Death in a Dinner Jacket

Booker & Fitch Mysteries #6

by Liz Hedgecock, Paula Harmon

Save the last dance for death…

When Marcus is invited to a high-school reunion, the only thing he's looking forward to is catching up with old friends. Fi is delighted as she'll get the chance to dress up and show her feminine side. Jade is less enthusiastic and there's no way she'll wear a ball dress, even for Rick.

Former classmates convene on Hazeby – both those who stayed, and those who left as soon as they could. Friendships are rekindled and the party is a great success until the body of a guest is discovered with the apparent murderer standing nearby. It's tragic, but is it clear cut? What possible motive could the murderer have?

As Marcus investigates, he realises that rivalries and abandoned love affairs have been rekindled too. Could these be behind the murder? But he's hampered by his emotions and his son Leo's friendship with the main suspect.

It's down to Fi and Jade to help find the killer before the wrong person is charged and their life is ruined.

Death in a Dinner Jacket is the sixth book in the Booker and Fitch cozy mystery series, set in and around the English market town of Hazeby-on-Wyvern.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2024

About the author

I grew up in south London, did an English degree, and then took forever to start writing. The stories started to grow longer...and then the murders began!

I tend to write Victorian mysteries of a not-too-scary nature. I've somehow managed to have 3 separate Sherlock Holmes-themed series (why make things easy?). I also co-wrote the Caster & Fleet mystery series with Paula Harmon, and my Maisie Frobisher Mysteries series is a spinoff from that.

I write a modern cozy mystery series, Pippa Parker Mysteries, and my newest series, The Magical Bookshop, is a cozy mystery series with a touch of fantasy and magic.

Visit my website for book info, links to stories, and my blog, in which I ramble on about all sorts of things. Hope to see you soon.

Reviews

[Lise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis
Fi Booker and Jade Fitch have been invited to Detective Marcus Falconer's school reunion: a swanky affair that leaves Fi delighted and Jade apprehensive. Fi's son and Jade's paramour will be providing the musical entertainment, promising a pleasant time for all attendees. But alas, nothing ever goes smoothly in Hazeby-on-Wyvern and one guest is found murdered in the garden. With Marcus' all too personal connection to the case and tempers flaring, he'll need the assistance of Booker and Fitch to bring the culprit to justice.

Disclosure
For the sake of fair play, I must confess that this series is one of my topmost favourites. I've loved it since the first novel and that feeling has not dimmed a bit over the run of the books.

Characters
By the time the sixth book in a series drops, character development is off the table for most authors. This is absolutely not the case in Death in a Dinner Jacket. Our heroines are still revealing their hidden depths and what treasures they are! For me, the star of this series is the friendship between the two very different women who have firmly cemented their relationship.

The Mystery
I didn't even try. I was so busy jogging to keep up with the ladies that I was more than content to just let things play out. Had I turned amateur sleuth, I doubt I would have picked the correct miscreant. The authors are spectacular at weaving a complex plot that remains fabulously credible.

Final Thoughts
So, so good! I could not put this down - no hyperbole. I read through the night, engrossed in the story. This book exemplifies the modern cosy in all its wonderful glory.

Highly recommended, without hesitation, to mystery lovers.

Thank you to Booksprout, Liz Hedgecock and Paula Harmon for providing this eARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.

[Avis Witter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolutely riveting read from Liz Hedgecock and Paula Harmon. A school reunion ..... what could be a more simple setting and a more dangerous situation when old rivalries surface and secrets are revealed? A murder is very close to home for the main characters and there are suspects in both ex pupils and teachers alike which threaten to break relationships. I particularly liked the expression “an infestation of teachers” in the village. That had me in tucks of laughter. Are we seeing the thoughts of the character or the authors’ personal experience of school life?

Once again I gave up trying to work out the culprit and let myself be drawn through the plot enjoying each twist and turn and seeing how some school pals never change but remain obnoxious. We discover more details about the main characters, their relationships with each other and school friendships. The dialogue is so natural, the plot well thought out along with more than a dash of humour.

Thank you so much for my ARC which I couldn’t put down. I can’t recommend this series highly enough. It’s Christmas so I suggest you buy the whole lot and binge read. It will be worth it!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow ! I really enjoyed this splendid story . The sixth instalment of Booker and Fitch Cosy Mystery series. . Fi is looking forward more than Marcus at the idea of his high school reunion . She feels it’s a super time to be able to dress up and show her feminine style for a change. Jade however is not dressing up in a ball dress no sir not even for her Rick. The party set in Hazeby -On -Wyvern is a resounding success …that is until the demise is discovered of one of the guests. The murderer is among them but where and who is it? Marcus investigates and uncovers old rivalry and lovers are rekindled. Could this be a cause for murder most foul , is it a pre-requisite… He needs the ladies to step in post haste as his son is friends with someone close to the case. This book hits a little too close to home for comfort but they mete justice and after all is done they successfully chalk up a resounding win for the team. Great writing , so on the move rolling along with them as the story plays out. Great characters and creative content without a doubt.

[Marcia Vida · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is set in the picturesque town of Hazeby-on-Wyvern. Marcus, Fi, and Jade attend a high school reunion that turns deadly when a guest is found dead.

A night of secrets and tension unfolds as Marcus reunites with old friends and Fi dazzles in her glamorous attire. Despite lighthearted moments, themes of betrayal and jealousy run high, especially for Marcus, whose son Leo is linked to the suspect.

Ultimately, this book has clever plot twists and engaging pacing that keep readers guessing until the end. Aside from reliving familiar characters and settings, Hazeby-on-Wyvern maintains a cozy, suspenseful atmosphere. With its humour and well-developed characters, this is a delightful mystery.

Try it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in the series and once you begin, you just can't put it down. It's High School reunion time for Marcus, Fi and Jade and they are looking forward to dressing up and going, but we know Jade, she won't wear a dress, it is not her style. Meeting up with old friends, and old schoolmates was a trip. Although some friendships were rekindled, It seems the same people that were obnoxious then seem to have maintained their same stature. Things don't always change. And when one of the returnees a good friend of Marcus' is found dead, Jade and Fi are on the case. With so many twists and turns, secrets and threats we are taken to the surprising ending. This is a fantastic, fast paced, book I highly recommend. In fact I recommend the entire series. It is phenomenal. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Valerie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout and the author for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion .
Fi and Jade are well-developed characters by this stage of the series: their realistic backgrounds and relationships make a good basis for their friendship. Life is always interesting with them around, and so is death! Once again the amateur sleuths are brought into a murder investigation, through proximity to the event and with encouragement from others as their 'fame' spreads. I love how Liz combines witty comical remarks with credible reactions to events, and this particular murder has unexpected impact. Watch out for the new character, Nev, who is sure to be a firm fixture in the future!

[Kate Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can never put down a Booker & Fitch book, until I’ve finished the book. Then I’m sad I won’t get to visit with them until the next book. Liz Hedgecock is one of the best mystery writers we have today. I can’t wait until she’s written another book. Fi and Jade will worm their way into your heart. They are realistic characters who have great fun and are very supportive of each other. This murder is especially important for them to solve, since it hits close to home for both of them.

Their romantic lives both get turned up a notch. It’s great fun to be on a crime solving spree with both of them. Absolutely loved this book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delight in this series! A murder at a school reunion proves to be a real puzzler - nobody saw anything, and the person who has picked up the gun is the least likely suspect. With both Jade and Fi receiving peculiar threatening notes, they are put in a position of trying to stay safe while attempting to stay away from the sleuthing. Lots of old friends and old relationships complicate the plot, and the characters are wonderful as always. - I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story!! I loved the characters too. It all started with a high school reunion. The former classmates all met at Hazeby. Old friendships are rekindled and the party is a big success. Until they find a body.... Is the murderer nearby?? and what was even the motive? They have a suspect, but is this truly the murderer? Fi and Jade jump in to help find the killer. The 6th book in the series. I hope the series continues!! A story I can only recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former Classmates Reunion becoming a murder scene was not what Jade, Fi and Detective Inspector Marcus Falconer wanted . Threats, classmates who became suspects where some of the things that had to be dealt with. Lots of twist and turns, great characters and humour to make this a captivating read from the start .  I received this ARC copy and leave a honest review.  I recommend this book to other readers.

[Fred Masek · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this e-book we have a reunion at a swank mansion, a death, rumors of secret passages, a stone falling from the mansion that clips Fi., threats, and lots of suspects.
Another excellent story by Liz and Paula. I couldn’t put it down until finished. I especially liked Fi’s question at the end of the book and the reply by Marcus.This e-book is heartily recommended. I received this as an ARC but the review is my honest opinion.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

School reunions are horrendous and Marcus' is no exception. Back biting, snide remarks, snubs, condescending looks and sarcasm often reigns but murder? Not so much, thankfully; unless you are in the company of Jade and Fi! Somehow, the universe just seems to send murder their way.

Another great addition to the series, well enjoyable, as always and it is great to see how Jade is beginning to find her feet and Fi, to find place with her man

[Robert Foland · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Death in a Dinner Jacket" offers a tantalizing, mysterious journey. Liz Hedgecock and Paula Harmon fill an English town with a roster of well-developed characters and introduce a murder that entwines their lives. It's a mystery that grips your attention from the first page and doesn't let go until the very end—a truly enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another easy to read, well-written, and rather enthralling story in the series. A class reunion that many dread to go but end up showing up has one more inconvenience - one of the atendees is murdered and all of those at the party are suspects! Jade, Fi and Marcus get together to find the killer and bring them to justice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jade joins Rick and Fi joins Marcus for his class reunion things don’t go smoothly. When Marcus’s old friend is murdered Marcus is on the case aside from his personal connection to the victim.
I loved this book and this series! I absolutely love Jade’s new houseguest, Nevermore! What a surprising addition to the team of amateur sleuths. This book was action packed and exciting. I loved all the suspects and suspense. I highly recommend this book and this author! Great fun read.

[Suzanne Hamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! Everything about it was absolute perfection. I enjoyed getting lost in the mystery and the relationships between all of the characters. Hidden passages, crows, arson, balls, love between real adults etc. This book has it all! I love, love this series. It has been a delight experience the world of Jade and Fi.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friendships are rekindled and the party is a great success until the body of a guest is discovered with the apparent murderer standing nearby. It's tragic, but is it clear cut? What possible motive could the murderer have? Was it a murder? Who killed him?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sherri Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fi and Jade have quite the mystery this time! The phrases and expressions used will transport you to the United Kingdom, how fun! Interesting characters with some very likely suspects make this an enjoyable read! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun story. I enjoyed the characters. The storyline was entertaining. Going to a high school reunion is so relatable, save for the murder. I was entertained by the whole investigation. The characters made the story fun. I did not find any part of this story boring or stale.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I freely left this review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoy the concept of having a high school reunion as a background. There are lots of twists and turns and stories. There are also many different types of characters in this story as the clues are revealed and that are needed to solve the mystery. Hard to put down. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

An expertly plotted, eminently entertaining story with delightful characters, an intriguing mystery with an astonishing conclusion, and the clever Nevermore. I love the ending!

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

inequalities in perception, financing and prosecution have some lethal side effects.

intense friends and family connections and tangled mysteries and whodunnits.

fun reading with a few bits of romance.

[Karen L. Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters ,especially the main ones, are interesting. Good mystery that kept me guessing until the end.

[Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

School reunions are always a bit stressful but most of them don't end in murder! Booker & Fitch get more than they bargained for when decide to investigate.

Great characters combined with intriguing plots make this an excellent series of mysteries

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun series about two shopkeepers, their penchant for being involved with local murder cases, their families and friends, and even pets. Who could resist a bookshop owner who has a bookstore on a barge, or a shop owner with a shop for witches who isn't really interested in witchy things? Repeating characters join with former classmates for a exciting class reunion ending in murder.
I love Fi and Jade and their shops. I'm enchanted with their lives and friendship. Wonderful series for anyone who likes mysteries filled with surprises and charm.