed this sometimes very funny book about elderly assassins. It took me some time to get into enjoying it, but overall it was quite good. I enjoyed the writing and the storyline was very entertaining.
November 1, 2024
Take out all the hand-holding and gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes and you’ve got a pretty decent cosy mystery with a nice premise. A good 1/3 of the book was taken up with an all too convenient romance sub-plot. Yes, we’re aware that older people have sex. Thanks.
June 13, 2024
Too slow. DNF
June 6, 2025
This cozy mystery was extremely entertaining; I enjoyed it from start to finish. A brilliant mix of cozy crime, mystery, and suspense.
It had a little bit of romance woven in, which was heartfelt and complemented the overall tale.
Thomas Quinn finds himself feeling a bit lost within his retired life; no purpose and just dwindling his time away. He tirelessly looked after his wife until the cruel disease took her final breath. His daughter is living her own life. He didn't realize being retired would feel so unfulfilled. That is until he gets a random call from a strange gentleman to meet for coffee. As it turns out, he has an offer Thomas cannot refuse, and this perhaps becomes the best year of his life.
The secret group of eclectic 12 retirees have a very unique and significant part to play in keeping society a safer place. They have a very intriguing way to deal with some of the worst criminals at large. They are intelligent, calculating, and quite the devious bunch. Safe to say I loved them!
There's just something about the use of senior citizens that opens my heart and captures my attention.
This murder mystery follows a serial killer who is preying on the homeless, tricking them with kindness and poisoning their food. When the 12 are paired up to work together, this is when their true characteristics bloom and the story really comes alive.
The character development was very well done. Each member had their own personality and individual voice, which were seamlessly brought together to make a wonderful cast.
I found this book to be a very fun read. Although I sometimes feel that cozy crime can be on the tame side, this did include some gore and a very multi-layered mystery that kept me hooked.
The writing style and flow were captivating. It had a variable pace, which enhanced the suspense and mystery. It was richly described, set in London with everything easy to imagine. It brought the hustle and bustle of the underground and methodical plotting to catch a criminal alive to mind.
It's a binge-worthy page-turner that I haven't seen around much and feels underrated, in my opinion. It's a refreshing, uplifting type of book that does a superb job in representing grief, friendship, and life's hardships. I found it noteworthy in the sense that age, quite frankly, is just a number, and your best years are yet to come.
It had a little bit of romance woven in, which was heartfelt and complemented the overall tale.
Thomas Quinn finds himself feeling a bit lost within his retired life; no purpose and just dwindling his time away. He tirelessly looked after his wife until the cruel disease took her final breath. His daughter is living her own life. He didn't realize being retired would feel so unfulfilled. That is until he gets a random call from a strange gentleman to meet for coffee. As it turns out, he has an offer Thomas cannot refuse, and this perhaps becomes the best year of his life.
The secret group of eclectic 12 retirees have a very unique and significant part to play in keeping society a safer place. They have a very intriguing way to deal with some of the worst criminals at large. They are intelligent, calculating, and quite the devious bunch. Safe to say I loved them!
There's just something about the use of senior citizens that opens my heart and captures my attention.
This murder mystery follows a serial killer who is preying on the homeless, tricking them with kindness and poisoning their food. When the 12 are paired up to work together, this is when their true characteristics bloom and the story really comes alive.
The character development was very well done. Each member had their own personality and individual voice, which were seamlessly brought together to make a wonderful cast.
I found this book to be a very fun read. Although I sometimes feel that cozy crime can be on the tame side, this did include some gore and a very multi-layered mystery that kept me hooked.
The writing style and flow were captivating. It had a variable pace, which enhanced the suspense and mystery. It was richly described, set in London with everything easy to imagine. It brought the hustle and bustle of the underground and methodical plotting to catch a criminal alive to mind.
It's a binge-worthy page-turner that I haven't seen around much and feels underrated, in my opinion. It's a refreshing, uplifting type of book that does a superb job in representing grief, friendship, and life's hardships. I found it noteworthy in the sense that age, quite frankly, is just a number, and your best years are yet to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews