May Day Murder

Whitstable Pearl Mystery #3

by Julie Wassmer

'While Oxford had Morse, Whitstable, famous for its oysters, has Pearl' Daily Mail

May Day Murder is the third book in Julie Wassmer's popular crime series - now a major Acorn TV drama, Whitstable Pearl, starring Kerry Godliman as private detective and restaurateur, Pearl Nolan.


It's springtime and Whitstable is emerging from hibernation.

While neither the restaurant nor detective agency is too busy, Pearl resolves to spend some time at the family allotment. But her best friend, Nathan, has persuaded one of his favourite actresses to open the May Day festivities at Whitstable Castle and involves Pearl in his plans.

Like Pearl, Faye Marlowe is a Whitstable native, but having left the town more than two decades ago, the star has been living in the South of France since her agent's phone stopped ringing. Charming but 'sensitive', she arrives with a small entourage and though her presence in the town causes a stir Pearl's mother Dolly remains unimpressed, choosing to remember Faye Marlow when she was plain old Frankie Murray, the daughter of a local whelk merchant.

Nathan soon realises he has made a mistake with this invitation and his doubts are confirmed when Faye is nowhere to be found on the morning of May Day. And as 'Jack in the Green' puts on his impressive costume to lead the parade, the actress's dead body is discovered - tethered to the maypole on the Castle grounds . . . and so it's left to Pearl and DCI Mike McGuire to unravel the mystery of the May Day murder.

Praise for Julie Wassmer's Whitstable Pearl Mysteries...


'While Oxford had Morse, Whitstable, famous for its oysters, has Pearl . . . True to the tradition of classic crime, [Julie Wassmer] weaves a strong story into a setting that has more to offer than murder and mayhem' Daily Mail

'As light as a Mary Berry Victoria sponge, this Middle-England romp is packed with vivid characters' Myles McWeeney, Irish Independent

'All of the thrills without any of the gore' The Sun

'This is a quality title...a very entertaining read' The Puzzle Doctor

'My new favourite author in the genre' George Galloway

'A wonderful way to explore Whitstable . . . if you love cosy mysteries, then get acquainted with Pearl (and her mum and her cats!) and enjoy a trip to Whitstable through the eyes of this very convincing author' Trip Fiction

'Proves she's mistress of her craft' John McGhie, author of White Highlands

'Thoroughly enjoyable with a host of wonderful characters - I adore Dolly! - and evocative descriptions of Whitstable. Perfect for foodies too. Pearl is great and the ongoing will they/won't they love story with McGuire is compelling. Comforting, cosy and entertaining with excellent Agatha Christie-style reveals. I love these books!' Jane Wenham-Jones, author of Mum in the Middle


'If you enjoy cosy crime fiction and you still haven't picked this series, then you are missing out' ? Alba in Bookland

'Julie Wassmer really knows how to tell a story' -- Victoria Best ? Shiny New Books

'Good, solid whodunits, without gruesome details or gratuitous violence, Murder on Sea may be just your cup of tea' -- Bec Stafford

'Come to Whitstable without actually coming to Whitstable. A good read!' Anthony Jemmett

Praise for the TV series

'Scandi noir meets the English seaside in Whitstable Pearl, a murder mystery series based on Julie Wassmer's novels...' Drama Quarterly

'...explores all the murder and debauchery in the seemingly perfect English seaside town of Whitstable...' Washington Post

'...you never know what might turn up, either on the menu or alongside an oyster boat.' Wall Street Journal

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, British Literature, Romance

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2016

About the author

Julie Wassmer is a television drama writer who contributed for almost twenty years to the popular BBC series EastEnders.

She published her autobiography More Than Just Coincidence in 2010, in which she describes finding her long-lost daughter after an astonishing twist of fate. It was voted Mumsnet book of the year.

The Whitstable Pearl Mystery is the first in her series of crime novels, involving multi-tasking private detective-come-restauranteur, Pearl Nolan.

Julie lives in Whitstable and is well known for her environmental campaigning.

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quintessentially British crime novel located in springtime Whitstable. I have recently been reading a number of dark stories and this is at the other end of the pendulum. This is a much more light hearted affair. Pearl owns a restaurant and is a private detective. Her good friend, Nathan, takes it upon himself to invite a former resident of Whitstable, the actress Faye Marlowe, to open the May Day celebrations. It soon becomes clear that this is not a popular decision. Pearl's eccentric mother, Dolly regales stories of the actress's past when she was just plain Frankie. Faye is an unpleasant character who is willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants.

Faye arrives with her entourage. On May Day Frankie/Faye is discovered tied to the maypole and murdered. Pearl gets her teeth into the mystery and is joined by DCI Mike McGuire. The two clearly have a romantic interest in each other. Pearl and Mike have a string of suspects to investigate. There is a great cast of characters in the novel. The story is full of twists and suspense. I can recommend this as a light, entertaining mystery that is well written. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC via netgalley.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this cosy mystery set in Whitstable, a seaside town in England.
It's the third in the series and I read it because a) I liked the first in the series and b) I wanted something cosy set in May (simple needs)
Pearl is trying to build a business as a private detective whilst also running a restaurant with her mother Dolly.
There has been a murder (shock horror) and her friend (and possible love interest) DCI Mike McGuire is called in to work on it but Pearl is a great help in unearthing what has happened due to local connections.
I like this series and will read more when I'm looking for some cosy respite.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another Whitstable Pearl mystery. There is also a TV adaptation, on British TV streamer Acorn TV.

This is a cozy mystery series in a charming English coastal town.

The main character in the series is Pearl Nolan, a local restaurant owner who also decides to open up her own private detective agency.

She has an adult son who goes to local university and a free-spirited mother named Dolly who also works in the restaurant.

The other key character for the series, is DCI Mike McGuire. Usually, Pearl and DCI Mike are at odds when it comes to the investigations – but, they have a tendency to work together and…there is some chemistry and tension between the two characters that adds to the story.

Premise: Spring has arrived, and both residents and visitors to Whitstable are eager to enjoy the warmer weather. As May Day festivities approach, Pearl’s friend Nathan has arranged for a famous actress, who happened to be a Whitstable native to return to open the events. Unfortunately, her diva like ways, make her late, and when the parade starts, a body is found, and a reason is soon determined why she was absent.

So, who will succeed first in this race to uncover both the motive and culprit – DCI Mike or Pearl?

Cozy. Cute. Enjoyable. Easy read. 3.5 stars

[Christina McLain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike the television series spawned by these books, I fun this particular group of stories to be rather humdrum. The plots are thin and the characters are slightly stereotyped. However, this third offering in the series isn't too bad. The novel revolves around the return of a hasbeen actress Faye Marlowe, who was born and raised in Whitstable and who left a string of broken hearts and lives behind her when she left. Hoping to revive her career, her love life and her secrets, Faye agrees to be feted by her hometown for its annual May Day celebrations. Needless to say, trouble ensues and both Mike McGuire and Pearl Nolan, the mismatched starcrossed detecting duo, are left to pick up the pieces and solve the actress's death. A great book to read if you are tired or feeling under the weather but it's going to be the last one I read in this series. Watch the tv shows instead.

[Eurocrime · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably the weakest so far in terms of plot and resolution and marred by a poor narration. I'll switch to the print/ebook books from now on, if I continue.

[Mike Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such elegant writing by Julie Wassmer in this the third of the Whitstable murder mysteries. The story intertwines certain families with such intriguing back stories. Pearl Nolan's best friend, Nathan, has persuaded one of his favourite actresses to open the May Day festivities at Whitstable Castle (yes, it exists, used to be called Tankerton Towers) and involves Pearl in his plans.

Faye Marlow (yes, I caught the obvious similarity to the famous Marlowe theatre in Canterbury) is a Whitstable native but left the town more than two decades ago and has been living in the South of France. Nathan realises he has made a mistake inviting Faye when her presence in the town causes a stir and Faye appears to have an agenda of her own...

As Nathan prepares to lead the parade on May Day, Faye is nowhere to be found until the actress's body is discovered - tethered to the maypole in the castle grounds. Pearl and DCI Mike McGuire are left to try and unravel the mystery of the May Day murder. The result is a beautifully crafted tale surrounding past events that slowly come to light. The outcome has Christieesque developments that are so immersive to keep the reader guessing right to the end.

Bravo Julie for another very entertaining read!

[Sara Eames · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This is an ok cosy mystery. The characters are well written and the plot moves at a steady pace, but I felt that there was something lacking - at least, there was for me. Maybe because this is the 3rd book in a series (and I haven't read the 1st 2) - I can't put my finger on a specific reason, just to say I didn't completely get into this one.

[Cher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was a book …

[Louise Culmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

the latest in this rather bland mystery series set in Whitstable is the least interesting so far. A visiting film star is murdered, and there are several people around who might have had it in for her. As usual there are a lot of references to real places in Whitstable mixed with fictional ones. The detective, Pearl, is the usual fortyish woman who solves crimes in this type of mystery - being a detective doesn't keep her busy enough so she runs a restaurant as well. There is a sort of lukewarm love interest in the form of a detective inspector from Canterbury who doesn't really have a lot to do except have occasional dates with Pearl which never come to anything. it is not a very gripping read, but having a bit of local interest makes it tolerable.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solving a murder in Whitstable takes local knowledge, inspiration and a sure instinct for people. All of which Pearl, a private detective who has spent her life living in the town, certainly has in great quantities. Her training as a police officer several years before has given her a background of knowledge of the more technical police procedures, as well as her friendship with DCI Mike McGuire. This book is the third in a series which features Pearl, her colourful mother Dolly, and her son Charlie. Happily this book can definitely be read as a standalone, as the author inserts many details concerning Pearl, her friends and the place itself. Her other business, running an oyster restaurant and catering for events, leads her to make contacts in the community although she is well known already. In this particular book a retired film star, Faye Marlow, has returned to the town where she was born and grew up. Her arrival raises emotions for many people, and the drama proves not to be confined to a film screening. As the centre piece event, the opening of the May Day celebrations draws near, tensions erupt in several ways, culminating in the very public display of a murdered body.

As the book opens, the outrageous Dolly is leaving Pearl in no doubt that Faye’s return reminds more than a few people of the trouble she caused when younger. Faye got a lucky break of an audition for a film in Hollywood as a young woman, and rapidly found a career in America before retiring with her husband to France. Her departure for America was after she had been engaged to successful local businessman, Jerry Wheeler, and abandoned their relationship in favour of stardom. Her return to the area has been negotiated by Pearl’s friend Nathan, working with a young woman from the town, Purdy. Both of them have a great enthusiasm for films, and they were extremely pleased to greet Faye, her P.A. Barbara, her chauffeur Luc and maid Rosine. Pearl is summoned to a borrowed house in the grounds of the Castle, a local landmark, with a lunch she had originally made to be eaten in her restaurant. Meeting Faye she appreciates how charming she is, but equally how demanding she could be as befits her star status. One or two events bring lots of people, eager to see the film star returned, but at least one person finds that old passions arise again with messy results. It is when a body is found in dramatic circumstances that DCI McGuire reappears on the scene professionally, aware that working with Pearl has caused him problems previously. It is a central part of the series, however, that he finds Pearl deeply attractive, and she is also interested in him. It is a sad fact that every time that get they get closer, something happens which diverts them.

This is a book which is very entertaining with a strong sense of place and characters that are realistic, strongly drawn and enjoyable. Whitstable is a community which is central to the story and the descriptions of the place really bring the story alive. The murder is a central part of the narrative, with all the tensions of an investigation and other issues. This is a really interesting series of books which combines descriptions of delicious food, the places in which the events happen and more. I really enjoy the settings, the characters and the plots of these books, and I would like to read more.

[dnsyl57 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"May Day Murder" is book #3 in the Whitstable Pearl Mystery by Julie Wassmer.

Pearl Nolan finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation after being asked to do some catering for the May Day Festival and the return of a hometown girl who had become a Hollywood star. The victim had been quite the flirt in her younger days and had stirred the pot by her return after more than twenty years.

There were a few rather obvious suspects but also some interesting subplots amongst the actress's staff as well as some locals that she had left behind all those years ago.

For me, the whole archeology aspect of one of the characters was a bit of a yawner but the dynamics of the past in any story are important.

As well as the murder, Inspector McGuire is also back on the scene. He and Pearl hadn't seen each other in months. The two clearly have a connection but circumstances keep getting in the way. Then there is Pearl's mother, Dolly who is quite opinionated and doesn't keep quiet about them. Pearl's neighbour Nathan, is interesting but his consistently referring to her as "Sweetie" quickly gets old. The shopkeeper Marty needs to get a clue and move on.

I had suspected the motive but wasn't sure which of the suspects had actually done it. Overall, an interesting case with some well placed turns and reveals before the truth finally comes out.

[Eugene · Rating 3 out of 5]

As it happens, a 2nd book in a row written by a TV writer (BBC’s Eastenders for many years), and once again the book reads like a script more than a novel. This effort is a better class, and some of the historical, archeological, cultural etc references are fairly interesting in themselves; the mystery is closer to the traditional plot format and a satisfying one at that.
Whitstable England will host one-time legit movie star Faye Marlow to be “grand marshall” of the annual May Day festivities. She is a native of Whitstable although estranged for many years, and some of the locals still aren’t ready to forgive-and-forget, including apparently one whose resentment leads to her murder. Local restauranteur and amateur sleuth Pearl Nolan and her “sort of” paramour DCI Mike McGuire put their heads together to solve the crime. The characters, McGuire and Pearl principally, get in the way of the story we want to read a good bit, but the author is a pro and makes sure to get back on track when necessary to keep our interest, and the book is a good if not great read for mystery fans.

[Philip Maughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not just an enjoyable murder mystery with a nice little twist at the end, it is also a tourist guide on Whitstable and the local area and its history.
I liked that Pearl Nolan is leading her life while trying to figure out who the murderer was. She's running a restaurant, working on her allotment, worrying about her mother, son and friends. And also running a Detective Agency.
On top of that, she's wondering where her love life is going. She likes Detective Chief Inspector Mike McGuire, and he likes her, but they never seem to get the right opportunity to express themselves.
The Murder mystery surrounds the return of local lass, turned film star, along with her entourage to open the May Day festivities and host a showing of her best-known film. Not everyone is welcoming though.
Now read on ...

[Alison Alice-May · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read with a murder. It does just as promised. A seaside town that welcomes back one of its own to celebrate the May Day holiday. Little does the returning villager expect to be found tied to the May pole, dead. Lots of people are happy to welcome the actress back to the town but some are definitely unhappy that she has decided to return. The tale unwinds slowly but prettily as the reader is introduced to the town and its main characters. The local cafe owner is also a private investigator and as the main protagonist she is a well rounded, easy to like character. The detective in charge of the case is known to her and they have previously successfully worked together. It is a difficult to guess ending but a satisfactory one. An enjoyable tale.

[Mrs Margaret Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gets better with each book!

This is the third book about Pearl and McGuire that I have read this month, and will start the next as soon as I finish this. Again, it is such a pleasure to read a book written by someone who is not just a short-teller but is a word-smith who paints a picture that you can look at time and again and find something new and illuminating. Full credit to Julie for yet another enjoyable book that is free from blasphemy and swearing. Now, onto the next one! 💖

[Karen's World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant story as I have come to expect from Julie with lots of mentions of our lovely Canterbury in Kent, UK.
The last thing you need is for the guest of honour to be murdered before the start of the celebrations, will Pearl yet again beat McGuire the local CDI to solve the case and will they ever get together?
While also following the lives of Pearl and her family this is another best seller and page turner for Julie Wassmer.

[Dee Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third of 3 books by Julie Wassmer I've read this past week. Thoroughly enjoyed all three in this series. Well written and plotted, characters likeable and interesting. Love the setting having enjoyed one time in Whitstable and visited, eaten or drunk at many of the places mentioned. The story lines are good, never too gruesome and although I've managed to guess some elements, there is always some element of surprise. I am sure these will turn up televised on a sunday evening very soon.

[Sarah Rayner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these stories because they’re set not far from where I live and can associate with the places in it. Was a tad disappointed in the ending but never the less found it one of those books they are difficult to put down once you get into them. This is the third one in the series I have read and feel I’m really getting to know Pearl and her family and her budding romance looking forward to continuing with the series

[Vivien Parry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The price of fame!

This book was full of twists, turns and red herrings. The murder of an actress who'd returned to her home town kept me guessing until the murderer stood up and made a confession! I expected it to be someone else entirely! I love the characters and the quirks that make them well rounded. Let's hope Maguire and Pearl get their act together and become what the fans want them to be - together!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery and plot development

I watched Whitstable on BBC and enjoyed the plots, character development and the ease in which the author lured the reader into the people living there. While reading May Day Murder, I found Ms. Wassmer’s literary use of words and descriptions kept me reading on and made it difficult to put the book down. I started with book 3 and now will go back to read books 1 & 2!

[Claire Forest · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this series of books so far, but this one is definitely the weaker of the three (a third is about to be published).

Pearl returns as a restauranteur and part time detective, although she doesn't do much sleuthing in an official capacity in this book - at least not in relation to the murder. Unlike the first book it's clear a murder has taken place, however similar to the first book there's a lot of focus on Pearls relationships, particularly with Detective McGuire. I found Pearl to be unnecessarily cruel to the other love interest in her life, to the point were it made me feel uncomfortable- he seemed to be a potential choice in the first book, but this set nearly a year later, she mocks him at every opportunity. Getting to know McGuire a little more in this book, to be frank he comes across as a bit of a prick.

To be honest not much happens until right at the end. I guessed the twist, although l didn't guess the culprit. The motive was in my opinion very weak and entirely implausible - something l found with the second book, even more so in this one. It would have made more sense if the argument that caused it was the other way around - no spoilers here.

I love how Whitstable and Canterbury are like additional characters in the book, and will certainly read the next one - it's a gripping read, but definitely lacking compared to the first in my opinion.

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay. I read the first three in the series; that seems like a fair shake. Stopping here. The writing is average at best. The characters are childish and petty, and I cannot possibly root for them to get together eventually. Television series significantly better--I'm hoping we get a season 2 there.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was Barbara, Faye's long suffering assistant. She was protecting Perdita (Faye's daughter) who was brought up as her Fathers and his wife's own child, who live in Whitstable. Solved by Pearl again but Barbara did give a confession to the Police and said it was her because Faye was threatening to replace her. Barbara had a terminal illness.

[Kristine Mika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this series. Besides the good mystery, there is lots of information about the history of Whitstable and nearby Canterbury, always an art reference (in this one Our Lady of Vladimir; Bonampak Murals in Mexico), and references to local landmarks. I like the characters and their relationships - not always positive, not always negative. Well written.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read as with the previous 2 novels in the series.
The identity/history of one of the suspects was hidden well but guessable if you’ve read a number of mystery novels.
Overall the novel was okay if a bit humdrum.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed these light and cosy mysteries. They are a relaxing reading and not demanding on brain while delivering a cast of likeable characters and some delicious food descriptions. I enjoy the salty tang of the seaside location. The tv series is also a simple formula for just relaxing

[Linda Amos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fay Marlow left Whitstable two decades ago for stardom in Hollywood. She's been invited back to open the May Day Festival. This doesn't please everyone and there is tension in the air as a result.
A nice, easy read. The characters are developing and Whitstable is showcased again.

[Toni Annable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much Better

This was a good deal better than the second book in the series. That means that I will continue with it. I like the characters and am pleased with the both the mysteries and the developing romance.

[TONI HARRIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love these books especially as I know the area and can relate to the surrounding where all the action takes please. The characters are really interesting and their lives are a great back story to each drama/murder

[Peg · Rating 4 out of 5]

May Day Murder. These stories are probably the only cozy mystery reads I enjoy mainly due to the BBC tv series.