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Murder Under The Rock: The Markham Twins Investigate
Summer 1930. In a leafy suburb of Torquay of the English Riviera, twin sisters Kitty and Nora Markham enjoy a privileged life. Interested in amateur sleuthing and looking for adventure, they enjoy some success in finding runaway cats and lost purses.
However, when a shocking murder is committed a stone’s throw from their home, they decide to do some serious investigating, teaming up with their neighbour Arthur Westacott, son of the Chief Constable, and James Keyse, great-nephew of their housekeeper and newly appointed police constable.
It seems like an open and shut case, as a man is immediately arrested and charged with this most deplorable of crimes. However, when Kitty, Nora, Arthur and Jimmy start digging a little deeper, they soon discover a deliciously twisting case that isn’t as clear cut as everything first appears.
However, when a shocking murder is committed a stone’s throw from their home, they decide to do some serious investigating, teaming up with their neighbour Arthur Westacott, son of the Chief Constable, and James Keyse, great-nephew of their housekeeper and newly appointed police constable.
It seems like an open and shut case, as a man is immediately arrested and charged with this most deplorable of crimes. However, when Kitty, Nora, Arthur and Jimmy start digging a little deeper, they soon discover a deliciously twisting case that isn’t as clear cut as everything first appears.
- GenresFiction
Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2025
14 people want to read
About the author
Ali Simpson
5 books2 followersLibrarian note:
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This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 5, 2025
This reads like one of those fabulous mystery novels from the Golden Age of Murder. It's surely a homage to Agatha Christie: set in Torquay (her home town), in 1930 (the year in which her first Miss Marple novel 'The Murder at the Vicarage' was published), and featuring young amateur sleuths who could easily swap places with Tommy and Tuppence Beresford (her 'Partners in Crime'). It is certainly as good as any of Dame Agatha's early novels.
Nora, Kitty, Arthur and Jimmy and compelling characters and I am truly pleased they will return in another mystery soon.
Torquay and its fictionalized suburbs are a perfect backdrop to a well-plotted mystery that unfolds with the usual gathering of red herrings and well-used tropes.
It's an easy, enjoyable read.
Nora, Kitty, Arthur and Jimmy and compelling characters and I am truly pleased they will return in another mystery soon.
Torquay and its fictionalized suburbs are a perfect backdrop to a well-plotted mystery that unfolds with the usual gathering of red herrings and well-used tropes.
It's an easy, enjoyable read.
May 28, 2025
This charming and humorous mystery novel takes place in the 1930's along the English rivera. It features quite a unique cast of characters. There is another book in this series that will be released in the. future so overall this first novel had a really good start.
Our two main characters are twin sisters Nora and Kitty. Nora and Kitty have always had a knack for private investigating but given to their age it has mostly been lost animals. However, a murder takes place in their hometown they decide to team up with their neighbor Arthur to get to the bottom of it.
Overall these amateur detectives were brilliant. Kitty, Nora, and Arthur seemed to really know their stuff and seemed more reliable than the actual detectives on the case. I can't wait to see what adventures unfold in the next book!
Our two main characters are twin sisters Nora and Kitty. Nora and Kitty have always had a knack for private investigating but given to their age it has mostly been lost animals. However, a murder takes place in their hometown they decide to team up with their neighbor Arthur to get to the bottom of it.
Overall these amateur detectives were brilliant. Kitty, Nora, and Arthur seemed to really know their stuff and seemed more reliable than the actual detectives on the case. I can't wait to see what adventures unfold in the next book!
July 22, 2025
🎾 SYNOPSIS
Kitty and Nora Markham, twin daughters of esteemed doctor John Markham, have just started as amateur sleuths. When their slow life in English Riviera is upturned by a sudden murder and a quick conviction of a possibly innocent man, the girls put their detective skills to the test to save this man from the gallows.
🦪 REVIEW
"Murder Under the Rock" by Ali Simpson is a wonderfully twisty whodunnit evoking 1930s English Riviera vibes, with a highly satisfying conclusion akin to the late, great Agatha Christie herself.
Given this, we have a varied and colourful cast of characters. First up: the Markham twins. Our amateur sleuth duo makes quite the entrance with this book! Despite their appearances, they are wildly different in character and each offer a fresh perspective on any situation. I really enjoyed Kitty's theatrics just as much as Nora's determined seriousness. Of course our 'sidekicks', Jimmy and Arthur, are unmissable pieces in the puzzle and, in turn, offer their own personality to the story as well.
Who stood out to me the most, however, is John Markham, the twins' father. Despite a tragic history of losing his wife and memories of the Great War, he is determined to care for his daughters. Some of my favourite writing in this book is the commendably thought-provoking parallels between John's time as a doctor in the war, and the twins' efforts in trying to save a man from the gallows.
The writing in general is very readable, albeit with some uncommon vocabulary here and there. Luckily, it is believable due to the setting and social standing of the characters, and I personally flew through this book.
Between the lighthearted Torquay activities of swimming, tennis and taking rides in an old car and a funicular, the aforementioned Great War from just over a decade ago casts a tangible shadow on the characters and their daily life, as everyone in the book has either experienced it or knows plenty of others who have.
Another part I'd like to commend Ali Simpson for is the first chapter, introducing a MacGuffin that leaves you questioning your and the characters' theories until the very end: the Mannar Pearls.
Overall, this was a great read! I can definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a classic whodunnit, a fast read and a nice cozy mystery time as well.
🔪 DISCLAIMER
Thanks to Troubadour for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#MurderUnderTheRock #NetGalley
Kitty and Nora Markham, twin daughters of esteemed doctor John Markham, have just started as amateur sleuths. When their slow life in English Riviera is upturned by a sudden murder and a quick conviction of a possibly innocent man, the girls put their detective skills to the test to save this man from the gallows.
🦪 REVIEW
"Murder Under the Rock" by Ali Simpson is a wonderfully twisty whodunnit evoking 1930s English Riviera vibes, with a highly satisfying conclusion akin to the late, great Agatha Christie herself.
Given this, we have a varied and colourful cast of characters. First up: the Markham twins. Our amateur sleuth duo makes quite the entrance with this book! Despite their appearances, they are wildly different in character and each offer a fresh perspective on any situation. I really enjoyed Kitty's theatrics just as much as Nora's determined seriousness. Of course our 'sidekicks', Jimmy and Arthur, are unmissable pieces in the puzzle and, in turn, offer their own personality to the story as well.
Who stood out to me the most, however, is John Markham, the twins' father. Despite a tragic history of losing his wife and memories of the Great War, he is determined to care for his daughters. Some of my favourite writing in this book is the commendably thought-provoking parallels between John's time as a doctor in the war, and the twins' efforts in trying to save a man from the gallows.
The writing in general is very readable, albeit with some uncommon vocabulary here and there. Luckily, it is believable due to the setting and social standing of the characters, and I personally flew through this book.
Between the lighthearted Torquay activities of swimming, tennis and taking rides in an old car and a funicular, the aforementioned Great War from just over a decade ago casts a tangible shadow on the characters and their daily life, as everyone in the book has either experienced it or knows plenty of others who have.
Another part I'd like to commend Ali Simpson for is the first chapter, introducing a MacGuffin that leaves you questioning your and the characters' theories until the very end: the Mannar Pearls.
Overall, this was a great read! I can definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a classic whodunnit, a fast read and a nice cozy mystery time as well.
🔪 DISCLAIMER
Thanks to Troubadour for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#MurderUnderTheRock #NetGalley
July 7, 2025
Thankyou to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.
I've read a fair few cosy murder mystery books over the last while. They seem to be rising in popularity, the ones set in a small town with amateur detectives solving a murder. This is certainly one of the better ones I've read, however, and I will say setting it in the 1930's with a pair of female detectives added an interesting element.
I will also say what was interesting was that the twins, whilst amateurs have been solving small mysteries around town so at least have some foundation for their sleuthing skills which delightfully includes disguising themselves, something that you see in Sherlock Holmes media which I don't recall seeing in other cosy mysteries that I've read.
The other nice thing about it being set in the 1930's is it makes the police's ineptitude in solving the crime seem less ridiculous than in more modern books I've read, where the police were just hilariously incompetent just so our sleuths would be able to solve the crime first. Not so here, it makes total sense that the police come to the conclusions they do, and I'm not really surprised they don't dig deeper.
I really did enjoy the twins' characters, they feel just the right amount of defiant of expectations (particularly considering the role of women of that time) whilst also embracing femininity in the form of enjoying wearing nice clothes and makeup and feeling their emotions where warranted.
Now I will say I immediately figured out the guilty party as soon as they were properly introduced (and suspected them strongly from certain clues revealed early on) but I think that's just narrative pattern recognition on my part and I do think it's a nice, well-founded reveal if it does take you by surprise.
Overall, a very fun time, and I will definitely be keeping my eye out for the sequel.
I've read a fair few cosy murder mystery books over the last while. They seem to be rising in popularity, the ones set in a small town with amateur detectives solving a murder. This is certainly one of the better ones I've read, however, and I will say setting it in the 1930's with a pair of female detectives added an interesting element.
I will also say what was interesting was that the twins, whilst amateurs have been solving small mysteries around town so at least have some foundation for their sleuthing skills which delightfully includes disguising themselves, something that you see in Sherlock Holmes media which I don't recall seeing in other cosy mysteries that I've read.
The other nice thing about it being set in the 1930's is it makes the police's ineptitude in solving the crime seem less ridiculous than in more modern books I've read, where the police were just hilariously incompetent just so our sleuths would be able to solve the crime first. Not so here, it makes total sense that the police come to the conclusions they do, and I'm not really surprised they don't dig deeper.
I really did enjoy the twins' characters, they feel just the right amount of defiant of expectations (particularly considering the role of women of that time) whilst also embracing femininity in the form of enjoying wearing nice clothes and makeup and feeling their emotions where warranted.
Now I will say I immediately figured out the guilty party as soon as they were properly introduced (and suspected them strongly from certain clues revealed early on) but I think that's just narrative pattern recognition on my part and I do think it's a nice, well-founded reveal if it does take you by surprise.
Overall, a very fun time, and I will definitely be keeping my eye out for the sequel.
June 1, 2025
I thank NetGalley and Troubadour Publishing for an advance reader copy of Murder Under The Rock. All opinions and comments are my own.
What happens when two precocious young women, twins, aided by the young man that lives next door, decide that the wrong fellow has been arrested for a horrific murder? Why, go investigating on their own, of course. And that’s what the Markham Twins, formerly finders of lost purses and lost cats, determine to do. And a fine job they do of it, too in “Murder Under the Rock,” the first in a new series by Ali Simpson.
In a case close to home in post-WWI Wellesmead, Torquay, Catherine (“Kitty”) and Eleanora (“Nora”) Markham, pull out all their investigative skills to determine who murdered Mrs. Watcombe of Rockcliffe House, and what’s happened with her priceless pearl necklace (the one readers learn about straightaway). Aided by young “Master Arthur” from next door, their 16-year-old partner-in-crime, whose father is the Chief Constable, Kitty and Nora stop at (almost) nothing to figure out the details of this crime, and in a stunning twist, they absolutely do.
Author Ali Sinclair is adept at presenting word pictures of the characters within these pages. Each one stands out as you make your way through Murder Under The Rock. Twists and turns will keep readers guessing along the way, too, always a challenge to the imagination. And as there has been some personal danger for our girls, dear father Markham asks them to stop “detecting” as the book ends. Kitty and Nora will find a way to continuing their sleuthing, and an entertaining bookish journey it will be, too.
What happens when two precocious young women, twins, aided by the young man that lives next door, decide that the wrong fellow has been arrested for a horrific murder? Why, go investigating on their own, of course. And that’s what the Markham Twins, formerly finders of lost purses and lost cats, determine to do. And a fine job they do of it, too in “Murder Under the Rock,” the first in a new series by Ali Simpson.
In a case close to home in post-WWI Wellesmead, Torquay, Catherine (“Kitty”) and Eleanora (“Nora”) Markham, pull out all their investigative skills to determine who murdered Mrs. Watcombe of Rockcliffe House, and what’s happened with her priceless pearl necklace (the one readers learn about straightaway). Aided by young “Master Arthur” from next door, their 16-year-old partner-in-crime, whose father is the Chief Constable, Kitty and Nora stop at (almost) nothing to figure out the details of this crime, and in a stunning twist, they absolutely do.
Author Ali Sinclair is adept at presenting word pictures of the characters within these pages. Each one stands out as you make your way through Murder Under The Rock. Twists and turns will keep readers guessing along the way, too, always a challenge to the imagination. And as there has been some personal danger for our girls, dear father Markham asks them to stop “detecting” as the book ends. Kitty and Nora will find a way to continuing their sleuthing, and an entertaining bookish journey it will be, too.
June 22, 2025
3 1/2 stars. A delightful new mystery series staring twin amateur sleuths that have had some success finding lost cats and other misdemeanors but when murder happens nearby they can't resist investigating with the help of their neighbor, Arthur, and their long-time friend, James, who is a new police constable. Most of the police think it is a easy open and shut case with a man quickly arrested but the twins aren't so sure. Digging deeper they find several other possible suspects that keeps the reader entertained until the end.
The twins, Kitty and Nora, are lively young women who are very fun to read. Their friends, James and Arthur equal out the talents they don't have to make a quality team. They have unique personalities but are very personable. You feel like you would like to become friends with them.
The mystery is solid with plenty of twists. It reminds me a bit of some of Agatha Christie's novels, particularly when starring young sleuths like in Why Didn't They Ask Evans? There is humor, a small village and well-to-do people without being the height of fashion. I look forward to reading more of this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
The twins, Kitty and Nora, are lively young women who are very fun to read. Their friends, James and Arthur equal out the talents they don't have to make a quality team. They have unique personalities but are very personable. You feel like you would like to become friends with them.
The mystery is solid with plenty of twists. It reminds me a bit of some of Agatha Christie's novels, particularly when starring young sleuths like in Why Didn't They Ask Evans? There is humor, a small village and well-to-do people without being the height of fashion. I look forward to reading more of this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
June 27, 2025
When I first added ‘Murder Under The Rock’ to my TBR, the premise—headstrong sleuthing sisters solving a murder and robbery in 1930s England—caught my attention. Yet over time, the title and cover didn’t bring that premise back to mind, so it stayed on my shelf longer than expected.
Once I picked it up, I found a quick-paced mystery with a classic vibe and a light nod to Agatha Christie. A standout element was the core group: Nora, Kitty, Jimmy, and Arthur. Their dynamic carried the story, alongside the girls’ endearing father. The tone leans toward young adult, with the impulsivity of the twins and their friends, though some of the townspeople’s grittier aspects add an edge. Frankly, there was one townsperson whose (brief) perspective I didn’t enjoy. The main crew is so likable that I’d prefer, in the next installment, to see the world solely through their eyes. I recommend this to any fan of classic amateur detective stories.
Special thanks to the publisher, Troubador, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Once I picked it up, I found a quick-paced mystery with a classic vibe and a light nod to Agatha Christie. A standout element was the core group: Nora, Kitty, Jimmy, and Arthur. Their dynamic carried the story, alongside the girls’ endearing father. The tone leans toward young adult, with the impulsivity of the twins and their friends, though some of the townspeople’s grittier aspects add an edge. Frankly, there was one townsperson whose (brief) perspective I didn’t enjoy. The main crew is so likable that I’d prefer, in the next installment, to see the world solely through their eyes. I recommend this to any fan of classic amateur detective stories.
Special thanks to the publisher, Troubador, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 8, 2025
Murder Under the Rock is a beautifully atmospheric read, filled with vivid descriptions and stunning coastal scenery that really bring the setting to life. The story follows the Markham twins as they delve into some amateur sleuthing to solve a murder that disrupts the peace of their quiet seaside town.
While the writing is strong and the sense of place is wonderfully done, the pace of the novel was slower than I typically prefer. It leans more towards a gentle mystery than a dark, fast-paced thriller, making it a bit of a slow burn. There were moments where I found myself wanting a bit more tension or excitement to keep the momentum going.
That said, I did enjoy the read overall and appreciated the cosy, almost classic mystery feel. I’d definitely be open to reading more from Ali Simpson in the future, especially if the pace picks up a little in her next work.
While the writing is strong and the sense of place is wonderfully done, the pace of the novel was slower than I typically prefer. It leans more towards a gentle mystery than a dark, fast-paced thriller, making it a bit of a slow burn. There were moments where I found myself wanting a bit more tension or excitement to keep the momentum going.
That said, I did enjoy the read overall and appreciated the cosy, almost classic mystery feel. I’d definitely be open to reading more from Ali Simpson in the future, especially if the pace picks up a little in her next work.
July 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC copy of this book for my honest review.
This book was a delightful departure from my usual reading. While I typically gravitate towards modern murder mysteries and thrillers, the historical setting of this novel immediately captured my interest, offering a refreshing break from contemporary storylines. I found it surprisingly easy to adjust to and even more intriguing to read.
The story transported me back in time to a charming, almost-cozy murder mystery. It follows the Markham twins and their neighbor as they embark on solving a mysterious death in their neighborhood after the local police arrest the wrong person. The narrative flows smoothly and makes for an easy read. I eagerly anticipate the Markham Twins' next adventure!
This book was a delightful departure from my usual reading. While I typically gravitate towards modern murder mysteries and thrillers, the historical setting of this novel immediately captured my interest, offering a refreshing break from contemporary storylines. I found it surprisingly easy to adjust to and even more intriguing to read.
The story transported me back in time to a charming, almost-cozy murder mystery. It follows the Markham twins and their neighbor as they embark on solving a mysterious death in their neighborhood after the local police arrest the wrong person. The narrative flows smoothly and makes for an easy read. I eagerly anticipate the Markham Twins' next adventure!
July 22, 2025
In 1930, the twins fancy themselves detectives and are determined to discover who murdered a nice elderly lady and tried to hide the crime by burning down her house. They have some allies in their efforts including a young constable with whom they have grown up. They lead a sheltered and privileged life with their doctor father so they have the time and resources to interrogate the various people who might be involved or know something.
When they put two and two together, they get a huge surprise and shock and it could be deadly. The killer is not opposed to committing murder again if it hides his ugly secrets. The book had its moments but it did not grab me as some do. I am going to give it three and a half purrs and one paw up.
When they put two and two together, they get a huge surprise and shock and it could be deadly. The killer is not opposed to committing murder again if it hides his ugly secrets. The book had its moments but it did not grab me as some do. I am going to give it three and a half purrs and one paw up.
June 18, 2025
So far as time-period cozy mysteries go, Murder Under the Rock is a great example of the genre. The story centers around a pair of twins who find themselves drawn into a local mystery, and they’re surrounded by a cast of supporting characters who really help bring the village to life. You can’t help but root for the twins—while also worrying for them as the investigation unfolds.
The tone and charm of the book felt like a lovely nod to classic Agatha Christie novels, with its mix of suspense and warmth. I’m curious to see if this becomes a series—I would happily read more adventures with these characters.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The tone and charm of the book felt like a lovely nod to classic Agatha Christie novels, with its mix of suspense and warmth. I’m curious to see if this becomes a series—I would happily read more adventures with these characters.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2025
Despite its setting during the golden age of mysteries and its being described as an homage to Agatha Christie, one of my favorites, I didn't love Murder Under the Rock as much as I expected. I enjoyed it, but felt it dragged quite a bit and the motive revealed at the end wasn’t wholly satisfactory. The Markham twins and their friends were a cute bunch and it almost read like a YA novel. Not a bad thing, just an observation. To be honest I probably won’t read more in the series as it continues as it didn’t engage me as much as I’d hoped.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 9, 2025
Target audience? Me.
Did you grow up loving Agatha Christie, binged Only Murders in the Building, or are craving a very British cozy Mystery? Enter Murder Under the Rock.
While I would have liked a little bit more character work for the Twins to get me hooked in the beginning, I enjoyed the setting and low stakes feel of the investigation. A la Christie, the investigation is very conversation heavy, with all the players being placed on the chessboard through one-on-one interviews. This takes place in the 1930s, so there are some elements of post-war trauma, Women's Rights, etc.
Thanks Netgalley for the Arc!
Did you grow up loving Agatha Christie, binged Only Murders in the Building, or are craving a very British cozy Mystery? Enter Murder Under the Rock.
While I would have liked a little bit more character work for the Twins to get me hooked in the beginning, I enjoyed the setting and low stakes feel of the investigation. A la Christie, the investigation is very conversation heavy, with all the players being placed on the chessboard through one-on-one interviews. This takes place in the 1930s, so there are some elements of post-war trauma, Women's Rights, etc.
Thanks Netgalley for the Arc!
July 4, 2025
What a cozy story of two young women working together to get to the bottom of things. I absolutely loved this! The atmosphere was light and airy even though this was about a murder. I don’t typically read this style of detective stories, but I’m going to have to start.
I really enjoyed the twins, Arthur, Jimmy and their father. They all had such personalities and they were amicable. This was a no nonsense story that focused on the story progression, some character backstory and setting the scene.
I can’t wait to read what the twins do next!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I really enjoyed the twins, Arthur, Jimmy and their father. They all had such personalities and they were amicable. This was a no nonsense story that focused on the story progression, some character backstory and setting the scene.
I can’t wait to read what the twins do next!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
July 23, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up. A promising start to a new historical cosy crime series, with the added bonus of being set in Torquay - always like a good Devon setting! The characters are all fairly likeable, a few little twists and surprises, and a decent plot. I did manage to guess what happened and whodunnit, which is always a bonus! Overall an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading any further books.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
May 30, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
I LOVED this book and I hope this is the start to a new series.
If you are looking for an excellent police procedural / amateur sleuths book to read, look no further. This crime story set in the past has wonderful plot and character development (and a charming set of crime solving twins).
5 stars from this reviewer for this delightful story, I will be watching for more books by Ali Simpson!
I LOVED this book and I hope this is the start to a new series.
If you are looking for an excellent police procedural / amateur sleuths book to read, look no further. This crime story set in the past has wonderful plot and character development (and a charming set of crime solving twins).
5 stars from this reviewer for this delightful story, I will be watching for more books by Ali Simpson!
July 17, 2025
This is a new mystery series staring twin amateur sleuths that have solved some other small mysteries before this one. They are a young pair of sleuths which is a nice change as most I have read lately have been older The mystery is interesting with plenty of twists but I will say I did solve it fairly earlier on. However a good start to a new series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews