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Ellie Quicke #11
Murder by Mistake
Two weddings to plan. One murder to solve — and Ellie’s funeral to be arranged if she gets it wrong!
When her daughter Diana announces she’s getting married, Ellie doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Diana and her betrothed, Dubious Denis the estate agent, have already set a date. The same day that a friend is also getting hitched at Ellie’s elegant Ealing townhouse.
Diana’s always been demanding. Now she’s gone full Bridezilla, insisting that Ellie makes it a double wedding — and foots the bill for her special day! Ellie can’t say no to her only daughter . . .
But somewhere amid all the havoc, running between dress fittings and cake tastings, Ellie witnesses a fatal hit and run. She escapes by the skin of her teeth.
But what if Ellie herself was the intended victim?
When an anonymous wreath of lilies arrives at Ellie’s home, she begins to wonder.
Is someone out there planning Ellie’s funeral?
When her daughter Diana announces she’s getting married, Ellie doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Diana and her betrothed, Dubious Denis the estate agent, have already set a date. The same day that a friend is also getting hitched at Ellie’s elegant Ealing townhouse.
Diana’s always been demanding. Now she’s gone full Bridezilla, insisting that Ellie makes it a double wedding — and foots the bill for her special day! Ellie can’t say no to her only daughter . . .
But somewhere amid all the havoc, running between dress fittings and cake tastings, Ellie witnesses a fatal hit and run. She escapes by the skin of her teeth.
But what if Ellie herself was the intended victim?
When an anonymous wreath of lilies arrives at Ellie’s home, she begins to wonder.
Is someone out there planning Ellie’s funeral?
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
306 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Heley
97 books131 followersVeronica Heley has published more than fifty books, including crime fiction, historical, and children's titles. She is currently involved in the Ellie Quicke series of crime stories and a variety of other projects. A full-time writer, she has been married to a London probation officer since 1964, and has one musician daughter.
AKA Veronica Thorne
AKA Veronica Thorne
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 22, 2017
I have become addicted to the Ellie Quiche series. I find I want to know what happens in their lives. I have a few more books to read before I am up to date with the series. Ellie has befriended Mia, the rape victim in the last book. Ellie and Mia are returning home when they are among the victims in an hit and run accident. Diana informs Ellie that she plans on marrying Denis the same day that Ursula wedding is scheduled. During the chaos that occurs with duo weddings, several more accidents occur. Ellie is looking for answers for the accidents before she loses her life. I highly recommend this book and series.
May 1, 2015
Mia Prior, introduced to readers in Murder in House, the novel immediately before this one, has made her home with Ellie Quicke and her husband Father Thomas. Ellie thought the poor damaged waif’s tribulations were behind her. But Mia’s troubles don’t seem to be at end: Could she be right and someone is trying to finish her off, once and for all?
When a speeding car nearly kills Mia and Ellie and they receive a bouquet of flowers with a death threat, Ellie knows she needs to get to the truth — before they get to Mia! Readers will find Murder by Mistake incredibly suspenseful and will love the ending author Veronica Heley has fashioned for it. Highly recommended.
When a speeding car nearly kills Mia and Ellie and they receive a bouquet of flowers with a death threat, Ellie knows she needs to get to the truth — before they get to Mia! Readers will find Murder by Mistake incredibly suspenseful and will love the ending author Veronica Heley has fashioned for it. Highly recommended.
February 24, 2017
Murder by Mistake continues with a thread from the previous book Murder in House. Mia a character from that book has been taken under Ellie Quicke's wing and is living with her until she becomes stronger and heals the best she can from emotional scarring that occurred in previous book. However, it appears that someone is trying to kill Mia. The book opens with a hit and run where there are casualties. Was it an joy ride accident or an attempt at murder? Then hate messages arrive at the house for Mia and several more close calls traffic incidents endanger Ellie.
If that isn't enough, there are two weddings scheduled the same day at Ellie's house. One that Ellie offered to do and the other one demanded and sprung on Ellie at the last minute by her dreadful daughter Diana. This is the 11th book in the series and one series that I enjoy very much. I could do without the daughter Diana in the storyline though. Someone said that this is a go to series for me and she was right. I always know that I will enjoy this British cozy series. It probably isn't necessary to begin with book one to get to know the characters. I do like to read series in order though from the 1st book on.
If that isn't enough, there are two weddings scheduled the same day at Ellie's house. One that Ellie offered to do and the other one demanded and sprung on Ellie at the last minute by her dreadful daughter Diana. This is the 11th book in the series and one series that I enjoy very much. I could do without the daughter Diana in the storyline though. Someone said that this is a go to series for me and she was right. I always know that I will enjoy this British cozy series. It probably isn't necessary to begin with book one to get to know the characters. I do like to read series in order though from the 1st book on.
October 10, 2018
The extremely likeable Mrs Quicke and her extensive cast of family, friends and hangers-on, are just as entertaining solving her eleventh murder as the first ten.
December 5, 2011
This book is a satisfying chapter in the series. Diana finally gets her comeuppance but whether she learns from her mistakes remains to be seen. Ellie finally stands up for herself and and assists Mia in her recovery from the horrors she endured in the previous book. Thomas proves himself once again to be just the perfect companion/helpmate for Ellie. Ellie is in more danger than usual but does save the day.
April 22, 2019
I must say, I am getting pretty fed up with the daughter, Diana. There are brats (I taught for 38 years( I know brats)! Diana seems to be bordering on evil in this particular novel. I do want to see if I can locate the preceding novel, because a lot of the novel involves Mia, a character from the previous book.
Ellie brings home a teenage girl that was horrendously abused. The girl’s friend, Ursula, is getting married, and Ellie has offered her house for the reception. THEN daughter, Diana, demands to have her wedding reception at the house on the same day! Let’s complicate things: there is an incident with a car almost hitting Ellie and Mia, plus bouquets with threatening messages arriving at the house.
Ellie brings home a teenage girl that was horrendously abused. The girl’s friend, Ursula, is getting married, and Ellie has offered her house for the reception. THEN daughter, Diana, demands to have her wedding reception at the house on the same day! Let’s complicate things: there is an incident with a car almost hitting Ellie and Mia, plus bouquets with threatening messages arriving at the house.
September 16, 2017
Perhaps I read another in this series too soon - or perhaps my personal life had me read it in fits and starts - but I struggled through this installment in the Ellie Quicke series. I don't know if it was because I don't like the character as such a wealthy woman - or married - or I miss the Aunt - but I found this one really flat. Characters were either all good (Mia, Ursula, dear Rose, Thomas, Stuart) or all bad - Denis, Diana. Boring really. I think I will wait awhile before reading the next one - though I do wonder - what will now happen with Diana?
July 21, 2018
I love the Ellie Quicke mysteries and have been working my way through them. However, I do find myself getting more and more frustrated with Ellie's daughter, Diana, the more I read the series. I understand the role Diana plays, but just when I think Ellie has taken her daughter in hand, Ellie once again gives in to her. That's the reason for four stars instead of five. I guess I'm getting tired of that relationship---or it's the mother in me that wants to take Diana in hand!
April 27, 2024
Ellie Quicke at her best
Once again the delightful characters manage to solve another murder. The regulars along with a few additional charmers provide a wonderful reading experience.
Once again the delightful characters manage to solve another murder. The regulars along with a few additional charmers provide a wonderful reading experience.
Read
May 2, 2024Ok
More dramas in the life of a church going wealthy widow recently married to the ex local vicar. Some previous characters are gone but many from previous books are still hanging on in there . Plus a murder attempted murder thrown in the mix.
More dramas in the life of a church going wealthy widow recently married to the ex local vicar. Some previous characters are gone but many from previous books are still hanging on in there . Plus a murder attempted murder thrown in the mix.
June 10, 2019
Another thoroughly enjoyable read....
October 24, 2020
I enjoy this series, will continue
January 12, 2023
audiobook
February 12, 2024
Great read
Suspense kept me reading on and on. Didn't get much sleep for two long days. Love the characters mostly. Ha!
Suspense kept me reading on and on. Didn't get much sleep for two long days. Love the characters mostly. Ha!
August 21, 2024
my opinions
I can’t read anymore of Veronica’s books anymore.
It’s the same over and over, where she lets her daughter walk all over her.
I can’t read anymore of Veronica’s books anymore.
It’s the same over and over, where she lets her daughter walk all over her.
September 21, 2024
Ellie is busy with weddings, careless drivers, and a murder. I missed some recurring characters. And the police aren't much help.
October 3, 2024
Ellie's personal circumstances are now much changed which adds interest to the series. Now, her own safety is threatened.
August 30, 2025
Great
I cannot stop reading this series of books.
Great Author . Very good cost crime series.
Absolutely hooked on them.
I cannot stop reading this series of books.
Great Author . Very good cost crime series.
Absolutely hooked on them.
November 10, 2025
Murder by mistake.
Wow that was getting very scary. Thank goodness things happened to make it all come out right. Sure wish I could find a man like she got.
Wow that was getting very scary. Thank goodness things happened to make it all come out right. Sure wish I could find a man like she got.
December 2, 2017
Ellie Quicke - now married to Thomas and living in what was Aunt Drusilla's house - is planning for Ursula's wedding reception and looking after Mia as she recovers from her ordeal. Both Ursula and Mia featured in the previous book in the series - Murder in House - but there is enough background information contained in this book so it is not essential that you read its predecessor. All seems to be going well until Ellie's daughter, Diana announces she is holding her wedding reception in the house on the same day as Ursula's and the invitations have already been sent out.
All this would be bad enough but then Ellie and Mia are nearly killed in a hit and run accident which may, or may not, be linked to a forthcoming criminal trial in which Mia will be a prosecution witness. Strange bouquets of flowers and wreaths keep turning up and every minor thing that happens takes on a sinister overtone. This is a complex and fast paced plot with many twists and turns before the frightening climax. The characters are believable and realistic. Mia is gradually losing her fear of men and life in general; strong minded Ursula is about to marry the love of her life; Diana has still not learned she cannot always get her own way with Ellie; Thomas is just Thomas - lovable and reliable, enjoying his new job as editor of a Christian magazine.
The party planner - Mr Balls - is a marvellous comic character who underneath his deceptive appearance is a brilliant organiser. Denis - the untrustworthy estate agent who is marrying Diana - features in this book and shows himself in his true colours. This is cosy crime with a bite. There are no graphic descriptions of violence but people are far from being all sweetness and light. Even the good characters are not good all the time; even Ellie has her moments when she refuses to put others first. I really enjoyed this book and had to keep turning the pages to find out what happened and it is well up to the standard of the previous books in this excellent series. If you enjoy Hazel Holt, Rebecca Tope and Catherine Aird you will enjoy Veronica Heley.
All this would be bad enough but then Ellie and Mia are nearly killed in a hit and run accident which may, or may not, be linked to a forthcoming criminal trial in which Mia will be a prosecution witness. Strange bouquets of flowers and wreaths keep turning up and every minor thing that happens takes on a sinister overtone. This is a complex and fast paced plot with many twists and turns before the frightening climax. The characters are believable and realistic. Mia is gradually losing her fear of men and life in general; strong minded Ursula is about to marry the love of her life; Diana has still not learned she cannot always get her own way with Ellie; Thomas is just Thomas - lovable and reliable, enjoying his new job as editor of a Christian magazine.
The party planner - Mr Balls - is a marvellous comic character who underneath his deceptive appearance is a brilliant organiser. Denis - the untrustworthy estate agent who is marrying Diana - features in this book and shows himself in his true colours. This is cosy crime with a bite. There are no graphic descriptions of violence but people are far from being all sweetness and light. Even the good characters are not good all the time; even Ellie has her moments when she refuses to put others first. I really enjoyed this book and had to keep turning the pages to find out what happened and it is well up to the standard of the previous books in this excellent series. If you enjoy Hazel Holt, Rebecca Tope and Catherine Aird you will enjoy Veronica Heley.
September 4, 2010
A rather quaint murder mystery. Ellie and her "foster daughter" are almost run down by a Volvo. Then a white van almost hits Ellie twice. What's going on? Very refined dialogue.
October 12, 2010
Okay, is "waterily" really a word??
October 15, 2010
There is something oddly soothing about this series. Odd because they are all murder mysteries.
May 4, 2013
enjoyed!
August 6, 2013
It makes you wish you had a mother or aunt with such compassion.
April 18, 2014
a good book ..need to read more in the series
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews