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WISE Enquiries Agency #3
The Case of the Curious Cook
A new case for the ladies of the WISE enquiries agency . . .
Henry Devereaux Twyst, eighteenth Duke of Chellingworth, is terribly worried about some water damage to the priceless books in his lower library, so retains the services of a local book restorer to tackle much-needed repairs. The antiquarian also runs the Crooks and Cooks bookshop with his daughter - local TV celebrity chef, The Curious Cook. When the book restorer mentions some strange shenanigans going on at the book shop, Dowager Duchess Althea brings the case to her colleagues at the WISE Enquiries Agency.
As the WISE women try to unravel one puzzle from their base at stately Chellingworth Hall, they then get embroiled in another when they come across a valuable book of miniatures which seems to be the work of a local famous artist, murdered by her own brother. Are the cases linked and why do both mysteries lead to a nearby old folks' home? The WISE women are on the case - and nothing will get in their way . . . Or will it?
Henry Devereaux Twyst, eighteenth Duke of Chellingworth, is terribly worried about some water damage to the priceless books in his lower library, so retains the services of a local book restorer to tackle much-needed repairs. The antiquarian also runs the Crooks and Cooks bookshop with his daughter - local TV celebrity chef, The Curious Cook. When the book restorer mentions some strange shenanigans going on at the book shop, Dowager Duchess Althea brings the case to her colleagues at the WISE Enquiries Agency.
As the WISE women try to unravel one puzzle from their base at stately Chellingworth Hall, they then get embroiled in another when they come across a valuable book of miniatures which seems to be the work of a local famous artist, murdered by her own brother. Are the cases linked and why do both mysteries lead to a nearby old folks' home? The WISE women are on the case - and nothing will get in their way . . . Or will it?
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2017
459 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Ace
43 books387 followersCathy Ace migrated from her native Wales to Canada at the age of 40. She is the award-winning author of the traditional Cait Morgan Mysteries featuring her Welsh Canadian criminology professor sleuth who travels the world tripping over corpses, which have now been optioned for TV. She also writes the cozier WISE Enquiries Agency Mysteries featuring a quartet of female PIs who run their business out of a Welsh stately home. Both series have been well-reviewed. Her award-winning standalone, THE WRONG BOY, is a gripping novel of psychological suspense, set in Wales, and has also been optioned for TV.
"Ace is, well, an ace when it comes to plot and description.” The Globe and Mail
Cathy's work has won the prestigious Bony Blithe Award for best Canadian light mystery, an IPPY and an IBA Award, and has been shortlisted for an Arthur Ellis Award for Best Short Story.
Her short story "Dear George" appeared on the UK's O Level English Language syllabus and, together with another story, "Domestic Violence", has been produced for BBC Radio 4. You can find out more about Cathy, her books, and events she'll be attending, at www.cathyace.com
"Ace is, well, an ace when it comes to plot and description.” The Globe and Mail
Cathy's work has won the prestigious Bony Blithe Award for best Canadian light mystery, an IPPY and an IBA Award, and has been shortlisted for an Arthur Ellis Award for Best Short Story.
Her short story "Dear George" appeared on the UK's O Level English Language syllabus and, together with another story, "Domestic Violence", has been produced for BBC Radio 4. You can find out more about Cathy, her books, and events she'll be attending, at www.cathyace.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
September 10, 2021
Halloween Bingo 2021
One of the things that I admire about this series by Cathy Ace is that she manages to write a mystery story that doesn't revolve around a murder. This story starts with the very benign sounding problem of a bookseller who keeps finding books deposited in his store mysteriously. What could be less threatening? Some questions about an old murder turn as a result of the book investigation, but that crime doesn't dominate the plotline.
I also like the women of the WISE Enquiries Agency. They are a variety of ages and backgrounds, none of them being particularly young. I like reading about women my age doing interesting, challenging things. Talking to each other about their cases and their lives. Of course they are still interested in the men in their orbit, although Mavis is the least invested in that pursuit. I'm also happy that they are willing to drop a guy who isn't working out.
I'm surprised at how much I'm enjoying several cozy mystery series now. Writers like Ms. Ace are stretching my boundaries in the best ways.
One of the things that I admire about this series by Cathy Ace is that she manages to write a mystery story that doesn't revolve around a murder. This story starts with the very benign sounding problem of a bookseller who keeps finding books deposited in his store mysteriously. What could be less threatening? Some questions about an old murder turn as a result of the book investigation, but that crime doesn't dominate the plotline.
I also like the women of the WISE Enquiries Agency. They are a variety of ages and backgrounds, none of them being particularly young. I like reading about women my age doing interesting, challenging things. Talking to each other about their cases and their lives. Of course they are still interested in the men in their orbit, although Mavis is the least invested in that pursuit. I'm also happy that they are willing to drop a guy who isn't working out.
I'm surprised at how much I'm enjoying several cozy mystery series now. Writers like Ms. Ace are stretching my boundaries in the best ways.
February 12, 2017
I have been wanting to read this author for some time and the did not disappoint me. It is the third book and the series and I had a little problem at first. Once I understood the format the story keep intrigued. It is character driven and I became friends of the five WISE women and their agency.I like the way the investigation starts out as a minor problem and grew too many different factors. The chaps cover each of the women in a rotation. You learn a little about the women's life as they went about looking into their personal lives.
There is Carol, the new mother and computer expert. Christina, the daughter of impoverished Welsh lord and her male friend. Annie a tall black girl from the slums who goes undercover. Mavis, a retired military nurse who is living with the Dowager Duchess Althea. The starts out with someone leaving books at a bookstore The Curios Cook. As the agency solves that the story expands to include a murder and fleecing of seniors. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Severn House through NetGalley for an honest review I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
There is Carol, the new mother and computer expert. Christina, the daughter of impoverished Welsh lord and her male friend. Annie a tall black girl from the slums who goes undercover. Mavis, a retired military nurse who is living with the Dowager Duchess Althea. The starts out with someone leaving books at a bookstore The Curios Cook. As the agency solves that the story expands to include a murder and fleecing of seniors. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Severn House through NetGalley for an honest review I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 4, 2021
I like this WISE series very much. So much so, that I chose to read this book again (2 years later) and enjoyed it even more this time around.
I managed to find the first book in my local library, on a display shelf, and picked it up for a trial. I liked it so much that I had to request the 2nd by Interlibrary Loan. Then, when I was looking for this third book I could not find it anywhere in the library system so I bought a paperback from Amazon but missed noting this in my Goodreads account. I donated this paperback to my local library so the third book would now be available in the library system.
But, time passes, and with the pandemic, I started reading more on my Kindle. So, in December 2020, I purchased this third WISE book and began reading it. Much seemed familiar, but I did not remember everything so it was a wonderful re-read and re-discovery of the characters. I especially like the strong women running their own enquiry services and how they are growing and developing individually, and as an ensemble of colleagues.
I heartily recommend this series, and the author, for anyone who enjoys well-written characters, set in engaging environments, and with a variety of backgrounds. The mysteries keep me guessing and I've not figured one out yet. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
[Note - my biggest issue is finding this author's books, whether this series or the Cait Morgan series. My library does not seem to have many in-system, and not everything is available via Kindle. I may resort to buying used paperbacks online, unless someone else has ideas?]
I managed to find the first book in my local library, on a display shelf, and picked it up for a trial. I liked it so much that I had to request the 2nd by Interlibrary Loan. Then, when I was looking for this third book I could not find it anywhere in the library system so I bought a paperback from Amazon but missed noting this in my Goodreads account. I donated this paperback to my local library so the third book would now be available in the library system.
But, time passes, and with the pandemic, I started reading more on my Kindle. So, in December 2020, I purchased this third WISE book and began reading it. Much seemed familiar, but I did not remember everything so it was a wonderful re-read and re-discovery of the characters. I especially like the strong women running their own enquiry services and how they are growing and developing individually, and as an ensemble of colleagues.
I heartily recommend this series, and the author, for anyone who enjoys well-written characters, set in engaging environments, and with a variety of backgrounds. The mysteries keep me guessing and I've not figured one out yet. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
[Note - my biggest issue is finding this author's books, whether this series or the Cait Morgan series. My library does not seem to have many in-system, and not everything is available via Kindle. I may resort to buying used paperbacks online, unless someone else has ideas?]
January 12, 2017
This book is the third one in series which is new to me. It took a little bit to get everyone sorted out, but after I did, it was a wonderful adventure.
There are five women who makeup the Wise Enquiries Agency. Mavis is a former nurse and the leader; Christine is an aristocratic woman who has connections everywhere; Annie is a woman who can go undercover very easily; Carol is a new mother with the perfect baby; and Althea is a dowager duchess who has a wonderful sense of adventure. Together all of them form a wonderful unit. Each of them respect the contributions of the others. And all of them care for one another.
All of the women in the Wise Agency lead full lives away from the agency. And their friends and family members all play large parts in adding depth to the story.
The agency is investigating why someone would secretly give books to bookstores. Just as in any mystery, one thing leads to another. There was a notorious murder in the past and the man in prison for that murder does not seem the type at all. His mother wants to hire the agency to prove he is an innocent man.
One of the main things I liked about this story is the wonderful character development. We get to see the 5 main characters and everyone else as real people. No one is perfect, but each of them are interesting human beings.
Slowly but surely, the investigation moves toward the person who leaves the books. But, the person who leaves the books plays a minor part in all the action.
I enjoyed this book. It has a very British flavor. I will need to look at a map in order to put all the places in perspective. But, the reader develops a sense of traveling from place to place and enjoying the scenery.
Any reader who likes a good cozy mystery, will enjoy this book. There are wonderful characters and several mysteries which intertwine to form the story.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
There are five women who makeup the Wise Enquiries Agency. Mavis is a former nurse and the leader; Christine is an aristocratic woman who has connections everywhere; Annie is a woman who can go undercover very easily; Carol is a new mother with the perfect baby; and Althea is a dowager duchess who has a wonderful sense of adventure. Together all of them form a wonderful unit. Each of them respect the contributions of the others. And all of them care for one another.
All of the women in the Wise Agency lead full lives away from the agency. And their friends and family members all play large parts in adding depth to the story.
The agency is investigating why someone would secretly give books to bookstores. Just as in any mystery, one thing leads to another. There was a notorious murder in the past and the man in prison for that murder does not seem the type at all. His mother wants to hire the agency to prove he is an innocent man.
One of the main things I liked about this story is the wonderful character development. We get to see the 5 main characters and everyone else as real people. No one is perfect, but each of them are interesting human beings.
Slowly but surely, the investigation moves toward the person who leaves the books. But, the person who leaves the books plays a minor part in all the action.
I enjoyed this book. It has a very British flavor. I will need to look at a map in order to put all the places in perspective. But, the reader develops a sense of traveling from place to place and enjoying the scenery.
Any reader who likes a good cozy mystery, will enjoy this book. There are wonderful characters and several mysteries which intertwine to form the story.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
March 16, 2018
Review of The Case of the Curious Cook by Cathy Ace – 3.5 Stars
As mentioned the premise is really intriguing and in fact it develops nicely to include the story of a brother imprisoned for murdering his sister (both of whom are artists) and a rather questionable old folks home that may be coercing old people to handover their cash to them in their wills. All of this takes place on and around the lovely town of Hay-on-Wye (in Wales), which is a superb setting and well described.
However, an important point to make with this book is that the writing is actually really easy to read and flows nicely. I often think it is useful for readers to see a brief extract as they would in a book shop so here is a little passage from the novel:
I would definitely read other works by this author, especially as a light-hearted mystery (something suitable for a holiday read or something). I hope in future editions they make it obvious on the covers the number of the series each book is. This would help the reader make a better assessment.
Please leave a like if you think my review/feedback of the item was helpful to you. Alternatively, please contact me if you want me to clarify something in my review.
Before you go any further with this book please be aware that it is the third in the series. I picked this up in a store and found the premise intriguing; a book shop that seems to be unknowingly acquiring books, but nowhere on the cover does it mention this apart from the text “A WISE Enquiries Agency Mystery”. Although it is quite an interesting story, I really don’t think this book worked well as a standalone.
As mentioned the premise is really intriguing and in fact it develops nicely to include the story of a brother imprisoned for murdering his sister (both of whom are artists) and a rather questionable old folks home that may be coercing old people to handover their cash to them in their wills. All of this takes place on and around the lovely town of Hay-on-Wye (in Wales), which is a superb setting and well described.
This point probably stems from reading this book as a standalone also, but there just seemed to be far too many characters to keep track of, the duchess, Mavis, Annie, Christine, Carol, the duchess son and daughter, the two book shop owners, the two old folks homes owner, Annie’s love interest (pub landlord), Christine’s love interest (dodgy builder), Carol’s hubby and Son, several old ladies at the old folks’ home, etc, etc (not to mention the pets). For a 197-page book this just seemed so excessive. Perhaps if I had read the first two I would have enjoyed this group of characters more but I found it really confusing and just unnecessary to the story.
However, an important point to make with this book is that the writing is actually really easy to read and flows nicely. I often think it is useful for readers to see a brief extract as they would in a book shop so here is a little passage from the novel:
‘Oh Henry, your face is a picture,’ said the old woman, with a voice he recognized.
‘Mother?’
The woman pulled her wig from her head to reveal his mother’s neatly-trimmed almost-white hair. She took off the specatcles and he saw her twinkling eyes. The brownish lipstick made her look washed out, and the purple floral dress was – well, it made him feel quite bilious.
‘Ta-daa!’ said his mother with a flourish. ‘You truly had no idea it was me, did you dear?’
I would definitely read other works by this author, especially as a light-hearted mystery (something suitable for a holiday read or something). I hope in future editions they make it obvious on the covers the number of the series each book is. This would help the reader make a better assessment.
So in summary my opinion is; it’s a great setting, easy-to-read, interesting concept. It just doesn’t work well as a standalone with a large cast of characters to keep track off.
Please leave a like if you think my review/feedback of the item was helpful to you. Alternatively, please contact me if you want me to clarify something in my review.
July 16, 2019
I happened across this Cathy Ace book in the library when looking for a different book, decided to pick it up. I've read all her Cait Morgan mystery series(titles featuring precious metals & jewels) & have been waiting for the next volume.
I haven't read any of this Wyse Enquiries series. I don't think I was even aware of it. So I'm starting at #3! It might have been helpful to read earlier volumes to get a better sense of the back story & character development, but can be read as stand alone. A good summer read.
I haven't read any of this Wyse Enquiries series. I don't think I was even aware of it. So I'm starting at #3! It might have been helpful to read earlier volumes to get a better sense of the back story & character development, but can be read as stand alone. A good summer read.
November 2, 2020
A Good Read for sure
I have enjoyed all three (so far) books in this series and hope there will be more to come. It’s refreshing to read about women of a certain age, and how vital we can still be, and how much more of life is still ahead of us, if we choose to put ourselves out and about, meeting new people, and making new friends.
I have enjoyed all three (so far) books in this series and hope there will be more to come. It’s refreshing to read about women of a certain age, and how vital we can still be, and how much more of life is still ahead of us, if we choose to put ourselves out and about, meeting new people, and making new friends.
July 29, 2018
This is a fun series by Cathy Ace. The main characters, 5 women running a discreet detective agency are champions of the abilities of women and the worth and value of women of a certain age. The series includes some very intriguing and satisfying mysteries.
April 14, 2023
"The Case Of The Curious Cook" is book #3 in the "WISE Enquiries Agency" series by Cathy Ace.
"Henry Devereaux Twyst, eighteenth Duke of Chellingworth, is terribly worried about some water damage to the priceless books in his lower library, so retains the services of a local book restorer to tackle much-needed repairs. The antiquarian also runs the Crooks and Cooks bookshop with his daughter - local TV celebrity chef, The Curious Cook. When the book restorer mentions some strange shenanigans going on at the book shop, Dowager Duchess Althea brings the case to her colleagues at the WISE Enquiries Agency. As the WISE women try to unravel one puzzle from their base at stately Chellingworth Hall, they then get embroiled in another when they come across a valuable book of miniatures which seems to be the work of a local famous artist, murdered by her own brother. Are the cases linked and why do both mysteries lead to a nearby old folks' home? The WISE women are on the case - and nothing will get in their way . . . Or will it?"
My thoughts:
The four women of the WISE agency are diverse in age, backgrounds and skills. Together they are a formidable team that go the extra distance to get the job done and done right!
What started out as a request to restore some treasured and rather priceless books turned into more than any of the Twyst family or the WISE women bargained for.
There were so many moving parts to this story. Why was an unknown women depositing books in the bookstore? What significance was the name written inside one of the books? Was the name really of someone Althea once knew? And if so, how did the book come to be in the possession of the strange woman who left it at the bookstore? Where did the drawings of miniatures come from? Were they the work of the murdered artist or a well done fake? Why would a brother continue to proclaim his innocence from jail despite evidence pointing to his guilt? Was there more to the story?
Add all these questions, toss in some personal happenings amongst the Twyst family as well as in the lives of the 4 WISE women and you have an entertaining British mystery with unique characters and twisty plots that will keep you turning the pages in search of the truth!
"Henry Devereaux Twyst, eighteenth Duke of Chellingworth, is terribly worried about some water damage to the priceless books in his lower library, so retains the services of a local book restorer to tackle much-needed repairs. The antiquarian also runs the Crooks and Cooks bookshop with his daughter - local TV celebrity chef, The Curious Cook. When the book restorer mentions some strange shenanigans going on at the book shop, Dowager Duchess Althea brings the case to her colleagues at the WISE Enquiries Agency. As the WISE women try to unravel one puzzle from their base at stately Chellingworth Hall, they then get embroiled in another when they come across a valuable book of miniatures which seems to be the work of a local famous artist, murdered by her own brother. Are the cases linked and why do both mysteries lead to a nearby old folks' home? The WISE women are on the case - and nothing will get in their way . . . Or will it?"
My thoughts:
The four women of the WISE agency are diverse in age, backgrounds and skills. Together they are a formidable team that go the extra distance to get the job done and done right!
What started out as a request to restore some treasured and rather priceless books turned into more than any of the Twyst family or the WISE women bargained for.
There were so many moving parts to this story. Why was an unknown women depositing books in the bookstore? What significance was the name written inside one of the books? Was the name really of someone Althea once knew? And if so, how did the book come to be in the possession of the strange woman who left it at the bookstore? Where did the drawings of miniatures come from? Were they the work of the murdered artist or a well done fake? Why would a brother continue to proclaim his innocence from jail despite evidence pointing to his guilt? Was there more to the story?
Add all these questions, toss in some personal happenings amongst the Twyst family as well as in the lives of the 4 WISE women and you have an entertaining British mystery with unique characters and twisty plots that will keep you turning the pages in search of the truth!
July 17, 2023
This is the 3rd in the series about the 4 women who run the WISE enquiry agency and I am no nearer to liking them than I was in the lst book, I hadn't realised that I had the lst 4 of the series, so 1 more to go then.
The case they are dealing with is really a curious crook. Henry discovers that water has got into some of his family bibles in the bookcase. He hires a man who repairs ancient books who tells now I forget which one of the women it was, about a woman coming into his book shop "Crooks and Cooks" (he collects crime books and his daughter cookbooks, like the title), and leaves books then goes away. The girls set up surveillance cameras in the bookshop and sure enough they espy her on camera. They also discover she is the owner of a retirement home, where it seems people who die leave all their money to them. The dowager duchess goes undercover and goes missing. The WISE women are also hired to look into the possible wrongful imprisonment of a young artist, who has apparently killed his sister, but he insists he didn't do it. All I can say is that the police were either inept or his legal team. I think it was both.
There is also a lot of welsh cakes being made for the village fete and the deepening relationships of Christine and Alexander Bright who is just this side of the law, and between Annie and Tudor Evans and Mavis and well I've forgotten his name already, plus the lovely relationship between Carol and her hubby David and baby Albert, who Annie insists on calling Bertie and also calling Carol "Car". That woman is the one who irritates me most in these books as despite being constantly, constantly, being asked not to abbreviate her name and that of her baby she just carries on ignoring it and does ust what she wants to do. In real life her friends would either have walked away from her or carried on being friends to her face.
Needless to say they tie up all the loose ends of the various cases they managed to solve, virtually all of which are being paid for by Henry Devereux or his mother the Dowager Duchess, this series should have been called The Devereux Enquiry Agency.
The case they are dealing with is really a curious crook. Henry discovers that water has got into some of his family bibles in the bookcase. He hires a man who repairs ancient books who tells now I forget which one of the women it was, about a woman coming into his book shop "Crooks and Cooks" (he collects crime books and his daughter cookbooks, like the title), and leaves books then goes away. The girls set up surveillance cameras in the bookshop and sure enough they espy her on camera. They also discover she is the owner of a retirement home, where it seems people who die leave all their money to them. The dowager duchess goes undercover and goes missing. The WISE women are also hired to look into the possible wrongful imprisonment of a young artist, who has apparently killed his sister, but he insists he didn't do it. All I can say is that the police were either inept or his legal team. I think it was both.
There is also a lot of welsh cakes being made for the village fete and the deepening relationships of Christine and Alexander Bright who is just this side of the law, and between Annie and Tudor Evans and Mavis and well I've forgotten his name already, plus the lovely relationship between Carol and her hubby David and baby Albert, who Annie insists on calling Bertie and also calling Carol "Car". That woman is the one who irritates me most in these books as despite being constantly, constantly, being asked not to abbreviate her name and that of her baby she just carries on ignoring it and does ust what she wants to do. In real life her friends would either have walked away from her or carried on being friends to her face.
Needless to say they tie up all the loose ends of the various cases they managed to solve, virtually all of which are being paid for by Henry Devereux or his mother the Dowager Duchess, this series should have been called The Devereux Enquiry Agency.
March 23, 2022
The ladies investigate.
When some antique books become waterlogged at the ancestral home of Henry Devereaux Twyst, 18th Duke of Chellingworth, he asks the aid of Bryn Jenkins, a local Book Restorer. Whereas Bryn agrees to help him he has his own problem in his own bookshop - at the end of each month he has more books than he should and he has no idea from where these extra books are coming. He hires Mavis MacDonald, Carol Hill, Chrissy, Annie, and Althea Twyst - five ladies who are private investigators - to help him solve this problem. An additional problem arises with the origin of the books - are old folks homes siphoning off the belongings of their residents to make money from the proceeds? As their investigation begins the death of Lizzie LLewellyn supposedly at the hands of her brother, Nathaniel, enters the investigation. Lizzie’s miniature pictures have become extremely valuable and the ladies are wondering if there is a connection between the mysteriously appearing books and Lizzie’s miniatures. This is a twisted story with many complications but definitely worth reading.
When some antique books become waterlogged at the ancestral home of Henry Devereaux Twyst, 18th Duke of Chellingworth, he asks the aid of Bryn Jenkins, a local Book Restorer. Whereas Bryn agrees to help him he has his own problem in his own bookshop - at the end of each month he has more books than he should and he has no idea from where these extra books are coming. He hires Mavis MacDonald, Carol Hill, Chrissy, Annie, and Althea Twyst - five ladies who are private investigators - to help him solve this problem. An additional problem arises with the origin of the books - are old folks homes siphoning off the belongings of their residents to make money from the proceeds? As their investigation begins the death of Lizzie LLewellyn supposedly at the hands of her brother, Nathaniel, enters the investigation. Lizzie’s miniature pictures have become extremely valuable and the ladies are wondering if there is a connection between the mysteriously appearing books and Lizzie’s miniatures. This is a twisted story with many complications but definitely worth reading.
March 19, 2023
For me, this was the best story yet in the WISE Enquiries series. Though I have to say that none of the women really stand out for me. I just can't picture then in my head at all. Though Mavis obviously doesn't have a sense of humour and her snapping at anyone (mainly Annie) to dares to crack a joke is very annoying. The Dowager Duchesses aide is once again called Jennifer, though that changes half way through the book when she becomes Lindsay again. Is it so hard for an author to get their characters name right? Or do they imagine we won't notice? Other than those points the book was enjoyable and for the most part I didn't guess who was doing what (no spoilers from me LOL).
October 29, 2020
Great Mystery
This was a really good mystery. It starts very simply with a bookstore owner troubled by someone leaving books in his shop. Books he did not purchase, and did not put out for sale. Each clue lead to another mystery and another mystery, entertwined and growing more complex. The WISE Inquiry Agency eventually had three different clients, each pursuing a different angle to the growing mystery. I was so happy to see the elderly Dower Duchess Althea Twyst, an honorary member of the Inquiry Agency, take a significant role in uncovering the culprits. Great book.
This was a really good mystery. It starts very simply with a bookstore owner troubled by someone leaving books in his shop. Books he did not purchase, and did not put out for sale. Each clue lead to another mystery and another mystery, entertwined and growing more complex. The WISE Inquiry Agency eventually had three different clients, each pursuing a different angle to the growing mystery. I was so happy to see the elderly Dower Duchess Althea Twyst, an honorary member of the Inquiry Agency, take a significant role in uncovering the culprits. Great book.
November 3, 2020
Who was the curious cook?
This is a lovely gentle Mystery set in and around the South West of Wales From the cover success to the new mother the WISE women solve the mystery of the books appearing on the booksellers shelves in Hay on Wye, catch the husband of the care home owner stealing from the residents averted by a legal clerk, and end up enjoying the village fete. As well as this they find the artist who disappeared in such a way that her brother was convicted of her murder.
This is a lovely gentle Mystery set in and around the South West of Wales From the cover success to the new mother the WISE women solve the mystery of the books appearing on the booksellers shelves in Hay on Wye, catch the husband of the care home owner stealing from the residents averted by a legal clerk, and end up enjoying the village fete. As well as this they find the artist who disappeared in such a way that her brother was convicted of her murder.
May 14, 2022
As others have pointed out, this is a character-based series and I am certainly pleased to have read them in sequence. It is very much an ongoing story with relationships and community developing along the way. The detection is not negligible, but well placed in motivation in situ. In this volume sibling rivalries and parental control emerges as a theme - sometimes destroying lives, sometimes causing inconvenience, sometimes requiring a break. I like the way the consequences of actions and attitudes emerge in this series,
December 25, 2020
the case of the Curious Cook
I found this a little confusing at first, until I was able to get each character identified with their particular skill. As the story proceeded I began to enjoy it more. Each character had special skills that were used to "make enquiries" and thus solve the crimes. The story is quite unique and I only wished they had included a map of the Weird countryside!
I found this a little confusing at first, until I was able to get each character identified with their particular skill. As the story proceeded I began to enjoy it more. Each character had special skills that were used to "make enquiries" and thus solve the crimes. The story is quite unique and I only wished they had included a map of the Weird countryside!
May 15, 2022
Many threads come together in this book and a relatively plausible main plot. The Dowager Duchess Althea, coming up to her 80th birthday, decides she is capable of undertaking a little bit of undercover work. Unfortunately there is very real danger.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series- but do read them in order, to get the best out of the development of characters and the relationships between them.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series- but do read them in order, to get the best out of the development of characters and the relationships between them.
August 7, 2022
Best One So Far
Now this was quite the adventure. I love Cathy Ace. I don't think I've ever read a more detailed and different type of mystery. Well more than one mystery was happening at once, per this author's writing style. I didn't see any of it coming, so I was really impressed and surprised. The characters as usual were very entertaining and enjoyable. Looking forward to the next book. Oh, I wonder what happened to Fred. Did I miss something?
Now this was quite the adventure. I love Cathy Ace. I don't think I've ever read a more detailed and different type of mystery. Well more than one mystery was happening at once, per this author's writing style. I didn't see any of it coming, so I was really impressed and surprised. The characters as usual were very entertaining and enjoyable. Looking forward to the next book. Oh, I wonder what happened to Fred. Did I miss something?
December 13, 2024
Another fun investigation by the WISE women. It all begins when a bookseller discovers that someone is surreptitiously leaving books at his store. He and his daughter hire the agency to determine who, especially since one of the books contains what may be valuable drawings, so determining ownership is important. But that is just the beginning. More questions arise, creating more investigations, leading to danger.
February 11, 2021
Yes I just finished this book and really enjoyed the antics that the five ladies get themselves into. They seem to find themselves in some of the most unusual events. It is nice to see that women can still do different things and come to enjoy themselves even more. I am looking forward to the next book which I have just started.
November 14, 2021
Enjoyable
This series of books are such a delightful reading experience. As a women of a certain age I can appreciate the main characters and their wanting to keep on doing something after being considered redundant. As for the storylines they are interesting and enjoyable. I highly recommend these books.
This series of books are such a delightful reading experience. As a women of a certain age I can appreciate the main characters and their wanting to keep on doing something after being considered redundant. As for the storylines they are interesting and enjoyable. I highly recommend these books.
September 10, 2022
Each book in this series has been more enjoyable than the last. As the characters and their relationships are being filled out, it adds to the overall story.
The mystery itself was pretty well done and though part of it seemed obvious, how it all worked together and who was who was not so obvious.
The mystery itself was pretty well done and though part of it seemed obvious, how it all worked together and who was who was not so obvious.
March 12, 2023
Boy oh boy! Mad cap from start to finish.
Miniature artist works discovered, the young artist murdered, supposedly by her brother, and strange things involving an aged care home.
Yes it's like giant ball of wool, with multiple threads that are all tangled and need to teased out to be of any use.
A wonderful look at what women can do, when they combine their strengths.
Miniature artist works discovered, the young artist murdered, supposedly by her brother, and strange things involving an aged care home.
Yes it's like giant ball of wool, with multiple threads that are all tangled and need to teased out to be of any use.
A wonderful look at what women can do, when they combine their strengths.
March 30, 2023
Plenty of intrigue.
The four women of the WISE Enquiries Agency, along with some help from the Dowager, are faced with a few cases to investigate, and which lead the team in several directions.
An intriguing plot, with lots of twists and turns, great characters, and a few light moments.
I thoroughly recommend this series for anyone interested in a good who-dunnit with a touch of humour.
The four women of the WISE Enquiries Agency, along with some help from the Dowager, are faced with a few cases to investigate, and which lead the team in several directions.
An intriguing plot, with lots of twists and turns, great characters, and a few light moments.
I thoroughly recommend this series for anyone interested in a good who-dunnit with a touch of humour.
March 21, 2024
the Curious Cook was a television show Val had previously done. Now she runs a cookbook book store with her Dad, but books are mysteriously appearing in the bookstore instead of disappearing. They hire the ladies of WISE to enquire and figure out what is happening. Curious happenings ensue. Another women of WISE installment, with plenty of twists and turns.
November 5, 2025
This is my least favorite in this series so far. The pace was slow, and there was so much jumping between characters, I found it difficult to keep track of who was doing what where. The plot lacked focus--there are essentially three mysteries going on at once, none of which were particularly compelling as described.
December 5, 2020
Good fun and adventure
This series of books is one of my favorites. Cathy Ave defines her characters well and presents them in very interesting settings. I've
Developed even more of a liking of things Welsh than before.
This series of books is one of my favorites. Cathy Ave defines her characters well and presents them in very interesting settings. I've
Developed even more of a liking of things Welsh than before.
December 18, 2020
Interesting all throughout
Unusual for this area but I loved it 😃 the storyline was original and flowed from one person to another effortlessly. Never a dull moment. It might be hard on males that haven't evolved.
Unusual for this area but I loved it 😃 the storyline was original and flowed from one person to another effortlessly. Never a dull moment. It might be hard on males that haven't evolved.
August 2, 2021
Love this series!
The WISE women are amazing: each one so different from the others, but all well-drawn and real. The mystery is always good, too! This one was especially surprising!
The WISE women are amazing: each one so different from the others, but all well-drawn and real. The mystery is always good, too! This one was especially surprising!
June 15, 2022
Love this series! Amusing dialogue, evil doers doing evil deeds, charming characters, twists and turns in the mystery to solve, budding romances, no sex and no graphic violence, adorable baby and puppies, and no cliffhanger endings. So, curl up in a comfy chair with a cup of tea and enjoy!
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