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The Val & Arbie Mysteries #1
Murder by Candlelight
One suspicious death. Two amateur sleuths. And an utterly impossible crime…
The Cotswolds, 1924. At the Old Forge in the quiet village of Maybury-in-the-Marsh a cry of anguish rings out: lady of the house Amy Phelps has been discovered dead. But with all the windows and doors to her room locked from inside, how – and by whom – was she killed?
Arbuthnot ‘Arbie’ Swift finds himself in the unlikely position of detective. The celebrated author of The Gentleman’s Guide to Ghost-Hunting is staying at the Old Forge to investigate a suspected spectre, but now the more pressing matter of Amy’s murder falls to him too.
With old friend Val, he soon uncovers a sorry tale of altered wills, secret love affairs and tragic losses – and plenty of motives for murder. When events take another sinister turn, Arbie must find the killer, fast. And to do so will mean cracking a most perfectly plotted crime…
The Cotswolds, 1924. At the Old Forge in the quiet village of Maybury-in-the-Marsh a cry of anguish rings out: lady of the house Amy Phelps has been discovered dead. But with all the windows and doors to her room locked from inside, how – and by whom – was she killed?
Arbuthnot ‘Arbie’ Swift finds himself in the unlikely position of detective. The celebrated author of The Gentleman’s Guide to Ghost-Hunting is staying at the Old Forge to investigate a suspected spectre, but now the more pressing matter of Amy’s murder falls to him too.
With old friend Val, he soon uncovers a sorry tale of altered wills, secret love affairs and tragic losses – and plenty of motives for murder. When events take another sinister turn, Arbie must find the killer, fast. And to do so will mean cracking a most perfectly plotted crime…
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2024
1856 people are currently reading
1663 people want to read
About the author
Faith Martin
99 books981 followersFaith Martin is a pen name of English author Jacquie Walton, who is best known for her popular detective series, starring Detective Inspector Hillary Greene.
As Joyce Cato, she writes more classically-inspired 'cosy' murder mysteries, such as the Monica Noble mystery series.
As Maxine Barry, her latest romance novels are now available from Corazon Books.
As Jessie Daniels, her 'spooky' crime novel, The Lavender Lady Casefile came out in November 2017.
As Joyce Cato, she writes more classically-inspired 'cosy' murder mysteries, such as the Monica Noble mystery series.
As Maxine Barry, her latest romance novels are now available from Corazon Books.
As Jessie Daniels, her 'spooky' crime novel, The Lavender Lady Casefile came out in November 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 421 reviews
January 28, 2024
A deliciously served mystery, set at the beginning of 1920s, cleverly plotted with two main characters who despite all odds are destinied to find the murderer. I loved the language, witty dialogues and natural interaction with regard to characters. If you are looking for a light read, this book will entertain you, matched with superb narration by John Hopkins. I have a feeling there is another mystery for Arbie Swift just behind the corner.
*A big thank-you to Faith Martin, HarperCollins UK Audio, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*
*A big thank-you to Faith Martin, HarperCollins UK Audio, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*
March 1, 2025
**3.5-stars rounded up**
Murder by Candlelight is a Historical Cozy Mystery set in the village of Maybury-in-the-Marsh, in the Cotswolds, in 1924.
Arbie Swift is an author, who has found new found success after the publication of his book, The Gentleman's Guide to Ghost-Hunting. He's the kind of famous now, where since he's an expert in all things ghost,has individuals seeking him out, asking for assistance with their own hauntings.
For example, he gets asked to the Old Forge, where the lady of the house, Amy Phelps, believes she is being haunted by a spectre. Arbie should know what to do, right?
Hesitant at first, both with his new-found fame, and with the idea that he can actually help Amy with her problem, Arbie finally agrees to go stay at the Old Forge. After all, it could provide good content for his next book.
Unfortunately, while Arbie is there, Amy is murdered. Now Arbie finds himself in the unlikely position of detective, along with his dear friend, Val.
As the two dig into Amy's life and family, they discover all sorts of potential suspects and motives. It's a race against the clock as they try to discover the identity of the killer, supernatural or not, before anyone else falls victim...
I have been in such a mood for Cozy Mysteries lately. I'm not sure what it is, the changing of the seasons, or the amount of stress that I have been under at work and in my life, but either way, I am eating them up.
I picked this one up on a whim and devoured it in a day. I loved the quaint setting and Arbie as a main character. I think this story set-up a perfect jumping off point for a potentially long-running series.
As with many other Mystery series, I feel like this is the kind of story where you would just get more and more attached to the characters as the installments add up. It also had a distinct Christie vibe, which really worked for me.
I loved that Arbie was an author of a ghost-hunting book, and whether or not he truly believes in all that, is something you'll have to discover for yourself upon reading. However, whether he does or not, it certainly sets him up to meet a lot of interesting people.
I also really enjoyed the relationship between Arbie and Val, which definitely deserves some more attention. I'm not sure if there are plans for this to be a series, or not, but I certainly hope so. I would be genuinely excited to continue on.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Cozy Mysteries, particularly if you enjoy Historical Cozy Mysteries, Mysteries set in a small town/village, or even if you are just a fan of Agatha Christie's work.
I feel like Martin did a great job plotting this story, and keeping the Reader engaged, while also creating likable, believable characters.
Thank you to the publisher, HQ Digital, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I truly hope this isn't the last I see of Arbie and Val!!
Murder by Candlelight is a Historical Cozy Mystery set in the village of Maybury-in-the-Marsh, in the Cotswolds, in 1924.
Arbie Swift is an author, who has found new found success after the publication of his book, The Gentleman's Guide to Ghost-Hunting. He's the kind of famous now, where since he's an expert in all things ghost,has individuals seeking him out, asking for assistance with their own hauntings.
For example, he gets asked to the Old Forge, where the lady of the house, Amy Phelps, believes she is being haunted by a spectre. Arbie should know what to do, right?
Hesitant at first, both with his new-found fame, and with the idea that he can actually help Amy with her problem, Arbie finally agrees to go stay at the Old Forge. After all, it could provide good content for his next book.
Unfortunately, while Arbie is there, Amy is murdered. Now Arbie finds himself in the unlikely position of detective, along with his dear friend, Val.
As the two dig into Amy's life and family, they discover all sorts of potential suspects and motives. It's a race against the clock as they try to discover the identity of the killer, supernatural or not, before anyone else falls victim...
I have been in such a mood for Cozy Mysteries lately. I'm not sure what it is, the changing of the seasons, or the amount of stress that I have been under at work and in my life, but either way, I am eating them up.
I picked this one up on a whim and devoured it in a day. I loved the quaint setting and Arbie as a main character. I think this story set-up a perfect jumping off point for a potentially long-running series.
As with many other Mystery series, I feel like this is the kind of story where you would just get more and more attached to the characters as the installments add up. It also had a distinct Christie vibe, which really worked for me.
I loved that Arbie was an author of a ghost-hunting book, and whether or not he truly believes in all that, is something you'll have to discover for yourself upon reading. However, whether he does or not, it certainly sets him up to meet a lot of interesting people.
I also really enjoyed the relationship between Arbie and Val, which definitely deserves some more attention. I'm not sure if there are plans for this to be a series, or not, but I certainly hope so. I would be genuinely excited to continue on.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Cozy Mysteries, particularly if you enjoy Historical Cozy Mysteries, Mysteries set in a small town/village, or even if you are just a fan of Agatha Christie's work.
I feel like Martin did a great job plotting this story, and keeping the Reader engaged, while also creating likable, believable characters.
Thank you to the publisher, HQ Digital, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I truly hope this isn't the last I see of Arbie and Val!!
April 18, 2025
An intriguing beginning, a very slow middle, a satisfying ending
Amy Phelps, the owner of the Old Forge manor believes her home is haunted and who better to help her bust the ghost than Arbuthnot Swift, amateur sleuth and author of The Gentleman's Guide to Ghost-Hunting.
Arbuthnot agrees to some nosing around and investigating, believing that what spooks Amy Phelps is very much alive and not a ghost at all.
Events take a dark turn when Amy is found dead in her locked bedroom.
Who would want Amy dead? And why?
This cozy mystery, set in 1924 in a Cotswolds village is the first book in The Val & Arbie Mysteries series. I have read and loved Traveling Cook Mystery Series by the author. This one was unfortunately was just meh.
Amy Phelps, the owner of the Old Forge manor believes her home is haunted and who better to help her bust the ghost than Arbuthnot Swift, amateur sleuth and author of The Gentleman's Guide to Ghost-Hunting.
Arbuthnot agrees to some nosing around and investigating, believing that what spooks Amy Phelps is very much alive and not a ghost at all.
Events take a dark turn when Amy is found dead in her locked bedroom.
Who would want Amy dead? And why?
This cozy mystery, set in 1924 in a Cotswolds village is the first book in The Val & Arbie Mysteries series. I have read and loved Traveling Cook Mystery Series by the author. This one was unfortunately was just meh.
Read
March 3, 20253.5 stars
This debut book in the 'Val & Arbie mystery series' introduces us to the English amateur sleuths.
*****
It's summer 1924, and a young bon vivant called Arbuthnot Lancelot Smith (Arbie) - who lives in the Cotswold village of Maybury-in-the-Marsh - is planning a stroll to the village shop for newspapers and tobacco, followed by a spot of fishing on his grounds.
It's not to be, however, because Arbie is accosted by Miss Amy Phelps, one of the oldest and richest residents of Maybury-in-the-Marsh. Miss Phelps explains that her home, the Old Forge manor house, has a ghost that's frightening her. Though most villagers think Arbie is an airhead, Miss Phelps wants him to look into the matter. This is less surprising than it might seem.
As a kind of lark, Arbie had written a book called 'The Gentleman's Guide to Ghost-Hunting', which was an unexpected smash hit with the British public.
Arbie is trying to squirm out of assisting Miss Phelps when his longtime friend, Valentina Coulton-James (Val), the vicar's daughter, comes whizzing along on her bicycle. Val is a tall strapping athletic girl who, hearing about the ghost, immediately says she and Arbie will look into it.
Arbie and Val are invited to a luxurious tea at the Old Forge to discuss the matter.
At the manor house, Arbie and Val are greeted by the housekeeper Mrs. Jane Brockhurst.
The ghosthunters also meet the houseguests. These are: Cora Delaney - Miss Phelps' oldest friend;
Reggie Bicklesworth - an artist who rescues and rehomes needy animals;
Phyllis Thomas -Miss Phelps' niece;
and Murray Phelps - Miss Phelps' nephew.
A few days later, Arbie and Val set themselves up at the Old Forge for the night, to look and listen for ghostly emanations. The twosome don't see spirits, but the next morning, Miss Amy Phelps is found dead in her locked bedroom, poisoned with cyanide.
Police Inspector Gorringe arrives to investigate the homicide.....
.....and Arbie and Val, who both think of themselves as Sherlock Holmes, look into the murder as well. The main thrust of everyone's inquiries is 'cui bono' (who benefits). Typical cozy mystery tropes abound, such as old grudges; a spot of larceny; strange accidents; people changing their wills; etc.
Things move pretty quickly and Arbie helps expose the culprit at the book's climax.
This is a rather slight story, but the historical setting is interesting, the characters are fun, and I got quite a few laughs. Recommended to fans of the genre.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
January 23, 2025
Cheerio and how’d you do, chaps? I have to admit, I am as keen as mustard to be allowed to share this review with you all, eh?
Or this is how I would begin my review if I was written by Faith Martin and appearing in her upcoming cosy crime novel, “Murder by Candlelight”. Thank God, though, that I haven’t been cursed to speak like this 24/7 so be prepared for my usual random snark.
It’s 1924 *ominous ahhhhh voice of recognition* Yes, we are in the PAST and in a village in ENGLAND, and that is something you absolutely should not forget but if you do: no worries, you’ll be reminded just how quaint, cosy, BRITISH and old-fashioned everyone and everything is on about- oh, every single page.
Miss Phelps, an elderly lady of means, asks Arbuthnot (more like ikidyounot) Swift, recent hotshot author of The Gentleman’s Guide to Ghost-Hunting, and Val “I don’t remember her last name”, to help her investigate eery doings at her manor. Arbie and Val, old childhood pals though not exactly friends, agree to stay at the Old Forge and keep an eye open for any wrongdoings. A short while later, Miss Phelps is found murdered in her bed. The catch? It’s a looked-room murder.
What follows throughout the novel is Arbie and Val trying to catch the killer before they can strike again, and even though from the outset this feels a bit like “The Thursday Murder Club” meets Agatha Christie, the novel can’t hold a candle to either of those two.
I love a good cosy British murder mystery as much as the next person, but I do not need to be constantly reminded that we are in ENGLAND, in a small VILLAGE, where everyone is very QUAINT yet adorable yet a BIT QUIRKY. Arbie calls Val (both of them are like, anything between 19-23 years old) “old bean” or “old thing” about every two pages or so, I needed to look up words in a thesaurus more than a dozen times (hey, did you know refractory is just another synonym for headstrong and that “(to) scrump” is a colloquial expression for stealing? Me neither!) and on top of that, I was hit over the head with sentences like:
“So what do you think has got Miss Phelps in such a tizz then? The old bean really is in a flap about something, though she’s determined not to let on of course. Too stiff upper lip for words, isn’t she?”
Sigh. If I have to read stuff like this, can I at least have some ale and actual beans to go with it, too?
What bugged me as well was that I felt the middle part of the plot was basically non-existent. The exposition sets up the murder and haunted house vibes quite nicely, and the conclusion is fine-ish. But even though it’s only been a couple of days since I finished it, I haven’t retained a single thing from the in-between stuff. To me, it seemed like the novel was more concerned with giving readers an interesting enough exposition so they would keep reading and a satisfying enough conclusion so they would laud the ingenuity of the plot instead of making sure there was enough meat to bridge the gap between beginning and end.
Last but not least and I have to bring this up even though it’s a spoiler…
You have been warned! Avert your eyes if you do not want to be spoiled!
…
…
…
… turns out “the gay man” was the murderer. I wouldn’t have a problem with a queer character being the villain a) if the bad guy wasn’t the ONLY queer person in the novel and b) if was handled with more care and attention. In the end, his only motive was the old lady’s money. I’m not quite sure how to feel about it but very much like the novel's setting, it feels a little bit 1920s.
I wish I could have enjoyed this more but I just can’t see myself either recommending the novel or reading any possible sequels.
🎬 Instead of reading this, watch that: Why Didn't They Ask Evans? (2022)
As always, thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Or this is how I would begin my review if I was written by Faith Martin and appearing in her upcoming cosy crime novel, “Murder by Candlelight”. Thank God, though, that I haven’t been cursed to speak like this 24/7 so be prepared for my usual random snark.
It’s 1924 *ominous ahhhhh voice of recognition* Yes, we are in the PAST and in a village in ENGLAND, and that is something you absolutely should not forget but if you do: no worries, you’ll be reminded just how quaint, cosy, BRITISH and old-fashioned everyone and everything is on about- oh, every single page.
Miss Phelps, an elderly lady of means, asks Arbuthnot (more like ikidyounot) Swift, recent hotshot author of The Gentleman’s Guide to Ghost-Hunting, and Val “I don’t remember her last name”, to help her investigate eery doings at her manor. Arbie and Val, old childhood pals though not exactly friends, agree to stay at the Old Forge and keep an eye open for any wrongdoings. A short while later, Miss Phelps is found murdered in her bed. The catch? It’s a looked-room murder.
What follows throughout the novel is Arbie and Val trying to catch the killer before they can strike again, and even though from the outset this feels a bit like “The Thursday Murder Club” meets Agatha Christie, the novel can’t hold a candle to either of those two.
I love a good cosy British murder mystery as much as the next person, but I do not need to be constantly reminded that we are in ENGLAND, in a small VILLAGE, where everyone is very QUAINT yet adorable yet a BIT QUIRKY. Arbie calls Val (both of them are like, anything between 19-23 years old) “old bean” or “old thing” about every two pages or so, I needed to look up words in a thesaurus more than a dozen times (hey, did you know refractory is just another synonym for headstrong and that “(to) scrump” is a colloquial expression for stealing? Me neither!) and on top of that, I was hit over the head with sentences like:
“So what do you think has got Miss Phelps in such a tizz then? The old bean really is in a flap about something, though she’s determined not to let on of course. Too stiff upper lip for words, isn’t she?”
Sigh. If I have to read stuff like this, can I at least have some ale and actual beans to go with it, too?
What bugged me as well was that I felt the middle part of the plot was basically non-existent. The exposition sets up the murder and haunted house vibes quite nicely, and the conclusion is fine-ish. But even though it’s only been a couple of days since I finished it, I haven’t retained a single thing from the in-between stuff. To me, it seemed like the novel was more concerned with giving readers an interesting enough exposition so they would keep reading and a satisfying enough conclusion so they would laud the ingenuity of the plot instead of making sure there was enough meat to bridge the gap between beginning and end.
Last but not least and I have to bring this up even though it’s a spoiler…
You have been warned! Avert your eyes if you do not want to be spoiled!
…
…
…
… turns out “the gay man” was the murderer. I wouldn’t have a problem with a queer character being the villain a) if the bad guy wasn’t the ONLY queer person in the novel and b) if was handled with more care and attention. In the end, his only motive was the old lady’s money. I’m not quite sure how to feel about it but very much like the novel's setting, it feels a little bit 1920s.
I wish I could have enjoyed this more but I just can’t see myself either recommending the novel or reading any possible sequels.
🎬 Instead of reading this, watch that: Why Didn't They Ask Evans? (2022)
As always, thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2024
A cozy mystery set in the Cotswolds in 1924, in a quaint little village full of gossip and now also ... MURDER!
The lady of the house has been murdered - with cyanide nonetheless - and Arbie Swift finds himself in a sleuthing position, together with the vicar's daughter Val. The two youngsters act under the watchful eye of the local detective and they uncover clue after clue in search of the culprit.
All in all, it is a very nice cozy, ticking all the boxes required in the genre: a sleepy village, the manners and etiquette of the upper classes, adorable characters, funny dialogue and a locked room mystery. What's not to like?
Although very well written, this is no grand literature but in its genre it is perfectly well done and a welcome distraction from more serious books.
A sincere thanks to NetGalley, HQ Harper & Collins and the author for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The lady of the house has been murdered - with cyanide nonetheless - and Arbie Swift finds himself in a sleuthing position, together with the vicar's daughter Val. The two youngsters act under the watchful eye of the local detective and they uncover clue after clue in search of the culprit.
All in all, it is a very nice cozy, ticking all the boxes required in the genre: a sleepy village, the manners and etiquette of the upper classes, adorable characters, funny dialogue and a locked room mystery. What's not to like?
Although very well written, this is no grand literature but in its genre it is perfectly well done and a welcome distraction from more serious books.
A sincere thanks to NetGalley, HQ Harper & Collins and the author for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2023
Murder by Candelight pairs a twisting plot with all the entertaining elements of a "British village mystery." Set in the Cotswolds in 1924, it features Arbie Swift, the youthful author of A Gentleman's Guide to Ghost-Hunting. Arbie arrives in the village to investigate a possible ghost in the home of a wealthy spinster. When she turns up murdered in a locked room, Arbie switches from hunting ghosts to hunting murderers.
If you enjoy "romp-like" Golden age mysteries, you're in for a treat with this title.
If you enjoy "romp-like" Golden age mysteries, you're in for a treat with this title.
January 4, 2024
Yep, Ms Martin has done it again. Another cozy murder mystery set 100 years ago (or it will be when it is released next year. Set in a quaint 1920’s Cotswolds, village. This has it all ' a locked room murder, a wealthy victim, eccentric uncles, village gossip, loads of suspects. Arbie Swift, has recently written a popular book- A Gentleman's Guide to Ghost Hunting, is persuaded, reluctantly to investigate a ghost allegedly threatening the village’s wealthiest spinster. He is ably assisted by the vicars, daughter, who doesn't take any nonsense. .
This was an enjoyable and fun read, with brilliant characters. The crime and its solution were very cleverly thought out and explained. Readers will immerse themselves in the .atmosphere of the period as they try to unravel the many clues and identify the red herrings.
I really hope this the start of another wonderful series by Ms Martin
This was an enjoyable and fun read, with brilliant characters. The crime and its solution were very cleverly thought out and explained. Readers will immerse themselves in the .atmosphere of the period as they try to unravel the many clues and identify the red herrings.
I really hope this the start of another wonderful series by Ms Martin
March 12, 2025
A cozy murder mystery set in 1924 was the HQ February Thriller BOTM. murder By Candlelight is a fun, Agatha Christie style locked room thriller.
I loved the setting of The Cotswolds in England in the small village of Marburg in the Marsh. Arbie, a best selling author of The Gentleman’s Guide to Ghost Hunting l and the vicars daughter Val, set out to find out who killed a local lady, and how. It was so fun seeing them play detective and find the clues.
A story of murder, ghosts, gossip, family and money. Who has the motive… seems like most of the village does. Arbie and Val were a great team, I look forward to reading more of their adventures.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending me this book and having me as a thrillerfluencer.
I loved the setting of The Cotswolds in England in the small village of Marburg in the Marsh. Arbie, a best selling author of The Gentleman’s Guide to Ghost Hunting l and the vicars daughter Val, set out to find out who killed a local lady, and how. It was so fun seeing them play detective and find the clues.
A story of murder, ghosts, gossip, family and money. Who has the motive… seems like most of the village does. Arbie and Val were a great team, I look forward to reading more of their adventures.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for sending me this book and having me as a thrillerfluencer.
December 28, 2023
If you’re in the mood for a cosy murder mystery, with plenty of humour and likeable characters, then Murder by Candlelight is a good choice! The book transports us to the Cotswold, where reluctant ‘author’ Arbie and his sort-of-friend Val are asked to help a local woman who is worried that her home, the Old Forge, is haunted. Soon, ghosts aren’t the problem – murder is…
I liked the characters in this book. Arbie is great fun, as is his friend Val, and their interactions together were very entertaining. I also warmed to the cast of characters around them, many of which were also fun to read about – though I did feel Arbie said ‘old bean’ a bit too much!
I found the story a bit slow to get going, as it took a while for the titular murder to take place. The solution, when it came, felt well-constructed and easy to follow – I just felt that the middle chunk of the book dragged a little, and I started to lose interest. However, it really picks up again towards the end, when the solution is revealed (it was clearly explained and felt cleverly constructed – often the solutions can feel a bit of a letdown, but not this one!). I enjoyed reading about Arbie, Val and the local police force trying to piece together the clues to work out who the culprit was. Together with the great characters, this made Murder by Candlelight a book that’s well worth a read.
I liked the characters in this book. Arbie is great fun, as is his friend Val, and their interactions together were very entertaining. I also warmed to the cast of characters around them, many of which were also fun to read about – though I did feel Arbie said ‘old bean’ a bit too much!
I found the story a bit slow to get going, as it took a while for the titular murder to take place. The solution, when it came, felt well-constructed and easy to follow – I just felt that the middle chunk of the book dragged a little, and I started to lose interest. However, it really picks up again towards the end, when the solution is revealed (it was clearly explained and felt cleverly constructed – often the solutions can feel a bit of a letdown, but not this one!). I enjoyed reading about Arbie, Val and the local police force trying to piece together the clues to work out who the culprit was. Together with the great characters, this made Murder by Candlelight a book that’s well worth a read.
January 4, 2024
While I can see the likability of this book, it just wasn't for me. It's a cosy story but to the point where the plot is predictable - I mean the answer to the murder is literally in the title, there's no thinking involved its very clear cut and dry. The pacing is really off, slow to begin with and just sped past all the possible juicier parts. The characters were really dull and one dimensional, it didn't seem like the main narrator, Arbie Swift, wanted to be involved with the ghost investigation (even though he literally wrote a book about it - yes he explained it was for a joke but then why even mention this plot point just to leave it hanging there) or the murder investigation as if it was a hindrance to him just to keep up appearances. I liked Val's excitement and drive for adventure but it felt unbalanced with Artie, not even a dynamic duo vibe, plus I'm not sure what Val's role was other than to be Artie's yes woman at his side. It would have been nice to see her be as diligent and clever as Artie, but I guess the setting being in the 1920's makes her a victim of that age. There's not much more to say as the book wasn't a big interest for me, again this book could just not be for me and would appeal to more comfort readers but for what this book promised I was expecting more, ''Perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club...'' - absolutely not, don't disrespect Elizabeth like that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2024
A fun murder mystery, that again didn't have me fooled but definitely did keep me entertained.
Arbie is cornered to investigate "things that go bump in the night" at The Old Forge, but little does he realise his nights ghost hunting (alongside gal pal Val) will lead to investigating murder.
Arbie is cornered to investigate "things that go bump in the night" at The Old Forge, but little does he realise his nights ghost hunting (alongside gal pal Val) will lead to investigating murder.
December 22, 2023
Rating: 1.3/5
Oh, dear! Given this author's not insubstantial back catalogue, albeit under a variety of pseudonyms, I really did expect something better than this very disappointing offering. Whilst "Murder by Candlelight" may possibly not be the least enjoyable of the hundred or so books I have read over the past year, it would certainly be on the shortlist.
It isn't simply the fact that the solution to the mystery is horrendously contrived - you can often get away with that kind of thing in the cosy mystery genre. Nor was it even the fact that the mystery itself was pretty uninspiring - a half-decent cosy mystery can still get by on the strength of its engaging narrative or its appealing characters. Sadly, apart from a reasonable opening there is very little to recommend about this book. After the adequately engaging early chapters "Murder by Candlelight" soon becomes quite dull. There is little in the way of intrigue or humour, which are two of the key components in a cosy mystery. Instead, the author seems to rely on rather unappealing caricatures that rapidly become quite tiresome. It is one thing to reflect the language and mannerisms of the 1924 setting, but labouring the point is quite another. Author, Simon Brett, sends up similar characters from this period in his "Blotto & Twinks" series. Those books are also a little overdone, but at least they are punchier and quite quick, short reads, unlike "Murder by Candlelight" which drags on and on.
One of the biggest let-downs in this book is the amount of wearisome and grating repetition. Obviously, the English language has its limitations and it would be impossible to write a novel without using certain words or phrases more than once. However, an experienced author, should be able to avoid frequent repetition. Or, if the author does have a tendency to rely on the use of certain phrases, the editor should pick up on that and invite the writer to amend certain sections. That does not seem to have happened in this case. There are just shy of two hundred instances of the author starting a spoken sentence with "Oh," and I was sick and tired of reading, "At this" - another of the author's favourite terms - which appears more than seventy times! There are other examples, too, but I won't labour the point any longer - if nothing else, it brings back painful memories for me.
It could be that this book represents the author's equivalent of "a bad day at the office" and it may be something that she is not normally guilty of - but I don't think I will run the risk of finding out.
As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.
Oh, dear! Given this author's not insubstantial back catalogue, albeit under a variety of pseudonyms, I really did expect something better than this very disappointing offering. Whilst "Murder by Candlelight" may possibly not be the least enjoyable of the hundred or so books I have read over the past year, it would certainly be on the shortlist.
It isn't simply the fact that the solution to the mystery is horrendously contrived - you can often get away with that kind of thing in the cosy mystery genre. Nor was it even the fact that the mystery itself was pretty uninspiring - a half-decent cosy mystery can still get by on the strength of its engaging narrative or its appealing characters. Sadly, apart from a reasonable opening there is very little to recommend about this book. After the adequately engaging early chapters "Murder by Candlelight" soon becomes quite dull. There is little in the way of intrigue or humour, which are two of the key components in a cosy mystery. Instead, the author seems to rely on rather unappealing caricatures that rapidly become quite tiresome. It is one thing to reflect the language and mannerisms of the 1924 setting, but labouring the point is quite another. Author, Simon Brett, sends up similar characters from this period in his "Blotto & Twinks" series. Those books are also a little overdone, but at least they are punchier and quite quick, short reads, unlike "Murder by Candlelight" which drags on and on.
One of the biggest let-downs in this book is the amount of wearisome and grating repetition. Obviously, the English language has its limitations and it would be impossible to write a novel without using certain words or phrases more than once. However, an experienced author, should be able to avoid frequent repetition. Or, if the author does have a tendency to rely on the use of certain phrases, the editor should pick up on that and invite the writer to amend certain sections. That does not seem to have happened in this case. There are just shy of two hundred instances of the author starting a spoken sentence with "Oh," and I was sick and tired of reading, "At this" - another of the author's favourite terms - which appears more than seventy times! There are other examples, too, but I won't labour the point any longer - if nothing else, it brings back painful memories for me.
It could be that this book represents the author's equivalent of "a bad day at the office" and it may be something that she is not normally guilty of - but I don't think I will run the risk of finding out.
As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.
January 30, 2024
Perfect for the fans of Agatha Christie!
A will is changed, a person is dead, cause of death is 'cyanide'. The final question: Who benefits?
The book is great for a light-mood read when you don't want to tax your brain a lot but also need something meaningful. I am glad that the plot was not as straightforward as it appears on the surface and the twists just kept coming one after another. Enticing secrets and the funny reactions of the characters kept me going. The highlight of the book is the character investigating the case - he is a paranormal writer (now that is a novel element to a murder mystery) and actually helps him solve the case too.
Something I see myself rereading over some time and maybe going for a map with the killer board with it too.
Thank you @netgalley @harpercollinsuk @hqstories for the Digital ARC
Genre: #murdermystery #mysterythriller #adult
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
A will is changed, a person is dead, cause of death is 'cyanide'. The final question: Who benefits?
The book is great for a light-mood read when you don't want to tax your brain a lot but also need something meaningful. I am glad that the plot was not as straightforward as it appears on the surface and the twists just kept coming one after another. Enticing secrets and the funny reactions of the characters kept me going. The highlight of the book is the character investigating the case - he is a paranormal writer (now that is a novel element to a murder mystery) and actually helps him solve the case too.
Something I see myself rereading over some time and maybe going for a map with the killer board with it too.
Thank you @netgalley @harpercollinsuk @hqstories for the Digital ARC
Genre: #murdermystery #mysterythriller #adult
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
July 31, 2024
2.5 Sterne
Netter, guter alter britischer Krimi.
Die Übersetzung war aller etwas anstrengend.
- Die wörtliche Übersetzung von "altes Mädchen"/ "alter Junge" ist irgendwie für mich nicht das selbe wie "old girl/boy"...
- "Frolleinchen" sieht schon seltsam aus...
- "Sie ist wirklich tot, oder?" "So tot wie der viel zitierte Türnagel, fürchte ich." (Ja, kann man machen, macht aber im deutschen noch weniger Sinn als im Englischen.)
- "dieser verknöchert wirkende Vertreter seines Berufsstandes trotz seiner ehrpusseligen Art..." (noch nie gehört... aber man muss ja nicht jedes Wort seiner Muttersprache kennen?)
- "Das ganze Dorf wusste, dass er mit Doreen herumpoussiert." (Laut meiner Mutter etwas, was meine Urgroßmutter noch gesagt hätte, was zwar zeitlich zur Handlung passen mag, aber trotzdem unschön ist.)
Wem allerdings mal wieder nach gutem alten Krimi ala Agatha Christie ist, und wen veralterte Sprache nicht so stört wie mich, kann man das Buch empfehlen.
*Leseexemplar vom Verlag via NetGalley erhalten*
Netter, guter alter britischer Krimi.
Die Übersetzung war aller etwas anstrengend.
- Die wörtliche Übersetzung von "altes Mädchen"/ "alter Junge" ist irgendwie für mich nicht das selbe wie "old girl/boy"...
- "Frolleinchen" sieht schon seltsam aus...
- "Sie ist wirklich tot, oder?" "So tot wie der viel zitierte Türnagel, fürchte ich." (Ja, kann man machen, macht aber im deutschen noch weniger Sinn als im Englischen.)
- "dieser verknöchert wirkende Vertreter seines Berufsstandes trotz seiner ehrpusseligen Art..." (noch nie gehört... aber man muss ja nicht jedes Wort seiner Muttersprache kennen?)
- "Das ganze Dorf wusste, dass er mit Doreen herumpoussiert." (Laut meiner Mutter etwas, was meine Urgroßmutter noch gesagt hätte, was zwar zeitlich zur Handlung passen mag, aber trotzdem unschön ist.)
Wem allerdings mal wieder nach gutem alten Krimi ala Agatha Christie ist, und wen veralterte Sprache nicht so stört wie mich, kann man das Buch empfehlen.
*Leseexemplar vom Verlag via NetGalley erhalten*
January 4, 2024
I have recently discovered Faith Martin's DI Hiliary Greene series, so I was quite excited when I saw Murder by Candlelight on Netgalley. Unfortunately, Murder by Candlelight didn't blow me away. It wasn't the cosy Murder mystery I've come to love from Martin. I did see glimpses of Martins' usual humour, and the story had potential but I just found it lacklustre and repetitive.
Thank you to netgalley for gifting me a free ebook for my honest review. I hope others enjoy it more than I did.
Thank you to netgalley for gifting me a free ebook for my honest review. I hope others enjoy it more than I did.
November 15, 2023
This wasn't quite what I was expecting and didn't really hold my interest. I found myself skim reading and found it very long winded.
February 8, 2025
Another 2.5 ⭐ book club read 😭
It was too waffly for me and also perhaps the cosy mystery genre isn’t for me? I found most of the characters very annoying
It was too waffly for me and also perhaps the cosy mystery genre isn’t for me? I found most of the characters very annoying
May 30, 2024
Interessante Figuren, ein ironischer Schreibstil, es fing gut an. Doch das Erzähltempo war quälend langsam, nach einer Weile zog sich alles. Außerdem gab es keine richtigen Ermittlungen, sondern nur Theorien und Gedanken, die letztendlich zur Lösung führten. Enttäuschend.
June 24, 2025
I did not like this book well enough to follow the series.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
January 4, 2024
I am finding that the older I get, the more I love cosy mysteries! And I've just discovered author Faith Martin - who is a master in the genre. Her brand new book is Murder By Candlelight.
All the bits are there. The book is set in 1924 in Maybury-in-the-Marsh, a small village in the Cotswolds. A place where everyone knows everyone's business. Or do they really know their neighbours? I love the dialogue and mores of this time frame - how a verbal barb is parried back, covered in politeness. The solving of the whodunit is found in piecing together bits of conversations, memories, observations, unplanned slips of the tongue, deduction and more, into a family answer. Its a nice change from current day DNA samples etc. Now while the police are are indeed investigating, there is a young pair of villagers who are also having a poke about. They were easy to like and you can't help but like them. I also have my fingers crossed that we will see more of Val and Arbie - they're delightful - and I feel like there's a romantic connection just waiting to be made.
Martin's plotting is wonderful! The crime seems to be of the locked room type, but there are other avenues that might also be in play - 'nuf said. Martin's case has lots of suspects to choose from. I have to admit - I didn't solve the case until the the list was down to one. Bravo to Faith Martin - this whodunit was not obvious.
I am really hoping that this is just the first book in a series. I would very happily pick up the next book!
All the bits are there. The book is set in 1924 in Maybury-in-the-Marsh, a small village in the Cotswolds. A place where everyone knows everyone's business. Or do they really know their neighbours? I love the dialogue and mores of this time frame - how a verbal barb is parried back, covered in politeness. The solving of the whodunit is found in piecing together bits of conversations, memories, observations, unplanned slips of the tongue, deduction and more, into a family answer. Its a nice change from current day DNA samples etc. Now while the police are are indeed investigating, there is a young pair of villagers who are also having a poke about. They were easy to like and you can't help but like them. I also have my fingers crossed that we will see more of Val and Arbie - they're delightful - and I feel like there's a romantic connection just waiting to be made.
Martin's plotting is wonderful! The crime seems to be of the locked room type, but there are other avenues that might also be in play - 'nuf said. Martin's case has lots of suspects to choose from. I have to admit - I didn't solve the case until the the list was down to one. Bravo to Faith Martin - this whodunit was not obvious.
I am really hoping that this is just the first book in a series. I would very happily pick up the next book!
September 4, 2023
Murder by Candlelight by Faith Martin is a cosy mystery set in the style of Agatha Christie in the Summer of 1924 in Cotswolds.
Best selling author, Arbuthnot Swift or Arbie as he is better known wrote ‘The gentleman’s guide to ghost hunting. He thought it would be a laugh to write it. He has not seen a ghost himself. When the elderly owner of the ‘Old Forge’ Amy Phelps, asks him for help. As she thinks that there is a ghost at the Old Forge he agrees. He brings his colleague Val with him to investigate what is going on at the manor.
But the next morning whilst staying at the manor. They find that their host is missing. Further investigation finds that when the room is locked. They break in to find that Amy Phelps is dead. Was it suicide or was it murder? Who wants to harm Amy Phelps and why?
Thank you, HQ, for a copy of Murder by Candlelight. This is the first book that I have read from this author. I really wanted to like this locked room mystery and I thought it started well. But for me I started losing interest in the middle and it really got interesting towards the end. 3 stars from me.
Best selling author, Arbuthnot Swift or Arbie as he is better known wrote ‘The gentleman’s guide to ghost hunting. He thought it would be a laugh to write it. He has not seen a ghost himself. When the elderly owner of the ‘Old Forge’ Amy Phelps, asks him for help. As she thinks that there is a ghost at the Old Forge he agrees. He brings his colleague Val with him to investigate what is going on at the manor.
But the next morning whilst staying at the manor. They find that their host is missing. Further investigation finds that when the room is locked. They break in to find that Amy Phelps is dead. Was it suicide or was it murder? Who wants to harm Amy Phelps and why?
Thank you, HQ, for a copy of Murder by Candlelight. This is the first book that I have read from this author. I really wanted to like this locked room mystery and I thought it started well. But for me I started losing interest in the middle and it really got interesting towards the end. 3 stars from me.
October 16, 2023
An easy to read cozy murder mystery set in an old mansion. All the ingredients for a great escapist read with eccentric goodies and traditional baddies! The lead characters are likeable and the relationship between them leaves potential for further books if there were to be a series. I really enjoyed the story and found I was looking forward to time to read so I could find out what happened next.
Thank you to both the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to both the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 25, 2025
England, 1924: Arbuthnot "Arbie" Swift schreibt einen Geisterreiseführer, um eine alkoholselige Wette zu gewinnen. Nur dumm, dass sein Buch zum überraschenden Bestseller und er plötzlich zum Geisterexperten wider Willen avanciert. Als ihn die ebenso harsche wie reiche Amy Phelps anheuert, dem Geist ihres Vorfahren, der ihr offenbar nach dem Leben trachtet, auf die Spur zu kommen, kann er sich kaum rausreden. Val, seine Jugendfreundin und einzige Person im Land, die nicht Fan seines Buchs ist, lässt keine Ausreden zu. Gemeinsam machen sie sich auf zur Geisterwache, um dem spukenden Schmied auf die Spur zu kommen. Doch vielleicht droht der reichen Miss Phelps ernsthaft Gefahr, die potentiellen Erben wetzen bereits die Messer und so überrascht es eigentlich nicht, dass schon bald die erste Leiche auftaucht.
Geisterkrimis sind genau mein Fall und dieses Buch hatte die richtige Mischung aus Humor und Spannung, auch wenn es gerne noch mehr Geistermomente hätte geben können. Der Täter, Motiv und Tatablauf blieben bis kurz vor Schluss offen, was viel Raum für Spekulationen ließ. Das Ende hat mich sehr überrascht und es fällt komplett aus dem Rahmen. Das war sehr mutig von der Autorin, aber ich kann auch verstehen, wenn andere Leser damit unzufrieden sind.
P.S.: Ich habe ein paar Rezensionen gelesen und offenbar haben einige die wirkliche Auflösung gar nicht mitbekommen. Das Buch ist noch cleverer gemacht, als ich dachte.
Geisterkrimis sind genau mein Fall und dieses Buch hatte die richtige Mischung aus Humor und Spannung, auch wenn es gerne noch mehr Geistermomente hätte geben können. Der Täter, Motiv und Tatablauf blieben bis kurz vor Schluss offen, was viel Raum für Spekulationen ließ. Das Ende hat mich sehr überrascht und es fällt komplett aus dem Rahmen. Das war sehr mutig von der Autorin, aber ich kann auch verstehen, wenn andere Leser damit unzufrieden sind.
P.S.: Ich habe ein paar Rezensionen gelesen und offenbar haben einige die wirkliche Auflösung gar nicht mitbekommen. Das Buch ist noch cleverer gemacht, als ich dachte.
January 29, 2024
I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but had this not been a netgalley arc I wouldn’t have touched it. The cover looks like a very low budget self published book. How wrong was I? This story introduces our hero ‘Arbie’ and his partner in crime (solving), Val. Think Tommy and Tuppence but better (sorry Agatha).
The lightness of tone of a Wodehouse novel with a dash of Agatha Christie in the form of a locked room murder and a dash of her poison of choice. The characters are beautifully written with Arbie just the right side of bumbling idiot and the police officer not the stereotypical fool. The plot has twists, turns and sufficient red herrings, none of which are gratuitous and then there’s the perfect ending with all the clues along the way so neatly brought together it made my heart sing. Wow! I wish I could write like this!
Finally, I listed to the audio book read by John Hopkins. I could listen to this narrator for every future audio book I have. Fabulous!
Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK Audio and the author, Faith Martin, for this audiobook in exchange for my personal, honest review. This review will also appear on my bookstagram account www.instagram.com/not_quite_a_bookshop
The lightness of tone of a Wodehouse novel with a dash of Agatha Christie in the form of a locked room murder and a dash of her poison of choice. The characters are beautifully written with Arbie just the right side of bumbling idiot and the police officer not the stereotypical fool. The plot has twists, turns and sufficient red herrings, none of which are gratuitous and then there’s the perfect ending with all the clues along the way so neatly brought together it made my heart sing. Wow! I wish I could write like this!
Finally, I listed to the audio book read by John Hopkins. I could listen to this narrator for every future audio book I have. Fabulous!
Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK Audio and the author, Faith Martin, for this audiobook in exchange for my personal, honest review. This review will also appear on my bookstagram account www.instagram.com/not_quite_a_bookshop
December 27, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the publishers.
Murder by Candlelight is the first book in a new cosy murder mystery series set in the 1920s in a small village in the Cotswolds.
Arbuthnot 'Arbie' Swift has recently found himself a spot of fame as a published author of a ghost-hunting book called 'The Gentleman's Guide to Ghost Hunting', so when Amy Phelps asks him to investigate a possible haunting at her home - the old forge - he can hardly say no. He stays overnight with his old friend Val on a vigil to see what is happening and who is trying to scare Amy in her home. When Amy has an accident and then shortly after turns up dead, the pair find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation and put their heads together to uncover who the murder is and why they killed Amy.
This book was so much fun to read with some eccentric characters, fun banter, old-fashioned policing and armature detective work. It was cleverly plotted and carried out, and I can't wait to read more of Arbie and Vals sleuthing in book two.
Murder by Candlelight is the first book in a new cosy murder mystery series set in the 1920s in a small village in the Cotswolds.
Arbuthnot 'Arbie' Swift has recently found himself a spot of fame as a published author of a ghost-hunting book called 'The Gentleman's Guide to Ghost Hunting', so when Amy Phelps asks him to investigate a possible haunting at her home - the old forge - he can hardly say no. He stays overnight with his old friend Val on a vigil to see what is happening and who is trying to scare Amy in her home. When Amy has an accident and then shortly after turns up dead, the pair find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation and put their heads together to uncover who the murder is and why they killed Amy.
This book was so much fun to read with some eccentric characters, fun banter, old-fashioned policing and armature detective work. It was cleverly plotted and carried out, and I can't wait to read more of Arbie and Vals sleuthing in book two.
Want to read
June 5, 2024My fault this one. I've been enjoying a few crime fiction novels on the cosier end of the spectrum recently, but this one, alas, was too far into that world for my taste. Perfectly good novel for fans of that overtly English, slightly dotty, eccentric small village style of novel. Just not for me.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
January 25, 2025
Sherwood Chapter 25 book club book
3.5 stars. A nice little cosy crime. Didn’t feel like I could give it a 4 but a decent whodunnit!!!
3.5 stars. A nice little cosy crime. Didn’t feel like I could give it a 4 but a decent whodunnit!!!
June 24, 2025
3.5 rounded up. Could have been the full 4, but it rather sagged in the middle...
February 3, 2025
I read this book as my January book club choice with Chapter 25. I think it was going for a comedic Agatha Christie vibe and it failed. To be honest it only got 2 stars because the very last line made me laugh out loud!
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