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The Val & Arbie Mysteries #2
The Last Word is Death
Listening Length: 7 hours and 51 minutes
Arbuthnot ‘Arbie’ Swift arrives at Dashwood House, a glamorously modern hotel in the up-and-coming resort of Galton-next-the-Sea, but all plans for a relaxing stay are scuppered when one of the guests is found dead.
The body is found in the writing room, the victim part of a set visiting the seaside town for an engagement party, which happens to include Arbie’s old friend, Val.
Familiar with Val and Arbie’s previous experience in solving puzzling crimes, the bride asks the pair to investigate. They quickly discover that the victim had no shortage of enemies, and many of the guests are up to no good. But who is simply hiding a secret, and who is hiding murder?
Arbuthnot ‘Arbie’ Swift arrives at Dashwood House, a glamorously modern hotel in the up-and-coming resort of Galton-next-the-Sea, but all plans for a relaxing stay are scuppered when one of the guests is found dead.
The body is found in the writing room, the victim part of a set visiting the seaside town for an engagement party, which happens to include Arbie’s old friend, Val.
Familiar with Val and Arbie’s previous experience in solving puzzling crimes, the bride asks the pair to investigate. They quickly discover that the victim had no shortage of enemies, and many of the guests are up to no good. But who is simply hiding a secret, and who is hiding murder?
8 pages, Audiobook
First published January 2, 2025
378 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Faith Martin
98 books987 followersFaith Martin is a pen name of English author Jacquie Walton, who is best known for her popular detective series, starring Detective Inspector Hillary Greene.
As Joyce Cato, she writes more classically-inspired 'cosy' murder mysteries, such as the Monica Noble mystery series.
As Maxine Barry, her latest romance novels are now available from Corazon Books.
As Jessie Daniels, her 'spooky' crime novel, The Lavender Lady Casefile came out in November 2017.
As Joyce Cato, she writes more classically-inspired 'cosy' murder mysteries, such as the Monica Noble mystery series.
As Maxine Barry, her latest romance novels are now available from Corazon Books.
As Jessie Daniels, her 'spooky' crime novel, The Lavender Lady Casefile came out in November 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 15, 2024
Oh dear, we all have off days! The author has written some superb books in various series. Including the first book in this series which was a great start to a new series, but this one has not matched the standard. As an other review pointed out not a lot happened for first 40% of the book, it did pick up but never really got going. Still great characters and the author has maintained the atmosphere of the period, but not for me, lets hope the third book is back up to standard.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
January 6, 2025
The second outing for Arbie Swift, gentleman of leisure and author of the wildly successful travel book The Gentleman's Guide to Ghost-Hunting and his childhood friend/nemesis, vicar's daughter Val Coulton-James.
Arbie is visiting the Dashwood House Hotel, a newly refurbished hotel in the seaside town of Galton on the south coast (of England). When he wrote his first book his research consisted of spending a few days mooching around, doing a bit of fishing and the like, and frequenting local hostelries to get tall tales of ghosts and ghoulies from the populace. He then wrote a chapter about the hotel and its surrounds and his comical attempts to spot the Headless Horseman or the White Lady etc. Being both informative and humorous, the book proved very popular and so his publisher is keen for Arbie to repeat his success.
As one might imagine of a vicar's daughter, Val is organised and relentless. She also has a bit of pash for Arbie. So when she discovers that Arbie is visiting the same hotel as the one her friend Beatrice has hired to celebrate her engagement, she agrees to join the engagement party. As a single woman of a certain age, her parents are hinting heavily that she should find a nice young man to marry, so she thinks if only she could persuade Arbie to take her on as his assistant she could do something exciting and keep him on the straight and narrow.
The guests at the hotel, and the proprietors are a mixed group. Wealthy self-made men, society Bright Young Things, elderly but wealthy widows, antiques dealers, down-on-their luck divorcees, middle-aged women fond of a tipple, middle-aged couples, etc, its like an Agatha Christie novel brought to life.
I've really enjoyed these two books, although I find Arbie and Val hard to pin down as characters. Arbie would like to do nothing more than loaf around doing as little as possible, yet when it comes down to it he's the one with the razor sharp mind. Whereas Val might be practical and kind but she's a bit dim. Digressing hugely, I feel that if Val did somehow trap Arbie into marriage he would be very unhappy, hounded from pillar to post by a domineering but intellectually inferior woman - he'd turn into the sort of man who hides behind a newspaper in his club. Couldn't Faith Martin give Val some qualities to make her his equal, like understanding human nature better? Even when the two of them discover clues Arbie's discovery is front and centre whereas Val's happens offstage as it were.
Anyway, if you enjoy a sort of Brideshead/Bertie Wooster character ambling around solving crimes while trying to avoid doing any real work while a well-meaning vicar's daughter chivvies him along then you'll love this. The crimes are fiendishly complicated, lots of people have motives, but as Loyd Grossman used to say on that 1980s TV show 'The clues are there'.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Bumped for release and to fix some dodgy grammar.
Arbie is visiting the Dashwood House Hotel, a newly refurbished hotel in the seaside town of Galton on the south coast (of England). When he wrote his first book his research consisted of spending a few days mooching around, doing a bit of fishing and the like, and frequenting local hostelries to get tall tales of ghosts and ghoulies from the populace. He then wrote a chapter about the hotel and its surrounds and his comical attempts to spot the Headless Horseman or the White Lady etc. Being both informative and humorous, the book proved very popular and so his publisher is keen for Arbie to repeat his success.
As one might imagine of a vicar's daughter, Val is organised and relentless. She also has a bit of pash for Arbie. So when she discovers that Arbie is visiting the same hotel as the one her friend Beatrice has hired to celebrate her engagement, she agrees to join the engagement party. As a single woman of a certain age, her parents are hinting heavily that she should find a nice young man to marry, so she thinks if only she could persuade Arbie to take her on as his assistant she could do something exciting and keep him on the straight and narrow.
The guests at the hotel, and the proprietors are a mixed group. Wealthy self-made men, society Bright Young Things, elderly but wealthy widows, antiques dealers, down-on-their luck divorcees, middle-aged women fond of a tipple, middle-aged couples, etc, its like an Agatha Christie novel brought to life.
I've really enjoyed these two books, although I find Arbie and Val hard to pin down as characters. Arbie would like to do nothing more than loaf around doing as little as possible, yet when it comes down to it he's the one with the razor sharp mind. Whereas Val might be practical and kind but she's a bit dim. Digressing hugely, I feel that if Val did somehow trap Arbie into marriage he would be very unhappy, hounded from pillar to post by a domineering but intellectually inferior woman - he'd turn into the sort of man who hides behind a newspaper in his club. Couldn't Faith Martin give Val some qualities to make her his equal, like understanding human nature better? Even when the two of them discover clues Arbie's discovery is front and centre whereas Val's happens offstage as it were.
Anyway, if you enjoy a sort of Brideshead/Bertie Wooster character ambling around solving crimes while trying to avoid doing any real work while a well-meaning vicar's daughter chivvies him along then you'll love this. The crimes are fiendishly complicated, lots of people have motives, but as Loyd Grossman used to say on that 1980s TV show 'The clues are there'.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Bumped for release and to fix some dodgy grammar.
March 21, 2025
A decent cosy crime.
Val is getting to be very annoying and she might cause me to stop reading further instalments.
A lot of scene setting before the murder happened and then a lot of waffling about before a very quick denouement. And not very good reasons for the death.
Val is getting to be very annoying and she might cause me to stop reading further instalments.
A lot of scene setting before the murder happened and then a lot of waffling about before a very quick denouement. And not very good reasons for the death.
December 27, 2024
The body is found in the writing room, the victim part of a set visiting the seaside town for an engagement party, which happens to include Arbie’s old friend, Val. Familiar with Val and Arbie’s previous experience in solving puzzling crimes, the bride asks the pair to investigate. They quickly discover that the victim had no shortage of enemies, and many of the guests are up to no good.
The second outing for Val & Arbie & another well written cosy mystery. I do like both Arbie & Val & the dynamics of their relationship but do feel they aren’t equals – hopefully this will change as the series progresses. I enjoyed the book with its twists, turns & red herrings, there’s also a dash of humour. A light cosy mystery which I read in two sittings
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The second outing for Val & Arbie & another well written cosy mystery. I do like both Arbie & Val & the dynamics of their relationship but do feel they aren’t equals – hopefully this will change as the series progresses. I enjoyed the book with its twists, turns & red herrings, there’s also a dash of humour. A light cosy mystery which I read in two sittings
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
February 7, 2025
A bit slow to start with, the murder doesn’t even happen until more or less in the middle nearer the end. The solving and sleuthing felt rushed, and not much of it. Things did start looking interesting once the murder happened. Other than that, not much really happens for awhile. It’s more of a very long character build up. But it wasn’t a bad book. Just could be better.
Didn’t like Val all that much, she’s pushy and annoying. I felt sorry for Arbie the protagonist. I liked him. It looks like she’ll be pushing her way through every series. I want to read more, including the first book. But it seems parts of the series could get annoying with Val the way she is. But I’m still willing to give it a go. I don’t see her as a strong female character, just annoying.
Didn’t like Val all that much, she’s pushy and annoying. I felt sorry for Arbie the protagonist. I liked him. It looks like she’ll be pushing her way through every series. I want to read more, including the first book. But it seems parts of the series could get annoying with Val the way she is. But I’m still willing to give it a go. I don’t see her as a strong female character, just annoying.
December 22, 2025
Arbie Swift is visiting Galton for a chapter in his next book, staying at the new Dashwood House Hotel. He is soon joined there by a group of people for an engagement party, including friend Valentina. But then a death occurs and Arbie and Val are asked to investigate even though DI Julius Gormley and his team have arrived.
An entertaining historical mystery
An entertaining historical mystery
June 29, 2025
I love Arbie and I love Val.
The spider scene.... THE SPIDER SCENE.
The spider scene.... THE SPIDER SCENE.
October 2, 2024
Very much a cozy crime, nothing really happens until 40% of the book, there are a multitude of characters who I find difficult to understand so I can’t say it’s my favourite Faith Martin book. I loved all the Hilary Green books and live in hope that she’ll go back to that kind of writing
November 14, 2024
It's September 1925 somewhere on the English coast. Arbuthnot (Arbie) Swift is feeling pretty good. He's supposed to be working on the last chapter of his second book, a sequel to the surprise bestseller, The Gentleman's Guide to Ghost-Hunting, but Arbie isn't really keen on doing any work. In fact, the thing he works hardest at is avoiding the work he's supposed to be doing and he thinks his current situation is the perfect opportunity to do a lot of that. He's been given an all-expenses paid stay at a newly refurbished seaside hotel. The owners are hoping that he'll give them a good write-up, which would be good for business. Things are pretty quiet when he arrives with just a few guests already there, but he's told that things will be very busy starting in the next day or two. A young woman is getting married and her wealthy father has invited family members and members of the wedding party to spend a weekend at the hotel on him. Imagine Arbie's surprise when he is busy not writing and is suddenly confronted by Val, the vicar's daughter and his friend since childhood from his home village, who is one of the wedding party.
Val is a no-nonsense kind of person and Arbie knows that it will now be much harder for him to avoid working on that last chapter, since Val can be quite a taskmaster. However, he soon has more than that to worry about when another one of the wedding party ends up dead in the writing room and the bride-to-be asks Arbie and Val to investigate.
I enjoyed this book. There is humor sprinkled throughout. The discussion of the supposed ghost and the attempt to see it are amusing and add a quirky twist to the story. The mystery was done in a clever way and the crime was committed in a way that was unique--at least in my experience reading cozy mysteries. All in all, this is a light, enjoyable read for people who like cozy mysteries set in small English villages in times past.
Val is a no-nonsense kind of person and Arbie knows that it will now be much harder for him to avoid working on that last chapter, since Val can be quite a taskmaster. However, he soon has more than that to worry about when another one of the wedding party ends up dead in the writing room and the bride-to-be asks Arbie and Val to investigate.
I enjoyed this book. There is humor sprinkled throughout. The discussion of the supposed ghost and the attempt to see it are amusing and add a quirky twist to the story. The mystery was done in a clever way and the crime was committed in a way that was unique--at least in my experience reading cozy mysteries. All in all, this is a light, enjoyable read for people who like cozy mysteries set in small English villages in times past.
December 3, 2024
2.5-3 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the previous book in this series - Murder By Candlelight; it had everything I wanted from a cosy crime novel, but it had something else. There was this nostalgic about it, reminding me of the crime novels of Agatha Christie. And so I was really excited to read the sequel.
Sadly this one did not live up to its predecessor in my opinion.
My immediate issue with it was I couldn't keep up with the characters. There's a lot of them and quite early one. I only read the first book recently and yet I couldn't' remember if they were new characters or old, and I felt a bit lost. I think because a lot of them have quite similar stereotypical "posh" names, they ended up blurring together.
Nothing really happens for the first half of the book. This isn't always a bad thing necessarily, as it gives the author time to build up characters, build up tension and suspects and whatnot. But it didn't seem to me that the time had been spent well. It was just...it was just there. Nothing was happening, I didn't feel the development of characters or particularly tense. I was finding myself wanting to skip further along to see if it got going.
I hadn't read any of her books prior to Candlelight, and so I had no preconceived ideas, but I absolutely loved that and then she instantly became a writer to watch. But this sequel felt flat. Like she had used everything in the first book and so there was nothing left for this one.
It wasn't a bad book per se. It's still an interesting premise with some interesting characters (although the main characters of Arbie and Val are a little all over the shop), and it still has that nostalgic feeling. But it didn't hold my attention and it won't be one that stays with me much.
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the previous book in this series - Murder By Candlelight; it had everything I wanted from a cosy crime novel, but it had something else. There was this nostalgic about it, reminding me of the crime novels of Agatha Christie. And so I was really excited to read the sequel.
Sadly this one did not live up to its predecessor in my opinion.
My immediate issue with it was I couldn't keep up with the characters. There's a lot of them and quite early one. I only read the first book recently and yet I couldn't' remember if they were new characters or old, and I felt a bit lost. I think because a lot of them have quite similar stereotypical "posh" names, they ended up blurring together.
Nothing really happens for the first half of the book. This isn't always a bad thing necessarily, as it gives the author time to build up characters, build up tension and suspects and whatnot. But it didn't seem to me that the time had been spent well. It was just...it was just there. Nothing was happening, I didn't feel the development of characters or particularly tense. I was finding myself wanting to skip further along to see if it got going.
I hadn't read any of her books prior to Candlelight, and so I had no preconceived ideas, but I absolutely loved that and then she instantly became a writer to watch. But this sequel felt flat. Like she had used everything in the first book and so there was nothing left for this one.
It wasn't a bad book per se. It's still an interesting premise with some interesting characters (although the main characters of Arbie and Val are a little all over the shop), and it still has that nostalgic feeling. But it didn't hold my attention and it won't be one that stays with me much.
January 20, 2025
The Last Word is Death is the second novel in the Faith Martin series featuring Arbie and Val, following on from Murder by Candlelight. The investigators are two jolly good sorts: the lighthearted and easygoing Arbie (who has written a successful book about ghosts) and Val, the sensible, clever (and attractive) Vicar’s daughter. Lifelong friends, there’s an easiness between them that makes for great dialogue, with gentle teasing and banter as well as affection. A delightful pair.
These are delicious cozy detective stories with all the right ingredients for a cracking good read.
In Murder by Candlelight, we had a lovely Cotswolds setting in the 1920s, a wealthy old woman found dead in a locked room and a rich cast of suspects.
The Last Word is Death takes us to a new hotel in the up-and-coming resort of Galton-next-the-Sea during an engagement party for one of Val’s friends. When a guest at the party is found dead, Val and Arbie are asked to investigate.
Both novels take lots of twists and turns, making them fast paced and satisfyingly intricate. But they are in essence classic, well choreographed cozy mysteries.
Martin knows the classic British mystery genre well, and it shows. The characters could have been lifted from an Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Peter Lovesey (et al.). They are akin to the lighter of such classics, light and funny.
Having now read two, I highly recommend the series and hope to continue to enjoy Val and Arbie’s further investigations in the future.
Note: The two novels can be read separately, but like most series you’ll enjoy them more by reading them in sequence.
My thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me a free copy of this book. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.
These are delicious cozy detective stories with all the right ingredients for a cracking good read.
In Murder by Candlelight, we had a lovely Cotswolds setting in the 1920s, a wealthy old woman found dead in a locked room and a rich cast of suspects.
The Last Word is Death takes us to a new hotel in the up-and-coming resort of Galton-next-the-Sea during an engagement party for one of Val’s friends. When a guest at the party is found dead, Val and Arbie are asked to investigate.
Both novels take lots of twists and turns, making them fast paced and satisfyingly intricate. But they are in essence classic, well choreographed cozy mysteries.
Martin knows the classic British mystery genre well, and it shows. The characters could have been lifted from an Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh, Peter Lovesey (et al.). They are akin to the lighter of such classics, light and funny.
Having now read two, I highly recommend the series and hope to continue to enjoy Val and Arbie’s further investigations in the future.
Note: The two novels can be read separately, but like most series you’ll enjoy them more by reading them in sequence.
My thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for giving me a free copy of this book. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.
December 21, 2024
I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
THE LAST WORD IS DEATH is another cosy, charming murder mystery about a work-shy lad and his determined friend.
The comfortable dynamic between the leading duo is where Faith Martin really shines. She creates a detective pair that have plenty of quirks and chemistry and you want to keep reading for them as much as the mystery. Will Val bully Arbie into ever finishing his book or will he continue to avoid work at all costs? (The fact that I like a character who is unashamedly lazy is quite impressive.) They rub along well with plenty of gentle amusement so that you invest in them, which is key to sustaining a mystery series.
I really enjoyed the little diversion from the murder to ghost hunting. Val bullies Arbie into going to find the local ghost and it ends up being the perfect anecdote for his book - and also backfires spectacularly on him. It's a fun like side quest that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The mystery itself is an interesting one. While the dead girl is not exactly liked, the possible motives turned up are pretty weak. It's other people that seem to have the stronger enemies. So why her? It was an nice angle to the murder mystery and leaves it as a bit of a head scratcher,
I would argue the title of THE LAST WORD IS DEATH is not as clever as MURDER BY CANDLELIGHT, but that was a pretty hard act to follow. I do hope there are more of these to come!
THE LAST WORD IS DEATH is another cosy, charming murder mystery about a work-shy lad and his determined friend.
The comfortable dynamic between the leading duo is where Faith Martin really shines. She creates a detective pair that have plenty of quirks and chemistry and you want to keep reading for them as much as the mystery. Will Val bully Arbie into ever finishing his book or will he continue to avoid work at all costs? (The fact that I like a character who is unashamedly lazy is quite impressive.) They rub along well with plenty of gentle amusement so that you invest in them, which is key to sustaining a mystery series.
I really enjoyed the little diversion from the murder to ghost hunting. Val bullies Arbie into going to find the local ghost and it ends up being the perfect anecdote for his book - and also backfires spectacularly on him. It's a fun like side quest that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The mystery itself is an interesting one. While the dead girl is not exactly liked, the possible motives turned up are pretty weak. It's other people that seem to have the stronger enemies. So why her? It was an nice angle to the murder mystery and leaves it as a bit of a head scratcher,
I would argue the title of THE LAST WORD IS DEATH is not as clever as MURDER BY CANDLELIGHT, but that was a pretty hard act to follow. I do hope there are more of these to come!
January 10, 2025
Arbie and Val are back! This time he is invited to visit a new swanky hotel which owners hope to be mentioned in the next instalment of The Gentleman's Guide to Ghost-Hunting and she arrives at the same place as one of the guests. Val is pleased she will be able to help him to stop dilly dallying and get on with his work and Arbie is dismayed he is expected to put some effort into something. And when the gruesome death occurs, it is Arbie who once again is forced to help to discover what happened. Full of delightfully modern bright young people and pleasantly old-fashioned dialogue this is a crime novel set in the interwar period, which is one of my favourite historical times. A lot of time is taken by setting up the scene and the murder does not occur until later in the book, but I enjoyed Arbie and Val’s plot line, and her determination to become his assistant. The only problem is that I did not enjoy the ending as much as I thought I would, because during the grand reveal scene Arbie did not really solve the mystery in full – he just explained who the culprit was but the details had to be added by others. Nonetheless I will be reading the next instalment of the series, I just hope Arbie brushes up his investigative skills.
PS. I listened to most of the book and unfortunately the narrator was NOT my favourite, mostly because he attempted to read all dialogues in different voices and some of them were just … So over the top…
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ecopy of the book.
PS. I listened to most of the book and unfortunately the narrator was NOT my favourite, mostly because he attempted to read all dialogues in different voices and some of them were just … So over the top…
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ecopy of the book.
October 22, 2025
Wrzesień 1925 roku.
Arbie czyli Arbuthnot Swift to autor przewodnika po nawiedzonych miejscach. Val Coulton - James to corka pastora.
Niespodziewanie spotykają się w Dashwood House, nowoczesnym hotelu, w rozwijającym się kurorcie Galton - next - the - Sea na południowym wybrzeżu Anglii.
Arbie pracuje tam nad kolejną częścią książki, zaś Val zjawiła się tam, aby wziąć udział w przyjęciu zaręczynowym.
Spokój i przyjemną atmosferę burzy zabójstwo jednej z osób przebywających w hotelu.
Val i Arbie, to starzy przyjaciele, i już kiedyś udało im się rozwiązać zagadkę morderstwa. Nie dziwi więc fakt, że spróbują również i tym razem.
Nie czytałam pierwszej części, ale poszukam. Z tego wniosek, że ta mi się podobała.
Jest to kryminał taki trochę cosy, a trochę przywodzący na myśl te od Aghaty Christie.
Początkowo Arbie wydawał mi się nieco aroganckim typem, którego raczej nie da się lubić. Za to Val przypadła mi do gustu od razu.
Zanim doszło do zbrodni w książce miało miejsce nieco różnych wydarzeń, rozmów, co daje czytelnikowi możliwość wgryźć się w atmosferę, ale może też nieco nużyć. Dość wolno wszystko to płynie, za to kiedy już zło się dokonało, to robi się ciekawiej, a akcja nabiera tempa.
Zakończenie w tej książce jest typowe dla książek królowej kryminału, kiedy wszyscy zgromadzeni w jednym pomieszczeniu mają okazję dowiedzieć się kto, jak i dlaczego. Bardzo dobrze to wyszło.
Do tej pory nie kojarzyłam ani nazwiska autorki, ani okładek jej książek, ale po lekturze tej książki chętnie poszukam wcześniejszych.
Jeśli czytacie po angielsku, to polecam.
December 14, 2024
In this second novel, loveable Arbie Arbuthnot and Val, the daughter of a vicar, find themselves at the same hotel when a murder occurs.
Arbie is staying at Dashwood House, doing research for his next book in his best selling series, The Gentleman’s Guide to Ghost hunting, and Val is there for the engagement party of her best friend Beatrice, Val has been invited to be a bridesmaid.
The wedding party is entitled with hyphenated surnames ,extremely privileged, and most of the members have secrets based upon old scores to be settled, blackmail and plain old hatred.
The method of death is unusual. Arbie is reluctantly pressurised into searching for clues, and helping the police investigate the murder. Val has her eyes set upon being the assistant to Arbie to get her away from the small and boring village life she is subjected to.
All is resolved very satisfactory. There are clues present, but watch out for the red herrings, I went completely down the wrong path yet again.!
A very enjoyable murder mystery done in the Golden Age style, very Agatha Christie, but Arbie reminds me of a young Campion.
Val and Arbie make quite the team of investigators, and I do hope for further adventures.
My thanks to Netgalley and HQ Books, the publishers for my ARC, given freely in return for my honest review. Five stars from me.
I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.
Arbie is staying at Dashwood House, doing research for his next book in his best selling series, The Gentleman’s Guide to Ghost hunting, and Val is there for the engagement party of her best friend Beatrice, Val has been invited to be a bridesmaid.
The wedding party is entitled with hyphenated surnames ,extremely privileged, and most of the members have secrets based upon old scores to be settled, blackmail and plain old hatred.
The method of death is unusual. Arbie is reluctantly pressurised into searching for clues, and helping the police investigate the murder. Val has her eyes set upon being the assistant to Arbie to get her away from the small and boring village life she is subjected to.
All is resolved very satisfactory. There are clues present, but watch out for the red herrings, I went completely down the wrong path yet again.!
A very enjoyable murder mystery done in the Golden Age style, very Agatha Christie, but Arbie reminds me of a young Campion.
Val and Arbie make quite the team of investigators, and I do hope for further adventures.
My thanks to Netgalley and HQ Books, the publishers for my ARC, given freely in return for my honest review. Five stars from me.
I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.
December 31, 2024
The second book in The Val and Arbie Mysteries series and it is September 1925 and Arbuthnot ‘Arbie’ Swift is driving to Galton-next-the-Sea to stay at Dashwood House as research for his second book. It’s near the end of the season and the hotel is fairly quiet although a large party arrived the following day for an engagement party and Arbie is surprised, if not a little perturbed to find that Valentina ‘Val’ Coulton-James is amongst the guests. Written in the style of the golden era of fiction this is a warm and inviting read.
Briefly, all is going swimmingly until one of the bridesmaids to be is found dead in the writing room, under suspicious circumstances, and the police call in an expert whose report confirms this was murder! Whilst Val is keen to investigate Arbie isn’t until he is backed into a corner by the bride to be, and agrees to help.
There are lots of red herrings but if you look carefully there are also some clues about the killer. I did guess the killer but it was much more convoluted than I expected and I didn’t guess the real guilty party! Confused? You need to read the book. I do like our main characters but wish Val wasn’t quite so pushy, seriously Val, give Arbie time, he’ll get there! A good fun, easy and quick read. Enjoyable and entertaining.
Briefly, all is going swimmingly until one of the bridesmaids to be is found dead in the writing room, under suspicious circumstances, and the police call in an expert whose report confirms this was murder! Whilst Val is keen to investigate Arbie isn’t until he is backed into a corner by the bride to be, and agrees to help.
There are lots of red herrings but if you look carefully there are also some clues about the killer. I did guess the killer but it was much more convoluted than I expected and I didn’t guess the real guilty party! Confused? You need to read the book. I do like our main characters but wish Val wasn’t quite so pushy, seriously Val, give Arbie time, he’ll get there! A good fun, easy and quick read. Enjoyable and entertaining.
December 25, 2025
Book two in the series finds us back with Arbie Swift, this time staying at the Dashwood House Hotel in Galton-next-the-Sea. Set in 1925.
Arbie is at the newly refurbished hotel to finish his second book after the unexpected success of The Gentleman’s Guide to Ghost-Hunting. Hoping for a quiet stay filled with fishing and trips to the local pub, he instead finds himself reunited with Val Coulton-James, the vicar’s daughter, who arrives as part of an engagement party staying at the hotel.
The guests are a wonderfully varied mix—wealthy widows, antique dealers, divorcees, and social climbers—perfect fodder for a classic whodunnit. When one of the guests is murdered, Val is eager to investigate, while Arbie is far more reluctant. Still, with plenty of suspects and red herrings, the mystery unfolds in true Agatha Christie style.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Arbie and Val, which led to some genuinely funny moments, though I’m now less convinced a romance is on the cards. Arbie’s laid-back nature clashes with Val’s energetic determination, and it will be interesting to see how—or if—their relationship develops.
A cosy, entertaining mystery that kept me guessing. I’m looking forward to book three.
Arbie is at the newly refurbished hotel to finish his second book after the unexpected success of The Gentleman’s Guide to Ghost-Hunting. Hoping for a quiet stay filled with fishing and trips to the local pub, he instead finds himself reunited with Val Coulton-James, the vicar’s daughter, who arrives as part of an engagement party staying at the hotel.
The guests are a wonderfully varied mix—wealthy widows, antique dealers, divorcees, and social climbers—perfect fodder for a classic whodunnit. When one of the guests is murdered, Val is eager to investigate, while Arbie is far more reluctant. Still, with plenty of suspects and red herrings, the mystery unfolds in true Agatha Christie style.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Arbie and Val, which led to some genuinely funny moments, though I’m now less convinced a romance is on the cards. Arbie’s laid-back nature clashes with Val’s energetic determination, and it will be interesting to see how—or if—their relationship develops.
A cosy, entertaining mystery that kept me guessing. I’m looking forward to book three.
October 22, 2024
The Last Word is Death - Faith Martin
The second outing for Arbie Swift, and vicar's daughter Val Coulton-James.
After the success of his first travel book The Gentleman's Guide to Ghost-Hunting Arbie is off to Dashwood House Hotel, to research for his next book in the hopes he spies (or not) the Headless Horseman. Unexpextedly Val is at the same hotel attending the engagement party of a schoolfriend and the murder solving team are together again. A murder occurs under strange circumstances and Val and Arbie set off once more to solve it alongside if not always in tune with the local police.
I enjoyed the first one of the series but not so much this second one. It felt like very little happend for a quarter of the book before the murder happened and then it started to get a little more interesting. It did not have the same pace as the first one and there were too many characters involved that I had to keep reminding myself who was who and where did they fit in to the storyline. However Arbie and Val solve the mystery putting the clues together coming up with the person I least expected with clues I had not seen but which were there in the plot.
The second outing for Arbie Swift, and vicar's daughter Val Coulton-James.
After the success of his first travel book The Gentleman's Guide to Ghost-Hunting Arbie is off to Dashwood House Hotel, to research for his next book in the hopes he spies (or not) the Headless Horseman. Unexpextedly Val is at the same hotel attending the engagement party of a schoolfriend and the murder solving team are together again. A murder occurs under strange circumstances and Val and Arbie set off once more to solve it alongside if not always in tune with the local police.
I enjoyed the first one of the series but not so much this second one. It felt like very little happend for a quarter of the book before the murder happened and then it started to get a little more interesting. It did not have the same pace as the first one and there were too many characters involved that I had to keep reminding myself who was who and where did they fit in to the storyline. However Arbie and Val solve the mystery putting the clues together coming up with the person I least expected with clues I had not seen but which were there in the plot.
April 8, 2025
4.5/5 stars
This second in series was just as much fun as the first!
I love the bubbly, long-suffering Val and her tireless efforts to keep the lazy, laid-back but lovable Arbie in line and on track. They make a wonderful team, and I love how comfortable they are with each other...true friends, warts and all.
The interesting thing here is that the murder doesn't show up until about 40% into the story. Sometimes that might mean a very slow pace or that the reader becomes bored. Not so here. By the time of the dastardly deed, we have thoroughly gotten to know the varied cast of characters/suspects, and our suspense is heightened to learn who will be the unlucky victim. Very well done here.
My only caveat (and it's not a big one) is that the denouement happened so fast and a bit out of the blue. I was a little surprised that it was all put together so quickly when it seemed like things were not quite jelled yet.
Martin writes fun, entertaining and laugh-out-loud stories, and I'm so happy to have discovered her talent.
Recommended, but do yourself a favor and start with Murder by Candlelight.
This second in series was just as much fun as the first!
I love the bubbly, long-suffering Val and her tireless efforts to keep the lazy, laid-back but lovable Arbie in line and on track. They make a wonderful team, and I love how comfortable they are with each other...true friends, warts and all.
The interesting thing here is that the murder doesn't show up until about 40% into the story. Sometimes that might mean a very slow pace or that the reader becomes bored. Not so here. By the time of the dastardly deed, we have thoroughly gotten to know the varied cast of characters/suspects, and our suspense is heightened to learn who will be the unlucky victim. Very well done here.
My only caveat (and it's not a big one) is that the denouement happened so fast and a bit out of the blue. I was a little surprised that it was all put together so quickly when it seemed like things were not quite jelled yet.
Martin writes fun, entertaining and laugh-out-loud stories, and I'm so happy to have discovered her talent.
Recommended, but do yourself a favor and start with Murder by Candlelight.
July 15, 2025
It takes a certain kind of wit and creativity to balance subtle nuances and not emerge as vulgar slapstick especially in a murder mystery, and yet Faith Martin managed to mix mordant humor and the disquieting tragedy of murder.
Indolent lovable yet uncannily intelligent (when he chose to apply himself) bachelor and author Arbie Swift was especially invited by the owners of Dashwood House with great hopes that he would put their resort on the map via the second sequel of his book, Gentleman's Guide to Ghost~Hunting (a travel book of hotels, inns, and like establishments with ghosts). Given that Dashwood House is in an out of the way place yet to be hyped by Arbie, he thought he was safe from his forceful friend Val, the Vicar's daughter. But bored and unemployed Val found out from his anxious publisher where he was and with the tacit task of chivvying him to finish his book, managed to become bridesmaid to the engagement party being held at the same hotel. The bride and Val were school friends after all. With an amalgamation of varied personalities mostly known to one another ~ personal grudges, financial losses on failed investments, thwarted ambitions and what not accompanied the guests; until strong emotions drove one into murder, some into revenge (one petty, one deadly), even blackmail. This is another work of Art for this author.
Indolent lovable yet uncannily intelligent (when he chose to apply himself) bachelor and author Arbie Swift was especially invited by the owners of Dashwood House with great hopes that he would put their resort on the map via the second sequel of his book, Gentleman's Guide to Ghost~Hunting (a travel book of hotels, inns, and like establishments with ghosts). Given that Dashwood House is in an out of the way place yet to be hyped by Arbie, he thought he was safe from his forceful friend Val, the Vicar's daughter. But bored and unemployed Val found out from his anxious publisher where he was and with the tacit task of chivvying him to finish his book, managed to become bridesmaid to the engagement party being held at the same hotel. The bride and Val were school friends after all. With an amalgamation of varied personalities mostly known to one another ~ personal grudges, financial losses on failed investments, thwarted ambitions and what not accompanied the guests; until strong emotions drove one into murder, some into revenge (one petty, one deadly), even blackmail. This is another work of Art for this author.
June 14, 2025
Arbie Swift has given in to the exhortations of his publisher, after the runaway success of his first book on haunted hotels in England, to write a sequel. But when Arbie arrives to carry out his investigations at his latest hospitality destination, the last thing he expects is for one of the guests to get murdered at the place.
And by a most fortuitous coincidence, the engagement party the guest has come to attend turns out to be one where the bride knows of Arbie's old friend Val, who is also in attendance.
Because Arbie and Val have some experience with sleuthing already (thanks to their earlier adventure in Watson's excellent first book featuring the pair), the bride asks them to help identify the perpetrator, and a very amusing story follows.
I am not one for cosy mysteries but these books are so humorous and clever that I highly recommend that any reader who enjoys a good mystery and a sharp wit checks them out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
And by a most fortuitous coincidence, the engagement party the guest has come to attend turns out to be one where the bride knows of Arbie's old friend Val, who is also in attendance.
Because Arbie and Val have some experience with sleuthing already (thanks to their earlier adventure in Watson's excellent first book featuring the pair), the bride asks them to help identify the perpetrator, and a very amusing story follows.
I am not one for cosy mysteries but these books are so humorous and clever that I highly recommend that any reader who enjoys a good mystery and a sharp wit checks them out.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
February 2, 2025
Second book in the ‘Val & Arbie’ mysteries
Set in 1925 Cotswolds, it has all the style and charm of the golden age era
Arbie arrives at the glamorous Dashwood House Hotel, but no sooner has he stared to relax, when one of the guests, part of an engagement party is found dead in the writing room
Surprise, surprise, vicar’s daughter Val Coulton-James, Arbie’s old friend is part of the engagement party, and the bride, familiar with the crime solving duo asks them to investigate
There are lots of red herrings, as the victim had no shortage of enemies, who is hiding secrets?
It was a bit of slow burner, you’re through a quarter of the book before the murder occurred, but keep with it as the pace picks up following the murder, even if there are quite a few characters to keep up with
Thanks @faithmartin_nov @hqstories & @netgalley for the fab cosy crime read
Set in 1925 Cotswolds, it has all the style and charm of the golden age era
Arbie arrives at the glamorous Dashwood House Hotel, but no sooner has he stared to relax, when one of the guests, part of an engagement party is found dead in the writing room
Surprise, surprise, vicar’s daughter Val Coulton-James, Arbie’s old friend is part of the engagement party, and the bride, familiar with the crime solving duo asks them to investigate
There are lots of red herrings, as the victim had no shortage of enemies, who is hiding secrets?
It was a bit of slow burner, you’re through a quarter of the book before the murder occurred, but keep with it as the pace picks up following the murder, even if there are quite a few characters to keep up with
Thanks @faithmartin_nov @hqstories & @netgalley for the fab cosy crime read
January 2, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for a proof copy.
This cosy crime book is set in 1925, with the friendship of Arbie (author and ghost hunter) and Val (vicar’s daughter) at the centre of the story. They both find themselves staying at the same hotel, Arbie for his work and Val, for her friend’s engagement party.
Faith spends the first half of the book introducing us to the guests and staff of Dashwood House, keeping us guessing about who will be found dead in the writing room.
Once the murder has taken place, and the police are investigating, Arbie finds himself running his own investigation after being persuaded by Val to help, despite his initial reluctance.
I enjoyed how Faith brought the characters at Dashwood House to life, and I hope there will be more books in the Arbie and Val series. This was an enjoyable mix of historical fiction and cosy crime genres, with a large number of suspects.
Loved the story, was kept guessing until the very end. Happy to recommend.
This cosy crime book is set in 1925, with the friendship of Arbie (author and ghost hunter) and Val (vicar’s daughter) at the centre of the story. They both find themselves staying at the same hotel, Arbie for his work and Val, for her friend’s engagement party.
Faith spends the first half of the book introducing us to the guests and staff of Dashwood House, keeping us guessing about who will be found dead in the writing room.
Once the murder has taken place, and the police are investigating, Arbie finds himself running his own investigation after being persuaded by Val to help, despite his initial reluctance.
I enjoyed how Faith brought the characters at Dashwood House to life, and I hope there will be more books in the Arbie and Val series. This was an enjoyable mix of historical fiction and cosy crime genres, with a large number of suspects.
Loved the story, was kept guessing until the very end. Happy to recommend.
January 1, 2025
The second book in the Val And Arbie Mysteries takes place at a luxury hotel in an upcoming coastal resort in the 1920s. Arbie's success with his first ghost-hunting travel guide allows him to stay at the resort and research the headless horse-riding ghost that haunts nearby. Arbie is hoping for plenty of relaxation and the bare minimum of work, but the appearance of his neighbour, vicar's daughter, Val and an untimely death means that he has to become an unwilling sleuth again. I enjoyed his historical cosy mystery and found it an engaging read. I like the dynamic between the amateur sleuths, the detailed characterisation and the setting, which make the reader invest in all the characters and the clever mystery.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
January 2, 2025
An Agatha Christie-esque murder mystery with the aloof and reluctant Archie and his childhood friend and willing co-investigator Val.
It's 1925 and a newly opened country hotel invites Arbie to visit hoping for a glowing review in his latest travel guide. At the same time a wedding party arrives and before long chaos ensues after a shocking murder.
Before the first murder is solved, another guest is killed and it's Arbie with his powers of deduction who will solve both.
I really enjoyed this murder mystery even though it's not my favourite genre. I can see the relationship between Val and Arbie developing if the series continues and I'd definitely be keen to read more of their back story.
It's 1925 and a newly opened country hotel invites Arbie to visit hoping for a glowing review in his latest travel guide. At the same time a wedding party arrives and before long chaos ensues after a shocking murder.
Before the first murder is solved, another guest is killed and it's Arbie with his powers of deduction who will solve both.
I really enjoyed this murder mystery even though it's not my favourite genre. I can see the relationship between Val and Arbie developing if the series continues and I'd definitely be keen to read more of their back story.
January 2, 2025
It was such a pleasure to catch up with Arbie and Val at a posh hotel in the seaside town of Galton-next-the Sea. Arbie has been asked by Captain and Mrs Penderghast to write a review of the hotel and the mystery of Red-Dog and his steed, Stalwart.! What Arbie doesn't know is that Val will be turning up as a member of an engagement party for her friend, Beatrice. The scene is set with the engagement party and other hotel guests when a body is discovered in the hotel. Arbie is chevied along by Val to do some amateur sleuthing and investigate the mysterious death. All the sub plots tie up wit a dramatic reveal that I didn't see coming. It has the hallmarks of an Agatha Christie mystery.
January 2, 2025
This is book two in a series, which does work as a standalone. I haven't read book one, but I would have preferred to have read the first before this one, as it does assume you know the characters.
Arbie is staying at Dashwood House, when a guest is found dead. The guest was part of a group visiting for an engagement party, that also includes Arbie's friend Val. The pair have history with crime solving, so they decide to investigate. Can they work out who killed and why?
I really liked Arbie and Val, I thought Arbie's bumbling ways were offset perfectly by Val. There were definite hints of Agatha Christie stories, I shall certainly look for more in this series.
Arbie is staying at Dashwood House, when a guest is found dead. The guest was part of a group visiting for an engagement party, that also includes Arbie's friend Val. The pair have history with crime solving, so they decide to investigate. Can they work out who killed and why?
I really liked Arbie and Val, I thought Arbie's bumbling ways were offset perfectly by Val. There were definite hints of Agatha Christie stories, I shall certainly look for more in this series.
January 13, 2025
Read if you like:
-Historical Fiction
-Cosy mystery
-Ghost Hunting
The Last Word is Death is the first book by this author. I must say that I’m on a roll when it comes down to new authors so far!
The setting and the fact that the author maintained the atmosphere of the period was very well done! The fact that electricity was still new was really cool to read about!
The body is found in the writing room, the victim part of an engagement party! Unfortunately, not a lot happened in the first quarter of the book but it did pick up and get going afterwards!
I did enjoy Arbie & Val together, they are definitely interesting! However, I don’t feel like they are equals! The humour between them was sprinkled throughout! I enjoyed their outing and their attempts at trying to see a “ghost”!
Overall this is a light cosy mystery set in small English village in the past?
-Historical Fiction
-Cosy mystery
-Ghost Hunting
The Last Word is Death is the first book by this author. I must say that I’m on a roll when it comes down to new authors so far!
The setting and the fact that the author maintained the atmosphere of the period was very well done! The fact that electricity was still new was really cool to read about!
The body is found in the writing room, the victim part of an engagement party! Unfortunately, not a lot happened in the first quarter of the book but it did pick up and get going afterwards!
I did enjoy Arbie & Val together, they are definitely interesting! However, I don’t feel like they are equals! The humour between them was sprinkled throughout! I enjoyed their outing and their attempts at trying to see a “ghost”!
Overall this is a light cosy mystery set in small English village in the past?
May 10, 2025
This cozy mystery sees a hotel populated by genteel characters with double-barrelled surnames rocked by a murder via electrocution. I enjoyed the novel's lighthearted voice and playful camaraderie between its two leads, which came through compellingly despite my unfamiliarity with the preceding book in the series. However, the novel's odd pacing (as many reviewers here have noted, the murder only happens about halfway through) and the fact that the protagonists don't do the lion's share of detective work makes for an unbalanced combo of a slow first half and rushed conclusion and some contrived revelations in the summation scene.
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