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Suzy Spencer Mysteries #6
Killer by Candlelight
Fifty guests, trapped in a snow-bound mansion. Most came here to sing. One is hiding a burning desire for vengeance . . .
Gervase Scott-Broughton is hosting a singing masterclass at Caldfell Hall, high in the snow-dusted Cumbrian Hills. Talented vocalists flock to his door — along with podcaster Suzy Spencer, who’s hoping for an enjoyable weekend of cantatas and canapés.
But lessons come to a grinding halt when the choir’s bullying director is found dead in the recording studio. Surrounded by flickering candles and a pool of his own blood. Even by candlelight, Suzy knows she’s looking at murder.
Now her friend’s husband is mysteriously missing. Has the killer struck again? Or maybe Suzy’s friend doesn’t know her hubby as well as she thinks she does . . .
As a bitter blizzard rages outside, Suzy must unravel the deafening crescendo of secrets, egos and bitter rivalries. Before the killer returns for a chilling encore.
Gervase Scott-Broughton is hosting a singing masterclass at Caldfell Hall, high in the snow-dusted Cumbrian Hills. Talented vocalists flock to his door — along with podcaster Suzy Spencer, who’s hoping for an enjoyable weekend of cantatas and canapés.
But lessons come to a grinding halt when the choir’s bullying director is found dead in the recording studio. Surrounded by flickering candles and a pool of his own blood. Even by candlelight, Suzy knows she’s looking at murder.
Now her friend’s husband is mysteriously missing. Has the killer struck again? Or maybe Suzy’s friend doesn’t know her hubby as well as she thinks she does . . .
As a bitter blizzard rages outside, Suzy must unravel the deafening crescendo of secrets, egos and bitter rivalries. Before the killer returns for a chilling encore.
- GenresMystery
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2025
67 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 31, 2025
This is the 6th book in the Suzy Spencer mystery series and sadly, it's the first one that I've read.
It wasn't clear from the cover that this was part of a series - but I loved the dark image that drew me straight in to giving this a try.
I'm sure that there some extra nuances that I maybe didn't pick up kn with the returning characters here, but to be honest, I feel like this was well written as a standalone read within the series.
I had no problem connecting with this diverse cast and even with Suzy herself - her character was well presented and it was easy to get behind her during the investigation.
I absolutely love this setting.
Locked room mystery is one of my favourites and being snow bound in the Cumbrian Hills sounds like my idea of heaven!
That is until the body is found ....I think I'll take a pass on that part!
I loved that this had a musical theme too - being a musician at heart, I really connected with a lot of the characters and the conversations and personalities felt so relatable.
Our victim seems to have no end of possible 'enemies' and so it soon becomes apparent that almost any one of the people trapped at the house, could be a suspect - this leaves us trying to look for clues and unravelling a really twisty mystery.
I couldn't help trying to come up with my own theories along the way - but it kept me guessing.
A great read and I'd love to read more by this author in the future, maybe even find time to head back to the start of this series and catch up with Suzy and her other escapades soon.
It wasn't clear from the cover that this was part of a series - but I loved the dark image that drew me straight in to giving this a try.
I'm sure that there some extra nuances that I maybe didn't pick up kn with the returning characters here, but to be honest, I feel like this was well written as a standalone read within the series.
I had no problem connecting with this diverse cast and even with Suzy herself - her character was well presented and it was easy to get behind her during the investigation.
I absolutely love this setting.
Locked room mystery is one of my favourites and being snow bound in the Cumbrian Hills sounds like my idea of heaven!
That is until the body is found ....I think I'll take a pass on that part!
I loved that this had a musical theme too - being a musician at heart, I really connected with a lot of the characters and the conversations and personalities felt so relatable.
Our victim seems to have no end of possible 'enemies' and so it soon becomes apparent that almost any one of the people trapped at the house, could be a suspect - this leaves us trying to look for clues and unravelling a really twisty mystery.
I couldn't help trying to come up with my own theories along the way - but it kept me guessing.
A great read and I'd love to read more by this author in the future, maybe even find time to head back to the start of this series and catch up with Suzy and her other escapades soon.
June 4, 2025
I liked this book. It had a strong concept. I loved the confinement to the house and it's grounds for the most part. It gave it an almost claustrophobic feel.
The cover is a good design. The use of colour is pleasant. I like the image of the house. It gives absolutely nothing away about the plot.
The book is written well which allows it to flow easily. The descriptions and visuals are excellent. Norbridge and Caldfell House sound idyllic. Each chapter is topped with a bible verse. This was interesting because they were extremely relevant to the chapters.
The characters were all great. Some very eccentric but it worked. I liked Suzy. She was smart and fun to read. I loved how she evolved and grew in the book.
The book is written in third person in a multiple point of view format. Including Suzy. I liked this format and it worked well for the genre.
I recommend this. It was a good read.
The cover is a good design. The use of colour is pleasant. I like the image of the house. It gives absolutely nothing away about the plot.
The book is written well which allows it to flow easily. The descriptions and visuals are excellent. Norbridge and Caldfell House sound idyllic. Each chapter is topped with a bible verse. This was interesting because they were extremely relevant to the chapters.
The characters were all great. Some very eccentric but it worked. I liked Suzy. She was smart and fun to read. I loved how she evolved and grew in the book.
The book is written in third person in a multiple point of view format. Including Suzy. I liked this format and it worked well for the genre.
I recommend this. It was a good read.
May 20, 2025
This is the second in the series I have read and it's really enjoyable. I will definitely go back and read the others.
Suzy finds herself stuck in a mansion when the snow makes the roads impassable and things get worse when the universally disliked choral director is murdered and another person is attacked. There's lots of egos to deal with and plenty of secrets going back years. All the ingredients are here for a riveting read and so it proved. At the same time, Suzy is worried about Robert who is behaving erratically so she has many things to tackle on all fronts. I loved it.
Suzy finds herself stuck in a mansion when the snow makes the roads impassable and things get worse when the universally disliked choral director is murdered and another person is attacked. There's lots of egos to deal with and plenty of secrets going back years. All the ingredients are here for a riveting read and so it proved. At the same time, Suzy is worried about Robert who is behaving erratically so she has many things to tackle on all fronts. I loved it.
May 24, 2025
Interesting Setting, Disappointing Contrived Conclusion
Killer by Candlelight by Lis Howell is set in an interesting location with lots of negative vibes which lend suitable atmosphere to a compelling and very readable plot. The characters are all well developed and very relatable, the good ones likeable and the bad ones satisfyingly obnoxious so the reader is not too upset when a number of them do not survive the end of the story. Gervase Scott-Broughton, Mega Millionaire and Music Mogul, is hosting a concert showcasing new music and upcoming talent in his newly acquired Caldfell Hall set in the Cumbrian Hills. His wife Lauren plus a motley entourage of personal servants, concert participants, coordinators for various aspects of the business and our amateur sleuth Suzy become snowed in at the Hall. This unexpected incarceration is no hardship as the Scott-Broughtons supply food and luxury conveniences to all – until the hated-by-everyone Concert Director Parry Palmer gets murdered.
I really enjoyed reading this story, it is an interesting setting, a compelling storyline, an unexpected and gruesome conclusion. However, the ending was spoiled for me by being resolved – not by solving clues left strategically throughout the plot for the reader to resolve logically – but by introducing new facts that most of the characters had previously changed their names. It is beyond belief for so many of the characters to do this, a disappointment that the mystery had been artificially held together, and made for a frustrating, contrived finish to what was otherwise a well-written book.
The postscript describing Edwin’s new concert “The Sacred Spring” is delightful, 90% of the book made very enjoyable reading, the conclusion is nicely gruesome, but in my opinion the story promises a better resolution than it gives.
Killer by Candlelight by Lis Howell is set in an interesting location with lots of negative vibes which lend suitable atmosphere to a compelling and very readable plot. The characters are all well developed and very relatable, the good ones likeable and the bad ones satisfyingly obnoxious so the reader is not too upset when a number of them do not survive the end of the story. Gervase Scott-Broughton, Mega Millionaire and Music Mogul, is hosting a concert showcasing new music and upcoming talent in his newly acquired Caldfell Hall set in the Cumbrian Hills. His wife Lauren plus a motley entourage of personal servants, concert participants, coordinators for various aspects of the business and our amateur sleuth Suzy become snowed in at the Hall. This unexpected incarceration is no hardship as the Scott-Broughtons supply food and luxury conveniences to all – until the hated-by-everyone Concert Director Parry Palmer gets murdered.
I really enjoyed reading this story, it is an interesting setting, a compelling storyline, an unexpected and gruesome conclusion. However, the ending was spoiled for me by being resolved – not by solving clues left strategically throughout the plot for the reader to resolve logically – but by introducing new facts that most of the characters had previously changed their names. It is beyond belief for so many of the characters to do this, a disappointment that the mystery had been artificially held together, and made for a frustrating, contrived finish to what was otherwise a well-written book.
The postscript describing Edwin’s new concert “The Sacred Spring” is delightful, 90% of the book made very enjoyable reading, the conclusion is nicely gruesome, but in my opinion the story promises a better resolution than it gives.
May 15, 2025
This had so many twists and turns, I thoroughly enjoyed the read! I jumped into this not knowing it was part of a series, but I enjoyed it regardless. Having not read the previous books it took me a few chapters to keep track of the characters - but once I had a grasp on who everyone was, I was hooked. I can’t wait to back and read the earlier books in the series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the advance copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the advance copy!
May 25, 2025
In this book, we are reacquainted with Suzy Spencer - a TV producer from Manchester, married with two adult children.
Murder by Candlelight takes her to Cumbria where she is going to make a podcast about the Caldfell Choir.
I have read earlier volumes (book 1, book 2 and book 5) in this series.
Reading the blurb and the cover, you get Agatha Christie vibes, and even the weather cooperates. When Suzy arrives, she discovers that she, like the other guests, is forced to stay at the Hall because it has snowed and the roads are no longer accesible due to the bad weather. Not much later, there is also no wifi, and everyone is forcibly confined to the large estate.
I find the Biblical sayings accompanying the chapters a bonus to the story, and at the back of the book there is a postscript on the musical piece Sacred Spring, which is really worthwhile. I found it interesting that 'old' sleuths were mentioned, from Lord Whimsy to Miss Marple and Watson (I personally missed 'my' favourite, Adam Dalgliesh).
Upon arrival, we discover that the musical director of the Caldfell Choir has been murdered. Not that anyone mourns him; he was a nasty man in life.
Quite a few names came up and, every now and then, I had to scroll back to see who was who –
I like listening to classical pieces myself, - also enjoyed the 2025 Mahler Festival in Amsterdam immensely.
The atmosphere evoked was nice, but I felt that the story deviated too much from the central theme of motherhood/parenthood, so it was a pity that the ending was left open, especially with regard to Christopher's possible fatherhood.
I was really shocked to read that Suze's sleuthing years are really over now, as I find that incredibly unfortunate. I found the sweet ending out of place. It didn't fit with the rest of the story. It looks like Suzie is going to devote her life to her grandchildren. That's fine, but I really hope she'll still play Miss Marple from time to time!
I enjoyed reading the story, but of the earlier volumes I read in this series, I honestly thought this was the least that appealed to me.
3 stars.
Murder by Candlelight takes her to Cumbria where she is going to make a podcast about the Caldfell Choir.
I have read earlier volumes (book 1, book 2 and book 5) in this series.
Reading the blurb and the cover, you get Agatha Christie vibes, and even the weather cooperates. When Suzy arrives, she discovers that she, like the other guests, is forced to stay at the Hall because it has snowed and the roads are no longer accesible due to the bad weather. Not much later, there is also no wifi, and everyone is forcibly confined to the large estate.
I find the Biblical sayings accompanying the chapters a bonus to the story, and at the back of the book there is a postscript on the musical piece Sacred Spring, which is really worthwhile. I found it interesting that 'old' sleuths were mentioned, from Lord Whimsy to Miss Marple and Watson (I personally missed 'my' favourite, Adam Dalgliesh).
Upon arrival, we discover that the musical director of the Caldfell Choir has been murdered. Not that anyone mourns him; he was a nasty man in life.
Quite a few names came up and, every now and then, I had to scroll back to see who was who –
I like listening to classical pieces myself, - also enjoyed the 2025 Mahler Festival in Amsterdam immensely.
The atmosphere evoked was nice, but I felt that the story deviated too much from the central theme of motherhood/parenthood, so it was a pity that the ending was left open, especially with regard to Christopher's possible fatherhood.
I was really shocked to read that Suze's sleuthing years are really over now, as I find that incredibly unfortunate. I found the sweet ending out of place. It didn't fit with the rest of the story. It looks like Suzie is going to devote her life to her grandchildren. That's fine, but I really hope she'll still play Miss Marple from time to time!
I enjoyed reading the story, but of the earlier volumes I read in this series, I honestly thought this was the least that appealed to me.
3 stars.
June 3, 2025
Here is my review for Killer By Candlelight by Lis Howell
I really enjoyed reading Killer By Candlelight which was an intriguing murder mystery. I got into the story as soon as I started to read it and I was hooked straight away. It was set at Caldfell Hall in the Cumbrian Hills amid a snow drift so the visitors were snowed in. The last person to struggle to arrive was Suzy Spencer, the podcaster but unfortunately she arrived after the bullying director, Parry Palmer, was found dead in a pool of his own blood. The police were soon on the scene and investigating his death. Suzy soon found some suspects by utilizing her contacts and talking to the guests at the Hall but who was the culprit? This was a brilliantly written story with a lot of twists and turns which kept me guessing throughout. The characters were interesting and well written, especially Suzy Spencer who is a main character. This is a well detailed story with a lot of descriptive text which describes a lot so you can picture it in your mind, I like that in a story. The synopsis drew me to read this story and I definitely enjoyed reading a new author. This is book six of the series and I look forward to reading more of this series in the future.
Blurb :
Fifty guests, trapped in a snow-bound mansion. Most came here to sing. One is hiding a burning desire for vengeance . . .
Gervase Scott-Broughton is hosting a singing masterclass at Caldfell Hall, high in the snow-dusted Cumbrian Hills. Talented vocalists flock to his door — along with podcaster Suzy Spencer, who’s hoping for an enjoyable weekend of cantatas and canapés.
But lessons come to a grinding halt when the choir’s bullying director is found dead in the recording studio. Surrounded by flickering candles and a pool of his own blood. Even by candlelight, Suzy knows she’s looking at murder.
Now her friend’s husband is mysteriously missing. Has the killer struck again? Or maybe Suzy’s friend doesn’t know her hubby as well as she thinks she does . . .
As a bitter blizzard rages outside, Suzy must unravel the deafening crescendo of secrets, egos and bitter rivalries. Before the killer returns for a chilling encore.
I really enjoyed reading Killer By Candlelight which was an intriguing murder mystery. I got into the story as soon as I started to read it and I was hooked straight away. It was set at Caldfell Hall in the Cumbrian Hills amid a snow drift so the visitors were snowed in. The last person to struggle to arrive was Suzy Spencer, the podcaster but unfortunately she arrived after the bullying director, Parry Palmer, was found dead in a pool of his own blood. The police were soon on the scene and investigating his death. Suzy soon found some suspects by utilizing her contacts and talking to the guests at the Hall but who was the culprit? This was a brilliantly written story with a lot of twists and turns which kept me guessing throughout. The characters were interesting and well written, especially Suzy Spencer who is a main character. This is a well detailed story with a lot of descriptive text which describes a lot so you can picture it in your mind, I like that in a story. The synopsis drew me to read this story and I definitely enjoyed reading a new author. This is book six of the series and I look forward to reading more of this series in the future.
Blurb :
Fifty guests, trapped in a snow-bound mansion. Most came here to sing. One is hiding a burning desire for vengeance . . .
Gervase Scott-Broughton is hosting a singing masterclass at Caldfell Hall, high in the snow-dusted Cumbrian Hills. Talented vocalists flock to his door — along with podcaster Suzy Spencer, who’s hoping for an enjoyable weekend of cantatas and canapés.
But lessons come to a grinding halt when the choir’s bullying director is found dead in the recording studio. Surrounded by flickering candles and a pool of his own blood. Even by candlelight, Suzy knows she’s looking at murder.
Now her friend’s husband is mysteriously missing. Has the killer struck again? Or maybe Suzy’s friend doesn’t know her hubby as well as she thinks she does . . .
As a bitter blizzard rages outside, Suzy must unravel the deafening crescendo of secrets, egos and bitter rivalries. Before the killer returns for a chilling encore.
May 25, 2025
This is the first book I've read in the series by Lis Howell, but I didn't need to worry - the characters were explained as you went along almost as if you met them for the first time but without a huge song and dance they're so well introduced.
Suzy Spencer is off to Cumbria where she is going to make a podcast about the Caldfell Choir at Caldfell Hall. An inherited pile now owned by Gervase Scott-Broughton who has made it big in record producing after writing a hit that made his name at the start of his career. He's looking to create a choir with locals and well known conductor and writer to be filmed from his Hall.
All looks to be going well, when the snows come, cutting off the Hall from the outside which in itself wouldn't be too bad, but as Suzy arrives, the last one to make it through the roads becoming steadily impassable, she finds herself literally walking into a murder investigation with her friend and her husband at the centre of it.
What follows is twisty turny mystery with characters crossing paths and a list of suspects that seems far too long without enough reason other than the victim seems universally disliked by all.
Its one that will definitely keep you reading until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Suzy Spencer is off to Cumbria where she is going to make a podcast about the Caldfell Choir at Caldfell Hall. An inherited pile now owned by Gervase Scott-Broughton who has made it big in record producing after writing a hit that made his name at the start of his career. He's looking to create a choir with locals and well known conductor and writer to be filmed from his Hall.
All looks to be going well, when the snows come, cutting off the Hall from the outside which in itself wouldn't be too bad, but as Suzy arrives, the last one to make it through the roads becoming steadily impassable, she finds herself literally walking into a murder investigation with her friend and her husband at the centre of it.
What follows is twisty turny mystery with characters crossing paths and a list of suspects that seems far too long without enough reason other than the victim seems universally disliked by all.
Its one that will definitely keep you reading until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
May 30, 2025
2 1/2 stars. A twisty mystery with complex characters. Suzy Spencer was at an isolated snow-bound mansion to report on a new musical production introducing a talented young singer, a stressed composer and a bully-of-a-director. Egos, differing agendas, and old secrets clashed which left a man dead, one missing and a powder keg that could ignited at any minute.... All the while, Suzy was worried about her long-time love's erratic behavior. It would take all her talent as a amateur detective to figure out this mess before some one else died...
There were a lot of characters to keep straight in this book and I took me a while get that settled. But for all that, the characters had depths and didn't seem carbon copies of each other. Though the motive was a little far-fetched it was a solid mystery that kept me guessing. This was the last of the series, and the first I had read, so there was a wrap up of threads that I am sure would have had more emotional impact if I had read the earlier books.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
There were a lot of characters to keep straight in this book and I took me a while get that settled. But for all that, the characters had depths and didn't seem carbon copies of each other. Though the motive was a little far-fetched it was a solid mystery that kept me guessing. This was the last of the series, and the first I had read, so there was a wrap up of threads that I am sure would have had more emotional impact if I had read the earlier books.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
June 2, 2025
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Zooloo's Book Tours.
This is the sixth book in the Suzy Spencer cosy mystery series, which takes us to Cumbria. Millionaire Gervase Scott-Broughton is coming to visit Caldfell Hall, and the protagonist, Suzy, wants the Caldfell Chorus to feature on her podcast. Not everything goes according to plan, as the choir's director is discovered dead. Many people disliked him, but who wanted him dead, and why?
I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, but the cover design and description both appealed to me. I quickly warmed to Suzy, and to some of the other characters as well. I love cosy mysteries, and the author's choice of setting helped to bring out that cosy quality. I found the music theme entertaining, and the story flowed easily. Something else that I love about cosy mysteries is how they're easy to read in one sitting, and that was the case here too. This book was easily readable, and kept me turning the pages. I liked Suzy, so I'd probably like to read some of the others in the series.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, Joffe Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is the sixth book in the Suzy Spencer cosy mystery series, which takes us to Cumbria. Millionaire Gervase Scott-Broughton is coming to visit Caldfell Hall, and the protagonist, Suzy, wants the Caldfell Chorus to feature on her podcast. Not everything goes according to plan, as the choir's director is discovered dead. Many people disliked him, but who wanted him dead, and why?
I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, but the cover design and description both appealed to me. I quickly warmed to Suzy, and to some of the other characters as well. I love cosy mysteries, and the author's choice of setting helped to bring out that cosy quality. I found the music theme entertaining, and the story flowed easily. Something else that I love about cosy mysteries is how they're easy to read in one sitting, and that was the case here too. This book was easily readable, and kept me turning the pages. I liked Suzy, so I'd probably like to read some of the others in the series.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, Joffe Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
May 19, 2025
A forbidding mansion full of musical maestros with huge egos. A raging blizzard. Flickering candles illuminating a body discovered in a pool of blood ... So the scene is set for Killer by Candlelight, a cozy mystery which really had me guessing until the end. A cast of unconventional, eccentric characters supply endless twists and turns and red herrings galore. I haven't read the other Suzy Spencer mysteries (this is number 6), but found it easy to read as a standalone. Quirkiness abounds in this entertaining read, and everyone seems to have a motive. The police soon wrap up what they think is an open and shut case, but it's up to Suzy to find the real killer.
I didn't pick the ending or the murderer, and just when I thought I had it figured out, up popped another body to prove me wrong. The ending may have had an outlandish twist, but I never saw it coming, which is very satisfying. I will be on the lookout now for the previous books in the series, as this is a thoroughly enjoyable and engrossing novel.
Thanks to Joffe Books for my ARC in return for an honest review.
I didn't pick the ending or the murderer, and just when I thought I had it figured out, up popped another body to prove me wrong. The ending may have had an outlandish twist, but I never saw it coming, which is very satisfying. I will be on the lookout now for the previous books in the series, as this is a thoroughly enjoyable and engrossing novel.
Thanks to Joffe Books for my ARC in return for an honest review.
May 24, 2025
An intensive choral singing course is being held at Caldfell Hall in West Cumbria, privately financed by a wealthy US couple with Cumbrian connections. They recruited amateur singers to take part in a new composition that would be performed in concert in the family chapel at the Hall. Suzy Spencer, podcaster and amateur sleuth, is invited to make a podcast, building up the performance whilst highlighting the normality of the life of the rich. Unfortunately the ill-liked choir director gets himself murdered and the well respected composer goes missing. Add to this a snowstorm that has everyone trapped at the hall and you have a perfect cosy murder mystery to curl up with a cuppa, that will keep you enthralled with many twists and turns. Although this is the sixth Suzy Spencer mystery, it is perfectly suited as a standalone (though it might make you want to go back and read the others as it is so good).
May 27, 2025
As this is book 6 and I haven't read any of the books in the series, I feel like I've come to the series at the end. Suzy and her pals have had many adventures already and now everyone is settling down, but life is funny, and now they find themselves involved in a local singing event, in different ways. Things seem off to Suzy, but with so many personalities under one roof, that makes sense. But then the murder of the choir master occurs and suddenly everyone seems to be a suspect, even those not at the scene. But when the police come to a tidy conclusion, Suzy isn't convinced. Soon it's time to round up her friends and sort through what everyone knows, and to try to piece thru the jigsaw of a mystery they have. But they have missing pieces and it might be dangerous to find those missing links. Very much a 6 degrees of separation mystery, it seems fitting for what appears to be the end of the series?
June 3, 2025
When you gather 50 guests to sing in a beautiful mansion, you'd expect a sophisticated event. Trapped in the snow...what's the worst that could happen.
Well, unfortunately (ish as he is vile) the director is found well and truly unalive, and it couldn't have been anything other than murder. Not only that, but another guest has completely disappeared.
One of the attendees is Suzy, a podcaster and someone there to graze the buffet table and enjoy herself. Not a musical talent for sure, but Suzy's skills lie elsewhere and she is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery.
This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone, which I did, and didn't feel like it detracted from the quality of the characters or plot. Whatever you think you've worked out, forget it, you haven't 😂
Well, unfortunately (ish as he is vile) the director is found well and truly unalive, and it couldn't have been anything other than murder. Not only that, but another guest has completely disappeared.
One of the attendees is Suzy, a podcaster and someone there to graze the buffet table and enjoy herself. Not a musical talent for sure, but Suzy's skills lie elsewhere and she is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery.
This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone, which I did, and didn't feel like it detracted from the quality of the characters or plot. Whatever you think you've worked out, forget it, you haven't 😂
May 28, 2025
This is the sixth book in the Suzy Spencer series, a new story with some great character development.
Suzy is offered a job to cover a choral event hosted by the super-rich Scott-Broughtons. The choral event is more about the egos of the Scott-Broughtons and their entourage and is set in a huge mansion in a remote part of Cumbria. En route to the venue the weather closes in, and Suzy driving alone is almost snowed in, and she crawls along in a snow blizzard. Suddenly, the snow stops, and she finds herself at the entrance to the Hall but surrounded by blue lights. The road is blocked by a police 4 by 4. Suzy is allowed into the Hall because it would be dangerous to turn her away because of the weather. She finds that a murder has been committed, and she's soon honing her sleuthing skills! The victim is the musical director Parry Palmer, who has plenty of enemies.
One of his antagonists, Edwin, is missing but soon returns covered in blood, a prime suspect! Meanwhile, a shabbily dressed woman turns up at Norbridge Advice Centre, claiming to be the killer.
The plot weaves and spins in true Agatha Christie style to result in a great murder mystery.
Suzy is offered a job to cover a choral event hosted by the super-rich Scott-Broughtons. The choral event is more about the egos of the Scott-Broughtons and their entourage and is set in a huge mansion in a remote part of Cumbria. En route to the venue the weather closes in, and Suzy driving alone is almost snowed in, and she crawls along in a snow blizzard. Suddenly, the snow stops, and she finds herself at the entrance to the Hall but surrounded by blue lights. The road is blocked by a police 4 by 4. Suzy is allowed into the Hall because it would be dangerous to turn her away because of the weather. She finds that a murder has been committed, and she's soon honing her sleuthing skills! The victim is the musical director Parry Palmer, who has plenty of enemies.
One of his antagonists, Edwin, is missing but soon returns covered in blood, a prime suspect! Meanwhile, a shabbily dressed woman turns up at Norbridge Advice Centre, claiming to be the killer.
The plot weaves and spins in true Agatha Christie style to result in a great murder mystery.
May 24, 2025
I Enjoyed It
A singing competition is being held at Caldfell Hall in Cumbria, home of Gervase Scott-Broughton. Suzy Spencer has been invited along to do a podcast about the competition and although she is not too keen on staying away from home anymore it will be a time of luxury, good food and good money but it is not long before disaster strikes. The choirs director is found dead in his studio and another guest goes missing. Suzy soon goes into detective mode as she feels the police aren't doing enough, but will she be able to solve the crime herself? I enjoyed the book, it was a good read.
A singing competition is being held at Caldfell Hall in Cumbria, home of Gervase Scott-Broughton. Suzy Spencer has been invited along to do a podcast about the competition and although she is not too keen on staying away from home anymore it will be a time of luxury, good food and good money but it is not long before disaster strikes. The choirs director is found dead in his studio and another guest goes missing. Suzy soon goes into detective mode as she feels the police aren't doing enough, but will she be able to solve the crime herself? I enjoyed the book, it was a good read.
May 24, 2025
This is the 6th book in this series but although I had not read the earlier ones I had no trouble reading this as a stand alone
So much to unpack in the book, complex characters, far too many motives and suspects, when musical director Parry is found murdered during rehearsals for a singing masterclass at Caldfell Hall. Podcast producer and amateur sleuth Suzie Spencer has been commissioned to do a podcast on the event and arrives at Caldfell Hall to see a police presence and discover her close friend Amex’s husband has gone missing. Add a blizzard so everyone is trapped at the hall and a killer on the loose and you have the ingredients for a jolly good read.
So much to unpack in the book, complex characters, far too many motives and suspects, when musical director Parry is found murdered during rehearsals for a singing masterclass at Caldfell Hall. Podcast producer and amateur sleuth Suzie Spencer has been commissioned to do a podcast on the event and arrives at Caldfell Hall to see a police presence and discover her close friend Amex’s husband has gone missing. Add a blizzard so everyone is trapped at the hall and a killer on the loose and you have the ingredients for a jolly good read.
May 25, 2025
Caldfell Hall in Cumbria is the setting for this gripping read . A musical delight turns into a murder mystery as the choir`s director is found dead in mysterious circumstances . Podcaster Suzy Spencer had been asked along to promote the competition but instead finds herself in the midst of a crime scene with various guests who all seem to have had a motive. Snowbound due to a blizzard , none of the fifty guests can leave and tensions rise when another guest disappears. There were lots of twists and turns in this story and secrets from the past are revealed. This is the second in the series but great as a standalone
June 1, 2025
This was the first novel in this series by Liz Howell and while I was worried I might be a bit lost I am happy to say that was not the case. The characters are introduced well and rather well crafted. I did like the setting and build up although I did guess a few twists i still fully enjoyed it. I do think that any fans of cozy crime will adore this series. It’s well paced and crafted but does have one downfall… the dreaded ‘just one more chapter’! In all seriousness you will get hooked by this one and want to keep reading so be warned.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
May 23, 2025
I enjoyed this novel, the sixth in a series featuring Suzy Spencer, who lives in Cumbria with her husband Robert, near Caldwell Hall.
This imposing place, owned by a very wealthy couple who are hosting and backing a musical event, is the setting for a mystery surrounding the murder of an unpleasant and much disliked music director.
The story is well plotted with a very varied cast, and has many unexpected twists and turns, and a very surprising outcome.
Though the latest in the series, it stands well on its own.
This imposing place, owned by a very wealthy couple who are hosting and backing a musical event, is the setting for a mystery surrounding the murder of an unpleasant and much disliked music director.
The story is well plotted with a very varied cast, and has many unexpected twists and turns, and a very surprising outcome.
Though the latest in the series, it stands well on its own.
May 30, 2025
First off, that cover! I just love the colours 😍
I read the book not knowing it was book 6 in a series, so can definitely be read as a standalone, although the want to read the others now as I want to know more about the characters.
A mansion full of suspects, snowed in with no phone signal, what great surroundings for a murder 😃
I very much enjoyed this read full of great characters, some nicer than others, lots of twists and turns along the way, a cosy mystery with a bit of a bite.
Thank you @zooloosbooktours @joffebooks #lishowell
#killerbycandlelight #cosymystery #bookstagram
I read the book not knowing it was book 6 in a series, so can definitely be read as a standalone, although the want to read the others now as I want to know more about the characters.
A mansion full of suspects, snowed in with no phone signal, what great surroundings for a murder 😃
I very much enjoyed this read full of great characters, some nicer than others, lots of twists and turns along the way, a cosy mystery with a bit of a bite.
Thank you @zooloosbooktours @joffebooks #lishowell
#killerbycandlelight #cosymystery #bookstagram
June 22, 2025
It's snowing in the Cumbrian hills and at Caldwell hall an event for budding, local vocalists is going on.
Suzy Spencer is among those invited hoping for a relaxing weekend of good food and drink.
What she finds instead is a snowstorm, all the guests cut off from civilisation and the murder of a bullying choir director.
His body is found bathed in his own blood surrounded by candles.
This isn't an accident this is murder and Suzy and her friend Alex is on the case.
An enjoyable murder mystery set amongst the world of classical music.
Suzy Spencer is among those invited hoping for a relaxing weekend of good food and drink.
What she finds instead is a snowstorm, all the guests cut off from civilisation and the murder of a bullying choir director.
His body is found bathed in his own blood surrounded by candles.
This isn't an accident this is murder and Suzy and her friend Alex is on the case.
An enjoyable murder mystery set amongst the world of classical music.
July 22, 2025
I had not read the previous Suzy Spencer books but that didn't matter as the author caught you up pretty quickly. I do think I would have enjoyed reading about Suzy and Robert's relationship in the early days when they met etc. There were alot of characters in this book to keep up with and the plot took you through several towns/cities. There is alot going on and it bogged down a little in the middle. The ending/whodunit was a big surprise with a pretty horrific ending. This book will keep you guessing for sure! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eArc.
November 11, 2025
This is the last of this series, and that's made very clear in the book itself. Probably not a bad idea. The book seems cobbled together, the characters act out of character at times, things are repeated. It's like the author just wanted the whole thing over. These characters in the book though, they end up doing things, like throwing a tantrum out of nowhere. I went back in a few place to find why this happened, but I guess it was just needed for the story to continue on its path. Mostly good reading, but with some really odd places.
May 9, 2025
First, thank you Joffe Books and Netgalley for the ARC!
I did not realize it was part of a series, nevertheless, it was still a good book! I think I will enjoy reading cozy mysteries now and then. They might not make my heart hammer as hard as some others, but are still fun to read.
I liked Suzy. Can't say much in terms of character development, seeing I did not read the other books, but I was rooting for her. Very recommended, especially if you like locked room mysteries!
I did not realize it was part of a series, nevertheless, it was still a good book! I think I will enjoy reading cozy mysteries now and then. They might not make my heart hammer as hard as some others, but are still fun to read.
I liked Suzy. Can't say much in terms of character development, seeing I did not read the other books, but I was rooting for her. Very recommended, especially if you like locked room mysteries!
May 24, 2025
A well crafted murder mystery. I loved the way the strands and suspects were written so that the characters and clues were very believable. The settings was also well described. The story was a stand alone despite being part of a series. I thought the heroine Suzy was, again, very well integrated into the story. The different threads meant that I did not get the solution till very near the end, well impressed!
May 2, 2025
Really enjoyed this book. Although it is part of a series, it stands in its own right as an excellent whodunnit. Quintessentially English with bit of Cumbrian dialect thrown in. Deals with murder in a snowed in mansion of a very unloved man. Not obvious who killer is and takes while to unravel - snow we'll gone by then. Total surprise ending.
May 26, 2025
This is the first book I have read by the author, and although it is the last in a series I enjoyed it and it didn’t matter I haven’t read the previous ones. Suzy Spencer, podcaster, is invited to Cadfell Hall where a masterclass is being held. However, when she arrives she is met by police, there has been a murder.
An enjoyable read, full of twists and unexpected outcomes.
An enjoyable read, full of twists and unexpected outcomes.
May 26, 2025
Suzy is offered a position where she will create a podcast to promote an event. This is a simple plot. Whilst at the event a murder occurs. The book then looks at motives and suspects. It was a good book. It's good if you like this kind of thing. It has some interesting characters. It will lead you in different directions before the conclusion. It's an easy read.
May 31, 2025
Murder in snowbound Cumbria
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 May 2025
Best described as a cozy mystery this book takes us to an isolated estate in Cumbria for a singing masterclass followed by a new piece written by a famous composer and sung by the choristers.
However the obnoxious choir director is found dead by Suzy who has been invited as a podcaster to detail the event.
There are enough suspects and twists and turns in this book, 6 of 6 in the series but works as a standalone, to keep you glued to your seat to discover the perpetrator.
Thank you for your review.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 May 2025
Best described as a cozy mystery this book takes us to an isolated estate in Cumbria for a singing masterclass followed by a new piece written by a famous composer and sung by the choristers.
However the obnoxious choir director is found dead by Suzy who has been invited as a podcaster to detail the event.
There are enough suspects and twists and turns in this book, 6 of 6 in the series but works as a standalone, to keep you glued to your seat to discover the perpetrator.
Thank you for your review.
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