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Monica Noble #1
The Vicarage Murder
In a quiet Cotswold village all hell is about to break loose
Please note this book was first published as An Unholy Mess under Faith Martin’s pen name Joyce Cato.
Monica Noble is throwing a party to welcome the village’s new residents. The guests include Margaret and her cheating husband Sean. Also on the list are a celebrity chef, an Oxford university professor, a 40-something divorcee, and the owner of a chain of gyms.
Then as the drinks are flowing, a shotgun blast rings out. One of the guests is found dead.
DCI Dury and Sergeant Jim Greer are soon on the scene and discover that the victim had many enemies. Almost all the guests harbour secrets and motives for murder. Even Monica’s daughter comes under suspicion.
When another villager is strangled to death nearly a week later, the stakes are raised.
Can Monica help the local detectives save her daughter and solve the murders before anyone else pays the ultimate price?
Please note this book was first published as An Unholy Mess under Faith Martin’s pen name Joyce Cato.
Monica Noble is throwing a party to welcome the village’s new residents. The guests include Margaret and her cheating husband Sean. Also on the list are a celebrity chef, an Oxford university professor, a 40-something divorcee, and the owner of a chain of gyms.
Then as the drinks are flowing, a shotgun blast rings out. One of the guests is found dead.
DCI Dury and Sergeant Jim Greer are soon on the scene and discover that the victim had many enemies. Almost all the guests harbour secrets and motives for murder. Even Monica’s daughter comes under suspicion.
When another villager is strangled to death nearly a week later, the stakes are raised.
Can Monica help the local detectives save her daughter and solve the murders before anyone else pays the ultimate price?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2015
5719 people are currently reading
2496 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 282 reviews
September 11, 2019
My first book by this author. At least I think so, but she writes under four different names so I am not totally sure! Anyway I found this one very entertaining.
The Vicarage Murder is a well written, cosy mystery set in the usual picturesque English village. Monica Noble is the wife of the local vicar and although she is the 'Detective' in the series title she does very little detecting in this book! The solution to the crime pretty much just falls into her lap. I enjoyed her as a character though and will be happy to read more about her.
The Vicarage Murder is a well written, cosy mystery set in the usual picturesque English village. Monica Noble is the wife of the local vicar and although she is the 'Detective' in the series title she does very little detecting in this book! The solution to the crime pretty much just falls into her lap. I enjoyed her as a character though and will be happy to read more about her.
April 11, 2022
A 2.5 star read for me really. There's nothing wrong with the mystery but it was somewhere between a cozy and a police procedural and not quite the vibe I was expecting to read.
To the good, the murder took place at the limit of the threshold I need for mysteries (25% in) and was well done, The array of characters and suspects was long and usually, I enjoy that but none of these characters was distinctive or memorable enough to really stand out. The most colourful character is the first murder victim so it was pretty low-key after they were dispatched. Monica nor the police investigating were much either. Also, I think the DS has a crush on Monica but it's awkward because she's terribly in love and loved by her vicar husband so I had a hard time getting the point of that hinting. I can definitely say the story would have been better without that weirdness. Still, a decent enough puzzle with a competent solution and ending.
I much prefer the author's Jenny Starling series. I have the others in this series but don't expect I'll be in a hurry to read them.
To the good, the murder took place at the limit of the threshold I need for mysteries (25% in) and was well done, The array of characters and suspects was long and usually, I enjoy that but none of these characters was distinctive or memorable enough to really stand out. The most colourful character is the first murder victim so it was pretty low-key after they were dispatched. Monica nor the police investigating were much either. Also, I think the DS has a crush on Monica but it's awkward because she's terribly in love and loved by her vicar husband so I had a hard time getting the point of that hinting. I can definitely say the story would have been better without that weirdness. Still, a decent enough puzzle with a competent solution and ending.
I much prefer the author's Jenny Starling series. I have the others in this series but don't expect I'll be in a hurry to read them.
January 7, 2020
When the large vicarage was converted to flats, the vicar, Graham Noble had first choice of the flat he and his new wife Monica wanted as their home. They chose No. 1 as it had a ground floor entry from outside and was bigger with a nice view. Most of the flats were completed and occupied with only a few left to finish. Monica organized a housewarming party for the residents, so they could get to know one another a little better. With Monica’s fifteen-year-old daughter Carol Ann, they set out the food in the garden which was accessed by everyone; but it was a little later when a sudden blast sounded, shocking everyone. It had come from inside the building, in one of the flats…
When DCI Jason Dury and his partner Sergeant Jim Greer arrived at the scene they were shocked at the carnage. But as the investigation proceeded their frustration grew. Would they find the answers? Would Monica, who felt the need to search for clues, discover who the killer was?
The Vicarage Murder is the first in the Monica Noble series by Faith Martin. It was originally published as "An Unholy Mess" by Martin’s pseudonym Joyce Cato in 2015. A light, entertaining cosy mystery with a lot of characters to get my head around (mostly the residents of the flats) – I quite enjoyed the mystery and look forward to #2 in the series in the not too distant future. Recommended.
When DCI Jason Dury and his partner Sergeant Jim Greer arrived at the scene they were shocked at the carnage. But as the investigation proceeded their frustration grew. Would they find the answers? Would Monica, who felt the need to search for clues, discover who the killer was?
The Vicarage Murder is the first in the Monica Noble series by Faith Martin. It was originally published as "An Unholy Mess" by Martin’s pseudonym Joyce Cato in 2015. A light, entertaining cosy mystery with a lot of characters to get my head around (mostly the residents of the flats) – I quite enjoyed the mystery and look forward to #2 in the series in the not too distant future. Recommended.
August 30, 2019
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first novel in another new series from Faith Martin. I had often thought about living in an idyllic little village, but it seems from what I read, they are not so idyllic!
A Cotswold vicarage has been divided up into 12 luxury flats. In an attempt to get the new residents together, and get to know each other better. The vicar's wife arranges a garden party. However during the party a gunshot is heard. Later on one of the residents is found dead.
There are lots of characters all with back stories and secrets that intermingle.But who is telling the truth?
The vicar and his wife are strong and like able characters, who have the dual task of solving the crime, but also look after the parish.
A good read and a great start to another brilliant series for Ms Martin.
This is the first novel in another new series from Faith Martin. I had often thought about living in an idyllic little village, but it seems from what I read, they are not so idyllic!
A Cotswold vicarage has been divided up into 12 luxury flats. In an attempt to get the new residents together, and get to know each other better. The vicar's wife arranges a garden party. However during the party a gunshot is heard. Later on one of the residents is found dead.
There are lots of characters all with back stories and secrets that intermingle.But who is telling the truth?
The vicar and his wife are strong and like able characters, who have the dual task of solving the crime, but also look after the parish.
A good read and a great start to another brilliant series for Ms Martin.
August 30, 2019
Please note this book was first published as “AN UNHOLY MESS” under Faith Martin’s pen name JOYCE CATO.
Monica Nobel is a newlywed, married just 6 months to her second husband, Graham, the vicar of this small quaint English village.
Having converted the vicarage into apartments, Monica decides to throw a getting-to-know-you party to have call the residents meet the others.
It's an eclectic mass of people ... Monica and Graham and her daughter Charlie, a celebrity chef and his wife who are not what anyone would call happily married, a retired university professor, a divorcee, a middle aged woman and her university aged daughter, and the owner of a chain of gyms.
As the food and drink is being consumed, a shot rings out. It seems to have come from the inside ... but who's missing?
DCI Jason Dury and DS Jim Greer are lead investigators. When they discover who was killed, it seems like almost everyone had a motive. All the guests harbor secrets that they don't want exposed to the light of day.
And then another body turns up .. and Monica decides to do a little snooping of her own.
Monica takes the lead, as widowed and remarried to an older man, and the mother of a young teenage girl. Having left the bright lights to settle in this small village, she finds she enjoys the quiet life .. until there are two unexplained murders.
It's well written with great characters and lots os suspects. The mystery itself is unpredictably brilliant. I have read two other series by this author and have never been disappointed. This one doesn't disappoint either. Looking forward to reading the remaining books in this series.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 27, 2019
Detective Monica Noble #1
Monica is married to the local vicar. She has a daughter from her first marriage. Her first husband had died. They live in a large house that's recently been converted into flats. Monica decides to hold a garden party so that she can get to know her neighbours. But many of her neighbours have secrets, but which one of them would want Margaret dead.
Faith Martin is back with another new series. There is a lot of characters to remember. The pace is steady. DCI Jason Dury & DS Jim Greer are the detectives sent to investigate. But Monica overhears them that her daughter, Carol-Ann might have had a reason to kill sends her into a tailspin. Then another resident gets murdered. The story is tense and gripping. A promising start to a new series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Monica is married to the local vicar. She has a daughter from her first marriage. Her first husband had died. They live in a large house that's recently been converted into flats. Monica decides to hold a garden party so that she can get to know her neighbours. But many of her neighbours have secrets, but which one of them would want Margaret dead.
Faith Martin is back with another new series. There is a lot of characters to remember. The pace is steady. DCI Jason Dury & DS Jim Greer are the detectives sent to investigate. But Monica overhears them that her daughter, Carol-Ann might have had a reason to kill sends her into a tailspin. Then another resident gets murdered. The story is tense and gripping. A promising start to a new series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2019
“THE VICARAGE MURDER” by Faith Martin was first published as “An Unholy Mess” under Martin’s pen name, Joyce Cato. It is a gentle cozy featuring the vicar’s wife, Monica Nobel and a large cast of characters. The book is interesting as a relaxing read, but lacks the depth of character that is found in other Faith Martin Series such as the novels featuring Jenny Starling or the series featuring Ryder and Loveday.
Descriptions of the vicarage, which has been converted to multi-family flats are good and the reader can picture the appearance as well as enjoy the atmosphere of the small community which is anchored by the vicar and his wife, Graham and Monica Nobel. The large cast of characters can be slightly difficult to keep separate, and would benefit from more individual development for each person. Still, as the reader progresses, the individuality of each person begins to peek through.
In this novel, the vicar’s wife, Monica, has planned an afternoon party for the residents as a way of helping everyone get to know each other. Personal secrets and desires abound, which muddy the waters when trying to figure out who hated the victim enough to want her dead. She is not a pleasant person, and as information unfolds, it becomes more apparent just how unpleasant she is.
During the party, when almost everyone is in sight of everyone else, a gunshot is heard. A quick search of the vicarage reveals the victim’s body, under a tarp in one of the flats that is still being remodeled into a private dwelling. Monica, the vicar’s wife, finds the body and is drawn into the mystery at that point. Her interest in solving the murder is heightened when there seems to be some information that might implicate her teenage daughter.
While there are leads pointing to various people as possibly being the murderer and red herrings throughout, the solution to the murder isn’t fully apparent until the vicar and his wife learn some “last minute” information which provides the solution to the murder. While I had determined who the murderer was, it was somewhat of a guess since I didn’t have all the information necessary to put the puzzle together. At the end of the book, the solution is given at the same time the information required to draw the conclusion is given, removing the opportunity for the reader to completely solve the puzzle by themselves. Still, the book was enjoyable, an easy read, and provided a good source of entertainment.
Descriptions of the vicarage, which has been converted to multi-family flats are good and the reader can picture the appearance as well as enjoy the atmosphere of the small community which is anchored by the vicar and his wife, Graham and Monica Nobel. The large cast of characters can be slightly difficult to keep separate, and would benefit from more individual development for each person. Still, as the reader progresses, the individuality of each person begins to peek through.
In this novel, the vicar’s wife, Monica, has planned an afternoon party for the residents as a way of helping everyone get to know each other. Personal secrets and desires abound, which muddy the waters when trying to figure out who hated the victim enough to want her dead. She is not a pleasant person, and as information unfolds, it becomes more apparent just how unpleasant she is.
During the party, when almost everyone is in sight of everyone else, a gunshot is heard. A quick search of the vicarage reveals the victim’s body, under a tarp in one of the flats that is still being remodeled into a private dwelling. Monica, the vicar’s wife, finds the body and is drawn into the mystery at that point. Her interest in solving the murder is heightened when there seems to be some information that might implicate her teenage daughter.
While there are leads pointing to various people as possibly being the murderer and red herrings throughout, the solution to the murder isn’t fully apparent until the vicar and his wife learn some “last minute” information which provides the solution to the murder. While I had determined who the murderer was, it was somewhat of a guess since I didn’t have all the information necessary to put the puzzle together. At the end of the book, the solution is given at the same time the information required to draw the conclusion is given, removing the opportunity for the reader to completely solve the puzzle by themselves. Still, the book was enjoyable, an easy read, and provided a good source of entertainment.
April 1, 2020
2.75 Meh Stars
When the large vicarage was converted to flats, the vicar, Graham Noble and his new wife Monica were pleased, looking forward to having neighbours and a more intimate and cosy home. Monica's 15-year-old daughter Carol Ann (from her first marriage) may be bummed about moving from the city to a quiet village, but Monica is liking the change. Monica organised a housewarming party for the residents, one which was to be fun, not end in a murder, now to work out which of the neighbours is a killer
The small moments of tension (due to attraction) between Monica and DCI Jason were just weird, and so didn't work for me at all.
This started with me really interested but then my attention waned and some of the characters and their actions had me rolling my eyes,
Acquired via KU.
When the large vicarage was converted to flats, the vicar, Graham Noble and his new wife Monica were pleased, looking forward to having neighbours and a more intimate and cosy home. Monica's 15-year-old daughter Carol Ann (from her first marriage) may be bummed about moving from the city to a quiet village, but Monica is liking the change. Monica organised a housewarming party for the residents, one which was to be fun, not end in a murder, now to work out which of the neighbours is a killer
The small moments of tension (due to attraction) between Monica and DCI Jason were just weird, and so didn't work for me at all.
This started with me really interested but then my attention waned and some of the characters and their actions had me rolling my eyes,
Acquired via KU.
August 22, 2021
3.5 ⭐.... Quite good.
My first Faith Martin read.
An enjoyable murder mystery. Easy to read and not too taxing on the little grey cells. A slow and steady read with interesting characters.
I would read another of hers. 😁
My first Faith Martin read.
An enjoyable murder mystery. Easy to read and not too taxing on the little grey cells. A slow and steady read with interesting characters.
I would read another of hers. 😁
August 29, 2020
Dull and irritating book. The title was presumably chosen to create a favourable association with Agatha Christie's Murder at the Vicarage, but the book fails miserably in comparison. On its own merits it does pretty badly as well. There is no sense of atmosphere or tension. A murder happens, and despite the detective remarking that 'contrary to what you see on television, murder is actually rare' no-one seems to have any emotional response or realistic reaction to the death. The characters living at the modernized vicarage are appallingly shallow; the reader searches in vain for clues as to their beliefs, passions, interests or thoughts. Instead they are described almost exclusively throughout the book in terms of their physical appearance: 'hunky', 'dishy', 'hearthrob' are among the fairly juvenile descriptors. The women are constantly referenced as having 'slim legs' and 'honey-blond' or 'chestnut' hair. When a teenage girl is found by the detective listening at the door she is described from his perspective quite inappropriately as being a 'long-legged waif'. Sexual interest dominates the book, although it comes across childishly. We are told that the detective and the married protagonist are attracted to each other but it is entirely based in physical appearance and has no effect on the story: it doesn't undermine the investigation or impede the plot. Another two characters are supposedly having an affair and are about to run away together but we barely see them interact and never hear their feelings about it. Several women are described as glamorous divorcees eager for sex but the writer details their tanned skin and jewellery more than any internal sentiments. It all comes across like someone pushing plastic Barbie dolls together in a kiss and imagining that this spices up a dull story. In short: terrible book, do not read.
December 2, 2024
A rambling vicarage is turned into a set of flats, and an unsavory character is murdered. I enjoyed the setting, would have liked a little more vicar-ing (though what we got was nice). The final clues didn't come out of the blue, but there was one element I hadn't encountered before!
October 3, 2021
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August 28, 2020
From advertising executive to vicar's wife to amateur sleuth. Monica Noble is still rather surprised that she gave up her high-powered career, power suits and heels to settling in the Cotswold countryside with her gentle, well-loved and well-respected new husband. Not only is Monica adjusting to her new life, but her 15 year-old-daughter Carol-Anne has had to change schools and now has a new stepfather.
Monica and husband Graham are among a new group of villagers who have purchased luxury flats in a former vicarage. Most of the units have been sold, while a few are still being renovated.
Monica and her neighbors throw a party so that everyone can get to know each other. When one of the neighbors is apparently shot during the party, suspicion falls onto several people. One person the police zoom in on is Monica's daughter, Carol-Anne. so Monica is determined to discover answers herself so that the police will look elsewhere.
Everyone meets DCI Jason Dury and Sergeant Jim Greer as they begin to question everyone and look for the motive behind the murder. In addition to the inquiries, Graham still tends to those in his flock.
What a great book! I enjoyed the gentle love between Monica and Graham. I also enjoyed the short spurts of dialogue as the killer plots the perfect murder. Faith Martin did an exceptional job with this book, and made identifying the killer pretty much impossible.
The Vicarage Murder was an excellent book. This promises to be a delightful series. I look forward to reading the upcoming titles. I have read two other series by this author and have always been entertained. That definitely was the case here.
Many thanks to Joffe Books, NetGalley and Books n All Book Promotions for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
*This book was previously published as An Unholy Mess under the author's pen name, Joyce Cato.
Monica and husband Graham are among a new group of villagers who have purchased luxury flats in a former vicarage. Most of the units have been sold, while a few are still being renovated.
Monica and her neighbors throw a party so that everyone can get to know each other. When one of the neighbors is apparently shot during the party, suspicion falls onto several people. One person the police zoom in on is Monica's daughter, Carol-Anne. so Monica is determined to discover answers herself so that the police will look elsewhere.
Everyone meets DCI Jason Dury and Sergeant Jim Greer as they begin to question everyone and look for the motive behind the murder. In addition to the inquiries, Graham still tends to those in his flock.
What a great book! I enjoyed the gentle love between Monica and Graham. I also enjoyed the short spurts of dialogue as the killer plots the perfect murder. Faith Martin did an exceptional job with this book, and made identifying the killer pretty much impossible.
The Vicarage Murder was an excellent book. This promises to be a delightful series. I look forward to reading the upcoming titles. I have read two other series by this author and have always been entertained. That definitely was the case here.
Many thanks to Joffe Books, NetGalley and Books n All Book Promotions for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
*This book was previously published as An Unholy Mess under the author's pen name, Joyce Cato.
June 12, 2016
An excellent mystery! I guessed whodunit about half way through the book - but it turned out I was completely wrong! But I did pick up on a couple of the clues about the method and timing.
I really like the main characters in the book and look forward to reading more of this series. This is the first book I've read by Joyce Cato who I hadn't come across before she came up in a list of recommended authors based on what I'd read before - it's not often these lists actually come up with anything useful but I'm glad they did in this case!
I really like the main characters in the book and look forward to reading more of this series. This is the first book I've read by Joyce Cato who I hadn't come across before she came up in a list of recommended authors based on what I'd read before - it's not often these lists actually come up with anything useful but I'm glad they did in this case!
February 21, 2023
Well written but not terribly interesting.
March 7, 2022
I don't find this series as gripping as others by this author. I've now read the first three but just realised I've read them in the wrong order but they can stand alone. This one I read last. I think my problem with the series is the two characters who to my mind, act our of character. There's the more than happily married vicar's wife who goes week kneed whenever she sees or meets a particular policemen and a policeman who finds his attention wondering whenever he sees or meets the wife of a certain vicar. Really?
The vicarage has been transformed into very desirable flats and one day the vicar's wife holds a garden party to welcome the new residents. During the afternoon a shot is heard coming from one of the few unfinished flats. Most of the other villagers are away enjoying a fair at a neighbouring town and most of the new residents are in full view in the garden so, who fired the shot and who or what did they shoot?
The vicarage has been transformed into very desirable flats and one day the vicar's wife holds a garden party to welcome the new residents. During the afternoon a shot is heard coming from one of the few unfinished flats. Most of the other villagers are away enjoying a fair at a neighbouring town and most of the new residents are in full view in the garden so, who fired the shot and who or what did they shoot?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2019
I needed something to soothe my mind in between my thrillers, and I chose to read a cozy murder. As if murder can be cozied, you know what I mean.
This was book 1 in the series and my first book by Faith Martin. I was introduced to Monica, the newly married wife of vicar Graham with a daughter Carol-Ann. The Vicarage had been converted into 8 apartments, and Monica threw a party to welcome the new residents. A shotgun blast and someone was dead. Another strangulation a week later made Monica realize that she had to enter the investigation especially when her daughter was suspected.
The story was fun in parts and serious in its investigation. Monica was good, I loved her conversations with her daughter, they were zingy, and some of them were shockers. The writing showed me the by-play deeds of the guests, and their hidden reactions. It was obvious that secrets were brewing under the surface. I soon got to know that each one had something to hide.
Initially the characters took time to set in my mind, there were many. But once the story got on track with its steady pace, I could keep them in line. I liked the investigation done by the cops. Both Jason and Jim seemed to manage it quite well with sound theories. The book became extremely entertaining when secrets started coming out. I loved being the voyeur.
I read this book pure for the fun of it. I didn't analyze or think so much. I went with the flow and enjoyed it. A gentle murder mystery.
This was book 1 in the series and my first book by Faith Martin. I was introduced to Monica, the newly married wife of vicar Graham with a daughter Carol-Ann. The Vicarage had been converted into 8 apartments, and Monica threw a party to welcome the new residents. A shotgun blast and someone was dead. Another strangulation a week later made Monica realize that she had to enter the investigation especially when her daughter was suspected.
The story was fun in parts and serious in its investigation. Monica was good, I loved her conversations with her daughter, they were zingy, and some of them were shockers. The writing showed me the by-play deeds of the guests, and their hidden reactions. It was obvious that secrets were brewing under the surface. I soon got to know that each one had something to hide.
Initially the characters took time to set in my mind, there were many. But once the story got on track with its steady pace, I could keep them in line. I liked the investigation done by the cops. Both Jason and Jim seemed to manage it quite well with sound theories. The book became extremely entertaining when secrets started coming out. I loved being the voyeur.
I read this book pure for the fun of it. I didn't analyze or think so much. I went with the flow and enjoyed it. A gentle murder mystery.
September 15, 2019
A new series by Faith Martin, and a real winner! Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. Prolific author Faith Martin is back with a new cozy mystery series featuring Monica Noble. Noble is one of the least offensive cozy characters I have read, as most of the book features local detectives trying to solve a murder. We are in the Cotswolds for this book and in the village of Heyford Bassett, the vicarage has been turned into a multiple apartment complex with the vicar and his wife. Monica, living on the first floor. One day at a get together another one of the apartment owners is murdered in the flat next to Monica. We have a stolen shotgun, a multitude of characters and a wonderfully moving plot and story. Unlike many other cozy's Monica is not there bugging the police or butting in all the time, instead our author allows the police to do their work and Monica has a few clues that she can use to assist now and then. A logically written book, with almost a few too many characters, it nonetheless provides lots of red herrings and possible suspects until the final dramatic ending.
Really enjoyed this book!
Really enjoyed this book!
September 8, 2019
In a cross between Agatha Christie's "Miss Marple", MC Beaton's "Agatha Raisin", and Caroline Graham's "Midsomer Murder", comes the first in a new British cosy mystery series featuring Monica Noble, vicar's wife.
After discovering one of her garden party guests is quite dead, we follow the investigation into the murder mostly through the eyes of Monica. Whilst Monica herself does a bit of sleuthing, it is mainly up to DCI Jason Dury and Sergeant Jim Greer to solve the murder.
I really enjoyed this - the story flowed along, there was enough tension as the police slowly work their way through the suspects - all of whom are hiding secrets of their own.
As mentioned, Monica is not quite prominent as a sleuth in this outing, quite possibly, having gotten a taste for murder, she will step out into the limelight in the following stories. I am looking forward to reading more and see how the character of Monica develops.
After discovering one of her garden party guests is quite dead, we follow the investigation into the murder mostly through the eyes of Monica. Whilst Monica herself does a bit of sleuthing, it is mainly up to DCI Jason Dury and Sergeant Jim Greer to solve the murder.
I really enjoyed this - the story flowed along, there was enough tension as the police slowly work their way through the suspects - all of whom are hiding secrets of their own.
As mentioned, Monica is not quite prominent as a sleuth in this outing, quite possibly, having gotten a taste for murder, she will step out into the limelight in the following stories. I am looking forward to reading more and see how the character of Monica develops.
January 18, 2020
Not My Favorite
I don’t know what it is about me and Faith Martin. When I read her Hilary Greene series I am ready to put her into the top 10% of British mysteries (yes up there near Christie and Francis.). But when I read another series such as this one “meh” is my reaction. And the series about the chef I didn’t even finish the first book, very unusual for me.
This wasn’t a terribly bad book, it was just sort of scattered. The characters were interesting but their names too close together to remember them all, though I do love it when the most unpleasant person gets killed. There wasn’t enough buildup before the murder in this one. I don’t know what to say about the plot. It all came together at one point in the end but before that it was all over the place. You didn’t even get a clue and didn’t stand a chance of guessing the killer.
I’ve read a lot of much worse mysteries so I don’t want to put you off of reading this one. Just don’t expect a page turner.
I don’t know what it is about me and Faith Martin. When I read her Hilary Greene series I am ready to put her into the top 10% of British mysteries (yes up there near Christie and Francis.). But when I read another series such as this one “meh” is my reaction. And the series about the chef I didn’t even finish the first book, very unusual for me.
This wasn’t a terribly bad book, it was just sort of scattered. The characters were interesting but their names too close together to remember them all, though I do love it when the most unpleasant person gets killed. There wasn’t enough buildup before the murder in this one. I don’t know what to say about the plot. It all came together at one point in the end but before that it was all over the place. You didn’t even get a clue and didn’t stand a chance of guessing the killer.
I’ve read a lot of much worse mysteries so I don’t want to put you off of reading this one. Just don’t expect a page turner.
November 14, 2021
Cotswoldi külas on pastoraat ehitatud ümber korterelamuks. Loomulikult on seal ka pastori ja tema pere korter. Kui pastoriproua Monica Noble korraldab majaelanikele nn soolaleivapeo, siis korraga kõlab püssipauk. Ühest valmivast korterist leitakse üks majaelanik surnuna. Esialgu satuvad kahtluse alla kõik majaelanikud, kes sel hetkel majas olid.
Kuigi raamatu tutvustuses räägitakse, et pastoriproua hobiks on kuritegude lahendamine. Raamat küll sellist muljet ei jätnud. Tõsi, Monica Noble oli lõpuks see, kelle abil mõrvarini jõuti, aga ikkagi olid olulisel kohal politseiuurijad, kelle tööd saavad lugejad raamatu jooksul rääkida. Monica jõudis lahenduseni minu jaoks suhteliselt juhuslikult. See ei tähenda muidugi seda, et raamat ei oleks põnev. On ikka. :)
Kuigi raamatu tutvustuses räägitakse, et pastoriproua hobiks on kuritegude lahendamine. Raamat küll sellist muljet ei jätnud. Tõsi, Monica Noble oli lõpuks see, kelle abil mõrvarini jõuti, aga ikkagi olid olulisel kohal politseiuurijad, kelle tööd saavad lugejad raamatu jooksul rääkida. Monica jõudis lahenduseni minu jaoks suhteliselt juhuslikult. See ei tähenda muidugi seda, et raamat ei oleks põnev. On ikka. :)
July 5, 2020
I have to hand it to Faith Martin aka Joyce Cato. A hugely prolific writer who churns out books by the bucketload and yet even though they are light, they are always readable.
This series sits midway between her slightly more gritty Hilary Martin series which I like, and her fluffy Jenny Starling series, which I don’t.
Monica Noble is a glamorous vicar’s wife living in part of the vicarage, the rest being apartments that are rented out. One of the residents is killed and there the fun begins. In Agatha Christie style, there is a huge list of suspects and red herrings galore.
So yes, a light but very entertaining mystery.
This series sits midway between her slightly more gritty Hilary Martin series which I like, and her fluffy Jenny Starling series, which I don’t.
Monica Noble is a glamorous vicar’s wife living in part of the vicarage, the rest being apartments that are rented out. One of the residents is killed and there the fun begins. In Agatha Christie style, there is a huge list of suspects and red herrings galore.
So yes, a light but very entertaining mystery.
August 31, 2020
I'm confused. Is this the same author that wrote the Hillary Greene series? I'm not clear whether Joyce Cato is a pseudonym for Faith Martin. The Hillary Greene series was well written, interesting and binge-worthy. This Vicarage Murder surely isn't written by the same person/s. The latter book takes a long time to get going (the first third is a series of red herrings, finally getting to someone meeting their maker). And what's with this vicar's wife having the flaming hots for the copper? Really? I don't know. All a mystery to me.
October 27, 2019
The Vicarage Murder by Faith Martin was an entertaining murder mystery filled with twists and turns. Monica and Graham Noble are wonderful! Plus, I always enjoy when the "victim" is a vile creep who "had it coming". Glad to have found an excellent new cozy mystery series!
December 28, 2019
God I was bored. Too many characters, too many viewpoints, too little action.
I was starting to think the corpse would be mine, fading away through boredom.
Didn’t finish, though read the end to see if anything did actually happen
I was starting to think the corpse would be mine, fading away through boredom.
Didn’t finish, though read the end to see if anything did actually happen
December 1, 2019
A gentle read
Not bad but I wasn’t able to warm to any of the characters. I felt it jumped about too much with little depth.
Not bad but I wasn’t able to warm to any of the characters. I felt it jumped about too much with little depth.
March 25, 2020
Lots of Misdirection !
Fun,light who done it. Not sure why there is the suggestion of attraction between the Vicar's wife and the policeman,however.
Fun,light who done it. Not sure why there is the suggestion of attraction between the Vicar's wife and the policeman,however.
October 29, 2023
3 Stars - Good, but too many characters.
July 14, 2020
This is the first book in a new series set in a quiet, rural Cotswold village where the huge vicarage has recently been converted into twelve flats. The vicar, Graham Noble, lives in Flat 1 with his wife, Monica, and her rebellious teenage daughter from her first marriage. As the flats start to gain occupants, Monica organises a 'get to know each other' party for the residents. They're an eclectic mix from a retired English professor to a gym owner, couples, a single Mum and more. Whilst they're partying they hear a shotgun sounding from inside the vicarage and then the gruesome discovery of one of the dead body of one of the residents is found and the hunt for the murderer commences......
The residents of the flats have so many secrets! DCI Dury and Sergeant Jim Greer are quickly on the case but there are so many people with motives that it certainly isn't an easily solved case. It will take ingenuity, great detective work but can Monica Noble, along with her husband, Graham, connecting all the clues to help reveal the killer before there are more victims? Can they ensure the killer is caught? You'll have to read it to find out for yourself!
This is a story that keeps you guessing, one filled with great characters and I'm so happy to discover it is the first in a new series. I look forward to reading more involving the intrepid Mrs Noble and her lovely husband in future!
I borrowed this book from Amazon with my Prime Reading subscription and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
The residents of the flats have so many secrets! DCI Dury and Sergeant Jim Greer are quickly on the case but there are so many people with motives that it certainly isn't an easily solved case. It will take ingenuity, great detective work but can Monica Noble, along with her husband, Graham, connecting all the clues to help reveal the killer before there are more victims? Can they ensure the killer is caught? You'll have to read it to find out for yourself!
This is a story that keeps you guessing, one filled with great characters and I'm so happy to discover it is the first in a new series. I look forward to reading more involving the intrepid Mrs Noble and her lovely husband in future!
I borrowed this book from Amazon with my Prime Reading subscription and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
May 31, 2021
Now, HERE is a mystery. An English writer named Jacquie Walton wrote two series of murder mysteries under the name Faith Martin: the Jenny Starling series (7 vols) and the DI Hillary Greene series (17 vols). She had previously written a series of romance novels (13 vols) under the name Maxine Berry. She wrote a number of non-series mysteries using the name Joyce Cato. One of these was called "An Unholy Mess" published in 2015. The next year, in 2016, Jacquie Walton, writing as Faith Martin, brought the DI Hilary Greene series to a close by publishing "Hilary's Last Case." Then a curious thing happened. Joffe Books republished "An Holy Mess" by Joyce Cato as "The Vicarage Murder" by Faith Martin. And therein lies the mystery. Why the change in both title and nom de plume? Here is an hypothesis: the protagonist of "The Vicarage Mystery" is an interesting, attractive, complex woman married to the vicar of the small Oxfordshire village of Heyford Bassett. The huge Georgian vicarage in this small town has been converted into a dozen flats, the most desirable reserved to the vicar's family and the others sold like condominia. When a murder occurs there and all of the occupants become suspects, the games afoot and Monica Noble is out to solve it. Martin is not shy about describing a gory crime scene but does not at all concentrate on the grim and grisly aspects of murder in favour on exploring the human motivations and interactions involved. The story is so complex, I occasionally paused to make notes! My best guess was that Walton decided to turn Monica Noble into her next series protagonist and, sure enough, two more books in which she features centrally have since been published.
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