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The Charity Shop Detective Agency #1
The Charity Shop Detective Agency
PUT THE KETTLE ON AND DISCOVER AN UTTERLY CHARMING NEW COZY MURDER MYSTERY SET IN A SLEEPY SEASIDE TOWN.
A serial killer is stalking the elderly of Southbourne. The only clue left behind is a domino in the hand of each victim — with a name scratched on the back.
Eighty-six-year-old Sarah Brown is found dead in her hallway one morning by her delivery man. She was stabbed in the back.
Fiona, Sue and Daisy, volunteers at the local charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes, can’t believe their favourite customer is dead. The ladies vow to bring the killer to justice.
With plenty of tea and cake along the way, and despite squabbles with their rivals, the Cats Alliance across the street, the Charity Shop Detective Agency is born.
Fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Janice Hallett, Simon Brett, Ian Moore and Sarah Yarwood-Lovett will adore this exciting new voice in cozy crime.
THE DETECTIVE
Level-headed Fiona has found a quiet sanctuary volunteering at the local charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes. And she’s found firm friendship with the strong-willed Partial Sue (she’s ever so partial to a cup of tea) and the kindly — and surprisingly tech-savvy — Daisy. Together, these ladies, with Simon Le Bon, Fiona’s scruffy haired terrier cross, investigate murders as the utterly charming Charity Shop Detective Agency.
A serial killer is stalking the elderly of Southbourne. The only clue left behind is a domino in the hand of each victim — with a name scratched on the back.
Eighty-six-year-old Sarah Brown is found dead in her hallway one morning by her delivery man. She was stabbed in the back.
Fiona, Sue and Daisy, volunteers at the local charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes, can’t believe their favourite customer is dead. The ladies vow to bring the killer to justice.
With plenty of tea and cake along the way, and despite squabbles with their rivals, the Cats Alliance across the street, the Charity Shop Detective Agency is born.
Fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Janice Hallett, Simon Brett, Ian Moore and Sarah Yarwood-Lovett will adore this exciting new voice in cozy crime.
THE DETECTIVE
Level-headed Fiona has found a quiet sanctuary volunteering at the local charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes. And she’s found firm friendship with the strong-willed Partial Sue (she’s ever so partial to a cup of tea) and the kindly — and surprisingly tech-savvy — Daisy. Together, these ladies, with Simon Le Bon, Fiona’s scruffy haired terrier cross, investigate murders as the utterly charming Charity Shop Detective Agency.
10 pages, Audiobook
First published December 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 803 reviews
January 14, 2023
EXCERPT: Sarah Brown was in her hallway face down. Ted swore and rushed in, assuming she'd had a fall.
In a second he was by her side. 'Sarah! Sarah! Can you hear me?' Her lack of response led him to believe she must have hit her head and knocked herself out.
Ted flinched, panicked, not knowing what to do. He felt her neck for a pulse. He'd seen it a million times on the TV. That was what they did first, wasn't it? Fumbling with two fingers, he sought out Sarah's carotid artery.
All he found was cold skin. Then he noticed the damp, dark patch below one shoulder blade. In it's centre, a deep narrow wound, wet with blood.
His breath caught in his throat. Hands shaking, he reached for his phone. As he fumbled to dial for an ambulance, something made him jump.
A small, dark object slid out of her left hand.
A domino, with a name scratched onto it.
ABOUT: THE CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVE AGENCY: A serial killer is stalking the elderly of Southbourne. The only clue left behind is a domino in the hand of each victim — with a name scratched on the back.
Eighty-six-year-old Sarah Brown is found dead in her hallway one morning by her delivery man. She was stabbed in the back.
Fiona, Sue and Daisy, volunteers at the local charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes, can’t believe their favourite customer is dead. The ladies vow to bring the killer to justice.
With plenty of tea and cake along the way, and despite squabbles with their rivals, the Cats Alliance across the street, the Charity Shop Detective Agency is born.
Fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Janice Hallett, Simon Brett, Ian Moore and Sarah Yarwood-Lovett will adore this exciting new voice in cozy crime.
THE DETECTIVE - Level-headed Fiona has found a quiet sanctuary volunteering at the local charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes. And she’s found firm friendship with the strong-willed Partial Sue (she’s ever so partial to a cup of tea) and the kindly — and surprisingly tech-savvy — Daisy. Together, these ladies, with Simon Le Bon, Fiona’s scruffy haired terrier cross, investigate murders as the utterly charming Charity Shop Detective Agency.
MY THOUGHTS: This is a light hearted murder mystery which, it seems, is going to become a series.
I enjoyed the storyline, although the writing was a little stilted at times. There doesn't seem to be a clear motive for the murder, which is quickly followed by another, and another.
Fiona, Sue and Daisy have all kinds of theories, which they try to make what little evidence they have, fit. This gets them into a fair bit of trouble with the investigating officers, and they become dispirited and consider giving up their quest. But a new discovery soon has them back on the trail, reinvigorated. Wash, rinse, repeat.
I didn't find the characters particularly realistic. While they stopped just short of being caricatures, they weren't really relatable either. Just like this is almost, but not quite a 'cute' cosy,neither is it quite an intelligent one.
Even though the three main characters aren't particularly relatable, they are likeable. Fiona is normally a logical sort of person, resolute and self assured, but the business of trying to find a murderer makes her quite indecisive, and she frequently feels out of her depth. Partial Sue, so named because partial is her favourite word, had been a talented accountant before retirement. She has more money than Fiona and Sue put together but is a master in the art of frugality. And hoarding . . . Daisy is just Daisy. Warm-hearted she is a surprising technology whiz.
I liked this, but didn't love it and I'm unsure, if it does develop into a series, whether I will continue to read it.
I did enjoy author Peter Boland's own story of his writing career in the acknowledgments.
⭐⭐⭐.1
#THECHAITYSHOPDETECTIVEAGENCY #NetGalley
I: #peterboland @joffebooks
T: @PeterBoland19 @JoffeBooks
#contemporaryfiction #cosymystery #murdermystery
THE AUTHOR: I have a confession to make. When I wrote this book, I was on the brink of giving up. You see, my writing career hadn't exactly gone to plan. After fifteen years trying my hand at all sorts of genres, the rejections had stacked up.
'Why am I bothering?' was a question I was asking myself more and more often. I made a decision. I'd have one last crack with writing a cosy, and if that didn't work then I'd call it a day. And here I am . . .
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Charity Shop Detective Agency by Peter Boland for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnYhfN5LI...
In a second he was by her side. 'Sarah! Sarah! Can you hear me?' Her lack of response led him to believe she must have hit her head and knocked herself out.
Ted flinched, panicked, not knowing what to do. He felt her neck for a pulse. He'd seen it a million times on the TV. That was what they did first, wasn't it? Fumbling with two fingers, he sought out Sarah's carotid artery.
All he found was cold skin. Then he noticed the damp, dark patch below one shoulder blade. In it's centre, a deep narrow wound, wet with blood.
His breath caught in his throat. Hands shaking, he reached for his phone. As he fumbled to dial for an ambulance, something made him jump.
A small, dark object slid out of her left hand.
A domino, with a name scratched onto it.
ABOUT: THE CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVE AGENCY: A serial killer is stalking the elderly of Southbourne. The only clue left behind is a domino in the hand of each victim — with a name scratched on the back.
Eighty-six-year-old Sarah Brown is found dead in her hallway one morning by her delivery man. She was stabbed in the back.
Fiona, Sue and Daisy, volunteers at the local charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes, can’t believe their favourite customer is dead. The ladies vow to bring the killer to justice.
With plenty of tea and cake along the way, and despite squabbles with their rivals, the Cats Alliance across the street, the Charity Shop Detective Agency is born.
Fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Janice Hallett, Simon Brett, Ian Moore and Sarah Yarwood-Lovett will adore this exciting new voice in cozy crime.
THE DETECTIVE - Level-headed Fiona has found a quiet sanctuary volunteering at the local charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes. And she’s found firm friendship with the strong-willed Partial Sue (she’s ever so partial to a cup of tea) and the kindly — and surprisingly tech-savvy — Daisy. Together, these ladies, with Simon Le Bon, Fiona’s scruffy haired terrier cross, investigate murders as the utterly charming Charity Shop Detective Agency.
MY THOUGHTS: This is a light hearted murder mystery which, it seems, is going to become a series.
I enjoyed the storyline, although the writing was a little stilted at times. There doesn't seem to be a clear motive for the murder, which is quickly followed by another, and another.
Fiona, Sue and Daisy have all kinds of theories, which they try to make what little evidence they have, fit. This gets them into a fair bit of trouble with the investigating officers, and they become dispirited and consider giving up their quest. But a new discovery soon has them back on the trail, reinvigorated. Wash, rinse, repeat.
I didn't find the characters particularly realistic. While they stopped just short of being caricatures, they weren't really relatable either. Just like this is almost, but not quite a 'cute' cosy,neither is it quite an intelligent one.
Even though the three main characters aren't particularly relatable, they are likeable. Fiona is normally a logical sort of person, resolute and self assured, but the business of trying to find a murderer makes her quite indecisive, and she frequently feels out of her depth. Partial Sue, so named because partial is her favourite word, had been a talented accountant before retirement. She has more money than Fiona and Sue put together but is a master in the art of frugality. And hoarding . . . Daisy is just Daisy. Warm-hearted she is a surprising technology whiz.
I liked this, but didn't love it and I'm unsure, if it does develop into a series, whether I will continue to read it.
I did enjoy author Peter Boland's own story of his writing career in the acknowledgments.
⭐⭐⭐.1
#THECHAITYSHOPDETECTIVEAGENCY #NetGalley
I: #peterboland @joffebooks
T: @PeterBoland19 @JoffeBooks
#contemporaryfiction #cosymystery #murdermystery
THE AUTHOR: I have a confession to make. When I wrote this book, I was on the brink of giving up. You see, my writing career hadn't exactly gone to plan. After fifteen years trying my hand at all sorts of genres, the rejections had stacked up.
'Why am I bothering?' was a question I was asking myself more and more often. I made a decision. I'd have one last crack with writing a cosy, and if that didn't work then I'd call it a day. And here I am . . .
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Joffe Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Charity Shop Detective Agency by Peter Boland for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnYhfN5LI...
January 4, 2023
Not my cup of tea. I think this is the authors first venture into the realm of cozy mysteries, yet despite a pretty good plot the book just was overly cozy for my liking. Being familiar with the authors past works I had hoped for something along the line of the Thursday Murder Club series, and this was no up to those standards which is a shame. We have a delivery man going to a customers home to deliver items and expecting to be able to sit down with her for a cup of tea, Instead he lets himself in an finds her dead on the floor from a knife wound. See, good setup. But then we get into the competing Dog and Cat charity shops, cutesy name of streets, everyone having time for tea and snacks and, of course, thanks to the Charity shop the case is solved. Sorry, Peter, I know you can do better than this, and hopefully if there will be a Book 2 it will be slightly less cozy.
November 14, 2022
This was a cute cozy with three women who work at charity shop called Dogs Need Nice Homes . They have a small gathering area in the shop where elderly community members meet on Tuesdays, and one of their group in murdered. The three women decide they will help the police investigate to find the killer, calling themselves The Charity Shop Detective Agency . They spend a lot of time talking through various theories and snooping a bit, and then there's another murder.
This is a fun cozy murder mystery with some enjoyable humor. I liked the ladies of the charity shop who seem to complement each other. These women, though all over 65, have a lot of energy and seem to give back to their community. Some of their misadventures were a little impulsive, leading to unforeseen issues, but they were persistent and had some good insight to contribute to solving the case.
Thanks to Joffe Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on December 13, 2022.
This is a fun cozy murder mystery with some enjoyable humor. I liked the ladies of the charity shop who seem to complement each other. These women, though all over 65, have a lot of energy and seem to give back to their community. Some of their misadventures were a little impulsive, leading to unforeseen issues, but they were persistent and had some good insight to contribute to solving the case.
Thanks to Joffe Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on December 13, 2022.
September 7, 2024
не поворачивается язык назвать это детективом. не книга, а полная бессмыслица, просто цирк)) не тратьте деньги и время, в книге нет ничего уютного (хотя она именно на это и претендует) и кроме как бредового расследования пенсионерок и такого же бредового убийцы без мотива — вы ничего не получите. я отмучилась за вас всех и дочитала.
December 11, 2022
Just as charming and fun as you would hope, if you judged the book by its cover and title. I loved the elderly civilian detectives and will definitely come back for more if this becomes a series (as it is expected to do).
In her retirement, Fiona has left her London life behind and now spends her time managing a charity shop in Southbourne, ably assisted by Partial Sue and Daisy. The Dogs Need Nice Homes shop isn't as stylish as its rival Cats Alliance shop across the street, but it performs an important community service - providing a space for the town's very senior citizens to meet for a weekly coffee morning, ever since the local community centre suspended its bus service. When one of the coffee morning regulars is murdered in her own home - stabbed in the back no less - the three women vow to find out who did it. Drawing upon their own (not insignificant) resources, as well as crumbs of information fed to them by the local police, the Charity Shop Detective Agency is born and sets about tracking down a killer.
This was a really well-written book, with plenty of skilful misdirection to keep me on my toes. I enjoyed it and would have rated it higher if only it had held my attention a little better. For a relatively short book, it took me a while to read. Still, I look forward to catching up with the ladies again in the future.
With thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an eARC to read and review.
In her retirement, Fiona has left her London life behind and now spends her time managing a charity shop in Southbourne, ably assisted by Partial Sue and Daisy. The Dogs Need Nice Homes shop isn't as stylish as its rival Cats Alliance shop across the street, but it performs an important community service - providing a space for the town's very senior citizens to meet for a weekly coffee morning, ever since the local community centre suspended its bus service. When one of the coffee morning regulars is murdered in her own home - stabbed in the back no less - the three women vow to find out who did it. Drawing upon their own (not insignificant) resources, as well as crumbs of information fed to them by the local police, the Charity Shop Detective Agency is born and sets about tracking down a killer.
This was a really well-written book, with plenty of skilful misdirection to keep me on my toes. I enjoyed it and would have rated it higher if only it had held my attention a little better. For a relatively short book, it took me a while to read. Still, I look forward to catching up with the ladies again in the future.
With thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an eARC to read and review.
December 19, 2022
This book reminded me of the fabulous series The Murder Club but, this was set in a charity shop around Dorset. This was such an entertaining read. The characters were funny and sweet and very clever in their investigations. I hope there is more in this series as I would love to read more. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 1, 2023
The Charity Shop Detective Agency by Peter Boland is the 1st in a new Cozy Mystery Series.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Information:
Fiona Sharp is in her mid-seventies, and enjoying a rather quiet life volunteering in a local charity shop called Dogs Need Nice Homes. That's where she adopted her scruffy terrier-cross Simon Le Bon. She works with "Partial Sue" (who often opens her mouth before thinking), and rather meek, but tech-savvy Daisy. Together, they decide to form the Charity Shop Detective Agency.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Fiona finds a blood-stained knife in a donation box left outside the shop.
When 86-year old Sarah Brown is found dead in her hallway, stabbed in the back, Fiona and her friends decide to investigate. They knew Sarah, and cannot understand who would want to kill her. The murderer did leave a clue...a domino with a name scratched on it.
But things are not as simple as they thought, and their potential suspect ends up murdered.
Things don't get any easier.
My Opinions:
OMG, where to begin. Those who know me are aware that I am not into humour when it comes to my mysteries. They will be surprised that I really enjoyed this book. It is hilarious, mainly due to the three lovable old ladies. I admit that Partial Sue is a little hard to take, but Fiona and Daisy are simply lovely. Their unending love of tea and cake is wonderful, and their passion for a good mystery is spot-on.
If these ladies can screw it up, they will, but their endurance know no bounds, and their theories are endless.
If you need a light mystery with a lot of red herrings, this is for you.
Oh, there's a glossary of British terns for the US readers at the end....not necessary in this day and age!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation or two from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
May 12, 2024
Not Bad For A Bunch Of Old Ducks!
That was SERIOUSLY brilliant! I love a "thinking man's" cozy - I literally couldn't put it down until I'd finished it, and that's quite a feat for someone who reads 300-400 books a year and often has 4-6 books on the go at once. I had to put down my other books to give this one all my attention. Brilliant characters, wonderful setting, some chuckles, and more than a few anxiety inducing moments ...... what more could you want? Highly recommended read.
That was SERIOUSLY brilliant! I love a "thinking man's" cozy - I literally couldn't put it down until I'd finished it, and that's quite a feat for someone who reads 300-400 books a year and often has 4-6 books on the go at once. I had to put down my other books to give this one all my attention. Brilliant characters, wonderful setting, some chuckles, and more than a few anxiety inducing moments ...... what more could you want? Highly recommended read.
June 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Hoopla
Book #1 of The Charity Shop Detective Agency
Based in a small town in England, this story follows three retired women who volunteer at a charity shop. When one of their Tuesday Tea friends gets murdered and the police have no leads, they decide to investigate on their own. They soon figure out that the serial killer is framing fellow shop owners/volunteers to throw them and the police off their scent. This was a fun and interesting read. I’ll definitely be continuing reading this series.
Book #1 of The Charity Shop Detective Agency
Based in a small town in England, this story follows three retired women who volunteer at a charity shop. When one of their Tuesday Tea friends gets murdered and the police have no leads, they decide to investigate on their own. They soon figure out that the serial killer is framing fellow shop owners/volunteers to throw them and the police off their scent. This was a fun and interesting read. I’ll definitely be continuing reading this series.
July 20, 2023
A very cozy mystery with a serial murder mystery and entertaining elderly lady protagonists. It was an enjoyable read and I liked the references to other mystery writers and books. Overall though it just missed the mark for me, but I will check out the next book in the series.
December 27, 2022
3.5 stars
Well that was a fun new cosy mystery, utterly light reading despite it being about a serial killer. Not too annoyingly twisty like some bestseller cosy mysteries I won't mention. A whole host of interesting characters, red herrings aplenty and some completely daft, but believable situations. I am guessing that this is the start of an upcoming series and Ill be interested to see what they get up to next.
Well that was a fun new cosy mystery, utterly light reading despite it being about a serial killer. Not too annoyingly twisty like some bestseller cosy mysteries I won't mention. A whole host of interesting characters, red herrings aplenty and some completely daft, but believable situations. I am guessing that this is the start of an upcoming series and Ill be interested to see what they get up to next.
August 2, 2025
https://www.writingis.fun/%d1%87%d0%b...
Първата книга от поредицата „Детективсктаа агенция към благотворителния магазин“ е всичко, което очаквам от една уютна криминална история – очарователно британско крайбрежно градче, чаша чай, домашен сладкиш и герои, които бързо печелят симпатиите ти. Но под повърхността на спокойния Саутборн се крие мрачен случай – възрастни хора са убивани, а до телата им се намира плочка от домино с издълбано име.
Фиона Шарп, бивша лондончанка с успешна кариера зад гърба си, сега търси по-спокоен ритъм на живот, работейки като доброволка в благотворителния магазин „Кучетата се нуждаят от уютни домове“. До нея са нейните колежки и приятелки – Сю, бивш счетоводител със слабост към криминалната литература и особена предпазливост по отношение на парите, и Дейзи, бивша помощник-учителка с усет към технологиите. Тримата, заедно с рошавия териер Саймън льо Бон, се оказват въвлечени в разследването, когато тяхна редовна клиентка е намерена убита.
Историята се развива с приятно темпо – кратки глави, умело разпределени улики и малки открития, които поддържат вниманието. Макар да има моменти, в които сюжетът се развива твърде удобно, лекотата на тона и топлината в описанието на приятелството между героите правят тези моменти част от чара на книгата. Диалозите са пълни с хумор, а динамиката между Фиона, Сю и Дейзи е толкова автентична, че бързо се привързваш към тях.
Особено ми хареса, че авторът не представя героите като безгрешни аматьорски детективи – напротив, Фиона прави грешки, стига до погрешни заключения и понякога усложнява ситуацията. Това придава реализъм, без да нарушава лекотата на жанра. Взаимодействието им с полицията също е приятно – вместо обичайния конфликт, инспекторът оценява помощта им и разпознава достъпа, който те имат до хора и информация, недостъпни за официалното разследване.
Голямо удоволствие ми доставиха и детайлите за живота в британските благотворителни магазини – от непредсказуемите дарения, които получават, до постоянните „съперничества“ с конкурентните магазини в съседство. Всичко това придава колорит и реализъм на обстановката, а любопитните сцени с клиенти и дарители често са източник на свеж хумор.
„Чай, торти и убийства“ е книга, която успява да балансира между загадката и уютната атмосфера. Тя не разчита на шокиращи обрати или изключителна жестокост, а на удоволствието от разследването, забавните диалози и симпатичните герои. Това е точно от онези четива, които те карат да забавиш темпото и да се насладиш на всяка страница – перфектна компания за мързелив уикенд, дъждовен следобед или момент, когато просто имаш нужда от история, която да те стопли.
Определено ще продължа с поредицата, защото искам да прекарам още време с Фиона, Сю, Дейзи и, разбира се, Саймън льо Бон. А вие - пригответе чайника, отрежете щедро парче торта и се пригответе да разследвате!
Първата книга от поредицата „Детективсктаа агенция към благотворителния магазин“ е всичко, което очаквам от една уютна криминална история – очарователно британско крайбрежно градче, чаша чай, домашен сладкиш и герои, които бързо печелят симпатиите ти. Но под повърхността на спокойния Саутборн се крие мрачен случай – възрастни хора са убивани, а до телата им се намира плочка от домино с издълбано име.
Фиона Шарп, бивша лондончанка с успешна кариера зад гърба си, сега търси по-спокоен ритъм на живот, работейки като доброволка в благотворителния магазин „Кучетата се нуждаят от уютни домове“. До нея са нейните колежки и приятелки – Сю, бивш счетоводител със слабост към криминалната литература и особена предпазливост по отношение на парите, и Дейзи, бивша помощник-учителка с усет към технологиите. Тримата, заедно с рошавия териер Саймън льо Бон, се оказват въвлечени в разследването, когато тяхна редовна клиентка е намерена убита.
Историята се развива с приятно темпо – кратки глави, умело разпределени улики и малки открития, които поддържат вниманието. Макар да има моменти, в които сюжетът се развива твърде удобно, лекотата на тона и топлината в описанието на приятелството между героите правят тези моменти част от чара на книгата. Диалозите са пълни с хумор, а динамиката между Фиона, Сю и Дейзи е толкова автентична, че бързо се привързваш към тях.
Особено ми хареса, че авторът не представя героите като безгрешни аматьорски детективи – напротив, Фиона прави грешки, стига до погрешни заключения и понякога усложнява ситуацията. Това придава реализъм, без да нарушава лекотата на жанра. Взаимодействието им с полицията също е приятно – вместо обичайния конфликт, инспекторът оценява помощта им и разпознава достъпа, който те имат до хора и информация, недостъпни за официалното разследване.
Голямо удоволствие ми доставиха и детайлите за живота в британските благотворителни магазини – от непредсказуемите дарения, които получават, до постоянните „съперничества“ с конкурентните магазини в съседство. Всичко това придава колорит и реализъм на обстановката, а любопитните сцени с клиенти и дарители често са източник на свеж хумор.
„Чай, торти и убийства“ е книга, която успява да балансира между загадката и уютната атмосфера. Тя не разчита на шокиращи обрати или изключителна жестокост, а на удоволствието от разследването, забавните диалози и симпатичните герои. Това е точно от онези четива, които те карат да забавиш темпото и да се насладиш на всяка страница – перфектна компания за мързелив уикенд, дъждовен следобед или момент, когато просто имаш нужда от история, която да те стопли.
Определено ще продължа с поредицата, защото искам да прекарам още време с Фиона, Сю, Дейзи и, разбира се, Саймън льо Бон. А вие - пригответе чайника, отрежете щедро парче торта и се пригответе да разследвате!
August 4, 2024
Неплохо-неплохо. Действительно милый уютный детектив, где расследование ведут бабули, которым заняться нечем на пенсии. Событий в самый раз, разговоры не напрягают, разгадка для меня большую часть книги оставалась неизвестной. И конец тоже хороший.
Но у меня снова претензия к русскому переводу. Название запоминающееся и благозвучное, но почему блин кексики! Нет там кексиков! Мисс бабули едят пироги, торты, пирожные, но не кексики! Верните пироги, чем они вам не угодили.
Книга, как мне кажется, подойдет любителям неспешных приятных детективов без подробностей про трупы, кровь, кишки, зато с чаем и приятной компанией. Тут даже забавно упомянули адепта детективов от лица пенсионеров, Ричарда Османа.
Мне понравилось слушать под готовку. Нужно срочно что-нибудь испечь на этой неделе.
Но у меня снова претензия к русскому переводу. Название запоминающееся и благозвучное, но почему блин кексики! Нет там кексиков! Мисс бабули едят пироги, торты, пирожные, но не кексики! Верните пироги, чем они вам не угодили.
Книга, как мне кажется, подойдет любителям неспешных приятных детективов без подробностей про трупы, кровь, кишки, зато с чаем и приятной компанией. Тут даже забавно упомянули адепта детективов от лица пенсионеров, Ричарда Османа.
Мне понравилось слушать под готовку. Нужно срочно что-нибудь испечь на этой неделе.
October 5, 2024
Не соответствует своей популярности. А мотив просто невероятно глупый 🤦♀️
September 11, 2025
Проясним два момента:
1. Если вы здесь тоже ради кексиков, расходимся.. здесь нет никаких кексиков!
Торты. Пекарь печет торты и отдает их на благотворительность в магазинчик, в котором работают наши главные герои. В оригинальном названии тоже нет никаких капкейков - там строгое "Детективное агенство благотворительного магазина" как-то так.
2. Автор в благодарностях пишет, что долгое время пытался вкатиться в индустрию, написал 15 (!) книг, но ими никто не заинтересовался, издательства отказывали. Пока один знакомый не посоветовал написать что-то в жанре cozy mystery, набирающем все большую популярность. И наш автор, конечно же, решил написать ПОСЛЕДНЮЮ КНИГУ и если уж и эта не зайдет, он займётся чем-то другим. Но книга, как видите, вполне зашла, пользуется громадной популярностью. Что как бы отвечает нам на сокровенный вопрос "Кто виноват в том, что издается столько пустых книг?" Ответ: издатель.
Этот тейк с последним шансом я, кстати, считаю довольно заезженным и манипулятивным. И автор будто извиняется за свою историю: мол, знаю, что так себе, но ведь понравилась публике.
Что по сюжету: обеспеченные старушки на пенсии волонтерят в благотворительном магазинчике, который помогает собачкам. Страрушки, естественно, любят детективы и тортики (каждый день они съедают как минимум по куску, что считаю мало реалистичным, думаю, в старости всем нам придется следить за сахаром в крови) 🫡. Начинают происходить убийства и наши героини оказываются втянуты в расследование. Но они мало похожи на мисс Марпл, поэтому фэйлят на каждом шагу. Считаю это отличным ходом автора - все любят слегка бестолковых чудаковатых простофиль.
Что вам точно понравится: осенняя атмосфера, плавно пересекающая в рождество, милые героини, собачка, тортики, посиделки у камина - все очень уютно, настоящее cozy.
Что лично мне не понравилось: развязка. Скорее всего, вы довольно быстро догадаетесь, кто убийца (или будете очень близко), я буквально 3/4 книги ждала, когда уже все раскроется. Возможно, автор так тешит наше самолюбие, а может, просто лучше не придумал.
Книга написана не в высоком душевном порыве, а ради денег, автор это не скрывает. И я не против этого. Агата Кристи писала, чтобы прокормить семью и не считала свой талант детективщицы чем-то особенным. Это был способ обеспечить себя и свою дочь. Но Питер Боланд - не Агата Кристи 🤓, у него не получилось совместить приятное с полезным: и денег заработать, и достойную историю написать.
Знаете, в интуитивном питании есть понятие "игрушечная еда" - это то, что нам нравится есть, но не несёт никаких полезных функций, кроме радости (сладкое, чипсы, фастф��д и тд).
Так вот, "Убийство и кексики" - это игрушечная книга. Не ждите от нее ничего супер полезного или умного, она принесет радость, если вам грустно и хочется сбежать в книгу.
Читать можно, но не обязательно 🍰
1. Если вы здесь тоже ради кексиков, расходимся.. здесь нет никаких кексиков!
Торты. Пекарь печет торты и отдает их на благотворительность в магазинчик, в котором работают наши главные герои. В оригинальном названии тоже нет никаких капкейков - там строгое "Детективное агенство благотворительного магазина" как-то так.
2. Автор в благодарностях пишет, что долгое время пытался вкатиться в индустрию, написал 15 (!) книг, но ими никто не заинтересовался, издательства отказывали. Пока один знакомый не посоветовал написать что-то в жанре cozy mystery, набирающем все большую популярность. И наш автор, конечно же, решил написать ПОСЛЕДНЮЮ КНИГУ и если уж и эта не зайдет, он займётся чем-то другим. Но книга, как видите, вполне зашла, пользуется громадной популярностью. Что как бы отвечает нам на сокровенный вопрос "Кто виноват в том, что издается столько пустых книг?" Ответ: издатель.
Этот тейк с последним шансом я, кстати, считаю довольно заезженным и манипулятивным. И автор будто извиняется за свою историю: мол, знаю, что так себе, но ведь понравилась публике.
Что по сюжету: обеспеченные старушки на пенсии волонтерят в благотворительном магазинчике, который помогает собачкам. Страрушки, естественно, любят детективы и тортики (каждый день они съедают как минимум по куску, что считаю мало реалистичным, думаю, в старости всем нам придется следить за сахаром в крови) 🫡. Начинают происходить убийства и наши героини оказываются втянуты в расследование. Но они мало похожи на мисс Марпл, поэтому фэйлят на каждом шагу. Считаю это отличным ходом автора - все любят слегка бестолковых чудаковатых простофиль.
Что вам точно понравится: осенняя атмосфера, плавно пересекающая в рождество, милые героини, собачка, тортики, посиделки у камина - все очень уютно, настоящее cozy.
Что лично мне не понравилось: развязка. Скорее всего, вы довольно быстро догадаетесь, кто убийца (или будете очень близко), я буквально 3/4 книги ждала, когда уже все раскроется. Возможно, автор так тешит наше самолюбие, а может, просто лучше не придумал.
Книга написана не в высоком душевном порыве, а ради денег, автор это не скрывает. И я не против этого. Агата Кристи писала, чтобы прокормить семью и не считала свой талант детективщицы чем-то особенным. Это был способ обеспечить себя и свою дочь. Но Питер Боланд - не Агата Кристи 🤓, у него не получилось совместить приятное с полезным: и денег заработать, и достойную историю написать.
Знаете, в интуитивном питании есть понятие "игрушечная еда" - это то, что нам нравится есть, но не несёт никаких полезных функций, кроме радости (сладкое, чипсы, фастф��д и тд).
Так вот, "Убийство и кексики" - это игрушечная книга. Не ждите от нее ничего супер полезного или умного, она принесет радость, если вам грустно и хочется сбежать в книгу.
Читать можно, но не обязательно 🍰
November 28, 2024
3.5%
Audiobook
I happened upon this series because one title was on sale on Audible, so I decided to give it a try. I’m a fan of The Thursday Murder Club and enjoy the Marlow Murder Club too. Cozy mystery and older protagonists work for me. This is quaint, but not quite up to those other mentioned series. I found the Partial Sue thing a bit wearing. Fine to introduce her that way but to keep it up throughout got tiresome. But overall a good mystery, good enough that I will continue to read the series.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Audiobook
I happened upon this series because one title was on sale on Audible, so I decided to give it a try. I’m a fan of The Thursday Murder Club and enjoy the Marlow Murder Club too. Cozy mystery and older protagonists work for me. This is quaint, but not quite up to those other mentioned series. I found the Partial Sue thing a bit wearing. Fine to introduce her that way but to keep it up throughout got tiresome. But overall a good mystery, good enough that I will continue to read the series.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
March 20, 2024
Cute, cosy little read. Had me chuckling throughout
January 6, 2026
I adored this book! Idk why it has such low ratings, the 3 bad ass Grannies trying to solve the murder of their friend was absolutely fab 💛
June 2, 2023
A very cosy first in a series mystery spotlighting three septuagenarians who all work in a dog-related charity shop and have a rivalry with the cat-related charity opposite. Overall, the mystery was quite good, as was the investigation once it got going, but it was quite sedate (bearing in mind the above point of the MCs’ ages) and I found it difficult to stay focused on the story, so it took longer than usual to read it. I like my mysteries, cosy or otherwise, to have a bit more grit and pace to them, to keep me focused. Having said that, however, it definitely wasn’t terrible, and while it won’t be going to the top of the TBR pile, I would probably read the next in the series. The first is always tricky while the book finds its feet.
May be more for those who like a slower paced read and a gentle mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
May be more for those who like a slower paced read and a gentle mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
October 7, 2025
A light, cosy murder mystery that’s charming in concept but not exactly the sharpest tool in the evidence locker. The murder motive was… let’s say underwhelming, and Fiona, Sue, and Daisy’s theories often felt like they were drawn from a bingo cage of random guesses.
Still, the trio is likable in a “your slightly chaotic aunt and her friends” kind of way—even if they lean more toward caricature than realism. I’ll keep going with the series, but here’s hoping the next mystery has a few more brain cells and a stronger motive.
Still, the trio is likable in a “your slightly chaotic aunt and her friends” kind of way—even if they lean more toward caricature than realism. I’ll keep going with the series, but here’s hoping the next mystery has a few more brain cells and a stronger motive.
April 10, 2025
This one definitely kept me guessing the whole way through. I had no idea who the guilty party was until the very end (to be fair, I rarely do). I loved following along with the three women who were often dismissed and overlooked because of their age; they were smart, savvy, feisty, and fun to spend an afternoon with. I look forward to more in this series.
June 21, 2025
Fiona works at a charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes, along with her friends Sue ("Partial" Sue), and Daisy. They are all retired ladies in their mid-70's who enjoy a cuppa and a piece of pastry supplied every morning by the local bakers, Oliver and his son Stewart. Fiona and the manager of the cat charity across the street have a not-so-friendly-rivalry; when Fiona sees the cat-charity manager, dump a box of donated goods at Dogs' doorstep, she is livid. When Fiona digs through the box for anything useable, she finds a bloodied knife ... does it have anything to do with the murder-by-stabbing of one of their customers/friends, Sharon? And why was there no sign of forceable entry into Sharon's house? And what is the meaning of the domino found clutched in her hand?
Fiona et al don't want Sharon's murder to get lost in the workload of the local police, who were duly called upon the encounter with the bloodied knife, so the Charity Shop Detective Agency is formed.
As more murders occur with the same MO, Fiona and friends get more involved in more complicated schemes to try to solve the crimes, winnowing through suspects who seem to be getting set up as the murderers w/o actually being so. The number of red herrings is difficult to sort through and entertaining!
As usual in a cozy mystery, the heroines encounter real dangers and many of their schemes would never be tried in real life, but in this case, made for an enjoyable read. Especially since I didn''t know the identity of the murderer until told, this was a solid introduction to a cozy mystery series. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Fiona et al don't want Sharon's murder to get lost in the workload of the local police, who were duly called upon the encounter with the bloodied knife, so the Charity Shop Detective Agency is formed.
As more murders occur with the same MO, Fiona and friends get more involved in more complicated schemes to try to solve the crimes, winnowing through suspects who seem to be getting set up as the murderers w/o actually being so. The number of red herrings is difficult to sort through and entertaining!
As usual in a cozy mystery, the heroines encounter real dangers and many of their schemes would never be tried in real life, but in this case, made for an enjoyable read. Especially since I didn''t know the identity of the murderer until told, this was a solid introduction to a cozy mystery series. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
December 9, 2024
это первый детектив за ооооочень долгое время, который смог меня заинтересовать и не надоел после первых трех страниц. я в абсолютном восторге от шустрых бабулечек, которые несмотря на возраст, не утратили энергии и интерес ко всему, что происходит вокруг них, и им не безразличны их друзья и те, с кем они всю жизнь прожили в своей деревушке (или это городок🤔). как по мне, та самая английская атмосфера передана восхитительно, ну и вдобавок для меня большой плюс этой книги в том, что она заинтересовала не только меня, но и мою маму, в итоге благодаря этому у нас появилось ещё одно хорошее воспоминание о том, как мы вместе провели выходные.
поэтому я щедро отсыплю этой книге 5 звёздочек ✨️
поэтому я щедро отсыплю этой книге 5 звёздочек ✨️
November 27, 2025
[Audiobook] Cute cozy murder mystery. I really enjoyed the audiobook narration and all of the different British accents the narrator used it was giving bbc. It dragged a bit in the middle but it is a cozy mystery so maybe I’m the problem lol
May 12, 2025
DNF 20%. Сорри.
July 23, 2023
There’s definitely a trend now in cozy mysteries of a small group of older people becoming amateur sleuths and solving murders. This start to a series is of that type, and it’s a low key story with a likeable group of sixty- and seventy-year-old year olds, who decide to investigate the odd death of an acquaintance, not because of police incompetence but because they realize they have access to people and information the police don’t.
Fiona Sharp volunteers in a charity shop after years of a successful career in London. She wanted a quieter life so moved to Southbourne, but found that the slow pace and lack of structure in her days sent her into a depression. Her beloved terrier Simon Le Bon, the charity shop and its patrons, including the elderly with mobility issues who stop by every Tuesday for coffee and chats, give her a routine but also connection, and friends.
Her two fellow volunteers are also retirees:
-Sue, a former accountant who, like Fiona, is a fan of crime fiction novels, and though well off, has a tendency to be very tightfisted with her money
-Daisy, a former teaching assistant, who, though not brilliant, has smarts and a way with technology that the other two lack.
When one of their regular Tuesday elderly visitors is found stabbed to death in her home with a domino in her hand, everyone is shocked, as Sarah was kindly, and well loved in her circle.
Fiona gets involved because someone left the murder weapon, hidden in a bag, with a neighbouring charity shop (whose odious owner Susan has a baseless rivalry against Fiona). Susan tried to leave the bag at the shop Fiona volunteers at, and once police become involved, Fiona, Sue and Daisy begin poking into the lives of others, trying to find clues to share with police. Though the trio often go off in what seems like pointless directions, their instincts are good, and with each failed lead, get closer, till Fiona figures things out.
Though the pacing is a little slow, I liked this. The trio is a hoot, playing off each other’s strengths as the frequently stumble their way forward, drinking copious amounts of tea in the process. Their ages also make them invisible, which serves them well in one particular situation that moves the case forward.
I liked that the Detective Inspector they helped out was both supportive of their actions and appreciative of their intelligence and reach into the community as the trio kept unearthing information. Though it didn’t necessarily lead immediately to the identity of the murderer, it still helped propel the case forward.
Will I read the next? Yup, as I liked this first installment.
Thank. You to Netgalley and to Joffe Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Fiona Sharp volunteers in a charity shop after years of a successful career in London. She wanted a quieter life so moved to Southbourne, but found that the slow pace and lack of structure in her days sent her into a depression. Her beloved terrier Simon Le Bon, the charity shop and its patrons, including the elderly with mobility issues who stop by every Tuesday for coffee and chats, give her a routine but also connection, and friends.
Her two fellow volunteers are also retirees:
-Sue, a former accountant who, like Fiona, is a fan of crime fiction novels, and though well off, has a tendency to be very tightfisted with her money
-Daisy, a former teaching assistant, who, though not brilliant, has smarts and a way with technology that the other two lack.
When one of their regular Tuesday elderly visitors is found stabbed to death in her home with a domino in her hand, everyone is shocked, as Sarah was kindly, and well loved in her circle.
Fiona gets involved because someone left the murder weapon, hidden in a bag, with a neighbouring charity shop (whose odious owner Susan has a baseless rivalry against Fiona). Susan tried to leave the bag at the shop Fiona volunteers at, and once police become involved, Fiona, Sue and Daisy begin poking into the lives of others, trying to find clues to share with police. Though the trio often go off in what seems like pointless directions, their instincts are good, and with each failed lead, get closer, till Fiona figures things out.
Though the pacing is a little slow, I liked this. The trio is a hoot, playing off each other’s strengths as the frequently stumble their way forward, drinking copious amounts of tea in the process. Their ages also make them invisible, which serves them well in one particular situation that moves the case forward.
I liked that the Detective Inspector they helped out was both supportive of their actions and appreciative of their intelligence and reach into the community as the trio kept unearthing information. Though it didn’t necessarily lead immediately to the identity of the murderer, it still helped propel the case forward.
Will I read the next? Yup, as I liked this first installment.
Thank. You to Netgalley and to Joffe Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
December 17, 2022
Having read and loved the author’s John Savage action thriller series, I wasn’t too sure what to expect from this first novel in his new cozy mystery series. Whilst there is murder and mayhem in both genres, his thriller series is extremely dark, fast paced and well, plenty of action. Cozy crime tends to be slower paced with not a lot of action going on. Could the author keep me on edge and still deliver an unputdownable read? He did and he can!
Oh my! What to say about this story! We meet Fiona and her dog, Simon Le Bon, along with Daisy and Partial Sue who all work at the local charity shop that raises money to help towards rehoming dogs. The shop is also a meeting point for some of the elderly locals who can no longer go far on their own, to meet up and chat over tea and cake. I loved the community spirit as well as how strict Fiona is when it comes to making sure everyone puts their hands in their pockets for not only anything that is purchased but is also consumed on the premises.
Right from the off there was some humour and I loved the banter between the characters. Maybe it’s because I am getting older myself but it is great to see that life certainly is far from over after reaching a certain age and Fiona and her friends shine with vitality that at times even tired me out! Their imagination does go into overdrive at times which lands them in to some trouble but that just added to the fun. You have to give them ten out of ten for their enthusiasm to solve the murders. Much to the local constabulary’s annoyance.
The Charity Shop Detective Agency is a highly entertaining read that was full of surprises. I never thought that a cozy mystery could mess with my head but oh my goodness, there were so many suspects to choose from that I was accusing anyone and everyone and was completely gobsmacked when the identity of the true killer is revealed. Who knew solving mysteries could be so much fun? This first offering by the author in his new series was top notch and I have a feeling that readers have got a lot to look forward to in future novels and I can’t wait to see what trouble, sorry mystery, these ladies get caught up into next. Packed full of charm and surprises this is one story that cozy mystery fans won’t want to miss!
Oh my! What to say about this story! We meet Fiona and her dog, Simon Le Bon, along with Daisy and Partial Sue who all work at the local charity shop that raises money to help towards rehoming dogs. The shop is also a meeting point for some of the elderly locals who can no longer go far on their own, to meet up and chat over tea and cake. I loved the community spirit as well as how strict Fiona is when it comes to making sure everyone puts their hands in their pockets for not only anything that is purchased but is also consumed on the premises.
Right from the off there was some humour and I loved the banter between the characters. Maybe it’s because I am getting older myself but it is great to see that life certainly is far from over after reaching a certain age and Fiona and her friends shine with vitality that at times even tired me out! Their imagination does go into overdrive at times which lands them in to some trouble but that just added to the fun. You have to give them ten out of ten for their enthusiasm to solve the murders. Much to the local constabulary’s annoyance.
The Charity Shop Detective Agency is a highly entertaining read that was full of surprises. I never thought that a cozy mystery could mess with my head but oh my goodness, there were so many suspects to choose from that I was accusing anyone and everyone and was completely gobsmacked when the identity of the true killer is revealed. Who knew solving mysteries could be so much fun? This first offering by the author in his new series was top notch and I have a feeling that readers have got a lot to look forward to in future novels and I can’t wait to see what trouble, sorry mystery, these ladies get caught up into next. Packed full of charm and surprises this is one story that cozy mystery fans won’t want to miss!
November 14, 2022
I'm a big lover of cosy crime novels, and a lover of charity shops. I'm also a charity shop volunteer, so when I heard about this book, it had instant appeal for me, and I was eager to read it.
I found the cover design very appealing, as it was simple, but gave the impression of a book that would be fun, warm and cosy. It would definitely grab my attention if I saw it in a bookshop.
This book made me smile, and I found it very amusing, partly because of the characters and the relatability. From the first chapter, I was chuckling away. I thought about how many of us might know someone a little bit like Sophie, while at the same time wondering what I would do, if I were to find myself in a situation like Fiona's.
This was a very entertaining cosy mystery, and it's the sort of thing I would choose to cheer myself up. I liked it a lot, and I would place it in the same category as Hannah Hendy's The Dinner Lady Detectives and Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club - both of which made me laugh and brought a smile to my face.
I wonder if this is going to be the first of a series. If so, I'd definitely be interested in reading the others. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
I found the cover design very appealing, as it was simple, but gave the impression of a book that would be fun, warm and cosy. It would definitely grab my attention if I saw it in a bookshop.
This book made me smile, and I found it very amusing, partly because of the characters and the relatability. From the first chapter, I was chuckling away. I thought about how many of us might know someone a little bit like Sophie, while at the same time wondering what I would do, if I were to find myself in a situation like Fiona's.
This was a very entertaining cosy mystery, and it's the sort of thing I would choose to cheer myself up. I liked it a lot, and I would place it in the same category as Hannah Hendy's The Dinner Lady Detectives and Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club - both of which made me laugh and brought a smile to my face.
I wonder if this is going to be the first of a series. If so, I'd definitely be interested in reading the others. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
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June 3, 2024DNF
I feel like this book attempts to be similar to The Thursday Murder Club but it is nowhere near as interesting or hooking. The characters, in my opinion, were not very interesting and got on my nerves more than anything. I’ve given this book a year to grow in me but clearly it is not the book for me.
I feel like this book attempts to be similar to The Thursday Murder Club but it is nowhere near as interesting or hooking. The characters, in my opinion, were not very interesting and got on my nerves more than anything. I’ve given this book a year to grow in me but clearly it is not the book for me.
July 9, 2025
In the book, the characters talk about off brand biscuits 20 pence biscuits like "suggestives" instead of "digestives," and that's what this book feels like compared to Thursday Murder (which they also talk about in the book). There were several times where I chuckled out loud, and it was definitely a slow (plodding), cozy murder mystery.
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