“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again…” But this morning, Etta and Dora wake up to a far more haunting Cornish tale.
The golden girls of murder-solving arrive in the postcard-perfect harbour town of Fowey for their latest homeswap, just in time for the September Tide Literary Festival, a week-long celebration of Daphne du Maurier’s legacy. There’ll be guided walks, cream teas, book signings… and murder.
When a festival guest dies in a manner uncannily reminiscent of a Du Maurier novel, whispers of coincidence quickly curdle into fear. As more bodies surface, each death eerily echoing scenes from the author’s dark canon, Fowey descends into panic.
Is a twisted fan staging deadly tributes? Or is something even more sinister at work?
As the police chase literary obsessions and seagulls wheel over the estuary, Etta, Dora, and their steadfast Basset Hound Leon dig deeper.
But in a town where everyone’s quoting Rebecca and secrets smoulder like the pages of a forgotten manuscript, separating homage from homicide becomes a dangerous game…
Can our trio unmask the killer before the festival’s final curtain falls?
◆◆◆ Cosy fans, grab your festival programmes, wander literary walks, indulge in cream tea conspiracies and deadly secrets. Join Etta, Dora and Leon in du Maurier’s Cornwall for their most Gothic mystery yet! ◆◆◆
Cornwall’s Deadly Series is the ninth book in The Homeswappers Mysteries, a humorous cosy series following the adventures of two retired teachers and their Basset Hound as they explore the most delightfully murderous travel destinations in Europe and put their sleuthing skills to the test.
If you enjoy Richard Osman’s wry humour, Rhys Bowen’s endearing sleuths, and T.E. Kinsey’s irresistible banter, you’ll fall in love with this delightfully murderous series.
Written in British English, each light-hearted mystery is clean – no violence, sex or strong language – and can be read as a standalone or enjoyed in sequence.
0. Castelmezzano, The Witch is Dead – An Italian Cosy Mystery (A Prequel Novella)
1. The Watchman of Rothenburg Dies – A German Cosy Mystery
2. A Wedding and a Funeral in Mecklenburg – A German Travel Mystery
3. An Aero Island Christmas Mystery – A Danish Cosy Mystery
4. A Christmas Mystery in Venice and Other Winter Tales
5. Prague, A Secret from the Past – A Czech Travel Mystery
6.Death on the West Highland Way- A Scottish Cozy Mystery
7. The Ghost of Glengullion Castle - A Murder Mystery Set in Scotland
8. Lake Cottages and Corpses - A British Cozy Mystery
9. Cornwall's Deadly Series - A Gothic British Mystery
Adriana lives somewhere stuck on the Apennine mountains in southern Italy not far from Maratea, the Mediterranean setting for her cozy series "An Italian Village Mystery".
Get a taste of Adriana's world reading "And Then There Were Bones" the prequel to her series, exclusive to subscribers on her mailing list - https://adrianalicio.com/murderclub
She loves loads of things: traveling, reading, walking, savouring good food, exploring small villages, and home swapping. She runs her family perfumery shop, and between a dark patchouli and a musky rose, she reads and writes cozy mysteries.
She resisted writing as long as she could; fearing it might open doors to her already galloping imagination. But one day she found an alluring blank page and the words flowed in that weird English she'd learned in Glasgow...
Adriana finds peace for her restless, enthusiastic soul when she walks in nature, with her adventurous dog Frodo and her hubby Giovanni.
What fun this mystery is. This is the 9th book in the Homeswapper series and a very good addition to the series. Our homeswappers Etta, Dora and their intuitive basset hound, Leon have swapped for a home in the harbor town of Fowey and a fantastic time. It is the week long September Tide Literary Festival honoring Daphne du Maurier. Dora and Etta have been invited by Thaddeus Corwin to tour his famous mansion, Shadowmere and have dinner there. Dora and Etta were watching the strain in personalities when one of the tour organizers told Thaddeus that a guide that was supposed to come in for her shift is missing and then found dead. But they couldn't cancel the festivities even after a couple more bodies are found and seemingly staged according to Du Maurier's books. What is going on? Of course, Dora and Etta must get involved in the investigation along with Leon and the Constable who just happened to be there for the celebration. Add to that, Etta's grandson was missing but when he showed up in Fowey to find his grandmother, everyone was shocked. Loved his independence and inquiring mind as he soaked in the festivities. Not only are the murders were really good to follow through all the suspects, but there was some humor along the way as well. I absolutely love this series with the wonderful colorful descriptions of the different places the girls get to go to with their houseswapping. I not only highly recommend this book, but I highly recommend the entire series and can't wait for more! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Cornwall's Deadly Series is a strong entry in The Homeswappers Mysteries, delivering the atmosphere, wit, and puzzle-box plotting this series and this author are known for, with a Du Maurier-themed murder spree that gives Fowey's literary tourism a genuinely sinister edge.
Adriana Licio uses the September Tide Literary Festival as the perfect stage: guided walks, cream teas, and book signings set against a killer who is staging deaths to mirror scenes from Du Maurier's own dark canon. The premise is clever without feeling gimmicky, and the Cornwall setting is rendered with enough detail that I could practically hear the seagulls over the estuary.
What elevated this book for me was the character work. Etta's fear of water is a thread that's clearly been building across the series, and watching her push through it to get on a boat, more than once, despite being genuinely terrified, was quietly moving rather than played for easy triumph. The family dynamics in the final chapter landed with real warmth too; after eight books together, Etta, Dora, and Leon the Basset Hound feel like people I know, and the ending gave that history room to breathe.
This is a cozy mystery that knows exactly what it is and executes it with confidence. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it without hesitation to fans of the series and to anyone who loves a literary mystery with genuine emotional stakes underneath the charm.
As the two retired homeswappers, Dora and Etta, and their faithful four-legged companion – Leon – make their way across England, they find themselves once again at the scene of murder. This time, they are located in Fowey, Cornwall, in Daphne du Maurier country. Not surprisingly, murder and intrigue ensue. Surprisingly however, Etta’s ten-year-old grandson, Simone – an avid du Maurier admirer – appears and joins them on their visit.
The highlight of the weekend was supposed to be the September Tide Festival, which included a tour of Shadowmere, a stately mansion owned by Thaddeus Corwin; Fowey after Dark, a literary walking tour; and more. As the festival began, the murder happened. Of course, Etta and Dora, along with Leon, began their own investigation, and even Simone contributed his own in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm to help find the murderer.
I enjoyed traveling with the women, checking online for the du Maurier locations that are mentioned as well as places such as St Catherine’s Castle. Adriana’s style of writing makes you feel as if you are there. I also found this an educational read, as I essentially knew nothing about du Maurier. And, I never did figure out who the murderer was. That is the key to a great adventure! Whether you are a du Maurier enthusiast, a regular fan of Adriana Licio’s series of books or a newbie, I am certain you will find this an interesting and fun read.
This was my favorite of the Homeswappers series, with my second favorite being the Beatrix Potter one. It's not so much that I prefer a UK setting to one in a different country, but I like the focus on a historical figure. It's probably just a personal preference, but learning more about an author and a historical period interests me more than books that are strictly travel-focused. I also enjoyed the interaction between Etta and her grandson, as well as the fact that Dora and her endless rhapsodizing about everything are well in the background here. Surprisingly enough, the one area where she really comes to the forefront is where she shows some backbone defending a homeless man, so both she and Etta seem to be moving past their stereotypes of silly one and grumpy one respectively.
As for the mystery part, I guessed whodunnit and why fairly quickly on, since when a possible motive was introduced, it was immediately apparent that only one person fit the criteria. Still, it's nice to know I guessed right every now and then, and it didn't really spoil anything for me. I also liked how things wrapped up about as well as they could for the surviving characters, and I also felt vindicated that one person who is initially portrayed as somewhat shady turned out to be anything but. (Leon knew from the beginning.)
Dorotea Rosa Pepe (Dora) and Concetta Natale Passolina (Etta) have once again swapped their Italian home and are enjoying the stunning Cornish landscape. Dora and Etta have been invited by Thaddeus Corwin to view his renowned mansion, Shadowmere. All is going well until one of people expected to attend has not appeared for the planned Tide Literary Festival, a week-long celebration of author Daphne du Maurier’s legacy. When her body is later discovered, all involved with the festival are stunned and upset. But, as they are told, the show must go on and since the festival has been advertised, tickets have been sold and many folks have said they would be in attendance, they cannot cancel. When another body is discovered, then another it is lucky that a Chief Inspector is in town for the celebration and assists in investigating the murders. And of course, Etta, an amateur sleuth herself, is also doing her own investigation. Along with Dora and their basset hound Leon, they are all in together and want to find the truth. I adore Leon, (he may be my favorite) Etta and Dora and enjoy their adventures. A review of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Enjoyed the latest installment in a favorite series
I've been enjoying this series since I stumbled across Death on Aero Island looking for a Christmas mystery. These books are set apart from the usual cozies, because we get not only to know the well drawn characters but also because the author is clearly a travel bug and very curious about everything! I look forward to her notes afterwards about the setting, the history, and sometimes when she lived here herself, almost as much as her stories. I love enjoying a story while also learning something, especially when I can armchair travel, and I always do learn with these books. I recommend this series and now I'm going to go reread Daphne DuMaurier's The Birds after this jaunt through DuMaurier country. Like Simone, Etta's grandchild, I loved DuMaurier as a young one. I had several murderers in mind, as did Etta, but the real murderer had enough foreshadowing without too much info giving her away. My favorite of the series is still Aero Island, but I also highly recommend the Lake District one about Beatrix Potter country. Enjoy!
Etta and Dora are once again swapping homes and end up with an adventure they didn’t expect. While at their latest homeswap in Fowey the ladies get caught up in a multiple murder mystery. The victims and suspects all seem to be connected to the author Daphne du Maurier and a festival in her honor. While searching for the killer Etta’s grandson, Simone, goes missing from his home in Spain. Unbeknownst to anyone Simone has figured out a way to travel to his grandmother to have some time away from his parents, who are always fighting. Simone joins them in solving the murders and making his case to spend some time with Etta. The suspense builds right up to the end of the festival weekend with subtle clues leading to the killer and stopping them before another murder takes place. Licio does a wonderful job weaving the story pieces together to keep the reader guessing as to who the murderer is. Another great book in the series.
Etta, Dora, and Leon have arrived in Cornwall at the small town of Fowey for their ninth house swap. The scene is set around the September Tide Festival honoring author Daphne du Maurier's life. The cast of characters include a fortune teller, a social media influencer, a professor, and several other committee members - but someone wants to see them dead. Eerily, the deaths mimic the novels that du Maurier wrote. Etta's grandson makes a surprise appearance, and shares insightful observations as the body count starts to rise. Etta, Dora and Leon are all on the alert, following clues and asking questions. With lots of twists and turns, the quirky team faces down the killer, sees relationships reconciled, as well as facing their own personal fears. This series can be read alone or together, always has clean language, and nothing tawdry. I received an advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
The author has outdone herself in her latest Homeswappers mystery. This is #9 in the series, set in Fowey, Cornwall, the site of many of the books written by Daphne du Marier. Our Etta, Dora, and their quite intuitive Basset Hound Leon, have arrived in time for the town's annual celebration of the author of Rebecca. In the midst of festival they are joined by Etta's precocious 10 year old grandson Simone who has made his way from his home in Granada, Spain, to escape his parents' squabbling and to immerse himself in du Marier's history.
Murders happen of course but strangely seem to replicate certain scenes in du Marier's books. I loved the historical literary references so much. And how our dear ladies (and Leon) got immersed in the mysteries again. Now I can't wait for the next Homewswapper's mystery adventure.
Ms. Licio takes us on another adventure with Dora and Etta (two retired Italian teachers who've become friends through pooling pension resources and various escapades), this time to Cornwall, England. A wonderfully atmospheric read, Cornwall's Deadly Series was certainly Gothic in tone! So much to enjoy as you are pulled along in the currents of the story, tossed from clue to clue and occasionally stumble over the stones of what to keep or toss as helpful information for solving the ever-growing mystery.
Many-layered and descriptive without becoming horribly graphic, Homeswappers Book 9 is a treat to read.
In this fantastic house swapping adventure Etta and Dora are visiting Fowey and following in the steps of Daphne Du Maurier and it’s not all sunshine and roses. A spooky mansion, a strange fortune teller and a serial killer intent on recreating some of the best murders from the literary giant mar this trip along with an unexpected sidekick that, in my opinion, stole the show from adorable Leon this time around. Always a fantastic series, and you can count on the author to outdo herself with each new installment.
This was an exciting book! I am a huge fan of Daphne Du Maurier and this was a delightful in-depth excursion into her history. Of course, the murder and mayhem was exciting. I enjoyed meeting Simone, Etta’s grandson. I love how Dora and Simone were able to encourage Etta to be involved in situations that terrified her. I think she will benefit from that! This series is absolutely delightful and I enjoy my little jaunts into the fascinating places that I experience vicariously through Etta and Dora!
I just LOVE this series! I'm sure I have said that before!
Etta, Dora, and Leon travel to Fowey for their latest home swap. What should be a fun local festival with all things Daphne du Maurier, turns into something far more sinister. Bodies begin to turn up strikingly similar to various du Maurier books. Can the gang along with newfound friends, solve the crime before one of them becomes the next victim? And we get to meet Etta's family! Such an enjoyable series! As always, I can't wait for the next book!!
I love the Homeswappers series! In this book Etta, Dora and Leon are in Fowey in Cornwall. The Tide Literary Festival is beginning. It's a week long celebration of Daphne du Maurier. Things seem to follow du Maurier's books as the festivals committee members are murdered one by one. Etta's ten year old grandson shows up! He has left home on his own and traveled from Spain to join his Grandmother. There is a lot going on to keep you turning the pages ! Very good book!
a light, charming cozy‑mystery collection that blends small‑town quirks with a steady stream of puzzling crimes. The tone stays warm and inviting even as the stakes rise, and the characters—especially the amateur sleuth at the center—are easy to root for. Each book delivers a tidy mystery, gentle humor, and that comforting “curl‑up‑with‑a‑cup‑of‑tea” vibe. If you enjoy cozy whodunits with personality and a touch of Italian flair, this series is a pleasant, quick read.
I enjoy this series for several reasons, one, of course is Leon the Bassett hound. He's adorable. Another are the varying settings since the protagonist house swaps. Then there's the mysteries and subsequent dialogue. A bit above the norm and appreciated.
On another home swap, this time in Fowey, Cornwall, Dora, Etta & Leon get a big surprise, Etta’s grandson, Simone, arrives unannounced, a living encyclopaedia on Daphne Du Maurier’s works! There is a special festival happening, but, people get murdered. Naturally Dora & Etta get themselves involved and Simone tags along happily, as does Leon, most of the time.
I stayed up way too late reading! Did not guess the perpetrator at all. Loved the family stories and interactions. Etta does it again. Plus one lost soul may have found a place to be his in the world.
I enjoyed this book. It was a little darker than most of the other books in the series. I always love the interactions between Etta and Dora. I would have fun traveling with them. I had no idea who was behind everything. Can't wait for the next book.