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Honey Driver Mystery #14
A Claim to Murder
Discover a fiendishly twisty new whodunnit, starring Bath’s answer to Miss Marple — quirky, chaotic and utterly lovable hotelier Honey Driver.
Life couldn’t be sweeter for Honey Driver, floating around the Med on her own private yacht, with her dishy detective husband Steve.
But dark clouds are gathering on Honey’s perfect horizon. And the forecast looks like murder!
When Honey’s love boat sinks in a freak accident, she has no choice but to return to rain-drenched Bath. But now that Honey needs him, her insurance broker, silver-tongued Norman Glendower, is nowhere to be found.
He’s not at his luxury offices in town and he’s not answering his phone.
Honey could kill Norman for leaving her in this fix. But what if someone got there first?
Behind the gates of leafy Regency Gardens, the exclusive complex where Norman lives, something is terribly amiss. Norman’s mewling cat leads a curious neighbour straight to his dead body!
He’s been bludgeoned and left for dead on the pristine tiles of his designer kitchen. Which of his many enemies was the one to strike the fatal blow?
Honey’s on the case — with a killer watching her every move . . .
Life couldn’t be sweeter for Honey Driver, floating around the Med on her own private yacht, with her dishy detective husband Steve.
But dark clouds are gathering on Honey’s perfect horizon. And the forecast looks like murder!
When Honey’s love boat sinks in a freak accident, she has no choice but to return to rain-drenched Bath. But now that Honey needs him, her insurance broker, silver-tongued Norman Glendower, is nowhere to be found.
He’s not at his luxury offices in town and he’s not answering his phone.
Honey could kill Norman for leaving her in this fix. But what if someone got there first?
Behind the gates of leafy Regency Gardens, the exclusive complex where Norman lives, something is terribly amiss. Norman’s mewling cat leads a curious neighbour straight to his dead body!
He’s been bludgeoned and left for dead on the pristine tiles of his designer kitchen. Which of his many enemies was the one to strike the fatal blow?
Honey’s on the case — with a killer watching her every move . . .
238 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2025
About the author
Jean G. Goodhind
22 books27 followersJean G. Goodhind is a popular writer of women’s fiction, romance and comedy. For many years she owned and ran a haunted guest house on the outskirts of Bath and was one of the founder members of the Bath Hotel and Restaurant Association. Her experiences inspired the international bestselling Honey Driver series. She has won a BBC Radio award for scriptwriting. She also writes women’s fiction as Lizzie Lane and has writes a regular column for the Western Daily Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 11, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for this honest review.
Honey Driver, a hotel owner and amateur sleuth, and her partner Steve (a police detective on sabbatical) are forced to return home from two years of yachting when their boat sinks in a sudden accident. They return to Bath to find that their insurance agent has scammed them–and he’s just been murdered.
I’ll start with the positives. There were a few characters that stood out to me as really interesting and well-written. The most notable of which was Mrs. Faversham. Her background and outlook on life were intriguing and I enjoyed the scenes written from her POV. I also appreciated that the main characters were allowed to have hobbies, complicated feelings, and a sense of humor, despite being middle-aged. This book was the fourteenth entry in a series, and you could tell, but I thought the author did a good job introducing established places and characters in an accessible way for new readers.
However, I felt writing was unimpressive overall. The pacing was very odd and the conclusion of the mystery was not well-explained and really rushed. The plot left a lot to be desired. I also didn’t care for Steve, Honey’s partner (Boyfriend? Husband? Fiance? Unclear). He struck me as childish (despite being in his fifties) and self-centered.
For me, this was two out of five stars. It wasn’t awful, but I didn’t really enjoy it very much either. If you like cozy (and sort of silly) mysteries with a large cast of quirky characters, you might enjoy this series.
Honey Driver, a hotel owner and amateur sleuth, and her partner Steve (a police detective on sabbatical) are forced to return home from two years of yachting when their boat sinks in a sudden accident. They return to Bath to find that their insurance agent has scammed them–and he’s just been murdered.
I’ll start with the positives. There were a few characters that stood out to me as really interesting and well-written. The most notable of which was Mrs. Faversham. Her background and outlook on life were intriguing and I enjoyed the scenes written from her POV. I also appreciated that the main characters were allowed to have hobbies, complicated feelings, and a sense of humor, despite being middle-aged. This book was the fourteenth entry in a series, and you could tell, but I thought the author did a good job introducing established places and characters in an accessible way for new readers.
However, I felt writing was unimpressive overall. The pacing was very odd and the conclusion of the mystery was not well-explained and really rushed. The plot left a lot to be desired. I also didn’t care for Steve, Honey’s partner (Boyfriend? Husband? Fiance? Unclear). He struck me as childish (despite being in his fifties) and self-centered.
For me, this was two out of five stars. It wasn’t awful, but I didn’t really enjoy it very much either. If you like cozy (and sort of silly) mysteries with a large cast of quirky characters, you might enjoy this series.
August 30, 2025
Here is my review for A Claim To Murder by Jean G Goodhind
I truly enjoyed this intriguing cozy mystery which ends up being set in Bath. Honey Driver and her husband DI Steve Doherty have to return once their lovely yacht sinks after hitting something from a cargo ship. They have been trying to contact their insurance broker, Norman Glendower, but the phone is just ringing out and his office at the address they have for him. Unfortunately, it appears that something has happened to Norman. His upset cat manages to lead a curious neighbour straight to where his prone body lays. He’s been attacked and left for dead on the tiles of his kitchen floor. Honey gets onto the case of trying to find out who killed him from the list of enemies he had. I got into this great story straight away right from the start of the book. I liked Honey, who seemed lovely, quirky and bright plus I liked the introduction to her although this is book fourteen and the first book I have read in the series. The other characters seemed to be written well with plenty of realization to them. I liked the setting of their hotel and the two people they have running it for them. The story is the type of mystery that I love reading. I was hooked right from the start of the story and found that I couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know what happened next. I liked the author’s writing style and I found it really easy to get into. I felt as though I could visualize the scenes as I was reading them, the writing made it feel that real to me. The writing was very descriptive and everything was described in great detail. The synopsis of the story drew me to read this book and I most certainly wasn’t disappointed in reading it. I would like to read more books in this series.
Blurb :
Discover a fiendishly twisty new whodunit, starring Bath’s answer to Miss Marple — quirky, chaotic and utterly lovable hotelier Honey Driver.
Life couldn’t be sweeter for Honey, floating around the Med on her own private yacht, with her dishy detective husband Steve.
But dark clouds are gathering on Honey’s perfect horizon. And the forecast looks like murder!
When Honey’s love boat sinks in a freak accident, she has no choice but to return to rain-drenched Bath. But now that Honey needs him, her insurance broker, silver-tongued Norman Glendower, is nowhere to be found.
He’s not at his luxury offices in town and he’s not answering his phone.
Honey could kill Norman for leaving her in this fix. But what if someone got there first?
Behind the gates of leafy Regency Gardens, the exclusive complex where Norman lives, something is terribly amiss. Norman’s mewling cat leads a curious neighbour straight to his dead body!
He’s been bludgeoned and left for dead on the pristine tiles of his designer kitchen. Which of his many enemies was the one to strike the fatal blow?
Honey’s on the case — with a killer watching her every move . . .
Fans of Faith Martin, Jane Adams, Frances Evesham, M.C. Beaton, Clare Chase or Jeanne M. Dams will love this addictive cozy mystery!
MEET HONEY DRIVER
As the boss at a Bath hotel, Honey Driver is in charge one day and washing dishes the next. As a widowed mum, she’s balancing mothering an increasingly challenging teenage daughter alongside a new and budding relationship with local police officer, DI Steve Doherty. As the police liaison for the Bath Hotels Association, she’s supposed to be staying out of trouble . . .
THE SETTING
Nestled in the rolling hills of Somerset, the beautiful city of Bath brims with lovely Georgian architecture, a buzzing cultural scene and the well-preserved Roman baths that give it its name. As the owner of the Green River Hotel, Honey is immersed in the city’s bustling hospitality scene — where gossip flows as freely as the afternoon tea, and scandal is never far from the surface. It’s a honey-coloured haven for tourists — and the occasional criminal element.
I truly enjoyed this intriguing cozy mystery which ends up being set in Bath. Honey Driver and her husband DI Steve Doherty have to return once their lovely yacht sinks after hitting something from a cargo ship. They have been trying to contact their insurance broker, Norman Glendower, but the phone is just ringing out and his office at the address they have for him. Unfortunately, it appears that something has happened to Norman. His upset cat manages to lead a curious neighbour straight to where his prone body lays. He’s been attacked and left for dead on the tiles of his kitchen floor. Honey gets onto the case of trying to find out who killed him from the list of enemies he had. I got into this great story straight away right from the start of the book. I liked Honey, who seemed lovely, quirky and bright plus I liked the introduction to her although this is book fourteen and the first book I have read in the series. The other characters seemed to be written well with plenty of realization to them. I liked the setting of their hotel and the two people they have running it for them. The story is the type of mystery that I love reading. I was hooked right from the start of the story and found that I couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know what happened next. I liked the author’s writing style and I found it really easy to get into. I felt as though I could visualize the scenes as I was reading them, the writing made it feel that real to me. The writing was very descriptive and everything was described in great detail. The synopsis of the story drew me to read this book and I most certainly wasn’t disappointed in reading it. I would like to read more books in this series.
Blurb :
Discover a fiendishly twisty new whodunit, starring Bath’s answer to Miss Marple — quirky, chaotic and utterly lovable hotelier Honey Driver.
Life couldn’t be sweeter for Honey, floating around the Med on her own private yacht, with her dishy detective husband Steve.
But dark clouds are gathering on Honey’s perfect horizon. And the forecast looks like murder!
When Honey’s love boat sinks in a freak accident, she has no choice but to return to rain-drenched Bath. But now that Honey needs him, her insurance broker, silver-tongued Norman Glendower, is nowhere to be found.
He’s not at his luxury offices in town and he’s not answering his phone.
Honey could kill Norman for leaving her in this fix. But what if someone got there first?
Behind the gates of leafy Regency Gardens, the exclusive complex where Norman lives, something is terribly amiss. Norman’s mewling cat leads a curious neighbour straight to his dead body!
He’s been bludgeoned and left for dead on the pristine tiles of his designer kitchen. Which of his many enemies was the one to strike the fatal blow?
Honey’s on the case — with a killer watching her every move . . .
Fans of Faith Martin, Jane Adams, Frances Evesham, M.C. Beaton, Clare Chase or Jeanne M. Dams will love this addictive cozy mystery!
MEET HONEY DRIVER
As the boss at a Bath hotel, Honey Driver is in charge one day and washing dishes the next. As a widowed mum, she’s balancing mothering an increasingly challenging teenage daughter alongside a new and budding relationship with local police officer, DI Steve Doherty. As the police liaison for the Bath Hotels Association, she’s supposed to be staying out of trouble . . .
