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Dinner Lady Detectives #7
A Curiously Convenient Demise
When the hammer falls, a killer wins...
Summerview Secondary School is holding its annual charity auction. Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are on hand to prepare delicious baked goods for the big day - with the assistance of Clementine’s mysterious sister, Maria.
As the auction begins, chaos erupts when Eleanor Black, the owner of Dewstow Museum, is found murdered in the stage storeroom. Maria has vanished. Her fingerprints cover the crime scene.
Clementine refuses to believe her sister is capable of murder and is sure they need to widen the search – Eleanor has a long list of enemies. Old grudges resurface, and hidden motives come to light. Only one thing is Dewstow is a town full of secrets, and someone will kill to keep them.
A cosy crime novel full of charm and wit, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, J.M. Hall and Fiona Leitch.
Hannah Hendy is a bestselling cosy crime author from South Wales, known for her charming and witty Dinner Lady Detectives series. A former professional chef, Hannah turned to writing as a creative outlet and now crafts engaging mysteries filled with heart and humor. Living in Wales with her wife, daughter, and two spoiled cats, she brings a warm, authentic voice to British crime fiction.
Summerview Secondary School is holding its annual charity auction. Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are on hand to prepare delicious baked goods for the big day - with the assistance of Clementine’s mysterious sister, Maria.
As the auction begins, chaos erupts when Eleanor Black, the owner of Dewstow Museum, is found murdered in the stage storeroom. Maria has vanished. Her fingerprints cover the crime scene.
Clementine refuses to believe her sister is capable of murder and is sure they need to widen the search – Eleanor has a long list of enemies. Old grudges resurface, and hidden motives come to light. Only one thing is Dewstow is a town full of secrets, and someone will kill to keep them.
A cosy crime novel full of charm and wit, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, J.M. Hall and Fiona Leitch.
Hannah Hendy is a bestselling cosy crime author from South Wales, known for her charming and witty Dinner Lady Detectives series. A former professional chef, Hannah turned to writing as a creative outlet and now crafts engaging mysteries filled with heart and humor. Living in Wales with her wife, daughter, and two spoiled cats, she brings a warm, authentic voice to British crime fiction.
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Published March 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 17, 2026
3.5 Clem irritated me a bit in this one
September 7, 2026
Clem and Margery return for yet another greay mystery. Couldn't put it down! Under 24hrs and read cover to cover. Great characters and easy reading by the side of the pool!
May 24, 2026
It's not promising. I very much enjoyed book 6. I thought the author had finally hit her stride, and it was satisfying to see her really grow into this story and these characters. But this one seems to have reverted to the bloated exposition and off-putting judgemental and crochety behavior of the main characters.
This series would have worked so much better as a collection of short stories. The stories are strong but seem to be bloated with exposition in an attempt to meet word count. The exposition bloat also gives off the impression of hasty editing, as though the books have been rushed off to market before they are quite ready.
I quite like Maria as a new character; I think she's a necessary foil. I'm cautiously optimistic because the "loose cannon" archetype can get very old very fast (hello, Gertie from Jana DeLeon's Fortune Redding series), but in moderation, and when given a character arc, it is very satisfying.
Despite me complaining about M&C's return to the crochety cranks of the previous editions, I like the portrayal of Margery's hypocrisy in disliking Maria for her "dismissal of society's rules and customs". YOU'RE A LESBIAN. She and her wife habitually break into houses to solve mysteries they've explicitly been told not to stick their noses in. Again, the "character irritated by new character doing exactly the things they used to get scolded for" trope can be annoying, but when done well, it gives me a lot of schadenfreude. Margery's always been a little light on the character development, and I hope this is a new push forward. I also think that the perceived crochety behavior is a result of the sloppy characterization that has been pervasive throughout this series (for example, the lack of depth in the Margery trauma plotline, and Clementine constantly bleating "Do not swear", seemingly without any context for why she feels so strongly about it).
Overall, I'd say I'm disappointed in this edition so far, but I think there may be some bright spots.
This series would have worked so much better as a collection of short stories. The stories are strong but seem to be bloated with exposition in an attempt to meet word count. The exposition bloat also gives off the impression of hasty editing, as though the books have been rushed off to market before they are quite ready.
I quite like Maria as a new character; I think she's a necessary foil. I'm cautiously optimistic because the "loose cannon" archetype can get very old very fast (hello, Gertie from Jana DeLeon's Fortune Redding series), but in moderation, and when given a character arc, it is very satisfying.
Despite me complaining about M&C's return to the crochety cranks of the previous editions, I like the portrayal of Margery's hypocrisy in disliking Maria for her "dismissal of society's rules and customs". YOU'RE A LESBIAN. She and her wife habitually break into houses to solve mysteries they've explicitly been told not to stick their noses in. Again, the "character irritated by new character doing exactly the things they used to get scolded for" trope can be annoying, but when done well, it gives me a lot of schadenfreude. Margery's always been a little light on the character development, and I hope this is a new push forward. I also think that the perceived crochety behavior is a result of the sloppy characterization that has been pervasive throughout this series (for example, the lack of depth in the Margery trauma plotline, and Clementine constantly bleating "Do not swear", seemingly without any context for why she feels so strongly about it).
Overall, I'd say I'm disappointed in this edition so far, but I think there may be some bright spots.
January 7, 2026
My friends are back! It's really rather inconvenient how there had been no murders and now that they're close to retiring, there's one murder after another! I was almost worried that under Rose's tight ruling, that school would be the safest place in town.
I've seen people complain that the dinner ladies miss clues or ignore them but these are amateurs doing police work and that's exactly how it feels. They're just a couple old dinner ladies trying to bring justice, they can barely operate a phone, don't be mean to them!
I really enjoy that the whole team is always involved, including Rose. I love how dramatic she is and how their relationship has evolved, especially when I remember the first book.
I was a bit annoyed with the conflict between Clementine and Margery, I didn't like them arguing or not talking, it seemed a bit silly. I have to admit that the whole ordeal with the fakes was a bit confusing, I got a bit lost in who swapped which vase for which one.
I do wish I could see the play the school put on tho, that would have been fun!
This was the first book in the series I actually read, I'd only listened to audiobooks so I was a bit worried that I wouldn't enjoy it as much but I did. I could hear the narrator in my head doing different voices for each character.
Did I read it right that we can look forward to 10 books? That's very exciting, I was a bit worried I would have to say goodbye to my ladies! Fingers crossed for another Christmas one!
I've seen people complain that the dinner ladies miss clues or ignore them but these are amateurs doing police work and that's exactly how it feels. They're just a couple old dinner ladies trying to bring justice, they can barely operate a phone, don't be mean to them!
I really enjoy that the whole team is always involved, including Rose. I love how dramatic she is and how their relationship has evolved, especially when I remember the first book.
I was a bit annoyed with the conflict between Clementine and Margery, I didn't like them arguing or not talking, it seemed a bit silly. I have to admit that the whole ordeal with the fakes was a bit confusing, I got a bit lost in who swapped which vase for which one.
I do wish I could see the play the school put on tho, that would have been fun!
This was the first book in the series I actually read, I'd only listened to audiobooks so I was a bit worried that I wouldn't enjoy it as much but I did. I could hear the narrator in my head doing different voices for each character.
Did I read it right that we can look forward to 10 books? That's very exciting, I was a bit worried I would have to say goodbye to my ladies! Fingers crossed for another Christmas one!
March 16, 2026
'A Curiously Convenient Demise, by Hannah Hendy.
Well I might be biased because I absolutely love this series of books, but I did indeed live this book. I would want the Dinnerlady Detectives to help with any problem I had, not just Margery and Clementine but the whole team. I loved that some of the other characters got some bigger roles in this book and that they got to join Margery and Clementine for some missions. I can't wait for the next book. If you're a fan of murder mysteries and cozy crime then give this series a read.
The higher the bid, the heavier the price.
Summerview Secondary School is holding its annual charity auction. Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are on hand to prepare delicious baked goods for the big day with the assistance of Clementine's mysterious sister, Maria.
As the auction begins, chaos erupts when Eleanor Black, the owner of Dewstow Museum, is found murdered in the stage storeroom. Maria has vanished. Her fingerprints cover the crime scene.
Clementine refuses to believe her sister is capable of murder and is sure they need to widen the search Eleanor has a long list of enemies. Old grudges resurface and hidden motives come to light. Only one thing is certain; Dewstow is a town full of secrets, and someone will kill to keep them.
Well I might be biased because I absolutely love this series of books, but I did indeed live this book. I would want the Dinnerlady Detectives to help with any problem I had, not just Margery and Clementine but the whole team. I loved that some of the other characters got some bigger roles in this book and that they got to join Margery and Clementine for some missions. I can't wait for the next book. If you're a fan of murder mysteries and cozy crime then give this series a read.
The higher the bid, the heavier the price.
Summerview Secondary School is holding its annual charity auction. Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are on hand to prepare delicious baked goods for the big day with the assistance of Clementine's mysterious sister, Maria.
As the auction begins, chaos erupts when Eleanor Black, the owner of Dewstow Museum, is found murdered in the stage storeroom. Maria has vanished. Her fingerprints cover the crime scene.
Clementine refuses to believe her sister is capable of murder and is sure they need to widen the search Eleanor has a long list of enemies. Old grudges resurface and hidden motives come to light. Only one thing is certain; Dewstow is a town full of secrets, and someone will kill to keep them.
November 22, 2025
The dinner ladies are back in the seventh book in the series.
Summerview Secondary School is holding its annual charity auction.
Things take a dramatic turn when Eleanor Black owner of the Dewstow Museum is found dead and the main suspect is Maria .
Maria is Clementine’s sister , she disappears making herself look guilty , but is she?
Can the dinner ladies prove her innocence?
This case hits hard due to the personal connection to Clementine .
The writing is excellent as always and makes for an easy and enjoyable read .
Another great case .
Highly recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo .
Summerview Secondary School is holding its annual charity auction.
Things take a dramatic turn when Eleanor Black owner of the Dewstow Museum is found dead and the main suspect is Maria .
Maria is Clementine’s sister , she disappears making herself look guilty , but is she?
Can the dinner ladies prove her innocence?
This case hits hard due to the personal connection to Clementine .
The writing is excellent as always and makes for an easy and enjoyable read .
Another great case .
Highly recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo .
November 26, 2025
A small-town who dunnit. This wasn't my cup of tea though. I must admit this is my introduction to this series and this doesn't do well as a standalone, nevertheless I didn't find the story or writing compelling. I'm sure this would appeal to anyone who enjoyed the previous books, as the other reviews and ratings suggest; it just didn't do it for me.
I thank the publishers and Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. I noticed a few minor language errors, but these might have been caught and rectified before publication.
I thank the publishers and Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. I noticed a few minor language errors, but these might have been caught and rectified before publication.
September 21, 2025
Another fun adventure with the Dinner Lady detectives! I think the thing I enjoyed most about this book was it really made Clementine and Margery feel more real as they navigate a tough time in their relationship.
The supporting characters are as hilarious as always (Ceri-Ann being my fave) and the reveal at the end took me by surprise.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The supporting characters are as hilarious as always (Ceri-Ann being my fave) and the reveal at the end took me by surprise.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2026
It was a real pleasure to return to the Dinner Lady Detectives series with A Curiously Convenient Demise by Hannah Hendy. While I didn’t find it quite as exciting as the first book, I still truly enjoyed it.
It’s a very light and easy read, perfect for relaxing with and getting lost in a cosy mystery. The familiar characters and gentle humour make it an enjoyable and comforting story, and I look forward to reading more in the series.
It’s a very light and easy read, perfect for relaxing with and getting lost in a cosy mystery. The familiar characters and gentle humour make it an enjoyable and comforting story, and I look forward to reading more in the series.
June 17, 2026
I was sad to finish this book as it's the last out in the series but I have found there is another xoning in a couple of months so I have that to look forward to. Another great storyline. I'm not sure if I've missed it somehow but what happened to the teacher from the other school who went missing a few books back when the body was found under the concrete? If anyone knows please let me know.
September 19, 2026
I love this chaotic bunch of women so much 🥹 though this wasnt my favourite of the series I still had fun and loved seeing what antics our dinnerlady team would get up to.
Do you know how much money I would pay to see this play in real life, where is a real life Rose when you need her???
Do you know how much money I would pay to see this play in real life, where is a real life Rose when you need her???
November 17, 2025
A good story line. Love these dinner lady books.
November 18, 2025
Such a cosy series and this book did not disappoint, the 7th in the series and at this point it feels like home! I hope there are more to come
December 29, 2025
love it...want more!!!
March 18, 2026
3.75 🌟
March 23, 2026
3.5⭐️
April 17, 2026
3.5. Another great installment but clem tested my patience a few times
August 8, 2026
I was not looking forward to another book with the Maria character and I was right. It also feels like the character development of the main characters we saw in books 2-6 were forgotten.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2026
incredible, once again, but clementine very nearly brought it down to a 3.5...
September 15, 2025
This seventh installment in The Dinner Lady Detectives series is a delightful blend of cozy charm and classic whodunnit intrigue. Set against the backdrop of Summerview Secondary School’s charity auction, the story kicks off with a bang—well, more of a body. Eleanor Black, the formidable owner of Dewstow Museum, is found dead in the stage storeroom, and the scene is anything but straightforward.
Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are back, this time joined by Clementine’s elusive sister Maria, whose sudden disappearance and suspicious fingerprints make her the prime suspect. But in true dinner lady fashion, Clementine isn’t buying it. What follows is a twisty investigation full of old grudges, buried secrets, and plenty of baked goods.
Hendy’s writing is witty and warm, with just the right amount of suspense to keep you flipping pages. The small-town setting is brimming with personality, and the characters—quirky, loyal, and occasionally nosy—make you feel like you’re part of the community. It’s a cozy crime novel that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers a satisfying mystery.
Perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton or Richard Osman, this book is a treat—best enjoyed with a cup of tea and something sweet on the side.
With thanks to Hannah Hendy, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are back, this time joined by Clementine’s elusive sister Maria, whose sudden disappearance and suspicious fingerprints make her the prime suspect. But in true dinner lady fashion, Clementine isn’t buying it. What follows is a twisty investigation full of old grudges, buried secrets, and plenty of baked goods.
Hendy’s writing is witty and warm, with just the right amount of suspense to keep you flipping pages. The small-town setting is brimming with personality, and the characters—quirky, loyal, and occasionally nosy—make you feel like you’re part of the community. It’s a cozy crime novel that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers a satisfying mystery.
Perfect for fans of M.C. Beaton or Richard Osman, this book is a treat—best enjoyed with a cup of tea and something sweet on the side.
With thanks to Hannah Hendy, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
January 22, 2026
The dinner ladies are back again - this time with a sibling in tow.
When Eleanor Black is found murdered back stage at the auction held in the school hall, suspension falls on Maria, Clementine’s sister.
Not trusting Officer Wilkinson and with Maria in hiding, Margery and Clementine begin investigating.
With multiple versions of the same vase, a missing sibling and Ceri-Ann trying to be a history buff, the dinner lady detectives have another tough case.
Really good book I can’t recommend this series enough.
When Eleanor Black is found murdered back stage at the auction held in the school hall, suspension falls on Maria, Clementine’s sister.
Not trusting Officer Wilkinson and with Maria in hiding, Margery and Clementine begin investigating.
With multiple versions of the same vase, a missing sibling and Ceri-Ann trying to be a history buff, the dinner lady detectives have another tough case.
Really good book I can’t recommend this series enough.
October 7, 2025
It was so delightful to catch up with the Dinner Lady detectives - Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker and their friends, Rose, Sharon, Karen, Ceri-Ann, Seren and Gloria and Clementine's sister, Maria. The Summerview Secondary School is holding its annual charity auction. Of course, what go wrong? As the auction begins, Eleanor Black is found dead. Who did it? Why did it happen? As we know Margery and Clementine love a mystery and they can't help themselves by getting involved. All the sub plots came together with a dramatic ending. It was entertaining, full of family secrets and lies, gripping, humorous moments and a roller-coaster of a read.
October 3, 2025
My love for Margery and Clementine grows with every instalment. I think the intricacies of the plot this time have made this the best one yet.
Hannah Hendy’s writing is so witty, the story is wholesome and keeps the pages turning!
Thanks to NetGalley, Canelo and Hannah Hendy for this ARC it is an honour!
Hannah Hendy’s writing is so witty, the story is wholesome and keeps the pages turning!
Thanks to NetGalley, Canelo and Hannah Hendy for this ARC it is an honour!
October 21, 2025
I have been reading this series for quite a while and I absolutely enjoy it. I love that the author is so progressive and inclusive. But most of all I love how she thinks and creates solid mysteries full of shoots, writers twist, and turns each and every time. This series never disappoints.
October 26, 2025
This is meant to be a fun read in the mould of Richard Osmond and his Murder Club cozy mysteries and although the plot twists and turns rattle along at a great pace, the characters are too over-the-top
and bizarre for the reader to be able to empathise with them.
and bizarre for the reader to be able to empathise with them.
October 24, 2025
always enjoy an adventure with the dinner lady detectives. this one was made all the more special as the author wrote it around Chepstow and Weston-super-Mare, both places I have lived
November 8, 2025
I truly live the series.
I do love the first 2 ones more. I wish the author kept the dame dynamic though. But I will definitely buy the next books as I love Clem and Margery.
I do love the first 2 ones more. I wish the author kept the dame dynamic though. But I will definitely buy the next books as I love Clem and Margery.
December 15, 2025
a very enjoyable read cannot wait for the next book to come out
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews