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DI Beatrice Stubbs #7
Snow Angel
Love is a driving passion. So is hate.
December in a small Devonshire village is the perfect time for a Yuletide festival, a Narnian wedding or a murder.
Now retired, Beatrice is working on a book, planning a wedding and pretending she doesn’t miss the cut and thrust of Scotland Yard.
When a local celebrity dies in suspicious circumstances, Matthew encourages Beatrice to do some private investigating. Her enquiries reveal more than predicted and she discovers even her nearest and dearest are capable of deceit.
A snowstorm hits the village and Beatrice chases a lead, throwing everyone’s plans into disarray and threatening lives. The ancient forest conceals a primeval web of complex loyalties and lethal bonds.
Angels protect their friends. But destroy their enemies.
“A classic village murder mystery, packed with comforts and crimes at Christmas with rural traditions at its heart” – Debbie Young, author of The Sophie Sayers Mysteries.
December in a small Devonshire village is the perfect time for a Yuletide festival, a Narnian wedding or a murder.
Now retired, Beatrice is working on a book, planning a wedding and pretending she doesn’t miss the cut and thrust of Scotland Yard.
When a local celebrity dies in suspicious circumstances, Matthew encourages Beatrice to do some private investigating. Her enquiries reveal more than predicted and she discovers even her nearest and dearest are capable of deceit.
A snowstorm hits the village and Beatrice chases a lead, throwing everyone’s plans into disarray and threatening lives. The ancient forest conceals a primeval web of complex loyalties and lethal bonds.
Angels protect their friends. But destroy their enemies.
“A classic village murder mystery, packed with comforts and crimes at Christmas with rural traditions at its heart” – Debbie Young, author of The Sophie Sayers Mysteries.
270 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2018
234 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Marsh
34 books178 followersAs a child, Jill read so obsessively she got kicked out of the school library. But her passion for words continued. She graduated in English Literature and Theatre Studies from the University of Wales and set up a theatre company. Since then, as an actor, director, teacher, writer and journalist, she’s worked in fifteen countries. She learnt something from each one.
Now, with her husband and three dogs, Jill lives in Switzerland, a country with four languages and mountains of new words.
She works as a language trainer all over Europe, collaborates with Nuance Words and Triskele Books, and contributes regularly to Words with JAM magazine. But most of the time, she writes. And reads.
Behind Closed Doors is the first Beatrice Stubbs novel, a European crime series set in compelling locations all over the Continent.
Now, with her husband and three dogs, Jill lives in Switzerland, a country with four languages and mountains of new words.
She works as a language trainer all over Europe, collaborates with Nuance Words and Triskele Books, and contributes regularly to Words with JAM magazine. But most of the time, she writes. And reads.
Behind Closed Doors is the first Beatrice Stubbs novel, a European crime series set in compelling locations all over the Continent.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 2, 2019
Cozy mysteries aren't usually my preferred genre, but I'll read anything J.J. Marsh writes in a heartbeat. Her books are awesome and Snow Angel is no different. What a lovely story with lots of intrigue, a gorgeous wedding, and a mystery that kept me guessing to the end! I really loved this story, and specially the relationships between the different characters. Beatrice and Matthew are the best, so are Adrian and Will, and there's a special place in my heart for Catinca and little Dumpling!
And Vaughn Mason, I hated him with a fury! J.J. did a brilliant job with characterization in this book.
A great read you can't miss!
And Vaughn Mason, I hated him with a fury! J.J. did a brilliant job with characterization in this book.
A great read you can't miss!
November 30, 2018
I really just can't get enough of DI Beatrice Stubbs. Although now retired, our intrepid female detective cannot keep her inquisitive mind away from a murder case in the Devon village where she has settled supposedly to begin a new, crime-free chapter in her life
When a close friend of Matthew's, her long-time companion, is suddenly poisoned to death, Beatrice begins to ask pertinent questions. Although she didn't even like the man, her acute sense of right and wrong compels her to find out what really happened. But snowstorms, festive Christmas parties and the imminent wedding of a close friend, not to mention the local police, who are the official investigators of the case, all connive against our Marplesque female detective.
As usual, I almost inhaled this murder mystery by JJ Marsh and cannot wait for the next instalment. If you haven't yet read any of her Beatrice Stubbs books, I envy you!
When a close friend of Matthew's, her long-time companion, is suddenly poisoned to death, Beatrice begins to ask pertinent questions. Although she didn't even like the man, her acute sense of right and wrong compels her to find out what really happened. But snowstorms, festive Christmas parties and the imminent wedding of a close friend, not to mention the local police, who are the official investigators of the case, all connive against our Marplesque female detective.
As usual, I almost inhaled this murder mystery by JJ Marsh and cannot wait for the next instalment. If you haven't yet read any of her Beatrice Stubbs books, I envy you!
November 5, 2018
JJ Marsh knocks it out of the park with Snow Angel, book seven of the Beatrice Stubbs Series! We find a retired DI Stubbs enjoying retirement in a small village when her partner's friend is killed. He asks Beatrice to quietly investigate amidst her responsibilities to plan her best friend's wedding, taking care of Matthew and family, trying not to miss London and her old life not to mention getting dumped by her therapist. Oh, and there's Christmas to plan. Well drawn characters with a murder mystery thrown in moves the story along nicely. Truly a joy to read.
November 9, 2018
A good old fashioned "whodunnit"
A lecher is murdered and the list of suspects very long,
Good story line and excellent characters
A lecher is murdered and the list of suspects very long,
Good story line and excellent characters
November 27, 2018
SNOW ANGEL: A EUROPEAN CRIME MYSTERY is #7 of the Beatrice Stubbs mystery series by JJ Marsh.
I quite like this series - for the characters, the dialogue, the plots and the ‘sense of place’. SNOW ANGEL finds Beatrice retired and living in the small village of Upton St. Nicholas with Matthew and really trying to ‘fit in’. She is quite over extended with household routines, wedding planning, village life and a request from Matthew to look into his friend’s unexpected death.
While I did enjoy this title, it lacked the pizazz I was accustomed to in the previous titles. BAD APPLES, especially, took the reader to Portugal and seemed more exotic to me and more professionally driven. SNOW ANGEL was more a British cozy mystery in a small village. Without her Scotland Yard credentials, Beatrice is in the amateur sleuth category and a bit scatter-brained.
I will eagerly await the next title, however, and hope for more excitement!
I quite like this series - for the characters, the dialogue, the plots and the ‘sense of place’. SNOW ANGEL finds Beatrice retired and living in the small village of Upton St. Nicholas with Matthew and really trying to ‘fit in’. She is quite over extended with household routines, wedding planning, village life and a request from Matthew to look into his friend’s unexpected death.
While I did enjoy this title, it lacked the pizazz I was accustomed to in the previous titles. BAD APPLES, especially, took the reader to Portugal and seemed more exotic to me and more professionally driven. SNOW ANGEL was more a British cozy mystery in a small village. Without her Scotland Yard credentials, Beatrice is in the amateur sleuth category and a bit scatter-brained.
I will eagerly await the next title, however, and hope for more excitement!
April 19, 2020
This is #7 in a series about a sympathetic and personable British detective-inspector, all of which I've recently read. Beatrice is bipolar and that condition is presented sympathetically and without fanfare. She has a lover whom she's afraid to marry, a gay bestie, and there's a cast of various family and business characters who are easy to remember and plausibly presented. The whole series reads as though you're seeing the life of an actual person, which I think is fairly rare. Most books, from my point of view at least, present the human race as very different from how I see it. JJMarsh seems to share my experience of how people are.
Oh, and the various mysteries Beatrice solves are interesting and engaging. I imagine this series would be amusing to re-read, as the interest lies not so much in the plot as in the interpersonal dynamics. For me at least.
Oh, and the various mysteries Beatrice solves are interesting and engaging. I imagine this series would be amusing to re-read, as the interest lies not so much in the plot as in the interpersonal dynamics. For me at least.
March 1, 2019
Was ready to give this 4 stars, but the ending did not work for me at all. It just ended abruptly leaving you to assume who was the killer. Perhaps this was to suggest that Beatrice had finally truly retired, but I just found it messy. The novella by the deceased at the end didn’t make any sense to me either. Too bad, because I thought this was the best of the series until the end.
November 10, 2018
I’ve read (and bought) all the Beatrice Stubbs novels – I love the ‘eggcorns’ she has, the authenticity to the emotions and friendships and that the stories feel genuine. It doesn’t hurt that JJ Marsh writes incredibly well.
Snow Angel is the latest in the series and for the first time it’s set fully in Devon. It’s always risky when authors do this; as I am from, and still live in Devon, I particularly notice the cliches that often occur when stories are set here, the speech that’s overly yokelish, the implication that we all churn our own butter and live on cream teas and cider. JJ Marsh didn’t fall into this trap; instead she created an outstanding depiction of my local area and the sort of people that live here – the incomers and the natives – nailed. So much that I could think of at least 3 pubs and villages within a 15 mile radius that could easily be Upton St Nicholas and The Angel Pub. I might have to go and investigate – just to rule them out, you understand!
Because I’ve signed up to the mailing list, I had the chance of an early ecopy to read. Because I enjoyed it so very much, I’ve pre-ordered a hard copy to put on my shelf. I might have to buy a couple as gifts too.
This book has jeopardy, suspense, humour and some of the most beautiful prose I’ve come across. Here’s an extract:
‘Above, the cloudless sky deepens to a crow-black, with the new moon invisible to the naked eye. Without its dominant glow, stars sparkle all the brighter, like crystals of salt on Cornish slate. A stillness settles over the landscape. An owl screeches.’
Did the hairs on your neck just rise? Good. This is the best Stubbs yet, and one of the best books I’ve read.
Snow Angel is the latest in the series and for the first time it’s set fully in Devon. It’s always risky when authors do this; as I am from, and still live in Devon, I particularly notice the cliches that often occur when stories are set here, the speech that’s overly yokelish, the implication that we all churn our own butter and live on cream teas and cider. JJ Marsh didn’t fall into this trap; instead she created an outstanding depiction of my local area and the sort of people that live here – the incomers and the natives – nailed. So much that I could think of at least 3 pubs and villages within a 15 mile radius that could easily be Upton St Nicholas and The Angel Pub. I might have to go and investigate – just to rule them out, you understand!
Because I’ve signed up to the mailing list, I had the chance of an early ecopy to read. Because I enjoyed it so very much, I’ve pre-ordered a hard copy to put on my shelf. I might have to buy a couple as gifts too.
This book has jeopardy, suspense, humour and some of the most beautiful prose I’ve come across. Here’s an extract:
‘Above, the cloudless sky deepens to a crow-black, with the new moon invisible to the naked eye. Without its dominant glow, stars sparkle all the brighter, like crystals of salt on Cornish slate. A stillness settles over the landscape. An owl screeches.’
Did the hairs on your neck just rise? Good. This is the best Stubbs yet, and one of the best books I’ve read.
March 21, 2019
Intelligent murder mystery in traditional English Christmas setting
From the moment Beatrice Stubbs was wrong-footed by a sexist boss in Book 1, I grew very attached to this middle-aged detective, who is British but works in a European context. I thought I’d miss the European flavour of earlier books in the series but you can’t beat a good murder mystery in traditional English Christmas setting and this one has wedding plans to up the angst. Add Beatrice’s own psychiatric problems to the mix and I was totally hooked. Malapropisms are often used for comic effect (or by accident in badly edited books) so it’s thought-provoking to see this ‘fault’ presented as a symptom of the way a brain works – or misfunctions.
The way J J Marsh interwove the three plot strands, with tension in each of them, was masterful. I also loved the ending, a resolution that was satisfying while leaving something for the reader to chew over and continue in her imagination. My favourite character in this book? No contest: the dog. Some writers know how dogs behave and this one is real.
If you like intelligent whodunnits with European flavour and a woman detective who has to work hard to be taken seriously, not least by herself – you’ll love this series. You can read this on its own or do what I did - read them all! With offers and boxsets, you can afford to treat yourself.
From the moment Beatrice Stubbs was wrong-footed by a sexist boss in Book 1, I grew very attached to this middle-aged detective, who is British but works in a European context. I thought I’d miss the European flavour of earlier books in the series but you can’t beat a good murder mystery in traditional English Christmas setting and this one has wedding plans to up the angst. Add Beatrice’s own psychiatric problems to the mix and I was totally hooked. Malapropisms are often used for comic effect (or by accident in badly edited books) so it’s thought-provoking to see this ‘fault’ presented as a symptom of the way a brain works – or misfunctions.
The way J J Marsh interwove the three plot strands, with tension in each of them, was masterful. I also loved the ending, a resolution that was satisfying while leaving something for the reader to chew over and continue in her imagination. My favourite character in this book? No contest: the dog. Some writers know how dogs behave and this one is real.
If you like intelligent whodunnits with European flavour and a woman detective who has to work hard to be taken seriously, not least by herself – you’ll love this series. You can read this on its own or do what I did - read them all! With offers and boxsets, you can afford to treat yourself.
March 4, 2019
This series just keeps getting better. Beatrice is retired now, and living with Matthew in their Devon cottage - still not entirely sure she is really ready for all this. She is also upset because her shrink wants to send her to a local woman instead of her driving to London all the time, and she feels he is dumping her; plus her London trips are her me-time - she misses life in London. But Adrian and Will are planning their Christmas wedding, and she is the matron of honor. When a local man, a friend of Matthew's, dies of apparent poisoning, Matthew asks her to do a little private investigating. Of course she can't leave it alone, pulls in Will, and ticks off Adrian because because they are not into the whole wedding thing to the degree he is. IMO, Adrian's drama queen attitudes are getting pretty tiresome, although he usually manages to pull out of them eventually. Add in a terrible snowstorm, the usual anything-that-can-go-wrong-will problems with the wedding plans, a family conspiracy, and a possible village conspiracy, and things are beginning to spin out of control. A real page-turner!
November 21, 2018
After discovering the Beatrice Stubbs series in 2017 and reading all six books one after the other, I have been eagerly waiting for Book 7. Well, it has finally arrived and I'm happy to say it didn't disappoint. It was like meeting up with old friends that you haven't seen for a while - instantly familiar. And they were all there: Beatrice and Matthew, Adrian and Will, Marianne, Tanya and Luke.
Beatrice has retired from the Met and is now living with Matthew in a picturesque village in Devon. As if she isn't busy enough with preparations for Christmas and Adrian's wedding, one of Matthew's friends dies under suspicious circumstances and he asks her to look into this death.
What follows is a thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery that had me staying up late to find out whodunnit.
And now I will wait patiently for Book 8!
I received a free copy of this book for my unbiased review.
Beatrice has retired from the Met and is now living with Matthew in a picturesque village in Devon. As if she isn't busy enough with preparations for Christmas and Adrian's wedding, one of Matthew's friends dies under suspicious circumstances and he asks her to look into this death.
What follows is a thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery that had me staying up late to find out whodunnit.
And now I will wait patiently for Book 8!
I received a free copy of this book for my unbiased review.
December 2, 2018
This is one of those books I finished and immediately felt envious of anyone who had yet to discover it. So if that’s you then take it from me you are in for a treat.
It’s part of a series, but can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. The earlier books saw D. I. Beatrice Stubbs investigating crimes right across Europe, but recently retired she’s now settled in Devon with long term partner, Matthew. Although she has Christmas and a fabulous winter wedding to organise, she can’t resist getting involved when a mysterious local death occurs.
Rather than a page-turner this is a snuggle-by-the fire and sink into the story kind of read. Witty, wise and intriguing, it’s cosy crime with a sharp bite. I loved it.
It’s part of a series, but can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. The earlier books saw D. I. Beatrice Stubbs investigating crimes right across Europe, but recently retired she’s now settled in Devon with long term partner, Matthew. Although she has Christmas and a fabulous winter wedding to organise, she can’t resist getting involved when a mysterious local death occurs.
Rather than a page-turner this is a snuggle-by-the fire and sink into the story kind of read. Witty, wise and intriguing, it’s cosy crime with a sharp bite. I loved it.
December 9, 2018
Snow angels and Christmas time evoke images of innocence and joy. In investigating the murder of a resident of the village, former DI Beatrice Stubbs finds little joy and less innocence. Filled with very human characters, Marsh crafts an homage to classic European mysteries. It is not a slam bang action filled story, but it is a thoughtful look into human responses. I can wholeheartedly recommend this book.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
January 5, 2020
The semi-retired Detectice
Beatrice and Matthew are attending the wedding of Adrian and Will when a local murder nudges Beatrice to the edge of retirement. Unfortunately the murder assumes a role in the wedding calling for concerted action among the main characters. As always I really enjoyed the plot and characters of this book and highly recommend the whole series to date. The travel descriptions and local environments are completely compelling.
Beatrice and Matthew are attending the wedding of Adrian and Will when a local murder nudges Beatrice to the edge of retirement. Unfortunately the murder assumes a role in the wedding calling for concerted action among the main characters. As always I really enjoyed the plot and characters of this book and highly recommend the whole series to date. The travel descriptions and local environments are completely compelling.
April 25, 2021
I really liked the frame for this novel, and the, shall we say, somewhat inconclusive conclusion. However, i have a hard time with just forgetting Marianne’s homophobia. Where did it come from? Not the toxic boyfriend, all he cared about was being the center of her attention. And why is it so quickly brushed away? Other than that, everyone seemed to learn important lessons and all’s well and all that.
June 24, 2025
Another winner for Beatrice Stubbs & co. and J.J. Marsh. Even in retirement, Beatrice finds herself with a case during Adrian's wedding. The ending left me a little adrift but I'll think about it. Does retirement from the Met mean Beatrice will become some sort of private investigator in the future books? We'll have to read and see.
January 14, 2019
Enjoyable story
Beatrice Stubbs is a fascinating character that is very real. Love the settings and plots in this series. The addition of a rescue dog and cat just add to the charm of Beatrice and Matthew. I hope a new book in this series comes out soon to read.
Beatrice Stubbs is a fascinating character that is very real. Love the settings and plots in this series. The addition of a rescue dog and cat just add to the charm of Beatrice and Matthew. I hope a new book in this series comes out soon to read.
January 31, 2021
After all the international investigations, the Devon setting was an interesting change of pace for the newly retired Beatrice.
I particularly enjoyed the run up to teh wedding of the year. Adrian is such a well written and adorable character.
I particularly enjoyed the run up to teh wedding of the year. Adrian is such a well written and adorable character.
January 17, 2022
I picked this book to read on a snowy day because it takes place at Christmas time. I like books about murders in a small English village. This was pretty good. I liked the characters, so I may have to go back and read the previous ones.
November 22, 2018
Snow Angel
Again, beautifully written. So sorry Beatrice retired, but this book closes off all loose ends wonderfully. Will miss you Ms Stubbs.
Again, beautifully written. So sorry Beatrice retired, but this book closes off all loose ends wonderfully. Will miss you Ms Stubbs.
January 20, 2019
I have really enjoyed following the adventures and life crises of Detective Inspector Beatrice Stubbs and her family. I Hope that HI Marsh will continue her well developed characters.
January 22, 2019
Fingers crossed that this aeries of 7 books will have an 8th. Excellent character development, complicated plots and very descriptive writing. It has it all!
March 3, 2019
Another great book in this series... only downside is there aren’t any more...! :-(
October 28, 2019
A time of change in Beatrice Stubbs life--her best friend's wedding, a new counselor, living with Matthew. And yet, death abides. The usual hijinks and suspicions, but now as a layperson.
December 3, 2019
As always, a fun read and ever changing list of suspects.
August 28, 2020
This series just keeps getting better and better. Highly recommended.
February 2, 2021
Lots of planning
There is a lot going on in this book. No one is bring bored. Matthew gets some good companions. End
There is a lot going on in this book. No one is bring bored. Matthew gets some good companions. End
March 2, 2022
Absolutely love this series!
July 24, 2022
I love ‘hanging out’ with these characters - with every book I enjoy them more
September 30, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, the first after retirement from Scotland Yard. Outside the Police force, it remains to be seen whether Beatrice is as interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews