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British Book Tour Mystery #1
Hazards in Hampshire
Claire Barclay, responding to an invitation to tea, does not expect to find her hostess murdered and herself the chief suspect. It is all overwhelming---a new house, a new village, new friends and now murder. She will cope, she always copes, but it won’t be easy.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2019
13 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 7, 2023
The first half of this boom started off strong, the second half not so much. Really loved the coziness of the village and the tour group, but once the group was out of the story, so was my interest. The second half focused more on the mystery of Agatha Christie’s brief disappearance and the speculation around where she was. Eventually, the murder is wrapped up, but the Christie stuff was such a slog, that I didn’t even care.
April 10, 2020
I'm of two minds about this one. On the surface it seemed promising, but at times I felt that it was off track. Will probably read the sequel to see if the series gets better, as the first book is usually more of a long-term setup than a mystery-centered focus in itself. Conflicted on the audio narration as well, as the British characters were okay, but I felt that the American ones came through as a bit exaggerated.
April 5, 2023
Very long cozy mystery that’s more history than mystery. Very detailed in the setting up of the business as opposed to actual sleuthing.
November 17, 2019
HAZARDS IN HAMPSHIRE by Emma Dakin is the first book in the British Book Tour Mystery series. The reader is introduced to Claire Barclay as she tries to get settled back into the quaint English village of Ashton-On-Tinch after leaving Seattle, Washington. A British citizen, Claire had lived in Seattle enjoying the exciting life as a tour guide along with teaching Executive English and Etiquette classes. Approaching fifty years old, and after receiving an inheritance from her step-father, Claire has decided it’s time to settle down and return to her country of birth. The small village seems just the place to relax and set up private tours to visit the areas where famous British authors once lived. Except it’s not as peaceful as she’d hoped when she finds the body of her hostess when she arrives for afternoon tea. When Claire becomes a murder suspect, she finds she must clear her name or she’ll never have the chance to become a part of the community and create a home for herself.
A genteel read with nice characters, HAZARDS IN HAMPSHIRE creates the feel of an Agatha Christie style of mystery. Claire attempts to fit in with her community and question people without ruffling anyone’s feathers. Her interaction with her book tour group is sweet. However, there were a few jarring moments by unexpected profanity popping up in the story, which didn’t seem warranted for the scene. I did enjoy the variety of mentions of mystery authors and books. I was also motivated to re-read some of Agatha Christie’s books, since she so clearly inspired Ms. Dakin to create this series. It was a bit light on mystery and clues and instead, provides descriptions of the English countryside that was home to so many wonderful authors along with history of the area. This gave the book an authentic British feel to the setting and gave me an itch to tour those areas for myself.
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A genteel read with nice characters, HAZARDS IN HAMPSHIRE creates the feel of an Agatha Christie style of mystery. Claire attempts to fit in with her community and question people without ruffling anyone’s feathers. Her interaction with her book tour group is sweet. However, there were a few jarring moments by unexpected profanity popping up in the story, which didn’t seem warranted for the scene. I did enjoy the variety of mentions of mystery authors and books. I was also motivated to re-read some of Agatha Christie’s books, since she so clearly inspired Ms. Dakin to create this series. It was a bit light on mystery and clues and instead, provides descriptions of the English countryside that was home to so many wonderful authors along with history of the area. This gave the book an authentic British feel to the setting and gave me an itch to tour those areas for myself.
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 1, 2025
I enjoyed this cozy mystery that has a bit of a literary theme. The characters were likable (including the puppy, Gulliver), and the situations were believable - for the most part. I appreciated that it was almost entirely clean (see below) and that there were characters with commendable moral standards. All in all, a fun story, and I'm glad that it is part of a series. On to the next one!
The narrator of this audio version was excellent.
Clean Readers: Had it not been for ONE use of the "eff" word that the author decided to include in the dialogue of an insignificant character, I would be able to rate this book free of foul language. Other than that, there are a few very light romantic scenes and innuendos. I would rate it PG.
The narrator of this audio version was excellent.
Clean Readers: Had it not been for ONE use of the "eff" word that the author decided to include in the dialogue of an insignificant character, I would be able to rate this book free of foul language. Other than that, there are a few very light romantic scenes and innuendos. I would rate it PG.
March 1, 2020
This was rather enjoyable esp on Audiobook. Cheers June!
November 19, 2019
I loved the new cozy mystery, Hazards in Hampshire, from its first lines:
“I had expected my hostess at the tea party to be boring. I hadn’t expected her to be dead.”
Claire Barclay is newly returned to England after inheriting a substantial sum from her stepfather. After years of travel, Claire is finally home to start her new business, British Mystery Book Tours, and reconnect with her barrister sister, Deidre. However, her new village is soon roiled by Claire finding a murder victim and a nearby arson. Everything seems related to the town’s book club, where the victim was the dictatorial president. Did someone dislike her enough to poison her? Was Claire going to be arrested for her murder simply because the stranger in town had to be the perp?
Reminiscent of Carolyn Hart’s Death on Demand mysteries, this series is sure to introduce you to some new authors. The small town feeling of everyone knowing each other’s business is similar to the feeling in Broward’s Rock Island too. My favorite part of this book was the authenticity of all the characters. It was easy to identify with forty-six year old Claire, especially her recent inheritance that allowed her to restart her life in a new direction. The mystery was puzzling too. Overall, Hazards in Hampshire is a great start to a sure-to-be topnotch series for cozy mystery readers. 4 stars!
Thanks to the author and Great Escapes Blog Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
“I had expected my hostess at the tea party to be boring. I hadn’t expected her to be dead.”
Claire Barclay is newly returned to England after inheriting a substantial sum from her stepfather. After years of travel, Claire is finally home to start her new business, British Mystery Book Tours, and reconnect with her barrister sister, Deidre. However, her new village is soon roiled by Claire finding a murder victim and a nearby arson. Everything seems related to the town’s book club, where the victim was the dictatorial president. Did someone dislike her enough to poison her? Was Claire going to be arrested for her murder simply because the stranger in town had to be the perp?
Reminiscent of Carolyn Hart’s Death on Demand mysteries, this series is sure to introduce you to some new authors. The small town feeling of everyone knowing each other’s business is similar to the feeling in Broward’s Rock Island too. My favorite part of this book was the authenticity of all the characters. It was easy to identify with forty-six year old Claire, especially her recent inheritance that allowed her to restart her life in a new direction. The mystery was puzzling too. Overall, Hazards in Hampshire is a great start to a sure-to-be topnotch series for cozy mystery readers. 4 stars!
Thanks to the author and Great Escapes Blog Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 20, 2022
Why O why, What O What have I done wrong? What reading gods have I offended? In the last several books I have read I have had to slog through or quit after reading the end. This one is boring. Having full library shelves and two devoted "to read" I seem to be buying the wrong books. The cover sounds good, and the reviews are good, what else to go by? The only saving character in this book is the sweet puppy. Without him, it would have been a one-star.
February 14, 2020
This is the first book in the British Book Tour Mystery series. In this one, we meet Claire Barclay, who grew up in England, moved to the States, and now is back in the village of Ashton-On-Tinch. She was doing okay teaching and working as a tour guide, but when her stepfather died, he left her a substantial amount of money, which allowed her to return to her roots. Though she doesn’t need the money, she continues offering tours to people who are enamored with British mysteries, showing them where authors like Agatha Christie and Sir Athor Conan Doyle lived and where their characters might have lived. The problem is, her quaint village isn’t as quiet as she’d hoped for as her first invitation to tea ends up with her discovering a body.
What I liked: Claire is a nice character, older than most standard cozies (she’s 47) but still younger than the iconic Miss Marple. The characters come across well as belonging to what seems to be a typical (as garnered from other books and television) English countryside village. The scenery was nicely done as we get a tour of the surrounding countryside and a variety of pubs and walking trails. Claire’s dealings with the tour group is nice and the wide variety of authors mentioned throughout is fun.
What I didn’t like: The killer seemed a little obvious to me as I had the person pegged from the beginning. I also had to wonder about the whole scene with the tour group where the troubled son called, etc. It just seemed so out of place and had absolutely nothing to do with the story. Also, when the tires were slashed on the bus and Claire showed up with a different mode of transportation, not a single person said anything? Not even her “boyfriend” the cop? I’d have thought someone would have said something.
Recommendation: This is the first in a series of British setting cozy mysteries. Though this one had some issues, I would recommend it and I will be looking for more. It was cute, with a satisfying ending (though there were a bunch of loose ends I’d like to see tied up). The book intrigued me enough—even with the above issues—that I will definitely look for more.
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Vicky 2/14/20
What I liked: Claire is a nice character, older than most standard cozies (she’s 47) but still younger than the iconic Miss Marple. The characters come across well as belonging to what seems to be a typical (as garnered from other books and television) English countryside village. The scenery was nicely done as we get a tour of the surrounding countryside and a variety of pubs and walking trails. Claire’s dealings with the tour group is nice and the wide variety of authors mentioned throughout is fun.
What I didn’t like: The killer seemed a little obvious to me as I had the person pegged from the beginning. I also had to wonder about the whole scene with the tour group where the troubled son called, etc. It just seemed so out of place and had absolutely nothing to do with the story. Also, when the tires were slashed on the bus and Claire showed up with a different mode of transportation, not a single person said anything? Not even her “boyfriend” the cop? I’d have thought someone would have said something.
Recommendation: This is the first in a series of British setting cozy mysteries. Though this one had some issues, I would recommend it and I will be looking for more. It was cute, with a satisfying ending (though there were a bunch of loose ends I’d like to see tied up). The book intrigued me enough—even with the above issues—that I will definitely look for more.
I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Vicky 2/14/20
February 13, 2024
Couldn't get more fluffy than this! If it wasn't for Bianca Omato, the narrator on the Audible version, I would have quickly put it aside, except I was just so sure something was going to happen - something big! Something eye-opening! But, alas, nothing does.
We do get to know an awful lot about some American tourists who have nothing to do with anything and a nice dog with whom we spend an inordinately long amount of time going on walks. And there's quite a long bit about Agatha Christie and her letters and how she once disappeared, but - meh.
There is indeed a murder, right off the bat. Claire, the tour guide/new dog owner/new filer of Agatha Christie letters is even a suspect! But it hardly matters. As characters are introduced and become potential suspects, just pick the most obvious one, the one you are dead sure it couldn't be because it would be just too obvious, and that's the one. I kid you not. I had to keep listening to the bitter, bitter end because it could not possibly be the most obvious character. Is there NO twist in this book whatsoever? Nope! Not a one.
Lots of things occur and we are left hanging - you've got your romance, you've got your family inheritance problems, jealousy, revenge, everything but the kitchen sink, so is this a series? I'm afraid to look, but lots and lots of things do happen that go absolutely nowhere, and there's no reason to care except for the comforting voice of the narrator, who I could listen to for days. The two stars are for her (although I'd give her 5 if it was for the narrator only). She dives right in and gives us a run for our money, bless her.
I'm adding this at the end as an afterthought. There are times when we simply don't want anything else in our world that gives us any sort of anxiety. We don't want our hearts to race or our nerves to shake. This is a book that could be like a cuppa tea - weak tea, but tea nevertheless. You can listen to Bianca narrate and clean your house at the same time, and the fact that the story goes nowhere and harms no one is a bit of a relief if you've been reading the newspapers lately. Enough said.
We do get to know an awful lot about some American tourists who have nothing to do with anything and a nice dog with whom we spend an inordinately long amount of time going on walks. And there's quite a long bit about Agatha Christie and her letters and how she once disappeared, but - meh.
There is indeed a murder, right off the bat. Claire, the tour guide/new dog owner/new filer of Agatha Christie letters is even a suspect! But it hardly matters. As characters are introduced and become potential suspects, just pick the most obvious one, the one you are dead sure it couldn't be because it would be just too obvious, and that's the one. I kid you not. I had to keep listening to the bitter, bitter end because it could not possibly be the most obvious character. Is there NO twist in this book whatsoever? Nope! Not a one.
Lots of things occur and we are left hanging - you've got your romance, you've got your family inheritance problems, jealousy, revenge, everything but the kitchen sink, so is this a series? I'm afraid to look, but lots and lots of things do happen that go absolutely nowhere, and there's no reason to care except for the comforting voice of the narrator, who I could listen to for days. The two stars are for her (although I'd give her 5 if it was for the narrator only). She dives right in and gives us a run for our money, bless her.
I'm adding this at the end as an afterthought. There are times when we simply don't want anything else in our world that gives us any sort of anxiety. We don't want our hearts to race or our nerves to shake. This is a book that could be like a cuppa tea - weak tea, but tea nevertheless. You can listen to Bianca narrate and clean your house at the same time, and the fact that the story goes nowhere and harms no one is a bit of a relief if you've been reading the newspapers lately. Enough said.
November 19, 2019
Claire Barclay is an avid fan of British mystery novels, and has parlayed that love into a dream job leading tours of mystery aficionados to the settings of classic series throughout England. She has never imagined living an actual murder mystery as part of a tour, yet she does just that in her current tour with a group of four American women from San Francisco.
It all begins when Claire receives a sizeable inheritance from her stepfather, which she uses to relocate from Seattle back to her native Great Britain, where she buys a home in the picturesque Hampshire village of Ashton-on-Tinch and starts her own tour business. As she settles into her new residence, Claire receives an invitation to tea from one of her neighbors. Upon arrival, she finds the lifeless body of the hostess, Isobel Paulson, sprawled on the floor of her garden gazebo. Mrs. Paulson was a prominent villager who served as president of the Ashton Mystery Books Club and the local Women’s Institute. Given her age and the condition of the scene, it is initially thought that Mrs. Paulson died of natural causes.
When the police confirm that Mrs. Paulson’s cause of death is poisoning, Detective Inspector Mark Evans is assigned to the investigation. Who killed Mrs. Paulson and why? Suspicion immediately falls upon Claire as an “outsider.” Claire teams up with DI Evans to clear her name, and together they explore the usual motives of classic mystery plots—greed, revenge, and jealousy.
Hazards in Hampshire, the first book in the British Book Tour Mystery series, weaves a story around a lively cast of villagers, relatives, and tourists; an archive of Agatha Christie memorabilia; and noteworthy social relationships and events. The novel’s main appeal lies in its armchair travel to the English countryside, use of uniquely British phrases, and mention of other mystery authors and series set in England (a great resource for adding to one’s personal reading list). All of these factors make it an enjoyable read.
It all begins when Claire receives a sizeable inheritance from her stepfather, which she uses to relocate from Seattle back to her native Great Britain, where she buys a home in the picturesque Hampshire village of Ashton-on-Tinch and starts her own tour business. As she settles into her new residence, Claire receives an invitation to tea from one of her neighbors. Upon arrival, she finds the lifeless body of the hostess, Isobel Paulson, sprawled on the floor of her garden gazebo. Mrs. Paulson was a prominent villager who served as president of the Ashton Mystery Books Club and the local Women’s Institute. Given her age and the condition of the scene, it is initially thought that Mrs. Paulson died of natural causes.
When the police confirm that Mrs. Paulson’s cause of death is poisoning, Detective Inspector Mark Evans is assigned to the investigation. Who killed Mrs. Paulson and why? Suspicion immediately falls upon Claire as an “outsider.” Claire teams up with DI Evans to clear her name, and together they explore the usual motives of classic mystery plots—greed, revenge, and jealousy.
Hazards in Hampshire, the first book in the British Book Tour Mystery series, weaves a story around a lively cast of villagers, relatives, and tourists; an archive of Agatha Christie memorabilia; and noteworthy social relationships and events. The novel’s main appeal lies in its armchair travel to the English countryside, use of uniquely British phrases, and mention of other mystery authors and series set in England (a great resource for adding to one’s personal reading list). All of these factors make it an enjoyable read.
April 19, 2025
I had to stop and read the reviews because I kept thinking is it me that’s finding this book super boring and uber slow?
I am at chapter 12 with 4 hours and 25 minutes remaining and I cannot persuade myself to listen any further. Even though the narrator Bianca Amato is fantastic at narrating, she can’t save a boring book.
At first I thought, fantastic, the murder happens right away. We’re going to get right to the sleuthing, especially when it’s outlined that Clare loves murder mysteries, she’s a tour guide and her next tour is with a bunch of murder mystery enthusiasts visiting sites around Britain that are either settings or homes of famous mystery writers. This couldn’t get any better. Her little group of tourers and her are going to jump right in, be nosey and this book will be everything a cosy mystery should be. None of that happens or if it does, it happens well after chapter 12.
I was right on board with this book, but wondering how it was going to fill 9 hours. That should have been a red flag that there was going to be a LOT of boring filler that had much to do about nothing. Why do we have to slog through all the details about history, America versus Britain, her drains clogging up, family drama and everything they eat at each pub they visit? We don’t.
From the moment things started happening, my first instinct was the sons of her stepfather, or the snooty woman who was now acting chair of the society, Barbara, especially since as soon as it’s mentioned that Clare’s group will be visiting the library, the library is set on fire. coincidence, I think not. Those are my guesses but the story is dragging so much, I don’t really care to listen further to find out if I am right.
I am at chapter 12 with 4 hours and 25 minutes remaining and I cannot persuade myself to listen any further. Even though the narrator Bianca Amato is fantastic at narrating, she can’t save a boring book.
At first I thought, fantastic, the murder happens right away. We’re going to get right to the sleuthing, especially when it’s outlined that Clare loves murder mysteries, she’s a tour guide and her next tour is with a bunch of murder mystery enthusiasts visiting sites around Britain that are either settings or homes of famous mystery writers. This couldn’t get any better. Her little group of tourers and her are going to jump right in, be nosey and this book will be everything a cosy mystery should be. None of that happens or if it does, it happens well after chapter 12.
I was right on board with this book, but wondering how it was going to fill 9 hours. That should have been a red flag that there was going to be a LOT of boring filler that had much to do about nothing. Why do we have to slog through all the details about history, America versus Britain, her drains clogging up, family drama and everything they eat at each pub they visit? We don’t.
From the moment things started happening, my first instinct was the sons of her stepfather, or the snooty woman who was now acting chair of the society, Barbara, especially since as soon as it’s mentioned that Clare’s group will be visiting the library, the library is set on fire. coincidence, I think not. Those are my guesses but the story is dragging so much, I don’t really care to listen further to find out if I am right.
November 18, 2019
Welcome to the English Countryside, quaint little villages, stunning views and murder! Clair Barclay has moved back to England after years in Seattle, in the hope to start up her own Book Tour Company feautring the English Authors and their inspirations. Whilst getting settled in to her new home in the little village of Ashton-on-tich, she received an invite to attend afternoon tea with her neighbour Mrs Paulson. Only she wasn’t banking on finding her dead when she arrived for tea!
From here this quiet little villages becomes the centre of a murder investigation with many suspects – main from the local Mystery Books Club. But who would want her dead and why??
We get to see the English Countryside in all its glory when Clair takes charge of a group of four american ladies who have come to tour with her, we get quite a lot of time with these ladies and it was nice to have that side story along side the murder. Once the ladies return, that is when Claire really starts to investigate, starting with the Mystery Books Club, whom has quite a collection of Agatha Christie letters – she is hoping upon hope that maybe the clubs library may hold some hidden letter pertaining to Ms Christie’s period when she disappeared. Could this have been reason enough to kill Mrs Paulson?
Hazards in Hampshire, was a great start to this British Book Tour Mystery series and I can’t wait to read more from Emma Dakin, this was good clean cozy mystery set in a wonderful location.
From here this quiet little villages becomes the centre of a murder investigation with many suspects – main from the local Mystery Books Club. But who would want her dead and why??
We get to see the English Countryside in all its glory when Clair takes charge of a group of four american ladies who have come to tour with her, we get quite a lot of time with these ladies and it was nice to have that side story along side the murder. Once the ladies return, that is when Claire really starts to investigate, starting with the Mystery Books Club, whom has quite a collection of Agatha Christie letters – she is hoping upon hope that maybe the clubs library may hold some hidden letter pertaining to Ms Christie’s period when she disappeared. Could this have been reason enough to kill Mrs Paulson?
Hazards in Hampshire, was a great start to this British Book Tour Mystery series and I can’t wait to read more from Emma Dakin, this was good clean cozy mystery set in a wonderful location.
December 19, 2021
This was a delightful story of a life beginning again.
After inheriting money from the death of her mother's significant other, Claire decides to leave her current home in Seattle and relocate to the Hamphires in Britain and start her own mystery book tour company.
She has one last tour from her previous employer which includes four American women who get more than they bargained for. A real life murder to investigate. These ladies defy the stereotype with their energy and enthusiasm.
Claire is the unfortunate newcomer to town who has found the body. She is also being harassed by the family of her step father who are contesting his will.
Her tours sound absolutely delightful, as is the mystery book club in town, who have secrets and power struggles somehow tied into the death of a prominent member.
If you are a fan of mystery fiction you will delight in the references and the mystery club dress up ball.
I won a copy of this in a contest but plan to buy the rest of the series so I can return to the Hampshires and enjoy the mystery tour vicariously.
After inheriting money from the death of her mother's significant other, Claire decides to leave her current home in Seattle and relocate to the Hamphires in Britain and start her own mystery book tour company.
She has one last tour from her previous employer which includes four American women who get more than they bargained for. A real life murder to investigate. These ladies defy the stereotype with their energy and enthusiasm.
Claire is the unfortunate newcomer to town who has found the body. She is also being harassed by the family of her step father who are contesting his will.
Her tours sound absolutely delightful, as is the mystery book club in town, who have secrets and power struggles somehow tied into the death of a prominent member.
If you are a fan of mystery fiction you will delight in the references and the mystery club dress up ball.
I won a copy of this in a contest but plan to buy the rest of the series so I can return to the Hampshires and enjoy the mystery tour vicariously.
May 17, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded up
I've had this book on my to-read shelf for a couple of years and finally got around to reading (listening to) it. I like Claire, the MC, her sister Dierdre, and the relationship the two have. It's nice to have sisters who get along and support each other rather than snipe at or just plain ignore each other like in so many books these days. It's a bit hard to tell which of the other major characters from this book will return in future books in the series, but I would be happy to see most of them again.
The murder apparently happened before the story even began, so we only got to know the murder victim through police interviews and other comments during the investigation into the crime. I was surprised at how many people had such different opinions about her, making it even harder to try to identify the killer. I figured it out shortly before it was revealed in the book, but the motive made me shake my head.
The next book from this series is available on audio from the library, but I'm not sure how soon I'll get around to listening to it.
I've had this book on my to-read shelf for a couple of years and finally got around to reading (listening to) it. I like Claire, the MC, her sister Dierdre, and the relationship the two have. It's nice to have sisters who get along and support each other rather than snipe at or just plain ignore each other like in so many books these days. It's a bit hard to tell which of the other major characters from this book will return in future books in the series, but I would be happy to see most of them again.
The murder apparently happened before the story even began, so we only got to know the murder victim through police interviews and other comments during the investigation into the crime. I was surprised at how many people had such different opinions about her, making it even harder to try to identify the killer. I figured it out shortly before it was revealed in the book, but the motive made me shake my head.
The next book from this series is available on audio from the library, but I'm not sure how soon I'll get around to listening to it.
January 9, 2020
3.5 *
I liked the author's writing style, the ladies from Clare's first tour group, and the references made to other mystery authors and their books. Fun concepts for a cosy mystery
I was ambling along enjoying the scenery in this literary nod to Agatha Christie until
Emma found it necessary to inject an out-of-the-blue, totally unexpected, f.bomb right down into the midst of the story - via audio it felt like an abusive, verbal slap. The profanity jag in that spot removed some of the shine off the story for me.
The romance, at this point, is outside the bedroom (pauses for kissing happening)... yet it looks like they're heading there though and has me wondering if I want to invest in the, eventual, next book in the series.
Extra: physically abusive alcoholic father, manipulative step-brother, adult son with drug addiction, reference that an extra-marital affair can be 'so good' for your marriage (seriously?).
I liked the author's writing style, the ladies from Clare's first tour group, and the references made to other mystery authors and their books. Fun concepts for a cosy mystery
I was ambling along enjoying the scenery in this literary nod to Agatha Christie until
Emma found it necessary to inject an out-of-the-blue, totally unexpected, f.bomb right down into the midst of the story - via audio it felt like an abusive, verbal slap. The profanity jag in that spot removed some of the shine off the story for me.
The romance, at this point, is outside the bedroom (pauses for kissing happening)... yet it looks like they're heading there though and has me wondering if I want to invest in the, eventual, next book in the series.
Extra: physically abusive alcoholic father, manipulative step-brother, adult son with drug addiction, reference that an extra-marital affair can be 'so good' for your marriage (seriously?).
November 29, 2023
I don't usually read cozy mysteries but I like the narrator of the audio version so I gave this a whirl. I did enjoy the story, though my non-cozy brain kept waiting for the "other shoe to drop" as if something horrible was lurking around every corner. In the end, there is a murder but there is nothing graphic or prolonged or shocking about it or the story as a whole.
I can see the appeal of cozies in that they make you feel good. I felt the author did a really nice job of telling an interesting story and throwing in some mental health advice, investment advise, etiquette advice and more. I sort of liked that and so much of what all the characters went through made me feel good.
The audio version by Bianca Amato was very enjoyable. I will say that her American characters were a little distracting but they are only in the first 3rd or so of the story.
Will I read/listen to another Emma Dakin? I'm curious how our protagonist fares in her tour business and romance and because Bianca Amato is narrating, I'll add it to my list.
I can see the appeal of cozies in that they make you feel good. I felt the author did a really nice job of telling an interesting story and throwing in some mental health advice, investment advise, etiquette advice and more. I sort of liked that and so much of what all the characters went through made me feel good.
The audio version by Bianca Amato was very enjoyable. I will say that her American characters were a little distracting but they are only in the first 3rd or so of the story.
Will I read/listen to another Emma Dakin? I'm curious how our protagonist fares in her tour business and romance and because Bianca Amato is narrating, I'll add it to my list.
August 20, 2024
Rating: 3.5
Not bad but long. Like the mature romance. Also, liked that the amateur sleuth and detective were not antagonistic to each other. There was a lot going on in this story. It could have almost been two books - almost. The characters are complex and we've begun to peel the onion so to speak on them. There are a few storylines that were not resolved and may end up persisting through a few more books, though I hope not.
Claire is not the typical nosy sleuth. She isn't eager to hear all of the local gossip. She is ok with her neighbors parties (every so often). She is not ok with finding a dead body and with the help of her guests begin outlining suspects. Things get a little off track in the middle when the guests go home and the mystery seems to go on the back burner.
Overall, an entertaining story, especially for Agatha Christie fans.
Happy Reading!
Not bad but long. Like the mature romance. Also, liked that the amateur sleuth and detective were not antagonistic to each other. There was a lot going on in this story. It could have almost been two books - almost. The characters are complex and we've begun to peel the onion so to speak on them. There are a few storylines that were not resolved and may end up persisting through a few more books, though I hope not.
Claire is not the typical nosy sleuth. She isn't eager to hear all of the local gossip. She is ok with her neighbors parties (every so often). She is not ok with finding a dead body and with the help of her guests begin outlining suspects. Things get a little off track in the middle when the guests go home and the mystery seems to go on the back burner.
Overall, an entertaining story, especially for Agatha Christie fans.
Happy Reading!
March 27, 2023
Claire has a British Book Tour Mystery business and I want to go on one of her jaunts! What a fantastic idea for a mystery series -- lots of bookish talk along with 'sightings' of fave book and crime show settings...I was fan-girling all the way through!
Claire was born and raised in the UK but has spent much of her adult life working in other countries. She's home at last (a 'mature' heroine at 47) and I love the village vibe. The cozy ambience is fabulous -- from quirky neighbours to luscious descriptions and all the mystery book references. Plus, there's a murder and an adorable Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy...I mean, really, what more can you ask for? Oh -- romance! There's also a bit of that!
Claire was born and raised in the UK but has spent much of her adult life working in other countries. She's home at last (a 'mature' heroine at 47) and I love the village vibe. The cozy ambience is fabulous -- from quirky neighbours to luscious descriptions and all the mystery book references. Plus, there's a murder and an adorable Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy...I mean, really, what more can you ask for? Oh -- romance! There's also a bit of that!
July 19, 2023
Not my favorite cozy for a couple of reasons. First, the good. I loved the premise of this series... woman with new inheritance starts her dream mystery books tour company in her home country of England. The settings are described well, there are many interesting characters and our lead is a pretty enjoyable woman.
Now for the not so good. Too much repetition of the suspects, people talking and analyzing possible motives without moving the story forward. A weird throughline about drains and sewers that had nothing to do with the crime or the solution. And a rushed conclusion. There'd been no action in this whole book. Even the discovery of the murder at the beginning was sedate, so the ending just seemed a bit contrived.
Now for the not so good. Too much repetition of the suspects, people talking and analyzing possible motives without moving the story forward. A weird throughline about drains and sewers that had nothing to do with the crime or the solution. And a rushed conclusion. There'd been no action in this whole book. Even the discovery of the murder at the beginning was sedate, so the ending just seemed a bit contrived.
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September 28, 2025I think some murder mystery authors love the constant references to other murder classics. This is one where the sleuth does tours about the classic mystery books in England. So there are tons of references. It’s fun. We will see if that gets old as the series goes on. This one was a slow mystery—it’s not totally clear how or why Claire is involved in solving them and her figuring out the clues seem to stretch belief. I don’t really care about the murder being solved here, more about Claire settling in and her business doing well.
April 2, 2020
This is a classic cozy mystery, and I loved every moment of it.
There are some twists and turns to the plot, and the characters are all well developed and believable making this one of the best cozy mysteries that I have read in a long time, I read the entire book in one session, I was that enthralled by it.
I think that it is well worth reading for anyone who is a fan of this genre.
I will definitely look for more from Emma Dakin, I love a good mystery and she delivered.
There are some twists and turns to the plot, and the characters are all well developed and believable making this one of the best cozy mysteries that I have read in a long time, I read the entire book in one session, I was that enthralled by it.
I think that it is well worth reading for anyone who is a fan of this genre.
I will definitely look for more from Emma Dakin, I love a good mystery and she delivered.
June 18, 2024
An original setting with the main character a middle aged woman who received an unexpected inheritance. She retired from being a tour guide in California, returned to her family home in England, and started her own company, leading small tours of the country side where so many mysteries were written.
June 25, 2024
Hmm. Very descriptive of the British countryside and small town life mixed with a small mystery. Usually I like this when it's the police detective's life in French countryside or Venice, but it didn't grab me in this book. Well written and the principal characters have potential. So I'll give the next in the series a shot before moving on.
July 3, 2024
I listened to this, a first in a series, and although it was pleasant, mindless listening I wasn’t drawn in to the mystery, (no juicy twists or turns), or the dull main character and her love interest, or the letters surrounding Agatha Christie. I might listen to another to see if the author can hook me in a bit more.
December 12, 2022
A charming cozy mystery- the subtitle being The British Book Tour Mysteries Book 1. I will look forward to more in this series- though the publisher needs to step it up a bit. I caught many misspellings and a few inconsistencies.
June 18, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook! Narrator was lovely and even the American accents weren't bad. So much mystery novel trivia! I came away with an entire list of mystery book series I have yet to explore!
November 19, 2024
A nice start to a series and some behind the scenes on guided tours. I do love cozy mysteries for giving me a view to jobs I will never have. Nice side characters and room for growth for everyone. I will continue.
October 15, 2025
I listened to this book when I was sick and did not have much brain power to do much else. I liked Clare and her ladies, the small town with all its quirky characters. As many said it is a cozy murder mystery without too much mystery. It kept me listening and overall I enjoyed it.
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June 1, 2021Categories
Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
The British Book Tour Mysteries
Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
The British Book Tour Mysteries
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews