What do you think?
Rate this book
Suzy Spencer Mysteries #2
The Chorister at the Abbey
A COZY WINTER MURDER MYSTERY SET IN A PICTURESQUE CUMBRIAN VILLAGE
Christmas is coming to Tarnfield. But so is The Chorister — a murderer with a killer taste in quotes from the Book of Psalms.
The victim is found dead in the music department at the local college. He is clutching a psalter and his teeth have been smashed in. He was a grumpy old sod, but surely that wasn’t enough to get him killed?
Single mum and TV producer Suzy Spencer and teacher Robert Clark find themselves drawn into the mystery.
But now they’re living together, along with Suzy’s teenagers, they already have enough domestic troubles of their own . . .
Then Suzy finds herself in mortal danger. She must protect her family at all costs.
CAN THEY STOP THIS DERANGED MURDERER BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE?
Perfect for fans of Jeanne M. Dams, Frances Evesham, Betty Rowlands and M.C. Beaton.
Christmas is coming to Tarnfield. But so is The Chorister — a murderer with a killer taste in quotes from the Book of Psalms.
The victim is found dead in the music department at the local college. He is clutching a psalter and his teeth have been smashed in. He was a grumpy old sod, but surely that wasn’t enough to get him killed?
Single mum and TV producer Suzy Spencer and teacher Robert Clark find themselves drawn into the mystery.
But now they’re living together, along with Suzy’s teenagers, they already have enough domestic troubles of their own . . .
Then Suzy finds herself in mortal danger. She must protect her family at all costs.
CAN THEY STOP THIS DERANGED MURDERER BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE?
Perfect for fans of Jeanne M. Dams, Frances Evesham, Betty Rowlands and M.C. Beaton.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
583 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Read
June 9, 2014Book two of: The Norbridge Chronicles:
This is an English cozy mystery, the second in a series. It might be called Christian fiction as it does involve a lot of Anglican vicars, wives and their friends living in a small country town.
There is nothing wrong with the book. The story is well plotted, the characters are 3D, the tension builds and it's hard to guess who the killer is, it's just not my particular cup of tea.
It is a pleasant read and one for those who do not like excessive foul language, violence, blood and gore or gritty reality.
I refuse to add stars to this review as they count towards the author's ratings here and on Amazon, and until I am allowed to have a personal rating system which does not affect the author's ratings I don't feel it is fair that my personal dislike of a book, for no good reason other than preferences, should affect a good writer's rating.
February 4, 2021
This is a twisting tale. Compulsive. Mostly!
I thought about less stars because this was heavy going in parts but I recognise why.
There is an amazing amount of detail and explanation with regards the church background.
Not to all tastes probably, but between all the background layers was a fascinating mystery.
Suzie and Robert have developed both their relationship and friendship circle.
Some very strong, convincing characters and some pertinent life messages too.
Not a series I might have come across, or chosen, if it wasn't for Kindle temptation.
Certainly one I am pleased to read and own.
I thought about less stars because this was heavy going in parts but I recognise why.
There is an amazing amount of detail and explanation with regards the church background.
Not to all tastes probably, but between all the background layers was a fascinating mystery.
Suzie and Robert have developed both their relationship and friendship circle.
Some very strong, convincing characters and some pertinent life messages too.
Not a series I might have come across, or chosen, if it wasn't for Kindle temptation.
Certainly one I am pleased to read and own.
March 21, 2021
This is an exciting addition to the Suzy Spencer cozy mystery series. It is filled with many characters who have interesting back stories that fit into the puzzle that unravels as the weeks lead up to Easter and the holy days before it. Genealogy plays an important part in uncovering the events as well as old documents and classical church music. The author is knowledgeable about many things and brings the characters to life. I enjoyed the growing romance between Robert and Suzy and the decision they reach at the end of the book makes the reader look forward to the next one in the series.
January 18, 2021
The Chorister at the Abbey
When a local historian is murdered Suzy soon discovers nothing is as it seems. Soon she and Robert are looking into a most complex case.
I loved the first book in this series and this second one is even better still. I honestly don't know if Lis Howell has written anymore books but if she has it does I got one will be very interested in reading them.
Highly recommended.
When a local historian is murdered Suzy soon discovers nothing is as it seems. Soon she and Robert are looking into a most complex case.
I loved the first book in this series and this second one is even better still. I honestly don't know if Lis Howell has written anymore books but if she has it does I got one will be very interested in reading them.
Highly recommended.
January 21, 2021
Excellent!
Another very interesting mystery, involving Suzy and Robert, as well as other friends, is a very good reading experience. Lots of past history, intersecting and conflicting events, lies, and deceitful people make a very tangled situation, with lots of offshoots. Intricate, well conceived plot!
Another very interesting mystery, involving Suzy and Robert, as well as other friends, is a very good reading experience. Lots of past history, intersecting and conflicting events, lies, and deceitful people make a very tangled situation, with lots of offshoots. Intricate, well conceived plot!
April 4, 2010
An interesting mystery with lots and lots of characters. So many characters, in fact, that I needed a list with notes to keep track of them. Not the most satisfying ending for which I knocked off a star.
February 2, 2021
Puzzling story
Enjoyable book with Suzy finding life a little frustrating. Tom finds a dead body after the lights go off suddenly, and that seems to set something in motion. Twists and turns lead the reader into different scenarios.
Enjoyable book with Suzy finding life a little frustrating. Tom finds a dead body after the lights go off suddenly, and that seems to set something in motion. Twists and turns lead the reader into different scenarios.
February 5, 2021
The Chorister
Yet another easy reading book with a plot that grabs you plenty of red herrings to lead you up the garden path and just when you think you have it sorted in your head you are led back down again didn’t see the ending coming tho
Yet another easy reading book with a plot that grabs you plenty of red herrings to lead you up the garden path and just when you think you have it sorted in your head you are led back down again didn’t see the ending coming tho
March 16, 2021
A Good Read
The story has well developed characters, intriguing plot, superb context with the Psalms as a motif. Enjoyable, highly interesting read. Even the end notes are a must read.
The story has well developed characters, intriguing plot, superb context with the Psalms as a motif. Enjoyable, highly interesting read. Even the end notes are a must read.
December 13, 2021
Interesting storyline
Even if you are not up on the psalms of the Anglican Church this is still a fascinating story of greed that leads to murder. As the story evolves into a who done it the twist and turns of the characters and plot make for a exciting reading experience.
Even if you are not up on the psalms of the Anglican Church this is still a fascinating story of greed that leads to murder. As the story evolves into a who done it the twist and turns of the characters and plot make for a exciting reading experience.
November 20, 2021
"The shocking discovery of a body at the local music college, teeth smashed in, and a copy of a psalm lying by its side, causes members of the Norbridge Abbey Chorus to panic and the harmony of the ancient Cumbrian market town is threatened.
"Suzy Spencer, single mum and media producer, and Robert Clark, teacher and traditionalist, find themselves drawn in to help their friends. Not that they don't already have troubles of their own -- coping with teenagers and the trials of sharing a home -- but routine cares are thrown into the shade by the fear of a stalking killer, nicknamed The Chorister at the Abbey."
~~front flap
A nice little village mystery, with good characterization and plot. Surprise ending, which always makes for a good mystery.
"Suzy Spencer, single mum and media producer, and Robert Clark, teacher and traditionalist, find themselves drawn in to help their friends. Not that they don't already have troubles of their own -- coping with teenagers and the trials of sharing a home -- but routine cares are thrown into the shade by the fear of a stalking killer, nicknamed The Chorister at the Abbey."
~~front flap
A nice little village mystery, with good characterization and plot. Surprise ending, which always makes for a good mystery.
July 18, 2021
Best read with v dry few breaks
I had to read this book over the time of a few weeks. Because of this, I lost track of some of the rather large cast of characters and their relationships to each other. I feel the story would have moved along a lot quicker by streamlining the plot and characters. It seemed to get very cluttered at times, particularly with all the religious/musical references. I enjoyed the main characters very much...well written...and I was invested in their progress and ultimate solution. I recommend it, but advise having the time to do it without long gaps in the process.
I had to read this book over the time of a few weeks. Because of this, I lost track of some of the rather large cast of characters and their relationships to each other. I feel the story would have moved along a lot quicker by streamlining the plot and characters. It seemed to get very cluttered at times, particularly with all the religious/musical references. I enjoyed the main characters very much...well written...and I was invested in their progress and ultimate solution. I recommend it, but advise having the time to do it without long gaps in the process.
December 30, 2023
I liked the atmosphere of the English village where everybody knows one another and people are involved with the church and the choir. It was perfect to guide me through the approaching Christmas and the details about ancient music were very interesting. The investigation on the murder of Mr. Morris, an unpleasant member of the community is somewhat carried on in chorus as well, as we see it from different points of view and different people. It takes a while to get to the bottom of it all – as late as Easter, actually - but in the end the little group of lead by Suzy Spencer finds the truth. Somehow I had guessed who the murderer could be, but still the plot was well built.
January 22, 2021
You never know what is going on under the faces people show the world
This was a bit of a slog. The story is nearly lost in a morass of subplots and side trips. As is typical of cozy mysteries, the people and their relationships are the main focus. This was a salad of every emotional hurdle a person might face in a lifetime with the different characters each taking a hurdle. In the end, it all gets straightened out. The identity of the bad guy is a surprise and it is unclear how some of the murders were done.
This was a bit of a slog. The story is nearly lost in a morass of subplots and side trips. As is typical of cozy mysteries, the people and their relationships are the main focus. This was a salad of every emotional hurdle a person might face in a lifetime with the different characters each taking a hurdle. In the end, it all gets straightened out. The identity of the bad guy is a surprise and it is unclear how some of the murders were done.
January 20, 2021
These books are definitely different from normal murder mystery.
If you want to find out more about choral/choir in the Church of England then these books and the glossary at the rear are full of such information.
Plus a story of new found love and the problems that arise.
The murder seems a poor 2nd to the other parts of the story. It is well written but not sure it should be in the crime/mystery section.
If you want to find out more about choral/choir in the Church of England then these books and the glossary at the rear are full of such information.
Plus a story of new found love and the problems that arise.
The murder seems a poor 2nd to the other parts of the story. It is well written but not sure it should be in the crime/mystery section.
July 14, 2025
The Power of the Psalms—& 3 Murders
A complex plot with several stories in layers—a good read. There is romance, teen angst & rebellion, Anglican priests, and an historical mystery—0! Did I mention three murders?!! Lots of red herrings. A love story—well. Three love stories. All skillfully woven together and set in a charming English city. Loved it. A surprising yet satisfying ending. Could not put it down.
A complex plot with several stories in layers—a good read. There is romance, teen angst & rebellion, Anglican priests, and an historical mystery—0! Did I mention three murders?!! Lots of red herrings. A love story—well. Three love stories. All skillfully woven together and set in a charming English city. Loved it. A surprising yet satisfying ending. Could not put it down.
August 6, 2022
Episcopal Murderer
In the beginning of the story, there are so many characters I'm tempted to quit but I know that it will be an exciting journey to the end.
I couldn't imagine who the murderer was and had to wait until almost the end.
A gifted mystery writer and story teller. Loved it.
In the beginning of the story, there are so many characters I'm tempted to quit but I know that it will be an exciting journey to the end.
I couldn't imagine who the murderer was and had to wait until almost the end.
A gifted mystery writer and story teller. Loved it.
February 27, 2021
Really good
It helps if you have read the first book in the series, it just helps with background which is the ground laying for this mystery.
The series is interesting and pretty good if overly long.
It helps if you have read the first book in the series, it just helps with background which is the ground laying for this mystery.
The series is interesting and pretty good if overly long.
April 17, 2021
A Good story
I try to read a book by a new author each month and chose this one. I found it quite confusing at times due to the number of characters and it not being a style I normally read. An interesting ending.
I try to read a book by a new author each month and chose this one. I found it quite confusing at times due to the number of characters and it not being a style I normally read. An interesting ending.
July 10, 2022
I enjoyed this book
This was an excellent followup to The Flower Arranger. The writer broadened the characters and included some surprises. The author definitely is a good story teller.
This was an excellent followup to The Flower Arranger. The writer broadened the characters and included some surprises. The author definitely is a good story teller.
August 28, 2023
Good story
An unconventional murder mystery that only makes passing references to the police. The locals figure out the crimes in their own, at their own pace, mostly by paying attention to local history and piecing together local gossip.
An unconventional murder mystery that only makes passing references to the police. The locals figure out the crimes in their own, at their own pace, mostly by paying attention to local history and piecing together local gossip.
October 12, 2025
Trying to read this whole series. They are a bit difficult to find, except on Kindle. Good series, but sometimes I didn't even like the characters. Slow-moving life in a small, small town in England.
January 13, 2021
Suzy and Robert mystery
I enjoyed this book, not as good as the first one, but still a good read. Would recommend, but read in ordet.
I enjoyed this book, not as good as the first one, but still a good read. Would recommend, but read in ordet.
January 25, 2021
Another excellent mystery - I liked how Lis Howell incorporated Psalms at the beginning of each chapter and included Notes on their history and that of Sir John Stainer.
March 8, 2021
A good read.
This is the second book in the Suzy Spencer and Robert Clarke stories. It seems to drag on in places.
This is the second book in the Suzy Spencer and Robert Clarke stories. It seems to drag on in places.
April 1, 2021
Great read
March 22, 2022
I liked this one better than the first one. Mainly because the ending was more plausible, after all no one ran off leaving their child unconscious and drugged.
April 21, 2022
Repetition
Quite repetitive very much like the last book, however I shall read the next to see if that is repetitive
Quite repetitive very much like the last book, however I shall read the next to see if that is repetitive
March 27, 2025
another gripping adventure
Just like the first book this did not disappoint and continued to keep you guessing right from the start. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Just like the first book this did not disappoint and continued to keep you guessing right from the start. I can’t wait to read the next book.
April 6, 2025
I enjoyed this book, despite it bring very churchy! Good characters, believable ones. Good story and I like the second storyline running simultaneously along with the murder!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews