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Poppy Denby Investigates #5
Murder at the Art Gallery
* Previously published as The Art Fiasco*
'Historical detective fiction at its best... I had to give myself a couple of days without anything else planned because once I began reading it, I actually couldn't put it down until I'd finished' Reader review, 5 stars
Newcastle, 1924. Reporter Poppy Denby is making her way up to Northumberland to celebrate her father's sixtieth birthday, but first, she can't resist stopping for a few days in Newcastle, for a quick hello to her favourite Aunt Dot.
The infamous suffragette has temporarily moved up and is hosting world-renowned artist and long-time friend, Agnes Robson who is staging an exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery.
It was supposed to be a relaxing and art-filled stop on the way, however, when a local journalist tries to link Agnes to the mysterious death of a young art teacher in Ashington Colliery, twenty-seven years earlier, Poppy is quickly roped in to help.
Poppy is determined to clear Agne's names but the more she digs into this story the more she is convinced the young teacher was murdered by someone else, and that only means one there is still a killer on the loose.
Readers are absolutely LOVING Murder at the Art Gallery:
'This was one of those books I didn't want to put down and stayed up late into the night to read' Reader review, 5 stars
'It ticks all the boxes. Absorbing, interesting and compelling' Reader review, 5 stars
'The mystery is multi-faceted with red herrings and interesting twists! If you are looking for a good historical mystery, this one is for you! It's a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended!' Reader review, 5 stars
'Historical detective fiction at its best... I had to give myself a couple of days without anything else planned because once I began reading it, I actually couldn't put it down until I'd finished' Reader review, 5 stars
Newcastle, 1924. Reporter Poppy Denby is making her way up to Northumberland to celebrate her father's sixtieth birthday, but first, she can't resist stopping for a few days in Newcastle, for a quick hello to her favourite Aunt Dot.
The infamous suffragette has temporarily moved up and is hosting world-renowned artist and long-time friend, Agnes Robson who is staging an exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery.
It was supposed to be a relaxing and art-filled stop on the way, however, when a local journalist tries to link Agnes to the mysterious death of a young art teacher in Ashington Colliery, twenty-seven years earlier, Poppy is quickly roped in to help.
Poppy is determined to clear Agne's names but the more she digs into this story the more she is convinced the young teacher was murdered by someone else, and that only means one there is still a killer on the loose.
Readers are absolutely LOVING Murder at the Art Gallery:
'This was one of those books I didn't want to put down and stayed up late into the night to read' Reader review, 5 stars
'It ticks all the boxes. Absorbing, interesting and compelling' Reader review, 5 stars
'The mystery is multi-faceted with red herrings and interesting twists! If you are looking for a good historical mystery, this one is for you! It's a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended!' Reader review, 5 stars
304 pages, Paperback
Published January 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 19, 2024
On her way to Northumberland and her father’s sixtieth birthday party, Poppy stops off to see Aunt Dot in Newcastle who has located there from London to renovate with Grace the house she inherited. One of her guests is renowned artist Agnes Robson. Grace and Agnes do not get along. Another guest is Poppy’s friend actress,Delilah, currently involved in a play. Agnes has an exhibition of her paintings at Laing Art Gallery. Although she is meant to be on holidays from her position at The Globe, Poppy gets co-opted to help when the artist’s press liaison man becomes ill. The year is 1924. The local press has dug up scandal from the past where Agnes was reputed to be involved in the death in Ashton Colliery of a Michael Brownley, a young art teacher twenty-seven years before. Poppy is trying to suppress that story and does some detective work of her own after a murder occurs.
This is book in book 5 in a series about Poppy Denby. I had read and enjoyed books 1, 3 and 4 so it was good to find this one on the library shelves. However, there is no reason why it couldn’t be read as a stand alone, though probably richer if you have the extra knowledge of the characters.
Poppy is a likeable character and it is a well written historical cosy murder mystery. Good for once to see cooperation between detective Sandy Hawkes and Poppy. It doesn’t hurt that he is attracted to Poppy.
An entertaining read that moves long, although I wouldn’t exactly call it a page turner. More of a gentle relaxed pace. Still, it kept my interest throughout and I would recommend it to those who enjoy historical novels and cosy mysteries with an independent, spirited main character in Poppy.
This is book in book 5 in a series about Poppy Denby. I had read and enjoyed books 1, 3 and 4 so it was good to find this one on the library shelves. However, there is no reason why it couldn’t be read as a stand alone, though probably richer if you have the extra knowledge of the characters.
Poppy is a likeable character and it is a well written historical cosy murder mystery. Good for once to see cooperation between detective Sandy Hawkes and Poppy. It doesn’t hurt that he is attracted to Poppy.
An entertaining read that moves long, although I wouldn’t exactly call it a page turner. More of a gentle relaxed pace. Still, it kept my interest throughout and I would recommend it to those who enjoy historical novels and cosy mysteries with an independent, spirited main character in Poppy.
October 27, 2020
My review on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
This is my first book that I have read by Fiona Veitch Smith and tea enjoyed it. The Art Fiasco is currently the fifth book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series.
The Art Fiasco mixes with the art world and perhaps a murder.
Inside the book is a map that readers can follow, explaining where every place is within this storyline. There is also a list of characters for each year this story is set in.
The Art Fiasco is set in the 1920s, in Newcastle upon Tyne.
At the beginning of the story in 1897, 30th September, Adhington Colliery, Northumberland . Agnes Robson is attending Mr Michael Brownley ‘s free art class, at the Newcastle School of Art at the University college. He ran the free art classes for children of the pitmen in Ashington and Hirst. Agnes had the flair to change the colours of trees and Mr Brownley gives her some money, but I’m not saying why.
My heart sunk, on the 14th October in The Morpeth Herald the sad news is running that lecture Micheal Brownley has been found dead at the bottom of Ashington Pit.
Poppy Denby is investigating the death of teacher Mr Brownley, where something is about to be discovered.
If you like murder mysteries, then this book could be just right for you!
This is my first book that I have read by Fiona Veitch Smith and tea enjoyed it. The Art Fiasco is currently the fifth book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series.
The Art Fiasco mixes with the art world and perhaps a murder.
Inside the book is a map that readers can follow, explaining where every place is within this storyline. There is also a list of characters for each year this story is set in.
The Art Fiasco is set in the 1920s, in Newcastle upon Tyne.
At the beginning of the story in 1897, 30th September, Adhington Colliery, Northumberland . Agnes Robson is attending Mr Michael Brownley ‘s free art class, at the Newcastle School of Art at the University college. He ran the free art classes for children of the pitmen in Ashington and Hirst. Agnes had the flair to change the colours of trees and Mr Brownley gives her some money, but I’m not saying why.
My heart sunk, on the 14th October in The Morpeth Herald the sad news is running that lecture Micheal Brownley has been found dead at the bottom of Ashington Pit.
Poppy Denby is investigating the death of teacher Mr Brownley, where something is about to be discovered.
If you like murder mysteries, then this book could be just right for you!
November 27, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Journalist Poppy Denby is back in the fifth book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series set in the 1920s. The book is set three years after book four finished, ‘The Cairo Brief‘ and sees Poppy travelling from her home in London to her family’s home in Northumberland to celebrate her dad’s birthday.
On route Poppy stops at her Aunt Dot’s house in Newcastle, which she is currently renovating with her partner Grace. Joining her at the home is her best friend and actress Delilah and artist Agnes Robson who is to open a gallery named after herself at her old school and running an exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery.
Poppy is supposed to be relaxing and on holiday but Agnes’s aide has taken ill and Poppy is drafted in to help, though when tragedy strikes on the galleries opening night Poppy may be the only witness and she is determined to help the local police. Could the events have anything to do with the death of Agnes’s old art teacher some twenty-seven-years earlier, as she has always been suspected of murdering him by the local community but no evidence of her involvement was uncovered?
The Art Fiasco opens with a chapter set in 1897 and a young fourteen-year-old Agnes Robson taking art lessons behind her family’s back and the art teacher showing a little too much interest in the budding artist, the chapter ends with the teacher being found with his neck broken in the local pit. We then move on to 1924 and Poppy just arriving in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Having enjoyed the series from the very beginning it was great to carry on Poppy’s story and welcome all the returning characters too. Poppy has certainly grown as a woman as she arrived in London quite naïve and not very confident taking on her first job. Poppy now with years under her belt of running the Arts and Entertainment column in The Daily Globe, and a bit of sleuthing on the side has become a mature, sophisticated young lady.
The book is very atmospheric and draws you into the time period. From the clothing to the transport and even the manners and speech of the characters you feel very much in the 1920s. Although there are other books set away from London in the series it was nice to see Poppy supposed to be having time to herself and not working covering stories, unfortunately, she is thrust right into one when she witnesses a violent death.
This is a series that I can’t say keeps on getting better as all the books are amazing and enjoyable, it is a series that I can’t wait to return to time and time again and look forward to joining Poppy on her many adventures. If you like female sleuths who are headstrong and mixes with suffragette icons then this is the book to pick up.
Journalist Poppy Denby is back in the fifth book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series set in the 1920s. The book is set three years after book four finished, ‘The Cairo Brief‘ and sees Poppy travelling from her home in London to her family’s home in Northumberland to celebrate her dad’s birthday.
On route Poppy stops at her Aunt Dot’s house in Newcastle, which she is currently renovating with her partner Grace. Joining her at the home is her best friend and actress Delilah and artist Agnes Robson who is to open a gallery named after herself at her old school and running an exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery.
Poppy is supposed to be relaxing and on holiday but Agnes’s aide has taken ill and Poppy is drafted in to help, though when tragedy strikes on the galleries opening night Poppy may be the only witness and she is determined to help the local police. Could the events have anything to do with the death of Agnes’s old art teacher some twenty-seven-years earlier, as she has always been suspected of murdering him by the local community but no evidence of her involvement was uncovered?
The Art Fiasco opens with a chapter set in 1897 and a young fourteen-year-old Agnes Robson taking art lessons behind her family’s back and the art teacher showing a little too much interest in the budding artist, the chapter ends with the teacher being found with his neck broken in the local pit. We then move on to 1924 and Poppy just arriving in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Having enjoyed the series from the very beginning it was great to carry on Poppy’s story and welcome all the returning characters too. Poppy has certainly grown as a woman as she arrived in London quite naïve and not very confident taking on her first job. Poppy now with years under her belt of running the Arts and Entertainment column in The Daily Globe, and a bit of sleuthing on the side has become a mature, sophisticated young lady.
The book is very atmospheric and draws you into the time period. From the clothing to the transport and even the manners and speech of the characters you feel very much in the 1920s. Although there are other books set away from London in the series it was nice to see Poppy supposed to be having time to herself and not working covering stories, unfortunately, she is thrust right into one when she witnesses a violent death.
This is a series that I can’t say keeps on getting better as all the books are amazing and enjoyable, it is a series that I can’t wait to return to time and time again and look forward to joining Poppy on her many adventures. If you like female sleuths who are headstrong and mixes with suffragette icons then this is the book to pick up.
August 7, 2020
Sleuthing reporter Poppy Denby isn’t Amory Ames of Murder at the Brightwell; Poppy isn’t Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher nor Rhys Bowen’s Lady Georgie, either. Amory, Phryne and Lady Georgie are all bright young things at the beginning of the 20th century: modern, clever, sophisticated and relentless in the pursuit of justice. Their speech isn’t just cut-glass — it’s cultivated, sharp and intelligent. In other words, they’re nothing like Poppy, except that their novels take place about the same time period.
The Art Fiasco is the fifth book in a series by Fiona Veitch Smith, and it lives up to its title. Perhaps I would have enjoyed Poppy more if I hadn’t come to this novel cold, but I doubt it. London-based Poppy returns to her Northumberland roots for her father’s birthday party; while there, she joins up with her fashionista bestie Delilah Marconi. The Art Fiasco contains more descriptions of fashion and furnishings than a Coco Chanel biography; it should have been titled The Fashion Fiasco. Veitch Smith tries so hard to make Poppy and her family and pals eccentric that they come off as bad P.G. Wodehouse sidekicks. Dialogue strained, silly characters, and unsuccessful asides and references to previous novels. Poppy eventually gets roped into helping with the press for her dotty Aunt Dot’s renowned artist friend and to help stave off scandal. (I could never figure out if Aunt Dot and her companion Grace were supposed to be goofy versions of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, or were just cardboard characters in their own right.) By the time Veitch Smith gets this far in the novel, I finally gave up. What happened? Don’t know, don’t care. Do yourself a favor and seek out a real bright, young thing in a different series.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I received this book free from NetGalley, Lion Hudson Ltd. and Lion Ficton in return for an honest review.
The Art Fiasco is the fifth book in a series by Fiona Veitch Smith, and it lives up to its title. Perhaps I would have enjoyed Poppy more if I hadn’t come to this novel cold, but I doubt it. London-based Poppy returns to her Northumberland roots for her father’s birthday party; while there, she joins up with her fashionista bestie Delilah Marconi. The Art Fiasco contains more descriptions of fashion and furnishings than a Coco Chanel biography; it should have been titled The Fashion Fiasco. Veitch Smith tries so hard to make Poppy and her family and pals eccentric that they come off as bad P.G. Wodehouse sidekicks. Dialogue strained, silly characters, and unsuccessful asides and references to previous novels. Poppy eventually gets roped into helping with the press for her dotty Aunt Dot’s renowned artist friend and to help stave off scandal. (I could never figure out if Aunt Dot and her companion Grace were supposed to be goofy versions of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, or were just cardboard characters in their own right.) By the time Veitch Smith gets this far in the novel, I finally gave up. What happened? Don’t know, don’t care. Do yourself a favor and seek out a real bright, young thing in a different series.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I received this book free from NetGalley, Lion Hudson Ltd. and Lion Ficton in return for an honest review.
October 2, 2020
I should say upfront that I did not finish this novel - I actually only made it 2% in. I don't want to expressly why, as to not spoil the story for you, but there was a scene in the first chapter that I was extremely uncomfortable with, thus I could not stomach continuing at that point. I didn't read enough of the novel to be able to comment intelligently on the writing style or any other factors at this point. However, I do immensely thank Fiona Veitch Smith, Lion Hudson Ltd, and NetGalley for providing me a free Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for this honest review.
July 26, 2020
A solid historical mystery filled with intrepid women making their own way in life in 1920s Britain. The characters are well developed and reflect the dynamic social forces at work during this time. A well plotted mystery rich in details will keep the reader engaged. I immediately went out and bought the first in the series.
I received a free copy of this book thanks to Netgalley.com and the publisher in return for a fair and impartial review.
I received a free copy of this book thanks to Netgalley.com and the publisher in return for a fair and impartial review.
November 14, 2020
Murder mystery set in 1920's NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Our You Tube review: https://youtu.be/ybprnJikBYM
This is no. 5 in the Poppy Denby series and I came to this without having read the previous novels. It easily holds its own.
Popping is up from London and staying with Aunt Dot and her friend Grace in their house in Heaton. She is spending a few days there before heading on to her father’s birthday party in Northumberland. She is a journalist and therefore has a nose for a story AND she is a bit of a sleuth on the side.
Early on we are given a little backstory of Agnes Robson who originally hailed from Ashington Colliery, just up the coast. She is now an impressive, avant-garde artist but the whiff of the death of her art teacher has followed her around like a bad smell. There is a strong sense that she was somehow involved in his untimely death, which occurred in 1897, and we know for sure that he made advances to her when she was only a young teenager. She too is staying with Dot and Grace because the Laing Art Gallery is showing her work. However, at the show, she falls to her death. Poppy happens to have heard raised voices just before Agnes plunged from the cupola.
Of course there is plenty for Poppy to investigate, many threads to pull together, and what makes this story particularly engaging is the era and setting. Newcastle comes to life in the author’s capable hands – it seems her research has been meticulous. I live not far from the city and I could really visualise the locations – and of course it was interesting to see The Laing Art Gallery as it was then. Fashion and mores of the time are beautifully brought to life and the characters are colourfully drawn. Visits to Fenwick’s department store and the Scala Cinema on Chillingham Road really anchor the story in the bygone era.
An excellent novel for anyone who loves cozy crime mysteries (one for fans of M C Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series and Jennifer S Alderson’s Travel Can Be Murder series) and of course ideal for anyone who is familiar with Newcastle upon Tyne and environs! There is a real sense of echoes of footsteps past and the author goes on to say that she has derived much of her sense of era and place from her own family records.
Our You Tube review: https://youtu.be/ybprnJikBYM
This is no. 5 in the Poppy Denby series and I came to this without having read the previous novels. It easily holds its own.
Popping is up from London and staying with Aunt Dot and her friend Grace in their house in Heaton. She is spending a few days there before heading on to her father’s birthday party in Northumberland. She is a journalist and therefore has a nose for a story AND she is a bit of a sleuth on the side.
Early on we are given a little backstory of Agnes Robson who originally hailed from Ashington Colliery, just up the coast. She is now an impressive, avant-garde artist but the whiff of the death of her art teacher has followed her around like a bad smell. There is a strong sense that she was somehow involved in his untimely death, which occurred in 1897, and we know for sure that he made advances to her when she was only a young teenager. She too is staying with Dot and Grace because the Laing Art Gallery is showing her work. However, at the show, she falls to her death. Poppy happens to have heard raised voices just before Agnes plunged from the cupola.
Of course there is plenty for Poppy to investigate, many threads to pull together, and what makes this story particularly engaging is the era and setting. Newcastle comes to life in the author’s capable hands – it seems her research has been meticulous. I live not far from the city and I could really visualise the locations – and of course it was interesting to see The Laing Art Gallery as it was then. Fashion and mores of the time are beautifully brought to life and the characters are colourfully drawn. Visits to Fenwick’s department store and the Scala Cinema on Chillingham Road really anchor the story in the bygone era.
An excellent novel for anyone who loves cozy crime mysteries (one for fans of M C Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series and Jennifer S Alderson’s Travel Can Be Murder series) and of course ideal for anyone who is familiar with Newcastle upon Tyne and environs! There is a real sense of echoes of footsteps past and the author goes on to say that she has derived much of her sense of era and place from her own family records.
July 29, 2020
The Art Fiasco by Fiona Veitch Smith is a cozy mystery set in 1920’s England starring Poppy, a journalist and part time sleuth. I didn’t realize this was a series and not the first book, however it was still entertaining and had an art theme. This one did take a while for me to get into, but there were some interesting twists. Large ensemble cast and pretty Brittish settings.
October 24, 2020
The Art Fiasco is the fifth book in Fiona Veitch Smith's Poppy Denby Investigates series. The mystery in the center of this historical cozy mystery series stands alone, which is a good thing since I haven't read the first four books! I still enjoyed the story, but I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I read the previous installments. I missed all the previous character development which would have greatly enhanced my reading pleasure.
Poppy Denby is on her way to her father's 60th birthday party in 1924. She stops in Newcastle to visit her Aunt Dot, who is renovating a house she has inherited. Agnes Robson, a famous artist, also comes to stay with Dot while she has an exhibition in a local art gallery. Her press liaison is unable to make it, so journalist Poppy is pressed to fill in by Agnes. When Agnes is murdered, it begins to appear that her death may be connected to another death which occurred 27 years earlier. When Aunt Dot's companion Grace is arrested for the murder, Poppy Denby, well, investigates!
This mystery did stand alone, and I thought it was very well done. It actually begins 27 years before the current murder. Reading about Agnes's tragic childhood was heartbreaking, and she still suffered from the past even though she became a celebrated artist. I really didn't figure out whodunit until the murderer was revealed. Plenty of red herrings kept me guessing! I do wish I knew more about the main characters and their backgrounds before I read this book. Poppy was apparently a good investigative journalist who has helped solve murders in the past. Her friend Delilah is an actress who seems to get around and is lots of fun. The other supporting characters are also an interesting bunch, especially Poppy's dwarf boss and his Anglo-Egyptian lawyer wife. This is an entertaining mystery to dive into, but read the previous books first for greater enjoyment.
I received n ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Poppy Denby is on her way to her father's 60th birthday party in 1924. She stops in Newcastle to visit her Aunt Dot, who is renovating a house she has inherited. Agnes Robson, a famous artist, also comes to stay with Dot while she has an exhibition in a local art gallery. Her press liaison is unable to make it, so journalist Poppy is pressed to fill in by Agnes. When Agnes is murdered, it begins to appear that her death may be connected to another death which occurred 27 years earlier. When Aunt Dot's companion Grace is arrested for the murder, Poppy Denby, well, investigates!
This mystery did stand alone, and I thought it was very well done. It actually begins 27 years before the current murder. Reading about Agnes's tragic childhood was heartbreaking, and she still suffered from the past even though she became a celebrated artist. I really didn't figure out whodunit until the murderer was revealed. Plenty of red herrings kept me guessing! I do wish I knew more about the main characters and their backgrounds before I read this book. Poppy was apparently a good investigative journalist who has helped solve murders in the past. Her friend Delilah is an actress who seems to get around and is lots of fun. The other supporting characters are also an interesting bunch, especially Poppy's dwarf boss and his Anglo-Egyptian lawyer wife. This is an entertaining mystery to dive into, but read the previous books first for greater enjoyment.
I received n ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
October 19, 2020
The Art Fiasco by Fiona Veitch Smith is Book 5 in the Poppy Denby series of 1920's mysteries, all set in England. Poppy is the Arts and Culture editor for the Daily Globe. To be honest, she was the reporter as well. There was only she in the department. She is on her way north to the Newcastle area to celebrate her father's 60th birthday. He is a Methodist minister in a town not for from Newcastle, Morpeth. She was taking a couple of days to stop with her aunt Dot, who, with her companion, Grace, was renovating a home she had inherited but had no use for, into supervised apartments for young women. She was also to see her friend, Delilah, in the opening night of The Importance of Being Ernest at the local theatre. When Grace picks her up at the train, she discovers that another guest who will be present is Agnes Robson, a noted artist that Poppy is familiar with from London. It will be a full house, with Agnes' show opening the night before Delilah's, followed the next day with the birthday part. Then, Agnes falls of the roof of the gallery during the opening night of the exhibit and Poppy falls into full investigative mode.
Love Poppy Denby. She is a great character, on the cusp of a new and exciting world, after World War I has devastated Europe. It is a changing time for woman and in this book; Poppy's very conservative mother comes to terms with poppy's life and her career. Very exciting step forward! Agnes had a past and it looks like that past kills her but in order to solve the crime by assisting the handsome detective Sandy Hawkes, Poppy must discover all the bits and bobs of that past. It is a convoluted story, revealed in increments, masterfully. The read didn't really see the details until they were unfurled, and learning the murderer after all the red herrings and missteps was an exciting end to the story. Poppy has lots of really interesting friends, including her editor who is from America, and a dwarf; as well as his lovely wife, one of only two female barristers in England as well as the mother of two lively twins, to whom she gave birth at the age of 47. Her aunt spent much of her life on the stage and was a suffragette as was Grace. It's all very complicated but Smith tucks all the details into the telling of the story. Excellent read. Golden Age mystery at it's best. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Art Fiasco by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #theartfiasco
Love Poppy Denby. She is a great character, on the cusp of a new and exciting world, after World War I has devastated Europe. It is a changing time for woman and in this book; Poppy's very conservative mother comes to terms with poppy's life and her career. Very exciting step forward! Agnes had a past and it looks like that past kills her but in order to solve the crime by assisting the handsome detective Sandy Hawkes, Poppy must discover all the bits and bobs of that past. It is a convoluted story, revealed in increments, masterfully. The read didn't really see the details until they were unfurled, and learning the murderer after all the red herrings and missteps was an exciting end to the story. Poppy has lots of really interesting friends, including her editor who is from America, and a dwarf; as well as his lovely wife, one of only two female barristers in England as well as the mother of two lively twins, to whom she gave birth at the age of 47. Her aunt spent much of her life on the stage and was a suffragette as was Grace. It's all very complicated but Smith tucks all the details into the telling of the story. Excellent read. Golden Age mystery at it's best. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Art Fiasco by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #theartfiasco
July 27, 2020
Fiona V. Smith has written a wonderful historical mystery that features a cast of very liberated 1920's women. I loved the crusading spirit of the female artist, attorney, reporter and actress. They formed an entertaining team of investigators on this art-centric mystery set in an English mining town.
Ms. Smith's characters have both brains and heart and their adventures were the perfect tonic for a very hot summer day. I loved every minute i spent with this light mystery and look forward to encountering these characters in another book in the series.
Netgalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a candid review.
Ms. Smith's characters have both brains and heart and their adventures were the perfect tonic for a very hot summer day. I loved every minute i spent with this light mystery and look forward to encountering these characters in another book in the series.
Netgalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a candid review.
October 30, 2020
Journalist, and amateur sleuth, Poppy Denby is staying with her Aunt Dot in Newcastle, and whilst there she meets with renowned artist, Agnes Robson, who is back in the North East, to celebrate her artistic success by showing some of her art collection in an exhibition at the prestigious Laing Art Gallery. When Agnes’s press assistant is taken ill, Poppy steps in to help out, with devastating consequences when secrets from Agnes’s past threaten to be exposed.
Poppy Denby is a likeable amateur crime investigator as she has the right amount of tenacity to get to grips with a situation and yet she is also a little bit ditzy which I rather liked as all sleuths should have some flaws. There’s no doubt, though, that Poppy also has sound common sense and even when the investigation goes off in an unexpected direction, Poppy is there to pull everything together.
The story flows well and the setting in 1924 gives something of a ‘flapper’ feel about it with the idea of fashionable young women enjoying themselves and yet, they're also making their mark in a typically male society. However, it's not all about froth and trips to the theatre and games of tennis, there’s also quite a dark element at play concerning something tragic which happened long ago in Agnes Robson's past which is explained well and gives an interesting dimension to the story.
This is the fifth book in this cosy crime series and even though I haven’t read any of the four books which had gone before, I was soon able to pick up some pointers about Poppy’s past and didn’t feel that I struggled too much in not knowing much about some of the characters. The Art Fiasco is a lively, cosy crime mystery which has interesting characters, and enough excitement, to keep you entertained from start to finish.
October 23, 2020
This historical mystery is the 5th in the series. The main character is Poppy Denby. Poppy is a 26 year old journalist and amateur sleuth. One thing that caught my interest was the setting of this book. Poppy goes home to Newcastle (her parents actually live in a village outside Newcastle, but her Aunt is renovating a house in Newcastle). The industrial northeast is not that common of a setting for historical mysteries and I was intrigued.
The story opens in 1897. Fourteen year old Agnes' art teacher is found dead at the bottom of the pit shaft. The rest of the story takes place in 1924. Agnes is a world-famous artist and has an exhibition of her paintings at a gallery in Newcastle. She is murdered almost in front of Poppy on the opening night.
The story is told in the third person. While the story is mainly told from Poppy's perspective, important scenes and clues are discovered through the actions of the other characters (friends, family, and employers of Poppy). The author weaves a wonderful sense of time and place naturally into the story. For example, Poppy and Delilah go to see a film and discuss how the actress was able to convey so much emotion without speaking. It's a great way of reminding the reader that it was the era of the silent film.
I loved that there was a map of Poppy's Newcastle and a list of characters at the beginning. I appreciated that bit of a nod to Golden Age Mysteries. This is the first Poppy Denby mystery that I have read, but I will definitely be going back to the beginning to read the rest of the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd. for sending me a copy for review.
The story opens in 1897. Fourteen year old Agnes' art teacher is found dead at the bottom of the pit shaft. The rest of the story takes place in 1924. Agnes is a world-famous artist and has an exhibition of her paintings at a gallery in Newcastle. She is murdered almost in front of Poppy on the opening night.
The story is told in the third person. While the story is mainly told from Poppy's perspective, important scenes and clues are discovered through the actions of the other characters (friends, family, and employers of Poppy). The author weaves a wonderful sense of time and place naturally into the story. For example, Poppy and Delilah go to see a film and discuss how the actress was able to convey so much emotion without speaking. It's a great way of reminding the reader that it was the era of the silent film.
I loved that there was a map of Poppy's Newcastle and a list of characters at the beginning. I appreciated that bit of a nod to Golden Age Mysteries. This is the first Poppy Denby mystery that I have read, but I will definitely be going back to the beginning to read the rest of the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lion Hudson Ltd. for sending me a copy for review.
September 30, 2020
I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. The Art Fiasco is part of a series featuring Poppy Denby and her associates, but can easily be read as a stand-alone title. This entry finds Poppy visiting Newcastle, which is in the area where she grew up, to attend her father's 60 birthday party, see her aunt's new project, and attend a performance of her friend's latest play. Aunt Dot and her friend Grace are putting the finishing touches on an old house Dot inherited so they can rent it to lodgers. Poppy is delighted to learn that the well-known artists Agnes Robinson who grew up in the area is hosting an exhibition of her work in a few days.
While attending the art exhibitions, Poppy is shocked to see Agnes stabbed and pushed to her death; she's even more shocked with Grace is arrested for the murder. Poppy quickly calls in re-enforcements: her editor Rollo and his wife, the famous lawyer Yasmin Rolandson, While Yasmin handles the legal side of things, Poppy begins investigating Agnes's childhood in the area as well as the mysterious death of her art teacher decades before. The mystery aspect is well done with enough twists to keep my interest, but the draw in this series for me remains Poppy and her friends. Aunt Dot is as irrepressible as always, Delilah is a delight, and Poppy seems finally ready to move on from Daniel with a police detective. I continue to enjoy seeing Poppy grow as a modern young career woman of the 1920s and solve the mysteries she somehow manages to stumble over.
While attending the art exhibitions, Poppy is shocked to see Agnes stabbed and pushed to her death; she's even more shocked with Grace is arrested for the murder. Poppy quickly calls in re-enforcements: her editor Rollo and his wife, the famous lawyer Yasmin Rolandson, While Yasmin handles the legal side of things, Poppy begins investigating Agnes's childhood in the area as well as the mysterious death of her art teacher decades before. The mystery aspect is well done with enough twists to keep my interest, but the draw in this series for me remains Poppy and her friends. Aunt Dot is as irrepressible as always, Delilah is a delight, and Poppy seems finally ready to move on from Daniel with a police detective. I continue to enjoy seeing Poppy grow as a modern young career woman of the 1920s and solve the mysteries she somehow manages to stumble over.
October 24, 2020
This is the first book I read in this series and I found it highly entertaining and well written.
I was hooked since the first pages and I read in two setting.
It’s an interesting historical mystery that reminded me of Golden Age one and it can be read as a stand-alone even if it’s part of a series.
Poppy is a well rounded and interesting character, a woman who faces the misoginy of the ’20 when women were starting to work but their main role was still wife/mother. She is strong willed and able to fend a world where she’s considered an anomaly as she’s a reporter and investigates.
The cast of characters is interesting. I loved Agnes, the artist who was able to become a well known name in the art world even if she’s the daughter of a miner and had to endure abuse and a life full of grief.
The historical background is well researched and vivid, I liked the description of Newcastle and how the author deals with issues like child abuse and pedophilia.
The solid mystery is full of red herrings, twists and turns. The solution came as a surprise even if there were plenty of clues.
The romance was the weakest part, there’s chemistry between Poppy and the detective but she’s never really involved.
I can’t wait to read the next instalment as I want to know what will be next.
It’s an enjoyable and entertaining read, recommended.
Many thanks to Lion Hudson and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I was hooked since the first pages and I read in two setting.
It’s an interesting historical mystery that reminded me of Golden Age one and it can be read as a stand-alone even if it’s part of a series.
Poppy is a well rounded and interesting character, a woman who faces the misoginy of the ’20 when women were starting to work but their main role was still wife/mother. She is strong willed and able to fend a world where she’s considered an anomaly as she’s a reporter and investigates.
The cast of characters is interesting. I loved Agnes, the artist who was able to become a well known name in the art world even if she’s the daughter of a miner and had to endure abuse and a life full of grief.
The historical background is well researched and vivid, I liked the description of Newcastle and how the author deals with issues like child abuse and pedophilia.
The solid mystery is full of red herrings, twists and turns. The solution came as a surprise even if there were plenty of clues.
The romance was the weakest part, there’s chemistry between Poppy and the detective but she’s never really involved.
I can’t wait to read the next instalment as I want to know what will be next.
It’s an enjoyable and entertaining read, recommended.
Many thanks to Lion Hudson and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 31, 2020
Can Poppy trust those closest to her?
After finishing The Cairo Brief I just couldn't get enough of Poppy Denby Investigates, author Fiona Veitch Smith's fun Jazz Age crime solving reporters, so I just when right ahead and started The Art Fiasco right away. And trust me, this story turned out to be a dilly as Poppy once again takes on some tough issues while bringing the truth to light.
As an American reader I'm a bit of a stranger to settings like the one in The Art Fiasco but I find them to be completely fascinating. The author brought everything vividly to life in my imagination but having previously watched the Coal House series from the BBC also greatly helped me visualize a number of scenes in the story.
One of the things that I found most intriguing about this particular book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series was that Fiona Veitch Smith was able to take some events from her own family history as inspiration for the story. It made both the fiction and the facts seem more real.
If you love British mysteries from an author who truly knows the area and the people, if you enjoy soaking up the atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties, and if you think historical mysteries are fun to try and solve you'll be just as convinced as I am that The Art Fiasco is a real swell book and the entire Poppy Denby Investigates series from Fiona Veitch Smith is the real cat's meow!
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
After finishing The Cairo Brief I just couldn't get enough of Poppy Denby Investigates, author Fiona Veitch Smith's fun Jazz Age crime solving reporters, so I just when right ahead and started The Art Fiasco right away. And trust me, this story turned out to be a dilly as Poppy once again takes on some tough issues while bringing the truth to light.
As an American reader I'm a bit of a stranger to settings like the one in The Art Fiasco but I find them to be completely fascinating. The author brought everything vividly to life in my imagination but having previously watched the Coal House series from the BBC also greatly helped me visualize a number of scenes in the story.
One of the things that I found most intriguing about this particular book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series was that Fiona Veitch Smith was able to take some events from her own family history as inspiration for the story. It made both the fiction and the facts seem more real.
If you love British mysteries from an author who truly knows the area and the people, if you enjoy soaking up the atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties, and if you think historical mysteries are fun to try and solve you'll be just as convinced as I am that The Art Fiasco is a real swell book and the entire Poppy Denby Investigates series from Fiona Veitch Smith is the real cat's meow!
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
July 13, 2020
I found The Art Fiasco and Poppy Denby to be very interesting. I have not read the previous books in the series but was still able to enjoy the mystery! The death of a renown artist during a gallery showing provides the reader with a number of intriguing suspects and motives. Poppy and the other characters are well done. I highly recommend it and will be checking out the other Poppy Denby books.
November 10, 2020
I requested a copy of The Art Fiasco for review because the cover struck me. Also, I’m a longtime fan of 1920s and 1930s murder mysteries from the likes of Agatha Christie and Georgette Heyer, as well as their more modern counterparts like The Drew Farthering Mysteries by Julianna Deering. When I opened the book, I found it is actually the fifth book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series.
The Jazz Files opens in 1920, and we are introduced to Poppy Denby, the daughter of a northern clergyman. She moves to London to live and work with her paraplegic aunt, or so she thinks. Instead, she gets a job at the Daily Globe newspaper, where she gets involved in a murder investigation …
The Jazz Files and the subsequent novels all follow Poppy as she gets involved in yet another murder investigation. What makes Poppy different from sleuths such as Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple or Dorothy Sayers’s Lord Peter Wimsey is that Fiona Veitch Smith is writing with the benefit of hindsight, so is able to tie Poppy’s murder investigations tied into some of the major events of the era—women’s suffrage, the Russian Revolution, and the fascination with Egypt.
The Art Fiasco is set slightly different. It is set in Newcastle-on-Tyne in 1924. Poppy travels north to visit her parents and to attend the opening of an art exhibition. But her plans for a nice family holiday go astray when she is the sole witness of a woman’s death … or murder.
While there was a death in the Prologue, this wasn’t the main murder, which I didn’t work out until the main murder occurred at around the one-quarter mark. The Art Fiasco seemed to have a lot more telling and backstory than the first two novels in the series. The backstory wasn’t Poppy’s story, and it wasn’t always clear how it related to the main story. I thought that slowed the story down relative to the earlier stories.
In terms of the backdrop, The Art Fiasco provided interesting insights into working-class Britain and how the class divide operated a century ago. It also touched on a few trigger issues like #MeToo and unmarried pregnancy, but I didn’t think it had the same impact as, say, Aunt Dot’s experiences as a suffragette or the political differences between Red and White Russiasn.
The story worked well as a standalone. There are some ongoing plot threads, such as Poppy’s relationship with her aunt, friendship with Delilah, and her on-off romance with the newspaper’s photographer. Yes, those who have read one or all of the previous books in the series will probably enjoy the threads more, but the novel still works as a standalone murder mystery.
The Poppy Denby Investigates series is published by Lion Fiction, a UK-based publisher of Christian fiction and nonfiction. The series has a different approach to faith than fiction from the major US Christian publishers. Poppy is the daughter of a clergyman, so was raised as a Christian. She still retains her faith, but her circumstances are causing her to question it in a healthy way. Like us, Poppy has to work out for herself what she believes and realise that she can’t simply inherit her faith from her father.
While Poppy retains her Christian values (although she does drink alcohol, which would shock her mother), the other characters are not people of faith, and nor do they act like it. Delilah has many boyfriends, and reminds us that the sexual revolution started long before the 1960s. Poppy’s boss is having a longstanding affair. And Poppy realises her aunt’s live-in companion might be something more.
As such, the Poppy Debby novels don’t fit some of the conceptions of “Christian fiction”. Personally, I think they’re stronger for it. Recommended for fans of Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, and Julianna Deering.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lion Fiction for providing a free ebook for review.
The Jazz Files opens in 1920, and we are introduced to Poppy Denby, the daughter of a northern clergyman. She moves to London to live and work with her paraplegic aunt, or so she thinks. Instead, she gets a job at the Daily Globe newspaper, where she gets involved in a murder investigation …
The Jazz Files and the subsequent novels all follow Poppy as she gets involved in yet another murder investigation. What makes Poppy different from sleuths such as Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple or Dorothy Sayers’s Lord Peter Wimsey is that Fiona Veitch Smith is writing with the benefit of hindsight, so is able to tie Poppy’s murder investigations tied into some of the major events of the era—women’s suffrage, the Russian Revolution, and the fascination with Egypt.
The Art Fiasco is set slightly different. It is set in Newcastle-on-Tyne in 1924. Poppy travels north to visit her parents and to attend the opening of an art exhibition. But her plans for a nice family holiday go astray when she is the sole witness of a woman’s death … or murder.
While there was a death in the Prologue, this wasn’t the main murder, which I didn’t work out until the main murder occurred at around the one-quarter mark. The Art Fiasco seemed to have a lot more telling and backstory than the first two novels in the series. The backstory wasn’t Poppy’s story, and it wasn’t always clear how it related to the main story. I thought that slowed the story down relative to the earlier stories.
In terms of the backdrop, The Art Fiasco provided interesting insights into working-class Britain and how the class divide operated a century ago. It also touched on a few trigger issues like #MeToo and unmarried pregnancy, but I didn’t think it had the same impact as, say, Aunt Dot’s experiences as a suffragette or the political differences between Red and White Russiasn.
The story worked well as a standalone. There are some ongoing plot threads, such as Poppy’s relationship with her aunt, friendship with Delilah, and her on-off romance with the newspaper’s photographer. Yes, those who have read one or all of the previous books in the series will probably enjoy the threads more, but the novel still works as a standalone murder mystery.
The Poppy Denby Investigates series is published by Lion Fiction, a UK-based publisher of Christian fiction and nonfiction. The series has a different approach to faith than fiction from the major US Christian publishers. Poppy is the daughter of a clergyman, so was raised as a Christian. She still retains her faith, but her circumstances are causing her to question it in a healthy way. Like us, Poppy has to work out for herself what she believes and realise that she can’t simply inherit her faith from her father.
While Poppy retains her Christian values (although she does drink alcohol, which would shock her mother), the other characters are not people of faith, and nor do they act like it. Delilah has many boyfriends, and reminds us that the sexual revolution started long before the 1960s. Poppy’s boss is having a longstanding affair. And Poppy realises her aunt’s live-in companion might be something more.
As such, the Poppy Debby novels don’t fit some of the conceptions of “Christian fiction”. Personally, I think they’re stronger for it. Recommended for fans of Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, and Julianna Deering.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lion Fiction for providing a free ebook for review.
February 2, 2025
2.5⭐️A significant level of disbelief is needed to read any novel, but particularly one that defies time period cultural norms such as the Poppy Denby series. I am usually there for the ride but a few things irked me this time:
-The neighbor, Mrs. Sherman, has two white dogs, regularly referred to as poodles. Daphne is bothered by their hair on her clothes. (Not likely given that poodles don’t shed.) If this was a one-off I wouldn’t care so much but the entire mystery is cracked by the poodles’ white hair on the victim?!? Really, the author could have used most other breeds or even no breed at all, but it’s virtually impossible that her poodles’ hair would be transferred to her clothes and the body so easily.
-Daphne (a wildly unlikeable character by herself) refers to Poppy by a variety of nicknames, including “Popsicle,” throughout this series. This time it bothered me so much that I investigated. In 1923, the Popsicle Company was formed in partnership with Loews Cinema. Prior to 1923, the dessert was a local Northern California treat. The popsicle was not patented until July of 1924 and then only as a “frozen confectionary.” Its alleged creator referred to the item as “Eppsicle.” His children referred to them as “Pop’s sicles” and eventually that name stuck, leading to the creation of the company. However, the patent doesn’t reference the name (see https://patents.google.com/patent/US1...) and in my short internet search I couldn’t find any marketing of “popsicle” prior to 1927. How likely is it that Daphne is so familiar with the word several years previous and 6,000 miles away? I know historical accuracy is difficult but why isn’t the editor catching these errors? It’s sloppy and it drives me crazy.
-I very much enjoyed not having Daniel around. I’m disappointed that he comes back at the end of the book.
-The neighbor, Mrs. Sherman, has two white dogs, regularly referred to as poodles. Daphne is bothered by their hair on her clothes. (Not likely given that poodles don’t shed.) If this was a one-off I wouldn’t care so much but the entire mystery is cracked by the poodles’ white hair on the victim?!? Really, the author could have used most other breeds or even no breed at all, but it’s virtually impossible that her poodles’ hair would be transferred to her clothes and the body so easily.
-Daphne (a wildly unlikeable character by herself) refers to Poppy by a variety of nicknames, including “Popsicle,” throughout this series. This time it bothered me so much that I investigated. In 1923, the Popsicle Company was formed in partnership with Loews Cinema. Prior to 1923, the dessert was a local Northern California treat. The popsicle was not patented until July of 1924 and then only as a “frozen confectionary.” Its alleged creator referred to the item as “Eppsicle.” His children referred to them as “Pop’s sicles” and eventually that name stuck, leading to the creation of the company. However, the patent doesn’t reference the name (see https://patents.google.com/patent/US1...) and in my short internet search I couldn’t find any marketing of “popsicle” prior to 1927. How likely is it that Daphne is so familiar with the word several years previous and 6,000 miles away? I know historical accuracy is difficult but why isn’t the editor catching these errors? It’s sloppy and it drives me crazy.
-I very much enjoyed not having Daniel around. I’m disappointed that he comes back at the end of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2020
The Art Fiasco by Fiona Veitch Smith is a marvellous historical novel and the fifth book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading all the books in the series, they are fabulous.
This Poppy Denby series is nostalgic amateur sleuthing of the very best. I find it reminiscent of Agatha Christie and also the television series Death In Paradise as the ending wraps up all loose ends in a perfect summary.
The Art Fiasco is set in Northumberland in 1924 with links to a cold case in 1897. Fiona Veitch Smith has perfectly captured the atmosphere and the landscape as she paints the scene with her words.
The cast of characters are all unique and work well together. The camaraderie and the close bonds are tangible as the characters all play to their strengths.
Parents and children have strong bonds as some are fiercely protective of their young. There are some difficult to read opening scenes of child abuse by those who should be protecting them.
Poppy Denby is very much a forward thinking, modern young woman with a responsible job. She is working at a time when some frowned upon women working at all. The suffragette movement changed lives and affected others but women under thirty still did not have the vote.
I absolutely adore this Poppy Denby series. It is both entertaining and educating, nostalgia at its finest. I hope there will be many more books in the series.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
This Poppy Denby series is nostalgic amateur sleuthing of the very best. I find it reminiscent of Agatha Christie and also the television series Death In Paradise as the ending wraps up all loose ends in a perfect summary.
The Art Fiasco is set in Northumberland in 1924 with links to a cold case in 1897. Fiona Veitch Smith has perfectly captured the atmosphere and the landscape as she paints the scene with her words.
The cast of characters are all unique and work well together. The camaraderie and the close bonds are tangible as the characters all play to their strengths.
Parents and children have strong bonds as some are fiercely protective of their young. There are some difficult to read opening scenes of child abuse by those who should be protecting them.
Poppy Denby is very much a forward thinking, modern young woman with a responsible job. She is working at a time when some frowned upon women working at all. The suffragette movement changed lives and affected others but women under thirty still did not have the vote.
I absolutely adore this Poppy Denby series. It is both entertaining and educating, nostalgia at its finest. I hope there will be many more books in the series.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
November 20, 2020
The latest in the 'Poppy Denby Investigates' sees the reporter / investigator going back to her roots, for a reunion with family up in Newcastle and nearby areas. But she soon finds herself investigating another murder, this one with some especially tangled roots of its own. It's an intriguing mystery, as Poppy and friends delve into the past and slowly unravel the truth.
Like all good historical novels, 'The Art Fiasco' (as with the other books in the series) gives an excellent sense of the time and place of its setting, and brings to the reader's awareness the issues of the time: particularly the deep rooted misogyny that Poppy constantly has to battle with to pursue her investigation - even more pronounced up in the North than down in London. It also reflects on poverty, and how being poor closes down people's options and makes them vulnerable in ways that the well-off frequently fail to understand.
It's excellent as a murder-mystery, and fascinating as a look into the past, but 'The Art Fiasco' has another level to it: reflecting on how life was then can raise the question of how much has changed - or not changed! The sexism of some of the characters would be shocking in a modern context - but has it gone away or is it just better hidden? And poverty may not be as blatant, but neither it nor the problems it brings have been eradicated.
A good novel answers the questions inherent in its own story, but leaves other questions for the reader to think about!
Like all good historical novels, 'The Art Fiasco' (as with the other books in the series) gives an excellent sense of the time and place of its setting, and brings to the reader's awareness the issues of the time: particularly the deep rooted misogyny that Poppy constantly has to battle with to pursue her investigation - even more pronounced up in the North than down in London. It also reflects on poverty, and how being poor closes down people's options and makes them vulnerable in ways that the well-off frequently fail to understand.
It's excellent as a murder-mystery, and fascinating as a look into the past, but 'The Art Fiasco' has another level to it: reflecting on how life was then can raise the question of how much has changed - or not changed! The sexism of some of the characters would be shocking in a modern context - but has it gone away or is it just better hidden? And poverty may not be as blatant, but neither it nor the problems it brings have been eradicated.
A good novel answers the questions inherent in its own story, but leaves other questions for the reader to think about!
July 29, 2020
Hello Poppy Denby, journalist, amateur sleuth and old friend! I was delighted to read a new installment in Poppy’s adventures, this time in Northumberland circa 1924. (Are you too noticing the increase in historical fiction mysteries just after World War I?) Poppy leaves London for a vacation with her Aunt Dot, and finds herself reluctantly filling in for the press liaison of world renowned artist Agnes Robson. Agnes is staging an exhibition of her paintings at the Laing, and needs Poppy to run interference with the press. The local reporters dug up some of Agnes’ past and she does not want her secrets to come out. Poppy soon finds herself helping a DI from the local police department with a murder investigation.
The Poppy Denby mystery series is one I enjoy more with each book. Poppy is an endearing leading lady, and the gentle bit of romance and unrequited love in the background of the mystery, plus her vivacious Aunt Dot only add to the reading experience. These books are best read in order, but feel like you could jump in at any point and catch up as necessary without feeling like you are rereading an earlier book. Perfect for fans of Maisie Dobbs, Maggie Hope, Tessa Arlen’s Poppy Redfern and Cheryl Honigford’s Viv and Charles mysteries. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of The Art Fiasco!
The Poppy Denby mystery series is one I enjoy more with each book. Poppy is an endearing leading lady, and the gentle bit of romance and unrequited love in the background of the mystery, plus her vivacious Aunt Dot only add to the reading experience. These books are best read in order, but feel like you could jump in at any point and catch up as necessary without feeling like you are rereading an earlier book. Perfect for fans of Maisie Dobbs, Maggie Hope, Tessa Arlen’s Poppy Redfern and Cheryl Honigford’s Viv and Charles mysteries. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of The Art Fiasco!
August 25, 2020
Set in 1924, we meet Poppy – a journalist – as she travels to Northumberland for her father’s birthday. Although Poppy is on holiday, she soon gets roped in to helping an old family friend – the internationally acclaimed artist, Agnes Robson, who has just returned to the area for an exhibition. Poppy soon learns that Agnes left the area decades ago under something of a cloud, and that the rumours surrounding her involvement in a man’s death are still very much alive. However, the rumours come to a head when Agnes is found murdered on the night of the exhibition, and Poppy may be the only one who can uncover the truth.
This is a fun, gentle take on a murder mystery. The pace is relaxed and, in a similar way to Alexander McCall Smith’s “Sunday Philosophy Club” series, the story unwinds in as genteel a fashion as a murder mystery can. The supporting cast of characters are intriguing, especially with the number of women defying convention in the 1920s society, but I don’t feel as though I got to know them well enough – although perhaps this wouldn’t have been the case had I read the previous titles in the series. With such a small cast, the ‘twists’ in the tale are easily spotted, but this was nevertheless an enjoyable read.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.
This is a fun, gentle take on a murder mystery. The pace is relaxed and, in a similar way to Alexander McCall Smith’s “Sunday Philosophy Club” series, the story unwinds in as genteel a fashion as a murder mystery can. The supporting cast of characters are intriguing, especially with the number of women defying convention in the 1920s society, but I don’t feel as though I got to know them well enough – although perhaps this wouldn’t have been the case had I read the previous titles in the series. With such a small cast, the ‘twists’ in the tale are easily spotted, but this was nevertheless an enjoyable read.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.
September 9, 2020
The author notes that parts of the book stem from her family history which is fascinating, including some plots and locations. Details such as these are noticeable throughout by her intimate knowledge of streets and buildings in the Northumberland setting.
Poppy Denby, a news reporter, goes on holiday and decides to spend some time with her Aunt Dot before proceeding to her father's 60th birthday celebration. Aunt Dot hosts an art event and has invited the illustrious artist Agnes Robson. Events there lead to investigations into an 1897 murder, nearly three decades earlier. Is there a link? If so, how and why? Poppy, also an amateur sleuth, along with a DI dig around for answers, uncovering dastardly secrets and intrigue which take them down twisty rabbit holes.
Historical bits in such stories always pull me in and the author did a good job of this fifth book in the series, though my first. Northumberland holds a special place in my heart so the setting was meaningful.
None of the characters particularly enamoured me, though I still enjoyed them. The art scene was interesting. The subplots fit well.
Cozy mystery and historical fiction readers are sure to enjoy this light and fun read!
My sincere thank you to Lion Hudson Ltd. and NetGalley for an ARC of this delightful book in return for an honest review. Much appreciated.
Poppy Denby, a news reporter, goes on holiday and decides to spend some time with her Aunt Dot before proceeding to her father's 60th birthday celebration. Aunt Dot hosts an art event and has invited the illustrious artist Agnes Robson. Events there lead to investigations into an 1897 murder, nearly three decades earlier. Is there a link? If so, how and why? Poppy, also an amateur sleuth, along with a DI dig around for answers, uncovering dastardly secrets and intrigue which take them down twisty rabbit holes.
Historical bits in such stories always pull me in and the author did a good job of this fifth book in the series, though my first. Northumberland holds a special place in my heart so the setting was meaningful.
None of the characters particularly enamoured me, though I still enjoyed them. The art scene was interesting. The subplots fit well.
Cozy mystery and historical fiction readers are sure to enjoy this light and fun read!
My sincere thank you to Lion Hudson Ltd. and NetGalley for an ARC of this delightful book in return for an honest review. Much appreciated.
October 27, 2020
I am a fan of Golden Age mysteries and also stories set in British locales. This book is fun in that it opens with a map of locations mentioned in the book. The main character is Poppy Denby, a sleuth in the 1920's who is working as a reporter, an unusual profession for a woman at that time. Poppy returns home to Newcastle to her father's birthday and stops by her aunt's manse. She is on hand for an art showing, when the artist is murdered. The story goes back in time to the artist's early life. There is a lot of fun immersion in the world of 1920, and a lively cast of characters.
I enjoyed the setting and the story line of this book. I have to admit that as this was the fifth in the Poppy Denby series, but my first read, I had some trouble catching up in the beginning. I would advise to start at the beginning of the series, as this is what I will do. It took me a little while to get into the story, and I put some of this down to being unfamiliar with the series, but I enjoyed the story once I did.
I think lovers of Golden mysteries, British who dunnits, or even art aficionados will find much to enjoy in this book. A big thank you to author Fiona Veitch Smith, Lion Hudson Ltd., and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion. I would rate this book 3.5.
I enjoyed the setting and the story line of this book. I have to admit that as this was the fifth in the Poppy Denby series, but my first read, I had some trouble catching up in the beginning. I would advise to start at the beginning of the series, as this is what I will do. It took me a little while to get into the story, and I put some of this down to being unfamiliar with the series, but I enjoyed the story once I did.
I think lovers of Golden mysteries, British who dunnits, or even art aficionados will find much to enjoy in this book. A big thank you to author Fiona Veitch Smith, Lion Hudson Ltd., and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion. I would rate this book 3.5.
October 23, 2020
While in Newcastle visiting her family, investigative reporter Poppy Denby agrees to work as the press liaison for famous local artist Agnes Robson. She is soon fending off questions about Agnes’ past involvement with her art teacher, Michael Brownly, who died under suspicious circumstances 27 years previously. But when Agnes is murdered, Poppy must delve into that past, and a possibility link between the two.
This is my second book in the series that I’ve read (The Jazz Files being my first), and Vetch Smith has created another great read for me. She does well in presenting the era (between the wars) and the setting (Newcastle and its surrounding mining towns) while weaving in some very serious themes which become fundamental elements of the mystery. The experienced mystery reader will have little trouble sorting out the mystery, but it has enough complexity to keep you guessing for much of the book.
And the character of Poppy has evolved so much since the initial book! While she may still be young, she has learned better how to navigate her way around in the world. She is definitely more confident in her work, and willing to comfortably add her voice and her opinions. I must read the three books in the series that I missed.
All in all a fun, entertaining read.
Source: Review copy - Lion Hudson Ltd via NetGalley
Originally published on my blog at https://mrskinvestigates.wordpress.co...
This is my second book in the series that I’ve read (The Jazz Files being my first), and Vetch Smith has created another great read for me. She does well in presenting the era (between the wars) and the setting (Newcastle and its surrounding mining towns) while weaving in some very serious themes which become fundamental elements of the mystery. The experienced mystery reader will have little trouble sorting out the mystery, but it has enough complexity to keep you guessing for much of the book.
And the character of Poppy has evolved so much since the initial book! While she may still be young, she has learned better how to navigate her way around in the world. She is definitely more confident in her work, and willing to comfortably add her voice and her opinions. I must read the three books in the series that I missed.
All in all a fun, entertaining read.
Source: Review copy - Lion Hudson Ltd via NetGalley
Originally published on my blog at https://mrskinvestigates.wordpress.co...
April 19, 2022
*THIS BOOK IS QUITE SAD! EMOTIONS ALERT!*
This book is quite different from other five in this series. It's much darker and full of sadness. The usual sparks of irony and good humour are almost completely absent.
I wouldn't recommend this book for people who want/need a cosy heart-warming read.
If you fell the need to distract yourself from depressive events in real life, I think this book is not the best choice for that.
Let's start that it begins with scenes of pedophilic nature (it's not a spoiler because it's right there in the first chapter). And after that the whole book is about children, loss of children, distraught and regretful mothers, mothers/children relationship, and the whole narrative is drenched in melancholy.
If I thought that the story of the young refugees in one of the previous books was quite sad, this book is ten times worse 😟
It's still written reasonably well, don't get me wrong. It's on par with earlier books. The mystery is alright. But now I need to look for another book to cheer me up after this one.
This book is quite different from other five in this series. It's much darker and full of sadness. The usual sparks of irony and good humour are almost completely absent.
I wouldn't recommend this book for people who want/need a cosy heart-warming read.
If you fell the need to distract yourself from depressive events in real life, I think this book is not the best choice for that.
Let's start that it begins with scenes of pedophilic nature (it's not a spoiler because it's right there in the first chapter). And after that the whole book is about children, loss of children, distraught and regretful mothers, mothers/children relationship, and the whole narrative is drenched in melancholy.
If I thought that the story of the young refugees in one of the previous books was quite sad, this book is ten times worse 😟
It's still written reasonably well, don't get me wrong. It's on par with earlier books. The mystery is alright. But now I need to look for another book to cheer me up after this one.
September 3, 2023
Another lovely outing with Poppy Denby, her actress friend, ex-actress and suffragette aunt, and her newspaper boss, set in the 1920s.
This is Number 5 in the series and I've missed a few, but the novel stands alone very happily. Poppy is heading to Northumberland for her father's sixtieth birthday when she stops off in Newcastle to visit her aunt, who is renovating a house. There is much excitement as a local artist is coming to stay, and the opening of her exhibition will draw a good crowd.
No prizes for guessing whose body will be found, but the author has a wonderful cast of characters to sift through as suspects, enriched by possible links to another death twenty-seven years earlier of a local art tutor, at the colliery.
The narrative zips along at a good pace, filled with contemporary detail and light touches of historical referencing.
I very much enjoyed this one and now need to retrace my steps to fill in the gaps.
This is Number 5 in the series and I've missed a few, but the novel stands alone very happily. Poppy is heading to Northumberland for her father's sixtieth birthday when she stops off in Newcastle to visit her aunt, who is renovating a house. There is much excitement as a local artist is coming to stay, and the opening of her exhibition will draw a good crowd.
No prizes for guessing whose body will be found, but the author has a wonderful cast of characters to sift through as suspects, enriched by possible links to another death twenty-seven years earlier of a local art tutor, at the colliery.
The narrative zips along at a good pace, filled with contemporary detail and light touches of historical referencing.
I very much enjoyed this one and now need to retrace my steps to fill in the gaps.
November 9, 2020
The protagonist in this book is Poppy Denby, an investigative journalist from London, who is visiting her family in Newcastle and the towns around it. After a famous artist is murdered, Poppy needs to figure out who actually killed her, to protect her aunt, that is accused of it. I fell in love with Poppy instantly, she is such a cool young woman, and her interactions with other characters are very amusing to read about. The story is told from multiple perspectives, and it was a true joy to know more about the characters that sometimes get forgotten. There are quite a few characters in this book, and the author provides a very handy list of all the characters at the beginning of the book. (I did not need to use it though 🙂 ) All the characters are diverse, very charismatic, very intriguing personalities, some of them have disabilities, and I really loved the author’s choice of all the characters for this novel.
The narrative of this book was very absorbing to me. I really loved the 1920ties atmosphere and the whole setting of this novel. I liked the way the author played with the multiple timelines in this novel, there were parts from the past, as well as the present, that increased my curiosity even more. There is a lot of things happening in this novel, but the whole investigation was written superbly. I really loved how the author was trying to confuse the reader, and how all the clues were piecing the whole story beautifully. The topics discussed in this novel were paedophilia, coal miner’s lives, the art world, romance, family relationships, teenage pregnancy and many more. The author has experience in art and journalism, and I really liked that she utilised her personal experience in this novel.
I absolutely loved the writing style of this book, the whole book is masterfully plotted and kept me guessing throughout the whole book. The author provides the map of Newcastle in 1920ies, to allow the reader to follow Poppy throughout her adventure. The chapters are to the longer side, but the story really gripped me, so I just could not put it down. Even though this book is a part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. The ending of this book was spectacular and I think it rounded the story very well.
So, to conclude, Poppy Denby has a new fan! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, filled with unique and complex personalities as well as incredibly well-plotted narrative, the had me glued to this book, and always intrigued.
The narrative of this book was very absorbing to me. I really loved the 1920ties atmosphere and the whole setting of this novel. I liked the way the author played with the multiple timelines in this novel, there were parts from the past, as well as the present, that increased my curiosity even more. There is a lot of things happening in this novel, but the whole investigation was written superbly. I really loved how the author was trying to confuse the reader, and how all the clues were piecing the whole story beautifully. The topics discussed in this novel were paedophilia, coal miner’s lives, the art world, romance, family relationships, teenage pregnancy and many more. The author has experience in art and journalism, and I really liked that she utilised her personal experience in this novel.
I absolutely loved the writing style of this book, the whole book is masterfully plotted and kept me guessing throughout the whole book. The author provides the map of Newcastle in 1920ies, to allow the reader to follow Poppy throughout her adventure. The chapters are to the longer side, but the story really gripped me, so I just could not put it down. Even though this book is a part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. The ending of this book was spectacular and I think it rounded the story very well.
So, to conclude, Poppy Denby has a new fan! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, filled with unique and complex personalities as well as incredibly well-plotted narrative, the had me glued to this book, and always intrigued.
November 4, 2020
This is the first Poppy Denby investigation I have read and I really enjoyed it.
London journalist Poppy is convinced by her family to help a well known artist who once hailed from the coal town in Northumberland that is honoring her. The artist's early life was marred not only by poverty but by an illegitimate pregnancy at age 14 caused by her artist mentor who died under possibly questionable circumstances all those years ago. Like small towns everywhere, the local women remain as judgemental now as 27 years ago (including her own mam). Then the artist is killed and Poppy delves into her convoluted life and follows the clues through all the twists and red herrings. A fascinating read!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Lion Hudson Ltd/Lion Fiction via NetGalley. Thank you!
London journalist Poppy is convinced by her family to help a well known artist who once hailed from the coal town in Northumberland that is honoring her. The artist's early life was marred not only by poverty but by an illegitimate pregnancy at age 14 caused by her artist mentor who died under possibly questionable circumstances all those years ago. Like small towns everywhere, the local women remain as judgemental now as 27 years ago (including her own mam). Then the artist is killed and Poppy delves into her convoluted life and follows the clues through all the twists and red herrings. A fascinating read!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Lion Hudson Ltd/Lion Fiction via NetGalley. Thank you!
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