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Peridale Cafe #3
Doughnuts and Deception
Julia never expected to be caught up in another murder investigation, but when she discovers that homeless people are dying suspiciously and the police aren't investigating, she can't sit back and do nothing. After promising her young lodger, Jessie, that she will do everything she can to help, Julia finds herself diving headfirst into the case, aided by her new Detective Inspector boyfriend, Barker. Sure there is a serial killer preying on the vulnerable residents of an old burnout warehouse, Julia must act quickly to get to the bottom of the mystery, but can she crack the case before more bodies turn up?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2017
1477 people are currently reading
682 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Frost
76 books598 followersAGATHA FROST, an Amazon bestselling author, has written over thirty mystery novels. She lives in the North West English county of Lancashire with her two cuddly beagles and one cat.
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
March 18, 2017
Loved it!
The 3rd book in the Peridale Cafe Mystery series is my favourite so far. The books are getting better and better!The last 3rd of the book kept me on the edge of my seat.
Julia is a wonderful caring character that you just have to love. We find out a lot more about Jessie's past, the homeless girl that Julia has taken in and we also get to meet Granny Dot again who brought a smirk to my face more than once - she's one character!
A highly recommended read.
*Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this lovely story*
The 3rd book in the Peridale Cafe Mystery series is my favourite so far. The books are getting better and better!The last 3rd of the book kept me on the edge of my seat.
Julia is a wonderful caring character that you just have to love. We find out a lot more about Jessie's past, the homeless girl that Julia has taken in and we also get to meet Granny Dot again who brought a smirk to my face more than once - she's one character!
A highly recommended read.
*Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this lovely story*
December 16, 2018
As a series of murders targeting homeless people doesn't seem to bother the police who couldn't even make a connection, Julia, as always decides to act. With Barker and Jess as reinforcement.
The plot was strong and nicely done even if the culprit can be guessed pretty early but this didn't keep me from enjoying the rest of my read.
The end of the book was the best part as most of the details were given then and also because of the tension that rose when piecing the pieces of the puzzle together.
As always, the thing that bothers me with Julia, and almost all the heroines of cozy mysteries is their recklessness, foolishness and sometimes stupidity at wanting to take down the culprit without thinking that it might cause them or their loved ones harm.
What I liked about the third book is that it delt with the homelessness issue, something I haven't come across in any cozy mystery so far, so, bravo to the author.
The plot was strong and nicely done even if the culprit can be guessed pretty early but this didn't keep me from enjoying the rest of my read.
The end of the book was the best part as most of the details were given then and also because of the tension that rose when piecing the pieces of the puzzle together.
As always, the thing that bothers me with Julia, and almost all the heroines of cozy mysteries is their recklessness, foolishness and sometimes stupidity at wanting to take down the culprit without thinking that it might cause them or their loved ones harm.
What I liked about the third book is that it delt with the homelessness issue, something I haven't come across in any cozy mystery so far, so, bravo to the author.
June 2, 2017
I was in a cozy mystery mood so I decided to pick up the next Peridale Cafe Mystery and it fit my mood perfectly. I quickly finished this one and had a lot of fun reading it. It's fun to follow Julia along while she tries to solve yet another murder. The plot in this one was slightly different and a bit less traditional cozy mystery plot line, but it totally worked here.
There has been a series of death's among the homeless that the police isn't paying attention to, but Julia is. She figures they are being targeted and is determined to catch the murderer. The police doesn't see it as a problem as they don't connect the deaths and thus won't investigate, so she takes things in her own hands. Unlike most cozies there was no scene at first where you meat the person who gets murdered and the potential suspects. In fact only as the story progressed a few suspects came up.
While I wasn't too surprised who turned out to be the murderer I was reading so fast through this one I didn't take the time to figure it out. I was shortly thinking in that direction, but hadn't pieced it all together. And the last clue that Julia uses to piece things together we only get to hear after she uncovers the murderer. It was a solid mystery and I liked how it was a tad different. With the police not investigating, the plot of the book developed a bit differently, which was interesting.
The books in this series are usually are pretty focused on the mystery, which is one of the things I like about them. But there are also some side plot lines, in this case one about Julia's grandmother Dot and the homeless people. Then there are some plot lines that progress throughout the series like the romance between Julia and Baker, which had some interesting developments in this book. And then there is the plot line surrounding Jessie, which also had some great scenes that advanced that part.
To summarize: this series is a lot of fun to read, they are fast reads with a solid mystery and some great side plot lines as well. I quickly read through this book and it fit the type of book I was in the mood for. The mystery was a good one and I liked how it deviated a bit from the standard cozy mystery. The police didn't investigate this time and only later on in the story some suspects popped up. I wasn't too surprised by who the murderer was, but hadn't figured it out myself yet. The side plot lines are great too and I like reading about the café, Julia, Jessie and the other characters. The romance also progressed nicely in this book. I hope I can read the next book soon!
There has been a series of death's among the homeless that the police isn't paying attention to, but Julia is. She figures they are being targeted and is determined to catch the murderer. The police doesn't see it as a problem as they don't connect the deaths and thus won't investigate, so she takes things in her own hands. Unlike most cozies there was no scene at first where you meat the person who gets murdered and the potential suspects. In fact only as the story progressed a few suspects came up.
While I wasn't too surprised who turned out to be the murderer I was reading so fast through this one I didn't take the time to figure it out. I was shortly thinking in that direction, but hadn't pieced it all together. And the last clue that Julia uses to piece things together we only get to hear after she uncovers the murderer. It was a solid mystery and I liked how it was a tad different. With the police not investigating, the plot of the book developed a bit differently, which was interesting.
The books in this series are usually are pretty focused on the mystery, which is one of the things I like about them. But there are also some side plot lines, in this case one about Julia's grandmother Dot and the homeless people. Then there are some plot lines that progress throughout the series like the romance between Julia and Baker, which had some interesting developments in this book. And then there is the plot line surrounding Jessie, which also had some great scenes that advanced that part.
To summarize: this series is a lot of fun to read, they are fast reads with a solid mystery and some great side plot lines as well. I quickly read through this book and it fit the type of book I was in the mood for. The mystery was a good one and I liked how it deviated a bit from the standard cozy mystery. The police didn't investigate this time and only later on in the story some suspects popped up. I wasn't too surprised by who the murderer was, but hadn't figured it out myself yet. The side plot lines are great too and I like reading about the café, Julia, Jessie and the other characters. The romance also progressed nicely in this book. I hope I can read the next book soon!
March 10, 2017
These mysteries get better and better, Agatha does an amazing job of keeping us wondering, making us laugh and making us worry about those characters we've grown to love.
Julia and now her sidekick Jessie are back at it. Someone is killing homeless people, men in particular, whom Jessie has come to care for during her time with them. The cops aren't listening, they just say it's drugs or their lifestyle. But Jessie and Julia are questioning this. Bring in the big guns with Barker by their side, they try to figure out the puzzle to these deaths.
And maybe a little bit of romance is a little stronger for Julia and Barker!!! Come join the quirky citizens of Peridale and the mysteries that surround them.
Julia and now her sidekick Jessie are back at it. Someone is killing homeless people, men in particular, whom Jessie has come to care for during her time with them. The cops aren't listening, they just say it's drugs or their lifestyle. But Jessie and Julia are questioning this. Bring in the big guns with Barker by their side, they try to figure out the puzzle to these deaths.
And maybe a little bit of romance is a little stronger for Julia and Barker!!! Come join the quirky citizens of Peridale and the mysteries that surround them.
July 11, 2020
Thank you to the author for providing these books free during the shelter-in-place order. My review is not affected by the free book giveaway. All opinions expressed are my own.
Julia South's foster daughter Jessie can't stop thinking about the homeless friends she left behind. Julia decides to return to the burned out industrial park where Jessie once lived to share doughnuts and coffee with Jessie's friends. Jessie is disturbed when her father-figure informs her that three homeless men have died, all young men with no known addiction issues yet the police don't care. Julia asks Barker to look into it but it's out of his jurisdiction and he can't do much. In spite of protests to the contrary, Julia launches her own investigation which may cost her and her friends their lives.
This series is just not my thing. It's too dark and realistic for me. I want more cozy, English village with recipes and less of problems like homelessness and substance abuse. The romance is happening way too quickly for me. I prefer more of a slow burn. I figured out whodunit as soon as Julia figured out the how. I wasn't positive about why until Jessie discovered the clue. Then I knew who, how and why but there was still a bit of a surprise at the end.
That being said, there is a little more character development in this novel than I remember from the first in the series. Gone is the emphasis on Julia's cute retro style and in is her motherly instincts. Julia is warm, caring and has a lot of love to give. She is super sweet and a great mother-figure for Jessie when Jessie needs it most. Julia is also compassionate towards the homeless.
The homeless people in this book are mostly all good homeless people. These are the down on their luck people who were severely affected by the recession. Jessie was orphaned as a baby and no one wanted to adopt her. I'm not sure why. Her self-esteem has taken a beating since her long term foster parents abandoned her to the system. She believes it was her fault no one wants her. Her story is heartbreaking and happens all the time. Still, I think she should be a little more grateful to Julia and not feel guilty about leaving her old friends behind. Do they really WANT to be homeless? I'm sure they'd be happy for her. Tommy is the wise father-figure of the group. He looks out for Jessie and she adores him. She's a bit naïve because she refuses to hear anything contrary to her own hero-worship of Tommy. I think he's one who seems to want to be homeless and enjoys his position as the unofficial leader of the community. This story doesn't get too in-depth so we don't really know much about his motivations for staying there except he seems to be a proud man who hangs on to a grudge and won't let go at the expense of his stability. Mac is a nice, young musician. He's supposedly American but I can't tell the difference between the British characters and Mac. They all sound alike to me. He's grown cynical over the years and enjoys being a rebel with the homeless crew where he's free to do what he wants. I'm not sure I really like him but Julia is drawn to him for some reason. Cindy and Pete are the junkies. Cindy is in a sad state and I feel sorry that she hasn't been able to get the heath care and help she needs to get clean. I rather like Pete for all he's an alcoholic. He has some crazy conspiracy theories that may not be too far off the mark, aside from the aliens.
Barker is a very nice man. He's trying to work on his relationship with Julia, a woman he is crazy about. It's difficult to date in a small village where Julia's crazy mother Dot spies on everyone's every move. Barker is a sweetheart and he and Julia are made for each other. He moves a little quickly for me though and she hasn't even told him she's not divorced yet! Barker is probably an excellent Detective Inspector but the department doesn't believe the deaths are related or murder so his hands are tied. Julia is not all that understanding of the difficult position he's in and she makes the situation much worse. She puts him in a place where he has to choose his job or her welfare. What a choice! I think he made the right one but at what cost and how could Julia do that to him?
The most obvious suspect is Carl Black, the evil developer who wants to buy the industrial park and put up luxury condos. Can we say cartoonish villain? There's nothing likable or redeeming about him. He would happily evict the homeless from the area. He may be evil but I think he is realistic. He's really the only suspect.
Other characters include Dot, Julia's crazy Gran. Dot is psycho! She's eager to be in on the crime-fighting action so she's set herself up as a neighborhood watch leader. This leads to her spying on everyone in the village. While Dot provides the comic relief, I can't stand her. I hate nosy busybodies. Stella and Max are a nice Christian couple who run the neighborhood soup kitchen for the homeless. It's pretty sad when they can't get funding or fresh food. It's also sad that people like Julia have no idea places like that exist. I guess because it's a small town and idyllic rather than the big city. Stella and Max are a little weird because they're super Christian but they do a good thing helping to feed the homeless.
I'll probably read the other freebies at some point in the future. The libraries are opening back up, thank goodness!
Julia South's foster daughter Jessie can't stop thinking about the homeless friends she left behind. Julia decides to return to the burned out industrial park where Jessie once lived to share doughnuts and coffee with Jessie's friends. Jessie is disturbed when her father-figure informs her that three homeless men have died, all young men with no known addiction issues yet the police don't care. Julia asks Barker to look into it but it's out of his jurisdiction and he can't do much. In spite of protests to the contrary, Julia launches her own investigation which may cost her and her friends their lives.
This series is just not my thing. It's too dark and realistic for me. I want more cozy, English village with recipes and less of problems like homelessness and substance abuse. The romance is happening way too quickly for me. I prefer more of a slow burn. I figured out whodunit as soon as Julia figured out the how. I wasn't positive about why until Jessie discovered the clue. Then I knew who, how and why but there was still a bit of a surprise at the end.
That being said, there is a little more character development in this novel than I remember from the first in the series. Gone is the emphasis on Julia's cute retro style and in is her motherly instincts. Julia is warm, caring and has a lot of love to give. She is super sweet and a great mother-figure for Jessie when Jessie needs it most. Julia is also compassionate towards the homeless.
The homeless people in this book are mostly all good homeless people. These are the down on their luck people who were severely affected by the recession. Jessie was orphaned as a baby and no one wanted to adopt her. I'm not sure why. Her self-esteem has taken a beating since her long term foster parents abandoned her to the system. She believes it was her fault no one wants her. Her story is heartbreaking and happens all the time. Still, I think she should be a little more grateful to Julia and not feel guilty about leaving her old friends behind. Do they really WANT to be homeless? I'm sure they'd be happy for her. Tommy is the wise father-figure of the group. He looks out for Jessie and she adores him. She's a bit naïve because she refuses to hear anything contrary to her own hero-worship of Tommy. I think he's one who seems to want to be homeless and enjoys his position as the unofficial leader of the community. This story doesn't get too in-depth so we don't really know much about his motivations for staying there except he seems to be a proud man who hangs on to a grudge and won't let go at the expense of his stability. Mac is a nice, young musician. He's supposedly American but I can't tell the difference between the British characters and Mac. They all sound alike to me. He's grown cynical over the years and enjoys being a rebel with the homeless crew where he's free to do what he wants. I'm not sure I really like him but Julia is drawn to him for some reason. Cindy and Pete are the junkies. Cindy is in a sad state and I feel sorry that she hasn't been able to get the heath care and help she needs to get clean. I rather like Pete for all he's an alcoholic. He has some crazy conspiracy theories that may not be too far off the mark, aside from the aliens.
Barker is a very nice man. He's trying to work on his relationship with Julia, a woman he is crazy about. It's difficult to date in a small village where Julia's crazy mother Dot spies on everyone's every move. Barker is a sweetheart and he and Julia are made for each other. He moves a little quickly for me though and she hasn't even told him she's not divorced yet! Barker is probably an excellent Detective Inspector but the department doesn't believe the deaths are related or murder so his hands are tied. Julia is not all that understanding of the difficult position he's in and she makes the situation much worse. She puts him in a place where he has to choose his job or her welfare. What a choice! I think he made the right one but at what cost and how could Julia do that to him?
The most obvious suspect is Carl Black, the evil developer who wants to buy the industrial park and put up luxury condos. Can we say cartoonish villain? There's nothing likable or redeeming about him. He would happily evict the homeless from the area. He may be evil but I think he is realistic. He's really the only suspect.
Other characters include Dot, Julia's crazy Gran. Dot is psycho! She's eager to be in on the crime-fighting action so she's set herself up as a neighborhood watch leader. This leads to her spying on everyone in the village. While Dot provides the comic relief, I can't stand her. I hate nosy busybodies. Stella and Max are a nice Christian couple who run the neighborhood soup kitchen for the homeless. It's pretty sad when they can't get funding or fresh food. It's also sad that people like Julia have no idea places like that exist. I guess because it's a small town and idyllic rather than the big city. Stella and Max are a little weird because they're super Christian but they do a good thing helping to feed the homeless.
I'll probably read the other freebies at some point in the future. The libraries are opening back up, thank goodness!
March 13, 2025
I loved this book! I jumped into this series with this book, but it was incredibly easy to join in late, the characters are vivid and there is a smallish recurring cast. This book was super cozy, but didn't shy away from some serious issues. I adore Julia so much. She is so kind and smart and determined and I just admire how much she cares for others. I also love her relationship with Barker where they truly feel like caring equals with a great rapport. I so appreciate that even though he is a police officer, he trusts her completely and doesn't talk down to her or underestimate her and allows her to follow her instincts and supports her (this is very rare in cozies with a police officer love interest to an amateur sleuth). I just loved the story and the writing even though some parts were heartbreaking. I can't wait to read more.
Note: I listened to the audiobook and loved it!
Note: I listened to the audiobook and loved it!
March 23, 2017
The last thing bakery owner Julia expected was to be caught up in yet another murder mystery. When she goes with Jessie, her young lodger, to visit the homeless sanctuary where Jessie once lived, she is told about these mysterious deaths that have been occurring in this community. There are no obvious marks or signs of how each homeless men died. The police are not looking into these as murders because the deceased are homeless it must be drug related.
After Julia speaks to some of the other homeless residence, they all swear that none of the men that died ever touched drugs. And when one of the homeless men she spoke to turned up dead, she became even more determined to solve these murders. After much convincing, she enlists the help of her Detective Inspector boyfriend, Barker. Julia must act quickly before another body turns up at the homeless community.
Once again Julia can't seem to stay out of trouble. She really does try to stay out of danger, but somehow danger always finds her. I find myself looking forward to reading Julia's adventures and seeing what trouble she will get herself into. I absolutely adore the relationship between Julia and Detective Inspector Barker. He accepts all her quirkiness and respects her intelligence. He lets her be who she is, and that in itself is wonderful. I can't wait to see what comes next for Julia.
After Julia speaks to some of the other homeless residence, they all swear that none of the men that died ever touched drugs. And when one of the homeless men she spoke to turned up dead, she became even more determined to solve these murders. After much convincing, she enlists the help of her Detective Inspector boyfriend, Barker. Julia must act quickly before another body turns up at the homeless community.
Once again Julia can't seem to stay out of trouble. She really does try to stay out of danger, but somehow danger always finds her. I find myself looking forward to reading Julia's adventures and seeing what trouble she will get herself into. I absolutely adore the relationship between Julia and Detective Inspector Barker. He accepts all her quirkiness and respects her intelligence. He lets her be who she is, and that in itself is wonderful. I can't wait to see what comes next for Julia.
September 4, 2019
This is such a cute series but I didnt appreciate how Julia handled her "plan" at the end. I hate the whole "I'm going to inconveniece somebody, not tell them what the plan is but say ill tell them later thing bc I supposedly dont have time" ..other than that, it was a good installment!
June 5, 2019
Quick fun read! Not quite as good as the first two in the series
March 10, 2017
Julia is back on the case, but this one is personal. A homeless community is being targeted by a killer, and Julia won't stop until she finds out the truth. We also learn a bit more about Jessie's past, and see a whole new Julia emerge from an experience that changes her and her relationship with those closest to her. This book is very special, and very emotional, and Julia's character truly shone through like a beautiful beacon of light ❤❤ this one is truly a gem!!
January 9, 2018
Julia is just getting smarter in each book. This time, she resolved the murder of homeless men better than the cops go cruising the neighborhoods.
It’s witty, simple writing that’s fun and interesting to read. Nothing too drastic and demonic that will cause you to wonder about the mind of the author.
It’s witty, simple writing that’s fun and interesting to read. Nothing too drastic and demonic that will cause you to wonder about the mind of the author.
March 29, 2017
Cute
Another cute one- more of a realistic tone with a real world problem in this one. Enjoyed the development of the characters
Another cute one- more of a realistic tone with a real world problem in this one. Enjoyed the development of the characters
November 19, 2017
Just alright
Way too soon for this relationship to be where it is. Also, too little secondary character involvement for anyone who isn't Jessie.
Way too soon for this relationship to be where it is. Also, too little secondary character involvement for anyone who isn't Jessie.
July 14, 2017
The overall tone of the book was sad, as was the resolution. The mystery itself was pretty easy to solve.
October 2, 2018
2.75
Leuk om verder in de wereld te vertoeven, is echt wel cozy, maar deze keer net iets te snel door wie de dader was...
Leuk om verder in de wereld te vertoeven, is echt wel cozy, maar deze keer net iets te snel door wie de dader was...
July 12, 2019
Frost sheds light on the reality of the forgotten people (the homeless). This had a more serious tone than the rest of the series. Julia’s grandma’s “neighborhood watch” adds a small bit of humor.🍩
November 5, 2020
This is the only one out of the first 4 books that I didn't like. I felt that way too many people died. Plus I thought the reason behind it was stupid. The good news is that for now everything is good. However, there are several more books in the series.
June 28, 2017
It was just ok. I didn't enjoy the mystery as much as the prior books. However, I did like the continuing development of the quasi mother-daughter relationship between Julia and Jessie. The romance with Detective Barker seems forced at times, though Julia continues to compare her feelings about him with her ex-husband. I'll give the next book a read..
April 13, 2017
Questo libro mi ha fatto riflettere sulla condizione dei barboni...
Il libro è abbastanza corto, direi quasi un racconto lungo, ma la storia gialla è avvincente e, come ho già detto, fa riflettere; in più c'è anche una bella spruzzata consistente di sentimenti. Ottima lettura veloce.
Il libro è abbastanza corto, direi quasi un racconto lungo, ma la storia gialla è avvincente e, come ho già detto, fa riflettere; in più c'è anche una bella spruzzata consistente di sentimenti. Ottima lettura veloce.
February 24, 2021
This time, Julia is decided to solve the mystery of some strange deaths among a homeless group of people that are some of old Jessie's old friend from when she was living on the streets.
This was an okay book but not at the same level as book two in the series. First, the deaths seemed at first quite random, which were too in the end. Second, I was able to guess who the murder was from quite early in the book, while their motives didn't exactly add up. Third, and I hate to say this, it feels less urgent when the victims are unknown people, in this case, homeless men who we didn't know at all. One of them was presented to us just the day before he died, and the others not even that. Fourth, the romantic story is getting too overwhelming too fast for my liking. I'm not into romance but I don't mind it as being part of the story if we give time for the things to build up. Julia and the detective swear love too early to each other in my opinion. And lastly, I didn't agree with how Julia handled things towards the end by hiding facts to people to immediately put them in danger. I won't give more details so that I won't spoil the book to future readers.
Regardless of the issues described above, I enjoyed the book. It's a light and easy read, ideal if one needs a pick-me-up after a difficult book.
This was an okay book but not at the same level as book two in the series. First, the deaths seemed at first quite random, which were too in the end. Second, I was able to guess who the murder was from quite early in the book, while their motives didn't exactly add up. Third, and I hate to say this, it feels less urgent when the victims are unknown people, in this case, homeless men who we didn't know at all. One of them was presented to us just the day before he died, and the others not even that. Fourth, the romantic story is getting too overwhelming too fast for my liking. I'm not into romance but I don't mind it as being part of the story if we give time for the things to build up. Julia and the detective swear love too early to each other in my opinion. And lastly, I didn't agree with how Julia handled things towards the end by hiding facts to people to immediately put them in danger. I won't give more details so that I won't spoil the book to future readers.
Regardless of the issues described above, I enjoyed the book. It's a light and easy read, ideal if one needs a pick-me-up after a difficult book.
November 29, 2019
4.25 Stars
This is the third book in the Peridale Cafe mystery series by Agatha Frost.
The first book was okay and the second book better, but with book three I can see that this series is here to stay.
Jessie, a former homeless person, asks Julia to look into a number of unusual deaths in the homeless community. And of course, Julia gets way in over her head. I was kind of surprised a cozy mystery tackled such a topic but anything goes in cozy mysteries these days. It isn’t until the fourth death that Julia gets a lead. And where it takes her is quite a surprising ordeal. Every book seems to introduce us to an interesting person who might become a recurring character and in this book, that spot goes to Tommy, practically the king of the homeless community who used to be a developer and is like a grandfather to young Jessie.
This story really sucks you in so when the killer is revealed, I hope you are as surprised as I was.
This is the third book in the Peridale Cafe mystery series by Agatha Frost.
The first book was okay and the second book better, but with book three I can see that this series is here to stay.
Jessie, a former homeless person, asks Julia to look into a number of unusual deaths in the homeless community. And of course, Julia gets way in over her head. I was kind of surprised a cozy mystery tackled such a topic but anything goes in cozy mysteries these days. It isn’t until the fourth death that Julia gets a lead. And where it takes her is quite a surprising ordeal. Every book seems to introduce us to an interesting person who might become a recurring character and in this book, that spot goes to Tommy, practically the king of the homeless community who used to be a developer and is like a grandfather to young Jessie.
This story really sucks you in so when the killer is revealed, I hope you are as surprised as I was.
December 4, 2018
This is the third book in the series, and I've read them all and enjoyed them. Good, fairly light reading, with good stories played out by characters I could believe in and like.
The author is unfortunately in the habit of having her characters "smirk" at each other. I've always thought smirking was rather an unpleasant, smug smile, but Agatha Frost seems to use the word for any shared smile between characters, even when the scene playing out is more romantic than smug or conceited. As smirking seems to happen frequently it rather took the shine off the book for me, which is why I only gave 3 stars not the 4 it should have had.
The author is unfortunately in the habit of having her characters "smirk" at each other. I've always thought smirking was rather an unpleasant, smug smile, but Agatha Frost seems to use the word for any shared smile between characters, even when the scene playing out is more romantic than smug or conceited. As smirking seems to happen frequently it rather took the shine off the book for me, which is why I only gave 3 stars not the 4 it should have had.
September 30, 2024
This was another fine entry into the Peridale Cafe series. This time homeless men are mysteriously dying; the only clue being the small puncture mark on each of them. There is an very obvious give away of whom the murderer is which was a bummer and there's just so many damn characters and literally none of them stick out in any sort of way. But these books are fine, they are very middle of the road and just ok.
June 22, 2019
Deze vond ik echt beduidend minder dan de vorige boeken, vooral omdat het een beetje belerend overkwam en ik het luchtige 'cozy mystery' gevoel miste. Na drie delen merk ik dat de personages maar weinig groeien en er in een korte tijd een hele hoop moorden plaatsvinden maar verder niet veel gebeurt.
June 4, 2020
This wasn't as enjoyable as the other one I read. The story involves a neighborhood watch, a misunderstanding, murder, a homeless camp, and a real estate developer. I enjoyed the mystery until the end. I wanted it to end differently. There is also some romance, but it's secondary.
December 12, 2020
4.5 Stars
rounded up to 5 Stars.
Kudos to this author for highlighting the swept under the rug social plights of the homeless and the need for society to start addressing this serious issue instead of ignoring it.
Kudos to this author for highlighting the swept under the rug social plights of the homeless and the need for society to start addressing this serious issue instead of ignoring it.
January 22, 2018
I liked the first two books in the series but this one I loved. The author has painted interesting mysteries and endearing characters that I have become personally attached. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
May 5, 2020
I didn’t enjoy this as much as previous books in the series.
January 13, 2022
A bit gritty for a cozy mystery, but I enjoyed it.
Kudos to this author for dealing with the issues of homelessness and childlessness.
Kudos to this author for dealing with the issues of homelessness and childlessness.
January 29, 2024
Liked the twist in this one. And I really like Barker
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