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Edie York Mystery #1
A Report on Murder
England, 1940. Newspaper secretary Edie York wants nothing more than to be a real wartime reporter. But when she stumbles upon the death of a Home Guard soldier she must turn her investigative skills to sleuthing…
Rookie reporter Edie York dreams of being out in the field, instead of being stuck writing up the wartime headlines, transcribing Churchill’s rousing speeches on her cranky typewriter. So when her first real assignment one misty morning ends with the crack of a pistol shot and the sudden death of a Home Guard soldier, she’s determined to take her chance and investigate.
With the local police force, under the utterly irritating but outrageously handsome DCI Louis Brennan , stretched to the limit as bombs rain down, Edie strikes out alone. And she quickly discovers more than she’d ever hoped – or feared. From undercover spies to priceless stolen artwork, Edie is plunged headlong into a mystery that stretches from Manchester to Berlin.
But when she finds another body in the blackout, Edie realises she’s bitten off more than she can chew. With an exasperated Louis finally lending a hand, can Edie unveil the murderer and make headline news, her name in print at last? Or will she be next…?
Rookie reporter Edie York dreams of being out in the field, instead of being stuck writing up the wartime headlines, transcribing Churchill’s rousing speeches on her cranky typewriter. So when her first real assignment one misty morning ends with the crack of a pistol shot and the sudden death of a Home Guard soldier, she’s determined to take her chance and investigate.
With the local police force, under the utterly irritating but outrageously handsome DCI Louis Brennan , stretched to the limit as bombs rain down, Edie strikes out alone. And she quickly discovers more than she’d ever hoped – or feared. From undercover spies to priceless stolen artwork, Edie is plunged headlong into a mystery that stretches from Manchester to Berlin.
But when she finds another body in the blackout, Edie realises she’s bitten off more than she can chew. With an exasperated Louis finally lending a hand, can Edie unveil the murderer and make headline news, her name in print at last? Or will she be next…?
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First published September 21, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 30, 2023
EXCERPT: Why was I bothering? It wasn't as if some funeral director was going to tell me who Edward Turnbull's mysterious dead benefactor was. It was a perfectly ordinary, tragic story of fear and sadness - and if he hadn't taken his own life, it was just a horrible accident that nobody would admit to causing.
ABOUT 'A REPORT OF MURDER': Previously titled: Murder in the Blitz.
England, December 1940: All Edie York has ever wanted is to be a real reporter, investigating daring hot-off-the-press pieces in her smartest pencil skirt. Instead, she’s stuck answering the telephones on her local newspaper, battling her worn-out typewriter and its missing ‘v’, and coughing through the Chief Editor’s pipe smoke as he dictates the wartime headlines.
So when Edie stumbles upon the seemingly accidental death of a Home Guard soldier, she’s determined to investigate fully. Maybe, if she can find out what happened and make a story out of it, she might be given just a few column inches of her own. What Edie doesn’t expect, though, is for her first (self-appointed) assignment to turn her from secretary to sleuth in less time than it takes to type ‘murder’.
With the local police, under the utterly irritating (but outrageously handsome) DCI Louis Brennan, stretched to the limit as bombs rain down, Edie alone has the time, and determination, to investigate. Despite Louis’ best efforts to keep her off the scent and her nose out of his police business, Edie discovers something that neither of them can afford to write off. Another body, whose identity will be on every front page in two seconds flat.
Desperate to prevent a further murder, Edie strides out into the blackout to find answers, an exasperated Louis hot on her tail as she plunges headlong into the mystery. Will Edie unveil the murderer and make headline news, her name in print at last – or will she be next…?
MY THOUGHTS: The author has set the scene well. WWII - air raids, volunteer work, the home guard, rationing. The plot, when pared down to basics, is a good one. The problem lies with the characters and the large amount of filler that slows the pace of the book.
Edie rushes around like a bull at a gate not thinking through her actions or the possible consequences. I didn't not like Edie, but at times she set my teeth on edge with her flights of fancy.
I enjoyed the mystery, although I felt that there were enough evident clues for the reader to solve it long before Edie did.
While this was an enjoyable historical mystery, it could have been a lot tighter in the writing. This is a debut novel and I do believe this author shows promise.
A quick, easy read.
⭐⭐⭐.5
#AReportofMurder #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: I can find no information on this author.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of A Report of Murder by F.L. Everett for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'A REPORT OF MURDER': Previously titled: Murder in the Blitz.
England, December 1940: All Edie York has ever wanted is to be a real reporter, investigating daring hot-off-the-press pieces in her smartest pencil skirt. Instead, she’s stuck answering the telephones on her local newspaper, battling her worn-out typewriter and its missing ‘v’, and coughing through the Chief Editor’s pipe smoke as he dictates the wartime headlines.
So when Edie stumbles upon the seemingly accidental death of a Home Guard soldier, she’s determined to investigate fully. Maybe, if she can find out what happened and make a story out of it, she might be given just a few column inches of her own. What Edie doesn’t expect, though, is for her first (self-appointed) assignment to turn her from secretary to sleuth in less time than it takes to type ‘murder’.
With the local police, under the utterly irritating (but outrageously handsome) DCI Louis Brennan, stretched to the limit as bombs rain down, Edie alone has the time, and determination, to investigate. Despite Louis’ best efforts to keep her off the scent and her nose out of his police business, Edie discovers something that neither of them can afford to write off. Another body, whose identity will be on every front page in two seconds flat.
Desperate to prevent a further murder, Edie strides out into the blackout to find answers, an exasperated Louis hot on her tail as she plunges headlong into the mystery. Will Edie unveil the murderer and make headline news, her name in print at last – or will she be next…?
MY THOUGHTS: The author has set the scene well. WWII - air raids, volunteer work, the home guard, rationing. The plot, when pared down to basics, is a good one. The problem lies with the characters and the large amount of filler that slows the pace of the book.
Edie rushes around like a bull at a gate not thinking through her actions or the possible consequences. I didn't not like Edie, but at times she set my teeth on edge with her flights of fancy.
I enjoyed the mystery, although I felt that there were enough evident clues for the reader to solve it long before Edie did.
While this was an enjoyable historical mystery, it could have been a lot tighter in the writing. This is a debut novel and I do believe this author shows promise.
A quick, easy read.
⭐⭐⭐.5
#AReportofMurder #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: I can find no information on this author.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of A Report of Murder by F.L. Everett for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
September 19, 2023
3 Stars
One Liner: Decent but slow and long
Manchester, 1940
Edie York joined the newspaper office hoping to become a stylish and real wartime reporter. However, she ends up as a secretary, multitasking throughout the day but bored out of her wits. A certain development leads her to the soldier training site and makes her a witness to the death of a Home Guard soldier.
Edie is excited, knowing the case is her ticket to prove her abilities as a crime reporter. However, she soon realizes it’s harder than it looks, and the stakes are high.
DI Louis Brennan is arrogant and infuriating. He doesn’t even take Edie seriously. But when things get dangerous, he agrees to help her. Yet, it won’t be easy for Edie to find the truth. Can she solve her first case without getting killed?
The story comes in Edie’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
As the first in the series, the book sets the stage by introducing Edie York and the setting. We meet various characters, though only a few are important for the plot. The WWII backdrop is well done. There are recurring instances of rations, air raids, volunteering work, etc.
The newspaper office and its employees are also easy to visualize. We see the difference in how men and women are treated at work and in general. This was when times were changing, and women were actively doing ‘men’s work’ but still got overlooked.
The plot, as such, is simple enough to follow. The mystery has interesting elements, too. However, the MC is a major letdown. While I understand her motivations and some of her actions, she fails to make a good impression for the majority of the book.
I’ve tried to excuse a lot since this is Edie’s first case (she is bound to stumble). Sure, she is talented at writing obituaries, and the unexpected promotion gives her a chance to investigate a crime. However, for someone who devours so many mysteries, she doesn’t seem to have a basic understanding of how to handle a case. Just about everything is a mess.
It’s as if the MC doesn’t bother using her brain much (not until it’s too late). Surely, a wannabe crime reporter wouldn't say something like he’s my boyfriend (that too, a very recent development), so he can’t be a suspect (despite the red flags). Ridiculous!
The writing is heavy and slow. The first-person narration results in a lot of blabbering and excessive descriptions. This makes the book feel 100 pages longer than its actual 300-page count. Also, I dislike long chapters. The first chapter was long and ended at 10%. (This is an uncorrected proof, so I’m hoping it will read better in the final version. It’ll need helluva edits).
Despite everything, I am interested in the second book. Edie did seem like she learned her lessons. I can only hope she will display a better sense of judgment and balance in the coming book. Fingers crossed!
To summarize, Murder in the Blitz does offer a good setting and portrayal of the Blitz and how it affected ordinary people. As a mystery, it is yet to step up and deliver.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MurderintheBlitz
One Liner: Decent but slow and long
Manchester, 1940
Edie York joined the newspaper office hoping to become a stylish and real wartime reporter. However, she ends up as a secretary, multitasking throughout the day but bored out of her wits. A certain development leads her to the soldier training site and makes her a witness to the death of a Home Guard soldier.
Edie is excited, knowing the case is her ticket to prove her abilities as a crime reporter. However, she soon realizes it’s harder than it looks, and the stakes are high.
DI Louis Brennan is arrogant and infuriating. He doesn’t even take Edie seriously. But when things get dangerous, he agrees to help her. Yet, it won’t be easy for Edie to find the truth. Can she solve her first case without getting killed?
The story comes in Edie’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
As the first in the series, the book sets the stage by introducing Edie York and the setting. We meet various characters, though only a few are important for the plot. The WWII backdrop is well done. There are recurring instances of rations, air raids, volunteering work, etc.
The newspaper office and its employees are also easy to visualize. We see the difference in how men and women are treated at work and in general. This was when times were changing, and women were actively doing ‘men’s work’ but still got overlooked.
The plot, as such, is simple enough to follow. The mystery has interesting elements, too. However, the MC is a major letdown. While I understand her motivations and some of her actions, she fails to make a good impression for the majority of the book.
I’ve tried to excuse a lot since this is Edie’s first case (she is bound to stumble). Sure, she is talented at writing obituaries, and the unexpected promotion gives her a chance to investigate a crime. However, for someone who devours so many mysteries, she doesn’t seem to have a basic understanding of how to handle a case. Just about everything is a mess.
It’s as if the MC doesn’t bother using her brain much (not until it’s too late). Surely, a wannabe crime reporter wouldn't say something like he’s my boyfriend (that too, a very recent development), so he can’t be a suspect (despite the red flags). Ridiculous!
The writing is heavy and slow. The first-person narration results in a lot of blabbering and excessive descriptions. This makes the book feel 100 pages longer than its actual 300-page count. Also, I dislike long chapters. The first chapter was long and ended at 10%. (This is an uncorrected proof, so I’m hoping it will read better in the final version. It’ll need helluva edits).
Despite everything, I am interested in the second book. Edie did seem like she learned her lessons. I can only hope she will display a better sense of judgment and balance in the coming book. Fingers crossed!
To summarize, Murder in the Blitz does offer a good setting and portrayal of the Blitz and how it affected ordinary people. As a mystery, it is yet to step up and deliver.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MurderintheBlitz
August 28, 2023
3.5 stars
I gather this is the first in a series featuring the crime reporter Edie York. All I can say is that I hope she gets a lot less credulous in future novels. She certainly was ready to believe almost anything in this first book but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt if I read a future novel.
In this book Edie is working as a secretary at the Manchester Chronicle. The war is less than a year old but Manchester is becoming the target of bombings and Edie is desperate to do something more meaningful than typing.
Through staff loss she is put in charge of writing the obituary column ostensibly to find uplifting stories of ordinary brave citizens. Her first victim is Victor Novak. However as Edie seems to attract murders around her the obituary begins to blossom into a crime. To help her out she has her friend, Annie, an undertaker, a police detective and a newly discovered mother and son duo.
It's not as complicated as it sounds.
Anyway Edie is determined to make more of her role than she should but she's frankly the worst amateur detective ever. This is mainly because she thinks that all good looking, rich people are honest while the less blessed of society are all liars. Frankly Edie gives the impression that what she really wants is to be married with babies and no job at all, let alone a crime reporter.
In general Edie irritated the life out of me as she totally ignored every clue staring her in the face. She was terrible at interviewing everyone and ignorant of he surroundings to the point of idiocy.
I gave the book 3.5 because the writing is pretty good, the plot is easy enough to follow and it I'd the first outing for Edie. However I only read the first Rebus and loathed it so much I never read another.
I am sure this will appeal to readers who prefer a cosy mystery - fans of Richard Osman perhaps. It is pleasant enough and I'm sure Edie will grow as a person after this as long as she's not mooning after another matinee idol.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advance review copy.
I gather this is the first in a series featuring the crime reporter Edie York. All I can say is that I hope she gets a lot less credulous in future novels. She certainly was ready to believe almost anything in this first book but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt if I read a future novel.
In this book Edie is working as a secretary at the Manchester Chronicle. The war is less than a year old but Manchester is becoming the target of bombings and Edie is desperate to do something more meaningful than typing.
Through staff loss she is put in charge of writing the obituary column ostensibly to find uplifting stories of ordinary brave citizens. Her first victim is Victor Novak. However as Edie seems to attract murders around her the obituary begins to blossom into a crime. To help her out she has her friend, Annie, an undertaker, a police detective and a newly discovered mother and son duo.
It's not as complicated as it sounds.
Anyway Edie is determined to make more of her role than she should but she's frankly the worst amateur detective ever. This is mainly because she thinks that all good looking, rich people are honest while the less blessed of society are all liars. Frankly Edie gives the impression that what she really wants is to be married with babies and no job at all, let alone a crime reporter.
In general Edie irritated the life out of me as she totally ignored every clue staring her in the face. She was terrible at interviewing everyone and ignorant of he surroundings to the point of idiocy.
I gave the book 3.5 because the writing is pretty good, the plot is easy enough to follow and it I'd the first outing for Edie. However I only read the first Rebus and loathed it so much I never read another.
I am sure this will appeal to readers who prefer a cosy mystery - fans of Richard Osman perhaps. It is pleasant enough and I'm sure Edie will grow as a person after this as long as she's not mooning after another matinee idol.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advance review copy.
September 22, 2023
It is 1940 in England and Edie York is a newspaper secretary who wants more. Much more. She would love to become a wartime reporter. Instead, she gets a different type of promotion. She is to become a newspaper obituary writer.
Edie quickly decides to make much more of her new assignment. The opportunity presents itself almost immediately when a Home Guard soldier is murdered. Edie puts on a new hat, that of an investigative reporter. Her investigation leads her further than even she could have imagined, and this brings danger to Edie. When another murder occurs, Edie finds that she must rely on an unlikely ally, DCI Louis Brennan.
What an exciting start to a new series. Not only is this the first book in the Edie York series, but it is a remarkable and entertaining debut work of F.L. Everett. I enjoyed Edie’s exploits and am eager to read the second book in the series, Murder in the Homefront, set to come out in just a couple of months. Edie is an entertaining character and I love the setting and how engaging this first book was.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Edie quickly decides to make much more of her new assignment. The opportunity presents itself almost immediately when a Home Guard soldier is murdered. Edie puts on a new hat, that of an investigative reporter. Her investigation leads her further than even she could have imagined, and this brings danger to Edie. When another murder occurs, Edie finds that she must rely on an unlikely ally, DCI Louis Brennan.
What an exciting start to a new series. Not only is this the first book in the Edie York series, but it is a remarkable and entertaining debut work of F.L. Everett. I enjoyed Edie’s exploits and am eager to read the second book in the series, Murder in the Homefront, set to come out in just a couple of months. Edie is an entertaining character and I love the setting and how engaging this first book was.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
November 5, 2023
A Home Guard obituary story, a gunshot, and off goes intrepid Edie York to crack her first case and convince her boss at the newspaper that she’s got the right stuff for investigative journalism. Set against the background of 1940 Manchester during WWII, Murder at the Blitz appealed to my new growing interest in historical cozy mysteries.
Murder in the Blitz is a first in series and like many of the same takes a bit to really get rolling with the plot. FL Everett painted a colorful and historically authentic setting against which protagonist, Edie York lives. The cultural situation for women joining the workforce in places that were once only a man’s world like a newspaper office and the homefront in time of war like ration cards, bomb shelters, gas masks, and local home guard troops was organic to the story.
Edie’s got spunk and is bored stiff acting as a secretary, transcriber, and dogsbody at the paper. She pushes for a promotion and gets it writing the obituary column, but that is not her end game. She intends to be a flashy war time investigative journalist. So, when a suspicious death happens while she’s on the spot, she naively jumps in and starts tracking clues. How hard can it be? She’s read plenty of murder mysteries.
Oys, this gal was as gullible as it gets and was lucky to survive her first case. The reader is able to see what Edie cannot and it was frustrating and agonizing at first and, well, for a while. But, she does learn even as she irritates the irascible police inspector who finally steps in to help her and the amateur squad she has brought together.
The murder mystery took to nearly the end to really grab me, but it did. Edie annoyed me a lot, but also showed growth and pluckiness that I respected and think I can learn to like her over the long haul. I think its possible Edie was supposed to have a pretty big growth arc as a detective through the series and I’m curious to keep going and see if I’m right. So, I’ll recommend this one to other historical cozy fans with the understanding that the book is a slow starter and the detective is starting without any supersleuth skills just determination.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Oct 25th.
Murder in the Blitz is a first in series and like many of the same takes a bit to really get rolling with the plot. FL Everett painted a colorful and historically authentic setting against which protagonist, Edie York lives. The cultural situation for women joining the workforce in places that were once only a man’s world like a newspaper office and the homefront in time of war like ration cards, bomb shelters, gas masks, and local home guard troops was organic to the story.
Edie’s got spunk and is bored stiff acting as a secretary, transcriber, and dogsbody at the paper. She pushes for a promotion and gets it writing the obituary column, but that is not her end game. She intends to be a flashy war time investigative journalist. So, when a suspicious death happens while she’s on the spot, she naively jumps in and starts tracking clues. How hard can it be? She’s read plenty of murder mysteries.
Oys, this gal was as gullible as it gets and was lucky to survive her first case. The reader is able to see what Edie cannot and it was frustrating and agonizing at first and, well, for a while. But, she does learn even as she irritates the irascible police inspector who finally steps in to help her and the amateur squad she has brought together.
The murder mystery took to nearly the end to really grab me, but it did. Edie annoyed me a lot, but also showed growth and pluckiness that I respected and think I can learn to like her over the long haul. I think its possible Edie was supposed to have a pretty big growth arc as a detective through the series and I’m curious to keep going and see if I’m right. So, I’ll recommend this one to other historical cozy fans with the understanding that the book is a slow starter and the detective is starting without any supersleuth skills just determination.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Oct 25th.
October 13, 2023
It's wartime Manchester (UK) and all Edie York wants to do is be a crime reporter. So when her boss at the local paper assigns her to obituaries and one of the deaths looks unusual, she seizes the chance to prove herself and begins sleuthing. There's a missing painting, a glamorous (sort of) widow, wartime secrets and lashings of period atmosphere to get lost in.
This book was so wonderfully easy to read - and by that I don't mean it was fluffy or insubstantial, just that from the very first page I was completely immersed in Edie's world. The author evokes the wartime atmosphere effectively and unsentimentally. Edie is 'not a joiner-in' so those wartime sing-songs down the shelter and dances with men in uniform aren't her cup of tea at all which made me laugh. And the tragedy of the Blitz is dealt with respectfully and realistically without dominating the story - a tricky balance! I loved all the characters instantly and can't wait to read the next in the series.
SORRY FORGOT TO ADD: I was supplied with an early copy of this book to review.
This book was so wonderfully easy to read - and by that I don't mean it was fluffy or insubstantial, just that from the very first page I was completely immersed in Edie's world. The author evokes the wartime atmosphere effectively and unsentimentally. Edie is 'not a joiner-in' so those wartime sing-songs down the shelter and dances with men in uniform aren't her cup of tea at all which made me laugh. And the tragedy of the Blitz is dealt with respectfully and realistically without dominating the story - a tricky balance! I loved all the characters instantly and can't wait to read the next in the series.
SORRY FORGOT TO ADD: I was supplied with an early copy of this book to review.
September 4, 2023
3.5☆
I found the setting of this story quite interesting, following Edie's pursuit of her dream to become a reporter in wartime Manchester. The author skillfully weaves historical context into the story, immersing the reader more deeply. While the plot had moments of slowness, the added details to various characters and subplots didn't bother me much, as they contributed to the overall story, particularly considering that this is the first book in a series. However, the plot felt overly simplistic, and I felt quite frustrated with Edie for overlooking clear clues when the identity of the killer was so obvious.
I found the setting of this story quite interesting, following Edie's pursuit of her dream to become a reporter in wartime Manchester. The author skillfully weaves historical context into the story, immersing the reader more deeply. While the plot had moments of slowness, the added details to various characters and subplots didn't bother me much, as they contributed to the overall story, particularly considering that this is the first book in a series. However, the plot felt overly simplistic, and I felt quite frustrated with Edie for overlooking clear clues when the identity of the killer was so obvious.
December 24, 2023
1940. Edie York wants to become a crime reporter, but she is assigned to the obituaries for one Joseph Novak. On seeing a home guard man killed she starts to investigate that death, but finds a connection to Novak. Unfortunately she is not really that good at the job, and forgets the adage, 'trust no one'. But there will be more deaths.
Overall an enjoyable historical mystery and hopefully as the series develops she will obtain some street intelligence.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall an enjoyable historical mystery and hopefully as the series develops she will obtain some street intelligence.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2023
Extremely entertaining and pacey WWII-set murder mystery. Good period detail and convincing descriptions of Manchester's Blitz - and Edie and Annie live in Fallowfield, where my brother lived while he was at university, which is fun.
It's winter 1940 and junior journo Edie's long-held wish to be a crime reporter doesn't look like it will come true any time soon. She witnesses an accident/murder/suicide while reporting on the activities of the Home Guard, and a promotion to obituary writer sees her involved in a complicated string of puzzling events with more deaths to come. It rains a lot, she's always forgetting her gas-mask, and she's perpetually cold and wanting more sugar for her tea. Lou the DI is annoying, Arnold the undertaker is potentially odd, and posh boy Charles is stupidly handsome. Can any of them help her solve this mystery?
This is the first book in a series and I look forward to the next one.
(I saw a Morrison air raid shelter for the first time at the Farnham Rural Life Living Museum last month so that helped me visualise several scenes in this.)
It's winter 1940 and junior journo Edie's long-held wish to be a crime reporter doesn't look like it will come true any time soon. She witnesses an accident/murder/suicide while reporting on the activities of the Home Guard, and a promotion to obituary writer sees her involved in a complicated string of puzzling events with more deaths to come. It rains a lot, she's always forgetting her gas-mask, and she's perpetually cold and wanting more sugar for her tea. Lou the DI is annoying, Arnold the undertaker is potentially odd, and posh boy Charles is stupidly handsome. Can any of them help her solve this mystery?
This is the first book in a series and I look forward to the next one.
(I saw a Morrison air raid shelter for the first time at the Farnham Rural Life Living Museum last month so that helped me visualise several scenes in this.)
October 14, 2023
What a great read!
I've been immersed in the blitz reading this great mystery and have only just come blinking into the light. Edie York is a great character. As an orphan who has only known children's homes, she has an endearing naivety and a desire to do the right thing that makes you root for her. I loved the different relationships in this novel (the characters were great!) and look forward to seeing how they develop in future books. The murder investigation itself takes some unexpected twists and turns but has a very satisfying ending!
I've been immersed in the blitz reading this great mystery and have only just come blinking into the light. Edie York is a great character. As an orphan who has only known children's homes, she has an endearing naivety and a desire to do the right thing that makes you root for her. I loved the different relationships in this novel (the characters were great!) and look forward to seeing how they develop in future books. The murder investigation itself takes some unexpected twists and turns but has a very satisfying ending!
September 21, 2023
Edie wants to be a crime reporter but instead becomes an obituarist. She gets caught up in a murder with a surprising outcome. It’s a good first book in a series. There’s some surprises towards the end. I would be interested to see where Edie goes next.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy
September 19, 2023
This is the good start of a new historical cozy mystery with a quite complex plot, a feisty heroine and a fascinating detective.
Edie is a likeable, witty, and ambitious rookie journalist who wants more than typing, making tea and acting like a secretary. She wants to become a reporter and when she starts her first assignment, she will work hard to solve a mystery with the of having found more than she can chew.
It’s a slow burning story but, as it happens with a first in a new series, you get to know the characters and the environments.
I appreciated the descriptions of the life in a paper and well research and vivid historical background.
The characters are fleshed out and I can’t wait to read the next story as I want to know what will happen and how they will evolve.
It’s an entertaining and compelling read, a bit slow at the beginning but it never drags or made my mind wonder
Recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Edie is a likeable, witty, and ambitious rookie journalist who wants more than typing, making tea and acting like a secretary. She wants to become a reporter and when she starts her first assignment, she will work hard to solve a mystery with the of having found more than she can chew.
It’s a slow burning story but, as it happens with a first in a new series, you get to know the characters and the environments.
I appreciated the descriptions of the life in a paper and well research and vivid historical background.
The characters are fleshed out and I can’t wait to read the next story as I want to know what will happen and how they will evolve.
It’s an entertaining and compelling read, a bit slow at the beginning but it never drags or made my mind wonder
Recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 20, 2023
3.5
This was a cozy murder mystery that takes place in the midst of WWII in Manchester. Edie York is our FMC, and an aspiring crime reporter turned obituarist.
Her first job is to write the obituary of the victim, Joseph Novak, however the further she delves into the events taking place, she begins to see the events are more closely intertwined.
Edie is way in over her head and severely unprepared for this job. She misses apparent clues, trusts too easily, and yet manages to make this mystery book a fun ride nevertheless.
This was a slow read at first, however starts to pick up once you start to meet the eccentric cast of characters.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cozy murder mystery that takes place in the midst of WWII in Manchester. Edie York is our FMC, and an aspiring crime reporter turned obituarist.
Her first job is to write the obituary of the victim, Joseph Novak, however the further she delves into the events taking place, she begins to see the events are more closely intertwined.
Edie is way in over her head and severely unprepared for this job. She misses apparent clues, trusts too easily, and yet manages to make this mystery book a fun ride nevertheless.
This was a slow read at first, however starts to pick up once you start to meet the eccentric cast of characters.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and was transported back to 1940’s Manchester - it really felt like I was there, living through the blitz with Edie and her friends. At some point in the book I had nailed the murder on most of the main characters. The author really brought life in the blitz to life and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book to devour.
September 24, 2023
Another cracking cosy crime but goodness what a twist at the end!
December 4, 2023
3.5 stars, An enjoyable cozy crime set in the Manchester blitz.
I enjoyed the characters, particularly wannabe crime writer Edie York, the protagonist. For the first in the series, it’s a good read. A little slow to get going, but as the genre goes well written, light and fun. Will definitely read more.
I enjoyed the characters, particularly wannabe crime writer Edie York, the protagonist. For the first in the series, it’s a good read. A little slow to get going, but as the genre goes well written, light and fun. Will definitely read more.
September 22, 2023
Murder in The Blitz is the first in what will likely be a lengthy series of mysteries set around a cast of interesting and likable characters. Edie York is a young lady who grew up in an orphanage and now in her twenties has ambitions to be a Crime Reporter. She works for the Manchester Chronicle in a lowly clerical role but given an opportunity to cover a Home Guard exercise, she witnesses a fatality which appears accidental but her instincts tell her otherwise. As she she sets off to discover more about the victim and possibly investigate a crime, we are introduced to other characters who will no doubt re appear in future books. Others will not as they turn out to be the villains or they meet a sticky end.
FL Everett does an excellent job in developing the characters, each with their own back story and they all skillfully blend into what is a very good murder mystery plot. The backdrop is Manchester during the early part of WW2 just as bombing starts and the people are trying to cope with the chaos and uncertainty. You get a great sense of what life must have been like with food rationing, black outs, spending the nights in air raid shelters and the general fear of what was to come. All this is expressed through the eyes of Edie who is on a steep learning curve in her profession and also in life. She is determined to succeed but is also a young woman who wants to have fun and romance.
I would recommend this book to all lovers of a good mystery and an interest in wartime Britain. It is well written and sustains your interest throughout.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me access to this book.
FL Everett does an excellent job in developing the characters, each with their own back story and they all skillfully blend into what is a very good murder mystery plot. The backdrop is Manchester during the early part of WW2 just as bombing starts and the people are trying to cope with the chaos and uncertainty. You get a great sense of what life must have been like with food rationing, black outs, spending the nights in air raid shelters and the general fear of what was to come. All this is expressed through the eyes of Edie who is on a steep learning curve in her profession and also in life. She is determined to succeed but is also a young woman who wants to have fun and romance.
I would recommend this book to all lovers of a good mystery and an interest in wartime Britain. It is well written and sustains your interest throughout.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me access to this book.
February 17, 2024
The setting and time period is great, the writing is crisp and most of the characters are really well done and likable, except for the main one. I honestly didn't expect her to be another Miss Marple but she is one dim bulb, I mean not even close to 20 watts which would be fine, if she hadn't been brought up in an orphanage where at least she should have had street smarts. So this was Kindle Unlimited so I'll read the 2nd one and hope she got a little smarter.
August 20, 2023
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC of Murder in the Blitz.
I appreciate that this was a book with the blitz as the background that didn't take place solely in London. Often times I do find historical cozy mystery series to only take place in a centrally renowned location - London, New York, etc. Manchester, a manufacturing/factory city, was a high-level target for bombing, and it was both relevant and refreshing to see a differently affected area with less social expectations than those normally written about with London. F.L. Everett's research into the setting and times felt accurate and appropriate - and made me interested in the overall history of December 1940 in Manchester.
For the actual story, Edie York longs to be a crime reporter, a role that women can not yet achieve. When she is given the opportunity to write obituaries for higher profile Manchester residents, she is ready to dig in in on the first assignment - the obituary of Joseph Novak, but before she can visit his widow, she witnesses another death that may be connected - and now she's on the case hoping for her first big break.
I wanted to love this book - the only other cozy mystery series I've read with the blitz as the background is the Electra McDonnell series by Ashley Weaver (definitely recommend), and the only other reporter lead character cozy I've read is Kate Belli's Gilded Gotham mystery series (also recommend). Unfortunately, I was just frustrated with Edie for most of the book, and I felt like the killer was overwhelmingly obvious and at times was so in your face in reading that I could not justify Edie being a mystery/crime solving enthusiast when the clues are practically slapping her and she can't discern them. I felt like the mystery written about in the book blurb vs the actual story were quite different than each other - and the blurb part seems relevant the first 30% of the book, but after that it seems to get tangled and move in an entirely opposite direction. Edie goes from a woman trying to get up the journalism ladder and make a bit more money to have more heat and food, to someone who is only thinking about her boyfriend, and is constantly forgiving him even though all he ever seems to do is disparage her for her "lowly" upbringing. That said, the ending does give Edie a moment to showcase her bravery and her sleuthing, so it ends satisfactorily, but I don't know if the first 30% and last 10% were enough for me to be interested in book two of the series. I may change my mind when I learn about the second book of the series - perhaps the first book is just the beginning of growth for Edie and her small group of friends.
I also just wanted to note that there is another series called "Murders in the Blitz" with a main character named Eve Duncan - which briefly did cause some confusion for me with "Murder in the Blitz" and a main character named Edie. Julia Underwood's series does appear first in a Goodreads search over F.L. Everett.
I appreciate that this was a book with the blitz as the background that didn't take place solely in London. Often times I do find historical cozy mystery series to only take place in a centrally renowned location - London, New York, etc. Manchester, a manufacturing/factory city, was a high-level target for bombing, and it was both relevant and refreshing to see a differently affected area with less social expectations than those normally written about with London. F.L. Everett's research into the setting and times felt accurate and appropriate - and made me interested in the overall history of December 1940 in Manchester.
For the actual story, Edie York longs to be a crime reporter, a role that women can not yet achieve. When she is given the opportunity to write obituaries for higher profile Manchester residents, she is ready to dig in in on the first assignment - the obituary of Joseph Novak, but before she can visit his widow, she witnesses another death that may be connected - and now she's on the case hoping for her first big break.
I wanted to love this book - the only other cozy mystery series I've read with the blitz as the background is the Electra McDonnell series by Ashley Weaver (definitely recommend), and the only other reporter lead character cozy I've read is Kate Belli's Gilded Gotham mystery series (also recommend). Unfortunately, I was just frustrated with Edie for most of the book, and I felt like the killer was overwhelmingly obvious and at times was so in your face in reading that I could not justify Edie being a mystery/crime solving enthusiast when the clues are practically slapping her and she can't discern them. I felt like the mystery written about in the book blurb vs the actual story were quite different than each other - and the blurb part seems relevant the first 30% of the book, but after that it seems to get tangled and move in an entirely opposite direction. Edie goes from a woman trying to get up the journalism ladder and make a bit more money to have more heat and food, to someone who is only thinking about her boyfriend, and is constantly forgiving him even though all he ever seems to do is disparage her for her "lowly" upbringing. That said, the ending does give Edie a moment to showcase her bravery and her sleuthing, so it ends satisfactorily, but I don't know if the first 30% and last 10% were enough for me to be interested in book two of the series. I may change my mind when I learn about the second book of the series - perhaps the first book is just the beginning of growth for Edie and her small group of friends.
I also just wanted to note that there is another series called "Murders in the Blitz" with a main character named Eve Duncan - which briefly did cause some confusion for me with "Murder in the Blitz" and a main character named Edie. Julia Underwood's series does appear first in a Goodreads search over F.L. Everett.
September 22, 2023
Flic Everett’s Murder in the Blitz is her first book in a series about Edie York, a journalist in Manchester during WWII. Edie is given the opportunity by her editor, Mr Gorringe, to become the obituaries writer for the Manchester Chronicle. Her first assignment is to write the obituary for a local businessman. However, when asked to cover a routine Home Guard training exercise, a man is shot dead and Edie becomes convinced the two stories are linked.
Edie is an orphan and left school at sixteen because the children’s home couldn’t / wouldn’t spend money on sending her to university. That’s clever: it means Edie has no family to muddy the plot. Edie is likeable and the reader wills her to succeed in her mission to become the Chronicle’s crime reporter. The men in her life are well described and delineated: awkward Arnold, the undertaker; his friend, Lou, the cynical detective; and Charles, who works in intelligence and has the looks of a Greek god. Even Edie’s colleagues on the newspaper, who flit across a sentence or two, are perfectly drawn in the reader’s mind with just a few words. Mr Gorringe steeples his fingers; sighs; and drinks water when lunching at the poshest hotel in Manchester – what a brilliant pen picture! Although we know Edie survives, because the narration is in the first person, we do worry about her friends during the air raids. I was completely invested in Edie, even though I cringed at some of her actions and at her outspokenness after a few drinks! However, if you find yourself muttering “Noooo, don’t do it!” at a character in a book, they must be believable, despite everything.
This is not the propagandist cheery view with the slogan “Britain can take it”; this is the actual grim reality of WWII. Edie reflects upon the Chronicle’s photo of “a cheerful WVS worker” and thinks “All the recipes and cartoons and snippets of entertainment seemed a weak response to the bombardment of Britain.” People die; and children are orphaned and made homeless by the bombing. I was also pleased to see an author describing the Home Front somewhere other than London.
There are a few trivial continuity errors: Edie sets the alarm for 6:30am; dashes out as quick as she can to interview a widow (a bus ride and “quite a walk”, although Fallowfield and Burnage are fairly close); carries out the interview, which takes, say, an hour; but then has to stop the pub to ask for directions to the undertakers, so it’s already lunchtime. Indeed, most of the action takes place within an area about two miles square, although the author makes it sound much further. On Christmas Day, Edie’s in her dressing gown but then suddenly spills mince pie crumbs on her grey wool dress. Finally, she puts on her makeup and then has a bath – I’m not an expert, but I would have thought reversing the order is the norm. While these may make the reader pause and step aside from the drama, thinking “Hold on – did I read that right?”, I urge you to suspend disbelief and just enjoy the book.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely look out for the second book in the series.
#MurderintheBlitz #NetGalley
Edie is an orphan and left school at sixteen because the children’s home couldn’t / wouldn’t spend money on sending her to university. That’s clever: it means Edie has no family to muddy the plot. Edie is likeable and the reader wills her to succeed in her mission to become the Chronicle’s crime reporter. The men in her life are well described and delineated: awkward Arnold, the undertaker; his friend, Lou, the cynical detective; and Charles, who works in intelligence and has the looks of a Greek god. Even Edie’s colleagues on the newspaper, who flit across a sentence or two, are perfectly drawn in the reader’s mind with just a few words. Mr Gorringe steeples his fingers; sighs; and drinks water when lunching at the poshest hotel in Manchester – what a brilliant pen picture! Although we know Edie survives, because the narration is in the first person, we do worry about her friends during the air raids. I was completely invested in Edie, even though I cringed at some of her actions and at her outspokenness after a few drinks! However, if you find yourself muttering “Noooo, don’t do it!” at a character in a book, they must be believable, despite everything.
This is not the propagandist cheery view with the slogan “Britain can take it”; this is the actual grim reality of WWII. Edie reflects upon the Chronicle’s photo of “a cheerful WVS worker” and thinks “All the recipes and cartoons and snippets of entertainment seemed a weak response to the bombardment of Britain.” People die; and children are orphaned and made homeless by the bombing. I was also pleased to see an author describing the Home Front somewhere other than London.
There are a few trivial continuity errors: Edie sets the alarm for 6:30am; dashes out as quick as she can to interview a widow (a bus ride and “quite a walk”, although Fallowfield and Burnage are fairly close); carries out the interview, which takes, say, an hour; but then has to stop the pub to ask for directions to the undertakers, so it’s already lunchtime. Indeed, most of the action takes place within an area about two miles square, although the author makes it sound much further. On Christmas Day, Edie’s in her dressing gown but then suddenly spills mince pie crumbs on her grey wool dress. Finally, she puts on her makeup and then has a bath – I’m not an expert, but I would have thought reversing the order is the norm. While these may make the reader pause and step aside from the drama, thinking “Hold on – did I read that right?”, I urge you to suspend disbelief and just enjoy the book.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely look out for the second book in the series.
#MurderintheBlitz #NetGalley
November 7, 2023
Thanks to Bookouture & NetGalley for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.
Another entertaining novel with an endearing character enduring life in World War II England during the Blitz of 1940. Edie York (hey, did you noticed all the “E” words including Edie’s first name)? is an overworked and underpaid secretary at the Manchester Chronicle.
Twenty-four-year-old Edie narrates with a witty and engaging voice. She has wanted to be a crime reporter since she was ten years old and hopes she is getting closer to her dream when she is unexpectedly promoted as the newspaper’s “obituarist.”
With the novel’s references to murder mystery books and authors including Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, and Dashiel Hammett, it’s no surprise that a death soon occurs. Edie believes it’s a murder, not an accident, and is compelled to help solve and write about it for the paper, demonstrating her capabilities as an official crime reporter.
Edie’s group of friends grows, beginning with her best friend and flatmate Annie, to include Detective Inspector Lou Brennan, mortician Arnold Whiting, wealthy art lovers Charles and Lillian Emerson, and a huge dog named Marple. While she investigates the first death, a few more occur which are definitely murders, and possibly all are related. She works on her obituary assignments as well as her crime investigation in between air raids.
In addition to this being an entertaining murder mystery, Edie provides an accurate description of life during wartime: “This new life of air-raid shelters, the endless queuing, the government telling us what we could and couldn’t eat and wear and buy. Nobody I knew really believed that we’d die. It all felt like a ridiculous inconvenience, a silly experiment that had got out of hand. Yet at the same time, I wanted nothing more than for us to win the war and return to normal.” This sentiment reminded me of the similarity to how many of us felt during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown.
Taking place in December 1940, this delightful debut novel includes red herrings, suspicious characters, and numerous clues amid the gas masks, blackout curtains, and rations. I appreciated the author’s research and was pleased to learn a second book in the series is coming out later this month. Looking forward to reading more about Edie’s exploits in “Murder in a Country Village."
Another entertaining novel with an endearing character enduring life in World War II England during the Blitz of 1940. Edie York (hey, did you noticed all the “E” words including Edie’s first name)? is an overworked and underpaid secretary at the Manchester Chronicle.
Twenty-four-year-old Edie narrates with a witty and engaging voice. She has wanted to be a crime reporter since she was ten years old and hopes she is getting closer to her dream when she is unexpectedly promoted as the newspaper’s “obituarist.”
With the novel’s references to murder mystery books and authors including Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, and Dashiel Hammett, it’s no surprise that a death soon occurs. Edie believes it’s a murder, not an accident, and is compelled to help solve and write about it for the paper, demonstrating her capabilities as an official crime reporter.
Edie’s group of friends grows, beginning with her best friend and flatmate Annie, to include Detective Inspector Lou Brennan, mortician Arnold Whiting, wealthy art lovers Charles and Lillian Emerson, and a huge dog named Marple. While she investigates the first death, a few more occur which are definitely murders, and possibly all are related. She works on her obituary assignments as well as her crime investigation in between air raids.
In addition to this being an entertaining murder mystery, Edie provides an accurate description of life during wartime: “This new life of air-raid shelters, the endless queuing, the government telling us what we could and couldn’t eat and wear and buy. Nobody I knew really believed that we’d die. It all felt like a ridiculous inconvenience, a silly experiment that had got out of hand. Yet at the same time, I wanted nothing more than for us to win the war and return to normal.” This sentiment reminded me of the similarity to how many of us felt during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown.
Taking place in December 1940, this delightful debut novel includes red herrings, suspicious characters, and numerous clues amid the gas masks, blackout curtains, and rations. I appreciated the author’s research and was pleased to learn a second book in the series is coming out later this month. Looking forward to reading more about Edie’s exploits in “Murder in a Country Village."
August 26, 2023
This is the first in a WW2 historical mystery series set in Manchester by FL Everett, featuring 24 year old Edie York, sharing a flat in Fallowfield with close friend, Annie, working at the Manchester Chronicle. Edie has been at the paper since she was 19, in a secretarial position, feeling overworked and underpaid, she dreams of being a real crime journalist. It is December 1940, called into the editor, Mr Gorringe's office, a fearful Edie is expecting to be fired, only to be over the moon when she is promoted to obituarist instead with the patriotic purpose of highlighting some noteworthy local people. She is to begin with the recently deceased Joseph Novak, a German Jewish refugee who learnt the language, married, and went on to do well.
However, his widow Pamela is unwilling to co-operate, leaving her struggling to get the necessary information to write the obituary. Constantly forgetting her gas mask, Edie finds herself with the Home Guard, on the spot when a local teacher is shot dead, initially it is not clear what exactly happened. She meets DI Louis Brennan at a dance, through a contact she established with friendly funeral director, Arnold Whiting, hoping for inside information on the investigation. Before Edie knows it, she has stumbled across a horrifying murder that appears to connect Novak, a missing painting, and the shooting of the teacher. Edie is hoping for an exclusive that will establish her as a journalist, there are other murders, as she finds herself surrounded by danger, will she live to write her exclusive?
I have to admit it took me a little while before I became immersed in the story, but once I did, I could not stop reading until I had finished. There is rationing and food shortages, of having to make do and mend, Edie is young and naive, with little experience of the world, which blinds her to the terrors that are to come her way. SImultaneously, she is caught up in the horrors of war that has industrial Manchester heavily bombed, sheltering in a cellar during the scary air raids. There are dead bodies amidst the rubble, buildings and homes demolished, hospitals overwhelmed, all of which has Edie volunteering to do what she can to support the war effort. Everett gives us a well researched historical novel that is wonderfully informative of what happened to Manchester during WW2. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
However, his widow Pamela is unwilling to co-operate, leaving her struggling to get the necessary information to write the obituary. Constantly forgetting her gas mask, Edie finds herself with the Home Guard, on the spot when a local teacher is shot dead, initially it is not clear what exactly happened. She meets DI Louis Brennan at a dance, through a contact she established with friendly funeral director, Arnold Whiting, hoping for inside information on the investigation. Before Edie knows it, she has stumbled across a horrifying murder that appears to connect Novak, a missing painting, and the shooting of the teacher. Edie is hoping for an exclusive that will establish her as a journalist, there are other murders, as she finds herself surrounded by danger, will she live to write her exclusive?
I have to admit it took me a little while before I became immersed in the story, but once I did, I could not stop reading until I had finished. There is rationing and food shortages, of having to make do and mend, Edie is young and naive, with little experience of the world, which blinds her to the terrors that are to come her way. SImultaneously, she is caught up in the horrors of war that has industrial Manchester heavily bombed, sheltering in a cellar during the scary air raids. There are dead bodies amidst the rubble, buildings and homes demolished, hospitals overwhelmed, all of which has Edie volunteering to do what she can to support the war effort. Everett gives us a well researched historical novel that is wonderfully informative of what happened to Manchester during WW2. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
September 2, 2023
This was such a delightful start to a new cozy mystery series set in WWII Manchester, England. The protagonist, Edie York, has left the orphanage and is now out on her own, making a living as a typist at the Manchester Chronicle. She rents a flat with her best mate, Annie and together they dream of their wonderful future selves. Edie's dream is to be a crime columnist. A promotion to obituarist will just have to suffice, for the moment. While helping out a colleague, she stumbles across the accidental death of a Home Guard volunteer during their preparatory maneuvers. Or, was it? Perhaps there's more to this story and Edie leaves no stone unturned in pursuing it. The bodies accumulate and hopefully, Edie's is not next.
The writing of this story is solid and the research is spot on. The mise en scène is cinematic, right out of a WWII film. The tension builds gradually, accelerates as it nears the climax and then eases gently. The characters are developed well and slowly over the course of the story. (No need to give it away all too soon.) Edie is obviously quite naïve and hopefully, the series (and Edie) survive long enough to make her character a bit more credible for the likes of a newspaper reporter. It will be fun observing her mature through the war years. All in all, this was an excellent story and a very good introduction to a new series.
I am grateful to Flic Everett and her publisher, Bookouture for having provided a complimentary copy of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: September 21, 2023
ISBN: 978-1837905010
Pages: 306 pages
The writing of this story is solid and the research is spot on. The mise en scène is cinematic, right out of a WWII film. The tension builds gradually, accelerates as it nears the climax and then eases gently. The characters are developed well and slowly over the course of the story. (No need to give it away all too soon.) Edie is obviously quite naïve and hopefully, the series (and Edie) survive long enough to make her character a bit more credible for the likes of a newspaper reporter. It will be fun observing her mature through the war years. All in all, this was an excellent story and a very good introduction to a new series.
I am grateful to Flic Everett and her publisher, Bookouture for having provided a complimentary copy of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: September 21, 2023
ISBN: 978-1837905010
Pages: 306 pages
October 1, 2023
WWII cozy murder mystery.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC of Murder in the Blitz.
‘Murder in the Blitz‘ is set in WW2/ World War 2 in Manchester, UK. F.L. Everett has used her research into the wartimes well, giving the reader a window into how the people coped during the blitz. This book gives an interesting insight in Manchester in December 1940, with much description of the destruction and the requirement to wear gas masks, the economic hard times, and so on.
The protagonist, Edie York, the secretary at the newspaper, “Manchester Chronicle’s”, is seeking a promotion to be the paper’s crime reporter. When Eddie is given a break to write obituaries for Manchester’s elite, right on the heels of her first subject, Joseph Novak. she witnesses a death. The first murder happens at around the halfway mark, which is slower than I’d have liked. Edie suspects the deaths are connected. Then, Edie spends much of the book cogitating. There was a time when it seemed the murderer was staring at Edie in the face but she couldn’t see it. There is a lot about the hardships Edie faces in wartime England, the different people she talks to, and her boyfriend – rather than the mystery per se. I felt the payoff would have been greater with more focus on the latter.
The final 15 percent, and the finale itself, give Edie a chance to shine as a sleuth, a detective. While greater pacing and twists would have helped the mystery develop, ‘Murder in the Blitz‘ is a worthy start to F.L. Everett’s mystery series.
This book review also appears in https://Amazon.com, https://netgalley.com and https://thereadersvault.blogspot.com/...
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC of Murder in the Blitz.
‘Murder in the Blitz‘ is set in WW2/ World War 2 in Manchester, UK. F.L. Everett has used her research into the wartimes well, giving the reader a window into how the people coped during the blitz. This book gives an interesting insight in Manchester in December 1940, with much description of the destruction and the requirement to wear gas masks, the economic hard times, and so on.
The protagonist, Edie York, the secretary at the newspaper, “Manchester Chronicle’s”, is seeking a promotion to be the paper’s crime reporter. When Eddie is given a break to write obituaries for Manchester’s elite, right on the heels of her first subject, Joseph Novak. she witnesses a death. The first murder happens at around the halfway mark, which is slower than I’d have liked. Edie suspects the deaths are connected. Then, Edie spends much of the book cogitating. There was a time when it seemed the murderer was staring at Edie in the face but she couldn’t see it. There is a lot about the hardships Edie faces in wartime England, the different people she talks to, and her boyfriend – rather than the mystery per se. I felt the payoff would have been greater with more focus on the latter.
The final 15 percent, and the finale itself, give Edie a chance to shine as a sleuth, a detective. While greater pacing and twists would have helped the mystery develop, ‘Murder in the Blitz‘ is a worthy start to F.L. Everett’s mystery series.
This book review also appears in https://Amazon.com, https://netgalley.com and https://thereadersvault.blogspot.com/...
October 3, 2023
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication date: September 21, 2023
Murder in the Blitz is the first from this author and first in a new cozy mystery series starring Edie York. I’m typically a romance and thriller reader but love me a good cozy mystery to break up my usual. This was a good start to what I predict will be a great series!
Edie York has always wanted to be a crime reporter. Working for the local newspaper during the world war has her doing anything but though. Crime reporting is for men and she is stuck typing correspondence and answering the phones.
After most of the men head off to serve their country, Edie’s editor approaches her to be the newspaper’s new obituarist, writing pieces of the recently dead to glamorize and honor their lives. Not quite crime reporting but a step closer to being a real reporter.
Off on an interview for her first such story and Edie finds herself entangled in a possible murder investigation. Along with her friends Annie (a local nurse for the veterans hospital), Alfred (the local undertaker) and Lou (the detective in charge), she sets off to find out more about the person murdered.
Everywhere Edie goes another dead body follows. Is she a prime suspect or should she be worried about being the next victim? This was a good book. A few dragging parts and I didn’t love how the author framed Edie. As an aspiring crime reporter she should be more sceptical, she appeared to believe everything from everyone. Hoping her character and personality is fleshed out a bit more in the coming instalments. This is a 3.5 star for me and I will definitely pick up the next book!
#NetGalley #murderintheblitz #FLEverett
Publication date: September 21, 2023
Murder in the Blitz is the first from this author and first in a new cozy mystery series starring Edie York. I’m typically a romance and thriller reader but love me a good cozy mystery to break up my usual. This was a good start to what I predict will be a great series!
Edie York has always wanted to be a crime reporter. Working for the local newspaper during the world war has her doing anything but though. Crime reporting is for men and she is stuck typing correspondence and answering the phones.
After most of the men head off to serve their country, Edie’s editor approaches her to be the newspaper’s new obituarist, writing pieces of the recently dead to glamorize and honor their lives. Not quite crime reporting but a step closer to being a real reporter.
Off on an interview for her first such story and Edie finds herself entangled in a possible murder investigation. Along with her friends Annie (a local nurse for the veterans hospital), Alfred (the local undertaker) and Lou (the detective in charge), she sets off to find out more about the person murdered.
Everywhere Edie goes another dead body follows. Is she a prime suspect or should she be worried about being the next victim? This was a good book. A few dragging parts and I didn’t love how the author framed Edie. As an aspiring crime reporter she should be more sceptical, she appeared to believe everything from everyone. Hoping her character and personality is fleshed out a bit more in the coming instalments. This is a 3.5 star for me and I will definitely pick up the next book!
#NetGalley #murderintheblitz #FLEverett
September 1, 2024
1940, Edie is keen to rise through the ranks at her newspaper but, even during a war, being a woman holds her up. She is promoted to obituarist but it is the crime reporter role she really wants. Helping out a colleague, she witnesses a death but was it suicide or murder?
Murder in the Blitz is a cosy historical murder mystery set during WW2 in Manchester, UK.
Edie is hideously frustrated and finds her career prospects to be stunted by being a woman. She is desperate to get be a crime reporter and become a serious journalist. Obituarist doesn't have the same kudos but it is a good opportunity so she readily accepts. A colleague asks her to cover a home guard training session and one of the men is shot. Some believe it was suicide but others think it was murder. Edie tries to investigate while maintaining her compassion and journalistic integrity.
The book is written in the first person from Edie's perspective. There is an almost chatty tone and Edie's voice and viewpoint seems very modern. I really liked her character: she is feisty and wants to make a difference whilst also forging a career for herself in a male dominated profession. The war provides opportunities while also causing restrictions.
Being the first book, the author takes time to introduce us to Edie as well as the historical and geograohical setting. This does slow the pace down a little, especially at the start of the book, but then Edie launches into her investigation and the plot developments speed up.
Murder in the Blitz is an entertaining historical murder mystery with a strong lead female character.
Murder in the Blitz is a cosy historical murder mystery set during WW2 in Manchester, UK.
Edie is hideously frustrated and finds her career prospects to be stunted by being a woman. She is desperate to get be a crime reporter and become a serious journalist. Obituarist doesn't have the same kudos but it is a good opportunity so she readily accepts. A colleague asks her to cover a home guard training session and one of the men is shot. Some believe it was suicide but others think it was murder. Edie tries to investigate while maintaining her compassion and journalistic integrity.
The book is written in the first person from Edie's perspective. There is an almost chatty tone and Edie's voice and viewpoint seems very modern. I really liked her character: she is feisty and wants to make a difference whilst also forging a career for herself in a male dominated profession. The war provides opportunities while also causing restrictions.
Being the first book, the author takes time to introduce us to Edie as well as the historical and geograohical setting. This does slow the pace down a little, especially at the start of the book, but then Edie launches into her investigation and the plot developments speed up.
Murder in the Blitz is an entertaining historical murder mystery with a strong lead female character.
October 12, 2023
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC
I was intrigued by the description of this book - the Blitz in Manchester, as I love historical mysteries, and I thought it would be interesting to read a 'Blitz' book set outside of London.
Edie is a twenty-something orphan (maybe a future mystery) and aspiring newspaper columnist; she's looking for a way to get a promotion from secretary duties, and is hoping that the fact that the paper's crime correspondent has enlisted will give her a chance.
She does get a new assignment - writing fancy obits, but in the middle of her first interview, she witnesses a suspicious death and everything get more complicated after that.
She's supported by her best friend Annie who's a nurse, Arnold, and Lou who's a somewhat unwilling detective. Life is complicated by a too-good-to-be-true boyfriend and a mysterious work of art.
The action moves along, and although the characters are somewhat stereotypical, the dialogue and descriptions are engaging, and the settings are very realistic.
I think this is a solid beginning to what is touted as a series - I'd love to know what Edie gets up to next. Should appeal to fans of Mrs. Bird, and the Right Sort mysteries.
Quibbles: Edie is REALLY naive for someone who has been on her own her whole life, and I find it hard to believe she'd let herself get talked into the situation at the end of the book. The 'villain' is really obvious and not very original (this is all in the last 5% of the book, up until then, I was all in!).
I was intrigued by the description of this book - the Blitz in Manchester, as I love historical mysteries, and I thought it would be interesting to read a 'Blitz' book set outside of London.
Edie is a twenty-something orphan (maybe a future mystery) and aspiring newspaper columnist; she's looking for a way to get a promotion from secretary duties, and is hoping that the fact that the paper's crime correspondent has enlisted will give her a chance.
She does get a new assignment - writing fancy obits, but in the middle of her first interview, she witnesses a suspicious death and everything get more complicated after that.
She's supported by her best friend Annie who's a nurse, Arnold, and Lou who's a somewhat unwilling detective. Life is complicated by a too-good-to-be-true boyfriend and a mysterious work of art.
The action moves along, and although the characters are somewhat stereotypical, the dialogue and descriptions are engaging, and the settings are very realistic.
I think this is a solid beginning to what is touted as a series - I'd love to know what Edie gets up to next. Should appeal to fans of Mrs. Bird, and the Right Sort mysteries.
Quibbles: Edie is REALLY naive for someone who has been on her own her whole life, and I find it hard to believe she'd let herself get talked into the situation at the end of the book. The 'villain' is really obvious and not very original (this is all in the last 5% of the book, up until then, I was all in!).
September 25, 2023
F.L. Everett's new book, Murder in the Blitz, ticks all the boxes in one of my new favorite storytelling styles. Such as...set in the WWII years, a plucky female protagonist, a mystery, a crime, an excellent crew of supporting characters, a devious culprit and more.
Manchester 1940. Edie has worked at a local newspaper for the last five years. She yearns for something more than being a typist and tea maker - such as the crime beat. But, she'll take the chance she's been offered and she'll give it her all. After all, being an obituarist, is a step closer, isn't it? And yes, Edie's path does indeed cross that of a crime...
Edie is easy to like and get behind. She's tenacious, determined and has a good heart. But - she's more than a little naïve sometimes. (I wanted to point out certain people and their behaviour to her!) Her roommate Annie is a good sidekick character. I hope that she, and the two other supporting characters are back in the next entry. I think the door is open for a burgeoning relationship - or two.
Everett captures the 'can do, keep calm' attitude of war time England. Lots of detail cements the mental image I created of the setting.
The mystery is a good one and suitable for the time. The path to the aha moment is easier for the reader to see I think. Edie is a few steps behind. But that's the fun of cozy mysteries, isn't it?
This is the first book in a planned series - the Edie York Mysteries. I'll be watching for the second book.
Manchester 1940. Edie has worked at a local newspaper for the last five years. She yearns for something more than being a typist and tea maker - such as the crime beat. But, she'll take the chance she's been offered and she'll give it her all. After all, being an obituarist, is a step closer, isn't it? And yes, Edie's path does indeed cross that of a crime...
Edie is easy to like and get behind. She's tenacious, determined and has a good heart. But - she's more than a little naïve sometimes. (I wanted to point out certain people and their behaviour to her!) Her roommate Annie is a good sidekick character. I hope that she, and the two other supporting characters are back in the next entry. I think the door is open for a burgeoning relationship - or two.
Everett captures the 'can do, keep calm' attitude of war time England. Lots of detail cements the mental image I created of the setting.
The mystery is a good one and suitable for the time. The path to the aha moment is easier for the reader to see I think. Edie is a few steps behind. But that's the fun of cozy mysteries, isn't it?
This is the first book in a planned series - the Edie York Mysteries. I'll be watching for the second book.
September 9, 2023
Murder in the Blitz is the first of a new series of cozy mysteries by F.L. Everett. It is WWII-era in Manchester, England. when we meet Edie York, now out of the orphanage and workin as a typist at the Manchester Chronicle. She shares with Annie, her roommate and anyone who will listen, that she really aspires to be a crime reporter, but this is hardly a job for a woman in those days. She does get promoted to obituarist, and Edie tries her best to make the most of the opportunity.
Her editor gives her the name of the person he would like her to write about. He wants an in depth, spirit lifting story for the home front readers. To remember what they are sending their boys to defend. This assignment has proven troublesome. and places Edie at the scene of a possible murder. She literally ahas a crime story at her feet and she still cannot write about it. As the body count ticks up, Edie, her friends and colleagues become more intwined in mystery. Can she solve the mystery between bombing sorties?
The characters are great fun and I look forward to getting to know them better and see them further developed. For lovers of Magpie Murders, and Thursday Murder Club, this will be another entertaining series to cozy up too!
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
Her editor gives her the name of the person he would like her to write about. He wants an in depth, spirit lifting story for the home front readers. To remember what they are sending their boys to defend. This assignment has proven troublesome. and places Edie at the scene of a possible murder. She literally ahas a crime story at her feet and she still cannot write about it. As the body count ticks up, Edie, her friends and colleagues become more intwined in mystery. Can she solve the mystery between bombing sorties?
The characters are great fun and I look forward to getting to know them better and see them further developed. For lovers of Magpie Murders, and Thursday Murder Club, this will be another entertaining series to cozy up too!
My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 19, 2023
1940 and the war is in full swing. In Manchester Edie is working at a newspaper typing and doing a variety of jobs in an era where " you can't possibly be a reporter, you are female". When some are called to fight and others plead reserved occupation, Edie is called into the office. She is terrified that she will lose her job but gets a welcome surprise when she is given the job of obituarist, to write about someone's life who is recently deceased. Her editor had chosen that someone but in trying to find out more about them Edie inadvertently steps into a possible murder enquiry.
I loved this from the outset. There’s an entertaining light hearted element to this and the skill of writing a character that I quickly took to. I rapidly felt in the heart of wartime Manchester in a good way and the mystery that Edie found herself drawn to solving. There is an excellent balance between respect for the events of the war with the trauma people found themselves in and the entertainment of the plot. A cleverly thought out plot and one that left me with a smile and wanting more- I look forward to the next in the series. A brilliantly entertaining read.
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