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Second Hand Murder: A thrilling, race-against-the-clock cozy mystery
A murder too close to home.After successfully solving several Beaujolais murders, I’m ready to hang up my deerstalker and focus on my photography business. A champagne party seems like the perfect way to find new clients!
But my assistant is attacked, this heatwave just won’t end, and to top it all off, my criminal ex-husband shows up on my doorstep asking for my help. Moments after I've slammed the door in his face, one of my guests is murdered in my own home, and with my own shoe!
All fingers point to my ex, but I’m not so sure. Could it have been one of the other guests? And who keeps making these attempts on my life? This murderer is getting too close, and I can’t think straight! I will need the help of friends both new and old if I’m to solve this case. Because if I don’t, it just might be my last.
Second Hand Murder is a fair-play mystery with elements of a domestic thriller. Fans of Richard Osman, The Marlow Murder Club, and Susan Kiernan-Lewis will be delighted!
"Brilliantly designed" - Goodreads review
"What an interesting series finale" - Goodreads review
"Definitely worth the read" - Goodreads review
But my assistant is attacked, this heatwave just won’t end, and to top it all off, my criminal ex-husband shows up on my doorstep asking for my help. Moments after I've slammed the door in his face, one of my guests is murdered in my own home, and with my own shoe!
All fingers point to my ex, but I’m not so sure. Could it have been one of the other guests? And who keeps making these attempts on my life? This murderer is getting too close, and I can’t think straight! I will need the help of friends both new and old if I’m to solve this case. Because if I don’t, it just might be my last.
Second Hand Murder is a fair-play mystery with elements of a domestic thriller. Fans of Richard Osman, The Marlow Murder Club, and Susan Kiernan-Lewis will be delighted!
"Brilliantly designed" - Goodreads review
"What an interesting series finale" - Goodreads review
"Definitely worth the read" - Goodreads review
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2025
2 people want to read
About the author
Christa Bakker
8 books84 followersFREE story! https://christabakker.com/newsletter
Of Dutch origins, formerly in France and presently based in southern Britain, Christa Bakker spends her days gazing at romantic countryside, wondering how to describe it to do it justice. She loves good food, good puzzles and good villains.
Christa writes happy little bloody murders, but if she stares at you, don’t worry. She’s not planning to kill you, she’s just borrowing body parts for her next character.
Her daily accomplishments include keeping her two children alive, leaving her husband in peace, and not eating too much chocolate. Although that last one depends on your definition.
Don't forget that FREE STORY: https://christabakker.com/newsletter
And follow me on social media: @ChristaBakkerAuthor
Of Dutch origins, formerly in France and presently based in southern Britain, Christa Bakker spends her days gazing at romantic countryside, wondering how to describe it to do it justice. She loves good food, good puzzles and good villains.
Christa writes happy little bloody murders, but if she stares at you, don’t worry. She’s not planning to kill you, she’s just borrowing body parts for her next character.
Her daily accomplishments include keeping her two children alive, leaving her husband in peace, and not eating too much chocolate. Although that last one depends on your definition.
Don't forget that FREE STORY: https://christabakker.com/newsletter
And follow me on social media: @ChristaBakkerAuthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 26, 2025
Second Hand Murder is the sixth and final book in this interesting and intriguing series set in a French village.
There’s new characters joining our established personas. Everything is significant, so pay close attention. Not only is there a current investigation, or two, but there’s also Beau’s family history and involvement unravelling. Who is lying and why?
Do read the books in order for maximum enjoyment.
There’s new characters joining our established personas. Everything is significant, so pay close attention. Not only is there a current investigation, or two, but there’s also Beau’s family history and involvement unravelling. Who is lying and why?
Do read the books in order for maximum enjoyment.
July 8, 2025
The characters and the story are both delightful and charming. There are murders and killers but you won't know who they are unless you are very good at putting together clues and villains. The last book in this series leaves me saddened to say goodbye. It has been an engaging ride along.
Highly Recommended.
Highly Recommended.
July 6, 2025
What an interesting series finale. I’m sad it has come to an end, as I enjoyed the exploits of Julie & Beau. It starts off with Julie off-loading a lot of her late great-aunt’s belongings on a stall with Celine at a second-hand market. When packing up Beau gets hit on the head and a box gets stolen from him. Later that day, Julie has a party where an, unknown to her, woman gets murdered. She tries not to get involved but, in the end, she just has to!
August 27, 2025
A thoroughly gripping cozy mystery with a high degree of stay-up-all-night suspense. I loved the story and the characters, especially Beau, it was wonderful to learn more about him.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
August 2, 2025
A well penned gem!
Anytime I get to spend the day reading another of Christa Bakka’s Saint-Maurice mysteries I know it’s going to be a good one. Second Hand Murder is just another gem. A lot more excitement and close calls than some of the earlier books I found this one even more exhilarating. The story was a perfectly penned murder mystery that kept me turning the pages. Julie Belmain, the intrepid amateur sleuth, and Beau, her live in sleuthing partner, really have their work cut out for them this time. I was stunned by the ending. Truly enjoyable! Highly recommend!
Anytime I get to spend the day reading another of Christa Bakka’s Saint-Maurice mysteries I know it’s going to be a good one. Second Hand Murder is just another gem. A lot more excitement and close calls than some of the earlier books I found this one even more exhilarating. The story was a perfectly penned murder mystery that kept me turning the pages. Julie Belmain, the intrepid amateur sleuth, and Beau, her live in sleuthing partner, really have their work cut out for them this time. I was stunned by the ending. Truly enjoyable! Highly recommend!
July 8, 2025
Second Hand Murder is the 6th and final book in the Saint-Maurice Mystery series.
Julie Belmain is throwing a champagne party for current and potential clients.
With her ex-con husband showing up unexpectedly, and one of the guest dying.
It's not exactly the party she had envisioned.
There are developed characters and a good plotline that has several unexpected twists.
Julie Belmain is throwing a champagne party for current and potential clients.
With her ex-con husband showing up unexpectedly, and one of the guest dying.
It's not exactly the party she had envisioned.
There are developed characters and a good plotline that has several unexpected twists.
July 13, 2025
Wow! Talk about going out with a bang!
Puzzle pieces carefully strewn throughout the series, are put together to finally complete the big picture.
This story, and the whole series, are brilliantly designed to come to a perfect grand finale.
If you don't want to miss any of the puzzle pieces, you should read this series from the start to the finish. Only then will you truly appreciate the brilliance of the author.
Well done, Christa. You did an incredible job!
Puzzle pieces carefully strewn throughout the series, are put together to finally complete the big picture.
This story, and the whole series, are brilliantly designed to come to a perfect grand finale.
If you don't want to miss any of the puzzle pieces, you should read this series from the start to the finish. Only then will you truly appreciate the brilliance of the author.
Well done, Christa. You did an incredible job!
July 30, 2025
What a fitting finale to this series! I loved it! All threads were wrapped up nicely with a large helping of treachery, betrayal, murder, and backstabbing. Not to mention gaslighting. I am happy that Julie had such staunch friends and family to support her and help her figure out this mystery. I loved reading this book and this series! Fantastic!
July 24, 2025
Julie's ex is back in town and a suspect in two murders. Julie and Beau work to find the culprit. Lots of red herrings, but Julie and Beau find the murders in the end. I have enjoyed this series with its interesting characters and French village. I was an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion.
July 30, 2025
Julie's life has taken a dark turn after her ex husband was released from jail. and oh! Beau... This the last in the series sadly. I have grown quite fond of the characters and setting. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 24, 2025
A great cozy mystery full of interesting characters that will make you smile throughout. A wonderful storyline will keep you guessing to the end. An amazing cozy mystery.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
July 8, 2025
Definitely worth the read, especially if you have read any of the others in the series.
August 30, 2025
Murder,secrets, suspense and humour make this an intriguing read. Great characters in the read too. I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews