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Kate Palmer #2
A Body in Seaview Grange
Nurse Kate Palmer is ready for some peace and quiet in her little Cornish village but instead there’s murder on her doorstep…
When amateur sleuth Kate Palmer is asked to do some nursing at Seaview Grange, a Victorian building with beautiful views of the coast, the request comes at just the right time. Her new home, Lavender Cottage, needs substantial repairs and her sister Angie’s fondness for gin does rather stretch the purse-strings. All is going well until Edina Martinelli, a glamorous ex-opera singer, is found poisoned in one of the luxury apartments.
Poor Edina’s death is ruled an overdose but Kate is sure the flamboyant woman she met was not suicidal. With the reputation of her practice on the line, Kate decides to do some digging. Luckily, she’s got the newly retired Detective Inspector Woody Forrest to help her…
It’s not long before Kate discovers evidence of foul play, and there’s no shortage of suspects. Was it the besotted vicar? The ill-tempered stepson? Or perhaps Edina’s neighbour finally had enough of her constant warbling?
It seems everyone had a motive, but who amongst them had the stomach for murder? And can Kate solve the baffling crime before they kill again?
When amateur sleuth Kate Palmer is asked to do some nursing at Seaview Grange, a Victorian building with beautiful views of the coast, the request comes at just the right time. Her new home, Lavender Cottage, needs substantial repairs and her sister Angie’s fondness for gin does rather stretch the purse-strings. All is going well until Edina Martinelli, a glamorous ex-opera singer, is found poisoned in one of the luxury apartments.
Poor Edina’s death is ruled an overdose but Kate is sure the flamboyant woman she met was not suicidal. With the reputation of her practice on the line, Kate decides to do some digging. Luckily, she’s got the newly retired Detective Inspector Woody Forrest to help her…
It’s not long before Kate discovers evidence of foul play, and there’s no shortage of suspects. Was it the besotted vicar? The ill-tempered stepson? Or perhaps Edina’s neighbour finally had enough of her constant warbling?
It seems everyone had a motive, but who amongst them had the stomach for murder? And can Kate solve the baffling crime before they kill again?
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2020
1233 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Dee MacDonald
16 books264 followersThe Runaway Wife is Dee’s first (published) novel but in fact she wrote her very first book – at around seven years of age! This was a love story which she duly illustrated before sewing all the pages together up one side. Writing was what she ‘was good at’ in school and she won several essay competitions, but then life got in the way and she didn’t pick up a pen again until after retirement.
Dee left Scotland and headed for London at the beginning of the swinging sixties. After typing her way round the West End she became an air stewardess on long haul routes with BA (then BOAC) for eight years. After that she did market research at Heathrow for both the government statistics and for BA, she became a sales rep and was the receptionist at the Thames Television Studios in Teddington when they had the franchise.
She then ran a small B&B for ten years in Cornwall, where she lives with her husband. Dee has one son and two grandsons who live locally.
Her second book, The Getaway Girls, will be published in July.
Dee left Scotland and headed for London at the beginning of the swinging sixties. After typing her way round the West End she became an air stewardess on long haul routes with BA (then BOAC) for eight years. After that she did market research at Heathrow for both the government statistics and for BA, she became a sales rep and was the receptionist at the Thames Television Studios in Teddington when they had the franchise.
She then ran a small B&B for ten years in Cornwall, where she lives with her husband. Dee has one son and two grandsons who live locally.
Her second book, The Getaway Girls, will be published in July.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 16, 2020
“A great new cozy mystery heroine”
Ah, Those were the days, back in my youth! When I would settle down, with the latest Agatha Christie acquisition from my local library and read into the wee small hours, to try and find out ‘whodunnit’, before sleep finally overtook me! Semi-retired District nurse, Kate Palmer, is shaping up nicely to become the modern day equivalent of the great lady’s ‘Miss Marple’ character. Kate has allegedly moved to Cornwall to live out a quiet retirement, but that story just doesn’t quite hang together somehow, as it sounds as though, sensible as she thinks she is, it can’t be coincidence that she can always be found in the thick of any local action, particularly murder, regardless of the danger.
A Body In Seaview Grange worked well as a stand alone story, as all the characters, their previous and current relationships were more than adequately explained and fleshed out. However I do wish that perhaps I had been able to make time to go back and read book #1 first, as there were quite a few references to events from that debut story, which I really wanted to know about, but maybe that’s just me being as curious as Kate herself is, as they bore no relevance to this current turn of events.
I really enjoyed Dee’s style of writing in this particular genre, although she has also written books in the genre of contemporary women’s fiction, which I haven’t read any of to date. The story has a beginning which really sets the scene, before Bam! the action kicks in full pelt and never lets up until the murderer is revealed and everyone breathes a collective sigh of relief!, and of course the ending is a personally satisfyingly happy one, for one of crime’s newest amateur sleuths!
This well-constructed, very traditional, text-book murder / mystery, becomes quite multi-layered and compelling, as events begin to spiral out of control at Seaview Grange. Who would ever have believed that a peaceful, coastal, retirement complex, could harbour such ill-will and malice, where everyone is a suspect, but is there only one murderer?
This case just goes to show that, ‘revenge really is a dish best served cold’!
Author Dee MacDonald, has total control over the situation as events twist and turn and the body count begins to rise. She even throws in a good few red herrings just to keep me guessing, and I never really did discover the genuine perpetrator from all the pretenders, until Kate gets up close and personal with them. Considering that the action is centred around one location, everything keeps moving along at a good pace, with the narrative and dialogue being visually observational, fluid and effortless, as Dee confidently negotiates the many moods and hidden agendas of her disparate cast of characters, allowing them to own their space and giving them a voice.
And boy! – do these people have plenty to say! They all have axes to grind, anger to vent and are on the lookout for a captive audience to tell their story to. Kate walks right into this maelstrom of discontent and tension, although to be fair, with her inherently inquisitive and stubborn nature, she does tend to make a rod for her own back, much to the growing despair of retired DI ‘Woody’ Forrest the new man in her life, her rather alcoholic sister Angie with whom she shares a house and the local police under the watchful eye of DI Bill Robson, who would really rather she left the detective work to the professionals.
As Kate quickly discovers, people can live and lead very complicated, difficult and distressing lives. However this group of rather ill-matched, self-centred and selfish individuals, have more trauma, angst and individual dramas going on, than I would ever have thought possible, making them rather an uneasy bunch to connect and engage with or become invested in, despite the care, attention to detail and passion Dee has invested in defining them, both visually and emotionally.
I do wonder just how many more murders and bodies, one small Cornish town has to offer, before Kate becomes a little predictable in her discoveries and meddling ways? Plenty I hope, as I have already grown quiet accustomed to seeing her bright red Fiat Punto around the place!
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
Ah, Those were the days, back in my youth! When I would settle down, with the latest Agatha Christie acquisition from my local library and read into the wee small hours, to try and find out ‘whodunnit’, before sleep finally overtook me! Semi-retired District nurse, Kate Palmer, is shaping up nicely to become the modern day equivalent of the great lady’s ‘Miss Marple’ character. Kate has allegedly moved to Cornwall to live out a quiet retirement, but that story just doesn’t quite hang together somehow, as it sounds as though, sensible as she thinks she is, it can’t be coincidence that she can always be found in the thick of any local action, particularly murder, regardless of the danger.
A Body In Seaview Grange worked well as a stand alone story, as all the characters, their previous and current relationships were more than adequately explained and fleshed out. However I do wish that perhaps I had been able to make time to go back and read book #1 first, as there were quite a few references to events from that debut story, which I really wanted to know about, but maybe that’s just me being as curious as Kate herself is, as they bore no relevance to this current turn of events.
I really enjoyed Dee’s style of writing in this particular genre, although she has also written books in the genre of contemporary women’s fiction, which I haven’t read any of to date. The story has a beginning which really sets the scene, before Bam! the action kicks in full pelt and never lets up until the murderer is revealed and everyone breathes a collective sigh of relief!, and of course the ending is a personally satisfyingly happy one, for one of crime’s newest amateur sleuths!
This well-constructed, very traditional, text-book murder / mystery, becomes quite multi-layered and compelling, as events begin to spiral out of control at Seaview Grange. Who would ever have believed that a peaceful, coastal, retirement complex, could harbour such ill-will and malice, where everyone is a suspect, but is there only one murderer?
This case just goes to show that, ‘revenge really is a dish best served cold’!
Author Dee MacDonald, has total control over the situation as events twist and turn and the body count begins to rise. She even throws in a good few red herrings just to keep me guessing, and I never really did discover the genuine perpetrator from all the pretenders, until Kate gets up close and personal with them. Considering that the action is centred around one location, everything keeps moving along at a good pace, with the narrative and dialogue being visually observational, fluid and effortless, as Dee confidently negotiates the many moods and hidden agendas of her disparate cast of characters, allowing them to own their space and giving them a voice.
And boy! – do these people have plenty to say! They all have axes to grind, anger to vent and are on the lookout for a captive audience to tell their story to. Kate walks right into this maelstrom of discontent and tension, although to be fair, with her inherently inquisitive and stubborn nature, she does tend to make a rod for her own back, much to the growing despair of retired DI ‘Woody’ Forrest the new man in her life, her rather alcoholic sister Angie with whom she shares a house and the local police under the watchful eye of DI Bill Robson, who would really rather she left the detective work to the professionals.
As Kate quickly discovers, people can live and lead very complicated, difficult and distressing lives. However this group of rather ill-matched, self-centred and selfish individuals, have more trauma, angst and individual dramas going on, than I would ever have thought possible, making them rather an uneasy bunch to connect and engage with or become invested in, despite the care, attention to detail and passion Dee has invested in defining them, both visually and emotionally.
I do wonder just how many more murders and bodies, one small Cornish town has to offer, before Kate becomes a little predictable in her discoveries and meddling ways? Plenty I hope, as I have already grown quiet accustomed to seeing her bright red Fiat Punto around the place!
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
October 28, 2020
Dee Macdonald is back and as one of my fav authors was excited to read her new Kate Palmer book, Dee’s books are ‘feel good murder mysteries’ if that makes sense 😀 or tales of older folk going off and having adventures and almost at the complete other end of the spectrum of my usual reads, and I lover her books
This time Kate is back and ‘Seaview Grange’ is where she finds herself attending to a patient ( Kate is a nurse ) who tells her that she fears someone wants her dead, no one believes her and then of course when it happens Kate is back in her role of super sleuth and trying to solve the case, much to the disdain of the Policeman in charge of the case
The suspects are all at Seaview Grange and include a vicar whose reputation in his last parish he would rather keep hidden, a writer of horror books resplendent in a cape, twins who love a gossip and the couple who won the lottery and moved from the estate to one of the apartments and have a penchant for Kipling cakes
It’s then a satisfying whodunit and I really didn’t have a clue as all suspects had motive and reason but the killer when unmasked was a surprise
A good ending and the ground laid for Book 3 which Ive no doubt will be as good as this one
I really enjoy everything about this authors books and always feel happy to be back in the company of her characters that she writes so well
No surprises then that’s it
5 Stars
10/10
This time Kate is back and ‘Seaview Grange’ is where she finds herself attending to a patient ( Kate is a nurse ) who tells her that she fears someone wants her dead, no one believes her and then of course when it happens Kate is back in her role of super sleuth and trying to solve the case, much to the disdain of the Policeman in charge of the case
The suspects are all at Seaview Grange and include a vicar whose reputation in his last parish he would rather keep hidden, a writer of horror books resplendent in a cape, twins who love a gossip and the couple who won the lottery and moved from the estate to one of the apartments and have a penchant for Kipling cakes
It’s then a satisfying whodunit and I really didn’t have a clue as all suspects had motive and reason but the killer when unmasked was a surprise
A good ending and the ground laid for Book 3 which Ive no doubt will be as good as this one
I really enjoy everything about this authors books and always feel happy to be back in the company of her characters that she writes so well
No surprises then that’s it
5 Stars
10/10
November 10, 2020
A Body in Seaview Grange is the second instalment in the Kate Palmer Mystery series, set in Cornwall, and it's the perfect cosy mystery to curl up with on these chilly Autumn evenings. 58-year-old divorced practice nurse Kate and her widowed sister, Angie, have recently moved from the pandemonium of London to the picture-postcard village of Lower Tinworthy in Cornwall after purchasing beautiful Lavender Cottage and hope to become accustomed to a slower pace of life. Kate is called out to Seaview Grange, a large Victorian house which had been converted into a retirement home offering several luxury flats for the elderly, to tend to Italian ex-opera singer Edina Martinelli, who has been complaining that the cast supporting her broken ankle is too tight. Working at Middle Tinworthy Medical Centre, it's a welcome change to get out of the surgery and visit Seaview which is seated on top of the cliffs in Higher Tinworthy overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, just as its name suggests. Edina informs her that the injury occurred because someone was trying to kill her, but naturally, Kate puts this down as her having a flair for the dramatic and thinks nothing more of it.
That is until she hears that Edina was poisoned and when bodies continue to drop Kate decides to put on her sleuthing hat and get to the bottom of it. The local police and even her beloved other half retired Detective Woody Forrest seem puzzled by the killings, so will Kate fare any better? This is a charming and completely enthralling mystery right from the get-go. The setting itself is most certainly treated as one of the characters and the descriptions reminded me of the chocolate-box English villages you see in Midsomer Murders. The actual cast of characters is beautifully developed, and I loved getting to know more about Kate and her sister who are reliable and very likeable, and each of the care home residents has their own unique and distinctive personality. It is a delightful cosy with a compelling plot, a series of compelling twists and turns and enough going on to keep you captivated from cover to cover. A highly recommended comfort read, and a real treat for cosy connoisseurs. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
That is until she hears that Edina was poisoned and when bodies continue to drop Kate decides to put on her sleuthing hat and get to the bottom of it. The local police and even her beloved other half retired Detective Woody Forrest seem puzzled by the killings, so will Kate fare any better? This is a charming and completely enthralling mystery right from the get-go. The setting itself is most certainly treated as one of the characters and the descriptions reminded me of the chocolate-box English villages you see in Midsomer Murders. The actual cast of characters is beautifully developed, and I loved getting to know more about Kate and her sister who are reliable and very likeable, and each of the care home residents has their own unique and distinctive personality. It is a delightful cosy with a compelling plot, a series of compelling twists and turns and enough going on to keep you captivated from cover to cover. A highly recommended comfort read, and a real treat for cosy connoisseurs. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
March 30, 2021
Kate Palmer is a nurse who has retired to a small Cornish village. When asked to take on some nursing home visits, she readily agrees ... anything to get her away from her sister who has an alcohol habit .. and a house that seems to be falling down around her head.
Kate finds ex-opera singer, Edina Martinelli, has been poisoned. Her death is said to to an overdose of a medication she's been taking for years. Edina was not suicidal, nor depressed... that leaves only one thing .. someone wanted her dead.
Kate is a bit of an amateur sleuth and joins forces with DI Woody Forrest to poke around and see what they can find. Kate finds suspects everywhere she turns .... but who knows more than they are telling? Who would have wanted this lady dead? And will this be the only death? What will happen when Kate gets too close to the truth?
This is well-written with characters that are in turn, nosy, quirky, but very friendly. I love the working relationship between Kate and the detective. I really got a kick from Kate and her sister .. and the dog. It's a real who-dun-it with a few twists and turns. This is an easy read and although 2nd in the series, is easily read as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this cozy mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Kate finds ex-opera singer, Edina Martinelli, has been poisoned. Her death is said to to an overdose of a medication she's been taking for years. Edina was not suicidal, nor depressed... that leaves only one thing .. someone wanted her dead.
Kate is a bit of an amateur sleuth and joins forces with DI Woody Forrest to poke around and see what they can find. Kate finds suspects everywhere she turns .... but who knows more than they are telling? Who would have wanted this lady dead? And will this be the only death? What will happen when Kate gets too close to the truth?
This is well-written with characters that are in turn, nosy, quirky, but very friendly. I love the working relationship between Kate and the detective. I really got a kick from Kate and her sister .. and the dog. It's a real who-dun-it with a few twists and turns. This is an easy read and although 2nd in the series, is easily read as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this cozy mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 15, 2020
Eureka! Eureka! I did it!! I guessed the killer right at the moment the character appeared in the book. And you would think that it were my Detective skills that zinged and zanged to lead me to the killer. Nopes, it was just pure instincts.
Kate, the nurse and amateur sleuth was back. She was called to one of the flats of the Seaview Grange to check on a patient with a broken ankle, and she found a friend in Edina Martinelli, who was sure someone was trying to kill her. She checked up on the opera singer frequently and on one occasion, she found her to be quite unwell. Later the same day, the grande dame died. She was poisoned. The pages of the book turned faster when I got an inkling of what could have happened.
Then came an attempted suicide followed by another murder, and it was Kate ramping up her investigation even when everyone warned he against it. She could get to the killer but at great peril to her own life. A couple of chapters described how far the killer would go to silence her.
All the residents and visitors were on the suspect list. After every few chapters, Kate would get a new suspect with whom the motives were the highest. Opposition from the local cop, support from the retired cop along with the residents in the building wanting to get to the truth made Kate speed up. Few characters in her life returned in this book, they gave me a glimpse of her personal life.
A fact niggled me while reading. Kate was a dedicated nurse, yet when the patient’s pulse was thready and low, and the patient looked to be at death’s bed, dehydrated, she didn’t call for the amulance. A cardiac patient on digitalis with the pulse low and barely palpable, every medical professional would know that it is an emergency. The fact Kate allowed herself to be swayed by the patient and asking a cleaner to check on her irritated the doctor in me, especially when the patient died. I didn’t like her much then. But this would not hurt anyone else’s sensibilities.
The rest of the book was quite fun and felt to be a perfectly cozy murder mystery.
Kate, the nurse and amateur sleuth was back. She was called to one of the flats of the Seaview Grange to check on a patient with a broken ankle, and she found a friend in Edina Martinelli, who was sure someone was trying to kill her. She checked up on the opera singer frequently and on one occasion, she found her to be quite unwell. Later the same day, the grande dame died. She was poisoned. The pages of the book turned faster when I got an inkling of what could have happened.
Then came an attempted suicide followed by another murder, and it was Kate ramping up her investigation even when everyone warned he against it. She could get to the killer but at great peril to her own life. A couple of chapters described how far the killer would go to silence her.
All the residents and visitors were on the suspect list. After every few chapters, Kate would get a new suspect with whom the motives were the highest. Opposition from the local cop, support from the retired cop along with the residents in the building wanting to get to the truth made Kate speed up. Few characters in her life returned in this book, they gave me a glimpse of her personal life.
A fact niggled me while reading. Kate was a dedicated nurse, yet when the patient’s pulse was thready and low, and the patient looked to be at death’s bed, dehydrated, she didn’t call for the amulance. A cardiac patient on digitalis with the pulse low and barely palpable, every medical professional would know that it is an emergency. The fact Kate allowed herself to be swayed by the patient and asking a cleaner to check on her irritated the doctor in me, especially when the patient died. I didn’t like her much then. But this would not hurt anyone else’s sensibilities.
The rest of the book was quite fun and felt to be a perfectly cozy murder mystery.
November 15, 2020
This is the 2nd instalment in the Kate Palmer Mystery series by
Dee MacDonald
and features experienced nurse Kate who has relocated from West London to Cornwall along with her sister, Angie. The sisters have both moved into gorgeous Lavender Cottage in the picturesque village of Lower Tinworthy, hoping for a more peaceful life.
Kate is helping out at Seaview Grange luxury retirement flats to earn herself a bit of extra money for her retirement fund. Working at Middle Tinworthy Medical Centre, it's a welcome change to go to Seaview which is seated on top of the cliffs in Higher Tinworthy. The Grange has stunning views of the sea and she's pleased to be of service until resident Edina Martinelli, a glamorous ex-opera singer is found in her flat, having been poisoned. When more dead bodies eventuate, Kate decides to don her sleuthing hat...
Newly retired friend DI Woody Forrest is fortunately on hand to help her and they team up to figure out the puzzle of the killings. This is a superb cosy mystery with plenty of substance but still maintaining that cosy edge, with the chocolate-box cottage and alluring countryside locale. Divorcee Kate is an intrepid and caring character. Her fondness for sexagenarian Woody is charming to read about and they make an effective sleuthing duo. This is a comfortably paced, easy read with a hugely enjoyable plot, and a great cast of characters. It boasts a bucket-load of suspects with plausible motives, and many red herrings, twists and disclosures. A quality, well-plotted cosy with a fulfilling conclusion, A Body in Seaview Grange is the perfect novel to curl up with on chilly autumn evenings.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Kate is helping out at Seaview Grange luxury retirement flats to earn herself a bit of extra money for her retirement fund. Working at Middle Tinworthy Medical Centre, it's a welcome change to go to Seaview which is seated on top of the cliffs in Higher Tinworthy. The Grange has stunning views of the sea and she's pleased to be of service until resident Edina Martinelli, a glamorous ex-opera singer is found in her flat, having been poisoned. When more dead bodies eventuate, Kate decides to don her sleuthing hat...
Newly retired friend DI Woody Forrest is fortunately on hand to help her and they team up to figure out the puzzle of the killings. This is a superb cosy mystery with plenty of substance but still maintaining that cosy edge, with the chocolate-box cottage and alluring countryside locale. Divorcee Kate is an intrepid and caring character. Her fondness for sexagenarian Woody is charming to read about and they make an effective sleuthing duo. This is a comfortably paced, easy read with a hugely enjoyable plot, and a great cast of characters. It boasts a bucket-load of suspects with plausible motives, and many red herrings, twists and disclosures. A quality, well-plotted cosy with a fulfilling conclusion, A Body in Seaview Grange is the perfect novel to curl up with on chilly autumn evenings.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
January 6, 2021
Book Description:
Practice nurse Kate Palmer is ready for some peace and quiet in her little Cornish village, but there’s soon to be a murder on her doorstep…
Kate’s retirement in Cornwall hasn’t quite gone as planned – Lavender Cottage is in need of substantial repairs and her sister Angie’s fondness for gin does rather stretch the purse-strings.
So when Kate is asked to do some nursing at the luxury retirement flats in Seaview Grange, she jumps at the chance. The old Victorian house has stunning views of the sea and the retirees are a peaceful bunch. That is, until Edina Martinelli, a glamorous ex-opera singer, is found poisoned in her home.
Edina’s death is ruled an overdose by Digoxin, the same medication she had been on for years. But Kate is sure the woman she met was not suicidal, and with the reputation of her practice on the line, she decides to do some digging. Luckily she’s got the newly retired Detective Inspector Woody Forrest to help her…
It’s not long before Kate discovers evidence of foul play, and there’s no shortage of suspects. Was it the besotted vicar? The ill-tempered stepson? Or perhaps Edina’s neighbour finally had enough of her constant warbling. It seems everyone had a motive, but who amongst them had the stomach for murder? And will they kill again?
If you love murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin or Joy Ellis, then this page-turning novel will have you reading late into the night!
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'A Body in Seaview Grange ' by Dee MacDonald.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 12th November 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author. It is also the second book in the 'Kate Palmer' series but can be read as a standalone.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover its intriguing synopsis. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 35. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Cornwall, UK. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited Cornwall on several occasions so am looking forward to see if I recognise anywhere.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Kate Palmer. The benefits of third person perspectives are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is very smoothly written with vivid descriptions which really help you see what's going on around you as well as the storyline. The blurb and the cover compliment the novel perfectly.
The plot really sucked me in and I really enjoyed curling up on the sofa and getting dragged into this cosy mystery. The storyline was realistic which I always prefer as it makes it more enjoyable to read when you can see that it is something that could happen. Although it is part of a series it worked well as a standalone as any previous characters and relationships made were adequately explained in just the right amount of detail. This book is well constructed and traditional and what starts off as one murder becomes quite multi layered with all the characters backgrounds coming out. It was a very compelling read. The only downfall for me is I wasn't that surprised when the killer was revealed. However, I was surprised to find they worked alone as I was certain that another person was involved (I'd also worked out there was something going on between them but not quite what). I do, however, read alot of crime so just because I wasn't surprised it doesn't mean that another person wouldn't be.
THE characters were a delightful mix of personalities with intriguing backgrounds and each one was very compelling, especially a certain creepy one!!! I really enjoyed the main characters of Kate, Woody and Angie and think they really worked well together as a team, well Kate and Woody but I also enjoyed Kate and Angie relationship. I am certainly looking forward to reading more Dee McDonald's books especially the previous and any further books in this series.
Overall an intriguing and compelling cosy mystery that is perfect for Agatha Christie fans.
Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Thriller, Cosy Mystery, Police Procedural and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Agatha Christie.
232 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4/5 (I loved it but feel I need to remove one star as I wasn't shocked when I found out who the killer was ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Author Bio:
Aged 18, Dee arrived in London from Scotland and typed her way round the West End for a couple of years before joining BOAC (forerunner of British Airways) in Passenger Services for 2 years and then as a stewardess for 8 years.
She has worked in Market Research, Sales and at the Thames TV Studios when they had the franchise.
Dee has since relocated to Cornwall, where she spent 10 years running B&Bs, and only began writing when she was over 70!
Married twice, she has one son and two grandsons.
https://twitter.com/dmacdonaldauth
Buy Links:
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Practice nurse Kate Palmer is ready for some peace and quiet in her little Cornish village, but there’s soon to be a murder on her doorstep…
Kate’s retirement in Cornwall hasn’t quite gone as planned – Lavender Cottage is in need of substantial repairs and her sister Angie’s fondness for gin does rather stretch the purse-strings.
So when Kate is asked to do some nursing at the luxury retirement flats in Seaview Grange, she jumps at the chance. The old Victorian house has stunning views of the sea and the retirees are a peaceful bunch. That is, until Edina Martinelli, a glamorous ex-opera singer, is found poisoned in her home.
Edina’s death is ruled an overdose by Digoxin, the same medication she had been on for years. But Kate is sure the woman she met was not suicidal, and with the reputation of her practice on the line, she decides to do some digging. Luckily she’s got the newly retired Detective Inspector Woody Forrest to help her…
It’s not long before Kate discovers evidence of foul play, and there’s no shortage of suspects. Was it the besotted vicar? The ill-tempered stepson? Or perhaps Edina’s neighbour finally had enough of her constant warbling. It seems everyone had a motive, but who amongst them had the stomach for murder? And will they kill again?
If you love murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin or Joy Ellis, then this page-turning novel will have you reading late into the night!
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'A Body in Seaview Grange ' by Dee MacDonald.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 12th November 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author. It is also the second book in the 'Kate Palmer' series but can be read as a standalone.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover its intriguing synopsis. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 35. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Cornwall, UK. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited Cornwall on several occasions so am looking forward to see if I recognise anywhere.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Kate Palmer. The benefits of third person perspectives are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is very smoothly written with vivid descriptions which really help you see what's going on around you as well as the storyline. The blurb and the cover compliment the novel perfectly.
The plot really sucked me in and I really enjoyed curling up on the sofa and getting dragged into this cosy mystery. The storyline was realistic which I always prefer as it makes it more enjoyable to read when you can see that it is something that could happen. Although it is part of a series it worked well as a standalone as any previous characters and relationships made were adequately explained in just the right amount of detail. This book is well constructed and traditional and what starts off as one murder becomes quite multi layered with all the characters backgrounds coming out. It was a very compelling read. The only downfall for me is I wasn't that surprised when the killer was revealed. However, I was surprised to find they worked alone as I was certain that another person was involved (I'd also worked out there was something going on between them but not quite what). I do, however, read alot of crime so just because I wasn't surprised it doesn't mean that another person wouldn't be.
THE characters were a delightful mix of personalities with intriguing backgrounds and each one was very compelling, especially a certain creepy one!!! I really enjoyed the main characters of Kate, Woody and Angie and think they really worked well together as a team, well Kate and Woody but I also enjoyed Kate and Angie relationship. I am certainly looking forward to reading more Dee McDonald's books especially the previous and any further books in this series.
Overall an intriguing and compelling cosy mystery that is perfect for Agatha Christie fans.
Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Thriller, Cosy Mystery, Police Procedural and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Agatha Christie.
232 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4/5 (I loved it but feel I need to remove one star as I wasn't shocked when I found out who the killer was ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ABodyInSeaviewGrange #Bookouture #DeeMacDonald #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@DeeMacDonald @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Aged 18, Dee arrived in London from Scotland and typed her way round the West End for a couple of years before joining BOAC (forerunner of British Airways) in Passenger Services for 2 years and then as a stewardess for 8 years.
She has worked in Market Research, Sales and at the Thames TV Studios when they had the franchise.
Dee has since relocated to Cornwall, where she spent 10 years running B&Bs, and only began writing when she was over 70!
Married twice, she has one son and two grandsons.
https://twitter.com/dmacdonaldauth
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3er1Fuw
Apple: https://apple.co/3exnKG1
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2ZsvTak
Google: https://bit.ly/3h6CpK9
November 13, 2020
Kate Palmer, a nurse at a local clinic in a Cornish seaside village, is the heroine in this story. She has a habit of being drawn into murder inquiries, and this time is no different. In this book she investigates three deaths that occur at a luxury retirement flat.
I enjoyed the first few chapters. The characters were well-drawn and the story moved at a good pace. Although I had not read the previous book, I was able to catch on to the to relationships and situations very easily.
However the middle lagged. I especially found the repeated dialogue of Kate explaining everything to her boyfriend Woody tiresome since I as the reader had already experienced the incident previously with Kate.
I also did not have too much trouble guessing the identity of the murderer.
I did not like the ending, but that's a personal thing - I hate it when the protagonist makes foolish choices!
Overall, it's a good read if you like to visit new places via a book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the book.
I enjoyed the first few chapters. The characters were well-drawn and the story moved at a good pace. Although I had not read the previous book, I was able to catch on to the to relationships and situations very easily.
However the middle lagged. I especially found the repeated dialogue of Kate explaining everything to her boyfriend Woody tiresome since I as the reader had already experienced the incident previously with Kate.
I also did not have too much trouble guessing the identity of the murderer.
I did not like the ending, but that's a personal thing - I hate it when the protagonist makes foolish choices!
Overall, it's a good read if you like to visit new places via a book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the book.
November 12, 2020
Cozy mysteries are an excellent way to escape reality, travel to lovely places, meet quirky and likable characters, and being engrossed in a classic whodunit.
This story crosses all the checks and it does in a gripping and highly entertaining way, keeping you hooked and guessing.
I love Kate, she’s sensible and clever even if a bit too naïve at times. She’s a very empathic and nice character, well developed and interesting. I also love Angie, the over-the-top sister who seems to be the opposite of Kate.
There’s a lot of quirky characters in this story, they are well written and interesting.
The plot is tightly knitted, full of red herring and suspects, and it never drags as there’s a lot going.
The mystery is solid, I try to guess the culprit but the solution came as a surprise.
I’m left wondering what will happen to Kate, Woody and Angie in the next story, I can’t wait to read it.
It’s a highly enjoyable story that I strongly recommend.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This story crosses all the checks and it does in a gripping and highly entertaining way, keeping you hooked and guessing.
I love Kate, she’s sensible and clever even if a bit too naïve at times. She’s a very empathic and nice character, well developed and interesting. I also love Angie, the over-the-top sister who seems to be the opposite of Kate.
There’s a lot of quirky characters in this story, they are well written and interesting.
The plot is tightly knitted, full of red herring and suspects, and it never drags as there’s a lot going.
The mystery is solid, I try to guess the culprit but the solution came as a surprise.
I’m left wondering what will happen to Kate, Woody and Angie in the next story, I can’t wait to read it.
It’s a highly enjoyable story that I strongly recommend.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 16, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the second book in the Kate Palmer mystery series by Dee MacDonald.
Kate is a nurse doing some work at a luxury retirement community when one of the residents ends up dead. But she finds the doctor’s cause of death a bit fishy and begins to investigate and finds a whole lot more than she bargained for. Her boyfriend, Woody, is a DI Inspector newly retired and he assists her at times when she needs a little nudge in the right direction.
I thought this book was great. I had not read the first book in the series, yet it was easy to get into and the lives of the characters were so straightforward you didn’t get confused. This is definitely a series I want to dig into more. I will put it on my must read list for sure!
If you want to read a good cozy mystery, police procedural, detective fiction book, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the second book in the Kate Palmer mystery series by Dee MacDonald.
Kate is a nurse doing some work at a luxury retirement community when one of the residents ends up dead. But she finds the doctor’s cause of death a bit fishy and begins to investigate and finds a whole lot more than she bargained for. Her boyfriend, Woody, is a DI Inspector newly retired and he assists her at times when she needs a little nudge in the right direction.
I thought this book was great. I had not read the first book in the series, yet it was easy to get into and the lives of the characters were so straightforward you didn’t get confused. This is definitely a series I want to dig into more. I will put it on my must read list for sure!
If you want to read a good cozy mystery, police procedural, detective fiction book, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
October 5, 2020
Looking for a cozy, British mystery novel? You’ve got to read A Body in Seaview Grange by Dee MacDonald. Set in Cornwall, England, this is book 2 of the Kate Palmer Mystery Series. Seaview Grange is a Victorian grey stone luxury retirement building built high on the cliffs of Higher Tinworthy overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and it’s serviced by the Middle Tinworthy Medical Center. Kate Palmer, a 58-year-old divorced nurse, is on call 3 days a week. Looking for a quieter life, Kate and her widowed sister, Angie have just moved in together after purchasing Lavender Cottage in the picturesque village of Lower Tinworthy. You’ll immediately be drawn to the relatable and superb cast of close-knit seaside village characters and will appreciate the author’s knowledge of the area in describing the coastal community. The novel focusses on 7 residents, 1 stepson and 2 caretakers of the retirement home in addition to the sweet nurse who tends to them. Suddenly, what begins as a visit to tend to a broken ankle turns into a murder investigation as one of the residents, a glamourous Italian opera singer, dies from poisoning. The retirement home is in an uproar. Who could have poisoned her? Who’s next? You’ll get swept up in the local gossip as Kate and the detectives attempt to make sense of this mystery and apprehend the culprit. It’s a fantastic murder mystery, a charming whodunit, really, with lots of red-herrings to keep you guessing until the last page!
This is my first Dee MacDonald read and I’m hooked. Not only do the covers of her previous four fiction novels entice me, but the premise of the plots also sound hilarious. Recently switching to cozy murder mysteries seems to have been a successful transition as she is currently writing the third Kate Palmer Mystery.. I didn’t realize I was reading book two of a series until I was finished, but it certainly didn’t detract from the enjoyment. It could stand alone as a mystery. That being said, I can’t wait to read book one, A Body in the Village Hall published late June. Book two will be published on November 12 and worth the wait.
Thank you to Dee MacDonald, Netgalley and Bookouture for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first Dee MacDonald read and I’m hooked. Not only do the covers of her previous four fiction novels entice me, but the premise of the plots also sound hilarious. Recently switching to cozy murder mysteries seems to have been a successful transition as she is currently writing the third Kate Palmer Mystery.. I didn’t realize I was reading book two of a series until I was finished, but it certainly didn’t detract from the enjoyment. It could stand alone as a mystery. That being said, I can’t wait to read book one, A Body in the Village Hall published late June. Book two will be published on November 12 and worth the wait.
Thank you to Dee MacDonald, Netgalley and Bookouture for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2020
Kate’s retirement in Cornwall hasn’t quite gone as planned – Lavender Cottage is in need of substantial repairs and her sister Angie’s fondness for gin does rather stretch the purse-strings. So she’s working part time as a practice nurse at the local doctors. She’s asked to do a home visit at the luxury retirement flats in Seaview Grange. The old Victorian house has stunning views of the sea and the retirees are a peaceful bunch. That is, until Edina Martinelli, a glamorous ex-opera singer, is found poisoned in her home. Edina’s death is ruled an overdose by Digoxin, the same medication she had been on for years. But Kate is sure the woman she met was not suicidal, and with the reputation of her practice on the line, she decides to do some digging. Luckily she’s got the newly retired Detective Inspector Woody Forrest to help her. It’s not long before Kate discovers evidence of foul play, and there’s no shortage of suspects.
This is the second book in the series & takes place a few months after the first. It could easily be read on its own. I loved that Kate’s budding romance with Woody is progressing & Angie’s still hitting the gin bottle & of course Barney needs his walks. Another engrossing read with Kate right in the middle of the action. She believes Edina was murdered & ferrets around but DI Robson isn't helpful, he's very patronising but as the body count rises, he realises Kate may be on to something. A lovely read with plenty of twists & turns & a bit of romance
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the second book in the series & takes place a few months after the first. It could easily be read on its own. I loved that Kate’s budding romance with Woody is progressing & Angie’s still hitting the gin bottle & of course Barney needs his walks. Another engrossing read with Kate right in the middle of the action. She believes Edina was murdered & ferrets around but DI Robson isn't helpful, he's very patronising but as the body count rises, he realises Kate may be on to something. A lovely read with plenty of twists & turns & a bit of romance
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 15, 2020
Kate Palmer & her sister moved to Cornwall. Whilst Angie dabbles in Art & gin, Kate works as a practice nurse at the local health centre. She gets asked to go & see a lady in some retirement flats who is complaining her ankle cast is too tight. Seaview Grange is home to a selection of quirky characters. Edina broke her ankle falling downstairs. She tells Kate that someone was trying to kill her. Kate attempts to reassure her that the ankle is fine & not to worry. She is called there again shortly after. Edina is seriously ill & dies in hospital. Kate is very concerned. Was Edina right about someone being out to get her? The new police inspector is not convinced when Kate tells him & asks her to keep out of things. After her last sleuthing she has a taste for mysteries & even Woody (retired cop & boyfriend) can't stop her questioning events- especially when Edina isn't the only dead body!
This is a delightful cosy mystery with quirky interesting characters & a good plot. It was every bit as enjoyable as the first. I'm already looking forward to Number Three! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
This is a delightful cosy mystery with quirky interesting characters & a good plot. It was every bit as enjoyable as the first. I'm already looking forward to Number Three! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
July 6, 2025
A body too dumb
I liked the book except at the very end where Kate make the very epic TSTL mistake of all mistakes 🤨🤨🤨 I almost threw my kindle across the room … because why????? Both Kate and Angie need to be more supportive of each other and Kate needs to let Angie make her own mistakes and not be so controlling. This was a good mystery because it was a “was it or wasn’t it a murder” for a while until the second body turned up. Overall I gave it 3.3 stars.
I liked the book except at the very end where Kate make the very epic TSTL mistake of all mistakes 🤨🤨🤨 I almost threw my kindle across the room … because why????? Both Kate and Angie need to be more supportive of each other and Kate needs to let Angie make her own mistakes and not be so controlling. This was a good mystery because it was a “was it or wasn’t it a murder” for a while until the second body turned up. Overall I gave it 3.3 stars.
November 7, 2020
Sometimes wishes are granted. When I read and reviewed the first Kate Palmer cosy mystery I wrote that I hoped the book would turn into a series. I wasn't disappointed, both because it did turn into a series and because the second episode turned out to be a great read.
Kate's sister Angie still loves her gin and Kate herself keeps having difficulty not putting her nose into other peoples business when she suspect that a crime has been committed. Of course this will lead to some unexpected and dangerous situations.
In this episode Kate's lover, Woody Forest, has (semi) retired and Kate doesn't get on well with his replacement. In the mean time her relationship with Woody seems to develop into something deeper. And of course a couple of the villagers get killed in the meantime, the Tinworthy villages turn out to have at least as high a crime rate as Midsomer.
I want to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for prividing me with an ARC of this enjoyable book in exchange for my honest review.
Kate's sister Angie still loves her gin and Kate herself keeps having difficulty not putting her nose into other peoples business when she suspect that a crime has been committed. Of course this will lead to some unexpected and dangerous situations.
In this episode Kate's lover, Woody Forest, has (semi) retired and Kate doesn't get on well with his replacement. In the mean time her relationship with Woody seems to develop into something deeper. And of course a couple of the villagers get killed in the meantime, the Tinworthy villages turn out to have at least as high a crime rate as Midsomer.
I want to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for prividing me with an ARC of this enjoyable book in exchange for my honest review.
December 31, 2020
This book is 2nd in the Kate Palmer series. and I liked it as I did the1st The mystery is tight and Woody and Kate are getting closer. Angie, Kate's older sister has come into some money and is starting a Bar by the beach....can't wait to see how that goes!! Write fast... I'm ready for #3.
January 6, 2021
Book Description:
Practice nurse Kate Palmer is ready for some peace and quiet in her little Cornish village, but there’s soon to be a murder on her doorstep…
Kate’s retirement in Cornwall hasn’t quite gone as planned – Lavender Cottage is in need of substantial repairs and her sister Angie’s fondness for gin does rather stretch the purse-strings.
So when Kate is asked to do some nursing at the luxury retirement flats in Seaview Grange, she jumps at the chance. The old Victorian house has stunning views of the sea and the retirees are a peaceful bunch. That is, until Edina Martinelli, a glamorous ex-opera singer, is found poisoned in her home.
Edina’s death is ruled an overdose by Digoxin, the same medication she had been on for years. But Kate is sure the woman she met was not suicidal, and with the reputation of her practice on the line, she decides to do some digging. Luckily she’s got the newly retired Detective Inspector Woody Forrest to help her…
It’s not long before Kate discovers evidence of foul play, and there’s no shortage of suspects. Was it the besotted vicar? The ill-tempered stepson? Or perhaps Edina’s neighbour finally had enough of her constant warbling. It seems everyone had a motive, but who amongst them had the stomach for murder? And will they kill again?
If you love murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin or Joy Ellis, then this page-turning novel will have you reading late into the night!
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'A Body in Seaview Grange ' by Dee MacDonald.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 12th November 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author. It is also the second book in the 'Kate Palmer' series but can be read as a standalone.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover its intriguing synopsis. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 35. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Cornwall, UK. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited Cornwall on several occasions so am looking forward to see if I recognise anywhere.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Kate Palmer. The benefits of third person perspectives are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is very smoothly written with vivid descriptions which really help you see what's going on around you as well as the storyline. The blurb and the cover compliment the novel perfectly.
The plot really sucked me in and I really enjoyed curling up on the sofa and getting dragged into this cosy mystery. The storyline was realistic which I always prefer as it makes it more enjoyable to read when you can see that it is something that could happen. Although it is part of a series it worked well as a standalone as any previous characters and relationships made were adequately explained in just the right amount of detail. This book is well constructed and traditional and what starts off as one murder becomes quite multi layered with all the characters backgrounds coming out. It was a very compelling read. The only downfall for me is I wasn't that surprised when the killer was revealed. However, I was surprised to find they worked alone as I was certain that another person was involved (I'd also worked out there was something going on between them but not quite what). I do, however, read alot of crime so just because I wasn't surprised it doesn't mean that another person wouldn't be.
THE characters were a delightful mix of personalities with intriguing backgrounds and each one was very compelling, especially a certain creepy one!!! I really enjoyed the main characters of Kate, Woody and Angie and think they really worked well together as a team, well Kate and Woody but I also enjoyed Kate and Angie relationship. I am certainly looking forward to reading more Dee McDonald's books especially the previous and any further books in this series.
Overall an intriguing and compelling cosy mystery that is perfect for Agatha Christie fans.
Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Thriller, Cosy Mystery, Police Procedural and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Agatha Christie.
232 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4/5 (I loved it but feel I need to remove one star as I wasn't shocked when I found out who the killer was ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ABodyInSeaviewGrange #Bookouture #DeeMacDonald #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@DeeMacDonald @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Aged 18, Dee arrived in London from Scotland and typed her way round the West End for a couple of years before joining BOAC (forerunner of British Airways) in Passenger Services for 2 years and then as a stewardess for 8 years.
She has worked in Market Research, Sales and at the Thames TV Studios when they had the franchise.
Dee has since relocated to Cornwall, where she spent 10 years running B&Bs, and only began writing when she was over 70!
Married twice, she has one son and two grandsons.
https://twitter.com/dmacdonaldauth
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3er1Fuw
Apple: https://apple.co/3exnKG1
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2ZsvTak
Google: https://bit.ly/3h6CpK9
Practice nurse Kate Palmer is ready for some peace and quiet in her little Cornish village, but there’s soon to be a murder on her doorstep…
Kate’s retirement in Cornwall hasn’t quite gone as planned – Lavender Cottage is in need of substantial repairs and her sister Angie’s fondness for gin does rather stretch the purse-strings.
So when Kate is asked to do some nursing at the luxury retirement flats in Seaview Grange, she jumps at the chance. The old Victorian house has stunning views of the sea and the retirees are a peaceful bunch. That is, until Edina Martinelli, a glamorous ex-opera singer, is found poisoned in her home.
Edina’s death is ruled an overdose by Digoxin, the same medication she had been on for years. But Kate is sure the woman she met was not suicidal, and with the reputation of her practice on the line, she decides to do some digging. Luckily she’s got the newly retired Detective Inspector Woody Forrest to help her…
It’s not long before Kate discovers evidence of foul play, and there’s no shortage of suspects. Was it the besotted vicar? The ill-tempered stepson? Or perhaps Edina’s neighbour finally had enough of her constant warbling. It seems everyone had a motive, but who amongst them had the stomach for murder? And will they kill again?
If you love murder mysteries by Agatha Christie, Faith Martin or Joy Ellis, then this page-turning novel will have you reading late into the night!
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'A Body in Seaview Grange ' by Dee MacDonald.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 12th November 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author. It is also the second book in the 'Kate Palmer' series but can be read as a standalone.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover its intriguing synopsis. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 35. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Cornwall, UK. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited Cornwall on several occasions so am looking forward to see if I recognise anywhere.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Kate Palmer. The benefits of third person perspectives are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is very smoothly written with vivid descriptions which really help you see what's going on around you as well as the storyline. The blurb and the cover compliment the novel perfectly.
The plot really sucked me in and I really enjoyed curling up on the sofa and getting dragged into this cosy mystery. The storyline was realistic which I always prefer as it makes it more enjoyable to read when you can see that it is something that could happen. Although it is part of a series it worked well as a standalone as any previous characters and relationships made were adequately explained in just the right amount of detail. This book is well constructed and traditional and what starts off as one murder becomes quite multi layered with all the characters backgrounds coming out. It was a very compelling read. The only downfall for me is I wasn't that surprised when the killer was revealed. However, I was surprised to find they worked alone as I was certain that another person was involved (I'd also worked out there was something going on between them but not quite what). I do, however, read alot of crime so just because I wasn't surprised it doesn't mean that another person wouldn't be.
THE characters were a delightful mix of personalities with intriguing backgrounds and each one was very compelling, especially a certain creepy one!!! I really enjoyed the main characters of Kate, Woody and Angie and think they really worked well together as a team, well Kate and Woody but I also enjoyed Kate and Angie relationship. I am certainly looking forward to reading more Dee McDonald's books especially the previous and any further books in this series.
Overall an intriguing and compelling cosy mystery that is perfect for Agatha Christie fans.
Genres covered in this novel include Mystery, Thriller, Cosy Mystery, Police Procedural and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Agatha Christie.
232 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4/5 (I loved it but feel I need to remove one star as I wasn't shocked when I found out who the killer was ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#ABodyInSeaviewGrange #Bookouture #DeeMacDonald #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@DeeMacDonald @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Aged 18, Dee arrived in London from Scotland and typed her way round the West End for a couple of years before joining BOAC (forerunner of British Airways) in Passenger Services for 2 years and then as a stewardess for 8 years.
She has worked in Market Research, Sales and at the Thames TV Studios when they had the franchise.
Dee has since relocated to Cornwall, where she spent 10 years running B&Bs, and only began writing when she was over 70!
Married twice, she has one son and two grandsons.
https://twitter.com/dmacdonaldauth
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3er1Fuw
Apple: https://apple.co/3exnKG1
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2ZsvTak
Google: https://bit.ly/3h6CpK9
January 23, 2021
Ms. Dee Macdonald is back!! This is the second instalment in the Kate Palmer’s cosy mystery series.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one. I couldn’t wait to see what Kate was up to since the first book, A Body in the Village Hall. Kate works as a part-time practical nurse at the local medical centre. This time around, Kate becomes involved in the death of Edina Martinelli, a former opera singer and resident of Seaview Grange, a retirement home.
I love Kate’s character, she is a 58 year old woman and in this book, she was more discreet with her client’s information. The mystery is well written, keeps you involved and guessing as to who the culprit is and the reason why until the big reveal at the end of the book.
A well recommended read. Ready for the next one!
I enjoyed this book more than the first one. I couldn’t wait to see what Kate was up to since the first book, A Body in the Village Hall. Kate works as a part-time practical nurse at the local medical centre. This time around, Kate becomes involved in the death of Edina Martinelli, a former opera singer and resident of Seaview Grange, a retirement home.
I love Kate’s character, she is a 58 year old woman and in this book, she was more discreet with her client’s information. The mystery is well written, keeps you involved and guessing as to who the culprit is and the reason why until the big reveal at the end of the book.
A well recommended read. Ready for the next one!
January 16, 2021
A very cosy mystery almost to the point of Miss Marple, where the police are the idiots and the nurse, in this case, solves the crime, I did find it quite shallow and worked out who done it before a quarter of the book was read. This is the 2nd Kate Palmer not having read the 1st I can't comment on that but living in a village how many murders can it take surely there can't be a 3rd. Don't really like giving negative reviews as it must appeal to some people but sadly not for me.
November 29, 2020
Never rule out the improbable since they are also the most probable. Not the exact Sherlockian quote, but it does apply when it comes to book two in the Kate Palmer series by Dee MacDonald.
Kate figured her retirement in the Cotswall’s would be relaxing, but with an undependable sister and a cottage in need of repairs, Practice Nurse Kate is putting in days at the surgery to make ends meet. Being the newest member of the team, Kate is on call when in-home care is needed, and this time the request comes in for a check-up at the local retirement community called Seaview Grange. What Kate didn’t realize was her re-check with Edina Martinelli would also be the last for the annoying ex-opera singer when after a tumble down the stairs, Edina is found dead from a drug overdose. Needing to clear the name of the doctor suspected of overprescribing, Kate starts sticking her nose into the business of residents of Seaview. When she is sure that she has eliminated all the probable people, she is lured back, and going against her common sense, comes face to face with a devious killer.
Past characters are still there, Angie is as unpredictable as usual, but now with a twist of fate, she may have a future. Detective Inspector Woody Forrest has revealed his real first name, and much to Kate’s delight, she finds herself even more enamored. Now with Kate’s need to recover from her latest adventure, she will be jetting off to America to meet Woody’s family and another chance to see where their relationship is going.
I enjoy this series. Kate isn’t your usual vapid twenty-something sleuth with bouncing curls. She brings her experience and compassion, and though there are momentary character hiccups in good judgment, she finds herself in unusual and entertaining situations without going all Lucy and Ethyl on the reader.
Kate figured her retirement in the Cotswall’s would be relaxing, but with an undependable sister and a cottage in need of repairs, Practice Nurse Kate is putting in days at the surgery to make ends meet. Being the newest member of the team, Kate is on call when in-home care is needed, and this time the request comes in for a check-up at the local retirement community called Seaview Grange. What Kate didn’t realize was her re-check with Edina Martinelli would also be the last for the annoying ex-opera singer when after a tumble down the stairs, Edina is found dead from a drug overdose. Needing to clear the name of the doctor suspected of overprescribing, Kate starts sticking her nose into the business of residents of Seaview. When she is sure that she has eliminated all the probable people, she is lured back, and going against her common sense, comes face to face with a devious killer.
Past characters are still there, Angie is as unpredictable as usual, but now with a twist of fate, she may have a future. Detective Inspector Woody Forrest has revealed his real first name, and much to Kate’s delight, she finds herself even more enamored. Now with Kate’s need to recover from her latest adventure, she will be jetting off to America to meet Woody’s family and another chance to see where their relationship is going.
I enjoy this series. Kate isn’t your usual vapid twenty-something sleuth with bouncing curls. She brings her experience and compassion, and though there are momentary character hiccups in good judgment, she finds herself in unusual and entertaining situations without going all Lucy and Ethyl on the reader.
November 6, 2020
I can’t help myself passing an opportunity to read cozy murder mystery set in English country side. I can’t get enough of them.
This is the second book in Kate Palmer cozy mystery series. Kate was retired but working part time as a nurse at a local medical clinic in a seaside village in Cornwall. One day, she had to make a house call to see Edina at Seaview Grange, a block of flats habituated by old people. Edina was recovering from the fall from the stairs, which she alleges someone has tried to trip her over with the intention of bumping her out.
Next day, Edina was dead from drug overdose and Kate’s practice come under suspicion as they had prescribed them. Kate can’t help herself in investigating this murder despite suggestion from her lover Woody, a retired police officer to not get in the police’s way. As her involvement in the last murder over the summer put her life at the death’s door.
This was a short and sweet cozy story takes place in beautiful Cornwall. Kate is caring, nosy, gullible and with an itch to investigate. Her banter with Woody is heart-warming to read.
The old people at the Seaview Grange are gossipers, busy bodies, all has an axe to grind with Edina.
Everyone comes under the suspicions and I was excited more when the body count mounting.
I could easily guess the killer but not quite sure about the motive.
As this book hints murder in the first book is gorier than the one here. Can’t wait to read the first book where it seems Kate has worked with Woody.
Overall, a good cozy mystery with well developed characters, lot of red herrings, countless suspects, and charms of bucolic riverside setting.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookoture for a copy of earc in exchange for the honest review.
This is the second book in Kate Palmer cozy mystery series. Kate was retired but working part time as a nurse at a local medical clinic in a seaside village in Cornwall. One day, she had to make a house call to see Edina at Seaview Grange, a block of flats habituated by old people. Edina was recovering from the fall from the stairs, which she alleges someone has tried to trip her over with the intention of bumping her out.
Next day, Edina was dead from drug overdose and Kate’s practice come under suspicion as they had prescribed them. Kate can’t help herself in investigating this murder despite suggestion from her lover Woody, a retired police officer to not get in the police’s way. As her involvement in the last murder over the summer put her life at the death’s door.
This was a short and sweet cozy story takes place in beautiful Cornwall. Kate is caring, nosy, gullible and with an itch to investigate. Her banter with Woody is heart-warming to read.
The old people at the Seaview Grange are gossipers, busy bodies, all has an axe to grind with Edina.
Everyone comes under the suspicions and I was excited more when the body count mounting.
I could easily guess the killer but not quite sure about the motive.
As this book hints murder in the first book is gorier than the one here. Can’t wait to read the first book where it seems Kate has worked with Woody.
Overall, a good cozy mystery with well developed characters, lot of red herrings, countless suspects, and charms of bucolic riverside setting.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookoture for a copy of earc in exchange for the honest review.
June 14, 2025
A Body in Seaview Grange is the second instalment in the Kate Palmer cozy mystery series and is another great addition to it. With two books in and only the second book that I have ever read from Dee MacDonald, this cozy mystery series and herself have fast become a favourite of mine.
With a cup of tea in hand, I settled in to read what Kate has been up to since the events in book one, A Body in the Village Hall. This time around, Kate becomes embroiled in a new case that involves the death of Edina Martinelli, an ex opera singer and resident of Seaview Grange retirement flats, where Kate works as a nurse part time.
It was great to catch up with Kate again and see her amateur sleuthing skills put into play, when her instincts tell her that there is more to Edina’s death than what has been ruled as a suicide. Sure enough, after some digging, she discovers evidence of foul play and enlists the help of retired Detective Inspector Woody Forrest to investigate further.
I love Kate’s character and even more so that she is a 58 year old woman, which is such a refreshing change. She is such a delight to read and carries the role of lead protagonist on shoulders so well. I also really enjoy the relationship, the chemistry and the dynamics between herself and Woody, who is also such a delight to read.
A Body on Seaview Grange has an interesting and well executed plot, a great cast of recurring characters as well as a host of characters to suspect and keep you on your toes. The mystery plays out well and I had no inkling at all as to who the culprit was, until the big reveal. Dee MacDonald has created such a super fun and enjoyable series and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for Kate and co next.
With a cup of tea in hand, I settled in to read what Kate has been up to since the events in book one, A Body in the Village Hall. This time around, Kate becomes embroiled in a new case that involves the death of Edina Martinelli, an ex opera singer and resident of Seaview Grange retirement flats, where Kate works as a nurse part time.
It was great to catch up with Kate again and see her amateur sleuthing skills put into play, when her instincts tell her that there is more to Edina’s death than what has been ruled as a suicide. Sure enough, after some digging, she discovers evidence of foul play and enlists the help of retired Detective Inspector Woody Forrest to investigate further.
I love Kate’s character and even more so that she is a 58 year old woman, which is such a refreshing change. She is such a delight to read and carries the role of lead protagonist on shoulders so well. I also really enjoy the relationship, the chemistry and the dynamics between herself and Woody, who is also such a delight to read.
A Body on Seaview Grange has an interesting and well executed plot, a great cast of recurring characters as well as a host of characters to suspect and keep you on your toes. The mystery plays out well and I had no inkling at all as to who the culprit was, until the big reveal. Dee MacDonald has created such a super fun and enjoyable series and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for Kate and co next.
November 2, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of "A Body In Seaview Grange" in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was our second visit with Kate Palmer a practice nurse in Middle Tinworthy. As with the first book, this was an engaging story that was hard to put down because I was wanting to find out who was causing mayhem at the Seaview Grange - a home with 6 luxury flats in it in Upper Tinworthy.
Kate's sister Angie and their dog Barney are back in this story. As is (now) retired Detective Inspector Woody Forrest. Kate is asked to visit Edina Martinelli at Seaview Grange because she is complaining about the cast on her broken ankle being too tight. Once Kate is there Edina claims that someone is trying to kill her. The residents in the flats are all suspect - Hetty Patterson, Violet & Daisy - the Potter Twins, Gloria & Ollie Pratt, Cornelius Crow and retired Rev. Edgar Ellis. Sharon Starkey the cleaner is also suspect as she is blamed for the flex being left across the landing to the stairs where Edina fell. When Edina has to be taken to the hospital, Kate wonders if Edina was truly being threatened. After she dies, Kate feels that she show do some snooping even though Woody keeps telling her not to get involved. Everyone seems to have means and motive for wanting to hurt Edina. When another death happens at the Grange and Kate's own life is once again in danger - she realizes that perhaps she should have taken greater care and listened to Woody. The hero of the day is of course the Springer Spaniel Barney!!
Very much looking forward to book 3!!!!
This was our second visit with Kate Palmer a practice nurse in Middle Tinworthy. As with the first book, this was an engaging story that was hard to put down because I was wanting to find out who was causing mayhem at the Seaview Grange - a home with 6 luxury flats in it in Upper Tinworthy.
Kate's sister Angie and their dog Barney are back in this story. As is (now) retired Detective Inspector Woody Forrest. Kate is asked to visit Edina Martinelli at Seaview Grange because she is complaining about the cast on her broken ankle being too tight. Once Kate is there Edina claims that someone is trying to kill her. The residents in the flats are all suspect - Hetty Patterson, Violet & Daisy - the Potter Twins, Gloria & Ollie Pratt, Cornelius Crow and retired Rev. Edgar Ellis. Sharon Starkey the cleaner is also suspect as she is blamed for the flex being left across the landing to the stairs where Edina fell. When Edina has to be taken to the hospital, Kate wonders if Edina was truly being threatened. After she dies, Kate feels that she show do some snooping even though Woody keeps telling her not to get involved. Everyone seems to have means and motive for wanting to hurt Edina. When another death happens at the Grange and Kate's own life is once again in danger - she realizes that perhaps she should have taken greater care and listened to Woody. The hero of the day is of course the Springer Spaniel Barney!!
Very much looking forward to book 3!!!!
November 8, 2020
Kate Palmer is loving her new life in Cornwall, her job as a practice nurse and her romance with newly retired Detective Inspector Woody Forrest, even if her sister does test her patience and enjoys the gin a little too much.
When a resident at Seaview Grange, a Victorian house which has been converted into retirement flats, asks for someone to visit Kate is delighted to oblige. With beautiful views and interesting occupants her trip is a pleasant change from her time spent at the doctor's surgery. Her patient, an ex-opera singer with a habit of singing very loudly, tells her she broke her ankle because someone is trying to kill her. Kate is sceptical until just a short time later the woman dies of a suspected overdose.
Although Woody implores her not to get involved Kate can't seem to keep away. Called in by various residents she finds herself on hand and able to ask the questions she is sure the new detective isn't. There is quite possibly a serial killer at The Grange, and Kate is getting a little too close for comfort.
Once again I enjoyed this author's work and found the sister, who was my biggest bugbear in book one, less of a problem. Kate and Woody are great together and the discovery of his real name was a favourite part for me. I hope there will be a third instalment as this is an improving and entertaining series so far.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions are my own. If you enjoyed the first book this is a very good follow-up, and it can also be read as a standalone.
When a resident at Seaview Grange, a Victorian house which has been converted into retirement flats, asks for someone to visit Kate is delighted to oblige. With beautiful views and interesting occupants her trip is a pleasant change from her time spent at the doctor's surgery. Her patient, an ex-opera singer with a habit of singing very loudly, tells her she broke her ankle because someone is trying to kill her. Kate is sceptical until just a short time later the woman dies of a suspected overdose.
Although Woody implores her not to get involved Kate can't seem to keep away. Called in by various residents she finds herself on hand and able to ask the questions she is sure the new detective isn't. There is quite possibly a serial killer at The Grange, and Kate is getting a little too close for comfort.
Once again I enjoyed this author's work and found the sister, who was my biggest bugbear in book one, less of a problem. Kate and Woody are great together and the discovery of his real name was a favourite part for me. I hope there will be a third instalment as this is an improving and entertaining series so far.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions are my own. If you enjoyed the first book this is a very good follow-up, and it can also be read as a standalone.
November 16, 2020
I love a good murder mystery - and this author knows exactly how to write one!
Now settled in Cornwall at Lavender Cottage with her sister Angie, part-time nurse Kate Palmer finds herself 'volunteered' to attend patients in nearby Seaview Grange, a former Victorian house now converted to luxury retirement apartments. She finds the elderly residents to be welcoming but then one of them is found dead in her home, with suspected poisoning the cause. When it's traced to a prescribed medicine, it puts the surgery and Kate under the spotlight. Eager to clear her name, Kate cannot resist doing a bit of digging herself. With the suspects mounting up, Kate is warned to keep her distance and not put herself in danger - but can she act sensibly?
Another gripping read from the pen of this author - she really knows how to keep her readers on tenterhooks to the bitter end! I enjoyed the first in this series and felt as if I knew Kate that bit better this time round. There are some great characters here; with both Kate and her sister indulging in a little romance we are eased into a sense of false security until the murder occurs. The writing flows beautifully and the story unfolds at a perfect pace - I suspected absolutely everyone excluding the guilty party! An absolute pleasure to read this tantalising whodunnit; it's shaping up to be a grand series and well worth all five sparkling stars.
My thanks to both the publisher for my copy via NetGalley and to Book on the Bright Side for my spot on this tour; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.
Now settled in Cornwall at Lavender Cottage with her sister Angie, part-time nurse Kate Palmer finds herself 'volunteered' to attend patients in nearby Seaview Grange, a former Victorian house now converted to luxury retirement apartments. She finds the elderly residents to be welcoming but then one of them is found dead in her home, with suspected poisoning the cause. When it's traced to a prescribed medicine, it puts the surgery and Kate under the spotlight. Eager to clear her name, Kate cannot resist doing a bit of digging herself. With the suspects mounting up, Kate is warned to keep her distance and not put herself in danger - but can she act sensibly?
Another gripping read from the pen of this author - she really knows how to keep her readers on tenterhooks to the bitter end! I enjoyed the first in this series and felt as if I knew Kate that bit better this time round. There are some great characters here; with both Kate and her sister indulging in a little romance we are eased into a sense of false security until the murder occurs. The writing flows beautifully and the story unfolds at a perfect pace - I suspected absolutely everyone excluding the guilty party! An absolute pleasure to read this tantalising whodunnit; it's shaping up to be a grand series and well worth all five sparkling stars.
My thanks to both the publisher for my copy via NetGalley and to Book on the Bright Side for my spot on this tour; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.
November 14, 2020
This is a brilliant, highly entertaining, cosy murder mystery starring fifty-eight year old nurse Kate Palmer. Kate has moved to Lavender Cottage in Cornwall with her sister, Angie, with both planning to retire there. However, the much needed repairs mean that she's supplementing their income by working part time as a nurse at the local doctor's surgery. One of the patients she is sent to visit is Edina Martinelli, who lives in one of the six flats in Seaview Grange. When Edina, a retired opera singer, is found poisoned Kate can't help getting involved in the investigation, getting to know the other Grange residence and inadvertently putting herself in danger! Can she help identify the killer before they strike again or will she be their next victim?
This is an engaging page turner, with a range of great characters, plenty of red herrings and lots of twists to keep you guessing. It is a lovely mix of murder, mystery and romance, with a dash of humour to keep you smiling. Kate is a younger version of Miss Marple with a lover. The story has plenty of intrigue and I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into it, so much so that I've already been and bought myself a copy of the first book in this series, A Body in the Village Hall! Needless to say, that reflects how highly I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mysteries!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
This is an engaging page turner, with a range of great characters, plenty of red herrings and lots of twists to keep you guessing. It is a lovely mix of murder, mystery and romance, with a dash of humour to keep you smiling. Kate is a younger version of Miss Marple with a lover. The story has plenty of intrigue and I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into it, so much so that I've already been and bought myself a copy of the first book in this series, A Body in the Village Hall! Needless to say, that reflects how highly I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy mysteries!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
December 8, 2020
Nurse Kate Palmer is called to Seaview Grange to visit former opera star Edina Martinelli. Days later Edina is dead, probably poisoned by her medication. There are a whole host of suspects but the lead officer even accuses Kate! Can Kate and her retired cop beau Woody discover the true killer...?
A Body in Seaview Grange is the sequel to A Body in the Village Hall and sees Kate Palmer using her natural inquisitiveness and people skills to investigate a death. Her job as a nurse gives her ample opportunity to visit other characters who open up to her due to her kind nature.
Edina has made plenty of enemies among the retirement apartment inhabitants so there are lots of suspects for Kate to investigate. Could it be the stepson who needs cash quickly, a jealous wife or someone fed up with her opera singing?
The murder is not graphically described and the traditional amateur detective style is reminiscent of Agatha Christie who I love. Kate calls upon retired detective Woody Forrest again to help her negotiate the awkwardness with the police as well as further develop their romance.
Kate's sister Angie is still causing concern due to her alcoholism and Kate is worried about her lover Fergal who may be taking advantage of her sister's desperation for attention. Kate's relationship with Woody also offers an extra emotional component to the plot and characters.
A Body in Seaview Grange is an enjoyable murder mystery with a very likeable lead character.
A Body in Seaview Grange is the sequel to A Body in the Village Hall and sees Kate Palmer using her natural inquisitiveness and people skills to investigate a death. Her job as a nurse gives her ample opportunity to visit other characters who open up to her due to her kind nature.
Edina has made plenty of enemies among the retirement apartment inhabitants so there are lots of suspects for Kate to investigate. Could it be the stepson who needs cash quickly, a jealous wife or someone fed up with her opera singing?
The murder is not graphically described and the traditional amateur detective style is reminiscent of Agatha Christie who I love. Kate calls upon retired detective Woody Forrest again to help her negotiate the awkwardness with the police as well as further develop their romance.
Kate's sister Angie is still causing concern due to her alcoholism and Kate is worried about her lover Fergal who may be taking advantage of her sister's desperation for attention. Kate's relationship with Woody also offers an extra emotional component to the plot and characters.
A Body in Seaview Grange is an enjoyable murder mystery with a very likeable lead character.
November 8, 2020
A Body in Seaview Grange is the second book in the Kate Palmer Mystery book. I enjoyed meeting her in book one and was excited to go back and see what she got up to next.
This time, Kate has been working at upmarket retirement flats, Seaview Grange in her role as a nurse at the local GPs. After her first visit, she hears that one of the women fears that someone might be trying to kill her. To begin with, she doesn't pay any attention to this until the same woman is rushed to the hospital and later dies. Kate can't help but get involved in the mystery and tries to find out what happened and who might be a murderer.
I do enjoy a good mystery read and this book certainly falls into that category. There are plenty of red herrings and clues to keep you guessing. Kate seemed to be able to get to the bottom of everyone's secrets, finding out who might have a reason to commit murder. It did keep me guessing until we were almost at the end. I was a bit more onto it than Kate though and spotted both who done it and would have avoided getting myself into quite so much trouble in the process.
This was a really enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to finding out what Kate manages to stumble across next.
This time, Kate has been working at upmarket retirement flats, Seaview Grange in her role as a nurse at the local GPs. After her first visit, she hears that one of the women fears that someone might be trying to kill her. To begin with, she doesn't pay any attention to this until the same woman is rushed to the hospital and later dies. Kate can't help but get involved in the mystery and tries to find out what happened and who might be a murderer.
I do enjoy a good mystery read and this book certainly falls into that category. There are plenty of red herrings and clues to keep you guessing. Kate seemed to be able to get to the bottom of everyone's secrets, finding out who might have a reason to commit murder. It did keep me guessing until we were almost at the end. I was a bit more onto it than Kate though and spotted both who done it and would have avoided getting myself into quite so much trouble in the process.
This was a really enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to finding out what Kate manages to stumble across next.
April 29, 2021
This is the second in the series and can easily be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the first A Body In The Village Hall, just to get a better understanding of the characters.
A Body At Seaview Grange is a traditional British cozy mystery, not much blood, gore or violence, an idyllic village setting and some interesting suspects along the way.
Semi retired nurse Kate is pulled into the mystery surrounding Edina Martinelli, ex-opera singer and full-time diva, who annoyed almost every single one of her neighbours at the Seaview Grange. The police think Edina took too much of her prescription medication, but the woman herself was convinced that someone was out to kill her.
Kate is still on fine form, dogged and determined even though the police think Edina's death may have been an accident. I really enjoyed the development of the character, along with the addition of a new police inspector for her to butt heads with. There's also still a bit of romance with ex DI Woody Forrest, who reveals a few surprising facts about himself in this book.
As with the first novel I guessed the who quite early on, but the why wasn't clear until the killer was revealed.
A Body At Seaview Grange is a light-hearted mystery which is a perfect escape for a few hours.
A Body At Seaview Grange is a traditional British cozy mystery, not much blood, gore or violence, an idyllic village setting and some interesting suspects along the way.
Semi retired nurse Kate is pulled into the mystery surrounding Edina Martinelli, ex-opera singer and full-time diva, who annoyed almost every single one of her neighbours at the Seaview Grange. The police think Edina took too much of her prescription medication, but the woman herself was convinced that someone was out to kill her.
Kate is still on fine form, dogged and determined even though the police think Edina's death may have been an accident. I really enjoyed the development of the character, along with the addition of a new police inspector for her to butt heads with. There's also still a bit of romance with ex DI Woody Forrest, who reveals a few surprising facts about himself in this book.
As with the first novel I guessed the who quite early on, but the why wasn't clear until the killer was revealed.
A Body At Seaview Grange is a light-hearted mystery which is a perfect escape for a few hours.
October 26, 2021
Nurse Kate Palmer is asked to attend an elderly patient at Seaview Grange. The patient is a retired opera singer who is convinced someone is trying to kill her! A few days later, someone does and Kate is most curious to sort out who. Was it the angry stepson who wanted his inheritance? Perhaps one of her neighbor? The creepy horror writer who couldn't tolerate her screeching or the retired, besotted vicar who adored her? Then there are the elderly sisters or the couple who came into some money and bought their unit at the grange? The best friend? The cleaning lady or her husband who maintains the property? Kate tries to sort out who the culprit could be but manages to get on the wrong side of the killer!
An enjoyable English murder mystery. Though Kate makes some classic dumb moves in detecting she also manages to be a rather good judge of character for the most part. Her relationship with Woody is refreshing. Her sister Angie can be a royal pain but she does grow on you!
Will definitely continue to read this series!
An enjoyable English murder mystery. Though Kate makes some classic dumb moves in detecting she also manages to be a rather good judge of character for the most part. Her relationship with Woody is refreshing. Her sister Angie can be a royal pain but she does grow on you!
Will definitely continue to read this series!
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