What do you think?
Rate this book
Jane Christie #1
Murder Mystery in Melbourne
A listless widow and avid reader of crime stories, Jane Christie, falls off the roof of her Toorak home, sustaining brain damage. She believes she is a world class sleuth who has solved numerous crimes. It becomes her duty to rid the world of wickedness.
When she foils a paedophile, the media dub her Miss Marple and people flock to her for help.
At a neighbour’s funeral, Jane detects sure signs of the deceased’s poisoning. In the middle of the eulogies, she announces the murder to the mourners, drawing the attention of detective Dominic Petrucci. At her persistence, they stop the funeral and face the ire of the family. She insists that she will not rest until the culprit is brought to justice. This makes her the killers next target.
In her befuddled mind, the bereaved widower is guilty. After all, in ninety-nine percent of her former cases, the spouse has been the culprit, so she forges ahead to prove it. The problem is that these cases exist only in her imagination. When elderly men go missing, the clues point to a spiritualist who claims to be a channel to deceased loved ones. Despite the danger, Jane determines to find out the truth.
When she foils a paedophile, the media dub her Miss Marple and people flock to her for help.
At a neighbour’s funeral, Jane detects sure signs of the deceased’s poisoning. In the middle of the eulogies, she announces the murder to the mourners, drawing the attention of detective Dominic Petrucci. At her persistence, they stop the funeral and face the ire of the family. She insists that she will not rest until the culprit is brought to justice. This makes her the killers next target.
In her befuddled mind, the bereaved widower is guilty. After all, in ninety-nine percent of her former cases, the spouse has been the culprit, so she forges ahead to prove it. The problem is that these cases exist only in her imagination. When elderly men go missing, the clues point to a spiritualist who claims to be a channel to deceased loved ones. Despite the danger, Jane determines to find out the truth.
- GenresMystery
ebook
First published January 1, 2020
127 people are currently reading
102 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 44 reviews
November 13, 2021
This is a 4.5 star read.
July 16, 2022
Jane Christie is a woman on a mission...to defeat evil in the world, catching criminals and protecting the innocent. She has incredible instincts when it comes to gathering clues, but not for protecting herself. The real title for this book should have been Murder Mysteries (plural) as there were a multitude of murders committed. But Jane does not limit herself to solving murders, as her reputation has made her the person to call for any number of mysteries...missing persons, missing money, anything that is unexplained.
Jane has a wonderful "live in" almost relative, the mother of her son-in-law. Zora is from the old country, speaks and understands broken English, but she is simply delightful. So very caring of Jane, an excellent cook, and 100% reliable. What she says adds humor to the book. Her understanding (or lack thereof) of words unfamiliar to her makes her substitute the nearest word she can think of. And of course English idioms make her raise an eyebrow every once in awhile or take things literally.
There is also a handsome hunk named Dominic who works as a private detective with a police background. Jane and Dominic become closer and closer throughout the book as he watches out for her and comes to her rescue on more than one occasion. He scolds her for not being careful and she gives back as good as she gets. It's a wonderful relationship that blossoms into real love. The reader will be held in suspense about this relationship until the very end of the story.
There are many, many characters in this book, and because my reading time was very limited, I spent far too many days reading this book. As a result I frequently had trouble remembering who was who. It added temporarily to my confusion, but not my enjoyment of the story.
Jane has a wonderful "live in" almost relative, the mother of her son-in-law. Zora is from the old country, speaks and understands broken English, but she is simply delightful. So very caring of Jane, an excellent cook, and 100% reliable. What she says adds humor to the book. Her understanding (or lack thereof) of words unfamiliar to her makes her substitute the nearest word she can think of. And of course English idioms make her raise an eyebrow every once in awhile or take things literally.
There is also a handsome hunk named Dominic who works as a private detective with a police background. Jane and Dominic become closer and closer throughout the book as he watches out for her and comes to her rescue on more than one occasion. He scolds her for not being careful and she gives back as good as she gets. It's a wonderful relationship that blossoms into real love. The reader will be held in suspense about this relationship until the very end of the story.
There are many, many characters in this book, and because my reading time was very limited, I spent far too many days reading this book. As a result I frequently had trouble remembering who was who. It added temporarily to my confusion, but not my enjoyment of the story.
August 18, 2022
Murder Mystery In Melbourne, #1 - Started slow but the story picked up after a few pages. The characters are good; Zora is my favorite with Nick a close second. The story lines are interesting and after a while I was immersed in the pages. 4*
Murder Mystery on the Murray, #2 - While a little wordy, this story is interesting. Good characters. Good story lines with a good blending of the old with the new. A cult of over thirty years in existence but with new bits to update cult life. 4*
Murder Mystery on Thornton Peak, #3 - I like this better than the second book, which still was a good story. Interesting and intense with the subject matter, scientific and political, and the variety of characters. Well written, although Jane and Marta got on my nerves most of the story, with a good blending of the old and new story lines. Russell is a fun, interesting character along with Zora, of course. 5*
Murder Mystery in Toorak, #4 - Well written. Plenty of good, realistic characters. Interesting story lines. While I had a feeling who the murderer was, but not the motive, this was an interesting and entertaining story. Good drama. Good humor. a couple of "oh, my gosh" surprises to add even more meat to the story. I appreciated that some of my favorites from the Bible were quoted throughout the story. There is plenty for non-Christians to enjoy: gays; transgenders; shack ups, etc. 5*
Crime In The Country - Hard to put down. An interesting, intriguing read with a variety of interesting characters and immersing story lines. Good range of emotions, and believable dialogues. A touch of romance and humor, too. Good pace from the beginning. 5*
Death and Diamonds, #2 - I absolutely enjoyed this book. Funny, filled with drama, bad luck, miracles and love, I could not put the book down, until my phone needing charging, but just to 50%. Good characters. Good story lines. Well written. If you enjoy the movies Hard Word and Dirty Deeds, you'll like this series. 5*
Killer in the Vineyard, #3 - This book is more intense than the previous books. Sylvie is hard at work getting into trouble and falling in love. Good characters. Well written story lines. A successful blending of the old with the new made this addition to the series an interesting, intriguing read with a bit of humor through out. 4*
Mob Wife - I read this after Crime In The Country but it did not matter. The introduction to a young Vince and how their life together started. The first pregnancy occurs here. There will be a 16-year gap between the ending of this story and the start of the next, but all is explained in CITC. Read this first, then CITC. 5*
Murder Mystery on the Murray, #2 - While a little wordy, this story is interesting. Good characters. Good story lines with a good blending of the old with the new. A cult of over thirty years in existence but with new bits to update cult life. 4*
Murder Mystery on Thornton Peak, #3 - I like this better than the second book, which still was a good story. Interesting and intense with the subject matter, scientific and political, and the variety of characters. Well written, although Jane and Marta got on my nerves most of the story, with a good blending of the old and new story lines. Russell is a fun, interesting character along with Zora, of course. 5*
Murder Mystery in Toorak, #4 - Well written. Plenty of good, realistic characters. Interesting story lines. While I had a feeling who the murderer was, but not the motive, this was an interesting and entertaining story. Good drama. Good humor. a couple of "oh, my gosh" surprises to add even more meat to the story. I appreciated that some of my favorites from the Bible were quoted throughout the story. There is plenty for non-Christians to enjoy: gays; transgenders; shack ups, etc. 5*
Crime In The Country - Hard to put down. An interesting, intriguing read with a variety of interesting characters and immersing story lines. Good range of emotions, and believable dialogues. A touch of romance and humor, too. Good pace from the beginning. 5*
Death and Diamonds, #2 - I absolutely enjoyed this book. Funny, filled with drama, bad luck, miracles and love, I could not put the book down, until my phone needing charging, but just to 50%. Good characters. Good story lines. Well written. If you enjoy the movies Hard Word and Dirty Deeds, you'll like this series. 5*
Killer in the Vineyard, #3 - This book is more intense than the previous books. Sylvie is hard at work getting into trouble and falling in love. Good characters. Well written story lines. A successful blending of the old with the new made this addition to the series an interesting, intriguing read with a bit of humor through out. 4*
Mob Wife - I read this after Crime In The Country but it did not matter. The introduction to a young Vince and how their life together started. The first pregnancy occurs here. There will be a 16-year gap between the ending of this story and the start of the next, but all is explained in CITC. Read this first, then CITC. 5*
September 11, 2025
Book 1 in the Jane Christie series.
50 year old Jane Christie is obssessed with two things, reading murder mysteries and reminiscing about her late husband Gerry. She is reclusive, lonely and seemingly incapable of moving on with her life. But after a fall from a roof leaves her in a coma, she wakes up as a new woman. More assertive, more refined in taste and suddenly convinced that she is a brilliant Miss Marple style detective, although she has never done any actual sleuting outside the pages of the books she has read.
Sporting a new glamorous style and a distinguished, old timey British accent, Jane happens to be in the right place in time to prevent a man from luring a little girl away from her mother. Hailed as a hero in the press, Jane is soon swamped with requests for help, and in her new self-assured state, she is convinced that cracking these cases is her purpose in life. Teeming up with her neighbour Henry, an agoraphobic tech guru and hacker and her son’s wife’s mother Zora, Jane throws herself into the world of sleuthing, much to the chagrin of the handsome former cop, now private detective Dominic.
Murder Mystery in Melbourne is funny, engaging and charming in its descriptions of people and places. Zora is a no nonsense, multilingual goddess in a kitchen and the source of many funny broken English comments. Dominic is a tantalising potential love interest for Jane and a fountain of amusing Australianisms, and Jane is a wonderfully funny and inspiring character and a very entertaining amateur sleuth.
50 year old Jane Christie is obssessed with two things, reading murder mysteries and reminiscing about her late husband Gerry. She is reclusive, lonely and seemingly incapable of moving on with her life. But after a fall from a roof leaves her in a coma, she wakes up as a new woman. More assertive, more refined in taste and suddenly convinced that she is a brilliant Miss Marple style detective, although she has never done any actual sleuting outside the pages of the books she has read.
Sporting a new glamorous style and a distinguished, old timey British accent, Jane happens to be in the right place in time to prevent a man from luring a little girl away from her mother. Hailed as a hero in the press, Jane is soon swamped with requests for help, and in her new self-assured state, she is convinced that cracking these cases is her purpose in life. Teeming up with her neighbour Henry, an agoraphobic tech guru and hacker and her son’s wife’s mother Zora, Jane throws herself into the world of sleuthing, much to the chagrin of the handsome former cop, now private detective Dominic.
Murder Mystery in Melbourne is funny, engaging and charming in its descriptions of people and places. Zora is a no nonsense, multilingual goddess in a kitchen and the source of many funny broken English comments. Dominic is a tantalising potential love interest for Jane and a fountain of amusing Australianisms, and Jane is a wonderfully funny and inspiring character and a very entertaining amateur sleuth.
February 10, 2023
A real enjoyable story. Jane Christie knows a lot about murder methods, thanks to her infatuation with mystery novels especially those by Agatha Christie. When Jane falls and hits her head, her personality undergoes a dramatic transition. Instead of the listless widow, she's energetic and thoroughly involved in the world around her. She thwarts a pedophile and disrupts a friend's funeral, insisting the woman was poisoned. By poking her nose into the business of others, she sets herself up as a target.
Jane is a believable character, well drawn and likeable. Her sidekick Zora (their children are married to each other) is just what Jane needs. Besides cooking enough to feed an army, Zora--for whom English is a second language--becomes Jane's factotum (though Zora substitutes a U for the A). Her mangling of idioms inserts quite a bit of humor.
Then there's former policeman, now private investigator Dominic Petrucci who was hired by the deceased friend to find out who's trying to kill her. He uses Zora's dinners as an excuse to see Jane and making sure she's okay. Dominic is intrigued by Jane, though she's way out of his league with her fancy house and clothes. Despite his warnings, Jane insists on exploring. Soon, she and Dominic join forces to solve her friend's murder. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. More is going on than either suspects.
An amateur sleuth, humor, and a budding romance make this such a fun read.
Jane is a believable character, well drawn and likeable. Her sidekick Zora (their children are married to each other) is just what Jane needs. Besides cooking enough to feed an army, Zora--for whom English is a second language--becomes Jane's factotum (though Zora substitutes a U for the A). Her mangling of idioms inserts quite a bit of humor.
Then there's former policeman, now private investigator Dominic Petrucci who was hired by the deceased friend to find out who's trying to kill her. He uses Zora's dinners as an excuse to see Jane and making sure she's okay. Dominic is intrigued by Jane, though she's way out of his league with her fancy house and clothes. Despite his warnings, Jane insists on exploring. Soon, she and Dominic join forces to solve her friend's murder. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. More is going on than either suspects.
An amateur sleuth, humor, and a budding romance make this such a fun read.
March 17, 2023
Murder Mystery In Melbourne is the 1st book in the Jane Christie Mystery Series. A real enjoyable story. Jane Christie knows a lot about murder methods, thanks to her infatuation with mystery novels especially those by Agatha Christie. Jane is a believable character, well drawn and likeable. Her sidekick Zora is just what Jane needs. Her mangling of idioms inserts quite a bit of humor. An amateur sleuth, humor, and a budding romance make this such a fun read.
If you are a fan of murder mysteries, then this book needs to be next on your reading list. A well-written and detailed novel. The author weaves an intricate web of deception and mayhem which culminates in a reveal that will leave you stunned. Alongside the central mystery, the story beautifully integrates additional themes of love, betrayal, unlikely friendships, and finding oneself; and the author has generously sprinkled her wonderful humor throughout, ensuring that even the stodgiest of funny bones will be tickled.
If you are a fan of murder mysteries, then this book needs to be next on your reading list. A well-written and detailed novel. The author weaves an intricate web of deception and mayhem which culminates in a reveal that will leave you stunned. Alongside the central mystery, the story beautifully integrates additional themes of love, betrayal, unlikely friendships, and finding oneself; and the author has generously sprinkled her wonderful humor throughout, ensuring that even the stodgiest of funny bones will be tickled.
July 25, 2022
Jane and Dominic keep you entertained and guessing from the get go. The plot is a real brain teaser. I couldn’t guess the killer until it was finally revealed. Full of twists and turns and great characters. Victoria Kosky has done it again. I laughed so hard that my next door neighbour (he's moved out) was banging on our adjoining wall. Who is this Victoria Kosky and why can't I give her six stars? This is murder meets comedy meets mystery meets kissy-kissy, sexual tension at least. Normally I'm only interested in Zombie or Post Apocalyptic movies, but I've watched all the best (and some not so good) so I guess I'll just hope that Victoria Kosky keeps coming up with new stuff for me to read. seven stars at least
August 19, 2022
Jane Turner Christie returns thirty three later to her home town of Swan Hill. She is selling her parents home and determined to find her father's killer. Jane was a young girl when you father, Rev. David Turner was stabbed to death in their basement. Jane never felt that the police did a good job of investigating the murder. Now that she is older, she is going to get to the bottom of it. Jane with the help from her boyfriend Det. Dominic Petrucci, set out to solve the case. What Jane finds out not at all what she expects. She finds herself on the island of Paradise, sounds nice, not really. The island commune is more like a cult. What happens next is a lot of mystery and a great book...and closure for Jane.
November 8, 2022
I learned a lot about after death options that might feel less creepy than cremation. Ways that impact the environment in a less intrusive way. The story is great, the Aussie language and slang compared to Canada, the different ways to breakdown a corpse that can do it in less time than cremation. I would recommend this story and this author for a learning opportunity as well as how each country handles this. An Agatha fan from a young age, this book equals if not surpasses Miss Marple’s sleuthing abilities, set in the 2000’s, really engaged my mind. The characters are real people that can sink to the lowest of the scum of the earth and do.
April 14, 2021
If you are a fan of murder mysteries, then this book needs to be next on your reading list.
A well-written and detailed novel. The author weaves an intricate web of deception and mayhem which culminates in a reveal that will leave you stunned. Alongside the central mystery, the story beautifully integrates additional themes of love, betrayal, unlikely friendships, and finding oneself; and the author has generously sprinkled her wonderful humor throughout, ensuring that even the stodgiest of funny bones will be tickled.
I can't wait to read more from this gifted wordsmith.
A well-written and detailed novel. The author weaves an intricate web of deception and mayhem which culminates in a reveal that will leave you stunned. Alongside the central mystery, the story beautifully integrates additional themes of love, betrayal, unlikely friendships, and finding oneself; and the author has generously sprinkled her wonderful humor throughout, ensuring that even the stodgiest of funny bones will be tickled.
I can't wait to read more from this gifted wordsmith.
April 14, 2021
Have read some of Victoria Kosky books and this is the first book in this series.Follow this funny,mystery,crime story and see if you can't help solve the question,who did it and why? Has a great story line and mishaps ,the characters are one of a kind for sure,they keep you on your toes as you are trying to figure out what is going on and why. Let's see if you can figure this out with help before the end of this story..you will so enjoy and I look forward to reading more of this fantastic adventure!!
April 19, 2021
This is a great book with interesting characters. Who wouldn't want to have their life change to something they had fanasized about? Fun situations and laughs can be found through the book. It is great to read about book with a mature female lead, and side kick. The plot is still surprising and I changed my mind a couple of times on what I thought was going to happen. It sucks you in and keeps you. Definitely wanting the next book. I was given an ARC copy and I have provided this honest review
July 5, 2021
This is the first in the series and first time reading this author. The main character is Jane Christie and after taking a fall off the roof has her whole way of thinking change. She meets Dominic and starts investigating all the problems of the little people around her. It gets her a lot of aches and pains but starts to figure out what is going on. Dominic is always telling her to be careful and stop what she doing. but he helps her as well. Can they figure this out before it's too late to save themselves ?
November 27, 2022
Murder mystery in Melbourne
Jane's life changes drastically after a fall from the roof and being in a coma for 3 days. An avid murder mystery book reader, she becomes fearless in her quest to actively make the world a better place by reacting when she sees something wrong. There is lots of action in this storyline in addition to many suspicious people. A little romance adds to the drama occurring throughout the book. I enjoyed the story and didn't figure out all twists revealed.
Jane's life changes drastically after a fall from the roof and being in a coma for 3 days. An avid murder mystery book reader, she becomes fearless in her quest to actively make the world a better place by reacting when she sees something wrong. There is lots of action in this storyline in addition to many suspicious people. A little romance adds to the drama occurring throughout the book. I enjoyed the story and didn't figure out all twists revealed.
April 5, 2025
I don't know how I missed this priceless gem, but don't be like me and grab this up. This was a real eye opener into some past secrets (years long affair). Nonetheless, Jane is still legendary regardless of her clumsiness that adds depth and dimension to the story. The banter and interactions were humorous and entertaining. I love Jane's relentless spirit and tenacity. Zora is always a star in her own right with her sayings and strong support and amazing food!!! Things take some grizzly turns at the end, but Jane is triumphant. An amazing suspenseful journey. Thank you.
May 30, 2021
This story had some humour which is rare in a competent murder mystery. I enjoyed the unique characters who worked together to uncover a wicked gang of criminals. It was a real surprise ending as the culprit had been hiding in plain sight. Extremely well written and edited and I can't wait to read the whole series. Great entertainment! It's worth reading the mystery for yourself - reminds me of an Agatha Christie. It's longer than the cozy novella's giving you more bang for your buck.
August 24, 2021
"A listless widow and avid reader of crime stories, Jane Christie, falls off the roof of her Toorak home, sustaining brain damage. She believes she is a world class sleuth who has solved numerous crimes. It becomes her duty to rid the world of wickedness." This was a marvellous mystery and I wish I could have been jane for a couple of weeks as she makes the perfect sleuth. This book made me a new fan Victoria Kosky and I can't wait to read more of her books.
May 6, 2022
This is an intriguing mystery. The main character has an accident which precipitated a change in demeanor. Another character is a doctor who betrays her. We have a dear who feeds everyone and who looks out for the main character. We have another character, you'll have to make up your mind about him. I thoroughly enjoyed this gem with the surprising villain. I can't wait to read more from this author.
April 10, 2023
Jane Christie lives up to her last name and heroine Agatha Christie as she uses her Miss Marples smarts to investigate, sleuth, and never give up as she looks for the truth. This 500 page whopper is full of twists and turns within multiple mysteries and an ending in Agatha Christie style that you will not see coming.
Any fan of mysteries especially unpredictable Agatha Christie ones will absolutely love Kosky's Jane Christie series.
Any fan of mysteries especially unpredictable Agatha Christie ones will absolutely love Kosky's Jane Christie series.
January 28, 2024
Reading other reviews, I am left wondering if I was reading a different book to everyone else. Whilst it was an ok read, I found it hard going to start with and stopped and started several times. It was only a 3 hour bus journey that finally made me get further into the book.
I found Jane quite insufferable and there were too many different plots going on that seemed as if they should be linked but then turned out not to be.
Not sure I will be rushing to read any more in this series.
I found Jane quite insufferable and there were too many different plots going on that seemed as if they should be linked but then turned out not to be.
Not sure I will be rushing to read any more in this series.
May 10, 2025
I think this first book of the series is a wonderful start. I agree with another reviewer that the story started out a bit slow, but then the mystery started flowing and I could not stop reading until the end of the book. It had two of my favorite things--mystery and a little romance. The characters are so much fun--Zora's characters are outstanding and Jane and Nic are perfect. Recommend reading
April 13, 2021
I enjoyed this crime fiction story. A hilarious story about a woman who hits her head and channels Agatha Christie. She can't seem to stay out of trouble. I loved reading about her hijinks and her knack of finding herself in so many life threatening situations. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
August 11, 2022
Sleep is good, but reading this book is better - that was what I told myself when I couldn’t put it down late at night. I loved Jane, Zora and Henry and the story was so entertaining, I had to know what happened next. As you can guess I recommend this book!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
August 27, 2023
You can’t help but fall in love with the characters, especially Jane, Zora, Henry & Dominic. I was so surprised at who had been the ultimate master mind. Cleverly written with a smidgen of humor. As the story progressed, it became much more serious and intense. It flowed nicely and kept me guessing until the end. Well done!
April 15, 2021
I loved Jane and her obsession with mysteries. I loved her friends and family. I must admit to liking how she converses with her inlaws. I liked the story line and the author's scene description.
I received this as an arc from Booksprout and left this review freely.
I received this as an arc from Booksprout and left this review freely.
April 17, 2021
real life survivor becomes convinced she is a real life fictional sleuth come to life in a different context
witting and wily
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
witting and wily
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2021
Always difficult reviewing a rework of a previously published book. I always seem to be skipping bits that I read the first time round. However the changes were not significant enough to make any serious difference to an otherwise good read.
October 24, 2022
I enjoyed this read a lot. The first part, I was fairly unexcited but then a fall off a ladder and it got really exciting. It was almost 3 stories in one. It was fun and full of action and intrigue. Characters are great. Zora is my favourite by far!
September 19, 2023
Compelling Characters and Interesting Storyline, with LOL Situations.
I started this series with the free prequel (Murder in Cold Blood), and although short, it was very interesting and led me to purchase all 4 books in the series. I was surprised to find that book 1 is very different from the prequel, but I absolutely loved it! Normally I go for more of a clean cozy; however, I'm fine with a little language and implied/vaguely described/tastefully written adult situations, which this book has. There are references to the Bible in the book; however, this is not your grandma's Christian mystery series! I love the transformation in Jane, and how she realizes that even though she spent years conforming to others' expectations she can still make a new choice to live differently. Definitely PG-13, but I found myself laughing at the comical situations and on the edge of my seat with the suspense. Can't wait to read the next 3 books.
I started this series with the free prequel (Murder in Cold Blood), and although short, it was very interesting and led me to purchase all 4 books in the series. I was surprised to find that book 1 is very different from the prequel, but I absolutely loved it! Normally I go for more of a clean cozy; however, I'm fine with a little language and implied/vaguely described/tastefully written adult situations, which this book has. There are references to the Bible in the book; however, this is not your grandma's Christian mystery series! I love the transformation in Jane, and how she realizes that even though she spent years conforming to others' expectations she can still make a new choice to live differently. Definitely PG-13, but I found myself laughing at the comical situations and on the edge of my seat with the suspense. Can't wait to read the next 3 books.
November 17, 2023
I thought that this was a very good read. The story seemed well paced, and I found the narrative entertaining and amusing. The story style seemed to change a little towards the end, more serious and a bit darker. I am not sure if the romance part of the story worked that well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews