Murder at Mill Ponds House

Iris Woodmore Mysteries #6

by Michelle Salter

A BRAND NEW cozy crime story. Pre-order the next instalment in the page-turning Iris Woodmore Mysteries from Michelle Salter!

When murder hits close to home, Iris must fight to clear her name…

May 1924 Reporter Iris Woodmore plans to move to London to avoid a shocking hometown scandal. Longtime enemy Archie Powell has been threatening to reveal her darkest secret – and she’s desperate to flee before he does.

But when he’s found murdered after a violent argument with her, there’s no escape. Iris must stay and clear her name even though the truth could ruin her reputation.

With the police closing in, Iris has to find the real killer if she’s to keep her secret. Can she prove her innocence without revealing the identity of the one man who can provide her with an alibi?

A gripping new mystery for fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Verity Bright, Clara McKenna, and Helena Dixon.

Praise for the Iris Woodmore Mysteries:

'The mystery itself is intriguing, with plenty of twists and unexpected developments. If you enjoy 1920s mysteries and learning about the suffragettes and all they stood for, then I highly recommend Death at Crookham Hall.' Verity Bright, author of The Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries

'A fabulous, well-written, mystery that holds all the promise of much more to come... The Iris Woodmore mysteries are fast becoming some of my favourites.' M J Porter, author of King of Kings

'A joy to read! Such a well-researched mystery. I absolutely loved the unconventional heroine, 1920s setting, engaging characterisation and poignant ending, all of which provide a captivating start to the Iris Woodmore cosy mystery series.' Anita Davison, author of the Flora Maguire Mysteries

‘Death at Crookham Hall is a lovely, murder mystery by a gifted writer.’ Helena Dixon, author of The Miss Underhay Mysteries

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, British Literature, Fiction

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2025

About the author

Love a good mystery? You're in the right place!

Michelle Salter is a bestselling author of historical crime fiction and cozy crime novels. Her acclaimed Edwardian and 1920s murder mysteries feature suffragettes, pioneering women, Scotland Yard detectives, and shocking secrets from the First World War.

Each book can be read as a STANDALONE even if it's part of a series.

Michelle has gained a dedicated following of readers who enjoy gripping stories driven by captivating characters and ending with satisfyingly devious plot twists.

When she’s not writing, Michelle enjoys researching history, exploring Britain’s heritage, and sharing fascinating facts from the Edwardian era and Roaring Twenties on her blog and social media.

She lives in Hampshire, England, and loves reading classic crime novels, amateur sleuth mysteries, and Golden Age whodunits.

If you enjoyed reading one of Michelle's books, please take a moment to leave a review or rating.

If you'd like to receive news on competitions, signed copies, latest releases, plus a free Iris Woodmore Mystery short story, 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐲🔪
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'A fabulous murder mystery with twists and turns that had me turning the pages faster and faster.' Catherine Coles, bestselling author said of Murder at Merewood Hospital.

'If you enjoy 1920s mysteries…I highly recommend Death at Crookham Hall.' Verity Bright, bestselling author of the Lady Eleanor Swift mysteries.

'Death at Crookham Hall is a lovely murder mystery by a gifted writer.' Helena Dixon, bestselling author of the Miss Underhay mysteries.

'A joy to read! Such a well-researched mystery. I absolutely loved the unconventional heroine, 1920s setting, engaging characterisation and poignant ending, all of which provide a captivating start to the Iris Woodmore cosy mystery series.' Anita Davison, bestselling author of the Flora Maguire Mysteries.

'Fans of Anna Lee Huber and Downton Abbey will enjoy this engrossing historical crime mystery.' Tantor Media.

Reviews

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 Stars

One Liner: Good

1924, Walden

Reporter Iris Woodmore decided a move to London would be better to avoid a scandal in her hometown, Walden. When, her arch-rival, Archie Powell, is found dead, her secret could be safe.
However, Archie’s death after an argument with her doesn’t help. The spotlight is on Iris, which means her secret could be exposed anytime. Unless she finds the killer before the police do and protect her reputation.

The story comes in Iris’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts:

Considering the premise, this book wouldn’t be effective as a standalone. You’ll have to read at least the previous book and preferably the last three books to have a better idea and understand the situation. There is enough background information if you want to jump right in.

The story starts four months after the previous book ends. It’s May Day and Iris is annoyed about her situation. The murder takes a while to happen but this delay is necessary to catch up with the changes.

NGL, I was pretty irritated with the FMC in the last book. She made it hard to empathize with her even in this one but finally, she showed some promise. I like her mystery-solving brain. It’s her taste in men I find stupid. Anyway!

The dreaded nemesis is dead, and not surprisingly, there are quite a few suspects. After all, the man, despite his charming and magnetic personality, made many enemies.

There’s quite a bit of repetition with the FMC risking everything for someone who couldn’t and may not do the same for her. It was starting to grate on my nerves. She has been stuck in the loop for too long. Okay, I understand… but TBH, I can’t say he deserves what she’s putting herself through to protect him.

The mystery is well done. They are grasping at any lead and many are dead ends until a random and unexpected lead brings things together to complete the picture.

Percy comes later on and we do see some of his antics. There are new additions to the character list, and I think they will reappear in other books too. I sure am excited to see how a certain track will unfold.

The ending gives a lead to the next setting, and naturally, something will happen for Iris to investigate. I can only hope she has learned her lessons by now. Making her repeat the same mistakes would affect her arc and make readers disinterested.

To summarize, Murder at Mill Ponds House is a good continuation of the series and might be the book that marks a definite change in the FMC (if we are lucky). The mystery is cool and the pacing is decent, so give it a go if you read the series before.

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable cosy mystery. We're in Walden, in 1924 with Iris Woodmore, our main character. She's a reporter at the local paper and is lodging with friends, Millicent and Ursula. There's a character from previous books who is well known to Iris and he's an absolute royal pain in the ass. He's causing lots of trouble for her and she ends up in a right mess. Luckily she has some good friends who are always there for her and she certainly needs them now.
This is the second book I've read by this author. You can read this as a standalone but I think it would be more enjoyable to start at the beginning and work your way through. There are a lot of recurring characters and it can get confusing trying to keep track of everyone. I knew two from the previous book I read and that helped. Percy, Iris's friend, I really liked and remembered him from the other book, A Killing at Smuggler's Cove.
There are a lot of twists and turns and long time secrets unearthed. I changed my mind a couple of times on who I thought was the murderer and I still got it wrong. For me it was wholly unexpected but very satisfying.
I'm definitely going back to the start to read the books I missed. I already have the first one downloaded.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an early copy.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris has had it with Archie Powell's insinuations and snide remarks, and she's contemplating leaving home for London. Her friends know something is up, and Millicent and Ursula, her roommates and friends, also know that Iris has an out-of-town boyfriend, but nothing more about the man. Iris knows that Archie's threat of revealing the man's identity will ruin not only her reputation, but also harm her friends reputations, and likely her relationship with them, and her family.

Archie has managed to garner a lot of support in town for his work at the Mill Ponds House in preparation for providing a hostel for fellow veteran soldiers. There are already three vets there, and they're putting in the work on the grounds as best they can.

When Archie is found dead in the Mill Ponds garden, everyone is shocked, and Iris immediately comes under suspicion as she was out the same night of the murder (and meeting her London boyfriend), and people know she does not like Archie. Steadfastly refusing to reveal the name of her romantic interest to protect his reputation and family, Iris does herself no favours, but is determined to dig into the lives of the vets, Gordon and Jennifer Tolfree (who own Mill Ponds House and are busy repairing the Tolfree name after an earlier situation in town), and anyone else who might benefit by Archie's death.

Though it's not necessary to have read the previous novels in this series, it helps a lot as characters from these books feature to varying degrees, and previous relationships and investigations are referenced.

Iris has already proven she's good at snooping, and she does suss out the murderer, but it's her maturing here, and finally caring how her actions could and have affected those close to her that deepened my enjoyment of this story.

I liked the way author Michelle Salter uses the connections between characters, as well as previous incidents (from other books) to explore how Archie has wormed his way into the affections of the town. Salter also shows the contradictions in the man, and how though vindictive with Iris, he genuinely cares for his fellow vets and wants to help them as much as possible.

The mystery was compelling, but I keep returning to this series because of the characters and the historical details. I hope Salter writes more in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[TF · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book incredibly enjoyable to read, lots of suspense and unexpected twists - a perfect cozy mystery!
Set in Hampshire, in May 1924, this is the sixth book in the Iris Woodmore historical mystery series. Most of the familiar supporting characters are present - including the villainous Archie who continues to torment Iris with scandalous allegations - and some intriguing new characters make their presence felt!
If you are a fan of this series, this book won't disappoint as it builds on previous themes and wraps up a few story threads; if you are new to the series it will work well as a standalone and you'll probably want to go back and read the previous books!

Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Jeane · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is 1924 and Iris lives in her hometown Wood more. She is a journalist and very much takes part in everything going on. But then her enemy Archie moves to the same place and threatens to reveal her secret, always on the lookout for how to make her day worse. She decides to move to London to avoid a scandal in het hometown.
But Archie gets killed and Iris has to stay home to clear het name, as she had every motive of opportunity to kill Archie.

The story has everything for a good mystery story! The setting is perfect and the characters are worked out well.
The pace was for me just a tiny bit too slow, with too sometimes a bit of not needed storytelling. But it didn't stop me enjoying this story

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Mill Ponds House is the sixth title in the Iris Woodmore mystery series. I've read and thoroughly enjoyed every title, and Murder at Mill Ponds House is just as fabulous.

To wax a little lyrical, I want to say how much I love these books. I thoroughly appreciate the tight plotting and the continuity between all the books in the series. They're a joy to read because the author never drops the ball and misses out someone important, or forgets an event from an earlier book. They're also delightful to read, well-paced, and have interesting and intriguing difficulties for our main character to resolve.

I read Murder at Mill Ponds House in just two sittings, and that's only because I couldn't stay up any longer to finish the story.

A fabulous mystery, well put together, well plotted, well resolved and thoroughly enjoyable. They are a true delight, and I always know I'm in safe hands with a Michelle Salter mystery.

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mill Ponds House – one of the four manor houses near Waldemere lake – is being turned into a home for men in unfortunate circumstances. That in itself is a worthy cause, even in Iris’ eyes – was it not for the fact that the her nemesis, Archie Powell, has been put in charge of the place. Following his prison sentence for shooting at her friends, Mrs Siddons and Constance Timpson, the charismatic, but dangerous man has never forgiven Iris for betraying him to the police. So it is with mixed feelings that she goes about her job as a feature writer for the Walden Herald. Interviewing the first three residents of the home, she is curious to uncover more about the men's background, and finds that one of them seems to have secrets – and her curiosity is peaked.

When Archie is found shot, with his own rifle, there are plenty of suspects, one of whom is Iris. Archie knew about her secret love – married Belgian, Marc Jansen – and had been spreading rumours, accusing her of adultory, though there never had been any. Several of her friends would also have reason to get rid of Archie.

Can Iris prove her innocence, and help find the real murderer?

Murder at Mill Ponds House is an intriguing whodunit, with plenty of dead ends to keep you guessing. I had an inkling halfway through the novel, but had no idea about the reason, which was a very clever twist near the end.

The pace moves the story along nicely, most of the time. Iris’ worries about having to reveal details about Marc to the police do become a little repetitive, and also selfish, at times. But she does realise she needs to help her friends as much as she can.

Iris’ character continues to develop well, in an era of great change for women, and her rather unconventional outlook grows stronger. She harbours doubts about staying, or moving to London for a more anonymous and fulfilling life. Her dilemma adds a realistic slant to her otherwise rather calm life (well, apart from the various murders she has to solve!).

Murder at Mill Ponds House is a clever whodunit, with a great twist at the end that you didn't see coming. I'm looking forward to more of Iris’ adventures...

[Carlina Kinch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege of being able to read this book!

This was a good story, yes if you read enough classic mysteries youd be able to piece this book together. Despite that it was an intriguing story, well thought out and uncommon in use and I really liked it. I also really liked the main characters they were really fleshed out I know 7th book in the series but still really real and relatable.

To be honest I've never read any of these books before and didn't realize at first it was a series, but it does catch you up and you don't really feel like youve missed out anything. My biggest problem is that I've read other series of literally the same sense and read them out of order so it's not the book in a series I've not read before being the issue. It's the too many characters. I get needing characters to put a story together but for a book as short as this is there are far too many and far too many with similar names I could follow along but the constant trying to remember who is who took away from the story. This book is far too many people forward and not story forward enough, and for someone who's suppose to be a journalist, she used honestly far too many other journalists to do the work she should have been able to do herself.

Overall this was a very good story just the characters need to be pulled back and streamlined you dont need so many people at one time all the time to tell this story. It just took away from the wonderful thought put into the story that was to be told. Thank you so much again for allowing me the privilege to read this book again I really appreciate it.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is an Iris Woodmore mystery; a cosy mystery set in the 1920s. The protagonist, Iris, attends the opening ceremony of Mill Ponds hostel. She and Archie, the person employed to run the hostel, have a mutual dislike for one another. Archie knows something personal about Iris that he could use against her. When Archie is shot dead, Iris knows that she may be considered a suspect.

I've read all the previous books in the series, and followed Iris and the other characters. I really like Iris, as she's a strong protagonist, and every time I read about her, I feel a connection with her narrative. I appreciate the bonds Iris shares with the other characters, like Elijah and Marc. Although I disliked Archie’s treatment of Iris, I wanted to know the truth about what happened.

This latest instalment was another entertaining mystery that kept me guessing. If you haven't read the other books in the series, I'd say there's enough background information for it to work as a standalone, but if you enjoy cosy mysteries, I would recommend the previous books in the series as well.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The small town of Walden never asked for a bad man like Archibald Powell. A misogynist who attempted to kill businesswoman Constance Timoson and Mrs. Siddons, MP with a riffle. Stripped of his ecclesiastical office and after serving time in prison, he has been given a new chance and is back at Walden behaving like the awful nasty man he is. He has set his eyes on Iris, the local journalist and someone he may have had feelings for in the past. He also hates her because she is the one who turned him in when he went on his killing spree. Archie believes to have information on Iris that if she doesn't leave him alone and support his cause, he will release Iris' secret. However, Archie doesnt get a chance to cause much harm because he is immediately found dead, killed with his own rifle. All witnesses and circumstantial evidence point to Iris. It is now up to Iris, Elijah her editor and Sergeant Ben Gilbert to find out who of all the residents of their small town hated Archie the most to see him dead.

Deliciously suspenseful, A Murder At Mill Ponds will have you wondering how the death and murderer were connected and why!

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this cozy small town murder mystery.

[Swapna Peri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh, Michelle Salter is 'back at it again', and I couldn’t wait to dive into the latest Iris Woodmore mystery—"Murder at Mill Ponds House"! Set in the spring of 1924, this one had all the cozy charm I expected…with a thick layer of scandal and suspense. Iris is on the run from a long-kept secret and an old nemesis, Archie Powell, who’s fresh out of jail and more annoying than ever. Just as she tries to escape him, 'bam!'—he ends up murdered, and guess who looks 'real' guilty? Yep… Iris. 😬

As much as I adore this series (and I really do—historical murder mysteries with fierce, complicated women? Yes, please!), I 'did' find myself wanting to shake Iris a bit. She's still fumbling through the same personal drama, making the same impulsive decisions, and getting tangled up in romantic entanglements she should’ve learned to avoid by now. That said, the mystery plot was juicy—full of red herrings, secret motives, and a few solid “Wait, what?!” moments. The reveal of the killer? Chef’s kiss. If you’ve been following Iris’ adventures, this one is worth the ride. But if you're new to Waldenmere’s deadly little secrets, definitely start from the beginning—you’re in for a twisty treat! 🕵️‍♀️📚💀

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the latest Iris Woodmore mystery novel, readers join Iris in 1924 where she hopes to make a fresh start in London, away from the hometown scandal darkening her door. When her longtime enemy Archie Powell keeps threatening to reveal Iris’s biggest secret, she’s more desperate than ever to leave, but when he is found murdered after having a violent argument with Iris, she has to stay in her hometown for one last investigation -- this time when she is the prime suspect. Iris can prove she didn’t kill Archie, but it would reveal the identity of her alibi, and doing so could ruin her reputation, so readers follow Iris along as she negotiates this complicated investigation. A fantastic continuation of this historical mystery series, readers will love the higher stakes, new environment, and cast of characters, and Salter has done an incredible job bringing the two settings of Mill Ponds and London to life in such detail. Iris continues to be a complicated and interesting protagonist who goes through some particularly formative challenges in this novel, and readers will enjoy the added depth to her character when she is forced to operate under such dire circumstances in this fun and cozy historical mystery novel.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed each book featuring reporter Iris. She is a modern woman as she pushes the boundaries of what society expects of the “weaker sex”. She is strong and courageous and not afraid to stand her ground. But her nemesis, whom she helped put behind bars, is back in the village and charming people left and right. Iris, however, knows his darker side which he happily demonstrates to her by threatening to reveal secrets she would rather remain hidden. In fact, he takes great pleasure in calling her out publicly so when he is found murdered, Iris is a reasonable suspect.

Sadly many of the people who should know better have been so bamboozled by the deceased that they believe the rumours about Iris. She struggles to prove her innocence while trying to keep her personal relationships private. Things go from bad to worse and there is a very good chance that she will be revealed in all her foibles. I find her adventures exciting and her character compelling. I did suss out the killer but for different reasons than I had suspected. And that was not the only epic twist. I was entertained from start to finish. Five purrs and two paws up.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris Woodmore is not happy that Archie Powell has settled in her village. She is even considering moving to London to avoid him. Therefore she is the prime suspect when Archie is murdered...
Murder at Mill Ponds House is the 6th book in the Iris Woodmore series of cosy murder mysteries set in the 1920s. I would advise reading the series in order as parts of the plot refer to events in earlier books.
Iris and Archie are sworn enemies due to his criminal past which he blames on her. However when he is killed she certainly isn't gleeful despite their animosity. She finds herself suspected of the murder as she tries to keep a secret from the police. The only way to protect her secret is to catch the killer herself.
There is a traditional feel to this book thanks to the era it depicts. The impact of WW1 is felt by almost every character and the social, gender and class norms are challenged. I really liked Iris' character and the use of her first person narration allows us to better understand her thoughts and actions.
Murder at Mill Ponds House is an enjoyable murder mystery that kept me guessing.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven't read any of the previous books in series, you might feel a bit lost at the beginning, but there is plenty of opportunity to catch up within the story and will probably go back and read the earlier ones.
As I have already been following the series, I thought it was great. Iris is in her home county and is pleased that some friends have established a hostel for unemployed veterans. Until a nasty enemy proves to be the building manager who has her in his sights for extortion and embarrassment. Yes, he is the toad who gets murdered, and Iris has a difficult time with those who believe that she is the main suspect.
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected ebook file from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you! Avail Mar 09, 2025
#AMurderatMillPonds by @michellesalter_writer #IrisWoodmoreMysteriesBk6 #theboldbookclub
#NetGalley #goodreads #bookbub #librarythingofficial #barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo #Waterstones #England #CozyMurder #historicalMystery #newspaperReporter #1920s #stalker #extortion

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

May, 1024. Reporter Iris Woodmore plans to move to London to avoid a shocking hometown scandal. Longtime enemy, Archie Powell, has been threatening to reveal her darkest secret - and she's desperate to flee before he does. But when he's found murdered after a violent argument with her, there's no escape. Iris must stay to clear her name even though the truth could ruin her reputation. With the police closing in, Iris has to find the real killer if she's to keep her secret.

Iris Woodmore is a reporter for the local paper. She lodges with her friends Ursula and Millicent. The characters are all back with the addition of some new. When Archie is found dead, the prime suspect is Iris. \the pace is steady, there were twists and red herrings, and the characters are well-fleshed out. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

Published 9th March 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #MichelleSalter for my ARC of #MurderAtMillPondsHouse in exchange for an honest review.

[Beachcomber · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This is the sixth book in the Iris Woodmore series which sees her continue as a journalist in Walden, in 1924. Her nemesis Archie is back in town and now managing a hostel for retired and injured servicemen, and looks set to continue making trouble for Iris… until he is killed and Iris is the prime suspect.

All the characters we like (or like to hate!) are here, minus Iris’ father and step mother who are on holiday so only mentioned in passing. There’s decent mystery and a few twists and turns. I don’t guess whodunnit, though I did guess some of what happened and why. And after Archie took up energy in the last few books, I am glad that particular aspect of the books has been wrapped up. Better to use it well for a short time that let it drag on too long so kudos for that.

Already looking forward to book 7!

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a cosy mix of murder mystery and 1920s politics and society. Iris Woodmore is a provincial journalist and an unconventional woman who epitomises the social and political change in England in the 1920s. Iris is surrounded by a diverse and supportive group of friends, but she is less successful in her romantic relationships., Her latest proves to be the source of scandal in the small Hampshire town where she lives and works. This story draws on earlier events in the series and reintroduces familiar characters alongside new ones. The suspicious death puts Iris in the suspect role, and investigating the death becomes essential to save her liberty and reputation. I like Iris, a trailblazer and compassionate protagonist with a vulnerable heart. I enjoyed the 1920s world the author creates and the twisty mystery. The suspense builds to a climactic conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Inishowen Cailín · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at Mill Pond's House is the sixth in the Iris Woodmore series. Set in Hampshire in 1924, Iris finds herself identified as the main suspect in the murder of her longtime enemy, Archie Powell.
The plot and series, in general, are so well plotted that I never know what's going to happen next. The identity of the killer had me guessing all the way through, and I didn't figure it out until the end.
Iris is a very unconventional heroine with an unconventional love life. I would need a crystal ball to figure out which male character I should be rooting for, although Percy is such a dote. It would be nice to have a proper romantic thread running through the series, even if it takes Iris some time to unwind it.
Murder at Mill Pond's House is a class whodunit with a recurring cast of characters. I recommend you read the previous books to avoid any confusion and to get to know these wonderful characters better.

[Karren Hodgkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

It feels like we're back on track.

I have read all the books in the series and didn't quite gel with the last couple. Readable but a little predictable. This one had a more intriguing story and a really interesting cast of characters. Iris is evolving even more as. a character and shows great maturity, understanding th impact of perceptions on her family, friends and community. It adds depth to the read. The continuation of a storyline from previous books, reached finality. It is time to move on. It's four stars out of five on the enjoyment scale.

With thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Daria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reporter Iris Woodmore investigates a murder at a newly opened hostel for unemployed veterans and at the same time is a suspect in the murder, as the victim is someone she knew well. Murder at Mill Ponds House is the 6th book in the series and brings to an end several threads that have run throughout the series. Several recurring characters appear, which may make the book difficult to follow for first-time readers of the series. Hopefully the conclusion of these storylines will allow Iris to move forward in her relationships and career. Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Boldwood Books for the eARC.

[James A. Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can Secrets Kill?

The village is buzzing about the hostel for World War 1 veterans being opened at one of the grand houses overlooking the beautiful lake that takes its name from the village. The defrocked priest that our heroine sent to prison for shooting at two of her friends has maneuvered his way into managing the new effort. He is making life difficult for our protagonist when someone kills him in the garden of the hostel. As they gather testimony the police suspect our amateur sleuth. Unraveling the twisted web on lies and half truths she slowly learns the truth. This one is a slow boil that makes a great read!

[Georgina Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another ‘20’s cosy mystery from Michelle with Iris as the main character and this time, murder suspect. Her volatile relationship with Archie is the focus this time, and when he turns up dead, she’s the main suspect. Witnesses see her slap him and hours later, he’s dead. Now it’s her turn to clear her name.

As usual, her friends rally round to help prove her innocence and clear her name before she flees for good to London. Should she leave her home town or stay and fight? There’s a few suspects throughout and some secrets that people would prefer to remain hidden that have a nasty habit of revealing themselves.

Brilliant cosy mystery series that gets better with each book, and I can’t wait for the next one.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1924 England, reporter Iris fears blackmailer Archie will reveal her potentially scandalous secret. When Archie is murdered after arguing with her, Iris must find the real killer while hiding the identity of the one person who can provide her alibi.

Another fun cozy mystery in the series! I’m glad Archie is gone. I’m eager to see how Iris’s character will grow now that she’s free of him. The mystery is high stakes and kept me guessing. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for this ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in the "Iris Woodmore Mysteries" series.

The book has a solid plot and good development. It is a very interesting murder mystery which had me guessing throughout, but I was still confusing some of the main characters. Even after reading book 5 and 6, I still have a hard time feeling empathy for Iris, who is also the narrator, however she does a good job solving the mystery.

I might go back sometime and read the first books in the series to find out who Alice is, but I'm in no hurry.

I obtained an advance copy of this book via NetGalley.

[Nadine-Sue Sargent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cosy mystery set after WW1. Iris seems a headstrong but sensible woman that doesn't always make the best choices were romantic partners are concerned. Her past with Archie comes back to haunt her and we follow her journey into solving a murder in what seems a normally decent little community - well, with the exception of Archie.

I liked the slow pace as we were introduced to characters and their backgrounds/connections. Many could have had a motive for being the killer but on the whole many seemed too decent with some naively thinking the victim had reformed.

[Courtney Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder At Mill Ponds House is a quick read with a slow burn and lots of mystery. Charming characters and a cozy setting are everything you desire in a historical mystery. The twists at the end were surprising.
This is Book 6 in the Iris Woodmore Mysteries series. You can read it as a standalone but you will not have the knowledge of relationships and prior experiences when reading references in this book.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this series that has improved more and more over the series. The characters have developed over time which is nice and mystery itself is intriguing, with plenty of twists and unexpected developments. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in one sitting

I bought this book having Just finished The Corpse in Christmas Close, and I’m so glad I did. Such a gripping read, and Iris and her friends impress me more with each book. The plot was intriguing and I fell so at home in Walden! I hope there are going to be more Iris Woodmore books.

[Ppcfransen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1920s Brittain. It captures the atmosphere of the time really well.

A man that tried to blackmail Iris, a former lover too, is murdered. Iris has some urgency to prove her innocence and even more urgency to protect her secrets. The victim had many character flaws, but which did finally catch up with him?

I read an ARC through NetGalley.