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Ellie Quicke #16
Murder by Suspicion
Ellie Quicke finds herself the target of a local cult-like church, but are their motives truly Christian or is there darkness at their heart?
Ellie is desperate to find someone to look after their elderly housekeeper, whose health is failing. But employing a carer found by Ellie’s difficult daughter, Diana, proves to be a mixed blessing when Ellie returns from a trip to America to find that carer Claire has implemented a number of bizarre changes to the Quicke household routine.
Claire, is heavily involved in ‘the Vision’, a local church with a charismatic, powerful pastor, who – seemingly coincidentally – is looking to Ellie for financial help in his current project, housing reformed addicts. But Ellie is suspicious – and more so, when details of Claire’s chequered past comes to light. Can Ellie trust Claire and Pastor Ambrose?
Ellie investigates and doesn’t like what she finds . . .
Ellie is desperate to find someone to look after their elderly housekeeper, whose health is failing. But employing a carer found by Ellie’s difficult daughter, Diana, proves to be a mixed blessing when Ellie returns from a trip to America to find that carer Claire has implemented a number of bizarre changes to the Quicke household routine.
Claire, is heavily involved in ‘the Vision’, a local church with a charismatic, powerful pastor, who – seemingly coincidentally – is looking to Ellie for financial help in his current project, housing reformed addicts. But Ellie is suspicious – and more so, when details of Claire’s chequered past comes to light. Can Ellie trust Claire and Pastor Ambrose?
Ellie investigates and doesn’t like what she finds . . .
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2015
238 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Heley
96 books131 followersVeronica Heley has published more than fifty books, including crime fiction, historical, and children's titles. She is currently involved in the Ellie Quicke series of crime stories and a variety of other projects. A full-time writer, she has been married to a London probation officer since 1964, and has one musician daughter.
AKA Veronica Thorne
AKA Veronica Thorne
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 21, 2015
When I started this book I didn’t realise it was part of a series although it didn’t seem to matter too much in this cosy Christian murder mystery. Ellie Quicke and her husband have been in the US and have left their aging housekeeper Rose in the care of a new housekeeper Rose. I know that sentence doesn’t make sense but it does in the book, I promise. When Ellie returns however, she is in for a shock. Claire has moved all the furniture around, sacked and replaced her cleaners and is even arranging for the house to be decorated. Rose, in the meantime, seems to be getting frailer and frailer by the day.
For the most part, the story line is actually quite good, with Claire and her fellow members of a local cult=like religious sect inveigling herself into Ellie’s home – just what is she after and what is she capable of doing? And is there a connection between Claire and her charismatic and creepy church leader Pastor Ambrose and a group of local girls who have gone missing? As Ellie battles jet lag and leaves Claire to take care of the house and Rose, the book took on a very sinister and creepy feel and I really thought I was in for a dark chilling read, a battle of wits and wills. That part of it was extremely enjoyable, the best bit of the book by far.
I really enjoyed it right up until about three quarters of the way through, just as the build up to the final reveal began, when it all suddenly became a bit silly and corny. We were introduced to a bunch of new characters at this point who just came across as one dimensional and cartoon like and as all the answers started revealing themselves I began to shake my head in wonder because what had started out as a good solid read was just becoming very silly and unbelievable indeed.
I don’t know anything about the author but some of her dialogue, especially that of the younger characters, sounds as if it is the sort of thing an elderly person might imagine a younger person saying. A prime example is young Mikey – 13 years old but conversing like a 30 year old.
In short, a read that starts with promise but ends up very disappointing. I don’t want to give any spoilers but if I told you that I half expected the villain of the piece to obligingly put their hands out in front ready for the handcuffs muttering “It’s a fair cop Guv, I have seen the error of my ways” then that should give you some idea of the silliness it descended into.
Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for the review copy.
For the most part, the story line is actually quite good, with Claire and her fellow members of a local cult=like religious sect inveigling herself into Ellie’s home – just what is she after and what is she capable of doing? And is there a connection between Claire and her charismatic and creepy church leader Pastor Ambrose and a group of local girls who have gone missing? As Ellie battles jet lag and leaves Claire to take care of the house and Rose, the book took on a very sinister and creepy feel and I really thought I was in for a dark chilling read, a battle of wits and wills. That part of it was extremely enjoyable, the best bit of the book by far.
I really enjoyed it right up until about three quarters of the way through, just as the build up to the final reveal began, when it all suddenly became a bit silly and corny. We were introduced to a bunch of new characters at this point who just came across as one dimensional and cartoon like and as all the answers started revealing themselves I began to shake my head in wonder because what had started out as a good solid read was just becoming very silly and unbelievable indeed.
I don’t know anything about the author but some of her dialogue, especially that of the younger characters, sounds as if it is the sort of thing an elderly person might imagine a younger person saying. A prime example is young Mikey – 13 years old but conversing like a 30 year old.
In short, a read that starts with promise but ends up very disappointing. I don’t want to give any spoilers but if I told you that I half expected the villain of the piece to obligingly put their hands out in front ready for the handcuffs muttering “It’s a fair cop Guv, I have seen the error of my ways” then that should give you some idea of the silliness it descended into.
Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for the review copy.
August 5, 2022
This 16th novel in Veronica Heley’s series featuring kindhearted Ellie Quicke proved a real page-turner. Ellie heads to America with her Anglican priest husband, but returns early. Good thing, too! The woman left in charge of Ellie’s long-time friend Rose McNally, who has been gradually failing, has been taking terrible advantage of Rose!
My one quibble is that, in the beginning of this novel, we see a return of the dithering, insecure Ellie Quicke of the first novel in the series, Murder at the Altar. She’s come so far since then! I didn’t want to see a regression! But soon enough, we get the strong Ellie Quicke, who may be kind but is no pushover. I never guessed the ending, which was excellent.
My one quibble is that, in the beginning of this novel, we see a return of the dithering, insecure Ellie Quicke of the first novel in the series, Murder at the Altar. She’s come so far since then! I didn’t want to see a regression! But soon enough, we get the strong Ellie Quicke, who may be kind but is no pushover. I never guessed the ending, which was excellent.
January 5, 2020
I have now read 16 books in the Ellie Quicke series. When I do catch up with the series, I want to read Veronica Heley's other series about Bea Abbott. I enjoy Veronica Heley's writing. Ellie Quicke's life has changed a lot since book one. She has moved to a new neighborhood, married and different friends have come in and out of her life. Her dreadful daughter has remained "dreadful". Ellie now has two grandsons.
Ellie comes home from being in the United States and finds her household turned around. The lady hired to care for the home and Rose(Ellie's aged housekeeper) has everything turned up side down. Rose is very confused and the furniture is moved around. The care keeper is spouting religious information for her church. The plot was different which is usually good but I don't think the reader could fairly solve the crimes due to late information. This was probably one of my least favorite reads in the series. I will continue because the series has been a go to series for me and I have enjoyed the balance of the series.
Ellie comes home from being in the United States and finds her household turned around. The lady hired to care for the home and Rose(Ellie's aged housekeeper) has everything turned up side down. Rose is very confused and the furniture is moved around. The care keeper is spouting religious information for her church. The plot was different which is usually good but I don't think the reader could fairly solve the crimes due to late information. This was probably one of my least favorite reads in the series. I will continue because the series has been a go to series for me and I have enjoyed the balance of the series.
September 23, 2015
This was my first Ellie Quicke mystery and I found Veronica Heley a very good writer.
The character Claire really got to me. I really identified with Ellie coming home from a trip abroad and finding her household turned upside down--furniture moved around, her longtime cleaning crew dismissed by Claire, someone whom she barely knows and who is working for her... Everything feels like a bad dream.
And I found myself wanting to hit Claire with a big wet fish right in the face. (I'm not usually violent!) What she had done to Ellie's home felt as if it had been done to me. That's the sign of good writing.
Ellie sorts it all out and finds out just how nasty the cult Claire is part of and justice is done. Thank goodness!
The character Claire really got to me. I really identified with Ellie coming home from a trip abroad and finding her household turned upside down--furniture moved around, her longtime cleaning crew dismissed by Claire, someone whom she barely knows and who is working for her... Everything feels like a bad dream.
And I found myself wanting to hit Claire with a big wet fish right in the face. (I'm not usually violent!) What she had done to Ellie's home felt as if it had been done to me. That's the sign of good writing.
Ellie sorts it all out and finds out just how nasty the cult Claire is part of and justice is done. Thank goodness!
December 5, 2017
Ellie has returned early from a trip to the US with her husband, Thomas. He has remained behind as he has some speaking engagements at a conference there. Ellie has returned because she is worried about her friend and housekeeper, Rose. Her hastily appointed carer, Claire seems to have taken over the house in ways which immediately get Ellie's back up. When she tries to convert Ellie to her own rather strange religious beliefs things become heated and then she introduces Ellie to the charismatic and sinister Pastor Ambrose and Ellie starts to think that maybe she is the one going mad.
When Ellie finds out that Claire was implicated in the disappearance of a teenage girl her curiosity is aroused and as she gradually finds out more and more about Claire she wishes she'd never set eyes on her. Can Ellie find out what is really going on with this strange and sinister religious organisation?
I enjoyed this well written mystery. This author really does excel at creating sinister characters who are really quite plausible and charming on the surface. All the series characters are here - Midge the cat, Rose - getting very frail now, Diana, Ellie's forceful daughter and her two children and Vera, Ellie's former housekeeper and her teenage son who is a whizz on computers and who helps Ellie to solve this mystery.
If you want to read crime and mystery stories which do not contain violence and swearing but which so tackle some of the difficult issues of the twenty first century such as child abuse, alcoholism and drug abuse then I recommend this series. They are well written, well plotted and have marvellously well drawn characters. I have read and re-read all of the series several times and see something new in each one with every reading. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
When Ellie finds out that Claire was implicated in the disappearance of a teenage girl her curiosity is aroused and as she gradually finds out more and more about Claire she wishes she'd never set eyes on her. Can Ellie find out what is really going on with this strange and sinister religious organisation?
I enjoyed this well written mystery. This author really does excel at creating sinister characters who are really quite plausible and charming on the surface. All the series characters are here - Midge the cat, Rose - getting very frail now, Diana, Ellie's forceful daughter and her two children and Vera, Ellie's former housekeeper and her teenage son who is a whizz on computers and who helps Ellie to solve this mystery.
If you want to read crime and mystery stories which do not contain violence and swearing but which so tackle some of the difficult issues of the twenty first century such as child abuse, alcoholism and drug abuse then I recommend this series. They are well written, well plotted and have marvellously well drawn characters. I have read and re-read all of the series several times and see something new in each one with every reading. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
May 21, 2019
This particular novel slightly annoyed me. A dangerous character gets sort of tossed in near the end of the novel. Plus, Diana, the demanding daughter, is at her worst.
Ellie finds a caste of women ensconced in her house. It appears Diana has offered the house to all of them, because they all have been thrown out of their homes by their husbands. It turns out that the woman were having an odd online conversation about how to kill their husbands due to a mystery dinner at a country club near them—-and one of the husbands actually died in a way suggested in the messages! So, five bereft women with limited resources, in one house, along with Ellie, husband, and student renting a room make for tight circumstances.
Oops! I actually read Murder by Suggestion!
Ellie finds a caste of women ensconced in her house. It appears Diana has offered the house to all of them, because they all have been thrown out of their homes by their husbands. It turns out that the woman were having an odd online conversation about how to kill their husbands due to a mystery dinner at a country club near them—-and one of the husbands actually died in a way suggested in the messages! So, five bereft women with limited resources, in one house, along with Ellie, husband, and student renting a room make for tight circumstances.
Oops! I actually read Murder by Suggestion!
August 12, 2020
It was pretty awful. Ellie, the major player lets some charismatic leader into her house, and, after telling him, and a couple of his followers to get out, proceeds to let them stay, one even to live there for a bit. She's supposed to be this really strong woman...not a good example. She should have called the police on them when the would not leave the first time, when they entered her house with a copied key the 2nde time, but she ended up letting them stay in a board meeting, and STILL let the follower live in her house for a bit. Yuck!!!
August 10, 2017
I really like both series by this author; and the heroines, Ellie and Bea. They are similar, but different.
However, I had trouble staying with this one. I was so mad at the character, Claire, and Ellie for being timid about her that I almost put the book down without finishing it. It does get better tho. I do like the treatment of Rose as she passes away. The killer (who is a little bit of a surprise) is uncovered in the last chapter.
However, I had trouble staying with this one. I was so mad at the character, Claire, and Ellie for being timid about her that I almost put the book down without finishing it. It does get better tho. I do like the treatment of Rose as she passes away. The killer (who is a little bit of a surprise) is uncovered in the last chapter.
June 25, 2018
I almost gave this one star. I continue with this series out of habit, I think. When I started it Ellie Quick was a recently widowed woman - giving and surrounded by takers. Her demanding daughter, selfish "Aunt", bossy women at church, overbearing boss at her volunteer job. It was an interesting read. Now - Ellie is remarried and surrounded by so many good characters - boring. In this one - the mystery she solves is somewhat bizarre.
January 24, 2019
Never have I been so disappointed in this series. I found myself wanting to shake some sense into Ellie Quicke. I kept asking [to myself] how can you be so dense? I was thoroughly frustrated with her character! Book 15 was also frustrating, I am not sure I want to continue with this series!
July 24, 2025
endings
This one brought tears to my eyes. I hope Rose 🌹 will note be forgotten in the books to come. Rose like Ms. Quicke Were quite the characters in the series. Hope to finish reading the next one.
This one brought tears to my eyes. I hope Rose 🌹 will note be forgotten in the books to come. Rose like Ms. Quicke Were quite the characters in the series. Hope to finish reading the next one.
June 11, 2017
Excellent as ever, did not know who right until the end.
June 12, 2017
One of the worst books I have read, one star is too high a rating for this rubbish
September 2, 2018
I did not enjoy this book, could not identify with Ellie, and could not understand why she did not get rid of Claire. Not believable to me.
August 5, 2019
This Veronica Heley book was not as good as some of her others, but was still a good read.
October 24, 2020
I enjoy this series, will continue
October 3, 2024
Rather unpleasant - not so 'cozy' - with a cult and annoying characters. Has this series lost its heart?
February 20, 2025
This was a big let down after enjoying the series so far. There were too many things that didn't make sense and I was frustrated with the character Ellie...and so many other characters...
August 10, 2024
Awful. Full of rape and sex.
August 28, 2015
Although this book is extremely well written, I must inform you that Ellie is exactly the type of woman I don't like: a pushover. She returns from a trip to the United States to find her household changed. And not changed slightly, either: her furniture has been moved around; her food, coffee and tea has been thrown out, Rose, her elderly housekeeper, appears to be lethargic when returning from a visit to 'the Vision' with Claire, the new carer, her cleaning people have quit and been replaced with two women who refuse to listen to her and do whatever Claire has told them to do, and she discovers that people are coming the next day to paint the interior of her house green. And what does she do? Nothing! Unlike me, who would have thrown Claire out in the street immediately, she decides to keep her until a new carer is found. She even tolerates Claire allowing Pastor Ambrose into her house to try and change her mind. Why is beyond me. I would have called the police immediately and filed a restraining order against them both.
Having got that out of the way, I will continue on: when Ellie returns and finds all these disturbances, she speaks with her daughter Diana, who recommended Claire, and actually sort of shifted Claire over to her when she decided it just wouldn't work having her as a nanny. But what Diana didn't tell Ellie was that Claire was a person of interest in the disappearance of a young teenage girl. Even though Claire goes into histrionics whenever Ellie mentions sacking her, it also makes Ellie suspicious: what if there were other missing girls? Following her instincts, she asks her police officer friend Lesley to look into the matter for her. And what she finds doesn't make her happy.
With her husband Thomas still in the U.S., she must deal with Claire and the ever-present Pastor Ambrose on her own. Well, almost on her own, Mikey, the young son of an ex-employee, has for the most part been Rose's guardian angel while Ellie was gone. He has done his best, but is still a thirteen-year-old boy who had to pretty much sneak in under Claire's radar. And Ellie finds out that Ambrose has applied for monies under Ellie's trust to buy the home he rents for recovering addicts and the like, even crashing a meeting she was having with the other members of the trust. (We in the United States refer to it as a halfway house).
But when Lesley finds some disturbing information regarding Ellie's inquiry, it raises even more questions, and Lesley requests Ellie's help on the subject - which, Ellie being who she is, says no, waffles, and then agrees to help. What comes of it all is something even more sinister than even Ellie could imagine.
Now, after telling you my views on Ellie, and still giving this book four stars, that should also tell you that it is a very good book indeed. (I do not take ratings lightly, and will give no book a higher rating than it deserves). Even if you have not read any of the other Ellie Quicke books, you can start with this one, and then go back and read the others, as enough information is given that this can be read as a stand-alone. Recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, but this in no way influenced my decision.
Having got that out of the way, I will continue on: when Ellie returns and finds all these disturbances, she speaks with her daughter Diana, who recommended Claire, and actually sort of shifted Claire over to her when she decided it just wouldn't work having her as a nanny. But what Diana didn't tell Ellie was that Claire was a person of interest in the disappearance of a young teenage girl. Even though Claire goes into histrionics whenever Ellie mentions sacking her, it also makes Ellie suspicious: what if there were other missing girls? Following her instincts, she asks her police officer friend Lesley to look into the matter for her. And what she finds doesn't make her happy.
With her husband Thomas still in the U.S., she must deal with Claire and the ever-present Pastor Ambrose on her own. Well, almost on her own, Mikey, the young son of an ex-employee, has for the most part been Rose's guardian angel while Ellie was gone. He has done his best, but is still a thirteen-year-old boy who had to pretty much sneak in under Claire's radar. And Ellie finds out that Ambrose has applied for monies under Ellie's trust to buy the home he rents for recovering addicts and the like, even crashing a meeting she was having with the other members of the trust. (We in the United States refer to it as a halfway house).
But when Lesley finds some disturbing information regarding Ellie's inquiry, it raises even more questions, and Lesley requests Ellie's help on the subject - which, Ellie being who she is, says no, waffles, and then agrees to help. What comes of it all is something even more sinister than even Ellie could imagine.
Now, after telling you my views on Ellie, and still giving this book four stars, that should also tell you that it is a very good book indeed. (I do not take ratings lightly, and will give no book a higher rating than it deserves). Even if you have not read any of the other Ellie Quicke books, you can start with this one, and then go back and read the others, as enough information is given that this can be read as a stand-alone. Recommended.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, but this in no way influenced my decision.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2015
Series featuring amateur sleuth Ellie Quicke, this latest one was disappointing. When Ellie returns from a trip to America, she finds that the interim caretaker she hired has disrupted the household completely. Her care for Rose, the retired housekeeper, has worsened her condition. When Claire begs for second and third chances, Ellie gives her a hearing. But subsequent contacts with the leader of the cult which Claire is devoted to make Ellie resolve to oust Claire and find out more about she and the cult/religion she espouses.
Missing girls and elderly women dying leaving last minute wills play into the plot.
I found the whole premise of the mystery far-fetched, and with too many people involved in misguided cover-ups. And Ellie behaved in dithering and uninformed ways, leaving herself and her household in danger.
Not a winner!
Missing girls and elderly women dying leaving last minute wills play into the plot.
I found the whole premise of the mystery far-fetched, and with too many people involved in misguided cover-ups. And Ellie behaved in dithering and uninformed ways, leaving herself and her household in danger.
Not a winner!
December 6, 2015
I like the characters and the rest of the story so much more that the resolution of the missing girls. Sorry, that was just totally unbelievable. On the bright side, Diana isn't such a shrew. And I will miss Rose in future stories.
November 21, 2015
Another dark cosy
I love Ellie Quick. She is strong and independent. I have read all the books in the series and highly recommend.
I love Ellie Quick. She is strong and independent. I have read all the books in the series and highly recommend.
April 18, 2017
Started a bit slow but when it picked up - watch out. I love Ellie and her family and friends.
November 14, 2019
Remarkably, the sixteenth Ellie Quicke murder mystery is almost as entertaining as the first.
January 11, 2024
Intriguing, irritating and silly in equal measure. Started well and promised to be a cracking crime thriller. Things went downhill as it progressed and it all became a bit daft.
March 30, 2017
I do like Ellie Quicke. I really do. However, I do think she needs to grow a stronger backbone. Why does she keep letting her daughter and complete strangers walk all over her? When Ellie and Thomas go to America for a conference, they need to find someone to watch over Rose while they are away. Diana, Ellie's very difficult daughter recommends someone. Now, given Diana's track record, shouldn't that have been a red flag? But I digress. Ellie returns home to find her home not as she left it. Rose is almost incoherent, Claire, the new caregiver has scared away Ellie's team of regular housekeepers and replaced them with some members of her church. And must of Ellie's furniture has been rearranged. When Claire tries to drug Ellie does she call the police? No, she doesn't. The police don't get involved until the bodies start piling up. This is still enjoyable, but don't start with this book. Start with the first in the series, False Charity.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews