What do you think?
Rate this book
Bunburry #12
Poison Ivy
It's party time in Bunburry! The deluxe Magnolia Inn is hosting surprise birthday celebrations for Bunburry's favourite senior citizens, Liz and Marge. But the party is not the only surprise. A glamorous widow, Francesca Fairfax Adams, is staying in the Magnolia Inn, and catches the eye of self-made man and amateur sleuth Alfie McAlister.
But Alfie's best friend, Oscar de Linnet, down from London for the party, knows Francesca of old, and has some shocking news about her. Alfie is reluctant to believe him and decides to discover the truth for himself... Is this investigation putting himself and Oscar in terrible danger?
But Alfie's best friend, Oscar de Linnet, down from London for the party, knows Francesca of old, and has some shocking news about her. Alfie is reluctant to believe him and decides to discover the truth for himself... Is this investigation putting himself and Oscar in terrible danger?
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2021
61 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Helena Marchmont
41 books183 followersHelena Marchmont is a pseudonym of Olga Wojtas, who was born and brought up in Edinburgh. She was encouraged to write by an inspirational English teacher, Iona M. Cameron. Olga won a Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award in 2015, has had more than 30 short stories published in magazines and anthologies and recently published her first mystery Miss Blaine's Prefect and the Golden Samovar.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 12, 2025
Dieser zwölfte Band schließt beinahe nahtlos an den Vorgängerband an. Es geht um das neue Hotel, in dem für Liz und Marge eine Geburtstagsfeier stattfinden soll.
Im Hotel lernt Alfie Francesca kennen, doch sein Freund Oscar warnt ihn. