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Eve Mallow Mystery #13
Mystery at Lockley Grange: An Eve Mallow Mystery, Book 13
Famous diplomat Lance Hale is throwing a party at Lockley Grange to celebrate his latest award. But when he’s found lying dead by his swimming pool, Eve Mallow is sure someone thought he deserved to die…
It’s always an occasion when the Hale family descend on their country pile, Lockley Grange. Almost everyone in Saxford St Peter has been called upon to dust the rooms, tidy the garden, and cater for the party. Eve Mallow’s delighted to be years ago she babysat for the Hale children, and she can’t wait to see how they turned out.
But the night will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. The following morning, Lance is found dead in his indoor pool. He’d been the life and soul of the party, but Eve saw him arguing with friends and family. She’s convinced it was no accident–especially when she finds a threatening note tucked into his desk drawer.
But who wanted to make sure indiscreet Lance was silenced for good? His right-hand woman, who could spill the family’s secrets, but won’t say a word? His older son, who’s drowning in debt, or his younger daughter, whose career he’d sabotaged?
As Eve sets to work at isolated Lockley Grange with loyal dachshund Gus at her heels, she uncovers past tragedies, blackmail and hidden cameras watching her every step. Eve knows she’s wading into dark waters… can she find the killer, or is she in over her head?
A gripping English cozy mystery full of cunning clues and surprising twists! If you like Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and J.R. Ellis you’ll love Clare Chase.
It’s always an occasion when the Hale family descend on their country pile, Lockley Grange. Almost everyone in Saxford St Peter has been called upon to dust the rooms, tidy the garden, and cater for the party. Eve Mallow’s delighted to be years ago she babysat for the Hale children, and she can’t wait to see how they turned out.
But the night will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. The following morning, Lance is found dead in his indoor pool. He’d been the life and soul of the party, but Eve saw him arguing with friends and family. She’s convinced it was no accident–especially when she finds a threatening note tucked into his desk drawer.
But who wanted to make sure indiscreet Lance was silenced for good? His right-hand woman, who could spill the family’s secrets, but won’t say a word? His older son, who’s drowning in debt, or his younger daughter, whose career he’d sabotaged?
As Eve sets to work at isolated Lockley Grange with loyal dachshund Gus at her heels, she uncovers past tragedies, blackmail and hidden cameras watching her every step. Eve knows she’s wading into dark waters… can she find the killer, or is she in over her head?
A gripping English cozy mystery full of cunning clues and surprising twists! If you like Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and J.R. Ellis you’ll love Clare Chase.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
Audible Audio
Published November 4, 2024
910 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Clare Chase
34 books315 followersClare Chase writes classic mysteries. Her aim is to take readers away from it all via some armchair sleuthing in atmospheric locations.
Her debut novel was shortlisted for Novelicious’s Undiscovered Award, as well as an EPIC award post-publication, and was chosen as a Debut of the Month by LoveReading. Murder in the Marshes (Tara Thorpe 1) was shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers award.
Like her heroines, Clare is fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in settings as diverse as Littlehey Prison and the University of Cambridge, in her home city. She’s lived everywhere from the house of a lord to a slug-infested flat and finds the mid-terrace she currently occupies a good happy medium.
As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s novels.
You can find Clare's website and blog at www.clarechase.com
Her debut novel was shortlisted for Novelicious’s Undiscovered Award, as well as an EPIC award post-publication, and was chosen as a Debut of the Month by LoveReading. Murder in the Marshes (Tara Thorpe 1) was shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers award.
Like her heroines, Clare is fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in settings as diverse as Littlehey Prison and the University of Cambridge, in her home city. She’s lived everywhere from the house of a lord to a slug-infested flat and finds the mid-terrace she currently occupies a good happy medium.
As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s novels.
You can find Clare's website and blog at www.clarechase.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 12, 2024
I have no words!!
Actually that isn't true, I do have quite a few and most of those aren't good. I normally have no argument with Eve investigating in her little crime filled world, and even quite enjoy them. But this time the more I read, the more irritated I became. Her reasons for investigating what at the time is thought of as a natural death are contrived and tenuous at best. They are a couple of overheard one-sided conversations and the fact that she used to babysit the children over twenty years ago! And don't even get me started on the way she positively leaps to conclusions based on nothing more than her over-active imagination! And then there's the bit about not really wanting to delegate some part of the investigation to her fiancé! For goodness sake, he was a policeman for over twenty years, he probably knows more about investigating than she ever will! And as usual, she confronts the killer who, surprise, surprise, then tries to kill her. One of these days someone will fail to rescue the dozy woman and we'll all be spared reading more like this.
Actually that isn't true, I do have quite a few and most of those aren't good. I normally have no argument with Eve investigating in her little crime filled world, and even quite enjoy them. But this time the more I read, the more irritated I became. Her reasons for investigating what at the time is thought of as a natural death are contrived and tenuous at best. They are a couple of overheard one-sided conversations and the fact that she used to babysit the children over twenty years ago! And don't even get me started on the way she positively leaps to conclusions based on nothing more than her over-active imagination! And then there's the bit about not really wanting to delegate some part of the investigation to her fiancé! For goodness sake, he was a policeman for over twenty years, he probably knows more about investigating than she ever will! And as usual, she confronts the killer who, surprise, surprise, then tries to kill her. One of these days someone will fail to rescue the dozy woman and we'll all be spared reading more like this.
November 8, 2024
Eve Mallow and her close friend Viv receive an elegant invitation to a soirée hosted by Lance Hall at his residence in Lockley Grange. This location holds sentimental value for Eve as it was the site of her previous nannying duties two decades ago.
The duo is tasked with providing refreshments for the gathering. However, the event takes a shocking and disturbing turn when Lance is tragically discovered deceased. Driven by a sense of duty and curiosity, Eve not only intends to compose an obituary for Lance but also sets out on a quest to uncover the truth behind his untimely demise, with a specific focus on identifying the perpetrator.
Between Lance’s wife Sonia and his two adult children, along with others who were at the party, Eve is not sure which of them had anything to do with Lance’s death. Researching about Lance’s life for the obituary is the perfect cover for Eve to ask probing questions as she seeks to find Lance’s killer. Along with excellent pacing, one aspect of Clare Chase’s writing style in her Eve Mallow Mystery series that truly captivates me is Eve’s meticulous approach to analyzing crimes to identify the culprit.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The duo is tasked with providing refreshments for the gathering. However, the event takes a shocking and disturbing turn when Lance is tragically discovered deceased. Driven by a sense of duty and curiosity, Eve not only intends to compose an obituary for Lance but also sets out on a quest to uncover the truth behind his untimely demise, with a specific focus on identifying the perpetrator.
Between Lance’s wife Sonia and his two adult children, along with others who were at the party, Eve is not sure which of them had anything to do with Lance’s death. Researching about Lance’s life for the obituary is the perfect cover for Eve to ask probing questions as she seeks to find Lance’s killer. Along with excellent pacing, one aspect of Clare Chase’s writing style in her Eve Mallow Mystery series that truly captivates me is Eve’s meticulous approach to analyzing crimes to identify the culprit.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 31, 2024
4.25 Stars
It’s always an occasion when the Hale family descend on Lockley Grange. Almost everyone in Saxford St Peter has been called upon to dust the rooms, tidy the garden, and cater for the party. Eve Mallow’s delighted to be invited: years ago she babysat for the three Hale children, and she can’t wait to see how they turned out. Lance Hale is throwing a party to celebrate his latest award. The following morning, Lance is found dead in his indoor pool. He’d been the life and soul of the party, but Eve saw him arguing with friends and family. At first it’s thought he died of natural causes but the post mortem reveals the true cause.
The thirteenth book in the series & Eve & Robin are three weeks away from their wedding but Eve can’t resist pitching to write Lance’s obituary thus giving her a chance to investigate. Another well written cosy mystery with strong characters & a well paced story. I do love Eve & her close band of friends & I’ve loved how relationships have developed & deepened over the series. I felt there was a desperation about Eve to solve this murder mystery before her wedding so she took more risks than normal, which eventually led her into danger. I was kept guessing as to who the villain was especially as the Hale family backstory was revealed & I must admit I disliked all but two of the family. I did love the ending of the book & hope Robin, Eve, Viv etc aren’t hanging up their sleuthing shoes
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
It’s always an occasion when the Hale family descend on Lockley Grange. Almost everyone in Saxford St Peter has been called upon to dust the rooms, tidy the garden, and cater for the party. Eve Mallow’s delighted to be invited: years ago she babysat for the three Hale children, and she can’t wait to see how they turned out. Lance Hale is throwing a party to celebrate his latest award. The following morning, Lance is found dead in his indoor pool. He’d been the life and soul of the party, but Eve saw him arguing with friends and family. At first it’s thought he died of natural causes but the post mortem reveals the true cause.
The thirteenth book in the series & Eve & Robin are three weeks away from their wedding but Eve can’t resist pitching to write Lance’s obituary thus giving her a chance to investigate. Another well written cosy mystery with strong characters & a well paced story. I do love Eve & her close band of friends & I’ve loved how relationships have developed & deepened over the series. I felt there was a desperation about Eve to solve this murder mystery before her wedding so she took more risks than normal, which eventually led her into danger. I was kept guessing as to who the villain was especially as the Hale family backstory was revealed & I must admit I disliked all but two of the family. I did love the ending of the book & hope Robin, Eve, Viv etc aren’t hanging up their sleuthing shoes
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
November 7, 2024
Although this is the 13th book in the series, you don’t have to have read them all to enjoy this one – I am really behind but am on a mission to catch up over the next couple of months as I really like Eve Mallow and her friends!
I really liked how this book started – you start with the murder and then you go back to the build up of the party taking place at Lockley Grange, the countryside retreat of Lance Hale and everything that happens to give you a slightly better understanding of the Hale family but mainly their father. To most people he comes across as an intelligent and very successful man, whose life was steeped in tragedy following the death of his first wife. To his family, he is cruel and often jealous of their successes and almost takes pleasure in undermining them at every opportunity. Eve used to babysit the Hale children and hasn’t seen them since they were small and has been invited along whilst also helping with the catering with Val, her friend and café owner.
In the build up to the death, we follow Eve and her witnessing Lance arguing with various friends and family and when he is found dead in his swimming pool, she soon begins to suspect that all was not well.
Mystery at Lockley Grange is a really well paced cosy mystery which I absolutely loved – even when I wasn’t reading it, I found myself thinking about it and how I thought things would pan out. There are several characters that you suspect so I did struggle with who I thought had done it! The ending was superb and not at all how I had it figured out and I really liked how it wasn’t as clearcut as investigations usually are.
Eve is a wonderful main character and I really warmed to her and close group of friends who are almost like a little detective society and all pitch in with the investigation (mainly at the meetings in the pub!)
Happily looking forward to catching up with the rest of the series and excited to read more of what there is to come!
I really liked how this book started – you start with the murder and then you go back to the build up of the party taking place at Lockley Grange, the countryside retreat of Lance Hale and everything that happens to give you a slightly better understanding of the Hale family but mainly their father. To most people he comes across as an intelligent and very successful man, whose life was steeped in tragedy following the death of his first wife. To his family, he is cruel and often jealous of their successes and almost takes pleasure in undermining them at every opportunity. Eve used to babysit the Hale children and hasn’t seen them since they were small and has been invited along whilst also helping with the catering with Val, her friend and café owner.
In the build up to the death, we follow Eve and her witnessing Lance arguing with various friends and family and when he is found dead in his swimming pool, she soon begins to suspect that all was not well.
Mystery at Lockley Grange is a really well paced cosy mystery which I absolutely loved – even when I wasn’t reading it, I found myself thinking about it and how I thought things would pan out. There are several characters that you suspect so I did struggle with who I thought had done it! The ending was superb and not at all how I had it figured out and I really liked how it wasn’t as clearcut as investigations usually are.
Eve is a wonderful main character and I really warmed to her and close group of friends who are almost like a little detective society and all pitch in with the investigation (mainly at the meetings in the pub!)
Happily looking forward to catching up with the rest of the series and excited to read more of what there is to come!
November 17, 2024
I really enjoyed the earlier books in this series, but this one just didnt grab me. I really found myself not caring whodunnit. I think what was missing was all the stuff about the village - in previous books the villagers and the mystery worked seamlessly, in this one it was like the mystery was written (could have done with some streamlining), then as an afterthought the village/friends interactions were slotted in around the mystery. Odd, and dissatisfying.
November 27, 2024
Everyone in Saxford St Peter is preparing for the big event Lance Hale will be throwing at his country home, Lockley Grange, to celebrate his most recent business success and honor the memory of his deceased daughter. Eve and Viv will be catering, and Eve is looking forward to getting reacquainted with the Hale children. She was their nanny when they were young, and she looks forward to seeing how they’ve grown up.
But the evening falls apart when Lance is found dead in his pool. Eve had observed some curious actions and interactions during the evening, and she has questions aplenty. So she gets herself tasked with writing his obituary so she can do her own digging.
Clare Chase kept me guessing with this one! The more Eve investigates, the more suspects and secrets it seems she uncovers. The Hale children did not all grow up to be nice, kind people, and one of them is dead already. Did one of the surviving siblings do their father in? What about Lucy, Lance’s right-hand woman and confidante since Lucy’s boyfriend (Lance’s brother) killed Lance’s wife? What has she seen and heard over the years that she’s felt compelled to keep to herself? Or Erica, Lance’s visibly overworked assistant. Did he finally push her too far? And then there’s his second wife Sonia, who he constantly belittles and whose success in her own career he seems determined to block. Lance is one of those people who wants to be in the spotlight all the time, and woe betide anyone who appears to be getting ahead of him. He seems to be well-respected, but he’s certainly given a lot of folks reason not to cry too much over his demise.
In addition to trying to solve a mystery, Eve is feeling the time crunch of her approaching wedding. Has she bitten off more than she can chew, taking this on just weeks before her nuptials?
Chase has once again done a marvelous job of giving us blind trails and red herrings aplenty, and she’s filled the story with some characters that are sympathetic and some that are thoroughly unlikeable. Eve does her usual meticulous job of researching, and she and her friends do a bang-up job of putting clues together. You’d think they could run DI Palmer out of a job if they tried! And I’m struck once again about what a great occupation Eve has to give her reason to look closely into someone’s life. In my experience, obituaries in the United States are written by the deceased’s family, not a paid professional. No one in my part of the world could investigate a crime like she does!
The story ends on a lovely note, and I hope there are more stories yet to come out of Saxford St Peter. I’m not ready to wave goodbye to Eve and company yet! Five stars from me, and recommended for current fans of the series or anyone who enjoys a captivating cozy read.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book from Bookouture. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
But the evening falls apart when Lance is found dead in his pool. Eve had observed some curious actions and interactions during the evening, and she has questions aplenty. So she gets herself tasked with writing his obituary so she can do her own digging.
Clare Chase kept me guessing with this one! The more Eve investigates, the more suspects and secrets it seems she uncovers. The Hale children did not all grow up to be nice, kind people, and one of them is dead already. Did one of the surviving siblings do their father in? What about Lucy, Lance’s right-hand woman and confidante since Lucy’s boyfriend (Lance’s brother) killed Lance’s wife? What has she seen and heard over the years that she’s felt compelled to keep to herself? Or Erica, Lance’s visibly overworked assistant. Did he finally push her too far? And then there’s his second wife Sonia, who he constantly belittles and whose success in her own career he seems determined to block. Lance is one of those people who wants to be in the spotlight all the time, and woe betide anyone who appears to be getting ahead of him. He seems to be well-respected, but he’s certainly given a lot of folks reason not to cry too much over his demise.
In addition to trying to solve a mystery, Eve is feeling the time crunch of her approaching wedding. Has she bitten off more than she can chew, taking this on just weeks before her nuptials?
Chase has once again done a marvelous job of giving us blind trails and red herrings aplenty, and she’s filled the story with some characters that are sympathetic and some that are thoroughly unlikeable. Eve does her usual meticulous job of researching, and she and her friends do a bang-up job of putting clues together. You’d think they could run DI Palmer out of a job if they tried! And I’m struck once again about what a great occupation Eve has to give her reason to look closely into someone’s life. In my experience, obituaries in the United States are written by the deceased’s family, not a paid professional. No one in my part of the world could investigate a crime like she does!
The story ends on a lovely note, and I hope there are more stories yet to come out of Saxford St Peter. I’m not ready to wave goodbye to Eve and company yet! Five stars from me, and recommended for current fans of the series or anyone who enjoys a captivating cozy read.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book from Bookouture. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
November 23, 2024
Mystery at Lockley Grange by Clare Chase takes us back to Eve Mallow just three weeks before her wedding to Robin. It was a huge party. Eve and Viv were bringing food for the party, after which they would return home, dress, and attend as invited guests. Eve had worked as a nanny for the family years before when the now-grown children were small and his first wife was alive. She didn’t expect to be remembered but she was curious to see them grown. Then, the next day as she was back for platters and such, she spied Lance’s body by the pool. It was clear he was dead and had been for awhile. Even with three weeks to the wedding, she couldn’t resist investigating, but first she secured a contract to write his obituary, her cover for asking questions. It was all so sad: his first wife gone, his oldest daughter dead just a few years ago, accident apparently.
Eve and her chatty partner, Viv, started immediately. Thanks goodness for Robin and for his relationship with Greg at the police station. Neither Robin nor Even had much respect for Inspector Palmer so they went forward without him. He always wanted to close the case quickly, whether he got the right culprit or not. Eve was more thorough and spoke to people he never would have thought of, and didn’t appear to be part of the case at hand. Eve picked up interesting bits of information that way and between she, Robin, Viv, and the others, usually figured it out in the end. Eve gets to know the people involved, sometimes to her detriment, and since she is so good with people, she reads them well. This is such a fun novel, full of personality and eccentricity that it makes a joy to read. The, the fact that this is about slightly people serves to remind us that life is not over at 40. Terrific series!
I was invited to read Mystery at Lockley Grange by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #ClareChase #MysteryAtLockleyGrange
Eve and her chatty partner, Viv, started immediately. Thanks goodness for Robin and for his relationship with Greg at the police station. Neither Robin nor Even had much respect for Inspector Palmer so they went forward without him. He always wanted to close the case quickly, whether he got the right culprit or not. Eve was more thorough and spoke to people he never would have thought of, and didn’t appear to be part of the case at hand. Eve picked up interesting bits of information that way and between she, Robin, Viv, and the others, usually figured it out in the end. Eve gets to know the people involved, sometimes to her detriment, and since she is so good with people, she reads them well. This is such a fun novel, full of personality and eccentricity that it makes a joy to read. The, the fact that this is about slightly people serves to remind us that life is not over at 40. Terrific series!
I was invited to read Mystery at Lockley Grange by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #ClareChase #MysteryAtLockleyGrange
November 24, 2024
Prolific mystery writer Clare Chase has a considerable well-deserved following.
Mystery at Lockley Grange is the 13th novel in her Eve Mallow series.
Eve is under pressure trying to hold down two jobs as an obituary writer and working with friend Viv in the tea shop while attempting to organise the arrangements for her own
wedding in a couple of weeks’ time. However, she is happy to be asked to cater for the big party hosted by diplomat Lance Hale at Lockley Grange to celebrate his latest award. Many years before, Eve used to act as babysitter to the three Hale children.
Lance is found dead in his swimming pool the morning after the party. He is the third
member of his family to suffer a tragic death. His first wife died when she was deliberately run down by a car and his eldest daughter fell from a cliff top only a few months ago.
Despite all the difficulties of finalising the wedding details – not least dealing with her brother who constantly pesters her with questions about the accommodation she has arranged for him – Eve finds it impossible not to investigate Lance’s murder. She quickly obtains a commission to write the Lance’s obituary which provides her with a good excuse to question all his remaining family and close associates.
Lockley Grange proves to be a hotbed of jealousy, sibling rivalry, lies and deceit. All too soon she discovers that his two surviving children, his second wife, his personal assistant and even the family doctor have plausible
motives for his murder.
Clare Chase keeps the reader trying to unpick the tangled web. The twists and turns of the plot build up until it reaches a satisfying conclusion.
A thoroughly enjoyable read – perfect for those who enjoy a fast-paced, cosy mystery that will keep you turning the page and guessing till the very end.
------
Reviewer: Judith Cranswick
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
Mystery at Lockley Grange is the 13th novel in her Eve Mallow series.
Eve is under pressure trying to hold down two jobs as an obituary writer and working with friend Viv in the tea shop while attempting to organise the arrangements for her own
wedding in a couple of weeks’ time. However, she is happy to be asked to cater for the big party hosted by diplomat Lance Hale at Lockley Grange to celebrate his latest award. Many years before, Eve used to act as babysitter to the three Hale children.
Lance is found dead in his swimming pool the morning after the party. He is the third
member of his family to suffer a tragic death. His first wife died when she was deliberately run down by a car and his eldest daughter fell from a cliff top only a few months ago.
Despite all the difficulties of finalising the wedding details – not least dealing with her brother who constantly pesters her with questions about the accommodation she has arranged for him – Eve finds it impossible not to investigate Lance’s murder. She quickly obtains a commission to write the Lance’s obituary which provides her with a good excuse to question all his remaining family and close associates.
Lockley Grange proves to be a hotbed of jealousy, sibling rivalry, lies and deceit. All too soon she discovers that his two surviving children, his second wife, his personal assistant and even the family doctor have plausible
motives for his murder.
Clare Chase keeps the reader trying to unpick the tangled web. The twists and turns of the plot build up until it reaches a satisfying conclusion.
A thoroughly enjoyable read – perfect for those who enjoy a fast-paced, cosy mystery that will keep you turning the page and guessing till the very end.
------
Reviewer: Judith Cranswick
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
November 5, 2024
Well... here we are at book 13 of this series and with no sign of flagging! This time it is a bit more personal for Eve as she, along with partner Viv are asked to cater a special event at Lockley Grange, hosted by Lance Hale. Why personal? Well, back in the day Eve used to nanny for the family, looking after the three children. And she is interested to see how they turned out...
All appears to go as well as expected during the evening, apart from a few hiccups and family spats but when Lance is found dead in his swimming pool the next morning, Eve is quick to swoop in and "assist" the police in investigating. As usual, under the guise of writing his obituary... But this time the clock is even more against her as it is only three weeks until her wedding to Robin...
As with all the previous books in this series, and you have read them all, haven't you !? This one is interesting and intriguing and that all starts from the very beginning. I am usually mindful when I start a book by this author that I will indubitably lose a great chunk of time to it as I know it will suck me in and hold me tight, which is exactly what it did, and with no superfluous padding or waffle, it got on with itself so well that I really didn't notice the time flying by!
It also kept me guessing all the way through and delivered an ending that I didn't see all of coming and which thoroughly satisfied.
All in all, a worthy addition to a cracking series, roll on next time... My thanks got to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
All appears to go as well as expected during the evening, apart from a few hiccups and family spats but when Lance is found dead in his swimming pool the next morning, Eve is quick to swoop in and "assist" the police in investigating. As usual, under the guise of writing his obituary... But this time the clock is even more against her as it is only three weeks until her wedding to Robin...
As with all the previous books in this series, and you have read them all, haven't you !? This one is interesting and intriguing and that all starts from the very beginning. I am usually mindful when I start a book by this author that I will indubitably lose a great chunk of time to it as I know it will suck me in and hold me tight, which is exactly what it did, and with no superfluous padding or waffle, it got on with itself so well that I really didn't notice the time flying by!
It also kept me guessing all the way through and delivered an ending that I didn't see all of coming and which thoroughly satisfied.
All in all, a worthy addition to a cracking series, roll on next time... My thanks got to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
September 3, 2025
Sir Lance Hale is found dead after a party at his home. It is the third tragedy for the family but were all the deaths actually murder? Eve Mallow knows the family and wants to find the truth…
Mystery at Lockley Grange is the 13th book in the Eve Mallow series of amateur sleuth murder mysteries.
Eve used to be the nanny for the Hale children. Now they are all grown up and sadly one died after falling from a cliff. The mother of the family also died after being run down by her brother in law. Now Lance is killed too and Eve wants to find answers.
On the personal side, Eve and Robin are just weeks away from their wedding. Do they really have time to investigate a murder? Of course they do! As usual they are ably accompanied by Gus the dachshund and their friends. There are lots of suspects to ask questions and discover motives, and I was kept guessing by the twists of the plot.
I really like Eve’s character. Her inquisitiveness isn’t overwhelming but feels natural as part of her obituary writer career. She is gentle in manner and sensitive to the feelings of others, especially the recently bereaved. However, I also feel she has a spine of steel that gives her a determination to get justice for the victim.
Mystery at Lockley Grange is an enjoyable addition to this series of cosy murder mysteries.
Mystery at Lockley Grange is the 13th book in the Eve Mallow series of amateur sleuth murder mysteries.
Eve used to be the nanny for the Hale children. Now they are all grown up and sadly one died after falling from a cliff. The mother of the family also died after being run down by her brother in law. Now Lance is killed too and Eve wants to find answers.
On the personal side, Eve and Robin are just weeks away from their wedding. Do they really have time to investigate a murder? Of course they do! As usual they are ably accompanied by Gus the dachshund and their friends. There are lots of suspects to ask questions and discover motives, and I was kept guessing by the twists of the plot.
I really like Eve’s character. Her inquisitiveness isn’t overwhelming but feels natural as part of her obituary writer career. She is gentle in manner and sensitive to the feelings of others, especially the recently bereaved. However, I also feel she has a spine of steel that gives her a determination to get justice for the victim.
Mystery at Lockley Grange is an enjoyable addition to this series of cosy murder mysteries.
November 4, 2024
Eve Mallow is delighted to return to Lockley Grange. She and her partner Viv have been hired to cater the a special event, honoring the achievements of owner Lance Hale and commemorating the tragic death of his daughter. Years ago, Eve was a nanny to the Hale children so she is familiar with the crumbling 700 year old mansion and the quirks of the Hales, Family disfunction seems to be the theme of the celebration. When Eve returns to the Grange the next day, Lance is discovered dead, drowned in the pool. Eve quickly moves from caterer to her other part-time job, that of obituary writer. These skills will help her investigate Lance’s death after it is ruled a murder. She also needs to identify the killer as the Grange is teeming with angry people who seem to be on the search for victims.
Mystery at Lockley Grange is less of a cozy mystery than the others in this excellent series. The nearby village and its charming inhabitants are featured less in this dark thriller. Eve remains a strong, independent character and I am fascinated by her obituary writing talents. I’m looking forward to what comes next from Clare Chase. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Clare Chase for this ARC.
Mystery at Lockley Grange is less of a cozy mystery than the others in this excellent series. The nearby village and its charming inhabitants are featured less in this dark thriller. Eve remains a strong, independent character and I am fascinated by her obituary writing talents. I’m looking forward to what comes next from Clare Chase. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Clare Chase for this ARC.
November 5, 2024
The Eve Mallow series is a favourite for me, and this one is intriguing and full of toxic relationships and unlikeable characters. Eve and Viv are catering a party at Lockley Grange for a famous diplomat, now an equally high-profile academic, whose family Eve was a nanny for a brief period in her younger days. A suspenseful atmosphere surrounds the party guests as the reader knows something terrible is imminent. It reveals cracks in family and colleague relationships, and its host is embroiled in all of them. When a body is found, Eve is suspicious and, through her journalist skills as an obituary writer, gains access to the family and others who knew the person well. The senior investigating officer in the case is Eve's nemesis, and she has to try to find out what happened without getting into trouble. She is also about to marry Robin, her partner and ex-detective, so the pressure to reveal the truth is on. It's an engaging read, full of clues and information that misleads Eve and the reader. I like the complex characters, the echoes of the family's tragic history that complicates the present and the immersive storytelling that makes this a good read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
November 11, 2024
"Mystery At Lockley Grange" is book #13 in the "Eve Mallow Mystery" series by Clare Chase.
Lance Hale was an egotistical, power hungry man who wasn't above making his own children look bad if it made him look better. But who wanted him dead? His wife? His right hand woman? One of his children? Or was it someone outside of the family?
It's a perplexing mystery for Eve and her friends to solve as she attempts to write his obituary. The more research she does, the more Eve is convinced that multiple people are keeping secrets.
I love the way Ms. Chase has Eve think out the various possibilities as to who did what and why. Eve and "the gang" make a great team as they sound out various thoughts, scenarios and help gather info where possible. I had suspected at least part of the truth before all was revealed but the full depth was stunning!
Even while all the drama of the murder mystery was going on, Eve was also trying to do last minute prep for her upcoming wedding to Robin.
Of course there is the inevitable dangerously close call before justice is served and a long awaited wedding can be celebrated - all in time for Christmas!
A thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery read!
Lance Hale was an egotistical, power hungry man who wasn't above making his own children look bad if it made him look better. But who wanted him dead? His wife? His right hand woman? One of his children? Or was it someone outside of the family?
It's a perplexing mystery for Eve and her friends to solve as she attempts to write his obituary. The more research she does, the more Eve is convinced that multiple people are keeping secrets.
I love the way Ms. Chase has Eve think out the various possibilities as to who did what and why. Eve and "the gang" make a great team as they sound out various thoughts, scenarios and help gather info where possible. I had suspected at least part of the truth before all was revealed but the full depth was stunning!
Even while all the drama of the murder mystery was going on, Eve was also trying to do last minute prep for her upcoming wedding to Robin.
Of course there is the inevitable dangerously close call before justice is served and a long awaited wedding can be celebrated - all in time for Christmas!
A thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery read!
September 20, 2024
The latest in the Eve Mallow series finds Eve caught up in murders and family secrets surrounding a prominent family with a house near her village. Eve has an old connection to the family and that and her writing put her in the middle of the action as she tries to solve the case before her upcoming wedding.
I was torn between three and four stars for this one. I do enjoy the series and the characters, and the mysteries are always interesting and well written. It’s nice to catch up with the characters as things move along in their lives and relationships. I think what I struggled with a bit in this one in particular was Eve’s motivation for getting so thoroughly involved, to the point of searching for opportunities to eavesdrop and look through people’s personal effects. Her old links to the family and her writing job just didn’t seem strong enough to explain very risky behavior, especially with her own wedding coming up quickly. Again, enjoyable overall and part of a strong series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are my own and voluntarily shared.
I was torn between three and four stars for this one. I do enjoy the series and the characters, and the mysteries are always interesting and well written. It’s nice to catch up with the characters as things move along in their lives and relationships. I think what I struggled with a bit in this one in particular was Eve’s motivation for getting so thoroughly involved, to the point of searching for opportunities to eavesdrop and look through people’s personal effects. Her old links to the family and her writing job just didn’t seem strong enough to explain very risky behavior, especially with her own wedding coming up quickly. Again, enjoyable overall and part of a strong series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are my own and voluntarily shared.
November 1, 2024
I have been reading the Eve Mallow mystery books from the beginning and I always enjoy the books.
In this latest episode Eve and Viv are catering an event at Lockley Grange, the holiday venue of the Hale family. Eve already knows the family because she used to babysit the three children when they were very young. Now those children are grown men and woman and a lot has changed in the meantime, not always for the best.
So when Lance Hale is found dead in his swimming pool Eve is quick to write his obituary and to go sleuthing with a little help from her soon to be husband Robin and the rest of the gang. Of-course her loyal dachshund Gus is also present.
I had some difficulty staying focussed on the story. I don't know if this was because I read it while travelling or if the book wasn't as coherent as the others but it had slight feeling that it wasn't as carefully worked out as the previous ones. The "obituary" at the end wasn't complete.
3,5 stars but I'll round it up.
I want to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
In this latest episode Eve and Viv are catering an event at Lockley Grange, the holiday venue of the Hale family. Eve already knows the family because she used to babysit the three children when they were very young. Now those children are grown men and woman and a lot has changed in the meantime, not always for the best.
So when Lance Hale is found dead in his swimming pool Eve is quick to write his obituary and to go sleuthing with a little help from her soon to be husband Robin and the rest of the gang. Of-course her loyal dachshund Gus is also present.
I had some difficulty staying focussed on the story. I don't know if this was because I read it while travelling or if the book wasn't as coherent as the others but it had slight feeling that it wasn't as carefully worked out as the previous ones. The "obituary" at the end wasn't complete.
3,5 stars but I'll round it up.
I want to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 22, 2024
Eve Mallow is getting married! Before that, however, there is the small matter of her and best friend, Viv, catering a party for famous local resident, academic, and ex-diplomat, Lance Hale, at his country pile, Lockley Grange. Long before Eve moved to the beautiful village of Saxford St Peter, she had worked for the family, but tragedy struck a few years later and has stuck around ever since.
Planning the obituary after another unexpected death rocks the village, Eve begins to look closely at the Hale family and is shocked by what she finds. But with fiancé Robin and her WhatsApp group there to keep Eve on task and talk it all through, everything will be sorted by the wedding, won't it?
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book 13 in this brilliant series was a great read, and I thoroughly enjoyed Eve and Robin working together while Moira and Viv were, as ever, on top form.
Planning the obituary after another unexpected death rocks the village, Eve begins to look closely at the Hale family and is shocked by what she finds. But with fiancé Robin and her WhatsApp group there to keep Eve on task and talk it all through, everything will be sorted by the wedding, won't it?
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book 13 in this brilliant series was a great read, and I thoroughly enjoyed Eve and Robin working together while Moira and Viv were, as ever, on top form.
November 2, 2024
I've been reading this series since the first installment and this novel was a very good one, a mystery with cosy elements more than a traditional cozy mystery.
It could be a Golden Age country house mystery. The secrets and the strained relationship in a powerful family, the relationship between Eve and the family, a party, mysterious characters and suspicious deaths.
Eve is getting married to Robin and she's got her hand full but cannot help being involved in the events to the point of being reckless.
There's a dark undertone in this story, there's a story with mixes past and present.
I was happy to catch with Eve, Robin, Gus, and Viv and liked the story that surprised me and kept me on the edge.
I cannot wait to read the next story in this story as I'm curious about the future of Eve, Robin and Gus
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It could be a Golden Age country house mystery. The secrets and the strained relationship in a powerful family, the relationship between Eve and the family, a party, mysterious characters and suspicious deaths.
Eve is getting married to Robin and she's got her hand full but cannot help being involved in the events to the point of being reckless.
There's a dark undertone in this story, there's a story with mixes past and present.
I was happy to catch with Eve, Robin, Gus, and Viv and liked the story that surprised me and kept me on the edge.
I cannot wait to read the next story in this story as I'm curious about the future of Eve, Robin and Gus
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 5, 2024
This is book 13 in the Eve Mallow Mystery series, but it's a first read of this series for me.
Someone has killed famous diplomat Lance Hale in his own home - right after a event held that night. One of the caterers is Eve Mallow and she also writes obituaries for the press. And....solves mysteries.
There are many supporting characters, but enough history was included to help me know who was who. Eve has a personal connection to Hale and his family. That makes things easy - or perhaps harder. Eve has her work cut out for her. There are so many candidates for the whodunit. Just when I thought I had it right, Chase throws in another twist and sends the narrative down another path. I wasn't successful in guessing the killer until the final chapters. Which is a good thing. If you love cozies, you'll love Mystery at Lockley Grange.
Someone has killed famous diplomat Lance Hale in his own home - right after a event held that night. One of the caterers is Eve Mallow and she also writes obituaries for the press. And....solves mysteries.
There are many supporting characters, but enough history was included to help me know who was who. Eve has a personal connection to Hale and his family. That makes things easy - or perhaps harder. Eve has her work cut out for her. There are so many candidates for the whodunit. Just when I thought I had it right, Chase throws in another twist and sends the narrative down another path. I wasn't successful in guessing the killer until the final chapters. Which is a good thing. If you love cozies, you'll love Mystery at Lockley Grange.
November 9, 2024
Mystery! Secrets! Lies and Scandal!!
Book 13 in this series was an intriguing complicated and very entertaining story. With only a few weeks until her wedding the last thing Eve has time for is unraveling a mysterious death. But as she knew the deceased and had been nanny to his 3 children when they were young she feels obligated to investigate. When it turns out it was murder she and her husband to be Robin are quick to try and uncover clues.
Family secrets from decades past, jealousy, sibling rivalry and untold lies and motives abound in this intriguing story. I have read all of the books in this series and they never disappoint. I don't want to give anything away so I'll just say it held my interest throughout and there were some scary moments and happy tears at the end. I am looking forward to book 14. 👏👏🌟🌟🌟
Book 13 in this series was an intriguing complicated and very entertaining story. With only a few weeks until her wedding the last thing Eve has time for is unraveling a mysterious death. But as she knew the deceased and had been nanny to his 3 children when they were young she feels obligated to investigate. When it turns out it was murder she and her husband to be Robin are quick to try and uncover clues.
Family secrets from decades past, jealousy, sibling rivalry and untold lies and motives abound in this intriguing story. I have read all of the books in this series and they never disappoint. I don't want to give anything away so I'll just say it held my interest throughout and there were some scary moments and happy tears at the end. I am looking forward to book 14. 👏👏🌟🌟🌟
November 7, 2024
Eve is invited to a huge party thrown by a diplomat visiting the area. Having baby sat for the children when they were younger, Eve can’t wait to see them again now that they’re grown up. But tragedy strikes when the life of the party is found dead the next morning. can Eve and Gus figure out what happened? Are there too many eyes on her, ready to stop her in her tracks once and for all?
I adore each and every entry in this series. Eve and Gus never disappoint. This is a great example of why I love British cozy mysteries. If you haven’t read a book in this series yet, don’t worry, each one reads fine as a standalone. Plus, you have the benefit of having plenty more to binge on when you’re done.
I adore each and every entry in this series. Eve and Gus never disappoint. This is a great example of why I love British cozy mysteries. If you haven’t read a book in this series yet, don’t worry, each one reads fine as a standalone. Plus, you have the benefit of having plenty more to binge on when you’re done.
January 2, 2025
Eve and Robin's wedding day is quickly approaching. Eve and Viv catered a party at Lockley Grange. The body of the party's host was discovered in the pool area the following morning when Eve went back to retrieve their pans. She had a personal interest in the Hale family as Eve had been nanny to their three children when she was in her twenties. Lance Hale's death was not unexpected. He had been diagnosed with heart problems several years ago. But it was quickly discovered his drinking cup had been laced with enough digoxin to kill him. Robin doesn't want Eve to get involved in this case because it is so close to their wedding, but she remembers how the family was when she lived with them and cared for Lance's children so she takes it on. Best book in the series so far.
October 20, 2024
I always enjoy reading a new Eve Mallow mystery and this one was no exception. It's set in a big house whose owner is found dead the morning after a party, and of course every suspect has secrets that Eve discovers while doing both her official job (interviewing people to write the victim's obituary) and some amateur sleuthing on top.
As usual, I would advice new readers to start with book 1, but think that those who don't mind partial spoilers could enjoy this one even without having met Eve and her friends/neighbours before.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As usual, I would advice new readers to start with book 1, but think that those who don't mind partial spoilers could enjoy this one even without having met Eve and her friends/neighbours before.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2024
Book 13 in this well written cosy mystery with strong characters & a well paced story. It was nice to catch up with Eve, Robin and their close friend just 3 weeks before their wedding. Although this was a small cast of possible villains I was kept guessing as really anyone could be guilty for a whole slew of different reasons which made tis one difficult for them to resolve before the wedding which kept the tension ramped up for Eve as she rushes to reach the conclusion. As always the story left me wanting the next one asap. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 30, 2024
Just before her wedding, Eve goes to a house party in the village - she used to babysit the children. But when diplomat Lance is found dead in his swimming pool, Eve finds herself caught up in murders and family secrets.
Eve and her friends are lovely, warm characters - not forgetting Gus the dachshund! - and this series is a real pleasure. Clare has a knack for hiding things in plain sight, and there are lots of twists and turns (including a couple I didn't see coming!).
thoroughly recommended. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC.
Eve and her friends are lovely, warm characters - not forgetting Gus the dachshund! - and this series is a real pleasure. Clare has a knack for hiding things in plain sight, and there are lots of twists and turns (including a couple I didn't see coming!).
thoroughly recommended. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC.
November 17, 2024
With only a few weeks to go until her wedding, Eve really can’t afford the time to get involved with another murder, but that’s exactly what happens. The Hale family is familiar to Eve as she was a nanny to the children many years ago. When Lance Hale is murdered, Eve is faced with multiple suspects, each with a motive. It’s a race against time to solve the murder before her approaching wedding.
November 22, 2024
This one was definitely a page turner. I liked the writing and the mystery, though I did feel that Eve's motivation to investigate should have been a little more important than just being the kids' nanny.
It was the 13th book in the series, but I could easily follow the lives of the characters and their background. So essentially it can be read as a standalone.
Would definitely follow the series.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was the 13th book in the series, but I could easily follow the lives of the characters and their background. So essentially it can be read as a standalone.
Would definitely follow the series.
I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2025
I have enjoyed many of the books in this series; Eve the relationships she has developed with the villagers and her romantic partner are cozy and interesting.
But this one felt different and just didnt sit well with me. It felt dark and this reduced the enjoyment for me. Perhaps this series is taking a directional turn. I'm not sure. Just wasn't my cup of tea.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
But this one felt different and just didnt sit well with me. It felt dark and this reduced the enjoyment for me. Perhaps this series is taking a directional turn. I'm not sure. Just wasn't my cup of tea.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2024
All About Eve
Another great book in this series. This cozy British Crime genre is a great escape from life's stresses and pressures. I enjoyed the plot and characters, and the details on the motives were intricate. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. If you enjoy British cozy mysteries, this series won't disappoint.
Another great book in this series. This cozy British Crime genre is a great escape from life's stresses and pressures. I enjoyed the plot and characters, and the details on the motives were intricate. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. If you enjoy British cozy mysteries, this series won't disappoint.
August 7, 2025
Clare Chase keeps the reader trying to unpick the tangled web. The twists and turns of the plot build up until it reaches a satisfying conclusion.
A thoroughly enjoyable read – perfect for those who enjoy a fast-paced, cosy mystery that will keep you turning the page and guessing till the very end.
A thoroughly enjoyable read – perfect for those who enjoy a fast-paced, cosy mystery that will keep you turning the page and guessing till the very end.
November 10, 2024
A real who done it to the end.
There was not a member of that family that I would want as a neighbor. I was never able to determine which was more capable of murder. In the end there were a few. Lot's of twists. Lot's of unlikable characters. But it all worked out in the end.
There was not a member of that family that I would want as a neighbor. I was never able to determine which was more capable of murder. In the end there were a few. Lot's of twists. Lot's of unlikable characters. But it all worked out in the end.
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