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Traveling Cook Mystery #6
The Teatime Mystery
Jenny Starling is doing the catering for the village cricket match. But she’s not expecting one of the players to turn up dead.
Everyone from the village has turned out to watch the match, and with this being the club’s centenary, Jenny Starling has been hired specially to provide her stunning food for the event.
Then the next man up to bat, Tristan Jones, is nowhere to be found. He is discovered behind the pavilion, murdered by a blow to the back of the head with an old cricket bat.
The handsome twenty-something had a reputation as a Lothario, with an appetite for married women. Did a scorned woman or a cuckolded husband kill him?
However, he’d annoyed other people too. He was a stockbroker who took big risks with other people’s money and lost their lifesavings.
Soon another body turns up and Jenny Starling is going to need all her cunning to crack this complex case.
Everyone from the village has turned out to watch the match, and with this being the club’s centenary, Jenny Starling has been hired specially to provide her stunning food for the event.
Then the next man up to bat, Tristan Jones, is nowhere to be found. He is discovered behind the pavilion, murdered by a blow to the back of the head with an old cricket bat.
The handsome twenty-something had a reputation as a Lothario, with an appetite for married women. Did a scorned woman or a cuckolded husband kill him?
However, he’d annoyed other people too. He was a stockbroker who took big risks with other people’s money and lost their lifesavings.
Soon another body turns up and Jenny Starling is going to need all her cunning to crack this complex case.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
3788 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Cato
13 books100 followersJoyce Cato is a pen name of English author Jacquie Walton. She also writes under the pen names Jessie Daniels, Faith Martin and Maxine Barry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
August 3, 2020
Jenny Starling along with her mobile food van found herself at the ground where the cricket game was to take place. It would be a big day with it being the club’s centenary and the food she had planned would be sure to pass muster. As she cooked and prepared in preparation for the tea break, she found herself humming with her usual joy of doing what she loved. But it wasn’t too much later that one of the players was found dead behind the pavilion, behind where Jenny had been working.
When the police turned up, there was confusion, horror and grief. But Jenny, although she didn’t want to become involved in another murder investigation, was putting the clues together. But it was when another body was found that Jenny came up with the answers. But was she right? And would the police Inspector listen to her?
The Teatime Mystery is the 6th in the Jenny Starling series by Faith Martin and it was another light, entertaining cosy mystery. Jenny certainly has her smarts about her; she could give the police a lesson or two sometimes. Recommended.
When the police turned up, there was confusion, horror and grief. But Jenny, although she didn’t want to become involved in another murder investigation, was putting the clues together. But it was when another body was found that Jenny came up with the answers. But was she right? And would the police Inspector listen to her?
The Teatime Mystery is the 6th in the Jenny Starling series by Faith Martin and it was another light, entertaining cosy mystery. Jenny certainly has her smarts about her; she could give the police a lesson or two sometimes. Recommended.
June 2, 2019
THE TEATIME MYSTERY by Faith Martin is the newest in the Jenny Starling series. As with the other books in the series, it is not necessary to read any of these books in order. Each story is completely self-contained and the only recurring character is Jenny Starling herself.
In this book, Jenny has been hired to cook for a village cricket match. Martin has written the description of place and match so brilliantly the reader feels as if they are enjoying a lovely warm afternoon in the English countryside. Details of the match itself don’t actually enter into the book, so it isn’t necessary to understand the game.
As one might expect, the lovely atmosphere of a cricket match and a promised cookout is marred by murder, this time of a rather obnoxious, entitled young man, Tristan, son of The Lord of the Manor. He was raised in an atmosphere of privilege which continues into his adulthood as he goes to work as an investment advisor for his father’s firm. Unfortunately, he is cavalier with some investors money and it is almost immediately apparent that this time he has been instrumental in losing the entire life savings of a man who was planning to send his grandson to university.
The questions begin immediately. Was the murder committed by the young man who’s future has been destroyed by reckless action? He certainly is seen confronting the victim and unsuccessfully demanding the return of his grandfather’s money. Is the murderer perhaps the grandfather, who on the surface appears to be a gentle man who put too much faith in the wrong person. Or, perhaps it’s someone else, a jealous husband who learned his wife has been bedded by the notoriously randy Tristan, or his own father, Lord of the Manor, who suspects Tristan may have had an affair with his step-mother, the trophy wife, or even a co-worker who sees Tristan as ruining his prospects at the investment firm. All of these possibilities and more are pursued by the police and meanwhile a second murder occurs which makes things even more complicated.
The police inspector and his sergent who are assigned to this area are once again new to Jenny, however they recognize her on sight, before she even has a chance to introduce herself. Jenny is dreading giving them her name as, in her experience, police are less than pleased to see someone being regularly associated with the scene of a murder. This time around, though, there is no resentment toward Jenny nor any suspicion of her. Instead the inspector immediately begins including her in the investigation, which places Jenny in a position of listening to interviews and examining facts right along with the inspector in charge.
Before the murder can be solved, there is a second murder, this one less expected than the first. Jenny redoubles her efforts, in part because she hopes if she can discover the solution in time, maybe the inspector will allow her to go ahead with the barbeque she has planned for after the cricket match. Jenny is first and foremost a cook, and she is almost always singularly focused on the food she is going to prepare and how it is received by those who have the opportunity to partake of it.
As in other Jenny Starling novels, she solves this one before the police inspector, using clues that were written and put right in front of the reader’s nose. This time I didn’t have it solved, mostly because I didn’t put the information together as to how the murderer could go undetected. Like other books in the series, I recommend this one to anyone who likes the classic mystery novel.
In this book, Jenny has been hired to cook for a village cricket match. Martin has written the description of place and match so brilliantly the reader feels as if they are enjoying a lovely warm afternoon in the English countryside. Details of the match itself don’t actually enter into the book, so it isn’t necessary to understand the game.
As one might expect, the lovely atmosphere of a cricket match and a promised cookout is marred by murder, this time of a rather obnoxious, entitled young man, Tristan, son of The Lord of the Manor. He was raised in an atmosphere of privilege which continues into his adulthood as he goes to work as an investment advisor for his father’s firm. Unfortunately, he is cavalier with some investors money and it is almost immediately apparent that this time he has been instrumental in losing the entire life savings of a man who was planning to send his grandson to university.
The questions begin immediately. Was the murder committed by the young man who’s future has been destroyed by reckless action? He certainly is seen confronting the victim and unsuccessfully demanding the return of his grandfather’s money. Is the murderer perhaps the grandfather, who on the surface appears to be a gentle man who put too much faith in the wrong person. Or, perhaps it’s someone else, a jealous husband who learned his wife has been bedded by the notoriously randy Tristan, or his own father, Lord of the Manor, who suspects Tristan may have had an affair with his step-mother, the trophy wife, or even a co-worker who sees Tristan as ruining his prospects at the investment firm. All of these possibilities and more are pursued by the police and meanwhile a second murder occurs which makes things even more complicated.
The police inspector and his sergent who are assigned to this area are once again new to Jenny, however they recognize her on sight, before she even has a chance to introduce herself. Jenny is dreading giving them her name as, in her experience, police are less than pleased to see someone being regularly associated with the scene of a murder. This time around, though, there is no resentment toward Jenny nor any suspicion of her. Instead the inspector immediately begins including her in the investigation, which places Jenny in a position of listening to interviews and examining facts right along with the inspector in charge.
Before the murder can be solved, there is a second murder, this one less expected than the first. Jenny redoubles her efforts, in part because she hopes if she can discover the solution in time, maybe the inspector will allow her to go ahead with the barbeque she has planned for after the cricket match. Jenny is first and foremost a cook, and she is almost always singularly focused on the food she is going to prepare and how it is received by those who have the opportunity to partake of it.
As in other Jenny Starling novels, she solves this one before the police inspector, using clues that were written and put right in front of the reader’s nose. This time I didn’t have it solved, mostly because I didn’t put the information together as to how the murderer could go undetected. Like other books in the series, I recommend this one to anyone who likes the classic mystery novel.
August 18, 2019
Having read and re-read all Agatha Christie books, for some time I didn’t know what book to turn to when I felt down or overwhelmed and simply needed to relax and let loose. Until I discovered Faith Martin and her travelling cook extraordinaire Jenny Starling!
The Teatime Mystery is an enjoyable, put your feet up and have a cuppa and let Jenny solve the mystery kind of book.
Thanks to the author, Joffe Books and the NetGalley for a copy of the book.
The Teatime Mystery is an enjoyable, put your feet up and have a cuppa and let Jenny solve the mystery kind of book.
Thanks to the author, Joffe Books and the NetGalley for a copy of the book.
May 21, 2019
Jenny Starling #6
Everyone has turned out to watch the village cricket match. Jenny Starling is doing the catering so we know someone is going to die, but not from her cooking. People who have read this series know that Jenny is a traveling cook with a nose to solve a good crime. This time it is a cricketer that has been murdered by a blow to the back of the head by a cricket bat. He had the reputation of being a ladies man, especially married ones. He was also a stockbroker who liked to take big risks. Then another body turns up. Will Jenny be able to solve these murder cases? This is a really good, easy to read series. There's a few red herrings along the way. This is my favourite one so far.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Everyone has turned out to watch the village cricket match. Jenny Starling is doing the catering so we know someone is going to die, but not from her cooking. People who have read this series know that Jenny is a traveling cook with a nose to solve a good crime. This time it is a cricketer that has been murdered by a blow to the back of the head by a cricket bat. He had the reputation of being a ladies man, especially married ones. He was also a stockbroker who liked to take big risks. Then another body turns up. Will Jenny be able to solve these murder cases? This is a really good, easy to read series. There's a few red herrings along the way. This is my favourite one so far.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2019
Please note this book was first published as “JUST NOT CRICKET” under Faith Martin’s pen name JOYCE CAT.
Not much of a sports fan, traveling cook and sometimes amateur detective Jenny Starling, is catering for a village cricket match.
One of the best players, Tristan Jones, is found dead, his head bashed in with a cricket bat. Tris was well-known in the village, a handsome young man, who made the rounds with the resident young ladies.
Suspects are many ... any of the ladies he may have spurned, a jealous lover, husbands of the married ladies he dallied with, people who lost money from investing with him.
And then another body is found .....
Who wanted these two people dead? Were they killed by the same person ... or are there two killers?
This is a baffling case, but at least the local detective has heard of Jenny and is willing to use her quick mind to help him solve the murders.
As with the others in this series, this is well written with mystery and suspense from beginning to end. Jenny is a terrific character ... she's smart, she's sassy with a sense of humor. She also finds herself involved in murders and it's her quick mind that helps her help the police. The village residents are deftly drawn and lend an air of credibility to the plot.
Although sixth in this series, THE TEAPOT MYSTERY can be easily read as a stand alone. As always I highly recommend starting at the very beginning .... the reader won't be sorry.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime mystery. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 16, 2019
This is a 3.5 star read.
Whilst a quick and entertaining read, it'd be remiss of me not to say that I was a little disappointed in this offering.
Whilst a quick and entertaining read, it'd be remiss of me not to say that I was a little disappointed in this offering.
May 23, 2019
The Teatime Mystery is the sixth in the Jenny Starling cosy mystery series and was first published as Just Not Cricket under her nom de plume, Joyce Cato. Each instalment in the series just gets better and better and Jenny Starling is a fantastic protagonist. This time she uses her amateur investigative skills to solve the murder of a philandering cricketer and it's is a captivating tale. I mean, what could be better — delicious food, mystery and super sleuthing?
This is a charming addition with many twists in the tale and the locations are all so vivid; I see the type of village setting as portrayed in Midsomer Murders, and that's no bad thing. It is so readable that you get through it very quickly or at least I did. There are also a slew of credible and interesting characters and a well-crafted plot. It was a highly entertaining way to spend a few hours. Many thanks to Joffe Books for an ARC.
This is a charming addition with many twists in the tale and the locations are all so vivid; I see the type of village setting as portrayed in Midsomer Murders, and that's no bad thing. It is so readable that you get through it very quickly or at least I did. There are also a slew of credible and interesting characters and a well-crafted plot. It was a highly entertaining way to spend a few hours. Many thanks to Joffe Books for an ARC.
December 7, 2019
In a week that was insanely busy, this was the book I chose to read, and it took forever to get through. I've settled on the fact that it's not me, it's the book. This investigation into who killed Tris, the privileged local Lothario with a cricket bat had all the pop and swiftness of watching a glacier move, by the hour. The murderer was who I'd suspected and that didn't even bring a thrill. This is one of Jenny's outings that I'd recommend skipping (the food wasn't even inspiring!). That's enough said about it & I'm just glad it's over.
The next surely has to be better.
The next surely has to be better.
May 28, 2019
Jenny Starling is a traveling cook who is rather looking forward to her next assignment. She is about to cater for the village cricket match. Per normal Jenny style, she takes stock of all the guests, all while crafting just the perfect menu with her exquisite recipes.
When Tristan Jones, a man with far too many enemies, turns up dead, Jenny is afforded the opportunity of helping the police in their investigation. Nothing is as it seemed as Jenny works hard on figuring everyone at the event. It is only reasonable that one of the players, or their family member, is undeniably guilty of the murder.
It doesn't take Jenny long to discover that Tristin Jones had plenty of enemies. For one thing, he was a young man with more than one paramour. What's more is that as a stockbroker, the way he handled people's money left a lot to be desired.
This delightful read, which was formerly published as Just Not Cricket by Faith Martin's pen name, Joyce Cato, is a delightful cozy mystery where Jenny excels in both solving unlikely murders while developing scrumptious recipes.
The previous titles in this series are The Birthday Mystery, The Winter Mystery, The Riverboat Mystery and The Oxford Mystery. I definitely look forward to continuing this engaging series by Faith Martin.
Many thanks to Joffe Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
When Tristan Jones, a man with far too many enemies, turns up dead, Jenny is afforded the opportunity of helping the police in their investigation. Nothing is as it seemed as Jenny works hard on figuring everyone at the event. It is only reasonable that one of the players, or their family member, is undeniably guilty of the murder.
It doesn't take Jenny long to discover that Tristin Jones had plenty of enemies. For one thing, he was a young man with more than one paramour. What's more is that as a stockbroker, the way he handled people's money left a lot to be desired.
This delightful read, which was formerly published as Just Not Cricket by Faith Martin's pen name, Joyce Cato, is a delightful cozy mystery where Jenny excels in both solving unlikely murders while developing scrumptious recipes.
The previous titles in this series are The Birthday Mystery, The Winter Mystery, The Riverboat Mystery and The Oxford Mystery. I definitely look forward to continuing this engaging series by Faith Martin.
Many thanks to Joffe Books and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 12, 2019
Again a very nice book in this popular series. Jenny Starling has to cook tea for a lot of people in a tiny kitchen in a pavillion next to a cricket game. That alone is a challenge, but on top of that it is sweltering hot and there is a gruesome murder.
I really liked the way Faith Martin mixed snippets of (incomprehensible for me) information about the cricket game with descriptions of the delicious food Jenny is famous for. I think lots of non-cricketlovers would like to sit in the shade when a game is on, munching on little delicacies Jenny made.
There are a lot of clues in the story, some obvious, some not, but it is not very hard to find out who the killer is - except for the inspector, of course, who clearly needs Jenny's insight in the humand mind.
One small thing I don't understand: the tea is in the changing room. Tables are set up so it must be a large changing room, but still? Changing rooms are not very well known for good light and fresh air. Or maybe changing rooms for cricketers are?
Thanks to NetGally and Joffe Books for this digital copy.
I really liked the way Faith Martin mixed snippets of (incomprehensible for me) information about the cricket game with descriptions of the delicious food Jenny is famous for. I think lots of non-cricketlovers would like to sit in the shade when a game is on, munching on little delicacies Jenny made.
There are a lot of clues in the story, some obvious, some not, but it is not very hard to find out who the killer is - except for the inspector, of course, who clearly needs Jenny's insight in the humand mind.
One small thing I don't understand: the tea is in the changing room. Tables are set up so it must be a large changing room, but still? Changing rooms are not very well known for good light and fresh air. Or maybe changing rooms for cricketers are?
Thanks to NetGally and Joffe Books for this digital copy.
May 29, 2019
Another Jenny Starling mystery, this time set during a cricket match. The village club is celebrating its centenary and they decide to employ Jenny to make her delicious cakes and buns for the celebratory tea. Of course, one of the players is missed when it is his turn to bat and, lo and behold, he is found behind the pavilion with his head bashed in and the old cricket bat used to do it, laid at his side. Tristan Jones is a handsome, wealthy, womaniser with no scruples over women or money. There are, therefore, numerous applicants for the position of chief killer, expanded by another death at the far side of the cricket field.
This time, Detective Inspector Clausen is the policeman ostensibly in charge and, of course, he has heard of Jenny's legendary status as an amateur detective. He is inclined to use Jenny as a second sergeant and is happy to follow her lead when she takes up the reins.
I enjoyed this afternoon at the village cricket match. It's a nice cosy read, excellent for a sunny afternoon and is, I think, the best of this series so far. I was pleased to see that the 'junoesque' description of Jenny is now being relegated to just the initial description of the character.
This time, Detective Inspector Clausen is the policeman ostensibly in charge and, of course, he has heard of Jenny's legendary status as an amateur detective. He is inclined to use Jenny as a second sergeant and is happy to follow her lead when she takes up the reins.
I enjoyed this afternoon at the village cricket match. It's a nice cosy read, excellent for a sunny afternoon and is, I think, the best of this series so far. I was pleased to see that the 'junoesque' description of Jenny is now being relegated to just the initial description of the character.
December 26, 2022
The Jenny Starlings are my second favorite Faith Martin series, and WHEW! This one was great.
I called the murderer and sort of how, and it was even obvious why... but I couldn't prove it, and how JEnny did it was great. Also, the inspector in this one was a HOOT. I love that he was competent and not quick to jump the gun etc.
Great mystery, great story, and I was so excited to see another on audio.
I called the murderer and sort of how, and it was even obvious why... but I couldn't prove it, and how JEnny did it was great. Also, the inspector in this one was a HOOT. I love that he was competent and not quick to jump the gun etc.
Great mystery, great story, and I was so excited to see another on audio.
November 23, 2021
a relaxing cozy mystery - first reading of the jenny starling mysteries - almost as nice as ryder and loveday
April 18, 2025
Another excellent episode in the Jenny Starling mysteries! I thoroughly enjoyed this one and my mouth was watering at the description of the food Jenny was baking throughout! I correctly guessed the identity of the murderer early on but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story. Highly recommended.
May 23, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of The Teamtime Mystery, the sixth novel to feature travelling cook and amateur sleuth, Jenny Starling.
Jenny is catering an annual village cricket match when one of the players, Tristan Jones is found dead. Tris as he is known was a handsome, arrogant man who had managed to upset a slew of villagers so suspects are not thin on the ground. Inspector Clausen soon finds Jenny and her quick brain to be a valuable ally.
I enjoyed The Teatime Mystery which is a traditional cosy with an ingenious solution. It follows Ms Martin’s standard “recipe” for this series with Jenny getting involved reluctantly or maybe not when the police detectives recognise her and her previous experience. As ever there are plenty of suspects, some with stronger motives than others, and some good reasons for hiding what they know. As a result the clues are all there if the reader can see them logically as Jenny does, but this reader was clueless until the denouement. Still, it is fun to try and work it out and my main suspect was innocent!
Jenny Starling is an interesting protagonist. She is tall and rubenesque so attracts attention wherever she goes but being down to earth and eminently sensible she pays little heed to this attention. Instead she is devoted to her cooking and fresh food in general. I like the way she is able to make connections that elude others. I was a bit disappointed that the boyfriend she met in the previous novel didn’t get a mention as it would have added an extra dimension to her character.
The Teatime Mystery is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Jenny is catering an annual village cricket match when one of the players, Tristan Jones is found dead. Tris as he is known was a handsome, arrogant man who had managed to upset a slew of villagers so suspects are not thin on the ground. Inspector Clausen soon finds Jenny and her quick brain to be a valuable ally.
I enjoyed The Teatime Mystery which is a traditional cosy with an ingenious solution. It follows Ms Martin’s standard “recipe” for this series with Jenny getting involved reluctantly or maybe not when the police detectives recognise her and her previous experience. As ever there are plenty of suspects, some with stronger motives than others, and some good reasons for hiding what they know. As a result the clues are all there if the reader can see them logically as Jenny does, but this reader was clueless until the denouement. Still, it is fun to try and work it out and my main suspect was innocent!
Jenny Starling is an interesting protagonist. She is tall and rubenesque so attracts attention wherever she goes but being down to earth and eminently sensible she pays little heed to this attention. Instead she is devoted to her cooking and fresh food in general. I like the way she is able to make connections that elude others. I was a bit disappointed that the boyfriend she met in the previous novel didn’t get a mention as it would have added an extra dimension to her character.
The Teatime Mystery is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 26, 2019
A quintessentially English murder mystery, set in a sleepy village, where a cricket match is taking place between two rival villages. Jenny Starling, the travelling cook is preparing the ‘Cricket Tea’. A special occasion as it is the cricket club’s centenary, and they decided to splash on a professionally prepared tea.
The plot is quite slow-paced, in keeping with the village cricket, and the first murder victim is not really a surprise, he is a careless man, who steals hearts, and wives and behaves recklessly with other people’s money. The choice of the victim may not be surprising, but the murder is.
It seems like everyone has a motive and an alibi. The police are not quite as bumbling, as they are usually portrayed in the Jenny Starling mysteries. Indeed, there is a grudging admiration between the cook and the detective inspector, that provides some lighter moments amid, the murders.
The plot twists are cleverly written, and the final revelation by the amateur sleuth, plausible. The story has plenty of visual imagery, so it’s easy to imagine the character and setting. Not my favourite Jenny Starling mystery, but a lovely way to relax in the sunshine for an hour or two, maybe at a village cricket match?
I received a copy of this book from Joffe Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The plot is quite slow-paced, in keeping with the village cricket, and the first murder victim is not really a surprise, he is a careless man, who steals hearts, and wives and behaves recklessly with other people’s money. The choice of the victim may not be surprising, but the murder is.
It seems like everyone has a motive and an alibi. The police are not quite as bumbling, as they are usually portrayed in the Jenny Starling mysteries. Indeed, there is a grudging admiration between the cook and the detective inspector, that provides some lighter moments amid, the murders.
The plot twists are cleverly written, and the final revelation by the amateur sleuth, plausible. The story has plenty of visual imagery, so it’s easy to imagine the character and setting. Not my favourite Jenny Starling mystery, but a lovely way to relax in the sunshine for an hour or two, maybe at a village cricket match?
I received a copy of this book from Joffe Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 16, 2019
Jenny Starling has been employed to do the catering for the annual cricket grudge match between Much Rousham and Steeple Clinton. Though busy she does pick up quite a bit of gossip which might be useful when one of the players is found dead. But then another body is discovered. She finds herself helping Detective Inspector Laurence Causon in discovering the facts
Another enjoyable well-written mystery in this series. Jenny is certainly a likeable character, and the rest of the characters are certainly well described. The book can be read as a standalone story.
I received an ARC from the publisher
Another enjoyable well-written mystery in this series. Jenny is certainly a likeable character, and the rest of the characters are certainly well described. The book can be read as a standalone story.
I received an ARC from the publisher
June 21, 2019
Excellent Jenny Starling book. I love how intelligent she is, but not overbearing. I also love the description of the English food. I'm an angle file and I have to be honest my mouth is watering when the description of the food gets named. LOL. This was an interesting novel with Kirk characters and with Jenny to the rescue to help solve out. Cranky police officer in charge. Why can't they ever be nice? I can't wait to see where her next adventure takes her. These leave me really entertained and I love them. I miss Hillary Greene.
June 2, 2019
Having read all of the previous books in the Jenny Starling series I have to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy of The Teatime Mystery in exchange for an honest review.
As always Faith Martin weaves a very intricate yet wholesome mystery that would appeal to fans of Agatha Christie.
When the village turns out fur the annual cricket match against the neighbouring town everyone expects excitement and maybe a big of underhand tactics. No one however expects for the local lothario to end up dead.
Faith Martin has an excellent way of describing characters so as to make them very vivid and real and that is especially true in this case.
The whodunit had multiple twists which kept you guessing until the end.
Another good book to curl up on the sofa with.
As always Faith Martin weaves a very intricate yet wholesome mystery that would appeal to fans of Agatha Christie.
When the village turns out fur the annual cricket match against the neighbouring town everyone expects excitement and maybe a big of underhand tactics. No one however expects for the local lothario to end up dead.
Faith Martin has an excellent way of describing characters so as to make them very vivid and real and that is especially true in this case.
The whodunit had multiple twists which kept you guessing until the end.
Another good book to curl up on the sofa with.
May 3, 2025
Jenny is off to a cricket match. Something she knows nothing about and has even less interest in but this is something of a special event and the committee has decided to make a bit of a show including providing a special tea.
The clubhouse kitchen isn't of the highest standard with only one oven so Jenny is kept busy all day preparing and cooking batches of food, the first to be served around 3pm.
As she goes about her work the groundsman and ladies of the committee come and go and some are very talkative so as usual Jenny soon picks up on who is who and who's been up to what all which comes in handy when the local playboy and son of the local 'Lord of the manor' is unavailable to take his place during the game because he's gone missing.
A search takes place and eventually the overworked and understaffed local police are called.
The clubhouse kitchen isn't of the highest standard with only one oven so Jenny is kept busy all day preparing and cooking batches of food, the first to be served around 3pm.
As she goes about her work the groundsman and ladies of the committee come and go and some are very talkative so as usual Jenny soon picks up on who is who and who's been up to what all which comes in handy when the local playboy and son of the local 'Lord of the manor' is unavailable to take his place during the game because he's gone missing.
A search takes place and eventually the overworked and understaffed local police are called.
July 22, 2018
I enjoy a good British mystery, but I know nothing about cricket. This put me at an extreme disadvantage for much of the beginning of the story. I was completely confused by the terminology related to the game. American readers will have a difficult time getting into the story. The characters are vivid and well-drawn, and the mystery is intricate and difficult to solve. It is too bad that the cricket references did not come with a glossary for those of us who do not follow the game.
Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
May 21, 2019
Book Description
THE TEATIME MYSTERY by Faith Martin Discover a new series of whodunits by million-selling author Faith Martin.
These charming mysteries will have you scratching your head to work out who the murderer is.
Meet Jenny Starling: travelling cook and reluctant amateur detective. Please note this book was first published as “JUST NOT CRICKET” under Faith Martin’s pen name JOYCE CATO.
Jenny Starling is doing the catering for the village cricket match. But she’s not expecting one of the players to turn up dead. Everyone from the village has turned out to watch the match, and with this being the club’s centenary, Jenny Starling has been hired specially to provide her stunning food for the event.
Then the next man up to bat, Tristan Jones, is nowhere to be found. He is discovered behind the pavilion, murdered by a blow to the back of the head with an old cricket bat. The handsome twenty-something had a reputation as a Lothario, with an appetite for married women. Did a scorned woman or a cuckolded husband kill him? However, he’d annoyed other people too. He was a stockbroker who took big risks with other people’s money and lost their life savings. Soon another body turns up and Jenny Starling is going to need all her cunning to crack this complex case.
This is the sixth in a series of enjoyable murder mysteries with a great cast of characters and baffling crimes which will keep you in suspense to the final page.
Perfect for fans of classic whodunits by authors like Agatha Christie, LJ Ross, TE Kinsey, and J.R. Ellis.
My Thoughts
This is the sixth book in Faith Martin's Jenny Starling traveling cook and amateur sleuth series. Jenny has taken a job catering for a cricket match, and it seems that almost everyone has something to hide. If you have read any of the previous books( or even just the book description for The Teatime Mystery), you will know that Jenny is a fabulous cook, and wherever she goes, murder seems to be on the menu. In addition to her cooking skills, Jenny is a keen observer of people, but with too many suspects and not enough clues, Jenny will have to use all of her skills to figure out whodunnit and why.
This was an easy read with some interesting characters. I have to say that each book in this series makes me 'like' Jenny a little bit more. I was a huge fan of the author's Hillary Greene series, and I am pleasantly surprised that even though the location and characters change with each of Jenny's books, I find myself looking forward to what she will come across next. I guess it is a bit like my love of Midsomer Murders.......no matter what small village you wind up in, someone always seems to have a reason for murder!
I received a DRC from Joffe Books through NetGalley.
THE TEATIME MYSTERY by Faith Martin Discover a new series of whodunits by million-selling author Faith Martin.
These charming mysteries will have you scratching your head to work out who the murderer is.
Meet Jenny Starling: travelling cook and reluctant amateur detective. Please note this book was first published as “JUST NOT CRICKET” under Faith Martin’s pen name JOYCE CATO.
Jenny Starling is doing the catering for the village cricket match. But she’s not expecting one of the players to turn up dead. Everyone from the village has turned out to watch the match, and with this being the club’s centenary, Jenny Starling has been hired specially to provide her stunning food for the event.
Then the next man up to bat, Tristan Jones, is nowhere to be found. He is discovered behind the pavilion, murdered by a blow to the back of the head with an old cricket bat. The handsome twenty-something had a reputation as a Lothario, with an appetite for married women. Did a scorned woman or a cuckolded husband kill him? However, he’d annoyed other people too. He was a stockbroker who took big risks with other people’s money and lost their life savings. Soon another body turns up and Jenny Starling is going to need all her cunning to crack this complex case.
This is the sixth in a series of enjoyable murder mysteries with a great cast of characters and baffling crimes which will keep you in suspense to the final page.
Perfect for fans of classic whodunits by authors like Agatha Christie, LJ Ross, TE Kinsey, and J.R. Ellis.
My Thoughts
This is the sixth book in Faith Martin's Jenny Starling traveling cook and amateur sleuth series. Jenny has taken a job catering for a cricket match, and it seems that almost everyone has something to hide. If you have read any of the previous books( or even just the book description for The Teatime Mystery), you will know that Jenny is a fabulous cook, and wherever she goes, murder seems to be on the menu. In addition to her cooking skills, Jenny is a keen observer of people, but with too many suspects and not enough clues, Jenny will have to use all of her skills to figure out whodunnit and why.
This was an easy read with some interesting characters. I have to say that each book in this series makes me 'like' Jenny a little bit more. I was a huge fan of the author's Hillary Greene series, and I am pleasantly surprised that even though the location and characters change with each of Jenny's books, I find myself looking forward to what she will come across next. I guess it is a bit like my love of Midsomer Murders.......no matter what small village you wind up in, someone always seems to have a reason for murder!
I received a DRC from Joffe Books through NetGalley.
May 25, 2019
This is book number six in the excellent series featuring travelling cook Jenny Starling, and was previously published as "Just Not Cricket" under Faith Martin's pen name Joyce Cato. Jenny is in her late twenties and stands around 6 feet tall. With her blue eyes and shoulder length black hair she has what is kindly referred to as a junoesque figure which seems to startle many of the men she meets. Jenny's overwhelming mission in life is to feed people, in fact food comes above anything else in her eyes. Unfortunately in her travels as a cook-for-hire she has become embroiled in several murder investigations and her uncanny ability to read people has often helped her expose the killer. In this story Jenny has been hired to do the catering for Much Rousham's annual grudge cricket match against Steeple Clinton since it is their centenary year and therefore a very special occasion. It all seems to be going very well, although Jenny does find herself overhearing some very interesting conversations between some of the players and supporters. One cricketer Tris Jones, son of the local "Lord of the Manor", appears to be chasing after any woman around, including family and married women, there is a married couple who are at each others' throats, and a pensioner who may have been swindled out of his life savings, making his family revengeful to say the least. Just your average cricket crowd apparently. The sun is shining, tea is served and the typical Jenny banquet goes down a storm with all concerned. The home team go in to bat and after the first man is out, they find that one of their number has disappeared, only to be found dead behind the pavilion bashed over the head with a bat. Plenty of people might have had the desire to do away with him, but when the police arrive and start their questioning of the witnesses it becomes clear that no one could have actually had the opportunity. The very astute detective inspector and his sergeant are both well aware of Jenny's reputation and decide to make use of her talents when necessary, although in this story she takes more of a back seat, quietly observing until all the pieces of the jigsaw fall into place. A real "locked room" type mystery and very enjoyable.
May 28, 2019
This is the first of the Jenny Starling series I’ve read, and only the second of Faith Martin’s work. I was pleasantly surprised by this modern cozy novel although until I started it, I didn’t realize this would BE a cozy as the other book I’d read was a police procedural. Clearly Faith Martin can write for different audiences.
I liked Jenny’s character from the start, and didn’t feel hampered by not having read the previous books in the series. She runs a mobile catering business, and seems able to produce marvelous food even with limited resources, while solving a mystery (murder in this case). I would have liked a recipe or two.
There were frequent (maybe too frequent) references to her height/size/shape through the book, but otherwise the author did not provide copious amounts of backstory from earlier works. Having said that, I thought the character was drawn in sufficient detail to not miss that. The other characters and the intrigues between them were well developed.
The descriptions of the village cricket reminded me of lazy summer days I spent at similar events when I lived in England, and the memories made me smile (but our teas were not nearly as spectacular as the one described in this book!). I’m not sure the average US reader will enjoy or even understand some of the descriptions of the sport and match and that might well put some of them off. I think the mystery and murders can still be enjoyed, however.
I would certainly try another book in this series for a fun, easy read, and recommend to cozy readers who are fond of stories set in the UK.
I liked Jenny’s character from the start, and didn’t feel hampered by not having read the previous books in the series. She runs a mobile catering business, and seems able to produce marvelous food even with limited resources, while solving a mystery (murder in this case). I would have liked a recipe or two.
There were frequent (maybe too frequent) references to her height/size/shape through the book, but otherwise the author did not provide copious amounts of backstory from earlier works. Having said that, I thought the character was drawn in sufficient detail to not miss that. The other characters and the intrigues between them were well developed.
The descriptions of the village cricket reminded me of lazy summer days I spent at similar events when I lived in England, and the memories made me smile (but our teas were not nearly as spectacular as the one described in this book!). I’m not sure the average US reader will enjoy or even understand some of the descriptions of the sport and match and that might well put some of them off. I think the mystery and murders can still be enjoyed, however.
I would certainly try another book in this series for a fun, easy read, and recommend to cozy readers who are fond of stories set in the UK.
June 1, 2019
Faith Martin has a knack of creating wonderful, quintessentially English settings for the backdrop to her cunning and clever 'who dun it?' style cosy mysteries.
This time we are having afternoon tea, catered for by the lovely Jenny of course, and a spot of cricket in a quiet Thames village.
Attending the cricket match and tea are a bunch of eclectic characters, some with more to hide than others but all with opinions and grudges to bear. Gossip and tension is rife and it isn't long before Jenny encounters another murder ...or two and the idyllic setting is no more. It's no secret that the victim was highly disliked and with a host of colourful characters with reasons for murder, Jenny's cunning and wit is needed to find who the killer is.
I've always been a huge fan of Jenny and her no nonsense attitude to everything - especially food and people! However, the supporting characters are so well written and add a huge amount of depth to the story, making this a multi dimensional plot line. No character is there without reasons.
Faith Martin is the master of intricate plots and holding onto the essential information until as late as possible in the story. She cleverly weaves small tidbits of information throughout, some seems insignificant at the time of reading and others are red herrings, thrown in in to catch the cleverest of sleuths off guard. Reading a Jenny Starling novel is like participating in a live game of Cluedo - so much fun.
Fabulous books for lovers of cosy mysteries with a very spiffing English theme.
This time we are having afternoon tea, catered for by the lovely Jenny of course, and a spot of cricket in a quiet Thames village.
Attending the cricket match and tea are a bunch of eclectic characters, some with more to hide than others but all with opinions and grudges to bear. Gossip and tension is rife and it isn't long before Jenny encounters another murder ...or two and the idyllic setting is no more. It's no secret that the victim was highly disliked and with a host of colourful characters with reasons for murder, Jenny's cunning and wit is needed to find who the killer is.
I've always been a huge fan of Jenny and her no nonsense attitude to everything - especially food and people! However, the supporting characters are so well written and add a huge amount of depth to the story, making this a multi dimensional plot line. No character is there without reasons.
Faith Martin is the master of intricate plots and holding onto the essential information until as late as possible in the story. She cleverly weaves small tidbits of information throughout, some seems insignificant at the time of reading and others are red herrings, thrown in in to catch the cleverest of sleuths off guard. Reading a Jenny Starling novel is like participating in a live game of Cluedo - so much fun.
Fabulous books for lovers of cosy mysteries with a very spiffing English theme.
May 22, 2019
In this the sixth book in the Jenny Starling series Jenny finds herself booked to cater for the centenery cricket match between the villages of Steeple Clinton and Much Rousen.
All is going well and her mid game tea time buffet goes down a treat, as she is clearing away and about to start preparing for the evening barbecue everything is brought to a standstill.
One of the batsmen Tris Jones is discovered lying dead behind the pavilion. He has been hit on the back of the head with a cricket bat.
Tris was the son of the local "lord of the manor" and though a stockbroker in London was a regular visitor to the village though not a popular one.
He was a bit of a ladies man and not put off by the fact that some of the ladies were married. He made risky trades with peoples money and had lost some of them their life savings.
As the police ably assisted by Jenny look for possible suspects they find they have more than one to choose from.
When the body of the man who discovered Tris is found with a sharpened cricket stump through his chest the pool of suspects widens even more.
A classic whodunnit with a great cast of characters.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and a great addition to the series.
Thanks to Joffe books for the opportunity to read this as an ARC
All is going well and her mid game tea time buffet goes down a treat, as she is clearing away and about to start preparing for the evening barbecue everything is brought to a standstill.
One of the batsmen Tris Jones is discovered lying dead behind the pavilion. He has been hit on the back of the head with a cricket bat.
Tris was the son of the local "lord of the manor" and though a stockbroker in London was a regular visitor to the village though not a popular one.
He was a bit of a ladies man and not put off by the fact that some of the ladies were married. He made risky trades with peoples money and had lost some of them their life savings.
As the police ably assisted by Jenny look for possible suspects they find they have more than one to choose from.
When the body of the man who discovered Tris is found with a sharpened cricket stump through his chest the pool of suspects widens even more.
A classic whodunnit with a great cast of characters.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and a great addition to the series.
Thanks to Joffe books for the opportunity to read this as an ARC
August 19, 2025
Jenny Starling the travelling cook has been tasked to provide the teas for a cricket match and they are waiting for the next player to come to the stump, the entitled profligate son of the Lord of the Manor, Tristan Jones. Who never does arrive at the stump, because he is dead behind the cricket pavilion with his head having been caved in by a cricket bat. And once again Jenny is being spoken to by the police as to what she has seen or heard. Murders follow this girl around. I wouldn't ask her to cater for anything for me as I know what would be coming. And it might not be a cricket bat!
Tristan is a stockbroker and a serial married womaniser, and he has a stepmother, and he made off with a large amount of savings of one of his clients who was saving it for his grandson's entry into university. Once again Jenny is in the right place at the wrong time and once again another murder follows this one as night follows day, and once again she is being asked by the police to help find out information. This woman is like an albatross, and is still one dimensional! One day she will have a fully formed background and be a fully fledged character in her own book!! Well I live in hope as I think this one will be the last I read of the travelling cook that is Jenny Starling!
Tristan is a stockbroker and a serial married womaniser, and he has a stepmother, and he made off with a large amount of savings of one of his clients who was saving it for his grandson's entry into university. Once again Jenny is in the right place at the wrong time and once again another murder follows this one as night follows day, and once again she is being asked by the police to help find out information. This woman is like an albatross, and is still one dimensional! One day she will have a fully formed background and be a fully fledged character in her own book!! Well I live in hope as I think this one will be the last I read of the travelling cook that is Jenny Starling!
May 24, 2019
Jenny Starling is travelling cook and this time she is preparing the tea and evening buffet for a village derby cricket match. As soon as some of the ladies arrive she begins to hear village gossip and whilst baking she overhears various bit and pieces. When the match begins some of the talked about characters arrive and one person in particular is despised by several people for various things from having an affair to losing money on investments. As ever when a body is found there is a predicament of not only who could have done it but the impossible how- until Jenny’s eyes and ears get to work. A second murder which at first appears unrelated adds to the excitement. I love this series. A book you know you can settle down with comfortably with nothing to give you nightmares or put you off your dinner. A homely character you can’t help but take to and lists of food which gives me ideas for baking- what’s not to love! A cleverly worked out plot and to date I haven’t worked out the perpetrator before the reveal which keeps the grey matter functioning and a nice level of intrigue whilst reading. I very much look forward to the next in the Jenny Starling series.
June 30, 2019
This is a deliciously excellent cosy mystery book♡
The Teatime Mystery is a sixth novel of this Jenny Starling series. I haven't read previous books but I didn't have any problem following its story.
Jenny Starling is a traveling cook and she was cooking tea for the people who came to join or watch the village cricket match. While she was busily cooking, she discovered some situations of the villagers such as divorcing, financial problem, affairs, and so on. As one of the player was found dead, she corporated to the inspecter to solve the murder.
I really enjoy this story. There are many suspects who has the motives. As the clues are sparsed in the story, I had so much fun finding them. The readers can follow easily how Jenny detected this murder.
I had a bit trouble remembering all the characters at first, so many motives, who's who and who's related to each other. After I reread and made a memo, I could clearly see the complicated situation. It just made the story more enjoyable.
It was a quick and perfect weekend read :) I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
As all the books in this series seem delicious, I'll read the previous books soon!
Thank you Joffe books via Netgalley for an advance copy of this book.
The Teatime Mystery is a sixth novel of this Jenny Starling series. I haven't read previous books but I didn't have any problem following its story.
Jenny Starling is a traveling cook and she was cooking tea for the people who came to join or watch the village cricket match. While she was busily cooking, she discovered some situations of the villagers such as divorcing, financial problem, affairs, and so on. As one of the player was found dead, she corporated to the inspecter to solve the murder.
I really enjoy this story. There are many suspects who has the motives. As the clues are sparsed in the story, I had so much fun finding them. The readers can follow easily how Jenny detected this murder.
I had a bit trouble remembering all the characters at first, so many motives, who's who and who's related to each other. After I reread and made a memo, I could clearly see the complicated situation. It just made the story more enjoyable.
It was a quick and perfect weekend read :) I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
As all the books in this series seem delicious, I'll read the previous books soon!
Thank you Joffe books via Netgalley for an advance copy of this book.
July 11, 2019
Traveling chef Jenny Starling's latest gig is to do the catering for the village cricket match of Much Rousham. But she’s not expecting one of the players to turn up dead. But when Tristan Jones does not come up to bat, he is found dead behind the pavilion, bludgeoned to death with an old cricket bat.
The cocky, handsome Tris had a reputation as a ladies' man and had bedded some married women. Tris was also a stockbroker who took big risks with other people’s money and sometimes he lost their life savings, including that of James Cluley who was trying to earn enough money to put his talented grandson Mark Rowley to university. Then a second murdered body is found on the grounds,
Jenny aids the local police (Inspector Causon and Sergeant Lane) with her keen observations and theories to catch the cold, ruthless killer. At under 160 pages, this was a very quick read.
This book was previously published by Joyce Cato under the title "Just Not Cricket".
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Joffe Books with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
The cocky, handsome Tris had a reputation as a ladies' man and had bedded some married women. Tris was also a stockbroker who took big risks with other people’s money and sometimes he lost their life savings, including that of James Cluley who was trying to earn enough money to put his talented grandson Mark Rowley to university. Then a second murdered body is found on the grounds,
Jenny aids the local police (Inspector Causon and Sergeant Lane) with her keen observations and theories to catch the cold, ruthless killer. At under 160 pages, this was a very quick read.
This book was previously published by Joyce Cato under the title "Just Not Cricket".
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Joffe Books with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
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