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The Charity Shop Detective Agency #4
The Vanilla Killer
Put the kettle on and discover an utterly charming murder mystery set in a sleepy English seaside town.
It’s a perfect summer’s day in Southbourne. And Partial Sue’s in one of her rare generous moods. She wants to treat all the ladies of the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop to supper.
But before the ladies can shut up shop and head to the chippie, the air is filled with the strains of ‘Greensleeves’. And a clapped-out old ice-cream van lurches into view. The gang can barely believe their eyes. Especially when they see who’s behind the wheel. Daisy’s daughter Bella.
Newly divorced Bella’s only just rid herself of her rotten husband. Now she’s landed herself in an even stickier situation. This banger may be stocked with sweet treats, but its freezer once held something much more sinister — the dead body of its former owner!
Everyone in the village knows the van’s sinister history. Except poor Bella. The culprit slipped away without a trace. But the village folk all say it’s just a matter of time until the Vanilla Killer strikes again!
When Bella starts receiving poison pen letters, the ladies can’t help but worry. What if their beloved Bella’s next?
There’s only one thing for it, the ladies agree over a steaming pot of tea. They need to put the Vanilla Killer on ice . . . before anyone else dies.
It’s a perfect summer’s day in Southbourne. And Partial Sue’s in one of her rare generous moods. She wants to treat all the ladies of the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop to supper.
But before the ladies can shut up shop and head to the chippie, the air is filled with the strains of ‘Greensleeves’. And a clapped-out old ice-cream van lurches into view. The gang can barely believe their eyes. Especially when they see who’s behind the wheel. Daisy’s daughter Bella.
Newly divorced Bella’s only just rid herself of her rotten husband. Now she’s landed herself in an even stickier situation. This banger may be stocked with sweet treats, but its freezer once held something much more sinister — the dead body of its former owner!
Everyone in the village knows the van’s sinister history. Except poor Bella. The culprit slipped away without a trace. But the village folk all say it’s just a matter of time until the Vanilla Killer strikes again!
When Bella starts receiving poison pen letters, the ladies can’t help but worry. What if their beloved Bella’s next?
There’s only one thing for it, the ladies agree over a steaming pot of tea. They need to put the Vanilla Killer on ice . . . before anyone else dies.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2024
583 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
November 20, 2024
The fourth installment in the Charity Shop Detectives series starts out with Daisy's recently-divorced daughter buying an ice cream van. When someone leaves a nasty note and slashes her tires, Fiona, Daisy, and Partial Sue are on the case. They're convinced that an Ice Cream Mafia is at work. Reading this book requires the reader to suspend disbelief. A lot. Would the local police really get a warrant to look into a local business just on the ladies' say so? Would three older women take on a mysterious drug dealer themselves without notifying the police? Would strangers really submit willingly to questioning by these women? The characters are likable, but the story line is somewhat unbelievable. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
December 15, 2024
When Daisy's recently-divorced daughter Bella invests in an icecream van, she brings more than just frozen treats and Greensleeves to the door of the Charity Shop Detective Agency. Because, unbeknownst to her, Bella's van has a dark past and the icecream scene in Southbourne is hiding some dangerous secrets. Then when Bella begins to receive anonymous threats, Daisy, Fiona and Partial Sue swoop in to try to catch the Vanilla Killer before any harm can come to her.
I think this is my favourite instalment to date. Boland has reigned in the (charming) wittering of the older ladies - a little - and that has had a positive effect on the pace of the story. There's much more action, and to his credit, I did not identify the villain until their identity was revealed. The Epilogue was clever and had me literally laughing out loud.
A great holiday read.
With thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an eARC to read and review.
I think this is my favourite instalment to date. Boland has reigned in the (charming) wittering of the older ladies - a little - and that has had a positive effect on the pace of the story. There's much more action, and to his credit, I did not identify the villain until their identity was revealed. The Epilogue was clever and had me literally laughing out loud.
A great holiday read.
With thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an eARC to read and review.
December 6, 2024
Daisy's daughter Bella has moved home and tried to make something of herself post-divorce. She lands on buying an ice cream truck and becoming an entrepreneur. Unfortunately for her, she's purchased a previous murder scene and embroiled herself in the midst of an ice cream mafia. The ladies of Dogs Need Nice Homes are set on solving the mystery and saving Bella.
*****
I really wanted to like this novel. It seemed like such a fun, quirky read to dive into. Unfortunately, I found it tedious, cheesy, poorly paced, and uninteresting. The entirety of the novel hinges on suspending belief to an unreal degree. You're meant to believe a group of random women not only have figured out the exact base of a crime from rumours, but that they can impersonate detectives without issue and question anyone they wish to with no fall back. They can get a drug search warrant called in on a whim, catch multiple leads of interest by fumbling through it, and get a scooby-doo like confession wrapped up in a tidy bow. It was hundreds of pages of circular and very dry dialogue that meandered all over the place. I think it was supposed to present as quirky banter, but instead, it was flat, droll, and had me fighting myself to pull through. The book didn't have any pick up in interest until around the 60% mark, and even then, it was dragged out to boredom, then wrapped up in such an outlandish way that it was less than satisfactory.
I wouldn't recommend this book if you're looking for exciting twists, nor a cozy mystery, as it just didn't hold up to what it promises.
*****
Thank you, NetGalley and Joffe Books, for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
I really wanted to like this novel. It seemed like such a fun, quirky read to dive into. Unfortunately, I found it tedious, cheesy, poorly paced, and uninteresting. The entirety of the novel hinges on suspending belief to an unreal degree. You're meant to believe a group of random women not only have figured out the exact base of a crime from rumours, but that they can impersonate detectives without issue and question anyone they wish to with no fall back. They can get a drug search warrant called in on a whim, catch multiple leads of interest by fumbling through it, and get a scooby-doo like confession wrapped up in a tidy bow. It was hundreds of pages of circular and very dry dialogue that meandered all over the place. I think it was supposed to present as quirky banter, but instead, it was flat, droll, and had me fighting myself to pull through. The book didn't have any pick up in interest until around the 60% mark, and even then, it was dragged out to boredom, then wrapped up in such an outlandish way that it was less than satisfactory.
I wouldn't recommend this book if you're looking for exciting twists, nor a cozy mystery, as it just didn't hold up to what it promises.
*****
Thank you, NetGalley and Joffe Books, for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 13, 2024
Oh my, this might be the fourth book in a series that I've not read before - but there was something about this front cover and the premise of the storyline that had me hooked.
I wasn't sure what to expect having not read this author before - but this was a brilliant introduction to this series and I can't wait to go back and catch up with the first 3 books!
These characters were definitely already well established - but with such a quirky and diverse group, I couldn't help but become attached.
I used to love hearing the ice cream van arriving on our street when I was a youngster and so having the focus on the van and it's previous - then current owner, this brought back some lovely memories - that is until it's history came to light!!
The case itself was well worked through and I loved following all the clues to try and find out what happened in the past and the attempt to save Daisy succumbing to the same fate.
There were a lot of red herrings throughout and I kept changing my mind about what happened and who to trust - but everything was tied up nicely and brought to a good conclusion.
The writing had me hooked right from the start and there were lots of laughs along the way too.
The perfect cosy crime and a series I know I'll be following in the future.
I wasn't sure what to expect having not read this author before - but this was a brilliant introduction to this series and I can't wait to go back and catch up with the first 3 books!
These characters were definitely already well established - but with such a quirky and diverse group, I couldn't help but become attached.
I used to love hearing the ice cream van arriving on our street when I was a youngster and so having the focus on the van and it's previous - then current owner, this brought back some lovely memories - that is until it's history came to light!!
The case itself was well worked through and I loved following all the clues to try and find out what happened in the past and the attempt to save Daisy succumbing to the same fate.
There were a lot of red herrings throughout and I kept changing my mind about what happened and who to trust - but everything was tied up nicely and brought to a good conclusion.
The writing had me hooked right from the start and there were lots of laughs along the way too.
The perfect cosy crime and a series I know I'll be following in the future.
May 23, 2025
3.5🌟
Audiobook
I liked this fourth visit to the charity shop. Like these three amateur sleuths, I didn’t identify the killer ahead of time, so I definitely enjoyed how the bad guys got their comeuppance (that included the secondary bad guy at the end of the novel). Since I am not a fan of tea, all the servings of that beverage gets a bit old for me, but it didn’t spoil the story.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Audiobook
I liked this fourth visit to the charity shop. Like these three amateur sleuths, I didn’t identify the killer ahead of time, so I definitely enjoyed how the bad guys got their comeuppance (that included the secondary bad guy at the end of the novel). Since I am not a fan of tea, all the servings of that beverage gets a bit old for me, but it didn’t spoil the story.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
December 9, 2024
It’s a perfect summer’s day in Southbourne. And Partial Sue’s in one of her rare generous moods. She wants to treat all the ladies of the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop to supper. But before the ladies can shut up shop and head to the chippie, the air is filled with the strains of ‘Greensleeves’. And a clapped-out old ice-cream van lurches into view. The gang can barely believe their eyes. Especially when they see who’s behind the wheel. Daisy’s recently divorced daughter Bella. The van‘s freezer once held the dead body of its former owner! Everyone in the village knows the van’s sinister history. Except poor Bella.
When Bella starts receiving poison pen letters, the ladies can’t help but worry.
The fourth outing for the ladies & another enjoyable but unbelievable cosy mystery. Whilst I had to suspend belief I also was engrossed in this almost tongue in cheek mystery. I love the ladies, they are eccentric & make me smile. It’s pure unadulterated fiction but also fun, witty & definitely feel good. If you want a few hours of escapism in a cosy mystery delve in
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
When Bella starts receiving poison pen letters, the ladies can’t help but worry.
The fourth outing for the ladies & another enjoyable but unbelievable cosy mystery. Whilst I had to suspend belief I also was engrossed in this almost tongue in cheek mystery. I love the ladies, they are eccentric & make me smile. It’s pure unadulterated fiction but also fun, witty & definitely feel good. If you want a few hours of escapism in a cosy mystery delve in
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
November 18, 2024
The ladies of the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop are looney, loopy, and tons of silly verbal fun. They also solve murders in unexpected ways. This time the daughter of one of them is in Divorce Depression and buys a used Ice Cream Truck and finds out that the previous owner was murdered and stuffed into the freezer. Evidently he was done in by a criminal gang known as The Ice Cream Mafia, but the police can't locate the gang or prove whodunit. Through plot twists and outrageous red herrings, the ladies hand the answers to the local police.
Definitely NOT an unbiased review because I LOVE this fun series (especially after reading war nonfiction). Definitely "feel good" books.
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected proof copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thanks for the fun!
Avail December 17, 2024 #TheVanillaKiller by @PeterBoland19 @JoffeBooks #NetGalley #CharityShopDetectiveAgencyMysteriesBk4 #CozyMystery #LaughYourSoxOff
Definitely NOT an unbiased review because I LOVE this fun series (especially after reading war nonfiction). Definitely "feel good" books.
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected proof copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thanks for the fun!
Avail December 17, 2024 #TheVanillaKiller by @PeterBoland19 @JoffeBooks #NetGalley #CharityShopDetectiveAgencyMysteriesBk4 #CozyMystery #LaughYourSoxOff
November 15, 2024
Cozy crime at it’s very best!
Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue are absolutely brilliant characters, who work in a charity shop in Southbourne, which just happens to be where I grew up!
When Daisy’s daughter, Bella, buys an ice cream van, she starts receiving threats. When Daisy realises that Bella’s van was previously the scene of a murder, the ladies realise they are up against The Ice Cream Mafia and in order to keep Bella safe, they need to solve the murder. Hilarity ensues as they set out to bring down a criminal gang, but these streetwise ladies aren’t easily fooled, despite the criminals’ very best efforts!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Peter Boland and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue are absolutely brilliant characters, who work in a charity shop in Southbourne, which just happens to be where I grew up!
When Daisy’s daughter, Bella, buys an ice cream van, she starts receiving threats. When Daisy realises that Bella’s van was previously the scene of a murder, the ladies realise they are up against The Ice Cream Mafia and in order to keep Bella safe, they need to solve the murder. Hilarity ensues as they set out to bring down a criminal gang, but these streetwise ladies aren’t easily fooled, despite the criminals’ very best efforts!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Peter Boland and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
December 25, 2024
A fun cozy mystery that takes you on so many twists and turns. At first, it didn't grab my attention and I couldn't really get behind some of the stuff that happened in this book, but it was still an enjoyable read. I was surprised by the ending, and am glad with how everything turned out. The characters were a fun group of older women, who take matters into their own hands when one of their daughters buys an ice cream truck, and ends up getting threatened, leading them to believe it is related to an old murder of the owner of that same ice cream truck.
January 14, 2025
3.25 stars (Kindle). This started off on the wrong foot for me by changing the format of the prologue. Jarring as it was, I still got caught up in story, despite it being centered on ice cream trucks (of which most kids of the 70s + 80s in the U.S. are justifiably creeped out about).
October 25, 2025
I enjoy my visits with these quirky characters! I look forward to many more!
December 16, 2024
Three pensioners and a dog named Simon Le Bon investigate a cold case, excuse the pun, (no not a historic murder, but a body in the freezer of an ice cream van) in this cosy mystery. In reality the dog doesn’t do much investigating, but he can spot a sweet treat at a hundred paces. Always useful at a dessert-based crime scene.
I’m used to reading gritty crime thrillers, but every now and again I like to delve into lighter genres and this was hilarious. The humour is often quite subtle and I did wonder if everyone would get all the jokes and references. I got vibes of the sitcom Jam and Jerusalem, set in Clatterford, a fictional village in England, and the silliness of it all. But our three brave women investigators are much cleverer.
The Vanilla Killer is set in Southbourne, on the south coast near Bournemouth. It appears to exist. The main characters are Fiona, Partial Sue, and Daisy, plus Daisy’s daughter Bella, who has inadvertently become the new owner of the ‘haunted’ ice cream van. They run the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop. There are lots of other characters, like snobby Sophie from the Cats Alliance over the road, and the Wicker Man who pops in from time to time. I haven’t read the first three books so I don’t know the origin of the nicknames.
There is a lot of tea drinking going on all the time, but as we know, it’s the (very British) solution to everything, though there are times when only a gin and tonic will do. Just my opinion!
The book is a great romp of a cosy mystery and I feel I really should read the other three books next time I am in Bournemouth – we went there a lot pre-pandemic – in fact I swam the Bournemouth to Boscombe Pier-to-Pier in 2017.
Incidentally, for those of us who remember, I did love an orange Mivvi, never a strawberry fan.
Many thanks to @ZooloosBT for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
I’m used to reading gritty crime thrillers, but every now and again I like to delve into lighter genres and this was hilarious. The humour is often quite subtle and I did wonder if everyone would get all the jokes and references. I got vibes of the sitcom Jam and Jerusalem, set in Clatterford, a fictional village in England, and the silliness of it all. But our three brave women investigators are much cleverer.
The Vanilla Killer is set in Southbourne, on the south coast near Bournemouth. It appears to exist. The main characters are Fiona, Partial Sue, and Daisy, plus Daisy’s daughter Bella, who has inadvertently become the new owner of the ‘haunted’ ice cream van. They run the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop. There are lots of other characters, like snobby Sophie from the Cats Alliance over the road, and the Wicker Man who pops in from time to time. I haven’t read the first three books so I don’t know the origin of the nicknames.
There is a lot of tea drinking going on all the time, but as we know, it’s the (very British) solution to everything, though there are times when only a gin and tonic will do. Just my opinion!
The book is a great romp of a cosy mystery and I feel I really should read the other three books next time I am in Bournemouth – we went there a lot pre-pandemic – in fact I swam the Bournemouth to Boscombe Pier-to-Pier in 2017.
Incidentally, for those of us who remember, I did love an orange Mivvi, never a strawberry fan.
Many thanks to @ZooloosBT for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
November 17, 2024
This book is an engaging and clever cozy crime novel that blends mystery with a delightful sense of humor.
Set in a small town, the story follows an interesting group of characters as they unravel a murder connected to the ice cream van owned by one of the characters.
The book picks up very quickly and contains some twists I could not have predicted myself. I found myself not being able to stop reading the book. If you love cozy mystery books blended with a delightful sense of humor this is definitely the book for you !
* thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review 🤍
Set in a small town, the story follows an interesting group of characters as they unravel a murder connected to the ice cream van owned by one of the characters.
The book picks up very quickly and contains some twists I could not have predicted myself. I found myself not being able to stop reading the book. If you love cozy mystery books blended with a delightful sense of humor this is definitely the book for you !
* thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review 🤍
December 19, 2024
The vanilla killer by Peter Boland.
The Charity Shop Detective Agency Mysteries Book 4.
I really did enjoy this book. I love this series. Partial Sue, Fiona, and Daisy are back. I did feel for Bella Daisy's daughter. I certainly didn't like Sophie or Alan. I was unsure about Jed. It certainly wasn't who I thought it was. I was definitely surprised. Twisty and gripping. I read this book in two sittings. I definitely didn't see another twist. I would definitely recommend this book
The Charity Shop Detective Agency Mysteries Book 4.
I really did enjoy this book. I love this series. Partial Sue, Fiona, and Daisy are back. I did feel for Bella Daisy's daughter. I certainly didn't like Sophie or Alan. I was unsure about Jed. It certainly wasn't who I thought it was. I was definitely surprised. Twisty and gripping. I read this book in two sittings. I definitely didn't see another twist. I would definitely recommend this book
March 30, 2025
I am really disappointed with this book. I absolutely loved the first 3 in the series but this one was absolutely ridiculous. If you get past the walking a dog in the summer heat, the shutting of the charity shop often enough that they would have absolutely been relieved of their work and the stupid mistakes they seem to make then you get presented with a ridiculous ‘plot twist’ of an ice cream mafia. It wasn’t a plot twist it was a let down and solved in the most ridiculous way possible. I got very bored about 60% and I would hardly say I was surprised who the killer was. I really hope the next book is better. It felt like the author was trying to copy Richard Osman’s book but absolutely failed
January 4, 2025
3.5 Rounded up
Ridiculous plot, further so from the original three books but a comforting, easy read
Ridiculous plot, further so from the original three books but a comforting, easy read
August 21, 2025
This was for sure the best of the series. I feel like the author finally has the characters figured out. There was a few silly parts, but I laughed a lot and the flow of the book was great.
December 10, 2024
Boland always brings the laughs! This is the third story in the Charity Shop Detective Agency series, and it’s just as cozy, delightful, and hilarious as ever. Fans of the series will be thrilled to find that all the quirky charm and humor they’ve come to expect are back in full force, with a new mystery that keeps readers guessing and giggling.
The story kicks off with Daisy’s daughter, Bella, in need of a change. Having recently left her husband (which deserves a cheer—hurrah!), Bella is stuck in a bit of a rut, spending far too much time on the couch. Daisy, determined to help her daughter get back on her feet, gives her a gentle nudge to find some purpose again. After a bit of consideration and a lot of encouragement, Daisy decides to purchase an ice cream truck. It seems like a wonderful way for Bella to earn some money, get outside, and interact with the community—what could go wrong?
The ladies of the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop are both charmed and slightly wary of this new venture. There’s something about the truck that seems oddly familiar, and soon enough, they realize why: isn’t this the very same truck that was once involved in an… incident? The truck’s mysterious past only adds to the intrigue, and when Bella starts receiving a series of threatening notes, the plot thickens. Suddenly, what seemed like an innocent plan to get Bella back on her feet becomes a dangerous and puzzling situation. Who is sending these notes, and are they related to the truck’s history? Could Bella actually be in danger?
Naturally, the ladies of the charity shop can’t resist the lure of a good mystery. Partial Sue, Daisy, and the rest of the team jump into action. determined to get to the bottom of the threats and uncover the truth behind the truck’s shadowy past. As always, they go about it in their signature style—with plenty of tea, a good chat, and more than a few laughs along the way.
In true Boland form, the mystery is solved in the most charming and unexpected way, with the help of the Charity Shop Detective Agency's trademark blend of intuition, tea breaks, and good old-fashioned sleuthing. The story is full of delightful twists and turns, and by the time the final clues fall into place, readers will be both surprised and satisfied by the conclusion.
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, charming characters, and stories that make you laugh out loud, The Vanilla Killer will not disappoint. Boland’s ability to create a cozy atmosphere while keeping you engaged with a compelling mystery is unmatched, and this third installment proves once again why the Charity Shop Detective Agency series is such a gem. thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books!
The story kicks off with Daisy’s daughter, Bella, in need of a change. Having recently left her husband (which deserves a cheer—hurrah!), Bella is stuck in a bit of a rut, spending far too much time on the couch. Daisy, determined to help her daughter get back on her feet, gives her a gentle nudge to find some purpose again. After a bit of consideration and a lot of encouragement, Daisy decides to purchase an ice cream truck. It seems like a wonderful way for Bella to earn some money, get outside, and interact with the community—what could go wrong?
The ladies of the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop are both charmed and slightly wary of this new venture. There’s something about the truck that seems oddly familiar, and soon enough, they realize why: isn’t this the very same truck that was once involved in an… incident? The truck’s mysterious past only adds to the intrigue, and when Bella starts receiving a series of threatening notes, the plot thickens. Suddenly, what seemed like an innocent plan to get Bella back on her feet becomes a dangerous and puzzling situation. Who is sending these notes, and are they related to the truck’s history? Could Bella actually be in danger?
Naturally, the ladies of the charity shop can’t resist the lure of a good mystery. Partial Sue, Daisy, and the rest of the team jump into action. determined to get to the bottom of the threats and uncover the truth behind the truck’s shadowy past. As always, they go about it in their signature style—with plenty of tea, a good chat, and more than a few laughs along the way.
In true Boland form, the mystery is solved in the most charming and unexpected way, with the help of the Charity Shop Detective Agency's trademark blend of intuition, tea breaks, and good old-fashioned sleuthing. The story is full of delightful twists and turns, and by the time the final clues fall into place, readers will be both surprised and satisfied by the conclusion.
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, charming characters, and stories that make you laugh out loud, The Vanilla Killer will not disappoint. Boland’s ability to create a cozy atmosphere while keeping you engaged with a compelling mystery is unmatched, and this third installment proves once again why the Charity Shop Detective Agency series is such a gem. thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books!
January 2, 2025
Here is my review for The Vanilla Killer by Peter Boland
I truly enjoyed reading this cozy crime mystery straight away right from the start. The three ladies, Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue who run the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop are three retired ladies who sometimes partake in detective duties when the need arises. Otherwise you may find them in the charity shop having a quiet cup of tea from an old brown chipped teapot. Daisy had been talking to the others about her daughter, Bella, going job hunting that day and they all wished her luck. Just as they are closing, Bella turns up in an old ice-cream van and stops outside their door. She is full of smiles at her purchase and so happy about her new job but after a few questions from her mum and her friends, she isn’t so happy anymore. She leaves them saying she is going to buy stock. The ladies go back to the shop for a cup of tea. Fiona and Partial Sue saw the character on the front and are remembering the van’s past owner who met a grisly end. He was found in a freezer on the van and they haven’t found the killer yet. Do they tell Daisy? This was a fantastic read. The author made it an interesting read with some facts and figures that only research could have found out. This was a fascinating storyline and I found it enjoyable. The book was exceptionally written and the plot seemed to follow a natural course. It was the first time I have read this series although this is book four but my enjoyment wasn’t spoiled. It seems like a great series.
Blurb :
One sleepy seaside town. Three old friends, who love a natter and a cuppa. A killer who’s anything but vanilla.
It’s the end of a long day at the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop. Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue, the three retired ladies who volunteer there, are ready to lock up for the night.
The chippie is beckoning. But supper will have to wait.
The ladies watch aghast as a clapped-out ice-cream van lurches up to their door. With Daisy’s daughter Bella behind the wheel!
Newly divorced Bella has only just gotten rid of her rotten husband. Now she’s bought herself a van — and a whole world of trouble. Because this is a van with a history.
Its freezer may be stocked with sweet treats today, but it once held something much more sinister. The dead body of its former owner!
The culprit, known only as the Vanilla Killer, melted away without a trace.
When Bella starts receiving poison pen letters, the ladies can’t help but worry. What if their beloved Bella’s next?
There’s only one thing for it, the ladies agree over a steaming pot of tea.
They need to track down the Vanilla Killer — before anyone else dies . . .
I truly enjoyed reading this cozy crime mystery straight away right from the start. The three ladies, Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue who run the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop are three retired ladies who sometimes partake in detective duties when the need arises. Otherwise you may find them in the charity shop having a quiet cup of tea from an old brown chipped teapot. Daisy had been talking to the others about her daughter, Bella, going job hunting that day and they all wished her luck. Just as they are closing, Bella turns up in an old ice-cream van and stops outside their door. She is full of smiles at her purchase and so happy about her new job but after a few questions from her mum and her friends, she isn’t so happy anymore. She leaves them saying she is going to buy stock. The ladies go back to the shop for a cup of tea. Fiona and Partial Sue saw the character on the front and are remembering the van’s past owner who met a grisly end. He was found in a freezer on the van and they haven’t found the killer yet. Do they tell Daisy? This was a fantastic read. The author made it an interesting read with some facts and figures that only research could have found out. This was a fascinating storyline and I found it enjoyable. The book was exceptionally written and the plot seemed to follow a natural course. It was the first time I have read this series although this is book four but my enjoyment wasn’t spoiled. It seems like a great series.
Blurb :
One sleepy seaside town. Three old friends, who love a natter and a cuppa. A killer who’s anything but vanilla.
It’s the end of a long day at the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop. Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue, the three retired ladies who volunteer there, are ready to lock up for the night.
The chippie is beckoning. But supper will have to wait.
The ladies watch aghast as a clapped-out ice-cream van lurches up to their door. With Daisy’s daughter Bella behind the wheel!
Newly divorced Bella has only just gotten rid of her rotten husband. Now she’s bought herself a van — and a whole world of trouble. Because this is a van with a history.
Its freezer may be stocked with sweet treats today, but it once held something much more sinister. The dead body of its former owner!
The culprit, known only as the Vanilla Killer, melted away without a trace.
When Bella starts receiving poison pen letters, the ladies can’t help but worry. What if their beloved Bella’s next?
There’s only one thing for it, the ladies agree over a steaming pot of tea.
They need to track down the Vanilla Killer — before anyone else dies . . .
March 8, 2025
Book Review: The Vanilla Killer by Peter Boland
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I recently picked up The Vanilla Killer by Peter Boland, and I’d say it’s a charming little cozy mystery that hits the spot for a light cozy read. I'm giving it a solid 3.5 stars.
Set in the picturesque seaside town of Southbourne, the story unfolds on what seems to be a perfect summer day. Enter Partial Sue, who, in one of her rare generous moods, decides to treat the ladies from the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop to a supper. Just as they’re about to call it a day and head for some fish and chips, the unexpected happens: an old ice-cream van rolls into view, and guess who’s behind the wheel? It’s Bella, Sue's newly divorced daughter, who has just escaped a toxic marriage only to find herself tangled in another messy situation.
But this isn’t just any ice-cream van; it has a dark past involving the body of its former owner found in its freezer! The village is buzzing with rumors about the 'Vanilla Killer,' and soon Bella finds herself on the receiving end of ominous letters. The stakes are high as the ladies rally together over tea, determined to solve the mystery before anyone else meets a grim fate.
First off, I have to mention how delightful the cover of this book is—super inviting! Boland has crafted a cute cozy mystery that stands well on its own, making it easy for newcomers like me to jump right in without feeling lost. The setting is simply lovely; Southbourne feels like a character in itself with its seaside charm.
The characters are incredibly likable, each with their own quirks that add flavor to the narrative. I found myself invested in Bella’s journey as she navigates her new life while simultaneously trying to uncover the truth about the chilling events surrounding her. The plot is well-constructed, keeping me guessing throughout—just when I thought I had it figured out, there’d be another twist that would make me rethink everything!
Overall, The Vanilla Killer is a delightful escape filled with whimsy, mystery, and a touch of suspense. It’s perfect for anyone looking for an engaging read that can be enjoyed over a cup of tea on a lazy afternoon. While it may not be groundbreaking, it certainly provides a fun ride that kept me engaged from start to finish!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I recently picked up The Vanilla Killer by Peter Boland, and I’d say it’s a charming little cozy mystery that hits the spot for a light cozy read. I'm giving it a solid 3.5 stars.
Set in the picturesque seaside town of Southbourne, the story unfolds on what seems to be a perfect summer day. Enter Partial Sue, who, in one of her rare generous moods, decides to treat the ladies from the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop to a supper. Just as they’re about to call it a day and head for some fish and chips, the unexpected happens: an old ice-cream van rolls into view, and guess who’s behind the wheel? It’s Bella, Sue's newly divorced daughter, who has just escaped a toxic marriage only to find herself tangled in another messy situation.
But this isn’t just any ice-cream van; it has a dark past involving the body of its former owner found in its freezer! The village is buzzing with rumors about the 'Vanilla Killer,' and soon Bella finds herself on the receiving end of ominous letters. The stakes are high as the ladies rally together over tea, determined to solve the mystery before anyone else meets a grim fate.
First off, I have to mention how delightful the cover of this book is—super inviting! Boland has crafted a cute cozy mystery that stands well on its own, making it easy for newcomers like me to jump right in without feeling lost. The setting is simply lovely; Southbourne feels like a character in itself with its seaside charm.
The characters are incredibly likable, each with their own quirks that add flavor to the narrative. I found myself invested in Bella’s journey as she navigates her new life while simultaneously trying to uncover the truth about the chilling events surrounding her. The plot is well-constructed, keeping me guessing throughout—just when I thought I had it figured out, there’d be another twist that would make me rethink everything!
Overall, The Vanilla Killer is a delightful escape filled with whimsy, mystery, and a touch of suspense. It’s perfect for anyone looking for an engaging read that can be enjoyed over a cup of tea on a lazy afternoon. While it may not be groundbreaking, it certainly provides a fun ride that kept me engaged from start to finish!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
December 10, 2024
Original Concept, Never a Dull Moment
The Vanilla Killer by Peter Boland is a fast-moving romp about three lady-friends who normally run a Bring and Buy Charity shop “Dogs Need Nice Homes” and drink tea together. Daisy, Partial Sue, Fiona and her dog Simon le Bon, are disturbed from their placid lifestyle and horrified to find that Partial Sue’s daughter, Bella, has bought herself a decrepit ice cream van in which to start a business after parting from her husband. Bella is not only naive of the logistics needed to run an ice cream van business, but completely unaware that the previous owner was found murdered in its freezer. Hoping that if the decorations on the van are changed the locals will not realise that their delicious ice cream comes from where the dead body was stored, Bella goes to a lot of trouble updating her van and disguising it with excellent results in aesthetics and in finally attracting customers. Unfortunately, Bella then starts receiving poison pen letters. This is when our intrepid trio decide that the author of the poison pen letters must be the killer of the original owner who is about to put Bella out of business permanently and they decide they must find the killer first. So begins a search among the highly competitive but entertaining world of ice cream vendors and the scary local ice cream Mafia until the murder is solved, a conclusion to the story is reached and the local area is safe to sell ice creams in once again.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It is well written so the reader is effectively drawn into and through the plot while relating easily to the amusing cast of characters. Who would ever think about “What does an ice cream vendor do in winter when all the holidaymakers go home?” The story is entertaining, original in concept and the conclusion satisfying, logical, but totally unexpected. Certainly not what our three lady friends or this reader were anticipating.
The Vanilla Killer by Peter Boland is a fast-moving romp about three lady-friends who normally run a Bring and Buy Charity shop “Dogs Need Nice Homes” and drink tea together. Daisy, Partial Sue, Fiona and her dog Simon le Bon, are disturbed from their placid lifestyle and horrified to find that Partial Sue’s daughter, Bella, has bought herself a decrepit ice cream van in which to start a business after parting from her husband. Bella is not only naive of the logistics needed to run an ice cream van business, but completely unaware that the previous owner was found murdered in its freezer. Hoping that if the decorations on the van are changed the locals will not realise that their delicious ice cream comes from where the dead body was stored, Bella goes to a lot of trouble updating her van and disguising it with excellent results in aesthetics and in finally attracting customers. Unfortunately, Bella then starts receiving poison pen letters. This is when our intrepid trio decide that the author of the poison pen letters must be the killer of the original owner who is about to put Bella out of business permanently and they decide they must find the killer first. So begins a search among the highly competitive but entertaining world of ice cream vendors and the scary local ice cream Mafia until the murder is solved, a conclusion to the story is reached and the local area is safe to sell ice creams in once again.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It is well written so the reader is effectively drawn into and through the plot while relating easily to the amusing cast of characters. Who would ever think about “What does an ice cream vendor do in winter when all the holidaymakers go home?” The story is entertaining, original in concept and the conclusion satisfying, logical, but totally unexpected. Certainly not what our three lady friends or this reader were anticipating.
August 4, 2025
Another good book in this series. In this edition, Daisy's daughter, Bella, who returned home at the end of the last book after her divorce, is starting her new career as an ice cream seller after she buys her new ice cream van for a song. The only problem is that Fiona and Partial Sue know that the reason it was so cheap was because the previous owner had been killed in it and his body dumped in the freezer. Bella thinks that just changing the paint color will disguise the van but she becomes fearful after her van is vandalized and someone starts leaving her threatening notes. The ladies start to investigate by interviewing Jed, the single dad who found the dead ice cream man to see if there is any link to unravel. Then women think that maybe a rival seller is warning Bella off of their turf so they start interviewing the other van owners. Carol, Vernon and Sargent Bob all play dumb but the ladies can tell that they are hiding something. At first they think that they are hiding the fact that they are threatening off the unregistered ice cream sellers, but in reality they are hiding something much worse. Apparently there is an ice cream mafia who is forcing the vans to sell drugs or risk the lives of their loved ones. Vernon was the one vandalizing Bella's van and warning her off in an effort to protect her and he helps the ladies set up a sting to flush out the mafia that goes horribly wrong and ends up putting the women in the line of fire. They set up a plan to catch the head of the mafia, with the help of Vernon and the other van owners, and are shocked to find that it was Jed all along who was running the illegal scheme. He killed the other van owner when he refused to play along and now he plans to force the women to sell drugs out of their charity shop! But Fiona is too smart for him and recorded his confession and the police come to arrest him after his getaway is scuttled by the other ice cream vans. A fun cozy mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2024
The Vanilla Killer from Peter Boland is one of those cozy murder that has a certain fan base who love a slow moving, somewhat dysfunctional murder, that sees the killer carefully disguised until the final pages, but one who believes in the Hollywood style reveal! One could almost consider the style of cozy murder slightly tongue-in cheek!
An ice cream seller is murdered and his body is placed in the freezer of his van. He is a young man just starting out in his own business so what was he doing getting himself killed, when he had only been running his own van for a less than a week.
The ladies of the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop, Daisy, Partial Sue and Fiona are enjoying their standard brew of tea, when their peace and quiet is disturbed by the off key strains of Greensleeves, and an old, somewhat dilapidated ice-cream van pulls up in front of the shop.
Bella, Daisy’s recently divorce daughter, has bought the van at auction and is all set to begin her new business. The ladies are horrified, as they immediately recognise the van and know well the tragic history, but agree to support Bella in her new enterprise. On her the first day things begin to go wrong and slowly get worse.
It is then the intrepid ladies begin to think there is more to the damage being done to Bella’s van than is apparent and set out, in their carefully discussed style to try and get to the bottom of what is really going on in the world of Ice-cream sellers.
As they slowly work their way through what seems to be a world of vanilla nothingness, they stumble across someone who, is while not happy to help them, will. That is when they truly realise that what is going on is very carefully orchestrated and undoubtedly very dangerous.
Join the ladies of the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop as they set out to catch a criminal as only they can in The Vanilla Killer.
An ice cream seller is murdered and his body is placed in the freezer of his van. He is a young man just starting out in his own business so what was he doing getting himself killed, when he had only been running his own van for a less than a week.
The ladies of the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop, Daisy, Partial Sue and Fiona are enjoying their standard brew of tea, when their peace and quiet is disturbed by the off key strains of Greensleeves, and an old, somewhat dilapidated ice-cream van pulls up in front of the shop.
Bella, Daisy’s recently divorce daughter, has bought the van at auction and is all set to begin her new business. The ladies are horrified, as they immediately recognise the van and know well the tragic history, but agree to support Bella in her new enterprise. On her the first day things begin to go wrong and slowly get worse.
It is then the intrepid ladies begin to think there is more to the damage being done to Bella’s van than is apparent and set out, in their carefully discussed style to try and get to the bottom of what is really going on in the world of Ice-cream sellers.
As they slowly work their way through what seems to be a world of vanilla nothingness, they stumble across someone who, is while not happy to help them, will. That is when they truly realise that what is going on is very carefully orchestrated and undoubtedly very dangerous.
Join the ladies of the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop as they set out to catch a criminal as only they can in The Vanilla Killer.
December 10, 2024
Amidst glorious summer weather, Daisy’s daughter Bella seems to have finally found a job to suit her after splitting with her horrible husband and returning home to her mother. That said, everyone at the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop, this being Fiona, Daisy, Partial Sue and dog Simon Le Bon, is a little surprised to see Bella pull up outside in a dilapidated ice cream van. Immediately Fiona recognises it as the Murder Van, where two months ago the previous new owner Kevin Masterson was found dead in his large freezer. The very chic DI Fincher and her rather scruffy sidekick DS Thomas investigated and failed to solve the case. After much deliberation, Fiona and Sue decide they must tell Daisy in case Bella is in danger from the murderer who was dubbed “The Vanilla Killer”. Not everyone seems pleased to see the van back selling ices and the ladies come to a decision. If the police can’t do it, then the Charity Shop Detectives must catch the killer themselves. They ponder about the motive. Could it be ice cream wars amongst rival sellers The Ice Queen, The Icely Brothers, Sergeant Bilcone and unlicenced vendors, a problem in Kevin’s personal life or something altogether more sinister? Visiting his mum, they discover some intriguing information about his last few weeks on earth, some disturbing facts come to light and a dangerous plan is hatched.
This is another smashing story in the charming cosy crime series. These three amateur sleuths make a formidable team and there are return appearances from The Wicker Man, Sophie and Gail from The Cats Alliance and Martin the window cleaner/firefighter. There’s also plenty of humour and some great characters in a nice twisty plot with plenty of good suspects and lots of red herrings to confuse the ladies and readers alike. A great addition to the series! 4.5*
This is another smashing story in the charming cosy crime series. These three amateur sleuths make a formidable team and there are return appearances from The Wicker Man, Sophie and Gail from The Cats Alliance and Martin the window cleaner/firefighter. There’s also plenty of humour and some great characters in a nice twisty plot with plenty of good suspects and lots of red herrings to confuse the ladies and readers alike. A great addition to the series! 4.5*
February 17, 2025
Poor Bella is just getting her life back on track and is over the moon to be starting up her new business of owning an ice cream van. I have to say I thought Bella was very brave in her career choice as ice cream does seem to be more of a seasonal thing but that is the least of her worries when it soon becomes obvious that someone is out to ruin it just as she is getting started. Of course this is the perfect opportunity for Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue to put their detective skills to use although they may have bitten off more than they can chew with their latest case!
I adore the seaside setting in this series and how the author manages to create cases that are really relevant to the area. You would think somewhere like that would have petty crime at best, yet the death count certainly seems to be getting higher! The title fits the story perfectly and even in one of the coldest months of the year, I still found my mouth watering at the mentions of all the ice cream and wonderful flavours.
The cast are great and I have really grown fond of the three ladies and some of the regulars. It’s nicely paced out and I looked forward to picking my Kindle back up at every opportunity I could to read more as it is the perfect cosy mystery with just the right amount of wit that makes for a highly engaging read.
The Vanilla Killer was a lot of fun of which the three ladies do have me worrying over their safety more than a few times! For their ages, they do make some decisions that had me holding my breath wondering if they were being brave or silly. It kept me guessing throughout and the extra little thread which I hadn’t expected was just brilliant and ended on a real high. Packed with mystery and mayhem, it’s guaranteed to keep the reader entertained up to the very last page!
I adore the seaside setting in this series and how the author manages to create cases that are really relevant to the area. You would think somewhere like that would have petty crime at best, yet the death count certainly seems to be getting higher! The title fits the story perfectly and even in one of the coldest months of the year, I still found my mouth watering at the mentions of all the ice cream and wonderful flavours.
The cast are great and I have really grown fond of the three ladies and some of the regulars. It’s nicely paced out and I looked forward to picking my Kindle back up at every opportunity I could to read more as it is the perfect cosy mystery with just the right amount of wit that makes for a highly engaging read.
The Vanilla Killer was a lot of fun of which the three ladies do have me worrying over their safety more than a few times! For their ages, they do make some decisions that had me holding my breath wondering if they were being brave or silly. It kept me guessing throughout and the extra little thread which I hadn’t expected was just brilliant and ended on a real high. Packed with mystery and mayhem, it’s guaranteed to keep the reader entertained up to the very last page!
November 28, 2024
** “It made her think of an article she’d read about how long-distance cyclists tackled horrifically steep mountains. They’d do it by not looking up at the top. Instead, their eyes would be fixed on the tarmac a few metres ahead of them, so they weren’t constantly reminded of the seemingly endless, grueling climb to the summit.” **
The Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop workers Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue are now thrown into solving a close-to-home mystery in Peter Boland’s “The Vanilla Killer.”
Daisy’s daughter Bella returns home with a new career idea — an ice cream truck. Unfortunately, the ladies know this particular truck just happened to be involved in an unsolved murder. And when Bella starts to receive dangerous threats, the dynamic trio know they need to dig deep into just what’s going on in the local ice cream scene.
What follows is a funny, zany, mad-cap adventure of three retirees trying to solve a case the police don’t seem to want to bother with. Can they figure out who can be trusted, and whom the dastardly characters are?
As usual, Boland does a great job of creating fun and wily characters. He also builds a fun storyline filled with red herrings and creativity, reminding us to never give up, no matter our age, and to fight for those we love.
Fans of series like Richard Osman’s “The Thursday Murder Club,” Robert Thorogood’s “The Marlow Murder Club” and authors like Agatha Christie will enjoy “The Vanilla Killer,” which is due out Dec. 17.
Five stars out of five.
Joffe Books provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
The Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop workers Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue are now thrown into solving a close-to-home mystery in Peter Boland’s “The Vanilla Killer.”
Daisy’s daughter Bella returns home with a new career idea — an ice cream truck. Unfortunately, the ladies know this particular truck just happened to be involved in an unsolved murder. And when Bella starts to receive dangerous threats, the dynamic trio know they need to dig deep into just what’s going on in the local ice cream scene.
What follows is a funny, zany, mad-cap adventure of three retirees trying to solve a case the police don’t seem to want to bother with. Can they figure out who can be trusted, and whom the dastardly characters are?
As usual, Boland does a great job of creating fun and wily characters. He also builds a fun storyline filled with red herrings and creativity, reminding us to never give up, no matter our age, and to fight for those we love.
Fans of series like Richard Osman’s “The Thursday Murder Club,” Robert Thorogood’s “The Marlow Murder Club” and authors like Agatha Christie will enjoy “The Vanilla Killer,” which is due out Dec. 17.
Five stars out of five.
Joffe Books provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
December 10, 2024
The Vanilla Killer is a fun and friendly romp of a murder mystery, set in a serene and mostly quiet English seaside town. The ladies of the town’s charity shop embroil themselves in solving the demise of an ice cream van vendor, after a daughter of one of the volunteers buys the ice cream van that the unfortunate victim previously owned and where he met his untimely end.
Peter Boland has succeeded in writing an engaging story, the fourth in a series of books that describe the capers of the charity shop’s volunteers. The book is written in a relaxed and entertaining style. The descriptive passages of the countrified town are delightful.
The characters in the book have quite different individual personalities; as the story unfolded I formed a connection with each of the members. The author has artfully portrayed the impact of events on those characters, according to their roles in the story.
I would have liked a little more information on the appearance and demeanor of the main characters, however as this is the fourth book in a series I do recognise that this may have been covered in previous editions.
I found myself increasingly captivated by the narrative as the storyline unfolded. Overall it was an amusing and enjoyable story, and I would recommend the book to all readers who enjoy a light, entertaining holiday read.
Peter Boland has succeeded in writing an engaging story, the fourth in a series of books that describe the capers of the charity shop’s volunteers. The book is written in a relaxed and entertaining style. The descriptive passages of the countrified town are delightful.
The characters in the book have quite different individual personalities; as the story unfolded I formed a connection with each of the members. The author has artfully portrayed the impact of events on those characters, according to their roles in the story.
I would have liked a little more information on the appearance and demeanor of the main characters, however as this is the fourth book in a series I do recognise that this may have been covered in previous editions.
I found myself increasingly captivated by the narrative as the storyline unfolded. Overall it was an amusing and enjoyable story, and I would recommend the book to all readers who enjoy a light, entertaining holiday read.
December 4, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Peter Boland for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Vanilla Killer coming out December 17, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
It’s a perfect summer’s day in Southbourne. And Partial Sue’s in one of her rare generous moods. She wants to treat all the ladies of the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop to supper.
But before the ladies can shut up shop and head to the chippie, the air is filled with the strains of ‘Greensleeves’. And a clapped-out old ice-cream van lurches into view. The gang can barely believe their eyes. Especially when they see who’s behind the wheel. Daisy’s daughter Bella.
Newly divorced Bella’s only just rid herself of her rotten husband. Now she’s landed herself in an even stickier situation. This banger may be stocked with sweet treats, but its freezer once held something much more sinister — the dead body of its former owner!
Everyone in the village knows the van’s sinister history. Except poor Bella. The culprit slipped away without a trace. But the village folk allsay it’s just a matter of time until the Vanilla Killer strikes again!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. Normally I read cozies by female authors, so this was a change from that. I really enjoyed the story. I love the coastal English setting. It felt like a super cozy place. I think Bella was a strong character. She was going through it and managing. I thought the ice cream theme was fun. I thought the writing was good. There was depth to the storylines. I’d read other books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy English mysteries!
It’s a perfect summer’s day in Southbourne. And Partial Sue’s in one of her rare generous moods. She wants to treat all the ladies of the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop to supper.
But before the ladies can shut up shop and head to the chippie, the air is filled with the strains of ‘Greensleeves’. And a clapped-out old ice-cream van lurches into view. The gang can barely believe their eyes. Especially when they see who’s behind the wheel. Daisy’s daughter Bella.
Newly divorced Bella’s only just rid herself of her rotten husband. Now she’s landed herself in an even stickier situation. This banger may be stocked with sweet treats, but its freezer once held something much more sinister — the dead body of its former owner!
Everyone in the village knows the van’s sinister history. Except poor Bella. The culprit slipped away without a trace. But the village folk allsay it’s just a matter of time until the Vanilla Killer strikes again!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. Normally I read cozies by female authors, so this was a change from that. I really enjoyed the story. I love the coastal English setting. It felt like a super cozy place. I think Bella was a strong character. She was going through it and managing. I thought the ice cream theme was fun. I thought the writing was good. There was depth to the storylines. I’d read other books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy English mysteries!
December 14, 2024
The Vanilla Killer is the fourth book in the Charity Shop Detective Agency Mystery series. Bella, the daughter of Daisy, has brought an Icecream Van and thus this is where the mystery starts. The van’s freezer once held the body of its owner, a poison pen letter, and rebuilding oneself after divorce. When things start to go wrong for Bella, her mother Daisy, and friends Fiona and Partial Sue are on the case to find out who is behind the horrible letters and slashed tyres of Bella’s icecream van.
The ladies throw out some wild theories including an Ice Cream Mafia and a drug dealer. With the prospect that Bella could be in great danger, the ladies go about to solve the mystery that plagues poor Bella. Will they be able to save her or could she end up like the previous owner of the van?
This is a cute little mystery book in the series. Nothing too heavy, a little crazy at times, witty humour and dialogue driven plot, and I swear you can hear Greensleeves playing everytime the icecream van is mentioned.
#TheVanillaKiller #NetGalley #booknerd #mysteryread #booktok #arc #ladysnuffy #crimebook #crimereads #bookgram #books #fyp #charmingmystery book #Charityshopdetectives
The ladies throw out some wild theories including an Ice Cream Mafia and a drug dealer. With the prospect that Bella could be in great danger, the ladies go about to solve the mystery that plagues poor Bella. Will they be able to save her or could she end up like the previous owner of the van?
This is a cute little mystery book in the series. Nothing too heavy, a little crazy at times, witty humour and dialogue driven plot, and I swear you can hear Greensleeves playing everytime the icecream van is mentioned.
#TheVanillaKiller #NetGalley #booknerd #mysteryread #booktok #arc #ladysnuffy #crimebook #crimereads #bookgram #books #fyp #charmingmystery book #Charityshopdetectives
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