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A Travelling Celebrant Mystery #2
Of Funerals and Feuds
Not yet published
Expected 6 Jan 26When a funeral goes terribly wrong, can Daphne uncover a killer before they strike again?
Celebrant Daphne Jones is in the picturesque mountain town of Shady Bend to perform a funeral for community figure Edwina Drinkwater. But when the casket falls open during the service, revealing it’s completely empty, Daphne finds herself at the centre of a baffling mystery.
And the missing body is only the start of the day’s calamities. When the caterer collapses from apparent poisoning, followed by two more suspicious deaths, Daphne is determined to figure out why so many mourners are following Edwina into the afterlife.
From a mysterious sauce recipe that has the whole town in a frenzy, to a blackmail book filled with scandalous secrets, it seems that Shady Bend truly lives up to its name. And as Daphne digs deeper, she realises the killer isn’t finished. Unless she solves this deadly puzzle fast, she may be next on their list…
Perfect for fans of Ellie Alexander, Tonya Kappes and anyone who loves a cozy mystery with heart, humour, and a heroine you’ll want to befriend.
Of Funerals and Feuds was previously published as The Shadow of Daph.
Readers love Phillipa’s stories…
“The definition of ‘cozy mystery’… perfect.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A fabulous read and with its copious clues and red herrings this reader was enthralled trying to work out who the culprit was and the motive. Ripe with family rivalries and strange occurrences, this was a terrific cozy, and I will be watching out for book two.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I loved this book… a fantastic cozy mystery, and I can’t wait for more!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the next book.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Such a cozy, fabulous and refreshing whodunnit… There were so many aspects that I delighted in including the humour, mystery, intrigue. I was kept beguiled to the end. I can’t wait for the next book! Highly recommend!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A wonderful book… Makes you feel like you’re in the story. I couldn’t put it down.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“5 big fat Stars… Wow. Superb. Beautiful. Outstanding.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I loved this book. It is well worth the read. Can’t wait for Daphne and John’s next adventure.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Celebrant Daphne Jones is in the picturesque mountain town of Shady Bend to perform a funeral for community figure Edwina Drinkwater. But when the casket falls open during the service, revealing it’s completely empty, Daphne finds herself at the centre of a baffling mystery.
And the missing body is only the start of the day’s calamities. When the caterer collapses from apparent poisoning, followed by two more suspicious deaths, Daphne is determined to figure out why so many mourners are following Edwina into the afterlife.
From a mysterious sauce recipe that has the whole town in a frenzy, to a blackmail book filled with scandalous secrets, it seems that Shady Bend truly lives up to its name. And as Daphne digs deeper, she realises the killer isn’t finished. Unless she solves this deadly puzzle fast, she may be next on their list…
Perfect for fans of Ellie Alexander, Tonya Kappes and anyone who loves a cozy mystery with heart, humour, and a heroine you’ll want to befriend.
Of Funerals and Feuds was previously published as The Shadow of Daph.
Readers love Phillipa’s stories…
“The definition of ‘cozy mystery’… perfect.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A fabulous read and with its copious clues and red herrings this reader was enthralled trying to work out who the culprit was and the motive. Ripe with family rivalries and strange occurrences, this was a terrific cozy, and I will be watching out for book two.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I loved this book… a fantastic cozy mystery, and I can’t wait for more!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the next book.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Such a cozy, fabulous and refreshing whodunnit… There were so many aspects that I delighted in including the humour, mystery, intrigue. I was kept beguiled to the end. I can’t wait for the next book! Highly recommend!” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A wonderful book… Makes you feel like you’re in the story. I couldn’t put it down.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“5 big fat Stars… Wow. Superb. Beautiful. Outstanding.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I loved this book. It is well worth the read. Can’t wait for Daphne and John’s next adventure.” Reader review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- GenresCozy Mystery
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2021
24 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Phillipa Nefri Clark
92 books354 followersPhillipa 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 27, 2021
Daphne and John are off again on their travels, this time to a funeral where Daphne is to lead the commemoration. Of course everything which can go wrong does, even so far as the body disappearing before the burial.
The mystery involves a missing (dead) person and several murders. There are lots of red herrings too and I was amused when one of my suspects got murdered themselves. One way to prove one's innocence!
I love the way Daphne and John enter into the investigations but still manage to keep themselves safe. They both have a few secrets from each other in this book but never in a way which could harm their relationship. One day though, John will have to come clean about how much he dislikes Daph's home made cookies.
There is a very sweet ending which may cause a few happy tears. I enjoyed the whole book enormously and look forward to more of Daph and John's adventures in the future.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The mystery involves a missing (dead) person and several murders. There are lots of red herrings too and I was amused when one of my suspects got murdered themselves. One way to prove one's innocence!
I love the way Daphne and John enter into the investigations but still manage to keep themselves safe. They both have a few secrets from each other in this book but never in a way which could harm their relationship. One day though, John will have to come clean about how much he dislikes Daph's home made cookies.
There is a very sweet ending which may cause a few happy tears. I enjoyed the whole book enormously and look forward to more of Daph and John's adventures in the future.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2021
Daphne and John Jones arrived in Shady Bend with their little caravan, Bluebell, behind them, in preparation for the funeral Daphne was officiating the following day. Daph’s new job as celebrant was keeping the two of them interested and they found that life on the road agreed with them. John would do a spot of fishing while Daph was officiating, as well as keep his genealogy interest fed at the local cemeteries. But when one of the pallbearers collapsed and the coffin spilled to the ground, the mourners were shocked to find it was empty. Who had stolen the body?
Before long two other people had died under suspicious circumstances and the police officer, Adam, was overwhelmed by all that was happening. So Daph and John decided to do a little of their own sleuthing – after all, it’d be good to find the culprit so they could leave Shady Bend and head to their next destination and a wedding. But there was danger amongst the confusion – would Daphne get the answers before anyone else lost their life?
The Shadow of Daph is the 2nd in the Daphne Jones Mysteries by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and I thoroughly enjoyed it! A perfect cozy, with our two ‘grey nomads’ following the weddings and funerals around the country, solving crimes along the way. I’m looking forward to #3 very much, and highly recommend The Shadow of Daph to fans of the genre.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Before long two other people had died under suspicious circumstances and the police officer, Adam, was overwhelmed by all that was happening. So Daph and John decided to do a little of their own sleuthing – after all, it’d be good to find the culprit so they could leave Shady Bend and head to their next destination and a wedding. But there was danger amongst the confusion – would Daphne get the answers before anyone else lost their life?
The Shadow of Daph is the 2nd in the Daphne Jones Mysteries by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and I thoroughly enjoyed it! A perfect cozy, with our two ‘grey nomads’ following the weddings and funerals around the country, solving crimes along the way. I’m looking forward to #3 very much, and highly recommend The Shadow of Daph to fans of the genre.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2021
Book two in this fabulous new series and it was such a great read, I love Daphne Jones and her husband John, they are so easy to get along with as they travel around country Victoria in their caravan Bluebell so Daph can perform marriages and funerals in her role as celebrant sleuth because as Daph and John have found out that sadly there seems to be a murder mystery or two to solve on the way, come along for a witty and fabulous journey.
Daph and John have arrived in a small town Shady Bend to perform a funeral for local woman Edwina, this town is known for its crafts, preserves, local produce and a beautiful garden or two, but when they discover that the casket is empty and Edwina is missing this is not what Daph was hoping for seeing as she made this stop to perform this funeral as a special request on their way to officiate at a wedding.
Things get worse when two more people die and Daph’s suspicions grow as to how they died and on more uncovering there are lots of secrets and plans for uncovering a secret recipe that add to the mystery. Daph and John are very impressed with the local police officer Adam and are soon taking notes and digging deep into this strange town and the people who live here and as the mystery grows John is also researching his own mystery that is hopefully going to make Daph happy.
This really is another great cozy mystery, Daph is such a great sleuth, caring and meticulous with her research into uncovering the culprit, this one had me thinking I can tell you, there are so many great characters and anyone of them could have been the killer, but Daph and John nailed it and their help was much appreciated. This one had such a great ending as well and of course I do look forward to the next adventure with Daph and John.
I do highly recommend this book and the series if you are looking for a totally enjoyable story that is witty and fabulous, I loved it, MS Nefri Clark writes such awesome characters and stories it is like being with family.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
Daph and John have arrived in a small town Shady Bend to perform a funeral for local woman Edwina, this town is known for its crafts, preserves, local produce and a beautiful garden or two, but when they discover that the casket is empty and Edwina is missing this is not what Daph was hoping for seeing as she made this stop to perform this funeral as a special request on their way to officiate at a wedding.
Things get worse when two more people die and Daph’s suspicions grow as to how they died and on more uncovering there are lots of secrets and plans for uncovering a secret recipe that add to the mystery. Daph and John are very impressed with the local police officer Adam and are soon taking notes and digging deep into this strange town and the people who live here and as the mystery grows John is also researching his own mystery that is hopefully going to make Daph happy.
This really is another great cozy mystery, Daph is such a great sleuth, caring and meticulous with her research into uncovering the culprit, this one had me thinking I can tell you, there are so many great characters and anyone of them could have been the killer, but Daph and John nailed it and their help was much appreciated. This one had such a great ending as well and of course I do look forward to the next adventure with Daph and John.
I do highly recommend this book and the series if you are looking for a totally enjoyable story that is witty and fabulous, I loved it, MS Nefri Clark writes such awesome characters and stories it is like being with family.
My thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
January 15, 2023
Thank you Phillipa for gifting us a copy to read and review.
A cozy mystery with the return of Daphne Jones, celebrant for wedding and funerals and the occasional sleuthing.
The Shadow Of Daph sees her arriving in the town of Shady Bend to help uncover a crime.
A community town welcomes Daphne and her husband, John to officiate the funeral of Edwina Drinkwater.
But before the occasion the body disappears.
Then another person dies and then someone else.
For a district that’s known for produce, jams and preserves it’s now becoming known for murder and crime.
What’s going on?
Who’s telling lies?
Will the truth be revealed…..
With Daphne on the case, all the mayhem will be solved.
Book two sees the amateur detective and her meddling ways uncovering the latest whodunnit.
Phillipa’s engaging writing, fun dialogue and mysterious plot make this a winner for fans of the classic murder mystery.
Enjoying the banter and interaction between husband and wife and with humour and wit thrown in, it’s a fun read.
I will be checking out the next instalment of this entertaining series.
A cozy mystery with the return of Daphne Jones, celebrant for wedding and funerals and the occasional sleuthing.
The Shadow Of Daph sees her arriving in the town of Shady Bend to help uncover a crime.
A community town welcomes Daphne and her husband, John to officiate the funeral of Edwina Drinkwater.
But before the occasion the body disappears.
Then another person dies and then someone else.
For a district that’s known for produce, jams and preserves it’s now becoming known for murder and crime.
What’s going on?
Who’s telling lies?
Will the truth be revealed…..
With Daphne on the case, all the mayhem will be solved.
Book two sees the amateur detective and her meddling ways uncovering the latest whodunnit.
Phillipa’s engaging writing, fun dialogue and mysterious plot make this a winner for fans of the classic murder mystery.
Enjoying the banter and interaction between husband and wife and with humour and wit thrown in, it’s a fun read.
I will be checking out the next instalment of this entertaining series.
October 6, 2021
Daphne Jones loves her new career as a travelling celebrant, visiting different small towns as a celebrant to marry happy couples or help with farewells.
She and her husband John recently retired from their real estate agency in River's End and enjoy the freedom of travelling with their caravan, Bluebell.
This is the second book I have read about the couple and has them arriving in Shady Bend in the opening chapters where Daphne has been asked to officiate at the funeral of Edwina.
At the gravesite an accident with the casket reveals there is no body inside , very unsettling for the family as well as Daphne.
Police become involved and when some of the locals die from apparent poisoning, Daphne and John continue their stay in the Recreation Park , supporting the family and friends as well as trying to get to the bottom of the mysteries .
While Daphne is involved in a number of interviews and meetings with the community John enjoys exploring the area , taking photographs and checking names in the cemetery , "working on genealogy" he tells Daphne.
This is an entertaining read and I loved the references to judging pickles and preserves at the country show, an essential part of rural communities. It has a strong ending and I look forward to further books which expand the story of this modern retired couple
Phillipa Nefri Clark lives in Victoria, Australia and much of her writing is based in this area.
Daphne and John first appeared in her River's End series, in four books from The Stationmaster's Cottage onwards but it is not necessary to read those books to enjoy the Daphne Jones Mysteries.
Thanks Phillipa Nefri Clark for the e copy of The Shadow of Daph in return for an honest review .
She and her husband John recently retired from their real estate agency in River's End and enjoy the freedom of travelling with their caravan, Bluebell.
This is the second book I have read about the couple and has them arriving in Shady Bend in the opening chapters where Daphne has been asked to officiate at the funeral of Edwina.
At the gravesite an accident with the casket reveals there is no body inside , very unsettling for the family as well as Daphne.
Police become involved and when some of the locals die from apparent poisoning, Daphne and John continue their stay in the Recreation Park , supporting the family and friends as well as trying to get to the bottom of the mysteries .
While Daphne is involved in a number of interviews and meetings with the community John enjoys exploring the area , taking photographs and checking names in the cemetery , "working on genealogy" he tells Daphne.
This is an entertaining read and I loved the references to judging pickles and preserves at the country show, an essential part of rural communities. It has a strong ending and I look forward to further books which expand the story of this modern retired couple
Phillipa Nefri Clark lives in Victoria, Australia and much of her writing is based in this area.
Daphne and John first appeared in her River's End series, in four books from The Stationmaster's Cottage onwards but it is not necessary to read those books to enjoy the Daphne Jones Mysteries.
Thanks Phillipa Nefri Clark for the e copy of The Shadow of Daph in return for an honest review .
December 16, 2025
Daphne Jones, a recently qualified celebrant, was due to be driving to another wedding after solving a murder at her previous engagement but, after a request for assistance, is taking a detour with husband John to officiate at a funeral on their way. Hoping for a far quieter time the couple park their little caravan, Bluebell, in the town of Shady Bend only to find themselves in the middle of more trouble when the deceased's casket is found to be empty! With no one seemingly safe from an apparently indiscriminate killer, Daphne and John know they have to help the understaffed and overworked local detective solve the case. Unsure who to trust and with John seemingly distracted Daph knows its up to her to look more deeply into the inhabitants of the beautiful mountain town before she too becomes a victim!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book two in this cosy series, which was previously published as The Shadow of Daph, is a great follow on from the first, even if the local busybody shares my name! Although there are deaths aplenty this is a real feel good story with two very likeable main protagonists, Daphne and John, who are just the type of people you'd want around in times of crisis. The storyline twists, turns, and provides numerous red herrings as well as giving the reader the chance to learn a little about Daphne’s difficult childhood. I loved this and recommend it highly.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book two in this cosy series, which was previously published as The Shadow of Daph, is a great follow on from the first, even if the local busybody shares my name! Although there are deaths aplenty this is a real feel good story with two very likeable main protagonists, Daphne and John, who are just the type of people you'd want around in times of crisis. The storyline twists, turns, and provides numerous red herrings as well as giving the reader the chance to learn a little about Daphne’s difficult childhood. I loved this and recommend it highly.
October 13, 2021
The Shadow of Daph is the second book in Phillipa Nefri Clark’s Cozy Mystery series featuring Daphne Jones, Mobile Celebrant and amateur sleuth, her ever-loving husband John, and their little caravan Bluebell. Like her first book in the series, it is a fabulous read, full of humour, red herrings, twists and turns.
This time Daphne is heading to officiate at a funeral in Shady Bend, but when the dearly departed goes missing, and a pall bearer collapses and dies, what should have been a simple farewell turns into a fascinating mystery. Nothing is quite as it seems; everyone seems to be hiding something, and tension is high. Is Edwina’s secret sauce recipe related to her disappearance, and if so, why?
Meanwhile we wonder what is Daph’s husband John searching cemeteries for? Where do Daph’s batches of homemade cookies keep going? And what is the terrifying secret Daph is holding inside in relation to country fairs.
The strength of the relationship between Daph and John is wonderful to be behold, and Daph is the perfect meddling her nose where it doesn’t belong amateur sleuth required in a cozy mystery. I love the way she observes people, makes notes and works through them to pull her thoughts together, and the way John in his implacable way complements and supports her.
The characters in Shady Bend are all interesting, with their own private little quirks that can make them both loveable and loathsome, sometimes both at the same time.
If you enjoy a well written Cozy, then you’d be hard pressed to go past Phillipa’s Daph series. Highly recommended.
This time Daphne is heading to officiate at a funeral in Shady Bend, but when the dearly departed goes missing, and a pall bearer collapses and dies, what should have been a simple farewell turns into a fascinating mystery. Nothing is quite as it seems; everyone seems to be hiding something, and tension is high. Is Edwina’s secret sauce recipe related to her disappearance, and if so, why?
Meanwhile we wonder what is Daph’s husband John searching cemeteries for? Where do Daph’s batches of homemade cookies keep going? And what is the terrifying secret Daph is holding inside in relation to country fairs.
The strength of the relationship between Daph and John is wonderful to be behold, and Daph is the perfect meddling her nose where it doesn’t belong amateur sleuth required in a cozy mystery. I love the way she observes people, makes notes and works through them to pull her thoughts together, and the way John in his implacable way complements and supports her.
The characters in Shady Bend are all interesting, with their own private little quirks that can make them both loveable and loathsome, sometimes both at the same time.
If you enjoy a well written Cozy, then you’d be hard pressed to go past Phillipa’s Daph series. Highly recommended.
November 27, 2021
Daphne Jones and her husband, John is traveling in their caravan, named Bluebell, that they restored lovingly. Daph is a traveling celebrant who performs ceremonies, funerals and other celebrations. They arrive in Shady Bend for a funeral. When it’s time for the funeral, they discover that the body wasn’t in the casket. Now there is a mystery of where the body is. There seems like so many people who could be guilty. No body and now 3 deaths. Who is doing it? Daph is a sleuth who will try to figure out who’s the murderer. Will they find the person or persons? Will Daph get to finally have the burial for the missing body? Why are people getting murdered? It’s a wonderful story with twist and turns. Keeps you guessing who it is till the end. Daph’s husband is also looking into a mystery of his own. Something that will make Daph happy. This is the second book. I can’t wait for the next mystery. Well worth the read.
October 9, 2021
Despite not generally being a cosy mystery fan, I've found myself weirdly drawn to Daph and her adventures in celebrancy and I've got to say - this book (book 2) is even better than the last.
Daph is now my friend, with all her quirks and insecurities and sunny disposition. But all is not lovey dovey weddings and with murdered grooms in Daphs travels around Victoria. Why just on her next stop after sleuthing her way through a muder mystery, Daph is back in the thick of it all while attempting to officiate the burial of someone already dead and ready to be buried - or maybe not!
An easy few hours job end up being a little more than that when Daph finds herself in a town full of frenemies who all have secrets, and backstabbing tendencies - some more literally than others. Not to mention the question of where the dearly deceased has run away to. And of course Daph's ever faithful and beloved husband is by her side and doing a little side sleuthing of his own.
I really think you'll all enjoy this one as much as I did, it's a warped literary version of Cleudo - who killed Edwina? Was it the butler in the parlour with a candlestick or was it one of the many close friends - all of whom seemed to hate her? Only reading to the end will reveal all - so prepare to do some sleuthing this week.
https://hairbear8.wixsite.com/website
Daph is now my friend, with all her quirks and insecurities and sunny disposition. But all is not lovey dovey weddings and with murdered grooms in Daphs travels around Victoria. Why just on her next stop after sleuthing her way through a muder mystery, Daph is back in the thick of it all while attempting to officiate the burial of someone already dead and ready to be buried - or maybe not!
An easy few hours job end up being a little more than that when Daph finds herself in a town full of frenemies who all have secrets, and backstabbing tendencies - some more literally than others. Not to mention the question of where the dearly deceased has run away to. And of course Daph's ever faithful and beloved husband is by her side and doing a little side sleuthing of his own.
I really think you'll all enjoy this one as much as I did, it's a warped literary version of Cleudo - who killed Edwina? Was it the butler in the parlour with a candlestick or was it one of the many close friends - all of whom seemed to hate her? Only reading to the end will reveal all - so prepare to do some sleuthing this week.
https://hairbear8.wixsite.com/website
October 24, 2021
Interesting
I enjoyed the book but not as well as her other books. The story was well written with lots of twists and turns. Most of the characters were likeable. I found that there was too much navel gazing for my taste. I would recommend it to others.
I enjoyed the book but not as well as her other books. The story was well written with lots of twists and turns. Most of the characters were likeable. I found that there was too much navel gazing for my taste. I would recommend it to others.
November 25, 2021
The Shadow of Daph by Phillipa Nefri Clark. The continuing adventures of Daph and her husband John. Daph has the job of performing the funeral service for Edwina in a small country town. During the service it is discovered that the coffin is empty. Events then takes twists and turns as they try and discover what has happened to Edwina and who has the most to gain from her death and the death of others in the town. Daph also discovers some family history along the way. A great read.
October 18, 2021
An entertaining read. Daph and John arrive in a new small Victorian town to officiate a funeral. Except after finding the casket empty, people start dropping dead left, right and centre! There are secrets galore in Shady Bend, but celebrant-sleuth Daphne is on the case!
Can't wait for her next adventure!
Can't wait for her next adventure!
October 28, 2021
Another great read by Phillipa Nefri Clark
I love reading Phillipa’s books. Always a great mystery. Daphne Di not disappoint with her sleuthing. This story had me trying to guess once again who had done it. When Daphne is called on for the funeral of Edwina who would’ve thought a funeral service could turn into such a mystery murder. Can’t wait to read Tales of Life and Daph when it is released.
I love reading Phillipa’s books. Always a great mystery. Daphne Di not disappoint with her sleuthing. This story had me trying to guess once again who had done it. When Daphne is called on for the funeral of Edwina who would’ve thought a funeral service could turn into such a mystery murder. Can’t wait to read Tales of Life and Daph when it is released.
October 21, 2021
Mystery and death surround these sleuths in Book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This wonderful series continues with devoted couple, Daphne and John, who are touring Australia in their caravan, Bluebell while Daphne works her dream job as a celebrant.
When a body mysteriously disappears at a funeral, murder, mayhem and red herrings ensue. As ever, our intrepid sleuth meticulously researches her way through all potential suspects and motives before she's added to the victim list.
The joy of these books lies in the dynamic between all the characters, both good and bad. Daphne’s witty inner thoughts, and her unwavering loyalty and kindness, with John's support and obvious love for his childhood sweetheart are both uplifting and endearing.
With clever ups, downs and a twisty narrative, this book was a truly delicious (homemade cookies anyone?) read with a fantastic emotional ending. I can't wait for Daphne and John’s next adventure!
When a body mysteriously disappears at a funeral, murder, mayhem and red herrings ensue. As ever, our intrepid sleuth meticulously researches her way through all potential suspects and motives before she's added to the victim list.
The joy of these books lies in the dynamic between all the characters, both good and bad. Daphne’s witty inner thoughts, and her unwavering loyalty and kindness, with John's support and obvious love for his childhood sweetheart are both uplifting and endearing.
With clever ups, downs and a twisty narrative, this book was a truly delicious (homemade cookies anyone?) read with a fantastic emotional ending. I can't wait for Daphne and John’s next adventure!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Daphne, the traveling celebrant, officiates a farewell ceremony and funeral, she soon finds that the deceased was not universally loved. The relations between the mourners are tense and decidedly unfriendly, but then one of the mourners dies under suspicious circumstances. Daphne’s husband travels with her in their little trailer (Bluebell) and does genealogical research. He’s really looking for information on Daphne’s birth father and hoping to reunite father and daughter. Daphne is naturally curious and enjoys meeting people, but her curiosity also leads her to investigate the unexpected death.
The characters are well-developed and enjoyable to read about and the mystery kept me guessing until the end. A happy ending ties it all together for a cozy mystery read.
Thanks for the ARC.
The characters are well-developed and enjoyable to read about and the mystery kept me guessing until the end. A happy ending ties it all together for a cozy mystery read.
Thanks for the ARC.
Review of advance copy
Love book two of A Travelling Celebrant Mystery series; Daphne and John are surrounded by chaos, calamity, and companionship as they work together with the local Detective to solve the case. John's personal project comes to a point of resolution during the investigation and Daphne faces down some of her own most debilitating fears.
I love how Ms. Clark takes real-world principles and actions, placing them into a fictional world that works very much like our own. It is incredibly encouraging to find real steps to face real fears presented in an approachable manner.
Highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love how Ms. Clark takes real-world principles and actions, placing them into a fictional world that works very much like our own. It is incredibly encouraging to find real steps to face real fears presented in an approachable manner.
Highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2022
A book for 2nd series that put my trill and I want to finish it right away because I want to know the truth but not happen Phillipa Nefri Clark the author want me to find the real message of her book to give a connection to the reader to followed the story with hanging question but I love the way she write the story no dull moment it just a murder mystery or two to solve I need a cup of coffee while reading it all I can say You don't have to lie, just tell her to ignore when someone is lying to know and find the truth real happen
December 22, 2024
Who else but Daphne Jones could turn up to officiate a funeral and end up solving a murder mystery. Love this book, this is the second in the series that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. ALso love that John, her husband does some sleuthing of his own and finds Daphne's Dad. (Slight spoiler).
Highly recommend these books to anyone who likes reading murder mysteries similar to Miss Marple but based in small Victorian towns that John, Daphne and Bluebell (their caravan) visit to officiate weddings and in this case funerals.
Highly recommend these books to anyone who likes reading murder mysteries similar to Miss Marple but based in small Victorian towns that John, Daphne and Bluebell (their caravan) visit to officiate weddings and in this case funerals.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It is a cozy mystery story. Daphne and John are asked to travel to Shady Bend to celebrate the funeral of Edwina Drinkwater. At the beginning of the ceremony, there is a huge surprise for everybody. What is it? Then, to test Daphne's ability to solve mysteries, some other unexpected things happen. John got interested in solving mysteries, too. At the end, a family reunion happened. I recommend reading this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2022
Daph is at it again. Where ever she goes, so too does murder, mystery and mayhem. And yet there's always her husband to champion her every move. And don't we all want to grow old with a perfect husband like John.
Missing bodies, food poisoning and secret sauces, all blend together perfectly in this cosy mystery that's easy and fun to read.
Missing bodies, food poisoning and secret sauces, all blend together perfectly in this cosy mystery that's easy and fun to read.
August 21, 2023
There are Many Secrets in this Mystery
A very exciting mystery with likable character and a lot of surprises. Even John has his own mystery to solve in this story. Daphne has a knack for getting in over her head, putting it all together in the end and solving the mysteries. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
A very exciting mystery with likable character and a lot of surprises. Even John has his own mystery to solve in this story. Daphne has a knack for getting in over her head, putting it all together in the end and solving the mysteries. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
July 20, 2023
A quick read, kept me waiting to see what direction Daph was going.
I like Daph, she reminds me of me, if I was Australian. I love the trust and faith her husband has in her and she in him! My husband and I trust each other implicitly as do Daph and her husband.
I like Daph, she reminds me of me, if I was Australian. I love the trust and faith her husband has in her and she in him! My husband and I trust each other implicitly as do Daph and her husband.
Review of advance copy
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.Funny and cute as the first one ,and had me smiling even more so then the first book did , plus this one showed the characters personality a little bit more
August 23, 2022
I liked this book. I'm glad John was able to find Daphne's biological dad and a couple cousins! There were quite a few "uh-oh" moments when people kept coming up dead too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2022
Enjoying the journey with Daphne and John - a nice distraction. Where to next?
February 8, 2023
Finding self
Starts out with hide n seek the body. Add a few more and you have a mystery. Does Daphne find herself
Starts out with hide n seek the body. Add a few more and you have a mystery. Does Daphne find herself
May 6, 2025
3.75-stars. I enjoyed this book greatly, especially the developing subplot. Daphne is a really likeable character and her unique career makes this series stand out.
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