Murder on the Pilgrims Way

Whitstable Pearl Mystery #4

by Julie Wassmer

'While Oxford had Morse, Whitstable, famous for its oysters, has Pearl' Daily MailMurder on the Pilgrims Way is the fourth 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.Pearl receives a surprise present from her mother , Dolly - an early summer break at a riverside manor house that has been recently transformed into an exclusive hotel - the newly named Villa Pellegrini .Pellegrini - the Italian word for pilgrims - reflects the fact that the building lies on the old Pilgrims Way into Canterbury, and Pearl is looking forward to the break, not least because DCI Mike McGuire has been neglecting her due to his work. But when she discovers that she's actually booked in for a cookery course from the Italian celebrity chef, Nico Caruso, she begins to think again . . .Pearl doesn't welcome instruction on cookery at the best of times, and certainly not from an arrogant chef like Caruso. She goes along, intent on challenging Caruso's egotism - and a long tradition of men dominating gastronomy - but soon finds herself distracted, not only by her enchanting surroundings but by the disparate selection of guests.She even begins to enjoy Caruso's attentions - and his cookery - until one of the guests goes missing and it becomes clear that murder is on the menu.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 JemmettPraise 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, Fiction, Crime, British Literature, Cozy Mystery, Thriller, Audiobook

251 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 6, 2017

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

[Louise Culmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pearl is not busy enough running her own restaurant in Whitstable, so she is a private detective on the side. In this, the fourth of her adventures, she is taken by her mother Dolly on a surprise trip which turns out to be a cookery course in Chartham, a village near Canterbury, run by a handsome Italian celebrity chef, Nico. naturally they haven't been there long before there is a murder, which means Pearl's love interest, Chief Inspector Mike McGuire of the Canterbury police, is soon on the scene. theirs is a rather lukewarm romance, despite living on a few miles apart, they never seem to be able to get up the enthusiasm to see each other between murders. NEvertheless, in this one they actually do get around to exchanging a kiss. THere is a great deal about food, Nico for instance tries to woo Pearl with oysters and cake, among other things. A mildly entertaining read, helps if you like oysters.

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gastro murder mystery set in KENT - the Garden of England


Dolly whisks her daughter Pearl off for a few days to Villa Pellegrini (nothing to do with water San Pellegrino, but I did discover that Pellegrino means pilgrim, so I have added to my learning of Italian!). This is truly a little bit of Italy in the Kent countryside on the Pilgrim’s Way at Chartham. Simona runs this delightfully situated residence, having left her husband and his demons back in Puglia. This is a fresh start for her and nothing must go wrong if she is to make a success of her new enterprise.

A huge draw for the assembled house guests, Dolly included, is the inimitable Nico Caruso, debonair Italian chef (not a cook, you understand) who has a string of TV shows behind him, but who also went bust with his enterprises. He is at the Villa to share his knowledge of cooking. Pearl has come along, having left her own restaurant in the capable hands of her son. She is also a sleuth, which comes in very handy. Naturally, two competent cooks are bound to clash.

Murder is in the title of the book, and soon Chef Caruso is really cruising to be the victim. He is a celebrity chef who gravitates towards the men in the assembled group and has soon given everyone an Italian slant to their names. Pearl has become Perla and Dolly has been demoted to Madreperla (Mother of Pearl). His attitude to fellow female chef Pearl is rather contemptuous – I was really not warming to him at all by this point. Comments like “Only men have the technique, discipline and passion that makes cooking consistently an art” are meant to grate. It is all in fact a facade and part of his public persona. Underneath he is a bit of a charmer.

Pearl even begins to enjoy Caruso’s attentions – and his cookery – until one of the guests goes missing and it becomes clear that murder is on the menu. She enlists the help of her friendly policeman McGuire, as she hones her detecting radar. She notes early on that the rooms in the hotel have the Decameron in common, can this be part of the equation in solving the case?

With a couple of chefs at the heart of the mystery, it is only to be be expected that there is a wealth of culinary delights to whet the appetite of the reader, especially as the story is set in the Garden of England – wonderful terroir cooking! Italian dishes galore. Wines to imbibe… Even the wonderful Sportsman at Seasalter (a top tip by the way!) gets a look-in.

One thing… call me pedantic… I was just itching to put an apostrophe in the title of the book…

This is a delightful murder-cum-gastro mystery set in a beautiful part of England. Enjoy.

[Agi · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Murder on the Pilgrims Way" is already the fourth part in the Pearl Nolan's series by Julie Wassmer - Pearl, an amateur detective, who also owns a restaurant has a habit of showing up in places where a murder or two is being committed, and it's not different in this story. This time however it was thought to be a week away for Pearl and her mother Dolly at a manor house at the side of the river, and add - as a surprise - a cooking course led by a bankrupt celebrity chef Nico Caruso. There is some history, Pearl has some background, but I think that you can easily read this book as a stand - alone.

I'll admit, the story gathered pace after the first murder, also in the second part. The first part was a slow introduction to the characters and the place - but with Julie Wassmer's lovely writing style the time spent on reading just flew by, and the descriptions of both the characters and the places were brilliant. Yes, I'd love more action in this first part but I really appreciate the way author decided to introduce us to the story. She has brought all the people and the settings so easily to life and there is so much heart and soul put into every single detail. The small group of characters is also so perfectly drawn - they are all so vivid and larger than life, and all of them keep some secrets, and really guys - for me it was impossible to guess who committed the murders and why, even though there were not many too choose from! Julie Wassmer can really nicely plot the story and masterfully complicate the things, giving each character a motive and opportunity.

Pearl is Pear again - she's almost stoic, doesn't allow to throw her off guard, even by her mother Dolly, she's full of warmth and patience. Her ability to appear in the right place and the right moment to hear or see the most significant information is still there, guys - it's very convenient, no? Then we of course have the romance aspect there as well, with the will they/won't they between Pearl and McGuire, and it is really thrilling, especially as the author adds the little competition in the person of the chef Nico himself - what is Pearl going to do?

It was a nice read, without any gory details - but it is a cozy crime, isn't it, and sometimes it is all you need. I truly liked the end to this story because it leaves nothing to be desired - everything is explained, Pearl's train of thoughts is so logical and when she explains everything it suddenly comes to you and you think, really! She's right! Every T is crossed and every I's dotted and I really like it, especially as I really didn't find the culprit and was not sure of their motives, especially when it came to the second victim. Julie Wassmer's writing style is as warm as the characters themselves, it's cosy and inviting and you immediately feel at home when reading the book. I really hope for more Pearl to come - I desperately need to see what's going to happen with her and McGuire!

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Denise Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.
This was a fairly predictable story reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel with a group of people gathered together at a country house where a murder takes place. I found the characters a bit flat and wasn't really interested in them. Pearl, the main character is a chef/owner of a restaurant and also a private detective. Having worked out what happened and who was responsible, she gathers all the remaining guests and staff together to give a Poirot-like breakdown of events while the Chief Inspector (her love interest) sits at the back of the room.
As I said, this book is reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel but without her expertise.

[Deanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again a chance to visit my home county, love Kent and whitstable is one of the places I'd like to live. Pearl is on a surprise holiday with her mum, but it's not the sort of holiday she feels enthusiastic about. However when there's a murder it gives her a chance to see Macquire but it's a complicated plot and pearl is a bit distracted.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a few of the previous books in the series and enjoyed them. This one offers a slight variation as it isn't set in Whitstable but rather in a country house hotel somewhere nearby. It's a version of the Golden Age mysteries where a group of disparate folk are gathered together for a social event but it all goes horribly wrong....I don't think that counts as a spoiler! I did miss the seaside setting because that's a key part of the series' attraction for me. However it was a jolly read in the cosy crime tradition. The 'will they? won't they?' scenario carries on for Pearl and the policeman. It's a tried and tested technique so they will probably be off and on for the foreseeable. I know that the books have now been dramatised for UK TV though I've yet to see them. I wonder if they've cast actors who are all drop dead gorgeous as they are described in the books. For me there's a bit too much physical description of the various beauties in the stories, both male and female. They are of course romantic fiction but every now and then I felt they were veering towards Mills and Boon territory. But they are an enjoyable read.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having enjoyed the first season of the TV series based on these books, I thought I might enjoy reading one that has not yet been included in the series. I was also expecting, from the title, more on Canterbury or pilgrimage. But this is related to an Italian novel, with some Italian characters, and Italian cooking. Pearl’s mother gives the two of them a vacation at an Italian-ish villa a ways outside Canterbury, in a lovely rural setting with an Italian celebrity chef. Ended up too slow for me, and I missed the sea and Whitstable.

[Petula Darling · Rating 1 out of 5]

Considering the protagonist's incredibly irritating mother, the lackluster romance that fills half the pages, the numerous pedantic dissertations about bees, and the ridonculous j'accuse! soliloquy at the climax, it's amazing that I made it to the end.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating between 3 and 3.5

A well written book in this ongoing series set in Kent.
It was a very easy read that passed the time very easily.
The mystery itself was very slight and didn’t really keep me interested.

[Sharman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed other books in the Whitstable Pearl series, but this one seemed forced and plodding at times, silly and ridiculous at others. I really enjoy the tv adaptations, so I’m hoping the next book in the series will be back on point.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather an average story. The characters weren't particularly engaging and the plot was fairly predictable. I was hoping for so much more

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but the narrator was not.

[dnsyl57 · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Murder On The Pilgrims Way" is book #4 in the "Whitstable Pearl Mystery" series by Julie Wassmer.

While Pearl and her mother Dolly are supposed to be on a well deserved break at a newly restored villa before the summer season starts, a murder occurs. The victim had been the ex-husband of their hostess. Though Pearl works to gather info before the police arrive, DCI Mike McGuire is alerted to the murder and makes his way to the villa - unaware that Pearl is a guest. The two haven't had much contact in the last few months as he has been "busy" with work so there is tension between them. They do manage to put most of that aside as they work to catch a killer but Pearl has also drawn the attention of cocky celebrity chef Nico who is at the villa to teach the guests about Italian cooking. Awkward? Yup!

The victim was a jerk and several of the guests may have had reason to want him dead but who had the means and opportunity? With only 11 people at the villa - including Pearl and Dolly the suspect pool proved to be challenging.

I found several of the guests hard to like and trusted none of them. I really wasn't sure who was behind the killing. The ultimate reveal was a bit surprising but also made sense.

Besides the people at the villa, I've always had a hard time liking Dolly. Yes, she wants the best for her daughter, but tries a bit to hard to push her own opinions on her. Not to mention the blatant disrespect she has for McGuire who she constantly refers to as the "flat foot". It all just comes across as a bit too negative. Pearl has proved she can take charge of her own life and her mother needs to honor that. JMO.

Overall, an interesting read, though I did feel a bit lost with the references to the characters in a book that the suite names were given. That and the opera references were lost to me. Ms. Wassmer is a gifted writer but this book just didn't draw me in as much as the previous books did. That being said, I will definitely be continuing to read the series though!

[Mike Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What chance or destiny has brought you here before your final day? And who is he who leads your pilgrimage?" Dante Alighieri, Inferno

There is a rather supernatural feel about Murder on the Pilgrims Way - an atmosphere of unease as Pearl and her mother Dolly spend an early summer break at a riverside Manor House (the River Stour, know it well) that has been transformed into a gorgeous hotel, the newly named Villa Pellegrini. Located near the village of Chartham (another place I know well with its Artichoke public house). It's this familiarity with the area that makes this series so enjoyable.

Pellegrini is the Italian word for pilgrims and the hotel lies on the old Pilgrims Way into Canterbury (yes, I know it well!). Mother and daughter are booked in for a cookery course from Italian celebrity chef Nico Caruso. A surprise birthday present for Pearl from her mother.

Ten guests are assembled with the host Simona, the owner of the hotel, who left Tuscany following a marriage breakdown. Now divorced from Jake. Simona is assisted by her elderly godfather, Marshall.

So, what can go wrong? A great deal when Jake turns up unannounced and drunk. Makes a scene and is thrown out of the party. And disappears...

No more of the plot without spoilers. A murder plot full of the aforementioned unease and supernatural occurrences that would grace a book by Christie herself. It did in some respects put me in mind of The Pale Horse.

It's another gem from Julie Wassmer - makes me want to revisit the locations of my childhood - particularly Whitstable!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, a fusion of detective thriller with the background of cuisine and celebrity chef, Nico Caruso and his cookery school.

On this holiday, combining lessons with Nico Caruso, Pearl doesn't just learn about Italian cooking, but has to bring her detecting skills to bear when several attendees at the school are murdered. Luckily Pearl's good friend and detective, Mike McGuire is to hand, to keep her safe and help with solving the murder cases.

This is a good read, goes at a steady pace, as the group of cuisine students meet for the first time, get to know each other and the reader learns about them and what makes them tick. Pearl initially is attracted to Nico, who it transpires has hidden depths. Mike McGuire is a little jealous of this relationship, as he is also attracted to Pearl.

The various people all have secrets that are uncovered over the course of the book, Anemone, Layla, Stephen, Marshall, as the tale uncovers the reader learns more about them, their strengths, their weaknesses, it is impossible to guess who is responsible for the murders that have Pearl and Mike bewildered, making it an engrossing book, as we, the reader, try to determine who the culprit(s) are.

I can recommend this to lovers of detective fiction who also have an interest in cooking and celebrity chefs (that's me!) I loved it.

[GONZA · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best installment in this series so far, even if I had the culprit completely wrong, but still a very nice and fast reading, full of italian things like food and Boccaccio, so I could be a little bit partial to that, but just a little bit. Looking forward to the next book with my favorite chef/detective!

Uno dei migliori volumi della serie, anche se avevo completamente toppato il colpevole, ciononostante una rapida e divertente lettura, piena inoltre di cose italiane tipo il cibo e Boccaccio, che potrebbero avere piú di un certo peso sul mio giudizio. Non vedo l'ora di leggere il prossimo volume con la mia chef/detective preferita!

[Morgan McGuire · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story, characters, and setting are fine. But Wassmer is incapable of communicating naturally with the reader. She needs some hook for every piece of information, and this is so self-conscious and awkward that I gave up after four chapters.

We can't just be told about Pearl's family or elements of the setting. Instead, she must see a knickknack out of the corner of her eye and reminisce about the person who gave it to her. She catches herself in the mirror. The sound of a birdsong reminds her of...etc. It is ridiculous. Just tell me she has a crush on a detective inspector, brown hair, a ridiculous mom, and so on and let me get on with enjoying the story.

[Philip Maughan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Whitstable Pearl books.
Here comes the proverbial BUT.
I had no idea who the murderer was, as no clues are dropped, or hinted at throughout, until the denouement.
Just before the big reveal, I stopped and thought about it. I'm no thicky, but I couldn't pin it on anyone, not even a red herring in there.
And my other moan is that Pearl Nolan knows everything. Walking in the fields she knew all the names of every plant and flower. It would be great if she freely admitted not knowing something, or forgetting a piece of North Kent history. No one's that perfect, but maybe she is.
Anyway, read the book and find out.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure you should be round Pearl, as murders seem to follow her?

On a break with her Mum in Chartham on a celebrity cooking weekend retreat. First the ex husband of Sabrina the host is murdered, left in the walk in fridge, followed by a guest/friend who Pearl finds face down in the river in a bee keepers costume. Why was she in a beekeepers costume when she is allergic to them? So who done it?.....

The Godfather and his accomplish.

[Verity W · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this might be one of those series where you really need to read in order. Because this was the first in the series that I've read and I found it hard to like the main characters or get a handle on what they're history is. I thought the mystery was ok, but I just wanted to feel like I know more about who everyone was.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

bees and secrets

Finally McGuire becomes more human and honest with himself. A gathering of friends along with a celebrity chef to spend a week learning to cook. An unexpected guest arrives, secrets lead to a murder, more secrets lead to a second murder and Pearl is on the case.

[Les Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was beginning to think there were no mystery writers who could write a book without excessive sex, violence and homosexuality. That is until I read this book. My first by this author, and by no means my last. Already bought another in the series. May she keep up the good work.

[Sarah Rayner · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books get better and better. There’s nothing you can’t like about these stories can’t wait to start on the next one and coming from Kent makes them even better as they’re set in places I can relate to

[Tandy Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unashamedly a comfort read over a spell of very wet weather. I bought the first in this series in Whitstable and have followed it ever since. I love the settings and that sense of old fashioned mystery writing.

[Beth Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore the Whitstable Pearl series but I’ve got to admit, I didn’t love this one quite as much.

The storyline seems a little far fetched and the culprit seemed a little too random for me.

I still love the style of writing though and look forward to continuing the rest of the series!

[NANCY WADE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resort and bees murder

Pearl solves another mysterious murder while attempting a relaxing vacation at a country resort filled with suspects. Her mind and heart are distracted by an Italian chef and handsome detective McGuire.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this series. A good mix of characters and humour. Also well written from a geographical standpoint. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Julie Wassmer, for your great books. I'm thoroughly enjoying them - romance, crime, other towns (some I have been to when in the UK) and interesting characters.

Loving these books!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these series of books just downloaded the next one 💜

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pure cosy crime, marvellous!