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Dreaming Spires Romantic Mysteries #1
The Lying Game
SHE SERVED HER TIME, NOW SHE WANTS TO FIND THE REAL KILLER
Oriana Foster spent thirteen years in prison for a murder she didn't commit.
Now she’s out and returns to her home village in Oxfordshire. She has one goal: to find the real killer of Rollo Seton.
While inside, a mysterious benefactor has put £2 million in trust for her. She uses the money to buy the Manor House in Nether Dene, the tiny village she grew up in.
THE VILLAGE DOESN’T WANT HER BACK
She hires Connor O'Dell, a good-looking bodyguard. He’s there in case things get rough. But it's Lowell Seton, the younger brother of Rollo and the love of Oriana's life, who quickly becomes the greatest danger . . . to her heart.
And when Connor falls for Mercedes Seton, Oriana's former best friend, things threaten to totally fall apart.
THE REAL KILLER WILL STRIKE AGAIN TO PROTECT THEIR SECRETS
Oriana Foster spent thirteen years in prison for a murder she didn't commit.
Now she’s out and returns to her home village in Oxfordshire. She has one goal: to find the real killer of Rollo Seton.
While inside, a mysterious benefactor has put £2 million in trust for her. She uses the money to buy the Manor House in Nether Dene, the tiny village she grew up in.
THE VILLAGE DOESN’T WANT HER BACK
She hires Connor O'Dell, a good-looking bodyguard. He’s there in case things get rough. But it's Lowell Seton, the younger brother of Rollo and the love of Oriana's life, who quickly becomes the greatest danger . . . to her heart.
And when Connor falls for Mercedes Seton, Oriana's former best friend, things threaten to totally fall apart.
THE REAL KILLER WILL STRIKE AGAIN TO PROTECT THEIR SECRETS
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
About the author
Maxine Barry
40 books25 followersRomance author Maxine Barry is a pen name of English author Jacquie Walton. She also writes mystery novels under the pen names Joyce Cato, Jessie Daniels and Faith Martin.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 24, 2026
3 Stars
One Liner: Nice premise; it should have been fleshed out
Oriana Foster returns home to her village thirteen years after she left with her heart broken. She bought the Manor House no one wants. It belonged to the same family that played a role in sending her away. She has a simple plan. She’d buy the house using the fortune from an anonymous benefactor, stay low, find out what really happened on the night Rollo Seton died, and clear her name. Then, she’d leave.
Lowell Seton, Rollo’s younger brother, is convinced Oriana is guilty and will do anything to get back his family home.
Neither of them guessed that their teenage spark would still be strong. Can Oriana find out what happened before the killer strikes again?
The story is told in third-person POVs.
My Thoughts
The premise was rather good, promising a mystery and romance set in a village. The bare bones are nice enough, but since this is a novella, the plot moves quickly.
At the same time, the writing style has an old-world charm that makes the book sound like a historical read. In a way, it is, since there are no mobile phones and such. The narration is slower, but the story moves fast. This combination doesn’t always work, but it flows well once you get used to it.
I don’t know why the premise was limited to a smaller book when it would have worked better as a full-length novel. Instead of being told things about the past and the mystery, we could have seen it in some detail. This would have added the needed depth to the plot and the characters.
The book has two love stories (for the price of one), which is cute. Always happy to get something extra from the deal. The spice is 1.5, maybe, so it is not very detailed.
The third-person POVs are almost omnipresent but also jump from one head to another. Nora Roberts uses the same style, but I know it may or may not suit every reader.
The mystery isn’t really strong because there is not enough space for it to unfurl naturally. My guess was right, though I had to wait to find out the reason. Aligns with the plotline, so that’s a bonus.
To summarize, The Cotswold Manor Mystery has some good moments and is built on a solid premise. I really wish it were expanded into a bigger novel. I’m sure I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours and Joffee Books for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
One Liner: Nice premise; it should have been fleshed out
Oriana Foster returns home to her village thirteen years after she left with her heart broken. She bought the Manor House no one wants. It belonged to the same family that played a role in sending her away. She has a simple plan. She’d buy the house using the fortune from an anonymous benefactor, stay low, find out what really happened on the night Rollo Seton died, and clear her name. Then, she’d leave.
Lowell Seton, Rollo’s younger brother, is convinced Oriana is guilty and will do anything to get back his family home.
Neither of them guessed that their teenage spark would still be strong. Can Oriana find out what happened before the killer strikes again?
The story is told in third-person POVs.
My Thoughts
The premise was rather good, promising a mystery and romance set in a village. The bare bones are nice enough, but since this is a novella, the plot moves quickly.
At the same time, the writing style has an old-world charm that makes the book sound like a historical read. In a way, it is, since there are no mobile phones and such. The narration is slower, but the story moves fast. This combination doesn’t always work, but it flows well once you get used to it.
I don’t know why the premise was limited to a smaller book when it would have worked better as a full-length novel. Instead of being told things about the past and the mystery, we could have seen it in some detail. This would have added the needed depth to the plot and the characters.
The book has two love stories (for the price of one), which is cute. Always happy to get something extra from the deal. The spice is 1.5, maybe, so it is not very detailed.
The third-person POVs are almost omnipresent but also jump from one head to another. Nora Roberts uses the same style, but I know it may or may not suit every reader.
The mystery isn’t really strong because there is not enough space for it to unfurl naturally. My guess was right, though I had to wait to find out the reason. Aligns with the plotline, so that’s a bonus.
To summarize, The Cotswold Manor Mystery has some good moments and is built on a solid premise. I really wish it were expanded into a bigger novel. I’m sure I would have enjoyed it a lot more.
My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours and Joffee Books for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
May 4, 2020
Oh dear, I was so hopeful this would be as good as the Hilary Greene steries. It started off really well then got more ridiculous as the story progressed. Heaving bosoms, swelling trousers, lustful looks, virginity kept for a long lost love... really? It was very easy to spot the killer early on but the crime faded into insignificance under all the lust! I've never read a mills and boon but I've a feeling it's in the same short of catagory and not for me.
April 9, 2020
This is a romantic suspense by Maxine Barry (aka Faith Martin)
Oriana has been in prison for 13 years after being found guilty of a murder she didn't commit. The story begins with her being released and she begins her mission to find the real murderer.
It is rare that a genre fits a book perfectly but romantic suspense is the perfect fit for The Lying Game. As Oriana employs a bodyguard, Connor, and begins her investigation the reader becomes gripped by the relationships, love, hate and revenge that all play a part in this book.
I liked Oriana from the start she could be embittered by her experience after all she was only 16 when she went to trial so she has lost her teenage years but she comes accross as a person who accepts the hand fate has dealt and regroups to pick up the pieces. One of those pieces is a large amount of money left in trust for her by an unknown benefactor. This unexpected windfall gives her the means to put her plan into action with nothing standing in the way.
Mercedes and Lowell are brother and sister and both were very good friends with Oriana until the fateful day that their brother Rollo was killed and Oriana charged with his murder. Mercedes and Lowell have every reason to hate Oriana but when they come face to face with her they both realise they are now unconvinced of her guilt.
The story moves along and the relationships become entangled with Connor and Mercedes unable to deny the chemistry between them. Lowell and Oriana the couple that should have been but never was and then there is Lowell's girlfriend to add in to the mix.
A very intriguing pageturner.
Oriana has been in prison for 13 years after being found guilty of a murder she didn't commit. The story begins with her being released and she begins her mission to find the real murderer.
It is rare that a genre fits a book perfectly but romantic suspense is the perfect fit for The Lying Game. As Oriana employs a bodyguard, Connor, and begins her investigation the reader becomes gripped by the relationships, love, hate and revenge that all play a part in this book.
I liked Oriana from the start she could be embittered by her experience after all she was only 16 when she went to trial so she has lost her teenage years but she comes accross as a person who accepts the hand fate has dealt and regroups to pick up the pieces. One of those pieces is a large amount of money left in trust for her by an unknown benefactor. This unexpected windfall gives her the means to put her plan into action with nothing standing in the way.
Mercedes and Lowell are brother and sister and both were very good friends with Oriana until the fateful day that their brother Rollo was killed and Oriana charged with his murder. Mercedes and Lowell have every reason to hate Oriana but when they come face to face with her they both realise they are now unconvinced of her guilt.
The story moves along and the relationships become entangled with Connor and Mercedes unable to deny the chemistry between them. Lowell and Oriana the couple that should have been but never was and then there is Lowell's girlfriend to add in to the mix.
A very intriguing pageturner.
April 22, 2021
Oriana Foster has been released from jail after serving 13 years for a murder she did not commit. Now with a secret inheritance she intends to expose the real killer.
An enjoyable crime story though more romance than I actually like in a crime story
An enjoyable crime story though more romance than I actually like in a crime story
April 10, 2020
The lying game by Faith Martin writing as Maxine Barry.
Oriana Foster is released from prison thirteen years after being jailed for a murder she didn’t commit. She returns to her home village in Oxfordshire determined to discover the real killer of her boyfriend Rollo Seton. With a secret fortune from an unknown benefactor, and protection by rough and ready bodyguard, Connor O’Dell, Oriana sets out to uncover the truth about the night that Rollo died.
Things get more complicated when Oriana comes face to face with Rollo’s brother, who was the real love of her life, and Connor falls for her former best friend, Mercedes Seton. Meanwhile, could Rollo’s murderer be plotting to claim another victim?
This was a very good read. I do like Faith Martin. Although this one she is using Maxine Barry. I liked some of the characters. I liked the story. 4*.
Oriana Foster is released from prison thirteen years after being jailed for a murder she didn’t commit. She returns to her home village in Oxfordshire determined to discover the real killer of her boyfriend Rollo Seton. With a secret fortune from an unknown benefactor, and protection by rough and ready bodyguard, Connor O’Dell, Oriana sets out to uncover the truth about the night that Rollo died.
Things get more complicated when Oriana comes face to face with Rollo’s brother, who was the real love of her life, and Connor falls for her former best friend, Mercedes Seton. Meanwhile, could Rollo’s murderer be plotting to claim another victim?
This was a very good read. I do like Faith Martin. Although this one she is using Maxine Barry. I liked some of the characters. I liked the story. 4*.
February 21, 2021
We have an about to be released prisoner who, of course, is innocent. Returning to her home locality she meets up with her best friend, Mercedes and her best friend's brother, Lowell. A bodyguard is hired who has a habit of taking off when things are about to happen. Although there is no real indication as to who the real killer is until quite well through the book, I did guess their identify almost from their first appearance. It's the first time in a while that a story has caught my interest quite as early as this one did but having said that there are few surprises and much of the plot is predictable. At one point there is an attack at a birthday party but I couldn't work out what the attacker hoped to achieve by it.
April 6, 2020
More a 3.5. I read this as I had love Faith Martin’s Hillary Greene series of mysteries. This too is written by her under the name of Maxine Barry and the mystery aspect is an intriguing plot. This book has too much of a romance component for me, which seems an interruption in the forward movement of the plot.
August 10, 2024
I enjoyed the mystery but not the sex scenes in this story (but that's personal preference...I skipped over those). The characters were well-defined and suited the plot. There was tension and suspense that enhanced the plot.
A good start to the series in the box set I have.
A good start to the series in the box set I have.
April 19, 2020
Ok but predictable
August 26, 2026
Here’s my review for The Cotswold Manor Mystery by Maxine Barry
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this British mystery that is set in Nether Dene, a small village in Oxfordshire. Oriana Foster was accused of murdering Rollo Seton thirteen years ago and sent to prison. She has now returned to prove her innocence and try to find who did kill Rollo. She has been left some money by a benefactor so uses some of that to buy The Manor House. Lowell Seton is seething when he learns that she is back, he's still convinced she's guilty. Will she find the person responsible after all these years? Is she in danger?
I thought this was an intriguing story that was so easy to get into that I was hooked right from the first page. It was fast paced and very hard to put down. The author sets the scene really well. The story was very descriptive and everything was described in great detail. The characters were intriguing, well described and well thought out. Oriana was a great character which I grew to like as I read the story. The story was well written, superbly plotted and brilliantly thought out.
Synopsis :
Welcome to Nether Dene — the cosy English village where a crumbling manor, a long-buried secret and a second chance at first love are about to collide . . .
Discover multi-million bestselling author Faith Martin writing romantic mysteries as Maxine Barry.
Thirteen years ago, Oriana Foster left the Cotswold village that changed her life and broke her heart.
Now she's back. With a fortune from an anonymous benefactor and the keys to the crumbling Manor House.
But she hasn't come home for roses around the door. She's come for the truth.
Because she didn’t kill Rollo Seton. But somebody in this pretty little village knows who did.
What she didn’t count on was Lowell. Rollo’s younger brother. Her first love . . . who’s convinced she’s guilty.
Yet as the summer stretches long and golden, neither can pretend the old spark has gone out.
But someone in Nether Dene has kept a secret for thirteen years. And they’ll do anything to keep it buried.
Can Oriana uncover the truth before the killer strikes again . . . and possibly get a second chance at love?
This cosy romantic mystery with a killer hidden in plain sight is perfect for readers who adore a charming English village, a swoony slow-burn romance and a murderous twist they’ll never see coming.
For fans of R.L. Killmore’s Cinnamon Falls Mysteries, Nora Roberts, Catherine Cowles, Claire Kingsley, Elle Cosimano and Pretty Little Liars.
This book was previously published as The Lying Game.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this British mystery that is set in Nether Dene, a small village in Oxfordshire. Oriana Foster was accused of murdering Rollo Seton thirteen years ago and sent to prison. She has now returned to prove her innocence and try to find who did kill Rollo. She has been left some money by a benefactor so uses some of that to buy The Manor House. Lowell Seton is seething when he learns that she is back, he's still convinced she's guilty. Will she find the person responsible after all these years? Is she in danger?
I thought this was an intriguing story that was so easy to get into that I was hooked right from the first page. It was fast paced and very hard to put down. The author sets the scene really well. The story was very descriptive and everything was described in great detail. The characters were intriguing, well described and well thought out. Oriana was a great character which I grew to like as I read the story. The story was well written, superbly plotted and brilliantly thought out.
Synopsis :
Welcome to Nether Dene — the cosy English village where a crumbling manor, a long-buried secret and a second chance at first love are about to collide . . .
Discover multi-million bestselling author Faith Martin writing romantic mysteries as Maxine Barry.
Thirteen years ago, Oriana Foster left the Cotswold village that changed her life and broke her heart.
Now she's back. With a fortune from an anonymous benefactor and the keys to the crumbling Manor House.
But she hasn't come home for roses around the door. She's come for the truth.
Because she didn’t kill Rollo Seton. But somebody in this pretty little village knows who did.
What she didn’t count on was Lowell. Rollo’s younger brother. Her first love . . . who’s convinced she’s guilty.
Yet as the summer stretches long and golden, neither can pretend the old spark has gone out.
But someone in Nether Dene has kept a secret for thirteen years. And they’ll do anything to keep it buried.
Can Oriana uncover the truth before the killer strikes again . . . and possibly get a second chance at love?
This cosy romantic mystery with a killer hidden in plain sight is perfect for readers who adore a charming English village, a swoony slow-burn romance and a murderous twist they’ll never see coming.
For fans of R.L. Killmore’s Cinnamon Falls Mysteries, Nora Roberts, Catherine Cowles, Claire Kingsley, Elle Cosimano and Pretty Little Liars.
This book was previously published as The Lying Game.
August 20, 2026
This is the first book in the Dreaming Spires Romantic Mystery series and my first read by this author.
I love a good cosy mystery and if there a romance thrown in there too, all the better.
Now, although I don't read blurbs before reading the book, I did spot the tropes for this and I loved this whole mix up and couldn't wait to dive in.
I loved that we follow this over multiple pov's and also over a dual timeline.
We meet Oriana as she's being released from prison after serving 13 years for the murder of he told friend Rollo.
She's always maintained her innocence despite even her best friends not believing her.
As she leaves, she learns that an anonymous benefactor has left her a fortune, including the manor house back where she used to live and so she returns and decides that she can prove her innocence and rekindle old friendships.
It was great to see this story unfold gradually over the dual timeline.
Each piece of information dropping into place and I couldn't help but try and make my own theories about who and what happened.
The mystery kept me guessing and I really liked the added romance elements that kept the story flowing and progressing nicely.
I really liked Oriana and was rooting for her to be able to solve the case as well as hoping that her friends would let her back into their lives again.
This was an easy read and I really flew through it needing to know how things would end.
Now, I'm looking forward to seeing how the series continues and can't wait to read book 2.
I love a good cosy mystery and if there a romance thrown in there too, all the better.
Now, although I don't read blurbs before reading the book, I did spot the tropes for this and I loved this whole mix up and couldn't wait to dive in.
I loved that we follow this over multiple pov's and also over a dual timeline.
We meet Oriana as she's being released from prison after serving 13 years for the murder of he told friend Rollo.
She's always maintained her innocence despite even her best friends not believing her.
As she leaves, she learns that an anonymous benefactor has left her a fortune, including the manor house back where she used to live and so she returns and decides that she can prove her innocence and rekindle old friendships.
It was great to see this story unfold gradually over the dual timeline.
Each piece of information dropping into place and I couldn't help but try and make my own theories about who and what happened.
The mystery kept me guessing and I really liked the added romance elements that kept the story flowing and progressing nicely.
I really liked Oriana and was rooting for her to be able to solve the case as well as hoping that her friends would let her back into their lives again.
This was an easy read and I really flew through it needing to know how things would end.
Now, I'm looking forward to seeing how the series continues and can't wait to read book 2.
September 10, 2026
This was such an engaging romantic suspense read. Oriana’s story immediately pulled me in after spending thirteen years in prison for a murder she didn’t commit, she returns to her old village determined to clear her name and uncover the truth.
Krianna could have been bitter after losing so much of her youth, but instead she comes across as strong and determined to rebuild her life. The inheritance from a mysterious benefactor gave her the means to take control, and I loved how she used it to face the past head‑on.
The relationships in the book added so much depth. Seeing Oriana reconnect with Lowell and Mercedes, who were once her closest friends but also tied to the tragedy, created tension and emotion.
The mystery was well‑plotted. The locked room detail, the family secrets, and the shifting loyalties kept me guessing.
What I enjoyed most was how the book blended suspense with romance.
Krianna could have been bitter after losing so much of her youth, but instead she comes across as strong and determined to rebuild her life. The inheritance from a mysterious benefactor gave her the means to take control, and I loved how she used it to face the past head‑on.
The relationships in the book added so much depth. Seeing Oriana reconnect with Lowell and Mercedes, who were once her closest friends but also tied to the tragedy, created tension and emotion.
The mystery was well‑plotted. The locked room detail, the family secrets, and the shifting loyalties kept me guessing.
What I enjoyed most was how the book blended suspense with romance.
August 21, 2026
Mystery AND romance? Count me in! This book starts off quickly as you step into Oriana’s Foster’s life as it stands today, 13 years after being convicted of murder. But the real question remains- did she actually do it!? Oriana is on a mission to prove her innocence and maybe even gain back the love of her life. Could both things be possible? Will she need the bodyguard/pretend boyfriend she hires? Is she actually in danger?
This book pops back and forth between about 4-5 POVs and I appreciate that we didn’t have to wait a whole chapter to switch to what someone else was doing. As long as you pay attention, it’s easy to keep up. The book moves quickly and I will say, I stayed up well past my bedtime just to find out how it would end.
It’s a quality cosy mystery with about 2/5 peppers of spice. If you’re on the hunt for a quick mystery- this is your next read.
This book pops back and forth between about 4-5 POVs and I appreciate that we didn’t have to wait a whole chapter to switch to what someone else was doing. As long as you pay attention, it’s easy to keep up. The book moves quickly and I will say, I stayed up well past my bedtime just to find out how it would end.
It’s a quality cosy mystery with about 2/5 peppers of spice. If you’re on the hunt for a quick mystery- this is your next read.
September 1, 2026
I don't usually read romance books, but this was rather different, as there was a good mystery to solve as well.
It's a well written, gripping, storyline and plot, with great descriptive and strong characters.
I was captured rom the start and just had to read till finished.
It kept me guessing all the way through. There are revelations and many a twist and turn.
I look forward to reading book 2.
I hadn't realised till the end, that it was Faith Martin, writing as Maxine Barry. I do love Faith Martin's books, so no wonder I enjoyed this one.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased review.
It's a well written, gripping, storyline and plot, with great descriptive and strong characters.
I was captured rom the start and just had to read till finished.
It kept me guessing all the way through. There are revelations and many a twist and turn.
I look forward to reading book 2.
I hadn't realised till the end, that it was Faith Martin, writing as Maxine Barry. I do love Faith Martin's books, so no wonder I enjoyed this one.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased review.
August 19, 2026
Thank you for the ARC of this Joffe books. Firstly: I really enjoyed it, it’s a solid, predictable romance with a decent plot to keep the story moving. I particularly liked the opening when our heroine is released from prison to discover she has inherited millions and a beautiful house in the Cotswolds- from a mysterious benefactor! Only as the plot unravels do we discover the backstory and the characters who informed her past and, eventually, her future. A really satisfy,ING read with characters to love and to hate. My only slight issue is that by the middle of Chapter one I was absolutely sure I’d read this book before- you don’t forget a name like Oriana easily, nor a prisoner inheriting millions. So, my only very slight caveat is that if you buy this - and it’s a great read- just check you haven’t already got it under a different title…possibly Manor House Mystery or similar.
August 26, 2026
The Cotswold Manor Mystery - Maxine
Barry
I loved the way the author captured the scene for this murder/mystery. I really felt as if I was in the Manor set in a cosy village.
I was hooked from the first few pages as Oriana was released from prison after 13 years for a murder she didn't commit.
As the story unfolds we meet some new characters and then it starts to heat up with a really good mystery involved between all the characters.
It's a slow burn with enemies to lovers theme, second chance romance and found friendship.
Barry
I loved the way the author captured the scene for this murder/mystery. I really felt as if I was in the Manor set in a cosy village.
I was hooked from the first few pages as Oriana was released from prison after 13 years for a murder she didn't commit.
As the story unfolds we meet some new characters and then it starts to heat up with a really good mystery involved between all the characters.
It's a slow burn with enemies to lovers theme, second chance romance and found friendship.
August 19, 2026
Oriana Foster has spent the last thirteen years in prison, convicted for the murder of Rollo Seton. She insists she is innocent and on her release, with the help of a mysterious benefactor, sets out to prove it. She moves back to the village where it all happened, bringing her back into the lives of her two best friend from back then, Rollo’s siblings Mercedes and Lowell, who both believed in her guilt. Can she prove her innocence and rekindle the relationships of the past?
This book is a romantic mystery, and I will say from the outset that this is not my usual genre - the mystery part, maybe, but not the romantic part. However, that said, I did enjoy it. It’s a bit kitschy, and the mystery quite easy to work out, but it’s an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
This book is a romantic mystery, and I will say from the outset that this is not my usual genre - the mystery part, maybe, but not the romantic part. However, that said, I did enjoy it. It’s a bit kitschy, and the mystery quite easy to work out, but it’s an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
August 20, 2026
This was a relatively short but very appealing story, full of fascinating characters and descriptive narrative.
It features Oriana and some close friends from her past when she returns to the village she left thirteen years ago, in order to try to discover what really happened in the past.
She is also anxious to clear her name.
The introduction of an apparent boyfriend in turn brings romance for her long lost best friend, and the whole story has delightful aspects as well as the mystery of the past events.
Despite the darker elements, this is a lovely narrative and very enjoyable.
It features Oriana and some close friends from her past when she returns to the village she left thirteen years ago, in order to try to discover what really happened in the past.
She is also anxious to clear her name.
The introduction of an apparent boyfriend in turn brings romance for her long lost best friend, and the whole story has delightful aspects as well as the mystery of the past events.
Despite the darker elements, this is a lovely narrative and very enjoyable.
August 22, 2026
The Cotswold Manor Mystery by Maxine Barry
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Such a cosy thriller
I loved Oriana! Willed her to get her "happy ever after"
We join Oriana when she is released from prison and finds she has inherited £2.5 million for an anonymous person. She then enbarks on clearing her name, having been in prison for a murder she didnt commit
I did work out who, but not the why!
This book is one to add to your TBR list!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Such a cosy thriller
I loved Oriana! Willed her to get her "happy ever after"
We join Oriana when she is released from prison and finds she has inherited £2.5 million for an anonymous person. She then enbarks on clearing her name, having been in prison for a murder she didnt commit
I did work out who, but not the why!
This book is one to add to your TBR list!!!
August 26, 2026
‘The Cotswold Manor Mystery’ was a really enjoyable read for me. I found the storyline fascinating as there was a lot of drama, romance & spice, the combination of these made for a fun and engaging mystery. It was lovely reading a book so local to me as it helped me immerse myself into the book.
If you’re a fan of lighthearted cosy mysteries with a bit of drama and spice then add this to your TBR
If you’re a fan of lighthearted cosy mysteries with a bit of drama and spice then add this to your TBR
August 27, 2026
As soon as I started reading I was gripped, Oriana (love that name) is being released from prison, we don't know what she did or anything more.
I loved the slow burn feel with each page we learnt more, introduced to new characters and drip fed a nugget of information.
It certainly kept me guessing as to what was going to happen, loved the style of this writing and storyline.
Great read cannot wait for book 3 in this series.
I loved the slow burn feel with each page we learnt more, introduced to new characters and drip fed a nugget of information.
It certainly kept me guessing as to what was going to happen, loved the style of this writing and storyline.
Great read cannot wait for book 3 in this series.
September 13, 2026
One of the most cosiest reads you will ever read
Oriana comes back to the village that hurt her, buying the old manor house, and trying to clear herself and her name after all these years.
I absolutely love cozy reads so this one gripped me from the beginning. The slow-burn romance with Lowell feels so real and charming, the mystery kept me thinking until the very end.
Perfect mix of secrets, heart and cosiness
I thoroughly enjoyed reading
Oriana comes back to the village that hurt her, buying the old manor house, and trying to clear herself and her name after all these years.
I absolutely love cozy reads so this one gripped me from the beginning. The slow-burn romance with Lowell feels so real and charming, the mystery kept me thinking until the very end.
Perfect mix of secrets, heart and cosiness
I thoroughly enjoyed reading
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4 stars for me.
After serving thirteen years in prison for a murder she didn't committed,Oriana is back in Cotswold Manor to prove her innocence.There's still a lot of people who don't believe her,but now with a money from anonymous donor she hopefully get her justice.
If Oriana didn't kill Rollo,then who did and frame her?
It was a great mystery with romance.I really liked Oriana,she was a geniunely a nice person,and I had a hard time to guess who will want her to take blame.Told from few POV the story was interesting,painful,filled with secrets and romance.Glad I got a chance to read it early,yet another author to my list that I enjoyed.
If you looking for a mystery filled with romance and forgiveness I would recommend this one.
Thank you Joffe Books for arc,my review is honest and my own.
After serving thirteen years in prison for a murder she didn't committed,Oriana is back in Cotswold Manor to prove her innocence.There's still a lot of people who don't believe her,but now with a money from anonymous donor she hopefully get her justice.
If Oriana didn't kill Rollo,then who did and frame her?
It was a great mystery with romance.I really liked Oriana,she was a geniunely a nice person,and I had a hard time to guess who will want her to take blame.Told from few POV the story was interesting,painful,filled with secrets and romance.Glad I got a chance to read it early,yet another author to my list that I enjoyed.
If you looking for a mystery filled with romance and forgiveness I would recommend this one.
Thank you Joffe Books for arc,my review is honest and my own.
August 22, 2026
This cosy crime book ticked all the boxes for me! A gentle crime, a well constructed plot, a romance, what more could you ask for? The plot was unusual and believable as were the characters. I really enjoyed how Oriana and Lowell's romance was a slow burn for them, although very guess able to a reader. Curl up with this and enjoy!
August 19, 2026
A lovely second chance romance with a twisty murder mystery thrown in. Brilliant!
The story opens with a timid young Oriana Foster taking her first steps of freedom after
thirteen years in prison. She was gaoled for a crime she didn’t commit, nobody believed her
at the time of her trial but now she has a mysterious benefactor. Can she prove her
innocence? To do that she has to return to the scene and face the victims brother who is
also the secret love of her life.
A brilliant story line with great characters, this will captivates and thrill from page one
The story opens with a timid young Oriana Foster taking her first steps of freedom after
thirteen years in prison. She was gaoled for a crime she didn’t commit, nobody believed her
at the time of her trial but now she has a mysterious benefactor. Can she prove her
innocence? To do that she has to return to the scene and face the victims brother who is
also the secret love of her life.
A brilliant story line with great characters, this will captivates and thrill from page one
October 4, 2026
An intriguing plot
Complimented by well crafted characters topped off with just enough plot twists to keep the reader engaged and guessing make this a fun read. It will be interesting to see which direction future books in the series will take.
Complimented by well crafted characters topped off with just enough plot twists to keep the reader engaged and guessing make this a fun read. It will be interesting to see which direction future books in the series will take.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A cosy and thrilling mystery romance that turned out to be SO much more than I expected.
The mystery kept me guessing, but it was the deeply emotional love story that really captured me.
I loved the traditional, romantic feel of the relationship and the way the intimate scenes were connected to the characters' emotional journey.
I wanted to read faster because I needed to know, but I also wanted to savour the story.
I absolutely loved this one!
To read my full spoiler-free review, check out my blog MoMoBookDiary.
The mystery kept me guessing, but it was the deeply emotional love story that really captured me.
I loved the traditional, romantic feel of the relationship and the way the intimate scenes were connected to the characters' emotional journey.
I wanted to read faster because I needed to know, but I also wanted to savour the story.
I absolutely loved this one!
To read my full spoiler-free review, check out my blog MoMoBookDiary.
August 30, 2026
Loved this book!
I read this book quicker than any other in a long time. Very fast paced and riveting from start to finish.
I read this book quicker than any other in a long time. Very fast paced and riveting from start to finish.
August 31, 2026
Very old school
It’s an easy reading and entertaining, but full of cliches. Felt really old school, like novels from the 80’s. Let’s see what the rest of the series brings…
It’s an easy reading and entertaining, but full of cliches. Felt really old school, like novels from the 80’s. Let’s see what the rest of the series brings…
September 3, 2026
A good plot but not as good as the authors other detective series
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