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Traveling Cook Mystery #5
Deadly Stuff
Travelling cook Jenny Starling lands a summer job catering for the conference trade at a prestigious Oxford College, but she doesn't expect murder to be either on the menu or on the syllabus. An unpopular member of a taxidermy society is found dead in Hall, and Jenny is reluctantly persuaded by the college bursar to help the suspicious police solve the case. That's easier said than done when nobody has a particularly strong motive, and absolutely everybody seems to have an iron-clad alibi.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2014
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493 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Cato
13 books100 followersJoyce Cato is a pen name of English author Jacquie Walton. She also writes under the pen names Jessie Daniels, Faith Martin and Maxine Barry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
April 6, 2019
The Oxford Mystery is the fifth in the Faith Martin series featuring Jenny Starling. In this novel, Jenny has accepted a summer position as head cook for an Oxford University that opens its doors during the summer to groups and organizations for retreats and conferences. The school’s idea is to add much needed funds to their cofers, the organizations like having the prestige of meeting in a well respected institution and Jenny’s idea is to have a confirmed place to live and guaranteed income for a few months. None of them are planning for a murder, but that’s what they get.
Maurice Raines, president of a taxidermy society Jenny dubs “The Great Jessies”, is murdered on the first day of the conference. The murder occurs in the main hall where the group meetings are held and when classes are in session the students and faculty assemble for meals, meetings, etc. Because the hall had been emptied of people either rushing to enjoy an unexpected buffet set up by Maurice or attendees participating in other lectures or demonstrations, the question arises as to who other than Maurice was in the hall. With everyone seeming to have a solid alibi, the police are stumped.
Once again, Jenny is plunged into the middle of an investigation, and once again she encounters a reluctant Detective Inspector and his Sergeant. This time, the bursar of the college has gotten wind of Jenny’s previous successes in solving murders and he is focused on as quick a resolution as possible to save the college any embarrassment. He quickly pushes Jenny into the middle of the investigation, telling the staff to take any suspicions they have directly to her. While the detective’s on the case aren’t enamored of Jenny’s help, her reputation has grown enough for them to realize she may be of some assistance. Their goal is to discover the perpetrator before Jenny, a feat their colleagues have been unable to accomplish.
Possible murderers range from a jilted lover to a jealous spouse. Who would want Maurice dead? He was pompous and often saved the plum assignments and lectures for himself, but was that any reason to murder him? Sure, he had engaged in his share of extra marital affairs, but was his wife, who was having an affair of her own, resentful enough to have murdered him? What about the wife’s lover? Did he get rid of Maurice in order to clear the way for his relationship to become more than an affair? Did one of the other taxidermists want to do away with Maurice in order to further their career?
From the beginning, there are some clues that stand out as being important, however, no one other than Jenny seems to know how they fit together. As in the previous novels featuring the junoesque cook, nothing is quite as it seems until she explains everything to the authorities. Then the reader, along with the detectives, may be sitting there wondering “How did I miss that?”
As in the other books in the Jenny Starling series, this mystery stands alone. Jenny is the only recurring character and there is only a brief reference to her earlier exploits. The mystery is well crafted, both with clues and red herrings, although I had reached the correct conclusion about the murder and other events, it was still enjoyable to read how Jenny reached her solution.
My thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. The opinions stated her are entirely my own.
Maurice Raines, president of a taxidermy society Jenny dubs “The Great Jessies”, is murdered on the first day of the conference. The murder occurs in the main hall where the group meetings are held and when classes are in session the students and faculty assemble for meals, meetings, etc. Because the hall had been emptied of people either rushing to enjoy an unexpected buffet set up by Maurice or attendees participating in other lectures or demonstrations, the question arises as to who other than Maurice was in the hall. With everyone seeming to have a solid alibi, the police are stumped.
Once again, Jenny is plunged into the middle of an investigation, and once again she encounters a reluctant Detective Inspector and his Sergeant. This time, the bursar of the college has gotten wind of Jenny’s previous successes in solving murders and he is focused on as quick a resolution as possible to save the college any embarrassment. He quickly pushes Jenny into the middle of the investigation, telling the staff to take any suspicions they have directly to her. While the detective’s on the case aren’t enamored of Jenny’s help, her reputation has grown enough for them to realize she may be of some assistance. Their goal is to discover the perpetrator before Jenny, a feat their colleagues have been unable to accomplish.
Possible murderers range from a jilted lover to a jealous spouse. Who would want Maurice dead? He was pompous and often saved the plum assignments and lectures for himself, but was that any reason to murder him? Sure, he had engaged in his share of extra marital affairs, but was his wife, who was having an affair of her own, resentful enough to have murdered him? What about the wife’s lover? Did he get rid of Maurice in order to clear the way for his relationship to become more than an affair? Did one of the other taxidermists want to do away with Maurice in order to further their career?
From the beginning, there are some clues that stand out as being important, however, no one other than Jenny seems to know how they fit together. As in the previous novels featuring the junoesque cook, nothing is quite as it seems until she explains everything to the authorities. Then the reader, along with the detectives, may be sitting there wondering “How did I miss that?”
As in the other books in the Jenny Starling series, this mystery stands alone. Jenny is the only recurring character and there is only a brief reference to her earlier exploits. The mystery is well crafted, both with clues and red herrings, although I had reached the correct conclusion about the murder and other events, it was still enjoyable to read how Jenny reached her solution.
My thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. The opinions stated her are entirely my own.
May 2, 2019
A clever plot! An enjoyable cozy mystery! Faith Martin never disappoints.
A taxidermy society is holding their conference at a university in Oxford and Jenny is hired to cook for the attendees during their stay.
The body of Maurice Raines, the somewhat tyrant president of the society who also was known to be a womanizer, is found in the university hall, stabbed in the throat.
As usual there are many suspects; the ones who have been bullied by the victim in different ways and would like to see him dead. But something is wrong with the crime scene. Who was the victim expecting, since there were two untouched coffee cups on the table? Why was the victim so adamant that all the attendees should partake of an uncharacteristic free meal offered by him?
Thanks to the author, Joffe books and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
A taxidermy society is holding their conference at a university in Oxford and Jenny is hired to cook for the attendees during their stay.
The body of Maurice Raines, the somewhat tyrant president of the society who also was known to be a womanizer, is found in the university hall, stabbed in the throat.
As usual there are many suspects; the ones who have been bullied by the victim in different ways and would like to see him dead. But something is wrong with the crime scene. Who was the victim expecting, since there were two untouched coffee cups on the table? Why was the victim so adamant that all the attendees should partake of an uncharacteristic free meal offered by him?
Thanks to the author, Joffe books and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
July 23, 2025
Jenny Starling's next three month stint as a travelling cook was at a prestigious Oxford College where a group of taxidermists were arriving for a few days of conference as it was the college's summer break. Proud of her ability to stick within the budget she'd been given, but still provide excellent meals, she gradually came to know the taxidermists, the college staff and others within the vicinity, including Maurice Raines, the society's president. Not many liked Maurice, perhaps the only person was himself. So when he was found - by Jenny herself - with a knife in his neck, quite dead, not many people were surprised. When the police arrived, they knew they had a hard job ahead of them. But of course, amateur sleuth, Jenny, would help...
The Oxford Mystery is the 5th in the Travelling Cook Mystery/Jenny Starling series by Faith Martin and I really enjoyed it. (The series title has been changed since I read my last, hence the two!!) Jenny is a clever young woman who often catches the eye of the men around her, but this time there might be romance. And once again the police are at odds - both annoyed at her interference, and admiring of her ability to sort the facts! And that amuses Jenny! Highly recommended.
The Oxford Mystery is the 5th in the Travelling Cook Mystery/Jenny Starling series by Faith Martin and I really enjoyed it. (The series title has been changed since I read my last, hence the two!!) Jenny is a clever young woman who often catches the eye of the men around her, but this time there might be romance. And once again the police are at odds - both annoyed at her interference, and admiring of her ability to sort the facts! And that amuses Jenny! Highly recommended.
March 31, 2019
Jenny Starling #5
Jenny Starling has a summer job catering at a prestigious Oxford college. But she's not expecting murder on the menu. Then womanising taxidermy society president, Maurice Raines, is found with a knife in his neck in the dining hall. Everyone is in classes at the time of his death. So, frustratingly it seems they all had an alibi. However there are many suspects, including his wife and lover.
This book was first published as "Deadly Stuff" under Faith Martin's pen name Joyce Cato. It seems everywhere Jenny gets a job there's a murder but then there wouldn't be this lovely murder mystery series if there wasn't. Jenny is working at St. Bede's college Oxford catering for their conference business. It's at one of the first conferences that the body of Maurice Raines is found. Local police officers DS Peter Trent and DI Trevor Golder are willing to accept any help Jenny can give them. I really like this cozy murder mystery series. Jenny is a likeable character. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jenny Starling has a summer job catering at a prestigious Oxford college. But she's not expecting murder on the menu. Then womanising taxidermy society president, Maurice Raines, is found with a knife in his neck in the dining hall. Everyone is in classes at the time of his death. So, frustratingly it seems they all had an alibi. However there are many suspects, including his wife and lover.
This book was first published as "Deadly Stuff" under Faith Martin's pen name Joyce Cato. It seems everywhere Jenny gets a job there's a murder but then there wouldn't be this lovely murder mystery series if there wasn't. Jenny is working at St. Bede's college Oxford catering for their conference business. It's at one of the first conferences that the body of Maurice Raines is found. Local police officers DS Peter Trent and DI Trevor Golder are willing to accept any help Jenny can give them. I really like this cozy murder mystery series. Jenny is a likeable character. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2019
Please note this book was first published as “DEADLY STUFF” under Faith Martin’s pen name JOYCE CATO.
Jenny Starling is a traveling cook and somewhat an amateur detective. When she snags a summer job working at Oxford College, she fervently hopes and prays that no murdered bodies show up. However, those prayers are not answered.
When the body of a not-particularly liked president of the taxidermy society is found with a knife in his neck, Jenny once again gets involved.
There are many suspects which keeps the level of suspense qutie high as Jenny and the police start investigating. There's the wife who is having an affair ... the multitude of women who have been used by the man ... colleagues that he has insulted, bullied, and ignored. Although not a suspect, my favorite character to watch for was Norman ... who kept showing up in the most unusual places.
Once again, this is a well written mystery with memorable characters. Although this is 4th in the series, it is easily read as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley / Books n All Promotions for the advanced digital copy of this engaging crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 12, 2019
It wouldn't be a British whodunit series without at least one of the tales taking place in a bastion of higher education! This, the fifth of the scrumptious Jenny Starling series, takes place in one of the hallowed colleges of Oxford.
I must admit I found this book, which was significantly shorter than previous offerings, not quite as riveting a read but we are given a further peak into Jenny's private life, which was most fascinating, when she sets eyes (and lips!) on a gorgeously available male attending a conference at the college.
An entertaining, if icky, murder mystery centred around a Taxidermists Convention, we are treated to a puzzling investigation that is solved with Jenny's usual low key aplomb, much to the consternation of both the investigating officers and the murderer.
I loved the inclusion of Norman, the escape artist chameleon - very entertaining.
I must admit I found this book, which was significantly shorter than previous offerings, not quite as riveting a read but we are given a further peak into Jenny's private life, which was most fascinating, when she sets eyes (and lips!) on a gorgeously available male attending a conference at the college.
An entertaining, if icky, murder mystery centred around a Taxidermists Convention, we are treated to a puzzling investigation that is solved with Jenny's usual low key aplomb, much to the consternation of both the investigating officers and the murderer.
I loved the inclusion of Norman, the escape artist chameleon - very entertaining.
April 17, 2019
This fifth book in the Jenny Starling series was a bit disappointing for me. Not because of the setting (beautiful Oxford college), or the plot (very nicely found) or the writing (flows nicely) or the characters.
No, I am a bit disappointed because there is just not enough cooking in this book; the emphasis lays clearly on solving the crime. And since we already know that Jenny will always solve the crime, due to her unique way of thinking, there are no surprises.
Jenny goes to work in a beautiful old Oxford college, where during the summer holidays the halls are rented out to different groups of people, mostly for holding conferences. Jenny is a little surprised when the group she will be cooking for consists of taxidermists, but hey, they have to eat, don't they?
But what are they eating? Jenny doesn't do any cooking herself, this time. There is a large staff and all she has to do is keep an eye on things. Although there is a nice recipe for a herb omelette, and a recipe for porridge (mixed feelings), Jenny just wanders around, talking to people and thus solving the murder.
Nice read but I hope that in the next book Jenny does some real cooking again.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this digital copy.
No, I am a bit disappointed because there is just not enough cooking in this book; the emphasis lays clearly on solving the crime. And since we already know that Jenny will always solve the crime, due to her unique way of thinking, there are no surprises.
Jenny goes to work in a beautiful old Oxford college, where during the summer holidays the halls are rented out to different groups of people, mostly for holding conferences. Jenny is a little surprised when the group she will be cooking for consists of taxidermists, but hey, they have to eat, don't they?
But what are they eating? Jenny doesn't do any cooking herself, this time. There is a large staff and all she has to do is keep an eye on things. Although there is a nice recipe for a herb omelette, and a recipe for porridge (mixed feelings), Jenny just wanders around, talking to people and thus solving the murder.
Nice read but I hope that in the next book Jenny does some real cooking again.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this digital copy.
March 30, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of The Oxford Mystery, the fifth novel to feature travelling cook and amateur sleuth Jenny Starling.
Jenny accepts a summer job at St Bede’s College, Oxford catering their conference business but she has been there twenty four hours when she stumbles across the dead body of Maurice Raines, chairman of the Greater Ribble Valley & Jessop Taxidermy Society.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Oxford Mystery which is a light hearted read with an ingenious solution. As ever in this series it relies on Jenny’s knowledge of human nature and ability to put snippets of fact and gossip together into a cogent whole. The information is all there but while I guessed some of it I missed the massive twist and the why. Nevertheless it is fun trying to work out where Ms Martin is going. I don’t read many cosy mysteries as they tend to lack sufficient grit and realism for my taste but I enjoy this series for the puzzle, the lighthearted tone and the gentle humour. It’s like stepping back in time to a more innocent time despite the range of human passion on display.
Jenny is a good protagonist for the series, fairly perfect in her physical appearance, intelligence and people skills. It adds to the feel good factor and lightness in the novel.
The Oxford Mystery is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Jenny accepts a summer job at St Bede’s College, Oxford catering their conference business but she has been there twenty four hours when she stumbles across the dead body of Maurice Raines, chairman of the Greater Ribble Valley & Jessop Taxidermy Society.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Oxford Mystery which is a light hearted read with an ingenious solution. As ever in this series it relies on Jenny’s knowledge of human nature and ability to put snippets of fact and gossip together into a cogent whole. The information is all there but while I guessed some of it I missed the massive twist and the why. Nevertheless it is fun trying to work out where Ms Martin is going. I don’t read many cosy mysteries as they tend to lack sufficient grit and realism for my taste but I enjoy this series for the puzzle, the lighthearted tone and the gentle humour. It’s like stepping back in time to a more innocent time despite the range of human passion on display.
Jenny is a good protagonist for the series, fairly perfect in her physical appearance, intelligence and people skills. It adds to the feel good factor and lightness in the novel.
The Oxford Mystery is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 29, 2019
A 3.5 rounded up.
I loved the setting at Oxford and the quirky taxidermist society conference attendees. The murder happened quickly enough (in chapter three of ten) leaving the main of the book for solving it. There were many suspects and the culprit fairly clear (along with the Why) but there was also a secondary murder plot entwined that made for a neat twist. Also to the good here, Jenny has a bit of a romance with a man she meets and the fact of people being agog when they take in her size and find her attractive waned considerably. So too have the "Junoesque" mentions. This reader was pleased, indeed.
Oddly, Jenny is so involved in the investigation and so central to it that there's little going on in the way of her cooking or interacting with her kitchen staff. I often found myself wondering when we'd get around to that but it didn't really happen. I like that in each book the way Jenny interacts and solves the crime is a bit different but this is the least she's been involved in her actual profession and it wasn't my favourite. Inspector Morse is often referenced in the story and I have to say, this did feel more like that than a Jenny Starling adventure. Again, not a bad thing but not quite on brand. Points to Norman, the wily lizard in this one that escapes his habitat regularly and keeps a wry eye on things. He must know Herman from the last book. Perhaps there's an amphibian and reptile conference happening at St. Bede's as well. I still want the details on the professor's snake and the dishwasher.
While I didn't love it like the last, it's still a very good mystery and not one in the series I'd advise skipping. I'm looking forward to the next.
I loved the setting at Oxford and the quirky taxidermist society conference attendees. The murder happened quickly enough (in chapter three of ten) leaving the main of the book for solving it. There were many suspects and the culprit fairly clear (along with the Why) but there was also a secondary murder plot entwined that made for a neat twist. Also to the good here, Jenny has a bit of a romance with a man she meets and the fact of people being agog when they take in her size and find her attractive waned considerably. So too have the "Junoesque" mentions. This reader was pleased, indeed.
Oddly, Jenny is so involved in the investigation and so central to it that there's little going on in the way of her cooking or interacting with her kitchen staff. I often found myself wondering when we'd get around to that but it didn't really happen. I like that in each book the way Jenny interacts and solves the crime is a bit different but this is the least she's been involved in her actual profession and it wasn't my favourite. Inspector Morse is often referenced in the story and I have to say, this did feel more like that than a Jenny Starling adventure. Again, not a bad thing but not quite on brand. Points to Norman, the wily lizard in this one that escapes his habitat regularly and keeps a wry eye on things. He must know Herman from the last book. Perhaps there's an amphibian and reptile conference happening at St. Bede's as well. I still want the details on the professor's snake and the dishwasher.
While I didn't love it like the last, it's still a very good mystery and not one in the series I'd advise skipping. I'm looking forward to the next.
April 10, 2023
( Warning : I'm writing in English, but it's not my native language, so please forgive any grammar and form errors)
This book was proposed by me in a mystery reading group and since it was chosen I employed all my good will to complete the reading, despite the fact that it was boring and devoid of investigation, actually the mystery solution had already been guessed by the protagonist even before finding a clue.
---> Usually a clue is found and then hypotheses are formulated... the main character here had already guessed everything from the beginning, she only needed that "particular proof" to prove that her great intelligence and deduction had hit the spot again! ABSURD, NONSENSE !
There is no real investigation, until halfway through the book it's just a continuous chatter that doesn't lead to anything interesting and there are no clues found, striking twists, involuntarily overheard conversations that reveal who knows what new track (only halfway through the book a witness tells of having seen someone leave the murder room)... the protagonist is completely disinterested in investigations and is so "intelligent" that by dint of "thinking" she arrives at solutions...
____WARNING : I try not to write SPOILERS, but some element of what I say could spoil your reading:
Practically the whole investigation of the protagonist is based on the discovery of a phone, which is not the dead man's phone or even of the killer's phone and therefore it's not clear the real reason why the so "intelligent and cunning" cook has the sixth sense that the object must be searched for and found.
At about halfway through the book they finally find the phone and when you reader read the last message on the phone you can immediately guess the dynamics of the murder, who was the real target, who stole the phone from the rightful owner and for what purpose, who wanted to kill who... at least I got there quickly and I don't consider myself a superior intelligence, so I think many readers have figured it out and I underline again that the protagonist had guessed it even before finding the phone (perhaps she had the crystal ball in her room !)
Another absurd thing in the book is that despite the discovery of the phone and the message (after having already spoken with the witnesses and other people related to the victim), the policeman, initially presented as an intelligent and insightful person, suddenly becomes "obtuse to the nth degree" and has to ask to the "super smart" cook how things really went.
The cook "doesn't want to intrude" (really? Or are you just a bitch and don't care about helping a dull policeman?) and so every answer to the inspector is a useless and boring round of words that goes on for chapters and chapters to explain what is now obvious even for the reader, ergo the author wants to keep the suspense, but since it is easy to guess the truth, there is no suspense at all.
I felt a great annoyance in reading responses by the cook that didn't really tell anything to the police men, I think the author only wanted to continue writing the book for many more superfluous chapters to keep it interesting, then offer the reader all the truth that actually had already been guessed.
The atmosphere of the college seemed to me an interesting scenario, but actually the book gave me a dark and oppressive sensation, made worse by the fact that the college hosts a conference of taxidermists ( well, that's my fault, cause I read it in the plot ).
I regret having proposed this book from the beginning when the stuffed animals were mentioned too many times, then I hoped to be involved in the investigation (scooby-doo manages to investigate better) and by the characters, but I can't even get attached to the protagonist who comes across as cold and distant throughout the book and mostly described physically without really knowing anything about her personality, just that her work comes first. She will be charming to men with her height and curves, but she has nothing in character that would make me miss her once I finish the book.
The author tells how Junoesque but attractive is the main character ( oh and how many times it's repeated throughout the book...surely when you finish the book you can't forget how exactly tall the protagonist is ), but actually nothing is known of her private life apart from that she is an itinerant cook, a personality that can inspire sympathy, to which one can become attached, is not highlighted.
Since the flirtation with one of the conference members is just mentioned...it doesn't make any sense to me.
I know I love a book by 3 things : I can't put it down, I look forward to the company of the characters when I'm doing other things and can't read, I'm sorry when I have finished the book and I miss those characters so much.
---> Instead I couldn't wait to finish this mystery to get rid of it !!
It has happened to me other times in the past to read some books that were boring and "nonsense" to me even if belonging to series that I really love and written by authors that I usually adore (it even happened to me with 2 books by Agatha Christie which is number 1 to me), but when it happens that the bad reading ( in my taste of course ) is the "first approach" to an author or a series, as this is the case, well to me it's a "goodbye and never again".
This book was proposed by me in a mystery reading group and since it was chosen I employed all my good will to complete the reading, despite the fact that it was boring and devoid of investigation, actually the mystery solution had already been guessed by the protagonist even before finding a clue.
---> Usually a clue is found and then hypotheses are formulated... the main character here had already guessed everything from the beginning, she only needed that "particular proof" to prove that her great intelligence and deduction had hit the spot again! ABSURD, NONSENSE !
There is no real investigation, until halfway through the book it's just a continuous chatter that doesn't lead to anything interesting and there are no clues found, striking twists, involuntarily overheard conversations that reveal who knows what new track (only halfway through the book a witness tells of having seen someone leave the murder room)... the protagonist is completely disinterested in investigations and is so "intelligent" that by dint of "thinking" she arrives at solutions...
____WARNING : I try not to write SPOILERS, but some element of what I say could spoil your reading:
Practically the whole investigation of the protagonist is based on the discovery of a phone, which is not the dead man's phone or even of the killer's phone and therefore it's not clear the real reason why the so "intelligent and cunning" cook has the sixth sense that the object must be searched for and found.
At about halfway through the book they finally find the phone and when you reader read the last message on the phone you can immediately guess the dynamics of the murder, who was the real target, who stole the phone from the rightful owner and for what purpose, who wanted to kill who... at least I got there quickly and I don't consider myself a superior intelligence, so I think many readers have figured it out and I underline again that the protagonist had guessed it even before finding the phone (perhaps she had the crystal ball in her room !)
Another absurd thing in the book is that despite the discovery of the phone and the message (after having already spoken with the witnesses and other people related to the victim), the policeman, initially presented as an intelligent and insightful person, suddenly becomes "obtuse to the nth degree" and has to ask to the "super smart" cook how things really went.
The cook "doesn't want to intrude" (really? Or are you just a bitch and don't care about helping a dull policeman?) and so every answer to the inspector is a useless and boring round of words that goes on for chapters and chapters to explain what is now obvious even for the reader, ergo the author wants to keep the suspense, but since it is easy to guess the truth, there is no suspense at all.
I felt a great annoyance in reading responses by the cook that didn't really tell anything to the police men, I think the author only wanted to continue writing the book for many more superfluous chapters to keep it interesting, then offer the reader all the truth that actually had already been guessed.
The atmosphere of the college seemed to me an interesting scenario, but actually the book gave me a dark and oppressive sensation, made worse by the fact that the college hosts a conference of taxidermists ( well, that's my fault, cause I read it in the plot ).
I regret having proposed this book from the beginning when the stuffed animals were mentioned too many times, then I hoped to be involved in the investigation (scooby-doo manages to investigate better) and by the characters, but I can't even get attached to the protagonist who comes across as cold and distant throughout the book and mostly described physically without really knowing anything about her personality, just that her work comes first. She will be charming to men with her height and curves, but she has nothing in character that would make me miss her once I finish the book.
The author tells how Junoesque but attractive is the main character ( oh and how many times it's repeated throughout the book...surely when you finish the book you can't forget how exactly tall the protagonist is ), but actually nothing is known of her private life apart from that she is an itinerant cook, a personality that can inspire sympathy, to which one can become attached, is not highlighted.
Since the flirtation with one of the conference members is just mentioned...it doesn't make any sense to me.
I know I love a book by 3 things : I can't put it down, I look forward to the company of the characters when I'm doing other things and can't read, I'm sorry when I have finished the book and I miss those characters so much.
---> Instead I couldn't wait to finish this mystery to get rid of it !!
It has happened to me other times in the past to read some books that were boring and "nonsense" to me even if belonging to series that I really love and written by authors that I usually adore (it even happened to me with 2 books by Agatha Christie which is number 1 to me), but when it happens that the bad reading ( in my taste of course ) is the "first approach" to an author or a series, as this is the case, well to me it's a "goodbye and never again".
April 7, 2019
This is the fifth in the Jenny Starling series and, I have to admit, my favourite so far. This time, Jenny is employed by an Oxford college (St Bede's) to cook during the summer holidays for the various meetings and conferences being held there. The first society is a taxidermy one with a president called Maurice Raines, who is pompous, egotistical and a bit of a bully. He is also a Lothario, convinced that he is God's gift to women-kind. His wife also is 'playing away' and, as she has the money, is one of the first suspects after Jenny discovers Maurice's dead body in the Hall.
Jenny's reputation as a solver of crimes has preceded her and, once again, the police aren't too pleased to find her already ensconced as the fount of all wisdom but the staff are happy to bring their clues to her and, once again, she solves the crime before the police do. I'm glad that there are fewer references to her 'junoesque' stature in this book as I was finding that irritating. However, I do like the animals who are finding their way into each story. Norman the lizard doing his anthropomorphic best in this story, although I preferred the tortoise in an earlier book.
I am sure this will be as eagerly welcomed as the rest of Faith Martin's books.
Jenny's reputation as a solver of crimes has preceded her and, once again, the police aren't too pleased to find her already ensconced as the fount of all wisdom but the staff are happy to bring their clues to her and, once again, she solves the crime before the police do. I'm glad that there are fewer references to her 'junoesque' stature in this book as I was finding that irritating. However, I do like the animals who are finding their way into each story. Norman the lizard doing his anthropomorphic best in this story, although I preferred the tortoise in an earlier book.
I am sure this will be as eagerly welcomed as the rest of Faith Martin's books.
April 1, 2019
Jenny Starling is back, and preparing to cook for a conference of taxidermists in Oxford. With her usual highly acute observational skills, she is perfectly positioned to help the murder squad called in to deal with the death of the head of the taxidermy society. I missed the detailed food descriptions that were a highlight of “The Riverboat Mystery”, a previous book in the series. But all in all, another Starling mystery is a great way to while away a rainy day!
April 6, 2019
The Oxford Mystery is the fifth in the Faith Martin series featuring Jenny Starling. In this novel, Jenny has accepted a summer position as head cook for an Oxford University that opens its doors during the summer to groups and organizations for retreats and conferences. The school’s idea is to add much needed funds to their cofers, the organizations like having the prestige of meeting in a well respected institution and Jenny’s idea is to have a confirmed place to live and guaranteed income for a few months. None of them are planning for a murder, but that’s what they get.
Maurice Raines, president of a taxidermy society Jenny dubs “The Great Jessies”, is murdered on the first day of the conference. The murder occurs in the main hall where the group meetings are held and when classes are in session the students and faculty assemble for meals, meetings, etc. Because the hall had been emptied of people either rushing to enjoy an unexpected buffet set up by Maurice or attendees participating in other lectures or demonstrations, the question arises as to who other than Maurice was in the hall. With everyone seeming to have a solid alibi, the police are stumped.
Once again, Jenny is plunged into the middle of an investigation, and once again she encounters a reluctant Detective Inspector and his Sergeant. This time, the bursar of the college has gotten wind of Jenny’s previous successes in solving murders and he is focused on as quick a resolution as possible to save the college any embarrassment. He quickly pushes Jenny into the middle of the investigation, telling the staff to take any suspicions they have directly to her. While the detective’s on the case aren’t enamored of Jenny’s help, her reputation has grown enough for them to realize she may be of some assistance. Their goal is to discover the perpetrator before Jenny, a feat their colleagues have been unable to accomplish.
Possible murderers range from a jilted lover to a jealous spouse. Who would want Maurice dead? He was pompous and often saved the plum assignments and lectures for himself, but was that any reason to murder him? Sure, he had engaged in his share of extra marital affairs, but was his wife, who was having an affair of her own, resentful enough to have murdered him? What about the wife’s lover? Did he get rid of Maurice in order to clear the way for his relationship to become more than an affair? Did one of the other taxidermists want to do away with Maurice in order to further their career?
From the beginning, there are some clues that stand out as being important, however, no one other than Jenny seems to know how they fit together. As in the previous novels featuring the junoesque cook, nothing is quite as it seems until she explains everything to the authorities. Then the reader, along with the detectives, may be sitting there wondering “How did I miss that?”
As in the other books in the Jenny Starling series, this mystery stands alone. Jenny is the only recurring character and there is only a brief reference to her earlier exploits. The mystery is well crafted, both with clues and red herrings, although I had reached the correct conclusion about the murder and other events, it was still enjoyable to read how Jenny reached her solution.
My thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. The opinions stated her are entirely my own.
Maurice Raines, president of a taxidermy society Jenny dubs “The Great Jessies”, is murdered on the first day of the conference. The murder occurs in the main hall where the group meetings are held and when classes are in session the students and faculty assemble for meals, meetings, etc. Because the hall had been emptied of people either rushing to enjoy an unexpected buffet set up by Maurice or attendees participating in other lectures or demonstrations, the question arises as to who other than Maurice was in the hall. With everyone seeming to have a solid alibi, the police are stumped.
Once again, Jenny is plunged into the middle of an investigation, and once again she encounters a reluctant Detective Inspector and his Sergeant. This time, the bursar of the college has gotten wind of Jenny’s previous successes in solving murders and he is focused on as quick a resolution as possible to save the college any embarrassment. He quickly pushes Jenny into the middle of the investigation, telling the staff to take any suspicions they have directly to her. While the detective’s on the case aren’t enamored of Jenny’s help, her reputation has grown enough for them to realize she may be of some assistance. Their goal is to discover the perpetrator before Jenny, a feat their colleagues have been unable to accomplish.
Possible murderers range from a jilted lover to a jealous spouse. Who would want Maurice dead? He was pompous and often saved the plum assignments and lectures for himself, but was that any reason to murder him? Sure, he had engaged in his share of extra marital affairs, but was his wife, who was having an affair of her own, resentful enough to have murdered him? What about the wife’s lover? Did he get rid of Maurice in order to clear the way for his relationship to become more than an affair? Did one of the other taxidermists want to do away with Maurice in order to further their career?
From the beginning, there are some clues that stand out as being important, however, no one other than Jenny seems to know how they fit together. As in the previous novels featuring the junoesque cook, nothing is quite as it seems until she explains everything to the authorities. Then the reader, along with the detectives, may be sitting there wondering “How did I miss that?”
As in the other books in the Jenny Starling series, this mystery stands alone. Jenny is the only recurring character and there is only a brief reference to her earlier exploits. The mystery is well crafted, both with clues and red herrings, although I had reached the correct conclusion about the murder and other events, it was still enjoyable to read how Jenny reached her solution.
My thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. The opinions stated her are entirely my own.
March 22, 2022
It's the summer break and the University halls etc have been let out to a taxidermy society for their conference. Jenny has been hired to attend to cater for all the various organisations making use of the premises during the vac. A good way to bring in some much needed money to the University. The chair of the society, Maurice, is generally admired as a first class taxidermist who like a few other members has his own business but he also has a reputation for chatting up the ladies - after all he is the most intelligent, accomplished and good looking man in the vicinity, isnt he? The society's treasurer is not too pleased with him since as usual he is accepting all the compliments on the arrangements while she has been the one left to set it all up.
Various talks and demonstrations have been arranged and Maurice always has to have the most prestigious time and venue so it is somewhat of a surprise when on this occasion he is satisfied with simply welcoming everyone on the first day before sending them on their way to whichever demonstration they have chosen, while the main hall is made ready with various exhibits and sales tables.
Lunch is not included so having made her preparations for dinner Jenny goes for a stroll. Passing the Hall she is surprised to see it open and apparently empty considering everything which is now in it and she goes in for a closer look. Needless to say it is not empty but the occupant is past caring one way or the other.
Various talks and demonstrations have been arranged and Maurice always has to have the most prestigious time and venue so it is somewhat of a surprise when on this occasion he is satisfied with simply welcoming everyone on the first day before sending them on their way to whichever demonstration they have chosen, while the main hall is made ready with various exhibits and sales tables.
Lunch is not included so having made her preparations for dinner Jenny goes for a stroll. Passing the Hall she is surprised to see it open and apparently empty considering everything which is now in it and she goes in for a closer look. Needless to say it is not empty but the occupant is past caring one way or the other.
April 9, 2019
Jenny Starling has a three month assignment in her job as a traveling cook. She is delighted. She has a prestigious job at a prestigious university and she will be soon serving several taxidermists who are there at a convention. While Jenny is thinking up a choice menu, an unnamed person is plotting murder.
When taxidermy president Maurice Raines is found murdered, Jenny quickly slips into her effective role as an amateur sleuth. With all of the conventioneers having strong alibis, both Jenny and the police definitely have their work cut out for them.
As it is, Jenny is dividing her time between cooking and sleuthing, but this time she also has a romantic interest. In this series to-date, Jenny’s focus has never been directed towards romance. It was a delight to see something blooming in that direction. I am not sure what is next for this series, but I certainly look forward to seeing more of Jenny in the future.
Many thanks to Joffe Books, Books n All Promotions and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Formerly published as Deadly Stuff under Faith Martin’s pen name Joyce Cato.
When taxidermy president Maurice Raines is found murdered, Jenny quickly slips into her effective role as an amateur sleuth. With all of the conventioneers having strong alibis, both Jenny and the police definitely have their work cut out for them.
As it is, Jenny is dividing her time between cooking and sleuthing, but this time she also has a romantic interest. In this series to-date, Jenny’s focus has never been directed towards romance. It was a delight to see something blooming in that direction. I am not sure what is next for this series, but I certainly look forward to seeing more of Jenny in the future.
Many thanks to Joffe Books, Books n All Promotions and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Formerly published as Deadly Stuff under Faith Martin’s pen name Joyce Cato.
May 14, 2019
Good plot shame the writing is so flowery
This is the first book I've read by this author. My overall impression is that it would benefit from a really good professional edit. Too many of the sentences are over long and repetitive. It's a shame as the narrative is generally quite good. However at times it reads like a Victorian novel in its use or overuse of flowery language.
This is the first book I've read by this author. My overall impression is that it would benefit from a really good professional edit. Too many of the sentences are over long and repetitive. It's a shame as the narrative is generally quite good. However at times it reads like a Victorian novel in its use or overuse of flowery language.
April 12, 2019
Get Stuffed!
Get stuffed! I enjoyed the unusual group of subjects and was entertained to the point that I would recommend this book to all mystery and thriller fans . I am a big fan of the author and her main characters.
Get stuffed! I enjoyed the unusual group of subjects and was entertained to the point that I would recommend this book to all mystery and thriller fans . I am a big fan of the author and her main characters.
May 4, 2019
I wanted to applaud loudly when I finished this book. The ending is superb with an amazing twist which I will not give away. It is the perfect English cozy mystery set at an Oxford college. Jenny Starling has been hired to supervise the cooking during the summer conference season. The first conference is a group of taxidermists. Taxidermy is not my favorite subject, so I am happy to report that it is not a focus of this book. The author writes more about the taxidermists’ quirky personalities, than the particulars of their work. Let the murder and mayhem begin...
August 12, 2024
getting repetitive
I think this series has run its course for me. I could write them myself after reading a few - character names and locations change but the plot is way too predictable. Go to another town, just happen to be where a murder happens, be smarter than the police, be sweetly befuddled that they didn’t figure out what you figured out…nothing too creative or exciting.
I think this series has run its course for me. I could write them myself after reading a few - character names and locations change but the plot is way too predictable. Go to another town, just happen to be where a murder happens, be smarter than the police, be sweetly befuddled that they didn’t figure out what you figured out…nothing too creative or exciting.
July 19, 2024
This was another enjoyable crime mystery with Jenny Starling, travelling cook - this time in an Oxford college.
Great twisty plot, a good mix of characters and a brilliant sense of place.
Well-written, engaging and entertaining.
Recommended.
Great twisty plot, a good mix of characters and a brilliant sense of place.
Well-written, engaging and entertaining.
Recommended.
June 22, 2019
Description
THE OXFORD MYSTERY by Faith Martin Discover a new series of whodunits by million-selling author Faith Martin. These charming mysteries will have you scratching your head to work out who the murderer is.
Meet Jenny Starling: travelling cook and reluctant amateur detective.
Please note this book was first published as “DEADLY STUFF” under Faith Martin’s pen name JOYCE CATO.
Jenny Starling has a summer job cooking at a prestigious Oxford college. But she’s not expecting murder on the menu.
Then womanising taxidermy society president, Maurice Raines, is found with a knife in his neck in the dining hall. Everyone is in classes at the time of his death. So, frustratingly it seems they all have an alibi. However there are many suspects, including Maurice’s wife and his lover. The college and police need Jenny’s help to solve this perplexing case. But can Jenny keep her concentration with a budding romance on the cards?
This is the fifth in a series of enjoyable murder mysteries with a great cast of characters and baffling crimes which will keep you in suspense to the final page.
Perfect for fans of classic whodunits by authors like Agatha Christie, LJ Ross, TE Kinsey, and J.R. Ellis.
JENNY STARLING In her late twenties, Jenny Starling is an impressive woman. Physically, she stands at 6ft 1inch, and has shoulder-length black hair and blue eyes. Curvaceous and sexy, she’s a modern single woman, living the lifestyle that suits her – that of a travelling cook. Her famous (and now very rich) father, is a ‘celebrity’ cook, divorced from Jenny’s mother. Jenny drives a disreputable cherry-red van, and is happy travelling the country catering events and cooking great food. She is on a one-woman crusade to bring back ‘real’ food. And definitely doesn’t like having to divert her attention from achieving the perfect Dundee cake or creating a new sauce recipe by having to solve a murder. She finds crime very distracting, especially when there is chocolate to temper or pike to poach. Nevertheless, she is very good at reading people, and with a quick and agile brain, becomes very good at unmasking killers. And her always-undaunted sense of humour goes a long way in keeping her sane when all around her people are dropping like flies. THE AUTHOR FAITH MARTIN is the best-selling author of the DETECTIVE HILLARY GREENE mysteries, which have sold over 1 million copies globally in just over a year.
My Review:
The fifth in the series, and by far one of my favorite. I loved this book. Easy to read and how can you not enjoy a good story about a murder in oxford.
This book kept me glued to every page until the very end. Excellent work and I cannot wait until the next installment.
This book was provided to me for free in exchange for my honest opinion.
So, go out right now and buy the book, it is a great mystery and you will not be disappointed.
THE OXFORD MYSTERY by Faith Martin Discover a new series of whodunits by million-selling author Faith Martin. These charming mysteries will have you scratching your head to work out who the murderer is.
Meet Jenny Starling: travelling cook and reluctant amateur detective.
Please note this book was first published as “DEADLY STUFF” under Faith Martin’s pen name JOYCE CATO.
Jenny Starling has a summer job cooking at a prestigious Oxford college. But she’s not expecting murder on the menu.
Then womanising taxidermy society president, Maurice Raines, is found with a knife in his neck in the dining hall. Everyone is in classes at the time of his death. So, frustratingly it seems they all have an alibi. However there are many suspects, including Maurice’s wife and his lover. The college and police need Jenny’s help to solve this perplexing case. But can Jenny keep her concentration with a budding romance on the cards?
This is the fifth in a series of enjoyable murder mysteries with a great cast of characters and baffling crimes which will keep you in suspense to the final page.
Perfect for fans of classic whodunits by authors like Agatha Christie, LJ Ross, TE Kinsey, and J.R. Ellis.
JENNY STARLING In her late twenties, Jenny Starling is an impressive woman. Physically, she stands at 6ft 1inch, and has shoulder-length black hair and blue eyes. Curvaceous and sexy, she’s a modern single woman, living the lifestyle that suits her – that of a travelling cook. Her famous (and now very rich) father, is a ‘celebrity’ cook, divorced from Jenny’s mother. Jenny drives a disreputable cherry-red van, and is happy travelling the country catering events and cooking great food. She is on a one-woman crusade to bring back ‘real’ food. And definitely doesn’t like having to divert her attention from achieving the perfect Dundee cake or creating a new sauce recipe by having to solve a murder. She finds crime very distracting, especially when there is chocolate to temper or pike to poach. Nevertheless, she is very good at reading people, and with a quick and agile brain, becomes very good at unmasking killers. And her always-undaunted sense of humour goes a long way in keeping her sane when all around her people are dropping like flies. THE AUTHOR FAITH MARTIN is the best-selling author of the DETECTIVE HILLARY GREENE mysteries, which have sold over 1 million copies globally in just over a year.
My Review:
The fifth in the series, and by far one of my favorite. I loved this book. Easy to read and how can you not enjoy a good story about a murder in oxford.
This book kept me glued to every page until the very end. Excellent work and I cannot wait until the next installment.
This book was provided to me for free in exchange for my honest opinion.
So, go out right now and buy the book, it is a great mystery and you will not be disappointed.
February 14, 2020
By now, I'm accustomed to this unusual structure for a cozy mystery, and I pay particular attention to the gossip and people before the first body appears. I guessed the victim early-on and had the culprit nailed down (as one-of-two shortlisted). That's not to say, this isn't an enjoyable read: it is. I'm glad to see Jenny have a bit of romance even if it is presented in the same smug manner as Jenny herself. She's not a feminist icon, but the way the authors describe her, Jenny comes across as if the author has an ax to grind or a point to prove. With so little of her backstory or personal self-reflection in yet another installment, our Sleuth still seems rather one-dimensional. We're told many things about her but not shown much.
Her parents and their stories are compelling and exciting, and I'd love to see how their influence colors her profession and lifestyle choices. In this story, we're told she's discerning about choosing her romantic partners as if there were a whole slew of other eligible men all vying to get with her. That's not the case we're shown. A large, full-figured Amazonian conquest might be appealing at a visceral level, but regardless of the initial interest, it never seems to go beyond physiological titillation. Most of these interested men are married or older or both, so there's no real sexual tension involved in their interactions. It's all just the narration telling us there's some spark of interest or that many men are aroused by novelty, and Jenny is undoubtedly novel in her Junoesque arrival.
I keep hoping that the Sergeant from the Riverboat Mystery will reappear. I liked their chemistry -- She loves to cook, and he loves to eat! Also, they were both intelligent and good at a sly jab or two. Unless I missed it, I think he was single and interested, but Jenny never says much about why she wouldn't get with him. I'd love to see her get a stable assignment at a place like that castle, and because she's dating a copper, she gets pulled into a case. She'd be great going undercover to "help out" in the kitchen as the kerfuffle uproots ordinary life -- all the while, reporting to her boyfriend and his coworkers about casual conversations and her astute observations. I think such a scenario plays to her strengths while also allowing Jenny to grow and evolve. This scenario would, of course, require giving more room to the secondary storyline of her personal life, which is something the authors still seem reluctant to do. Creating stand-alone cases can be done whilst also inserting a bit more of a series arc.
I've already tucked in with the next installment in the series because I find Jenny a compelling and astute sleuth. Because of the unusual structure of these books, I think fans of the Cozy Mystery genre should check out this series, and I recommend it.
Her parents and their stories are compelling and exciting, and I'd love to see how their influence colors her profession and lifestyle choices. In this story, we're told she's discerning about choosing her romantic partners as if there were a whole slew of other eligible men all vying to get with her. That's not the case we're shown. A large, full-figured Amazonian conquest might be appealing at a visceral level, but regardless of the initial interest, it never seems to go beyond physiological titillation. Most of these interested men are married or older or both, so there's no real sexual tension involved in their interactions. It's all just the narration telling us there's some spark of interest or that many men are aroused by novelty, and Jenny is undoubtedly novel in her Junoesque arrival.
I keep hoping that the Sergeant from the Riverboat Mystery will reappear. I liked their chemistry -- She loves to cook, and he loves to eat! Also, they were both intelligent and good at a sly jab or two. Unless I missed it, I think he was single and interested, but Jenny never says much about why she wouldn't get with him. I'd love to see her get a stable assignment at a place like that castle, and because she's dating a copper, she gets pulled into a case. She'd be great going undercover to "help out" in the kitchen as the kerfuffle uproots ordinary life -- all the while, reporting to her boyfriend and his coworkers about casual conversations and her astute observations. I think such a scenario plays to her strengths while also allowing Jenny to grow and evolve. This scenario would, of course, require giving more room to the secondary storyline of her personal life, which is something the authors still seem reluctant to do. Creating stand-alone cases can be done whilst also inserting a bit more of a series arc.
I've already tucked in with the next installment in the series because I find Jenny a compelling and astute sleuth. Because of the unusual structure of these books, I think fans of the Cozy Mystery genre should check out this series, and I recommend it.
April 28, 2019
Thanks to Joffre Books and Netgalley for a review copy of this eBook. The views expressed are my own.
This is a slick whodunit murder mystery with a standout amateur detective, Jenny Starlight who is also a professional cook. It is set at an Oxford University college during summer recess when the college does a steady business hosting conferences. Jenny is hired to do the catering for the summer conferences, and later it develops she has some sleuthing talent.
The first conference is a group of taxidermists, the Greater Ribble Valley & Jessop Taxidermy Society. It is run by Maurice Raines who early on is found dead by Jenny in a deserted conference hall, stabbed in the throat. The police are called in and find there's several potential murderers. Maurice was not well regarded and had a penchant for chasing women while away from his wealthy wife. She and her boyfriend are targets of the police investigation. Jenny's reputation as an amateur detective is soon discovered and Detective Inspector Trevor Golder reluctantly decides he cannot ignore her talents. It's a complicated investigation, with numerous red herrings to occupy Inspector Golder and his sergeant, but with perseverance and Jenny's assistance the killer is identified.
Jenny is the star of the show, a witty and assured person, who skillfully manages to help the police without provoking their ire for interfering in their work. The police characters are benign, readers don't get to know about their personal lives at all; the story is not about them unlike some police procedural novels. However, they are competent and pleasant officers. Readers learn a little about each of the suspects, but their backgrounds do not dominant the story. The portrayal of the college's bureaucrats is hilarious, and an accurate.sendup of organizational management. It's essentially a story about the crime and the search for the killer, without a lot of drama, social or political commentary. Norman the chameleon is a good touch of whimsy too. It's the fifth of a series, but can easily be read as a standalone. RECOMMENDED: It's a smoothly written whodunit mystery story that is easy to read and enjoy.
This is a slick whodunit murder mystery with a standout amateur detective, Jenny Starlight who is also a professional cook. It is set at an Oxford University college during summer recess when the college does a steady business hosting conferences. Jenny is hired to do the catering for the summer conferences, and later it develops she has some sleuthing talent.
The first conference is a group of taxidermists, the Greater Ribble Valley & Jessop Taxidermy Society. It is run by Maurice Raines who early on is found dead by Jenny in a deserted conference hall, stabbed in the throat. The police are called in and find there's several potential murderers. Maurice was not well regarded and had a penchant for chasing women while away from his wealthy wife. She and her boyfriend are targets of the police investigation. Jenny's reputation as an amateur detective is soon discovered and Detective Inspector Trevor Golder reluctantly decides he cannot ignore her talents. It's a complicated investigation, with numerous red herrings to occupy Inspector Golder and his sergeant, but with perseverance and Jenny's assistance the killer is identified.
Jenny is the star of the show, a witty and assured person, who skillfully manages to help the police without provoking their ire for interfering in their work. The police characters are benign, readers don't get to know about their personal lives at all; the story is not about them unlike some police procedural novels. However, they are competent and pleasant officers. Readers learn a little about each of the suspects, but their backgrounds do not dominant the story. The portrayal of the college's bureaucrats is hilarious, and an accurate.sendup of organizational management. It's essentially a story about the crime and the search for the killer, without a lot of drama, social or political commentary. Norman the chameleon is a good touch of whimsy too. It's the fifth of a series, but can easily be read as a standalone. RECOMMENDED: It's a smoothly written whodunit mystery story that is easy to read and enjoy.
November 17, 2019
Over recent months I've become a great fan of cozy mysteries so, when I saw this fifth book in the series featuring Jenny Starling being launched, I knew I had to read 'The Oxford Mystery'. Also, it has a culinary theme which I love and a little light humour. The first three books - The Birthday Mystery, The Winter Mystery and The Riverboat Mystery were all so good, I knew it was likely that Faith Martin had written a winner with this book, too, and I was right!
Best-seller author Faith Martin has also written the ‘Detective Hillary Greene’ mysteries.
Faith Martin’s writing skills set the scene beautifully for this novel and in this case, the drama takes place at a prestigious Oxford college. Her character development was wonderful, particularly that of Jenny, living and loving life as a travelling cook. She is happy travelling the country catering for different events and cooking great food. She doesn’t like having to divert her attention from baking delicious cakes or creating a new sauce recipe by having to solve murders. She is great at reading people and unmasking killers, always with a good dose of humour.
There are many suspects in this mystery, with clues and lots of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. It was a thoroughly satisfying read and I often found myself asking the same questions as Jenny and I was kept in suspense to the end. The pacing in The Oxford Mystery was very good and I never lost interest, as it wasn't long before something intriguing would happen. Things came together for a marvellous denouement and wrapped everything up very neatly.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next novel featuring Jenny Starling and other books by the author, Faith Martin. The Oxford Mystery whets your appetite for more to come.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Joffe Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Best-seller author Faith Martin has also written the ‘Detective Hillary Greene’ mysteries.
Faith Martin’s writing skills set the scene beautifully for this novel and in this case, the drama takes place at a prestigious Oxford college. Her character development was wonderful, particularly that of Jenny, living and loving life as a travelling cook. She is happy travelling the country catering for different events and cooking great food. She doesn’t like having to divert her attention from baking delicious cakes or creating a new sauce recipe by having to solve murders. She is great at reading people and unmasking killers, always with a good dose of humour.
There are many suspects in this mystery, with clues and lots of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. It was a thoroughly satisfying read and I often found myself asking the same questions as Jenny and I was kept in suspense to the end. The pacing in The Oxford Mystery was very good and I never lost interest, as it wasn't long before something intriguing would happen. Things came together for a marvellous denouement and wrapped everything up very neatly.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next novel featuring Jenny Starling and other books by the author, Faith Martin. The Oxford Mystery whets your appetite for more to come.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Joffe Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
May 20, 2019
This is the fifth story in the excellent new series from this author featuring travelling cook Jenny Starling, and was previously published as "Deadly Stuff" under Faith Martin's pen name Joyce Cato. Jenny is in her late twenties and stands around 6 feet tall. With her blue eyes and shoulder length black hair she cuts a curvy and attractive figure which captivates a lot of the gentlemen she meets. Jenny's mission in life is to serve good food, in fact food comes above anything else in her eyes. Unfortunately in her travels as a cook-for-hire she has become embroiled in several murder investigations and her uncanny ability to read people has helped her root out the culprit putting many a CID detective to shame! In this story Jenny's ancient cherry red van is making its way to the dreaming spires of Oxford University, She has taken a summer job at St. Bede's college which hosts conferences and events during the holidays. The advertising for these events boasts fine cuisine, so who better than Jenny to fill the position, and a lengthy contract with accommodation thrown in is not to be sniffed at. First up on the guest list is the Greater Ribble Valley & Jessop Taxidermy Society, or Great Jessies as Jenny thinks of them, a rather mixed bunch of individuals with a shared hobby. They are led by their womanising president Maurice Raines who wastes no time in getting himself murdered. Seemingly they all have motive of a sort but infuriatingly all have alibis, and our reluctant amateur detective is dragged in to aid local police in establishing the truth once again. Another baffling murder mystery story with a great cast of characters to keep the reader guessing to the last chapter.
December 14, 2019
Though I read this book a long back, I still remember the important plot points which is its biggest victory in my view point.
This is my first introduction to Jenny Starling, the 'junoesque ' cook , a total contrast to frail Ms.Marple.
Jenny Starling is a currently unemployed cook looking for a summer job that will offer a steady income and a roof over her head for a brief while. When a catering job comes her way, she quickly jumps into the pan preparing for a long, restful and boring term. Little does she know that she is going to plunge head long into a murder case !!
Maurice, an unpopular but powerful fellow who loves to wield his power over his minions is found stabbed in the dining hall . Maurice Raines has lot of 'friends' who would rather see him dead and a wife who is on a secret liaison with another man. And then we have a harem of women with whom Maurice had affairs .
Who among these killed him? Is the murderer among these menagerie or is he/she someone not in plain sight?
Jenny Starling finds herself in the middle of the murder mystery and at odds with the local police who first view her and her deductions with suspicion. They then get into competitive spirit to find the criminal before Starling can and ultimately have to cede to Starling's intuitive deductive skills.
The book is a interesting mix of taxidermy, food and mystery and stays to the spirit of Cozy Mystery. I particularly loved the fact that all the clues were out there but one is unable to stitch it together to form a logical pattern until Jenny Starling shows how.
Thankfully the romantic interlude was kept to the minimum and the focus was more on the mystery which made the book whole lot enjoyable.
The final reveal will leave you surprised for sure..
This is my first introduction to Jenny Starling, the 'junoesque ' cook , a total contrast to frail Ms.Marple.
Jenny Starling is a currently unemployed cook looking for a summer job that will offer a steady income and a roof over her head for a brief while. When a catering job comes her way, she quickly jumps into the pan preparing for a long, restful and boring term. Little does she know that she is going to plunge head long into a murder case !!
Maurice, an unpopular but powerful fellow who loves to wield his power over his minions is found stabbed in the dining hall . Maurice Raines has lot of 'friends' who would rather see him dead and a wife who is on a secret liaison with another man. And then we have a harem of women with whom Maurice had affairs .
Who among these killed him? Is the murderer among these menagerie or is he/she someone not in plain sight?
Jenny Starling finds herself in the middle of the murder mystery and at odds with the local police who first view her and her deductions with suspicion. They then get into competitive spirit to find the criminal before Starling can and ultimately have to cede to Starling's intuitive deductive skills.
The book is a interesting mix of taxidermy, food and mystery and stays to the spirit of Cozy Mystery. I particularly loved the fact that all the clues were out there but one is unable to stitch it together to form a logical pattern until Jenny Starling shows how.
Thankfully the romantic interlude was kept to the minimum and the focus was more on the mystery which made the book whole lot enjoyable.
The final reveal will leave you surprised for sure..
April 22, 2019
Jenny Starling again manages to discover the culprit, which as usual is the last person you and the police suspected. Jenny has taken on a position at Oxford's St. Bede's College for the summer. Her cooking will mainly be for conferences. The first conference is the Greater Ribble Valley & Jessop Taxidermy Society. It begins with a delicious dinner by Jenny. The President of the Society, Maurice Raines, is clearly a lady's man. His wife, Laura, who has all the money in the family is disillusioned with her marriage, and has met a very attractive younger man, Simon, who is recently divorced. While her husband is at St. Bede's, Laura has asked Simon to join her at a hotel at the beach.
The next morning, Maurice Raines arranges for everyone to leave the hall for a free lunch after his lecture where he presents a large stuffed bear. Shortly thereafter, Jenny finds his dead body with a knife sticking out of his neck. She calls for the police, answered by Detective Golder and Sargeant Trent. They are soon told the Jenny has been asked to keep her eye on the investigation and to keep the Bursar informed. Meanwhile, Simon, had received a text to meet Laura at St. Bede's, and isn't sure whether Laura had set him up while Laura is worried that Simon might have murdered her husband.
The police become convinced that Simon, the man seen leaving St. Bedes is a murderer (there have been other major suspects as well). At the end, Jenny has to tell the police what really happened.
The next morning, Maurice Raines arranges for everyone to leave the hall for a free lunch after his lecture where he presents a large stuffed bear. Shortly thereafter, Jenny finds his dead body with a knife sticking out of his neck. She calls for the police, answered by Detective Golder and Sargeant Trent. They are soon told the Jenny has been asked to keep her eye on the investigation and to keep the Bursar informed. Meanwhile, Simon, had received a text to meet Laura at St. Bede's, and isn't sure whether Laura had set him up while Laura is worried that Simon might have murdered her husband.
The police become convinced that Simon, the man seen leaving St. Bedes is a murderer (there have been other major suspects as well). At the end, Jenny has to tell the police what really happened.
March 29, 2019
I love this series. There is something about Faith’s writing that quickly draws you in and a warmth of character that you can’t help but like,This is the fifth book in the Jenny Starling series., each one I think could be a stand alone but why miss out on the rest? A travelling cook who appears to have a knack for not only being around where there is a murder but a sterling reputation for solving the crime, much to the chagrin of the local police force. This time Jenny is in the hallowed portals of St Bede’s college Oxford for the summer where a series of conferences are taking place. The first one on the agenda is that of a group of taxidermists. Loving both reading and cooking, these are just up my street and have given me several ideas for cooking- some dishes I hadn’t heard of. eg. Bacon Clanger. Maybe don’t read these if you are hungry- they may give you an appetite! I think my only criticism (and its tiny) is that we keep being reminded of Jenny’s six foot, junoesque build which is a tad repetitive. That said she is not a woman to mess with and has a nose and ears for what is around her. Who wouldn’t love her as a neighbour or friend.?Then again…..she is always around when there is a murder so perhaps not! A wonderful read to curl up with and enjoy.
April 7, 2019
Its summer vacation time and Jenny has secured the position as cook for the duration at St Bedes college. It is the conference season and the first group booked in are a taxidermist society.
All seems to be going well on the first day as all the members enjoy the meals Jenny Starling is known for.
Unfortunately Jenny finds herself once again having to step in and aid the police when the President of the society Maurice Raines is found stabbed in the neck, with a fleshing tool, in the dining hall.
Maurice not the most well liked person amongst the society members seems to have offended quite a few people, the society treasurer has been using the funds fraudulentley, add to that the fact that his wife after many years of suffering from his extra marital relationships has begun an affair of her own and there are plenty of suspects for us to choose from.
The question is can Jenny once again solve the mystery and bring the killer to justice.
A cleverly thought out plot with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Thanks to Joffe books for the opportunity to read this as an ARC , definitely looking forward to number 6 in the series now.
All seems to be going well on the first day as all the members enjoy the meals Jenny Starling is known for.
Unfortunately Jenny finds herself once again having to step in and aid the police when the President of the society Maurice Raines is found stabbed in the neck, with a fleshing tool, in the dining hall.
Maurice not the most well liked person amongst the society members seems to have offended quite a few people, the society treasurer has been using the funds fraudulentley, add to that the fact that his wife after many years of suffering from his extra marital relationships has begun an affair of her own and there are plenty of suspects for us to choose from.
The question is can Jenny once again solve the mystery and bring the killer to justice.
A cleverly thought out plot with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Thanks to Joffe books for the opportunity to read this as an ARC , definitely looking forward to number 6 in the series now.
July 21, 2019
This is the second of the Jenny Starling books I've read and it was an entertaining mystery taking place in Oxford, one of my favorite cities in England. Most of the story takes place in one of the colleges, so Oxford itself is kind of a backdrop rather than a player.
Jenny's itinerant cooking business has her feeding a conference of a society of taxidermists, and a more unloveable crowd of people you could not find. I couldn't find any one of them I would welcome as a friend. That apart, the mystery of who killed the society's president, and why, was intriguing and plausible.
I do wish that the author wouldn't constantly make reference to Jenny's shape and size - I am tired of staturesque and Junoesque descriptors and frankly find this bordering on obsession by the author. It weakens the story, too, in my opinion.
Others may not find this objectionable, and I wouldn't say NOT to read the book because of it. This cozy's an enjoyable way to pass the time. Readers who have not read any others in the series will not be at a disadvantage - there is sufficient backstory that you can read this as a stand alone.
Jenny's itinerant cooking business has her feeding a conference of a society of taxidermists, and a more unloveable crowd of people you could not find. I couldn't find any one of them I would welcome as a friend. That apart, the mystery of who killed the society's president, and why, was intriguing and plausible.
I do wish that the author wouldn't constantly make reference to Jenny's shape and size - I am tired of staturesque and Junoesque descriptors and frankly find this bordering on obsession by the author. It weakens the story, too, in my opinion.
Others may not find this objectionable, and I wouldn't say NOT to read the book because of it. This cozy's an enjoyable way to pass the time. Readers who have not read any others in the series will not be at a disadvantage - there is sufficient backstory that you can read this as a stand alone.
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