Fowl Murder

Kenya Kanga Mystery #1

by Victoria Tait

A shooting on the savannah. A tragedy she’d rather forget. When past and present collide, will she survive to see her future?

Kenya, 2016. Semi-retired vet Rose Hardie just wants to enjoy her golden years and care for her disabled husband. But her peace of mind shatters when a forgotten confidant returns and reopens a case where Rose pulled the trigger. With her memories of the poacher’s shocking death flooding back, she barely catches her breath before her childhood friend is brutally murdered.

Braving blackmail and entrenched corruption, the tireless woman dives headfirst into helping the victim’s son solve the crime. But when the lead suspect is killed, Rose’s plans for a peaceful life end up dead and buried…

As her own traumatic history unravels, can Rose catch a killer before she becomes the next victim?

Fowl Murder is the first book in the compelling Kenya Kanga Mystery series. If you like determined heroines, unpredictable twists and turns, and vivid African settings, then you’ll love Victoria Tait’s pulse-pounding tale.

Buy Fowl Murder to solve a searing whodunit today!

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Kenya, Mystery Thriller, Cozy Mystery, Africa

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2020

About the author

Hi, would you like to download Hour is Come, the FREE prequel to my Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series?

If so visit https://bookfunnel.victoriatait.com/s... or visit my website https://www.victoriatait.com

I was born and raised in Yorkshire, England, and never expected to travel the world. I've drawn on my life’s experiences of following my military husband, and a love of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Murder She Wrote, to write British-based cozy mysteries.

My determined and hard-working female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and my settings are vivid and evocative. As you’re compelled to keep turning the pages, you’ll be irresistibly drawn into a world of intrigue, surprises, and humour, as well as a delectable helping of mystery, because tea and intrigue are a perfect blend.

Reviews

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Note: Take a moment to read the Glossary of words before starting to read the books because the author uses many words local to the region. I love that she did this.

We meet Rose Hardie, known as “Mama Rose,” and her invalid husband, Craig, in Nanyuki, Kenya. Rose works as a volunteer vet. She also helps anyone with a need the best she can. They are happily married but do clash when Rose is away and not tending to Craig.

When a childhood friend, Aisha, suddenly moves nearby talking about an event that happened decades ago, an event Rose would like to forget, she gets nervous. Soon after the friend is murdered. True to her nature Rose jumps in to help the victim’s son find her killer. She is also being blackmailed by someone connected to the event Aisha reopened. Unfortunately, Aisha was killed before Rose could get any details from her. Now with Aisha’s son and a little help from Craig, Rose is doing her best to catch a killer and find the truth, but she could end up the killer’s next victim.

Ms. Tait has taken us to Kenya and creates wonderful imagery with her words. I could easily envision every place the characters went. The dryness of the land, the weather that comes in, Mount Kenya, the homes of the characters. I will never travel to Africa but enjoyed this virtual trip immensely.

(Mama) Rose is such a strong character. She is smart and, in some ways, methodical as she ventures into her investigation. She sees things others don’t. She knows everyone and they open up and tell her things they wouldn’t share with others. Husband Craig makes a great sounding board even though his disability keeps him from going everywhere Rose goes. Aisha’s son Thabiti steps in as her sidekick but his youth sometimes gets in the way. Other characters weigh in with information. All these characters develop over the course of the book. They come across as believable and real.

The mystery is full of twists and turns. The subplots blend in easily and the flow is great. The story has many layers to hold readers’ attention from beginning to end. I did figure out part of the whodunit before Rose but was totally surprised when all was explained. Rose also gets some unexpected news that really evokes a change.

Fowl Murder is an exceptional start for the Kenya Kanga Mystery Series. Rose and Craig are definitely characters I want to visit again. Victoria Tait is an author to watch.

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy mystery takes place in Africa. Rose is a sixty-something woman who works as a vet. When Rose's friend is murdered after reopening a case involving Rose's secret she must get involved. Corruption, poaching and secrets fill this murder mystery. This is a clean murder mystery with beautiful descriptions or the land, people and customs. The characters are varied and interesting. I received a free copy of this book. The honest opinions in this review are my own.

[Shomeret · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had reviewed Grevy Danger, a novella by Victoria Tait, here on Goodreads. It's only available to subscribers of Victoria Tait's newsletter. I very much liked the Kenya setting, and protagonist Rose Hardie's involvement with animals. I was sure I would be interested in other books in this series. I was particularly interested in the upcoming second book, Tusk Justice, which deals with the threats to the survival of elephants. Victoria Tait wanted me to have read this first novel which I had purchased, but hadn't yet read due to my review commitments. I told her that I would read Fowl Murder before Tusk Justice, and that's exactly what I did.

The case in Fowl Murder seemed tied to another one in which Rose herself was accused of having shot a poacher forty years ago. That earlier case and the way she feels about it illuminates Rose's character. Rose's understanding of that poacher shooting changes over the course of the narrative, and that process transformed the way I viewed Rose as well. This book represented a pivotal point in the protagonist's character development. I can now see why Victoria Tait thought I needed to read it before Tusk Justice.

Although I found the resolution of the murder case predictable, I was impressed by certain characters, their relationships and Victoria Tait's portrayal of Kenyan culture. So I look forward to continuing with this series by reading Tusk Justice.

For my complete review see https://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/2...

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose Hardie may be semi-retired, but she has a full plate on her hands. She works part-time as a vet and she takes care of her disabled husband. She’s stunned when an old friend returns to Kenya and catches up with Rose. Rose isn’t all that thrilled to see her since the last time they were together, Rose was responsible for the death of a poacher. It brings back terrible memories, but when her friend is murdered Rose is shocked.

At the request of her friend’s adult son and the local police commissioner, Rose conducts her own investigation into the murder. Rose’s past continues to haunt her as she gets hit with a blackmail scheme to add to her troubles. However, she vows to solve this murder no matter what she discovers in the process.

This is the first book in the new cozy mystery series “Kenya Kanga Mystery”. I really enjoyed the Kenya location as it is a bit different than a typical cozy mystery. The author painted a vivid picture and made me feel like I was actually there.

The characters have strong personalities and are well-written. I always enjoy the older protagonists. They are usually no-nonsense and on top of things. Rose is no exception.

The storyline is fast-paced with a few twists and turns along the way. I admit, I did suspect the culprit but I wasn’t sure of the details behind it. Still, I was engrossed trying to figure things out and finding out the reasons for everything. It felt very much like an Agatha Christie book to me.

I’m looking forward to reading book #2 and seeing what situation Rose gets into next.



FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose Hardie's close friend has been murdered, but the police are calling it an accident. Rose will have to find out the truth for herself.

Fowl Murder takes us to Nanyuki, Kenya as Victoria Tait embroils us in a world of both savage lions and even more savage politicians. The story transports you to the setting and guides the reader on a generous tour of these environs.

I enjoyed the unique location and especially was enthralled with the semi-retired female veterinarian who doubles as a detective for this series. I did, however, have a hard time getting through the story and had to make several attempts before finishing. This I put down to the new (to me) backdrop and way of life.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC free from VRO and this is my voluntary honest review.
Wow !
* A must read. Well written.
* A crafted intricate plot. A suspenseful who- done- it cozy layered with intrigue, suspense, and drama.
* Well developed, quirky, unusual, interesting, fansinating, complex, and likeable characters.
* Hard to put down. A real page turner.
* A slow and steady pace.
Read and enjoy!

[Jean Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for Christie fans!
Victoria Tait's Mama Rose is Agatha Christie's Miss Marple reincarnated and living in Kenya. Tait has crafted an intricate plot that keeps the reader suspecting one character after another. In addition to providing a suspenseful who-done-it Tait enchants the reader with vivid descriptions of the beauty of Kenya and the lifestyle of ordinary people.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria Tait’s “Fowl Murder” marks the start into Victoria Tait’s “Kenya Kanga Mystery” series, which pair classical “whodunnit” elements with very actual African issues and introduces the most interesting sleuth female character since the unforgettable Amelia Peabody created by late Elizabeth Peters. Nevertheless, Rosie Hardie, an almost-retired veterinary, is a highly original characters all on its own, a capable, seasoned, witty and immediately likeable character that possess a tendency to found herself in the middle of mystery murders wanting to be solved.

“Fowl Murder” is set in 2016 Kenya and deals with the issue of poaching. Rosie and her disabled husband Craig Hardie are intended on enjoy their golden years in Nanyuki, while Rosie (known as ‘Mama Rose’ by the locals) volunteering as a vet and goes around helping anyone in need. A visit from a childhood friend, open the door to suppressed memories that interweave tragically with her friend subsequent death and sent Rosie into a hunt for the killer to avenge her friend and prevent her own demise in the process.

Victoria Tait’s writing is enticing and fluid, with wonderful accurate and vivid descriptions of the Kenyan setting that embedded the plot into a coherent and enjoyable story, filled with detail, twist and turns until the very satisfying conclusion. A clear recommendation for any mystery and/or all those interesting in African related themes and witty capable female sleuths.

[Sandy Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Nice mystery ....might call it a laid back who done it . While one will likely know the murderer rather quickly, the why is a bit more complicated than immediately apparent. All in all a nice story but not overly excited about it.

[Lizenbyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mama Rose and Aisha had been friends for many years. Aisha had returned to live near Mama Rose and was murdered before a dinner party she was hosting. Mama Rose and Aisha's son work together to solve Aisha's murder.

[Phyllis A. McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book enormously, I like mysteries that have a locale that makes me feel like I am exploring a different culture. I also tend to favor older lead characters in my reading. They are richer and more developed. So I pretty much enjoyed everything about this book.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose Hardie, known as "Mama Rose," and her invalid husband, Craig, live a quiet, retiring life in Nanyuki, Kenya, where she serves the surrounding communities as a volunteer para-veterinarian and all-around helping hand. They had lived a frugal, tight existence, but a happy one for the most part, since their early marriage when Rose was accused of killing a poacher and spending a week in the grim local prison.

One day after Craig left the house to work on the farm, leaving young Rose, her best friend, Aisha Onyango, and the house girl alone, a mob of men that had stormed their farm’s inner compound. Rose had discharged a shotgun in their general direction in self-defense, never intending to hit anyone but just to scare them away. However, a week after the incident, she is informed that she killed one of the supposed poachers, was arrested, thrown in prison, and interrogated unmercifully until Aisha, a budding attorney, managed to get the charges dropped. But afterward, their friendship was never the same. Aisha drifted away into a high-profile career in Nairobi, and Rose was left believing for the past 40-plus years that her dear friend was ashamed of her and her reckless actions that day.

But now, out of the blue, Aisha and her family, two adult children, are back in Nanyuki and living nearby in Guinea Fowl Cottage. The two women immediately renew their acquaintance, but Rose can tell that Aisha is afraid of something and is back in Nanyuki because it is safer than staying in Nairobi. On top of that, Aisha is reopening the case against Rose that happened all those years ago. Before Aisha opens up about what is going on and why she is stirring up the old trouble, she is struck down in her home, and the local police are ordered off the case calling it an accidental death. At the urging of the police commissioner, Mama Rose and Aisha’s son, Thabiti, decide to uncover the truth of Aisha’s murder.

FOWL MURDER is the first book in a new cozy mystery series, the Kenya Kanga Mystery series, by author Victoria Tait, and features the amateur sleuthing abilities of 60-something “Mama Rose” Hardie, and her young friend (Aisha’s son), Thabiti Onyango. They are supported by other great characters such as the caught-between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place police commissioner Akida, the mysterious Sam – the barman, and newcomer to Kenya, Chloe. The author has Rose feel her age and describes her aches, pains, and fatigue (she has arthritis), and this made her feel that much more real to me. In addition, like many wives of her age and at this stage of their lives, she’s also dealing with the gradual decline of an aging spouse. Again, this helped bring this character to life for me. I could relate and appreciated this realistic portrayal.

The Kenyan setting with the descriptions of the beauty of Mount Kenya, the dryness of the surrounding area, and the consequences of the lack of rainfall were fascinating, as were the little details of everyday life there. The portrayal had me feeling the heat and dust and grit. I liked the sprinkling of Kiswahili words throughout and often referred to the helpful glossary explaining them at the end of the book.

“Mama Rose” is a keen observer of people and understands human nature. She is a well-known and well-liked member of the community, so people talk to her. She takes the various threads of information she gathers and weaves together the solution to the problems she’s investigating in a logical, straightforward way. There were a couple of good possible suspects to cross off the list, and her investigation took care of some of them while subsequent events eliminated others for her. The book was a gratifying reading experience.

I recommend this book to cozy mystery readers in general but especially to those that have read and enjoyed the Alexander McCall Smith series, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. I look forward to more in series myself.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Nicolle Needles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read! I loved following the twists and turns.

[Sian Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.
Having lived in Africa the characters and circumstances described were very real.
Mama Rose is a great character and I met many women like her over the years.
The plot was good and moved along at a nice pace and kept me guessing to the end.
Characters were well developed.
I enjoyed the subplot of the poacher killing 40 years previously.
I will be reading the sequel
Totally recommended

[Maricle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good start to a new series. I love the African setting. The descriptive passages give the reader a real feeling of the setting. The characters are quirky and well developed. Overall, very enjoyable. Recommended.

[Samantha Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it. If you enjoy Alexander McCall’s number one ladies detective series or a good dose of Miss Marple then you really need to read this. The author has created such an intriguing plot with lots to keep you gripped and I found myself constantly wanting to read just one more chapter before forcing myself to put my kindle down. The characters are beautifully written with a real depth so they all felt so real and believable. The evocative descriptions of the Kenyan setting and it’s people, traditions, markets, clothing, nature etc all added so much. The author has such an easy writing style and I loved the addition of local language. I received this free copy from Voracious Readers Only and I am so happy that I did. As soon as I finished Fowl Murder I immediately selected the chance to download another of Victoria Tait’s books, I can’t wait to lose myself in Rose’s future investigations. Please keep writing. I really can’t recommend this book more highly.

[Ruth Coulson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cosy murder mystery solved by an old lady - there have been many of them over the years. But this one, set in Kenya, is different enough to pique anyone's interest.
Not only do we have the beauty of the setting and the feeling for Africa that comes through, but there are many layers of intrigue for the detective to work through.
The characters are drawn well and have their own personalities, which sometimes doesn't happen in a detective story. The solution to the mysterious happenings is also well done with no unlikely happenings, holes or ragged edges.
Well done to Victoria Tait for the first of her novels in this series.
By the way, the "fowl" in the title refers to guinea fowl and the setting for the murder, Guinea Fowl Cottage.
I received an advance copy through Voracious Readers and thank them and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

[Suzanne Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this advanced copy via Voracious Reader and enjoyed it thoroughly. First thing I would like to say is thank you to author Victoria Tait for setting this story in Kenya which gave the story a fresh flavor. The story gives you a mystery which is wrapped in a murder, wrapped in possible government fraud. As Rose tries to found out who murdered her friend, she also struggles with the memories of a murder 40 years prior that she believes she committed. Did she really kill that man? After all she did fire the shot gun. Who killed her friend just minutes before all the guests were to arrive at the party? Why was the commissioner ordered to declare the obvious murder an “accident”? Like an onion this writer peals back the layers to reveal the answers to all our questions.

[Val Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an emerging author, I think they have a spectacular first in this series. A exotic setting, unusual characters, and a mystery with just enough twists to keep you thinking. Mama Rose has carried a burden of guilt for several decades and thought she had lost a friendship because of it. It isn't until she solves the murder of that friend that she finds out she had needlessly carried that guilt.
I enjoyed getting to know the main characters with all their flaws. And the solving of the murders wasn't a huge leap as in some mysteries - no withholding of information, but directing the interpretation of what you think you saw (read) gets you there. I look forward to more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming new series set in Kenya has captured my heart

If you love Alexander McCall Smith’s No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, you will enjoy the Kenya Kanga Mysteries. Both authors give a sense of a people ‘seen’, and have intimate knowledge of a country and it's quirky ways. Ms Tait’s evocative descriptions allow one to feel the heat, smell the dust, and be immersed in the unique experience that is Africa. If like me, you know it well, you will feel a sense of homecoming. If you are new to Africa, take a leap into a magical new world and be entertained as Rose solves mysteries that you will not find in the drawing rooms of Britain!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mama Rose has a childhood friend that she has not seen in over 30 years. Her friend gets murdered and you learn more of their past together. Mama Rose is drawn into solving her murder with/by her friend's son Thabiti. Mama Rose was aided by her friend in the past when she was jailed after shooting a poacher. Through this story you get the clues about the murder. But you also learn more of the shooting that happened when the girls were together and the poacher was killed. There are twists and turns and you really have to think to figure out the killer's identity. The author does a great job at describing Kenya and the lifestyle in the region.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fowl Murder is the first book in the Kenya Kanga Mystery series and is a fantastic start to this new series.

I loved this book and the descriptions of Kenya that bring the book to life. The characters are realistic, relatable, eccentric, and likable. The storyline is well crafted and captured my interest from start to finish with mystery, murder, motives, danger, and intrigue. I am looking forward to reading more books about Rose Hardie in the Kenya Kanga Mystery series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arthritic, reluctant, yet determined, Rose is the amateur sleuth on the block. Set in a small town in Kenya, this book is rich with atmosphere and descriptions of the surrounding area. The characters are also well fleshed out and I like the sprinkling of local words in the dialogue. Plenty of puzzling red herrings creating a good read. The writing is smooth and the warmth and friendship between the various characters really came through for me. An excellent debut novel.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is her second book and like the first it was great! Loved those characters, the easy going story line. So descriptive about the surroundings, the people and animals. They all feel so real....and like I was there in the middle of it. I really enjoyed and found it very relaxing.
Sue Belanger

[Gill King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely book. It really takes you away to another world in more ways than just geography. I could not put it down, it was twists, turns, and surprises in equal measure and had me guessing to the end. A really good whodunit, which will keep you guessing as will the interesting cast of characters.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I can honestly say that it was a well paced tale that kept the suspense and mystery throughout. It introduced me to a whole new culture and left me wanting to read more. Extremely likable characters complete with flaws and eccentricities.
Well done to a new author, I'll look out for more of your books!

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by Victoria Tait; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helen Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a wonderful trip to Kenya. Visited Nairobi in the l960s and always love revisiting African
locations. Good story line, characters and Rose speaks to me from her age and experience. A thinking
woman who approaches challenges with a calm demeanor. Good job Victoria, waiting for the next
book.

[Candy Lawless · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I grabbed me and did not let go. The beautiful descriptions of Kenya and the people, animals and land held me enthalled as the plot and mystery had me turning the pages. I love mama Rose, her strength, her morals and inquisitive mind. She is so human and real.

[Willow Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished it. It's set in Africa and that's not the settings for the usual mysteries . I really enjoyed it though. It was well written and the characters were really awesome.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.