THE SETTING
Nestled in the rolling hills of Somerset, the beautiful city of Bath brims with lovely Georgian architecture, a buzzing cultural scene and the well-preserved Roman baths that give it its name. As the owner of the Green River Hotel, Honey is immersed in the city’s bustling hospitality scene — where gossip flows as freely as the afternoon tea, and scandal is never far from the surface. It’s a honey-coloured haven for tourists — and the occasional criminal element.
June 29, 2025
2* This missed the mark for me. I don't really think the author thought the plot out, just characters that she wanted to use, relevant or not, the best of which was the bengal, followed by Mary-Jane.
I really wanted to like this cosy mystery, but it wasn't well-thought-out enough. I'm new to the series, but it wasn't hard to get into the tale, though the start with the boat sinking was a bit wordy and convoluted. Yes, it gave an opening and an intro to the first deceased, but it felt unrealistic that a cop on a sabbatical that'd lasted around 2 years would be straight back in the fold and 'investigating' a murder (he wasn't at all professional and didn't seem in charge) even before being brought up to speed with changes, and with retraining and current events. It was also unrealistic that Honey would be accompanying him on official jaunts, but tbh, with Mary-Jane, she might have done OK by herself as part of an unorthodox investigating duo.
Why this didn't work for me:
The 2 or 3 cop characters mentioned went nowhere. Why big one up to hate Steve but do nothing with it?
The Turnip/Turpin thing went nowhere and I couldn't see what allegedly happened, happening. Especially with the reveal about CCTV.
The scenes at the cattery were OTT and bigged up nothing into nothing.
Having more than one character with a name starting with the same initial was confusing.
Tassel was the best thing in the tale.
The reason for the first murder wasn't explained, nor was the M.O. of the second.
Steve wasn't very intelligent - who makes payment on an insurance policy to a personal bank account of a broker, especially without a policy document? He's meant to be a cop but came across as not living in 2025.
There's an offensive term in this, just a few pages in, that's long deemed un-PC, and racially derogatory, that the editor should've pulled from this tale. I'm stunned to come across it.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Joffe Books for my reading pleasure.
I really wanted to like this cosy mystery, but it wasn't well-thought-out enough. I'm new to the series, but it wasn't hard to get into the tale, though the start with the boat sinking was a bit wordy and convoluted. Yes, it gave an opening and an intro to the first deceased, but it felt unrealistic that a cop on a sabbatical that'd lasted around 2 years would be straight back in the fold and 'investigating' a murder (he wasn't at all professional and didn't seem in charge) even before being brought up to speed with changes, and with retraining and current events. It was also unrealistic that Honey would be accompanying him on official jaunts, but tbh, with Mary-Jane, she might have done OK by herself as part of an unorthodox investigating duo.
Why this didn't work for me:
The 2 or 3 cop characters mentioned went nowhere. Why big one up to hate Steve but do nothing with it?
The Turnip/Turpin thing went nowhere and I couldn't see what allegedly happened, happening. Especially with the reveal about CCTV.
The scenes at the cattery were OTT and bigged up nothing into nothing.
Having more than one character with a name starting with the same initial was confusing.
Tassel was the best thing in the tale.
The reason for the first murder wasn't explained, nor was the M.O. of the second.
Steve wasn't very intelligent - who makes payment on an insurance policy to a personal bank account of a broker, especially without a policy document? He's meant to be a cop but came across as not living in 2025.
There's an offensive term in this, just a few pages in, that's long deemed un-PC, and racially derogatory, that the editor should've pulled from this tale. I'm stunned to come across it.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Joffe Books for my reading pleasure.
July 22, 2025
In the fourteenth installment of Jean G. Goodhind’s Honey Driver series, the author once again proves her mastery of the cozy mystery form, delivering a smartly plotted whodunit that balances intrigue, charm, and an undercurrent of humor. Longtime fans and new readers alike will find much to enjoy in this latest outing.
The story opens on an adventurous note, with Honey and her husband Steve—now living aboard their yacht Footloose—having traded domesticity for life at sea. However, this idyllic phase is short-lived. A turn of events forces them back to land, where they are promptly drawn into a fresh mystery involving not one, but two murders. As the investigation deepens, a complex web of deceit and long-buried secrets comes to light, propelling the narrative through several satisfying twists.
What elevates this entry in the series is its delightful cast of supporting characters. A quirky psychic friend lends a touch of the mystical, while the inclusion of a regal Bengal cat adds both humor and heart. These elements inject the novel with a light eccentricity that keeps the tone engaging without veering into the absurd.
Despite being part of a long-running series, this book stands comfortably on its own. Goodhind’s writing remains accessible, her pacing brisk, and her plotting as tight as ever. The chemistry between Honey and Steve, particularly with Steve’s background as a professional police detective, grounds the mystery with a realistic investigative thread while still embracing the charm of the amateur sleuth tradition.
Overall, Murder in Mid-Channel is a warm, clever mystery with just enough bite to keep the pages turning. Fans of character-driven cozies will be more than satisfied.
The story opens on an adventurous note, with Honey and her husband Steve—now living aboard their yacht Footloose—having traded domesticity for life at sea. However, this idyllic phase is short-lived. A turn of events forces them back to land, where they are promptly drawn into a fresh mystery involving not one, but two murders. As the investigation deepens, a complex web of deceit and long-buried secrets comes to light, propelling the narrative through several satisfying twists.
What elevates this entry in the series is its delightful cast of supporting characters. A quirky psychic friend lends a touch of the mystical, while the inclusion of a regal Bengal cat adds both humor and heart. These elements inject the novel with a light eccentricity that keeps the tone engaging without veering into the absurd.
Despite being part of a long-running series, this book stands comfortably on its own. Goodhind’s writing remains accessible, her pacing brisk, and her plotting as tight as ever. The chemistry between Honey and Steve, particularly with Steve’s background as a professional police detective, grounds the mystery with a realistic investigative thread while still embracing the charm of the amateur sleuth tradition.
Overall, Murder in Mid-Channel is a warm, clever mystery with just enough bite to keep the pages turning. Fans of character-driven cozies will be more than satisfied.
May 16, 2026
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
A Claim to Murder is the 14th outing for amateur sleuth/hotelier Honey Driver by (pseudonymous) Jean G. Goodhind. Released 12th Aug 2025 by Joffe Books, it's 268 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.
Despite being the 14th book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone. There are some fairly silly and over the top developments and plot twists, but it's a village cozy. The "over the top" characters and dialogue were mostly on the right side of charming and didn't shade over into annoying, so it was a fun read. Honey and partner Steve are back in Bath after losing their boat, only to find their skeezy insurance agent has come to a sticky end. Cat lovers will enjoy the appealing addition of a Bengal cat to the cast of characters.
The ending is a bit of a muddle and felt quite rushed.
Three and a half stars. Charming. It would be a good choice for a long binge/buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
A Claim to Murder is the 14th outing for amateur sleuth/hotelier Honey Driver by (pseudonymous) Jean G. Goodhind. Released 12th Aug 2025 by Joffe Books, it's 268 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.
Despite being the 14th book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone. There are some fairly silly and over the top developments and plot twists, but it's a village cozy. The "over the top" characters and dialogue were mostly on the right side of charming and didn't shade over into annoying, so it was a fun read. Honey and partner Steve are back in Bath after losing their boat, only to find their skeezy insurance agent has come to a sticky end. Cat lovers will enjoy the appealing addition of a Bengal cat to the cast of characters.
The ending is a bit of a muddle and felt quite rushed.
Three and a half stars. Charming. It would be a good choice for a long binge/buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
July 10, 2025
Honey Driver and her partner Steve Doharty, a policeman, are on their sailing yacht Footloose out in the Mediterrean when they hear a sudden bang against the hull. Water begins dashing the decks, and they have to grag their emergency bag and get to the life raft. They are finally rescued, and try ringing their insurance broker, Norman Glendower, but there was no answer. They finally returned to Bath, to the Green River Hotel and check into the Honeymoon Suite. Then they begin looking for their insurance broker. He wasn't at his old site which was now the Pampered Pooches. Steve decides to go back to the police, and hears that Norman had been dead about a week in his house in the fancy Regency Gardens, but the police had only just heard that morning. Honey's Mom says her friend Gladys Fabersham lives there, and Steve knows the ex-policeman gate man Warren Hart, so they can get into Regency Gardens. They spend some time with Warren at the gate house and then go to the Fabersham house. Conveniently, Gladys lives next door to Norman and they can see police vehicles outside his house. Gladys is a little strange: she does exercises in a room with a great view of the surrounding houses and writes up stories about her neighbors with things they wouldn't want anyone else to know. It appears that Norman had a daughter who is "an influencer" and somewhat of a shut. She also has very expensive tastes'
There are a few very strange characters including Gladys and Honey's friend Mary Jane. However, in spite of not being very realistic, it was a fun read.
There are a few very strange characters including Gladys and Honey's friend Mary Jane. However, in spite of not being very realistic, it was a fun read.
August 4, 2025
I had not read any of the other books in the Honey (Hannah) Driver series but I have read many books by the author under another name - so was intrigued by the change of tack in this to a cozy mystery. Her other books tend to be gritty historical sagas so this was a real eye-opener.
It really didn’t matter that this was my first Honey book - the author provided enough back story to understand the long running characters - one was mentioned too often for my liking if I am honest - and of course there were lots of new ones to get to know. Mary-Jane was certainly different with her paranormal ideas and quirks.
Honey and Steve had gone on the yacht trip of a lifetime - but Steve had been remiss in taking the word of his colleagues for insurance. Who knew containers often fell of ships and caused maritime incidents? So they were forced back to Honey’s hotel in Bath.
I had guessed where Tassel - the pampered Bengal cat - would fit in - and her collar was the key to the murders and mystery. A gated estate, an inept ex-policeman security guard and a nosey but very fit busy body meant that there were secrets but none that anyone would want let out.
This was a cosy mystery with many a twist and turn, it was an easy read and I personally found the end and arrest of the culprits rather rushed. I understood the why for both murders but it seemed that Steve - now reinstalled as a policeman (I presume that’s possible when one has gone on a. Sabbatical) - had no idea on one page then all the pieces dropped together and he was arresting people on the next.
But having said that I really enjoyed this book - there was no bad language or anything else offensive in my view.
Will look out for more Jean G. Goodhind books as well as others by this author,
It really didn’t matter that this was my first Honey book - the author provided enough back story to understand the long running characters - one was mentioned too often for my liking if I am honest - and of course there were lots of new ones to get to know. Mary-Jane was certainly different with her paranormal ideas and quirks.
Honey and Steve had gone on the yacht trip of a lifetime - but Steve had been remiss in taking the word of his colleagues for insurance. Who knew containers often fell of ships and caused maritime incidents? So they were forced back to Honey’s hotel in Bath.
I had guessed where Tassel - the pampered Bengal cat - would fit in - and her collar was the key to the murders and mystery. A gated estate, an inept ex-policeman security guard and a nosey but very fit busy body meant that there were secrets but none that anyone would want let out.
This was a cosy mystery with many a twist and turn, it was an easy read and I personally found the end and arrest of the culprits rather rushed. I understood the why for both murders but it seemed that Steve - now reinstalled as a policeman (I presume that’s possible when one has gone on a. Sabbatical) - had no idea on one page then all the pieces dropped together and he was arresting people on the next.
But having said that I really enjoyed this book - there was no bad language or anything else offensive in my view.
Will look out for more Jean G. Goodhind books as well as others by this author,
August 8, 2025
Though number 14 in this series this was my first Honey Driver mystery.
Honey , owner of the Green River Hotel in Bath & Steve her boyfriend whose on a 2 year Sabbatical from his career as a Detective Inspector in the police service had been living their dream sailing round the Med in their yacht.
Unfortunately that comes to an end when Footloose hits a shipping container floating off Sicily. They return to Bath to discover that the premiums they have paid to the insurance broker were not passed on , in fact they insurance company doesnt exist.
It also transpires that said insurance broker was found dead shortly before their return.
Steve returns to work and takes on the case with Honey ready to assume her Miss Marple role to assist him.
They interview a possible witness , a retired intelligence expert, who professes to not know much of her neighbours but actually has a journal recording all of their habits & secrets, which she shares with each of them enjoying the power that she holds over them.
When she too is murdered the race is on to discover where her journal is and the identity of the killer or killers. A cat was the only witness to one of the murders so Honey & Mary Jane an eccentric American psychic, yes that's true, take the cat to get at the truth.
Lots of twists & turns with some really funny parts, I enjoyed this book .
Honey , owner of the Green River Hotel in Bath & Steve her boyfriend whose on a 2 year Sabbatical from his career as a Detective Inspector in the police service had been living their dream sailing round the Med in their yacht.
Unfortunately that comes to an end when Footloose hits a shipping container floating off Sicily. They return to Bath to discover that the premiums they have paid to the insurance broker were not passed on , in fact they insurance company doesnt exist.
It also transpires that said insurance broker was found dead shortly before their return.
Steve returns to work and takes on the case with Honey ready to assume her Miss Marple role to assist him.
They interview a possible witness , a retired intelligence expert, who professes to not know much of her neighbours but actually has a journal recording all of their habits & secrets, which she shares with each of them enjoying the power that she holds over them.
When she too is murdered the race is on to discover where her journal is and the identity of the killer or killers. A cat was the only witness to one of the murders so Honey & Mary Jane an eccentric American psychic, yes that's true, take the cat to get at the truth.
Lots of twists & turns with some really funny parts, I enjoyed this book .
August 14, 2025
I must confess I haven’t had time to read the others in this series but thankfully I don’t believe that has been a problem in my enjoyment of the novel. This is a brilliant cozy mystery and I was hooked from the first page. Honey Driver was a joy of the protagonist. She’s equally chaotic and lovable and I adored how quirky she is too. We need more quirky protagonists in my opinion. Growing up watching Miss Maple and adoring Murder, She Wrote it’s safe to say I was instantly obsessed. This series is most definitely going to second place on my favourite cozy crime list, only because I feel it’s cheating to have two number ones!
The writing and pacing are brilliant for a cozy crime and keep you hooked and guessing throughout. It’s a little less tense than say a crime thriller or psychological thriller but no less enjoyable. I love how Goodhind writes the characters and brings them all to life. I won’t spoil the plot but I will say I will definitely be reading the others in the series as soon as possible and if you love cozy crime with a loveable and believable protagonist this is the series for you.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
The writing and pacing are brilliant for a cozy crime and keep you hooked and guessing throughout. It’s a little less tense than say a crime thriller or psychological thriller but no less enjoyable. I love how Goodhind writes the characters and brings them all to life. I won’t spoil the plot but I will say I will definitely be reading the others in the series as soon as possible and if you love cozy crime with a loveable and believable protagonist this is the series for you.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
September 22, 2025
This is my first book of this author and although this is part of a series, there was enough context to read it as a standalone.
The premise was interesting enough, but the execution was sloppy.
There were a few interesting characters but the mystery itself wasn't presented well—rushed ending, not many surprises or twists, the pacing wasn't steady, the culprits were exactly those you might first suspect although the whys were unclear (Why exactly was the first victim killed? The reason for second murder was vague—it didn't seem like a good enough motive).
The victims weren't really missed and no one seemed invested enough to investigate the murders (I felt likewise as a reader). The main characters weren't particularly happy almost throughout the book, and I felt the same grim mood reading this as well—so in case you are looking for something uplifting, hopeful, or cozy, this might not be the best choice.
Perhaps drafting this mystery wasn't a labour of love.
As an avid reader, I genuinely hate giving less than glowing reviews, but I can't, in good conscience, recommend this particular book to fans of cozy mystery, but I thank Netgalley and the publishers for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The premise was interesting enough, but the execution was sloppy.
There were a few interesting characters but the mystery itself wasn't presented well—rushed ending, not many surprises or twists, the pacing wasn't steady, the culprits were exactly those you might first suspect although the whys were unclear (Why exactly was the first victim killed? The reason for second murder was vague—it didn't seem like a good enough motive).
The victims weren't really missed and no one seemed invested enough to investigate the murders (I felt likewise as a reader). The main characters weren't particularly happy almost throughout the book, and I felt the same grim mood reading this as well—so in case you are looking for something uplifting, hopeful, or cozy, this might not be the best choice.
Perhaps drafting this mystery wasn't a labour of love.
As an avid reader, I genuinely hate giving less than glowing reviews, but I can't, in good conscience, recommend this particular book to fans of cozy mystery, but I thank Netgalley and the publishers for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2025
A lovely cosy murder mystery with a few twists and turns to keep your interest
Part 14 of the Honey Driver murder mystery series, this book is easily read as a stand-alone.
Honey Driver and her partners Steve Doherty are living the dream. They have bought a boat and taken open-ended leave from their jobs as Hotelier and Policeman Endless blue skies and the warm blue waters of the Mediterranean - heaven on earth until the dream is shattered, a tremendous crash as they hit a piece of floating wreckage and the boat begins to sink. There's only one thing for it - launch the life raft and abandon ship! Things can only get worse and they find that the boat insurance that Steve arranged was a scam! The friend of a friend down the pub who took the insurance premium is missing and eventually found brutally murdered. Steve finds himself back in his roll as a Copper and investigating the murder. The story takes some interesting twists and turns when a nosey neighbour of the first victim is also found murdered. Some very interesting characters, including a psychic who comically tries to converse with a belligerent Bengal cat! (she believes the cat holds the mystery of the murders) A clever story line with a touch of macabre salted with a good pinch of humour makes this latest installment a great read.
Part 14 of the Honey Driver murder mystery series, this book is easily read as a stand-alone.
Honey Driver and her partners Steve Doherty are living the dream. They have bought a boat and taken open-ended leave from their jobs as Hotelier and Policeman Endless blue skies and the warm blue waters of the Mediterranean - heaven on earth until the dream is shattered, a tremendous crash as they hit a piece of floating wreckage and the boat begins to sink. There's only one thing for it - launch the life raft and abandon ship! Things can only get worse and they find that the boat insurance that Steve arranged was a scam! The friend of a friend down the pub who took the insurance premium is missing and eventually found brutally murdered. Steve finds himself back in his roll as a Copper and investigating the murder. The story takes some interesting twists and turns when a nosey neighbour of the first victim is also found murdered. Some very interesting characters, including a psychic who comically tries to converse with a belligerent Bengal cat! (she believes the cat holds the mystery of the murders) A clever story line with a touch of macabre salted with a good pinch of humour makes this latest installment a great read.
August 16, 2025
This was my first time reading a Honey Driver mystery, and I had such a fun time with it. Even though it’s part of a series, I didn’t feel lost at all.
Honey is a hotel owner with a knack for getting involved in murder cases, and this time, she’s back in Bath after a sailing accident. Things go downhill fast when she finds out her insurance broker is not only dodgy but also dead. That’s when the mystery kicks off, and Honey, along with her partner Steve, starts digging into the secrets behind a gated community where everyone seems to be hiding something.
The characters were a real highlight for me. There’s a psychic friend, a nosy neighbor with a journal full of gossip, and even a cat who might know more than it lets on. It’s quirky in the best way, and I found myself smiling through the oddball moments.
The mystery itself had plenty of twists, and in the end I enjoyed watching everything come together.
I’ll definitely be checking out more books in this series. Honey is a character I’d love to spend more time with.
Honey is a hotel owner with a knack for getting involved in murder cases, and this time, she’s back in Bath after a sailing accident. Things go downhill fast when she finds out her insurance broker is not only dodgy but also dead. That’s when the mystery kicks off, and Honey, along with her partner Steve, starts digging into the secrets behind a gated community where everyone seems to be hiding something.
The characters were a real highlight for me. There’s a psychic friend, a nosy neighbor with a journal full of gossip, and even a cat who might know more than it lets on. It’s quirky in the best way, and I found myself smiling through the oddball moments.
The mystery itself had plenty of twists, and in the end I enjoyed watching everything come together.
I’ll definitely be checking out more books in this series. Honey is a character I’d love to spend more time with.
August 21, 2025
I'm going to preface this review with the caveat that I'm not a massive reader of mysteries (cozy, British, or otherwise). This one came across my TBR largely by accident. But I gave it a good go, and I didn't hate it. That's faint praise, I know, but the most honest expression of how I feel.
I didn't hate it. I liked that the characters are older but still active and with internal lives of their own, and honestly, I liked them well enough. But I was bored for a lot of the book. I didn't feel the loss of a quarter of a million dollar investment was adequately mourned, and very little seemed to actually happen, investigation-wise, until right at the end. And then I thought the narrative treatment of a well-pulled-together, influencer-type woman to be clichéd. It has just a little too much of a whiff of shaming women who are proud of or use their looks for their own (as opposed to the patriarchy's) gain.
All in all, this was middle of the road for me. But it might be a bigger winner for someone who especially likes cozy, British mysteries.
I didn't hate it. I liked that the characters are older but still active and with internal lives of their own, and honestly, I liked them well enough. But I was bored for a lot of the book. I didn't feel the loss of a quarter of a million dollar investment was adequately mourned, and very little seemed to actually happen, investigation-wise, until right at the end. And then I thought the narrative treatment of a well-pulled-together, influencer-type woman to be clichéd. It has just a little too much of a whiff of shaming women who are proud of or use their looks for their own (as opposed to the patriarchy's) gain.
All in all, this was middle of the road for me. But it might be a bigger winner for someone who especially likes cozy, British mysteries.
July 31, 2025
The plot is sneaky and well calculated, but it's the characters that had me laughing my sox off! The publisher's blurb is a good place to start, but my favorite character is a seventy something ex spy who keeps her nosiness on the inhabitants of the gated community while pedaling furiously on her exercise bike which overlooks the most travelled part of the location. Although the self-described psychic runs a close second in the laugh department.
I think it can be read as stand-alone because anything needed from the earlier books is alluded to. Absolutely loved this hilarious book masquerading as serious!
If you like your cozies irreverent and with a lot of laughs, you'll love this one as much as I did!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley.
#AClaimtoMurder by #JeanGoodhind #HoneyDriverMurderMysteriesBk14 @joffebooks
#cozymystery #England #laughriot #snarky #twisty #unputdownable #laughyoursoxoff
I think it can be read as stand-alone because anything needed from the earlier books is alluded to. Absolutely loved this hilarious book masquerading as serious!
If you like your cozies irreverent and with a lot of laughs, you'll love this one as much as I did!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley.
#AClaimtoMurder by #JeanGoodhind #HoneyDriverMurderMysteriesBk14 @joffebooks
#cozymystery #England #laughriot #snarky #twisty #unputdownable #laughyoursoxoff
August 5, 2025
A Good Read
Hotel owner Honey Driver and her partner Steve Doherty decide to take time out of their busy lives and and spend two years sailing on their yacht. All was going well until they hit a hidden obstruction and they had to abandon the boat. Luckily they were rescued and returned home to Bath, but when Steve tried to contact the insurance company it didn't exist. They tried to trace the agent who had sold the policy to Steve, but someone else got to him first and he had been found dead. With no chance of being able to replace the boat they are back at work and Steve is investigating the death of the agent with Honey's help. I haven't read all the Honey Driver books but it didn't matter, I was able to keep up okay although I did ask myself why a presumably intelligent police detective did not check his insurance policy more closely!
Hotel owner Honey Driver and her partner Steve Doherty decide to take time out of their busy lives and and spend two years sailing on their yacht. All was going well until they hit a hidden obstruction and they had to abandon the boat. Luckily they were rescued and returned home to Bath, but when Steve tried to contact the insurance company it didn't exist. They tried to trace the agent who had sold the policy to Steve, but someone else got to him first and he had been found dead. With no chance of being able to replace the boat they are back at work and Steve is investigating the death of the agent with Honey's help. I haven't read all the Honey Driver books but it didn't matter, I was able to keep up okay although I did ask myself why a presumably intelligent police detective did not check his insurance policy more closely!
August 15, 2025
A Claim to Murder by Jean G. Goodhind
🌟 🌟🌟
Part of a series, I enjoyed premise of the storyline. Maybe reading the other books would of given me more of an insight into Honey and Steve's lives.
Regency Gardens held many secrets, all locked away in Gladys Favershams notebook. She held the key to all the goings on in the gated residence. She is a nasty woman who wasn't afraid of telling people exactly what she thought of them.
As much as I enjoyed the book, I would question why intelligent people would take out insurance on their home, and not have documentation. Honey accompanied Steve in his questioning, which wouldn't have been allowed at all.
Overall an enjoyable book. I will be adding the series to my list
🌟 🌟🌟
Part of a series, I enjoyed premise of the storyline. Maybe reading the other books would of given me more of an insight into Honey and Steve's lives.
Regency Gardens held many secrets, all locked away in Gladys Favershams notebook. She held the key to all the goings on in the gated residence. She is a nasty woman who wasn't afraid of telling people exactly what she thought of them.
As much as I enjoyed the book, I would question why intelligent people would take out insurance on their home, and not have documentation. Honey accompanied Steve in his questioning, which wouldn't have been allowed at all.
Overall an enjoyable book. I will be adding the series to my list
July 19, 2025
This is number 14 in a series featuring Honey Driver as she investigates mysteries, together with her husband Steve who is in fact a bona fide police detective.
This story opens with the couple living onboard their yacht Footloose having opted for life on the ocean wave, which unfortunately comes to an abrupt end and they are obliged to return to land and try to sort out their lives.
This brings them into contact with two murders and a tangled web of deceit in various plot twists.
Unusual characters including a psychic friend and a Bengal cat bring something different to the novel which does stand alone.
This story opens with the couple living onboard their yacht Footloose having opted for life on the ocean wave, which unfortunately comes to an abrupt end and they are obliged to return to land and try to sort out their lives.
This brings them into contact with two murders and a tangled web of deceit in various plot twists.
Unusual characters including a psychic friend and a Bengal cat bring something different to the novel which does stand alone.
July 26, 2025
Honey and her policeman husband Steve were living the good life sailing the Med until disaster struck and they find themselves back in Bath.
A couple of murders and a spiteful busy body see them both plunge into solving the murders on an upmarket gated estate which on the surface looks idyllic, but where the residents all have their secrets
The book got off to a slow start with too much concern over the loss of a boat, and would they get their insurance money, but eventually warmed into more of a mystery a few chapters in.
Unfortunately the story bumbled along, then had a rather sudden wrap up at the end leaving you feeling not quite sure "who dun what!"
A couple of murders and a spiteful busy body see them both plunge into solving the murders on an upmarket gated estate which on the surface looks idyllic, but where the residents all have their secrets
The book got off to a slow start with too much concern over the loss of a boat, and would they get their insurance money, but eventually warmed into more of a mystery a few chapters in.
Unfortunately the story bumbled along, then had a rather sudden wrap up at the end leaving you feeling not quite sure "who dun what!"
August 13, 2025
This was book 14 in Honey Driver Murder Mysteries and although I could follow along fine, I’m intrigued to find out how it all began.
I love Honey and Steve although as a police officer he seems to underestimate her.
The residents of Regency Gardens are fascinating and I loved the nicknames Mrs Faversham gave them.
A great cosy mystery and all the series is available on KU too.
An enjoyable read with a few twists along the way and I know now never buy insurance off a man in a pub 😂
Thank you for having me on this tour
#jeanggoodhind #JoffeBooks #AClaimtoMurder #zooloosbooktours @zooloosbooktours @joffebooks
I love Honey and Steve although as a police officer he seems to underestimate her.
The residents of Regency Gardens are fascinating and I loved the nicknames Mrs Faversham gave them.
A great cosy mystery and all the series is available on KU too.
An enjoyable read with a few twists along the way and I know now never buy insurance off a man in a pub 😂
Thank you for having me on this tour
#jeanggoodhind #JoffeBooks #AClaimtoMurder #zooloosbooktours @zooloosbooktours @joffebooks
August 5, 2025
Honey Driver, the owner of a hotel in Bath, and Steve Doherty her erstwhile lover were following their dream of sailing around the world when their yacht hit a submerged container and sank. They were saved but the yacht was not. No worries, they were insured, or so they thought. It seems that the insurance agent they had paid was not as he seemed. Then he was found dead. Can Steve and Honey solve the mystery and reclaim their dream? This is the 14th book in the Honey Driver series and it does not disappoint. If you are a fan of cosy murder mysteries you will love this book, whether you have read the others or this is your first foray into the world of Honey Driver.
August 5, 2025
Another drama in the chaotic world of Honey Driver! She has sailed off into the sunset with the man of her dreams, but of course it all goes wrong! The boat capsizes and considering her boyfriend is in the police, he seems to have taken out a rather reckless insurance policy via a mate, which now appears to be non existent. So they’re back in Bath, back to their old life, their crazy entourage and a murder mystery related to their dodgy insurance dealer. You get exactly what you expect with these books - an enjoyable read for the beach, an afternoon in the garden, etc
September 21, 2025
It's so good to see a new Honey Driver mystery! Honey and Steve return from life on their boat, and dive right into several mysteries surrounding their insurance agent. This book was so fun, with the people in Honey’s life right back in the thick of things. While some things have changed, most things at the Green River Hotel and in Bath are the same as ever.
This is a really fun series with interesting characters. I hope this isn’t the end, but if it is, the series went out on a really good note. You do need to read the others in the series or this one is just going to be confusing.
This is a really fun series with interesting characters. I hope this isn’t the end, but if it is, the series went out on a really good note. You do need to read the others in the series or this one is just going to be confusing.
July 21, 2025
Honey and Steve's dream of sailing in the Med comes to an abrupt end when their yacht capsizes and when they discover their insurance broker scammed them and is then found murdered, Steve becomes part of the investigating team. Honey meanwhile uses her usual wiles to get involved to conduct her own investigation. A second murder brings things to a head.
This was an easy light read with lots of humour throughout, involving a community with many secrets and a very high maintenance cat. A nice and relaxing book overall.
This was an easy light read with lots of humour throughout, involving a community with many secrets and a very high maintenance cat. A nice and relaxing book overall.
August 5, 2025
This book started as a slow burn for me. I loved the premise and most of the characters, but ultimately, it fell flat.
There were characters and plot lines that never went anywhere. I did enjoy the character Gladys Faversham, even though she was a nasty piece of work.
Coming into this series as far as I did may have contributed to why it fell flat for me.
Still, I'm willing to give this author the benefit of the doubt and will read more of her books.
There were characters and plot lines that never went anywhere. I did enjoy the character Gladys Faversham, even though she was a nasty piece of work.
Coming into this series as far as I did may have contributed to why it fell flat for me.
Still, I'm willing to give this author the benefit of the doubt and will read more of her books.
August 7, 2025
I read this as a standalone. Honey and Steve are enjoying life on their yacht Footloose, they are sailing off of Sicily when disaster strikes. Footloose hits a floating shipping container and sinks. Luckily they are able to get to the life raft and onto safety. When they gate back home to Bath they discover that their insurance was a scam, so it’s back to policing for Steve and to helping solve crimes for Honey.
A very enjoyable read.
A very enjoyable read.
August 9, 2025
A new cozy mystery in the Honey Driver series (14).. However this is my least favourite so far I think. It all felt very convoluted with not much solving going on just lots of running around until they seems to fall over the answer and Honey and Steve are not solving it together either. As I said not my favourite but ok in that things got solved. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 13, 2025
A claim to murder by Jean G Goodhind.Honey Driver mystery book 14.
This is a new author for me. I didn't realise that it was a series. This was a good read. I did like Honey and Steve. It took me a while to get into this book. I had to get used to the writing style. I did like the cover and blurb of this book. I did love the setting. I did end up enjoying this book. I will start at book one. Hopefully, I will enjoy it more reading the series from the start.
This is a new author for me. I didn't realise that it was a series. This was a good read. I did like Honey and Steve. It took me a while to get into this book. I had to get used to the writing style. I did like the cover and blurb of this book. I did love the setting. I did end up enjoying this book. I will start at book one. Hopefully, I will enjoy it more reading the series from the start.
August 15, 2025
The very first pages drew me in. As I had not read the previous books in the series, I was curious as to how the main characters decided to sail the seas and enjoy life. All was revealed as I continued to read. I loved the main characters. They were quirky and interesting. The mystery was puzzling. As soon as I finished the book, I decided to go back to start at the beginning of the series. It will be fun learning more about these fascinating characters.
August 25, 2025
Although this is book 14 in The Honey Driver Murder Mysteries, it can easily be read as a standalone.
It's a very enjoyable cosy murder mystery with interesting characters and a well written storyline and plot.
It captured my interest straight away, and I found it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
It's a very enjoyable cosy murder mystery with interesting characters and a well written storyline and plot.
It captured my interest straight away, and I found it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
August 19, 2025
I had not read any other books in this series, or by this author, and I'm afraid this missed the mark. There seemed to be a lot of over the top and convoluted aspects to the story, including some of the characters. Not a fan.
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