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The Widows’ Detective Club #5
The Widows’ Guide to Foul Play
It’s pantomime season in Little Shaw, and librarian Ginny Cole has been roped in to help. The local theatre has persuaded national treasure and famously difficult diva, Monica Larkwell, to star in their production of Mother Goose, and while the celebrity’s return to the village after thirty years hasn’t exactly gone smoothly, at least nobody’s dead. Until, that is, Ginny discovers Monica’s body in her dressing room, crushed beneath a fallen chandelier.
Sure that this was no accident, Ginny gathers up the widows’ detective club and takes on the role of amateur sleuth. But between navigating Monica’s volatile entourage and unearthing secrets the actress spent decades trying to bury, this case is messier than anything Little Shaw has seen before. And then there’s the CCTV footage: the culprit was caught on camera, disguised in a giant, purple, feathered goose costume…
The widows have faced some strange cases, but a killer in a comedy bird suit…? But there’s nothing funny about murder, and if they don’t solve this case soon, it might be curtains for them all.
A wonderfully twisty and hilarious cozy mystery perfect for fans of Robert Thorogood, Sarah Yarwood-Lovett and The Thursday Murder Club series.
Sure that this was no accident, Ginny gathers up the widows’ detective club and takes on the role of amateur sleuth. But between navigating Monica’s volatile entourage and unearthing secrets the actress spent decades trying to bury, this case is messier than anything Little Shaw has seen before. And then there’s the CCTV footage: the culprit was caught on camera, disguised in a giant, purple, feathered goose costume…
The widows have faced some strange cases, but a killer in a comedy bird suit…? But there’s nothing funny about murder, and if they don’t solve this case soon, it might be curtains for them all.
A wonderfully twisty and hilarious cozy mystery perfect for fans of Robert Thorogood, Sarah Yarwood-Lovett and The Thursday Murder Club series.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2026
About the author
Amanda Ashby
32 books453 followersAmanda Ashby was born in Australia but now lives in New Zealand where she writes romance, young adult and middle grade books. She also works in a library, owns far too many vintage tablecloths and likes to delight her family by constantly rearranging the furniture.
She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award, and her first young adult book was listed by the New York Public Libraryʼs Stuff for the Teen Age. Because she’s mysterious she also writes middle grade books under the name, Catherine Holt and hopes that all this writing won’t interfere with her Netflix schedule.
She also runs writing workshops and loves to speak to people about Buffy (er, she means writing). See her Website for more information.
She has a degree in English and Journalism from the University of Queensland and is married with two children. Her debut book was nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award, and her first young adult book was listed by the New York Public Libraryʼs Stuff for the Teen Age. Because she’s mysterious she also writes middle grade books under the name, Catherine Holt and hopes that all this writing won’t interfere with her Netflix schedule.
She also runs writing workshops and loves to speak to people about Buffy (er, she means writing). See her Website for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 22, 2026
The fifth book in this awesome series and it is getting close to Christmas and that means it is Pantomime season in Little Shaw and the local theatre group are going to put on Mother Goose one that they did thirty years ago and they have convinced the main character from back then, know a national celebrity and a diva, Monica Larkwell to return and perform the main character again and Ginny, Tuppence, MJ and Hen have been roped into help with the performance and things seem to be going very smoothly no bodies.
Then Ginny discovers Monica’s body in her dressing room lying with a chandelier on her Ginny and her friends are convinced this was no accident but after the last case they have decided to stay out of the investigation and let DI Wallace and his police officers do their job that is until Wallace actually asks for their help and of course they throw themselves into the investigation full swing, with a new murder board this time Flora.
What they uncover is a case of secrets that have been kept for many years and another murder will they find the culprit before there is another murder and will the detective Widow’s find themselves in danger? There are many twists and turns in this one that kept the Ladies on their toes and again I loved it these Ladies have me smiling throughout the story as well as thinking and trying to work out who done it?
I do highly recommend this one and the series and I am looking forward to another trip to Little Shaw.
My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
Then Ginny discovers Monica’s body in her dressing room lying with a chandelier on her Ginny and her friends are convinced this was no accident but after the last case they have decided to stay out of the investigation and let DI Wallace and his police officers do their job that is until Wallace actually asks for their help and of course they throw themselves into the investigation full swing, with a new murder board this time Flora.
What they uncover is a case of secrets that have been kept for many years and another murder will they find the culprit before there is another murder and will the detective Widow’s find themselves in danger? There are many twists and turns in this one that kept the Ladies on their toes and again I loved it these Ladies have me smiling throughout the story as well as thinking and trying to work out who done it?
I do highly recommend this one and the series and I am looking forward to another trip to Little Shaw.
My thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my digital copy to read and review.
Want to Read
September 25, 2026ARC received! Thank you, Storm Publishing!
((a late thank youuuu))
((a late thank youuuu))
July 30, 2026
The Widows’ Guide to Foul Play by Amanda Ashby is book 5 in a series I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on. I love the drama and craziness of Little Shaw. The story centers on Ginny Cole, who’s helping backstage with the village’s production of Mother Goose, it’s pantomime time in Little Shaw, and it comes with all the theatrics you’d expect.
At every point, I was excited to turn the page because I couldn’t predict what was going to happen next. I couldn’t call the victim or the murderer. It was such a different read for me in that the main characters are all over fifty, which gives the whole thing a flavor you don’t usually get in the genre. It’s addictive and interesting all the way through.
This is my first time in the series, and it works perfectly well as a standalone the characters are so lovable I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by starting here.
I love a good murder mystery, and this was a great one right up until the end, I was on my toes trying to figure out who the victim was and who the murderer was. I recommend this to anyone who loves murder mysteries and wants something a bit different from the conventional. It’s a good book, and you’re going to laugh a lot.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC 💕💕💕🥹
At every point, I was excited to turn the page because I couldn’t predict what was going to happen next. I couldn’t call the victim or the murderer. It was such a different read for me in that the main characters are all over fifty, which gives the whole thing a flavor you don’t usually get in the genre. It’s addictive and interesting all the way through.
This is my first time in the series, and it works perfectly well as a standalone the characters are so lovable I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by starting here.
I love a good murder mystery, and this was a great one right up until the end, I was on my toes trying to figure out who the victim was and who the murderer was. I recommend this to anyone who loves murder mysteries and wants something a bit different from the conventional. It’s a good book, and you’re going to laugh a lot.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC 💕💕💕🥹
August 31, 2026
Ginny and the Detective Club are at it again in this latest Widows' Guide installment. This time it's Christmas in Little Shaw and Ginny, Hen, Tuppence and JM are all volunteering behind the scenes at the village pantomime. They've been joined by Monica, a famous TV actress who was in the Little Shaw panto thirty years ago and has been brought back for the anniversary and to relaunch her career. But all is not well and disaster soon strikes. Can the show still go on?
This was a lot of fun and I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed the last book in this series until I picked up this one. I love the dynamic between Ginny and her friends, it's so refreshing to have a lead amateur sleuth who's actually somewhat reluctant to be in the situations she finds herself in. It was lovely to see the relationships between all of the characters develop further in this book, as well as see some new ones form.
The plot was solid and there were a few breadcrumbs for the reader to follow - they helped to clarify the motive rather than the killer but it was still a fun trail. There were a couple of twists and red herrings which I enjoyed and I was definitely able to form my own theories along the way - one or two were even relatively close to the truth.
I do have a couple of criticisms - one is that we really didn't meet or have much mention of the culprit before the big reveal, which was a shame. The other is that the victim never really gets her own voice or gets to be known as a person - that does tie in with the plot but still, it would have been nice to know her a little. I don't totally know how plausible it is that literally everyone would keep things from the police in a murder investigation but I can't say that got in the way of me enjoying the book.
I was satisfied with the explanation of the who, how and why in the end. I enjoyed seeing all of the threads come together and I felt like I was stepping back into a village I already know - really good fun weekend read and I will definitely be back for the next in this series.
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -
This was a lot of fun and I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed the last book in this series until I picked up this one. I love the dynamic between Ginny and her friends, it's so refreshing to have a lead amateur sleuth who's actually somewhat reluctant to be in the situations she finds herself in. It was lovely to see the relationships between all of the characters develop further in this book, as well as see some new ones form.
The plot was solid and there were a few breadcrumbs for the reader to follow - they helped to clarify the motive rather than the killer but it was still a fun trail. There were a couple of twists and red herrings which I enjoyed and I was definitely able to form my own theories along the way - one or two were even relatively close to the truth.
I do have a couple of criticisms - one is that we really didn't meet or have much mention of the culprit before the big reveal, which was a shame. The other is that the victim never really gets her own voice or gets to be known as a person - that does tie in with the plot but still, it would have been nice to know her a little. I don't totally know how plausible it is that literally everyone would keep things from the police in a murder investigation but I can't say that got in the way of me enjoying the book.
I was satisfied with the explanation of the who, how and why in the end. I enjoyed seeing all of the threads come together and I felt like I was stepping back into a village I already know - really good fun weekend read and I will definitely be back for the next in this series.
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -
August 9, 2026
Pantomime season has arrived in Little Shaw, but the festive fun quickly turns deadly in this wonderfully entertaining cosy mystery.
When librarian Ginny Cole is persuaded to help with the local production of Mother Goose, nobody expects the return of famous actress Monica Larkwell to go entirely smoothly. The notoriously difficult diva has come back to the village after thirty years, bringing plenty of old secrets and a rather volatile entourage with her. But when Ginny discovers Monica’s body crushed beneath a fallen chandelier in her dressing room, it becomes clear that this is far more than a theatrical accident.
Determined to uncover the truth, Ginny enlists the help of the Widows’ Detective Club and sets out to investigate. As they delve into Monica’s past and begin exposing secrets that someone has gone to great lengths to keep hidden, the case becomes increasingly complicated. Then they discover CCTV footage showing the suspected killer dressed in a giant purple, feathered goose costume!
With its charming village setting, eccentric characters and plenty of twists, this is a fun and light-hearted mystery with just the right amount of humour. The idea of a murder committed by someone in a giant goose costume adds an especially entertaining touch, while the darker secrets beneath the surface keep the story intriguing.
The Widows’ Detective Club make a brilliant team of amateur sleuths, and their determination, friendship and willingness to get involved make them a joy to follow. There’s a lovely balance between the cosy atmosphere of Little Shaw and the seriousness of the murder investigation.
Overall, this is an enjoyable, quirky and entertaining cosy crime mystery, perfect for readers who like their murders with a generous helping of humour, village drama and eccentric characters. After all, there may be nothing funny about murder — but solving one involving a feathered goose certainly makes for an amusing read!
When librarian Ginny Cole is persuaded to help with the local production of Mother Goose, nobody expects the return of famous actress Monica Larkwell to go entirely smoothly. The notoriously difficult diva has come back to the village after thirty years, bringing plenty of old secrets and a rather volatile entourage with her. But when Ginny discovers Monica’s body crushed beneath a fallen chandelier in her dressing room, it becomes clear that this is far more than a theatrical accident.
Determined to uncover the truth, Ginny enlists the help of the Widows’ Detective Club and sets out to investigate. As they delve into Monica’s past and begin exposing secrets that someone has gone to great lengths to keep hidden, the case becomes increasingly complicated. Then they discover CCTV footage showing the suspected killer dressed in a giant purple, feathered goose costume!
With its charming village setting, eccentric characters and plenty of twists, this is a fun and light-hearted mystery with just the right amount of humour. The idea of a murder committed by someone in a giant goose costume adds an especially entertaining touch, while the darker secrets beneath the surface keep the story intriguing.
The Widows’ Detective Club make a brilliant team of amateur sleuths, and their determination, friendship and willingness to get involved make them a joy to follow. There’s a lovely balance between the cosy atmosphere of Little Shaw and the seriousness of the murder investigation.
Overall, this is an enjoyable, quirky and entertaining cosy crime mystery, perfect for readers who like their murders with a generous helping of humour, village drama and eccentric characters. After all, there may be nothing funny about murder — but solving one involving a feathered goose certainly makes for an amusing read!
July 17, 2026
stars
"The Widows' Guide to Foul Play" is the 5th instalment in The Widows' Detective Club Mystery series by Amanda Ashby, and it's another entertaining read. Set in the charming village of Little Shaw, England, the story follows the bond between the four widows as they navigate another intriguing mystery.
The characters are well-crafted and lovable, especially Ginny's mischievous cat, although he did not play as big of a part in this instalment. I love the way things are progressing with all the characters especially Connor and the D.I.
The quirky characters and sense of community in Little Shaw add to the novel's charm.
The mystery is well-plotted, with plenty of twists to keep readers engaged until the very end. I enjoyed guessing and second-guessing the outcome, and I managed to piece together the clues before Ginny did.
Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and heartwarming fiction. Amanda Ashby's writing is engaging, and her characters are lovable and well-crafted. I highly recommend this charming novel and look forward to the next instalment in the series.
I requested and received an advance readers copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
"The Widows' Guide to Foul Play" is the 5th instalment in The Widows' Detective Club Mystery series by Amanda Ashby, and it's another entertaining read. Set in the charming village of Little Shaw, England, the story follows the bond between the four widows as they navigate another intriguing mystery.
The characters are well-crafted and lovable, especially Ginny's mischievous cat, although he did not play as big of a part in this instalment. I love the way things are progressing with all the characters especially Connor and the D.I.
The quirky characters and sense of community in Little Shaw add to the novel's charm.
The mystery is well-plotted, with plenty of twists to keep readers engaged until the very end. I enjoyed guessing and second-guessing the outcome, and I managed to piece together the clues before Ginny did.
Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and heartwarming fiction. Amanda Ashby's writing is engaging, and her characters are lovable and well-crafted. I highly recommend this charming novel and look forward to the next instalment in the series.
I requested and received an advance readers copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 13, 2026
This series has gotten better with subsequent books. The characters are nicely fleshed out.
The ladies have their work cut out for them, when an actress trying to make a comeback is found dead in the theatre while rehearsing for a Pantomime.
This book touches upon ageism, and the fight to stay current and young in a world constantly changing. I love that the ladies are all retirees, who are still active and intelligent.
Well written with interesting plots that keep you guessing.
The ladies have their work cut out for them, when an actress trying to make a comeback is found dead in the theatre while rehearsing for a Pantomime.
This book touches upon ageism, and the fight to stay current and young in a world constantly changing. I love that the ladies are all retirees, who are still active and intelligent.
Well written with interesting plots that keep you guessing.
September 24, 2026
Another great installment by Amanda Ashby!
I was concerned when I got the book that it might be an over-the-top amateur stage-actors play or pantomime, but I am relieved to say that it wasn't. It did have it's moments though.😅
It had funny scenes, shocking scenes, unfinished business from the past, a doggo with an important cameo, old history with much of the cast, and a theatre waiting for the curtain to drop. Literally.
I received a free ARC of this book from the author, but as always, I'm giving my honest review.
I was concerned when I got the book that it might be an over-the-top amateur stage-actors play or pantomime, but I am relieved to say that it wasn't. It did have it's moments though.😅
It had funny scenes, shocking scenes, unfinished business from the past, a doggo with an important cameo, old history with much of the cast, and a theatre waiting for the curtain to drop. Literally.
I received a free ARC of this book from the author, but as always, I'm giving my honest review.
August 11, 2026
The Widows' Guide to Foul Play by Amanda Ashby
Synopsis /
It’s pantomime season in Little Shaw, and librarian Ginny Cole has been roped in to help. The local theatre has persuaded national treasure and famously difficult diva, Monica Larkwell, to star in their production of Mother Goose, and while the celebrity’s return to the village after thirty years hasn’t exactly gone smoothly, at least nobody’s dead. Until, that is, Ginny discovers Monica’s body in her dressing room, crushed beneath a fallen chandelier.
Sure that this was no accident, Ginny gathers up the widows’ detective club and takes on the role of amateur sleuth. But between navigating Monica’s volatile entourage and unearthing secrets the actress spent decades trying to bury, this case is messier than anything Little Shaw has seen before. And then there’s the CCTV footage: the culprit was caught on camera, disguised in a giant, purple, feathered goose costume…
The widows have faced some strange cases, but a killer in a comedy bird suit…? But there’s nothing funny about murder, and if they don’t solve this case soon, it might be curtains for them all.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Amanda Ashby for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
!! HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY !!
It's pantomime season, and the local theatre group is putting on a production of Mother Goose, Little Shaw style.
They've even managed to snag Monica Larkwell to play the central panto dame role. Headline celebrity actress Monica has a deep, secret history with the village of Little Shaw. Three decades prior, Monica made her original stage debut right there on town's local stage before rising to national fame. Her imminent arrival is a source of immense excitement to the village locals.
However, the Monica of today is vastly different to the Monica of yesteryear. Now she travels with an entourage and is described as a classic high-maintenance, larger-than-life diva who thrives on attention but leaves a trail of conflict wherever she goes. She deeply understands her status and uses her "national treasure" label to manipulate people and ensure she always gets her way. Yet underneath it all, Monica is a deeply insecure secretive woman.
It's this secretive history that ultimately catches up with her when she is found murdered in her dressing room under a fallen chandelier, sparking the central investigation for the Widows' Detective Club.
Here are a few of my Pantomime Pics for this story:
🪿 The bond, banter, and mutual support between Ginny, JM, Hen, and Tuppence give the book its emotional heart. This group of feisty, older women completely ignore boundaries to do exactly what they think is right, pooling their talents to help solve crime.
🪿 Pantomime Chaos: The holiday community theatre setting introduces a sprawling, colourful cast of theatrical village characters. The image of a murderer fleeing the crime scene in a giant, purple, feathered goose costume provides peak cozy-comedy entertainment.
🪿 Little Shaw Atmosphere: Ashby expertly creates a cozy, comforting English countryside village that is an absolute comfort read.
🪿 Character Dynamics: With each book, Ashby is developing an evolving relationship between the widows and Ginny's grumpy neighbour, DI James Wallace, who in book #5, finally accepts that the locals open up to the widows much faster than the police!
The tight, twisty narrative kept this reader guessing right to the very end and when the final culprit was unveiled, it was a genuine surprise.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for August 10, 2026.
Synopsis /
It’s pantomime season in Little Shaw, and librarian Ginny Cole has been roped in to help. The local theatre has persuaded national treasure and famously difficult diva, Monica Larkwell, to star in their production of Mother Goose, and while the celebrity’s return to the village after thirty years hasn’t exactly gone smoothly, at least nobody’s dead. Until, that is, Ginny discovers Monica’s body in her dressing room, crushed beneath a fallen chandelier.
Sure that this was no accident, Ginny gathers up the widows’ detective club and takes on the role of amateur sleuth. But between navigating Monica’s volatile entourage and unearthing secrets the actress spent decades trying to bury, this case is messier than anything Little Shaw has seen before. And then there’s the CCTV footage: the culprit was caught on camera, disguised in a giant, purple, feathered goose costume…
The widows have faced some strange cases, but a killer in a comedy bird suit…? But there’s nothing funny about murder, and if they don’t solve this case soon, it might be curtains for them all.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Amanda Ashby for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
!! HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY !!
It's pantomime season, and the local theatre group is putting on a production of Mother Goose, Little Shaw style.
They've even managed to snag Monica Larkwell to play the central panto dame role. Headline celebrity actress Monica has a deep, secret history with the village of Little Shaw. Three decades prior, Monica made her original stage debut right there on town's local stage before rising to national fame. Her imminent arrival is a source of immense excitement to the village locals.
However, the Monica of today is vastly different to the Monica of yesteryear. Now she travels with an entourage and is described as a classic high-maintenance, larger-than-life diva who thrives on attention but leaves a trail of conflict wherever she goes. She deeply understands her status and uses her "national treasure" label to manipulate people and ensure she always gets her way. Yet underneath it all, Monica is a deeply insecure secretive woman.
It's this secretive history that ultimately catches up with her when she is found murdered in her dressing room under a fallen chandelier, sparking the central investigation for the Widows' Detective Club.
Here are a few of my Pantomime Pics for this story:
🪿 The bond, banter, and mutual support between Ginny, JM, Hen, and Tuppence give the book its emotional heart. This group of feisty, older women completely ignore boundaries to do exactly what they think is right, pooling their talents to help solve crime.
🪿 Pantomime Chaos: The holiday community theatre setting introduces a sprawling, colourful cast of theatrical village characters. The image of a murderer fleeing the crime scene in a giant, purple, feathered goose costume provides peak cozy-comedy entertainment.
🪿 Little Shaw Atmosphere: Ashby expertly creates a cozy, comforting English countryside village that is an absolute comfort read.
🪿 Character Dynamics: With each book, Ashby is developing an evolving relationship between the widows and Ginny's grumpy neighbour, DI James Wallace, who in book #5, finally accepts that the locals open up to the widows much faster than the police!
The tight, twisty narrative kept this reader guessing right to the very end and when the final culprit was unveiled, it was a genuine surprise.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for August 10, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating - ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Amanda Ashby for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own. The Widows' Guide to Foul Play publishes on August 10, 2026.
Some cozy mysteries simply entertain you. Others make you wish you could pull up a chair, order a cup of tea, and join the investigation. This series continues to do exactly that, and with each installment I'm becoming even more attached to the Widows Club.
The Widows' Guide to Foul Play returns readers to the charming village where Ginny, JM, Tuppence, and Hen once again find themselves caught up in a murder that proves too intriguing to ignore.
Although I read this during the hottest part of summer, this book practically begged to be saved for the first snowfall. The cozy December setting, charming village atmosphere, and mystery made me want to curl up under a blanket with a hot mug of tea and spend the afternoon alongside these characters.
As this series continues, it reminds me even more of Only Murders in the Building. Not because the characters are the same, but because of the increasingly layered mysteries, the humor woven throughout the investigations, and the way an ordinary group of people somehow keeps finding themselves at the center of extraordinary crimes. Except here, instead of podcasters, we have four delightfully clever women who proudly call themselves the Widows Club. I couldn't help laughing when they introduced pub rules for the library to rein in the rowdy elderly patrons. Those little moments of humor are part of what makes this series so charming.
I also loved seeing Connor become part of Ginny, JM, Tuppence, and Hen's close-knit group. It reminded me of how The Thursday Murder Club occasionally brings a younger perspective alongside its older sleuths. Connor fit naturally with the group, and his addition created a fun dynamic without taking away from the wonderful chemistry the four women already share.
I have to admit, there were moments when I found myself thinking, I can't believe they've actually agreed not to investigate... and then later, Did the detective really just ask them to get involved? Those moments had me smiling because they're exactly the kind of delightful logic I've come to expect from a great cozy mystery.
The final ten percent absolutely delivered. The twists and turns kept coming, but what I appreciated most was that they all felt earned. Each reveal made sense in hindsight while still managing to surprise me, a balance that's harder to achieve than it looks.
This book felt like watching snow fall outside the window while solving a murder with your cleverest friends over endless cups of tea. Perfect for readers who love cozy mysteries, memorable amateur sleuths, charming village settings, and series like The Thursday Murder Club or Only Murders in the Building.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Amanda Ashby for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own. The Widows' Guide to Foul Play publishes on August 10, 2026.
Some cozy mysteries simply entertain you. Others make you wish you could pull up a chair, order a cup of tea, and join the investigation. This series continues to do exactly that, and with each installment I'm becoming even more attached to the Widows Club.
The Widows' Guide to Foul Play returns readers to the charming village where Ginny, JM, Tuppence, and Hen once again find themselves caught up in a murder that proves too intriguing to ignore.
Although I read this during the hottest part of summer, this book practically begged to be saved for the first snowfall. The cozy December setting, charming village atmosphere, and mystery made me want to curl up under a blanket with a hot mug of tea and spend the afternoon alongside these characters.
As this series continues, it reminds me even more of Only Murders in the Building. Not because the characters are the same, but because of the increasingly layered mysteries, the humor woven throughout the investigations, and the way an ordinary group of people somehow keeps finding themselves at the center of extraordinary crimes. Except here, instead of podcasters, we have four delightfully clever women who proudly call themselves the Widows Club. I couldn't help laughing when they introduced pub rules for the library to rein in the rowdy elderly patrons. Those little moments of humor are part of what makes this series so charming.
I also loved seeing Connor become part of Ginny, JM, Tuppence, and Hen's close-knit group. It reminded me of how The Thursday Murder Club occasionally brings a younger perspective alongside its older sleuths. Connor fit naturally with the group, and his addition created a fun dynamic without taking away from the wonderful chemistry the four women already share.
I have to admit, there were moments when I found myself thinking, I can't believe they've actually agreed not to investigate... and then later, Did the detective really just ask them to get involved? Those moments had me smiling because they're exactly the kind of delightful logic I've come to expect from a great cozy mystery.
The final ten percent absolutely delivered. The twists and turns kept coming, but what I appreciated most was that they all felt earned. Each reveal made sense in hindsight while still managing to surprise me, a balance that's harder to achieve than it looks.
This book felt like watching snow fall outside the window while solving a murder with your cleverest friends over endless cups of tea. Perfect for readers who love cozy mysteries, memorable amateur sleuths, charming village settings, and series like The Thursday Murder Club or Only Murders in the Building.
July 27, 2026
Amanda Ashby’s The Widows’ Guide to Foul Play proves that community theatre can be murder—especially when the suspect is running around dressed as a giant purple goose. Storm Publishing, thank you for the gifted book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“There’s nothing funny about murder.”
Pantomime season has arrived in Little Shaw, and librarian Ginny Cole has somehow been talked into helping backstage with the local production of Mother Goose. The theatre has brought famous actress Monica Larkwell back to the village thirty years after her first performance there. Monica may be considered a national treasure, but judging by the number of people she has annoyed, “treasure” might be stretching it.
Then Ginny discovers Monica dead in her dressing room, crushed beneath a chandelier. The security footage shows someone fleeing in a purple, feathered goose costume, because apparently ordinary murder attire simply wasn’t dramatic enough.
Ginny, JM, Hen, and Tuppence initially agree that they are staying out of this investigation. A sensible decision that lasts about as long as you’d expect. Once Detective Inspector Wallace asks them to listen for useful gossip, the Widows’ Detective Club is officially back in business—and they are not exactly known for quietly observing from the sidelines.
I had such fun returning to Little Shaw. The theatrical setting brought plenty of backstage rivalries, bruised egos, old grudges, and suspects who all seemed capable of delivering one final curtain call. The mystery kept me changing my mind, but the friendship between the four women remained my favorite part. Ginny is warm, persistent, and curious enough to land herself in trouble, while JM, Hen, and Tuppence each bring their own humor and strengths to the investigation. Together, they feel less like a detective club and more like family.
This is book five in The Widows’ Detective Club series, but the mystery stands comfortably on its own. Readers who already know these characters will enjoy seeing their relationships continue to grow.
I’m giving this charming and slightly bonkers cozy mystery four stars. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy village settings, older amateur sleuths, clever twists, loyal friendships, and murder served with a generous helping of British humor.
Would you follow a suspicious purple goose into a dark theatre, or would you suddenly remember somewhere else you urgently needed to be?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“There’s nothing funny about murder.”
Pantomime season has arrived in Little Shaw, and librarian Ginny Cole has somehow been talked into helping backstage with the local production of Mother Goose. The theatre has brought famous actress Monica Larkwell back to the village thirty years after her first performance there. Monica may be considered a national treasure, but judging by the number of people she has annoyed, “treasure” might be stretching it.
Then Ginny discovers Monica dead in her dressing room, crushed beneath a chandelier. The security footage shows someone fleeing in a purple, feathered goose costume, because apparently ordinary murder attire simply wasn’t dramatic enough.
Ginny, JM, Hen, and Tuppence initially agree that they are staying out of this investigation. A sensible decision that lasts about as long as you’d expect. Once Detective Inspector Wallace asks them to listen for useful gossip, the Widows’ Detective Club is officially back in business—and they are not exactly known for quietly observing from the sidelines.
I had such fun returning to Little Shaw. The theatrical setting brought plenty of backstage rivalries, bruised egos, old grudges, and suspects who all seemed capable of delivering one final curtain call. The mystery kept me changing my mind, but the friendship between the four women remained my favorite part. Ginny is warm, persistent, and curious enough to land herself in trouble, while JM, Hen, and Tuppence each bring their own humor and strengths to the investigation. Together, they feel less like a detective club and more like family.
This is book five in The Widows’ Detective Club series, but the mystery stands comfortably on its own. Readers who already know these characters will enjoy seeing their relationships continue to grow.
I’m giving this charming and slightly bonkers cozy mystery four stars. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy village settings, older amateur sleuths, clever twists, loyal friendships, and murder served with a generous helping of British humor.
Would you follow a suspicious purple goose into a dark theatre, or would you suddenly remember somewhere else you urgently needed to be?
August 31, 2026
We are back with Ginny and her pals, and this time its panto season.
Oh no it isn't...
Sorry, only panto gag of the review. There is surprisingly little about the panto itself, the weird Britishness of a Christmas Panto isn't really leaned into in this beyond the costume used, and that is a shame. Then again, a panto is such a British thing, it might be hard to sell it to a non-brit in a way that doesn't make it sound awful.
Regardless, we have an amateur play, we have fraying tempers, ridiculous outfits and a dead body under a chandelier.
This isn't the first book I've read where the amateur detective(s) make the attempt to stay out of it, while everyone else gives them knowing nods and smiles. It is, however, the first one where even the policeman is shocked at the knowledge - poor Wallace can't trust anyone these days!
Speaking of the police, I did find it a little odd that *everyone* in this book just lied to the police. Ginny has a moment where she muses on the different ways people respond to the police, but for them *all* to lie? And worse, to be so flippant about it? Yes, there has been a lot of murders in Little Shaw at this point (Ginny, go on holiday next time, give someone else your curse). But still, the way in which they are casual about the truth, the way in which they literally say things along the lines of 'well if the police are good at their job they will figure it out without me being honest' is bewildering. Not to mention those same people then moaning about the slow pace of the police!
That being said, this was a great book, that niggle aside (and one about the killer that I don't want to mention as its sort of a spoiler.) It was entertaining, it kept the pace up and while there were only a handful of clues that actually meant anything, it was still fun. I ended up with a theory that was close to the actual one and near enough that I felt pleased with myself and with the book for giving me such an enjoyable read.
It's fun, you don't need to have read the others to enjoy this although it would help, I look forward to their hijinks in book six.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Oh no it isn't...
Sorry, only panto gag of the review. There is surprisingly little about the panto itself, the weird Britishness of a Christmas Panto isn't really leaned into in this beyond the costume used, and that is a shame. Then again, a panto is such a British thing, it might be hard to sell it to a non-brit in a way that doesn't make it sound awful.
Regardless, we have an amateur play, we have fraying tempers, ridiculous outfits and a dead body under a chandelier.
This isn't the first book I've read where the amateur detective(s) make the attempt to stay out of it, while everyone else gives them knowing nods and smiles. It is, however, the first one where even the policeman is shocked at the knowledge - poor Wallace can't trust anyone these days!
Speaking of the police, I did find it a little odd that *everyone* in this book just lied to the police. Ginny has a moment where she muses on the different ways people respond to the police, but for them *all* to lie? And worse, to be so flippant about it? Yes, there has been a lot of murders in Little Shaw at this point (Ginny, go on holiday next time, give someone else your curse). But still, the way in which they are casual about the truth, the way in which they literally say things along the lines of 'well if the police are good at their job they will figure it out without me being honest' is bewildering. Not to mention those same people then moaning about the slow pace of the police!
That being said, this was a great book, that niggle aside (and one about the killer that I don't want to mention as its sort of a spoiler.) It was entertaining, it kept the pace up and while there were only a handful of clues that actually meant anything, it was still fun. I ended up with a theory that was close to the actual one and near enough that I felt pleased with myself and with the book for giving me such an enjoyable read.
It's fun, you don't need to have read the others to enjoy this although it would help, I look forward to their hijinks in book six.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The fifth installment of The Widows' Detective Club series takes the reader back to Little Shaw, a place that can easily be mistaken for a simple small town. However, this cannot be far from the truth, as there is a group of four sharp and witty widows who manage to stumble upon dead bodies and find themselves in the middle of murder investigations, which they carry out in their own unique way.
This time, murder comes back to town, claiming the life of a nationally beloved actress. Although JM, Tuppence, Ginny, and Hen are determined to sit this one out, Inspector Wallace surprises them by asking for their help untangling a bizarre pile of evidence. The widows now have to find the face hiding behind a purple feathered comedy bird costume before the case goes cold for good.
Having read the previous books in this series and being familiar with Amanda Ashby's wit and sense of humor, as well as her masterful suspense building, I knew what I was getting into. I knew I was going to be both intrigued and entertained, and Ashby delivered yet again. The case itself was mysterious enough to keep the pages turning, and the widows are as quirky as ever, which is the greatest entertaining aspect of the book, and the entire series for that matter.
The writing flowed beautifully, and the story kept my attention until the very end, which is why I ended up finishing the book in one sitting! Each of these widows is a master of banter and witty comebacks, although JM will always be my number one. They also did not disappoint when it comes to using the most unrelated and random objects as a crime board, pinning their discoveries and suspect profiles on a dress form and giving the poor old thing a brand new purpose.
If you are into cozy mysteries with a very relatable, lovable, and laughable cast of characters, a small town setting, a strong community, and lots of entertaining banter, I absolutely recommend making space for this series on your shelves!
This time, murder comes back to town, claiming the life of a nationally beloved actress. Although JM, Tuppence, Ginny, and Hen are determined to sit this one out, Inspector Wallace surprises them by asking for their help untangling a bizarre pile of evidence. The widows now have to find the face hiding behind a purple feathered comedy bird costume before the case goes cold for good.
Having read the previous books in this series and being familiar with Amanda Ashby's wit and sense of humor, as well as her masterful suspense building, I knew what I was getting into. I knew I was going to be both intrigued and entertained, and Ashby delivered yet again. The case itself was mysterious enough to keep the pages turning, and the widows are as quirky as ever, which is the greatest entertaining aspect of the book, and the entire series for that matter.
The writing flowed beautifully, and the story kept my attention until the very end, which is why I ended up finishing the book in one sitting! Each of these widows is a master of banter and witty comebacks, although JM will always be my number one. They also did not disappoint when it comes to using the most unrelated and random objects as a crime board, pinning their discoveries and suspect profiles on a dress form and giving the poor old thing a brand new purpose.
If you are into cozy mysteries with a very relatable, lovable, and laughable cast of characters, a small town setting, a strong community, and lots of entertaining banter, I absolutely recommend making space for this series on your shelves!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Widows' Guide to Foul Play is another delightful addition to one of my favorite cozy mystery series.
I've been lucky enough to read all five books in The Widows' Detective Club as ARCs, and Amanda Ashby continues to deliver the perfect blend of mystery, humor, friendship, and small-town charm. While this book absolutely works as a standalone, longtime readers will appreciate the returning characters and the relationships that have developed throughout the series.
This time, the residents of Little Shaw are preparing for a Christmas pantomime when a famous actress is found murdered backstage. Ginny and the Widows' Detective Club are determined to stay out of the investigation... but, as expected, that plan doesn't last long. Before they know it, they're once again uncovering secrets, following clues, and trying to catch a killer.
I love spending time with Ginny, JM, Hen, and Tuppence. Their friendship is truly the heart of the series, and their banter, loyalty, and determination make every mystery so much fun to read. Little Shaw itself has become such a wonderful setting that returning to the village feels like visiting old friends.
The mystery was entertaining, with plenty of twists and suspects, and I especially enjoyed the theatrical backdrop. It added an extra layer of fun while still delivering the cozy atmosphere I've come to expect from this series.
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with lovable characters, charming village life, and amateur sleuths you'll want to cheer on, I can't recommend The Widows' Detective Club series enough. Every new release is an automatic must-read for me, and The Widows' Guide to Foul Play is another wonderful installment.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I've been lucky enough to read all five books in The Widows' Detective Club as ARCs, and Amanda Ashby continues to deliver the perfect blend of mystery, humor, friendship, and small-town charm. While this book absolutely works as a standalone, longtime readers will appreciate the returning characters and the relationships that have developed throughout the series.
This time, the residents of Little Shaw are preparing for a Christmas pantomime when a famous actress is found murdered backstage. Ginny and the Widows' Detective Club are determined to stay out of the investigation... but, as expected, that plan doesn't last long. Before they know it, they're once again uncovering secrets, following clues, and trying to catch a killer.
I love spending time with Ginny, JM, Hen, and Tuppence. Their friendship is truly the heart of the series, and their banter, loyalty, and determination make every mystery so much fun to read. Little Shaw itself has become such a wonderful setting that returning to the village feels like visiting old friends.
The mystery was entertaining, with plenty of twists and suspects, and I especially enjoyed the theatrical backdrop. It added an extra layer of fun while still delivering the cozy atmosphere I've come to expect from this series.
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with lovable characters, charming village life, and amateur sleuths you'll want to cheer on, I can't recommend The Widows' Detective Club series enough. Every new release is an automatic must-read for me, and The Widows' Guide to Foul Play is another wonderful installment.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was so charming! The Widow's Guide to Foul Play is the fifth in a series that I have yet to read, but that did not stop me from greatly enjoying it. I will be going back to catch up on the rest of the series!
We are in the part of a serialized cozy mystery where the main characters are known mystery solvers, an they actually get along with law enforcement. This also happens to be my favorite part of any cozy mystery series, because it takes care of unnecessary tensions. The cops (Detective Inspector in this case) don't always love that our intrepid heroes are involved, but they've worked out a truce that works for them. Charming.
As for our heroes - they are all widows of different ages, who get along fabulously, and each bring something a little different to the group. None of them are perfect, and some make some silly choices, but that's all part of the fun, and in keeping with their character. I had guessed the culprit of this mystery pretty early for my liking, but it was fun to watch the ladies puzzle it out in real time, and then be proven right. I also liked that we had a single POV character. It kept the timeline and realizations neat. Too many POVs can sometimes cloud a cozy environment. (Have I overused the word cozy yet? Probably. But this book just ran on those vibes).
This was everything I wanted in a cozy mystery novel. Outside of a few frustrations with the characters and their choices (some of the side characters had no dimension and were cartoonishy awful - but again, cozy mystery) and the fact that I guessed the culprit so soon, I really enjoyed this one! I'll be checking out the other books in the series soon.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for access to this e-ARC for my honest review!
We are in the part of a serialized cozy mystery where the main characters are known mystery solvers, an they actually get along with law enforcement. This also happens to be my favorite part of any cozy mystery series, because it takes care of unnecessary tensions. The cops (Detective Inspector in this case) don't always love that our intrepid heroes are involved, but they've worked out a truce that works for them. Charming.
As for our heroes - they are all widows of different ages, who get along fabulously, and each bring something a little different to the group. None of them are perfect, and some make some silly choices, but that's all part of the fun, and in keeping with their character. I had guessed the culprit of this mystery pretty early for my liking, but it was fun to watch the ladies puzzle it out in real time, and then be proven right. I also liked that we had a single POV character. It kept the timeline and realizations neat. Too many POVs can sometimes cloud a cozy environment. (Have I overused the word cozy yet? Probably. But this book just ran on those vibes).
This was everything I wanted in a cozy mystery novel. Outside of a few frustrations with the characters and their choices (some of the side characters had no dimension and were cartoonishy awful - but again, cozy mystery) and the fact that I guessed the culprit so soon, I really enjoyed this one! I'll be checking out the other books in the series soon.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for access to this e-ARC for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Amanda Ashby once again continues her fun cozy mystery series with “The Widows’ Guide to Foul Play,” containing a very theatrical death.
The town of Little Shaw is hard at work to put on a play for the Christmas season. But when celebrity Monica Larkwell, who has returned to the town’s stage 30 years after her debut, ends up dead in her dressing room, the Widows’ Detective Club knows they need to stay out of the detective business … until Detective Inspector James Wallace unbelievably asks for their help.
Village librarian Ginny Cole and her friends and fellow widows JM, Hen and Tuppence can get the inside scoop all while helping with the production. But as they begin to dig into Monica’s past, as well as the Little Shaw theater’s past, more and more strange webs begin to interweave.
Will the four plucky ladies be able to solve the mystery before anyone else including themselves get hurt? And how are all the players connected?
As usual, Ashby creates a delightfully fun story filled with mystery and drama that will appeal to all mystery lovers. She develops a fun cast of characters, some lovable (including a cat named Edgar and a dog named Brandon), some quirky ones, and some who are quite loathsome.
Fans of series like Richard Osman’s “The Thursday Murder Club,” Robert Thorogood’s “The Marlow Murder Club” and Peter Boland’s “The Charity Shop Detective Agency Mysteries” will love “The Widows’ Guide to Foul Play,” which is due out Aug. 4.
Five stars out of five.
Storm Publishing provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
The town of Little Shaw is hard at work to put on a play for the Christmas season. But when celebrity Monica Larkwell, who has returned to the town’s stage 30 years after her debut, ends up dead in her dressing room, the Widows’ Detective Club knows they need to stay out of the detective business … until Detective Inspector James Wallace unbelievably asks for their help.
Village librarian Ginny Cole and her friends and fellow widows JM, Hen and Tuppence can get the inside scoop all while helping with the production. But as they begin to dig into Monica’s past, as well as the Little Shaw theater’s past, more and more strange webs begin to interweave.
Will the four plucky ladies be able to solve the mystery before anyone else including themselves get hurt? And how are all the players connected?
As usual, Ashby creates a delightfully fun story filled with mystery and drama that will appeal to all mystery lovers. She develops a fun cast of characters, some lovable (including a cat named Edgar and a dog named Brandon), some quirky ones, and some who are quite loathsome.
Fans of series like Richard Osman’s “The Thursday Murder Club,” Robert Thorogood’s “The Marlow Murder Club” and Peter Boland’s “The Charity Shop Detective Agency Mysteries” will love “The Widows’ Guide to Foul Play,” which is due out Aug. 4.
Five stars out of five.
Storm Publishing provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Widows’ Guide to Foul Play is exactly the kind of mystery that feels like settling into a comfy seat at the village panto—only to realise the curtain’s about to rise on something far more sinister. Little Shaw is bursting with personality, and Ginny Cole once again proves herself the perfect accidental sleuth: warm, witty, and just stubborn enough to dig where others wouldn’t dare.
The setup is irresistible. A famously temperamental diva returning to her hometown, a chaotic theatre production, and then a chandelier‑related demise that is anything but accidental. From the moment Ginny discovers Monica Larkwell’s body, the story becomes a wonderfully tangled web of old grudges, backstage drama, and secrets that have been buried for decades.
The widows’ detective club is, as always, an absolute joy. Their banter, their determination, and their slightly unconventional investigative methods bring so much humour to the darker moments. And the CCTV reveal—an attacker in a giant purple goose costume—is exactly the kind of quirky twist that makes this series stand out. It’s absurd in the best way, yet still manages to keep the stakes high and the tension real.
The mystery itself is well‑paced, full of red herrings, and satisfyingly clever. The blend of comedy and crime is spot‑on, making this a perfect pick for fans of The Thursday Murder Club or anyone who loves their whodunits with heart and humour.
A charming, funny, and thoroughly entertaining cozy mystery. I enjoyed every minute in Little Shaw and can’t wait for the widows’ next case.
With thanks to Amanda Ashby, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The setup is irresistible. A famously temperamental diva returning to her hometown, a chaotic theatre production, and then a chandelier‑related demise that is anything but accidental. From the moment Ginny discovers Monica Larkwell’s body, the story becomes a wonderfully tangled web of old grudges, backstage drama, and secrets that have been buried for decades.
The widows’ detective club is, as always, an absolute joy. Their banter, their determination, and their slightly unconventional investigative methods bring so much humour to the darker moments. And the CCTV reveal—an attacker in a giant purple goose costume—is exactly the kind of quirky twist that makes this series stand out. It’s absurd in the best way, yet still manages to keep the stakes high and the tension real.
The mystery itself is well‑paced, full of red herrings, and satisfyingly clever. The blend of comedy and crime is spot‑on, making this a perfect pick for fans of The Thursday Murder Club or anyone who loves their whodunits with heart and humour.
A charming, funny, and thoroughly entertaining cozy mystery. I enjoyed every minute in Little Shaw and can’t wait for the widows’ next case.
With thanks to Amanda Ashby, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Widows’ Guide to Foul Play by Amanda Ashby is the fifth book in The Widows’ Detective Club and is as much fun to read as the previous four books. Little Shaw scored a big win when renown actress Monica Larkwell returned to town to perform in the Christmas pantomime of Mother Goose. Monica had performed in this show thirty years ago, before she became famous; however, not all residents were happy about her return.
When Ginny discovered Monica’s body in her dressing room, crushed beneath a fallen chandelier, she and her fellow widow sleuths decided they were going to sit out investigating this murder. Eventually DI Wallace asked Ginny for help as he realized that she, JM, Tuppence, and Hen could get people to talk to them, which would help him solve the murder.
While murder is not funny, the fact that the murderer was caught on CCTV wearing a giant, purple, feathered goose costume from the play was funny. There were several suspects, and the killer was a surprise to me. It seemed a simple conversation could have prevented this crime, which was sad.
Conner has matured since he started working at the library and I liked how he had a bigger role in this story. The four women have a genuine friendship and respect for each other. This series is an enjoyable read if you are looking for main characters who are mature. Wallace’s reaction to the women and his father is amusing as he seems exasperated by them at times, yet you can tell he has a fondness for the women and obviously loves his father. Such a great series and I look forward to more books in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Ginny discovered Monica’s body in her dressing room, crushed beneath a fallen chandelier, she and her fellow widow sleuths decided they were going to sit out investigating this murder. Eventually DI Wallace asked Ginny for help as he realized that she, JM, Tuppence, and Hen could get people to talk to them, which would help him solve the murder.
While murder is not funny, the fact that the murderer was caught on CCTV wearing a giant, purple, feathered goose costume from the play was funny. There were several suspects, and the killer was a surprise to me. It seemed a simple conversation could have prevented this crime, which was sad.
Conner has matured since he started working at the library and I liked how he had a bigger role in this story. The four women have a genuine friendship and respect for each other. This series is an enjoyable read if you are looking for main characters who are mature. Wallace’s reaction to the women and his father is amusing as he seems exasperated by them at times, yet you can tell he has a fondness for the women and obviously loves his father. Such a great series and I look forward to more books in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC of THE WIDOW’S GUIDE TO FOUL PLAY by Amanda Ashby. The novel was published on August 10, 2025.
THE WIDOW’S GUIDE TO FOUL PLAY is the fifth installment in Ashby’s Widow’s Detective Club series, and it delivers exactly what readers hope for in an entertaining cozy mystery.
Ginny Cole is a librarian in the charming village of Little Shaw who, along with her close-knit group of seamstress friends, has developed a knack for helping local authorities unravel unexpected deaths. This time, a well-known actress has arrived in town to star in a play--only to meet an untimely end.
CCTV footage provides one tantalizing clue: a mysterious figure wearing a costume adorned with purple feathers. But in a theatrical production filled with costumes, eccentric personalities, and potential suspects, purple feathers could belong to almost anyone.
Ashby includes all the ingredients that make cozy mysteries such enjoyable comfort reads: an appealing village setting, eccentric characters, quirky situations, friendship, community, and an amateur sleuth--or, in this case, a whole group of them--who can’t resist getting involved.
This one ticks all the cozy-mystery boxes without taking itself too seriously. I particularly enjoyed the camaraderie among Ginny and her cohorts and the sense that solving the mystery is almost as much a social activity as it is detective work.
A light, charming, and entertaining read. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in Little Shaw with Ginny and the members of the Widow’s Detective Club.
THE WIDOW’S GUIDE TO FOUL PLAY is the fifth installment in Ashby’s Widow’s Detective Club series, and it delivers exactly what readers hope for in an entertaining cozy mystery.
Ginny Cole is a librarian in the charming village of Little Shaw who, along with her close-knit group of seamstress friends, has developed a knack for helping local authorities unravel unexpected deaths. This time, a well-known actress has arrived in town to star in a play--only to meet an untimely end.
CCTV footage provides one tantalizing clue: a mysterious figure wearing a costume adorned with purple feathers. But in a theatrical production filled with costumes, eccentric personalities, and potential suspects, purple feathers could belong to almost anyone.
Ashby includes all the ingredients that make cozy mysteries such enjoyable comfort reads: an appealing village setting, eccentric characters, quirky situations, friendship, community, and an amateur sleuth--or, in this case, a whole group of them--who can’t resist getting involved.
This one ticks all the cozy-mystery boxes without taking itself too seriously. I particularly enjoyed the camaraderie among Ginny and her cohorts and the sense that solving the mystery is almost as much a social activity as it is detective work.
A light, charming, and entertaining read. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in Little Shaw with Ginny and the members of the Widow’s Detective Club.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think the reason it took me a while to get into Amanda Ashby's The Widows' Guide to Foul Play is that there were four previous books in the series, none of which I had read. The plot centers around Ginny, who works the library in the town of Little Shaw and helps out with the costumes at the local theater. It's time for the annual pantomime--this year "Mother Goose"--and actress Monica Larkwell's rabid fans are excited to witness her return to the very same play and same location after 30 years.
There are some bad feelings about Monica from a few of the cast and crew and other locals, along with some of her fans, so when the actress is found crushed by a falling chandelier, there are plenty of suspects. Ginny and her close friends have helped investigate some of the previous crimes and are determined to sit this one out but, to their surprise,this time the curmudgeonly detective inspector who is Ginny's next-door neighbor even asks for their help!
There are touches of humor here and there, including the fact that the murderer was caught on camera wearing a large, colorful goose costume. And there is a bit of non-graphic violence late in the book. But it is mostly a low-key mystery similar to other "murder club" series that feature amateur female sleuths "of a certain age." I'm sure that fans of this series will enjoy spending time with these characters once again.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
There are some bad feelings about Monica from a few of the cast and crew and other locals, along with some of her fans, so when the actress is found crushed by a falling chandelier, there are plenty of suspects. Ginny and her close friends have helped investigate some of the previous crimes and are determined to sit this one out but, to their surprise,this time the curmudgeonly detective inspector who is Ginny's next-door neighbor even asks for their help!
There are touches of humor here and there, including the fact that the murderer was caught on camera wearing a large, colorful goose costume. And there is a bit of non-graphic violence late in the book. But it is mostly a low-key mystery similar to other "murder club" series that feature amateur female sleuths "of a certain age." I'm sure that fans of this series will enjoy spending time with these characters once again.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first book of The Widows’ Detective Club series that I read. I plan to go back and read the others from the first in the series. In this installment librarian Ginny Cole is assisting to put on a pantomime of Mother Goose. Monica Larkwell, a diva, is to star in the production. Monica, however, is killed by a chandelier that falls on her in her dressing room and Ginny happens to find her. Accident or on purpose? Someone is caught on camera, fleeing in a purple, feathered goose costume. The perpetrator?? Ginny gathers the widows together to investigate.
This is a charming cozy. I enjoyed the setting of Little Shaw and the members of the community. This being the fifth book the characters are well developed and familiar. The author does a good job of describing village life. The theater scene was the perfect place for secrets, and rivalries to be revealed. The widows are a delightful group and I loved the humor and banter. They come up with some clever ideas, a dress form as a crime board, I would never have come up with that.
If you are a fan of older amateur detectives, a plot that keeps you engaged with twists and multiple suspects, I highly recommend The Widows' Guide to Foul Play.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Storm Publishing, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
This is a charming cozy. I enjoyed the setting of Little Shaw and the members of the community. This being the fifth book the characters are well developed and familiar. The author does a good job of describing village life. The theater scene was the perfect place for secrets, and rivalries to be revealed. The widows are a delightful group and I loved the humor and banter. They come up with some clever ideas, a dress form as a crime board, I would never have come up with that.
If you are a fan of older amateur detectives, a plot that keeps you engaged with twists and multiple suspects, I highly recommend The Widows' Guide to Foul Play.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Storm Publishing, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Little Shaw is the home of Ginny Cole, widow and librarian and her three widowed chums, Hen, Tuppence and JM are helping out with the Christmas Pantomime. This year they are doing Mother Goose with television celebrity Monica Larkwell making a guest appearance to commemorate the 35th anniversary of her first production with this company. It is not going well, especially when Monica's body is discovered under a chandelier in her dressing room. Ginny, Hen, Tuppence and JM decide to sit this investigation out, until Detective Wallace asks them to listen to the gossip and report back to him. Naturally, the ladies take it a bit further.
This was my first read in this series and I have already located book one, The Widow's Guide to Murder. I am totally looking forward to going back to Ginny's first day's in Little Shaw and getting to know this dynamic group a bit better. Characters were interesting and seem like the kind of people I would enjoy spending time around. The setting sounds like the almost perfect English village and the plot kept me on my toes, wondering who and how. All in all, a most entertaining way to spend a day!
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This was my first read in this series and I have already located book one, The Widow's Guide to Murder. I am totally looking forward to going back to Ginny's first day's in Little Shaw and getting to know this dynamic group a bit better. Characters were interesting and seem like the kind of people I would enjoy spending time around. The setting sounds like the almost perfect English village and the plot kept me on my toes, wondering who and how. All in all, a most entertaining way to spend a day!
My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
August 10, 2026
The community of Little Shaw is doing a pantomime of Mother Goose. It will be showing a the Little Shaw Playhouse and their main celebrity star is a well-known English actress named Monica Larkwell. But Monica isn't a team player and she seems to upset many people who are part of the play. When a murder occurs at the playhouse, everyone in the play becomes a suspect. It is up to Ginny, JM, Tuppence and Hen to discover who the killer is and keep them from committing another murder.
At this point Ginny should have just taken the trip with Nancy, her sister-in-law. But nothing is ever boring in Little Shaw and a pantomime isn't a pantomime without a murder. I liked how the killer found a clever way to disguise themselves and commit the murder. JM is always such a treat and makes me laugh so hard when she brings up her lawyer credentials. I enjoyed how Ginny and the group decided to take a step back and let Detective Inspector James Wallace handle the case. They did try, but everyone in Little Shaw knows that these women are the true detectives in town. Another great murder mystery that makes me feel so warm and cozy and eagerly awaiting the holidays.
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
At this point Ginny should have just taken the trip with Nancy, her sister-in-law. But nothing is ever boring in Little Shaw and a pantomime isn't a pantomime without a murder. I liked how the killer found a clever way to disguise themselves and commit the murder. JM is always such a treat and makes me laugh so hard when she brings up her lawyer credentials. I enjoyed how Ginny and the group decided to take a step back and let Detective Inspector James Wallace handle the case. They did try, but everyone in Little Shaw knows that these women are the true detectives in town. Another great murder mystery that makes me feel so warm and cozy and eagerly awaiting the holidays.
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5 ⭐️
The Widow's Detective Club are back for their fifth outing, and I think this might just be my favourite of the series so far.
Ginny and friends are busy preparing for the Little Shaw pantomime, Mother Goose, when tragedy strikes. The show's star, actress Monica Larkwell, who has been persuaded to return after starring in the same pantomime 30 years earlier, is found dead in her dressing room.
For once, the widows decide they're simply too busy with the pantomime to get involved and leave the investigation to the police. But it isn't long before the police realise the villagers are keeping secrets and ask the widows to help uncover the truth.
I loved being back with these characters. The mix of cosy mystery, village gossip, humour and friendship is as entertaining as ever, and the mystery kept me guessing right to the end. The pacing was excellent, there were plenty of twists, and I found it impossible to put down.
If you've enjoyed the previous books in the series, I think you'll love this one too. A thoroughly entertaining cosy mystery.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Widow's Detective Club are back for their fifth outing, and I think this might just be my favourite of the series so far.
Ginny and friends are busy preparing for the Little Shaw pantomime, Mother Goose, when tragedy strikes. The show's star, actress Monica Larkwell, who has been persuaded to return after starring in the same pantomime 30 years earlier, is found dead in her dressing room.
For once, the widows decide they're simply too busy with the pantomime to get involved and leave the investigation to the police. But it isn't long before the police realise the villagers are keeping secrets and ask the widows to help uncover the truth.
I loved being back with these characters. The mix of cosy mystery, village gossip, humour and friendship is as entertaining as ever, and the mystery kept me guessing right to the end. The pacing was excellent, there were plenty of twists, and I found it impossible to put down.
If you've enjoyed the previous books in the series, I think you'll love this one too. A thoroughly entertaining cosy mystery.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm publishing for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2026
**ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
I do love a good cozy mystery, and this book had coziness to spare. #5 in the series, and I confess I haven't read any of the others, follows our amateur sleuths, Hen, JM, Ginny, and Tuppence. They have signed on to help out at the annual Panto in Little Shaw, and of course, stumble into a murder. They find Monica Larkwell, the famous star of TV who has agreed to join their show, dead in her dressing room. While they are the first on the scene, they all take a vote to stay out of the way, and let the police handle what is sure to be an easy to solve case. But as time goes by, and those being questioned continue to be evasive, they are asked to help out by James Wallace, Ginny's neighbor and detective.
The four finally join the case and work their way through online fans, known as Larks, and everyone who was at the theater the night of the murder. They soon stumble on a 30 year old mystery that might be the secret to the whole thing.
This book was fun, cute, and had enough twists to keep things interesting. Although, I did find myself a bit bored at times, overall the story was well done. Three Stars.
I do love a good cozy mystery, and this book had coziness to spare. #5 in the series, and I confess I haven't read any of the others, follows our amateur sleuths, Hen, JM, Ginny, and Tuppence. They have signed on to help out at the annual Panto in Little Shaw, and of course, stumble into a murder. They find Monica Larkwell, the famous star of TV who has agreed to join their show, dead in her dressing room. While they are the first on the scene, they all take a vote to stay out of the way, and let the police handle what is sure to be an easy to solve case. But as time goes by, and those being questioned continue to be evasive, they are asked to help out by James Wallace, Ginny's neighbor and detective.
The four finally join the case and work their way through online fans, known as Larks, and everyone who was at the theater the night of the murder. They soon stumble on a 30 year old mystery that might be the secret to the whole thing.
This book was fun, cute, and had enough twists to keep things interesting. Although, I did find myself a bit bored at times, overall the story was well done. Three Stars.
October 2, 2026
Ginny and her three friends are very smart ladies. They have solved murders and when a famous actress is slain in her dressing room in Little Shaw, they decide they have enough on their hands with the pantomime that they will “sit this one out”. Ginny’s neighbour and local detective, Wallace, has other plans. Whilst he has not encouraged their sleuthing, he has been impressed with their abilities and insights and asks them to find out what all those involved are hiding from the police. This was not Monica’s first time on this stage and the ladies suspect the crime has its genesis 30 years before.
The four widows are so different to each other that they each bring something unique to their quartette. Whilst working hard to get the costumes and scenery ready for the performance, they go about digging into the past. But there may be someone who does not want the past revealed nor repeated. There will be many secrets including secrets both human and otherwise and pursuing the truth may still be a dangerous thing.
I enjoy those books very much and this one was another smashing read. Five purrs and two paws up.
The four widows are so different to each other that they each bring something unique to their quartette. Whilst working hard to get the costumes and scenery ready for the performance, they go about digging into the past. But there may be someone who does not want the past revealed nor repeated. There will be many secrets including secrets both human and otherwise and pursuing the truth may still be a dangerous thing.
I enjoy those books very much and this one was another smashing read. Five purrs and two paws up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A panto starting on Boxing Day, an absent wardrobe master, and a fading but famous star of stage and screen making a not so welcome return doesn't really seem a recipe for success. When a dead body is added to the mix and the police aren't able to close the case they call on Ginny Cole and her three friends for help. Already in the thick of things they are soon investigating as well as covering for the aforementioned wardrobe master. With secrets aplenty and no main suspect can they solve the case or will this be their final bow?
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. Having been part of backstage crews for pantomimes myself I do love this type of cosy and this was a really good read. The main protagonists were all on form once again and I enjoyed Ginny's run ins with her sister in law while Connor continues to be my favourite secondary character. This is a good winter cosy without being at all Christmassy, and I enjoyed it very much.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. Having been part of backstage crews for pantomimes myself I do love this type of cosy and this was a really good read. The main protagonists were all on form once again and I enjoyed Ginny's run ins with her sister in law while Connor continues to be my favourite secondary character. This is a good winter cosy without being at all Christmassy, and I enjoyed it very much.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Full disclosure, I have not read any of the previous four books in this series. However, it can be read as a standalone. Because I might be missing some of that additional content, I have bumped my rating to a 3 star.
That said, I do think that if I read the previous four books, I might have a better grasp on the widows and their individual personalities. To be honest, they sort of blended together and are just distinguishable by the roles they play in the creating of the production (costumes, sets, and directing). I found the main character a bit dry as well, and just as a vessel for storytelling rather than individual in the story.
Overall, I didn’t find the writing that interesting and the story is one that took me a while to get through, despite the additional murder setup being one of intrigue. It is simply remarkably average.
Thank you NetGalley & Storm Publishing for this ARC!
That said, I do think that if I read the previous four books, I might have a better grasp on the widows and their individual personalities. To be honest, they sort of blended together and are just distinguishable by the roles they play in the creating of the production (costumes, sets, and directing). I found the main character a bit dry as well, and just as a vessel for storytelling rather than individual in the story.
Overall, I didn’t find the writing that interesting and the story is one that took me a while to get through, despite the additional murder setup being one of intrigue. It is simply remarkably average.
Thank you NetGalley & Storm Publishing for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's panto season in Little Shaw. The local dramatic society are staging Mother Goose. In a bid to increase ticket sales, they invite TV darling Monica Larkwell to star in the panto. After all, she starred in that same panto in Little Shaw 30 years previously. Ginny and the other widows are involved backstage, helping out with costumes and scenery. Rehearsals are underway, and all is well. Oh no it isn't! Yep, you've guessed it. Monica Larkwell is murdered. 🪡🖌️
Of course the widows become involved in the investigation, despite making a conscious decision not to. There's plenty of suspects to choose from and, as usual, the investigation is not without its twists and turns. Little Shaw itself is earning some notoriety in the newspapers, owing to the number of murders that have occurred there. Yeah, not sure I'd want to retire there. 😉🪡🖌️
If you like your mysteries cosy and lighhearted, then this will be right up your street. 🪡🖌️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.
Of course the widows become involved in the investigation, despite making a conscious decision not to. There's plenty of suspects to choose from and, as usual, the investigation is not without its twists and turns. Little Shaw itself is earning some notoriety in the newspapers, owing to the number of murders that have occurred there. Yeah, not sure I'd want to retire there. 😉🪡🖌️
If you like your mysteries cosy and lighhearted, then this will be right up your street. 🪡🖌️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley, author Amanda Ashby and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
This is the fifth book in the series and the first one I read from this author. It's a cozy murder mystery and the killer sends them on a wild goose chase as they dressed as a purple goose while doing the murder.
It was fun and I enjoyed reading about the characters, even if the pacing was a bit slow at times. It can be read as a standalone, with no prior knowledge of the other books, and the characters seem lovely and well described, enough to keep you reading. It's nice the author touches upon the feelings of grief and losd for the widows Ginny, Tuppence, Hen, JM even so deep in the series. Glad to see them form friendships and bonds with other characters as well.
It did drag a bit into finding out the real culprit, and the entire scene seemed a bit rush compared to the entire investigation.
Lovely read nonetheless, especially if you are a fan of cozy murder mysteries.
This is the fifth book in the series and the first one I read from this author. It's a cozy murder mystery and the killer sends them on a wild goose chase as they dressed as a purple goose while doing the murder.
It was fun and I enjoyed reading about the characters, even if the pacing was a bit slow at times. It can be read as a standalone, with no prior knowledge of the other books, and the characters seem lovely and well described, enough to keep you reading. It's nice the author touches upon the feelings of grief and losd for the widows Ginny, Tuppence, Hen, JM even so deep in the series. Glad to see them form friendships and bonds with other characters as well.
It did drag a bit into finding out the real culprit, and the entire scene seemed a bit rush compared to the entire investigation.
Lovely read nonetheless, especially if you are a fan of cozy murder mysteries.
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