Of Retreats and Revenge

A Travelling Celebrant Mystery #3

by Phillipa Nefri Clark

Previously published as Tales of Life and Daph

When a luxurious resort plays host to a murder, Daphne must solve the case before the clear mountain air becomes the last she breathes…

Celebrant and accidental amateur sleuth Daphne Jones is thrilled to attend an opulent mountaintop retreat for a celebrants’ conference. But the weekend turns deadly when a mysterious note lures Daphne to the hotel fountain, where she discovers a dead body, floating face down and wearing the distinctive red jacket of the society’s president, Rupert Witherspoon.

Daphne races for help, but when she returns, the body has vanished, and Rupert is very much alive. With the only other witness quickly discredited and everyone questioning her sanity, Daphne begins to doubt what she saw. Until one of the conference guests fails to arrive…

When the missing guest is found dead beside the winding mountain road, Daphne knows her instincts were someone at this retreat has orchestrated murder. But what would turn a celebrant into a killer? With a fierce storm trapping everyone at the remote retreat, Daphne realises she must unmask the murderer before they can escape. Or worse, claim another victim…

Genres: Cozy, Mystery

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2021

About the author

Phillipa lives just outside a beautiful town in country Victoria, Australia. She also lives in the many worlds of her imagination and stockpiles stories beside her laptop.

She writes from the heart about love, dreams, secrets, discovery, the sea, the world as she knows it… or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.

With a passion for music, the ocean, nature, reading, and writing, she is often found in the vegetable garden pondering a new story.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Daphne Jones Mysteries series.

Daph and John are off to an annual conference of marriage celebrants at a Spa in the Victorian high country. There is just one winding road in and that becomes very significant later. John is looking forward to some great fishing and Daph cannot wait to attend a few lectures with her peers.

A murder soon occurs but the body disappears. Then the road becomes impassable and the police will take a long time to hike in. So Daph finds herself sleuthing again. The mystery is a good one and there are many possible suspects. Daph goes about things in her usual careful way and she does not miss a clue.

This was a very enjoyable read with excellent characters and a great setting.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne and her husband John were joining a group of celebrants for a conference weekend high up in the mountains of Victoria, leaving their caravan and car down in the park below, and being couriered up to the luxury hotel. John and some of the other men were heading off on a twenty-four-hour fishing trip on the river, before rejoining their partners the following afternoon.

Daphne in the meantime, enjoyed a neck massage, then dinner and drinks before retiring for the night. But strange things happened that night when Daph joined Stacy at the fountain below, for Stacy was distraught. There was a jacket in the water and she vowed there was a body underneath. But she had had a lot to drink, so was she imagining the body? Daphne went to get help – her sleuthing antennae were quivering.

One of the committee members had taken a dislike to Daphne for some reason. She also had it in for Stacy – the vibes were off between a few in this organization and Daphne felt uncomfortable, wishing John was with her. As Daph made notes, and gathered her thoughts, she was determined to find answers to the strange mystery which was surrounding her. When the men returned from their successful fishing trip, she filled John in – but could he help her? Would they find the answers?

Tales of Life and Daph is the 3rd in the Daphne Jones Mysteries by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Light, entertaining, and lots of fun, I love Daph’s method of nutting it all out, finding the answers as she invariably did. I’m already looking forward to #4 and have no hesitation in recommending this one, and the series!

With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book in this wonderful series, spending time with Daph and John is always great, I am sure that Daph gets better with her sleuthing each time. This time Daph is invited to a conference for celebrants in the high country of Victoria and she is thrilled to be here with her peers and looking forward to meeting other celebrants who have had a lot of experience and of course there is sure to be some good times.

Not long after they arrive and settle in to their luxurious room, John is off on an overnight fishing and camping trip and Daph is going to miss her beloved husband but thrilled for him to go and enjoy himself. She is settling in and meeting the committee members during a welcome and dinner event and some of them are real characters.

Daph is settled in with a good book when a note arrives asking someone to meet them at she thinks is the English fountain and when she sees Stacy, one of the committee members running off into the dark night Daph is left with no choice but to follow and what she discovers will turn this weekend on its head and have Daph pulling out her best sleuthing brain.

Daph is having a terrible time with one of the committee members who for some reason does not like her and she is very pleased when John returns from his fishing trip, but that night at the banquet and awards dinner things turn worse when a threat is made via a poem of some sorts, but Daph never gives up always there to help people when needed and to uncover the clues.

I loved this one so much, really Phillipa Nefri Clark has such a way with words she knows how to put them together on the pages and draw the reader into the story, this one had my mind going in quite a few directions till Daph sorted it all out for me, I loved the setting of this story even though I love them travelling around in their caravan Bluebell and I am looking forward to the next in the series a trip home to Rivers End and I am sure Daph will find something to sort out with her beautiful caring ways.

I do highly recommend this story and the series they are thoroughly enjoyable, beautifully written and filled with mystery and fun.

My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unable to believe their luck Daphne and John Jones have headed to a mountain top luxury resort at the invitation of the association which supports practising celebrants. With John spending a boys overnight trip fishing, Daphne finds herself alone in their luxurious suite until a note is slipped under her door. Following the instructions to meet someone at the beautiful fountain in the extensive gardens she is a little confused to meet another conference guest who is definitely the worse for drink and has just found a distinctive jacket in the water. Discovering that no one is missing, Daphne makes discreet enquiries while awaiting John's return and learns of disagreements and discord bubbling just beneath the surface. When a body is discovered it's down to Daphne to get to the bottom of things before everyone leaves with one person getting away with murder!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This series is great and once again I thoroughly enjoyed the story and Daphne and John's part in it. There were no clients or services for Daphne to conduct this time but she did learn more about herself and the career she has so recently chosen. There are very few spoilers and so this can be read as a standalone but I think it would be more enjoyable if the series is read in the correct order.

Of Retreats and Revenge was previously published as Tales of Life and Daph.

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Retreats & Revenge is another thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery from Phillipa Nefri Clark and a fantastic addition to the Travelling Celebrant Mystery series.

This time, Daphne Jones finds herself attending a celebrants’ conference at a luxurious mountaintop retreat, which quickly turns ominous when she discovers a body floating in the hotel fountain. When the body mysteriously vanishes and the supposed victim reappears alive, Daphne is left questioning her own instincts — until another guest goes missing and is later found dead. With a fierce storm trapping everyone at the remote retreat, the tension builds as Daphne works to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.

Daphne continues to be such a likeable and engaging character, and I’m loving every story she features in. The closed-circle setting of the retreat adds a great layer of suspense, and the mystery is cleverly constructed, with plenty of twists along the way. As always with Phillipa Nefri Clark’s books, the solution isn’t obvious, and I was kept guessing right through to the end.

This is cosy mystery done well — smart, entertaining, and impossible to put down. Fans of the genre and this series will not be disappointed.

Thank you to the author and BookSprout for the opportunity to read an advance copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good who-dunnit.

Daphne and her husband John are attending a conference for celebrants at a glorious mountain retreat, however, their plans for the perfect weekend are dashed by some strange events.
A thoroughly enjoyable who-dunnit set in Victoria's beautiful countryside.
I really enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to reading more in this series.
P.S. Phillipa, I loved Rupert.

[Michelle Rodger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Phillipa Nefri Clark

What can I say. Here is another book which you cannot put down. I loved how Daphne is always taking in information to help solve a mystery. The resort sounded like an amazing place to visit/stay. John being able to go fishing a pastime he absolutely loves while Daphne attends the celebrant’s conference. The twists and turns in the storyline keeps you guessing who did it. Can’t wait to read another book. ❤️❤️

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne Jones and her husband, John were invited to a mountain retreat, a conference of celebrant in Victoria. She’s looking forward to meeting other celebrants. Learning new things. As a celebrant she was nominated by her clients. So she and John are excited about going to a retreat with no murders or missing bodies to worry about. They are looking forward to relaxing, getting spa treatments and an overnight fishing trip for John . What could go wrong? Well a note is accidentally pushed under her door of her suite, so she follows the note, thinking it was Stacy, who had too much to drink. Daph sees a red jacket in the fountain. Is that a body in the fountain? What about Stacy, who is sitting on the bench in shock? Daph runs for help. They return to the fountain. No body. Did they really see a body? There is more to this mystery. Another guest didn’t show up. Where could he be? Now Stacy is missing. Where is she? Why do people seem to dislike Daph? Everyone looks looks suspicious but are they? Is it Stacy or is someone trying to set her up for the fall. Is Stacy guilty? Being the amateur sleuth that she is, Daph and John try to help solve it. I loved this book. I love the characters. Worth the read.

[Antoneth Petrache · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of 3rd series that I read I can't put down because I want the answer but I think this book has another series to read one thing put in my head that If you want answer to the question you should find it to answer it... A good book that make me think while reading it got my attention while reading it!

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 3 of 3 in the "Daphne Jones Mysteries." Tales of Life and Daph: Weddings. Funerals. Sleuthing was an interesting read. Author Phillipa Nefri Clark has a wonderful way of bringing the reader into her story by captivating you with her writing and drawing you in. Great Mystery.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous end to the series. As the outsider, Daphne solves yet another murder mystery and is rewarded for her work in the previous books. Together, the books make a fabulous and fun series.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daphne Jones received an invitation to attend a celebrant conference at a mountain retreat, and her husband John goes with her. He signs up for an overnight fishing trip for the first night of the conference, leaving Daphne with visions of a spa treatment, dinner and relaxing. However, an arrival of a note asking her to meet someone at the fountain takes care of the relaxing part of the evening and she assumes it is from Stacy, one of the committee members.

When she sees Stacy take off in the dark towards the fountain, she decides to follow her and discovers a red jacket floating on the water, which she believes belongs to Rupert, the president of the committee. Before she has time to thoroughly investigate, Stacy sends her to get help. She soon discovers it wasn’t Rupert in the fountain, and, in fact, the jacket and Stacy are no longer there.

Daphne starts investigating the missing “body” that nobody besides Stacy saw and in doing so, we become acquainted with the other committee members. The vice president, Audrey, is very full of herself and tends to pick on Stacy and doesn’t like Daphne. Gloria, the treasurer, seems like a nice person and her husband is fishing with John. I literally gasped when Audrey told Daphne to take her to “eat one of your awful cookies on your walk.” This is the first time Daphne was aware her cookies weren’t good. Poor Daphne.

There are enough breadcrumbs to follow to discover the killer and I think most people will figure it out. However, the journey to the unmasking of the killer and what is going on at the hotel is an enjoyable one. Daphne and John are such an enjoyable couple who truly love each other and they are fun to follow on their escapades. I hope we see them return to Rivers End so that we can catch up with our favorite people from that series (Rivers End Romantic Women’s Fiction).

Thank you Booksprout for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daphne and John arrive at a luxurious resort so celebrant Daph can attend a celebrants’ conference.

John goes off to fish, and Daphne is welcomed by the association’s executive, but quickly feels uncomfortable about the acrimonious relationship between two of the women, Audrey and Stacy. Daphne isn’t interested in the politics, and is there to much for her to learn about being a celebrant, so she does her best to not get involved. That goes about as well as expected, as after receiving a strange note under her hotel room door late at night, she follows Stacy, only to receive a shock when they see a dead body floating in a fountain.

Unfortunately, there’s no body to be found a short while later, making Daph wonder if she imagined things, and others discrediting Stacy.

Then, Audrey 's husband, and friend to the association’s president Rupert, is a no show, then is later reported possibly found in a river down the hill from the hotel.

Daph, as usual, notices a variety of details, and asks questions to get a better handle on the executive’s relationships and disagreements. She really can’t help sleuthing, and does in fact discover who the culprit is, though it takes piecing some pretty disparate facts together, and being observant.

This is another enjoyable entry; I liked the new set of suspects and motives, and the way feelings only were heightened by the storm blocking access to the hotel, and the increasingly guilty behaviour of a few members of the executive.

Things are nicely wrapped up, and I’m eager to read the next Daphne Jones mystery.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and to Booksprout for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne and John are headed to a retreat that celebrates the best celebrants. The retreat is a five star luxury destination and Daphne is ready to relax while John goes on a fishing camping trip. But as soon as she arrives, a mysterious note appears underneath her door with ominous instructions that only lead her to believe that a body is floating in the fountain. As a guest is thought to be missing, another is loosing her mind completely and magnets are found, Daphne puts her highly detailed mind to work and solves a mystery that seems too complex even for the police.

I am loving this series so much. I've come to understand how Daphne's mind works, how sensitive she can be and how caring and selfless she is towards others. Her empathy is only a reflection of how John loves, respects and treasures her. He always let's her be herself even when it may be dangerous, but he is always one step behind her ready to jump into action. I also enjoyed how the murder mystery was more complex and had it's own suspects within suspect. Incorporating magnets to the mystery was unique and I did not see it coming. I don't want this series to end!
Thank you Storm Publishing and Booksprout for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review of the series not of the single story as I enjoyed each instalment and wanted to recommend the series.
Daphne Jones is one of those rare cosy sleuths who feels instantly alive on the page. A travelling celebrant who keeps wandering into trouble she turns every new town into a stage for secrets grudges and wonderfully tangled mysteries. The idea of a celebrant stepping into investigations is refreshingly original and gives the series a distinctive voice. Each book brings a new community with its own quirks and tensions and the mysteries unfold with clever clues gentle humour and a steady heartbeat of compassion. Daphne’s curiosity kindness and sharp intuition make her the perfect guide through small town dramas and unexpected twists. A comforting series that keeps your mind alert and your heart firmly on Daphne’s side.
I thank the author for the digital copy and all opinions are my own.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Retreats & Revenge (originally published as Tales of Life and Daph) is a gripping third installment in the A Travelling Celebrant Mystery series. Phillipa Nefri Clark masterfully uses an isolated mountain resort setting to create a sense of mounting tension. When Daphne witnesses a suspicious incident that others dismiss, she is forced to trust her own instincts, which was frustrating and rewarding to follow.

I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns; Clark excels at keeping you guessing until the final pages. Watching Daphne sift through the chaos to find the culprit was a highlight for me.

If you love cozy mysteries with smart protagonists and atmospheric settings, this is a must-read. I’m eagerly looking forward to the final book!

Thank you to Storm Publishing for providing this book for review via Booksprout. All opinions are my own.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third instalment of the Travelling Celebrant series is undoubtedly the best one yet!
We find the delightful Daphne and John attending a professional conference, with Daphne eager to network with her peers, while John has his heart set on a quiet fishing trip. However, their plans are quickly upended as our inimitable couple is led down a dark path of murder and mystery. Despite a sea of red herrings, Daphne’s sharp sleuthing skills shine as she hunts for the truth.
With John’s unwavering loyalty by her side, the intrepid pair works seamlessly to unravel a complex plot. With an ending tied up as neatly as a box of diamond earrings wrapped in a bow, this is a must read for all cozy mystery fans.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 has Daphne attending a conference for celebrants. She was nominated by clients and received the free stay.

John gets to go on an overnight fishing trip, and while he is away things go astray.

Daphne finds herself in the middle of sluething again. This time with some unique characters. I enjoyed the mix of new personalities with fellow celebrants.

I feel that it was relatively predictable with who dun it, but there are good twists through out to keep you guessing.

Another fun quick cozy mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of the A Travelling Celebrant Mystery series. For maximum enjoyment read the books in series order.

This series just gets better and better.

'When a luxurious resort plays host to a murder, Daphne must solve the case before the clear mountain air becomes the last she breathes…'

The characters continue to fascinate and are as quirky as ever. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building continues to impress and excel. Overall a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of Retreats & Revenge, being book three in the series, is a delightful 'closed door' mystery in that the retreat is located on difficult to access private grounds. The description of the locale sounds amazing and the conference attendees are all quite varied. One fun touch was a nod to another of Ms. Clark's books as being found on a bookshelf in the suite Daphne occupies. Loved that! The story moves along at a rapid pace and comes to a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Daphne and John are invited to the Celebrants Convention held at a mountain-top retreat. For the first night, John goes on an overnight fishing trip organised by the hotel. Daphne ends up having an eventful night, finding a body which then vanishes. So was there a murder or wasn't there? Lots of twist and turns as usual. Interesting characters and Daphne's special brand of sleuthing to put all the pieces together. Really enjoyable.
Thanks to Booksprout, Storm Publishing, and Phillipa Nefri Clark for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Traveling Celebrant Series and I highly recommend this series. Love It ! Celebrant and part time sleuth Daphne is off on another adventure this time to a mountaintop conference for celebrants. Daphne is looking forward to learning and relaxing. Unfortunately when Daphne receives a weird note to go to the fountain at the retreat she finds a dead body wearing the jacket of the conference president Rupert. Daphne runs to get help but when she gets back the body is gone. Daphne is once again thrown into a mystery to solve.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.Just like books 1 and 2 this one had me smiling at the chaos that seemed to happen to our main character, even when she seems not to be looking for trouble, but of course murder always seems to find her , and in a crazy way she gets pulled into . So if you want a book that is a fun read then check out this series .

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A retreat turns deadly when one corpse vanishes, and another guest is murdered. Trapped by a storm and doubted by everyone, Daphne must uncover the killer among her colleagues before they strike again.

This mystery is full of unexpected twists. The character development is a little stronger and more balanced than in the previous books in the series.

Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sven]

What starts out as a conference and relaxation at a luxury spa becomes a murder mystery for Daphne to solve. With only one road leading to the spa, a storm isolating the conference members with the murderer, the race against time is on.

As always, Daphne works through her clues, and resolves the murder. Written well, with a thrilling whodunit, this book was entertaining and exciting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Celest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Three, Another Entertaining Adventure

Book three of the Daphne Jones Mysteries is just as intriguing as the first two. The characters are all interesting and very different. Some might even be a little murderous, 😉. Daphne, as usual, makes friends with law enforcement and together they solve the mysteries. Well, mostly Daphne. On to find my next Read.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! love this series !! love Daphne... another murder for her to solve... at the mountain top retreat... a fast paced mystery... a note.. a body.. no body... a body... is she going crazy ? a storm trapping everyone at the retreat ... she's got to find the killer... so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[AJReads]

More exciting adventures for Daph and her husband John. Heading off on a conference Daph is looking forward to meeting like minded people and spend some time relaxing. It does not take long before her sleuthing skills are put to use. A great read and hard to put down.

[Liz Whelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC

This Series was Fantastic. It was such an Enjoyable Read. Loved the Mysteries. I would Love to see a Few more Books added on after John & Daphne's rest at home. Thank You Phillips Nefri Clark. I tried Following You, but it wouldn't let me.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daph is ready for down time and meeting other celebrants what can go wrong.

All Daph wants is to enjoy her Celebrate conference, but it is not to be. Can Daph with the help of her husband John figure out what is going on?