What do you think?
Holy Terrors Mystery #4
For Better or Murder
It’s wedding season with a spooky twist! The Holy Terrors are trying to tie the knot while solving a ghostly murder in the latest witty, creeptastic paranormal mystery from
New York Times
bestselling British fantasy author Simon R. Green.
There are those who say seagulls cry over the sins of mankind. And that if we could only get our act together, they could stop crying …
Holy Terrors dream team—actress Diana Hunt and her partner in crime (solving) young bishop Alistair Kincaid—are getting married! The plan is to hold a small ceremony with just some family and friends at a charming and secluded hotel in Cornwall. But in true Holy Terrors fashion, the Pale Rider hotel carries the legend of a killer ghost rider and his skeleton horse, which sets the perfect tone for a cheerful occasion!
Trying to make the best out of the stormy weekend and seemingly haunted place, spirits fall even lower when one of the guests is found murdered in the hallway. Did the legendary pale rider strike again or is there something more sinister going on—and will Diana and Alistair finally have the chance to say yes?
The “hugely entertaining” ( Booklist ) Holy Terrors Mysteries are perfect for fans of Simon R. Green’s urban fantasy novels, authors Jim Butcher, Terry Pratchett and Ben Aaronovitch, as well as those who enjoy American Horror Story , The X-Files , and murder mysteries with a supernatural twist.
There are those who say seagulls cry over the sins of mankind. And that if we could only get our act together, they could stop crying …
Holy Terrors dream team—actress Diana Hunt and her partner in crime (solving) young bishop Alistair Kincaid—are getting married! The plan is to hold a small ceremony with just some family and friends at a charming and secluded hotel in Cornwall. But in true Holy Terrors fashion, the Pale Rider hotel carries the legend of a killer ghost rider and his skeleton horse, which sets the perfect tone for a cheerful occasion!
Trying to make the best out of the stormy weekend and seemingly haunted place, spirits fall even lower when one of the guests is found murdered in the hallway. Did the legendary pale rider strike again or is there something more sinister going on—and will Diana and Alistair finally have the chance to say yes?
The “hugely entertaining” ( Booklist ) Holy Terrors Mysteries are perfect for fans of Simon R. Green’s urban fantasy novels, authors Jim Butcher, Terry Pratchett and Ben Aaronovitch, as well as those who enjoy American Horror Story , The X-Files , and murder mysteries with a supernatural twist.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Simon R. Green
333 books3,256 followersSimon Richard Green is a British science fiction and fantasy-author. He holds a degree in Modern English and American Literature from the University of Leicester. His first publication was in 1979.
His Deathstalker series is partly a parody of the usual space-opera of the 1950s, told with sovereign disregard of the rules of probability, while being at the same time extremely bloodthirsty.
Excerpted from Wikipedia.
His Deathstalker series is partly a parody of the usual space-opera of the 1950s, told with sovereign disregard of the rules of probability, while being at the same time extremely bloodthirsty.
Excerpted from Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 9, 2026
It feels like this latest book in the Holy Terrors series begins at the end. The Bishop and the Actress, Bishop Alistair Kincaid and actress Diana Hunt, are about to tie the knot. At the end of Which Witch? (the previous book in the series) the Bishop popped the question and the Actress said yes. THE question. They’re getting married.
Which is not nearly as crazy an idea as it would have been if this story had been set back in the early 1900s when that catchphrase was both suggestive AND popular. (The original Saint series by Leslie Charteris used that phrase A LOT and always with the double entendre firmly evident – double entendre intended.)
Alistair and Diana met in the first book, The Holy Terrors, and were dubbed by the press as “The Holy Terrors”, when they filmed a spooky reality TV show that had much too much fake spookiness – along with entirely too many real murders. That first book set up the whole series – and the relationship between Alistair and Diana.
A relationship that, up until AFTER the fade to black at the end of this latest story, hasn’t been nearly as salacious as Diana would like it to be. And it will be once they manage to FINALLY tie that marital knot.
But it’s never that simple when the Holy Terrors are involved. First, there’s the press. Currently, they are media darlings, which has given Diana’s acting career a serious boost. But she’s not interested in the ‘paps’ running or ruining her wedding. So they’ve chosen a venue as far from the madding crowd as they can manage. A remote inn so close to the end of Cornwall that if it were any further out it would fall into the Atlantic Ocean.
Of course, the place is haunted. Or so the proprietors claim. Of course the atmosphere is beyond spooky and Mother Nature seems determined to whip the dramatic pauses and power failures up to eleven. Of course, the wedding party is a motley crew filled with hidden agendas and open resentments.
So when the bodies start dropping, neither Alistair, Diana OR the reader are surprised. But it is still fun to watch Alistair take all of the atmospheric spooky stage setting apart with his bare hands – and his logical mind – one more time.
Escape Rating B-: This reads like it could be the final book in the Holy Terrors series. And that’s probably for the best. (Yes, I know I need to explain that.)
I read this author for the snarkitude. He has always had a great line in dry, wry, intelligent banter, and that’s still true. So I’m not sorry I read this at all.
That being said, the plot is utterly predictable. It’s not just that every story in this series hangs off the same scaffolding, it’s that it’s the same scaffolding as one of the author’s other recent series, the Ishmael Jones series.
The investigators (Alistair and Diana, Ishmael and Penny) find themselves in a situation that is presented as being paranormal or supernatural in origin. Or, at least, someone tries to fool them into thinking it is. But neither Alistair nor Ishmael are fooled – Alistair out of faith and Ismael out of experience. The story is in taking the illusion apart as the bodies drop from human causes out of human motivations.
Ishmael Jones series actually works a little better because there’s an SFnal element in Ishmael’s background that allows some of the ends to be supernatural or extra-terrestrial and have that work. OTOH, Ishmael and Penny can’t really reach a happy ending – for other factors in Ishmael’s origin – but Alistair and Diana can. And quite possibly do at the end of THIS book.
So this turned out to be fun, but only because I was already invested in the series. That fun relies on prior knowledge of the series – while the series as a whole hasn’t been all that compared to the author’s earlier works like Nightside and The Secret Histories.
I also had the feeling, particularly with this last book, that this whole thing relies more than a bit on some particularly British humorous stock characters that I just didn’t have the cultural background for. Or something like that. I had this constant sense that I was just missing some nuance around the edges but didn’t know what it was precisely enough to go hunting for it.
Your reading mileage may vary.
Originally published at Reading Reality
Which is not nearly as crazy an idea as it would have been if this story had been set back in the early 1900s when that catchphrase was both suggestive AND popular. (The original Saint series by Leslie Charteris used that phrase A LOT and always with the double entendre firmly evident – double entendre intended.)
Alistair and Diana met in the first book, The Holy Terrors, and were dubbed by the press as “The Holy Terrors”, when they filmed a spooky reality TV show that had much too much fake spookiness – along with entirely too many real murders. That first book set up the whole series – and the relationship between Alistair and Diana.
A relationship that, up until AFTER the fade to black at the end of this latest story, hasn’t been nearly as salacious as Diana would like it to be. And it will be once they manage to FINALLY tie that marital knot.
But it’s never that simple when the Holy Terrors are involved. First, there’s the press. Currently, they are media darlings, which has given Diana’s acting career a serious boost. But she’s not interested in the ‘paps’ running or ruining her wedding. So they’ve chosen a venue as far from the madding crowd as they can manage. A remote inn so close to the end of Cornwall that if it were any further out it would fall into the Atlantic Ocean.
Of course, the place is haunted. Or so the proprietors claim. Of course the atmosphere is beyond spooky and Mother Nature seems determined to whip the dramatic pauses and power failures up to eleven. Of course, the wedding party is a motley crew filled with hidden agendas and open resentments.
So when the bodies start dropping, neither Alistair, Diana OR the reader are surprised. But it is still fun to watch Alistair take all of the atmospheric spooky stage setting apart with his bare hands – and his logical mind – one more time.
Escape Rating B-: This reads like it could be the final book in the Holy Terrors series. And that’s probably for the best. (Yes, I know I need to explain that.)
I read this author for the snarkitude. He has always had a great line in dry, wry, intelligent banter, and that’s still true. So I’m not sorry I read this at all.
That being said, the plot is utterly predictable. It’s not just that every story in this series hangs off the same scaffolding, it’s that it’s the same scaffolding as one of the author’s other recent series, the Ishmael Jones series.
The investigators (Alistair and Diana, Ishmael and Penny) find themselves in a situation that is presented as being paranormal or supernatural in origin. Or, at least, someone tries to fool them into thinking it is. But neither Alistair nor Ishmael are fooled – Alistair out of faith and Ismael out of experience. The story is in taking the illusion apart as the bodies drop from human causes out of human motivations.
Ishmael Jones series actually works a little better because there’s an SFnal element in Ishmael’s background that allows some of the ends to be supernatural or extra-terrestrial and have that work. OTOH, Ishmael and Penny can’t really reach a happy ending – for other factors in Ishmael’s origin – but Alistair and Diana can. And quite possibly do at the end of THIS book.
So this turned out to be fun, but only because I was already invested in the series. That fun relies on prior knowledge of the series – while the series as a whole hasn’t been all that compared to the author’s earlier works like Nightside and The Secret Histories.
I also had the feeling, particularly with this last book, that this whole thing relies more than a bit on some particularly British humorous stock characters that I just didn’t have the cultural background for. Or something like that. I had this constant sense that I was just missing some nuance around the edges but didn’t know what it was precisely enough to go hunting for it.
Your reading mileage may vary.
Originally published at Reading Reality
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Holy Terrors are back in Simon R. Green’s “For Better or Murder”, the fourth chapter in the series about a reluctant mystery-solving couple.
Our heroes once again are Alistair Kincaid, the handsome televised bishop of All Souls Hollow, and Diana Hunt, celebrated actress and (aging) movie star. Ever since the ghost-hunting episode of the first book, the tabloids have called them “The Holy Terrors” and they reluctantly (in the Bishop’s case anyway) parry their fame into solving the unexplained.
This time there’s no media attention; in fact the goal is just the opposite: Alistair and Diana are getting married (finally!) and want a private ceremony away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi (at least until they can sell their photos to the highest bidder!). Determined to get away as far as possible, they pick a very secluded hotel in the Cornish countryside and invite the bare minimum of family and friends. The hotel is the Pale Rider, and it comes with its own ghost story, that of a killer ghost on a skeleton horse. In addition, there’s a spooky chapel with its own legend, a flying dagger that strikes at the wicked. What could possibly go wrong?
We are quickly introduced to the limited cast of supporting characters: Alistair’s best friend from seminary and Diana’s best friend from her youth are the best man and maid of honor, Diana’s overly dramatic parents are the guests, and Alistair’s beloved professor will be performing the ceremony. The only other people present are the couple who own the hotel, having sent off the staff to keep this as private as possible.
Not spooky enough yet? There’s a storm that moves in, making the power flicker and further isolating the inn. So what can the group do? Hold a séance, of course! Where they are visited (theatrically) by the Pale Rider himself. As the guests all head off to bed to lock themselves in their rooms, a scream is heard and the best man is found dead in his doorway, murdered by a stab to his heart.
Time for the Holy Terrors to get to work. Alistair and Diana quickly realize that the supernatural may not be the killer, that one of the party must have a hidden motive. When a second victim is killed in an impossible method, can our heroes unmask the murderer before they strike again?
This is mostly the same review as the previous outing: a quick compact story that is actually better than the first three chapters in this series. The interplay between Alistair and Diana makes for a fun outing, even though most of the supporting cast is one-dimensional and annoying. And it’s good to see their relationship evolving instead of being a perpetual tease.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Severn House via NetGalley. Thank you!
Our heroes once again are Alistair Kincaid, the handsome televised bishop of All Souls Hollow, and Diana Hunt, celebrated actress and (aging) movie star. Ever since the ghost-hunting episode of the first book, the tabloids have called them “The Holy Terrors” and they reluctantly (in the Bishop’s case anyway) parry their fame into solving the unexplained.
This time there’s no media attention; in fact the goal is just the opposite: Alistair and Diana are getting married (finally!) and want a private ceremony away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi (at least until they can sell their photos to the highest bidder!). Determined to get away as far as possible, they pick a very secluded hotel in the Cornish countryside and invite the bare minimum of family and friends. The hotel is the Pale Rider, and it comes with its own ghost story, that of a killer ghost on a skeleton horse. In addition, there’s a spooky chapel with its own legend, a flying dagger that strikes at the wicked. What could possibly go wrong?
We are quickly introduced to the limited cast of supporting characters: Alistair’s best friend from seminary and Diana’s best friend from her youth are the best man and maid of honor, Diana’s overly dramatic parents are the guests, and Alistair’s beloved professor will be performing the ceremony. The only other people present are the couple who own the hotel, having sent off the staff to keep this as private as possible.
Not spooky enough yet? There’s a storm that moves in, making the power flicker and further isolating the inn. So what can the group do? Hold a séance, of course! Where they are visited (theatrically) by the Pale Rider himself. As the guests all head off to bed to lock themselves in their rooms, a scream is heard and the best man is found dead in his doorway, murdered by a stab to his heart.
Time for the Holy Terrors to get to work. Alistair and Diana quickly realize that the supernatural may not be the killer, that one of the party must have a hidden motive. When a second victim is killed in an impossible method, can our heroes unmask the murderer before they strike again?
This is mostly the same review as the previous outing: a quick compact story that is actually better than the first three chapters in this series. The interplay between Alistair and Diana makes for a fun outing, even though most of the supporting cast is one-dimensional and annoying. And it’s good to see their relationship evolving instead of being a perpetual tease.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Severn House via NetGalley. Thank you!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
For Better or Murder by Simon R. Green delivers exactly the kind of gothic, storm-lashed chaos you’d expect when a wedding is scheduled at a remote Cornish hotel and chapel with a history of a ghostly horseman and suspicious happenings. My first thought while reading was that the whole setup had strong Scooby-Doo energy... stormy weather, dark corridors and hidden passage ways, a skeletal Pale Rider legend, and a cast of guests trapped together while something strange unfolds around them.
This was my first outing with actress-turned-sleuth Diana Hunt and her fiancé, Bishop Alistair Kincaid, and they make for an entertaining investigative duo: quick-witted, slightly theatrical, and entirely incapable of ignoring a mystery when it presents itself. Their attempt to enjoy a quiet wedding weekend quickly gives way to curiosity and suspicion as events take a decidedly eerie turn.
After a theatrical séance adds to the spooky mood, the weekend takes a grim turn when one of the guests is discovered murdered in the hallway. The stormy weather and the supposedly haunted hotel make the perfect backdrop for suspense, keeping both the characters and the reader engaged (no pun intended).
The Pale Rider hotel feels like a character in its own right: creaking floorboards, shadowy hallways, and the constant sense that something or someone is just out of sight. It creates a cosy-spooky backdrop that makes the investigation feel both playful and faintly menacing, very much in the spirit of a mystery where you half-expect someone to be dramatically unmasked at the end.
The story thrives on the contrast between a supposedly joyful wedding weekend and the growing sense that something strange is unfolding behind closed doors. Diana and Alistair’s determination to keep digging drives the story forward and keeps the tension simmering beneath the humour.
That said, one element that didn’t quite land for me was Diana’s constant use of the nickname “Bish'” for Alistair. It’s clearly meant to be playful and affectionate, but it started to grate after a while rather than adding charm.
Overall, this landed at a 3.5/5 for me. An enjoyable, atmospheric mystery with strong Scooby-Doo vibes, but not quite compelling enough in its plotting or character work to push it into four-star territory. Still, I had a good time with it, and I’m fairly sure the culprit might have gotten away with everything if it weren’t for those meddling detectives!😏
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2026
I was really excited to get my hands on this one, as I’ve enjoyed the quirky and low-key romance between the two main protagonists, who are so very different but somehow seem to work. Actress Diana and young bishop Alistair somehow are convincing, even though their relationship shouldn’t work. It’s partly and smart dialogue between them and also the fact that they are both experienced in how humans work and very interested in the people around them.
Constantly hounded by the Press due to their successes, they are desperate for their wedding to be a quiet, dignified affair between themselves and a handful of people who matter, or once mattered to them. So they opt to get married on the desolate moors of Cornwall in an out-of-the-way hotel. Yep. You’ve guessed it. Once they arrive, they discover that it’s a deal more isolated than they’d realised and all is not what it seems. In fact, it’s not really the sort of places you’d want to hold a wedding, unless you’re a Goth…
I always think Green’s covers don’t do him any favours. They are always so very dark and brooding – while his writing is witty and rather chirpy, even when dealing with spooky murders. Once again, I enjoyed this one. It seems Diana and Alistair didn’t know their wedding guests quite as well as they’d thought – and the lure of getting paid for an exclusive for their wedding is too big a temptation to keep everyone as honourably discreet as they should be. As ever, there are murders that apparently defy explanation – this time threatening Diana and Alistair’s wedding. Do they end up tying the knot?
Hm. I’ll leave you to discover that yourself! These books aren’t exactly cosy – but they’re not terrifyingly creepy, either. And this one was particularly enjoyable. Recommended for those who like a splash of paranormal fun in amongst their murder mysteries. While I obtained an arc of For Better, or Murder from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
Constantly hounded by the Press due to their successes, they are desperate for their wedding to be a quiet, dignified affair between themselves and a handful of people who matter, or once mattered to them. So they opt to get married on the desolate moors of Cornwall in an out-of-the-way hotel. Yep. You’ve guessed it. Once they arrive, they discover that it’s a deal more isolated than they’d realised and all is not what it seems. In fact, it’s not really the sort of places you’d want to hold a wedding, unless you’re a Goth…
I always think Green’s covers don’t do him any favours. They are always so very dark and brooding – while his writing is witty and rather chirpy, even when dealing with spooky murders. Once again, I enjoyed this one. It seems Diana and Alistair didn’t know their wedding guests quite as well as they’d thought – and the lure of getting paid for an exclusive for their wedding is too big a temptation to keep everyone as honourably discreet as they should be. As ever, there are murders that apparently defy explanation – this time threatening Diana and Alistair’s wedding. Do they end up tying the knot?
Hm. I’ll leave you to discover that yourself! These books aren’t exactly cosy – but they’re not terrifyingly creepy, either. And this one was particularly enjoyable. Recommended for those who like a splash of paranormal fun in amongst their murder mysteries. While I obtained an arc of For Better, or Murder from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
For Better or Murder is another wonderfully offbeat, atmospheric delight from Simon R. Green—equal parts spooky, witty, and charmingly eccentric. The Holy Terrors, Diana Hunt and Bishop Alistair Kincaid, are finally trying to tie the knot, but of course nothing is ever simple when these two are involved. A quiet wedding weekend in a remote Cornish hotel? Not a chance.
The Pale Rider hotel is the perfect setting for this instalment: storm‑lashed, steeped in ghostly legend, and just unsettling enough to make every creak feel suspicious. Green leans into the gothic fun without ever losing the light, humorous tone that makes this series so enjoyable. The legend of the skeletal ghost rider adds a deliciously eerie backdrop, and when a guest turns up dead in the hallway, the story shifts into a clever, supernatural‑tinged whodunit.
Diana and Alistair remain a fantastic duo—sharp, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining as they juggle wedding plans with murder investigations. Their dynamic brings warmth to the story, even as the mystery grows stranger and the hotel’s secrets begin to unravel.
This book hits that sweet spot between cosy and creepy, with Green’s signature dry humour running through every chapter. Fans of his urban fantasy, as well as readers who enjoy supernatural mysteries with personality, will have a great time with this one.
A quirky, ghost‑ridden, thoroughly enjoyable romp—and a wedding I won’t forget anytime soon.
with thanks to Simon R Green, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The Pale Rider hotel is the perfect setting for this instalment: storm‑lashed, steeped in ghostly legend, and just unsettling enough to make every creak feel suspicious. Green leans into the gothic fun without ever losing the light, humorous tone that makes this series so enjoyable. The legend of the skeletal ghost rider adds a deliciously eerie backdrop, and when a guest turns up dead in the hallway, the story shifts into a clever, supernatural‑tinged whodunit.
Diana and Alistair remain a fantastic duo—sharp, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining as they juggle wedding plans with murder investigations. Their dynamic brings warmth to the story, even as the mystery grows stranger and the hotel’s secrets begin to unravel.
This book hits that sweet spot between cosy and creepy, with Green’s signature dry humour running through every chapter. Fans of his urban fantasy, as well as readers who enjoy supernatural mysteries with personality, will have a great time with this one.
A quirky, ghost‑ridden, thoroughly enjoyable romp—and a wedding I won’t forget anytime soon.
with thanks to Simon R Green, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A cracking read and another entertaining book in this series.
This book delivers exactly what I want from it. It’s tightly written, has a well-paced plot, and a spooky and isolated setting. The old chapel and hotel in the middle of nowhere makes for a perfect backdrop. It’s able to add atmosphere without overwhelming the story.
Because in this book, the characters are the real strength. Crispin, Alice, and Edward were particular standouts (only because I like to point out different characters in each book). Each is entertaining, engaging, and full of personality. Some are developed using familiar archetypes, but they’re written with such balance that it never feels like a problem. They feel both real and slightly heightened at the same time, which fits the tone of the book. There’s an effortless quality to how they’re written that makes them a pleasure to read.
And that goes for all character in this book. They are all brilliantly written.
The setting is atmospheric and spooky. Isolation, a storm, lights that go out at random and often. What more could you ask for? Well, there is plenty more, but I don’t want to give that away.
The humour is the type of humour I enjoy. It’s witty and dry and cleverly written. It complements the mystery without taking over the story. I always think there’s a real skill with writing humour that works.
Overall, this is an entertaining read that shows the series is still going strong.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This book delivers exactly what I want from it. It’s tightly written, has a well-paced plot, and a spooky and isolated setting. The old chapel and hotel in the middle of nowhere makes for a perfect backdrop. It’s able to add atmosphere without overwhelming the story.
Because in this book, the characters are the real strength. Crispin, Alice, and Edward were particular standouts (only because I like to point out different characters in each book). Each is entertaining, engaging, and full of personality. Some are developed using familiar archetypes, but they’re written with such balance that it never feels like a problem. They feel both real and slightly heightened at the same time, which fits the tone of the book. There’s an effortless quality to how they’re written that makes them a pleasure to read.
And that goes for all character in this book. They are all brilliantly written.
The setting is atmospheric and spooky. Isolation, a storm, lights that go out at random and often. What more could you ask for? Well, there is plenty more, but I don’t want to give that away.
The humour is the type of humour I enjoy. It’s witty and dry and cleverly written. It complements the mystery without taking over the story. I always think there’s a real skill with writing humour that works.
Overall, this is an entertaining read that shows the series is still going strong.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For Better or Murder is the 4th-book in the Holy Terror Mysteries series by veteran author, Simon R. Green. I would argue this is a straight-up Cozy Mystery series, though the assigned genres for the books in the series seem to disagree.
I read a lot of Cozies, and this is a Cozy, but with slight paranormal vibes. This one is my favorite one yet, and I'm not sure if it's because I'm more attached to these characters than ever, or if it's because maybe the author is more comfortable writing this type of story at this point.
Either way, I found this one highly-enjoyable. It's the most Scooby-Doo feeling one yet, which def added to my enjoyment. The setting, at a secluded Cornish hotel, set amongst the Moors, definitely added to that vibe.
Alistair and Diana are set to be married, and in order to escape the prying eyes of the paparazzi, who have been plaguing them since their status as the Holy Terrors became public interest, have booked the remote hotel in order to maintain some privacy on their wedding day.
Their guest list is also extremely small. Diana's parents, of course, as well as her oldest friend, Eliza, have been invited for her side. Alistair has invited his college friend, Giles, as well as his mentor, Crispin, who will perform the ceremony.
Besides that, it's just Edward and Alice, the proprietors of the hotel. The rest of the staff having been sent home in order to ensure privacy.
So, when one of the guests is found murdered on their very first night at the hotel, their suspect list is small. However, a local legend throws a kink in their investigation.
Could the Pale Rider, feared by locals, and seemingly even the hotel owners themselves, possibly be responsible for the mysterious death? They did hear unexplained hoof beats shortly before, didn't they?
Well, it was certainly hard to tell over the pounding rain of the extreme storm rattling the hotel. At this point, we know Alistair and Diana won't be able to rest until the truth is discovered. Let the amateur sleuthing begin!
I had a lot of fun with this one. From the start I was hooked into the setting. I thought Green set the stage beautifully. I could picture it all in my head, and it made me want to be there with this small group of wedding guests.
I also liked the inclusion of the local lore and felt like the way it was weaved into our mystery left a lot of room for doubt, as far as whether or not a human was responsible for the tragedies that take place. Additionally, just being with Alistair and Diana again, seeing how far their relationship has come, that was also really comforting.
I'll be honest, my initial impression with this series wasn't the best. I felt like I had been marketed a Horror novel, which it certainly is not, but now that I've settled into it being a Cozy Mystery, I've really enjoyed them all. I'm glad I continued on and gave it another chance.
I'm not sure what the future for this series holds, but if there are further installments, I'll definitely be picking them up. The series as a whole keeps getting stronger, IMO, and I would love more.
Thank you to the publisher, Severn House, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I would recommend this series to Cozy Mystery Readers who enjoy a darker touch; something a bit more macabre. This series has turned into a lot of fun for me!
I read a lot of Cozies, and this is a Cozy, but with slight paranormal vibes. This one is my favorite one yet, and I'm not sure if it's because I'm more attached to these characters than ever, or if it's because maybe the author is more comfortable writing this type of story at this point.
Either way, I found this one highly-enjoyable. It's the most Scooby-Doo feeling one yet, which def added to my enjoyment. The setting, at a secluded Cornish hotel, set amongst the Moors, definitely added to that vibe.
Alistair and Diana are set to be married, and in order to escape the prying eyes of the paparazzi, who have been plaguing them since their status as the Holy Terrors became public interest, have booked the remote hotel in order to maintain some privacy on their wedding day.
Their guest list is also extremely small. Diana's parents, of course, as well as her oldest friend, Eliza, have been invited for her side. Alistair has invited his college friend, Giles, as well as his mentor, Crispin, who will perform the ceremony.
Besides that, it's just Edward and Alice, the proprietors of the hotel. The rest of the staff having been sent home in order to ensure privacy.
So, when one of the guests is found murdered on their very first night at the hotel, their suspect list is small. However, a local legend throws a kink in their investigation.
Could the Pale Rider, feared by locals, and seemingly even the hotel owners themselves, possibly be responsible for the mysterious death? They did hear unexplained hoof beats shortly before, didn't they?
Well, it was certainly hard to tell over the pounding rain of the extreme storm rattling the hotel. At this point, we know Alistair and Diana won't be able to rest until the truth is discovered. Let the amateur sleuthing begin!
I had a lot of fun with this one. From the start I was hooked into the setting. I thought Green set the stage beautifully. I could picture it all in my head, and it made me want to be there with this small group of wedding guests.
I also liked the inclusion of the local lore and felt like the way it was weaved into our mystery left a lot of room for doubt, as far as whether or not a human was responsible for the tragedies that take place. Additionally, just being with Alistair and Diana again, seeing how far their relationship has come, that was also really comforting.
I'll be honest, my initial impression with this series wasn't the best. I felt like I had been marketed a Horror novel, which it certainly is not, but now that I've settled into it being a Cozy Mystery, I've really enjoyed them all. I'm glad I continued on and gave it another chance.
I'm not sure what the future for this series holds, but if there are further installments, I'll definitely be picking them up. The series as a whole keeps getting stronger, IMO, and I would love more.
Thank you to the publisher, Severn House, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I would recommend this series to Cozy Mystery Readers who enjoy a darker touch; something a bit more macabre. This series has turned into a lot of fun for me!
May 5, 2026
Sometimes you just need a short little novella as an entertaining escape. And I have quite enjoyed this series with the Holy Terrors finding a mystery to solve wherever they go and a few bodies to step over before cracking the case wide open. Alistair and Diana are definitely pros now and work so well together, it is nice to finally see them find some happiness and marry.
But what is a wedding without drama from the in-laws, a seance or two, legends about a Pale Rider in the moors, and a spooky isolated hotel (so they could escape the media circus for once) with secrets and maybe a supernatural occurrence? Seems like a requirement for the Holy Terrors, despite the wish for just some privacy. You have big personalities in the guests, lots of bantering between Diana and Alistair, a supposed flying dagger of justice, and plenty of spooky moments that lend credence to the supernatural.
I enjoyed reading this and will always happily root for Alistair and Diana because things are never boring when they show up! Many thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for giving me the chance to continue traveling along with the Holy Terrors solving mysteries and finally tying the knot! I hope their honeymoon will be nicely ghost free!
But what is a wedding without drama from the in-laws, a seance or two, legends about a Pale Rider in the moors, and a spooky isolated hotel (so they could escape the media circus for once) with secrets and maybe a supernatural occurrence? Seems like a requirement for the Holy Terrors, despite the wish for just some privacy. You have big personalities in the guests, lots of bantering between Diana and Alistair, a supposed flying dagger of justice, and plenty of spooky moments that lend credence to the supernatural.
I enjoyed reading this and will always happily root for Alistair and Diana because things are never boring when they show up! Many thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for giving me the chance to continue traveling along with the Holy Terrors solving mysteries and finally tying the knot! I hope their honeymoon will be nicely ghost free!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For Better or Murder by Simon R. Green — 3.5/5 *s
A fun, atmospheric entry in the Holy Terrors series, this one finally delivers the wedding fans have been waiting for. Of course, nothing goes smoothly for Bishop Alistair and Diana. Set in a remote Cornish hotel steeped in ghostly legend, the story has a delightful Scooby-Doo energy: stormy weather, creaking hallways, a séance, and a murder that sends the duo into full investigation mode before the vows can even be exchanged.
The Pale Rider hotel makes for a wonderfully spooky backdrop, and the banter between Alistair and Diana keeps things light and entertaining even as the mystery darkens. Green's dry humor is reliably fun, and the gothic atmosphere is well done.
That said, the formula is starting to show. If you've read the previous books, you'll have a pretty good sense of where things are headed, and the characters don't quite stretch beyond what we've seen before. Still, it's an enjoyable, breezy read that delivers exactly what fans of the series are looking for.
Not quite a four-star outing, but a solid and entertaining one.
A fun, atmospheric entry in the Holy Terrors series, this one finally delivers the wedding fans have been waiting for. Of course, nothing goes smoothly for Bishop Alistair and Diana. Set in a remote Cornish hotel steeped in ghostly legend, the story has a delightful Scooby-Doo energy: stormy weather, creaking hallways, a séance, and a murder that sends the duo into full investigation mode before the vows can even be exchanged.
The Pale Rider hotel makes for a wonderfully spooky backdrop, and the banter between Alistair and Diana keeps things light and entertaining even as the mystery darkens. Green's dry humor is reliably fun, and the gothic atmosphere is well done.
That said, the formula is starting to show. If you've read the previous books, you'll have a pretty good sense of where things are headed, and the characters don't quite stretch beyond what we've seen before. Still, it's an enjoyable, breezy read that delivers exactly what fans of the series are looking for.
Not quite a four-star outing, but a solid and entertaining one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2026
Simon R. Green has been one of my favorite authors since I first read his Nightside series. That series is still one of my favorite urban fantasy storylines and the books have a permanent place on my shelves.
The Nightside series concluded in 2012. Luckily, this author has published a couple of new series since then. I read everything that he publishes. If he wrote A History of Paperclips....I would have the physical book on my shelves and the audio on my phone. Immediately. :)
The Holy Terrors is one of his newer endeavors. This is the 4th book. And, I'm loving it!
This time -- Television celebrity and bishop Alastair Kincaid is marrying his sidekick, Actress Diana Hunt. They have been through many mysteries and strange situations together so of course their plans manage to go sideways.....in a ghostly manner. A guest at the hotel where the wedding party is staying is found dead in the hallway. Their idyllic Cornwall wedding plans immediately take a bit of a spooky detour. Given the Bride and Groom involved....this isn't really a surprise.
Very entertaining story!! Eagerly awaiting the next book!!
The Nightside series concluded in 2012. Luckily, this author has published a couple of new series since then. I read everything that he publishes. If he wrote A History of Paperclips....I would have the physical book on my shelves and the audio on my phone. Immediately. :)
The Holy Terrors is one of his newer endeavors. This is the 4th book. And, I'm loving it!
This time -- Television celebrity and bishop Alastair Kincaid is marrying his sidekick, Actress Diana Hunt. They have been through many mysteries and strange situations together so of course their plans manage to go sideways.....in a ghostly manner. A guest at the hotel where the wedding party is staying is found dead in the hallway. Their idyllic Cornwall wedding plans immediately take a bit of a spooky detour. Given the Bride and Groom involved....this isn't really a surprise.
Very entertaining story!! Eagerly awaiting the next book!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have been getting such a kick out of this series, but I think this book is my favorite so far. It reminds me a lot of the movie High Spirits. Yes, yes, I know it’s old and ridiculously overdramatic, but childhood me loved it! I got the same feeling with this book. The seances, the dramatic dialogue, the type-cast characters, it was absolutely glorious! And the bonus is that when Diana and Alistair put themselves to work, we not only get a mystery solved, we get the event we’ve finally been waiting for! I will do it, I had the ending pegged pretty early on, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching everything play out. I genuinely love this series and I hope it continues!
Huge thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Huge thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
June 19, 2026
As Diana and Alistair are ready to tie the knot, they want a very low-key affair. But as they arrive at their out of the way location, there is a feeling that things might not be what they appear. As the group gathers, the innkeepers share some of the local lore. Before too long, a body turns up, and what was supposed to be a joyous occasion is turned upside down.
Diana and the Bish are back on the case, and will solve it, before they can tie the knot in peace.
I really enjoyed this book, and was so excited to dive in. It did not disappoint! I was instantly drawn in, and could not wait to see what happened next. This entire series is amazing, and I encourage everyone to grab the entire series and dive in.
Diana and the Bish are back on the case, and will solve it, before they can tie the knot in peace.
I really enjoyed this book, and was so excited to dive in. It did not disappoint! I was instantly drawn in, and could not wait to see what happened next. This entire series is amazing, and I encourage everyone to grab the entire series and dive in.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Holy Terrors series number four, with Alistair and Diana are getting married! The place of holy matrimony of course is a spooky old hotel that they didn't realize the history of and get caught up in a murder mystery with a paranormal bent. The first night, the Innkeeper decides a seance is in order and everyone is shaken by what happens. Then a murder and Alistair can't sit idly by and starts a serious investigation with Diana right by his side. The snappy dialog and dark humor is ever present, but this time we have Diana's over the top dramatic fading star parents that you just want to smack. It's a fun not quite locked door murder mystery. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.
June 18, 2026
The Holy Terrors have returned in another tale, this time they are trying to solve a ghostly murder whilst tying the knot. A small private ceremony is interrupted with the appearance of a ghost followed by the discovery that one of the guests has been murdered.
Once again this was an enjoyable tale with a dash of paranormal. It had all the hallmarks of a good entertaining story, with an easy flowing plot, a touch of humour, enjoyable characters and good interplay between Alistair and Diana.
Once again this was an enjoyable tale with a dash of paranormal. It had all the hallmarks of a good entertaining story, with an easy flowing plot, a touch of humour, enjoyable characters and good interplay between Alistair and Diana.
September 10, 2026
I like this series for what it is. Adult scooby due. I know probably not something he's aiming for. I miss the Ishmael Jones series for sure, but I liked that character. These 2 are ok, but being a Christian, I sometimes struggle with some of the content and what Allister is ok with, this has some of that, even though I know why.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another great read in the Holy Terrors series. I really enjoy these characters, and each one has a great story, and great pacing. Always look forward to the next read in this series. #ForBetterorMurder #NetGalley
May 8, 2026
A Pale Horse.
The wedding that had everything a little drama, a little subterfuge, a little magic, several deaths a great wedding and money to be made and a secret honeymoon and I hope there is a book 5
The wedding that had everything a little drama, a little subterfuge, a little magic, several deaths a great wedding and money to be made and a secret honeymoon and I hope there is a book 5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another Holy Terrors novel, hooray! As previously noted, Simon R. Green's books are my guilty pleasure. Not great literature, the dialogue is a bit contrived and the characters not terribly believable, but nonetheless, great fun! The Holy Terrors series reminds me a little of the Scooby-Doo cartoons of my youth in that what initially appears to be supernatural has a natural and fairly mundane cause. Looking forward to the next in the series! Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.
May 29, 2026
This one is darker, but I think it's the best of the four. Good mystery, good characters, good ending.
February 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "For Better or Murder", the newest book in Simon R. Green's "Holy Terrors" series (I've read them all).
Well, it's time - the Bishop and the Actress (collectively known as the Holy Terrors) are getting married. Bishop Alistair and Diana have come to a remote place in Cornwall, called The Pale Rider, along with her parents (both actors, of course), her best friend Eliza, his best friend from the Seminary days Giles, and Crispin, the priest who will perform the ceremony. They have rented the entire hotel, along with the attached chapel, so that none of the media will find them and encroach on the big day,
But of course, there are myths and stories attached to the remote location, including the Pale Rider, who supposedly haunts the moors and a mysterious dagger which apparently leaves its place in the chapel to murder 'bad' people; oh, and a Room Thirteen that may or may not exist. Well, it wouldn't be a Holy Terrors story without intrigue.
Everyone is settling in and their hosts decide that a seance is in order - the proprietress is supposedly a retired medium. And of course, there are appearances and occurrences; which, ever the sceptics, Bish and Diana immediately strive to debunk.
And then, the murder. Of course, there's a murder - but who amongst the friends would want to murder one of their own?
And as it turns out, nothing and no one is as it/they seem.
If you've read any of the other Holy Terrors books, you'll know what to expect. If you haven't, why not?
Well, it's time - the Bishop and the Actress (collectively known as the Holy Terrors) are getting married. Bishop Alistair and Diana have come to a remote place in Cornwall, called The Pale Rider, along with her parents (both actors, of course), her best friend Eliza, his best friend from the Seminary days Giles, and Crispin, the priest who will perform the ceremony. They have rented the entire hotel, along with the attached chapel, so that none of the media will find them and encroach on the big day,
But of course, there are myths and stories attached to the remote location, including the Pale Rider, who supposedly haunts the moors and a mysterious dagger which apparently leaves its place in the chapel to murder 'bad' people; oh, and a Room Thirteen that may or may not exist. Well, it wouldn't be a Holy Terrors story without intrigue.
Everyone is settling in and their hosts decide that a seance is in order - the proprietress is supposedly a retired medium. And of course, there are appearances and occurrences; which, ever the sceptics, Bish and Diana immediately strive to debunk.
And then, the murder. Of course, there's a murder - but who amongst the friends would want to murder one of their own?
And as it turns out, nothing and no one is as it/they seem.
If you've read any of the other Holy Terrors books, you'll know what to expect. If you haven't, why not?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the fourth book in the Holy Terrors series, about Bishop Alistair and his lady friend (now fiancee) Diana, a famous actress. The first novel in the series put them into a dangerous situation that seemed supernatural, and the two had to use their wits to escape alive. Each book since has included a similar situation. Frankly, the series has gotten formulaic as each book faithfully traces the same path as the previous ones. Green is a terrific writer, so the books are still fun to read, but the mysteries aren't nearly as tough to figure out when you know what to expect from certain plot elements. It would be terrific if the next book took a different approach to the overarching theme. I'd also love to see Diana step out of her supporting role and be the one to solve the mystery instead of playing Watson to Alistair's Sherlock.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an advance copy!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an advance copy!
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