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Village Mysteries #2
Three Silent Things
Another baffling case for the Colonel to solve...
The Colonel (few people call him Hugh) has been living in peaceful Dorset village Frogs End for nearly a year, and is well respected for his role in solving the murder of the late Lady Swynford.
Out collecting for a ‘Save the Donkeys’ campaign, the Colonel discovers the ageing acting legend Lois Delaney dead in her flat. She lies naked and lifeless in her bath. Her eyes are wide with surprise, her mouth a little open.
It appears to be suicide, but those closest to her know that she was looking forward to a grand comeback on the London stage. So why would she kill herself?
The Colonel is haunted by the look frozen on Lois's face and must find out what really happened to one of his favourite actresses. He won’t rest till he discovers the truth.
DISCOVER FROG END, A BEAUTIFUL ENGLISH VILLAGE WITH SOME DARK SECRETS
The Colonel (few people call him Hugh) has been living in peaceful Dorset village Frogs End for nearly a year, and is well respected for his role in solving the murder of the late Lady Swynford.
Out collecting for a ‘Save the Donkeys’ campaign, the Colonel discovers the ageing acting legend Lois Delaney dead in her flat. She lies naked and lifeless in her bath. Her eyes are wide with surprise, her mouth a little open.
It appears to be suicide, but those closest to her know that she was looking forward to a grand comeback on the London stage. So why would she kill herself?
The Colonel is haunted by the look frozen on Lois's face and must find out what really happened to one of his favourite actresses. He won’t rest till he discovers the truth.
DISCOVER FROG END, A BEAUTIFUL ENGLISH VILLAGE WITH SOME DARK SECRETS
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2008
1379 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Mayhew
31 books118 followersMargaret Mayhew was born in London and her earliest childhood memories were of the London Blitz. She began writing in her mid-thirties and had her first novel published in 1976. She is married to American aviation author, Philip Kaplan, and lives in Gloucestershire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
February 12, 2022
This is the second Village Mystery set in Frogs End, featuring Hugh, a retired Colonel beginning to find his feet in a new lifestyle.
Like the first book Three Silent Things is a nicely written, cosy with some interesting characters and a good story. The Colonel as he is known to everyone, is an intelligent man and he is a 'coper' by which I mean he takes on life's trials and just copes with them. One example is when his small grandson is landed on him for a few days - he is in no way prepared for this but he manages to keep the boy safe and healthy and even finds an interest they share. (only don't tell mum what it is).
The mystery is interesting, the murderer is discovered and all is well again in Frogs End. Until the next murder of course! It is easy reading, no stress, no worries. Sometimes exactly what one needs.
Like the first book Three Silent Things is a nicely written, cosy with some interesting characters and a good story. The Colonel as he is known to everyone, is an intelligent man and he is a 'coper' by which I mean he takes on life's trials and just copes with them. One example is when his small grandson is landed on him for a few days - he is in no way prepared for this but he manages to keep the boy safe and healthy and even finds an interest they share. (only don't tell mum what it is).
The mystery is interesting, the murderer is discovered and all is well again in Frogs End. Until the next murder of course! It is easy reading, no stress, no worries. Sometimes exactly what one needs.
August 9, 2025
The Colonel (Hugh) (retired) was out collecting for the Save the Donkeys fundraiser in Frogs End, going from house to house, and when he came to the Hall, newly changed from a stately old home to apartments, he knocked on those doors also. Mrs Barnes, the caretaker with her husband, asked the Colonel to check #2 as the inhabitant wasn't answering, and she knew the woman was home. The discovery of Lois Delaney's body in her bath, dead, shocked the Colonel and Mrs Barnes, and it wasn't long before the police arrived.
Lois was a famous actress, down on her luck but had recently been offered the chance to make a comeback on the London stage. She was excited; her whole life was the stage. So why would she commit suicide? She had everything to live for...
Three Silent Things is the 2nd in the Village Mysteries series by Margaret Mayhew and I enjoyed it. I like the crusty old Colonel and his determination to prove his theories right. Naomi next door is a card, while Ruth with her plants is a sweetheart. I loved the way the Colonel looked after his almost 5 year old grandson too!! Recommended.
Lois was a famous actress, down on her luck but had recently been offered the chance to make a comeback on the London stage. She was excited; her whole life was the stage. So why would she commit suicide? She had everything to live for...
Three Silent Things is the 2nd in the Village Mysteries series by Margaret Mayhew and I enjoyed it. I like the crusty old Colonel and his determination to prove his theories right. Naomi next door is a card, while Ruth with her plants is a sweetheart. I loved the way the Colonel looked after his almost 5 year old grandson too!! Recommended.
February 2, 2021
After reading a couple of clunkers I really relished the comfort of reading another village mystery book where "everyone knows your name" as the saying goes. The central characters provide warmth and humour as they go about their daily lives keeping check on all the doings in the neighborhood. The first murder book is centered around Christmas and this second one around New Year's Eve. The distinguished looking Colonel happens to discover a dead body whilst collecting for donkeys in distress. There is yet another encounter with the unpleasant Detective Inspector Squibb of the Dorset Police. "Don't go making a habit of it will you, sir?" "A habit of what, Inspector?" "Finding dead bodies."
The timeline of the murder was not worked out by anyone other than the Colonel who confronts the murderer in a very brave and forthright manner knowing nothing will be done about it. But then fate steps in. Smiles all round.
Kindle Unlimited
The timeline of the murder was not worked out by anyone other than the Colonel who confronts the murderer in a very brave and forthright manner knowing nothing will be done about it. But then fate steps in. Smiles all round.
Kindle Unlimited
October 7, 2020
Another enjoyable read featuring the Colonel and his small village. I particularly liked the part in which he bonds with his grandson. As someone who appreciates military museums, I hope Susan, the daughter-in-law, stops trying to micromanage the kid's life. Maybe she'll ease up with a new baby to take care of. The mystery wasn't a big one, but satisfying.
October 4, 2011
My first read by this author and I loved her humerous description of the Colonel in his village cottage home. It read as if she really understood the thoughts and feelings of a man of his age.
I enjoyed the story and felt that I had grasped the storyline and the characters quite quickly. I kept drawing/discounting/redrawing my ideas of 'who'd dun it'.
My rating would have been 4.5 - 5 up until the final couple of pages. I felt let down by the ending which I thought was very disappointing and a bit of a 'cop out'
As I enjoyed the majority of the book, I am prepared to try other works by this author, hoping that this ending was a one-off.
I enjoyed the story and felt that I had grasped the storyline and the characters quite quickly. I kept drawing/discounting/redrawing my ideas of 'who'd dun it'.
My rating would have been 4.5 - 5 up until the final couple of pages. I felt let down by the ending which I thought was very disappointing and a bit of a 'cop out'
As I enjoyed the majority of the book, I am prepared to try other works by this author, hoping that this ending was a one-off.
September 15, 2022
This was such a comfort to read. One needs these cosy mysteries after reading a whole pile of 'heavy' books. All the expected characters are there - the artiste, the famous actress, the bumbling insensitive policeman, the snooping ladies, a young couple, the diligent caretakers, drink obsessed Major, the intelligent curious Colonel who has to find out the truth. Though in the guise of a cosy mystery it doesn't have a 'detective', nor a typical finale, just an exposition & denouement. A pretty good read.
July 25, 2014
A bit cosy but OK.
October 12, 2024
This was fine! I read #2 in the series first, because none of my libraries have book #1. This was a fairly solid stodgy old Englishman cozy. I didn’t love it; I wasn’t able to relate well to the main character. But it was a fine cozy.
I don’t plan read further in the series — partly because I’d have to buy them and partly because I didn’t love this.
I don’t plan read further in the series — partly because I’d have to buy them and partly because I didn’t love this.
January 25, 2010
When the retired Colonel moves to the picturesque Dorset village of Frog's End after his wife's death he expects to live out his days quietly, but when, on collecting for 'Save the Donkeys' Charity he discovers the body of Lois Delaney (an aged actress) his life becomes anything but quiet and boring.
At the Inquest into her death it is presumed that she committed suicide but the Colonel (who was a huge fan of hers) has his suspicions that all was not as it seemed and he does his own investigating. He discovers that Lois Delaney had just been offered a wonderful acting job on the London stage and was very excited about it - so why would she commit suicide when she was so happy? It just didn't make sense to the Colonel.
Set in a contemporary era, the small village is fully of quirky characters and we are introduced gradually to all of them.
There is the nosey neighbour, Freda Butler, who uses her late Admiral father's binoculars to spy on all the comings and goings ......... the two gay men living in the converted Hall which has been made into flats, one of which is where Lois Delaney lived ......... the sour old biddy, Miss Quinn, who also lived in the flat above. Plus an assortment of oddballs and even some normal inhabitants!
We also learn that many people in the village even knew Miss Delaney years ago when she was an actress, so do any of them have a motive to murder her? And why have they kept it quiet that they knew her?
The author, Margaret Mayhew, throws in a few red herrings here and there just to keep us guessing which all added to the enjoyment.
As we get to know the likeable Colonel and the villagers the plot moves very slowly and gently with not a lot happening but I was swept along and had finished it all too soon! At only 180 pages long it is a nice easy read.
If you enjoy Miss Marple or the Midsommer Murder type of story then you'll like this. But if you're the Harlen Coban or Lee Child fast and furious type of storyline fan then I think this will move too slowly for you.
At the Inquest into her death it is presumed that she committed suicide but the Colonel (who was a huge fan of hers) has his suspicions that all was not as it seemed and he does his own investigating. He discovers that Lois Delaney had just been offered a wonderful acting job on the London stage and was very excited about it - so why would she commit suicide when she was so happy? It just didn't make sense to the Colonel.
Set in a contemporary era, the small village is fully of quirky characters and we are introduced gradually to all of them.
There is the nosey neighbour, Freda Butler, who uses her late Admiral father's binoculars to spy on all the comings and goings ......... the two gay men living in the converted Hall which has been made into flats, one of which is where Lois Delaney lived ......... the sour old biddy, Miss Quinn, who also lived in the flat above. Plus an assortment of oddballs and even some normal inhabitants!
We also learn that many people in the village even knew Miss Delaney years ago when she was an actress, so do any of them have a motive to murder her? And why have they kept it quiet that they knew her?
The author, Margaret Mayhew, throws in a few red herrings here and there just to keep us guessing which all added to the enjoyment.
As we get to know the likeable Colonel and the villagers the plot moves very slowly and gently with not a lot happening but I was swept along and had finished it all too soon! At only 180 pages long it is a nice easy read.
If you enjoy Miss Marple or the Midsommer Murder type of story then you'll like this. But if you're the Harlen Coban or Lee Child fast and furious type of storyline fan then I think this will move too slowly for you.
January 18, 2021
Not as good as the first one
The more I read these books the less I like the Colonel, and the more I like the other people in the village. Naomi is a real go-getter who is making the Colonel get his garden ready for planting; he doesn't seem to do anything except drink whiskey and listen to his old records. To me he just seems like an old male busybody going around asking questions like if he was a cop. I did like the way he handled his grandson so they are on good terms now. But what happened to the books ending?All of a sudden the rich tycoon dies while piloting his own helicopter. End of story book. Not a good ending.
l.
The more I read these books the less I like the Colonel, and the more I like the other people in the village. Naomi is a real go-getter who is making the Colonel get his garden ready for planting; he doesn't seem to do anything except drink whiskey and listen to his old records. To me he just seems like an old male busybody going around asking questions like if he was a cop. I did like the way he handled his grandson so they are on good terms now. But what happened to the books ending?All of a sudden the rich tycoon dies while piloting his own helicopter. End of story book. Not a good ending.
l.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2022
The death of an actress has an unfortunate resolution
When an aging but still beautiful actress dies by electrocution in her bathtub the Colonel was shocked. She was an alcoholic and wasn’t having much luck rebuilding her acting career but was about to receive a substantial divorce settlement so the suspected suicide seemed unlikely to the Colonel, a local resident who had solved a previous murder in the village of Frog End. The local police seemed to bear a grudge against him for his success at solving this previous case the year before. The actress’s life was rather convoluted and the possible suspects that could have caused her death caused the Colonel serious thought even though they were hard to prove. This is an interesting story and I recommend it.
When an aging but still beautiful actress dies by electrocution in her bathtub the Colonel was shocked. She was an alcoholic and wasn’t having much luck rebuilding her acting career but was about to receive a substantial divorce settlement so the suspected suicide seemed unlikely to the Colonel, a local resident who had solved a previous murder in the village of Frog End. The local police seemed to bear a grudge against him for his success at solving this previous case the year before. The actress’s life was rather convoluted and the possible suspects that could have caused her death caused the Colonel serious thought even though they were hard to prove. This is an interesting story and I recommend it.
April 18, 2023
These be three silent things:
The falling snow
The hour before dawn
The mouth of one just dead.
The Colonel has been living in the Dorset village of Frog End for nearly a year, made some friends, and is taking part in village life. He is collecting money for a charity when he accidentally discovers the body of an elderly actress who appears to have committed suicide, or at least that is what the police and the coroner believe.
But the Colonel is among a number who believe that Lois Delaney had too much to live for and that it is murder not suicide. While there is nothing to disprove the suicide theory the Colonel can't get away from the nagging thought of murder.
Another quick and fairly satisfying read. This novel was first published some 15 years ago.
The falling snow
The hour before dawn
The mouth of one just dead.
The Colonel has been living in the Dorset village of Frog End for nearly a year, made some friends, and is taking part in village life. He is collecting money for a charity when he accidentally discovers the body of an elderly actress who appears to have committed suicide, or at least that is what the police and the coroner believe.
But the Colonel is among a number who believe that Lois Delaney had too much to live for and that it is murder not suicide. While there is nothing to disprove the suicide theory the Colonel can't get away from the nagging thought of murder.
Another quick and fairly satisfying read. This novel was first published some 15 years ago.
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August 16, 2025see note.
Amazon synopsis:
The Colonel (few people call him Hugh) has been living in peaceful Dorset village Frogs End for nearly a year, and is well respected for his role in solving the murder of the late Lady Swynford.
Out collecting for a ‘Save the Donkeys’ campaign, the Colonel discovers the ageing acting legend Lois Delaney dead in her flat. She lies naked and lifeless in her bath. Her eyes are wide with surprise, her mouth a little open.
It appears to be suicide, but those closest to her know that she was looking forward to a grand comeback on the London stage. So why would she kill herself?
The Colonel is haunted by the look frozen on Lois's face and must find out what really happened to one of his favourite actresses. He won’t rest till he discovers the truth.
Amazon synopsis:
The Colonel (few people call him Hugh) has been living in peaceful Dorset village Frogs End for nearly a year, and is well respected for his role in solving the murder of the late Lady Swynford.
Out collecting for a ‘Save the Donkeys’ campaign, the Colonel discovers the ageing acting legend Lois Delaney dead in her flat. She lies naked and lifeless in her bath. Her eyes are wide with surprise, her mouth a little open.
It appears to be suicide, but those closest to her know that she was looking forward to a grand comeback on the London stage. So why would she kill herself?
The Colonel is haunted by the look frozen on Lois's face and must find out what really happened to one of his favourite actresses. He won’t rest till he discovers the truth.
August 10, 2022
This series has grown on me. “Old” style English Village Mysteries, which is to say, classist and fairly stodgy, but pleasant and diverting enough to read. As with many mysteries one likes, it’s the personal lives of the characters we like moreso than the murder that draws one in.
Here the Colonel discovers the body of a local resident whom he hadn’t even known was living in Frog’s End. A former famous actress, now long past it, Hugh is intrigued because while the inquest verdict is suicide, he cannot accept it. Before long, he’s looking into all the circumstances to find out “whodunnit.” Looking forward to the next.
Here the Colonel discovers the body of a local resident whom he hadn’t even known was living in Frog’s End. A former famous actress, now long past it, Hugh is intrigued because while the inquest verdict is suicide, he cannot accept it. Before long, he’s looking into all the circumstances to find out “whodunnit.” Looking forward to the next.
April 3, 2024
Another fun read in this series. Colonel Hugh (no last name given) is collecting money to save donkeys on New Year's Day on the snowy morning. When he gets to the converted house with the expensive flats, he is granted admissions by the caretakers. The lady asks the colonel to come with her to the apartment of a formerly famous actress, as she hadn't been answering her doorbell all morning and the lady is wondering is she's all right. Hugh finds her dead in her bathtub, with a hair dryer in with her, still plugged in. Was it suicide? Or was it murder?
The colonel is a great character and I like him a lot. These books are short reads and also inexpensive to buy.
The colonel is a great character and I like him a lot. These books are short reads and also inexpensive to buy.
January 20, 2021
Brilliant
This is the second book by margaret mayhew I've read and it was extremely good.
I was loath to put it down.
It was just a great combination of people , life styles and the story was really enjoyable, not too long or over complicated.
The first one I read, 'Old soldiers never die'
was just a good so I was thinking there could be a disappointment coming with the second book, which couldn't have been further from the truth.
Everyone was totally believable, and what I liked most was I didn't have to keep going back to recap on the who's who.
Perfect .
This is the second book by margaret mayhew I've read and it was extremely good.
I was loath to put it down.
It was just a great combination of people , life styles and the story was really enjoyable, not too long or over complicated.
The first one I read, 'Old soldiers never die'
was just a good so I was thinking there could be a disappointment coming with the second book, which couldn't have been further from the truth.
Everyone was totally believable, and what I liked most was I didn't have to keep going back to recap on the who's who.
Perfect .
February 28, 2023
Again, engaging, competently written, a believable, well-constructed plot - all of which kept me reading eagerly. The end, however, was a disappointment. I’m hoping that sooner or later this series will come to terms with the law, rather than a convenient trust in the universe to dispense justice. There is, I think, a slight movement away from the stereotype of Squibb as the lazy, unquestioning country policeman. I hope this movement continues in the next books. It will be a great shame if the formula adopted in the first two books continues. The writing deserves better.
October 8, 2020
A delightful read. My second book in this series, and I am looking forward to the next one
A gentle read. Another death,but not a murder as such. Just suspected. And rightly so I thought. I am getting to know this lovely group of village people.
I read a lot, and mainly detective stories. So it is good now and then to read something less dark and dangerous. But still keeps the reader interested.
A gentle read. Another death,but not a murder as such. Just suspected. And rightly so I thought. I am getting to know this lovely group of village people.
I read a lot, and mainly detective stories. So it is good now and then to read something less dark and dangerous. But still keeps the reader interested.
March 26, 2021
The Colonel does it again
The Colonel stands in to do the collection in six of distressed donkeys, which takes him up to the Manor, which has been converted into luxury flats. During his time there, he discovers the body of a famous actress. The insurer's verdict is suicide, but is it - the colonel has his doubts. Another great mystery in the series, which I love - good plot excellent characters......... enjoy
The Colonel stands in to do the collection in six of distressed donkeys, which takes him up to the Manor, which has been converted into luxury flats. During his time there, he discovers the body of a famous actress. The insurer's verdict is suicide, but is it - the colonel has his doubts. Another great mystery in the series, which I love - good plot excellent characters......... enjoy
June 11, 2021
The second book in the series that I have read and I wasn’t disappointed. Questionable if you could call it a murder mystery, but nevertheless enjoyable. The descriptions of the characters I truly enjoy, they really seem to come to life. I especially enjoyed the way the Colonel dealt with his spoilt grandson. You can’t beat a no nonsense approach with children, they appreciate knowing where they are. Good light reading.
August 2, 2022
excellent series! This series has everything a cozy mystery should have…..really likable characters (my favorite is the Colonel), a snobbish cat named Thursday, lots of gardening suggestions and plant info, evil doers doing evil deeds, a mystery to solve, no graphic violence, no sex, and no cliffhanger endings. So, curl up in your favorite comfy chair and see if you can solve the mystery before the Colonel does. I’m really looking forward to the next one.
October 7, 2020
Excellent!
This cozy, entertaining mystery set in a small English village is terrific! The Colonel finds another dead body, who the police determine committed suicide. Hugh does not agree so, again, quietly, investigates. His search for information is a delight to follow and, again, leads him to the solution one for which he has no proof! Nemesis settles it for him!!
This cozy, entertaining mystery set in a small English village is terrific! The Colonel finds another dead body, who the police determine committed suicide. Hugh does not agree so, again, quietly, investigates. His search for information is a delight to follow and, again, leads him to the solution one for which he has no proof! Nemesis settles it for him!!
October 26, 2020
I greatly enjoy the Colonel and the Dorset village of Frogpond
I am delighted by the little details of English country life and appreciate the glossary provided at the end of each book. Ms. Mayhew brings all the characters to life with a deft hand. You feel that you would recognize each person if you happened across the village.
I am delighted by the little details of English country life and appreciate the glossary provided at the end of each book. Ms. Mayhew brings all the characters to life with a deft hand. You feel that you would recognize each person if you happened across the village.
November 19, 2020
Very Much A Cozy
To be truthful the mystery itself is really secondary to the overall story. The book is an interesting read if you are not looking for something very complex. I believe the average mystery reader will quickly realize who the murderer is and why it was committed.
To be truthful the mystery itself is really secondary to the overall story. The book is an interesting read if you are not looking for something very complex. I believe the average mystery reader will quickly realize who the murderer is and why it was committed.
December 1, 2020
What’s not to like?
Cozy mysteries are not my favorite genre, but Three Silent Things checked all of the boxes for me...a good storyline, engaging characters (especially the colonel and Naomi), and well written with a touch of the dry British humor that I have come to love. If you are looking for a rather intelligent cozy mystery, give this a go!
Cozy mysteries are not my favorite genre, but Three Silent Things checked all of the boxes for me...a good storyline, engaging characters (especially the colonel and Naomi), and well written with a touch of the dry British humor that I have come to love. If you are looking for a rather intelligent cozy mystery, give this a go!
December 16, 2020
These books are really good they are more politically correct than other detective novels if the Past. They have really good cast of characters. The Colonel a regular army type , honest and very astute. I love his neighbour Naomi I reckon we should all have a neighbour like her knowledgable and kind and very helpful. This was very good book. A murder but not too gruesome.
December 28, 2020
An excellent old fashioned murder mystery
A murder mystery set in a little village, the Colonel goes round the village collecting for a Donkey charity. He stumbled upon another body, a woman who had been a famous actress. He tries to work out who murdered her in between looking after his five year old grandson and visiting his daughter. I can't wait to read the next book.
A murder mystery set in a little village, the Colonel goes round the village collecting for a Donkey charity. He stumbled upon another body, a woman who had been a famous actress. He tries to work out who murdered her in between looking after his five year old grandson and visiting his daughter. I can't wait to read the next book.
January 22, 2021
I am enjoying this murder mystery series, set in the 1990s (I think). The 'detective' is a retired widower, always referred to as Colonel. He lives in a village called Frog's End which has all the usual characters, Vicar and wife, Lady of the Manor, local doctor and sundry villagers which we are getting to know gradually.
February 13, 2021
I do love a village mystery and Colonel Hugh makes the perfect protagonist in this series by Margaret Mayhew. The setting in this village is great and the locals are an intriguing bunch. I'm hoping to get to know most of them even better in the near future.
My only complaint is that the novels are a little on the short side. But then everyone does exactly what they are supposed to do and things work out just right, so I guess that doesn't matter too much.
My only complaint is that the novels are a little on the short side. But then everyone does exactly what they are supposed to do and things work out just right, so I guess that doesn't matter too much.
February 20, 2021
A DISAPPOINTMENT
I was expecting much more after reading the first book in the series. The ending is too abrupt and not at all satisfying. Nor do we know if the Colonel got it right about the true murderer. And, please, Ms. Mayhew, understand that the plural of Barnes is Barneses, not the possessive Barnes's!
I was expecting much more after reading the first book in the series. The ending is too abrupt and not at all satisfying. Nor do we know if the Colonel got it right about the true murderer. And, please, Ms. Mayhew, understand that the plural of Barnes is Barneses, not the possessive Barnes's!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews