What do you think?
Rate this book
Exham on Sea Mysteries #3
Murder on the Tor
A silent child, a necklace of amber beads, and a body on Glastonbury Tor add up to more cosy crime in the third Exham on Sea Mystery.
Love small town murder mysteries, the English seaside, clever animals and cake? Don't miss Murder on the Tor, as Libby digs deep into the past to solve a modern murder mystery in Somerset, helped by her Goth lodger, Mandy, a dog called Bear, and a disgruntled marmalade cat.
Can Libby find the murderer, resolve her feelings for fellow sleuth Max and learn the truth about her husband's murky past?
Set in the coastal resort of Exham on Sea, Murder on the Levels features a cast of local characters, including Mandy the teenage Goth, her new boyfriend, Steve, Frank the baker and Detective Sergeant Joe Ramshore, Max's estranged son. The green fields, rolling hills and sandy beaches of the West Country provide the perfect setting for crime, intrigue and mystery.
For lovers of Agatha Christie novels, Midsomer Murders, lovable pets and delicious food, the series offers a continuing supply of quick crime stories, each short enough to read in one sitting, as Libby solves a mixture of intriguing mysteries and uncovers the secrets of the past.
Love small town murder mysteries, the English seaside, clever animals and cake? Don't miss Murder on the Tor, as Libby digs deep into the past to solve a modern murder mystery in Somerset, helped by her Goth lodger, Mandy, a dog called Bear, and a disgruntled marmalade cat.
Can Libby find the murderer, resolve her feelings for fellow sleuth Max and learn the truth about her husband's murky past?
Set in the coastal resort of Exham on Sea, Murder on the Levels features a cast of local characters, including Mandy the teenage Goth, her new boyfriend, Steve, Frank the baker and Detective Sergeant Joe Ramshore, Max's estranged son. The green fields, rolling hills and sandy beaches of the West Country provide the perfect setting for crime, intrigue and mystery.
For lovers of Agatha Christie novels, Midsomer Murders, lovable pets and delicious food, the series offers a continuing supply of quick crime stories, each short enough to read in one sitting, as Libby solves a mixture of intriguing mysteries and uncovers the secrets of the past.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2016
1205 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
April 29, 2017
I absolutely adored this story about Libby the baker, chocolate maker and amateur PI. She lives in Exham on the Sea following her widowhood. her husband was a verbally and emotionally abusive as well as a bit of con artist. She is moving on with her life, trying to figure out exactly what her relationship is with Max, and training her young goth housemate to make chocolates.
During a morning walk at the Tor (http://www.glastonburytor.org.uk/) she finds some old beads, sees a ghostly child and ends up with a terrified dog before stumbling into the police who are looking for a dead body.
There are at least 3 separate mysteries to be solved as well as relationship to be puzzled out.
During a morning walk at the Tor (http://www.glastonburytor.org.uk/) she finds some old beads, sees a ghostly child and ends up with a terrified dog before stumbling into the police who are looking for a dead body.
There are at least 3 separate mysteries to be solved as well as relationship to be puzzled out.
October 12, 2021
Libby is walking the huge dog Bear up the Tor, a steep hill in Glastonbury when a thick fog descends over them. While descending the hill, she encounters Joe, the policeman and son of her friend Max. Joe tells her a dead man has been found up at the summit, but Libby didn't see him. The next day she and Max attend a photo show at the town hall. When a strange older woman starts to remove some of the display and hide them in her bag, Libby and Max wonder why. Libby's chocolate business is doing well, and she and Max are getting along well. But she's still wondering what Max knows about her dead husband's illegal activities.
These are really nice stories about nice people who live in a nice town. They are very comfortable reads.
These are really nice stories about nice people who live in a nice town. They are very comfortable reads.
September 11, 2019
Love these gentle mysteries with Libby and Max on the case. The books are well written and very enjoyable with a colourful cast of characters.
Just one thing, if I may- I know you can get a kitchen cheat sheet but I think it would be great if there could be a couple of cake recipes included with each book- a Libby special.
I know Celia Imrie did it with her books (recipes in general that is) but the lemon and whisky cake....
Just one thing, if I may- I know you can get a kitchen cheat sheet but I think it would be great if there could be a couple of cake recipes included with each book- a Libby special.
I know Celia Imrie did it with her books (recipes in general that is) but the lemon and whisky cake....
June 13, 2023
Já percebi que os narradores é que são a alma dos audiobooks, mais que as histórias em si.
Infelizmente, a narradora de Murder on the Tor falhou em todos os aspetos de dar vida a mais uma investigação da Libby. A sua voz de pessoa idosa não tem nada a ver com Libby. Além de parecer idosa, o tom com que narra é muito robótico e, ao tentar imprimir emoções à leitura, como uma voz chorosa ou alegre, parece completamente falsa.
Com uma voz destas, foi-me difícil de concentrar na narrativa.
Infelizmente, a narradora de Murder on the Tor falhou em todos os aspetos de dar vida a mais uma investigação da Libby. A sua voz de pessoa idosa não tem nada a ver com Libby. Além de parecer idosa, o tom com que narra é muito robótico e, ao tentar imprimir emoções à leitura, como uma voz chorosa ou alegre, parece completamente falsa.
Com uma voz destas, foi-me difícil de concentrar na narrativa.
August 8, 2022
A little easier to figure out than book one but still a neat story.
May 19, 2016
Murder on the Tor is the third of Frances Evesham’s Exham-on-sea mysteries. Once again Libby Forest’s life is interrupted by a crime on her doorstep. While walking Bear, the Carpathian sheepdog, for her friend Max, she finds herself lost in the mist on Glastonbury Tor. Briefly she meets a little girl and then she finds an old beaded necklace. Headed down the slope she is alarmed to encounter Detective Sergeant Joe Ramshore, Max’s son, who treats her with his usual exasperation. A body has been found and he implies that she has something to do with it.
Once Libby and Max realise that the apparent suicide is a photographer whose work is about to be exhibited locally, they decide to resume their investigations. Libby is upset that Max is not as warm as he used to be. Is their relationship going nowhere? Have the illegal activities of her deceased husband caused Max to step back?
The serious nature of the dangerous probing into past deeds is lightened by the actions of some of the other characters; Mandy, the out of place Goth, Marina, Libby’s “friend” who is too lazy to walk her own dog and Jemima Blackwell, the eccentric retired Classics teacher, whom they catch stealing photographs.
Libby is a foolhardy heroine which adds to the excitement of an eventful plot and the culprits are well chosen. The cast of colourful characters are a lively backdrop and the reader is tantalised by more information about Libby’s former husband.
Once Libby and Max realise that the apparent suicide is a photographer whose work is about to be exhibited locally, they decide to resume their investigations. Libby is upset that Max is not as warm as he used to be. Is their relationship going nowhere? Have the illegal activities of her deceased husband caused Max to step back?
The serious nature of the dangerous probing into past deeds is lightened by the actions of some of the other characters; Mandy, the out of place Goth, Marina, Libby’s “friend” who is too lazy to walk her own dog and Jemima Blackwell, the eccentric retired Classics teacher, whom they catch stealing photographs.
Libby is a foolhardy heroine which adds to the excitement of an eventful plot and the culprits are well chosen. The cast of colourful characters are a lively backdrop and the reader is tantalised by more information about Libby’s former husband.
September 16, 2017
Libby is a chocolatier as well as a baker. She has established her new life in Exham On Sea. She has Mandy, a roommate who helps her with her business as well as is a good friend. She has Max who helps her investigate mysteries. The two of them make a productive team. All of this keeps Libby involved in the life in her new home town. She is trying to overcome her past. Her late husband was a con man and embezzler. She found out after his death, what he had been doing. That is when she realized she needed a new start and a new life.
When she is walking Bear, Max's dog on Glastonbury Tor, she meets a silent little girl and finds some ancient amber beads. After getting lost in the fog, and finally finding her way back down the tor, she runs into policemen. It seems a man has died at the top of the tor and they are there to investigate.
This is what begins the most recent adventure.
Libby is determined to find out what actually happened to the man who died. She does not believe he took his own life. She is also determined to find out who is the small girl who did not speak.
The questions and their answers lead into the past. Libby and Max are led back to the sixties when drugs were everywhere and free love was the only way to fly.
The plot takes Libby along with the reader to more questions than answers.
This is part of a series, but it works as a stand alone read. Each book provides more information about Libby, her life and the people around her. That is why if you get the chance, I recommend you start at the beginning. I believe you will enjoy every read.
Ms Evesham has created a good mystery which is engaging and entertaining.
When she is walking Bear, Max's dog on Glastonbury Tor, she meets a silent little girl and finds some ancient amber beads. After getting lost in the fog, and finally finding her way back down the tor, she runs into policemen. It seems a man has died at the top of the tor and they are there to investigate.
This is what begins the most recent adventure.
Libby is determined to find out what actually happened to the man who died. She does not believe he took his own life. She is also determined to find out who is the small girl who did not speak.
The questions and their answers lead into the past. Libby and Max are led back to the sixties when drugs were everywhere and free love was the only way to fly.
The plot takes Libby along with the reader to more questions than answers.
This is part of a series, but it works as a stand alone read. Each book provides more information about Libby, her life and the people around her. That is why if you get the chance, I recommend you start at the beginning. I believe you will enjoy every read.
Ms Evesham has created a good mystery which is engaging and entertaining.
July 3, 2017
This seems a fun series of cozy mysteries, held in the coastal town of Exham on Sea in England. The female protagonist, Libby, is a baker and also a chocolatier, a woman widowed fairly recently, who is bound and determined to succeed in her new-found independence. Libby also possesses a profound sense of curiosity, which is a much needed talent for someone who wants to solve murders, which she does. She is not totally alone in this endeavor, however, because there is male friend Mike (owner of the huge Romanian sheepdog Bear) who is already a tax investigator, and her Goth lodger and apprentice Mandy, both of whom get involved in her quests.
I am sure other reviewers have gone into more detail regarding the characters and the eerie legends of the Tor, so I will just say that I, personally, enjoyed the book. It's exactly what a cozy mystery should be. In fact, I liked it so much that I think I'll begin another of Frances Evesham's Exham on Sea novels, even though I began with the 3rd in the series.
I am sure other reviewers have gone into more detail regarding the characters and the eerie legends of the Tor, so I will just say that I, personally, enjoyed the book. It's exactly what a cozy mystery should be. In fact, I liked it so much that I think I'll begin another of Frances Evesham's Exham on Sea novels, even though I began with the 3rd in the series.
February 25, 2020
This was a quick read for me ... 3rd in a series available vie Kindle Unlimited. Very much a cozy. In this case, we initially find Libby disoriented as she climbs Glastonbury Tor while walking the dog Bear. He gets away from her, she sees a little girl who doesn't talk, she finally reaches the top and finds an exhausted Bear and a necklace of amber beads. On the way back down, she meets the local police who've been called because a dead body was found.
As is usual there are coincidences of relationships -- almost by necessity in a small town cozy. But Libby and Max both figure it's not a suicide when it's discovered the dead man is a prominent photographer who was scheduled to have an exhibition the next day. The investigation takes them into the past -- the dead man's student days at Bristol University. And meanwhile, Max is still working on his investigation into Libby's dead husband's business and financial dealings while Libby is trying to decide if she and Max have a 'relationship' or a 'partnership' or what.
As is usual there are coincidences of relationships -- almost by necessity in a small town cozy. But Libby and Max both figure it's not a suicide when it's discovered the dead man is a prominent photographer who was scheduled to have an exhibition the next day. The investigation takes them into the past -- the dead man's student days at Bristol University. And meanwhile, Max is still working on his investigation into Libby's dead husband's business and financial dealings while Libby is trying to decide if she and Max have a 'relationship' or a 'partnership' or what.
August 5, 2018
I enjoyed this well written mystery. The plot and pace were good, though I thought there were a couple of gaps in the deduction process. Talking with the vet, Libby suddenly grasps the 'whodunit' but readers aren't privy to the thinking behind her conclusion. Nor do we comprehend the urgency she feels in calling the police and rushing to save someone else.
It felt like there was a chapter missing at the end, too. One chapter ends with Max expressing concern for Libby's safety and they don't know who's orchestrating the crimes; the next chapter begins with Max and Libby doing a public 'reveal' -- without any investigation to bring them to this deduction. As a reader I like to see a bit more evidence.
It felt like there was a chapter missing at the end, too. One chapter ends with Max expressing concern for Libby's safety and they don't know who's orchestrating the crimes; the next chapter begins with Max and Libby doing a public 'reveal' -- without any investigation to bring them to this deduction. As a reader I like to see a bit more evidence.
August 5, 2018
Good book. Liked the characters and the setting. The story moved fairly quickly and the plot was fairly plausible.
I liked how the main characters were thoughtful and intelligent. They didn't just race through the story harassing people and making stupid decisions that almost get themselves killed. Many of the main characters in cozy mysteries these days are idiots who accidentally find out who the killer is after almost being killed several times.
I liked the book and will probably read our again. I would have given it a fourth star except for the fact that some of the dialogue and conversations were a bit weird.
I liked how the main characters were thoughtful and intelligent. They didn't just race through the story harassing people and making stupid decisions that almost get themselves killed. Many of the main characters in cozy mysteries these days are idiots who accidentally find out who the killer is after almost being killed several times.
I liked the book and will probably read our again. I would have given it a fourth star except for the fact that some of the dialogue and conversations were a bit weird.
July 26, 2023
Good, but the details were so lacking this time around. I mean, they’re always a bit lacking which is why I can never give them a full 5 stars, but this one was more empty than usual. The story is all there, but lots of unexplained jumps were made to get to everything. These are especially short for cozy mysteries, so if the author would take the time to add in the details and emotions needed, it would be perfectly all right and a normal length. It’s almost as if she just didn’t want to take the time to write out the extra bits so she decided to jump across the stuff she didn’t want to bother with. Still, the characters were enjoyable as was the basic story itself, so I was entertained.
May 4, 2018
I have read the first book in this series, and bought the third, having recently read another novel about Glastonbury and yet another that mentioned the Tor. The setting of this series is fascinating, and the descriptions are well drawn to bring the reader into the story. Strong character development also makes the reader care about what happens to them and how they resolve their problems and find the killer--just what one wants from a cozy mystery. Frances Evesham delivers, and I will look forward to the next one.
July 25, 2018
I picked up a copy of this book because I like the area and enjoy detective stories.
OH dear, the book failed to meet either of these interests.
A few lines of prose about bath and one local village really did no justice to what is an interesting part of the country full of very diverse characters.
As to the story, I do enjoy some amateur sleuth stories but by the end of this book, I could not care who was murdered or by whom. I did not feel the lead character could have got to the top of the tor on a sunny day let alone in mist.
OH dear, the book failed to meet either of these interests.
A few lines of prose about bath and one local village really did no justice to what is an interesting part of the country full of very diverse characters.
As to the story, I do enjoy some amateur sleuth stories but by the end of this book, I could not care who was murdered or by whom. I did not feel the lead character could have got to the top of the tor on a sunny day let alone in mist.
August 8, 2017
This is atmospheric and will suit some readers better than others. From a modern day mixup at Glastonbury Tor, to echoes of the swinging sixties, the female sleuth has her hands full dealing with amber beads, a silent child and art gallery events.
I found several references to previous books in the series, but I don't think you need to have read them to enjoy this instalment.
This short e-book was available as a free download. This is an unbiased review.
I found several references to previous books in the series, but I don't think you need to have read them to enjoy this instalment.
This short e-book was available as a free download. This is an unbiased review.
January 2, 2018
I enjoyed the last two installments and I really really wanted to like this one, too, and I mostly did but by the end I found something was missing, some sense of substance. Evesham has a brisk, elegant writing style that really carries these stories, and Libby, Max, and Mandy are very likable characters, but I found this one especially to be gossamer light. Charming, readable, and yet not as satisfying as it could be.
December 8, 2021
Libby Forest does a hike up the Tor with Bear. She sees a young girl who talks to Bear but not her, and finds some old amber beads. When she comes down, she finds the police there because a man has died on the Tor. At a photo exhibit, there are several older pictures, and one shows someone wearing the beads.
Mac and Libby decide to investigate, and they soon realize everything depends on a group of 60's university students and one of their professors.
Mac and Libby decide to investigate, and they soon realize everything depends on a group of 60's university students and one of their professors.
June 3, 2017
Another fun read by Frances Evesham about her cookie baking heroine, Libby Forest trying to forge a new life for herself in the small village of Exham on Sea.
Love Evesham's lighthearted mysteries. They are clean, not horrifying in any way, and a great way to spend an evening away from the telly.
Love Evesham's lighthearted mysteries. They are clean, not horrifying in any way, and a great way to spend an evening away from the telly.
June 12, 2017
Libby, Max, and Bear
This is the second book I've read by Frances Evesham. This one is just as good as Murder at the Lighthouse. Great Story that begins at a high point and stayed there. Libby and Max are investigating a mysterious suicide that turns out to be a murder that ends up....... oops. I can't tell you the whole story. You need to read it. Enjoy.
This is the second book I've read by Frances Evesham. This one is just as good as Murder at the Lighthouse. Great Story that begins at a high point and stayed there. Libby and Max are investigating a mysterious suicide that turns out to be a murder that ends up....... oops. I can't tell you the whole story. You need to read it. Enjoy.
August 9, 2017
A Mystery Within A Mystery
A bit slow to get into, but once I knew who was who the story moved quickly. The two principal characters get together and will make a great team of detectives. They solve a really cold case as they resolve the new murder and uncover a town mystery too. The next book will be well worth reading, I am sure.
A bit slow to get into, but once I knew who was who the story moved quickly. The two principal characters get together and will make a great team of detectives. They solve a really cold case as they resolve the new murder and uncover a town mystery too. The next book will be well worth reading, I am sure.
March 30, 2018
The Outline....
I liked the beginning of the book, but as it developed, I felt I was reading an outline of a book...not the nuts and bolts of a story...the pains and joy of development (all the colors that make a story great and lasting to the mind)...the author acted like they couldn't wait to finish writing this book..this wasn't a book, this was a mini story!
I liked the beginning of the book, but as it developed, I felt I was reading an outline of a book...not the nuts and bolts of a story...the pains and joy of development (all the colors that make a story great and lasting to the mind)...the author acted like they couldn't wait to finish writing this book..this wasn't a book, this was a mini story!
September 3, 2020
On the Tor
This series is a good, light read,but the plot at the end is explained in a too quickly summarized way. The heroine, Libby, needs to elucidate her hunches a little slower and with a little more detail. Not everything can be explained at one meeting of the historical society.
This series is a good, light read,but the plot at the end is explained in a too quickly summarized way. The heroine, Libby, needs to elucidate her hunches a little slower and with a little more detail. Not everything can be explained at one meeting of the historical society.
October 13, 2022
This audiobook had too much going on:
The death of the photographer.
The little girl, Katie.
The beads.
The death of Katarina.
Fluffy, Libby’s cat (which seemed just thrown in there)
The unlawful things going on in Libby and Max’s little town,
which relates to Libby and Max’s relationship, which also relates to—-
Trevor, Libby’s ex-husband and his nefarious doings.
The death of the photographer.
The little girl, Katie.
The beads.
The death of Katarina.
Fluffy, Libby’s cat (which seemed just thrown in there)
The unlawful things going on in Libby and Max’s little town,
which relates to Libby and Max’s relationship, which also relates to—-
Trevor, Libby’s ex-husband and his nefarious doings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2023
A stroll on a misty hill, a mysterious child, a found necklace and the suicidal death of an old man at Glastonbury makes for an interesting but confusing storyline. This book was no where near as good as the first one. I will continue the series and hope the next book is better. This book is only "Meh" at the least. That's all I will say about this one.
February 5, 2017
Fun read
This is a short easy fun read with characters that tug us along their hectic lives! Not a fan of of little children being used for creep factor even when it turns out well!
This is a short easy fun read with characters that tug us along their hectic lives! Not a fan of of little children being used for creep factor even when it turns out well!
May 10, 2017
An enjoyable read
This was an enjoyable book. The main characters are nicely defined and likeable. The story had a sufficient number of twists to hold my interest. Not what I'd call a page turner, this was a gentle read and it was pleasant to spend the evenings in Exham on Sea.
This was an enjoyable book. The main characters are nicely defined and likeable. The story had a sufficient number of twists to hold my interest. Not what I'd call a page turner, this was a gentle read and it was pleasant to spend the evenings in Exham on Sea.
June 6, 2017
This was a good story, full of interesting characters and intrigue. I like learning about the ancient history of England, and appreciated that Aspect of the story. And of course who wouldn't like Bear? I recommend this book to those who enjoy mysteries and historical fiction.
July 12, 2017
First Class Mystery
Our intrepid chocolateer finds a necklace in the fog while dog walking, misses the dead body a short distance away, Another mystery for Libby and Max to solve they also find the truth about Lilly's husband's death and the villains who had him killed.
Our intrepid chocolateer finds a necklace in the fog while dog walking, misses the dead body a short distance away, Another mystery for Libby and Max to solve they also find the truth about Lilly's husband's death and the villains who had him killed.
February 16, 2019
Another murder in Exham and more
If you are looking for a cozy mystery series with interesting characters and compelling mysterious crimes and circumstances, you have to look no further than Frances Evesham's Exham on Sea series.
If you are looking for a cozy mystery series with interesting characters and compelling mysterious crimes and circumstances, you have to look no further than Frances Evesham's Exham on Sea series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews