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Flora Steele Mystery #12
Murder by Firelight
No one can hold a candle to amateur detectives Flora Steele and Jack Carrington as they ask the burning question… Who is the killer walking the cobbled streets of their historic little town?
Sussex, November 1959. There’s a chill in the air at the Lewes bonfire celebration. Carnival floats fill the narrow streets, fireworks crackle overhead, and Flora and Jack feel the heat of the burning torches lining the streets. But when Trevor French, chief of the Grove Bonfire Society, tumbles from his parade float, they know something is afoot. Trevor didn’t just fall – and amidst the crowds, his killer slips away through the smoke-filled night.
But who would want the respected Trevor dead? As Flora and Jack question the vying bonfire societies, they find a surprisingly competitive underbelly at play. Did Edwin Brooker, former chairman, stoke the flames of rivalry too far? Or are the tears of the victim’s friend, Leo Nelson, faked to keep himself safe?
Just as the sleuths believe they’ve figured it out, the body of a key suspect in the case is found dead on their hearth rug, and Flora and Jack realise that no one is safe – including themselves. Together, can they smoke the murderer out? Or will their chances of survival go up in flames?
A completely addictive and absolutely charming cozy mystery novel. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis will adore this unputdownable series!
Sussex, November 1959. There’s a chill in the air at the Lewes bonfire celebration. Carnival floats fill the narrow streets, fireworks crackle overhead, and Flora and Jack feel the heat of the burning torches lining the streets. But when Trevor French, chief of the Grove Bonfire Society, tumbles from his parade float, they know something is afoot. Trevor didn’t just fall – and amidst the crowds, his killer slips away through the smoke-filled night.
But who would want the respected Trevor dead? As Flora and Jack question the vying bonfire societies, they find a surprisingly competitive underbelly at play. Did Edwin Brooker, former chairman, stoke the flames of rivalry too far? Or are the tears of the victim’s friend, Leo Nelson, faked to keep himself safe?
Just as the sleuths believe they’ve figured it out, the body of a key suspect in the case is found dead on their hearth rug, and Flora and Jack realise that no one is safe – including themselves. Together, can they smoke the murderer out? Or will their chances of survival go up in flames?
A completely addictive and absolutely charming cozy mystery novel. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis will adore this unputdownable series!
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2025
620 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Merryn Allingham
43 books310 followersI was born into an army family and spent my childhood moving around the UK and abroad. Unsurprisingly it gave me itchy feet and in my twenties I escaped an unloved secretarial career to work as cabin crew and see the world.
I still love to travel and visit new places, especially those with an interesting history, but the arrival of marriage, children and cats meant a more settled life in the south of England, where I've lived ever since. It also gave me the opportunity to go back to 'school' and eventually teach at university.
I've written seven historical novels, all mysteries with a helping of suspense and a dash of romance - sometimes set in exotic locations and often against a background of stirring world events.
My latest novel, A Tale of Two Sisters, is set in Constantinople at the turn of the 20th century when rebellion within the Ottoman Empire is growing ever louder. Against this background the novel traces the fate of two sisters, Alice and Lydia Verinder, and explores themes of family, love and loss.
I still love to travel and visit new places, especially those with an interesting history, but the arrival of marriage, children and cats meant a more settled life in the south of England, where I've lived ever since. It also gave me the opportunity to go back to 'school' and eventually teach at university.
I've written seven historical novels, all mysteries with a helping of suspense and a dash of romance - sometimes set in exotic locations and often against a background of stirring world events.
My latest novel, A Tale of Two Sisters, is set in Constantinople at the turn of the 20th century when rebellion within the Ottoman Empire is growing ever louder. Against this background the novel traces the fate of two sisters, Alice and Lydia Verinder, and explores themes of family, love and loss.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 6, 2025
4 Stars
One Liner: Good!
Sussex 1959
Flora and Jack attended the annual Lewes bonfire celebration in November, where the bonfire societies take processions, dress in various costumes, and set fires to effigies. However, neither of them expects the celebration to end in someone’s death. Trevor French, chief of the Grove Bonfire Society, stumbles from the parade float. Someone wanted him dead, but who?
The resident sleuths do their bit and think they have figured out the case, only to realize they were wrong. Moreover, they realize a bit too late that the killer is willing to do anything to prevent being caught.
The story comes in Flora and Jack’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
So, we are in the twelfth book of the series. The story can work as a standalone, though you might enjoy it more if you read at least a couple of earlier books.
After complaining about the FMC’s overenthusiasm in the previous books, it’s a relief to see her reluctant to take on a new case in this one. Of course, it’s the MMC who has the itch to know what happened. That said, they solve it together, as they often do, so all is good.
November’s winter plays a good role in the story and elevates the plot as well as the setting. The descriptions of the bonfire night, the costumes, etc., are well done without slowing the narration.
The mystery is quite interesting, with some twists and turns and a few red herrings. I did figure out who the killer was and the reason for it. Easy, since all the clues are provided to the reader. We are not kept in the dark to maintain suspense.
As always, the side characters add extra charm to the story by appearing a few times here and there. Not a lot of developments in that area, but there are a few. Though the FMC’s clinginess to the past could create some trouble for the couple in the future.
I think I can guess what the next case is likely to be. Let’s see if I’ll be right! (And, I was right! The blurb is up on Amazon).
To summarize, Murder in Firelight is a quick cozy mystery that will keep you hooked from start to finish. It’s a small book and can be finished in a couple of sittings.
Thank you, Sarah, NetGalley, and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MuderbyFirelight
One Liner: Good!
Sussex 1959
Flora and Jack attended the annual Lewes bonfire celebration in November, where the bonfire societies take processions, dress in various costumes, and set fires to effigies. However, neither of them expects the celebration to end in someone’s death. Trevor French, chief of the Grove Bonfire Society, stumbles from the parade float. Someone wanted him dead, but who?
The resident sleuths do their bit and think they have figured out the case, only to realize they were wrong. Moreover, they realize a bit too late that the killer is willing to do anything to prevent being caught.
The story comes in Flora and Jack’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
So, we are in the twelfth book of the series. The story can work as a standalone, though you might enjoy it more if you read at least a couple of earlier books.
After complaining about the FMC’s overenthusiasm in the previous books, it’s a relief to see her reluctant to take on a new case in this one. Of course, it’s the MMC who has the itch to know what happened. That said, they solve it together, as they often do, so all is good.
November’s winter plays a good role in the story and elevates the plot as well as the setting. The descriptions of the bonfire night, the costumes, etc., are well done without slowing the narration.
The mystery is quite interesting, with some twists and turns and a few red herrings. I did figure out who the killer was and the reason for it. Easy, since all the clues are provided to the reader. We are not kept in the dark to maintain suspense.
As always, the side characters add extra charm to the story by appearing a few times here and there. Not a lot of developments in that area, but there are a few. Though the FMC’s clinginess to the past could create some trouble for the couple in the future.
I think I can guess what the next case is likely to be. Let’s see if I’ll be right! (And, I was right! The blurb is up on Amazon).
To summarize, Murder in Firelight is a quick cozy mystery that will keep you hooked from start to finish. It’s a small book and can be finished in a couple of sittings.
Thank you, Sarah, NetGalley, and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MuderbyFirelight
September 3, 2025
The twelfth book in the Flora Steele series and I have read them all. I really enjoy the two main characters, Flora who is the proprietor of a bookshop and Jack who is an author. Together they frequently become amateur detectives.
Murder by Firelight opens on Bonfire Night in November 1959 and Flora and Jack are watching the annual fireworks procession in Lewes. When someone falls from one of the floats and is found to have been fatally stabbed an acquaintance of Jack's is the number one suspect and Jack and Flora put on their detective hats.
This story probably has a little more action and actual danger in it than is usual which is not a bad thing. Flora also is not her usual self and I have a theory about that. It will be interesting to see how she is in the next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Murder by Firelight opens on Bonfire Night in November 1959 and Flora and Jack are watching the annual fireworks procession in Lewes. When someone falls from one of the floats and is found to have been fatally stabbed an acquaintance of Jack's is the number one suspect and Jack and Flora put on their detective hats.
This story probably has a little more action and actual danger in it than is usual which is not a bad thing. Flora also is not her usual self and I have a theory about that. It will be interesting to see how she is in the next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 3, 2025
November, 1959 in Sussex, and the bonfire celebrations in Lewes were in full swing. The annual tradition with the bonfire societies saw many floats heading toward Flora & Jack, as well as fireworks high in the sky, as they watched from the sidelines. The cold dark night was lit by lanterns and flames, but it was when a man fell from a float, right at Flora & Jack's feet, that they realised there was trouble afoot. For the fallen man was dead, stabbed, and there were plenty of suspects who needed to be weeded out. Although reluctant (this time!) to investigate, their favourite policeman was off the job, and his replacement was lax, determined to place the killing at the feet of one of Jack's friends. So investigate they did.
When another murder occurred, plus a couple of attempted murders, Flora and Jack knew they were on the right track. But would they discover who the killer was before someone else died?
Murder by Firelight is #12 in the Flora Steele Mystery series by Merryn Allingham and was another excellent addition to the series. Flora & Jack are married now, but still make a formidable team. I'm looking forward to the next in the series. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
When another murder occurred, plus a couple of attempted murders, Flora and Jack knew they were on the right track. But would they discover who the killer was before someone else died?
Murder by Firelight is #12 in the Flora Steele Mystery series by Merryn Allingham and was another excellent addition to the series. Flora & Jack are married now, but still make a formidable team. I'm looking forward to the next in the series. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
November 12, 2025
Sussex, rok 1959. Ma to być ostatni rok zatrudnienia Jacka Carringtona w Clove College, co wiąże się z pobytem tam przez trzy dni w tygodniu, od wtorku do czwartku, także jego małżonki. Flory Steele. Muszą więc w końcu - przekonali ich znajomi - zobaczyć 5 listopada w Lewes słynne na cały kraj obchody Nocy Guya Fawkesa, znanej też pod nazwą Bonfire Night. Rzeczywiście, uroczystość jest spektakularna. Wszędzie widać ogień i dym z wystrzeliwanych rac. Ulicami miasta przeciągają barwne platformy, z przebierańcami symbolizującymi zarówno historyczne postaci, na przykład męczenników, ofiary siedemnastowiecznego katolickiego zamachu na parlament, jak i obecnych polityków, Nikitę Chruszczowa i Fidela Castro. Za każdą z platform w korowodzie odpowiedzialne jest inne stowarzyszenie. Tę kubańską, jedyną ciągniętą przez traktor, przygotowało Grove Society. Z niej właśnie spada wprost pod nogi Flory zamaskowany facet w stroju południowoamerykańskiego bandyty. W nocy umiera w szpitalu, jak się okazuje - od ran zadanych nożem.
Ofiarą jest Trevor French, prezes stowarzyszenia. Na platformie, oprócz zwolenników i przeciwników Fidela, było też kilka osób we wspaniałych strojach z epoki tudorowskiej, łącznie z ich projektantką Tomassiną Bell. W najbliższym sąsiedztwie Frencha z jednej strony stał Edwin Brooker, elektryk i poprzedni szef Grove, a z drugiej - Leo Nelson. przybyły niedawno z Australii i zamieszkały w Overlay House w Abbeymead, dawnym domu Jacka Carringtona. .
Jackowi dość trudno jest podzielić pogląd prowadzącego śledztwo inspektora Steve’a Brownlowa - zastępującego urlopowanego Alana Ridleya - jakoby głównym podejrzanym był Leo Nelson. Wątpliwości męża skłaniają Florę do ponownego uruchomienia swojej śledczej pasji. Jej pierwsza rozmowa, z Lilian French, wdową po zamordowanym, całkiem sporo wyjaśnia. I to w różnych kwestiach. Jednak bynajmniej nie otwiera przed parą detektywów-amatorów prostej i szybkiej drogi do rozwiązania zagadki „morderstwa w blasku ognia”. Zwłaszcza że …
Lektura kolejnej książki Merryn Allingham to nowa porcja nostalgicznych wrażeń. Sussex znałam jedynie z krótkiej wizyty w Brighton, o innych miejscowościach na czele z Lewes, o ich historycznej roli pojęcie miałam marne. Nie mówiąc o społecznym krajobrazie angielskiej wiejskiej prowincji i jego porównaniu z polskimi międzyludzkimi relacjami w tamtych czasach, o jakich już trochę wiedziałam. Dość purytańska mentalność obyczajowa, nieufność wobec obcych przy ciepłych, przyjacielskich stosunkach i bezwzględnej lojalności między lokalsami - tak było w Anglii. W lokalnej polityce liczyła się przede wszystkim aktywność, na przykład udział w rozmaitych rekonstrukcjach historycznych. W polskich pochodach obowiązkowe było noszenie innych kukieł, choć podejrzewam, że nasza wiedza o Chruszczowie czy Castro mniejsza niż u Anglików nie była. A jak jest dzisiaj?*
Intryga kryminalna jest w tym tomie, jak zwykle, skomplikowana. Choć jej konsekwencje różnią się nieco od poprzednich cosy mysteries autorki. Mianowicie tym razem Flora Steele nie może się otrząsnąć z przerażenia, kiedy dociera do niej jak wiele wyrafinowanego zła może się skupić w jednym człowieku, sprawcy zbrodni. Chyba psychicznie nie była na takie odkrycie przygotowana!
W każdym razie dwunasty tom powieściowej serii Merryn Allingham jest jednym z najciekawszych.
* Tradycja Bonfire Night w dalszym ciągu jest celebrowana w całym UK (była, do czasu wyparcia jej przez Halloween, hucznie obchodzona także za oceanem), a w Lewes w hrabstwie Sussex obchody należą nadal do najbardziej widowiskowych. Wszędzie przy okazji dochodzi do mniejszych lub większych przepychanek i incydentów. W tym roku, na przykład, ich powodem było użycie zainscenizowanej łodzi z uchodźcami jako czynnika zakłócającego ład społeczny. Natomiast szkodników politycznych 2025 uosabiali uczestnicy parad przebrani za … premiera Keira Starmera i Elona Maska.
Ofiarą jest Trevor French, prezes stowarzyszenia. Na platformie, oprócz zwolenników i przeciwników Fidela, było też kilka osób we wspaniałych strojach z epoki tudorowskiej, łącznie z ich projektantką Tomassiną Bell. W najbliższym sąsiedztwie Frencha z jednej strony stał Edwin Brooker, elektryk i poprzedni szef Grove, a z drugiej - Leo Nelson. przybyły niedawno z Australii i zamieszkały w Overlay House w Abbeymead, dawnym domu Jacka Carringtona. .
Jackowi dość trudno jest podzielić pogląd prowadzącego śledztwo inspektora Steve’a Brownlowa - zastępującego urlopowanego Alana Ridleya - jakoby głównym podejrzanym był Leo Nelson. Wątpliwości męża skłaniają Florę do ponownego uruchomienia swojej śledczej pasji. Jej pierwsza rozmowa, z Lilian French, wdową po zamordowanym, całkiem sporo wyjaśnia. I to w różnych kwestiach. Jednak bynajmniej nie otwiera przed parą detektywów-amatorów prostej i szybkiej drogi do rozwiązania zagadki „morderstwa w blasku ognia”. Zwłaszcza że …
Lektura kolejnej książki Merryn Allingham to nowa porcja nostalgicznych wrażeń. Sussex znałam jedynie z krótkiej wizyty w Brighton, o innych miejscowościach na czele z Lewes, o ich historycznej roli pojęcie miałam marne. Nie mówiąc o społecznym krajobrazie angielskiej wiejskiej prowincji i jego porównaniu z polskimi międzyludzkimi relacjami w tamtych czasach, o jakich już trochę wiedziałam. Dość purytańska mentalność obyczajowa, nieufność wobec obcych przy ciepłych, przyjacielskich stosunkach i bezwzględnej lojalności między lokalsami - tak było w Anglii. W lokalnej polityce liczyła się przede wszystkim aktywność, na przykład udział w rozmaitych rekonstrukcjach historycznych. W polskich pochodach obowiązkowe było noszenie innych kukieł, choć podejrzewam, że nasza wiedza o Chruszczowie czy Castro mniejsza niż u Anglików nie była. A jak jest dzisiaj?*
Intryga kryminalna jest w tym tomie, jak zwykle, skomplikowana. Choć jej konsekwencje różnią się nieco od poprzednich cosy mysteries autorki. Mianowicie tym razem Flora Steele nie może się otrząsnąć z przerażenia, kiedy dociera do niej jak wiele wyrafinowanego zła może się skupić w jednym człowieku, sprawcy zbrodni. Chyba psychicznie nie była na takie odkrycie przygotowana!
W każdym razie dwunasty tom powieściowej serii Merryn Allingham jest jednym z najciekawszych.
* Tradycja Bonfire Night w dalszym ciągu jest celebrowana w całym UK (była, do czasu wyparcia jej przez Halloween, hucznie obchodzona także za oceanem), a w Lewes w hrabstwie Sussex obchody należą nadal do najbardziej widowiskowych. Wszędzie przy okazji dochodzi do mniejszych lub większych przepychanek i incydentów. W tym roku, na przykład, ich powodem było użycie zainscenizowanej łodzi z uchodźcami jako czynnika zakłócającego ład społeczny. Natomiast szkodników politycznych 2025 uosabiali uczestnicy parad przebrani za … premiera Keira Starmera i Elona Maska.
July 27, 2025
Bonfire night isn't usually a celebration Flora and Jack Carrington plan for, but this year, as his time at Cleve College is about to end, they decide to attend the nationally celebrated Lewes fireworks. It is spectacular, and they are both enjoying themselves enormously when a participant from one of the floats falls at their feet. Amazed to find his hands blood soaked when he tries to move the victim out of the road, Jack isn't surprised to learn the police have begun a murder investigation. With the main suspect living in his old home, Jack and Flora begin to look a little more closely at who could have been responsible. The suspect list isn't long, but nothing seems to fit in quite the way they'd imagined, and when Jack and another peripheral player are both attacked, it seems their killer has no intention of being caught. As Christmas grows ever closer, it becomes clear they are dealing with an individual far more dangerous than they've ever encountered before, and if they're not careful, their New Year plans may be permanently cancelled.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book twelve in this series definitely took everything up a notch or two! The danger they found themselves in, the difficulties they had getting close to a solution, and a hesitancy to get involved were all way more than previous books, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word! I have a feeling there were a few clues, or red herrings, relating to book 13, which I will be anxiously awaiting. This was brilliant, I loved it and recommend it unreservedly!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book twelve in this series definitely took everything up a notch or two! The danger they found themselves in, the difficulties they had getting close to a solution, and a hesitancy to get involved were all way more than previous books, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word! I have a feeling there were a few clues, or red herrings, relating to book 13, which I will be anxiously awaiting. This was brilliant, I loved it and recommend it unreservedly!
September 2, 2025
Sussex, November 1959. Jack & Flora Carrington are watching the Lewes bonfire celebration. Carnival floats fill the narrow streets, fireworks crackle overhead. But when Trevor French, chairman of the Grove Bonfire Society, tumbles from his parade float & lands at their feet they rush to help but Jack didn’t expect his hands to be covered in blood. With D I Ridley on leave to look after his ill mother, his stand in has Leo Nelson firmly in the frame. However Jack believes Leo, who is renting his old home Overlay, is innocent.
The twelfth book in the series & another well written engrossing cosy mystery. This time it’s Jack who’s more involved to begin with until Flora rescues Lillian French. There aren’t many suspects but there are lots of twists & turns as well as red herrings. There’s also danger & both Jack & Flora are injured. I did guess who the murderer was & also some of the reasons why but didn’t fully work it out nor all of their machinations. Also this time both Jack & Flora were left shocked at the denouement. The couple are now back in Abbeymead full time so I wonder what the 1960’s will hold for them
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The twelfth book in the series & another well written engrossing cosy mystery. This time it’s Jack who’s more involved to begin with until Flora rescues Lillian French. There aren’t many suspects but there are lots of twists & turns as well as red herrings. There’s also danger & both Jack & Flora are injured. I did guess who the murderer was & also some of the reasons why but didn’t fully work it out nor all of their machinations. Also this time both Jack & Flora were left shocked at the denouement. The couple are now back in Abbeymead full time so I wonder what the 1960’s will hold for them
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
September 9, 2025
Two amateur detectives who always find themselves up to their ears in mysteries and murders!
Set in 1959, it's bonfire time, which see Flora and Jack in Lewes, Sussex, for the bonfire celebration. Filled with carnival floats, fireworks, and all the stuff that comes with the 5th November. What they didn't count on was Trevor French falling from his carnival float. Trevor is the chief of the Grove Bonfire Society, and he didn't fall. Flora and Jack find themselves knee-deep in the investigation, and it brings a few people up, those that have reasons for wanting Trevor dead.As the investigation turns darker, can they solve this mystery?
This is a series that I always look forward to. I enjoy going back in time and being immersed in the older ways. Fiona and Jack are great characters who are developed so well. At this point in the series, I feel like they could be old friends.
The plot is so well done that I forget about my daily life and become so immersed in whichever investigation I am reading about. The historical setting always draws me, and yet again, Merryn Allingham has woven a tale that ticked all my boxes!
Set in 1959, it's bonfire time, which see Flora and Jack in Lewes, Sussex, for the bonfire celebration. Filled with carnival floats, fireworks, and all the stuff that comes with the 5th November. What they didn't count on was Trevor French falling from his carnival float. Trevor is the chief of the Grove Bonfire Society, and he didn't fall. Flora and Jack find themselves knee-deep in the investigation, and it brings a few people up, those that have reasons for wanting Trevor dead.As the investigation turns darker, can they solve this mystery?
This is a series that I always look forward to. I enjoy going back in time and being immersed in the older ways. Fiona and Jack are great characters who are developed so well. At this point in the series, I feel like they could be old friends.
The plot is so well done that I forget about my daily life and become so immersed in whichever investigation I am reading about. The historical setting always draws me, and yet again, Merryn Allingham has woven a tale that ticked all my boxes!
September 5, 2025
It's always a pleasure to visit the fictional Sussex village of Abbeymead to go on another sleuthing adventure with our amateur (do we still call them amateur, on this, their twelfth case?) detective duo, bookshop-owner Flora (Steele) and detective novelist Jack Carrington. My thanks to Sarah Hardy at Bookouture for a review copy of Murder by Firelight (2025) via NetGalley.
Murder by Firelight is the perfect mystery for the upcoming season, set around bonfire night as the title suggests and playing out over these colder autumn months turning into winter. And this isn't any ordinary bonfire celebration but the one at Lewes, one of the largest and certainly most unique celebrations of Guy Fawkes in England, with not one but multiple societies coming up with some very different effigies and a parade, among other celebrations (more on this later). Flora and Jack are in Lewes, one of their last few weeks in the town, as Jack is wrapping up his mentoring assignment at Cleve College and the two are getting set to be permanently back at Abbeymead. The story opens with them excitedly observing the parade as the different societies with their various effigies go by. But where Flora and Jack are, things can't be all innocuous. As one of the floats passes by, a member falls off the tractor on which they are travelling. As Jack runs to help, he finds this isn't just an accident but the man has been stabbed.
The victim turns out to be Trevor French, the president of one of the societies, which also has among its members, Leo Nelson who has taken over the tenancy of Overlay House from Jack. Leo was standing right next to French on the float and naturally becomes prime suspect but Jack isn't convinced and in a reverse of the usual circumstances, here it is Jack who wishes to investigate while Flora simply wants to wrap things up in Lewes and return home.
Of course, she eventually gives in but there are more challenges in their way as their friend, Inspector Ridley has to be temporarily away and the person in his place, Inspector Brownlow is not only not taking any interference but also does not seem to be inclined to look beyond Leo. Flora and Jack must carry out their investigation amidst this in a case riddled with secrets and one that also increasingly involves much danger, including for our duo!
I loved the setting of this book especially as it takes us to that very special bonfire celebration of Lewes one of the largest in England and which sees different societies participate, various effigies (in this 1950s setting, among these are Khrushchev and Castro), a parade, and fireworks. It is supposed to celebrate both Fawkes as well as the protestants martyred during the reign of Mary I. One doesn't come across very many mysteries in a Guy Fawkes setting, so I was especially glad to read this one and all the more so since it acquainted me with the Lewes celebration that I didn’t know of.
The mystery thread was nicely done with plenty of twists and complications, secrets being progressively revealed as Flora and Jack dig in. In this case, with Nelson being based in Abbeymead, the victim Trevor French in Lewes and the police at Brighton, the investigation takes out duo between these places and more once clues and lines of inquiry start to open up. With Ridley unavailable for part of the investigation, Flora and Jack must essentially work on their own. Naturally, the murderer doesn’t stop what they started and other sinister events take place, with both Flora and Jack also falling into danger. I enjoyed how the mystery was unravelled through different little clues they pick up from conversations and their investigations which lead them to look into stories whose relevance becomes clear after they’ve heard them. This time around I also felt the murderer was one of the more sinister ones they’ve encountered in their mysteries so far—ruthless and cold.
Of course, we also catch up with all the latest happenings in Abbeymead and its people who are now like old friends. The weekly dinners that Flora has with friends Kate, Alice and Sally, and all the local gossip and news exchanged; young Charlie Teague continuing to do well at his apprenticeship while still lending a hand to Flora at the shop in this book, the Alls Well—and the new titles like Cat Among the Pigeons coming in—and new developments too, which I think will form the base for at least one mystery to come.
I very much enjoyed this outing with Flora and Jack and am eagerly awaiting their next adventure which I know won’t be too long coming (I am fairly sure, the info about this book came into my mail just as I’d posted my review of the previous book)!
4.25 stars
Murder by Firelight is the perfect mystery for the upcoming season, set around bonfire night as the title suggests and playing out over these colder autumn months turning into winter. And this isn't any ordinary bonfire celebration but the one at Lewes, one of the largest and certainly most unique celebrations of Guy Fawkes in England, with not one but multiple societies coming up with some very different effigies and a parade, among other celebrations (more on this later). Flora and Jack are in Lewes, one of their last few weeks in the town, as Jack is wrapping up his mentoring assignment at Cleve College and the two are getting set to be permanently back at Abbeymead. The story opens with them excitedly observing the parade as the different societies with their various effigies go by. But where Flora and Jack are, things can't be all innocuous. As one of the floats passes by, a member falls off the tractor on which they are travelling. As Jack runs to help, he finds this isn't just an accident but the man has been stabbed.
The victim turns out to be Trevor French, the president of one of the societies, which also has among its members, Leo Nelson who has taken over the tenancy of Overlay House from Jack. Leo was standing right next to French on the float and naturally becomes prime suspect but Jack isn't convinced and in a reverse of the usual circumstances, here it is Jack who wishes to investigate while Flora simply wants to wrap things up in Lewes and return home.
Of course, she eventually gives in but there are more challenges in their way as their friend, Inspector Ridley has to be temporarily away and the person in his place, Inspector Brownlow is not only not taking any interference but also does not seem to be inclined to look beyond Leo. Flora and Jack must carry out their investigation amidst this in a case riddled with secrets and one that also increasingly involves much danger, including for our duo!
I loved the setting of this book especially as it takes us to that very special bonfire celebration of Lewes one of the largest in England and which sees different societies participate, various effigies (in this 1950s setting, among these are Khrushchev and Castro), a parade, and fireworks. It is supposed to celebrate both Fawkes as well as the protestants martyred during the reign of Mary I. One doesn't come across very many mysteries in a Guy Fawkes setting, so I was especially glad to read this one and all the more so since it acquainted me with the Lewes celebration that I didn’t know of.
The mystery thread was nicely done with plenty of twists and complications, secrets being progressively revealed as Flora and Jack dig in. In this case, with Nelson being based in Abbeymead, the victim Trevor French in Lewes and the police at Brighton, the investigation takes out duo between these places and more once clues and lines of inquiry start to open up. With Ridley unavailable for part of the investigation, Flora and Jack must essentially work on their own. Naturally, the murderer doesn’t stop what they started and other sinister events take place, with both Flora and Jack also falling into danger. I enjoyed how the mystery was unravelled through different little clues they pick up from conversations and their investigations which lead them to look into stories whose relevance becomes clear after they’ve heard them. This time around I also felt the murderer was one of the more sinister ones they’ve encountered in their mysteries so far—ruthless and cold.
Of course, we also catch up with all the latest happenings in Abbeymead and its people who are now like old friends. The weekly dinners that Flora has with friends Kate, Alice and Sally, and all the local gossip and news exchanged; young Charlie Teague continuing to do well at his apprenticeship while still lending a hand to Flora at the shop in this book, the Alls Well—and the new titles like Cat Among the Pigeons coming in—and new developments too, which I think will form the base for at least one mystery to come.
I very much enjoyed this outing with Flora and Jack and am eagerly awaiting their next adventure which I know won’t be too long coming (I am fairly sure, the info about this book came into my mail just as I’d posted my review of the previous book)!
4.25 stars
August 31, 2025
Flora and Jack are back in Abbeymead and are on the case of yet another murder! This place is getting as deadly as Midsomer (though maybe with not quite as many murders).
In this twelfth book featuring the dynamic duo, Flora and Jack are attending a Bonfire Night celebration watching a parade of floats depicting various themes in vivid display. The streets of Lewes are crowded and noisy and are not at all the couple's favourite celebration but the atmosphere has them enthralled. In the midst of celebrations, one of the costumed participants falls from their float for a local historical society. When Jack races to their aid, he discovers the man is dead - seemingly stabbed, no less.
Inspector Alan Ridley is on the case for but a short time when his replacement Inspector Brownlow (I got The Bill vibes from twenty five years back with that name...lol) takes over but proves to be nothing short of useless. Ridley's mother had a stroke and had taken ill so Alan had gone to care for her whilst Brownlow couldn't detect a snowflake in a blizzard.
This time Flora is reluctant to investigate whilst Jack is keen to clear his friend Leo Nelson's name, whom Brownlow has decided is the guilty party whether the evidence points to him or not. Leo has taken on the tenancy of Overlay House where Jack had lived prior to his marriage to Flora and he isn't so sure that Leo is guilty and is determined to ensure the truth is uncovered. But the mystery is a real mystery as their doesn't appear to be any motive for the murder. The victim, Trevor French, whilst suspect in some eyes had no real cause to leave him dead. Although Edwin Brooker, who was chairman prior to French and had been for ten years until French came in a swept up the position. Brooker, an electrician by trade, is seemingly aggrieved at having been replaced so easily. But is it motive enough to kill?
Jack manages to convince Flora to question French's wife Lilian and local seamstress Thomasina Bell who was an active member of the Grove Society where Trevor was chairman and whose float he had fallen from. Again Flora was reluctant but some of the tidbits of information she garnered from the women whetted her appetite for the truth. But can they uncover the truth of what really happened to Trevor French and why before Brownlow can stuff it up?
I am so relieved to find Flora and Jack back in Abbeymead as the mysteries just seem to work better when they are on home ground. Unlike Agatha Christie's Miss Marple who worked well in any locale as well as St Mary Mead (but then Miss Marple didn't go abroad in my recollection), Flora and Jack are best at home in Abbeymead. In this book, Jack has finished his tenure at Cleve College in Lewes so the couple have now returned to Abbeymead full time, rather than part the week in Lewes and the rest in the village. I am keen to see what is in store for them in Abbeymead now that they are back in the village and the residents there can take on more of a role in future stories. I have missed the regular inclusion of Charlie who did resume his job as delivery boy temporarily in this one.
I can't believe this is the twelfth book of the series and I have read them all! Each book can be read as a standalone but I think the reader would gain more from reading them series in its entirety to fully grasp who is who and the passing mention of some of those who have gone before to some who pop up on occasion this time.
My only complaint is the inaccuracy of the ten pound pom programme mentioned in this book where people could emigrate to Australia for ten pounds (still quite a sum in those days). A character was said to have been part of the programme and emigrated twenty years before but as the setting is 1959 and the date the person emigrated is actually revealed in the book as being June 1939, the ten pound pom programme didn't begin until after the war in 1945.
I did guess who the murderer was but not the motive until it was gently revealed in passing (still long before the murderer was). There are plenty of twists and red herrings in this one to keep you guessing to the end...which does so with a bang!
I look forward to seeing what's in store for Flora and Jack now that they are firmly back in Abbeymead...where I hope they will stay!
I would like to thank #MerrynAllingham, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #MurderByFirelight in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
In this twelfth book featuring the dynamic duo, Flora and Jack are attending a Bonfire Night celebration watching a parade of floats depicting various themes in vivid display. The streets of Lewes are crowded and noisy and are not at all the couple's favourite celebration but the atmosphere has them enthralled. In the midst of celebrations, one of the costumed participants falls from their float for a local historical society. When Jack races to their aid, he discovers the man is dead - seemingly stabbed, no less.
Inspector Alan Ridley is on the case for but a short time when his replacement Inspector Brownlow (I got The Bill vibes from twenty five years back with that name...lol) takes over but proves to be nothing short of useless. Ridley's mother had a stroke and had taken ill so Alan had gone to care for her whilst Brownlow couldn't detect a snowflake in a blizzard.
This time Flora is reluctant to investigate whilst Jack is keen to clear his friend Leo Nelson's name, whom Brownlow has decided is the guilty party whether the evidence points to him or not. Leo has taken on the tenancy of Overlay House where Jack had lived prior to his marriage to Flora and he isn't so sure that Leo is guilty and is determined to ensure the truth is uncovered. But the mystery is a real mystery as their doesn't appear to be any motive for the murder. The victim, Trevor French, whilst suspect in some eyes had no real cause to leave him dead. Although Edwin Brooker, who was chairman prior to French and had been for ten years until French came in a swept up the position. Brooker, an electrician by trade, is seemingly aggrieved at having been replaced so easily. But is it motive enough to kill?
Jack manages to convince Flora to question French's wife Lilian and local seamstress Thomasina Bell who was an active member of the Grove Society where Trevor was chairman and whose float he had fallen from. Again Flora was reluctant but some of the tidbits of information she garnered from the women whetted her appetite for the truth. But can they uncover the truth of what really happened to Trevor French and why before Brownlow can stuff it up?
I am so relieved to find Flora and Jack back in Abbeymead as the mysteries just seem to work better when they are on home ground. Unlike Agatha Christie's Miss Marple who worked well in any locale as well as St Mary Mead (but then Miss Marple didn't go abroad in my recollection), Flora and Jack are best at home in Abbeymead. In this book, Jack has finished his tenure at Cleve College in Lewes so the couple have now returned to Abbeymead full time, rather than part the week in Lewes and the rest in the village. I am keen to see what is in store for them in Abbeymead now that they are back in the village and the residents there can take on more of a role in future stories. I have missed the regular inclusion of Charlie who did resume his job as delivery boy temporarily in this one.
I can't believe this is the twelfth book of the series and I have read them all! Each book can be read as a standalone but I think the reader would gain more from reading them series in its entirety to fully grasp who is who and the passing mention of some of those who have gone before to some who pop up on occasion this time.
My only complaint is the inaccuracy of the ten pound pom programme mentioned in this book where people could emigrate to Australia for ten pounds (still quite a sum in those days). A character was said to have been part of the programme and emigrated twenty years before but as the setting is 1959 and the date the person emigrated is actually revealed in the book as being June 1939, the ten pound pom programme didn't begin until after the war in 1945.
I did guess who the murderer was but not the motive until it was gently revealed in passing (still long before the murderer was). There are plenty of twists and red herrings in this one to keep you guessing to the end...which does so with a bang!
I look forward to seeing what's in store for Flora and Jack now that they are firmly back in Abbeymead...where I hope they will stay!
I would like to thank #MerrynAllingham, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #MurderByFirelight in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
December 22, 2025
A utterly delightful return to Abbeymead with the dynamic duo we love! Murder by Firelight is the twelfth installment in Merryn Allingham's Flora Steele series and proves this cozy historical mystery series is as sharp and engaging as ever.
Set against the vividly rendered backdrop of a 1959 Lewes bonfire night complete with torchlit processions, crackling fireworks, and fiercely competitive bonfire societies this mystery pulls you in from the first page. When the chief of the Grove Bonfire Society tumbles from a parade float, Flora and Jack are once again on the case. This time, the dynamic shifts intriguingly; Flora is more hesitant, while Jack's curiosity drives them forward, offering a fresh perspective on their beloved partnership.
Allingham is a master of the cozy form. The mystery is expertly plotted, with a satisfying array of suspects, plausible red herrings, and all the clues a clever reader needs to solve the puzzle alongside the sleuths. The historical details are woven in seamlessly, making the post war English setting feel alive and authentic. The personal stakes feel higher in this book, with a new, dismissive detective on the scene and a killer who brings the danger directly to Flora and Jack's hearth, reminding us that even in a cozy village, the threats are real.
For long time fans, it's a comforting and clever new adventure. For newcomers, it works perfectly as a standalone, but be warned: you'll immediately want to start the series from the beginning. Charming, immersive, and perfectly paced, this is historical cozy mystery at its very best. Highly recommended.
I hope this targeted approach effectively captures the charm and appeal of this established cozy series. If you wish to promote another book or adjust the focus for a different genre, please share the details.
Set against the vividly rendered backdrop of a 1959 Lewes bonfire night complete with torchlit processions, crackling fireworks, and fiercely competitive bonfire societies this mystery pulls you in from the first page. When the chief of the Grove Bonfire Society tumbles from a parade float, Flora and Jack are once again on the case. This time, the dynamic shifts intriguingly; Flora is more hesitant, while Jack's curiosity drives them forward, offering a fresh perspective on their beloved partnership.
Allingham is a master of the cozy form. The mystery is expertly plotted, with a satisfying array of suspects, plausible red herrings, and all the clues a clever reader needs to solve the puzzle alongside the sleuths. The historical details are woven in seamlessly, making the post war English setting feel alive and authentic. The personal stakes feel higher in this book, with a new, dismissive detective on the scene and a killer who brings the danger directly to Flora and Jack's hearth, reminding us that even in a cozy village, the threats are real.
For long time fans, it's a comforting and clever new adventure. For newcomers, it works perfectly as a standalone, but be warned: you'll immediately want to start the series from the beginning. Charming, immersive, and perfectly paced, this is historical cozy mystery at its very best. Highly recommended.
I hope this targeted approach effectively captures the charm and appeal of this established cozy series. If you wish to promote another book or adjust the focus for a different genre, please share the details.
August 22, 2025
Murder by Firelight is the 12th book in the Flora Steele mystery series and definitely starts with a bang. Flora and Jack are attending the traditional Bonfire Night celebrations in Lewes and the scene with its crowds and noise and is vividly depicted. In the midst of this, one of the particpants in the parade falls from their float and dies right in front of them.
I loved the fact that Flora and Jack were back in Abbeymead for this book. The mysteries do seem to work better for me when the pair of them are on home ground. Unusually for this series, Flora is very reluctant to get involved with what turns out to be a murder investigation. However, the prime suspect for the killing is a colleague of Jack’s and he doesn’t think that the police are going to do a fair job so is determined to make sure that the truth is uncovered.
The mystery is a tricky one for the couple to solve as there doesn’t seem to be any real motive for the killing. As always, there are several twists and turns with a few red herrings for Jack and Flora (and the reader) to follow.
This was a fun read and I enjoyed being back in Abbeymead and catching up with some of its inhabitants especially Charlie who has temporarily resumed his job as book delivery boy. The relationship between Flora and Jack continues to grow and I am definitely invested in the couple and seeing what happens to them next.
Although this is the 12th book in the series, it could easily be read as a stand alone but I feel that people would probably get more enjoyment from it if they had read one or two of the earlier books.
Thank you as always to Net Galley and the publishers Bookouture for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I loved the fact that Flora and Jack were back in Abbeymead for this book. The mysteries do seem to work better for me when the pair of them are on home ground. Unusually for this series, Flora is very reluctant to get involved with what turns out to be a murder investigation. However, the prime suspect for the killing is a colleague of Jack’s and he doesn’t think that the police are going to do a fair job so is determined to make sure that the truth is uncovered.
The mystery is a tricky one for the couple to solve as there doesn’t seem to be any real motive for the killing. As always, there are several twists and turns with a few red herrings for Jack and Flora (and the reader) to follow.
This was a fun read and I enjoyed being back in Abbeymead and catching up with some of its inhabitants especially Charlie who has temporarily resumed his job as book delivery boy. The relationship between Flora and Jack continues to grow and I am definitely invested in the couple and seeing what happens to them next.
Although this is the 12th book in the series, it could easily be read as a stand alone but I feel that people would probably get more enjoyment from it if they had read one or two of the earlier books.
Thank you as always to Net Galley and the publishers Bookouture for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
August 31, 2025
I enjoy a cosy murder mystery and this one, set in the 1950's, promised to be a little different than most. Living in the south of England it was nice to see the Lewes bonfire night get its moment, although I wish we spent more time there, especially considering its the name of the book. I still enjoyed the references to places I knew.
There was a lot going on in this book, a couple of murders, a couple of attempted murders, a long buried secret and tragedy that touched so many lives... it was rather action packed, all things being said. Add to that a fairly engaging couple of main characters, a whole host of interesting characters and suspects, and finally a cop that made you want to rage, and you're in for an entertaining couple of hours with is book.
I liked the characters, I liked Flora's struggles with what she wants from her life, although I really wish she will talk to Jack about it - these things will affect him too. The side characters were all fine, although a little more development of some of the suspects would have been nice.
The mystery itself is full of action, regret and death. In the end, they got almost everything wrong - they at least talk about this - and the denouement, when it happens, is a surprise and happens 'off page' which was a little disappointing. I did have to wonder, aside from a couple of comments to the police, what exactly did our main characters bring to it? I think the police would have gotten there eventually and Flora's actions after a certain event (ie: no action at all) was faintly mindboggling.
I still enjoyed it however and would pick up another in this series if it came my way.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
There was a lot going on in this book, a couple of murders, a couple of attempted murders, a long buried secret and tragedy that touched so many lives... it was rather action packed, all things being said. Add to that a fairly engaging couple of main characters, a whole host of interesting characters and suspects, and finally a cop that made you want to rage, and you're in for an entertaining couple of hours with is book.
I liked the characters, I liked Flora's struggles with what she wants from her life, although I really wish she will talk to Jack about it - these things will affect him too. The side characters were all fine, although a little more development of some of the suspects would have been nice.
The mystery itself is full of action, regret and death. In the end, they got almost everything wrong - they at least talk about this - and the denouement, when it happens, is a surprise and happens 'off page' which was a little disappointing. I did have to wonder, aside from a couple of comments to the police, what exactly did our main characters bring to it? I think the police would have gotten there eventually and Flora's actions after a certain event (ie: no action at all) was faintly mindboggling.
I still enjoyed it however and would pick up another in this series if it came my way.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
September 2, 2025
I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy of Murder by Firelight. All opinions and comments are my own.
This, the twelfth book in the series finds Flora and Jack looking forward to heading back home to Abbeymead after Jack’s teaching sojourn at a nearby college. But before that happens, a Guy Fawkes Day celebration ends with a bang as a participant practically falls dead at their feet. Flora for once would like this to all go away, but private investigations are in the blood of the inquisitive bookshop owner and her like-minded mystery-book-writer husband. So, Jack decides to take the lead (as it were) on this one, and a surprising tale it turns out to be.
We’ve got obvious suspects that turn out to be not so obvious, and mysteries from the past which are pretty much guaranteed to cause trouble in the present. Inspector Ridley’s on the case, thank goodness, after some kerfuffle with the local constabulary which just clouds the issue at hand. And while Flora may wish she was out of it (there’s a lot in the book about her feeling somewhat “out of sorts;” in fact, the mystery almost takes a back seat to what’s going on with Flora), she does do some sleuthing on her own, and finds that a pretty bad idea, actually. Luckily, all’s well that ends well, and a very devious murderer is revealed.
As usual, there is little of historical time and place in a Flora and Jack story (which remains my main criticism). Murder by Firelight does its job as a vehicle for the two to move along to more “life at Abbeymead,” and it will be good to get back to village goings-on (hopefully).
This, the twelfth book in the series finds Flora and Jack looking forward to heading back home to Abbeymead after Jack’s teaching sojourn at a nearby college. But before that happens, a Guy Fawkes Day celebration ends with a bang as a participant practically falls dead at their feet. Flora for once would like this to all go away, but private investigations are in the blood of the inquisitive bookshop owner and her like-minded mystery-book-writer husband. So, Jack decides to take the lead (as it were) on this one, and a surprising tale it turns out to be.
We’ve got obvious suspects that turn out to be not so obvious, and mysteries from the past which are pretty much guaranteed to cause trouble in the present. Inspector Ridley’s on the case, thank goodness, after some kerfuffle with the local constabulary which just clouds the issue at hand. And while Flora may wish she was out of it (there’s a lot in the book about her feeling somewhat “out of sorts;” in fact, the mystery almost takes a back seat to what’s going on with Flora), she does do some sleuthing on her own, and finds that a pretty bad idea, actually. Luckily, all’s well that ends well, and a very devious murderer is revealed.
As usual, there is little of historical time and place in a Flora and Jack story (which remains my main criticism). Murder by Firelight does its job as a vehicle for the two to move along to more “life at Abbeymead,” and it will be good to get back to village goings-on (hopefully).
September 5, 2025
It is September 1959 in Sussex. Villagers had been enjoying a Lewes bonfire celebration, with several striking carnival floats. Flora Steele and her husband Jack Carrington were among the revelers. The celebration comes to a screeching stop when Trevor French, the head of the Great Bonfire Society falls off of his float, and Flora, Jack and others rush to his aid.
One thing is for certain. Trevor’s death was no accident due to that fall. He was murdered. His bloodied body proved that. Flora is a small bookshop owner and Jack is a teacher and a writer. However, they are also amateur detectives. Flora may have been the one eager to jump into sleuthing previously, but she is ready to step back, leaving the investigations to the police. However, Jack is determined to
find the murderer.
Jack’s plans to give up teaching at Cleve College to write full time has its moments of trepidation. For now, his writing would have to be pushed to the side as he determinedly looks for Trevor French’s murderer. With Jack much more invested than Flora, he leaves no stone unturned. Of course, Flora dearly loves Jack so she does what she can to stop, not just the murder of Trevor, but another murder that takes place as well. Of course, this will no doubt make things very tenuous for the couple as there is clearly more than one person that could be responsible.
Twelves books in and yet each installment in this series takes on a fresh take with a couple who have a penchant for solving the crimes that always seem to happen in or around their presence. But, as a cozy mystery lover, this is perfect! I love Flores and Jack together and hope that they have many more stories in the future.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
One thing is for certain. Trevor’s death was no accident due to that fall. He was murdered. His bloodied body proved that. Flora is a small bookshop owner and Jack is a teacher and a writer. However, they are also amateur detectives. Flora may have been the one eager to jump into sleuthing previously, but she is ready to step back, leaving the investigations to the police. However, Jack is determined to
find the murderer.
Jack’s plans to give up teaching at Cleve College to write full time has its moments of trepidation. For now, his writing would have to be pushed to the side as he determinedly looks for Trevor French’s murderer. With Jack much more invested than Flora, he leaves no stone unturned. Of course, Flora dearly loves Jack so she does what she can to stop, not just the murder of Trevor, but another murder that takes place as well. Of course, this will no doubt make things very tenuous for the couple as there is clearly more than one person that could be responsible.
Twelves books in and yet each installment in this series takes on a fresh take with a couple who have a penchant for solving the crimes that always seem to happen in or around their presence. But, as a cozy mystery lover, this is perfect! I love Flores and Jack together and hope that they have many more stories in the future.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 20, 2025
Murder by Firelight by Marry Allingham is the 12th Flora Steele mystery and an extremely entertaining one. Flora and Jack are nearing the end of their time in Lewes and are out watching a parade celebrating Guy Fawkes with a Bonfire Night when a man falls off a float and right at their feet. At first they thought it was a simple trip and fall but as Jack struggles to move the man off the road, he pulls his hand out and it is covered with blood. This turned out to be a convoluted murder, exacerbated by the fact that Jack’s friend, Inspector Alan Ridley, was absent for much of it caring for his sick mother. The man substituting for him didn’t appreciate Jack and Flora’s help. Flora wan’t interested in investigating but her natural curiosity soon took hold and she was m ore involved than was Jack.
This two are a wonderful pair. Married now, we have followed their antics for years. Both a little older, conservative, yet always ready to dive in. Jack is still writing novels, although his recent stint at teaching has slowed him down some, and Flora’s bookshop occupies much of her time back in the village. Jack has moved in with Flora but his old home has been let again, and Jack is having some trouble letting go. Then, the tenant ends up dead as well. A very entertaining cozy mystery, set in England in the early part of the Twentieth Century, I highly recommend it.
I was invited to read Murder by Firelight by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #MerrynAllingham #MurderByFirelight
This two are a wonderful pair. Married now, we have followed their antics for years. Both a little older, conservative, yet always ready to dive in. Jack is still writing novels, although his recent stint at teaching has slowed him down some, and Flora’s bookshop occupies much of her time back in the village. Jack has moved in with Flora but his old home has been let again, and Jack is having some trouble letting go. Then, the tenant ends up dead as well. A very entertaining cozy mystery, set in England in the early part of the Twentieth Century, I highly recommend it.
I was invited to read Murder by Firelight by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #MerrynAllingham #MurderByFirelight
September 26, 2025
Flora and Jack are enjoying the traditional Bonfire Night celebrations in Lewes when a man in the procession is killed…
Murder by Firelight is the 12th book in the Flora Steele (now married to Jack Carrington) series of murder mysteries set in the 1950s.
Flora and Jack are preparing to leave Lewes now Jack's contract is ending. They enjoy the Bonfire Night procession but their final memories of the town are tarnished by the death of one of the parade members. Usually it is Flora pushing to investigate but this time it is Jack who wants to find the killer of the man who died in his arms.
Their efforts are impeded by a police officer. Inspector Ridley is not available due to a sick relative and his replacement doesn’t appreciate their involvement. There are plenty of suspects to question but the amateur sleuths struggle to find a motive. Then other murders happen leading to an even more challenging case.
I enjoyed the geographical and historical setting of the book. Flora and Jack are looking ahead to their future in the village and possibly even a family and a house move, so I look forward to seeing where the author takes these characters next.
Murder by Firelight is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery.
Murder by Firelight is the 12th book in the Flora Steele (now married to Jack Carrington) series of murder mysteries set in the 1950s.
Flora and Jack are preparing to leave Lewes now Jack's contract is ending. They enjoy the Bonfire Night procession but their final memories of the town are tarnished by the death of one of the parade members. Usually it is Flora pushing to investigate but this time it is Jack who wants to find the killer of the man who died in his arms.
Their efforts are impeded by a police officer. Inspector Ridley is not available due to a sick relative and his replacement doesn’t appreciate their involvement. There are plenty of suspects to question but the amateur sleuths struggle to find a motive. Then other murders happen leading to an even more challenging case.
I enjoyed the geographical and historical setting of the book. Flora and Jack are looking ahead to their future in the village and possibly even a family and a house move, so I look forward to seeing where the author takes these characters next.
Murder by Firelight is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery.
August 24, 2025
1959
Flora and Jack attended the traditional Bonfire Night celebrations in Lewes where different local societies compete to build effigies of current or historical characters engage in a parade with carts.
At one point a man falls from his cart and Jack is the one who discovers that the man was fatally stabbed. The prime suspect for the killing is a colleague of Jack’s and he feels compelled to investigate even though Flora is less motivated and also that the friendly DI is on leave with a dolt left to manage the case as quickly as he can without regard for justice.
A bit more dark and twisty than usual, but an excellent read. *****review
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Bookouture via NetGalley.
#MurderByFirelight by @merrynallingham #FloraSteeleMysteriesBk12 @bookouture #NetGalley
Avail Sep 04, 2025
#cozymystery @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @waterstones *****Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk @kobo #historicalmystery #murder #familydrama #pageturner #professor #bookseller #banter #witty #Sussex #unputdownable
Flora and Jack attended the traditional Bonfire Night celebrations in Lewes where different local societies compete to build effigies of current or historical characters engage in a parade with carts.
At one point a man falls from his cart and Jack is the one who discovers that the man was fatally stabbed. The prime suspect for the killing is a colleague of Jack’s and he feels compelled to investigate even though Flora is less motivated and also that the friendly DI is on leave with a dolt left to manage the case as quickly as he can without regard for justice.
A bit more dark and twisty than usual, but an excellent read. *****review
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Bookouture via NetGalley.
#MurderByFirelight by @merrynallingham #FloraSteeleMysteriesBk12 @bookouture #NetGalley
Avail Sep 04, 2025
#cozymystery @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble @waterstones *****Review @booksamillion @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk @kobo #historicalmystery #murder #familydrama #pageturner #professor #bookseller #banter #witty #Sussex #unputdownable
July 21, 2025
It's Bonfire night for the Societies of Lewes and they groups are marching from the top of town to the bottom. Flora and Jack are watching, and suddenly a masked man falls off the float right in front of them. He has been knifed in his side and is dead. The man was Trevor French, the Chief of the Grove Society. The man who was standing beside the dead man was Leo Nelson, who had purchased Overlay House from Jack. Inspector Ridley is on leave to take care of his mother, and the replacement is not very good. He is only considering Leo Nelson as the culprit. Of course, Flora and Jack have to do their investigations to save the man who is living in Overlay House. They quickly learn that Edwin Brooker had been the former Chief and was also standing beside the dead man and now is back as Chief.
As the book nears the end, Flora decides she has to do one more thing. She orders a new dress from a very successful dress maker. That turns out to be a very dangerous thing!
This book is a great addition to the series. I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC allowing me to read the book before publication.
As the book nears the end, Flora decides she has to do one more thing. She orders a new dress from a very successful dress maker. That turns out to be a very dangerous thing!
This book is a great addition to the series. I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC allowing me to read the book before publication.
August 1, 2025
Flora and Jack are at Bonfire night when one of the members falls from a float and lands right at their feet. Jack aims to help the man only to find that he's been stabbed. The immediate suspect is the man renting Jack's old house and while they aren't friends, Jack strongly believes in the man's innocence. In a twist from the norm, he has to convince Flora to sleuth as she wants nothing to do with the investigation. She does cave and becomes intrigued by all the twists and turns this case brings on.
I love this series, I love Flora and Jack, but I did find myself frustrated by Flora's stubbornness a few times throughout the book. I understand her attachment to her cottage but Jack is clearly not comfortable there but sucking it up to make her happy. I do hope they can come to a solution that makes them both happy. I was happy to see that they are now fully back in Abbeymead and can't wait to see what trouble they find themselves in next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC
I love this series, I love Flora and Jack, but I did find myself frustrated by Flora's stubbornness a few times throughout the book. I understand her attachment to her cottage but Jack is clearly not comfortable there but sucking it up to make her happy. I do hope they can come to a solution that makes them both happy. I was happy to see that they are now fully back in Abbeymead and can't wait to see what trouble they find themselves in next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC
September 9, 2025
Back from their Venice honeymoon, Flora and Jack are excited to visit a nearby town during Guy Fawkes Night; this town is renowned for mounting numerous floats prepared by various Bonfire groups who all compete for the best float. Unfortunately the celebration is marred when a man falls from one of the floats right in front of Flora and Jack, and subsequently dies of a stab wound. At first, the couple are reluctant to become involved, but Flora can’t resist asking just a few questions of the people who knew the victim and at least one person is suspicious that she might be on the right track….This is the 12th Flora Steele mystery, set in a 1950s English village, and it’s as delightful as the rest; very light (despite murder and arson and poisonings) and Jack and Flora are a well-matched couple whose strengths in detective work complement each other. I think one could pick up the series at any point, but starting with the first book in the series (The Bookshop Murder) will give the reader a richer experience as the characters develop throughout the series. Recommended.
July 18, 2025
Flora and Jack are watching Bonfire Night at Lewes and it’s quite a spectacle. All is entertaining until a man falls off the float at their feet and they realize he’s been stabbed! Flora and Jack aren’t planning to get involved. After all, they didn’t know the man, it’s almost Christmas, and Jack’s time with the college is coming to an end so they will be able to live full time in Flora’s hometown. Flora is not ready to investigate as she is excited not to be dividing her time between two towns, but when an acquaintance of Jack’s is the main suspect, Jack is the one getting involved this time. But soon Flora is pulled into the sleuthing.
The mystery is twisty with hidden motives to dig out. The characters are lovely; Jack and Flora are happily married and their friendships in the town are important. The setting adds to the Christmas feeling with cold weather and snow falling.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC.
The mystery is twisty with hidden motives to dig out. The characters are lovely; Jack and Flora are happily married and their friendships in the town are important. The setting adds to the Christmas feeling with cold weather and snow falling.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 23, 2025
Another excellent book in the Flora Steele mysteries. This one had more possibilities in terms of villains and who potential murderers were than any other previous book that I can remember. But what I liked was how both Flora and Jack seemed preoccupied by other people and their ideas about the murder and attempted murders than in their own relationship.
They both go off on their own investigating and they both have close calls but that doesn’t stop them from continuing even if they both agree to stop.
Jack has a book to complete and Flora wants to return to her beloved book shop. But neither can stop their inclination to solve another murder.
The actual murderer was a complete surprise to me.
Too bad because I actually initially liked that character and thought that maybe Flora would develop a new friendship. Oh well I was certainly wrong.
They both go off on their own investigating and they both have close calls but that doesn’t stop them from continuing even if they both agree to stop.
Jack has a book to complete and Flora wants to return to her beloved book shop. But neither can stop their inclination to solve another murder.
The actual murderer was a complete surprise to me.
Too bad because I actually initially liked that character and thought that maybe Flora would develop a new friendship. Oh well I was certainly wrong.
September 16, 2025
Joining in the crowds watching the parade
Never expecting what's about to be played.
Fireworks flying overhead
A portent that someone will soon be dead?
A man on a float falls down to the ground
Flora and Jack are the nearest around.
A head injury, yes, but there's so much blood, too,
Another murder mystery case for these two.
As always in this fantastic series there are twists galore
Making you reluctant to put it down, wanting to know more!
The investigation brings along a detective who is new
Who certainly doesn't respect what our duo do!
A fascinating read, I highly recommend
A delightful case in which time to spend.
For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Never expecting what's about to be played.
Fireworks flying overhead
A portent that someone will soon be dead?
A man on a float falls down to the ground
Flora and Jack are the nearest around.
A head injury, yes, but there's so much blood, too,
Another murder mystery case for these two.
As always in this fantastic series there are twists galore
Making you reluctant to put it down, wanting to know more!
The investigation brings along a detective who is new
Who certainly doesn't respect what our duo do!
A fascinating read, I highly recommend
A delightful case in which time to spend.
For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
September 4, 2025
An atmospheric Bonfire Night celebration ends with a death, and Jack and Flora, who witness the victim's demise, soon find they are embroiled in the investigation even though they would rather just return home to their cosy village home. The police believe it to be a straightforward case, but many have motives, and not all of them are immediately apparent. Both Flora and Jack toy with danger to seek the truth. I appreciate the historical 1950s setting of this story, which adds additional interest. I like the cast of characters, new and familiar and the dynamic between the amateur sleuthing duo.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
October 6, 2025
I’ve loved reading about Flora, Abbeymead and The Alls Well book shop right from the first book, The Bookshop Murder, where we are introduced to lovely characters like Alice and especially Jack.
This book is the latest in the series of books, No12!
The murders aren’t overly gruesome to read about and the way Flora and Jack feel they have to investigate them draws you in too. I picture the shop, the village, the characters and it leaves you thinking, how nice it would be to visit such a place and meet the people.
Thank you Ms Allingham for writing such descriptive and welcoming books. Cannot wait for the next adventure.
This book is the latest in the series of books, No12!
The murders aren’t overly gruesome to read about and the way Flora and Jack feel they have to investigate them draws you in too. I picture the shop, the village, the characters and it leaves you thinking, how nice it would be to visit such a place and meet the people.
Thank you Ms Allingham for writing such descriptive and welcoming books. Cannot wait for the next adventure.
September 12, 2025
A simply wonderful read
Merryn Allingham, in my opinion, always delivers an enjoyable cosy read and this book was no exception. The plot was interesting and very much in keeping with the genre but what I loved most was the location, the era and the characters. There was a glimpse into a world and people's lives that by now will have passed into history - I found myself wondering what became of the village and the personalities in the decades ahead. This was not part of the actual story but the writing prompted me to care and wonder.
Merryn Allingham, in my opinion, always delivers an enjoyable cosy read and this book was no exception. The plot was interesting and very much in keeping with the genre but what I loved most was the location, the era and the characters. There was a glimpse into a world and people's lives that by now will have passed into history - I found myself wondering what became of the village and the personalities in the decades ahead. This was not part of the actual story but the writing prompted me to care and wonder.
September 17, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Merryn Allingham for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder by Firelight coming out September 4, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I have only read 1 book in the series, but I really enjoyed it. This book was a little slow for me. I wasn’t into it as much as I thought I’d be. But I really enjoy cozy mysteries. I would definitely check out more books in this series.
I have only read 1 book in the series, but I really enjoyed it. This book was a little slow for me. I wasn’t into it as much as I thought I’d be. But I really enjoy cozy mysteries. I would definitely check out more books in this series.
September 28, 2025
It’s so great to be back with Flora and Jack, and their latest story is absolutely riveting! It’s packed with murder, mystery, and twists, turns, and red herrings that’ll keep you guessing until the very end. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, wondering what would happen next. It feels like this book is building up to something big, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. I’m super excited for the next book in this amazing series!
October 17, 2025
This is such a good series of mysteries, and this newest installment is no exception. The mystery itself is well-plotted, and the recurring characters continue to be a main draw for the series as their relationships deepen and adapt. The English settings become part of the story but never overwhelm. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.
August 30, 2025
Another brilliant addition to the series.
Just like Flora couldn't stop investigating in Venice, Jack couldn't keep out of this one. I felt glad that the author called out the fact that Flora acted the same way in Venice.
The plot was good and intricate, and I liked seeing how Flora and Jack's married life developed.
Just like Flora couldn't stop investigating in Venice, Jack couldn't keep out of this one. I felt glad that the author called out the fact that Flora acted the same way in Venice.
The plot was good and intricate, and I liked seeing how Flora and Jack's married life developed.
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