Liz Jones moved to Scarlet Cove six months ago for a fresh start away from her detective life in the city. In that time, she has opened an arts and crafts shop, adopted a dog, made friends, and even found a farmer boyfriend. When she takes on her latest project of forming an art group, she does not expect it to land her back in the middle of another murder investigation, but that is precisely what happens. With the gallery's tyrannical owner, Katelyn Monroe, on holiday, Liz's best friend, Nancy Turtle, suggests they host an exhibition of their work in her absence. When Katelyn returns from her holiday early and shuts down the exhibit, it immediately results in her murder. With all of Liz's newly formed group, including Nancy, in the frame, she feels obligated to uncover the truth behind the killing. Between fake paintings, secret love affairs, and bitter rivalries, it seems every one of Liz's art students has a motive for killing Katelyn, but can the retired detective put her retirement on hold long enough to uncover the truth before a second slaying? Book 3 in the Scarlet Cove Seaside Cozy Mystery series! Can be read as a standalone, but will be enjoyed better as the 3rd book in the series. A light, cozy mystery read with an art-loving, craft store owning, retired female detective, in a small fishing town on the British South Coast. Packed with quirky neighbours, a handsome love interest, and an adorable rescue dog! Written in British English. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes (but maybe includes a body)!
AGATHA 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.
I think this third book in the series is the best so far! The characters are likeable and realistic. This book had a rock solid whodunit that kept me guessing and interested until the end. I look forward to reading the next in the series! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
I was really engrossed by this third book in the Scarlet Cove Seaside Cozy Mystery series & it had a slightly different touch to the other books.
I really liked the refreshing focus on Liz' hobby, her painting, and that it was marvelous mixed with the crime case in this book.
The book had a lot of twists and turns, the suspects weren't clear & I had a difficult time to decide who's the murderer. The book also focused on the individual characters more, especially Liz' past was more revealed, her feelings in her new relationship, and it was more connected to her second passion, her art, and how well she adjusted into the village after her moving.
I also adored that we had a cross-over with the stand-alone series Peridale Cafe Mystery by Agatha Frost with the appearance of Brian South, Julia South's father and the mentioning of the events of Espresso and Evil. It gave the book a new layer, was also a charming interwining & I hope that some day, Liz and Julia will investigate together. They would be an amazing duo and her partners would get along pretty well I guess. :)
The book had a great entertaining, thrilling plot, I was hooked from the first page and I loved how the relationship between Liz and Simon were deepend within the book, how their bond was expanded and that they had a few scenes where they could be the charming lovebird we saw a glimpse of in the last book. :)
I was also very moved by the events around Christopher and how this was mixed with the crime case, two different topics but so well interwined and solved at the end. :)
A solid, entertaining read, a great character development and drive as well as charming quirks in the character's behaviour. There is also a bit tension between Liz and Nancy due to the crime case but what exactly I won't say, because I don't wanna spoil the fun in exploring it by yourself. :)
I am really looking forward to read the next book in the series, to see what other crime cases Liz, the retired detective and now crafts shop owner has - suprisingly but not involuntarily - to solve. :) I'm also super excited to read Agatha Frost's next - and already 11th book!! - in her Peridale Cafe Mystery series with Julia and Barker again. :)
Rounded up to 3 stars as I have enjoyed the first three of this cosy mystery series set in Scarlet Cove, a small fishing town in Southern England.
I think I'll leave the series at this point - I mean how many murders can there be in such a small town??!! And I can't face Liz finding any more bodies and suspecting EVERYONE (including her friends) of murder! It is moving into the realms of farcical.
This was a fun three book binge but enough is enough :)
Agatha Frost is the reason I’ve even started reading cozy mysteries and the third instalment of her Scarlet Cove series definitely closed the deal on me sticking to the genre. The power of this writing duo is amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed the case in a Stroke of Death! The tension between our heroine, Liz, and her best friend, Nancy, as Liz worried that Nancy could be one of the suspects was a great touch! With only three books so far in the series, I feel I could be a bit premature declaring this one as my favourite Scarlet Cove novel but I am and I can’t wait to see what trouble stirs in Scarlet Cove next! Quick, easy read that had me hooked from page 1 to the very end. Fantastic.
The 3rd book in the brilliant new series, Scarlet Cove, from Agatha Frost.
Liz has set up painting classes at her art shop, all is going well. Her relationship with Simon is going well and she's living her life in Scarlet Cove, far removed from her previous life as a Detective, although there do seem to be murders which need solving.
Katelyn, the owner of the local gallery is in Australia with her brother, Christopher; woke she's away, Nancy arranges an impromptu showing off the art classes work, something which Katelyn would never sanction. All is going well when Katelyn and Christopher return unexpectedly.
Katelyn is appalled and insists on the paintings being removed immediately; Christopher has his own news, he's brought back a fiancée and is getting married. Then Katelyn is brutally murdered and the main suspects are the members of the art class.
Can Liz solve the murder before someone else gets hurt?
There's also the fact that Katelyn sold Trevor, owner of the local hotel and member is the art class, 2 expensive paintings which turn out to be fakes.
Liz tries her hand at baking and manages to burn her kitchen so she ends up staying at Simon's parents farm.
There is a slight overlap with the Peridale mystery books from the same author, but there's no need to have read them to enjoy this book.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my review. But that is NOT why I loved this book! It is the 3rd book in the “Scarlet Cove” cozy mystery series by Agatha Frost and Evelyn Amber. I think it is the best book in the series so far but they have all been a joy to read! Like the other two books, the plot is intriguing. Every time I thought I knew “ whodunnit” there was a plot twist that told me I was wrong. I never did guess correctly! I love the attention to detail these two authors have. There was a lot of character development! I loved seeing the growth of the relationship between Liz and Simon and getting to know more about his family. A surprising treat in this book is a reference to another one of the authors’ books! I don’t want to spoil it so I will say no more, but I hope there will be more “crossover” in future books. I could hardly put this book down and am already looking forward to the next one of this series and new books by both authors!
I’m continuing to love this series. Book three was a little bittersweet with a murder at the gallery and Liz’s art group becoming the main suspects. I loved how Simon and Liz grew closer but it was truly sad that Nancy and Liz drifted apart. Liz can’t seem to take that detective hat off and I fear that it’s going to cause her issues in the future. I’m also becoming quite fond of Christopher. He’s like a dark horse hanging in there. But I missed Milo. Has Liz forgotten about her old partner? Maybe I just have imagined this secret crush Milo has on her. These characters have truly got inside my head!
I was given an opportunity to review an ARC of "Stroke of Death" by Agatha Frost and Evelyn Amber. What a delightful continuation of life in Scarlet Cove. The authors have succeeded in grabbing my interest immediately, and I raced along with the enchanting segments, sad segments, curious wedding, and murders....yes murderS. I had no idea who the murderer was until our heroine, retired detective, Liz Jones, revealed the name. The resolutions of the numerous story lines were wonderfully written. I recommend this book highly to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries. I'm going to reread it again to ensure I missed no nuances.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book to review, and I was very glad I did. This is a great cozy mystery with a lot of intriguing characters and events. This is the third book in this series, and it also ties in well with Agatha Frost's Peridale series, which I thought was a nice touch. It is an interesting story line, and I continue to learn more about my favourite characters in the first two books.
I was so excited to be sent this book to review. I am enjoying settling into Scarlet Cove and in this book we get to learn lots more about both Liz and her farmer boyfriend, Simon. It was such a lovely touch to include a character from Peridale (I was excited) as a murderer strikes at the heart of the little seaside town's community.
A truly great read and I am so looking forward to visiting Scarlet Cove again.
Liz Jones just can’t help getting involved when “ things “ happen in Scarlett Cove . Murders and Mayhem occur—- It’s extremely interesting following Liz and her art class meeting all the members .... They are all so different to each other that I try to remember what is written about each one.... I try to be correct as who the murderer is but ~~~ never right!
The duo of Agatha Frost and Evelyn Amber are pretty awesome, their writing flows and your taken on a journey.......
Well she’s done it again! This is book 3 in Agatha Frost’s Scarlet Cove series. A British mystery with loads of local color, a few quirky characters, & a bit of romance kept me intrigued from beginning to end. A nice little perk is a brief cameo by one of the characters from Frost’s Peridale Cafe mysteries.
I liked how Ms Frost connected the two stories that she about through the paintings and an ancestor of her main character. Looking forward to the next installment.
Stroke Of Death was great. Liz is at it again trying to solve the mystery of who the murderer is this time. I enjoyed the tension in this book between friends. I can't wait for the next book. I highly recommend Stroke of Death and all of the Scarlet Cove series.
i was given an ARC of the book in return for an honest review. it is so easy to do with this series because it is wonderful. scarlet Cove is a wonderful setting for a full cast of colorful, well developed characters. the tone of this book is a little more serious though, as Liz seems to reflect on her past life as well as her possible future one. the story is wonderful and you may be surprised at who the killer is. i love seeing more of Simon's family as well as Christopher's. i think what I really loved most about this book was that it was a crossover with Agatha Frost's Peridale Cafe series. i loved this book!
I so enjoyed the third installment of the Scarlet Cove series! I was also pleasantly surprised by the appearance of familiar names from Peridale! Excellent storytelling. Another winner!
This is the third book of the Scarlet Cove series and I have to say I adore the series. Maybe even more than the Peridale series which is another favorite. I like that Julia and Liz are completely different characters and not some washed out clones of each other and strangely, I also like the slow development in the relationship between Liz and Simon. I just hope that it will not come back and bite Liz in her behind that she kept Lewis a secret from Simon up until this book and the more she tells others, the more I fear that in the end it is not Liz who will tell Simon about it. I like the age difference and I love that this is not an issue in the book and that his parents to even blink because of it. Hopefully, the fourth book will be the book where Liz finally tells Simon about her past.
Let's talk about the murders in this book. Am I a horrible person for not being sad about the first victim? She was such a mean person and I cannot forgot how she treated Liz when they first meet in the first book. I had no clue about the murderer until it was revealed. Just like Liz I guessed it must be a member of her painting group but I could never figure out who did it.
What I really loved was the crossover to the Peridale series with the paintings from the murder in the coffee shop in Peridale and the visit of Brian South in Scarlet Cove. This was very clever and had a nice touch. Maybe we see Liz and Simon in Peridale some day..
Agatha Frost and Evelyn Amber are doing a very nice job with this series and I really hope there will be a fourth book soon. Meanwhile, I might continue with the Peridale series. I love the writing and the settings and will keep hoping for more. 5 stars
I really enjoyed this installment of the Scarlet Cove series, I think we get to see a different side to some of these characters and the mystery side kept me guessing! I love seeing the relationship between Simon and Liz grow, these two are just adorably cute together and I've been rooting for them from the start. Although, I do have to say that Christopher has been catching my attention more and more. I'm more than curious to see where these authors take his story.
I really enjoyed the 'who done it' side of this book too, I kept second guessing myself every time I thought I'd figured it out and I love that feeling! It was fun and kept me engaged! The killer definitely gets a bit creative in this book! I really do enjoy this series and more and more I feel like I'm getting to know this group and am already looking forward to what is next!
I loved returning to Scarlet Cove and reading the further Adventures of Liz, Simon, and the rest of the crew. This was my favorite of the three books so far, which is hard to say, because I feel that they just keep getting better and better. I must say that I was surprised by who the murderer was, that individual wasn't even on my radar until near the end.
I must say that my heart breaks a little for Christopher, who doesn't lack in wealth and the good life, but needs more love and companionship of friends. I hope further adventures, that he will get a chance at love.
Simon and Liz are a cute couple, but I see her more with Christopher. I think they have a better understanding with each other, and are more suited to one another, being closer in age.
I totally recommend this book and this series to lovers of cozy mysteries. I look forward to reading book 4 when it comes out.
Well I can honestly say I absolutely didn’t see that coming. What a brilliantly written story, I absolutely adore Liz and her sleuthing. After being in town for a while Liz is running a art group in her shop and whilst Katelyn is away on holiday Nancy suggests that the group show some of their pieces in the gallery. Only Katelyn comes home early and discovers the show in full swing which ultimately leads to her murder. I was shocked at towards the end as I would never have guessed who done it. I was kind of hoping that Liz and Simon would make their changes more permanent but I guess that will come further down the road. But the best surprises of the story where a few visitors from my favourite village, Peridale.
Unlike books one and two of this series, this book seemed to amble toward a conclusion and none of the story lines seemed interesting enough to follow. As in the first two books the culprit is well hidden in plain sight. But the flow of the story was so uninteresting, I didn't care. I just wanted to finish it. I like these characters and hope the next book in the series is more engaging.
I'm a fan of Agatha Frost and now have added Evelyn Amber to my list of favorite authors to follow. This series has just enough mystery and romance to keep me entertained along with excellent development of the characters. The background story is fresh and a nice deviation from what lately appears to be a template misguided and struggling female locking horns with a hunky lawman!
I enjoyed this visit to Scarlet Cove. Liz does have a knack for finding bodies. I also enjoyed the references to some characters from another series I read. This mystery had lots of twists and turns. Can’t wait to see what’s in store next for Liz, Simon, and Nancy.
Truly a fun read! Great characters, super plot(s) Trying to figure the "who done its" was truly intriguing. I do not know if there will be more books in this series or not. However the three books are must reads. You will enjoy every minute of the experience. ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY!!!
Stroke of Death didn't keep my attention like the last 2 in the series have. The writing is good, but the story was not one to make me want to read in one sitting. It was somewhat predictable, however I was surprised at who the murderer was.
Each book is so good. I just can't wait for the next one. I love the cohesiveness of the writing. The story is great. It had a lot of twist and turns. I was not able to figure out the protagonist until almost the same time as Liz.
I really liked how Ms. Frost linked the Peridale Cafe books in to this book. There seemed to be more focus on the relationship between Liz and Simon than of the detective aspect of the book which is good, but I miss all the sleuthing.