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Exham on Sea Mysteries #9
Murder at the Palace
Frances Evesham is BACK with her ALL-NEW thrilling and atmopsheric Exham-on-Sea Murder Mysteries set in the small English seaside town full of quirky characters, sea air, and gossip. Have you missed super-sleuths Max and Libby? This time they are in the beautiful historic cathedral city of Wells in Somerset solving their latest whodunnit.
If you love Agatha Christie-style mysteries, cosy crime, clever dogs and cake, then you'll love these intriguing whodunnits.
Here's what readers are saying about the
'This is a perfect short, cosy mystery.'
'It makes you wonder if English country villages are safe places to live. But I certainly would given half a chance.'
'With every book, I grow more fond of Libby and Exham.'
'If you like Miss Marple this amateur sleuth will enthral you.'
THE EXHAM-ON-SEA MURDER
1. Murder at the Lighthouse
2. Murder on the Levels
3. Murder on the Tor
4. Murder at the Cathedral
5. Murder at the Bridge
6. Murder at the Castle
7. Murder at the Gorge
8. Murder at the Abbey
Books in the Ham Hill Murder Mystery series by Frances Evesham
A Village Murder A Racing Murder A Harvest Murder
If you love Agatha Christie-style mysteries, cosy crime, clever dogs and cake, then you'll love these intriguing whodunnits.
Here's what readers are saying about the
'This is a perfect short, cosy mystery.'
'It makes you wonder if English country villages are safe places to live. But I certainly would given half a chance.'
'With every book, I grow more fond of Libby and Exham.'
'If you like Miss Marple this amateur sleuth will enthral you.'
THE EXHAM-ON-SEA MURDER
1. Murder at the Lighthouse
2. Murder on the Levels
3. Murder on the Tor
4. Murder at the Cathedral
5. Murder at the Bridge
6. Murder at the Castle
7. Murder at the Gorge
8. Murder at the Abbey
Books in the Ham Hill Murder Mystery series by Frances Evesham
A Village Murder A Racing Murder A Harvest Murder
- GenresCozy Mystery
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 24, 2026
Having recently discovered Frances Evesham’s delightful Exham-on-Sea mysteries, I’ve quickly become a devoted fan of the series. With more than a hint of classic Agatha Christie charm, these cozy mysteries offer engaging amateur sleuthing, a picturesque English village setting, and deaths that rarely prove as accidental as they first appear. Once again, Libby Forest finds herself determined to uncover the truth when danger arrives on her doorstep.
Since moving to Exham-on-Sea for a fresh start, Libby has firmly established herself within the community. Between writing cookbooks, working at the local bakery, and trying to launch a chocolate business, she has little time for mystery—at least in theory. After being in a roadside accident, Libby and her husband, Max, are unexpectedly drawn into a lavish housewarming party at Priory Manor, hosted by Major Chalfont-Smythe and his wife, Dawn. The eclectic gathering of guests sparks Libby’s curiosity, though she keeps her observations to herself. Days later, one of those guests is found dead at a scenic Somerset location, with heroin discovered in his system. When another murder follows shortly thereafter, Libby begins connecting the threads. Working alongside a local detective constable, she must untangle secrets, motives, and long-buried grudges before the killer strikes again.
Evesham once again demonstrates why this series is such an enjoyable read. The narrative flows effortlessly, supported by crisp writing and a mystery that steadily builds momentum. Short chapters keep the pacing brisk, making it difficult to put the book down. The author skillfully layers clues and revelations throughout the story, creating a mounting sense of suspense while weaving in intriguing elements from the past. Every development feels purposeful, drawing readers deeper into the investigation.
One of the series’ greatest strengths remains its cast of characters. Libby continues to grow as both a sleuth and a businesswoman, while the supporting cast enriches the story and reinforces her place within the Exham-on-Sea community. Their interactions provide warmth, humour, and authenticity, making the village feel like a living, breathing place. Longtime readers will appreciate seeing familiar faces return, while newcomers will quickly find themselves invested in the relationships that surround Libby.
A successful cozy mystery requires a careful balance of charm, suspense, and misdirection, and Frances Evesham delivers all three with confidence. Having binged the series earlier this year, I’ve come to appreciate her ability to craft engaging mysteries that remain unpredictable until the final pages. Clever twists, historical undertones, and well-executed surprises propel the narrative toward a satisfying conclusion. The compact length of these novels is another welcome feature, allowing readers to immerse themselves in an intriguing mystery and emerge thoroughly entertained in just a few hours.
This ninth instalment is another excellent addition to a consistently enjoyable series. Fans of cozy mysteries, village secrets, and amateur sleuths will find much to enjoy here, while existing readers will be delighted to return to Exham-on-Sea once again.
Kudos, Madam Evesham, for another great piece to at kept me turning pages.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Since moving to Exham-on-Sea for a fresh start, Libby has firmly established herself within the community. Between writing cookbooks, working at the local bakery, and trying to launch a chocolate business, she has little time for mystery—at least in theory. After being in a roadside accident, Libby and her husband, Max, are unexpectedly drawn into a lavish housewarming party at Priory Manor, hosted by Major Chalfont-Smythe and his wife, Dawn. The eclectic gathering of guests sparks Libby’s curiosity, though she keeps her observations to herself. Days later, one of those guests is found dead at a scenic Somerset location, with heroin discovered in his system. When another murder follows shortly thereafter, Libby begins connecting the threads. Working alongside a local detective constable, she must untangle secrets, motives, and long-buried grudges before the killer strikes again.
Evesham once again demonstrates why this series is such an enjoyable read. The narrative flows effortlessly, supported by crisp writing and a mystery that steadily builds momentum. Short chapters keep the pacing brisk, making it difficult to put the book down. The author skillfully layers clues and revelations throughout the story, creating a mounting sense of suspense while weaving in intriguing elements from the past. Every development feels purposeful, drawing readers deeper into the investigation.
One of the series’ greatest strengths remains its cast of characters. Libby continues to grow as both a sleuth and a businesswoman, while the supporting cast enriches the story and reinforces her place within the Exham-on-Sea community. Their interactions provide warmth, humour, and authenticity, making the village feel like a living, breathing place. Longtime readers will appreciate seeing familiar faces return, while newcomers will quickly find themselves invested in the relationships that surround Libby.
A successful cozy mystery requires a careful balance of charm, suspense, and misdirection, and Frances Evesham delivers all three with confidence. Having binged the series earlier this year, I’ve come to appreciate her ability to craft engaging mysteries that remain unpredictable until the final pages. Clever twists, historical undertones, and well-executed surprises propel the narrative toward a satisfying conclusion. The compact length of these novels is another welcome feature, allowing readers to immerse themselves in an intriguing mystery and emerge thoroughly entertained in just a few hours.
This ninth instalment is another excellent addition to a consistently enjoyable series. Fans of cozy mysteries, village secrets, and amateur sleuths will find much to enjoy here, while existing readers will be delighted to return to Exham-on-Sea once again.
Kudos, Madam Evesham, for another great piece to at kept me turning pages.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder at the Palace brings Max and Libby back with the ease of slipping into a favourite jumper. There’s something so inviting about their dynamic — steady, affectionate, quietly competent — and dropping them into the cathedral city of Wells gives this instalment a lovely shift in atmosphere. The cobbled streets, the ancient stone, the hum of local gossip… it all settles around the mystery like a soft fog.
The accidental gatecrashing of the Priory Manor house‑warming is exactly the kind of gentle chaos that makes this series shine. The guest list is a wonderfully odd assortment of personalities, each one carrying their own little pocket of secrets. And when a partygoer turns up dead at one of Somerset’s most beautiful spots, Libby’s instincts prickle in that familiar, irresistible way. You can almost feel her leaning forward, piecing together the threads while Max quietly steadies the edges.
What I loved is how the book balances its intrigue with its charm. The mystery is layered enough to keep you guessing, but never so heavy that it loses the cosy heartbeat of the series. There’s gossip, there’s cake, there’s a clever dog or two, and beneath it all, that comforting sense that justice — however small‑town and slightly eccentric — will prevail.
A warm, atmospheric return to Exham‑on‑Sea’s world of seaside secrets and gentle sleuthing. Perfect for readers who crave a classic Christie‑style puzzle wrapped in charm, companionship, and the soft murmur of English countryside life.
With thanks to Frances Evesham, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The accidental gatecrashing of the Priory Manor house‑warming is exactly the kind of gentle chaos that makes this series shine. The guest list is a wonderfully odd assortment of personalities, each one carrying their own little pocket of secrets. And when a partygoer turns up dead at one of Somerset’s most beautiful spots, Libby’s instincts prickle in that familiar, irresistible way. You can almost feel her leaning forward, piecing together the threads while Max quietly steadies the edges.
What I loved is how the book balances its intrigue with its charm. The mystery is layered enough to keep you guessing, but never so heavy that it loses the cosy heartbeat of the series. There’s gossip, there’s cake, there’s a clever dog or two, and beneath it all, that comforting sense that justice — however small‑town and slightly eccentric — will prevail.
A warm, atmospheric return to Exham‑on‑Sea’s world of seaside secrets and gentle sleuthing. Perfect for readers who crave a classic Christie‑style puzzle wrapped in charm, companionship, and the soft murmur of English countryside life.
With thanks to Frances Evesham, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder in the Palace is book nine in the Exham by the Sea series by Frances Evesham. Libby Forest and her husband, Max, were on the way to the theatre when they had an accident, and had to gate-crash a party at the Priory Manor, the Somerset home of Major Chalfont-Smythe and his wife Dawn. At the party, Libby told Dawn about the beautiful town of Wells, and we should all go for the day and visit. However, the outing did not turn out as Dawn or Libby had expected; one of the group died. Libby and Max decided to investigate in case it was murder after the police believed the killer was the care nurse Janet Tucker. Readers of Murder in the Palace will continue to follow Libby and Max to discover what happens.
Murder in the Palace is an excellent cozy mystery from an author whose books I should read more of. I learnt about the beautiful town of Wells in Somerset through the way Frances Evesham described it. I understood the dangers of greed and privilege on a person and how that can affect families and communities.
I love the way Frances Evesham portrayed her characters and their interaction throughout this book. Murder in the Palace is well written and well researched by Frances Evesham. I engaged with the book due to the way Frances Evesham described her sittings, which made me feel part of the book’s plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my AR copy in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.
Murder in the Palace is an excellent cozy mystery from an author whose books I should read more of. I learnt about the beautiful town of Wells in Somerset through the way Frances Evesham described it. I understood the dangers of greed and privilege on a person and how that can affect families and communities.
I love the way Frances Evesham portrayed her characters and their interaction throughout this book. Murder in the Palace is well written and well researched by Frances Evesham. I engaged with the book due to the way Frances Evesham described her sittings, which made me feel part of the book’s plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my AR copy in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Frances Evesham is back with another charming installment in the Exham-on-Sea Murder Mysteries, and this time Libby and Max find themselves surrounded by secrets in the beautiful cathedral city of Wells, Somerset. The setting was absolutely delightful and gave the story such a classic English cozy mystery atmosphere.
What I continue to love most about this series is the characters. Libby and Max are such a wonderful duo, and the supporting cast is full of lively, whimsical personalities that make the story so entertaining to read. There’s a warmth and charm to the writing that immediately brings to mind Agatha Christie-style mysteries.
The mystery itself was engaging and fun to follow, with plenty of small-town gossip, hidden motives, and long-buried secrets. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the countryside and the cozy village life woven throughout the story. It’s the kind of book that feels comforting while still delivering an intriguing whodunnit.
Overall, Murder at the Palace is another very entertaining addition to the series and a perfect read for fans of classic cozy mysteries filled with charm, clever sleuthing, and memorable characters.
Frances Evesham is back with another charming installment in the Exham-on-Sea Murder Mysteries, and this time Libby and Max find themselves surrounded by secrets in the beautiful cathedral city of Wells, Somerset. The setting was absolutely delightful and gave the story such a classic English cozy mystery atmosphere.
What I continue to love most about this series is the characters. Libby and Max are such a wonderful duo, and the supporting cast is full of lively, whimsical personalities that make the story so entertaining to read. There’s a warmth and charm to the writing that immediately brings to mind Agatha Christie-style mysteries.
The mystery itself was engaging and fun to follow, with plenty of small-town gossip, hidden motives, and long-buried secrets. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the countryside and the cozy village life woven throughout the story. It’s the kind of book that feels comforting while still delivering an intriguing whodunnit.
Overall, Murder at the Palace is another very entertaining addition to the series and a perfect read for fans of classic cozy mysteries filled with charm, clever sleuthing, and memorable characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a pleasure to get back to this series. Libby is a great character, and her marriage to Max is a good one. They are travelling to a play on an early Fall night when the rain is pouring down very heavily. They have a small bump with a Ferrari and meet the people in the car. Mindy is a beautiful woman and takes Libby to her parents house to dry up. They happen to have a party there and some of Libby's neighbours are attending. A group intends a visit to the Palace in Wells (a place Libby has investigated before) including an elderly Colonel and his carer. On that day, the Colonel is found dead in a pool of water. When the autopsy shows he was poisoned, it's declared to be murder. Libby and Max are asked to help investigate. What they find is bigger than they expected.
Many thanks to NetGalley and to Boldwood Books for an advance copy of this book. I hope there will be more!
Many thanks to NetGalley and to Boldwood Books for an advance copy of this book. I hope there will be more!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoy this series and Murder at the Palace is a great addition. Libby and Max end up at a party after a fender bender involving a Ferrari. They meet the new couple who are their hosts, their daughters (one is the ‘practical one’ and the other is an influencer), and many of their neighbors. Included is an old friend of the owner, a retired Colonel. An outing is arranged and they meet at the Palace for a tour, going off in small groups to see the town. A member of the party is found dead and the death is soon ruled a homicide.
Libby and Max help the police in their investigations and dig up motives and dark secrets, some from years ago. The mystery is well-done and you really feel like you know the characters. This is a fun, cozy read as Libby approaches her 60th birthday and wonders if she needs to slow down a bit.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
Libby and Max help the police in their investigations and dig up motives and dark secrets, some from years ago. The mystery is well-done and you really feel like you know the characters. This is a fun, cozy read as Libby approaches her 60th birthday and wonders if she needs to slow down a bit.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have enjoyed this series with Libby and Max Ramshore. They are on their way to a musical when a car crashed into them. It is a sleek Ferrari which is on it's way to the Priory Manor and very close. It turns out to be Mindy, and her now close friend Giorgio who owns the Ferrari. They invite Libby and Max to join them at the Manor where the new owner Major Chalfont-Smythe is having a party. One of his guests is a Colonel he knew when in the army. Unfortunately, the Colonel goes out in the garden and suddenly falls into the pond face down.
Libby begins investigating about the Colonel. She talks with police woman Gemma, and does a lot of sleuthing. She finds some very interesting information about the Colonel, and finds a relationship to a nearby home for pregnant women. In the end, the secrets come out and all seems to be back on an even keel.
I thank Netgalley and Boldwood books for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.
I look forward to the next episode.
Libby begins investigating about the Colonel. She talks with police woman Gemma, and does a lot of sleuthing. She finds some very interesting information about the Colonel, and finds a relationship to a nearby home for pregnant women. In the end, the secrets come out and all seems to be back on an even keel.
I thank Netgalley and Boldwood books for the ARC so that I could read the book before publication.
I look forward to the next episode.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Libby Forest and her husband Max accidentally gate crash a house-warming party at Priory Manor, the Somerset home of Major Chalfont-Smythe and his wife Dawn, they discover an odd mix of local characters. When one of the partygoers unexpectedly dies at one of Somerset’s loveliest beauty spots, Libby finds her murder antennae quivering insistently.
The ninth outing for Libby & Max & another very enjoyable cosy mystery. I love Libby & Max & love how their relationship has developed, they are wonderful together. There are, of course, twists, turns & red herrings & also an interesting cast of secondary characters. The descriptions of the areas of Somerset. I was left guessing too which is always a bonus. A delightful book which I recommend
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The ninth outing for Libby & Max & another very enjoyable cosy mystery. I love Libby & Max & love how their relationship has developed, they are wonderful together. There are, of course, twists, turns & red herrings & also an interesting cast of secondary characters. The descriptions of the areas of Somerset. I was left guessing too which is always a bonus. A delightful book which I recommend
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 4, 2026
It's lovely to return to Somerset and the Exham-on-Sea murder mysteries. It's a quintessential cosy mystery, with vivid characters and some very able amateur sleuths. For those unfamiliar with the series, a brief introduction to the characters and setting appears at the start. A murder in an iconic Somerset city draws Libby and her partner and friends into the investigation. There are many suspects with motives and opportunities, but not all of them are immediately obvious, heightening the sense of menace. I like the murder mystery, the gradual revelations of clues and misdirection, the cast of characters, and the village dynamic that adds authenticity.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
June 19, 2026
This is the second book I have read in the series but I haven’t read the really early ones.
This is a cosy murder mystery but not really in the realms of Agatha Christie in my opinion.
The perpetrator and uncovering was unexpected - it did feel a little bit ageist in my opinion in that it couldn’t possibly be someone over 30 in the way it was written. Maybe it’s just me.
It was very convoluted and to say much more would provide far too many spoilers for a murder mystery review.
It was cleverly written - but maybe not for me
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read the ARC in they’re for my honest opinion
This is a cosy murder mystery but not really in the realms of Agatha Christie in my opinion.
The perpetrator and uncovering was unexpected - it did feel a little bit ageist in my opinion in that it couldn’t possibly be someone over 30 in the way it was written. Maybe it’s just me.
It was very convoluted and to say much more would provide far too many spoilers for a murder mystery review.
It was cleverly written - but maybe not for me
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read the ARC in they’re for my honest opinion
June 22, 2026
MURDER AT THE PALACE by FRANCES EVESHAM is a most enjoyable and well written novel with interesting characters, some catchy expressions, lovable ane well-loved animals, and a murder that Libby and Max Ramshore are determined to solve before the police write it off as death from natural causes. The beautiful English countryside and small town life are well described.
This is the first book by this author that I have read and it most certainly will not be the last. I hooe there are more to come in the Exham-on-Sea series.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Boldwood Books. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
This is the first book by this author that I have read and it most certainly will not be the last. I hooe there are more to come in the Exham-on-Sea series.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Boldwood Books. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
June 20, 2026
I'm SO GLAD the author decided to start writing again! It has been awhile since I read the previous book in the series, so I appreciated the refresher chapter at the beginning.
This is an excellent story, with Libby trying to balance the bakery and she and Max's PI business. It was great to "see" all the animals again, and of course I look forward to the next book!
This is an excellent story, with Libby trying to balance the bakery and she and Max's PI business. It was great to "see" all the animals again, and of course I look forward to the next book!
June 23, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Frances Evesham for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at the Palace coming out June 19, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I really love mysteries. This book was really cozy to me. I thought the setting at a palace was fun. The characters were really interesting. I would check out more books by this author.
I really love mysteries. This book was really cozy to me. I thought the setting at a palace was fun. The characters were really interesting. I would check out more books by this author.
July 1, 2026
This was a delightful return to the crime busting duo Max and Libby. This time they are caught up in the mysterious death of a retired Colonel, a guest at a party that they are invited to following a car crash.
Written with an easy pace and enjoyable engaging characters the book was a pleasure to read.
Written with an easy pace and enjoyable engaging characters the book was a pleasure to read.
July 9, 2026
Exham-on-Sea private investigators Libby and Max are on the case of the mysterious death of a retired Colonel and how it fits in with the new residents of Priory Manor and their plans to set up Special to Somerset showcasing local products. This is one of a series, but it stands alone perfectly well, a great read.
June 24, 2026
Great to have Libby and Max back
I thought we might have seen the last of Libby and Max so I was delighted when this came along. It did not disappoint in any way and I hope there are more to come.
I thought we might have seen the last of Libby and Max so I was delighted when this came along. It did not disappoint in any way and I hope there are more to come.
July 3, 2026
Excellent!
It's so good to be back with Libby, Max and all their friends. It's also nice to know that Libby isn't right all the time. It makes her more... real, I suppose. If that makes sense when talking about a fictional person. Love these books so more please Ms Evesham.
It's so good to be back with Libby, Max and all their friends. It's also nice to know that Libby isn't right all the time. It makes her more... real, I suppose. If that makes sense when talking about a fictional person. Love these books so more please Ms Evesham.
June 21, 2026
Great Surprise
I was gladly surprised to find a new Exham on Sea Mystery. I missed them and I thought the series had ended. I hope there are more to come.
I was gladly surprised to find a new Exham on Sea Mystery. I missed them and I thought the series had ended. I hope there are more to come.
July 1, 2026
Libby and Max do it again. This is Cozy Mystery at its best. A good, controlled list of suspects and several leads to follow. What seems to be a simple accident becomes something more….🧐
July 15, 2026
Much anticipated! Loved it.
July 26, 2026
Formulaic and unoriginal, did not have me hooked even after 180 pages.
June 20, 2026
France’s Evesham is back with another installment of The Exham -On-Sea murder mysteries. Now the characters find themselves at a cathedral in Somerset. Her characters are so lively and whimsical. The story brings a sense of Agatha Christie to the book. A very entertaining series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews