The Only Way is Forgery: A humorous British contemporary cozy mystery

by Lou Collins

When a village scam ends in murder, can a dancer turned amateur sleuth uncover the fraud that fooled her neighbours and track down her dad’s missing money?

Chloe Essex’s not-so-tranquil life in Speckled Hill takes another unexpected turn as she finds herself entangled in a new mystery, fresh off the stiletto heels of her business launch.

Still reeling from the disastrous celebration, Chloe dives headfirst into the next perplexing case when yet another guest turns up dead.

With barely a moment to fix her chipped nails, she’s soon swimming in suspicious investments and small-town secrets. As the neighbours act shadier than a patio umbrella in October, Chloe and her trusty sidekicks embark on a rollercoaster ride of sass, smarts and slightly impractical footwear to untangle the truth.

But this case might unlock more than just a killer’s identity. It could lead straight to the money her father lost.

Can Chloe solve the case before the killer slips away, or will this performance end with her centre stage for all the wrong reasons once again?

The Only Way is Forgery is the second book of the Chloe Essex Cozy Mysteries, a warm and witty British series where Midsomer Murders meets Bridget Jones, with an ever-so-slightly bonkers twist. Best read in series order to avoid spoilers and missed clues, it’s perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Agatha Raisin and Stephanie Plum.

But be warned, when laughter, intrigue and murder combine, survival depends on unlimited supplies of fake tan and a vat of builders’ tea.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2025

About the author

Click the FOLLOW button to be notified when Lou Collins has a new release.

For a FREE cozy from Lou Collins: https//loulovesbooks.com/larceny.

Welcome to the part where I talk about myself as if I didn’t write this. Let’s pretend it’s not awkward and carry on.

Lou Emerson writes as Lou Collins because she likes to be mysterious, a little extra, and frankly, using a pen name creates an excellent alibi.

She writes the Chloe Essex Cozy Mysteries; twisty, funny, and ever so slightly bonkers whodunnits set in Essex, England.

When not chained to her laptop, she also enjoys ballet, theatre, and true crime (watching, not committing, though don’t quote me), and is leading a quiet rebellion against ironing in favour of just one more chapter. She lives in the UK with her family, far too many mugs, and an enormous TBR pile.

Learn more at https://loulovesbooks.com and follow Lou on BookBub for the latest on new releases and sales: https://loulovesbooks.com/BookBub

Reviews

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a lot of fun investigating with Chloe and Tracy. They make a great team. There is plenty of laugh out loud moments, witty banter and some great comebacks. I had almost forgotten what had happened at the end of the last book, but it came back to me while reading.

Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for a review.

[Lisa Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe Essex is back! 🥰 I absolutely loved the first book in the #chloeessexcozymystery series, and this second installment is just as good! This book picks right up at the end of the first (with a really nice recap for the reader), right after Chloe’s 50th birthday party-turned-crime scene. Think real housewives reunion on bravo! 🤣 From page 1 there’s a murder to solve, counterfeit money to get to the bottom of, a baby to take care of, and scams being run on the innocent(?) people of Speckled Hill. And Chloe, with her unusual gang of supporters, can get to the bottom of all of it.

This is the most hilarious cozy mystery series out there! I picture Agatha Raisin the whole time I’m reading these books. But the book is also incredibly well written with an ending I didn’t see coming. The relationship with Chloe and her dad is really touching, and I’m super hopeful for a connection between Chloe and PC Prodd in the third book! 🤞I would read these books in order, otherwise there are spoilers. 5 ⭐️ without a doubt!

[Leslie Ferrari · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot thickens! This is the second in the series and a continuation of the story which began in The Only Way is Murder. This story begins immediately after the last. I re-read Book 1, which I think helped me to become engrossed in the storyline. There are many mysteries and issues going on, some carried over from the first story. Some, but not all are resolved in this offering. I look forward to the next in the series to find out what happens.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅My thoughts:
This was a great cozy mystery!
Once I started I was totally drawn in to the mystery.
Chloe is a colorful character who is funny and very stubborn!
I loved the mystery aspect with all the twists and turns.
If you’re looking for a fun, cozy mystery and humorous moments, you n Ed to read this series. The stories are funny and full of intrigue. I am looking forward to see where Chloe’s next misadventure takes her.
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The action and adventure kept me turning pages as fast as I could.

[Sandi Niemeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters

Another modern day mystery that follows Chloe Essex and her
merry band of characters. From the pink haired mother of
"No Name", Tracy, to the ninja-like Mrs Buttinski, the
"Barbie-like Chelsea Essex and more, these delightful folks help Chloe try to solve the mystery.
I'm not completely sure if they help or hinder, but the story is much enlivened by their inclusion.
Very enjoyable!

[Nancy Gerards · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took a few pages to remember everyone from the preceding mystery but I quickly was able to be immersed in their world again. I enjoyed the variety of well developed characters ~ each with their own idiosyncrasies which makes it all the more interesting to watch how they all somehow interact successfully with each other.
This book picks right up at the end of the first (with a really nice recap for the reader), right after Chloe’s 50th birthday party-turned-crime scene.
There’s a murder to solve, counterfeit money to get to the bottom of, a baby to take care of, and scams being run on the innocent(?) people of Speckled Hill.
Another hilarious crime-solving romp in Essex! Chloe, along with her quirky friends and frenemies, is on the path of a killer and nothing is going to stop her.
I would read these books in order, otherwise there are spoilers.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took a few pages to remember everyone from the preceding mystery but I quickly was able to be immersed in their world again. I enjoyed the variety of well developed characters ~ each with their own idiosyncrasies which makes it all the more interesting to watch how they all somehow interact successfully with each other. Even showing unexpected kindness when one least expects anything. Clever storytelling!

[Alison Hoeksema · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second cozy mystery in this series carries on straight after The Only Way is Murder, with Chloe still entangled in the complicated inhabitants of Speckled Hill village. Her investigation of another death uncovers fake money, and pamphlets about non-existent property developments. The amusing way the story develops is clever, and makes this book a real page-turner! A great read.
I received an ARC from the author but my opinion is given voluntarily.

[Zinnia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hilarious, twisty cozy mystery from Lou Collins! The Only Way is Forgery had me laughing, guessing, and loving every moment with Chloe Essex and her quirky small-town crew. A perfect blend of humor, intrigue, and sass—can’t wait for the next one!

[Helen Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hilarious crime-solving romp in Essex! Chloe, along with her quirky friends and frenemies, is on the path of a killer and nothing is going to stop her. Good fun.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe’s life is not so tranquil as she would like it to be Another mystery for her to solve. Will she be able to solve the case. Don’t miss out on how she goes about trying to find the answers.