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A Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery #6
Perished by a Painting
PERISHED BY A PAINTING (A LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY—BOOK 6) is book six in a charming new cozy mystery series which begins with MURDER IN THE MANOR (Book #1), a #1 Bestseller with over 100 five-star reviews!
Lacey Doyle, 39 years old and freshly divorced, has made a drastic change: she has walked away from the fast life of New York City and settled down in the quaint English seaside town of Wilfordshire.
Fall has arrived in Wilfordshire, bringing with it Fall festivals of food, charming holidays and refreshing return to simple normalcy. To celebrate their new proposal, Lacey and Tom finally get a romantic countryside trip together, and Lacey is thrilled to stumble upon a rare painting in the most unexpected place—a shack on the side of the road.
But Lacey has no idea how rare and valuable his painting actually is. When she finds out the shocking news, she grapples with whether she should return it—when a shocking twist and a dead body put her right in the middle of a crime that she must, with her beloved dog at her side, solve—or else lose all that she has worked for.
Lacey Doyle, 39 years old and freshly divorced, has made a drastic change: she has walked away from the fast life of New York City and settled down in the quaint English seaside town of Wilfordshire.
Fall has arrived in Wilfordshire, bringing with it Fall festivals of food, charming holidays and refreshing return to simple normalcy. To celebrate their new proposal, Lacey and Tom finally get a romantic countryside trip together, and Lacey is thrilled to stumble upon a rare painting in the most unexpected place—a shack on the side of the road.
But Lacey has no idea how rare and valuable his painting actually is. When she finds out the shocking news, she grapples with whether she should return it—when a shocking twist and a dead body put her right in the middle of a crime that she must, with her beloved dog at her side, solve—or else lose all that she has worked for.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2020
256 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Grace
477 books724 followersDebut author Fiona Grace is author of the LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY series which includes MURDER IN THE MANOR (Book #1), DEATH AND A DOG (Book #2) and CRIME IN THE CAFE (Book #3). Fiona would love to hear from you, so please visit www.fionagraceauthor.com to receive free ebooks, hear the latest news, and stay in touch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 10, 2021
I usually give Fiona Grace's books 5 stars, because I really love them.
This one is just as well written as the others. But...
Lacey annoyed me. She goes around accusing people of murder solely based on her own suspicions. Without a shred of evidence! She gets angry at Tom because he tells her mother something she should have told her weeks ago. And gets angry at him, because he didn't tell her some things about his family. While she goes around all day doing things behind his back.
But in her heart she is a good person, with good intentions. So I'll give her another chance.
I hope part 7 in this series is as good as the first 5 were...
This one is just as well written as the others. But...
Lacey annoyed me. She goes around accusing people of murder solely based on her own suspicions. Without a shred of evidence! She gets angry at Tom because he tells her mother something she should have told her weeks ago. And gets angry at him, because he didn't tell her some things about his family. While she goes around all day doing things behind his back.
But in her heart she is a good person, with good intentions. So I'll give her another chance.
I hope part 7 in this series is as good as the first 5 were...
April 3, 2021
I've been reading this series because I like the setting; I'd love to live in a small English village. I enjoy an easier read in between novels with heavier topics. What I don't like is Lacey herself. She is a 40-year-old child who makes immature decisions about the crimes and, even more annoying, about her personal relationships. She loves her partner but is often perturbed with him and cuts him out for a day or two. She puts herself in harm's way because she thinks she's so clever. She has an overbearing mother and a bratty sister, yet she answers the phone every time they call.
I'll keep reading, again, because the books are a quick, easy read, but mostly because of the setting.
I'll keep reading, again, because the books are a quick, easy read, but mostly because of the setting.
January 27, 2022
Lacey needs to grow up. She is a good business woman, but her personal life is always a mess as she doesn’t want to face the facts. She is now engaged to Tom, but doesn’t want to set a date. Her Mother finds out about the engagement from Tom and is understandably upset. But this doesn’t deter Lacey as once again she is a suspect in a murder. This time it’s an older man who sells her a painting that reminds her of her father. The police tell her not to leave town, but of course she does. The murderer was a bit hard to guess in this one and for that, 4 stars,
April 14, 2025
I'm loving this series of books. Except for the head cop. He's so full of himself, it's unreal. That said, it sounds like Lacey is close to finding her father. Once found and reunited, I hope all works out well for her and her family.
If you haven't started reading this series start with book one and go from there. You won't regret it. Enjoy.
If you haven't started reading this series start with book one and go from there. You won't regret it. Enjoy.
October 9, 2021
My least favorite so far. No real clues given as to the murderer, just randomly inserted at the end. And Lacey, a supposedly strong woman, has become a rather whiny, self-centered bore.
March 27, 2024
4 Stars
The Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery Series by Fiona Grace is a fun cozy mystery series with an amateur sleuth, whodunnit vibes, crime & investigation, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, and intriguing developments.
Lacey Doyle is almost forty, and newly divorced - and in desperate need of a fresh start. So, she quits her job and her horrible boss and makes a sea change- moving to the charming seaside town of Wilfordshire, and opens an antique shop. But no sooner has she started to settle in, when one of her customers turns up dead- and Lacey is definitely prime suspect in the eyes of the town. She has no choice but to try and solve the crime so she can clear her name. Her fresh start, business, and reputation are on the line.
‘With a business to run, a next-door neighbor turned nemesis, a flirty baker across the street, and a crime to solve – is this new life all that Lacey thought it would be?’
As the series progresses, Lacey seems to attract trouble and mystery- getting drawn into investigations and mysterious developments….. all of which make for a fun read.
Each instalment in the series follows a fairly predictable ‘recipe’- especially after you’ve read a few of the books- but with a few clever touches from the author, she keeps you turning the pages, engrossed till the end. Even though the stories were a little predictable, it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment and appreciation of the stories/series at all- in fact I found it to be part of their ‘charm’.
The Series contains:
-Murder in the Manor (Book #1)
-Death and a Dog (Book #2)
-Crime in the Café (Book #3)
-Vexed on a Visit (Book #4)
-Killed with a Kiss (Book #5)
-Perished by a Painting (Book #6)
-Silenced by a Spell (Book #7)
-Framed by Forgery (Book #8)
-Catastrophe in a Cloister (Book #9)
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Fiona Grace!
The Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery Series by Fiona Grace is a fun cozy mystery series with an amateur sleuth, whodunnit vibes, crime & investigation, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, and intriguing developments.
Lacey Doyle is almost forty, and newly divorced - and in desperate need of a fresh start. So, she quits her job and her horrible boss and makes a sea change- moving to the charming seaside town of Wilfordshire, and opens an antique shop. But no sooner has she started to settle in, when one of her customers turns up dead- and Lacey is definitely prime suspect in the eyes of the town. She has no choice but to try and solve the crime so she can clear her name. Her fresh start, business, and reputation are on the line.
‘With a business to run, a next-door neighbor turned nemesis, a flirty baker across the street, and a crime to solve – is this new life all that Lacey thought it would be?’
As the series progresses, Lacey seems to attract trouble and mystery- getting drawn into investigations and mysterious developments….. all of which make for a fun read.
Each instalment in the series follows a fairly predictable ‘recipe’- especially after you’ve read a few of the books- but with a few clever touches from the author, she keeps you turning the pages, engrossed till the end. Even though the stories were a little predictable, it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment and appreciation of the stories/series at all- in fact I found it to be part of their ‘charm’.
The Series contains:
-Murder in the Manor (Book #1)
-Death and a Dog (Book #2)
-Crime in the Café (Book #3)
-Vexed on a Visit (Book #4)
-Killed with a Kiss (Book #5)
-Perished by a Painting (Book #6)
-Silenced by a Spell (Book #7)
-Framed by Forgery (Book #8)
-Catastrophe in a Cloister (Book #9)
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Fiona Grace!
October 11, 2024
Perished by a Painting (A Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery #6) — Fiona Grace/Narrator: Mary Sarah May 5, 2024
In this sixth book, Lacey finds a cheap picture in the frame at a shack along the road. Unfortunately, it turns out to be a priceless missing painting. She haggles with the seller about when she returns it to him and then decides to keep a secret. Later, the man winds up dead, and Lacey wonders who could’ve done that to the guy.
I thought this would be my last as Lacey was pretentious at her world, life, and the people in her inner circle for a good part of this book. Fortunately, the death affects Lacey in a way that changes her world significally for the good.
I still don’t like the narrator very much, but I will continue to read/listen to these books.
Four stars.
In this sixth book, Lacey finds a cheap picture in the frame at a shack along the road. Unfortunately, it turns out to be a priceless missing painting. She haggles with the seller about when she returns it to him and then decides to keep a secret. Later, the man winds up dead, and Lacey wonders who could’ve done that to the guy.
I thought this would be my last as Lacey was pretentious at her world, life, and the people in her inner circle for a good part of this book. Fortunately, the death affects Lacey in a way that changes her world significally for the good.
I still don’t like the narrator very much, but I will continue to read/listen to these books.
Four stars.
December 11, 2022
Excellent
Another great book. Tom and Lacey are engaged. Lacey and Tom had a fight as he pushed her to the last known location for her father who disappeared from her life many years before, only to find out he had recently moved. During that trip Lacey came across a painting by a famous person hidden between a painting of tomatoes. She returned it to Edwin, the bric brac store owner. When she realized it was worth millions she returned it to a Edwin who was then murdered shortly after.
Another great book. Tom and Lacey are engaged. Lacey and Tom had a fight as he pushed her to the last known location for her father who disappeared from her life many years before, only to find out he had recently moved. During that trip Lacey came across a painting by a famous person hidden between a painting of tomatoes. She returned it to Edwin, the bric brac store owner. When she realized it was worth millions she returned it to a Edwin who was then murdered shortly after.
May 8, 2021
I have been pulled into these Lacey Doyle mysteries by the endearing characters. These books are easy reading, and I look forward to seeing how the main characters interact and how their relationships unfold from book to book. The setting of an antique shop in a small seaside British town adds to the charm. Anyone who loves heavy-hitting mysteries may not care for the Lacey Doyle series. These books are just what I need to wind down after a busy day.
October 21, 2024
This book was a fun and interesting cozy mystery. I had to read something from this topic for my monthly book club. To my knowledge, I've never read a cozy mystery before and certainly not intentionally. This was a pleasant surprise and a quick read that held my interest and kept me turning the pages for more.
November 9, 2020
Lacey is at it again.
This book was well written. It’s a good book with an interesting story line. Lacey winds up in the middle of another homicide and almost becomes up a victim of a crazy person but Chester comes up as a hero. Really find this series fun. Jo
This book was well written. It’s a good book with an interesting story line. Lacey winds up in the middle of another homicide and almost becomes up a victim of a crazy person but Chester comes up as a hero. Really find this series fun. Jo
January 5, 2021
Yeah, a wedding!
Finally, Tom and Lacey have a date, which happens to be tomorrow’s date as I’m writing thus. This was a sad, exciting story and I look forward to Silenced by a Spell!
Finally, Tom and Lacey have a date, which happens to be tomorrow’s date as I’m writing thus. This was a sad, exciting story and I look forward to Silenced by a Spell!
June 4, 2021
This audiobook and Murder in the Manor are my two favorites in the series thus far. In this on I like the way Lacey redeems herself and begins to see what she wants in life. It also includes a good mystery element.
February 5, 2023
I absolutely enjoyed this. As usual, the characters are evolving and the addition of Finnbar and made for a bit of comedy. Each book gets better and better. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 28, 2025
OMG the cliff hanger at the end.
The ups and downs, twists and turns
I love her do for so many reasons❤️
My only concern is her boyfriend now fiancé, in this book you get to know a little about him and his past.
The ups and downs, twists and turns
I love her do for so many reasons❤️
My only concern is her boyfriend now fiancé, in this book you get to know a little about him and his past.
December 29, 2020
Heart racing every time
I love this series and I’m sad I can’t keep reading just yet but I love her dog and the community and just everything about how real she is. That she isn’t some perfect person. She’s flawed but lovable just the way she is.
I love this series and I’m sad I can’t keep reading just yet but I love her dog and the community and just everything about how real she is. That she isn’t some perfect person. She’s flawed but lovable just the way she is.
February 17, 2021
Another enjoyable story about Lacey, the antique's dealer, and her ability to become involved in a murder mystery. I am enjoying this series very much!
April 20, 2021
Outstanding
This book, like all the previous ones in this series, is excellent. Very hard to put down. I highly recommend this series.
This book, like all the previous ones in this series, is excellent. Very hard to put down. I highly recommend this series.
August 25, 2021
Lacey gets involved in another investigation and almost becomes a casualty.
October 18, 2021
I listened to an audio version of this book. It was easy to follow with enjoyable chat but not very believable
October 21, 2021
I feel like I am reading the same story over and over again. Lacey is accused of a crime she didn't commit by Karl Turner; She helps to solve it; Turner is pissed; Beth is not. Come up with a new idea, please!
January 7, 2022
Good but the same formula in the previous books in the series.
August 5, 2022
awesome!
This one was just as amazing as the others I have read! Very entertaining 😀 Loved it and I highly recommend!
This one was just as amazing as the others I have read! Very entertaining 😀 Loved it and I highly recommend!
October 25, 2022
I am hooked on this series, can't wait to start the next one to see what Lacey gets herself into and who she drags along with her. Fun to read and hard to put down.
April 28, 2023
I’m enjoying this cozy mystery series set in a small town in England. Lacey owns & manages an antique shop, along with investigating on the side.
December 5, 2023
Another captivating mystery, and kept you guessing until the end.
January 14, 2024
I wish my favorite antique shop owner would stand up to her mother….
Read
March 17, 2024Audio
July 18, 2024
Totally enjoyed this book
You don’t find out who committed the crime until almost the end. Fun read - just love Chester! He’s a hero.
You don’t find out who committed the crime until almost the end. Fun read - just love Chester! He’s a hero.
May 25, 2025
Spoilers
I really don't like that in the entire series she's always accusing her friends of being murders. Even with proof otherwise she never stops mistrusting all of those close to her.
I really don't like that in the entire series she's always accusing her friends of being murders. Even with proof otherwise she never stops mistrusting all of those close to her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews