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Beryl and Edwina Mystery #2
Murder Flies the Coop
One would hardly call them birds of a feather, but thrill-seeking American adventuress Beryl Helliwell and quietly reserved Brit Edwina Davenport do one thing very well together—solve murders . . .
Sharing lodging in the sleepy English village of Walmsley Parva has eased some of the financial strain on the two old school chums, but money is still tight in these lean years following the Great War. All of Beryl's ex-husbands have proven reluctant to part with her alimony, which is most inconvenient.
So when the local vicar—and pigeon-racing club president—approaches them with a private inquiry opportunity, the ladies eagerly accept. There's been a spot of bother: the treasurer has absconded with the club's funds and several prized birds.
Beryl and Edwina hope to flush out the missing man by checking his boardinghouse and place of employment at the coal mine. But when they visit the man's loft, they find their elusive quarry lying in white feathers and a pool of crimson blood, stabbed to death—the only witnesses cooing mournfully.
After a stiff gin fizz, the ladies resume their search for the missing funds and prized birds—and now a murderer. Beryl and Edwina aren't shy about ruffling a few feathers as they home in on their suspects. But they had better find the killer fast, before their sleuthing career is cut short . . .
Sharing lodging in the sleepy English village of Walmsley Parva has eased some of the financial strain on the two old school chums, but money is still tight in these lean years following the Great War. All of Beryl's ex-husbands have proven reluctant to part with her alimony, which is most inconvenient.
So when the local vicar—and pigeon-racing club president—approaches them with a private inquiry opportunity, the ladies eagerly accept. There's been a spot of bother: the treasurer has absconded with the club's funds and several prized birds.
Beryl and Edwina hope to flush out the missing man by checking his boardinghouse and place of employment at the coal mine. But when they visit the man's loft, they find their elusive quarry lying in white feathers and a pool of crimson blood, stabbed to death—the only witnesses cooing mournfully.
After a stiff gin fizz, the ladies resume their search for the missing funds and prized birds—and now a murderer. Beryl and Edwina aren't shy about ruffling a few feathers as they home in on their suspects. But they had better find the killer fast, before their sleuthing career is cut short . . .
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2018
196 people are currently reading
631 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Ellicott
16 books832 followersJessica Ellicott loves fountain pens, Mini Coopers, and throwing parties. She lives in northern New England where she obsessively knits wool socks and enthusiastically speaks Portuguese with a shocking disregard for the rules of grammar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
September 26, 2018
Lifelong friends Beryl and Edwina are still trying to figure out how to earn more income when they hit on the idea of opening an inquiry agency. And their first case comes from the local vicar. It seems a member of the local pigeon racing club has vanished, along with club funds and several birds. Did the man take off with everything? If so, can Beryl and Edwina find him?
It was wonderful to be visiting this dynamic duo again in 1921 England. Beryl and Edwina are such opposites, but their differences really make them a great team, and the third person narration from their points of view show cases that perfectly. I'm loving watching Edwina come out of her shell. I don't feel we are getting quite as much character development for Beryl, or I'm just not seeing it, but that is a minor complaint. The mystery is strong and manages to bring in some issues from the time period in an organic way without lecturing us. There are some good twists and surprises to the story and a logical climax. The entire thing is wrapped in a sense of fun that comes from Beryl and Edwina themselves, who are enjoying their new vocation.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
It was wonderful to be visiting this dynamic duo again in 1921 England. Beryl and Edwina are such opposites, but their differences really make them a great team, and the third person narration from their points of view show cases that perfectly. I'm loving watching Edwina come out of her shell. I don't feel we are getting quite as much character development for Beryl, or I'm just not seeing it, but that is a minor complaint. The mystery is strong and manages to bring in some issues from the time period in an organic way without lecturing us. There are some good twists and surprises to the story and a logical climax. The entire thing is wrapped in a sense of fun that comes from Beryl and Edwina themselves, who are enjoying their new vocation.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
July 12, 2023
This was a five-star read for me... right up to the moment the culprit's motivation was revealed. Then it just went weird for me. I could buy a lot of motives, and I get why the author didn't use standard ones. But it was so odd and random with only one tiny thing that might support it throughout the book that I just couldn't buy it.
Great storytelling, wonderful character growth, and fun new twists that had me doubting myself. A lot of fun all around, but... yeah. The problem isn't that the author took it in a totally odd direction. That actually would have worked with the story. But it felt pulled out of the hat as the motive JUST to keep it from being cliche. I think that's my problem. Already into the next, so obviously I'm loving the series as a whole.
Great storytelling, wonderful character growth, and fun new twists that had me doubting myself. A lot of fun all around, but... yeah. The problem isn't that the author took it in a totally odd direction. That actually would have worked with the story. But it felt pulled out of the hat as the motive JUST to keep it from being cliche. I think that's my problem. Already into the next, so obviously I'm loving the series as a whole.
January 27, 2021
Great fun spending time with Beryl and Edwina again!
June 11, 2019
I fell in love with Edwina Davenport and Beryl Helliwell in the first book in Jessica Ellicott's Beryl and Edwina Mystery series, Murder in an English Village and I became a devoted fan after reading the second book in this amazing series, Murder Flies the Coop.
Not only does Ellicott paint a wonderful picture of the friendship between these two old friends but she also provides the reader with a quaint little English village to escape to. In this second installment in this series we are witnesses to Edwina and Beryl deciding to open up their own detecting business seeing as the positive results they had when they solved the case in Murder in an English Village. And seeing as they need to raise money for the upkeep to their home and have money for basic things, it seemed like the best idea yet......and it also seems that things just kind of end up at their door.
Edwina and Beryl are hired by the vicar to look into the disappearance of a member of his pigeon racing club and some money that was in his possession. It wasn't hard for them to find the missing individual and rule that he was murdered however, finding the missing money turns out to be more challenging. And when they are hired to find mssing jewelry that belongs to the wife of the owner of the mining company, things get more exciting for Beryl. Beryl lives for the excitement more than Edwina and that may be why they work so well together...Edwina keeps Beryl centered and grounded more.
Whatever the case is, you can be sure that these two women are more than capable of handling everything it entails. Ellicott will have you turning the pages as fast as your eyes can take in the words and your fingers can turn the pages. You will be thoroughly invested in the story and will love Edwina and Beryl and the way the interact with each other and everyone around them. You will love that Edwina is such a delicate flower and Beryl is a daredevil of a woman and the way they seem to complete each other. I cannot wait for the next adventure these two take......
Not only does Ellicott paint a wonderful picture of the friendship between these two old friends but she also provides the reader with a quaint little English village to escape to. In this second installment in this series we are witnesses to Edwina and Beryl deciding to open up their own detecting business seeing as the positive results they had when they solved the case in Murder in an English Village. And seeing as they need to raise money for the upkeep to their home and have money for basic things, it seemed like the best idea yet......and it also seems that things just kind of end up at their door.
Edwina and Beryl are hired by the vicar to look into the disappearance of a member of his pigeon racing club and some money that was in his possession. It wasn't hard for them to find the missing individual and rule that he was murdered however, finding the missing money turns out to be more challenging. And when they are hired to find mssing jewelry that belongs to the wife of the owner of the mining company, things get more exciting for Beryl. Beryl lives for the excitement more than Edwina and that may be why they work so well together...Edwina keeps Beryl centered and grounded more.
Whatever the case is, you can be sure that these two women are more than capable of handling everything it entails. Ellicott will have you turning the pages as fast as your eyes can take in the words and your fingers can turn the pages. You will be thoroughly invested in the story and will love Edwina and Beryl and the way the interact with each other and everyone around them. You will love that Edwina is such a delicate flower and Beryl is a daredevil of a woman and the way they seem to complete each other. I cannot wait for the next adventure these two take......
August 9, 2018
Unfortunately, I was never able to get into this book. I felt the pace was slow and I just couldn't connect to the characters. I didn't care who did the murder or why they did it. I stopped reading it just over 1/2 way through and I hate doing that.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
March 26, 2019
Beryl and Edwina are at loose ends after solving a missing persons case and a murder back in the autumn. Their finances are low again as Beryl's demands for her ex-husbands' alimony are met with silence. Surely something will come their way. Simpkins, Edwin's gardner, has a suggestion. He thinks the ladies should set themselves up as private enquiry agents. He even has a client lined up for them. The vicar and president of the long distance pigeon racing club has a problem. One of his club members has absconded with the treasury and some valuable pigeons. He wishes to be as discreet as possible and Beryl and Edwina promise their discretion. When Lionel Cunningham finally turns up, he's no longer alive. The case takes them to the local mining office, the pigeon lofts and even the mining village before they can solve the crime. Can they stay a step ahead of Constable Gibb who would like nothing better than to arrest them?!
I didn't find this mystery as engaging as the first one. Pigeon racing is really really boring. The rest of the story deals with worker rights. I loved the cozy charm of the village setting very much and the characters are fun and interesting but the storyline didn't hook me in.
The characters make the story. Edwina appears a demure, country spinster on the outside but Beryl pushes Edwina to find her inner tiger Beryl knows her friend is hiding. Edwina has hidden depths, helped along by a gin fizz or two. I enjoy seeing Edwina unbend and come to a better understanding of how the other half lives and perceives her class. It's interesting to read how May Day was still a country festival but just starting to become a time for workers to express their rights. The history is top notch, at least from my limited perspective.
While Beryl appears more bold and daring, she too is hiding her true nature. Beryl is insecure about aging and her waning fame. She's feeling her age but doesn't like to let others notice. Edwina's dog Crumpet is darling but he doesn't have much to do in this novel. Constable Gibbs is even more frosty towards the heroines but I can't really blame her.
I like the development of the relationship between Edwina and Simpkins. I like getting to know him better. He sounds like a good friend even if Edwina doesn't see it that way. The village gossips are not quite as awful yet their prejudices get in the way sometimes. Charles Jarvis seems to be hiding his true self, much like Edwina. I'm not sure I want them to get together though. Beryl's reporter friend Archie arrives in Walmley-Parva just when he's needed the most. He may be a little too enthusiastic for Edwina and my tastes but he also may be a good friend.
The victim, Lionel Cunningham, doesn't seem like he was a terrible person. He did his job keeping the books for the mine and he participated in pigeon racing, sometimes coming in second. Lionel was in the gray zone-he wasn't terrible but he wasn't a saint. He did what he was paid to do. His biggest rival in the pigeon racing world is Gareth Scott, the village grocer. Scott always comes in first in the races, claiming it's the special diet of fruits and vegetables he feeds his pigeons. I believe he may be cooking the books somehow and cheating but his unethical sportsmanship has nothing to do with his business and I can't see boycotting because of it. In third place and sometimes second is Denis Morley, a laborer in the local mine. He's set apart from the others because of his social class and his experience handling mobile pigeons during the war. I feel sorry for him because of the job he is forced to do and how his wife doesn't share his passion for agitating to try to make working conditions better.
The mine owner, Mr. Eccleston-Smythe is a little worse than many of the others. At first I thought he was just doing what everyone else was and while that doesn't make it right, that doesn't make him evil. However, as the story continues, he shows his true colors. Can he be the killer? I hope so. His wife is a piece of work. I am uncertain she can be believed. I want to be sympathetic but it's hard when she chose that life. Secretary Miss Chilvers is so cold and neat. She lacks passion or feeling. I think she's hiding something and possibly protecting her boss. Martin Haynes is a labor agitator stirring up trouble, yet it seems innocent enough. Is is a crime in 1920s England to ask for better working conditions? It shouldn't be but I'm guessing it was.
Someone is lying but who? I do wish to continue with the series and hope the subject matter is more appealing to me in the future.
Content
drinking but not illegally since it's England and not America
gambling
adultery
some mild language and violence
I didn't find this mystery as engaging as the first one. Pigeon racing is really really boring. The rest of the story deals with worker rights. I loved the cozy charm of the village setting very much and the characters are fun and interesting but the storyline didn't hook me in.
The characters make the story. Edwina appears a demure, country spinster on the outside but Beryl pushes Edwina to find her inner tiger Beryl knows her friend is hiding. Edwina has hidden depths, helped along by a gin fizz or two. I enjoy seeing Edwina unbend and come to a better understanding of how the other half lives and perceives her class. It's interesting to read how May Day was still a country festival but just starting to become a time for workers to express their rights. The history is top notch, at least from my limited perspective.
While Beryl appears more bold and daring, she too is hiding her true nature. Beryl is insecure about aging and her waning fame. She's feeling her age but doesn't like to let others notice. Edwina's dog Crumpet is darling but he doesn't have much to do in this novel. Constable Gibbs is even more frosty towards the heroines but I can't really blame her.
I like the development of the relationship between Edwina and Simpkins. I like getting to know him better. He sounds like a good friend even if Edwina doesn't see it that way. The village gossips are not quite as awful yet their prejudices get in the way sometimes. Charles Jarvis seems to be hiding his true self, much like Edwina. I'm not sure I want them to get together though. Beryl's reporter friend Archie arrives in Walmley-Parva just when he's needed the most. He may be a little too enthusiastic for Edwina and my tastes but he also may be a good friend.
The victim, Lionel Cunningham, doesn't seem like he was a terrible person. He did his job keeping the books for the mine and he participated in pigeon racing, sometimes coming in second. Lionel was in the gray zone-he wasn't terrible but he wasn't a saint. He did what he was paid to do. His biggest rival in the pigeon racing world is Gareth Scott, the village grocer. Scott always comes in first in the races, claiming it's the special diet of fruits and vegetables he feeds his pigeons. I believe he may be cooking the books somehow and cheating but his unethical sportsmanship has nothing to do with his business and I can't see boycotting because of it. In third place and sometimes second is Denis Morley, a laborer in the local mine. He's set apart from the others because of his social class and his experience handling mobile pigeons during the war. I feel sorry for him because of the job he is forced to do and how his wife doesn't share his passion for agitating to try to make working conditions better.
The mine owner, Mr. Eccleston-Smythe is a little worse than many of the others. At first I thought he was just doing what everyone else was and while that doesn't make it right, that doesn't make him evil. However, as the story continues, he shows his true colors. Can he be the killer? I hope so. His wife is a piece of work. I am uncertain she can be believed. I want to be sympathetic but it's hard when she chose that life. Secretary Miss Chilvers is so cold and neat. She lacks passion or feeling. I think she's hiding something and possibly protecting her boss. Martin Haynes is a labor agitator stirring up trouble, yet it seems innocent enough. Is is a crime in 1920s England to ask for better working conditions? It shouldn't be but I'm guessing it was.
Someone is lying but who? I do wish to continue with the series and hope the subject matter is more appealing to me in the future.
Content
drinking but not illegally since it's England and not America
gambling
adultery
some mild language and violence
August 12, 2018
Murder Flies The Coop is the second book in the A Beryl and Edwina Mystery series.
This is becoming one of my favorite series. The main characters, Beryl Helliwell and Edwina Davenport are a wonderful duo, even if they might be as different as night and day, they work very nicely together. In addition, there is a wonderful collection of personalities that make up the residents of Walmsley Parva. Some of the residents are Minnie Mumford, owner of the local tearoom, Prudence Rathbone, owner of a candy shop and postmistress, Mrs. Plumptree, owner of a boarding house and Mr. Scott, a greengrocer. Minnie and Prudence are the village gossips and they pride themselves on knowing what is going on in the village.
Simpkins, Edwina’s gardener, convinces Edwina and Beryl, that based on their solving a murder the previous autumn, that they should open a private inquiry business and he knows the Vicar Lowenthorpe would probably hire them. What with monies being tight with Beryl and Edwina they decide that may be a way to help solve their financial difficulties. They meet with the vicar and he informs them that Lionel Cunningham, the treasurer of the local racing pigeon club has gone missing, some pigeons he was to be taking to a race and club money have also gone missing. They get a retainer from the vicar and they are in business. Beryl and Edwina start by interviewing the owner of the mine where Cunningham works as a payroll clerk, a Mr. Eccelestone-Smythe. Next, they set out for the allotment where Cunningham has his pigeon coop. As they are about to leave his coop, something tells Beryl to look under the coop and there is the body of Cunningham.
Beryl and Edwina soon get a second client when Mrs. Eccelestone-Smythe to ask to search for some of her valuable jewelry she had given to Cunningham for safekeeping. This also sheds new light on who might have wanted Cunningham dead. They need to look over the members of pigeon racing club and the coal mine where the victim worked, which has been having problems with sabotage.
The story is well-told and plotted with plenty of red herrings and twists and turns. Beryl and Edwina will also provide the reader with quite a few chuckles, especially Beryl.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this lovely English country series.
This is becoming one of my favorite series. The main characters, Beryl Helliwell and Edwina Davenport are a wonderful duo, even if they might be as different as night and day, they work very nicely together. In addition, there is a wonderful collection of personalities that make up the residents of Walmsley Parva. Some of the residents are Minnie Mumford, owner of the local tearoom, Prudence Rathbone, owner of a candy shop and postmistress, Mrs. Plumptree, owner of a boarding house and Mr. Scott, a greengrocer. Minnie and Prudence are the village gossips and they pride themselves on knowing what is going on in the village.
Simpkins, Edwina’s gardener, convinces Edwina and Beryl, that based on their solving a murder the previous autumn, that they should open a private inquiry business and he knows the Vicar Lowenthorpe would probably hire them. What with monies being tight with Beryl and Edwina they decide that may be a way to help solve their financial difficulties. They meet with the vicar and he informs them that Lionel Cunningham, the treasurer of the local racing pigeon club has gone missing, some pigeons he was to be taking to a race and club money have also gone missing. They get a retainer from the vicar and they are in business. Beryl and Edwina start by interviewing the owner of the mine where Cunningham works as a payroll clerk, a Mr. Eccelestone-Smythe. Next, they set out for the allotment where Cunningham has his pigeon coop. As they are about to leave his coop, something tells Beryl to look under the coop and there is the body of Cunningham.
Beryl and Edwina soon get a second client when Mrs. Eccelestone-Smythe to ask to search for some of her valuable jewelry she had given to Cunningham for safekeeping. This also sheds new light on who might have wanted Cunningham dead. They need to look over the members of pigeon racing club and the coal mine where the victim worked, which has been having problems with sabotage.
The story is well-told and plotted with plenty of red herrings and twists and turns. Beryl and Edwina will also provide the reader with quite a few chuckles, especially Beryl.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this lovely English country series.
September 25, 2018
After their successful murder investigation the previous autumn, Beryl and Edwina, short on funds, have decided to form a private investigations agency in their sleepy little village of Walmsley Parva. At first glance, locating the missing pigeon club treasurer seems like an easy task, but once they find him murdered everything changes. Add in a small fortune in missing jewels, adultery, and an Aussie reporter, and Jessica Ellicott has created a perfectly lovely mystery in Murder Flies the Coop. I'm partial to English cozies, especially set during the early 20th century, and adored this perfect cozy mystery! A+++
October 2, 2020
I think if this series focused alone on Edwina I could enjoy it more because I really can't tolerate reading about Beryl. The author glorifies drinking like it's a trait to be proud of. These women are supposed to be in their forties but read much younger than that.
September 29, 2018
Not as charming as the first book. I enjoy the characters but didn't care for the mystery in this one.
February 5, 2024
This series is fun! Whimsical and keeps you guessing.
January 26, 2025
3.5 stars (Audible Plus Catalog). Another caper for the now official detectives. Pigeons, racing, + mines, oh my!
January 30, 2024
Not as good as the first in the series.
August 7, 2018
Murder Flies the Coop, Jessica Ellicott’s new 1920s mystery, has charm in abundance as well as a distinctly British character. Beryl Helliwell, the American adventuress, and her friend Edwina are opposites in many ways, but they are also fast friends with a talent for solving mysteries. But being independent women has a downside - a dire lack of funds. When the vicar comes to them with a problem he wishes solved discretely, it suggests another option- becoming private detectives. A member of his pigeon racing club has disappeared, along with several of the members’ best birds and a substantial sum from the treasury. Before long, it becomes clear (with the discovery of the body) that they are now seeking a murderer.
Part of the novel’s charm lies in the variety of village personalities, and in the way things are done in Walmsley Parva. Beryl and Edwina challenge the norm, both by starting their own business and associating with people across classes. It draws their attention to the problems at the local colliery, and the suffering of the miners - something ignored by the villagers and the mine owner. At the same time, it opens doors, allowing them to discover information that would otherwise be missed. I also liked how pigeon racing plays a central role. It is a uniquely British sport that most readers are unlikely to be familiar with.
Beryl is quite like Phryne Fisher, albeit a touch older. The two very different friends understand each other and work well together, with Edwina skillfully soothing egos and using her social acuity to get information. Fans of the Miss Fisher Mysteries as well as historical mysteries in general will enjoy Murder Flies the Coop. It is a delightful cozy that has everything readers could desire in a village mystery.
4 / 5
I received a copy of Murder Flies the Coop from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
— Crittermom
Part of the novel’s charm lies in the variety of village personalities, and in the way things are done in Walmsley Parva. Beryl and Edwina challenge the norm, both by starting their own business and associating with people across classes. It draws their attention to the problems at the local colliery, and the suffering of the miners - something ignored by the villagers and the mine owner. At the same time, it opens doors, allowing them to discover information that would otherwise be missed. I also liked how pigeon racing plays a central role. It is a uniquely British sport that most readers are unlikely to be familiar with.
Beryl is quite like Phryne Fisher, albeit a touch older. The two very different friends understand each other and work well together, with Edwina skillfully soothing egos and using her social acuity to get information. Fans of the Miss Fisher Mysteries as well as historical mysteries in general will enjoy Murder Flies the Coop. It is a delightful cozy that has everything readers could desire in a village mystery.
4 / 5
I received a copy of Murder Flies the Coop from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
— Crittermom
December 18, 2018
I found the mystery intriguing and was surprised by the ending. Though the mystery was intriguing I found Edwina and Beryl the best part of the book. I love their personalities, their differences and their friendship. Edwina tends to see things in black or white. Though rule abiding she stands up for something if it is more right than the rule. Edwina finds herself questioning the way the class system has worked. World War I has brought changes to that class system and Edwina finds herself questioning the way things have always been. Beryl is the opposite of Edwina. She sees no point in worrying and has the life philosophy of go with the flow and see how things turn out. Though the two friends are so different they respect each other and don’t try and change one another. It was fun to watch them work together despite their differences.
Though this is the second book in the series you probably do not need to read the first, Murder in an English Village to enjoy Murder Flies the Coop. I enjoyed reading both as I liked reading about the growth of the characters between the two books but I don’t think I would have been lost or confused or missed out on important details had I read only Murder Flies the Coop.
This is a fun comfy mystery. It is not fast paced but instead filled with descriptions of English village life in 1921 and great characters.
My copy of Murder Flies the Coop was provided by Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
Though this is the second book in the series you probably do not need to read the first, Murder in an English Village to enjoy Murder Flies the Coop. I enjoyed reading both as I liked reading about the growth of the characters between the two books but I don’t think I would have been lost or confused or missed out on important details had I read only Murder Flies the Coop.
This is a fun comfy mystery. It is not fast paced but instead filled with descriptions of English village life in 1921 and great characters.
My copy of Murder Flies the Coop was provided by Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
November 10, 2022
When my library had Recorded Books (Audiobook App), I came across Jessica Ellicott's Beryl & Edwina Mysteries. Seeing that they had the first three books on audio, I listened to them back-to-back in fall of 2020. (Aaaaand, look at the covers! I am sucker for covers!) The Beryl & Edwina Mysteries are historical cozy mysteries, set in post-WWI, Britain. The two main characters, the "detectives", are a bit of an odd couple, but honestly what BFF team isn't?
RATING: 4 STARS {3.5 STARS}
In the sequel, Murder Flies the Coop, Beryl and Edwina are able to ease their financial straits with sharing lodgings, but they still could use some income coming in. After solving a murder, they get an inquire from "local vicar—and pigeon-racing club president". It turns out the club treasurer has vanished with the funds and a rare bird.
I am always worried when book one is really good, that the second book will not be as good. It is what I call "second book curse". While I did rate this book a bit lower, it was more the case was not as interesting, than the writing not being at par as Murder in an English Village. This book does build further on characters and village life which I really appreciate.
RATING: 4 STARS {3.5 STARS}
In the sequel, Murder Flies the Coop, Beryl and Edwina are able to ease their financial straits with sharing lodgings, but they still could use some income coming in. After solving a murder, they get an inquire from "local vicar—and pigeon-racing club president". It turns out the club treasurer has vanished with the funds and a rare bird.
I am always worried when book one is really good, that the second book will not be as good. It is what I call "second book curse". While I did rate this book a bit lower, it was more the case was not as interesting, than the writing not being at par as Murder in an English Village. This book does build further on characters and village life which I really appreciate.
November 24, 2018
This book is like a female Midsummer Mystery. It's charming has some red herrings and characters that are good friends.It is a bit slow paced but l enjoyed it.
January 28, 2019
I love this series!! I loved the first book, and I loved book 2 even more! This is a super fun cozy series.
First off if you like the "small English town peopled with 'characters'" type of cozy mystery then you should check this out. It is the quintessential example of that sort of setting. All the people who live Walmsley Parva are characters in the best sense of the word. They are quirky, charming and amusing, and act as the perfect foils for our pair of sleuths.
And our pair of main characters get even more clever, interesting and funny in book 2. Now they've been living together for a while and are getting into a groove to take advantage of the differences in their two personalities to help divide and conquer when another dead body pops up in the town and there is investigating to be done. Beryl and Edwina are complete opposites, but great friends, and their difference work perfectly to do all the things that need to be done.
The author has a perfect grasp of the dry, sly British humour that makes this book absolutely a rib tickler all the way through. I giggled aloud many times as I listened to this [I happily paid for the audio book version of this, because the utterly spectacular Barbara Rosenblat narrates, and there is literally nobody better when it comes to audio format - especially when the characters are British] because there are so many clever, funny moments sprinkled throughout that make this an absolutely charming read!
There is nothing about this book I didn't love, and it is fast becoming a favourite series. I adore Beryl, and Edwina, while more sedate [she IS British after all] is still a smart, likable character and the perfect partner in crime - literally! - for Beryl. I highly recommend this series!!
First off if you like the "small English town peopled with 'characters'" type of cozy mystery then you should check this out. It is the quintessential example of that sort of setting. All the people who live Walmsley Parva are characters in the best sense of the word. They are quirky, charming and amusing, and act as the perfect foils for our pair of sleuths.
And our pair of main characters get even more clever, interesting and funny in book 2. Now they've been living together for a while and are getting into a groove to take advantage of the differences in their two personalities to help divide and conquer when another dead body pops up in the town and there is investigating to be done. Beryl and Edwina are complete opposites, but great friends, and their difference work perfectly to do all the things that need to be done.
The author has a perfect grasp of the dry, sly British humour that makes this book absolutely a rib tickler all the way through. I giggled aloud many times as I listened to this [I happily paid for the audio book version of this, because the utterly spectacular Barbara Rosenblat narrates, and there is literally nobody better when it comes to audio format - especially when the characters are British] because there are so many clever, funny moments sprinkled throughout that make this an absolutely charming read!
There is nothing about this book I didn't love, and it is fast becoming a favourite series. I adore Beryl, and Edwina, while more sedate [she IS British after all] is still a smart, likable character and the perfect partner in crime - literally! - for Beryl. I highly recommend this series!!
November 1, 2019
Dashingly well done
Very well researched, very very English and proper. Featuring ladylike (well, mostly) detectives, and engagingly voiced by Barbara Rosenblat. Puzzle well solved and not an easy one.
For the fan of the "civilized" mystery, this is not a shoot and run thriller. Resembles Miss Read, or the more cerebral of the Dorothy Sayers mysteries with Lord Peter.
(Note that despite the chickens on the audiobook cover, the birds in this story are racing pigeons and the coops are pigeon coops.)
Very well researched, very very English and proper. Featuring ladylike (well, mostly) detectives, and engagingly voiced by Barbara Rosenblat. Puzzle well solved and not an easy one.
For the fan of the "civilized" mystery, this is not a shoot and run thriller. Resembles Miss Read, or the more cerebral of the Dorothy Sayers mysteries with Lord Peter.
(Note that despite the chickens on the audiobook cover, the birds in this story are racing pigeons and the coops are pigeon coops.)
Read
May 22, 2023A fun cozy mystery series. Edwina and Beryl are an odd couple but good friends and each bring their own skills to their detective agency.
"Prudence (Rathbone) might well have been in the sweets business but that did not mean she got on well with children. ... It was most unfortunate that her parents had left a sweetshop to her instead of something more suitable like a vinegar dispensary"
Edwina: "I'm afraid such publicity leads me to conclude you've had a shocking influence on me Beryl. ... I could not be more pleased."
"Prudence (Rathbone) might well have been in the sweets business but that did not mean she got on well with children. ... It was most unfortunate that her parents had left a sweetshop to her instead of something more suitable like a vinegar dispensary"
Edwina: "I'm afraid such publicity leads me to conclude you've had a shocking influence on me Beryl. ... I could not be more pleased."
February 4, 2020
I enjoyed the second installment. The background story of pigeon racing was interesting. The solution of the mystery was atypical, which was fun. This would have been a solid 4 star EXCEPT I listened to the denouement 5 times because I thought I had missed the wrapping up of a significant loose end. I did not. It did not wrap up and I can only think this was a huge editing gaffe. Dear author—WHO KILLED MH? You can’t plop a corpse in the penultimate chapter and not tell us who killed him!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2022
I really enjoyed the second book in the Beryl & Edwina mysteries. The pair decide to open their own "Ladies Enquiry" business as suggested by Simpkins, who is Edwina's gardener. I love the setting in a small English village and the time period of early 1920's after the Great War. This pair remind me very much of my favourite Lady Detective, Miss Marple. I will continue to read all the books in this series, so keep on writing, Jessica!
July 31, 2018
Fun filled mystery featuring Beryl and Edwina. Who killed the pigeon racer? These two ladies start a detective agency after their last adventure and are hired to find missing jewels and the missing racer. The best part of series is watching characters change. The ladies are finding that they are different but have some of the same qualities.
November 3, 2020
Another enjoyable book, I loved Archie as a new character, and seeing more of the characters from the last book. Unfortunately, I still find myself comparing these books to the Lady Hardcastle books, and I do enjoy those more. Despite that, I will continue to read this series.
September 28, 2019
This is a fun series. These two ladies are women I would love to know IRL. Hope this is going to be a long series.
January 17, 2020
Like the first book in this series it is a bit slow in starting, but once it gets going it does hold my interest.
April 27, 2021
This was the second in the series and I enjoyed it as much as the first! Lots of things going on in that tiny English village!! Definitely a cozy mystery!
March 6, 2023
I’m really enjoying these new private eyes, Beryl and Edwina. Great narration.
July 19, 2023
Gosh this was a blast! And I loved all the bits and bobs about this period in England, all the nuggets of culture and history. The mystery was fun too. Will get to the next book asap! 💖
November 21, 2023
I'm enjoying how nuanced the characters are given that this is a cosy mystery
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