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Monica Noble #3
The Manor House Murder
Please note this book was first published as An Unholy Shame under Faith Martin’s pen name Joyce Cato.
The Weekend Turns Murderous.
Monica Noble and her husband Graham, the local vicar, are invited to participate in a high-flying church conference being held at a swanky manor house hotel in their village.
At the Saturday night dinner, the ambitious female cleric Celia Gordon tragically dies, seemingly of a peanut allergy.
But when Chief Superintendent Jason Dury arrives on the scene he quickly discovers that it's a case of murder.
And Monica’s Husband Is the Prime Suspect.
Other suspects include an eminent bishop, an archdeacon viciously opposed to female clergy, and his wife, the curator of a local museum, who is definitely up to something.
But if Monica is to find out who killed Celia, and free her husband from suspicion, she must grapple with a very ruthless — and increasingly desperate — killer, putting herself and those around her in mortal danger.
The Weekend Turns Murderous.
Monica Noble and her husband Graham, the local vicar, are invited to participate in a high-flying church conference being held at a swanky manor house hotel in their village.
At the Saturday night dinner, the ambitious female cleric Celia Gordon tragically dies, seemingly of a peanut allergy.
But when Chief Superintendent Jason Dury arrives on the scene he quickly discovers that it's a case of murder.
And Monica’s Husband Is the Prime Suspect.
Other suspects include an eminent bishop, an archdeacon viciously opposed to female clergy, and his wife, the curator of a local museum, who is definitely up to something.
But if Monica is to find out who killed Celia, and free her husband from suspicion, she must grapple with a very ruthless — and increasingly desperate — killer, putting herself and those around her in mortal danger.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2016
3175 people are currently reading
862 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 174 reviews
November 14, 2021
This is a 3.5 star read.
November 6, 2019
Monica Nobel #3
Monica and her husband, Graham attend a church conference. Graham is a vicar. While they are there, theres a murder. Graham is a suspect. Monica once again tries to solve this case and clear her husbands name.
This is the third book in this cozy murder mystery series. They're the type of book that's just right for reading on these long dark cold nights. There's something of a timeless feel to these stories. There are plenty of red herrings in this story to look out for. Chief Superintendent Jason Dury is also on the case but who will be the first to solve this case? There are numerous suspects. These are easy books to read and the writing flows effortlessly from the pages. Will you guess who the killer,er is? I didn't. This is a really enjoyable series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Monica and her husband, Graham attend a church conference. Graham is a vicar. While they are there, theres a murder. Graham is a suspect. Monica once again tries to solve this case and clear her husbands name.
This is the third book in this cozy murder mystery series. They're the type of book that's just right for reading on these long dark cold nights. There's something of a timeless feel to these stories. There are plenty of red herrings in this story to look out for. Chief Superintendent Jason Dury is also on the case but who will be the first to solve this case? There are numerous suspects. These are easy books to read and the writing flows effortlessly from the pages. Will you guess who the killer,er is? I didn't. This is a really enjoyable series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2019
The first book in this series, was good, the second book was brilliant, so I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately I found this one slightly disappointing. There was little if any development of the main characters, who I had found interesting in the first 2 books.
The prologue to this book seemed to drag on for ever, before anything happened. The other characters and there were a lot, were stereotypical, the plot was thin and a little implausible.
Hopefully a temporary lapse in quality.
The prologue to this book seemed to drag on for ever, before anything happened. The other characters and there were a lot, were stereotypical, the plot was thin and a little implausible.
Hopefully a temporary lapse in quality.
November 8, 2019
Please note this book was first published as “AN UNHOLY SHAME” under Faith Martin’s pen name JOYCE CATO.
There's a huge church conference in the area and Vicar Graham Noble has been asked to speak at one or two of the seminars as it is taking place in his backyard, so to speak. Attendees are coming from a large area and consists of vicars, bishops, all types of clergy.
Female cleric, Celia Gordon, attends the nightly dinner, only this time she falls to the floor, grabbing her throat. She is rushed to the hospital where she dies ... of peanut allergy.
Chief Superintendent Jason Dury is called to investigate. He rapidly discovers it is a case of murder .... and Vicar Graham Noble is his prime suspect. He was seen eating peanuts earlier that day.
Celia Gordon was not well liked and there were several who had a motive for wanting her dead. She had made a play for Noble, and his wife was not pleased ... an eminent bishop ...an archdeacon opposed to female clergy ... the wife of a man she had a previous affair with .... and a man she accuses of another crime ... or is there another motive no one knows about?
With law enforcement considers her husband for the death. Monica must once again go looking for the killer herself in order to clear her husband's name. Once again, she finds herself over her head and in danger of losing her own life.
Though third in this series, this is easily read as a stand alone. I would recommend starting at the beginning for a little of the back story of Monica's relationships with her husband and with Jason Dury. The crime is puzzling and well thought out. I really enjoy how all the characters interact with each other. It's like a small village filled with unique, sometimes quirky, people who know everything that goes on.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
There's a huge church conference in the area and Vicar Graham Noble has been asked to speak at one or two of the seminars as it is taking place in his backyard, so to speak. Attendees are coming from a large area and consists of vicars, bishops, all types of clergy.
Female cleric, Celia Gordon, attends the nightly dinner, only this time she falls to the floor, grabbing her throat. She is rushed to the hospital where she dies ... of peanut allergy.
Chief Superintendent Jason Dury is called to investigate. He rapidly discovers it is a case of murder .... and Vicar Graham Noble is his prime suspect. He was seen eating peanuts earlier that day.
Celia Gordon was not well liked and there were several who had a motive for wanting her dead. She had made a play for Noble, and his wife was not pleased ... an eminent bishop ...an archdeacon opposed to female clergy ... the wife of a man she had a previous affair with .... and a man she accuses of another crime ... or is there another motive no one knows about?
With law enforcement considers her husband for the death. Monica must once again go looking for the killer herself in order to clear her husband's name. Once again, she finds herself over her head and in danger of losing her own life.
Though third in this series, this is easily read as a stand alone. I would recommend starting at the beginning for a little of the back story of Monica's relationships with her husband and with Jason Dury. The crime is puzzling and well thought out. I really enjoy how all the characters interact with each other. It's like a small village filled with unique, sometimes quirky, people who know everything that goes on.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 20, 2019
This is the third in the Monica Nobel Mystery series by Faith Martin and is just as entertaining as the first two in the series. In this book, Monica’s husband Graham, who is the local vicar, has been invited to speak at a conference being held at a nearby estate that the owner has turned into a successful venue for retreats. When Monica accompanies Graham to the facility on the opening day, she meets Reverend Celia Gordon who makes an immediate play for Graham, making it clear that she would welcome the opportunity to pick up where they left off so many years ago.
Graham is embarrassed by this public display of interest and works to distance himself from Celia. Monica has confidence in Graham and their relationship, but she still recognizes Celia as someone who would like to be a rival for Graham’s attention. As such, she goes out of her way to get a new dress and step up her appearance for the formal dinner they will be attending. When they arrive, she is feeling comfortable, although Celia, an attractive woman in her own right, make sure she is sitting across the table from Graham where he will have to see her and acknowledge her presence.
Shortly after dessert is served, Celia goes into distress and dies while everyone is still at dinner. The police are called, although everyone is trying to convince themselves the death was due to some form of natural causes such as a heart attack. A doctor who is present suggests the police be called as he has his concerns. When the police arrive, Graham and Monica once again find themselves being interviewed by Chief Inspector Jury who was called in for two previous murders where Graham and Monica were present, both of which Monica solved before Jury.
To complicate matters further, Jury has a strong attraction to Monica, one she also experiences for Jury. Neither of them have spoken of these feelings, as Monica is completely devoted to her marriage and to Graham, Things become more tense as it becomes apparent that Jury recognizes Graham as a suspect in the murder, even though he doesn’t believe the man could actually be guilty of murdering anyone.
The underlying feelings that ripple through Monica, Graham, and Jury serve to add a slight level of tension, although they never boil over into more than that and don’t impede the telling of the murder itself. In this book they serve to act as a catalyst for Monica to get involved and work to unmask the killer.
As with other Faith Martin novels, the characters in this book are well-drawn and interesting as well as having their own individual personalities. From the owner of the manor who has recently experienced a major tragedy that has a connection in some way to Celia, to the young female cleric who is there to promote her programs for young mothers and who is worried about a friend who hasn’t been in touch for a while.
All these stories fold together to provide either clues or red herrings to the solution of this murder. Martin includes all the information throughout the book the reader needs to reach the correct solutions. There is a well-constructed sleight of hand that, upon denouement, will leave many readers slapping their foreheads at the same time they mumble “of course”.
Martin has written yet another book that is engaging from the start, well plotted, and perfectly paced. It stands alone in terms of the mystery itself, although knowing the history of previous meetings between Jury, Monica, and Graham make the story more enjoyable. My thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for providing me with an Advanced Digital Reader copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
Graham is embarrassed by this public display of interest and works to distance himself from Celia. Monica has confidence in Graham and their relationship, but she still recognizes Celia as someone who would like to be a rival for Graham’s attention. As such, she goes out of her way to get a new dress and step up her appearance for the formal dinner they will be attending. When they arrive, she is feeling comfortable, although Celia, an attractive woman in her own right, make sure she is sitting across the table from Graham where he will have to see her and acknowledge her presence.
Shortly after dessert is served, Celia goes into distress and dies while everyone is still at dinner. The police are called, although everyone is trying to convince themselves the death was due to some form of natural causes such as a heart attack. A doctor who is present suggests the police be called as he has his concerns. When the police arrive, Graham and Monica once again find themselves being interviewed by Chief Inspector Jury who was called in for two previous murders where Graham and Monica were present, both of which Monica solved before Jury.
To complicate matters further, Jury has a strong attraction to Monica, one she also experiences for Jury. Neither of them have spoken of these feelings, as Monica is completely devoted to her marriage and to Graham, Things become more tense as it becomes apparent that Jury recognizes Graham as a suspect in the murder, even though he doesn’t believe the man could actually be guilty of murdering anyone.
The underlying feelings that ripple through Monica, Graham, and Jury serve to add a slight level of tension, although they never boil over into more than that and don’t impede the telling of the murder itself. In this book they serve to act as a catalyst for Monica to get involved and work to unmask the killer.
As with other Faith Martin novels, the characters in this book are well-drawn and interesting as well as having their own individual personalities. From the owner of the manor who has recently experienced a major tragedy that has a connection in some way to Celia, to the young female cleric who is there to promote her programs for young mothers and who is worried about a friend who hasn’t been in touch for a while.
All these stories fold together to provide either clues or red herrings to the solution of this murder. Martin includes all the information throughout the book the reader needs to reach the correct solutions. There is a well-constructed sleight of hand that, upon denouement, will leave many readers slapping their foreheads at the same time they mumble “of course”.
Martin has written yet another book that is engaging from the start, well plotted, and perfectly paced. It stands alone in terms of the mystery itself, although knowing the history of previous meetings between Jury, Monica, and Graham make the story more enjoyable. My thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for providing me with an Advanced Digital Reader copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 8, 2019
Monica Noble and her husband, Graham, a vicar, have been invited to a church conference, where many big timers will be. Some will be friends. Some will be enemies. As the event begins, just as dinner is getting going, a female cleric, Celia Gordon suddenly dies. It is an apparent allergic reaction, but it does not take time for Jason Dury, Chief Superintendent...and Monica, to realize that it was murder.
Furthermore, Graham is the prime suspect. Monica works fast and feverishly to clear his name. She knows her gentle, loving husband could never harm anyone. As things progress, there are other suspects. Monica has a fabulous ability to get to the bottom of things, even if it means placing herself and her loved ones in danger.
As always, this series has delivered another hit in The Manor House Murder. Monica and Graham are a wonderful couple, and that is a sweet addition to a wonderful cozy mystery series. For a quick read, be sure to grab this, as well as the first two books in the series, The Vicarage Murder and The Flower Show Murder.
Many thanks to Joffe Books, Books n All Promotions and to NetGalley for his ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Furthermore, Graham is the prime suspect. Monica works fast and feverishly to clear his name. She knows her gentle, loving husband could never harm anyone. As things progress, there are other suspects. Monica has a fabulous ability to get to the bottom of things, even if it means placing herself and her loved ones in danger.
As always, this series has delivered another hit in The Manor House Murder. Monica and Graham are a wonderful couple, and that is a sweet addition to a wonderful cozy mystery series. For a quick read, be sure to grab this, as well as the first two books in the series, The Vicarage Murder and The Flower Show Murder.
Many thanks to Joffe Books, Books n All Promotions and to NetGalley for his ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
November 4, 2019
The Manor House Murder is the third book in Faith Martin's Monica Noble, vicar's wife and amateur sleuth series. Whether Monica and her husband Graham are at home, at work, or at play, it seems that murder has a way of landing right in front of this couple. Graham is speaking at a conference held at a local hotel. Monica is invited to join Graham for dinner on Saturday night, and even though there is a tremendous amount of tension between some of the clerics, no one suspects that murder would be served with dessert.
Unfortunately, Celia Gordon seems to succumb to an allergic reaction to peanuts, a tragic accident at first glance. But when the police arrive, Chief Superintendent Jason Drury discovers that a clever murderer had a hand in Celia's demise. Can the police figure out this baffling crime or will Monica be called on once again to determine whodunnit and why?
Another enjoyable cozy mystery on a lazy Sunday afternoon. There are numerous potential suspects, including Graham. It took me a while to figure out the relationships among all the conference attendees, and I felt like I was missing some obvious clue. Indeed I was as the reveal arrived before I had settled on a suspect. My record with this series stands at one killer guessed, and two to Monica Noble! Maybe I will even the score when the next book is released!-
I received a DRC from Joffe Books through NetGalley.
Unfortunately, Celia Gordon seems to succumb to an allergic reaction to peanuts, a tragic accident at first glance. But when the police arrive, Chief Superintendent Jason Drury discovers that a clever murderer had a hand in Celia's demise. Can the police figure out this baffling crime or will Monica be called on once again to determine whodunnit and why?
Another enjoyable cozy mystery on a lazy Sunday afternoon. There are numerous potential suspects, including Graham. It took me a while to figure out the relationships among all the conference attendees, and I felt like I was missing some obvious clue. Indeed I was as the reveal arrived before I had settled on a suspect. My record with this series stands at one killer guessed, and two to Monica Noble! Maybe I will even the score when the next book is released!-
I received a DRC from Joffe Books through NetGalley.
September 9, 2017
I'd previously read and enjoyed the first book in this series, but found this one slightly disappointing. The main characters, who I'd found interesting in the first book, didn't seem to have developed at all and the story was fairly thin.
I still intend to read others in this series in the hope that this was a temporary lapse in quality.
I still intend to read others in this series in the hope that this was a temporary lapse in quality.
November 10, 2019
Monica and husband Vicar Graham attend a clerics conference at a manor house. A cleric who mentioned a nut allergy dies after eating a dessert infused with peanuts. The chef is appalled someone tampered with his dessert. Monica, convinced Chief Inspector Jason is on the wrong track, begins her own investigation. We see more of Jason's investigation than Monica's. Too many characters and dull writing make this a struggle to read. A few places showed promise but the narrative's flatness returned too quickly. I did not read previous installments in the series so it's possible that affected my enjoyment as well. I received an advance review copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2019
There is a clerical conference at the manor house. Sir Andrew who owns it took it from a crumbling house to a successful hotel and conference centre. Not too long ago he suffered the death of his daughter and he can’t let that go. Graham Noble is the local cleric who has been invited to speak along with several of his peers. Many have brought their other halves along for the trip. When the conference opens Graham is aghast to see Celia, someone he hasn;t seen for twenty years but he remembers what she was like and how she was after him. He quickly introduces her to his wife Monica. When Celia dies from an alleged nut allergy Graham is quickly the prime suspect. He had reason by way of the past and that he was seen with a bag of peanuts. Monica has a local repuation of being the one in two murder cases to have come up with the perpitrator. Can she do it this time and save her husband whom she knows wouldn’t harm a fly? I love these books and was sorry to learn that this (hopefully only for now) is the last of Faith’s books. A book you can really relax with whilst the grey matter can still be a little active. A robust plot and some larger than life characters who you can picture easily. I like how Monica gathers the evidence but isn’t involved how a “normal” detective would be or even the likes of Miss Marple type characters. She sits on the sidelines, listens (to lines we get- so in theory we should be work it out- takes a better person than me- Gungadin!) and then comes out with her theory to put it all together. I’ll miss these. A truly wonderful series.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
October 29, 2019
A church conference is being held at the manor house hotel owned by Sir Andrew Courtenay in the village of Heyford Bassett. Local vicar Graham Noble is one of the speakers. When a suspected murder occurs at the conference unfortunately Graham becomes one of the suspects. His wife Monica decides to prove him innocent based on her previous success of finding the murderers. Meanwhile Chief Inspector Jason Dury has been called in to investigate.
An enjoyable well-written cozy mystery, an easy read.
Received an ARC from the publisher
An enjoyable well-written cozy mystery, an easy read.
Received an ARC from the publisher
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December 5, 2025Lõpuni põnevust säilitada suutev lihtne lugemine. Kavatsen ka teised kunagi läbida. Hetkel oli tarvis sellisega meeleolu kosutada:)
January 24, 2020
Review for 'The Manor House Murder' by Faith Martin
Read and reviewed via NetGalley
STORYLINE FROM AMAZON (MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS)
THE WEEKEND TURN MURDEROUS Monica Noble and her husband Graham, the local vicar, are invited to participate in a high-flying church conference being held at a swanky manor house hotel in their village. At the Saturday night dinner, the ambitious female cleric Celia Gordon tragically dies, seemingly of a peanut allergy. But when Chief Superintendent Jason Dury arrives on the scene he quickly discovers that it's a case of murder. And Monica's husband is the prime suspect.
REVIEW
I really enjoyed this murder mystery novel. I thought it was very well written and the storyline was very interesting.
The characters were all very strong and believable but I did struggle at the start and got confused a couple of times as there were quite a few characters. However, this is to be expected really in a murder mystery as otherwise it may be too easy to work out who the killer was. The personalities were so strong that I found myself wanting to strangle a few characters myself 😂
There were a few twists and turns and I didnt suspect the killer myself, well, everyone really was suspects but they wouldn't have been on the top of my list!! I like that the author wrapped up all the mini mysteries explaining everything as, for me, there's nothing worse than a book ending and you still sit there thinking but what about x, y or z???
I personally wouldn't have been able to solve who did it especially when the reasons for doing so were given as I didn't even pick up on the clues that led to them getting caught.
The book included suspense, murder and mystery (worried if it didn't), and in some places I'd classed it as a thriller. I would recommend to fans of all the above and would definitely read more of the authors books.
Although this is the third book in a series I read it as a standalone and had no problems doing so. Any characters or events from previous books are explained with the information needed
Overall I rate this book 4/5 on Goodreads and Amazon (I enjoyed it).
Free on kindle unlimited
£1.99 for kindle version
#TheManorHouseMurder #NetGalley
Read and reviewed via NetGalley
STORYLINE FROM AMAZON (MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS)
THE WEEKEND TURN MURDEROUS Monica Noble and her husband Graham, the local vicar, are invited to participate in a high-flying church conference being held at a swanky manor house hotel in their village. At the Saturday night dinner, the ambitious female cleric Celia Gordon tragically dies, seemingly of a peanut allergy. But when Chief Superintendent Jason Dury arrives on the scene he quickly discovers that it's a case of murder. And Monica's husband is the prime suspect.
REVIEW
I really enjoyed this murder mystery novel. I thought it was very well written and the storyline was very interesting.
The characters were all very strong and believable but I did struggle at the start and got confused a couple of times as there were quite a few characters. However, this is to be expected really in a murder mystery as otherwise it may be too easy to work out who the killer was. The personalities were so strong that I found myself wanting to strangle a few characters myself 😂
There were a few twists and turns and I didnt suspect the killer myself, well, everyone really was suspects but they wouldn't have been on the top of my list!! I like that the author wrapped up all the mini mysteries explaining everything as, for me, there's nothing worse than a book ending and you still sit there thinking but what about x, y or z???
I personally wouldn't have been able to solve who did it especially when the reasons for doing so were given as I didn't even pick up on the clues that led to them getting caught.
The book included suspense, murder and mystery (worried if it didn't), and in some places I'd classed it as a thriller. I would recommend to fans of all the above and would definitely read more of the authors books.
Although this is the third book in a series I read it as a standalone and had no problems doing so. Any characters or events from previous books are explained with the information needed
Overall I rate this book 4/5 on Goodreads and Amazon (I enjoyed it).
Free on kindle unlimited
£1.99 for kindle version
#TheManorHouseMurder #NetGalley
November 3, 2019
“The manor house murder” is the third installment in the Monica Noble series and if you’ve read the previous two titles in the series you know exactly what you’re in for. And I say exactly cause this book could be a carbon copy of the previous one, just changing the setting and the identity of the dead body.
While being an entertaining murder mystery, perfect for a sunday afternoon, I think the main characters aren’t showing any development at all, and when you’re writing a series, character development is fundamental cause if not you’re at risk of readers thinking they’re reading the same story over and over again. We already know Chief Superintendent Dury likes Monica, but the story needs for that idea to go somewhere or get nipped in the bud, cause it’s getting tiresome reading that and he not doing anything about it. Thankfully Carol-Ann wasn’t as annoying as in book 2. I didn’t guess the murderer this time, so good job Ms. Martin!
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
While being an entertaining murder mystery, perfect for a sunday afternoon, I think the main characters aren’t showing any development at all, and when you’re writing a series, character development is fundamental cause if not you’re at risk of readers thinking they’re reading the same story over and over again. We already know Chief Superintendent Dury likes Monica, but the story needs for that idea to go somewhere or get nipped in the bud, cause it’s getting tiresome reading that and he not doing anything about it. Thankfully Carol-Ann wasn’t as annoying as in book 2. I didn’t guess the murderer this time, so good job Ms. Martin!
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2020
The 3rd book to feature Monica Noble, the vicars wife and also amateur sleuth! She is a mother to a teenage girl as well as the wife of the vicar who is step dad to her daughter and she is capable of finding information that even the police have no idea of! Her fiestiness and stubborness are attributes that aid the sleuthing for sure! The local villagers could probably do without her probing I am sure!
I have read a few of Faiths books and every single time, with this book being no exception I get lost in Monicas world. You are drawn in and not let go off until the last sentence! Really recommend this if you love cozy mysteries.
I have read a few of Faiths books and every single time, with this book being no exception I get lost in Monicas world. You are drawn in and not let go off until the last sentence! Really recommend this if you love cozy mysteries.
April 5, 2020
A conference for vicars - what an interesting backdrop to a murder! It allowed for many twists and turns and a wide variety of colourful characters. I really enjoyed this story (more than the others in the series). Monica Noble and her husband are more on the sidelines and the story is narrated from the POV of the police most of the time.
I gave 4 stars because I felt that Monica solved it rather suddenly and there was not enough access to information for her to jump to her conclusions. She was not there to actually witness most of what she knew and I felt that the story did not show how she came to know what she did. Powers a little God-like!
I gave 4 stars because I felt that Monica solved it rather suddenly and there was not enough access to information for her to jump to her conclusions. She was not there to actually witness most of what she knew and I felt that the story did not show how she came to know what she did. Powers a little God-like!
November 16, 2022
This one might have been the cleverest of all Faith Martin's (Joyce Cato's) yet. While the method of killing wasn't as unique as in the last one, the red herrings, reasons, all the things really conspired to make me doubt myself at every turn.
Motive may be at the heart of all murders, but not all murder MYSTERIES, but it sure is here and it's reasonable. Martin (Cato) gives us every clue to know who/how/why all through the story but she gives it for more than one person and others even have what seems like more believable reasons. Even the end had to have happened the way it did or it wouldn't have made sense. Bravo!
Motive may be at the heart of all murders, but not all murder MYSTERIES, but it sure is here and it's reasonable. Martin (Cato) gives us every clue to know who/how/why all through the story but she gives it for more than one person and others even have what seems like more believable reasons. Even the end had to have happened the way it did or it wouldn't have made sense. Bravo!
November 17, 2019
Monica is a vicar's wife with a teenage daughter from a previous relationship.
Carol Ann is studying for exams that will pave the way to university but she also aspires to be a model. She wants to hate her stepfather, Graham, but really likes him although she will never admit it. She brings a little humour to the book as we read of Monica's struggles to keep her under control.
Monica wants a quiet life and is happy just being a Vicar's wife but she usually finds herself tangled up in murder cases much to the annoyance of DI Drury.
There is a conference and the local Manor House is full of people who have dedicated their lives to worshiping God so nothing could possibly go wrong could it? Well that would be very boring and life where Monica Noble is is never boring.
When a clergywoman dies everyone is under suspicion and there are several secrets to be uncovered.
This is a gripping read full of twists and turns all the way to the shocking conclusion.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers: Joffe Books for the advance copy. This is my unbiased review
Carol Ann is studying for exams that will pave the way to university but she also aspires to be a model. She wants to hate her stepfather, Graham, but really likes him although she will never admit it. She brings a little humour to the book as we read of Monica's struggles to keep her under control.
Monica wants a quiet life and is happy just being a Vicar's wife but she usually finds herself tangled up in murder cases much to the annoyance of DI Drury.
There is a conference and the local Manor House is full of people who have dedicated their lives to worshiping God so nothing could possibly go wrong could it? Well that would be very boring and life where Monica Noble is is never boring.
When a clergywoman dies everyone is under suspicion and there are several secrets to be uncovered.
This is a gripping read full of twists and turns all the way to the shocking conclusion.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers: Joffe Books for the advance copy. This is my unbiased review
March 11, 2022
A church conference is being held in the Manor House in the village where Graham Noble is vicar and at which he has to give a talk. It is attended by most clergy from the diocese including several women. There are, of course, many who do not approve of women vicars but nonetheless there are a few attending the conference. Celia Gordon is a very ambitious lady with her sights set on becoming a Bishop as soon as possible and she doesn't care who she needs to trample over on the way. Indeed, she spends much of her time with hints and innuendos attacking anyone she sees as a rival and, indeed, anyone else who gets in her way.
It so happens that she knew Graham Noble years previously but even having been introduced to his wife, Monica, she made it obvious she would like to rekindle their brief acquaintance and take it further. She seemed to go out of her way to make trouble for those around her so when one night during dinner a choking fit ended with Celia dying and it turned into a suspicious death, there was no shortage of suspects.
It so happens that she knew Graham Noble years previously but even having been introduced to his wife, Monica, she made it obvious she would like to rekindle their brief acquaintance and take it further. She seemed to go out of her way to make trouble for those around her so when one night during dinner a choking fit ended with Celia dying and it turned into a suspicious death, there was no shortage of suspects.
March 26, 2023
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January 13, 2025
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November 2, 2020
It isn't until Monica puts it all together that I can see the real murderer, even though all the clues are there!
November 4, 2019
The local vicar is attending a church conference with other clerics. They're going to have lectures and seminars about issues that affect their home churches and their parishioners. What could possibly go wrong? Well, everything. And that's what makes this such a fun cozy mystery.
In this third installment of the Monica Noble mysteries, Monica's husband Graham is attending a church conference at a local manor house turned hotel. It should be a weekend of learning and socializing with his fellow clerics, but when a female cleric dies suddenly of what appears to be an allergic reaction to peanuts, it turns into something else. Fearing that the police will suspect Graham, Monica decides to do some sleuthing on her own. Can she clear her husband and find the real killer?
I was in the mood for a cozy mystery, and this one fit the bill perfectly. It's got the idyllic setting, the victim that nobody liked to begin with, a long list of suspects, a police investigation, and of course, an amateur sleuth who is both likable and capable. Monica Noble is the perfect blend of vicar's wife meets determined crime solver, and I liked her almost instantly. The crime, although not new or unusual for this type of book, was well-executed and did include some twists I didn't see coming. However, in hindsight, there were clues that I could have picked up on. I appreciated when we as readers have all the information in advance so that if we had puzzled things out the way the sleuth, in this case Monica Noble, did; we would have been able to reach the same conclusion. This one was laid out for us very well.
I have not read the previous books in this series, but I do plan on going back to them after having read this one. However, I did not feel lost or like I needed background information to enjoy the story. So I think it's probably okay to read it as a stand alone as well.
Bottom line: If you're looking for a cozy mystery with an intriguing set up and a likable protagonist, this is it.
In this third installment of the Monica Noble mysteries, Monica's husband Graham is attending a church conference at a local manor house turned hotel. It should be a weekend of learning and socializing with his fellow clerics, but when a female cleric dies suddenly of what appears to be an allergic reaction to peanuts, it turns into something else. Fearing that the police will suspect Graham, Monica decides to do some sleuthing on her own. Can she clear her husband and find the real killer?
I was in the mood for a cozy mystery, and this one fit the bill perfectly. It's got the idyllic setting, the victim that nobody liked to begin with, a long list of suspects, a police investigation, and of course, an amateur sleuth who is both likable and capable. Monica Noble is the perfect blend of vicar's wife meets determined crime solver, and I liked her almost instantly. The crime, although not new or unusual for this type of book, was well-executed and did include some twists I didn't see coming. However, in hindsight, there were clues that I could have picked up on. I appreciated when we as readers have all the information in advance so that if we had puzzled things out the way the sleuth, in this case Monica Noble, did; we would have been able to reach the same conclusion. This one was laid out for us very well.
I have not read the previous books in this series, but I do plan on going back to them after having read this one. However, I did not feel lost or like I needed background information to enjoy the story. So I think it's probably okay to read it as a stand alone as well.
Bottom line: If you're looking for a cozy mystery with an intriguing set up and a likable protagonist, this is it.
December 28, 2016
Prologue wholly unnecessary. Characters cardboard stereotypes and far, far too many characters and viewpoints. Plot all right except for the fact that I can't see how the murder could actually have happened. A chef who's a potential for a Michelin star would surely, surely train their staff so that they would notice if a random extra paste or glaze (the author seems confused as to which it actually is) was added to a gateau before they assembled it. I mean, it was hardly going to be invisible, and that level of food is observed and arranged down to the finest detail! Plus, if the victim knew that she had such a serious nut allergy (and she did), surely she'd be carrying an Epipen, but this is never mentioned, even in the police investigation. Very poor logic.
In addition, poorly written and tries to be dramatic even when it clearly isn't. I particularly enjoyed the paragraph which ended with the statement that the police chappy's superiors wouldn't like the stuff he had uncovered. "Any of it", ends the paragraph. Goodness me, what a dramatic statement...
Definitely not worth the three quid it costs.
In addition, poorly written and tries to be dramatic even when it clearly isn't. I particularly enjoyed the paragraph which ended with the statement that the police chappy's superiors wouldn't like the stuff he had uncovered. "Any of it", ends the paragraph. Goodness me, what a dramatic statement...
Definitely not worth the three quid it costs.
November 3, 2019
The third in the Monica Noble series and they just get better and better. We are re-introduced to Monica and her vicar husband Graham as they are about to head to the local posh Manor House for a conference weekend for a variety of the clergy. Needless to say, we have a female cleric taken violently ill at the Saturday night dinner, which initially appears to be a heart attack however when she dies during the night, foul play is suspected. Enter Chief Superintendent Dury, who on discovering that the Nobles are yet again involved, is somewhat annoyed then suspicious as Graham Noble becomes a suspect.
We also have a local curator with a dodgy manuscript, a misogynist archdeacon and the owner of the Hall, all of whom are acting very suspiciously. It is only when they all go wild swimming that the killer strikes again......... but who could it be and what are they after?
Another good story and one in which I didn’t guess the killer. Well written with great characters.
Thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC to review.
We also have a local curator with a dodgy manuscript, a misogynist archdeacon and the owner of the Hall, all of whom are acting very suspiciously. It is only when they all go wild swimming that the killer strikes again......... but who could it be and what are they after?
Another good story and one in which I didn’t guess the killer. Well written with great characters.
Thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC to review.
July 21, 2021
I'm a big fan of Faith Martin and have read all of the Hillary Green stories and started on Monica Noble. I read the first two books with Monica Noble and am still reading this story but I am struggling to have the desire to finish it. All three stories start with a page or two about all the characters in the story in an early chapter. I find these very brief introductions, stacked up on each other, so hard to follow. In this third book the characters had little to distinguish themselves. I had to go back to that 2nd chapter over and over to understand a little about the character. I finally had to go back and write down each character and a little about them. I've never had to do that before.... Then I had to re-read the book from the 2nd chapter on so that I could place the characters. These stodgy old men are just not interesting. All told I am disappointed and just forcing myself to finish this book. Maybe when it gets to solving the murder I can find something enjoyable, but until then I wish I hadn't started this book.
January 29, 2020
Not my first time reading Faith Martin. Always interesting, well written, well developed storyline with good characters.
A good mystery thriller, captivating and entertaining, it keeps you turning the pages until the end.
ARC received through NetGalley. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
A good mystery thriller, captivating and entertaining, it keeps you turning the pages until the end.
ARC received through NetGalley. This is my honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 22, 2020
The manor house murder by Faith Martin.
This is book 3 of the Monica Noble series.
I really enjoyed this book. Great story. I do like faiths books. 4*.
Merged review:
The manor house murder by Faith Martin.
This is book 3 of the Monica Noble series.
I really enjoyed this book. Great story. I do like faiths books. 4*.
This is book 3 of the Monica Noble series.
I really enjoyed this book. Great story. I do like faiths books. 4*.
Merged review:
The manor house murder by Faith Martin.
This is book 3 of the Monica Noble series.
I really enjoyed this book. Great story. I do like faiths books. 4*.
January 13, 2020
I can always count on Faith Martin to give me an entertaining read while I'm trying to solve the mystery before the reveal. Her cozy mysteries are a favorite of my group. Excellent set up and an interesting group of characters.
December 2, 2019
A clerical conference is the setting for a Murder. The attendees abound as some are hoping to qualify for an increase in ecclesiastical rank. They also each feel they and only they are the most qualified to hold such a position.
Day one of a four day conference is the arrival, registration and housing of attendees. There are undercurrents of discontent as several clerics are suddenly confronted by people from their past. It would seem that many of them are hiding secrets long thought well and truly buried. One cleric, a woman from a prestigious parish, seems intent on making enemies of several attendees. She seems to enjoy being the center of attention as well as an irritant to many.
Day two finds the conference moving along with conferences, meetings and planned meals. The lady cleric is still calling attention to herself and there are plans underway for some scheme, but who will be its victim is not yet clear. An aged manuscript of St Bede is on view under glass as well. It is not clear yet if this manuscript was purchased as an original document or as an excellent copy created by the Benedictine Monks. It may well be that it is an excellent forgery; a puzzle that may become clear before the story’s end.
In the middle of Saturday night’s banquet the intended victim is sitting directly across from the cleric of the local town and his lovely wife. Coincidently, said cleric knew the deceased but hadn’t seen this person in at least 25 years. Suddenly while eating dessert the victim begins choking and holding its throat as its breathing becomes more labored. Paramedics are called and they take the victim to the hospital. Despite all the care given, the victim dies in the early hours of day three.
Day three is spent with the local authorities interviewing everyone attending the banquet. From the interviews it is determined the local cleric with his wife in attendance, and the victim had a confrontation the afternoon before. There were several witnesses to the event so now he becomes a suspect.
Did the local cleric really kill the victim? What about the manuscript? How does it fit into everything? Are the two events actually related? What motive was there for the murder? Is the murder spur of the moment or premeditated?
The author uses skill, deception, innuendo and a few unexpected twists before bringing it all together very neatly. This is one of the best mysteries I have read in some time. I was unsure about the theme, being clergy and death against their code. It is very neatly and tastefully handled. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Joffre Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Day one of a four day conference is the arrival, registration and housing of attendees. There are undercurrents of discontent as several clerics are suddenly confronted by people from their past. It would seem that many of them are hiding secrets long thought well and truly buried. One cleric, a woman from a prestigious parish, seems intent on making enemies of several attendees. She seems to enjoy being the center of attention as well as an irritant to many.
Day two finds the conference moving along with conferences, meetings and planned meals. The lady cleric is still calling attention to herself and there are plans underway for some scheme, but who will be its victim is not yet clear. An aged manuscript of St Bede is on view under glass as well. It is not clear yet if this manuscript was purchased as an original document or as an excellent copy created by the Benedictine Monks. It may well be that it is an excellent forgery; a puzzle that may become clear before the story’s end.
In the middle of Saturday night’s banquet the intended victim is sitting directly across from the cleric of the local town and his lovely wife. Coincidently, said cleric knew the deceased but hadn’t seen this person in at least 25 years. Suddenly while eating dessert the victim begins choking and holding its throat as its breathing becomes more labored. Paramedics are called and they take the victim to the hospital. Despite all the care given, the victim dies in the early hours of day three.
Day three is spent with the local authorities interviewing everyone attending the banquet. From the interviews it is determined the local cleric with his wife in attendance, and the victim had a confrontation the afternoon before. There were several witnesses to the event so now he becomes a suspect.
Did the local cleric really kill the victim? What about the manuscript? How does it fit into everything? Are the two events actually related? What motive was there for the murder? Is the murder spur of the moment or premeditated?
The author uses skill, deception, innuendo and a few unexpected twists before bringing it all together very neatly. This is one of the best mysteries I have read in some time. I was unsure about the theme, being clergy and death against their code. It is very neatly and tastefully handled. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Joffre Books through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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