An Extremely Unlikely Death: 'At the top of the tree of modern whodunnits' Ian Moore

Dinner Lady Detectives #6

by Hannah Hendy

Murder is the only paw-sible explanation… During a routine welfare check, the police find local shop owner Mr Fitzgerald at the foot of his stairs, dead. There is broken glass over the floor of his shop, his dog has been locked in the kitchenette cupboard, and on the counter is an envelope addressed to Mrs and Mrs Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker – The Dinner Lady Detectives.

As the town mourns Mr Fitzgerald’s death as an unfortunate accident, Margery and Clementine cannot shake the sense that there is something suspicious about the scene. They are convinced this was no accident. But why would anybody want to harm an elderly shopkeeper? And with the culprit still at large, and determined to cover their tracks, can they get to the bottom of the case before there is another victim?

A charming cosy crime novel which will make you laugh-out-loud. Perfect for fans of J.M Hall and Fiona Leitch.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Crime

306 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2025

Reviews

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading, I almost immediately realized that I was coming in in the middle of a series, what with the mention of previous murders at Summerview Secondary School in the English town of Dewstow. Indeed, this is the sixth in Hannah Hendy’s Dinner Lady Detective series. Even so, I never felt lost and enjoyed the novel.

Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker (a rather unlikely surname) are married and work today as the dinner ladies at the school (cafeteria ladies, in American parlance). They’ve previously solved mysteries that have eluded the police, and they’re poised to do the same again. Timothy Fitzgerald, owner of an antiques store that’s more of a junk shop, may be in his late 80s, but he’s healthy as a horse and spry as a mountain goat. Did he really tumble down to his death on the stairs he’s nimbly climbed his entire life? A friend starts to doubt that Fitzgerald’s death was really an accident, and soon so do Margery and Clementine.

Meanwhile, thanks to all the murder and mayhem, Summerview’s headmaster gets demoted, while Ms. Cooper, a shifty martinet, replaces him. Readers will know that Margery and Clementine will suss out the truth about the new headmistress, who claims to be trying to save money while switching to more expensive contracts. Lighthearted and breezy, I will likely be checking out previous books in the series.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Canelo in exchange for an honest review.

[nadia c · Rating 1 out of 5]

too much filler to enjoy the natural progression of the story - found myself skipping paragraphs to get past the random anecdotes and turns of phrase so often! also, Margery and Clementine (the married detectives) are sooooo useless and slow...why can't they use a computer? why don't they carry all the clues with them? why didn't they interview the key suspects at the START? very frustrating. the reveal was so short lived considering it was so built up! and the killer was unconvincing! glad i didn't waste my time on the rest of this series, it was such a slow read! also, why is there 0 romance between these wives?? and why don't they communicate properly when investigating!

[JayJay · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are not your garden variety detectives. Margery and Clementine are an older married couple who work together as school dinner ladies, and also solve the town's murders in their spare time. This is a part 6 of Dinner Lady Detectives series. I haven't read the previous parts, and I don't think it's needed in order to enjoy this one. The author does a good job providing enough background info.

in the past, the school had had a streak of bad luck with people ending up dead on the school grounds. And now Mr Fitzpatrick, an oddities shop owner and school governor, is found dead at his shop. The new headteacher wants the dinner lady detectives to keep their sleuthing strictly away from the school, and avoid implicating school into another drama.

This is a small-town, cozy mystery, as advertised. And while it's got its funny and charming moments, it's slow paced with many ordinary staff room drama thrown in with the murder plot. I'm sure others will appreciate it for what it is, but I prefer a bit more murder mystery, and less mundane life problems in my crime novels, and so it's 3.75 from me, rounded up.

Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for the DRC in exchange for my honest review.

Release date: 20 March 2025

[Fally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series so much. Such a fun mystery

[Annette O'grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very enjoyabe read cannot wait for the next one to come out when ever that will be

[Rachel Galbraith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just another cosy murder story, nothing too exciting or riveting but a quick & easy read.

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new-to-me series and I’m glad I gave it a chance. I was quickly able to orient myself with who was who and info on previous relationships and plots flowed smoothly into the story and dialogue. While some may find it relatively slow paced, it unfolded in such a way that I felt comfortable with the characters as I became equally comfortable with the largely school setting. Margery and Clementine make an interesting couple sleuths and differences in approaches are noted as we go along. They also have a job that I don't recall encountering an amateur sleuth in, albeit countless are in that same general field, food. Nope, not owners or bakers of a trendy bakery or cafe. They provide meals in Summerview school's cafeteria. They, along with their friends, The Dinner Lady Detectives, wind up not only having a case to solve but must worry about salvaging their own jobs given the arrival of a new headmaster after the first is found dead at the bottom of the steps at his home. Despite ample evidence to the contrary, the local police quickly declare it a tragic accident and block their soon to be detective, Symon, from investigating further. Bothered by it all, he's the one who asks Margery and Clementine to look into it. Then, much to their surprise, the discover they inherited everything from FItzgerald, including his beloved Jack Russell, Jason.

That's when the story really takes off. They visit his, now their, new property and find some interesting clues, not to mention lots of, well, miscellaneous stuff. They even have some unmarked keys but are having trouble finding the one they're just sure will help them find some vital clues. Toss in the upheaval at the school, where the new, seemingly to-be-temporary headmaster, Janet Cooper, is issuing some odd demands and new rules. She's also set up a sort of "tattle tale" group of students who are taxed with reporting anything out of the ordinary to her. As a former teacher, I could see where this could lead to trouble, no, make that Trouble with a capital "T". Nope, not telling. You'll have to read the book. Then there is the very troublesome issue of why the police seem to be covering up evidence. What is going on? In the middle of all this, Margery is told she must learn a new computer program to order cafeteria food and supplies, cutting out local suppliers for a company the new headmaster mandates be used. On the home front, the question is, will their cats get along with new dog Jason. Speaking of Jason, it's a hoot watching Dinner Detective/teacher Rose take him around with her at school while dog-sitting. Emotional support dog? Okay, works for me. And, oh, so much more but that's enough teasers for now.

All in all, a fun, interesting read with both its serious moments and humor. While not quite hooked yet, I will definitely be on the look out for the next book. I really do want to get to know this cast of characters better, not to mention keep up with senior dog Jason. Poor baby. Locked in a cabinet? I already disliked whoever the whodunit character was and the book had only begun. And, as a former teacher, of course I found the school setting of interest, albeit I'm happy to say my schools were never as, oh, what word should I use? Okay, let's be mundane, "interesting" as Summerview. I definitely give kudos to author Hendy for sharing that former headmaster James admits he's surprised to discover how much he's enjoying being with students and his return to teaching English without carrying all that bureaucratic responsibilities. Thanks #Canelo for introducing me to not just Margery and Clementine but their school. I'm sure I'm going to feel right at home there. Well, as long as I don't get murdered. Grin.

[Shari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker have been partners for decades, both personally as a couple and professionally as dinner ladies at a local school. Lately, they've formed a new partnership as the Dinner Lady Detectives. In this 6th book of the series, they are drawn in to another mystery when Mr Fitzgerald, friend, owner of an antique/junk shop, and a school governor is found dead at the bottom of his stairs, holding an unusual object. The young police trainee is told to consider it an accident, but things aren't sitting right with him, so he goes to Margery and Clementine for help. Of course, the rest of the school crew jumps in to help.

This is an enjoyable series and this book continues in the same vein. The characters are fun to spend time with and often make me laugh. The setting is fun and the squabbles between teachers are often amusing. In this book, Jack the terrier was a delightful addition to the story. As a crocheter myself, I loved the prominent role that had throughout the book. When I picked this book up I was in the mood for a cozy and I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it. When I had to set it aside for a while to do some pesky household tasks, I looked forward to getting back to it so I could find out what happened. It's a light read with different storylines weaving together to create the story. You don't need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one, although previous cases are referenced. Enough information is given so readers aren't left wondering what is being talked about, but not so much that spoilers are given, so if someone wanted to go back and read ear;lier books, that experience wouldn't be ruined.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a DRC.

[boogleloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars: This sixth entry in Hendy's Dinner Lady Detectives series, which is a 2SLGBTQIA+ British Senior Sleuth Cozy Mystery that's set in a quaint Welsh village and follows a sixty-something married couple, who work as secondary school dinner ladies (AKA high school cafeteria workers), as they turn sleuths after the suspicious death of a school governor and the discovery of an envelope addressed to them in the victim's apartment. The two will have to work fast to unravel this mystery before the killer strikes again. With plenty of twists and turns, Hendy has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Hendy's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's great to catch up with Margery and Clementine, their school colleagues and kitchen crew and the folks of Dewstow. I love the quirky, diverse and just plain lovely cast of characters. With tact and sensitivity, Hendy touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, The Dinner Lady Detectives.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Canelo in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

[Kristine Booksandstuff123 · Rating 5 out of 5]

'An Extremely Unlikely Death' by Hannah Hendy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I would say I'm biased because I love this author and this series but this is an amazing book. It's got mystery, adventure, sarcastic remarks, Crochet Monthly and a new furry little friend too (with excellent detective skills). I've said it before but I would definitely have Margery, Clementine and the rest of their team in my corner if ever I was in trouble. And the ending, I was not expecting that. Can't wait for the next one. A remarkable series for fans of cozy crime, please read it you won't be disappointed.

Murder is the only paw-sible explanation...

During a routine welfare check, the police find local shop owner Mr Fitzgerald at the foot of his stairs, dead. There is broken glass over the floor of his shop, his dog has been locked in the kitchenette cupboard, and on the counter is an envelope addressed to Mrs and Mrs Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker – The Dinner Lady Detectives.

As the town mourns Mr Fitzgerald’s death as an unfortunate accident, Margery and Clementine cannot shake the sense that there is something suspicious about the scene. They are convinced this was no accident. But why would anybody want to harm an elderly shopkeeper? And with the culprit still at large, and determined to cover their tracks, can they get to the bottom of the case before there is another victim?

Thanks to NetGallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read a copy in return for an honest review.

[Kez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 6th novel in the Dinner Lady Detectives series see the school the ladies work at in chaos. After a failed audit, perhaps due to the number of bodies found in the school in recent books, a new headmistress and deputy head are installed, and the school governors are at each other's throats.

When one of the governors, Tim Fitzgerald, is found dead at the foot of the stairs in his antiques/junk shop, it's put down to natural causes. In his 80s, the police don't feel the need to question the death or look at it too closely.

But Mr Fitzgerald's friends, Marjorie and Clementine Butcher-Baker, aren't convinced, and once again begin to investigate,

The shock of being demoted gets to former Deputy Head Rose, who is at her most dramatic and hilarious in this novel. She's convinced the new head is up to no good and starts her own investigations, while roping in Marjorie and Clementine.

Hannah Hendy has created such a wonderful community in this series, with all the dinner ladies stepping up to help investigate, each bringing their own strengths and skills to the table.

As cosy as the series is, there's a note of realism as we're let into how all the murders are affecting Marjorie. Amateur sleuthing can take its toll, and makes the characters all the more real and lovable, and it's so much fun following their adventures.

[Drficticity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5

Hannah Hendy’s An Extremely Unlikely Death delivers exactly what fans of cozy mysteries look for—eccentric small-town characters, light detective work, and just enough suspense to keep the pages turning. This sixth installment in the Dinner Lady Detectives series features Margery and Clementine investigating the sudden, suspicious death of Mr. Fitzgerald, a local antique dealer.

The setup is quirky and inviting—a locked-away dog, broken glass, and a mysterious letter addressed to our favorite sleuthing duo. The charm of the story lies in its tone: whimsical, warm, and very British. Margery and Clementine continue to be the heart of the series, with their endearing bickering and unlikely but lovable detective energy.

That said, the mystery itself felt a little slower in places. The pacing isn’t as snappy as earlier books, and the stakes—while hinted at—don’t fully escalate. Still, the gentle humor and familiar rhythm of village gossip give the book its charm.

It’s not a page-turner in the traditional sense, but if you’re looking for something low-stakes, character-driven, and comforting, it hits the spot. Think Midsomer Murders with less blood and more banter.

[Agatha Marplewood · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's not to love about the Dinner Lady Detective series? Like the first five in the series, An Extremely Unlikely Death ticks every box on the cozy mystery list.

Firstly, you have two lovely protagonists in Margery and Clementin Butcher-Baker, a mystery that the police can't be bothered to investigate properly, a wonderful school setting with great side characters, and overall, a thoroughly engaging puzzle just waiting to be solved.

In this installment, our two amateur sleuths find themselves investigating the death of their friend, Mr Fitzgerald, after his body is discovered at the bottom of the stairs in his bric a brac store.

The police chalk it up to an accident, but Margery and Clementine believe that there's more to it and duly set about unraveling the mystery of just how and why Mr Fitzgerald met his untimely end.

It's another great cozy mystery that kept me hooked the whole way through!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read An Extremely Unlikely Death, by Hannah Hendy, in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Beau · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t know this book was part of a series before I started reading it, so there were A LOT of names that appeared. It also didn’t help that they were referred to by first name, or surname or a combination, which made it very hard to keep track of every character. This is more my fault than the book’s.
The two main characters are a lesbian married couple in their late 50 or 60’s, which i don’t really identify all that much with. Since they did the detective thing more for “fun” than what I’m used to with detective series, it all was very slow to me. Every hint/step took a couple of days to execute or had to wait till ‘after the weekend’. This made the thrill very unthrilling for me. Besides that, half of the book is about the headmaster changes, which were unnecessary and irritating to me (no speed on the real case). Also, the thinking level was well below my own, which was also annoying.
The case however, was somewhat interesting and all questions were answered in the end.
Good book for (older) housemoms who just want to read something simple.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIES. DECEIT. CUTE DOGS.

I absolutely love following Margery and Clementine on their crazy situations and sleuthing and this 6th part did not disappoint. This book felt so in sync with the rest of the series but also elevated. I loved the, no spoilers, scheming involved in this crime.

There has been a change up in staffing at school leaving the headteacher being demoted and replaced. His replacement is hard and stern, a big change for the school and everyone in it. All while an unexpected death happens, it all feels suspicious to the Baker-Butchers. Margery and Clementine find themselves more intertwined in this case than ever…

I am yet to be disappointed with a Dinner Lady Detective’s instalment and if you like the series this wont be the one! Looks like we’re in for a 7th and that is great news!

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for this ARC. An honour!

[Miki Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just before the beginning of the new school year, every member of staff is called in for a meeting with the School Governors. It's announced that James the headmaster has been replaced by Mrs Cooper and her sidekick Miss Martin will be deputy. Obviously Rose's nose is out of joint, both for James and herself being ousted as deputy. There is a disagreement between two of the Governors and a punch thrown. One of them is found dead later than night.
When Margery and Clementine are left a legacy, they are drawn into investigating the man's death not only by curiosity, but also by Officer Symon, who feels something is wrong but has been told not to investigate by his superiors.
Over time they find out some disturbing things about people in the village and at the school whilst coping with new suppliers at the school and eyes everywhere.
A fun read.

[zoe Hitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clementine , Margery and co are back for another case .
The school has a new head teacher along with a new deputy and they bring lots of changes which aren’t always for the better .
Mr Fitzgerald is found at the bottom of his stairs by the police , it seems to be an unfortunate accident but is it?
Margery and Clementine are asked to find out the finer details of Mr Fitzgerald’s life and death.
Whilst also being the main beneficiaries of the dead man’s will , he leaves them clues along the way to help them find the culprit .
Love the series the characters are endearing and likeable.
The writing is excellent with the right amount of humour and plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader’s interest.
A very enjoyable and consistent series .
Highly recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick enjoyable read.

I have read all the books in this series and love them. The setting is familiar to anyone who has attended school. The characters are eccentric, but realistic. The author has chosen a difficult path: how to produce a stand alone book, with familiar characters, without being repetitive, whilst providing sufficient background for new readers; this is not entirely successful. I recommend reading the books from the beginning. I would like to see more character development - more depth. The writing is simple, and the phrasing is awkward at times. This book has an interesting, contemporary, but sad plot. I could have read this in one sitting, if time allowed.

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back the Dinner Lady Detectives!! It was lovely to catch up with Margery, Clementine and the rest of the Education Centre Nourishment Consultants, although they prefer to be called dinner ladies. Officer Symon, during a welfare check on a property, discovers the body of Mr Fitzgerald of the bottom of his stairs with his Jack Russell, Jason, locked up in a cupboard. The ladies are soon caught up with their amateur sleuthing in trying to investigate clues on who is the culprit or if anyone did the deed at all. The subplots are full of twists and turns, with a few red herrings thrown for good measure leading to an unmissable climax!! More please!

[Mia-Moo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dinner lady detectives are back again and I couldn’t put this book down.

Another year at Summerview is starting and things are definitely different. With a new headteacher and deputy headmistress, a new ordering system and supplier and with being a staff member down it’s a wonder how Margery and Clementine had time for anything else.

Sadly the news of Mr Fitzgerald’s death reaches the married duo and Margery is sure there is more than meets the eye in the supposed accident that lead to Tim’s death.

The duo, along with the rest of the team, work on finding out the truth, whilst trying to help Rose regain control over the school.

A definite recommendation.

[Judith Cranswick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in Hannah Henry’s The Dinner Lady Detectives series of cosy mysteries though it can be read as a standalone novel. This has the fastmoving plot with plenty of twists and turns, red herrings and misdirection that will delight all lovers of comic cozy-crime novels.

The characters may be somewhat excentric but remain credible. Dinner ladies Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are a delight. The new headmistress, with all her new regimes and the setting up of student-police to spy on all those who break the new rules, is a character you can’t wait to get her comeuppance.

[Shaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review

I love reading about Margery and Clementine's previous exploits and jumped at the chance to read this one early. It definitely didn't disappoint.

Filled with the usual cast of funny characters (Rose is my favourite) and some new ones added in, this kept me guessing for quite a bit. Lots of red herrings thrown in for confusion as always, which I enjoyed.

These books feel like a lovely cosy cup of tea....with some murder thrown in. If you liked the others, you'll definitely love this.

[BookMad Moose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dinner Lady Detectives - An Extremely Unlikely Death........the definitive cozy crime experience. It was fantastic to return to the world of Clementine & Margery in their sixth outing as yet another murder unfolds in their vicinity. An easy, warm read with a comedic narrative that will have you chuckling and wondering in equal measure. A worthy edition to the Dinner Lady Collection and so thoroughly enjoyable that I read it in one sitting!

Thanks to @canelo and @netgalley for the ARC.

[Dawn Probert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great catch up with the dinner lady detectives. They are funny and sweet and it’s like a warm hug reading their exploits. Margery and Clementine this time are looking in to the death of an old friend who has left them his shop, flat and Jason the dog. They endeavour to get to the bottom of his death and prove it was murder and not an accident. Along with the others from the school they set about this. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review. So long dinner ladies until the next time!

[Amy (Amy_justonemorechapter) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so comforting to be back with the Education Nourishment gang. I have really come to enjoy their quirks and the supportive family dynamic they’ve forged over the years. I think this could be the best one yet written in the series, I couldn’t put the book down. I found I enjoyed going along with the story without needed to guess who committed the murder, it made it so enjoyable to read the reveal.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

ended on a cliffhanger!
definitely another book in the works.
as far as this one goes, I'd already worked out who the killer was. so it didn't come as a suprise. I also felt there wasn't as much action in this one. the dinner ladies seemed more laid back and even distant from each other. no little bickering or pointless conversations that made their characters amusing. I'd like to have them back. overall was OK, but not as good as the others.

[j ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars.
This is probs my fav out of the whole series so far! I liked how Mr Fitzgerald, who sensed someone was going to harm him, left a trail of puzzles for Margery and Clementine to follow in order to solve his murder. However, the only thing that fell short was when the killer was revealed. It was a little implausible. Other than that, I really enjoyed the book and cannot wait for the next book in the series, as I thoroughly enjoyed the cliff hanger at the end.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this might be the best yet - the school has new leadership and there is more shenanigans for the dinner ladies to investigate, the gang are also joined by an adorable dog for a while. If you haven’t discovered the dinner lady detectives yet it’s a series well worth checking out

[Sofia Singeis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ll forever recommend this series to anyone, but comparing to the previous books, this one was below my expectations, so I gave my review accordingly to how I felt towards this book/plot. However, to everyone wondering whether or not to read this series as a whole, please do

[Em Pickford · Rating 3 out of 5]

A feel good murder story, a light hearted ‘Midsomer Murders’ if you will. Quickly realised it was part of a series, maybe there was more character depth built in the previous books? I wouldn’t rush out to buy this book unless you find it in a garden centre like I did.