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The Charity Shop Detective Agency #5
Death of a Wild Swimmer
Still waters run deep in this baffling new case for the Charity Shop Detective Agency!
Wild swimming in February? No, thank you . . . To Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue, the retired ladies behind the counter at Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop, it sounds like torture.
Still, no one ever died of plunging themselves into the icy sea waters. Until now.
When the body of Colin Barclay - retired PE master and wild-swimming fanatic - washes up in a secluded cove, the ladies begin to realize just how dicey this wellbeing trend can be.
Especially when a shifty new customer comes calling at their charity shop.
Is this where you solve murders? She asks, her eyes darting wildly round the shelves of bric-a-brac. I think I have one . . .
This woman knows Colin better than most. And she's convinced his death was no accident. It was murder.
But she'll need the ladies to dive in and help her prove it . . .
Wild swimming in February? No, thank you . . . To Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue, the retired ladies behind the counter at Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop, it sounds like torture.
Still, no one ever died of plunging themselves into the icy sea waters. Until now.
When the body of Colin Barclay - retired PE master and wild-swimming fanatic - washes up in a secluded cove, the ladies begin to realize just how dicey this wellbeing trend can be.
Especially when a shifty new customer comes calling at their charity shop.
Is this where you solve murders? She asks, her eyes darting wildly round the shelves of bric-a-brac. I think I have one . . .
This woman knows Colin better than most. And she's convinced his death was no accident. It was murder.
But she'll need the ladies to dive in and help her prove it . . .
258 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2025
270 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
April 5, 2025
This is the fifth book in The Charity Shop Detective Agency series by Peter Boland and I think I have read all of them. This is a fun, cozy mystery series.
Description:
Wild swimming in February? No, thank you . . .
To Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue, the retired ladies behind the counter at Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop, it sounds like torture.
Still, no one ever died of plunging themselves into the icy sea waters. Until now.
When the body of Colin Barclay — retired PE master and wild-swimming fanatic — washes up in a secluded cove, the ladies begin to realize just how dicey this wellbeing trend can be.
Especially when a shifty new customer comes calling at their charity shop.
Is this where you solve murders? She asks, her eyes darting wildly round the shelves of bric-a-brac. I think I have one . . .
This woman knows Colin better than most. And she’s convinced his death was no accident. It was murder.
But she’ll need the ladies to dive in and help her prove it . . .
My Thoughts:
The death was ruled a death by misadventure, but what if it was murder? This is the mystery to be solved. Fiona was brave to tackle her initial adventure in wild swimming - in February of all times, as cold as it it - to help fight her winter depression. She joins the Southbourne Wild Things wild swimming club and makes some new friends and learns about wild swimming. She also is nosy and suspicious about the death and she and the ladies of the Charity Shop get involved in finding answers. This is an enjoyable cozy mystery and I think the books are getting better as the series progresses. I like the characters and can relate to these "women of a certain age" since I fall into that category now.
Thanks to Joffe Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Wild swimming in February? No, thank you . . .
To Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue, the retired ladies behind the counter at Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop, it sounds like torture.
Still, no one ever died of plunging themselves into the icy sea waters. Until now.
When the body of Colin Barclay — retired PE master and wild-swimming fanatic — washes up in a secluded cove, the ladies begin to realize just how dicey this wellbeing trend can be.
Especially when a shifty new customer comes calling at their charity shop.
Is this where you solve murders? She asks, her eyes darting wildly round the shelves of bric-a-brac. I think I have one . . .
This woman knows Colin better than most. And she’s convinced his death was no accident. It was murder.
But she’ll need the ladies to dive in and help her prove it . . .
My Thoughts:
The death was ruled a death by misadventure, but what if it was murder? This is the mystery to be solved. Fiona was brave to tackle her initial adventure in wild swimming - in February of all times, as cold as it it - to help fight her winter depression. She joins the Southbourne Wild Things wild swimming club and makes some new friends and learns about wild swimming. She also is nosy and suspicious about the death and she and the ladies of the Charity Shop get involved in finding answers. This is an enjoyable cozy mystery and I think the books are getting better as the series progresses. I like the characters and can relate to these "women of a certain age" since I fall into that category now.
Thanks to Joffe Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
March 27, 2025
Before the story even begins, there has been a death in Southbourne. Ruled as a death by misadventure by the authorities, the deceased man was a retired PE teacher and competent wild swimmer. Still, he'd gone missing one day, and a week or so later his body had washed ashore further along the coast. Fellow members of Southbourne Wild Things, his wild swimming club, were not convinced. They had a code - a set of rules - and Colin Barclay had been nothing if not a stickler for the rules, so they know he would not have swum alone. So founding club member, Beth, who has heard of the Charity Shop Detective Agency, approaches the sleuths with her suspicions.
This is all kicking off in February, which is notable for two reasons; 1) it's about the most miserable time of year to be wild swimming due to the cold and 2) Fiona, who as we know is prone to a deep depression, habitually struggles at this time of year with the festive season well and truly over and the promise of Spring still a long way off. Luckily Fiona's game to give it a try, while Daisy and Partial Sue do what they can to further the investigation from indoors.
This series just keeps getting better and better! I wondered how successful this instalment would be, when it's not even clear whether a crime has been committed, but Boland keeps the mystery fresh with all the usual red herrings and cameos from recurring minor characters. The matter of Fiona's personal struggles was handled sensitively, and I found this to be really poignant and a very welcome added layer of emotional depth to the story.
With thanks once again to NetGalley and Joffe Books for a digital ARC to read and review.
This is all kicking off in February, which is notable for two reasons; 1) it's about the most miserable time of year to be wild swimming due to the cold and 2) Fiona, who as we know is prone to a deep depression, habitually struggles at this time of year with the festive season well and truly over and the promise of Spring still a long way off. Luckily Fiona's game to give it a try, while Daisy and Partial Sue do what they can to further the investigation from indoors.
This series just keeps getting better and better! I wondered how successful this instalment would be, when it's not even clear whether a crime has been committed, but Boland keeps the mystery fresh with all the usual red herrings and cameos from recurring minor characters. The matter of Fiona's personal struggles was handled sensitively, and I found this to be really poignant and a very welcome added layer of emotional depth to the story.
With thanks once again to NetGalley and Joffe Books for a digital ARC to read and review.
November 1, 2025
I somehow guessed the killer the moment the ladies met them — pure instinct or too many cozy mysteries, who knows. The real puzzle was why they did it. Sadly, the motive was as flimsy as a wet teabag… but honestly, when is murder ever logical?
January 7, 2026
Listened to audiobook.
April 6, 2025
This was a great little cosy mystery set in a British seaside town. Can't go wrong there! The premise of the story was solid and I enjoyed it.
The book was written well. It flowed easily and clearly. There were no plot holes or unanswered questions. The story was descriptive and has good visuals.
I liked the characters. Especially our three ladies. Daisy, Fiona and Partial Sue. They were great retirees and I loved their dynamic especially in the shop. I loved Fiona's little dog Simon Le Bon was adorable too. I liked the other characters in the story. They were a lot of fun to read about!
The story was written in third person and from Fiona's point of view which worked well. For a cosy mystery you don't need too many POVs and this just being just Fiona worked very well.
I recommend this especially if you love a good cosy British mystery!
The book was written well. It flowed easily and clearly. There were no plot holes or unanswered questions. The story was descriptive and has good visuals.
I liked the characters. Especially our three ladies. Daisy, Fiona and Partial Sue. They were great retirees and I loved their dynamic especially in the shop. I loved Fiona's little dog Simon Le Bon was adorable too. I liked the other characters in the story. They were a lot of fun to read about!
The story was written in third person and from Fiona's point of view which worked well. For a cosy mystery you don't need too many POVs and this just being just Fiona worked very well.
I recommend this especially if you love a good cosy British mystery!
September 24, 2025
I enjoy this series but this one wasn't my favorite. Fiona is struggling with depression, the women spend a lot of time bickering and the reveal of the killer was lame.
Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue are hired by Beth to investigate the death of her friend and fellow wild swimmer, Colin. The police have ruled his death an accident, saying that he went out swimming alone, but Beth isn't so sure. Fiona joins the wild swimmers, a feat even more impressive in the cold water of February, and she is happy to say that it helps her depression. But really she joins so she can gather clues about the members and if any are capable of murder. She suspects that George might be guilty because he was once Colin's student and suffered an injury due to Colin's competitiveness. But he is innocent. They then think that Colin might have been surfing so they investigate the local surfers and don't find any leads. The big breakthrough comes when Fiona is pulled under while out with the wild swimmers. It turns out that Colin's therapist, Ted, was the killer. He was barely in the book and his motive was lame. Apparently Colin loaned him money so that he could expand his practice but when Colin found out that he really used the money to pay of his debt he got upset and wanted Ted to pay back the money. So Ted killed him and dumped his body in the ocean hoping that it would be ruled an accidental drowning. He then tried to kill Fiona because he was worried that she was getting too close to the truth (which she wasn't). Hopefully the next book is better.
Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue are hired by Beth to investigate the death of her friend and fellow wild swimmer, Colin. The police have ruled his death an accident, saying that he went out swimming alone, but Beth isn't so sure. Fiona joins the wild swimmers, a feat even more impressive in the cold water of February, and she is happy to say that it helps her depression. But really she joins so she can gather clues about the members and if any are capable of murder. She suspects that George might be guilty because he was once Colin's student and suffered an injury due to Colin's competitiveness. But he is innocent. They then think that Colin might have been surfing so they investigate the local surfers and don't find any leads. The big breakthrough comes when Fiona is pulled under while out with the wild swimmers. It turns out that Colin's therapist, Ted, was the killer. He was barely in the book and his motive was lame. Apparently Colin loaned him money so that he could expand his practice but when Colin found out that he really used the money to pay of his debt he got upset and wanted Ted to pay back the money. So Ted killed him and dumped his body in the ocean hoping that it would be ruled an accidental drowning. He then tried to kill Fiona because he was worried that she was getting too close to the truth (which she wasn't). Hopefully the next book is better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2025
We’re back with the formidable trio who find themselves looking into the death of a wild swimmer. I have to say I am in awe of anyone who goes swimming in the sea in the coldest of temperatures. I don’t think anything or anyone could tempt me into doing it, I struggle with the temperature of the water even when it’s summer!
There are more than a few suspects with new lines of enquiry creeping up on the trio. It definitely made it harder to try and guess the killer. I was constantly changing my mind and yet again hadn’t guessed correctly by the time they are revealed. It was a fun ride though trying to work it out. I enjoyed that there was very little police presence in this story and it was fully up to Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue to work it out. Tensions get high though between the three and I wondered if this was one case that would break up the detective agency.
Death of A Wild Swimmer is set during winter time and will certainly give you plenty of chills! How its ends though left me feeling a lot more warmer. It’s enjoyable seeing the three women working together and figuring everything out. It really is a classic whodunnit with protagonists that you will be routing for and a vast cast of characters whose secrets I loved discovering. Another fabulous book in this much loved series!
There are more than a few suspects with new lines of enquiry creeping up on the trio. It definitely made it harder to try and guess the killer. I was constantly changing my mind and yet again hadn’t guessed correctly by the time they are revealed. It was a fun ride though trying to work it out. I enjoyed that there was very little police presence in this story and it was fully up to Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue to work it out. Tensions get high though between the three and I wondered if this was one case that would break up the detective agency.
Death of A Wild Swimmer is set during winter time and will certainly give you plenty of chills! How its ends though left me feeling a lot more warmer. It’s enjoyable seeing the three women working together and figuring everything out. It really is a classic whodunnit with protagonists that you will be routing for and a vast cast of characters whose secrets I loved discovering. Another fabulous book in this much loved series!
August 5, 2025
3.75🌟
Audiobook
I listened to this audiobook during an 8-hour drive, and it kept me interested the whole way. The mystery of the death, the suspect pool, our cozy mystery detectives—everything mixed together well. Sophia the cat lady made only a brief appearance in this book, but she’s someone I “love to hate. (But I love cats.) This is a series that I have truly enjoyed and will watch for the next one.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Glad I read it. Will probably read more by this author.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Audiobook
I listened to this audiobook during an 8-hour drive, and it kept me interested the whole way. The mystery of the death, the suspect pool, our cozy mystery detectives—everything mixed together well. Sophia the cat lady made only a brief appearance in this book, but she’s someone I “love to hate. (But I love cats.) This is a series that I have truly enjoyed and will watch for the next one.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Glad I read it. Will probably read more by this author.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
August 12, 2025
3.5-4 stars.
An enjoyable installment in a reliable cozy mystery series. I’d been in a reading slump after adoring my last sci-fi series then failing to connect with a few different books in various genres. This was just the thing I needed.
The beginning was a bit slow, focusing almost exclusively on Fiona’s adventures and interactions without her friends Daisy and Partial Sue, but I learned a lot about wild swimming. (I didn’t know what a wild swimmer was. It could’ve been titled Death by Misadventure instead & would’ve drawn my attention sooner.)
It didn’t touch on the events of the previous book at all, which I found odd. It wouldn’t be as full if it were read as a standalone, but it would be doable.
An enjoyable installment in a reliable cozy mystery series. I’d been in a reading slump after adoring my last sci-fi series then failing to connect with a few different books in various genres. This was just the thing I needed.
The beginning was a bit slow, focusing almost exclusively on Fiona’s adventures and interactions without her friends Daisy and Partial Sue, but I learned a lot about wild swimming. (I didn’t know what a wild swimmer was. It could’ve been titled Death by Misadventure instead & would’ve drawn my attention sooner.)
It didn’t touch on the events of the previous book at all, which I found odd. It wouldn’t be as full if it were read as a standalone, but it would be doable.
April 2, 2025
Wild swimming in February? No, thank you . . . To Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue, the retired ladies behind the counter at Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop, it sounds like torture. When the body of Colin Barclay, retired PE master and wild-swimming fanatic, washes up in a secluded cove, the ladies begin to realize just how dicey this wellbeing trend can be. Especially when a shifty new customer comes calling at their charity shop & she asks Is this where you solve murders? I think I have one! This woman knows Colin better than most. And she’s convinced his death was no accident.
The fifth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I do love Fiona, Sue & Daisy & love how they complement each other. Another well written cosy mystery with twists, turns & red herrings, there’s a lovely mix of light hearted & serious moments, which all added to my enjoyment. I was also kept guessing which was a bonus. I look forward to more in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The fifth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I do love Fiona, Sue & Daisy & love how they complement each other. Another well written cosy mystery with twists, turns & red herrings, there’s a lovely mix of light hearted & serious moments, which all added to my enjoyment. I was also kept guessing which was a bonus. I look forward to more in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
January 20, 2026
i love this series, it is so comforting. this mystery was a bit obfuscated from the reader, so i'm not sure anyone could truly figure out the motive without it being told to them by the author. yet, the twists were great and (while sometimes a bit obvious) interesting. fiona, partial sue, and daisy are such a likeable trio and i'm obsessed that they run a charity shop that donates all the money to help dogs find homes. also i did not know what a "wild swimmer" was until reading this book, but thinking about swimming in 40 degree water in the UK seems horrible.
January 6, 2026
lovely
October 7, 2025
A cosy mystery with a heart
Another enjoyable outing for Fiona, Partial Sue and Daisy from the charity shop. Fiona takes up wild swimming to investigate a suspicious drowning, discovering it helps her hidden depression. The mystery kept me guessing with plenty of twists. Yes, it's cosy and a bit unrealistic—they seem able close the shop whenever they fancy—but that's part of its charm.
Another enjoyable outing for Fiona, Partial Sue and Daisy from the charity shop. Fiona takes up wild swimming to investigate a suspicious drowning, discovering it helps her hidden depression. The mystery kept me guessing with plenty of twists. Yes, it's cosy and a bit unrealistic—they seem able close the shop whenever they fancy—but that's part of its charm.
April 10, 2025
After reading The Vanilla Killer by this author at the end of last year, I was excited to see the next book in The Charity Shop Detective Agency Mysteries series being released.
No, I've not managed to catch up with the first few books in the series, but I figured that having read book 4, there's be no harm in carrying on and reading this, book 5 first.
In this book, our ladies are asked to look into a drowning which has been deemed a swimming accident, but the deceased's friend seems to think otherwise.
It was nice to be back in Southbourne again with Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue and I found it really easy to dive straight into this one without introduction.
Having already got to know our main characters a little in the last book, this just flowed on naturally, almost like I'd never been away!
This was a great case to follow as there really didn't seem to be much to investigate at first, but as Fiona takes the plunge and chats to the other wild swimmers in the group, things just don't add up.
This one really kept me guessing and I didn't work out who killed Colin before the reveal came.
But I did work out that wild swimming is definitely not something that I ever fancy trying out - especially in the colder months!
The murder has only managed to confirm that I'm right to steer clear!
I'm really enjoying this series and love the writing style which is descriptive and fun - great for this genre.
I was immersed from the start and definitely feel that this could be read as a standalone - but I can really see how the characters are developing now.
I can't wait to catch and also to see what the ladies might encounter in their next adventure!
No, I've not managed to catch up with the first few books in the series, but I figured that having read book 4, there's be no harm in carrying on and reading this, book 5 first.
In this book, our ladies are asked to look into a drowning which has been deemed a swimming accident, but the deceased's friend seems to think otherwise.
It was nice to be back in Southbourne again with Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue and I found it really easy to dive straight into this one without introduction.
Having already got to know our main characters a little in the last book, this just flowed on naturally, almost like I'd never been away!
This was a great case to follow as there really didn't seem to be much to investigate at first, but as Fiona takes the plunge and chats to the other wild swimmers in the group, things just don't add up.
This one really kept me guessing and I didn't work out who killed Colin before the reveal came.
But I did work out that wild swimming is definitely not something that I ever fancy trying out - especially in the colder months!
The murder has only managed to confirm that I'm right to steer clear!
I'm really enjoying this series and love the writing style which is descriptive and fun - great for this genre.
I was immersed from the start and definitely feel that this could be read as a standalone - but I can really see how the characters are developing now.
I can't wait to catch and also to see what the ladies might encounter in their next adventure!
April 9, 2025
A delightful read especially for someone who loves Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club series, this book was right up my alley. It’s a charming cosy mystery set in a British seaside town, packed with humour, intrigue, and a quirky cast of characters.
The story follows three friends who run a charity shop and have a knack for solving mysteries. They’re approached by Beth, a wild swimmer convinced that her friend Colin’s death wasn’t an accident but murder. Despite Colin’s death being ruled as “misadventure,” Beth suspects foul play and enlists the Charity Shop Detective Agency to uncover the truth.
What I loved most about this book was the dynamic between the three friends. Their personalities and their interactions are full of warmth and humour.
The mystery itself is so engaging, with plenty of red herrings and twists to keep me guessing.
The seaside town setting is beautifully described, adding to the cosy feel of the story. The cold February backdrop, combined with Fiona’s personal struggles with depression was a brilliant addition. Mr. Boland handled these moments with sensitivity, making the characters feel more real and relatable.
I also enjoyed how Daisy joins the wild swimmers to gather clues, despite the icy water.
I can’t wait to read more from this series.
The story follows three friends who run a charity shop and have a knack for solving mysteries. They’re approached by Beth, a wild swimmer convinced that her friend Colin’s death wasn’t an accident but murder. Despite Colin’s death being ruled as “misadventure,” Beth suspects foul play and enlists the Charity Shop Detective Agency to uncover the truth.
What I loved most about this book was the dynamic between the three friends. Their personalities and their interactions are full of warmth and humour.
The mystery itself is so engaging, with plenty of red herrings and twists to keep me guessing.
The seaside town setting is beautifully described, adding to the cosy feel of the story. The cold February backdrop, combined with Fiona’s personal struggles with depression was a brilliant addition. Mr. Boland handled these moments with sensitivity, making the characters feel more real and relatable.
I also enjoyed how Daisy joins the wild swimmers to gather clues, despite the icy water.
I can’t wait to read more from this series.
July 9, 2025
Still waters run deep in this baffling new case for the Charity Shop Detective Agency!
Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue are back on another case, this time they’re looking into the death of Colin. Found on the beach after an apparent wild swimming outing gone wrong. Colin was an experienced wild swimmer and knew he shouldn’t swim alone so things don’t add up. In order to investigate Fiona inserts herself into the world of wild swimming and is actually finding it good for the IT inside her head. They have a few people who are potential suspects but can they whittle it down to the killer?
This is my first encounter with the Charity Shop Detectives and I loved the cosy crime vibes. Our three main characters have a fantastic dynamic and I loved how they interacted with each other. They have a way of getting people to open up to them allowing them to get information the police may not. Full of red herrings and fantastic twists just when you think you know who the culprit is you’ll suddenly be sent in another direction. There is also so much humour in this story I found myself giggling at some of the interactions. A fabulous cosy crime series, I’ll be going back to read the rest of the series.
Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue are back on another case, this time they’re looking into the death of Colin. Found on the beach after an apparent wild swimming outing gone wrong. Colin was an experienced wild swimmer and knew he shouldn’t swim alone so things don’t add up. In order to investigate Fiona inserts herself into the world of wild swimming and is actually finding it good for the IT inside her head. They have a few people who are potential suspects but can they whittle it down to the killer?
This is my first encounter with the Charity Shop Detectives and I loved the cosy crime vibes. Our three main characters have a fantastic dynamic and I loved how they interacted with each other. They have a way of getting people to open up to them allowing them to get information the police may not. Full of red herrings and fantastic twists just when you think you know who the culprit is you’ll suddenly be sent in another direction. There is also so much humour in this story I found myself giggling at some of the interactions. A fabulous cosy crime series, I’ll be going back to read the rest of the series.
April 10, 2025
The book opens with the discovery of the body on a beach, from the point of a view of a dog which is already a winner for me.
It's discovered the dead man is a wild swimmer and the Charity Shop Detectives, Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue are asked to take on the case.
I love that Fiona decides to take the plunge and partake of a bit of wild swimming. In the month of February, an even crazier decision!
The subject has been well researched and im not sure if the author has joined in this crazy pastime but he talks with fondness about it.
I love how this time around the ladies are completely using their own skills. The police dont come in until the final chapter. I didnt figure it out, its cleverly revealed.
A really enjoyable easy read and Partial Sue is one of my favourite nicknames perfectly given. I like how the author shows us that we shouldnt judge people and how even people in their older years can still experience jealousy and feel left out in friendship groups. These little details and observations really draw you in.
It's discovered the dead man is a wild swimmer and the Charity Shop Detectives, Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue are asked to take on the case.
I love that Fiona decides to take the plunge and partake of a bit of wild swimming. In the month of February, an even crazier decision!
The subject has been well researched and im not sure if the author has joined in this crazy pastime but he talks with fondness about it.
I love how this time around the ladies are completely using their own skills. The police dont come in until the final chapter. I didnt figure it out, its cleverly revealed.
A really enjoyable easy read and Partial Sue is one of my favourite nicknames perfectly given. I like how the author shows us that we shouldnt judge people and how even people in their older years can still experience jealousy and feel left out in friendship groups. These little details and observations really draw you in.
April 7, 2025
This is book 5 of a cosy mystery series following the charity shop detectives. I hadn't read the prior 4 books, but this was standalone enough that I wasn't missing anything. The only thing that was probably previously explained is the origins behind the three friends and their unofficial detective agency.
This featured the very relevant and popular sport of wild swimming, I'm a bit like Daisy and Sue and prefer to stay cosy with a cuppa, but I enjoyed learning about it through Fiona.
There were so many twists and red herrings throughout that I found it impossible to guess who the killer really was, or even if there was a killer at all!
It had good humour, good warmth, and a storyline to keep you hooked. I'd definitely recommend it.
This featured the very relevant and popular sport of wild swimming, I'm a bit like Daisy and Sue and prefer to stay cosy with a cuppa, but I enjoyed learning about it through Fiona.
There were so many twists and red herrings throughout that I found it impossible to guess who the killer really was, or even if there was a killer at all!
It had good humour, good warmth, and a storyline to keep you hooked. I'd definitely recommend it.
March 28, 2025
This is cosy crime at its best! I have not read any of the others in the series but it read fine as a stand-alone. I had been interested in reading from this series so I was really pleased to be part of this tour! It was a very detailed cosy crime story of 3 charity shop workers who investigate a death which happened at the start of the book. The characters were great - all so diverse, I particularly liked the 3 charity shop workers. In this book, the ladies went down various avenues before the murderer was revealed &, I must admit, I was wrong on my assumption of who it was so I enjoyed that! An enjoyable read & I would read others in the series.
April 3, 2025
This book is part of the charity shop detective agency series. This is my first read of the series and it is easy to read standalone.
It's a fun cozy mystery and I liked the characters and their interactions with one another. The dialogue made me chuckle more than once and it was an enjoyable mystery to read.
It's a fun cozy mystery and I liked the characters and their interactions with one another. The dialogue made me chuckle more than once and it was an enjoyable mystery to read.
March 30, 2025
My first read of Peter Boland’s work, Death of a Wild Swimmer, proves to be an engaging and clever cosy mystery. While it is the fifth book in The Charity Shop Detective Agency series, it stands perfectly well on its own, making it accessible for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
When Colin Barclay, a retired PE teacher and wild-swimming enthusiast, is found dead in a secluded cove, Fiona, Daisy, and Partial Sue—the formidable trio behind the counter at Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop—find themselves entangled in another puzzling case. They are approached by Beth, a mysterious customer convinced that Colin's death wasn’t just a tragic accident but murder. Their investigation leads one of them to join the local wild swimming club, diving deep into a world filled with secrets, suspicions, and unexpected dangers.
Boland delivers a fun and well-paced mystery filled with clever misdirections and red herrings. The balance between light-hearted charm and more serious moments is handled expertly, ensuring the novel never loses its cosy appeal while still providing depth to the mystery. His engaging storytelling and witty characterisation make this an enjoyable read from start to finish.
As someone who has friends who enjoy wild swimming but personally prefers to avoid even warm water, the idea of plunging into the freezing sea sends shivers down my spine! Yet, the atmospheric setting and vivid descriptions made it easy to immerse myself in the story, even if I’d never dream of taking the plunge myself.
With its well-crafted plot, entertaining sleuths, and satisfying twists, Death of a Wild Swimmer is a delightful addition to the cosy mystery genre. If you love a good amateur detective story with a touch of humour and heart, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.
When Colin Barclay, a retired PE teacher and wild-swimming enthusiast, is found dead in a secluded cove, Fiona, Daisy, and Partial Sue—the formidable trio behind the counter at Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop—find themselves entangled in another puzzling case. They are approached by Beth, a mysterious customer convinced that Colin's death wasn’t just a tragic accident but murder. Their investigation leads one of them to join the local wild swimming club, diving deep into a world filled with secrets, suspicions, and unexpected dangers.
Boland delivers a fun and well-paced mystery filled with clever misdirections and red herrings. The balance between light-hearted charm and more serious moments is handled expertly, ensuring the novel never loses its cosy appeal while still providing depth to the mystery. His engaging storytelling and witty characterisation make this an enjoyable read from start to finish.
As someone who has friends who enjoy wild swimming but personally prefers to avoid even warm water, the idea of plunging into the freezing sea sends shivers down my spine! Yet, the atmospheric setting and vivid descriptions made it easy to immerse myself in the story, even if I’d never dream of taking the plunge myself.
With its well-crafted plot, entertaining sleuths, and satisfying twists, Death of a Wild Swimmer is a delightful addition to the cosy mystery genre. If you love a good amateur detective story with a touch of humour and heart, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.
April 9, 2025
Here is my review for Death Of A Wild Swimmer by Peter Boland
I really enjoyed reading this cozy mystery story which included the Charity Shop Detective Agency. It was a great storyline and very well researched which came through in the story. I learned a lot about wild swimming and swimming in the sea. The characters Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue are great and work well together to solve this case with Fiona even taking a dip in the sea in February. It’s an intriguing case and I found it really interesting. The author has written a great story and it’s been well thought out. The synopsis is good and drew me to read the book. This is a series that is growing on me and I’m working out how to catch up on the series as this is the second book I have read although the fifth book in the series.
Blurb :
Still waters run deep in this baffling new case for the Charity Shop Detective Agency!
Wild swimming in February? No, thank you. It sounds like torture to Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue, the retired ladies behind the counter at Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop.
Still, no one ever died of plunging into the icy waters around the sleepy little English town of Southbourne. Until now.
The body of Colin Barclay, retired PE master and wild-swimming fanatic, washes up in a secluded cove.
Days later, a shifty new customer comes calling at Dogs Need Nice Homes. Is this where you solve murders? She asks, her eyes darting wildly round the shelves of bric-a-brac. I think I have one . . .
This woman belongs to Colin’s swimming club — and she’s convinced his death was no accident. It was murder.
She just needs the ladies to dive in and help her prove it . . .
I really enjoyed reading this cozy mystery story which included the Charity Shop Detective Agency. It was a great storyline and very well researched which came through in the story. I learned a lot about wild swimming and swimming in the sea. The characters Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue are great and work well together to solve this case with Fiona even taking a dip in the sea in February. It’s an intriguing case and I found it really interesting. The author has written a great story and it’s been well thought out. The synopsis is good and drew me to read the book. This is a series that is growing on me and I’m working out how to catch up on the series as this is the second book I have read although the fifth book in the series.
Blurb :
Still waters run deep in this baffling new case for the Charity Shop Detective Agency!
Wild swimming in February? No, thank you. It sounds like torture to Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue, the retired ladies behind the counter at Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop.
Still, no one ever died of plunging into the icy waters around the sleepy little English town of Southbourne. Until now.
The body of Colin Barclay, retired PE master and wild-swimming fanatic, washes up in a secluded cove.
Days later, a shifty new customer comes calling at Dogs Need Nice Homes. Is this where you solve murders? She asks, her eyes darting wildly round the shelves of bric-a-brac. I think I have one . . .
This woman belongs to Colin’s swimming club — and she’s convinced his death was no accident. It was murder.
She just needs the ladies to dive in and help her prove it . . .
March 19, 2025
** “It’s the perfect environment for covering up a murder. ‘Water blurs evidence.’ ” **
With another solved murder under their belts and continuing their own amateur detective agency, a customer asks charity shop workers Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue to look into an accidental drowning. Beth believes her friend, Colin, was actually murdered and she’s hoping the women can figure out how and by whom.
But as they look into the death of the wild swimmer — people who attempt icy cold swimming in bodies of water — will they be able to determine who might have had it out for Colin? Will Fiona dive deep into a new hobby of wild swimming? And can they solve the mystery before disaster strikes them?
Boland does a great job of creating characters besides the plucky main characters. Once again, he also builds a fun plot filled with red herrings, misdirections and creativity that will leave the reader laughing and guessing until the end, perfectly balancing frivolity with seriousness. He also reminds us of some good themes, like dealing with and overcoming depression; kindness goes a long way; misery loves company; and the impact of generosity.
Fans of series like Richard Osman’s “The Thursday Murder Club,” Robert Thorogood’s “The Marlow Murder Club,” as well as authors like Agatha Christie, will enjoy “Death of a Wild Swimmer,” which is due out March 26 in paperback.
Five stars out of five.
Joffe Books Ltd. provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
With another solved murder under their belts and continuing their own amateur detective agency, a customer asks charity shop workers Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue to look into an accidental drowning. Beth believes her friend, Colin, was actually murdered and she’s hoping the women can figure out how and by whom.
But as they look into the death of the wild swimmer — people who attempt icy cold swimming in bodies of water — will they be able to determine who might have had it out for Colin? Will Fiona dive deep into a new hobby of wild swimming? And can they solve the mystery before disaster strikes them?
Boland does a great job of creating characters besides the plucky main characters. Once again, he also builds a fun plot filled with red herrings, misdirections and creativity that will leave the reader laughing and guessing until the end, perfectly balancing frivolity with seriousness. He also reminds us of some good themes, like dealing with and overcoming depression; kindness goes a long way; misery loves company; and the impact of generosity.
Fans of series like Richard Osman’s “The Thursday Murder Club,” Robert Thorogood’s “The Marlow Murder Club,” as well as authors like Agatha Christie, will enjoy “Death of a Wild Swimmer,” which is due out March 26 in paperback.
Five stars out of five.
Joffe Books Ltd. provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
March 26, 2025
Fast Moving, Tantalizing, Fun to Read
Death of a Wild Swimmer is the second in the Charity Shop Detective Agency series by Peter Boland. It can definitely be enjoyed as a stand-alone, fast-moving romp about three lady-friends who run a Bring and Buy Charity Shop “Dogs Need Nice Homes” and drink tea together. Daisy, Partial Sue, Fiona and her dog Simon le Bon, are disturbed from their placid lifestyle by a surprise visit from Beth Trenchard who is a local “Wild Swimmer”. Beth is sure that a member of her swimming club did not succumb to an accident by ill-advisedly practicing alone in the freezing February waters, but in fact was murdered – and she believes the Charity Sop Detectives can help prove this to the police. To the amazement of her friends Daisy joins the Wild Swimmers to enable her to collect insider information, and the fun begins.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Peter writes well to effectively draw the reader into story, he keeps you engaged in the plot, and makes it easy to relate to the amusing cast of characters. I enjoy his quirky turn of mind. Who else would have Daisy prefer to swim in icy seawater than perchance bump into a disembodied sticking plaster (band aid) floating in a public bath? I appreciated the lesson in testing one’s malted milks for dunkability before popping them into hot tea! The story is entertaining, original in concept and the conclusion logical, but satisfyingly unexpected. We certainly do not have the culprit our three lady friends or this reader were anticipating. This book is thoroughly recommended, excellent reading!
Death of a Wild Swimmer is the second in the Charity Shop Detective Agency series by Peter Boland. It can definitely be enjoyed as a stand-alone, fast-moving romp about three lady-friends who run a Bring and Buy Charity Shop “Dogs Need Nice Homes” and drink tea together. Daisy, Partial Sue, Fiona and her dog Simon le Bon, are disturbed from their placid lifestyle by a surprise visit from Beth Trenchard who is a local “Wild Swimmer”. Beth is sure that a member of her swimming club did not succumb to an accident by ill-advisedly practicing alone in the freezing February waters, but in fact was murdered – and she believes the Charity Sop Detectives can help prove this to the police. To the amazement of her friends Daisy joins the Wild Swimmers to enable her to collect insider information, and the fun begins.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Peter writes well to effectively draw the reader into story, he keeps you engaged in the plot, and makes it easy to relate to the amusing cast of characters. I enjoy his quirky turn of mind. Who else would have Daisy prefer to swim in icy seawater than perchance bump into a disembodied sticking plaster (band aid) floating in a public bath? I appreciated the lesson in testing one’s malted milks for dunkability before popping them into hot tea! The story is entertaining, original in concept and the conclusion logical, but satisfyingly unexpected. We certainly do not have the culprit our three lady friends or this reader were anticipating. This book is thoroughly recommended, excellent reading!
March 26, 2025
Who would have thought the lovely charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes, would be the front for The Charity Shop Detective Agency, and the unlikely trio of detectives of Fiona, Partial Sue, and Daisy. But with four cases solved so far that have left the police scratching their heads, will the team make it a fifth?
Beth, a founding member of the local Wild Swimming Club comes to their shop with a request for the Charity Shop Detective Agency, specifically. A member of their group, and her friend, was found dead on the beach and the police ruled natural causes. Beth doesn’t believe it for a second and she convinces our ladies to look into it.
Deciding the best way to go about interviewing the raft of swimming suspects, Fiona accepts the challenge to join the swimmers in the icy sea (in February no less!) and having gotten kitted out in a new costume, she readies herself to brace the cold water to interview the witnesses-come-suspects in what turns into a mystery with great depth and swirling waters of obfuscation that will keep you guessing to the very end.
Whilst this is book five, you can easily read as a stand-alone and Peter Boland has done an excellent job of building characters with amazing facets from Fiona and her own hidden depression, to the kindness expressed and its impact on those around the trio. Don’t be fooled though, there’s plenty of misdirection and red herrings right from the get-go that will just keep you turning pages until the end where you will wish there were still more to go.
Beth, a founding member of the local Wild Swimming Club comes to their shop with a request for the Charity Shop Detective Agency, specifically. A member of their group, and her friend, was found dead on the beach and the police ruled natural causes. Beth doesn’t believe it for a second and she convinces our ladies to look into it.
Deciding the best way to go about interviewing the raft of swimming suspects, Fiona accepts the challenge to join the swimmers in the icy sea (in February no less!) and having gotten kitted out in a new costume, she readies herself to brace the cold water to interview the witnesses-come-suspects in what turns into a mystery with great depth and swirling waters of obfuscation that will keep you guessing to the very end.
Whilst this is book five, you can easily read as a stand-alone and Peter Boland has done an excellent job of building characters with amazing facets from Fiona and her own hidden depression, to the kindness expressed and its impact on those around the trio. Don’t be fooled though, there’s plenty of misdirection and red herrings right from the get-go that will just keep you turning pages until the end where you will wish there were still more to go.
April 4, 2025
It’s February, one of the coldest and dullest months in the year and Fiona’s depression is threatening to rear its ugly head again. The ladies in the Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop, this being Fiona, Daisy, Partial Sue and dog Simon Le Bon, are approached by the founder of the Southbourne Wild Things swimmers’ group to investigate a crime. Beth believes fellow swimmer Colin Barclay, a bossy retired teacher who joined the group to find company and friends, has been murdered. He knew better than to go out swimming alone and the police have written his death off as accidental. Fiona throws herself in, literally, as she takes her first wild swim with the group, hoping to discover more about his death. Soon she has a list of possible motives, including a love rival and an irate surfer, but not enough to take to DI Fincher and her rather scruffy sidekick DS Thomas yet. Could there be another sinister reason for someone wanting to send Colin to a watery grave?
Oh, not for me – the wild swimming I mean! I had goosebumps every time Fiona waded into the icy water! This is another smashing story in the charming cosy crime series. These three amateur sleuths make a formidable team and whilst The Wicker Man basks in the sunshine of Australia, Sophie and Gail from The Cats Alliance make a shameless and hilarious appearance on the beach. There’s plenty of humour, in fact, and some great characters such as swimmers Rani and Ahmed, surfer Ralph and seasick coastal warden Bill in a clever and twisty plot. A very enjoyable addition to the series!
Oh, not for me – the wild swimming I mean! I had goosebumps every time Fiona waded into the icy water! This is another smashing story in the charming cosy crime series. These three amateur sleuths make a formidable team and whilst The Wicker Man basks in the sunshine of Australia, Sophie and Gail from The Cats Alliance make a shameless and hilarious appearance on the beach. There’s plenty of humour, in fact, and some great characters such as swimmers Rani and Ahmed, surfer Ralph and seasick coastal warden Bill in a clever and twisty plot. A very enjoyable addition to the series!
March 27, 2025
Part of a series featuring the three amateur sleuths from the charity shop, this book can easily be read as a standalone. It is well written, and the personalities of the main characters are cleverly depicted so that you feel you are part of the scene. The book is filled with hilarious conversations and asides that take place in the shop. Fiona, Daisy, and Partial Sue are enjoying what they like best, a natter and cake with their favourite tipple, a pot of English tea. Putting the world to rights whilst sorting the days donations of clothing, a distraught lady enters the shop and tells them that she has need of their detective skills. A friend of hers from the wild water swimming club has been found washed up on the beach, apparently drowned. The coroner gave a verdict of accidental death, but Beth, the victims friend, is not convinced. The Charity Shop ladies are intrigued and agree to look into the death. Fiona decides that she will go undercover and joins the club. Her first day and she's up to the neck in freezing sea water that's supposed to be an enjoyable way of finding your inner self. She meets some delightful characters and some quite nasty individuals, all skillfully described. After a series of wild theories and hilarious scenes, the three gradually home in on the truth. A lovely cosy read and the skill of the writer vividly depicts the world of cold water swimming. Brrr!
April 5, 2025
This my second The Charity Shop Detective Agency novel but I will certainly be reading the others. In vain of Agatha Christie’s Maple (which was referenced) we have a group of Charity shop volunteers and friends turned detectives to help solve the case. The Vanilla Killer hooked me on this series but real life has gotten in the way of reading any others until now. I am obsessed with the way Boland writes his cosy crimes and the characters.
For me the standout, after the brilliantly paced and executed plot is the characters. I love Daisy, Fiona and Partial Sue (and Simon Le Bon (the dog not the singer)). The way Boland brings these characters to life with their quirks and personality makes it hard not to get attached. I love their friendship and I also love how we see the ups and downs of friendship too. It’s not all plain sailing (pun a little bit intended). The plot is fantastic and despite being a lover of some cosy crime did keep me engaged and guessing. I loved how all the bits fell into place and we become a sort of fourth member of the team.
I honestly love this series so much and I think anyone who is a fan of cosy crime will love this series. It’s got everything including a nice bit of humour from time to time to lighten the mood. A must read.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
For me the standout, after the brilliantly paced and executed plot is the characters. I love Daisy, Fiona and Partial Sue (and Simon Le Bon (the dog not the singer)). The way Boland brings these characters to life with their quirks and personality makes it hard not to get attached. I love their friendship and I also love how we see the ups and downs of friendship too. It’s not all plain sailing (pun a little bit intended). The plot is fantastic and despite being a lover of some cosy crime did keep me engaged and guessing. I loved how all the bits fell into place and we become a sort of fourth member of the team.
I honestly love this series so much and I think anyone who is a fan of cosy crime will love this series. It’s got everything including a nice bit of humour from time to time to lighten the mood. A must read.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
April 2, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Peter Boland for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death of a Wild Swimmer coming out April 2, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Wild swimming in February? No, thank you. It sounds like torture to Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue, the retired ladies behind the counter at Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop.
Still, no one ever died of plunging into the icy waters around the sleepy little English town of Southbourne. Until now.
The body of Colin Barclay, retired PE master and wild-swimming fanatic, washes up in a secluded cove.
Days later, a shifty new customer comes calling at Dogs Need Nice Homes. Is this where you solve murders? She asks, her eyes darting wildly round the shelves of bric-a-brac. I think I have one . . .
This woman belongs to Colin’s swimming club — and she’s convinced his death was no accident. It was murder.
I’ve read the book right before this one. I loved that book, so I was excited to check out this one. I love the English countryside setting and the coziness of the people. This one felt a little different than the other book I read. I think I loved the Vanilla Killer more. But I really enjoy this author’s writing. I’ll definitely check out more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
Wild swimming in February? No, thank you. It sounds like torture to Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue, the retired ladies behind the counter at Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop.
Still, no one ever died of plunging into the icy waters around the sleepy little English town of Southbourne. Until now.
The body of Colin Barclay, retired PE master and wild-swimming fanatic, washes up in a secluded cove.
Days later, a shifty new customer comes calling at Dogs Need Nice Homes. Is this where you solve murders? She asks, her eyes darting wildly round the shelves of bric-a-brac. I think I have one . . .
This woman belongs to Colin’s swimming club — and she’s convinced his death was no accident. It was murder.
I’ve read the book right before this one. I loved that book, so I was excited to check out this one. I love the English countryside setting and the coziness of the people. This one felt a little different than the other book I read. I think I loved the Vanilla Killer more. But I really enjoy this author’s writing. I’ll definitely check out more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
March 20, 2025
Another great read in a fabulous series! The first hilarious and brilliant twist is in the narrator of the prologue, I laughed out loud and that was me hooked and strapped in for the ride.
When the death of a wild swimmer is ruled an accident by the police investigation, one of the members of the Wild Swimming Club approaches Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue for help, believing her friend and fellow swimmer was murdered. Naturally, the ladies can't say no to an opportunity to investigate.
I love the setting of this series as I grew up in Southbourne, so I know all of these places well and Southbourne Grove has always had a good number of charity shops. The characters are completely brilliant and I particularly liked that we experienced some vulnerability in Fiona, with her battle with depression. There are some great red herrings and some clever twists and despite Fiona's mental health struggles, there is heaps of dry humour and some side splitting one liners to lighten the mood.
Although this is book 5 in the series, I started on book 4 and these do work well as standalone reads.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Peter Boland and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
When the death of a wild swimmer is ruled an accident by the police investigation, one of the members of the Wild Swimming Club approaches Fiona, Daisy and Partial Sue for help, believing her friend and fellow swimmer was murdered. Naturally, the ladies can't say no to an opportunity to investigate.
I love the setting of this series as I grew up in Southbourne, so I know all of these places well and Southbourne Grove has always had a good number of charity shops. The characters are completely brilliant and I particularly liked that we experienced some vulnerability in Fiona, with her battle with depression. There are some great red herrings and some clever twists and despite Fiona's mental health struggles, there is heaps of dry humour and some side splitting one liners to lighten the mood.
Although this is book 5 in the series, I started on book 4 and these do work well as standalone reads.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Peter Boland and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.
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