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Flora Steele Mystery #13
Murder at the Homecoming
Amidst the smell of sherry trifle and the sound of lively music, the guests raise their glasses. But as a loud scream interrupts the toast, amateur detectives Flora Steele and Jack Carrington learn that not everyone is in the party spirit…
It’s the perfect day in Abbeymead for Ambrose Finch to throw a welcome party for his long-lost son, finally returning home after disappearing ten years ago. The sun is shining, the spread is sumptuous, and the residents are eager to catch a glimpse of the young man they’ve heard so much about – and perhaps learn why he left in the first place…
But when Ambrose sends his maid to fetch the cake from the kitchen, he is interrupted mid-toast by her screams. Flora and Jack rush to the kitchen, horrified to find the cook hired for the occasion lying unmoving on the flagstone floor. The sickly-sweet smell of cyanide is their only clue – but who was the glass she’d been drinking from intended for?
The poor cook had no enemies – but there are plenty at the party who do, and Ambrose seems to have invited them all to join the festivities. Flora and Jack can’t resist investigating, in an afterparty they never saw coming… And when another of Ambrose’s employees is found dead, they must work out why all roads seemingly lead back to the Finch family. But can they uncover whose past sins have come home to roost, before it’s too late?
An utterly charming and completely page-turning cozy mystery novel filled with brilliant twists. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and J.R. Ellis.
It’s the perfect day in Abbeymead for Ambrose Finch to throw a welcome party for his long-lost son, finally returning home after disappearing ten years ago. The sun is shining, the spread is sumptuous, and the residents are eager to catch a glimpse of the young man they’ve heard so much about – and perhaps learn why he left in the first place…
But when Ambrose sends his maid to fetch the cake from the kitchen, he is interrupted mid-toast by her screams. Flora and Jack rush to the kitchen, horrified to find the cook hired for the occasion lying unmoving on the flagstone floor. The sickly-sweet smell of cyanide is their only clue – but who was the glass she’d been drinking from intended for?
The poor cook had no enemies – but there are plenty at the party who do, and Ambrose seems to have invited them all to join the festivities. Flora and Jack can’t resist investigating, in an afterparty they never saw coming… And when another of Ambrose’s employees is found dead, they must work out why all roads seemingly lead back to the Finch family. But can they uncover whose past sins have come home to roost, before it’s too late?
An utterly charming and completely page-turning cozy mystery novel filled with brilliant twists. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and J.R. Ellis.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2026
344 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Merryn Allingham
42 books321 followersI was born into an army family and spent my childhood moving around the UK and abroad. Unsurprisingly it gave me itchy feet and in my twenties I escaped an unloved secretarial career to work as cabin crew and see the world.
I still love to travel and visit new places, especially those with an interesting history, but the arrival of marriage, children and cats meant a more settled life in the south of England, where I've lived ever since. It also gave me the opportunity to go back to 'school' and eventually teach at university.
I've written seven historical novels, all mysteries with a helping of suspense and a dash of romance - sometimes set in exotic locations and often against a background of stirring world events.
My latest novel, A Tale of Two Sisters, is set in Constantinople at the turn of the 20th century when rebellion within the Ottoman Empire is growing ever louder. Against this background the novel traces the fate of two sisters, Alice and Lydia Verinder, and explores themes of family, love and loss.
I still love to travel and visit new places, especially those with an interesting history, but the arrival of marriage, children and cats meant a more settled life in the south of England, where I've lived ever since. It also gave me the opportunity to go back to 'school' and eventually teach at university.
I've written seven historical novels, all mysteries with a helping of suspense and a dash of romance - sometimes set in exotic locations and often against a background of stirring world events.
My latest novel, A Tale of Two Sisters, is set in Constantinople at the turn of the 20th century when rebellion within the Ottoman Empire is growing ever louder. Against this background the novel traces the fate of two sisters, Alice and Lydia Verinder, and explores themes of family, love and loss.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 13, 2026
As the story begins book shop owner, Flora, and her author husband, Jack, are among the first guests to arrive at a welcome home party for a friend's son. Unfortunately the fun does not last long when someone falls down dead. Yet again our duo of would be supersleuths find themselves embroiled in a case of murder.
This is an intriguing mystery especially as the victim appears to have been an accident. So who was the real target and by whom? Lots of red herrings, and some clever sleuthing take us to the final expose. There is a big element of danger for Flora and Jack in the mix and a twist at the end is fun.
I always enjoy the books in this series and, because I have read all of them, I look forward each time time to spending more time with all the characters who live in Abbeymeade. Four stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is an intriguing mystery especially as the victim appears to have been an accident. So who was the real target and by whom? Lots of red herrings, and some clever sleuthing take us to the final expose. There is a big element of danger for Flora and Jack in the mix and a twist at the end is fun.
I always enjoy the books in this series and, because I have read all of them, I look forward each time time to spending more time with all the characters who live in Abbeymeade. Four stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 4, 2026
3.8 Stars
One Liner: Pretty good, though you can easily guess
Ambrose Finch throws a homecoming party to celebrate the return of his lost son after a decade. However, no one expects the celebration to include the death of a cook, followed by more mysteries and another murder. Flora and Jack have to uncover the past to find out the unseen connection between the deaths and expose the killer.
The story comes in Flora and Jack’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts
The thirteenth book in the series may or may not work as a standalone. The mystery is independent, and there is enough background detail for new readers to get the hang of the setting and recurring characters.
The pacing is almost consistent, except in the middle, where it dips for a few pages (when nothing much happens). That said, the book manages to keep readers hooked throughout.
The mystery is simple enough and easy to guess based on the storyline, especially if you are an avid reader of this genre. That said, there are enough red herrings to make you wonder which thread to follow.
The attacks and deaths are also a bit more in this one, though nothing graphic or too dark to take it out of the cozy mystery vibe. Thanks to cozies, fictional small towns have the highest crime rate ever, lol.
The ending doesn’t exactly provide a lead to the next book, though we have quite a few developments and a touch of drama to look forward to! Also, one teeny element was left open, so we might see that in the next book.
To summarize, Murder at the Homecoming is an enjoyable read and will appeal a lot more if you have been following the series. Newbies can give it a shot and see if it hooks you enough to go back and start from the beginning.
Thank you, Sarah, NetGalley, and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MurderAtTheHomecoming
One Liner: Pretty good, though you can easily guess
Ambrose Finch throws a homecoming party to celebrate the return of his lost son after a decade. However, no one expects the celebration to include the death of a cook, followed by more mysteries and another murder. Flora and Jack have to uncover the past to find out the unseen connection between the deaths and expose the killer.
The story comes in Flora and Jack’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts
The thirteenth book in the series may or may not work as a standalone. The mystery is independent, and there is enough background detail for new readers to get the hang of the setting and recurring characters.
The pacing is almost consistent, except in the middle, where it dips for a few pages (when nothing much happens). That said, the book manages to keep readers hooked throughout.
The mystery is simple enough and easy to guess based on the storyline, especially if you are an avid reader of this genre. That said, there are enough red herrings to make you wonder which thread to follow.
The attacks and deaths are also a bit more in this one, though nothing graphic or too dark to take it out of the cozy mystery vibe. Thanks to cozies, fictional small towns have the highest crime rate ever, lol.
The ending doesn’t exactly provide a lead to the next book, though we have quite a few developments and a touch of drama to look forward to! Also, one teeny element was left open, so we might see that in the next book.
To summarize, Murder at the Homecoming is an enjoyable read and will appeal a lot more if you have been following the series. Newbies can give it a shot and see if it hooks you enough to go back and start from the beginning.
Thank you, Sarah, NetGalley, and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MurderAtTheHomecoming
December 9, 2025
Albert Finch hasn't lived in Abbeymead for very long but has invited most of the village to a party celebrating his estranged son's return to his side after ten years apart. Flora and Jack Carrington are among those enjoying the evening when the cook is found dead in the kitchen. With Alice distraught after recommending her friend for the job, Flora knows they have to intervene but there seems no reason for the woman to have been targeted. As they look for clues it appears someone doesn't want them to find out anything. With a second fatality and unprovoked attacks on other party guests the couple have their work cut out to discover who amongst them has secrets they don't ever want discovered.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book 13 in this fab series is one of my favourites. I worked out what had happened quite early on but it didn't spoil my enjoyment because the story was great and I love reading about life in Abbeymead in the early 1960s, Flora and Jack's relationship, and the investigations they get involved in. There are big changes for a few of the main protagonists mentioned here and also a hint of a prospective future storyline which I really hope happens very soon. This book and the whole series is easy to recommend.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book 13 in this fab series is one of my favourites. I worked out what had happened quite early on but it didn't spoil my enjoyment because the story was great and I love reading about life in Abbeymead in the early 1960s, Flora and Jack's relationship, and the investigations they get involved in. There are big changes for a few of the main protagonists mentioned here and also a hint of a prospective future storyline which I really hope happens very soon. This book and the whole series is easy to recommend.
March 7, 2026
*3.5 stars ✨
February 28, 2026
The decade is changing and so are lives but all we love about Abbeymead and its people is still the same and the mystery that arises in the village is as engaging as we follow Flora and Jack in their 13th adventure. At we saw at the close of the previous book, Ambrose Finch, a relatively new resident in Abbeymead had managed to locate Lucas, his long-lost son. The prodigal has now returned and our book opens with a party that Ambrose has thrown to celebrate the occasion inviting everyone in Abbeymead. Flora and Jack are among them of course and when the arrive they find the party has its fair share of fireworks, though not of the kind they would have expected. There is first a brawl of a sort and then the cook hired for the occasion, Rita Landon is found dead in the kitchen—poisoned (with cyanide, no less). But Rita was a harmless woman, who would have possibly wanted her dead? Then again, perhaps she wasn’t the intended victim, for as part of the celebrations, Ambrose had also invited his former rival and some guests his secretary Robin Armitage had bad blood with in the past so that they could bury the hatchet and start afresh—a redemption of a kind for everyone. But may be one of these people had other plans.
This time around, Flora and Jack, because of the dangers they’d fallen into previously are happy to leave the investigating to Inspector Alan Ridley but Flora’s friend Alice Jenner (who was also a friend of Rita Langdon) requests their help, as does April, Robin’s fiancé. So, of course, they start to poke around. Once again they are targeted, but this time with a difference since they don’t feel they are making any progress or learning anything that might help get to the bottom of things. Why then, does someone think they are?
As always author Merryn Allingham gives us an engrossing mystery with twists and surprises as Flora and Jack (and us readers alongside) try to work out whodunit and why, and indeed who the intended victim actually was. There are suspects and possibilities aplenty, and Flora and Jack have a difficult task on hand, since they must work out where they should start and how they must proceed as nothing concrete seems to emerge. This time around I did manage to guess the who and why fairly early on but this didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book at all. It was fun reading on to see how Flora and Jack reach the answer, and if my guess was right after all.
Apart from the mystery (which is of course why I enjoy these books), my other favourite element is the Abbeymead setting and characters. As time is moving along, we see things changing in the characters’ lives—characters getting married, having children, those we ‘met’ as children growing up, new people moving in, new romances, and such—and I love how this makes the reader feel part of the village and its life. The changes are true for Flora and her friends too, yet they manage to catch up every so often and exchange all the news and gossip and the developments in each other’s lives. There’s also Flora’s bookshop, the All’s Well where she is now ably assisted by Rose, with the arrival of new titles like Take a Girl Like You reminding us of the time.
There are also some hints as to where future books might take us (in terms of place) and the changing direction of Flora and Jack’s life as well. Can’t wait to read the next entry, which I can safely say won’t be long coming!
I received review copy from Bookouture via NetGalley for which my thanks!
This time around, Flora and Jack, because of the dangers they’d fallen into previously are happy to leave the investigating to Inspector Alan Ridley but Flora’s friend Alice Jenner (who was also a friend of Rita Langdon) requests their help, as does April, Robin’s fiancé. So, of course, they start to poke around. Once again they are targeted, but this time with a difference since they don’t feel they are making any progress or learning anything that might help get to the bottom of things. Why then, does someone think they are?
As always author Merryn Allingham gives us an engrossing mystery with twists and surprises as Flora and Jack (and us readers alongside) try to work out whodunit and why, and indeed who the intended victim actually was. There are suspects and possibilities aplenty, and Flora and Jack have a difficult task on hand, since they must work out where they should start and how they must proceed as nothing concrete seems to emerge. This time around I did manage to guess the who and why fairly early on but this didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book at all. It was fun reading on to see how Flora and Jack reach the answer, and if my guess was right after all.
Apart from the mystery (which is of course why I enjoy these books), my other favourite element is the Abbeymead setting and characters. As time is moving along, we see things changing in the characters’ lives—characters getting married, having children, those we ‘met’ as children growing up, new people moving in, new romances, and such—and I love how this makes the reader feel part of the village and its life. The changes are true for Flora and her friends too, yet they manage to catch up every so often and exchange all the news and gossip and the developments in each other’s lives. There’s also Flora’s bookshop, the All’s Well where she is now ably assisted by Rose, with the arrival of new titles like Take a Girl Like You reminding us of the time.
There are also some hints as to where future books might take us (in terms of place) and the changing direction of Flora and Jack’s life as well. Can’t wait to read the next entry, which I can safely say won’t be long coming!
I received review copy from Bookouture via NetGalley for which my thanks!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In Murder at the Homecoming by Merryn Allingham, the long-awaited reunion between Albert Finch and his estranged son, Lucas, sadly does not go as planned. What should have been a joyous homecoming quickly turns grim when the cook is discovered dead in the kitchen—just as Flora Steele and her husband, Jack Carrington, arrive to join the festivities.
Finch had spent nearly a decade searching for Lucas, even hiring a private investigator during those years, and had finally succeeded in bringing him home. Naturally, he intended to celebrate in grand fashion. Instead, attention is swiftly and tragically diverted.
The cook’s death is clearly no accident. The tell-tale scent of almonds lingers in the air, pointing unmistakably to cyanide poisoning. But who would want the cook dead? Or was the cook merely an unintended victim, with someone else as the true target? That seems far more likely. Flora and Jack are soon drawn into the investigation, determined to uncover the truth while doing everything possible to prevent further tragedy.
Flora and Jack continue to make a wonderful team. Flora, owner of the All’s Well bookshop, enjoys the flexibility to step away whenever murder intrudes upon village life. Jack, a successful crime writer, remains the perfect complement to Flora’s sharp instincts and natural talent for solving mysteries. Over the course of the series, they’ve built a strong working relationship with Inspector Ridley, who once again benefits from their insight.
This thirteenth installment in the series is another thoroughly enjoyable read. The enduring love between Flora and Jack, combined with their shared determination to uncover the right answers, makes for an engaging and satisfying mystery. I’m already looking forward to whatever adventures await Flora and Jack in book fourteen. I have no doubt it will be just as entertaining as the rest of this delightful series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Finch had spent nearly a decade searching for Lucas, even hiring a private investigator during those years, and had finally succeeded in bringing him home. Naturally, he intended to celebrate in grand fashion. Instead, attention is swiftly and tragically diverted.
The cook’s death is clearly no accident. The tell-tale scent of almonds lingers in the air, pointing unmistakably to cyanide poisoning. But who would want the cook dead? Or was the cook merely an unintended victim, with someone else as the true target? That seems far more likely. Flora and Jack are soon drawn into the investigation, determined to uncover the truth while doing everything possible to prevent further tragedy.
Flora and Jack continue to make a wonderful team. Flora, owner of the All’s Well bookshop, enjoys the flexibility to step away whenever murder intrudes upon village life. Jack, a successful crime writer, remains the perfect complement to Flora’s sharp instincts and natural talent for solving mysteries. Over the course of the series, they’ve built a strong working relationship with Inspector Ridley, who once again benefits from their insight.
This thirteenth installment in the series is another thoroughly enjoyable read. The enduring love between Flora and Jack, combined with their shared determination to uncover the right answers, makes for an engaging and satisfying mystery. I’m already looking forward to whatever adventures await Flora and Jack in book fourteen. I have no doubt it will be just as entertaining as the rest of this delightful series.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ambrose Finch was holding a "welcome home" party after his son Lucas had disappeared ten years prior, and had been found by a detective who'd been searching for him for years. Italy was where he was discovered, and it wasn't long before Lucas was back home where he belonged. But the night of the party went off-key when the cook died, with the smell of almonds strong; cyanide was the answer, but why? Rita was a lovely woman with no enemies. But more was to come - soon Flora & Jack Carrington were up to their necks in clues, confusion and danger.
As Inspector Ridley asked Jack for help in the investigation, as was the norm of late, another person was killed. But was it an accident? Another was almost killed, and then another. What was happening? Who was the culprit - or was there more than one? This case was the hardest and most bewildering of their lives...
Murder at the Homecoming is the 13th in the Flora Steele Mystery series by Merryn Allingham and once again I enjoyed it very much. I did work out the culprit early in the piece, but the journey to the end was entertaining. I'm looking forward to #14, with a change happening for Jack & Flora at the end of this book - it'll be good to see where they go next in their amateur sleuthing journey :) Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
As Inspector Ridley asked Jack for help in the investigation, as was the norm of late, another person was killed. But was it an accident? Another was almost killed, and then another. What was happening? Who was the culprit - or was there more than one? This case was the hardest and most bewildering of their lives...
Murder at the Homecoming is the 13th in the Flora Steele Mystery series by Merryn Allingham and once again I enjoyed it very much. I did work out the culprit early in the piece, but the journey to the end was entertaining. I'm looking forward to #14, with a change happening for Jack & Flora at the end of this book - it'll be good to see where they go next in their amateur sleuthing journey :) Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.
February 28, 2026
It’s the perfect day in Abbeymead for Ambrose Finch to throw a welcome party for his long-lost son, Lucas, finally returning home after disappearing ten years ago. But when Ambrose sends his maid to fetch the cake from the kitchen, he is interrupted mid-toast by her screams. Flora and Jack rush to the kitchen, horrified to find Rita, the cook hired for the occasion lying unmoving on the flagstone floor. The sickly-sweet smell of cyanide is their only clue. Rita had no enemies – but there are plenty at the party who do, and Ambrose seems to have invited them all to join the festivities. Flora and Jack can’t resist investigating but with very little to work on the investigation grinds to a halt until there’s another attempted murder & then another murder.
The thirteenth book in the series & another well written intriguing case, it could easily be read on its own but I love how Jack & Flora’s relationship has evolved throughout the series & also their close friends not forgetting Charlie. There are a few suspects & each one seems to have a motive for some of the attacks but not all. I actually worked out who the villain was this time but it didn’t stop my enjoyment. There are changes ahead for Jack & Flora & maybe even an overseas researching journey. An engrossing cosy mystery which I loved
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The thirteenth book in the series & another well written intriguing case, it could easily be read on its own but I love how Jack & Flora’s relationship has evolved throughout the series & also their close friends not forgetting Charlie. There are a few suspects & each one seems to have a motive for some of the attacks but not all. I actually worked out who the villain was this time but it didn’t stop my enjoyment. There are changes ahead for Jack & Flora & maybe even an overseas researching journey. An engrossing cosy mystery which I loved
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
March 1, 2026
The whole village of Abbeymead is invited to a homecoming party at the old School House, when Ambrose Finch’s long-lost son Lucas has finally come home. As a youngster, he had stormed out of the family house following a huge fight with his father, and his father had subsequently spent many years regretting the argument and searching for his son. The reconciliation, however, is marred by death - the hired cook is fatally poisoned, apparently by accident. But if she was not meant to be the recipient of the cyanide, who was? Both Flora and Jack are sure the case will never be solved, but there are too many people asking them to try for them to not investigate....This is the 13th Flora Steele book, and we have now reached early 1960; there are hints of changes to come, such as the dreadful sound of rock’n’roll arriving in the village. Usually either Flora or Jack is reluctant to investigate, but in this case they are both reluctant and it is only because of the beseeching of others that they start asking questions. Of course, they solve the case before the police do (but admittedly, the police are a bit swamped with another, unrelated murder case), but as always there are no hard feelings between the amateurs and Inspector Ridley. Better yet, there’s already notice that a fourteenth book will be out soon! I would think it best to start this series from the beginning; that said, this is a lovely addition to the series. Recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Flora is busy with her small bookshop and Jack is working on his newest novel. It is a treat to be invited to a homecoming party for a young man who left is father in a falling out over ten years ago. They enjoy meeting various people, eating and drinking but then the inevitable--someone dies or is poisoned. Flora and Jack put their heads together much to the pleasure of the local police who are busy with another crime. But who and why would someone poison the cook? There are suspects and the father has had contentious dealings with one of the guests. The father is writing his memoirs thanks to his secretary, Robin. But soon, Robin meets his maker when he is pushed from the train station into the path of a speeding train. Flora, our shopkeeper, is trying to put the pieces together, and Jack feels there is more than meets the eye, but they just can't see it. It's a good entry in this series of life in a small English village. The writing is soft and fluid. The village characters add to the ambiance of the story. By the end, the reader knows that Flora and Jack are bound for a new home and a new mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
While I enjoyed the initial premise of this book, I found myself feeling a bit conflicted by the end. It began with a lot of promise, but unfortunately, it struggled to maintain the momentum I expected.
As a cozy mystery, I went in expecting a lighter tone, but I felt the story lacked the necessary suspense to keep me truly engaged. Even within this subgenre, a "hook" is vital, and the middle section of the book felt a bit bogged down by an overwhelming number of characters and subplots. This made it difficult to stay invested in the central mystery during the halfway point.
The story regained my interest in the final 20%. The reveal was well-executed, and the resolution of the mystery was satisfying enough to make up for the slower mid-section. However, I do feel the book could have benefited from tighter editing in the middle to keep the pacing more consistent.
I would recommend this to readers looking for a low-stakes, easy read to pass the time. It is a pleasant enough story if you aren't looking for a high-tension mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a cozy mystery, I went in expecting a lighter tone, but I felt the story lacked the necessary suspense to keep me truly engaged. Even within this subgenre, a "hook" is vital, and the middle section of the book felt a bit bogged down by an overwhelming number of characters and subplots. This made it difficult to stay invested in the central mystery during the halfway point.
The story regained my interest in the final 20%. The reveal was well-executed, and the resolution of the mystery was satisfying enough to make up for the slower mid-section. However, I do feel the book could have benefited from tighter editing in the middle to keep the pacing more consistent.
I would recommend this to readers looking for a low-stakes, easy read to pass the time. It is a pleasant enough story if you aren't looking for a high-tension mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ambrose Finch has finally found his son and has a party for everyone in Abbymead to to meet him. Jack and Flora are the first to arrive, and Robin Armitage, Ambrose's secretary answers the door. He is working with Ambrose to write Ambrose's memoir. Two other men are there; they have had issues with Ambrose and he wants to make up with them. However, they seem angry and and are not happy, and then one of them attacks Robin. Then a waitor comes to the room and says the cook is dead.
Robin's fiancee, April, tells Flora that one of the men came to the party to kill Robin.
This is a very good story with a few surprises. Jack and Flora help out the police as in past books and have some attacks on them. There is a big surprise as the reader nears the end of the book. I have really enjoyed this series. I thank Netgalley and Bookoutour for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.
Robin's fiancee, April, tells Flora that one of the men came to the party to kill Robin.
This is a very good story with a few surprises. Jack and Flora help out the police as in past books and have some attacks on them. There is a big surprise as the reader nears the end of the book. I have really enjoyed this series. I thank Netgalley and Bookoutour for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy of Murder at the Homecoming. All opinions and comments are my own.
A “prodigal son” scenario finds Flora Steele and Jack Carrington once again investigating dark doings in not-so-sleepy Abbeymead. This 13th book in the series offers up a series of suspicious characters, less than truthful circumstances and plenty of red-herrings to choose from. Although I did figure out whodunnit early on, I do appreciate author Merryn Allingham’s ability to lead readers on a (fictional) path of murder and mayhem as another killing takes place, Flora and Jack are threatened, and the suspects are investigated, from near and far.
There’s progress on the personal front for Flora and Jack, too, which makes Flora very pleased. Now, if only there was more of a 1950’s “time and place” feel to the books, I’d be happier. But the newlyweds make for an entertaining detective duo, and I do look forward to their future exploits.
A “prodigal son” scenario finds Flora Steele and Jack Carrington once again investigating dark doings in not-so-sleepy Abbeymead. This 13th book in the series offers up a series of suspicious characters, less than truthful circumstances and plenty of red-herrings to choose from. Although I did figure out whodunnit early on, I do appreciate author Merryn Allingham’s ability to lead readers on a (fictional) path of murder and mayhem as another killing takes place, Flora and Jack are threatened, and the suspects are investigated, from near and far.
There’s progress on the personal front for Flora and Jack, too, which makes Flora very pleased. Now, if only there was more of a 1950’s “time and place” feel to the books, I’d be happier. But the newlyweds make for an entertaining detective duo, and I do look forward to their future exploits.
February 27, 2026
Flora and Jack attend a party to welcome the return of Ambrose Finch's son, Lucas. There is considerable mystery around the returnee, but an unexpected and tragic death during the party overshadows the reunion. Drawn again into a potentially dangerous investigation at the behest of Flora's friends, the sleuthing couple find this case particularly challenging. I appreciate the subtle 1960's references that give the story its authenticity. I like the simple mystery, the complex characters and the dynamic between Flora and Jack. It's an entertaining, escapist read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
March 12, 2026
Ambrose Finch’s long lost son is home , so a homecoming party is in order.
On the day of the party there are altercations between the guests and the death of the cook .
This is just the start of some strange and sinister behaviour .
Flora and Jack are embroiled in an investigation to find the truth behind the murderous acts .
Great writing makes for an easy to read story .
The main characters are pleasant and the story kept my interest throughout with a few red herrings thrown in for good measure .
An enjoyable cosy mystery .
Looking forward to reading the next in the series
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture.
On the day of the party there are altercations between the guests and the death of the cook .
This is just the start of some strange and sinister behaviour .
Flora and Jack are embroiled in an investigation to find the truth behind the murderous acts .
Great writing makes for an easy to read story .
The main characters are pleasant and the story kept my interest throughout with a few red herrings thrown in for good measure .
An enjoyable cosy mystery .
Looking forward to reading the next in the series
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Flora and Jack attend a homecoming celebration for a young man reuniting with his father, but things take a dark turn when someone dies! Unsure who the intended victim was, the police are baffled and Flora and Jack find themselves asking questions and becoming targets themselves. There are some nice twists and red herrings in this story. The story caught my interest from the beginning and kept me hooked throughout. It’s always a pleasure to read a book in this series and catch up on Flora’s life.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC.
March 15, 2026
Great cozy mystery read
Book 13 and the Flora Steele series is still going strong. This is cozy mystery at its best — a 1960s Sussex village where Flora and Jack investigate a poisoning at a homecoming party that turns out to have deep roots in one family's past. The wider world plays into the story but the village itself remains a warm, familiar place, even with murders happening. One of the real pleasures of a long series like this is watching characters grow and settling back in with them like old friends. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Book 13 and the Flora Steele series is still going strong. This is cozy mystery at its best — a 1960s Sussex village where Flora and Jack investigate a poisoning at a homecoming party that turns out to have deep roots in one family's past. The wider world plays into the story but the village itself remains a warm, familiar place, even with murders happening. One of the real pleasures of a long series like this is watching characters grow and settling back in with them like old friends. Thoroughly enjoyable.
February 27, 2026
Another good installment of Flora Steel mystery.
As usual, the writing is great and engaging. Even with the murder and mystery, somehow the book maintains a lightheartedness and coziness, achieved through the friends and family of the characters.
The mystery this time was simple and predictable for me, however I did enjoy the process to reach the end.
As usual, the writing is great and engaging. Even with the murder and mystery, somehow the book maintains a lightheartedness and coziness, achieved through the friends and family of the characters.
The mystery this time was simple and predictable for me, however I did enjoy the process to reach the end.
February 28, 2026
A charming cozy historical mystery with engaging characters that I look forward to coming back to book after book. I guessed who was responsible early on but it was fun to follow Flora and Jack as they uncovered clues, went down wrong trails to finally realize who did it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
March 3, 2026
The mystery isn't as exciting as I had hoped, but the side story and character development compensate it. The ending is full of hope for a more exciting future, and we get a hint of where the next murder would be happening!
My complete review: https://klasikfanda.blogspot.com/2026...
My complete review: https://klasikfanda.blogspot.com/2026...
March 23, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Merryn Allingham for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at the Homecoming. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I enjoy this author. I’ve read a few of her books. This was a fun story. I really enjoy cozy mysteries. I would definitely check out more books in this series.
I enjoy this author. I’ve read a few of her books. This was a fun story. I really enjoy cozy mysteries. I would definitely check out more books in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
fun murder mystery with some interesting vibes and some interesting plotting. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
March 23, 2026
Another great story.
This is the thirteenth book in the Flora Steele mysteries. Flora and her husband Jack Carrington go investing when multiple murders happen in the village.
This is the thirteenth book in the Flora Steele mysteries. Flora and her husband Jack Carrington go investing when multiple murders happen in the village.
March 23, 2026
Very entertaining. Many suspects to choose from.
Flora and Jack made s good duo. However, it was a little slow going for me
I did Dr enjoy it , though.
Flora and Jack made s good duo. However, it was a little slow going for me
I did Dr enjoy it , though.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Three and a half stars.
Flora and Jack have been invited to their neighbour Ambrose Finch's house to meet his long-estranged son Lucas who had been found, living and working in Italy. However, the party is disturbed, first by one of the guests almost coming to blows with another, and then by the death of Rita, a local woman who was catering the party, from arsenic poisoning.
Although Flora and Jack are determined to stay out of it, they are separately approached by Rita's friend Alice and Ambrose's assistant's girlfriend to investigate the death, especially when it seems the local police are too caught up in another murder involving a prominent member of the local community.
It seems that Ambrose had taken the homecoming party as an opportunity to mend fences by inviting some of his business enemies, and had encouraged his assistant to do the same, so there is no shortage of potential suspects.
Once again Flora and Jack put their lives on the line to discover the truth.
I enjoyed this, I always like reading about the minutiae of life in bygone decades and the 1950s/1960s is not one that I see often. I also enjoy the cosy mystery. However, I thought the plot was extremely obvious, almost before I even opened the book, which distracted somewhat from my enjoyment. Also, is it just me or does Charlie trash his bicycle in every book?
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
Bumped for release.
Flora and Jack have been invited to their neighbour Ambrose Finch's house to meet his long-estranged son Lucas who had been found, living and working in Italy. However, the party is disturbed, first by one of the guests almost coming to blows with another, and then by the death of Rita, a local woman who was catering the party, from arsenic poisoning.
Although Flora and Jack are determined to stay out of it, they are separately approached by Rita's friend Alice and Ambrose's assistant's girlfriend to investigate the death, especially when it seems the local police are too caught up in another murder involving a prominent member of the local community.
It seems that Ambrose had taken the homecoming party as an opportunity to mend fences by inviting some of his business enemies, and had encouraged his assistant to do the same, so there is no shortage of potential suspects.
Once again Flora and Jack put their lives on the line to discover the truth.
I enjoyed this, I always like reading about the minutiae of life in bygone decades and the 1950s/1960s is not one that I see often. I also enjoy the cosy mystery. However, I thought the plot was extremely obvious, almost before I even opened the book, which distracted somewhat from my enjoyment. Also, is it just me or does Charlie trash his bicycle in every book?
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
Bumped for release.
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