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Eliza Thomson Investigates #1
Murder in Moreton
A cantankerous old woman…
A mysterious death…
Not what Eliza had planned for her first week back in Moreton…
June 1900: Eliza Thomson is finally back in Moreton. Not only that, she has a job in her husband’s surgery … and her best friend, Connie, is eager to introduce her to the village. But the excitement vanishes when she meets Mrs Milwood.
Does she have to be so spiteful?
And what has she done to Eliza’s childhood friend, Judith?
When Mrs Milwood is found dead, murder is confirmed. There’s an array of suspects … and plenty of reasons for wanting her dead. Can Eliza unravel the secrets of this sleepy English village to stop the wrong person facing the gallows?
This is the second standalone story in the Eliza Thomson Investigates series. If you like sleepy English villages, Miss Marple-like murder mysteries, and historical heroines with attitude, you’ll love this step-back-in-time cozy series.
Get your copy today!
NB. This series is written in UK English
A mysterious death…
Not what Eliza had planned for her first week back in Moreton…
June 1900: Eliza Thomson is finally back in Moreton. Not only that, she has a job in her husband’s surgery … and her best friend, Connie, is eager to introduce her to the village. But the excitement vanishes when she meets Mrs Milwood.
Does she have to be so spiteful?
And what has she done to Eliza’s childhood friend, Judith?
When Mrs Milwood is found dead, murder is confirmed. There’s an array of suspects … and plenty of reasons for wanting her dead. Can Eliza unravel the secrets of this sleepy English village to stop the wrong person facing the gallows?
This is the second standalone story in the Eliza Thomson Investigates series. If you like sleepy English villages, Miss Marple-like murder mysteries, and historical heroines with attitude, you’ll love this step-back-in-time cozy series.
Get your copy today!
NB. This series is written in UK English
Audiobook
Published June 1, 2020
725 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
V.L. McBeath
33 books76 followersVal is an accidental author! She started writing in 2010 when she realised the family history research she was working on would make a great story.
That story ultimately turned into The Ambition & Destiny Series, a five part series with a short story prequel.
By the time that was complete, Val had developed a taste for writing and began a series of historical cozy mysteries - Eliza Thomson Investigates.
Prior to writing, Val trained as a scientist and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years. In 2012, she set up her own consultancy business, and currently splits her time between business and writing.
Born and raised in Liverpool (UK), Val now lives in Cheshire with her husband, two daughters and a cat. In addition to family history, her interests include rock music and Liverpool Football Club.
That story ultimately turned into The Ambition & Destiny Series, a five part series with a short story prequel.
By the time that was complete, Val had developed a taste for writing and began a series of historical cozy mysteries - Eliza Thomson Investigates.
Prior to writing, Val trained as a scientist and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years. In 2012, she set up her own consultancy business, and currently splits her time between business and writing.
Born and raised in Liverpool (UK), Val now lives in Cheshire with her husband, two daughters and a cat. In addition to family history, her interests include rock music and Liverpool Football Club.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 17, 2020
An entertaining cozy, this time Eliza Thompson has moved back to her childhood town, and is neighbours with Connie, her best friend. She’s barely unpacked, when she both discovers missing medication, and meets a nasty, unpleasant, wealthy, elderly woman. And very soon after, the elderly woman is dead.
Eliza convinces the local police to let her and Connie help them, and she becomes familiar with the elderly Mrs. Wilson’s cowed and resentful family. Mrs. Wilson was terrible to all of them, so there is no shortage of suspects. Eliza figures it out, of course, though I got there a little before she did.
This second book reads better, and I liked how the strong-minded Eliza just kept plugging away till she discovered whodunnit. This was a pleasant diversion and I’ll probably continue the series sometime.
Eliza convinces the local police to let her and Connie help them, and she becomes familiar with the elderly Mrs. Wilson’s cowed and resentful family. Mrs. Wilson was terrible to all of them, so there is no shortage of suspects. Eliza figures it out, of course, though I got there a little before she did.
This second book reads better, and I liked how the strong-minded Eliza just kept plugging away till she discovered whodunnit. This was a pleasant diversion and I’ll probably continue the series sometime.
September 4, 2021
The mystery was interesting, well-done, and solidly delivered. The main character, to me, leaves much to be desired. She's acerbic and one-dimensional - and frankly - I failed to see why anyone would tell the know-it-all busy-body anything. In her world, it seems to be all about her. I just couldn't get a feel for her or her husband. They were married, but they felt more like work colleagues than family. I think some of that may be from the narration. I'm guessing Eliza and her husband are in their late 40s or early 50s since they have a grown son, but the audio delivery made her sound more like a fluffy teenager.
The bottom line is I liked the mystery and I disliked Eliza. Perhaps she mellows in later books and I'd grow to like her, but the story didn't intrigue me enough to make me want to give another book a try. IF someone gave me one of the books, I'd probably read it eventually, but I wouldn't actively pursue the procurement of another book.
The bottom line is I liked the mystery and I disliked Eliza. Perhaps she mellows in later books and I'd grow to like her, but the story didn't intrigue me enough to make me want to give another book a try. IF someone gave me one of the books, I'd probably read it eventually, but I wouldn't actively pursue the procurement of another book.
July 24, 2019
This second in the series is set in Eliza’s village in which, she spent her early years. She has now moved back with her husband, Archie. Archie and Eliza have a good relationship and although Archie doesn’t always approve of Eliza’s activities, he does go along with it. He appreciates Eliza’s education and she works as his dispenser of medicines. They enjoy the odd amusing banter. In the village there are the old prejudices against women who want an education for themselves. Eliza is set to discover the identity of the murderer, along with the help of her friend Connie. There are a number of possible suspects and useful nosey neighbours. This was an entertaining read and the murderer doesn’t become known until the end. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
August 8, 2019
June 1900: Eliza Thomson is finally back in Moreton.
Archie Thomson, her husband, will be the new village
doctor with his surgery connected next to their home.
Eliza will work with him that is when she is not trying
to solve murder investigations.
When the death of a cantankerous, mosey, controlling
elderly woman occurs, Eliza with the help of her best
friend and next door neighbor, Connie Appleton (widow)
decide to start their own investigation to aide the
local, inexperienced police force in the village. With
their skills at digging up circumstances, they help the
local police and Scotland Yard to weed out the
innocent.
A extremely, well plotted murder puzzle with a large
array of well drawn up, quirky, interesting and
interesting suspects.
I volunteered to read Murder in Moreton. Thanks to
the author for the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary
and my own.
Archie Thomson, her husband, will be the new village
doctor with his surgery connected next to their home.
Eliza will work with him that is when she is not trying
to solve murder investigations.
When the death of a cantankerous, mosey, controlling
elderly woman occurs, Eliza with the help of her best
friend and next door neighbor, Connie Appleton (widow)
decide to start their own investigation to aide the
local, inexperienced police force in the village. With
their skills at digging up circumstances, they help the
local police and Scotland Yard to weed out the
innocent.
A extremely, well plotted murder puzzle with a large
array of well drawn up, quirky, interesting and
interesting suspects.
I volunteered to read Murder in Moreton. Thanks to
the author for the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary
and my own.
January 5, 2024
As always McBeath does not fail to deliver. Another good read, well written, well thought out and fun to boot. Eliza and Archie move back to Moreton, away from London and Eliza prepared herself to be immersed in village life, with its nosey parkers and gossips, but she did not bargain for the death of her old friend's mother-in-law, aka a nasty spiteful manipulative woman who uses her wealth to control her family and get her way. Suspects galore, the local bobby totally out of his depth and an Inspector from Scotland Yard who does not think that it is seeming for women to be interfering into matters like murder.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion. More please McBeath!!
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion. More please McBeath!!
May 30, 2020
This was one cute murder investigation.
May 17, 2021
Historical mystery with a full-cast and a good plot. Cozy. Narrated by a Brit, only right thing to do with an English mystery.
July 25, 2019
Fun, quirky, and quaint with a touch of Miss Marple.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book set in a small English village in Victorian times. Eliza was a real character and her long suffering neighbour Connie are a good pairing. The author created a lovely atmosphere with her descriptions and the story held me to the end. I agreed to read an ARC copy in return for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book set in a small English village in Victorian times. Eliza was a real character and her long suffering neighbour Connie are a good pairing. The author created a lovely atmosphere with her descriptions and the story held me to the end. I agreed to read an ARC copy in return for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
February 18, 2020
Twisted plot.
The book is slow going at the start. There’s much scene setting and introduction of the characters that the actual murder almost seems incidental. Eventually it gathers pace and the conclusion is nicely drawn. Although the book purports to be set in the nineteenth century, the style is somewhat muddled and oscillates between then and the present. It’s enjoyable enough however.
The book is slow going at the start. There’s much scene setting and introduction of the characters that the actual murder almost seems incidental. Eventually it gathers pace and the conclusion is nicely drawn. Although the book purports to be set in the nineteenth century, the style is somewhat muddled and oscillates between then and the present. It’s enjoyable enough however.
December 5, 2021
3 - 3.5
A quite enjoyable mystery, and will definitely check out others in the series. Eliza is a bit of a bulldozer and Connie is at times a bit dim, but you do buy their friendship which is nice. Some gross classism is present but (sadly) true to the time period the book is set.
A quite enjoyable mystery, and will definitely check out others in the series. Eliza is a bit of a bulldozer and Connie is at times a bit dim, but you do buy their friendship which is nice. Some gross classism is present but (sadly) true to the time period the book is set.
April 25, 2023
predictable
Pedestrian writing. She has watched too many midsummer murders. Blah blah blah La bla bla bla bla bla bla bla.
Pedestrian writing. She has watched too many midsummer murders. Blah blah blah La bla bla bla bla bla bla bla.
May 4, 2021
Murder in Moreton by V.L. McBeath is the second in the Eliza Thomson investigates series and like the first was a quick and entertaining mystery set in England in 1900. In this one Eliza and her doctor husband Archie are set to open up his new surgery, he's all set to become a country doctor. She's excited to join him in the surgery as his assistant. However, her first love of crime fighting is not far from her heart and she is still writing to the police with ideas and possible conclusions to the cases they report in the papers.
On a visit to an old friend Eliza and Connie meet the woman's mother in law, a cantankerous old woman who doesn't have a nice word for anyone, in fact she's quite rude and Eliza can't get away from her fast enough. The next day her husband is called to the same house when Mrs. Milwood, the mean old woman is found dead in her bed! Eliza insists on accompanying her husband, as her friend will need comforting at a time like this, but her real reason for going is of course she's ready to put her investigator hat on and get to work! The whole family becomes suspect, but Eliza's not so sure. Yes they all disliked the mean old coot, but could they really kill her? After the inquest and the culprit turns out to be poison the suspect list grows. Eliza is persistent in her search and will not stop until she gets to the bottom of this murder.
Another quick read by Ms. McBeath. These are fun and exciting little mysteries that don't take a big time commitment or a lot of thought and concentration. They're just all around fun books to read. The characters are charming people that are easy to get to know and follow from book to book. Eliza is quite the 20th Century gal, she's progressive in her views, she's outspoken in her opinions and she's elegant in her manners. The classy woman of 1900 meets the strong woman of today, all set in a quaint British village! I love it! And with all that, the mysteries are not as easy to figure out as you'd think. I was way off on this one. Nothing earth shattering or anything you'll probably remember, but still a darn good little read! Can't wait to see what Eliza gets into next in book 3. Happy Reading!
On a visit to an old friend Eliza and Connie meet the woman's mother in law, a cantankerous old woman who doesn't have a nice word for anyone, in fact she's quite rude and Eliza can't get away from her fast enough. The next day her husband is called to the same house when Mrs. Milwood, the mean old woman is found dead in her bed! Eliza insists on accompanying her husband, as her friend will need comforting at a time like this, but her real reason for going is of course she's ready to put her investigator hat on and get to work! The whole family becomes suspect, but Eliza's not so sure. Yes they all disliked the mean old coot, but could they really kill her? After the inquest and the culprit turns out to be poison the suspect list grows. Eliza is persistent in her search and will not stop until she gets to the bottom of this murder.
Another quick read by Ms. McBeath. These are fun and exciting little mysteries that don't take a big time commitment or a lot of thought and concentration. They're just all around fun books to read. The characters are charming people that are easy to get to know and follow from book to book. Eliza is quite the 20th Century gal, she's progressive in her views, she's outspoken in her opinions and she's elegant in her manners. The classy woman of 1900 meets the strong woman of today, all set in a quaint British village! I love it! And with all that, the mysteries are not as easy to figure out as you'd think. I was way off on this one. Nothing earth shattering or anything you'll probably remember, but still a darn good little read! Can't wait to see what Eliza gets into next in book 3. Happy Reading!
March 20, 2021
Even though this is the second book in the series, it's also a standalone, which is great, because this is the first Eliza Thompson Investigates I've read.
It's a great Agatha Christie-ish, Miss Marple-y murder mystery in a country village, 1900s England. Eliza Thompson has just moved from London to Moreton-on-Thames, where her husband is to be the new doctor. Eliza has in the past followed murder investigations in the newspaper, and even solved them before the authorities did!
A few days after the Thompson's move in, an elderly villager dies under suspicious circumstances. The deceased's daughter-in-law is a friend of Eliza (she grew up in Moreton), so she agrees to help with the investigation, which is a good thing, because, while the local constable is a nice guy, he's a terrible investigator - he doesn't even know to ask common sense questions, and keeps trying to arrest potential suspects without sufficient evidence (which Eliza repeatedy points out to him). The old woman's family needs her help, but they're not telling Eliza the whole truth. To top it off, the old lady was an awful person, making pretty much all of the villagers potential suspects.
I loved how VL McBeath kept me guessing as to who the murderer might be. The characters had Eliza running back and forth across and around the village green so much, she must be incredibly healthy! Every time she gets a bit of contradicting information from someone, she must schlep back across the village to try to tease more of the truth from the previous person she talked to. She (and the reader) must try to put the clues together in the right order to discover the identity of the killer.
It was a lot of fun trying to put the pieces together and guess who the real murderer really is!
It's a great Agatha Christie-ish, Miss Marple-y murder mystery in a country village, 1900s England. Eliza Thompson has just moved from London to Moreton-on-Thames, where her husband is to be the new doctor. Eliza has in the past followed murder investigations in the newspaper, and even solved them before the authorities did!
A few days after the Thompson's move in, an elderly villager dies under suspicious circumstances. The deceased's daughter-in-law is a friend of Eliza (she grew up in Moreton), so she agrees to help with the investigation, which is a good thing, because, while the local constable is a nice guy, he's a terrible investigator - he doesn't even know to ask common sense questions, and keeps trying to arrest potential suspects without sufficient evidence (which Eliza repeatedy points out to him). The old woman's family needs her help, but they're not telling Eliza the whole truth. To top it off, the old lady was an awful person, making pretty much all of the villagers potential suspects.
I loved how VL McBeath kept me guessing as to who the murderer might be. The characters had Eliza running back and forth across and around the village green so much, she must be incredibly healthy! Every time she gets a bit of contradicting information from someone, she must schlep back across the village to try to tease more of the truth from the previous person she talked to. She (and the reader) must try to put the clues together in the right order to discover the identity of the killer.
It was a lot of fun trying to put the pieces together and guess who the real murderer really is!
April 7, 2020
A great turn-of-the-20th-century cozy mystery series!
I downloaded and read the first book of this series as part of a cozy mystery authors’ giveaway promotion. I enjoyed it so much that I downloaded this second book in the “Eliza Thomson Investigates Murder Mystery” series to my KU library. I am so glad that I did. This is proving to be a very good turn-of-the-20th-century cozy mystery series.
Eliza and her husband have moved to her hometown to take over the local surgery and dispensary. Upon arrival, Eliza begins reconnecting with childhood friends, some of which she has not seen in 30 years. Unfortunately, a murder is committed in the home of one of Eliza’s childhood friends. Eliza begins to investigate the murder at the personal request of that childhood friend. Eliza and her neighbor, who is also a close friend, partner up to solve this murder mystery. As if it is not hard enough to solve a murder, the women must deal with the prevalent opinion in 1900 of women performing “men’s work”. There are many twists and turns in determining whodunit in this mystery.
Written in UK English and set in 1900, some American English readers may find following the story confusing at first. However, I assure you that it is worth reading on to the finish. It is an entertaining little cozy mystery. A clean, fun, and witty read. I recommend “Murder in Moreton” for anyone who loves reading a good mystery.
I downloaded and read the first book of this series as part of a cozy mystery authors’ giveaway promotion. I enjoyed it so much that I downloaded this second book in the “Eliza Thomson Investigates Murder Mystery” series to my KU library. I am so glad that I did. This is proving to be a very good turn-of-the-20th-century cozy mystery series.
Eliza and her husband have moved to her hometown to take over the local surgery and dispensary. Upon arrival, Eliza begins reconnecting with childhood friends, some of which she has not seen in 30 years. Unfortunately, a murder is committed in the home of one of Eliza’s childhood friends. Eliza begins to investigate the murder at the personal request of that childhood friend. Eliza and her neighbor, who is also a close friend, partner up to solve this murder mystery. As if it is not hard enough to solve a murder, the women must deal with the prevalent opinion in 1900 of women performing “men’s work”. There are many twists and turns in determining whodunit in this mystery.
Written in UK English and set in 1900, some American English readers may find following the story confusing at first. However, I assure you that it is worth reading on to the finish. It is an entertaining little cozy mystery. A clean, fun, and witty read. I recommend “Murder in Moreton” for anyone who loves reading a good mystery.
March 11, 2024
Another cozy mystery book under my belt. [Murder in Moreton] broods about a small town murder with one, two, three and more possible perpetrators.
While I generally enjoyed reading the book, it came off a little lackluster. The cast is enjoyable enough, but are written quite flat and while the mystery was quite mysterious, it failed to build much tension. I don't expect a thriller from a cozy mystery, however in this case the pacing just felt somewhat off.
Furthermore I almost couldn't stand Archie at times. Not every husband or man has to be the epitome of pro-woman, but Archie's persistence in being just annoying enough really bore in me. There was something about the finer ways he reacted that made me feel a sense of condescendance.
It's regretable, because I wanted to know more about Eliza, Connie and Archie. These main characters were portrayed so little in their ways, that the case members had more personality than the protagonists. I'd also like the 'cozy' aspect to be more than social calls. I felt like the entire book was just about Eliza and Connie running around, while making a social call here and there. We don't get to see developing friendships, growing characters, or more finer aspects of our cast at all.
I'll be reading the next book hoping for progress! I swear to god if Archie can't man up and believe his wife after solving two IRL murders, I'll be branding him as a woman-hater.
While I generally enjoyed reading the book, it came off a little lackluster. The cast is enjoyable enough, but are written quite flat and while the mystery was quite mysterious, it failed to build much tension. I don't expect a thriller from a cozy mystery, however in this case the pacing just felt somewhat off.
Furthermore I almost couldn't stand Archie at times. Not every husband or man has to be the epitome of pro-woman, but Archie's persistence in being just annoying enough really bore in me. There was something about the finer ways he reacted that made me feel a sense of condescendance.
It's regretable, because I wanted to know more about Eliza, Connie and Archie. These main characters were portrayed so little in their ways, that the case members had more personality than the protagonists. I'd also like the 'cozy' aspect to be more than social calls. I felt like the entire book was just about Eliza and Connie running around, while making a social call here and there. We don't get to see developing friendships, growing characters, or more finer aspects of our cast at all.
I'll be reading the next book hoping for progress! I swear to god if Archie can't man up and believe his wife after solving two IRL murders, I'll be branding him as a woman-hater.
October 31, 2019
A nice tight plot
A good read. Maybe not quite historically accurate but the plot is a good one. Okay I had my suspicions as to who and how but not as to why until quite a long way through the story. Clean, crisp writing and characters that add a certain flair to the plot. The death of a vindictive, quarrelsome elderly woman who wants everyone and everything to run to her dictates. The setting a small village that has the usual nosy parkers and conflicts hidden behind picturesque cottages.
The move to the village will take a bit of getting used too. Her husband taking on the doctors surgery, her working in the dispensary and the fact that their cottage is smaller than she's used too. But some friends still remember her from her early life there. However the death of the mother-in-law of a friend makes her doubt that the death is natural. Especially when you add the fact that the soiled bedding had been washed, the idea that the woman suffered from heart problems but no medication found to support that and the most important fact that she kept her family firmly under her thumb. Dishing out money reluctantly. The inquest ascertained that it was murder but by whom? Can she and her neighbour find out how the woman died and get the right person arrested before an innocent is sent to the gallows?
A good read. Maybe not quite historically accurate but the plot is a good one. Okay I had my suspicions as to who and how but not as to why until quite a long way through the story. Clean, crisp writing and characters that add a certain flair to the plot. The death of a vindictive, quarrelsome elderly woman who wants everyone and everything to run to her dictates. The setting a small village that has the usual nosy parkers and conflicts hidden behind picturesque cottages.
The move to the village will take a bit of getting used too. Her husband taking on the doctors surgery, her working in the dispensary and the fact that their cottage is smaller than she's used too. But some friends still remember her from her early life there. However the death of the mother-in-law of a friend makes her doubt that the death is natural. Especially when you add the fact that the soiled bedding had been washed, the idea that the woman suffered from heart problems but no medication found to support that and the most important fact that she kept her family firmly under her thumb. Dishing out money reluctantly. The inquest ascertained that it was murder but by whom? Can she and her neighbour find out how the woman died and get the right person arrested before an innocent is sent to the gallows?
May 28, 2021
Eliza and her husband Archie Thompson have just moved to Moreton where Eliza grew up. Her best friend Connie lives next door. Archie will be the town doctor, and Eliza helps out in the surgery fixing prescriptions. She also solved crimes when they lived in London, several from reading the clues in the paper.
Judith is another childhood friend, and ELiza and Connie meet her walking her mother-in-law Mrs. Milford who is rather obnoxious. The next day, they find that Mrs. Milford is dead, and soon they find out she was poisoned with digitalis. It seems that Mrs. Milford is very wealthy, and is blackmailing her son and Judith by saying if they move back to London she will disinherit them. The daughter wants to go to university and study medicine, but Mrs. Milford does't believe girls should be educated. She has also fired her maid when she found out her grandson was interested in her. With all these family members upset with Mrs. Milford, there are plenty of suspects.
Eliza doesn't think anyone in the family did it, but everyone seems to be lying to her. The police are happy to have her help, and of course she finally figures things out.
Judith is another childhood friend, and ELiza and Connie meet her walking her mother-in-law Mrs. Milford who is rather obnoxious. The next day, they find that Mrs. Milford is dead, and soon they find out she was poisoned with digitalis. It seems that Mrs. Milford is very wealthy, and is blackmailing her son and Judith by saying if they move back to London she will disinherit them. The daughter wants to go to university and study medicine, but Mrs. Milford does't believe girls should be educated. She has also fired her maid when she found out her grandson was interested in her. With all these family members upset with Mrs. Milford, there are plenty of suspects.
Eliza doesn't think anyone in the family did it, but everyone seems to be lying to her. The police are happy to have her help, and of course she finally figures things out.
September 26, 2019
A delightful little cozy set near London around the turn of the century (which I guess I now must specify as 1900).
Eliza and husband Archie have moved from London to Moreton-on-Thames where he is the new doctor in the village. Eliza has a childhood friend there as her family lived in one of the large houses there wen she was a girl. With Connie's help, Eliza investigates the death of a local woman who it appears died in her sleep of heart problems. Eliza isn't certain and further medical investigation reveals it was murder!
It seems that almost everyone in town had reason to hate Mrs. Milwood so there are plenty of suspects for motive. But who had the opportunity?
The characters were well defined and acted as one would expect in their individual circumstances. I could easily imagine the conversations that ensued during Eliza's questioning.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the series.
Eliza and husband Archie have moved from London to Moreton-on-Thames where he is the new doctor in the village. Eliza has a childhood friend there as her family lived in one of the large houses there wen she was a girl. With Connie's help, Eliza investigates the death of a local woman who it appears died in her sleep of heart problems. Eliza isn't certain and further medical investigation reveals it was murder!
It seems that almost everyone in town had reason to hate Mrs. Milwood so there are plenty of suspects for motive. But who had the opportunity?
The characters were well defined and acted as one would expect in their individual circumstances. I could easily imagine the conversations that ensued during Eliza's questioning.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the series.
July 22, 2019
Even better than the first one!
This book was so good. So many twists and turns and way too many suspects! Eliza's best friend Connie is showing her around town and introducing her to everyone she doesn't know. They run into cantankerous Mrs. Milwood a former neighbor. She is nothing but nasty and when she winds up dead, Eliza has to try to get an old friend out from under suspicion. With just about everyone in town holding a grudge against the woman, how will Eliza find the guilty party? The local police are quick to use her help, but not so much when Scotland Yard takes over. I can't wait for the next book, this is a new favorite author!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
This book was so good. So many twists and turns and way too many suspects! Eliza's best friend Connie is showing her around town and introducing her to everyone she doesn't know. They run into cantankerous Mrs. Milwood a former neighbor. She is nothing but nasty and when she winds up dead, Eliza has to try to get an old friend out from under suspicion. With just about everyone in town holding a grudge against the woman, how will Eliza find the guilty party? The local police are quick to use her help, but not so much when Scotland Yard takes over. I can't wait for the next book, this is a new favorite author!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
September 11, 2019
This is the second book in the Eliza Thomson Investigates series. Eliza and her husband. Dr, Archie Thomson are moving from London to Moreton-on-Thames. In a time when the profession of doctor of medicine was not highly thought of and women were supposed to just host parties and support their husband, Eliza is one of a kind. She has helped the police in Oxford solve a recent murder which is why Eliza loves keeping up with the murder cases. V.L. McBeath provides a well written story with well developed characters and a plot with many twists and turns that will hold your interest. You will enjoy the information that is slid in about the historical period the book is written in. I hope it will not be long before the next selection is forthcoming.
April 3, 2023
Good plot
The plot, cast of characters and possible motives are good and kept me reading. Unfortunately the main character isn't especially likable and her investigation lacks subtly. She bulldozers through the investigation with blunt questions, rather than discovering information through seemingly innocent conversation as Miss Marple would. We are told too many times about Connie blushing/flushing/reddening. The words smirk and smirked were used too frequently and mostly incorrectly - a smirk indicates scorn and disdain, you don't smirk when chatting with a friend. The time frame they were focusing on kept skipping about too. These things let the novel down and distracted from the story.
The plot, cast of characters and possible motives are good and kept me reading. Unfortunately the main character isn't especially likable and her investigation lacks subtly. She bulldozers through the investigation with blunt questions, rather than discovering information through seemingly innocent conversation as Miss Marple would. We are told too many times about Connie blushing/flushing/reddening. The words smirk and smirked were used too frequently and mostly incorrectly - a smirk indicates scorn and disdain, you don't smirk when chatting with a friend. The time frame they were focusing on kept skipping about too. These things let the novel down and distracted from the story.
July 22, 2019
Oh my goodness! This is such a great book. It reminds me of Murder She Wrote and Father Brown TV shows. I would LOVE for this series to be one. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!! They are wonderful characters! Her best friend Connie is introducing her to everyone as she hasn’t lived there for many years and things have changed. But then there’s a death and it turns out it’s murder. The local cops aren’t use to this kinda thing and she’s already helped solve murders in London so they are excited to have her help. There are twists and so many suspects. Sneaky ladies
July 24, 2019
Eliza Thomas is a spirited and highly educated Victorian heroine who enjoys studying murder reports in the newspapers. The suspicious death of a controlling older woman who doesn't, it seems, believe in freedom for anyone gives her the chance to sharpen her investigative skills and clear the innocent. Her husband, the new village doctor, may be sceptical, but even the Scotland Yard detective appreciates her help once he realizes her ability. I especially liked the friendship between Eliza and Connie and the little subplot about the church bells. An above-average mystery.
March 16, 2023
Eliza Solves The Murder!
Eliza and her doctor husband move from London to her small old home town. Within 2 days a puzzling murder happens to a new friends family. Eliza and an old friend, Connie and with the help of her husband, begin to put the impossible murder together. For the rest of this delightful books journey, follow along to find out how the murderer was able to do it.
Eliza and her doctor husband move from London to her small old home town. Within 2 days a puzzling murder happens to a new friends family. Eliza and an old friend, Connie and with the help of her husband, begin to put the impossible murder together. For the rest of this delightful books journey, follow along to find out how the murderer was able to do it.
March 26, 2023
DNF 14%
Real Rating: 2.5 * of five
Too many anachronistic touches. I don't have the eyeblinks to spare on things I don't think are well-crafted and -edited by the self-publisher. The prose isn't scintillating or inspiring; so I just don't think it's going to work well enough for me.
ETA I got the time period wrong, it's 1900 not 1800...but I still feel the locutions ae too 21st century to fit into the time period it's set in.
Real Rating: 2.5 * of five
Too many anachronistic touches. I don't have the eyeblinks to spare on things I don't think are well-crafted and -edited by the self-publisher. The prose isn't scintillating or inspiring; so I just don't think it's going to work well enough for me.
ETA I got the time period wrong, it's 1900 not 1800...but I still feel the locutions ae too 21st century to fit into the time period it's set in.
July 27, 2023
An entertaining read that will keep you guessing. I like to listen to audiobooks while cycling. The more twists, the more I like them. VL McBeath kept my mind occupied on the story instead of my muscle pain as I cycled up hills. I could not figure out who the killer was. Even at the end, I had to replay it. It was interesting, but maybe we could’ve had fewer suspects. Overall, though, it’s a 4-star read.
September 19, 2023
I found this a most entertaining read. Loved the characters and the plot development. V.L. McBeath has written a most enjoyable book in the way Christie's Miss Marple solves her little dilemmas. Mrs. Thompson solves her mysteries differently but with the same determination to prove the innocent parties innocent and the guilty ones guilty. Highly recommended if you enjoy a very good cozy mystery.
March 28, 2020
Good story
Eliza and Dr. Thomson move to Eliza's small village to open up a doctor's practice and live the quite life, but it's not to be. When their neighbor's cantankerous mother dies, Eliza suspects murder and gets involved in solving it, with Connie in tow, they run down the clues to save an innocent young man from the hangman's rope. Fun read.
Eliza and Dr. Thomson move to Eliza's small village to open up a doctor's practice and live the quite life, but it's not to be. When their neighbor's cantankerous mother dies, Eliza suspects murder and gets involved in solving it, with Connie in tow, they run down the clues to save an innocent young man from the hangman's rope. Fun read.
October 16, 2020
Too Many Suspects
Very Marple-ish as Eliza and Archie move to Moreton-on-Thames so Archie can become the village doctor. When a death occurs almost immediately after they move in, Eliza recognizes it as murder, not from natural causes, and realizes the police are not up to solving the case.
Very Marple-ish as Eliza and Archie move to Moreton-on-Thames so Archie can become the village doctor. When a death occurs almost immediately after they move in, Eliza recognizes it as murder, not from natural causes, and realizes the police are not up to solving the case.
December 25, 2022
Another delightful cozy. Usually the investigators can't find a suspect with the means and the motive. In the case, there were too many. However, after the first interview of one of the possible suspects, I knew that was the murder. Although the author tried to implicate all the others, i stuck to my guns and was rewarded that this time I was right.
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