What do you think?
Rate this book
A Janie Juke Mystery #3
The Invisible Case
A shocking death turns a homecoming into a nightmare
It's Easter 1970 in the seaside town of Tamarisk Bay, and for one family the first Easter of a new decade brings a shocking tragedy. Amateur sleuth and professional librarian, Janie Juke, is settling into motherhood and looking forward to spending time with her family. When her Aunt Jessica is due back from Rome after nine years travelling around Europe, she arrives back in town with a new Italian friend, Luigi, and the whole family soon get embroiled in a tangle of mystery and suspicion, with death and passion at the heart of the story.
As time runs out on Luigi as prime suspect for murder, Janie has to use all of her powers of deduction in the footsteps of her hero, Hercule Poirot, to uncover the facts. Why did Luigi come to Tamarisk Bay? What is the truth about his family?
As Luigi's story unfolds, tragedy seems to haunt the past, present and unless Janie acts fast, possibly what is yet to come.
The Invisible Case is the third book in the Janie Juke series of crime mysteries and is available now at the special pre-order price of just £0.99. While you are waiting to read The Invisible Case, why not take a look at Janie’s other mysteries – The Tapestry Bag and Lost Property – both available from Amazon on Kindle and in paperback.
What readers have been saying about the other books in the Janie Juke series:
- 1960s mobile librarian turns sleuth and channels Hercule Poirot in this great whodunnit that left me guessing right till the end. Intriguing detective story with lovely period setting and interesting characters. I'm looking forward to seeing what Janie Juke solves next. Love the relationship she has with her ex-policeman father
- I love how the characters have developed in this book which is full of perfect period details (the Italian food scene made me laugh) and twists and turns till the end. Will definitely be reading the next in the Janie Juke series.
It's Easter 1970 in the seaside town of Tamarisk Bay, and for one family the first Easter of a new decade brings a shocking tragedy. Amateur sleuth and professional librarian, Janie Juke, is settling into motherhood and looking forward to spending time with her family. When her Aunt Jessica is due back from Rome after nine years travelling around Europe, she arrives back in town with a new Italian friend, Luigi, and the whole family soon get embroiled in a tangle of mystery and suspicion, with death and passion at the heart of the story.
As time runs out on Luigi as prime suspect for murder, Janie has to use all of her powers of deduction in the footsteps of her hero, Hercule Poirot, to uncover the facts. Why did Luigi come to Tamarisk Bay? What is the truth about his family?
As Luigi's story unfolds, tragedy seems to haunt the past, present and unless Janie acts fast, possibly what is yet to come.
The Invisible Case is the third book in the Janie Juke series of crime mysteries and is available now at the special pre-order price of just £0.99. While you are waiting to read The Invisible Case, why not take a look at Janie’s other mysteries – The Tapestry Bag and Lost Property – both available from Amazon on Kindle and in paperback.
What readers have been saying about the other books in the Janie Juke series:
- 1960s mobile librarian turns sleuth and channels Hercule Poirot in this great whodunnit that left me guessing right till the end. Intriguing detective story with lovely period setting and interesting characters. I'm looking forward to seeing what Janie Juke solves next. Love the relationship she has with her ex-policeman father
- I love how the characters have developed in this book which is full of perfect period details (the Italian food scene made me laugh) and twists and turns till the end. Will definitely be reading the next in the Janie Juke series.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2018
12 people want to read
About the author
Isabella Muir
75 books21 followersIsabella is never happier than when she is immersing herself in the sights, sounds and experiences of family life from the Second World War years through to the 1960s. Researching all aspects of life back then formed the perfect launch pad for her works of fiction. Isabella rediscovered her love of writing fiction during two happy years working on and completing her MA in Professional Writing and since then she has gone on to publish six novels, three novellas and two short story collections.
Her love of Italy shines through all her work and, as she is half-Italian, she has enjoyed bringing all her crime novels to an Italian audience with Italian translations, which are very well received.
Her latest novel, After the Storm, is the second novel in a new series of Sussex Crimes, featuring retired Italian detective, Giuseppe Bianchi who is escaping from tragedy in Rome, only to arrive in the quiet seaside town of Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, to come face-to-face with it once more.
Her first Sussex Crime Mystery series features young librarian and amateur sleuth, Janie Juke. Set in the late 1960s, in the fictional seaside town of Tamarisk Bay, we meet Janie, who looks after the mobile library. She is an avid lover of Agatha Christie stories – in particular Hercule Poirot. Janie uses all she has learned from the Queen of Crime to help solve crimes and mysteries. As well as three novels, there are three novellas in the series, which explore some of the back story to the Tamarisk Bay characters.
Isabella’s standalone novel, The Forgotten Children, deals with the emotive subject of the child migrants who were sent to Australia – again focusing on family life in the 1960s, when the child migrant policy was still in force.
Find out more about Isabella and her books by visiting her website at: www.isabellamuir.com
Her love of Italy shines through all her work and, as she is half-Italian, she has enjoyed bringing all her crime novels to an Italian audience with Italian translations, which are very well received.
Her latest novel, After the Storm, is the second novel in a new series of Sussex Crimes, featuring retired Italian detective, Giuseppe Bianchi who is escaping from tragedy in Rome, only to arrive in the quiet seaside town of Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, to come face-to-face with it once more.
Her first Sussex Crime Mystery series features young librarian and amateur sleuth, Janie Juke. Set in the late 1960s, in the fictional seaside town of Tamarisk Bay, we meet Janie, who looks after the mobile library. She is an avid lover of Agatha Christie stories – in particular Hercule Poirot. Janie uses all she has learned from the Queen of Crime to help solve crimes and mysteries. As well as three novels, there are three novellas in the series, which explore some of the back story to the Tamarisk Bay characters.
Isabella’s standalone novel, The Forgotten Children, deals with the emotive subject of the child migrants who were sent to Australia – again focusing on family life in the 1960s, when the child migrant policy was still in force.
Find out more about Isabella and her books by visiting her website at: www.isabellamuir.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 31, 2018
I know this is the third book in the Janie Juke Mysteries series, although it can be read as a standalone. I felt that I was missing some pieces, but that was because I know Janie has developed from book one and the fact I haven’t read the first introduction to the regular characters in the series may be the reason why I felt that “I’m confused feeling.” And that’s okay, since I plan to read the other 2 books in the near future.
This is a crime and mystery book and although I’m not an expert in the genre, I can honestly say that a lot of the things I always look forward in a book in the genre was there. It had that wow factor and the moments that leave you at the edge of your seat.
Plus, Janie was a great character and I wonder what she was like in the past books and if she was already like this, or if she had any character developing. Especially since she’s a mom and that’s a different aspect on her life. But seeing her figure things out and just enjoying her new role, as well as trying to solve the mystery… It was fun and empowering.
Nevertheless, it’s always refreshing and it makes me happy, when I read a crime/mystery book, in which the main character is a woman and is the one trying to solve the mystery. And she’s a librarian! And most of you know I interned in a library, so I could connect to that and got even more excited.
Just a small comment… I always get this weird feeling when I read about a character with the same name as me. But when I read the name “aunt Jessica” in the blurb I got more curious than creeped out. Which is awesome!
Not only is Janie a great and interesting character, all the other characters are engaging and the interactions real. The relationships made sense and I could relate to some things that happened and Janie’s feelings about her family. Besides, the story left this feeling of empathy because, even though the setting is in the 1960s, and I wasn’t even alive at that time, there were still somethings that are current, especially the interactions between the characters, the dynamic. And I loved that about the book.
Over all it was a great book, with a good pace, still light and fun to read, and definitely mysterious and with enough suspense just like we want to see in this kind of genre. I was not disappointed and I seriously need to go add the books to my shopping list and get the other two as soon as I can.
Go read this series! I recommend it. Go buy all three books in the series and enjoy this new female character with an inquiring mind and a love for books (she is a librarian…).
This is a crime and mystery book and although I’m not an expert in the genre, I can honestly say that a lot of the things I always look forward in a book in the genre was there. It had that wow factor and the moments that leave you at the edge of your seat.
Plus, Janie was a great character and I wonder what she was like in the past books and if she was already like this, or if she had any character developing. Especially since she’s a mom and that’s a different aspect on her life. But seeing her figure things out and just enjoying her new role, as well as trying to solve the mystery… It was fun and empowering.
Nevertheless, it’s always refreshing and it makes me happy, when I read a crime/mystery book, in which the main character is a woman and is the one trying to solve the mystery. And she’s a librarian! And most of you know I interned in a library, so I could connect to that and got even more excited.
Just a small comment… I always get this weird feeling when I read about a character with the same name as me. But when I read the name “aunt Jessica” in the blurb I got more curious than creeped out. Which is awesome!
Not only is Janie a great and interesting character, all the other characters are engaging and the interactions real. The relationships made sense and I could relate to some things that happened and Janie’s feelings about her family. Besides, the story left this feeling of empathy because, even though the setting is in the 1960s, and I wasn’t even alive at that time, there were still somethings that are current, especially the interactions between the characters, the dynamic. And I loved that about the book.
Over all it was a great book, with a good pace, still light and fun to read, and definitely mysterious and with enough suspense just like we want to see in this kind of genre. I was not disappointed and I seriously need to go add the books to my shopping list and get the other two as soon as I can.
Go read this series! I recommend it. Go buy all three books in the series and enjoy this new female character with an inquiring mind and a love for books (she is a librarian…).
July 23, 2018
I found this somewhat tame following on from the previous books it this series, too fluffy and too much baby talk..Some will love it.
February 8, 2021
The Invisible Case is a different sort of book, and as it's the first one I've read/listened too by this author, I wasn't quite sure to expect. I grew up reading Agatha Christie, what mystery fan didn't? While I'm not a fan of the shows mentioned in the blurb, I am a long-time fan of The Father Brown Mysteries and Murder, She Wrote; both of which have a similar "feel" to the style of mystery that The Invisible Case is.
If you read this book as a stand-alone, the lack of back history is confusing at first, but is handily explained midway through the story. Janie, her father, and her husband are a clearly tight and loving family unit, and Aunt Jessica, though gone these last 9 years fits back easily into their dynamic. Due to growing up with a disabled parent (Janie's father is blind), and the time-frame, Janie is an interesting mix of independent working woman, and soft mother to her newborn daughter. Her father and husband are both supportive of her library work and her detective hobby.
However, when the English businessman with ties to Luigi's father dies at the guesthouse they are both staying at, Luigi's words and actions don't quite add up. It's up to Janie and Co. to dig into Luigi's painful past to prevent a miscarriage of justice and to bring closure to a broken family.
The Invisible Case is a little different; in that the majority of the action and drama rests not on the protagonist of the series, Janie, but that of the accused, Luigi. Unfortunately for the reader, the introduction of Luigi and his majority of behaviors in the book make for a rather unlikable character. When his briefcase goes missing from their train car, he flies into a frothing rage, and continues to do so every time the case is mentioned. Moody and churlish, Luigi sets himself up easily to be seen as a villain. His relationship, or lack thereof with Aunt Jessica, is teased at by multiple characters throughout the story and Jessica's repeated assertion that they're "just friends" falls a bit flat. However, through a bit of poking, prodding, and a incredibly well written scene of motherly interrogation, we find that behind Luigi's awfulness is a sad and emotionally torn young man lashing out.
Isabella Muir writes scenes that are subtly deep and emotionally deft, managing to take what looks like a straightforward whodunit and showing it for a beautifully cultivated labyrinth. Her Audiobook Narrator, Bridget Eaton is inspired! Ms. Eaton has a great vocal range and manages to truly inject feeling into the characters' voices. Together, these ladies have created a wonderful cozy afternoon mystery!
If you read this book as a stand-alone, the lack of back history is confusing at first, but is handily explained midway through the story. Janie, her father, and her husband are a clearly tight and loving family unit, and Aunt Jessica, though gone these last 9 years fits back easily into their dynamic. Due to growing up with a disabled parent (Janie's father is blind), and the time-frame, Janie is an interesting mix of independent working woman, and soft mother to her newborn daughter. Her father and husband are both supportive of her library work and her detective hobby.
However, when the English businessman with ties to Luigi's father dies at the guesthouse they are both staying at, Luigi's words and actions don't quite add up. It's up to Janie and Co. to dig into Luigi's painful past to prevent a miscarriage of justice and to bring closure to a broken family.
The Invisible Case is a little different; in that the majority of the action and drama rests not on the protagonist of the series, Janie, but that of the accused, Luigi. Unfortunately for the reader, the introduction of Luigi and his majority of behaviors in the book make for a rather unlikable character. When his briefcase goes missing from their train car, he flies into a frothing rage, and continues to do so every time the case is mentioned. Moody and churlish, Luigi sets himself up easily to be seen as a villain. His relationship, or lack thereof with Aunt Jessica, is teased at by multiple characters throughout the story and Jessica's repeated assertion that they're "just friends" falls a bit flat. However, through a bit of poking, prodding, and a incredibly well written scene of motherly interrogation, we find that behind Luigi's awfulness is a sad and emotionally torn young man lashing out.
Isabella Muir writes scenes that are subtly deep and emotionally deft, managing to take what looks like a straightforward whodunit and showing it for a beautifully cultivated labyrinth. Her Audiobook Narrator, Bridget Eaton is inspired! Ms. Eaton has a great vocal range and manages to truly inject feeling into the characters' voices. Together, these ladies have created a wonderful cozy afternoon mystery!
February 9, 2021
The Invisible Case, despite the appearance of a dead body, is actually a gentle, cosy kind of crime story. It is set in Tamarisk Bay, a quiet Sussex sea-side town, and although the story starts in 1970 the characters are still very much set in the 1960s - very nostalgic!
The story revolves around new mother, professional librarian and amateur sleuth, Janie Juke. At the start of the tale, Janie is eagerly awaiting the return of her Aunt Jessica, who has been away in Italy for a number of years, and who is now returning to British shores. When Jessica arrives, she is in the company of a mysterious young Italian man, called Luigi. Luigi's motives for coming to Tamarisk Bay are somewhat hazy, and he is very upset about the loss of his briefcase on the journey to England, which he believes to have been stolen - although he is very reluctant to divulge why he is so concerned about the loss of the contents.
Unfortunately for the whole family, Luigi has a habit of sneaking around and when he is connected to the case of the suspicious death of another strange visitor to their quiet town, his truculent attitude and secrecy about the contents of his briefcase make him a person of great interest to the local police. Janie is called upon to emulate her hero Hercule Poirot in trying to extricate Luigi from the tangled mess he finds himself in, and what follows is a tale rich in themes of family, lost love and the legacy of secrets of the past.
I must admit that I did struggle with the narrator of this audible book, but the nature of the story itself is really rather charming. There are some nice twists and turns in the Christie style, especially the lovely opening with Jessica and Luigi's train journey, and many opportunities for Janie to channel her hero Hercule Poirot. There's lots of nice 1960s nostalgia to be found here too, but also hints of the 1970s to come, and a rich undernote of romance from the Italian side of the story which adds an exotic feel to the piece.
Much of this tale is very touching, and there are times when the bitter-sweet air of grief and lost love is quite overwhelming, but there are some lovely notes of pulling together in a crisis and reconciliation that are very heart-warming too.
This is definitely mystery on the cosy scale and one that will appeal very much to the lovers of stories like Call The Midwife and The George Gently series - so if you like your crime on the gentle, nostalgic side then this will be one for you.
The story revolves around new mother, professional librarian and amateur sleuth, Janie Juke. At the start of the tale, Janie is eagerly awaiting the return of her Aunt Jessica, who has been away in Italy for a number of years, and who is now returning to British shores. When Jessica arrives, she is in the company of a mysterious young Italian man, called Luigi. Luigi's motives for coming to Tamarisk Bay are somewhat hazy, and he is very upset about the loss of his briefcase on the journey to England, which he believes to have been stolen - although he is very reluctant to divulge why he is so concerned about the loss of the contents.
Unfortunately for the whole family, Luigi has a habit of sneaking around and when he is connected to the case of the suspicious death of another strange visitor to their quiet town, his truculent attitude and secrecy about the contents of his briefcase make him a person of great interest to the local police. Janie is called upon to emulate her hero Hercule Poirot in trying to extricate Luigi from the tangled mess he finds himself in, and what follows is a tale rich in themes of family, lost love and the legacy of secrets of the past.
I must admit that I did struggle with the narrator of this audible book, but the nature of the story itself is really rather charming. There are some nice twists and turns in the Christie style, especially the lovely opening with Jessica and Luigi's train journey, and many opportunities for Janie to channel her hero Hercule Poirot. There's lots of nice 1960s nostalgia to be found here too, but also hints of the 1970s to come, and a rich undernote of romance from the Italian side of the story which adds an exotic feel to the piece.
Much of this tale is very touching, and there are times when the bitter-sweet air of grief and lost love is quite overwhelming, but there are some lovely notes of pulling together in a crisis and reconciliation that are very heart-warming too.
This is definitely mystery on the cosy scale and one that will appeal very much to the lovers of stories like Call The Midwife and The George Gently series - so if you like your crime on the gentle, nostalgic side then this will be one for you.
February 6, 2021
3.5 Stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads.
I was granted complimentary audiobook access to The Invisible Case via Rachel's Random Resources for my review stop on the blog tour for this title. Thank you to all involved! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
Story: 3 out of 5 stars
Performance: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
I'd like to start by saying that I was not aware this is not technically a stand-alone when I signed up for the tour, but I don't feel that I was at a disadvantage. This book can be read/listened to as a stand-alone. At no point did I feel like I was missing vital information. A lot of minor character information and world-building is filled in through dialogue with enough callback to their past that everything fills in.
What I liked: The British family characters and the Italian guest home owner are all very interesting and likeable characters (excuse me for avoiding all the names, there were a lot and I listened to the audiobook so I'm not sure on spelling.) I also enjoyed the family drama element between Luigi, his father, and his father's associate.
What I didn't like: Luigi. A whole lot of problems would have been solved if he would just be a little more forthcoming with totally innocent and mundane information and stop whining. Since Luigi was the primary suspect for everything happening in this book and I didn't care about him at all, and the murder victim was a random associate of Luigi's father who conveniently showed up just after Luigi arrived in England, I wasn't at all invested in "who dunnit."
The narration was good! Bridget Eaton is pleasant to listen to and I didn't have any trouble figuring out which character was speaking/thinking at any given time. I will comment that the default playback speed was particularly slow. 1.5x felt close to normal conversation speed and 2x barely felt sped up. If you listen slowly then this one is perfectly paced. If you listen quickly, this may be one of the ones you crank up faster than usual.
Overall this book was a relaxing story with a good mix of characters and I would definitely recommend it as a light read that'll keep you engaged. As for mystery genre readers specifically, I say give it a try, but like me you may find the murder is not the most compelling element of the plot.
I was granted complimentary audiobook access to The Invisible Case via Rachel's Random Resources for my review stop on the blog tour for this title. Thank you to all involved! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
Story: 3 out of 5 stars
Performance: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
I'd like to start by saying that I was not aware this is not technically a stand-alone when I signed up for the tour, but I don't feel that I was at a disadvantage. This book can be read/listened to as a stand-alone. At no point did I feel like I was missing vital information. A lot of minor character information and world-building is filled in through dialogue with enough callback to their past that everything fills in.
What I liked: The British family characters and the Italian guest home owner are all very interesting and likeable characters (excuse me for avoiding all the names, there were a lot and I listened to the audiobook so I'm not sure on spelling.) I also enjoyed the family drama element between Luigi, his father, and his father's associate.
What I didn't like: Luigi. A whole lot of problems would have been solved if he would just be a little more forthcoming with totally innocent and mundane information and stop whining. Since Luigi was the primary suspect for everything happening in this book and I didn't care about him at all, and the murder victim was a random associate of Luigi's father who conveniently showed up just after Luigi arrived in England, I wasn't at all invested in "who dunnit."
The narration was good! Bridget Eaton is pleasant to listen to and I didn't have any trouble figuring out which character was speaking/thinking at any given time. I will comment that the default playback speed was particularly slow. 1.5x felt close to normal conversation speed and 2x barely felt sped up. If you listen slowly then this one is perfectly paced. If you listen quickly, this may be one of the ones you crank up faster than usual.
Overall this book was a relaxing story with a good mix of characters and I would definitely recommend it as a light read that'll keep you engaged. As for mystery genre readers specifically, I say give it a try, but like me you may find the murder is not the most compelling element of the plot.
February 7, 2021
It is 1970 and Jessica Chandler is making her way back to her family in Tamarisk Bay after nine years travelling and working around Europe and she has a younger companion in tow. Luigi Di Naro will be staying with them in the town but just why is he so keen to visit the area? His panic on the train over the loss of his briefcase seemed over the top, and he was convinced it was stolen. Just what was in there that was so important? He also seems unduly interested in Philip, Jessica’s blind ex-policeman brother and Janie’s father, and his wartime exploits. They finally arrive in the Sussex town and are greeted by Philip, Janie, her husband Greg and new baby Michelle, but after the first night when Janie spies Luigi entering her father’s bedroom they feel uncomfortable and decide to move him to the Summer Guest house run by fellow Italian Rosetta. A dinner party is arranged there but two guests fail to show. One, an Englishman called Bertie Williams also staying at the guesthouse, is found dead in his bed. The other, Luigi, is nowhere to be found. Rosetta is very troubled and upset and the police are called. DS Frank Bright and young constable Roberts arrive from Tidehaven police station. What looks like a heart attack could well turn out to be a suspicious death and needs to be investigated. When PC Roberts is sent back to the guesthouse the next day and appears with a briefcase taken from Williams' room, a gasp goes up. It’s not looking good for Luigi! He had argued with the dead man who it turns out was a business associate of his father’s and Janie had spied blood on a shirt in his room. This is certainly not the homecoming Jessica had planned and everyone is starting to feel a bit uneasy about Luigi. When Luigi opens up to Janie about some of his tragic past, she is intrigued and just can’t help putting her “Poirot” hat on once again!!
Set in the late 60s and early 70s, this mystery series has a golden age feel but in a more modern way. The sleepy Sussex seaside town is a perfect setting for the sleuth, and her engaging family and friends all go to make this a very enjoyable cosy story. The audio version has a very nice and well-spoken English lady recounting the tale. Every word was clear as a bell and made for a highly enjoyable “listen”. 4*
Set in the late 60s and early 70s, this mystery series has a golden age feel but in a more modern way. The sleepy Sussex seaside town is a perfect setting for the sleuth, and her engaging family and friends all go to make this a very enjoyable cosy story. The audio version has a very nice and well-spoken English lady recounting the tale. Every word was clear as a bell and made for a highly enjoyable “listen”. 4*
February 5, 2021
This is one of those great cosy mysteries that I love to listen to when doing a bit of stitching, or just relaxing of an evening, listening to a chapter or two at a time. I enjoyed the way Bridget Eaton narrated the story.
I felt a little bit at a loss with the characters as this was book three in the Janie Juke series, I found myself having to buy the first two books so that I get to know these wonderful characters more, if you love Agatha Christie type stories you will love this as Janie Juke is somewhat of an Amateur sleuth herself.
Aunt Jessica has been away from Tamarisk Bay for nine years travelling around the world which she has loved doing. She brings a friend Luigi home with her to meet her family. The year is 1970 Easter. Janie is so excited her aunt is coming home, she is anxious for her to meet her new baby. Despite being a new mum it doesn’t stop Janie with her amateur sleuthing, with all her inspiration coming from Agatha Christie books.
The story is beautifully written, the characters are all so relatable and believable like they are all part of your family. You get to know them all as you read on. Why has aunt Jessica decided to return to Tamarisk Bay now, especially when it’s clear she has loved her 9 years of travelling. Who is the person Luigi she has brought home with her as a friend? Why was Luigi so frantic when his briefcase disappeared on the train to Paris? Why are there lots of Italians suddenly arriving in Tamarisk Bay? How have the family become embroiled in the mystery and suspicion, Luigi is prime suspect for murder, it’s up to Janie to use her Poirot skills to get to the bottom of the case, tragedy is seeming to haunt the past and present can Janie stop it haunting the future as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this as an audiobook listening as the clues all start to unravel, the mystery solved. I love things set in the 70’s having become a teenager half way through them, they were good years. If you love a cozy mystery I think you will enjoy this, if like me you like to get to know the characters I would look at starting with book one and moving on to book two then three. There is humour that will make you laugh out loud, there is family, drama, murder, what more could you want? A definite 5⭐️ listen for those who love audiobooks.
I felt a little bit at a loss with the characters as this was book three in the Janie Juke series, I found myself having to buy the first two books so that I get to know these wonderful characters more, if you love Agatha Christie type stories you will love this as Janie Juke is somewhat of an Amateur sleuth herself.
Aunt Jessica has been away from Tamarisk Bay for nine years travelling around the world which she has loved doing. She brings a friend Luigi home with her to meet her family. The year is 1970 Easter. Janie is so excited her aunt is coming home, she is anxious for her to meet her new baby. Despite being a new mum it doesn’t stop Janie with her amateur sleuthing, with all her inspiration coming from Agatha Christie books.
The story is beautifully written, the characters are all so relatable and believable like they are all part of your family. You get to know them all as you read on. Why has aunt Jessica decided to return to Tamarisk Bay now, especially when it’s clear she has loved her 9 years of travelling. Who is the person Luigi she has brought home with her as a friend? Why was Luigi so frantic when his briefcase disappeared on the train to Paris? Why are there lots of Italians suddenly arriving in Tamarisk Bay? How have the family become embroiled in the mystery and suspicion, Luigi is prime suspect for murder, it’s up to Janie to use her Poirot skills to get to the bottom of the case, tragedy is seeming to haunt the past and present can Janie stop it haunting the future as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this as an audiobook listening as the clues all start to unravel, the mystery solved. I love things set in the 70’s having become a teenager half way through them, they were good years. If you love a cozy mystery I think you will enjoy this, if like me you like to get to know the characters I would look at starting with book one and moving on to book two then three. There is humour that will make you laugh out loud, there is family, drama, murder, what more could you want? A definite 5⭐️ listen for those who love audiobooks.
July 28, 2018
I think my favorite part about this book is how character driven it is. We are given pieces of each main players life, and it seems to all come together in the end. This always makes for a great book. Characters that feel like real people, make the events of the novel seem real too.
Isabella Muir’s writing is beautiful. Not only does she have the ability to bring her characters to life through dialogue, the mystery in this novel is very well done. It’s subtle, and not in your face…it’s more about how the past is not always what you think, and sometimes people aren’t always who they say they are.
This was a quick read, and a page turner. I was invested all the way through, and I was very satisfied with the conclusion. I love that Janie, our main character and wannabe detective gets her inspiration from Agatha Christie…I thought that was a neat touch. I’d love to read more from the Janie Juke series.
The Invisible Case has intriguing characters, a well thought out mystery case, and a unique setting. I highly recommend picking this one up.
*I received this as part of a book blitz. All opinions are my own.*
Book Blitz: https://jessicarachow.wordpress.com/2...
Isabella Muir’s writing is beautiful. Not only does she have the ability to bring her characters to life through dialogue, the mystery in this novel is very well done. It’s subtle, and not in your face…it’s more about how the past is not always what you think, and sometimes people aren’t always who they say they are.
This was a quick read, and a page turner. I was invested all the way through, and I was very satisfied with the conclusion. I love that Janie, our main character and wannabe detective gets her inspiration from Agatha Christie…I thought that was a neat touch. I’d love to read more from the Janie Juke series.
The Invisible Case has intriguing characters, a well thought out mystery case, and a unique setting. I highly recommend picking this one up.
*I received this as part of a book blitz. All opinions are my own.*
Book Blitz: https://jessicarachow.wordpress.com/2...
February 8, 2021
It’s Easter 1970, Jessica and her friend, Luigi, are traveling on a train from Italy to Tamarisk Bay, England when Luigi’s briefcase goes missing. Because of some sketchy behavior by Luigi in Jessica’s family home, Luigi goes to stay in a summerhouse run by a fellow Italian. There is a suspicious murder of another guest, who is also Italian and knows Luigi. Janie Jukes, who is Jessica’s niece and an amateur sleuth tries to clear Luigi’s name.
My Thoughts:
I loved the narration- nothing is more fun for this southern US gal than to listen to a British narrator.
The fact that our amateur sleuth, Janie Jukes’ hero is none other than Hercule Poirot. She references Poirot several times in the book which made for a great tribute to one of the OG investigators.
I enjoyed the story which was a mystery and also a family legacy story.
Finally, there are two previous books in this series and the other cases that Janie has been involved in are referenced so as a listener I appreciate the fact that you know that Janie has evolved as a person (like she recently has had a baby)and sleuth.
Thanks @rachelsrandomresources and @audible for the chance to listen and honestly give my opinions.
My Thoughts:
I loved the narration- nothing is more fun for this southern US gal than to listen to a British narrator.
The fact that our amateur sleuth, Janie Jukes’ hero is none other than Hercule Poirot. She references Poirot several times in the book which made for a great tribute to one of the OG investigators.
I enjoyed the story which was a mystery and also a family legacy story.
Finally, there are two previous books in this series and the other cases that Janie has been involved in are referenced so as a listener I appreciate the fact that you know that Janie has evolved as a person (like she recently has had a baby)and sleuth.
Thanks @rachelsrandomresources and @audible for the chance to listen and honestly give my opinions.
February 10, 2021
This is an easy listening audiobook set in 1970 mainly in a Sussex town. It is reminiscent of radio plays of the same period and is well suited to this media. The narrator is clear and professional. Her character voices bring them to life believably.
The story is the third of the Janie Juke mysteries but my first. Well described main protagonists, gentle pacing and a recognisable seventies ethos make this an interesting listen. The mystery keeps its secrets to the end. Recognisable emotion underpins the story.
I received an audiobook copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
The story is the third of the Janie Juke mysteries but my first. Well described main protagonists, gentle pacing and a recognisable seventies ethos make this an interesting listen. The mystery keeps its secrets to the end. Recognisable emotion underpins the story.
I received an audiobook copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
August 9, 2018
Sussex mystery with an Italian flavour!
This is the third book I've read in this detective series and the books keep getting better. This one starts with a train journey in Italy (very Patricia Highsmith) and has a distinctive Italian flavour to it which I loved. Why has Janie's aunt suddenly returned from Italy? Who are all these Italians and what are they doing in this sleepy Sussex town? Will Janie Juke solve the crime before the police do? A fun read with great characters.
This is the third book I've read in this detective series and the books keep getting better. This one starts with a train journey in Italy (very Patricia Highsmith) and has a distinctive Italian flavour to it which I loved. Why has Janie's aunt suddenly returned from Italy? Who are all these Italians and what are they doing in this sleepy Sussex town? Will Janie Juke solve the crime before the police do? A fun read with great characters.
July 29, 2018
My Review - The Invisible Case by Isabella Muir
This is an Agathaesque style novel. With a bit of a train journey, boat trip and set in Italy and the UK.
The Good
A robbery on a train!!! You can't beat that. I am sure Luigi was supposed to be sexy, but I found him quite annoying throughout the book. But I did love sleuth Janie.
The Bad
Poor old Italian man Luigi - has a rough time getting to the UK and in the UK. His behavior and ways line him up as a prime murder suspect! That is not really bad, but I just never liked Luigi throughout the book even though I wanted to feel for him and ... all Italian men love their mother...
The Ugly
This is a good read for cozy mystery fans with a bit of family drama. Well-written and just not enough juice for me. But my mother would love this!
3 Stars
February 10, 2021
This is the third book in the Jamie Juke Mystery series and an audiobook I thought it worked well as a standalone audiobook without being aware of previous books.
This is the first time I've come across anything by this author so I was unsure what to expect.
Listening felt very nostalgic and charming. I envisaged the period in time in which the story is set to be much earlier than the 1970s.
The storyline is very gently paced and character driven. The narrator Bridget Eaton gave the characters life and they were easy to imagine.
In all a cosy mystery, easy to listen to, whilst doing other jobs. I listened to much of it whilst working from home.
Enjoyable.
This is the first time I've come across anything by this author so I was unsure what to expect.
Listening felt very nostalgic and charming. I envisaged the period in time in which the story is set to be much earlier than the 1970s.
The storyline is very gently paced and character driven. The narrator Bridget Eaton gave the characters life and they were easy to imagine.
In all a cosy mystery, easy to listen to, whilst doing other jobs. I listened to much of it whilst working from home.
Enjoyable.
August 19, 2018
Very enjoyable story, good characters, interesting storyline
December 4, 2018
A great series I am just hoping there will be more to come
June 17, 2020
another fabulous read - i hope we'll hear more from janie juke
February 5, 2021
*Audiobook *
I felt this was a very traditional mystery. much in the style of Agatha Christie. Set across Italy and England via a train journey through picturesque countryside, the mystery begins when Luigi’s briefcase is stolen. (He is accompanying Jessica back to visit her family in England) He is sure he saw the thief, but feels he’s not being taken seriously.
In England, Jessica is staying with her brother but Luigi is in the way, and so books into a B&B run by a fellow Italian. When a new guest arrives at the B&B and is soon found dead in his room, Jessica’s niece, Janie is curious …more than curious really. As an amateur sleuth, she takes an interest in Luigi and the new guest, determined to find out more about the man who accompanied her aunt.
The missing briefcase does play a role later in the story, as do other elements an characters connected to Luigi.
For me, the narration was hard to follow at times. It was very breathy and often too quiet (even at full volume) and I had to rewind often to hear what was said.
Overall, it’s a gently-paced mystery, perfect for fans of cosy mysteries but with a different kind of sleuth.
I felt this was a very traditional mystery. much in the style of Agatha Christie. Set across Italy and England via a train journey through picturesque countryside, the mystery begins when Luigi’s briefcase is stolen. (He is accompanying Jessica back to visit her family in England) He is sure he saw the thief, but feels he’s not being taken seriously.
In England, Jessica is staying with her brother but Luigi is in the way, and so books into a B&B run by a fellow Italian. When a new guest arrives at the B&B and is soon found dead in his room, Jessica’s niece, Janie is curious …more than curious really. As an amateur sleuth, she takes an interest in Luigi and the new guest, determined to find out more about the man who accompanied her aunt.
The missing briefcase does play a role later in the story, as do other elements an characters connected to Luigi.
For me, the narration was hard to follow at times. It was very breathy and often too quiet (even at full volume) and I had to rewind often to hear what was said.
Overall, it’s a gently-paced mystery, perfect for fans of cosy mysteries but with a different kind of sleuth.
May 4, 2019
I love this series! Very different to the first book in terms of plot. I love the characters and writing style. Great cozy mystery.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews