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Lily Larkin #3
A Poisonous Plot
Poison has taken root on the island – and it’s not only the plant life…
When Lily moved to the Isles of Scilly for a fresh start, her plans were open an ice cream shop and find out who owns the building she's renting.
But her peaceful new life is shaken when a local Italian restaurateur begs for help—someone’s been tampering with his food and poisoning his customers, and he’s convinced it's no accident.
When Lily narrowly escapes a similar attempted poisoning, it becomes someone on the island has it out for newcomers, and her opening day might be in jeopardy.
With the charming but exasperating PC Grainger by her side, Lily tracks her leads to the eclectic staff at the local garden centre. But as the threats grow and sabotage looms, Lily realises she’s in a race to catch the culprit before her ice cream dreams melt away.
And with each twist in the investigation, Lily finds herself will her partnership with PC Grainger stay strictly business, or is there room for romance among the island’s rocky shores?
When Lily moved to the Isles of Scilly for a fresh start, her plans were open an ice cream shop and find out who owns the building she's renting.
But her peaceful new life is shaken when a local Italian restaurateur begs for help—someone’s been tampering with his food and poisoning his customers, and he’s convinced it's no accident.
When Lily narrowly escapes a similar attempted poisoning, it becomes someone on the island has it out for newcomers, and her opening day might be in jeopardy.
With the charming but exasperating PC Grainger by her side, Lily tracks her leads to the eclectic staff at the local garden centre. But as the threats grow and sabotage looms, Lily realises she’s in a race to catch the culprit before her ice cream dreams melt away.
And with each twist in the investigation, Lily finds herself will her partnership with PC Grainger stay strictly business, or is there room for romance among the island’s rocky shores?
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2025
153 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Ellis
57 books434 followersHannah Ellis spent many years working in childcare before deciding she'd like to write books. When she's not busy writing she likes to read, drink tea and eat chocolate. She also enjoys yoga and jogging.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 22, 2025
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I did enjoy visiting the Isle of Scilly again, where Lily Larkin is busy with her ice cream shop and the company of the attractive PC Flynn Grainger, her best friend. When the owner of a new Italian restaurant asks her to investigate who is sabotaging his restaurant by poisoning his customers, Lily gets to work. This is one of those "Cozy" series with an interesting group of characters, set in beautiful surroundings, that the author manages to make the reader feel familiar with and look forward to visiting. Lily's investigation into the mysterious owner of the ice cream shop may have taken a surprising turn and her relationship with Flynn may have turned a corner. It also turns out that certain assumptions about Flynn's position on the island may be wrong and he seems to have a past as complicated as Lily's. I enjoyed my visit with the characters on the island and I'm already looking forward to the next one.
February 22, 2025
A Poisonous Plot is a satisfying third book in the Lily Larkin series. It’s an easy, cozy read, taking place in the Isles of Scilly. Lily is about to open her new ice cream shop when a new mystery comes her way. Islanders are being poisoned by possible food tampering, and her amateur sleuthing skills are needed. The usual cast of quirky yet likeable characters are involved in this book, including PC Grainger, with some new ones. In this installment, although it can be read as a standalone, it would be beneficial to read the first two for the characters’ backstories. I am looking forward to the next installment! With thanks to Book Sirens for this ARC. My opinions are my own. Susanh_bookreviews
June 14, 2025
Ah, I'm really happy we got our original Lily back!
I highly enjoyed this 3rd book, in which, someone tries to poison a bunch of people and Lily, yes, Lily.
The plot was very well crafted, both mystery and clues kept me busy even when not reading and a fast pace made it almost impossible to put it down.
It was nice to meet again all the characters, who, as usual felt very realistic, with their flaws and lot of little secrets (no worries, not creepy ones). It also was heartworming to see how Lily's setteling in after a lifetime as a nomad.
For once, the background romance (in progress) didn't bother me. It was so fluid and very well incorporated in the mystery.
So was it a success? Yes, and a good one!
I'm on the next one! And it promisses some great events!
I highly enjoyed this 3rd book, in which, someone tries to poison a bunch of people and Lily, yes, Lily.
The plot was very well crafted, both mystery and clues kept me busy even when not reading and a fast pace made it almost impossible to put it down.
It was nice to meet again all the characters, who, as usual felt very realistic, with their flaws and lot of little secrets (no worries, not creepy ones). It also was heartworming to see how Lily's setteling in after a lifetime as a nomad.
For once, the background romance (in progress) didn't bother me. It was so fluid and very well incorporated in the mystery.
So was it a success? Yes, and a good one!
I'm on the next one! And it promisses some great events!
March 14, 2025
I rarely find a series that is about the same people in each book that i enjoy. This series is the exception. I love reading about Lily and her adventures in sleuthing along with PC Granger.
Who knew a small town could have so many mysteries and intriguing residents! I am so looking forward to what comes next for Lily and to learn about the Ice Cream shop owner!
Who knew a small town could have so many mysteries and intriguing residents! I am so looking forward to what comes next for Lily and to learn about the Ice Cream shop owner!
March 1, 2025
Wonderful!
I am loving this series!! While this is stand alone, do read the other 2 first so you have a better feel for the characters and relationships.
In book 3, as Lily is getting ready to open the ice cream shop, she is approached by the owner of a local Italian restaurant, asking her help in finding out who has been making his customers ill. Lily sets out to help, and is herself the target of an attempted poisoning. Someone on the island is causing trouble for newcomers to the island. Lily & PC Flynn Grainger work together (mostly) to find the culprit.
There are a number of suspects, some twists and turns and surprises along the way as the mystery unfolds. The story is very well written, the characters wonderful, and the entire story will have you not wanting to put the book down. Will Flynn and Lily stay just friends, or is there more? And what about the mysterious original owner of the ice cream shop?
The book solves the poisoning issues, but some other things remain as a lead-in to the next book. Not a cliffhanger, just a continuing tale.
Ready for the next one!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am loving this series!! While this is stand alone, do read the other 2 first so you have a better feel for the characters and relationships.
In book 3, as Lily is getting ready to open the ice cream shop, she is approached by the owner of a local Italian restaurant, asking her help in finding out who has been making his customers ill. Lily sets out to help, and is herself the target of an attempted poisoning. Someone on the island is causing trouble for newcomers to the island. Lily & PC Flynn Grainger work together (mostly) to find the culprit.
There are a number of suspects, some twists and turns and surprises along the way as the mystery unfolds. The story is very well written, the characters wonderful, and the entire story will have you not wanting to put the book down. Will Flynn and Lily stay just friends, or is there more? And what about the mysterious original owner of the ice cream shop?
The book solves the poisoning issues, but some other things remain as a lead-in to the next book. Not a cliffhanger, just a continuing tale.
Ready for the next one!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 5, 2025
A Poisonous Plot is another charming story in the Lily Larkin Mysteries series that mixes small-town charm, intriguing twists, and a dash of romance. Set in the Isles of Scilly, the story follows Lily as she prepares to open her ice cream shop- only to be pulled into a mystery when a string of food poisonings threatens the town and her business. With PC Flynn Grainger by her side, Lily sets out to uncover the culprit which leads to plenty of surprises along the way.
The mystery itself is well-paced, with twists that kept me engaged without becoming overly complex. The cozy atmosphere is one of the book’s strongest elements and makes it an enjoyable escape with likable, well-developed characters. It's the perfect palate cleanser of a book. The relationship between Lily and Grainger continues to evolve throughout this series and it's a sweet ride!
The ending left me eager for the next book, and I’m excited to see what Lily gets herself into next. Sign me up for book 4- Dead in the Water!
The mystery itself is well-paced, with twists that kept me engaged without becoming overly complex. The cozy atmosphere is one of the book’s strongest elements and makes it an enjoyable escape with likable, well-developed characters. It's the perfect palate cleanser of a book. The relationship between Lily and Grainger continues to evolve throughout this series and it's a sweet ride!
The ending left me eager for the next book, and I’m excited to see what Lily gets herself into next. Sign me up for book 4- Dead in the Water!
March 4, 2025
We are back with Lily in the Isles of Scilly where she is getting ready to open her ice-cream shop. She is asked by a new resteranteur to investigate when bad reviews about his food start appearing online. When she and a friend become ill, and subsequently a lot more locals become ill after receiving a food parcel, her inquiries lead her to a local garden centre as the cause of all the issues.
This was an easy read and I flew through it. Lily and Grainger's friendship seems to be developing rather nicely and I'm enjoying this part of the stories. Along with the food poisoning, I'm enjoying the subplot of the mysterious woman who used to own the shop and the ending was particularly interesting and leaves me on tenterhooks for the next book. Also very interesting was the discovery that PC Grainger's past has a backstory that I can't wait to delve into.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was an easy read and I flew through it. Lily and Grainger's friendship seems to be developing rather nicely and I'm enjoying this part of the stories. Along with the food poisoning, I'm enjoying the subplot of the mysterious woman who used to own the shop and the ending was particularly interesting and leaves me on tenterhooks for the next book. Also very interesting was the discovery that PC Grainger's past has a backstory that I can't wait to delve into.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 8, 2025
This is the second book by this author I've read, although it is the third book in the series (it seems I missed the second book somehow), but it is no problem to read as a stand alone or like me, with 1 book missing.
It is written in a nice, cozy and accessible way that keeps you going through the pages while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.
I always like to guess 'who dunnit' and then to see if I was right and I thought I had this one figured out quite soon as the mystery itself looked a little bit too much in your face to be mysterious, but the solving of it was surprising nonetheless, very entertaining and well written.
The budding romance which I felt was already present in book 1, now gets more attention and I loved it.
All in all it is a nice and entertaining book to read and I will sure keep this author in mind when looking for another very cozy mystery!
It is written in a nice, cozy and accessible way that keeps you going through the pages while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.
I always like to guess 'who dunnit' and then to see if I was right and I thought I had this one figured out quite soon as the mystery itself looked a little bit too much in your face to be mysterious, but the solving of it was surprising nonetheless, very entertaining and well written.
The budding romance which I felt was already present in book 1, now gets more attention and I loved it.
All in all it is a nice and entertaining book to read and I will sure keep this author in mind when looking for another very cozy mystery!
March 4, 2025
Having read the previous two books in the Lily Larkin Mysteries series I was eagerly looking forward to reading the third instalment which did not disappoint. A cosy crime fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and will happily re-read. These books are a fun read, and it’s lovely seeing the characters develop. It’s almost time for Lily’s ice cream parlour to open, but of course nothing seems to go smoothly for Lily and when a spate of poisonings hits the newcomers of St. Mary’s, and could quite possibly cause the ice cream parlour to delay opening Lily is ready to investigate. I’m now eagerly awaiting book 4, Dead in the Water to be released.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 7, 2025
‘You’re kind of annoying when you’re in investigator mode.’
‘Overall, I’m questioning my choices.’
Not all cozy mysteries need murder and mayhem, mayhem works fine on it’s own. That’s the case when there is someone dastardly sending newcomers on the Isles of Scilly welcome baskets containing poisonous food and Lily is the recipient of not only that but of a smoothie that she shares with an elderly friend who ends up fighting for her life in the hospital. Afraid that her ice cream shop opening could be the next victim of the saboteur her investigators cap goes back on even if she ruffles more than a few feathers in this excellent third installment of the Lily Larkin mystery series.
‘Overall, I’m questioning my choices.’
Not all cozy mysteries need murder and mayhem, mayhem works fine on it’s own. That’s the case when there is someone dastardly sending newcomers on the Isles of Scilly welcome baskets containing poisonous food and Lily is the recipient of not only that but of a smoothie that she shares with an elderly friend who ends up fighting for her life in the hospital. Afraid that her ice cream shop opening could be the next victim of the saboteur her investigators cap goes back on even if she ruffles more than a few feathers in this excellent third installment of the Lily Larkin mystery series.
February 24, 2025
A Poisonous Plot is the 3rd installment of the Lily Larkin series. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of intrigue, charm, and wit, then this gem of a cozy mystery is perfect! The charming village setting and endearing characters had me hooked. The plot has the right amount of twists and turns to keep me guessing. I was particularly delighted by the return of familiar faces from the author’s previous series—it added a wonderful sense of continuity and a touch of nostalgia. The cliffhanger left me wanting more! I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next!
February 28, 2025
With the perfect blend of charm, wit, mystery and a little romance A Poisonous Plot is a cosy atmosphere to cuddle up with and visit a place you will come to know and love. When the local Italian restaurant finds it's food has been poisoned Lily is asked to help solve the issue but then Lily's ice cream shop narrowly escapes being poisoned too. Working with the strapping PC Grainger Lily is tasked with another mystery and it may be the chance to further a relationship with PC Grainger. A story that makes everyone feel welcome!
March 5, 2025
Lily Larkin’s adventures on the Isles of Scilly continue in the third installment of this series. At the beginning the pace was a bit slow, but it picked up about a third of the way and got more interesting. Along the way, we learn more about Flynn Granger and Mirren Treneary. Scilly seems like a nice place to be.
This is an enjoyable series and I’m looking forward to the next book. I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is an enjoyable series and I’m looking forward to the next book. I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 11, 2025
is someone trying to poison Lila? Or is she not the only one in danger? This is a very good and entertaining read. I somehow missed book 2 (shame on me) but that was no problem at all. I will just have to put that one on my wishlist. I loved the story, the characters and the easy to read writing style. I can hardly wait to find out what happens next.
I received an advance review copy and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
October 22, 2025
I Love This Series
Someone is poisoning the residents on the Isles of Scilly and Lily Larkin is once again on the case. She was hoping to open her ice cream business but it is now in doubt so she needs to find out who is doing this as soon as possible. With the help of Flynn, local policeman) will they be able to sort it out? I am really enjoying this series and look forward to the next one.
Someone is poisoning the residents on the Isles of Scilly and Lily Larkin is once again on the case. She was hoping to open her ice cream business but it is now in doubt so she needs to find out who is doing this as soon as possible. With the help of Flynn, local policeman) will they be able to sort it out? I am really enjoying this series and look forward to the next one.
April 25, 2025
Wow I didn't see that coming.
This book was just as good if not a bit more enticing than the previous 2. It kept me on the side of my seat all the time. I just couldn't work out who done it . Hannah has written this book so well and also given us an insight into the next book so can't wait to read that one too.
This book was just as good if not a bit more enticing than the previous 2. It kept me on the side of my seat all the time. I just couldn't work out who done it . Hannah has written this book so well and also given us an insight into the next book so can't wait to read that one too.
May 19, 2025
This was an enjoyable read as were the two previous in the series. Mystery with human characters that you want to know better and follow them onward. Unfortunately, or perhaps i should say that for the better development of the story, the next book is not yet available. I will have to wait. "Patience is a virtue". Book #4 is on my list!
December 7, 2025
A tast mystery
The characters keep becoming stronger and stronger. This series does a great job of drawing you into being a member of the community. Each book is a stand-alone mystery but still part of the serial mystery. The book is filled with suspense.
I can't wait to read the conclusion. I would love to visit the island and walk the streets and beaches.
The characters keep becoming stronger and stronger. This series does a great job of drawing you into being a member of the community. Each book is a stand-alone mystery but still part of the serial mystery. The book is filled with suspense.
I can't wait to read the conclusion. I would love to visit the island and walk the streets and beaches.
March 12, 2025
This was another great read from Hannah Ellis with it easy to read style of writing and a plot that has you walking along the lanes and on the beach with Lilly and tasting the ice cream from her shop what more could you want from a book.
April 13, 2025
Absolutely brilliant
Hannah Ellis writes brilliant characters who are warm, loveable and completely convincing. The storylines are so well thought out and make putting the book down difficult.
So cleverly written. I can't wait for the next instalment.
Hannah Ellis writes brilliant characters who are warm, loveable and completely convincing. The storylines are so well thought out and make putting the book down difficult.
So cleverly written. I can't wait for the next instalment.
April 14, 2025
Great Book
I have never reviewed a book befor I'm not long winded So I guess I didn't have anything to say I read a lot And I thought this book would be light and amusing But it never drug Fast funny deep Lots of good stuff
I have never reviewed a book befor I'm not long winded So I guess I didn't have anything to say I read a lot And I thought this book would be light and amusing But it never drug Fast funny deep Lots of good stuff
April 19, 2025
I love this series and all the characters inhabiting the Isles of Scilly. Why are some of them being poisoned, who is responsible for the anonymously sent gift baskets, can Lily and Flynn get to the bottom of this mystery? Can't wait for the next one coming in June 2025!
April 30, 2025
good fun
Our main protagonist is thoroughly nosey. We wonder about her background, which is gradually being revealed from book 1 in this series to this one - so I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
Our main protagonist is thoroughly nosey. We wonder about her background, which is gradually being revealed from book 1 in this series to this one - so I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
July 5, 2025
easy read
Nice continuation to the series, happy little read. Picturing the location. It would be interesting to see if it were like it in real life.
Nice continuation to the series, happy little read. Picturing the location. It would be interesting to see if it were like it in real life.
August 2, 2025
I'm actually obsessed with these books. they're so cute and cosy. I can't stop reading them
October 20, 2025
Really enjoying this series, nice easy reads with good characters.
March 7, 2025
Another adventurous cozy based in the Isles of Scilly, book three of this Lily Larkin series returns with all of the charming characters I have grown to adore. I love that the author includes an autistic adult as a new character and I was excited for the development of the love between the MCs, Lily and Flynn, and the friendship and sense of community that develops between all of the supporting characters. A breezy cozy that's a nice read for Spring. Looking forward to the next one.
BookSirens Review Copy
BookSirens Review Copy
August 21, 2025
It was a pleasure to escape into the world of 'A Poisonous Plot' set as it is on the beautiful and sunny Isles of Scilly - with the added delight of delicious descriptions of ice cream thrown in.
Lily Larkin is only days away from opening her new shop, but first the part time private investigator has a couple of mysteries to solve.
Who is trying to poison newcomers to the island including our heroine? Whoever they are they are jeopardising the shop's launch. Moreover, who is Lily's landlady and why is she so elusive?
All the while we wonder if Lily and her friend PC Flynn Granger will ever admit what everyone else can see, that they have romantic feelings for each other.
Hannah Ellis writes in a simple but competent style making 'A Poisonous Plot' an accessible and enjoyable read. Much of the book is written in dialogue and the conversational style of the characters is very realistic.
The author has drawn likable, well rounded characters. I would have appreciated learning more about Lily herself. I think, hearing more of her inner musings and seeing more of her quirks and weaknesses would have made her more endearing.
The mysteries are compelling enough to keep the reader absorbed. By the end of the book all has been resolved . Or has it? Solving one mystery has only raised more questions, particularly about Lily's past. I look forward to finding out more in the next Lily Larkin adventure.
This book is for anyone looking for an easy but well written read and pleasant escapism, with enough mystery to keep you turning the page.
Thank you to Hannah Ellis and Book Sirens for supplying this advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lily Larkin is only days away from opening her new shop, but first the part time private investigator has a couple of mysteries to solve.
Who is trying to poison newcomers to the island including our heroine? Whoever they are they are jeopardising the shop's launch. Moreover, who is Lily's landlady and why is she so elusive?
All the while we wonder if Lily and her friend PC Flynn Granger will ever admit what everyone else can see, that they have romantic feelings for each other.
Hannah Ellis writes in a simple but competent style making 'A Poisonous Plot' an accessible and enjoyable read. Much of the book is written in dialogue and the conversational style of the characters is very realistic.
The author has drawn likable, well rounded characters. I would have appreciated learning more about Lily herself. I think, hearing more of her inner musings and seeing more of her quirks and weaknesses would have made her more endearing.
The mysteries are compelling enough to keep the reader absorbed. By the end of the book all has been resolved . Or has it? Solving one mystery has only raised more questions, particularly about Lily's past. I look forward to finding out more in the next Lily Larkin adventure.
This book is for anyone looking for an easy but well written read and pleasant escapism, with enough mystery to keep you turning the page.
Thank you to Hannah Ellis and Book Sirens for supplying this advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews