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Bella Winter Mystery #4
The Antique Store Detective and the Riverside Murders: A completely charming and unputdownable cozy murder mystery
Not yet published
Expected 11 Feb 26A priceless statue, two mysterious deaths and a missing body… it can only be a case for the antique store detective!
Bella Winter is happily settled in Hope Eaton, with her business antiques sold and problems solved. So when Margie Fleming approaches her to sell a family heirloom, a beautiful marble statue of a mother and child, Bella jumps at the chance.
But the day before the sale, Margie is found drowned in the river Kite, a year after her older sister Bethan died the same way. Everyone is convinced it’s a tragic accident, but Bella isn’t so sure. One mysterious death might be a coincidence. Two feels a lot like murder…
Bella’s spine tingles when she realises Bethan also had plans for the statue. Could someone have killed to make sure it wasn’t moved? It feels far-fetched… but when they shift the statue, there’s a bloodstain beneath it. Someone is trying to conceal a crime. But who was the victim, and where is the body?
As she investigates the Flemings’ friends and family, Bella becomes convinced the strange graffiti appearing all over Hope Eaton holds answers… Can she paint a clear picture and solve the case, or will she find herself facing a watery end?
A completely charming cosy murder mystery, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Emylia Hall and Agatha Christie.
See what everyone’s saying about the Bella Winter
‘Absolutely brilliant… Addictive… Stunning… Absolutely fantastic… Clear your schedules as once you’ve picked this up you won't be able to put it down!!… Amazing… Addictive and page-turning… Fantastic!!!!’ bookwormwhitlock86
‘Fantastic… I loved it from cover to cover… Had me hooked right from the start… Outstanding.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Drew me in from the very first page… Really did keep me on my toes throughout… Perfect… I loved it.’ Cal Turner Reviews
‘Hooked from start to finish… I absolutely adored it!’ Baker’s Not So Secret Book Blog
‘Loved this!… Highly recommend.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Pace that kept me wanting to keep reading like crazy.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘Charming and suspenseful… A delightful read for fans of clever puzzles!’ NetGalley reviewer
Bella Winter is happily settled in Hope Eaton, with her business antiques sold and problems solved. So when Margie Fleming approaches her to sell a family heirloom, a beautiful marble statue of a mother and child, Bella jumps at the chance.
But the day before the sale, Margie is found drowned in the river Kite, a year after her older sister Bethan died the same way. Everyone is convinced it’s a tragic accident, but Bella isn’t so sure. One mysterious death might be a coincidence. Two feels a lot like murder…
Bella’s spine tingles when she realises Bethan also had plans for the statue. Could someone have killed to make sure it wasn’t moved? It feels far-fetched… but when they shift the statue, there’s a bloodstain beneath it. Someone is trying to conceal a crime. But who was the victim, and where is the body?
As she investigates the Flemings’ friends and family, Bella becomes convinced the strange graffiti appearing all over Hope Eaton holds answers… Can she paint a clear picture and solve the case, or will she find herself facing a watery end?
A completely charming cosy murder mystery, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Emylia Hall and Agatha Christie.
See what everyone’s saying about the Bella Winter
‘Absolutely brilliant… Addictive… Stunning… Absolutely fantastic… Clear your schedules as once you’ve picked this up you won't be able to put it down!!… Amazing… Addictive and page-turning… Fantastic!!!!’ bookwormwhitlock86
‘Fantastic… I loved it from cover to cover… Had me hooked right from the start… Outstanding.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Drew me in from the very first page… Really did keep me on my toes throughout… Perfect… I loved it.’ Cal Turner Reviews
‘Hooked from start to finish… I absolutely adored it!’ Baker’s Not So Secret Book Blog
‘Loved this!… Highly recommend.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Pace that kept me wanting to keep reading like crazy.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘Charming and suspenseful… A delightful read for fans of clever puzzles!’ NetGalley reviewer
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 11, 2026
41 people want to read
About the author
Clare Chase
34 books317 followersClare Chase writes classic mysteries. Her aim is to take readers away from it all via some armchair sleuthing in atmospheric locations.
Her debut novel was shortlisted for Novelicious’s Undiscovered Award, as well as an EPIC award post-publication, and was chosen as a Debut of the Month by LoveReading. Murder in the Marshes (Tara Thorpe 1) was shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers award.
Like her heroines, Clare is fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in settings as diverse as Littlehey Prison and the University of Cambridge, in her home city. She’s lived everywhere from the house of a lord to a slug-infested flat and finds the mid-terrace she currently occupies a good happy medium.
As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s novels.
You can find Clare's website and blog at www.clarechase.com
Her debut novel was shortlisted for Novelicious’s Undiscovered Award, as well as an EPIC award post-publication, and was chosen as a Debut of the Month by LoveReading. Murder in the Marshes (Tara Thorpe 1) was shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers award.
Like her heroines, Clare is fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in settings as diverse as Littlehey Prison and the University of Cambridge, in her home city. She’s lived everywhere from the house of a lord to a slug-infested flat and finds the mid-terrace she currently occupies a good happy medium.
As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s novels.
You can find Clare's website and blog at www.clarechase.com
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the 4th book in this series so, to get the best from it, I really would start from book one and read in order. There are quite a few series characters, most of whom are quite quirky so, although the main story is self contained I think you’d have a better time if you knew some background.
So… in this book we follow Bella as she formally becomes a super sleuth. Her new business cards now read – Antiques Sold and Problems Solved – a nifty slogan. She is asked by a neighbour – Margie Fleming – to help sell an heirloom marble statue which, of course, Bella is only too pleased to do. With part of her job title ticked off, she is devastated when she finds out that just before she is due to visit Margie to complete the deal, she is found drowned in the nearby river, in the same way that Margie’s sister Bethan died a year ago. This brings Bella into the Problems Solved side of things as she thinks that this might not be an accident. And when she finds out that Bethan was also planning to sell the same statue just before she had her accident, well, she is now convinced…
And so begins a compelling tale which was both interesting and intriguing as we follow Bella as she strives to work out what in the heck is going on. Ably assisted by the usual gang (see I said you need to read the previous books) they try and sift through the clues, dodge the red herrings and navigate the obfuscation.
I love this series. Almost as much as I love the author’s other current series featuring obituary writer Eve Mallow – check it out if you haven’t already. It gives me everything I need from a book. Great characters, compelling storyline, perfect pacing, all wrapped up and delivered in a no nonsense (no waffle or padding) way. All culminating in a thoroughly satisfying ending.
All in all, a cracking addition to what is now a well-established series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So… in this book we follow Bella as she formally becomes a super sleuth. Her new business cards now read – Antiques Sold and Problems Solved – a nifty slogan. She is asked by a neighbour – Margie Fleming – to help sell an heirloom marble statue which, of course, Bella is only too pleased to do. With part of her job title ticked off, she is devastated when she finds out that just before she is due to visit Margie to complete the deal, she is found drowned in the nearby river, in the same way that Margie’s sister Bethan died a year ago. This brings Bella into the Problems Solved side of things as she thinks that this might not be an accident. And when she finds out that Bethan was also planning to sell the same statue just before she had her accident, well, she is now convinced…
And so begins a compelling tale which was both interesting and intriguing as we follow Bella as she strives to work out what in the heck is going on. Ably assisted by the usual gang (see I said you need to read the previous books) they try and sift through the clues, dodge the red herrings and navigate the obfuscation.
I love this series. Almost as much as I love the author’s other current series featuring obituary writer Eve Mallow – check it out if you haven’t already. It gives me everything I need from a book. Great characters, compelling storyline, perfect pacing, all wrapped up and delivered in a no nonsense (no waffle or padding) way. All culminating in a thoroughly satisfying ending.
All in all, a cracking addition to what is now a well-established series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
** “Working with antiques had taught her how to spot lies and tells, sniff out fakes and unearth clues.” **
Clare Chase offers another fun Bella Winter mystery with “The Antique Store Detective and the Riverside Murders."
As Bella Winter continues to operate her antique shop Vintage Winter in the small town of Hope Eaton, she’s added a new job: problems solved. So when her friend Jeannie and the local arts trust approaches her to solve the mysterious death of artist Margie Fleming, Bella jumps on the investigation.
When several deaths and disappearances occur in their small town, and seem to be all related, Bella and her antique store second-in-command John, and Jeannie’s son, dig deep. Will they figure out the truth behind the mysteries? And will Bella eventually be accepted as an investigator, especially by the police?
Once again, Chase does a great job of creating a series of clues and red herrings that keep circling, leaving the reader guessing until the end — who did it, why and which situations are related. She also develops a quirky cast of characters readers will truly enjoy, including John’s large and fun family and another family full of artists, as well as several hard-to-like characters.
Fans of cozy mysteries and novels like Nita Prose’s “The Maid,” Peter Boland’s “The Charity Shop Detective Agency Mysteries” and C.L. Miller’s “The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder” will love “The Antique Store Detective and the Riverside Murders,” which is due out Feb 11.
Five stars out of five.
Bookouture provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Clare Chase offers another fun Bella Winter mystery with “The Antique Store Detective and the Riverside Murders."
As Bella Winter continues to operate her antique shop Vintage Winter in the small town of Hope Eaton, she’s added a new job: problems solved. So when her friend Jeannie and the local arts trust approaches her to solve the mysterious death of artist Margie Fleming, Bella jumps on the investigation.
When several deaths and disappearances occur in their small town, and seem to be all related, Bella and her antique store second-in-command John, and Jeannie’s son, dig deep. Will they figure out the truth behind the mysteries? And will Bella eventually be accepted as an investigator, especially by the police?
Once again, Chase does a great job of creating a series of clues and red herrings that keep circling, leaving the reader guessing until the end — who did it, why and which situations are related. She also develops a quirky cast of characters readers will truly enjoy, including John’s large and fun family and another family full of artists, as well as several hard-to-like characters.
Fans of cozy mysteries and novels like Nita Prose’s “The Maid,” Peter Boland’s “The Charity Shop Detective Agency Mysteries” and C.L. Miller’s “The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder” will love “The Antique Store Detective and the Riverside Murders,” which is due out Feb 11.
Five stars out of five.
Bookouture provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Antique Store Detective and the Riverside Murders is another delightful entry in Bella Winter’s world—a place where antiques come with secrets, small‑town charm hides plenty of gossip, and murder has a habit of lurking just beneath the surface.
Bella is as endearing as ever, happily settled in Hope Eaton and thriving in her quirky mix of shopkeeping and sleuthing. But when Margie Fleming brings her a beautiful marble statue—and is found dead the very next day—the story takes a wonderfully dark turn. The fact that Margie’s sister died the same way a year earlier gives the mystery an immediate chill, and Bella’s instinct that something isn’t right pulls you straight into the investigation.
The statue at the centre of it all is a brilliant touch: elegant, symbolic, and hiding far more than anyone expects. The moment a bloodstain is discovered beneath it, the cosy atmosphere sharpens into something far more urgent. A missing body, a family full of secrets, and graffiti popping up around town all weave together into a plot that’s both clever and satisfying.
What makes this series shine is its balance—Hope Eaton feels warm and lived‑in, the characters are easy to root for, and yet the mystery keeps you guessing right to the end. Bella’s determination, intuition, and gentle humour make her a joy to follow, even as the danger creeps closer.
A comforting yet compelling cosy mystery with a strong sense of place and a heroine you can’t help but love. Perfect for fans of Faith Martin and classic whodunnits.
with thanks to Clare Chase, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Bella is as endearing as ever, happily settled in Hope Eaton and thriving in her quirky mix of shopkeeping and sleuthing. But when Margie Fleming brings her a beautiful marble statue—and is found dead the very next day—the story takes a wonderfully dark turn. The fact that Margie’s sister died the same way a year earlier gives the mystery an immediate chill, and Bella’s instinct that something isn’t right pulls you straight into the investigation.
The statue at the centre of it all is a brilliant touch: elegant, symbolic, and hiding far more than anyone expects. The moment a bloodstain is discovered beneath it, the cosy atmosphere sharpens into something far more urgent. A missing body, a family full of secrets, and graffiti popping up around town all weave together into a plot that’s both clever and satisfying.
What makes this series shine is its balance—Hope Eaton feels warm and lived‑in, the characters are easy to root for, and yet the mystery keeps you guessing right to the end. Bella’s determination, intuition, and gentle humour make her a joy to follow, even as the danger creeps closer.
A comforting yet compelling cosy mystery with a strong sense of place and a heroine you can’t help but love. Perfect for fans of Faith Martin and classic whodunnits.
with thanks to Clare Chase, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really like how Bella and her circle of friends find out information and gather insights into the crime and the people involved.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book 5!
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Bookouture and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book 5!
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Bookouture and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fourth book in the Bella Winter Mystery series, and it's clearly confirmed that Bella and her friends have become book friends for me. But even if you don't know them yet, don't worry, this book can be read by itself (although, of course, I also recommend the other three).
This time, Bella investigates the apparently accidental but suspiciously similar deaths of two sisters, and various pieces of art play a role in the story.
I greatly enjoyed following this new case and finding out what all the suspects were trying to hide.
Until next time, book friends!
This time, Bella investigates the apparently accidental but suspiciously similar deaths of two sisters, and various pieces of art play a role in the story.
I greatly enjoyed following this new case and finding out what all the suspects were trying to hide.
Until next time, book friends!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book 4 in this great series. The mystery is very entertaining and well plotted with plenty of twists to keep engaged. I did manage to guess the correct person but this didn't affect my enjoyment. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews