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Marrow Jam
Murder, mystery...and marrowsSome people would describe Beattie Bramshaw as a pillar of the community. Many would applaud her numerous successes in the bakery competition at the annual village show. A small number might say, if pushed, that they find her a little on the bossy side. And one or two might just whisper the words ‘interfering' and ‘busybody' behind her back.But no one would have her down as a murderer.So why is she being questioned in Dreighton police station after being found in the local allotments, at the dead of night, wielding a kitchen knife just yards away from where local lottery winner, Yvonne Richards, was found stabbed to death? And what does all of this have to do with Doug Sparrow's prize marrows?Marrow Jam is a comedy crime caper in the spirit of Agatha Raisin. It will have you chuckling all the way through many a cup of tea.?
- GenresMystery
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2020
3 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Susan A. King
3 books14 followersSusan A. King lives with her husband in the San Tropez of the north, Hartlepool.
The inspiration for her debut novel, Marrow Jam, came from her long experience and observation of competitors at a local produce show where she regularly aspires to win Best in Show with her floral arrangements. Unsuccessful to date, she has been tempted to investigate more underhand methods by which to acquire the trophy, but has yet to sink to the depths described in her novel. Or so she would have you believe!
The inspiration for her debut novel, Marrow Jam, came from her long experience and observation of competitors at a local produce show where she regularly aspires to win Best in Show with her floral arrangements. Unsuccessful to date, she has been tempted to investigate more underhand methods by which to acquire the trophy, but has yet to sink to the depths described in her novel. Or so she would have you believe!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 1, 2020
5☆ I Highly Recommend This, Wonderfully Compelling, Uplifting, Light hearted, Witty, Cosy Murder Mystery!
Marrow Jam is a wonderfully compelling cosy murder mystery with a fabulous cast of characters and a good dose of light hearted humour which will have you giggling out loud!.
A Perfect Read for lockdown.
The story starts with Miss Beattie Bramshaw being questioned by the police. She was found in the allotment on her hands and knees with some incriminating items.
Especially as there has just been a murder and Beattie could be a potential suspect.
The story then jumps back several weeks to before the incident and Elmesbury
Annual Village Fete.
Beattie and Phyllis are best friends. They have both just entered the great bake off competition at the fete, which they do every year.
But Phyllis entry for the cake & jam was a bit of a disaster.
Beattie is secretary of the Elmesbury WI club, and she prides herself on her bakes.
You see Yvonne Richards, was a judge at the fête and her body has just been discovered only a short distance from the allotments, where Beattie was found! Could Beattie really of murdered Yvonne?
I loved how this book featured characters from the older generation it made a refreshing change and I certainly loved reading about the WI, it's something that has always fascinated me and would of loved to of joined a club.
Marrow Jam is such a feel good read, the murder mystery aspect was perfectly plotted and with a few suspicious suspects I had great fun becoming a sleuth.
The plot was superb, cosy, very funny and witty, the characters were an eclectic loveable bunch and the village community setting was delightful.
This is my first book by Susan A King and I can't wait to read more!
So if you are looking for an Uplifting, Light Hearted, Fun, Witty, Cosy Murder Mystery, with Memorable Characters then I can't Recommend Reading Marrow Jam by Susan A King Enough!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
Marrow Jam is a wonderfully compelling cosy murder mystery with a fabulous cast of characters and a good dose of light hearted humour which will have you giggling out loud!.
A Perfect Read for lockdown.
The story starts with Miss Beattie Bramshaw being questioned by the police. She was found in the allotment on her hands and knees with some incriminating items.
Especially as there has just been a murder and Beattie could be a potential suspect.
The story then jumps back several weeks to before the incident and Elmesbury
Annual Village Fete.
Beattie and Phyllis are best friends. They have both just entered the great bake off competition at the fete, which they do every year.
But Phyllis entry for the cake & jam was a bit of a disaster.
Beattie is secretary of the Elmesbury WI club, and she prides herself on her bakes.
You see Yvonne Richards, was a judge at the fête and her body has just been discovered only a short distance from the allotments, where Beattie was found! Could Beattie really of murdered Yvonne?
I loved how this book featured characters from the older generation it made a refreshing change and I certainly loved reading about the WI, it's something that has always fascinated me and would of loved to of joined a club.
Marrow Jam is such a feel good read, the murder mystery aspect was perfectly plotted and with a few suspicious suspects I had great fun becoming a sleuth.
The plot was superb, cosy, very funny and witty, the characters were an eclectic loveable bunch and the village community setting was delightful.
This is my first book by Susan A King and I can't wait to read more!
So if you are looking for an Uplifting, Light Hearted, Fun, Witty, Cosy Murder Mystery, with Memorable Characters then I can't Recommend Reading Marrow Jam by Susan A King Enough!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
April 27, 2020
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I thought that this story was great and I loved the characters!
The book was very well written and I loved the flow that the author had to the story. It was a top notch cosy mystery and the perfect book to escape with for me
The story was brilliant, it was easy to follow and I was happily dipping in and out of the book over the course of an afternoon. I thought that the characters were excellent, they were really well developed and they worked well together too – I loved their interaction, I was giggling in places and I loved that about the book, the author really brought country life, to life!
I will definitely be looking out for more books from this author in the future, this was a delightful read and already want to read more!
It is 4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon - it was a fab story and it is definitely one that I will be very highly recommending!
I thought that this story was great and I loved the characters!
The book was very well written and I loved the flow that the author had to the story. It was a top notch cosy mystery and the perfect book to escape with for me
The story was brilliant, it was easy to follow and I was happily dipping in and out of the book over the course of an afternoon. I thought that the characters were excellent, they were really well developed and they worked well together too – I loved their interaction, I was giggling in places and I loved that about the book, the author really brought country life, to life!
I will definitely be looking out for more books from this author in the future, this was a delightful read and already want to read more!
It is 4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon - it was a fab story and it is definitely one that I will be very highly recommending!
April 29, 2020
Get ready for the WI ladies, led by the inimitable Beattie Bramshaw, in this humour packed murder mystery! This brilliant story had me laughing out loud so much I had to read some of it to my husband. It is a hilarious read, with great characters, developing relationships and just so funny - exactly what I needed!
This story has a mysterious murder, a multitude of possible murderers and a determined, community leader, with a rambling way of explaining things but a keen eye for detail that will hopefully help solve the case! There's also a secret admirer of her who she is annoyed at because his prize marrows keep helping him win best in show! This is a fantastic, funny community drama which is told with great humour with a side helping of romance. It is a story I have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending - what a superb story to escape our current realities in.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it and literally laughing my way through it.
This story has a mysterious murder, a multitude of possible murderers and a determined, community leader, with a rambling way of explaining things but a keen eye for detail that will hopefully help solve the case! There's also a secret admirer of her who she is annoyed at because his prize marrows keep helping him win best in show! This is a fantastic, funny community drama which is told with great humour with a side helping of romance. It is a story I have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending - what a superb story to escape our current realities in.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it and literally laughing my way through it.
April 13, 2021
MY REVIEW
🥒I loved this book! It is a perfect light read that made it a story to follow with ease, but for me the chapters were the right size that I could easily read to a suitable point at the end of a night to stop. That didn't mean that I always found it easy to stop. I wanted to keep reading because I loved the characters and their day to day lives.
🥒Having been in a WI myself, I could pinpoint those characters in my own group which made me chuckle (but none of our characters look to have murderous tendencies!)
🥒This is the first Susan King that I have read and I am so pleased with it that I am diving straight into the next one to review that too.
🥒🥒🥒🥒/5
@rachelsrandomresources @susan.king63
🥒I loved this book! It is a perfect light read that made it a story to follow with ease, but for me the chapters were the right size that I could easily read to a suitable point at the end of a night to stop. That didn't mean that I always found it easy to stop. I wanted to keep reading because I loved the characters and their day to day lives.
🥒Having been in a WI myself, I could pinpoint those characters in my own group which made me chuckle (but none of our characters look to have murderous tendencies!)
🥒This is the first Susan King that I have read and I am so pleased with it that I am diving straight into the next one to review that too.
🥒🥒🥒🥒/5
@rachelsrandomresources @susan.king63
April 18, 2020
Five proper W.I. stars for a cozy mystery, Marrow Jam by Susan A. King. While I’m handing out stars, I may as well give the author her Best in Class rosette and her Best in Show trophy. This humorous and agreeable English country village mystery is a winner!
All the characters that a story, set in a small, close-knit village English village like Elmsebury, requires are here. Beattie is our heroine and she should be! She is the secretary of the Elmesbury W.I., a fastidious spinster who lives in a charming cottage, bakes delightful pastries, and monitors everything in a decorous way. Her best friend is Phyllis, a nice lady who is not the force of nature that Beattie is. The postmistress, hard of hearing, the Vicar, the small tavern, constables confused and inept, the classic and idyllic village green and the annual summer Fete are all delightfully portrayed.
The story is told, to the minute, during September, 1999 with flashbacks to the momentous events of the summer. It all begins In July, 1999 with Beattie and Phyllis at the annual Fete and Beattie’s entry in the Great Bake challenge, a Caribbean coffee gateaux with coconut butter cream and mango glazed coffee beans. Will Beattie win the coveted Fete trophy for Best in Show or will Douglas Sparrow and his prize marrow prevail…again?!
But the story really begins with Beattie being interrogated for hours by the Constable in September. Someone has been murdered. Beattie wasn’t involved in that, but as she eventually tells the Constable, she has been involved in plenty of other happenings. Happenings that alarmed the whole village, including Douglas Sparrow and other village men.
With plenty of details, such as a magical Walnut Loaf, the events of the Bring and Buy sale, and even agriculture and fertilizer, the charming details and well-told story will delight you. As will the happy ending, when we learn that even the redoubtable Beattie just wants to be loved.
Congratulations to author Susan A. King for a cozy visit to Elmesbury, and I hope there will be more Beattie stories forthcoming! Thanks to Rachel’s Random resources for a review copy. This is my honest review.
All the characters that a story, set in a small, close-knit village English village like Elmsebury, requires are here. Beattie is our heroine and she should be! She is the secretary of the Elmesbury W.I., a fastidious spinster who lives in a charming cottage, bakes delightful pastries, and monitors everything in a decorous way. Her best friend is Phyllis, a nice lady who is not the force of nature that Beattie is. The postmistress, hard of hearing, the Vicar, the small tavern, constables confused and inept, the classic and idyllic village green and the annual summer Fete are all delightfully portrayed.
The story is told, to the minute, during September, 1999 with flashbacks to the momentous events of the summer. It all begins In July, 1999 with Beattie and Phyllis at the annual Fete and Beattie’s entry in the Great Bake challenge, a Caribbean coffee gateaux with coconut butter cream and mango glazed coffee beans. Will Beattie win the coveted Fete trophy for Best in Show or will Douglas Sparrow and his prize marrow prevail…again?!
But the story really begins with Beattie being interrogated for hours by the Constable in September. Someone has been murdered. Beattie wasn’t involved in that, but as she eventually tells the Constable, she has been involved in plenty of other happenings. Happenings that alarmed the whole village, including Douglas Sparrow and other village men.
With plenty of details, such as a magical Walnut Loaf, the events of the Bring and Buy sale, and even agriculture and fertilizer, the charming details and well-told story will delight you. As will the happy ending, when we learn that even the redoubtable Beattie just wants to be loved.
Congratulations to author Susan A. King for a cozy visit to Elmesbury, and I hope there will be more Beattie stories forthcoming! Thanks to Rachel’s Random resources for a review copy. This is my honest review.
April 21, 2020
Beattie is being interviewed by the police having been found on an allotment with a deadly weapon in her hands She tell s them “if I was going to do anything amiss I wouldn't have the 12cm kitchen knife it would have been the 14cm one”. Someone is dead, someone Beattie had crossed swords with and she is giving her version of events which began at the local fete where Beattie entered her coffee and mango cake and won her class. Doug Sparrow yet again won best in show with his enormous marrow and Beattie was determined to bring him down a peg or two. And so we get the tale from the show onwards. I really enjoyed this. It's a Miss Marple/Father Brown with humour. Think local villages and W.I and we are in 1999 and so have a little technology to hand. This is a cozy crime with a smile, a little romance, a little mystery and a larger than life character that reminded me of Madam Arcarti (without the seance). A wonderful enjoyable read that cheered me up no end!
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
July 3, 2020
I never realised I could be so gripped by a book with a marrow in the title, but I loved this book sooo much! I was either absolutely beside myself laughing because of Beattie (the main character) or on the edge of my pillow (reading in bed) needing to know what will happen next. For me this book had everything, so cleverly put together and every character developed so well that I felt like I knew them all, like I was laughing along with them! I cannot wait to read more from Susan A King!
May 23, 2020
A thoroughly warm and lovely read, a warm hug of a murder mystery. Great characters, great mystery, I really enjoyed it.
May 5, 2020
*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Part cosy mystery and part slapstick rom-com, Marrow Jam is a delightfully chaotic romp through a small village murder investigation.
We first meet Beattie Bramshaw in an unusual and compromising state in a police interrogation room. Completely unflappable in the face of DI Grayson’s accusations and exasperation, she proceeds to take us back seven weeks to the village fete and the start of the whole vendetta. The vendetta being related to Beattie’s nemesis, Doug Sparrow and his incredibly large marrow, of course. The murder of the competition judge is barely a sidenote in Beattie’s account of her increasingly demented escapades!
We don’t just get Beattie’s view of events though. Susan A. King allows some of the side characters, most notably Beattie’s faithful – if frustrated – sidekick and best friend, Phyllis. Phyllis has problems of her own that keep her from devoting her full attention to Beattie’s marrow madness; her husband has taken up with another woman and left Phyllis all alone, except her unenthusiastic dog and her over-enthusiastic friend. But can anyone find love in Elmesbury, or are they stuck with walnut loaf and wishes? And what, or who, exactly is that despicable Doug Sparrow wishing for?
At first I found Beattie amusing but also fairly irritating… an experience which I am sure many members of the Elmesbury WI would be all too familiar with. As the story unfolded, however, and she let slip snippets of information about her childhood, and showed real concern and loyalty for her friends, Beattie grew on me. This effect applied to all of the characters in the book, as the author cleverly duped us into judging them on first appearances, then revealed their warm hearts, soft feelings, witty tongues and open minds. By the time I turned the last page, I was thoroughly invested in, and attached to, the little village and its eccentric inhabitants.
Plus, there is a well-written and thoroughly intriguing murder mystery to unravel as well, between Beattie’s recklessly impulsive crusade and Phyllis’s search for companionship (preferably someone who won’t get her thrown in prison). Whilst I did get to the bottom of the mystery before Beattie – to be fair, her mind was on many, many other things – that didn’t affect my enjoyment one bit, as I followed the comedic romp of the characters from speed-dating disasters to allotment rendezvous.
Marrow Jam is a standout standalone of a wacky rom-com cosy mystery that left me longing for more from Beattie Bramshaw and her unique approach to amateur investigation.
Beattie studied Phyllis’ slumped shoulders and her heart went out to her. Having resigned herself to the solitary existence of spinsterdom many years ago, it was now an effort to recall the deep-seated pain which had accompanied the break-up of her own engagement. The unhappy event had been life changing; the catalyst which had driven her to dedicate her life to the honing of her skills and become the undisputed Elmesbury WI crafts aficionado. The diversion had served its purpose well, material objects having an undeniable element of reliability. She could always depend on a generously-filled shortcrust pie to elicit the required congratulatory comment but people, she had come to discover, were a source of constant disappointment — so much better to live one’s life vicariously and avoid the inevitable regret.
– Susan A. King, Marrow Jam
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Part cosy mystery and part slapstick rom-com, Marrow Jam is a delightfully chaotic romp through a small village murder investigation.
We first meet Beattie Bramshaw in an unusual and compromising state in a police interrogation room. Completely unflappable in the face of DI Grayson’s accusations and exasperation, she proceeds to take us back seven weeks to the village fete and the start of the whole vendetta. The vendetta being related to Beattie’s nemesis, Doug Sparrow and his incredibly large marrow, of course. The murder of the competition judge is barely a sidenote in Beattie’s account of her increasingly demented escapades!
We don’t just get Beattie’s view of events though. Susan A. King allows some of the side characters, most notably Beattie’s faithful – if frustrated – sidekick and best friend, Phyllis. Phyllis has problems of her own that keep her from devoting her full attention to Beattie’s marrow madness; her husband has taken up with another woman and left Phyllis all alone, except her unenthusiastic dog and her over-enthusiastic friend. But can anyone find love in Elmesbury, or are they stuck with walnut loaf and wishes? And what, or who, exactly is that despicable Doug Sparrow wishing for?
At first I found Beattie amusing but also fairly irritating… an experience which I am sure many members of the Elmesbury WI would be all too familiar with. As the story unfolded, however, and she let slip snippets of information about her childhood, and showed real concern and loyalty for her friends, Beattie grew on me. This effect applied to all of the characters in the book, as the author cleverly duped us into judging them on first appearances, then revealed their warm hearts, soft feelings, witty tongues and open minds. By the time I turned the last page, I was thoroughly invested in, and attached to, the little village and its eccentric inhabitants.
Plus, there is a well-written and thoroughly intriguing murder mystery to unravel as well, between Beattie’s recklessly impulsive crusade and Phyllis’s search for companionship (preferably someone who won’t get her thrown in prison). Whilst I did get to the bottom of the mystery before Beattie – to be fair, her mind was on many, many other things – that didn’t affect my enjoyment one bit, as I followed the comedic romp of the characters from speed-dating disasters to allotment rendezvous.
Marrow Jam is a standout standalone of a wacky rom-com cosy mystery that left me longing for more from Beattie Bramshaw and her unique approach to amateur investigation.
Beattie studied Phyllis’ slumped shoulders and her heart went out to her. Having resigned herself to the solitary existence of spinsterdom many years ago, it was now an effort to recall the deep-seated pain which had accompanied the break-up of her own engagement. The unhappy event had been life changing; the catalyst which had driven her to dedicate her life to the honing of her skills and become the undisputed Elmesbury WI crafts aficionado. The diversion had served its purpose well, material objects having an undeniable element of reliability. She could always depend on a generously-filled shortcrust pie to elicit the required congratulatory comment but people, she had come to discover, were a source of constant disappointment — so much better to live one’s life vicariously and avoid the inevitable regret.
– Susan A. King, Marrow Jam
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
May 2, 2020
Marrow Jam is a light hearted comic mystery with plenty of memorable, if not slightly mad, characters.
The story starts with Beattie being arrested trespassing on the local allotments. The police are convinced that they’ve got their woman after a body was discovered not far from where she was found. She takes them back through the events that lead to her arrest and tries to convince them of her innocence and find the killer in the process.
I loved the fact that the story was full of older characters and your typical granny types either. Beattie is one of those characters that you’re not quite sure if you like her but she grows on you eventually. She’s very competitive, fastidious and doesn’t suffer fools but as the story unfolds you see why she is the way she is. I also had a soft spot for her best friend, poor put upon Phyllis, who just can’t say no to her friend.
The story was also set in 1999 and I enjoyed some of the nineties references which took me back to my childhood.
Overall I would say it felt more like a humorous story than a mystery but that’s just a minor thing.
Marrow Jam is a fun filled story that’s the perfect escape from these trying times.
The story starts with Beattie being arrested trespassing on the local allotments. The police are convinced that they’ve got their woman after a body was discovered not far from where she was found. She takes them back through the events that lead to her arrest and tries to convince them of her innocence and find the killer in the process.
I loved the fact that the story was full of older characters and your typical granny types either. Beattie is one of those characters that you’re not quite sure if you like her but she grows on you eventually. She’s very competitive, fastidious and doesn’t suffer fools but as the story unfolds you see why she is the way she is. I also had a soft spot for her best friend, poor put upon Phyllis, who just can’t say no to her friend.
The story was also set in 1999 and I enjoyed some of the nineties references which took me back to my childhood.
Overall I would say it felt more like a humorous story than a mystery but that’s just a minor thing.
Marrow Jam is a fun filled story that’s the perfect escape from these trying times.
September 22, 2020
Every chapter is filled with amusing scenes and convincing (if whacky) characters. A great debut.
August 21, 2020
Brilliant! Just what I needed!
April 28, 2020
Full of quirky fun, Marrow Jam sets the stage for a new type of cozy mystery – one where the story is told through a recounting by an accused murderer. When I first read the title. I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t even know what Marrow Jam is. Marrows and marrow jams are not common in the US, where I have always lived. I thought the title was referring to bone marrow, not a squash called a marrow. So, my American sensibilities were pretty disgusted. I am so glad I looked it up, discovered what it truly is, and read this delightful tale of murder, infidelity, and ruthless fair competition.
What I Liked
I liked that how the story is told is loosely through the eyes of one of the accused. The amateur sleuthing is a very minor portion of the story and didn’t occur until the very last bit. It still felt like a cozy, but yet different since professional detectives played such a pivotal role. Sometimes it would ramble a bit, like anyone telling a story would, and this lost me now and again, but as the story came closer to the murder, it became more and more focused, and the pages turned quickly.
I found Beattie to be an intriguing main character. Her portrayal is of someone larger than life - a real force to be reckoned with but in a delightful, quirky, and endearing way. Her age is never outright stated, though a general birth year is given, so I know she is an older adult. I felt that the people around her showed a great deal of respect – some even were scared of her – but in a way that indicated they had a great deal of respect for her. I would say she is no stranger to crazy Lucille-Ball-style antics, but that just made her fun and lovely to read about.
I found the focus on older adults fascinating. It is heartening to think about being at that stage of your life and still finding a love that can make you giddy. The different portrayals of love felt very realistic, and it’s something I think perhaps younger people have a very skewed perception of – one that says that part of your life will be over.
To Read or Not to Read
I did guess the murderer very early on, so the ending came as no surprise. I didn’t mind that, though, since the story getting there was so entertaining. If this is an approach that appeals to you, then you will love this book.
Thank you to Lightning Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What I Liked
I liked that how the story is told is loosely through the eyes of one of the accused. The amateur sleuthing is a very minor portion of the story and didn’t occur until the very last bit. It still felt like a cozy, but yet different since professional detectives played such a pivotal role. Sometimes it would ramble a bit, like anyone telling a story would, and this lost me now and again, but as the story came closer to the murder, it became more and more focused, and the pages turned quickly.
I found Beattie to be an intriguing main character. Her portrayal is of someone larger than life - a real force to be reckoned with but in a delightful, quirky, and endearing way. Her age is never outright stated, though a general birth year is given, so I know she is an older adult. I felt that the people around her showed a great deal of respect – some even were scared of her – but in a way that indicated they had a great deal of respect for her. I would say she is no stranger to crazy Lucille-Ball-style antics, but that just made her fun and lovely to read about.
I found the focus on older adults fascinating. It is heartening to think about being at that stage of your life and still finding a love that can make you giddy. The different portrayals of love felt very realistic, and it’s something I think perhaps younger people have a very skewed perception of – one that says that part of your life will be over.
To Read or Not to Read
I did guess the murderer very early on, so the ending came as no surprise. I didn’t mind that, though, since the story getting there was so entertaining. If this is an approach that appeals to you, then you will love this book.
Thank you to Lightning Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2020
It’s 19th September 1999 and senior citizen and pillar of the community, Beattie Bramshaw, is being detained and questioned by police. She was found, suspiciously clad, rooting around in the undergrowth of the local allotment, kitchen knife in hand. The allotment had been the scene of the stabbing and murder of a judge at the annual village fête a few weeks previously... Things did not look good for Beattie Bramshaw...
What follows is a series of flashbacks to the fete interwoven with Beattie and her best friend, Phyllis’ amateur sleuthing to find out exactly what happened and who the real murderer is.
This is an out-and-out comedy, make no mistake. It’s delightfully told and plotted, crafted to perfection by Susan A. King, into the ultimate funny cosy crime novel. Beattie is more Mrs Brown than Miss Marple, and with her marvellously sensible and cautious sidekick, Phyllis, her efforts to both sabotage the local marrow growing champion, Doug Sparrow’s chances of ever winning Best in Show again, and to prove her innocence of murder, ensure we, the readers, are hilariously entertained throughout.
Marrow Jam is a superbly written debut. It totally captures the summer village fête feel and the whole atmosphere - murder aside - is joyous. I really appreciated the love story in it too - it’s scrumptiously adds to the warmth of the book. Beatie is a gorgeously fantastic character. In fact, she is one of the best literary characters I’ve encountered this year. Marrow Jam is a wonderful bit of escapism and a truly lovely read.
What follows is a series of flashbacks to the fete interwoven with Beattie and her best friend, Phyllis’ amateur sleuthing to find out exactly what happened and who the real murderer is.
This is an out-and-out comedy, make no mistake. It’s delightfully told and plotted, crafted to perfection by Susan A. King, into the ultimate funny cosy crime novel. Beattie is more Mrs Brown than Miss Marple, and with her marvellously sensible and cautious sidekick, Phyllis, her efforts to both sabotage the local marrow growing champion, Doug Sparrow’s chances of ever winning Best in Show again, and to prove her innocence of murder, ensure we, the readers, are hilariously entertained throughout.
Marrow Jam is a superbly written debut. It totally captures the summer village fête feel and the whole atmosphere - murder aside - is joyous. I really appreciated the love story in it too - it’s scrumptiously adds to the warmth of the book. Beatie is a gorgeously fantastic character. In fact, she is one of the best literary characters I’ve encountered this year. Marrow Jam is a wonderful bit of escapism and a truly lovely read.
January 31, 2022
Marrow Jam is a fun little cozy mystery that will leave readers highly entertained and amused by Beattie and her recollection of the events that have lead to her being interviewed by police as a suspect in the murder of lottery winner Yvonne Richards. While murder is no laughing matter, Beattie is almost insufferable with her attention to detail, her ability to get off-track, and her adamant refusal to admit she's anything other than innocent.
I quite enjoyed the mystery that unfolds within the pages. There's humor, romance, and competition that will keep readers on their toes. I, personally, can relate to Beattie and her desire to win Best in Show. While I've never entered a competition that offered such a prize, I am a very determined competitor, and I don't like losing. I totally got why she wanted to go ahead with the plan she comes up with in the book, even though I didn't exactly approve of it (kind of like her friend Phyllis).
The culprit, while not necessarily obvious right away, is easy enough to figure out once the book gets to a certain point. And, to be honest, Yvonne is a bit annoying and snooty, so it's not surprising someone offed her.
Fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy the caper that is Marrow Jam.
4 stars from me!
I quite enjoyed the mystery that unfolds within the pages. There's humor, romance, and competition that will keep readers on their toes. I, personally, can relate to Beattie and her desire to win Best in Show. While I've never entered a competition that offered such a prize, I am a very determined competitor, and I don't like losing. I totally got why she wanted to go ahead with the plan she comes up with in the book, even though I didn't exactly approve of it (kind of like her friend Phyllis).
The culprit, while not necessarily obvious right away, is easy enough to figure out once the book gets to a certain point. And, to be honest, Yvonne is a bit annoying and snooty, so it's not surprising someone offed her.
Fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy the caper that is Marrow Jam.
4 stars from me!
May 16, 2020
Marrow Jam is the quirky, and surprisingly funny story that takes place the morning after Beattie Bramshaw is taken into custody for sneaking around in an allotment in only thick black tights, a jumper, a ski mask, and carrying a 12cm knife. Unfortunately for Beattie, while her target was of the vegetal variety, due to a murder only a week prior, the police immediately think she’s responsible for something more sordid, so arrest her. To the police’s chagrin however, Beattie will tell them what she was doing, but she’s going to give them EVERY detail, right from the beginning.
Written in 3rd person with Beattie as our main character, the novel is written to suit the first chapter. It moseys through the story, taking detours, and generally wandering, in order to give the atmosphere of an older woman’s ramblings. If you decide to read this, and I hope you do, be prepared to be in for the long haul. It’s a chunky novel, at around 400 pages on my ereader, and is paced to take its time. The story itself is hilariously random, and goes from one high to the next, depicting the tale of what’ll happen when a woman who is sick to the back teeth of losing best in show at the village fete, four years in a row, and decides to take matters into her own hands. With a cast of strong supporting characters, who take the role of focal point throughout the book, Marrow Jam is unique, charming, and on the verge of absurd, in the sweetest way. This read had me rolling my eyes at its purity and is honestly precious with its innocence. From the first page, to its last, despite the murder part, this is feel-good. It reminded me a lot of shows such as Rosemary and Thyme. Where people you’d least expect are plunged into the most bizarre criminal affairs. Beattie is the perfect lead for this book, as she’s honest, tangible, and slipping so close to madness through frustration, you can’t help but smile. All she wanted to do was foil a marrow’s growth… the fact a woman was brutally murdered the same day has nothing to do with her. Truly, this is a novel to read if you’re a fan of light hearted cozy crime, mixed with healthy dashes of humor.
My favorite part of this novel was the first, and last quarter. That’s not to say the middle wasn’t wonderful, but this author’s strong suits are in preparation, layout, and then wrapping up. Foreshadowing was used well here, and the way everything was neatly tied up at the end was satisfying. I enjoy when authors aren’t afraid to make their characters look bad, ugly even, and ridiculous – which is done so well here, it added to the charm of those well laid out quarters. I truthfully didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did, as I steer towards grit, but within the wholesomeness came an honesty I really liked. If you love mystery, small town madness, and main characters accidentally wrapped up in things they can’t explain their way out of without rambling for an entire novel, this is such a star of a book. I’ll be happily rereading this, and beyond that, the author’s natural flow really appealed to me. This isn’t a fast book. 400 pages did not fly by, nor did I lose track of time – but I did enjoy every minute. I took my time with this, as it wasn’t rapid, and took about a week to finish it, as I’d dot other books in throughout as well. I never felt lost, but there were, excitingly, moments of ‘a-ha!’ when something laid out far before suddenly came to fruition. It’s a joy when that happens, and I greatly appreciated my time with this novel. That’s not to say I’m a convert. I still prefer my fast, action packed, grimy crimes, but this was a welcome change of pace for me. If you’re finding yourself feeling bland towards your reads, and a little uninspired, I’d give this a go. It’s intriguing, captivating, and so charming. That word sums up this novel for me. Charming. It’s as sweet as going to see your granny for a cup of tea and hearing the gossip from the village. It’s also out of the box, unexpected, and has an allure throughout. Someone died, and Granny isn’t getting to the juicy bit, therefore forcing you to stay in your seat because you must now how it ends. Which in a meta way, and though he’s not there willingly, is exactly how the novel is written, with the policemen listening. The novel is set up beautifully. If you want something different, Eye and Lightning always deliver fascinating reads, signing up authors unafraid to showcase authentic, unusual work, and this really is a win. Marrow Jam will be on my bookshelves, and it will be recommended to anyone who wants a hilarious read.
So, did anything not work for me? Well, yes and no. It’s not that anything didn’t work for me, it’s just this arrived when I could spend time with it. If we weren’t indoors, trying to find something to pass the time between chores and Netflix, I’m not sure Marrow Jam would have had the same effect. It’s pacing, any other day, is too slow for me. It’s also too winding, and that sweet retelling aspect would have bogged me down… but through that comes the realization that as long as you’re willing to give this the space it needs, you’ll be rewarded with a precious read. Beattie is adorable, and try as she might to be standoffish, she’s wonderful. So, to answer my question – right now, today, and when I read this, no, nothing stood out or didn’t work. Before or after lockdown, perhaps, but if you’re in need of a book you can spend a healthy helping of time with, this really does the trick. It also has the untoward affect of inspiring you to go bake something delicious… which if that’s a negative, I’m in the wrong business.
All in all, Marrow Jam is written wonderfully. Its atmosphere was light, wholesome, and comedic. I laughed numerous times while reading and came away with a smile every time I put it down. There’s really not much else I can say, except that it’ll be a huge hit for anyone who likes something quirky, with a bizarrely crime orientated twist. If you love books unafraid to make their characters look like fools, or a read you can smile to, I’d add this novel immediately to your TBR. It’s quite the charmer.
Written in 3rd person with Beattie as our main character, the novel is written to suit the first chapter. It moseys through the story, taking detours, and generally wandering, in order to give the atmosphere of an older woman’s ramblings. If you decide to read this, and I hope you do, be prepared to be in for the long haul. It’s a chunky novel, at around 400 pages on my ereader, and is paced to take its time. The story itself is hilariously random, and goes from one high to the next, depicting the tale of what’ll happen when a woman who is sick to the back teeth of losing best in show at the village fete, four years in a row, and decides to take matters into her own hands. With a cast of strong supporting characters, who take the role of focal point throughout the book, Marrow Jam is unique, charming, and on the verge of absurd, in the sweetest way. This read had me rolling my eyes at its purity and is honestly precious with its innocence. From the first page, to its last, despite the murder part, this is feel-good. It reminded me a lot of shows such as Rosemary and Thyme. Where people you’d least expect are plunged into the most bizarre criminal affairs. Beattie is the perfect lead for this book, as she’s honest, tangible, and slipping so close to madness through frustration, you can’t help but smile. All she wanted to do was foil a marrow’s growth… the fact a woman was brutally murdered the same day has nothing to do with her. Truly, this is a novel to read if you’re a fan of light hearted cozy crime, mixed with healthy dashes of humor.
My favorite part of this novel was the first, and last quarter. That’s not to say the middle wasn’t wonderful, but this author’s strong suits are in preparation, layout, and then wrapping up. Foreshadowing was used well here, and the way everything was neatly tied up at the end was satisfying. I enjoy when authors aren’t afraid to make their characters look bad, ugly even, and ridiculous – which is done so well here, it added to the charm of those well laid out quarters. I truthfully didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did, as I steer towards grit, but within the wholesomeness came an honesty I really liked. If you love mystery, small town madness, and main characters accidentally wrapped up in things they can’t explain their way out of without rambling for an entire novel, this is such a star of a book. I’ll be happily rereading this, and beyond that, the author’s natural flow really appealed to me. This isn’t a fast book. 400 pages did not fly by, nor did I lose track of time – but I did enjoy every minute. I took my time with this, as it wasn’t rapid, and took about a week to finish it, as I’d dot other books in throughout as well. I never felt lost, but there were, excitingly, moments of ‘a-ha!’ when something laid out far before suddenly came to fruition. It’s a joy when that happens, and I greatly appreciated my time with this novel. That’s not to say I’m a convert. I still prefer my fast, action packed, grimy crimes, but this was a welcome change of pace for me. If you’re finding yourself feeling bland towards your reads, and a little uninspired, I’d give this a go. It’s intriguing, captivating, and so charming. That word sums up this novel for me. Charming. It’s as sweet as going to see your granny for a cup of tea and hearing the gossip from the village. It’s also out of the box, unexpected, and has an allure throughout. Someone died, and Granny isn’t getting to the juicy bit, therefore forcing you to stay in your seat because you must now how it ends. Which in a meta way, and though he’s not there willingly, is exactly how the novel is written, with the policemen listening. The novel is set up beautifully. If you want something different, Eye and Lightning always deliver fascinating reads, signing up authors unafraid to showcase authentic, unusual work, and this really is a win. Marrow Jam will be on my bookshelves, and it will be recommended to anyone who wants a hilarious read.
So, did anything not work for me? Well, yes and no. It’s not that anything didn’t work for me, it’s just this arrived when I could spend time with it. If we weren’t indoors, trying to find something to pass the time between chores and Netflix, I’m not sure Marrow Jam would have had the same effect. It’s pacing, any other day, is too slow for me. It’s also too winding, and that sweet retelling aspect would have bogged me down… but through that comes the realization that as long as you’re willing to give this the space it needs, you’ll be rewarded with a precious read. Beattie is adorable, and try as she might to be standoffish, she’s wonderful. So, to answer my question – right now, today, and when I read this, no, nothing stood out or didn’t work. Before or after lockdown, perhaps, but if you’re in need of a book you can spend a healthy helping of time with, this really does the trick. It also has the untoward affect of inspiring you to go bake something delicious… which if that’s a negative, I’m in the wrong business.
All in all, Marrow Jam is written wonderfully. Its atmosphere was light, wholesome, and comedic. I laughed numerous times while reading and came away with a smile every time I put it down. There’s really not much else I can say, except that it’ll be a huge hit for anyone who likes something quirky, with a bizarrely crime orientated twist. If you love books unafraid to make their characters look like fools, or a read you can smile to, I’d add this novel immediately to your TBR. It’s quite the charmer.
May 18, 2020
I loved this book, it made me laugh so much.
The annual village show always provides rivalry and strong competition but this year someone has taken it a bit far. After a dead body is found in an allotment, the police think they have found their culprit in local resident Beattie Bramshaw. She is found at the crime site, with a knife. However as she pleads her innocence, more suspects come to light.
If you love Agatha Raisin and other ‘village’ mysteries, this is definitely the book for you. Great characters and humour throughout.
I hope this is the beginning of a series. Highly recommended.
The annual village show always provides rivalry and strong competition but this year someone has taken it a bit far. After a dead body is found in an allotment, the police think they have found their culprit in local resident Beattie Bramshaw. She is found at the crime site, with a knife. However as she pleads her innocence, more suspects come to light.
If you love Agatha Raisin and other ‘village’ mysteries, this is definitely the book for you. Great characters and humour throughout.
I hope this is the beginning of a series. Highly recommended.
May 22, 2020
Brilliantly written cosy crime! So pleased we're in lockdown (in this context at least) and I didn't have to embarrass myself by crying with laughter on the train. Well crafted plot and fabulous, relatable characters. Loved this book. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
May 15, 2020
Well written with an main character you won’t forget in a hurry!
May 2, 2020
The story jumps straight in with Beattie being arrested after having been found brandishing a knife on the allotments. Unfortunately for Beattie, a body has also been found nearby, the victim stabbed to death by a weapon similar in size to her knife. The police officer in charge is adamant Beattie is the killer, and when during her rambling account of events she admits to not liking the victim, then jealousy seems the most likely motive for her crime.
In an attempt to prove her innocence, Beattie insists on giving a full and frank account which involves steering off topic so many times as to test the police officer's patience.
I'll be honest, I was ready to lock her up and throw away the key - not for the murder, but for simply being so annoying! As Beattie's explanation unfolded, she didn't endear herself to me until very close to the end when the reasons for her pernickety, prudish and determined nature was clarified.
The nostalgia of 1999 was lovely to reflect on, especially right now, and the author came up with some of the best metaphors I've seen in a long time that so depicted the era and took me right back.
I'm a big fan of cosy mysteries. You might say "it's my jam", and while this was entertaining overall, it didn't quite resonate with me. The constant timeline changes, while clearly marked at each chapter's start, meant I had to flick back a lot to double-check where the story was. Maybe I wasn't concentrating hard enough! The pace began well, faltered a little in the middle but then picked up again towards the end - there was a lot going on in that village.
Marrow Jam is more of a funny story than a real mystery in my eyes, the humour often bordering on slapstick, Set in a typical English village with the ubiquitous annual fête, it offers a cast of quirky older characters with huge personalities. A charming story with plenty of laughs thrown in.
In an attempt to prove her innocence, Beattie insists on giving a full and frank account which involves steering off topic so many times as to test the police officer's patience.
I'll be honest, I was ready to lock her up and throw away the key - not for the murder, but for simply being so annoying! As Beattie's explanation unfolded, she didn't endear herself to me until very close to the end when the reasons for her pernickety, prudish and determined nature was clarified.
The nostalgia of 1999 was lovely to reflect on, especially right now, and the author came up with some of the best metaphors I've seen in a long time that so depicted the era and took me right back.
I'm a big fan of cosy mysteries. You might say "it's my jam", and while this was entertaining overall, it didn't quite resonate with me. The constant timeline changes, while clearly marked at each chapter's start, meant I had to flick back a lot to double-check where the story was. Maybe I wasn't concentrating hard enough! The pace began well, faltered a little in the middle but then picked up again towards the end - there was a lot going on in that village.
Marrow Jam is more of a funny story than a real mystery in my eyes, the humour often bordering on slapstick, Set in a typical English village with the ubiquitous annual fête, it offers a cast of quirky older characters with huge personalities. A charming story with plenty of laughs thrown in.
February 8, 2021
Whilst recently scrolling through Instagram I came across a promotion for a new book called Banana Devil Cake by Susan A. King. Banana Devil Cake is classed as a cosy crime comedy novel, which is not one of my usual genres but I liked the sound of the novel so investigated more. I learned that it was book two in a series and although you can easily read the stories as standalone I felt I wanted to give this new to me author and a slight deviation from my usual genre a chance so I read book one: Marrow Jam first.
To my great delight I found myself completely enthralled with this cosy crime caper set in a remote English country village. It’s the late 1990’s and you can feel yourself stepping back two decades to this sleepy village with the most wonderful assembly of quirky characters. The village WI have a strong membership and each year they are relied upon to embrace the competitive spirit and enter the competitions in the Village Summer Fete. Alas this year all matters of mayhem were to ensue and it all started with the judgings of Best in Show.
When a deadly crime is committed and our favourite WI member is caught up in the scandal Beattie Bramshaw takes it upon herself to clear not only her name but that of her nemesis.
Susan A. King has written a wonderful comic crime caper that will have you chuckling with nostalgic glee. I loved this novel from start to finish and I was pleased as punch when I knew I’d got another book in the Beattie Bramshaw mysteries to read. On paper Beattie Bramshaw is one of those characters that appear quite prickly on the outside but once you get to know her she has a heart of gold. The author must have relished writing about Beattie and I could sense that she was a pleasure to create such a multi-layered character.
To my great delight I found myself completely enthralled with this cosy crime caper set in a remote English country village. It’s the late 1990’s and you can feel yourself stepping back two decades to this sleepy village with the most wonderful assembly of quirky characters. The village WI have a strong membership and each year they are relied upon to embrace the competitive spirit and enter the competitions in the Village Summer Fete. Alas this year all matters of mayhem were to ensue and it all started with the judgings of Best in Show.
When a deadly crime is committed and our favourite WI member is caught up in the scandal Beattie Bramshaw takes it upon herself to clear not only her name but that of her nemesis.
Susan A. King has written a wonderful comic crime caper that will have you chuckling with nostalgic glee. I loved this novel from start to finish and I was pleased as punch when I knew I’d got another book in the Beattie Bramshaw mysteries to read. On paper Beattie Bramshaw is one of those characters that appear quite prickly on the outside but once you get to know her she has a heart of gold. The author must have relished writing about Beattie and I could sense that she was a pleasure to create such a multi-layered character.
December 31, 2020
I can imagine city dwellers think stories based on garden fetes and village competitions are rather droll and quirky. You don't know how serious these competitions get until you are there to observe it. I'll be honest I am not brave enough to take part. Oh the scathing looks, the judgement and good gosh if you're entering any competition with a sub-standard product.
Is Beattie Bradshaw a clever and manipulative killer or is she simply an innocent person who happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. She might not have liked the victim, but what does that mean in the grand scheme of things? Okay she might have been found next to the body with a knife, that can happen to anyone, right? Sneaky super assassin or baking connoisseur, which is it?
It's a cosy mystery with a comedy vibe. A Father Brown without the sanctimony, meets Midsomer Murders with more determined villagers.
King writes comedy with a snarky and satirical tone to it. Often unintentionally funny at times, especially the scenes in the police station with the Beattie and DI Grayson, and at other times it has a slapsticky element to it.
It's an entertaining read with plenty of potential for further escapades with this often eccentric cast of characters.
*I received a courtesy copy*
Is Beattie Bradshaw a clever and manipulative killer or is she simply an innocent person who happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. She might not have liked the victim, but what does that mean in the grand scheme of things? Okay she might have been found next to the body with a knife, that can happen to anyone, right? Sneaky super assassin or baking connoisseur, which is it?
It's a cosy mystery with a comedy vibe. A Father Brown without the sanctimony, meets Midsomer Murders with more determined villagers.
King writes comedy with a snarky and satirical tone to it. Often unintentionally funny at times, especially the scenes in the police station with the Beattie and DI Grayson, and at other times it has a slapsticky element to it.
It's an entertaining read with plenty of potential for further escapades with this often eccentric cast of characters.
*I received a courtesy copy*
April 29, 2020
Perfectly described as a 'comedy crime caper' this is full of chuckles!
Beattie Bramshaw knows everything and everyone in her village, the highlight of which is the annual village show. Competition is fierce is all categories so when a woman goes missing close to the allotments, Beattie turns out to be the unlikeliest of suspects. So why is she taken to the local police station and questioned?
Oh, there is so much more to this than just a murder! Like all good fun mysteries, there is lots going on, oodles of suspects and a side story or two all of which interact to make a very funny read. I've had quite the gigglefest reading this one, and for a debut novel it's terrific! The characters are all fully formed with descriptions which make it easy to imagine them; the story line is amusing but sensible - if you know what I mean! It all makes sense, but is hysterically funny at the same time. For everyone who enjoys 'cosy' mysteries and especially the ones which will make you laugh, this is highly recommended. Definitely an author to keep an eye on and I'm happy to give this one four glowing stars.
Beattie Bramshaw knows everything and everyone in her village, the highlight of which is the annual village show. Competition is fierce is all categories so when a woman goes missing close to the allotments, Beattie turns out to be the unlikeliest of suspects. So why is she taken to the local police station and questioned?
Oh, there is so much more to this than just a murder! Like all good fun mysteries, there is lots going on, oodles of suspects and a side story or two all of which interact to make a very funny read. I've had quite the gigglefest reading this one, and for a debut novel it's terrific! The characters are all fully formed with descriptions which make it easy to imagine them; the story line is amusing but sensible - if you know what I mean! It all makes sense, but is hysterically funny at the same time. For everyone who enjoys 'cosy' mysteries and especially the ones which will make you laugh, this is highly recommended. Definitely an author to keep an eye on and I'm happy to give this one four glowing stars.
May 5, 2020
“She would turn to the one, truly dependable remedy and regain her composure by making nature’s special blend of cheerfulness: a nice cup of tea.”
This sums up Beattie Bramshaw’s outlook on life pretty well.
Marrow Jam is a diverting murder mystery set in the sleepy village of Elmesbury, featuring the not-so-young Beattie Bramshaw whose main aim in life seems to be to win the Best in Show award at the annual village fete.
But, Doug Sparrow wins it three times in a row with his prized marrows. Beattie hates Doug and hatches a plan to prevent him from winning the award again. While attempting to execute this plan, she gets embroiled in the murder of Yvonne Richards, who was one of the judges of that year’s fete.
When interrogated by DI Grayson of Dreighton Local Constabulary, she spills the beans bit by bit in a long-winded narrative, which includes her baking secrets and opinions on other people’s lives. The story is written in such a funny way, I couldn’t help laughing out loud a few times.
Armed with a cup of tea and a tray of meringues to help her through trying times, Beattie unearths the secret behind Yvonne’s murder and, in the process, also puts the ghosts of a painful past to rest. She may be an interfering menace, but she has her heart in the right place.
Marrow Jam can really take your mind off things. It is absorbing, hilarious, and thoroughly entertaining. I also learned some new words from the book, like “discombobulate” and “highfaluting.” The author has an extensive vocabulary and makes full use of it.
Highly recommend for an afternoon or two of pure pleasure!
(I received an ARC from Rachel's Random Resources in exchange for an honest review.)
This sums up Beattie Bramshaw’s outlook on life pretty well.
Marrow Jam is a diverting murder mystery set in the sleepy village of Elmesbury, featuring the not-so-young Beattie Bramshaw whose main aim in life seems to be to win the Best in Show award at the annual village fete.
But, Doug Sparrow wins it three times in a row with his prized marrows. Beattie hates Doug and hatches a plan to prevent him from winning the award again. While attempting to execute this plan, she gets embroiled in the murder of Yvonne Richards, who was one of the judges of that year’s fete.
When interrogated by DI Grayson of Dreighton Local Constabulary, she spills the beans bit by bit in a long-winded narrative, which includes her baking secrets and opinions on other people’s lives. The story is written in such a funny way, I couldn’t help laughing out loud a few times.
Armed with a cup of tea and a tray of meringues to help her through trying times, Beattie unearths the secret behind Yvonne’s murder and, in the process, also puts the ghosts of a painful past to rest. She may be an interfering menace, but she has her heart in the right place.
Marrow Jam can really take your mind off things. It is absorbing, hilarious, and thoroughly entertaining. I also learned some new words from the book, like “discombobulate” and “highfaluting.” The author has an extensive vocabulary and makes full use of it.
Highly recommend for an afternoon or two of pure pleasure!
(I received an ARC from Rachel's Random Resources in exchange for an honest review.)
October 24, 2021
This book was essentially a British cozy mystery with a spinster busybody. Jealousy reigns supreme when Doug wins best in show again at the fete. Nobody else seems to stand a chance, so Beattie is determined to ruin Doug's crop, but murderous events change her plans. The hapless detective inspector Grayson is a spot of humor in the book as are Phyllis's internal thoughts.
May 20, 2020
Will Beattie Bramshaw become the next Miss Marple? All the ingredients are there: a murder mystery set in the English countryside with endearing characters, an unlikely romance and a well-meaning, but slightly overbearing and accident-prone main character. Extremely funny as well. Loved it!
May 28, 2020
Review for Susan
Very well written with plenty of wit in this amusing story. I could picture the characters in their village life and really enjoyed the plot of the story.
Well done x
Very well written with plenty of wit in this amusing story. I could picture the characters in their village life and really enjoyed the plot of the story.
Well done x
May 10, 2020
Made me laugh out loud in places. Thoroughly entertaining!
May 17, 2020
A lovely light hearted book to read at the moment. Easy to read and amusing. Would definitely recommend.
May 30, 2020
A fun, easy to read book. Unfortunately I read it straight after The Mirror and the Light and it didn’t seem very well written. I was confused about how old Beattie was.
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