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The Dead Girl's Shoes
The scent of a murderer…
After her marriage ends, Dr Lizzie Browne leaves her medical practice in Whitechapel, London, for a country practice in Stibbington, looking for a fresh start. But if she thinks she’s in for peace, she is sadly mistaken, as the countryside itself may be tranquil, but people are the same wherever you go.
Lizzie’s daughter Louise works in PR. When she asks Lizzie to attend a perfume launch at Country House Hotel, the grand estate in Stibbington, Lizzie’s main concern is how uncomfortable her high heels will be. She does not want to go, but it is important to Louise.
The perfume has been created by Simon Villiers, the son of the owner of Avon Hall, from some of their famous roses.
Lizzie notices that Simon is drunk and obnoxious at the launch, especially to his cousin, Jemima Villiers.
Jemima, who is working at the event, was raised by her aunt and uncle at Avon Hall after her own parents died. As Lizzie leaves the party she sees Jemima get into a small red car, and thinks nothing of it – until pretty Jemima is found dead the next day.
Suddenly Lizzie is caught in the middle of a murder investigation.
Once prosperous, Avon Hall has hit hard times. Money is scarce, and family tensions are rife. When Jemima turns up dead, DCI Adam Maguire has his work cut out for him.
But Lizzie, who has grown jaded with the medical profession, has taken an interest in police work, and soon finds herself in the middle of the investigation, an investigation that will tear apart the Villiers’ family, and reveal secrets that will change the lives of everyone involved.
After her marriage ends, Dr Lizzie Browne leaves her medical practice in Whitechapel, London, for a country practice in Stibbington, looking for a fresh start. But if she thinks she’s in for peace, she is sadly mistaken, as the countryside itself may be tranquil, but people are the same wherever you go.
Lizzie’s daughter Louise works in PR. When she asks Lizzie to attend a perfume launch at Country House Hotel, the grand estate in Stibbington, Lizzie’s main concern is how uncomfortable her high heels will be. She does not want to go, but it is important to Louise.
The perfume has been created by Simon Villiers, the son of the owner of Avon Hall, from some of their famous roses.
Lizzie notices that Simon is drunk and obnoxious at the launch, especially to his cousin, Jemima Villiers.
Jemima, who is working at the event, was raised by her aunt and uncle at Avon Hall after her own parents died. As Lizzie leaves the party she sees Jemima get into a small red car, and thinks nothing of it – until pretty Jemima is found dead the next day.
Suddenly Lizzie is caught in the middle of a murder investigation.
Once prosperous, Avon Hall has hit hard times. Money is scarce, and family tensions are rife. When Jemima turns up dead, DCI Adam Maguire has his work cut out for him.
But Lizzie, who has grown jaded with the medical profession, has taken an interest in police work, and soon finds herself in the middle of the investigation, an investigation that will tear apart the Villiers’ family, and reveal secrets that will change the lives of everyone involved.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2017
304 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Angela Arney
11 books9 followersAngela Arney was born in Hampshire, England, where she has lived for most of his life. She went to school in Winchester, but since 2001, she lives in Marchwood, near Southampton. A widowed, she has a son, a daughter, and four grandchildren. Before writing she had a varied career as a caberet singer, a teacher, and then hospital administrator.
Angela has been a published writer of successful romantic novels since 1984, has had 16 romantic suspense stories published as well as four larger mainstream novels. She was the nineteenth elected Chairman (1997–1999) of the Romantic Novelists' Association, is a reader for the New Writers Scheme (unpublished writers) and also reads partial manuscripts for a publisher. She is a speaker for various literary events up and down the country. Together with two other local authors, June Tate and Katie Fforde, she runs creative writing courses to tutor others. As well as writing, Angela has interests in amateur theatre both as a performer and director for plays and musicals. She took time out to return to the theatre as a director of amateur companies, but she has now returned to writing novels.
Angela has been a published writer of successful romantic novels since 1984, has had 16 romantic suspense stories published as well as four larger mainstream novels. She was the nineteenth elected Chairman (1997–1999) of the Romantic Novelists' Association, is a reader for the New Writers Scheme (unpublished writers) and also reads partial manuscripts for a publisher. She is a speaker for various literary events up and down the country. Together with two other local authors, June Tate and Katie Fforde, she runs creative writing courses to tutor others. As well as writing, Angela has interests in amateur theatre both as a performer and director for plays and musicals. She took time out to return to the theatre as a director of amateur companies, but she has now returned to writing novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 12, 2017
Energetic mystery
This book has been a fun read. Getting to know Adam and Lizzie as they piece together the murder of a young woman. The characters were full of life and secrets.
I enjoyed this as a simple story that kept me involved. There is a nice British feel to the book adding charm.
This book has been a fun read. Getting to know Adam and Lizzie as they piece together the murder of a young woman. The characters were full of life and secrets.
I enjoyed this as a simple story that kept me involved. There is a nice British feel to the book adding charm.
July 29, 2017
I had several issues with this novel.
1. There was the confusion over the car.
At 46% a very old Fiat 500 was found, burned out and hidden where it was unlikely to be found.
This was registered to Tom, who earlier in the book (44%) talked about his 2CV which he kept in the garage. ‘I’ll get the old 2CV out from storage at the back of the garage.
Was the burned out car a 2CV or a Fiat 500? And if the burned out car was the red car used to transport Jemima, then how did forensics get so much DNA etc from it ‘There’s plenty of Jemima’s DNA, blood, hairs and stuff…’- The car was described as a charred wreck.
2. What on earth was the bit with the incompetent ‘Urgent Care Co Ltd’? That was just plain inexplicable. We are told the two members of staff are experienced and trustworthy (well-trained and conscientious) and the next thing they both fall asleep on the job and let their frail, seriously ill patient (who would have had an IV cannula in his arm, blood pressure cuff, ecg monitors stuck everywhere etc etc,) get out of his bed and walk away. I’m sorry but that simply doesn’t ring true.
3. Did we ever learn the reason for Mrs Villiers peculiar blood pressure readings?
4. There were numerous errors with the punctuation of direct speech.
If direct speech comes after the information about who is speaking, you should use a comma to introduce the piece of speech, place before the first inverted comma, and a capital letter for the first word spoken:
Maguire made a note, and then asked, ‘Didn’t you wonder where Jemima was in the morning?’ (not - 'didn't...)
5.At the 81% mark there was a highlighted sentence in the text: ‘I gather Hilda Thorne has been called in again to administer unto her.’
This was clearly a proofreaders edit.
6.Simon’s perfume at the start was called ‘Black Velvet’, yet at the end we are told that his perfume ‘Desert Dew’ was selling well both in England and on the continent. Was this the same perfume?
I wish I could have liked this more, but the errors and the confusion made it difficult to concentrate on the story, especially as I was wondering how the car had changed and what the incompetence of the medics had to do with the actual murder.
1. There was the confusion over the car.
At 46% a very old Fiat 500 was found, burned out and hidden where it was unlikely to be found.
This was registered to Tom, who earlier in the book (44%) talked about his 2CV which he kept in the garage. ‘I’ll get the old 2CV out from storage at the back of the garage.
Was the burned out car a 2CV or a Fiat 500? And if the burned out car was the red car used to transport Jemima, then how did forensics get so much DNA etc from it ‘There’s plenty of Jemima’s DNA, blood, hairs and stuff…’- The car was described as a charred wreck.
2. What on earth was the bit with the incompetent ‘Urgent Care Co Ltd’? That was just plain inexplicable. We are told the two members of staff are experienced and trustworthy (well-trained and conscientious) and the next thing they both fall asleep on the job and let their frail, seriously ill patient (who would have had an IV cannula in his arm, blood pressure cuff, ecg monitors stuck everywhere etc etc,) get out of his bed and walk away. I’m sorry but that simply doesn’t ring true.
3. Did we ever learn the reason for Mrs Villiers peculiar blood pressure readings?
4. There were numerous errors with the punctuation of direct speech.
If direct speech comes after the information about who is speaking, you should use a comma to introduce the piece of speech, place before the first inverted comma, and a capital letter for the first word spoken:
Maguire made a note, and then asked, ‘Didn’t you wonder where Jemima was in the morning?’ (not - 'didn't...)
5.At the 81% mark there was a highlighted sentence in the text: ‘I gather Hilda Thorne has been called in again to administer unto her.’
This was clearly a proofreaders edit.
6.Simon’s perfume at the start was called ‘Black Velvet’, yet at the end we are told that his perfume ‘Desert Dew’ was selling well both in England and on the continent. Was this the same perfume?
I wish I could have liked this more, but the errors and the confusion made it difficult to concentrate on the story, especially as I was wondering how the car had changed and what the incompetence of the medics had to do with the actual murder.
July 11, 2021
A not very good ebook. I think some people write junk to sell cheaply on Amazon, just for the money. I've certainly done my part to contribute to their cause, so, my fault!
This one is pretty bad. The police can't seem to figure out rules of evidence, a local doctor finds herself in trouble because she's nosey as all get out, and the climax is more of a dull thud. Avoid if at all possible.
This one is pretty bad. The police can't seem to figure out rules of evidence, a local doctor finds herself in trouble because she's nosey as all get out, and the climax is more of a dull thud. Avoid if at all possible.
September 18, 2017
Charming
Lovely British mystery ! There are multiple points of view, and that may or may not bother some readers , but the characters are great, the pacing is perfect for the genre, and the setting is lovely . I'm in for another book in the series !
Lovely British mystery ! There are multiple points of view, and that may or may not bother some readers , but the characters are great, the pacing is perfect for the genre, and the setting is lovely . I'm in for another book in the series !
April 6, 2021
Errors
I only gave this book two stars as it has the most errors of any book I've ever read. Normally I overlook a few errors but there are so many in this book they were a real distraction. Here are the ones I found, most are name changes of characters but one s a location and one is a British police ranking.: the maid Jade to Amy, Jemima's mother's name frm Linda to Fiona, Bert Grayer to Grayson (same surname as Maguire's second in command) , Avon Hall to House. Lastly Maguire's rank from DCI to Detective Superintendent. The plot and pace are reasonable and being forewarned about the errors go ahead. I suspected the eventual murderer even before Jemima's letter. The previous book with same protagonists , Old Sins Long Memories, is better.And Dr Browne seems to dislike most of her patients which detracts from the narrative for me.
I only gave this book two stars as it has the most errors of any book I've ever read. Normally I overlook a few errors but there are so many in this book they were a real distraction. Here are the ones I found, most are name changes of characters but one s a location and one is a British police ranking.: the maid Jade to Amy, Jemima's mother's name frm Linda to Fiona, Bert Grayer to Grayson (same surname as Maguire's second in command) , Avon Hall to House. Lastly Maguire's rank from DCI to Detective Superintendent. The plot and pace are reasonable and being forewarned about the errors go ahead. I suspected the eventual murderer even before Jemima's letter. The previous book with same protagonists , Old Sins Long Memories, is better.And Dr Browne seems to dislike most of her patients which detracts from the narrative for me.
October 19, 2021
Almost a year has past since Dr. Lizzie Browne moved to town and got involved with one of Chief Inspector Adam Maguire's murder investigation's. In the meantime, they've been seeing quite a lot of each other. Now the chief has been landed with the death of a young woman whose body has been discovered in an old ice pit on the estate of the local aristocracy.
Doctor Browne gets involved when the wife needs some medical help. Once again she finds herself working alongside Inspector Maguire as they put their brains together to solve not one but two murders. They are both a little on the crusty side but seem to be making progress in their friendship. Can't wait for the next episode.
Doctor Browne gets involved when the wife needs some medical help. Once again she finds herself working alongside Inspector Maguire as they put their brains together to solve not one but two murders. They are both a little on the crusty side but seem to be making progress in their friendship. Can't wait for the next episode.
November 18, 2017
The Next Miss Marple
Dr. Lizzie Brown has left the big city for a small town practice, but she has also found a new interest - detective work. Now a girl, related to a local aristocratic family, is found dead in an unused and abandoned ice house. Lead detective Adam Maguire has several leads but no real suspect, especially since his prime suspect is also dead. A strange family dynamic, questionable DNA, and many lies make the case a real puzzle.
For the second time, it is Dr. Brown who finds the final clues to discover the murderer and close the case.
Dr. Lizzie Brown has left the big city for a small town practice, but she has also found a new interest - detective work. Now a girl, related to a local aristocratic family, is found dead in an unused and abandoned ice house. Lead detective Adam Maguire has several leads but no real suspect, especially since his prime suspect is also dead. A strange family dynamic, questionable DNA, and many lies make the case a real puzzle.
For the second time, it is Dr. Brown who finds the final clues to discover the murderer and close the case.
March 29, 2021
Enjoyable. I will read the next one.
However, it was spoiled by too many unnecessary mistakes. I noticed that Jade, the young girl who cleaned at the big house was later referred to as Amy. I had also clocked the change of car and some of the other mistakes mentioned by readers.
It would also appear that the character Lizzie becomes exhausted very quickly, e.g. when climbing out of the ice-house. This seems to excuse a normally vital and observant individual to find herself in a vulnerable position.
However, it was spoiled by too many unnecessary mistakes. I noticed that Jade, the young girl who cleaned at the big house was later referred to as Amy. I had also clocked the change of car and some of the other mistakes mentioned by readers.
It would also appear that the character Lizzie becomes exhausted very quickly, e.g. when climbing out of the ice-house. This seems to excuse a normally vital and observant individual to find herself in a vulnerable position.
February 27, 2019
Brilliant
A modern book which makes a pleasant change from many others out there. It is a full length novel rather than a short story pretending to be a novel, it is realistic while still containing those elements which form the basis of the ever popular cozy stories, it is part police based and part unofficial private sleuth who is also a practising GP in a country village. In short, a book well worth reading from a writer worth following.
A modern book which makes a pleasant change from many others out there. It is a full length novel rather than a short story pretending to be a novel, it is realistic while still containing those elements which form the basis of the ever popular cozy stories, it is part police based and part unofficial private sleuth who is also a practising GP in a country village. In short, a book well worth reading from a writer worth following.
October 17, 2017
A great modern cozy!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters. While not a challenging mystery it was told in an entertaining way. I hope to see more spice in the next book...(between Adam and Lizzie) and I believe the stories will get more interesting and the future murder solutions more surprising! Bring it on!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the characters. While not a challenging mystery it was told in an entertaining way. I hope to see more spice in the next book...(between Adam and Lizzie) and I believe the stories will get more interesting and the future murder solutions more surprising! Bring it on!
May 5, 2018
While leaving a perfume launch at Country House Hotel, in Stibbington, Dr Lizzie Browne overhears an argument and then notice's a young women getting into a car. This became a concern when a body is found the next day.
I noticed a couple of proofreading errors but on the whole I enjoyed the story.
I noticed a couple of proofreading errors but on the whole I enjoyed the story.
May 18, 2022
DNF - I have finally given up on this book at 68% as I’m finding it extremely slow and not very exciting, I would go as far as to say I’m finding it boring to read. The police can’t seem to figure anything out, I’m not finding any of the characters likeable, but mainly the inconsistencies are really irritating
August 9, 2017
Smooth reading
A twisted tale with likeable characters - the good guys - and a non-suspect killer ... All in all this is a tale well told, minimal typos, minimal sloppiness. I shall read more by this author.
A twisted tale with likeable characters - the good guys - and a non-suspect killer ... All in all this is a tale well told, minimal typos, minimal sloppiness. I shall read more by this author.
January 12, 2018
Low 3 star
Chronically unstable POV but liked MC. Mystery itself was decent although a few times details felt hidden. Makes no sense DNA tests didn't reveal two sets of siblings. Would think the maternal link could be recognized even without mother's DNA.
Chronically unstable POV but liked MC. Mystery itself was decent although a few times details felt hidden. Makes no sense DNA tests didn't reveal two sets of siblings. Would think the maternal link could be recognized even without mother's DNA.
January 15, 2021
A great story.....but marred by typos
This is the second Angels Arney book I've read,the characters are well drawn and believable....but I am distracted and disappointed to keep coming across typos, inconsistencies and mistakes. I can provide details I'd anyone I'd interested.
This is the second Angels Arney book I've read,the characters are well drawn and believable....but I am distracted and disappointed to keep coming across typos, inconsistencies and mistakes. I can provide details I'd anyone I'd interested.
January 31, 2021
This interesting author
This is only the second Angela Carney book I've read but I really enjoyed both of them. She writes a believable and entertaining yarn. I will overlooking for more from her.
This is only the second Angela Carney book I've read but I really enjoyed both of them. She writes a believable and entertaining yarn. I will overlooking for more from her.
February 28, 2021
Typos
Super story, but a proof reader would be a good idea, I found I had to read sentences two or three times to make any sense. It was often just one letter. Such a shame to spoil such a good story in this way.
Super story, but a proof reader would be a good idea, I found I had to read sentences two or three times to make any sense. It was often just one letter. Such a shame to spoil such a good story in this way.
August 4, 2021
Likeable
Enjoyed this immensely. Nicely paced, sympathetic characters and the end where Nellie comes to the rescue rounded it off well. One continuity glitch. The Citroen 2CV gets called a Fiat at one point. And most of London is too far away to hear Big Ben. Otherwise flawless.
Enjoyed this immensely. Nicely paced, sympathetic characters and the end where Nellie comes to the rescue rounded it off well. One continuity glitch. The Citroen 2CV gets called a Fiat at one point. And most of London is too far away to hear Big Ben. Otherwise flawless.
October 10, 2021
Well developed characters. Good story
The beginning seems disjointed but as the book progresses, things fit into place with ah ha moments. The characters are interesting although a little stereotyped. I want to read the next in the series.
The beginning seems disjointed but as the book progresses, things fit into place with ah ha moments. The characters are interesting although a little stereotyped. I want to read the next in the series.
October 31, 2021
Boring predictable.
Promising start. But too easy and predictable to qualify as a murder mystery. When anyone could identify it within a few pages. Also unnecessary narratives and conversations. Not to mention story line is all over the place.
Promising start. But too easy and predictable to qualify as a murder mystery. When anyone could identify it within a few pages. Also unnecessary narratives and conversations. Not to mention story line is all over the place.
March 19, 2022
Whirlwind
You'll definitely feel you've been caught up in a twisted (the family, not the main characters!) set of circumstances that has everyone searching in circles for the murderer. Well done!
You'll definitely feel you've been caught up in a twisted (the family, not the main characters!) set of circumstances that has everyone searching in circles for the murderer. Well done!
April 2, 2022
Fun
This was a fun mystery to read. Not sure I liked all the characters. Some of the attitudes seemed a bit dated. I did figure out who the murderer was before the end but still enjoyed reading how they doled it.
This was a fun mystery to read. Not sure I liked all the characters. Some of the attitudes seemed a bit dated. I did figure out who the murderer was before the end but still enjoyed reading how they doled it.
April 6, 2022
So many suspects! Good to the last drop!
The doctor made a good detective! It left me wondering whether or not she & head policeman would get together. I found the dirty old woman interesting at the end. I must say it held my interest.
The doctor made a good detective! It left me wondering whether or not she & head policeman would get together. I found the dirty old woman interesting at the end. I must say it held my interest.
April 29, 2022
Good book!!!!
First time read this author!!!!
Nice characters, the countryside sounds wonderful.
Lizzie and Adam was a great team to figure out the puzzle.
You should read this book!
First time read this author!!!!
Nice characters, the countryside sounds wonderful.
Lizzie and Adam was a great team to figure out the puzzle.
You should read this book!
May 25, 2022
Exceeded my expectations
The second book was as good or better than the first. Seemed like everybody was the guilty party and the ending was a surprise. Lizzie and Adam are great characters as are all the secondary folks. Looking forward to more in this series.
The second book was as good or better than the first. Seemed like everybody was the guilty party and the ending was a surprise. Lizzie and Adam are great characters as are all the secondary folks. Looking forward to more in this series.
June 5, 2022
I had worked out who the killer was quite early on but everbody seemed to discount that person for no good reason which made it even more obvious who the killer was.
Other than that I enjoyed the story and felt the characters were well drawn.
Other than that I enjoyed the story and felt the characters were well drawn.
June 28, 2023
An Excellent Cozy Mystery
This is a story so full of clues, it is difficult to guess whodunnit. The writing is fantastic, and the characters come across as real. It is a book that is so enjoyable, it is hard to put down.
This is a story so full of clues, it is difficult to guess whodunnit. The writing is fantastic, and the characters come across as real. It is a book that is so enjoyable, it is hard to put down.
August 2, 2017
Fascinating mystery
Lots of people who dun it! Takes a long time to figure out the murderer. Maybe you can before I did.
Lots of people who dun it! Takes a long time to figure out the murderer. Maybe you can before I did.
August 5, 2017
A fun read
even though it's a murder story. It never got boring and had no gore in it. AND it is well written.
even though it's a murder story. It never got boring and had no gore in it. AND it is well written.
October 12, 2017
worthwhile read.
The story moves a bit slowly, but still worth the effort. Would've liked more resolution for some of the characters.
The story moves a bit slowly, but still worth the effort. Would've liked more resolution for some of the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews