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Exham on Sea Mysteries #2
Murder on the Levels
Love cosy crime, murder mysteries, clever animals and chocolate? Don’t miss Murder on the Levels, the second Exham on Sea mystery, set in a seaside town in Somerset.
Two cyclists die on the Somerset Levels, and the Exham bakery gets the blame. Libby Forest runs into danger as she sets out to solve the mystery, save the bakery and rescue her career, helped by Bear, the enormous Carpathian Sheepdog, Fuzzy, an aloof marmalade cat and the handsome, secretive Max Ramshore.
Set in the coastal resort of Exham on Sea, Murder on the Levels features a cast of local characters, including Mandy the teenage Goth, her new boyfriend, Steve, Frank the baker and Detective Sergeant Joe Ramshore, Max's estranged son. The green fields, rolling hills and sandy beaches of the West Country provide the perfect setting for crime, intrigue and mystery.
For lovers of Agatha Christie novels, Midsomer Murders, lovable pets and delicious food, the series offers a continuing supply of quick crime stories, each short enough to read in one sitting, as Libby solves a mixture of intriguing mysteries and uncovers the secrets of the past.
Two cyclists die on the Somerset Levels, and the Exham bakery gets the blame. Libby Forest runs into danger as she sets out to solve the mystery, save the bakery and rescue her career, helped by Bear, the enormous Carpathian Sheepdog, Fuzzy, an aloof marmalade cat and the handsome, secretive Max Ramshore.
Set in the coastal resort of Exham on Sea, Murder on the Levels features a cast of local characters, including Mandy the teenage Goth, her new boyfriend, Steve, Frank the baker and Detective Sergeant Joe Ramshore, Max's estranged son. The green fields, rolling hills and sandy beaches of the West Country provide the perfect setting for crime, intrigue and mystery.
For lovers of Agatha Christie novels, Midsomer Murders, lovable pets and delicious food, the series offers a continuing supply of quick crime stories, each short enough to read in one sitting, as Libby solves a mixture of intriguing mysteries and uncovers the secrets of the past.
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First published January 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
October 25, 2018
These are just plan weird stories. An incident occurs. Someone dies. It is murder. Leads develop, in all different ways until strings and paths are leading everywhere. And then suddenly our heroine is cornered by the villain (who, for anyone who has read more than two mysteries and more than one in this case, the reader instantly spotted)--her life is endangered. Someone intervenes--the heroine is saved. Villain arrested. Innocent soul released from jail. Dust hands together--case closed. And the way she just plops people in and out of the story with no lead in, no context--Jane is cooking supper. Who the hell is Jane and why is she cooking for the Dwarf? What??? I think, unless nosiness or boredom drive me to it, this is the last of encounters with Exham on Sea.
May 30, 2018
I didn’t particularly like the basic plot that Libby or the bakery are responsible for poisoning a cycling club, but as I quite liked Libby, Mandy and Bear from the previous book I decided to give it a go.
In the end the problem wasn’t with the plot, but with Libby. She hasn’t developed into the independent minded, sleuth I had hoped. At times she was a bit of a wimp and in the end the case was solved by accident.
In the end the problem wasn’t with the plot, but with Libby. She hasn’t developed into the independent minded, sleuth I had hoped. At times she was a bit of a wimp and in the end the case was solved by accident.
September 5, 2020
I went ahead and listened to another book in this series, after complaining that I didn’t like the narrator in the first one. The narrator wasn’t too bad in this one, not as stuffed up sounding. However, the author utterly ruined the main character. She pulled one TSTL stunt after another, had emotional freakouts like a hormonal teenager, jumped to conclusions all over the place, and made numerous just plain stupid decisions.
On the plus side, the audiobook was less than five hours so it wasn’t a huge waste of time, just about enough to mow the lawn. Bonus.
On the plus side, the audiobook was less than five hours so it wasn’t a huge waste of time, just about enough to mow the lawn. Bonus.
April 29, 2022
I liked better the first book, Murder at the Lighthouse but this one was ok. I want to read more. I like so much the writing style of Frances Evesham, the setting and that the main character is an "older" woman.
March 7, 2016
Reviewed by me as part of Rosie Amber's Review Team.
'Murder on the Levels' is a delightfully quirky cosy mystery by Frances Evesham set in the West Country.
The central character, Libby Forest, is warmly portrayed; a baker of cakes and chocolate-maker by profession, she is unwittingly drawn into a murder mystery and detective work, not for the first time.
I loved all the musical references, my favourite being Libby's recollection of her recorder playing at school being,
"a regular series of high-pitched squeals, like a dawn chorus of cats..."
There are poisoned cyclists, cars driven badly and much too fast, pets with definite opinions, an enigmatic love-interest called Max, and various characters we suspect are not as respectable as they seem, all contributing to an enormous web of mystery and humour. Like Mandy's tattoos, all is not as it seems, and when the resolution comes, it is as welcome as it is unexpected.
April 11, 2017
This one just didn't click with me as well as the first one.
March 27, 2018
Another goodie
Another interesting and well written cosy mystery. It's nice now and then to have a break from 'gritty' reality. Enjoyed it immensely
Another interesting and well written cosy mystery. It's nice now and then to have a break from 'gritty' reality. Enjoyed it immensely
December 29, 2020
This isn't the best one in the series, but the series is a good one to read. The characters get better in each book and the romance is a subtle part of the story but definitely there, no sex. You get to know just about everybody in the village as you read through these books. Each book draws more and more of the villagers into the circle and the ones you already know keep appearing. You, of course, get to know the pets, Bear and Shipley, as they occasionally take center stage in Max and Libby's lives. And there's always talk of cakes and chocolates as that's what Libby's initial line of work was. Recommended
Query: Have you found a better place for a cozy to take place than in an English village?
Query: Have you found a better place for a cozy to take place than in an English village?
December 27, 2020
After the first book in the Exham-on-Sea sequel, I had to start with book 2, which I read over Christmas. I'm really starting to enjoy to story of Libby, this time also dealing with the past, Max (are they going to stay friends or is there more), and of course Mandy, who gets a key role in this book. Shall I start book 3 right away or will I leave it till next year? I'm not sure if I can wait!
2020 Books #48
2020 Books #48
October 31, 2023
Like many British cozies, this has many hanging threads throughout that gets tied up at the end. Libby is finding out secrets about her deceased husband. Her friendship with Max is in flux and a killer is out there stalking her.
October 11, 2018
This series is quite enjoyable! Quick reads but entertaining with great characters and satisfying mysteries.
May 18, 2020
If you're in the mood for a mystery that's typically British, this is one of the best series I've read! Libby Forrest is a baker/chocolatier who is getting back on her feet after the death of her tyrant of a husband. With her children grown, the small village of Exham-on-Sea provides the perfect place for her to start over.
When she delivers lunch to a group of cyclists, catered by the bakery/sandwich shop she works at die from poisoning, Libby must discover who was the target and why. This becomes Libby and her partner in detecting, Max Ramshore's second case. With the mysterious Max, a Goth housemate a dog named Bear and a picky feline named Fuzzy, the next case in the tranquil village begins.
Libby is independent, kind, level- headed and determined. I loved the British influences on the book, characters, food and everyday life. It's truly a joy to read and I bought all the series that was available when I was halfway through the first book!
When she delivers lunch to a group of cyclists, catered by the bakery/sandwich shop she works at die from poisoning, Libby must discover who was the target and why. This becomes Libby and her partner in detecting, Max Ramshore's second case. With the mysterious Max, a Goth housemate a dog named Bear and a picky feline named Fuzzy, the next case in the tranquil village begins.
Libby is independent, kind, level- headed and determined. I loved the British influences on the book, characters, food and everyday life. It's truly a joy to read and I bought all the series that was available when I was halfway through the first book!
July 10, 2023
This mystery solved itself. Having a paranoid killer is pretty convenient as they blab it all before anyone really knows what's going on. I wish the author had mentioned the whole of Libby's family circle in the first book. We only read about a son before, and then a daughter pops into existence in this book. Although her presence seemed a bit flimsy at first, I liked how it served to entice Libby to look deeper into her dead husband's surprising work life. I look forward to learning more about all of that in future books. I also find it funny (in a friendly amused sort of way) that Libby's all "I'm independent! I'm independent!" and then when things get tough, she instantly changes her tune to "I wish Max was here. He'd know what to do." I know she doesn't add to women's lib or anything, but I like it because it shows the time and style in which she grew up and it's more realistic. Not every woman is determined to do and can do everything on her own, so not every heroine has to be that way. But she does put her foot down and insist on being treated as an equal partner etc. I think she holds her own pretty well for the most part, so she makes a nicely rounded out character in my mind.
September 23, 2021
After a group of cyclists are poisoned - two fatally - the bakery where Libby Forest works is implicated along with food she has prepared. So she sets off to discover the poisoners identity.
This the second in the Exham-on-Sea 'cosy' mysteries and it is good as an easy, unchallenging 'escapist' read.
I did enjoy it, but have to say there were some pretty glaring continuity issues with this book. In one passage a character orders a dessert of Spotted Dick, makes a couple of comments to the other person with them and then is described as 'scooping up the last of the custard'. Really!? That's fast service. Later in the book another character emails to say they will be off grid for several days but a later that day the person they emailed rings them and he tells them he will be back later in the day with no explanation of the the change. The plot became very convoluted and in the end the 'heroine' didn't so much as solve the crime as have it land in her lap.
Not sure I will be reading anymore in this series - bit too lightweight for me.
This the second in the Exham-on-Sea 'cosy' mysteries and it is good as an easy, unchallenging 'escapist' read.
I did enjoy it, but have to say there were some pretty glaring continuity issues with this book. In one passage a character orders a dessert of Spotted Dick, makes a couple of comments to the other person with them and then is described as 'scooping up the last of the custard'. Really!? That's fast service. Later in the book another character emails to say they will be off grid for several days but a later that day the person they emailed rings them and he tells them he will be back later in the day with no explanation of the the change. The plot became very convoluted and in the end the 'heroine' didn't so much as solve the crime as have it land in her lap.
Not sure I will be reading anymore in this series - bit too lightweight for me.
February 8, 2020
Libby Forrest is a baker and chocolate maker whose livlihood is threatened when an entire bicycling team are taken ill -- some die -- from what is determined to be digitalis (or something like it) in the sandwiches or cakes or chocolates they ate at the shop where she works. Not entirely trusting the police, she, of course, must do some investigating on her own.
Complicating things are further revelations of the extent of her deceased husband's "business interests" as well as her relationship with her daughter who's determined to head overseas with a young man doing peace corps type work. When the boyfriend of her young lodger is badly hurt in a hit and run reminiscent of the one that killed his uncle years ago, Libby begins to wonder if all these things are somehow connected.
Overall, there was maybe a bit too much complication. But the central mystery did resolve satisfactorily, while still leaving some threads to be picked at in future volumes of the series.
Complicating things are further revelations of the extent of her deceased husband's "business interests" as well as her relationship with her daughter who's determined to head overseas with a young man doing peace corps type work. When the boyfriend of her young lodger is badly hurt in a hit and run reminiscent of the one that killed his uncle years ago, Libby begins to wonder if all these things are somehow connected.
Overall, there was maybe a bit too much complication. But the central mystery did resolve satisfactorily, while still leaving some threads to be picked at in future volumes of the series.
February 10, 2023
Second in the series and I read them back to back. It seems like all the books are going to be short and I'm missing key developments in both mystery and Libby's personal life that could have brought more depth to the read. I spotted the murderer on first meet but Libby was completely sidelined (to her peril) until the very end. The mystery seems to be missing elements (likely because of the shorter word count) and so it doesn't progress in the satisfactory way I'm used to seeing in mysteries. Plus, Libby irked me in this book. She's in her fifties (maybe sixties?) but she acts like a hormonal teenager, especially when it comes to men. And she pulls some TSTL stunts that made the sleuthing frustrating. I am very intrigued by the backstory involving her deceased husband though, so I'll likely continue on with the series at some point down the road.
April 5, 2021
This was a fast read and a fun one too. When the cycling team gets poisoned after buying sandwiches and treats from the bakery (and two members die) Libby is feeling guilty as she made the food. She gets sick herself after eating a bite of Eccles cake. Her daughter Ali shows up to help out and announces she's leaving university to go volunteer in South America. Then Libby finds a bill of sale hidden in an old piece of furniture showing her dead husband had bought a house in Leeds. Max has been a little standoffish with her so she decides to investigate on her own with near disastrous results.
I like this series and will definitely read more.
I like this series and will definitely read more.
February 8, 2022
this book was so good! i don’t think it was better then the first one but and equal five stars!!
I loved the writing style again, and the plot was very intriguing. I will never understand how she can pack so much punch into such a small book.
the ending gave me chills and scared me! it was so good especially that final scene. I loved the character development and the twists and turns throughout. Like when we thought it was one person at the end but turned out to be another!
I wish there was more Max and bear but i’m sure that will be in the books to come. What a cracker of a book, definately did not disappoint and nothing was left out. Onto the third one!!
Happy reading my friends 📖 📚
I loved the writing style again, and the plot was very intriguing. I will never understand how she can pack so much punch into such a small book.
the ending gave me chills and scared me! it was so good especially that final scene. I loved the character development and the twists and turns throughout. Like when we thought it was one person at the end but turned out to be another!
I wish there was more Max and bear but i’m sure that will be in the books to come. What a cracker of a book, definately did not disappoint and nothing was left out. Onto the third one!!
Happy reading my friends 📖 📚
April 10, 2021
Once again, a most enjoyable mystery story with the villain’s identity quite difficult to be sure of until the end. Red herrings put me off the scent; means, motive and opportunity were cleverly woven through the story, culminating in a most satisfying way at the final denouement. Layers of Libby’s life were gradually exposed, allowing the reader to discover, along with Libby herself, surprises from her previous life. The characters were further developed, allowing the reader to feel a part of Exham on Sea life. I highly recommend this series.
June 17, 2021
I read book one of this series earlier this year and really enjoyed it so I thought I'd pick up book two. I liked it just as much as the first one. Both books are short but they do not leaving me unsatisfied. Although not filled with as many humorous and quirky characters as MC Beaton's series, I feel similarly about them - short, easy and entertaining reads that I like to refer to as reading truffles. Sweet little treats that are satisfying but not overwhelming. There are several more books in this series and I plan to read them all.
October 4, 2021
Two cyclists die and several others are sick to their stomachs after Libby delivers sandwiches and chocolates from Frank's bakery. When Frank is arrested. Libby must try to solve the crime. Then Mandy's friend Steve is injured by a hit and run. What reason could someone have to hurt Steve. Libby is getting more interested in Max, and realizes he is probably with MI5 or MI6. Unfortunately, Libby has decided the wrong person is the guilty one, and she is almost killed. This is a fun, clever mystery.
May 7, 2017
Poison, on purpose?
Libby still struggles to realize her dream of her own shop while she works for Frank,the lo cal baker. She finds herself with a temporary young " roommate", Mandy, who has her own problems. And her on again, off again relationship with and his dog Bear continues while Libby investigates the poisoning after many and death of two. A pleasant read that keeps the readers interest.
Libby still struggles to realize her dream of her own shop while she works for Frank,the lo cal baker. She finds herself with a temporary young " roommate", Mandy, who has her own problems. And her on again, off again relationship with and his dog Bear continues while Libby investigates the poisoning after many and death of two. A pleasant read that keeps the readers interest.
August 7, 2019
Very enjoyable cosy (spelt properly- yay!) murder mystery. Libby is on the case again with her sidekick MI6 agent (yes that's a bit far fetched) but it sort of works. The books are not meant to be taken seriously. A poisoner is on the loose and Libby made the sandwiches! She does tend to "bite her lip" quite a lot so must be very sore come the end of the book.
Needless to say it all works out in the end but will Libby ever get her new bathroom?
Needless to say it all works out in the end but will Libby ever get her new bathroom?
April 2, 2021
Well written and evenly paced
I found this book well written and well paced, but I do find it unsettling that the conclusion came as the killer, who was not a suspect up to this point, just walks in and explains what he did and why he did it - whilst trying to kill the main chracter. I know twist endings are often very good, but it should be possible to look back and see clues that have been missed . I could not do that with this book.
I found this book well written and well paced, but I do find it unsettling that the conclusion came as the killer, who was not a suspect up to this point, just walks in and explains what he did and why he did it - whilst trying to kill the main chracter. I know twist endings are often very good, but it should be possible to look back and see clues that have been missed . I could not do that with this book.
November 17, 2022
This isn't as strong as the last three in the series which I listened to first and really enjoyed. But I did enjoy listening to the first one and this one and learning the back stories of the characters I encountered in the later books.
This is also rather short like the first book. The later ones are longer. Since I can listen to this series for free on Hoopla I will continue. The fact that Frances Evesham's books are absent of graphic scenes or ugly language is a MUCH welcome bonus.
This is also rather short like the first book. The later ones are longer. Since I can listen to this series for free on Hoopla I will continue. The fact that Frances Evesham's books are absent of graphic scenes or ugly language is a MUCH welcome bonus.
January 25, 2023
Book # 2 in the Exham-on-Sea Mysteries. Poison raises its ugly head in this one when the local cycling club become victims of poison, resulting in two deaths. The bakery where Libby works, having provided the lunch for the cyclist, is shut down. With all the bakery employees and owner Joe under suspicion, Libby is determined to get to the bottom of things. One again Libby teams up with Max, Bear, Shipley and Fuzzy the cat.
September 5, 2024
This book has you wondering what is going on. Libby works at a bakery who is now under suspicion of killing two people. But we don't get to see how the owner of the bakery is going through and even with Libby and Mandy that is going around in circles. We have Max who comes and goes. Libby then gets a surprise that her daughter has left college and now heading for South America. This book is a little interesting but confusing.
August 10, 2019
Another twisty mystery!
I enjoyed Libby sorting out another mystery and discovering some disturbing new from her husbands past. A group of cyclists is poisoned by sandwiches made at Franks bakery and Libby knows he didn’t do it. She must find the clues the police can’t seem to unearth and clear Franks name.
I enjoyed Libby sorting out another mystery and discovering some disturbing new from her husbands past. A group of cyclists is poisoned by sandwiches made at Franks bakery and Libby knows he didn’t do it. She must find the clues the police can’t seem to unearth and clear Franks name.
February 22, 2020
Immense Fun
This is the perfect cozy. A quaint town in Somerset, an engaging heroine, a plot just complex enough to keep you interested but not so convoluted as to tax your brain. Just the thing for a curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea. Perfect for fans of Miss Marple and Midsommer Murders. I am a fan who will read through the series for sure.
This is the perfect cozy. A quaint town in Somerset, an engaging heroine, a plot just complex enough to keep you interested but not so convoluted as to tax your brain. Just the thing for a curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea. Perfect for fans of Miss Marple and Midsommer Murders. I am a fan who will read through the series for sure.
July 11, 2020
Very short, quick read. When two members of a local cycling club die after eating sandwiches from the bakery where Libby works, she naturally becomes involved in the investigation, especially since she delivered the food, and even ate a little bit, suffering from apparent food poisoning herself. Though most of the clues seem to point in one direction, I guessed at least part of the true motive.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews