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Bella Winter Mystery #2
The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder
May Day should mark the start of spring. But this year, it means murder… Fortunately antique store owner and amateur detective Bella Winter is on the case!
Everyone in Hope Eaton climbs the hill to Sweet Agnes’ Spring on May Day, to greet the dawn and leave tokens among the flowers. Antique store owner Bella Winter grumbles about the early start, but she has to admit that watching the sun rise over the flower-strewn grove is worth it. And her interest deepens when she sees that one of the offerings this year is a little doll stuck all over with pins… a perfect replica of Mary Roberts, who lives nearby.
Determined to find out what lies behind this bizarre threat, Bella dives into a murky mess of strange events. Mary’s house is up for sale, but someone’s trying to wreck the deal, leaving rotting weeds on her front step. And Mary claims she’s seen a cloaked figure watching her from the woods…
Bella’s half convinced this is all nonsense, but then Mary is found dead, her prized carving of the spring stolen from her dresser. The police say it was a heart attack, but was she literally scared to death?
Soon Bella has uncovered a string of further mysteries. Why is Mary’s nearest neighbour missing? Who graffitied her boss’s house with a warning the night she died? And why would anyone want Mary’s carving?
All paths lead back to the spring itself… but does it hold answers or more danger? And can Bella track the killer down before she’s cut off at the source?
A completely delightful English mystery, full of cozy charm and cunning clues. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will love The May Day Murder
Everyone in Hope Eaton climbs the hill to Sweet Agnes’ Spring on May Day, to greet the dawn and leave tokens among the flowers. Antique store owner Bella Winter grumbles about the early start, but she has to admit that watching the sun rise over the flower-strewn grove is worth it. And her interest deepens when she sees that one of the offerings this year is a little doll stuck all over with pins… a perfect replica of Mary Roberts, who lives nearby.
Determined to find out what lies behind this bizarre threat, Bella dives into a murky mess of strange events. Mary’s house is up for sale, but someone’s trying to wreck the deal, leaving rotting weeds on her front step. And Mary claims she’s seen a cloaked figure watching her from the woods…
Bella’s half convinced this is all nonsense, but then Mary is found dead, her prized carving of the spring stolen from her dresser. The police say it was a heart attack, but was she literally scared to death?
Soon Bella has uncovered a string of further mysteries. Why is Mary’s nearest neighbour missing? Who graffitied her boss’s house with a warning the night she died? And why would anyone want Mary’s carving?
All paths lead back to the spring itself… but does it hold answers or more danger? And can Bella track the killer down before she’s cut off at the source?
A completely delightful English mystery, full of cozy charm and cunning clues. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will love The May Day Murder
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2025
1053 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Clare Chase
35 books320 followersClare Chase writes classic mysteries. Her aim is to take readers away from it all via some armchair sleuthing in atmospheric locations.
Her debut novel was shortlisted for Novelicious’s Undiscovered Award, as well as an EPIC award post-publication, and was chosen as a Debut of the Month by LoveReading. Murder in the Marshes (Tara Thorpe 1) was shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers award.
Like her heroines, Clare is fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in settings as diverse as Littlehey Prison and the University of Cambridge, in her home city. She’s lived everywhere from the house of a lord to a slug-infested flat and finds the mid-terrace she currently occupies a good happy medium.
As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s novels.
You can find Clare's website and blog at www.clarechase.com
Her debut novel was shortlisted for Novelicious’s Undiscovered Award, as well as an EPIC award post-publication, and was chosen as a Debut of the Month by LoveReading. Murder in the Marshes (Tara Thorpe 1) was shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers award.
Like her heroines, Clare is fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in settings as diverse as Littlehey Prison and the University of Cambridge, in her home city. She’s lived everywhere from the house of a lord to a slug-infested flat and finds the mid-terrace she currently occupies a good happy medium.
As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s novels.
You can find Clare's website and blog at www.clarechase.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 20, 2024
Full of small-town traditions and conflict among various characters,
The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder
by Clare Chase, introduces readers to the May Day pilgrimage to Sweet Agnes’ Spring by the residents of Hope Eaton, England. The idea is to greet the dawn, leave tokens, and welcome the start of spring.
Bella Winter, the owner of Vintage Winter, walks up the hill with her friend and employee John Jenks. When she notices one of the offerings is a doll stuck with pins and looks like Mary Roberts, who lives nearby, Bella is determined to find out what is happening. It turns out Mary is trying to sell her house, but someone is trying to prevent that from happening, plus Mary tells Bella she’s being watched by someone in a cloak at the edge of the woods. Bella discounts much of this until Mary is found dead. Ruled as a heart attack, not murder, Bella decides to investigate herself.
Bella is fair when she makes offers for goods for her store, and then prices the goods to sell. Her father had been the town’s police officer when it still had one and was well-liked in the community. She has some of his investigative instincts and loves solving puzzles and wants to fix things when they go wrong. The supporting characters are reasonably well-defined, especially John and his family.
The premise was good, but the story’s pacing felt slow. The author did a great job of making the town come to life as well as its characters. The way Bella draws in a circle of friends and associates to find information and get insights was enjoyable. However, I felt somewhat annoyed that Bella didn’t investigate why business at the store was so slow until nearly the end of the book. The novel is full of threads related to trust, connections, greed, local folklore, and more.
Overall, this book has twists and red herrings and is an enjoyable cozy mystery. This is the second book in the series.
Bookouture and Clare Chase provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 17, 2025.
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My 3.44 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
Bella Winter, the owner of Vintage Winter, walks up the hill with her friend and employee John Jenks. When she notices one of the offerings is a doll stuck with pins and looks like Mary Roberts, who lives nearby, Bella is determined to find out what is happening. It turns out Mary is trying to sell her house, but someone is trying to prevent that from happening, plus Mary tells Bella she’s being watched by someone in a cloak at the edge of the woods. Bella discounts much of this until Mary is found dead. Ruled as a heart attack, not murder, Bella decides to investigate herself.
Bella is fair when she makes offers for goods for her store, and then prices the goods to sell. Her father had been the town’s police officer when it still had one and was well-liked in the community. She has some of his investigative instincts and loves solving puzzles and wants to fix things when they go wrong. The supporting characters are reasonably well-defined, especially John and his family.
The premise was good, but the story’s pacing felt slow. The author did a great job of making the town come to life as well as its characters. The way Bella draws in a circle of friends and associates to find information and get insights was enjoyable. However, I felt somewhat annoyed that Bella didn’t investigate why business at the store was so slow until nearly the end of the book. The novel is full of threads related to trust, connections, greed, local folklore, and more.
Overall, this book has twists and red herrings and is an enjoyable cozy mystery. This is the second book in the series.
Bookouture and Clare Chase provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 17, 2025.
----------------------------------------
My 3.44 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon.
January 12, 2025
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Nice enough!
Hope Eaton, the cozy little town, is all geared up for May Day to climb the hill to Sweet Agnes’ Spring and watch the first days of sunlight bless their land. Bella Winters, the owner of the new antique store, joins the group and feels the effort was worth it. She also sees one of the residents, Mary Roberts bullied by a young man. Mary seems to take the legends seriously even if Bella thinks it is all nonsense.
However, the threat is real when Mary is found dead in her home, the cottage she was ready to sell. A statue of Sweet Agnes is missing from her home. Bella decides to investigate since the police are too busy. There is no lack of suspects after all! Soon, Bella realizes there’s a lot she needs to find out before the clues lead her to the killer.
The story comes in Bella’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone but it might help to read the first one as well (there are too many characters to track).
In some ways, the book is good. The mystery is twisted and has many threads. There are quite a few red herrings, too. The reveal and conclusion are solid. They make sense and bring everything together.
However, what I loved in the first book was missing here. The FMC does run her shop, but we get very little detail about the antique pieces or sales. Moreover, she is more worried about the case than her livelihood. She may be her father’s daughter (her dad was a sergeant) but even she needs money to live and that wouldn’t come if she had to shut the store. A bit of balance would have helped.
The slow pacing continues but I got better at reading the writing style. Still, I wish it was a bit lighter and flows faster. I like dark cozies but this is just heavy in text and not really dark.
The side characters are a part of the series. John seems to be a little better. Matt has a bit more space in this one, and I hope we get to see him more. He does sound like an interesting guy, never mind the FMC’s judgmental tone whenever she thinks/ talks of him.
I did enjoy the conversations with the DI. It is frustrating for the character but fun in a twisted way, especially since… no spoilers!
To summarize, The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder is a slow-paced cozy mystery with many red herrings and twists. While I liked it enough, I can’t say I love it. That said, I’ll read the next book to see how things go.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheAntiqueStoreDetectiveAndTheMayDayMurder
One Liner: Nice enough!
Hope Eaton, the cozy little town, is all geared up for May Day to climb the hill to Sweet Agnes’ Spring and watch the first days of sunlight bless their land. Bella Winters, the owner of the new antique store, joins the group and feels the effort was worth it. She also sees one of the residents, Mary Roberts bullied by a young man. Mary seems to take the legends seriously even if Bella thinks it is all nonsense.
However, the threat is real when Mary is found dead in her home, the cottage she was ready to sell. A statue of Sweet Agnes is missing from her home. Bella decides to investigate since the police are too busy. There is no lack of suspects after all! Soon, Bella realizes there’s a lot she needs to find out before the clues lead her to the killer.
The story comes in Bella’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone but it might help to read the first one as well (there are too many characters to track).
In some ways, the book is good. The mystery is twisted and has many threads. There are quite a few red herrings, too. The reveal and conclusion are solid. They make sense and bring everything together.
However, what I loved in the first book was missing here. The FMC does run her shop, but we get very little detail about the antique pieces or sales. Moreover, she is more worried about the case than her livelihood. She may be her father’s daughter (her dad was a sergeant) but even she needs money to live and that wouldn’t come if she had to shut the store. A bit of balance would have helped.
The slow pacing continues but I got better at reading the writing style. Still, I wish it was a bit lighter and flows faster. I like dark cozies but this is just heavy in text and not really dark.
The side characters are a part of the series. John seems to be a little better. Matt has a bit more space in this one, and I hope we get to see him more. He does sound like an interesting guy, never mind the FMC’s judgmental tone whenever she thinks/ talks of him.
I did enjoy the conversations with the DI. It is frustrating for the character but fun in a twisted way, especially since… no spoilers!
To summarize, The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder is a slow-paced cozy mystery with many red herrings and twists. While I liked it enough, I can’t say I love it. That said, I’ll read the next book to see how things go.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheAntiqueStoreDetectiveAndTheMayDayMurder
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December 9, 2024Bella Winter, an antique store owner with a knack for sleuthing, finds herself entangled in a series of eerie events that precede the death of Mary Roberts. As Mary was recently terrorized, whispers of a prophecy or curse surrounding her demise begin to circulate. Determined to uncover the truth, Bella delves into the town’s folklore, hoping to find answers.
What starts as a promising May Day event takes a dark turn when Mary’s death is revealed. The townsfolk are left feeling uneasy, and Bella’s quest for the truth becomes even more pressing. As she investigates, she uncovers a web of secrets and discovers that more than one person may have wanted Mary dead.
This second installment in the Bella Winter Mystery series showcases Bella’s unwavering determination and formidable nature. Despite the overwhelming evidence suggesting natural causes, Bella refuses to give up, her stubbornness driving her to uncover the full extent of the mystery. This series has definitely caught my attention, and I eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Bella’s adventures.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
What starts as a promising May Day event takes a dark turn when Mary’s death is revealed. The townsfolk are left feeling uneasy, and Bella’s quest for the truth becomes even more pressing. As she investigates, she uncovers a web of secrets and discovers that more than one person may have wanted Mary dead.
This second installment in the Bella Winter Mystery series showcases Bella’s unwavering determination and formidable nature. Despite the overwhelming evidence suggesting natural causes, Bella refuses to give up, her stubbornness driving her to uncover the full extent of the mystery. This series has definitely caught my attention, and I eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Bella’s adventures.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
November 23, 2024
Bella Winter is still learning about the various customs and rituals of her new home town of Hope Eaton. On May Day, as spring starts, everyone climbs up to Sweet Agnes' Spring to arrive at dawn. When one of the village tributes is anything but Bella is determined to discover who tried to ruin the celebrations, but it becomes far more serious after a body is discovered. As the mysteries increase, can Bella rely on her own detecting talents and those of her new friends, or will the killer discover her first?
Book two of Clare Chase's new series, unfortunately didn't do it for me. Although I like that Bella is very different to her other main protagonist, Eve Mallow, I couldn't warm to her in this story and found myself not enjoying it very much.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. Unfortunately, this wasn't for me, but I still love the Eve Mallow Mystery Series. 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.
Book two of Clare Chase's new series, unfortunately didn't do it for me. Although I like that Bella is very different to her other main protagonist, Eve Mallow, I couldn't warm to her in this story and found myself not enjoying it very much.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. Unfortunately, this wasn't for me, but I still love the Eve Mallow Mystery Series. 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars.
November 24, 2024
This is the second book in the series and though it has a very interesting mystery(s) I felt Bella pushed a little too much and a little too hard in a case where she really didn't have an investment. Some of the things that I really enjoyed about the first book, the antique store setting, the secondary characters, and the small town ambiance, are missing or not as well represented in this book. That said, I do like her personal sense of style, the fact that she wants to fix things for people, and that she is very sharp. The mysteries are multi layered and intertwined and do come together well in the end. I just hope she tones things down a little in the next book and that we get to spend more time in the antique shop! Thanks to #Netgally, #Bookouture, and the author for an opportunity to read. #AntiqueStoreDetective #MayDayMurder #ClareChase #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
November 10, 2024
I couldn’t keep going with this unfortunately.
While I appreciate the cosy mystery vibes this book is clearly trying to evoke; the writing just wasn’t good enough in my opinion.
Conversations ended abruptly, a new scene would start just as quickly leaving an unfinished feeling.
I really like the concept and characters but the writing would need to improve for me to fully engage and continue reading.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for arc in exchange for honest review.
While I appreciate the cosy mystery vibes this book is clearly trying to evoke; the writing just wasn’t good enough in my opinion.
Conversations ended abruptly, a new scene would start just as quickly leaving an unfinished feeling.
I really like the concept and characters but the writing would need to improve for me to fully engage and continue reading.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for arc in exchange for honest review.
March 1, 2025
Way too complicated
You know an author has lost control of the plot - and likely her
readers - when she takes 60 pages at the end to explain what
happened.
This book is a perfect example of poor plot development and
readers might want to be advised of what a waste of time
it will be.
You know an author has lost control of the plot - and likely her
readers - when she takes 60 pages at the end to explain what
happened.
This book is a perfect example of poor plot development and
readers might want to be advised of what a waste of time
it will be.
November 22, 2024
May Day is a fun, busy day in Hope Eaton. It's full of ceremony and a time to share old beliefs and lore. It's not a time for murder. So, who was taunting and basically terrorizing Mary Roberts the school secretary? A former student is openly taunting her with little doll meant to resemble Mary and call to mind a frightening legend. When she's found dead the next day, suspicions flare. Who'd kill the somewhat reclusive woman? But, wait. Was she killed or was it natural? Is it murder if you frighten and terrorize someone to the point they die?
As it turns out, there are several viable suspects, among them the young man in question and Mary's vindictive ex-husband. Main character Bella Winter doesn't let the little fact that the coroner says Mary died of natural causes detour her. As Barry Dixon, the police officer in charge points out, of course, they can't do anything based on suppositions. They need hard evidence. Mary was prone to report even the most minute of wrongdoings, so they are wary of rumors of her being recently harassed by someone. In fact, it sounds so far out, based on old, spooky legends, that some suspected Mary was losing her mind, so to speak. Not Bella. She's determined and begins snooping, er, asking questions and poking about. Her late father was a police investigator and she seems to have inherited his sleuthing genes. Will it lead her into danger? Oh, boy, will it.
I won't detail the plot further but will say that despite periodic lulls in the plot, the story mostly kept my attention. I didn't feel like I knew much about Bella other than her father's job or, for that matter, the characters about her but that would probably be a result of not having read book one. While I ultimately was able to sort things out, while it worked as a standalone, I might have been able to make sense of who was who much sooner if I had. Her friends, especially co-worker at the antique store John, are likable and I liked that while her interactions with Barry Dixon weren't genuinely positive that he also was painted in a likable way, including his family situation. One of the benefits of Bella's late father's job was that she did have some connections, an idea of who to call on for help, which was a bonus. The murder itself was cruelly done, quite diabolical, even without the murderer striking a blow. The ending was also quite tense, showing Bella's quick thinking on her feet when pressed as well as the fortitude of her friends and associates. Thanks #Bookouture for the early introduction to Bella and friends. Lots of twists and red herring after red herrings in this one despite the occasional lull in pace. I'll definitely make a point of checking out the next book in the series. Quite the intro to Sweet Agnes and Hope Eaton's May Day celebrations.
As it turns out, there are several viable suspects, among them the young man in question and Mary's vindictive ex-husband. Main character Bella Winter doesn't let the little fact that the coroner says Mary died of natural causes detour her. As Barry Dixon, the police officer in charge points out, of course, they can't do anything based on suppositions. They need hard evidence. Mary was prone to report even the most minute of wrongdoings, so they are wary of rumors of her being recently harassed by someone. In fact, it sounds so far out, based on old, spooky legends, that some suspected Mary was losing her mind, so to speak. Not Bella. She's determined and begins snooping, er, asking questions and poking about. Her late father was a police investigator and she seems to have inherited his sleuthing genes. Will it lead her into danger? Oh, boy, will it.
I won't detail the plot further but will say that despite periodic lulls in the plot, the story mostly kept my attention. I didn't feel like I knew much about Bella other than her father's job or, for that matter, the characters about her but that would probably be a result of not having read book one. While I ultimately was able to sort things out, while it worked as a standalone, I might have been able to make sense of who was who much sooner if I had. Her friends, especially co-worker at the antique store John, are likable and I liked that while her interactions with Barry Dixon weren't genuinely positive that he also was painted in a likable way, including his family situation. One of the benefits of Bella's late father's job was that she did have some connections, an idea of who to call on for help, which was a bonus. The murder itself was cruelly done, quite diabolical, even without the murderer striking a blow. The ending was also quite tense, showing Bella's quick thinking on her feet when pressed as well as the fortitude of her friends and associates. Thanks #Bookouture for the early introduction to Bella and friends. Lots of twists and red herring after red herrings in this one despite the occasional lull in pace. I'll definitely make a point of checking out the next book in the series. Quite the intro to Sweet Agnes and Hope Eaton's May Day celebrations.
January 28, 2025
The friendly but efficient village bobby is a dying breed these days – but who needs him when you’ve got Bella Winter, antiques dealer and part-time detective, and a whole posse of her friends to hunt down the local criminal fraternity? Who was it who said it takes a village to solve a crime?
Not only hunt them down; Bella’s detecting skills are so sharply honed that she can spot a murder even when the coroner’s verdict is a firm Natural Causes. The advantage, of course, is that the police – the real police, based in a large town miles away – are happy to leave her to it. The disadvantage is that she can’t tap into their information sources. Except she can, since she has a convenient godfather who happens to be a retired cop.
To begin at the beginning. During a traditional May Day Walk, Bella and her friends see a local ne’er-do-well leave a little doll stuck with pins beside a sacred well. It’s done up to resemble Mary Roberts, highly efficient school secretary and the ne’er-do-well’s nemesis – and Mary’s lifeless body is discovered a few hours later. The verdict is a heart attack, but Bella doesn’t believe it. Despite the police’s best efforts, she determinedly believes Mary was scared to death. There are plenty of suspects, so she sets out to prove one of them guilty.
The investigation which follows is littered with eccentric characters on both sides. To name just a handful: on the side of the angels is Bella herself, well known in the vicinity for her vintage dress sense. She’s very much her father’s daughter; Dad was the last village copper, both popular and perceptive. Jeannie the pub landlady, large, loud and matriarch to a large family of sons, knows everyone in town. Opal, the mysterious woman of the woods, lives mainly in the shadows. On the darker side there’s Noah, teenage tearaway with a grudge against the victim. Shane, her ex-husband, still stings from the public humiliation Mary delivered when she caught him in flagrante. Adrian, the local headmaster, has far too high an opinion of himself.
There’s plenty of local colour in the form of feuds, traditions and pretty buildings, all of which contribute to a strong sense of community. The May Day murder is already the second case for Bella to investigate; no doubt there will be more, and yet another pretty semi-rural area will become a dangerous place to visit. Long may it continue so!
-------
Reviewer: Lynne Patrick
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
Not only hunt them down; Bella’s detecting skills are so sharply honed that she can spot a murder even when the coroner’s verdict is a firm Natural Causes. The advantage, of course, is that the police – the real police, based in a large town miles away – are happy to leave her to it. The disadvantage is that she can’t tap into their information sources. Except she can, since she has a convenient godfather who happens to be a retired cop.
To begin at the beginning. During a traditional May Day Walk, Bella and her friends see a local ne’er-do-well leave a little doll stuck with pins beside a sacred well. It’s done up to resemble Mary Roberts, highly efficient school secretary and the ne’er-do-well’s nemesis – and Mary’s lifeless body is discovered a few hours later. The verdict is a heart attack, but Bella doesn’t believe it. Despite the police’s best efforts, she determinedly believes Mary was scared to death. There are plenty of suspects, so she sets out to prove one of them guilty.
The investigation which follows is littered with eccentric characters on both sides. To name just a handful: on the side of the angels is Bella herself, well known in the vicinity for her vintage dress sense. She’s very much her father’s daughter; Dad was the last village copper, both popular and perceptive. Jeannie the pub landlady, large, loud and matriarch to a large family of sons, knows everyone in town. Opal, the mysterious woman of the woods, lives mainly in the shadows. On the darker side there’s Noah, teenage tearaway with a grudge against the victim. Shane, her ex-husband, still stings from the public humiliation Mary delivered when she caught him in flagrante. Adrian, the local headmaster, has far too high an opinion of himself.
There’s plenty of local colour in the form of feuds, traditions and pretty buildings, all of which contribute to a strong sense of community. The May Day murder is already the second case for Bella to investigate; no doubt there will be more, and yet another pretty semi-rural area will become a dangerous place to visit. Long may it continue so!
-------
Reviewer: Lynne Patrick
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
November 17, 2024
In the small town of Hope Eaton, May Day is celebrated as the first day of Spring, but unfortunately for Mary Roberts, it brings death. Having previously enjoyed Clare Chase’s first book in her Bella Winter Antique Store Detective series, I was looking forward to the sequel, The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder: A totally gripping cozy murder mystery
We learn quite early in the story that Mary Roberts has a history of reporting trouble to her local police, and she has one juvenile in particular whom she considers to be a nuisance, if not a lawbreaker. However, the authorities seldom take her complaints seriously. Thus, when Bella finds her dead inside her home, the police do not suspect murder.
Bella has other ideas. She is her father’s daughter; that is, her late father was a cop, and she has his genes, apparently. She seems to spend more time snooping – I mean, investigating – than she does in her antique store. Her employee, John, is her fellow investigator, and they have a host of friends and acquaintances who are more than willing to get involved.
Was this a “totally gripping cozy murder mystery”? No. At times, I was curious and followed with interest. At other times, however, I felt that the dialogue was overdone, the red herrings too frequent and redundant, and at about the 60% mark, I was ready to be finished. In the end, however, the murder scene was cleverly done, but the process of getting to the finale was overly dramatic.
I received an ARC copy of The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder: A totally gripping cozy murder mysteryThe Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author.
2.5 stars
We learn quite early in the story that Mary Roberts has a history of reporting trouble to her local police, and she has one juvenile in particular whom she considers to be a nuisance, if not a lawbreaker. However, the authorities seldom take her complaints seriously. Thus, when Bella finds her dead inside her home, the police do not suspect murder.
Bella has other ideas. She is her father’s daughter; that is, her late father was a cop, and she has his genes, apparently. She seems to spend more time snooping – I mean, investigating – than she does in her antique store. Her employee, John, is her fellow investigator, and they have a host of friends and acquaintances who are more than willing to get involved.
Was this a “totally gripping cozy murder mystery”? No. At times, I was curious and followed with interest. At other times, however, I felt that the dialogue was overdone, the red herrings too frequent and redundant, and at about the 60% mark, I was ready to be finished. In the end, however, the murder scene was cleverly done, but the process of getting to the finale was overly dramatic.
I received an ARC copy of The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder: A totally gripping cozy murder mysteryThe Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author.
2.5 stars
January 21, 2025
The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder by Clare Chase is a delightfully atmospheric cozy mystery blends folklore, a puzzle mystery, and a lovely May Day tradition in an English village. It is the second book in the Bella Winter Mystery series. The amateur sleuth is Bella Winter, an antique shop owner in Hope Eaton, a small village in the Shropshire Hills.
The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder begins with the annual village tradition of welcoming spring. All the villagers climb to the top of a hill, greet the dawn, welcome spring, and leave small tokens.
Antique store owner Bella Winter joins in. She enjoys herself until she sees a young man leave a creepy token—a doll full of pins. The doll looks like Mary, a local school secretary. Bella learns that someone has been tormenting Mary and trying to scare her with tricks related to the myth of Ginny Greenteeth.
The May Day celebration adds a fun mix of folklore and festivity and provides an intriguing layer to the story. The local legend of Ginny Greenteeth, the river hag whose ominous mark signals that death is near, creates a delightfully eerie atmosphere. It contrasts nicely with the fresh, wholesome May Day ritual of watching the sunrise and enjoying wildflowers with members of your community on a spring day.
The mystery is also well-done. There are plenty of suspects, each with their own motives and secrets. Clare Chase skillfully distributes clues and red herrings to keep the reader guessing until the final reveal.
The amateur sleuth, Bella Winter, is clever, practical, and quick-witted, with an innate ability to piece together the clues. The supporting characters are well-drawn and authentic, and they all fit well into the English village setting.
The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder is well worth the read. I look forward to continuing on with this series and reading the next book: The Antique Store Detective and the Deadly Inheritance.
I received an advanced reader copy of The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder from Net Galley and Bookouture. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder begins with the annual village tradition of welcoming spring. All the villagers climb to the top of a hill, greet the dawn, welcome spring, and leave small tokens.
Antique store owner Bella Winter joins in. She enjoys herself until she sees a young man leave a creepy token—a doll full of pins. The doll looks like Mary, a local school secretary. Bella learns that someone has been tormenting Mary and trying to scare her with tricks related to the myth of Ginny Greenteeth.
The May Day celebration adds a fun mix of folklore and festivity and provides an intriguing layer to the story. The local legend of Ginny Greenteeth, the river hag whose ominous mark signals that death is near, creates a delightfully eerie atmosphere. It contrasts nicely with the fresh, wholesome May Day ritual of watching the sunrise and enjoying wildflowers with members of your community on a spring day.
The mystery is also well-done. There are plenty of suspects, each with their own motives and secrets. Clare Chase skillfully distributes clues and red herrings to keep the reader guessing until the final reveal.
The amateur sleuth, Bella Winter, is clever, practical, and quick-witted, with an innate ability to piece together the clues. The supporting characters are well-drawn and authentic, and they all fit well into the English village setting.
The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder is well worth the read. I look forward to continuing on with this series and reading the next book: The Antique Store Detective and the Deadly Inheritance.
I received an advanced reader copy of The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder from Net Galley and Bookouture. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
January 16, 2025
I enjoyed the series opener - The Antique Store Detective - when I read it a while ago - and I was very intrigued as to what direction this followup would take. And would it become as dear to me as her series featuring Obituary Writer, Eve Mallow? To be honest, It's not quite there yet for me. I am not as taken by Bella as I am with Eve, but it's nothing that can't be ironed out as I get to know her better.
In this, her second outing, after her successful sleuthing in her first, she has actually set herself up as an amateur detective, with a sideline in antiques! So everywhere she goes, her senses are on high alert. Which is handy when she spots something happening during the village May Day celebratory visit to Sweet Agnes' Spring. Someone has placed what looks like a voodoo doll of one of the villagers, Mary Roberts, complete with pins! I know...! Long story short, Mary is found dead. It's officially ruled as heart attack, natural causes, but there is just too much that doesn't add up and Bella is hell bent on figuring out what happened to her...
I think, as well as not quite gelling with Bella (yet) I found that the pacing was a little hit and miss. It was also a wee bit convoluted at times and I found myself having to hold onto quite a bit of confusion along the way. It did all come very good at the end and was well worth the effort.
Characters are all brilliant as usual and the author did a great job of bringing village living to life. I do miss the village I used to live in, I now live in a big city and it's really not the same.
The story was well crafted, if a little too much on occasion. There were definitely enough secrets and lies to cut through and more than sufficient obfuscation to keep the reader on their toes throughout.
All in all, a decent enough read that kept me out of trouble and entertained, I look forward to seeing what's next for Bella in book three. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
In this, her second outing, after her successful sleuthing in her first, she has actually set herself up as an amateur detective, with a sideline in antiques! So everywhere she goes, her senses are on high alert. Which is handy when she spots something happening during the village May Day celebratory visit to Sweet Agnes' Spring. Someone has placed what looks like a voodoo doll of one of the villagers, Mary Roberts, complete with pins! I know...! Long story short, Mary is found dead. It's officially ruled as heart attack, natural causes, but there is just too much that doesn't add up and Bella is hell bent on figuring out what happened to her...
I think, as well as not quite gelling with Bella (yet) I found that the pacing was a little hit and miss. It was also a wee bit convoluted at times and I found myself having to hold onto quite a bit of confusion along the way. It did all come very good at the end and was well worth the effort.
Characters are all brilliant as usual and the author did a great job of bringing village living to life. I do miss the village I used to live in, I now live in a big city and it's really not the same.
The story was well crafted, if a little too much on occasion. There were definitely enough secrets and lies to cut through and more than sufficient obfuscation to keep the reader on their toes throughout.
All in all, a decent enough read that kept me out of trouble and entertained, I look forward to seeing what's next for Bella in book three. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
December 1, 2024
'The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder' by Clare Chase.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Overall I enjoyed this book. Even though it was second in the series I was able to easily jump into this one and not be confused. It did take me a little while to guess who the murderer was, it was a very well thought out plot. It gave me Ms Fisher vibes (amazing detective show). Can't wait to read the next one.
Everyone in Hope Eaton climbs the hill to Sweet Agnes’ Spring on May Day, to greet the dawn and leave tokens among the flowers. Antique store owner Bella Winter grumbles about the early start, but she has to admit that watching the sun rise over the flower-strewn grove is worth it. And her interest deepens when she sees that one of the offerings this year is a little doll stuck all over with pins… a perfect replica of Mary Roberts, who lives nearby.
Determined to find out what lies behind this bizarre threat, Bella dives into a murky mess of strange events. Mary’s house is up for sale, but someone’s trying to wreck the deal, leaving rotting weeds on her front step. And Mary claims she’s seen a cloaked figure watching her from the woods…
Bella’s half convinced this is all nonsense, but then Mary is found dead, her prized carving of the spring stolen from her dresser. The police say it was a heart attack, but was she literally scared to death?
Soon Bella has uncovered a string of further mysteries. Why is Mary’s nearest neighbour missing? Who graffitied her boss’s house with a warning the night she died? And why would anyone want Mary’s carving?
All paths lead back to the spring itself… but does it hold answers or more danger? And can Bella track the killer down before she’s cut off at the source?
Thanks to NetGallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read a copy in return for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Overall I enjoyed this book. Even though it was second in the series I was able to easily jump into this one and not be confused. It did take me a little while to guess who the murderer was, it was a very well thought out plot. It gave me Ms Fisher vibes (amazing detective show). Can't wait to read the next one.
Everyone in Hope Eaton climbs the hill to Sweet Agnes’ Spring on May Day, to greet the dawn and leave tokens among the flowers. Antique store owner Bella Winter grumbles about the early start, but she has to admit that watching the sun rise over the flower-strewn grove is worth it. And her interest deepens when she sees that one of the offerings this year is a little doll stuck all over with pins… a perfect replica of Mary Roberts, who lives nearby.
Determined to find out what lies behind this bizarre threat, Bella dives into a murky mess of strange events. Mary’s house is up for sale, but someone’s trying to wreck the deal, leaving rotting weeds on her front step. And Mary claims she’s seen a cloaked figure watching her from the woods…
Bella’s half convinced this is all nonsense, but then Mary is found dead, her prized carving of the spring stolen from her dresser. The police say it was a heart attack, but was she literally scared to death?
Soon Bella has uncovered a string of further mysteries. Why is Mary’s nearest neighbour missing? Who graffitied her boss’s house with a warning the night she died? And why would anyone want Mary’s carving?
All paths lead back to the spring itself… but does it hold answers or more danger? And can Bella track the killer down before she’s cut off at the source?
Thanks to NetGallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read a copy in return for an honest review.
January 15, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Clare Chase for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder coming out January 17, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Everyone in Hope Eaton climbs the hill to Sweet Agnes’ Spring on May Day, to greet the dawn and leave tokens among the flowers. Antique store owner Bella Winter grumbles about the early start, but she has to admit that watching the sun rise over the flower-strewn grove is worth it. And her interest deepens when she sees that one of the offerings this year is a little doll stuck all over with pins… a perfect replica of Mary Roberts, who lives nearby.
Determined to find out what lies behind this bizarre threat, Bella dives into a murky mess of strange events. Mary’s house is up for sale, but someone’s trying to wreck the deal, leaving rotting weeds on her front step. And Mary claims she’s seen a cloaked figure watching her from the woods…
Bella’s half convinced this is all nonsense, but then Mary is found dead, her prized carving of the spring stolen from her dresser. The police say it was a heart attack, but was she literally scared to death?
Soon Bella has uncovered a string of further mysteries. Why is Mary’s nearest neighbour missing? Who graffitied her boss’s house with a warning the night she died? And why would anyone want Mary’s carving?
I really love this series! Cozy mysteries are one of my favorite genres. I really enjoyed the characters. I think May Day is an interesting holiday to center the plot around. It definitely had a cozy setting. I love the small town vibes. I would love a little more romance and action in the next book. I would definitely read more books by this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
Everyone in Hope Eaton climbs the hill to Sweet Agnes’ Spring on May Day, to greet the dawn and leave tokens among the flowers. Antique store owner Bella Winter grumbles about the early start, but she has to admit that watching the sun rise over the flower-strewn grove is worth it. And her interest deepens when she sees that one of the offerings this year is a little doll stuck all over with pins… a perfect replica of Mary Roberts, who lives nearby.
Determined to find out what lies behind this bizarre threat, Bella dives into a murky mess of strange events. Mary’s house is up for sale, but someone’s trying to wreck the deal, leaving rotting weeds on her front step. And Mary claims she’s seen a cloaked figure watching her from the woods…
Bella’s half convinced this is all nonsense, but then Mary is found dead, her prized carving of the spring stolen from her dresser. The police say it was a heart attack, but was she literally scared to death?
Soon Bella has uncovered a string of further mysteries. Why is Mary’s nearest neighbour missing? Who graffitied her boss’s house with a warning the night she died? And why would anyone want Mary’s carving?
I really love this series! Cozy mysteries are one of my favorite genres. I really enjoyed the characters. I think May Day is an interesting holiday to center the plot around. It definitely had a cozy setting. I love the small town vibes. I would love a little more romance and action in the next book. I would definitely read more books by this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
January 23, 2025
I hadn’t read the first book in the series and whilst I would like to reassure that this could easily be read as a standalone, personally I struggled getting to grips with all the various characters, especially their relationship to one another and I did feel disadvantaged by not reading the first. This is my perception however and this may not bother someone else.
Bella Winter with her quirky dress sense and owner of the antique shop in the village is a tenacious and engaging character. Her late father had been well respected as its village policeman and it seems that Bella has inherited his nose for investigating with her determination to solve a mystery not getting in the way of personal danger. The small village of Hope Eaton features the annual Sweet Agnes Spring hill walk on May Day and this dawn excursion sets off a chain of events that has Bella and her village friends speculating as to the who, the how and the why. There is clearly some badness in the village. A woman with a reputation for regularly reporting people and deeds to the police is found dead and there are several dodgy characters whose actions attract Bella’s attention.
Whilst I found the plot a little convoluted I was intrigued and, like Bella, wanted to know who was responsible for causing so much angst and death in this sleepy village. It was clear that not everyone could be trusted and there were several suspects in the frame. There is a clear community vibe here and Bella’s friends were invaluable for their support and perspective in attempting to solve the different strands to this story. As well as the main mystery to solve, Bella has another problem when her reputation and business is put at risk. Somebody wants her out of the village.
This was an entertaining and well written cozy mystery on the lighter side of crime, but still awash with suspicion and surprises.
Bella Winter with her quirky dress sense and owner of the antique shop in the village is a tenacious and engaging character. Her late father had been well respected as its village policeman and it seems that Bella has inherited his nose for investigating with her determination to solve a mystery not getting in the way of personal danger. The small village of Hope Eaton features the annual Sweet Agnes Spring hill walk on May Day and this dawn excursion sets off a chain of events that has Bella and her village friends speculating as to the who, the how and the why. There is clearly some badness in the village. A woman with a reputation for regularly reporting people and deeds to the police is found dead and there are several dodgy characters whose actions attract Bella’s attention.
Whilst I found the plot a little convoluted I was intrigued and, like Bella, wanted to know who was responsible for causing so much angst and death in this sleepy village. It was clear that not everyone could be trusted and there were several suspects in the frame. There is a clear community vibe here and Bella’s friends were invaluable for their support and perspective in attempting to solve the different strands to this story. As well as the main mystery to solve, Bella has another problem when her reputation and business is put at risk. Somebody wants her out of the village.
This was an entertaining and well written cozy mystery on the lighter side of crime, but still awash with suspicion and surprises.
January 7, 2025
Everyone in Hope Eaton climbs the hill to Sweet Agnes’ Spring on May Day, to greet the dawn and leave tokens among the flowers. Antique store owner Bella Winter grumbles about the early start, but she has to admit that watching the sun rise over the flower-strewn grove is worth it. And her interest deepens when she sees that one of the offerings this year is a little doll stuck all over with pins a perfect replica of Mary Roberts, who lives nearby. Bella dives into a murky mess of strange events. Mary’s house is up for sale, but someone’s trying to wreck the deal, leaving rotting weeds on her front step. And Mary claims she’s seen a cloaked figure watching her from the woods. Then Mary is found dead, her prized carving of the spring stolen from her dresser. The police say it was a heart attack, but was she literally scared to death?
The second outing for Bella who has returned to her childhood town where her father was the local bobby, she runs Vintage Winter an antiques store with her Assistant John Jenks. I love Bella who is like a terrier with a bone once she gets het teeth into a case, she’s ably assisted by John, his family & her godfather Tony. Bella loves to dress in vintage clothes & cuts quite a figure. There are plenty of twists & turns as well as red herrings & not everyone is who they seem. A thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery which I read in a couple of sittings. I must say I would have been far more worried about who & why someone was trying to ruin my business
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The second outing for Bella who has returned to her childhood town where her father was the local bobby, she runs Vintage Winter an antiques store with her Assistant John Jenks. I love Bella who is like a terrier with a bone once she gets het teeth into a case, she’s ably assisted by John, his family & her godfather Tony. Bella loves to dress in vintage clothes & cuts quite a figure. There are plenty of twists & turns as well as red herrings & not everyone is who they seem. A thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery which I read in a couple of sittings. I must say I would have been far more worried about who & why someone was trying to ruin my business
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
January 21, 2025
"The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder" is book #2 in the "Bella Winters Mystery" by Clare Chase.
Mary Roberts appears to have been frightened to death, but Bella Winters is convinced that the death was the result of a more sinister intent. Mary had long believed in a local legend of a spirit who forewarned people of their impending death. Bella was sure that one or more people were using that belief against Mary by leaving various symbols of the coming end.
That in itself was a mystery, but then a neighbour goes missing, a graffiti warning is painted on Mary's bosses house and a carving that Mary treasured disappeared.
With help from John, several of their friends and some inside police info from her Godfather Tony, Bella tries to sort it all out. Some well placed misdirection and teasers along the way before the truth of Mary's death is revealed. I wasn't overly surprised at the reveal but getting there was well done.
Along with Mary's death there were some interesting subplots, layers and interconnections that are slowly being revealed and unraveled amongst the people of the village. This adds some nice depth and great potential for further stories.
I actually liked this book better than the first but I think that is because readers were only being introduced to Bella and the other characters in the first book. There was a lot to absorb. However, that doesn't mean that you should skip the first book! Never read a series out of order as you do miss out on getting to know the people and the lay of the land for future stories! Already preordered and looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
Mary Roberts appears to have been frightened to death, but Bella Winters is convinced that the death was the result of a more sinister intent. Mary had long believed in a local legend of a spirit who forewarned people of their impending death. Bella was sure that one or more people were using that belief against Mary by leaving various symbols of the coming end.
That in itself was a mystery, but then a neighbour goes missing, a graffiti warning is painted on Mary's bosses house and a carving that Mary treasured disappeared.
With help from John, several of their friends and some inside police info from her Godfather Tony, Bella tries to sort it all out. Some well placed misdirection and teasers along the way before the truth of Mary's death is revealed. I wasn't overly surprised at the reveal but getting there was well done.
Along with Mary's death there were some interesting subplots, layers and interconnections that are slowly being revealed and unraveled amongst the people of the village. This adds some nice depth and great potential for further stories.
I actually liked this book better than the first but I think that is because readers were only being introduced to Bella and the other characters in the first book. There was a lot to absorb. However, that doesn't mean that you should skip the first book! Never read a series out of order as you do miss out on getting to know the people and the lay of the land for future stories! Already preordered and looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
January 7, 2025
** “The old adage came to her: if you want something done well, do it yourself. Though here it was a case of if you want something done at all.” **
Clare Chase offers another fun cozy mystery with “The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder.”
As Bella Winter continues to settle into Hope Eaton, still operating her antique shop Vintage Winter, the town is celebrating its annual May Day festivities. But when high school secretary Mary Roberts is traumatized, and eventually found dead, Bella and her assistant John jump into figuring out how Mary died.
As other strange events occur in the town, they must attempt to figure out how the situations are connected, and just who is responsible.
Once again, Chase does a great job of creating a series of clues that keep circling around, leaving the reader guessing until the end — who did it, why and which situations are related. She also develops a quirky cast of characters readers will truly enjoy, including John’s large and fun family.
Chase also fills the story with several great themes, like “doing wrong only leads to misery”; find the connections; dealing with the consequences of wrongdoing; lies only lead to trouble; the power of regret; and the impact of blotting out pain.
Fans of cozy mysteries and novels like Nita Prose’s “The Maid” and C.L. Miller’s “The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder” will love “The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder,” which is due out Jan. 17.
Five stars out of five.
Bookouture provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Clare Chase offers another fun cozy mystery with “The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder.”
As Bella Winter continues to settle into Hope Eaton, still operating her antique shop Vintage Winter, the town is celebrating its annual May Day festivities. But when high school secretary Mary Roberts is traumatized, and eventually found dead, Bella and her assistant John jump into figuring out how Mary died.
As other strange events occur in the town, they must attempt to figure out how the situations are connected, and just who is responsible.
Once again, Chase does a great job of creating a series of clues that keep circling around, leaving the reader guessing until the end — who did it, why and which situations are related. She also develops a quirky cast of characters readers will truly enjoy, including John’s large and fun family.
Chase also fills the story with several great themes, like “doing wrong only leads to misery”; find the connections; dealing with the consequences of wrongdoing; lies only lead to trouble; the power of regret; and the impact of blotting out pain.
Fans of cozy mysteries and novels like Nita Prose’s “The Maid” and C.L. Miller’s “The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder” will love “The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder,” which is due out Jan. 17.
Five stars out of five.
Bookouture provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
January 19, 2025
Spring has come to Hope Eaton, Shropshire, and there’s another case for vintage enthusiast and antique dealer Bella Winter. Partaking in the local village May Day custom of walking to the local spring at dawn with offerings, she spots one of the offerings is a doll formed to look like school secretary Mary Roberts.
But there are rumours that Mary is no longer of sound mind, exhibiting strange behaviour and seeing strange things.
Mary is later found dead in her home, and Bella is determined to find out what happened, suspecting the death is not the natural causes recorded by the authorities.
Bella enlists the help of her friends to prove that Mary’s fears, while based on local legends and folklore, were based on the more mundane behaviours of people that had something to gain from Mary’s decline and death.
Unpicking one mystery reveals more secrets to investigate, and as the daughter of a detective, Bella won’t give up until she has answers.
I’m really enjoying this new series from Clare Chase. In this second novel in the series, we get to know the villagers a little better, but also begin to learn more about Bella herself, and how she found herself back in Hope Eaton. Chase knows how to write a gripping tale with warmth and humanity, weaving traditional but spooky folklore with a classic cosy mystery tale.
Thank you to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for an advance copy of this novel for review.
But there are rumours that Mary is no longer of sound mind, exhibiting strange behaviour and seeing strange things.
Mary is later found dead in her home, and Bella is determined to find out what happened, suspecting the death is not the natural causes recorded by the authorities.
Bella enlists the help of her friends to prove that Mary’s fears, while based on local legends and folklore, were based on the more mundane behaviours of people that had something to gain from Mary’s decline and death.
Unpicking one mystery reveals more secrets to investigate, and as the daughter of a detective, Bella won’t give up until she has answers.
I’m really enjoying this new series from Clare Chase. In this second novel in the series, we get to know the villagers a little better, but also begin to learn more about Bella herself, and how she found herself back in Hope Eaton. Chase knows how to write a gripping tale with warmth and humanity, weaving traditional but spooky folklore with a classic cosy mystery tale.
Thank you to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for an advance copy of this novel for review.
January 20, 2025
Bella Winter lives in Hope Eaton where
She runs an Antique store with others who care.
She's joining in with the community and mustn't be late
Going to Sweet Agnes' Spring to May Day to celebrate.
Something strange happens whilst they are there
A doll stuck with pins seems there to scare
It looks like someone who lives nearby
And to scare her someone is continuing to try.
Someone observing her, leaving strange things, too,
When Bella talks to her, she wonders what to do.
But then Mary is found dead and looking so scared
Maybe a heart attack but why and who dared?
As more mysteries are revealed, Bella looks for every clue
Determine to discover just what happened and by who.
With no help from the police she needs her friends to aid
To discover if it is just a prank or someone crazed.
As more secrets begin to be discovered,
More dangers are also uncovered.
Just who is behind everthing that's happening here?
There's at least one perpetrator, that much is clear!
With the help of her friends, they're all on the case
Determined to discover just what's taking place.
They'll use local knowledge and others, too,
Hoping to find that vital clue.
A superb twisted case, that kept me turning pages
Keeping me guessing and looking for ages.
So cleverly written, it was a brilliant read
Now Bella's next case is what I really need!
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
She runs an Antique store with others who care.
She's joining in with the community and mustn't be late
Going to Sweet Agnes' Spring to May Day to celebrate.
Something strange happens whilst they are there
A doll stuck with pins seems there to scare
It looks like someone who lives nearby
And to scare her someone is continuing to try.
Someone observing her, leaving strange things, too,
When Bella talks to her, she wonders what to do.
But then Mary is found dead and looking so scared
Maybe a heart attack but why and who dared?
As more mysteries are revealed, Bella looks for every clue
Determine to discover just what happened and by who.
With no help from the police she needs her friends to aid
To discover if it is just a prank or someone crazed.
As more secrets begin to be discovered,
More dangers are also uncovered.
Just who is behind everthing that's happening here?
There's at least one perpetrator, that much is clear!
With the help of her friends, they're all on the case
Determined to discover just what's taking place.
They'll use local knowledge and others, too,
Hoping to find that vital clue.
A superb twisted case, that kept me turning pages
Keeping me guessing and looking for ages.
So cleverly written, it was a brilliant read
Now Bella's next case is what I really need!
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
December 22, 2024
"The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder” the 2nd instalment in The Bella Winter Mystery series by Clare Chase set in Hope Eaton, Shopshire England. I enjoyed book 2 much more than the first and will definitely continue with the series. May Day should mark the start of spring. But this year, it means murder… Fortunately antique store owner and amateur detective Bella Winter is on the case!
All paths lead back to the spring itself… but does it hold answers or more danger?And can Bella track the killer down before she’s cut off at the source?
I really like how Bella and her circle of friends find out information and gather insights into the crime and the people involved. I thought it strange that Bella didn’t investigate why business at the store was so slow until nearly the end of the story as I thought it would be something she should care about more. The story deals with trust issues, greed, local folklore, and community.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book 3!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Bookouture and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
All paths lead back to the spring itself… but does it hold answers or more danger?And can Bella track the killer down before she’s cut off at the source?
I really like how Bella and her circle of friends find out information and gather insights into the crime and the people involved. I thought it strange that Bella didn’t investigate why business at the store was so slow until nearly the end of the story as I thought it would be something she should care about more. The story deals with trust issues, greed, local folklore, and community.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book 3!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Bookouture and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 6, 2025
A nice cozy mystery that while slower paced fit well into the cozy genre. Our FMC is not the normal character one would expect investigating a murder but as a cop's daughter dials into her community, she does a nice job. I seem to being stuck on the word nice because this book was OK but a little slower than I prefer and while advertised as you can read stand alone, it is better to read book 1. There is a plethora of characters to keep track of and book one helps to get the lay of the character map. Bella's friends play a pivotal role in helping her gather information. This book takes us from clue 1 a doll that looks a lot like Mary full of pins through multiple red herrings to a satisfying conclusion.
We have a good premise and a nice cast of characters but I wish the pacing were a little stronger. Perhaps when this series fully finds it feet it will pick up a bit. I would suggest reading book 1 first and then book 2. For me this book is a solid nice story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC.
We have a good premise and a nice cast of characters but I wish the pacing were a little stronger. Perhaps when this series fully finds it feet it will pick up a bit. I would suggest reading book 1 first and then book 2. For me this book is a solid nice story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC.
December 3, 2024
Second in the series, but you don't need to have read the first because the author catches you up with what's happened.
Bella Winter owns the antique store and grumbled about getting up early with the rest of the villagers to greet the dawn at Sweet Agnes' spring on May Day - but once she's there she enjoys it. Until she notices that one of the offerings at the spring is a doll stuck with pins, and it looks like Mary Roberts, one of her neighbours. Strange things are going on in the village, but Bella thinks Mary is imagining it... until she's found dead and looks as if she was scared to death. Another villager goes missing, a house is graffitied with a warning, and Mary's carving has also gone missing - what's the connection between them, and can Bella work out the truth before the killer strikes again?
Very likeable characters, lots of twists and red herrings, and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Thank you to the publisher, the author and Netgalley for the ARC.
Bella Winter owns the antique store and grumbled about getting up early with the rest of the villagers to greet the dawn at Sweet Agnes' spring on May Day - but once she's there she enjoys it. Until she notices that one of the offerings at the spring is a doll stuck with pins, and it looks like Mary Roberts, one of her neighbours. Strange things are going on in the village, but Bella thinks Mary is imagining it... until she's found dead and looks as if she was scared to death. Another villager goes missing, a house is graffitied with a warning, and Mary's carving has also gone missing - what's the connection between them, and can Bella work out the truth before the killer strikes again?
Very likeable characters, lots of twists and red herrings, and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Thank you to the publisher, the author and Netgalley for the ARC.
January 29, 2025
Thanks to Clare Chase, Bookouture, and NetGalley for access to the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This cozy, the second in the author’s Bella Winter Mystery series, takes place in the small town of Hope Eaton. The town annual greeting of the dawn on the First of May provides us with an introduction to many of the town’s characters and we begin to see that not everyone is on the best of terms. Later that day someone is found dead, but the death is ruled as due to natural causes. But Bella isn’t so sure.
I liked Bella, who is the owner of an antique store in town and the daughter of the last town cop. Bella is determined in her pursuit of the truth, and she works with her friends to understand what happened. I appreciate that Bella as the focal point of the book is a capable and engaging detective but she solved the case without using extraordinary means. Great book for lovers of a good cozy.
This cozy, the second in the author’s Bella Winter Mystery series, takes place in the small town of Hope Eaton. The town annual greeting of the dawn on the First of May provides us with an introduction to many of the town’s characters and we begin to see that not everyone is on the best of terms. Later that day someone is found dead, but the death is ruled as due to natural causes. But Bella isn’t so sure.
I liked Bella, who is the owner of an antique store in town and the daughter of the last town cop. Bella is determined in her pursuit of the truth, and she works with her friends to understand what happened. I appreciate that Bella as the focal point of the book is a capable and engaging detective but she solved the case without using extraordinary means. Great book for lovers of a good cozy.
January 30, 2025
This is the second in the rather fun cozy mystery series.
It’s the annual May Day festival and the whole village gets together to celebrate it. When a doll with pins looking like a local woman Mary is given as an offering, it is brushed off as a malicious gesture. However it soon transpires that Mary has made some enemies in the town because of her do gooding
Mary is found dead in her home and Bella discovers that someone has been trying to sabotage Mary’s attempts to sell up and move. Bella suspects that despite the police view of death by natural causes, Mary’s death is far more sinister.
Bella starts to do a little investigating, along with a little assistance from her friends.
This was a really enjoyable read, and Bella is a very likeable, quirky character. I do enjoy a well written cozy crime and this is becoming a must read series for me.
Thanks must go to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review.
It’s the annual May Day festival and the whole village gets together to celebrate it. When a doll with pins looking like a local woman Mary is given as an offering, it is brushed off as a malicious gesture. However it soon transpires that Mary has made some enemies in the town because of her do gooding
Mary is found dead in her home and Bella discovers that someone has been trying to sabotage Mary’s attempts to sell up and move. Bella suspects that despite the police view of death by natural causes, Mary’s death is far more sinister.
Bella starts to do a little investigating, along with a little assistance from her friends.
This was a really enjoyable read, and Bella is a very likeable, quirky character. I do enjoy a well written cozy crime and this is becoming a must read series for me.
Thanks must go to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review.
August 29, 2025
As an ARC reader, I was excited to dive into The Antique Store Detective and the May Day Murder. I hadn't read the first book in the series, but I was able to jump right in without any trouble, which is always a good sign. The book has a great hook with its May Day tradition and a memorable setting in a charming English village.
Antique store owner Bella Winter gets pulled into a local mystery when a strange doll-like figure appears at the town's annual spring celebration, which seems to be a threat aimed at her neighbor, Mary Roberts. The mystery is full of quirky clues, from the doll to a stolen carving, and Bella's work as an antique store owner fits well with the sleuthing.
This book is a pleasant read and a solid entry for the series. It has all the elements of a good cozy mystery, and the setting is very well-done. While it wasn't a high-stakes, edge-of-my-seat thriller, it was a comforting and enjoyable mystery. It was so pleasant, in fact, that I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series.
★★★☆☆
#TheAntiqueStoreDetectiveAndTheMayDayMurder #ClareChase #BellaWinterMystery #CozyMystery #ARC #BookReview #Bookstagram #EnglishMystery #AmateurSleuth #MayDay #Whodunnit #MysterySeries
Antique store owner Bella Winter gets pulled into a local mystery when a strange doll-like figure appears at the town's annual spring celebration, which seems to be a threat aimed at her neighbor, Mary Roberts. The mystery is full of quirky clues, from the doll to a stolen carving, and Bella's work as an antique store owner fits well with the sleuthing.
This book is a pleasant read and a solid entry for the series. It has all the elements of a good cozy mystery, and the setting is very well-done. While it wasn't a high-stakes, edge-of-my-seat thriller, it was a comforting and enjoyable mystery. It was so pleasant, in fact, that I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series.
★★★☆☆
#TheAntiqueStoreDetectiveAndTheMayDayMurder #ClareChase #BellaWinterMystery #CozyMystery #ARC #BookReview #Bookstagram #EnglishMystery #AmateurSleuth #MayDay #Whodunnit #MysterySeries
January 21, 2025
Bella Winter, owner of a village antique shop and amateur sleuth, participates in the village's annual May Day event, which involves leaving tokens and welcoming Spring at a local landmark. However, the event is not the happy experience it promises when the villagers see a voodoo-style doll resembling one of the villagers. Bella's curious nature makes investigating a complex mystery and tragic death a given. It becomes increasingly poignant as Bella discovers the victim and suspect' secrets. I like the female protagonist, the dynamic between her and her friends in the village, the complex murder mystery, and the suspense with hints of folklore superstition. It's an engaging, compelling, cosy crime story with a likeable amateur sleuth and a distinctive village setting.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
January 8, 2025
I had been looking forward to this second installment since I finished reading the first one last year, and I'm glad to report I really enjoyed following Bella Winter's new investigations.
This time, the victim seems to have been scared to death, and Bella has witnessed or heard of several suspicious events that give her a list of suspects. How could she refrain from engaging in some sleuthing again?
Now I'm sure I'll need another reminder of who's who in the Jenks family (Bella's friends, including her employee at the antique store, her neighbour and others) next time, but of course I already count that future book 3 as not to be missed.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This time, the victim seems to have been scared to death, and Bella has witnessed or heard of several suspicious events that give her a list of suspects. How could she refrain from engaging in some sleuthing again?
Now I'm sure I'll need another reminder of who's who in the Jenks family (Bella's friends, including her employee at the antique store, her neighbour and others) next time, but of course I already count that future book 3 as not to be missed.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2025
I adore the mysteries that talks about ancient tradition and show how the small town is not always a paradise where there's not pettyness and and malicious gossip.
In this second novel Bella is involved in the murder Mary, a woman who lives in the town and wants to sell her house. Mary is being terrified and feel watched and there will be a tragic turn.
Bell is involved and want to understand if Mary was frightened to dead or what happened.
There's plenty of twists in this novel, plenty of secrets and surprises. I enjoyed it and had fun.
It's a bit slow at times but it always kept my attention and turning pages.
Can't wait to read the next novel in this series, this one is delightful
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine
In this second novel Bella is involved in the murder Mary, a woman who lives in the town and wants to sell her house. Mary is being terrified and feel watched and there will be a tragic turn.
Bell is involved and want to understand if Mary was frightened to dead or what happened.
There's plenty of twists in this novel, plenty of secrets and surprises. I enjoyed it and had fun.
It's a bit slow at times but it always kept my attention and turning pages.
Can't wait to read the next novel in this series, this one is delightful
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 25, 2024
Bella Winter is establishing herself and her business in the small English community. She has a nose for murder following in the footsteps of her deceased father with whom she had an up and down relationship. Bella finds that May Day brings a murder to the village. She sees clues that the police do not want to pick up on. There is Noah--the delinquent, Adrian--in charge of the school, his wife, and the murdered Mary and her ex. Who did Mary in and why? Found it a bit confusing with all the characters and a bit slow in exposing the murderer. It is a very safe read. Thanks to Net Galley for the arc.
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