Let Sleeping Murder Lie

Eve Holdsworth Investigates #1

by Carmen Radtke

A village idyll …
A budding romance …
And an old murder!

American Eve Holdsworth is living her quintessential English dream in a picturesque village in the countryside. New friends, including a dog, bird-watching, a cosy pub - her new home offers everything she could have wanted.

Meeting an attractive stranger adds to the appeal.

But Ben Dryden is a pariah in Eve’s new neighbourhood, since his wife was murdered five years ago, and he was the only suspect.
Eve, who is absolutely sure someone as charming as Ben could never be a killer, is
determined to solve the case and clear Ben’s name, even if it’s against his will.

Soon enough Eve finds herself in deep waters, and with her life at stake, she can only pray that her romantic notions won’t be the end of her …

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2021

Reviews

[Wendy W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let Sleeping Murder Lievby Carmen Radtke is a cozy mystery that does not disappoint. The mystery was complex enough to keep me guessing, and the characters were endearing and the setting idyllic.

Eve Holdsworth moved into an idyllic English Cottage in an idyllic English village where she works from home. As she explores her new home, she meets a mysterious man fishing in a nearby pond. The fisherman, Ben Dryden is a bit of a recluse and Eve later learns that his wife was brutally murdered in his home, and the police have never found her murderer. Later, she learns that most of the villagers believe Ben murdered his wife, but Eve doesn’t believe the quiet man she met, could be capable of such a heinous crime.

This is an intriguing and delightful mystery that is a real page-turner. I immediately liked Eve and enjoyed her walks into the woods and her interactions with the quirky village characters. I found the mystery to be interesting and complex enough that it was not easy to figure out until the end. The writing was vivid enough that I could easily imagine the village, the pub, and the surrounding area, and could follow the mystery easily. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Fiona Leitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Carmen Radtke's first contemporary cosy mystery, and it's a cracker! I've read Carmen's historical fiction and always enjoyed it, so I was really looking forward to this, and it didn't disappoint. Wildly entertaining and sure to appeal to lovers of both cosy crime and romance, it follows Eve as she moves to the idyllic English countryside. American in-comer Eve herself is a beautifully drawn character, as are the people she meets in the village, particularly Ben. The mystery is satisfyingly twisty, but not confusing or random!

A very enjoyable read, highly recommended!

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let Sleeping Murder Lie by Carmen Radtke was intriguing mystery with a smoothly paced plot, twists that kept me guessing and a few red herrings that successfully threw me off track. Although I struggled to feel connected to Ben and Eve, I loved Hayley and her grandmother. Ms. Radtke's descriptive writing made the village come to life with realistic characters and the community feel that I find so appealing.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let Sleeping Murder Lie is a brilliantly engrossing cosy mystery, I can’t believe that this is my first book by Carmen Radtke, I liked her easy to read writing style. I haven’t had a good look into the author back catalogue, so I am unsure if this is Radtke’s usual genre, but I will certainly be looking now.

Eve Holdsworth has done what we all dream of doing; giving up the stresses of the rat race to move and make a new life in the country. Eve has done it, she has crossed the pond and now living in the beautiful and idyllic little village – but be warned this village is more Midsummer than Mary Mead as just when Eve thinks she has found her true life and fingers crossed a bit of romance in the form of a handsome stranger, then boom!! A murder – even if it is an older unsolved murder – murder is murder, isn’t it? But it’s typical, just when things were looking so good, someone has gone and got bumped off, don’t you hate it when that happens? Especially when you’re trying to get to know the charming, incredibly handsome fisherman you’ve just come across.

As much as I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and the journey to find out who did what and why I am afraid I didn’t connect with the characters as much as I think I should have. They are likeable and I did enjoy their exploits throughout and I enjoyed watching Ellie battle with her thoughts of whether she trusts Ben or not and whether he did brutally murder his wife or not, but I didn’t think there were hugely memorable. Yet I did like Ellie’s determination to find the truth and Ben’s rather aloof-ish-ness (is that a word??) Once again that aspect reminded me of Midsummer Murders (I do keep mentioning that TV show a lot, maybe I should watch it less) but no matter how much I tried I couldn’t find myself connecting with any characters, they were just there filling the plot out and making the mystery even more complex – something I did enjoy!

I love Radtke’s richly detailed writing, especially that of the village – which is such a pretty and stereotypical quaint little English village, the scenery is vivid and realistic and the village atmosphere is spot on which thoroughly engages the reader. I would love to live in a village like this, I would be the slightly odd woman with the mad hair peering through the curtains waiting for something to happen.

The plot is intriguing and charming, it’s a fabulous Sunday afternoon ‘whodunnit with an eclectic cast of characters and some wonderfully timed twists and false turns all of which keep you flicking through the pages. I liked the faster pacing, from start to finish it doesn’t let up and kept you reading desperately wanting to know what the hell is going on.

Overall, Let Sleeping Murder Lie is a great mystery, it’s a fully engrossing and addictive read, I liked the premise of the story I loved the setting the characters were likeable but the shining star of this has to be the compelling and riveting writing. A must-read for any who loves a decent who-dunnit!

[Steph Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and to Zoé of Zooloo’s Book Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

I’ve said before that readers can immediately tell when they are in good hands for a book, and within a few pages of starting Let Sleeping Murder Lie, I had already relaxed into it and given myself over to the story completely.

Eve is a very relatable main character, and I enjoyed the development of her friendships with those around her, but also her increasing confidence and self-reliance. It was refreshing to find a cosy mystery heroine who doesn’t simply drop her work and social life to investigate some random mystery, but instead prioritises her time to ensure she meets her own commitments before running around solving cold cases that don’t concern her.

The setup is classic cosy mystery – the main character is a newcomer and so can see an old mystery with fresh eyes, the suspect pool is limited to a handful of prominent neighbours in the small village community, and the clues are there from the start, along with a few red herrings to throw you off the scent. I guessed a couple of the twists before they were revealed to Eve, but was equally pleased to have fallen hook, line and sinker for some of the bait the author threw out – a very satisfying mix for an avid mystery sleuth!

This is a gripping, entertaining and very well-written story, ideal for any cosy mystery fans. I will definitely be checking out more from Carmen Radtke in future, and I would definitely LOVE this to turn into a long-running series – ‘Eve and Hayley: investigations, translations and potations’! 😉



'Hayley picked up her cloth. “The place has a bad reputation alright, as does the rest of the property. And the owner.”

“But why?” Eve asked.

“A woman was murdered there five years ago. No conviction, but ask most people here, and they will swear to one thing. It was Ben who killed his wife.”'

– Carmen Radtke, Let Sleeping Murder Lie


Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...

[Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite genres to read , a nice cosy mystery book ! As I read a lot of them I tend to expect certain things from them and this book did not disappoint .

This book features Eve Holdsworth an American now living in a beautiful English village (you can definitely picture it in your mind!) She soon meets Ben Dryden , his wife died 5years ago and he is the only suspect for it , Eve is determined to solve to case and prove that Ben couldn't possibly have killed her. But this proves to be a dangerous thing to do when her life ends up at stake.

I absolutely loved Eve , she was a fantastic and fascinating character to read about , her personality and determination (even if Ben doesn't want her involvement) is a great part to the book. It is brilliantly written by clearly a very talented author, the characters and setting are described so you can vividly see them in your imagination. The other characters in the village we so fun to read about with their quirky personalities , exactly what I expect to find in a English village!

If you enjoy light hearted mystery books that keep you reading on , keeping you guessing and keep you thinking you have worked it out (although if you are like me you were completely wrong ) then this is a great book for you ! I can't wait to read more by her

[Linda Huber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let Sleeping Murder Lie is a lovely cosy mystery with great characters – it would make a good TV drama. Eve, the main character, is one of those people you instantly connect to, and the supporting cast is equally strong as the story unfolds. A woman was murdered five years ago, but whodunnit? Can Eve solve the mystery? The book’s setting is also worth mentioning, a quintessential country village with cottages, a traditional pub and rural scenery, all vividly brought to life. I do hope Carmen Radtke writes more cosy crime!

[Skyesmum · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book to relax with whilst your while away your Sunday afternoon. Such a great cosy read, did not want to put it down until I head finished it.
I kept falling out of love with the main characters, which shows that I was totally engaged.
The author throws in a few red herrings to keep you guessing, perfect, just what you need in a murder mystery.

[Alyson Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming from an American father and English mother, translator Eve Holdsworth has spent the last ten years living in England, moving around various charming villages. This time she has chosen Ivy Cottage for a year’s lease. On a walk by the river she runs into a man called Ben Dryden whose wife Donna was murdered five years ago. Donna was leaving him and, despite an alibi good enough for the police to clear him, Ben remains the chief suspect in the eyes of the community, shunned by nearly everyone. Donna’s murder and the subsequent investigation caused his already poorly father John to have a second nasty stroke and since then Ben has shut himself away, working from home and caring for his father. Intrigued, Eve takes a liking to this seemingly gentle man and feels sorry for him. It is a slow burn introduction to the mystery as Eve gradually inveigles herself into Ben’s company, determined to find his wife’s killer and prove his innocence, even though that appears to be the last thing he actually wants. He is content to live out a fairly isolated existence with his father with only the visits from John's physio for company. Eve herself can’t be sure whether she is doing this out of a sense of injustice for Ben or whether it’s due to the attraction she is starting to feel towards him which he makes clear is not reciprocated. With no suspects apart from Donna's nameless mystery lover and no motive for the murder, it looks as though Eve and fellow sleuth pub landlady Hayley have reached a dead end until a surprise and shock confession from someone sets Eve on the right path again. The clues are all there for the reader to pick up on as Eve now unwittingly puts herself right into the firing line.
This is a warm and engrossing cosy story with a streak of romance running through it. The characters are well drawn and the plot well explained, making this a charming read suitable for all. 4.5*

[LJ (ljwritesandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a couple of Carmen Radtke's historical mysteries so I was eager to read a book of hers set in more modern times.

Eve moves to an English village living her dream but gets herself embroiled in a murder mystery concerning the handsome Ben Dryden who was accused of murdering his wife Donna five years earlier.

Let Sleeping Murder Lie is a cozy mystery with a good helping of romance, all set to the backdrop of your average country village.

Eve is a great character who I really warmed to, even though some people might see her as introverted and not willing to take part in village clubs which personally I'd feel the same about.
I felt sorry for Ben. Looking after his elderly father and running a large house would be tough enough without everyone thinking he murdered his wife.

Another great secondary character was Hayley who runs the local pub and becomes a sort of Watson to Eve's Holmes, helping her pump the locals for information.

I feel the village atmosphere is really captured in this book, with petty rivalries, gossip and some outspoken characters.

I felt it was at times a little heavier on the romance than the mystery, but I enjoyed the will they/won't they, between Ben and Eve.

Let Sleeping Murder Lie is a gentle read which will satisfy any cozy mystery lover out there.

[Caroline Kerdouci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let Sleeping Murder Lie begins with the murder of Donna Dryden, a woman preparing to divorce her husband Ben,fed up of life in the back of beyond, her marriage devoid of love. Although Ben has always been the number one suspect for his wife’s murder no one has ever been convicted of the crime, a crime that has lead to Ben becoming a pariah amongst fellow inhabitants of this small town. Remaining with his father in their home which has belonged to the Dryden family for generations Ben is now more or less a recluse. Fast forward five years and newcomer to the town,part American part British singleton Eve Holdsworth, a rolling stone if ever there was one is renting Ivy Cottage, the quintessential English countryside retreat, picture postcard perfect. When this pair accidentally meet Eve is exploring her surroundings, dabbling in a spot of birdwatching and she is instantly attracted to the handsome stranger even after hearing rumours that he’s responsible for Donna’s death. Interest piqued and wondering whether the gossip is true, Eve allows herself to become fixated with clearing Ben’s name, convinced of his innocence. This cozy mystery follows Eve’s attempt, ably assisted by a few other residents, to bring the real killer to justice.

As cozy crime mysteries go Carmen Radtke definitely fulfills the brief. Set in this English countryside town where gossip and rumour are a staple of small community life and newcomers are regarded warily, Eve is potentially treading a dangerous path as she seeks to solve this cold crime. Whilst many would prefer to ‘let sleeping murder lie’, (good title!) and keep their distance from Ben and his wheelchair bound father John, happily there are others keen to join Eve in her amateur sleuthing. Hayley, landlady of the local pub The Green Dragon, with whom Eve strikes up a fast and firm friendship is one such individual; in fact much of the action takes place within these four walls thanks to the delicious fare served by Hayley’s grandmother Letty, herself a former landlady prior to handing the reins over to her granddaughter. We are treated to a whole host of other entertaining characters who frequent this local, including the Pink Panthers, local ruby team player/barman and eye candy for all the older ladies, Dom, and the WI women to name just a few. Then there’s the chatty ladies in Donna’s workplace Paula’s Parlour and charity shop owner Kim Potter plus massage therapist Chris, a good friend to both Ben and John Dryden who complete the cast. Is there anyone amongst these residents who could potentially be the guilty party and will Eve’s determination to prove Ben’s innocence ruffle too many feathers? If you fancy yourself as an armchair detective then read on!

It took me a while to get used to the author’s style of writing in short clipped sentences, a style that is non flowery, straightforward and uncomplicated. Initially I struggled to warm to the main character Eve, even though I can’t pinpoint why but she did grow on me as I settled into this mystery, the storyline improving with each turn of the page. I think I preferred the no nonsense Hayley whose loyalty and love for Letty is heartwarming to observe, as too is her non judgemental attitude towards Ben. In fact both Ben and Hayley have one thing in common; loyalty to their elders preventing them from moving on with their own lives which is in direct contrast to Eve whose relationship with her father is limited to a few mundane emails and in no way curtails her freedoms.

As expected there are numerous possible suspects to keep your beady eye on, not discounting firm favourite Ben but one character in particular caught my attention fairly early on. Did I ever waver from my choice of culprit? Of course I did thanks to the author sowing seeds of doubt every so often which as an armchair amateur sleuth is what you hope for in a bid to keep the guessing game alive and interesting. I loved the surprising twist that comes about midway through, which for me personally I hadn’t even considered, a revelation that changes Eve’s perspective on the case but will it lead her one step closer to the killer? Once the action steps up a gear with attempts made to scare and deter Eve from crossing too many boundaries and prevent her from pursuing her romantic intentions towards Ben, I could feel my enjoyment of the storyline steadily growing. By the end I was almost sorry to close the door on Eve and her newly acquired friends, unsure if the author will give her readers the opportunity to meet some of these characters again.

My preference for a cozy crime mystery seems to be overtaking my usual love of psychological thrillers and over the past year I’ve been introduced to some brilliant amateur sleuths so I feel I have a good grasp of what separates the fantastic ones from ones that are simply average. Whilst there’s potential for Eve to join my imaginary league table of favourite super sleuths, I’d like to see her character further developed before I can officially make my mind up! (Hint to author to turn this first mystery into a series!) Elements of this storyline were good but I found some of the relationships between these characters odd and slightly unbelievable. Overall a good cozy mystery that ticks all the relevant boxes. My thanks to the author for gifting me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely cosy mystery/romance this is. I do like to read a cozy book every so often and this one hit the mark. Enough going on to hold the interest and nothing too sugary to switch it off. Well written and well thought out plot.

Briefly, Eve Holdsworth has moved to a quiet country village in England. She has left her father and his third wife behind in USA hoping to find her roots from her English mother. She soon meets, and finds herself attracted to, Ben Dryden, not knowing that most people in the village think him guilty of murdering his wife Donna, five years earlier. With the aid of her friend Hayley she decides to find out who the real murderer was and prove Ben’s innocence, but it won’t be that simple. Is Eve putting her own life in danger? And that of her friends?

I liked the side storyline of Eve’s relationship with her father which pops up throughout the book but at no detriment to the main story. Nice plot with enough red herrings to keep you guessing and one big plot twist nearing the end of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and of its genre it a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Roz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hoping that this is the start of a new cozy crime series as I loved everything about this novel.

The setting and descriptions of the place and the characters were totally engaging and I could picture myself there with Eve, hoping to solve the mystery.

Fantastic, well written and an easy read which is highly recommended for weekend relaxing read with a coffee and cake. I was absorbed and would definitely recommend this and am looking forward to (hopefully) the next in this series.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great murder mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Interesting and engaging characters, I loved how the mystery was introduced from 5 years previously and how it took a newcomer to the village in Eve to start to question what had happened.

[Neats · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Carmen Radtke's historical fiction novels so I was excited to hear that she was writing a contemporary cozy mystery and couldn't wait to dive in.

In Let Sleeping Murder Lie we meet Eve Holdsworth, a translator, who grew up in Seattle but has spent several years in England. Her latest rental property is Ivy Cottage, in a quaint countryside village, which is perfect for her requirements and when she runs into local man Ben things look even better.

What she doesn't know is that five years previous, Ben was accused of brutally murdering his wife Donna in their home and is somewhat of an outcast to the community. Having met and chatted to Ben she is reluctant to believe that he's capable of such an horrific crime she sets out to prove his innocence with the help of her new friend Hayley.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book with it's wonderful cast of characters, it was an absolute joy to read. The depiction of village life was exactly as I've always imagined it to be, with it's close knit community, local pub along with it's fair share of gossips who aren't afraid to voice their opinions! I was instantly drawn in and wanted to have a drink in The Green Dragon and be friends with Eve to help her solve the mystery.

Carmen Radtke has perfectly balanced mystery and romance without being too heavy handed with either, making Let Sleeping Murder Lie an absorbing read. It reminded me a little of M. C. Beaton's novels, Agatha Raisin, and I think that this would be a perfect beginning for a whole series of books. I, for one, would definitely read them!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let Sleeping Murder Lie is a great read. I was hooked from the very beginning.

Eve is the main character. Her father is American and her now deceased mother is English. Having grown up in Seattle, Eve decides to move to England to find some kind of kindred tie to her mother.

While out on a stroll one day, she meets Ben. Ben is very mysterious, and Eve just cant leave well enough alone. Eve finds out from a reputable source that Ben pretty much keeps to himself as his wife was murdered a few years prior. While Ben has a valid alibi and eventually is not charged with the crime, the townspeople have essentially convicted him in their minds. Eve sets out to find out who the real murderer is.

This story is both a mystery as well as a love story. The characters seemed to come to life for me, and I anxiously turned each page with anticipation - to not only find out who the real killer is but also to see how the Ben and Eve story unfolds.

My thanks to the author for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie (Gorelenore) Cover2CoverBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of mysteries, especially cozy mysteries. I love the quiantness of them. This one follows Eve, an English/American who has moved to the English countryside to get away. She moves pretty often and was just looking for a new locale. When she meets a mysterious man in the woods, she is intuiged and learns that he (Ben) is a pariah in town because his wife was murdered and no killer was ever convicted. Eve would like to help find the killer and piece together the murder case so that Ben can live a more normal life.

I really liked Eve, she was funny, sneaky, and felt very normal. I really loved that she talked about Miss Marple - a beloved mystery heroine of mine. She was a great character to lead us into they mystery and as an outsider looking in, it made the town seem more picturesque but also very mysterious.

The mystery was very twisty and kept me guessing. It was not confusing and pulled together really well. I really enjoyed the cast of characters that helped along the way, especially Hayley. She was the bestie that Eve needed to feel welcomed and justified in trying to help out.

This was the perfect winding, cozy, fast-paced mystery read I was looking for right now.

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another joyous book from the pen of Ms Radtke. You know you're loving a great book when by 6.30pm you're yawning and stating it's time for bed, just so you can hunker down and reacquaint yourself with the story. I really engaged with the characters; Eve and Hayley, Hayley's nan, Ben and his dad. They were all so endearing. The revelation of the murderer's identity wasn't a huge shock to me, as I had, for once, correctly worked it out. The shocks along the way were quite amazing. Whilst the story may not have taxed my little grey cells too much, the pleasure gained from reading such a warm hearted and ultimately uplifting book cannot possibly be measured. More please.

[Lexie Conyngham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a stand-alone from the author of the Alyssa Chalmers and the Jack and Frances series, both of which are terrific. It’s a romantic murder mystery, more trad than cosy, set in an English village with a strong heroine in Eve, half-American half-English wanderer, who decides to solve a five-year-old murder mystery. It’s a well-paced, entertaining read with amusing but not stereotyped side characters and a satisfying ending. I just felt like taking Eve aside, though, and explaining curry to her. You can’t generalise: there is a curry for everyone, even Eve.

[Doris Brase · Rating 5 out of 5]

The owl knew but didn't tell.

I liked the premise of the book, righting a wrong because it the correct thing to do. The family dynamics make it hard for Eve to get a foot hod in the cold case murder of Ben's wife. Feeling begin to erupt as well as suspicions as She continues to investigate. A smash up ending.

[Bryony · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. Not too taxing and perfect for a rainy afternoon indoors by the fire.

Four stars.

[Sandy Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific characters - very well drawn - and a thoughtful, twisty plot that kept me turning the pages. Very well written, enjoyable and highly recommended.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had me totally hooked and I couldn't put it down. Wonderful characters and a wonderful setting. I could just picture it all in my mind. Great mystery with plenty of twists. Great suspense.

[ChillwithabookAWARD With · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let Sleeping Murder Lie by Carmen Radtke has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award.
www.chillwithabook.com

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!

[Ryan Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let Sleeping Murder Lie is a great contemporary British cozy mystery. The story follows Eve, a American woman that moves to a small English Village. She needs local Ben Dryden. Every one of the village steers her away from Ben, rumor has it that he murdered his wife, five years earlier. Even though it was never proved. Ben claims his innocence. Eve decides to find the real killer, making enemies out of everybody in town. It's a great plot and story for a cozy mystery. The characters are also great.

[Cheryl Wood]

Another great book from Carmen Radtke! I read this in less than 24 hours. It's one of those books I wanted to finish to find out what happened but also didn't want to finish as I didn't want it to be over!
I loved all the new characters - could there be a second book in there? Please?

[Geraldine Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging characters, fun mystery

Highly enjoyable modern mystery. The main character Eve is likeable, funny and intriguing. A sold central story - a man suspected of murdering his wife five years before- mixed with romance. The village life makes a very well drawn backdrop to the story.

[Karin Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Donna and why??? It was over??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.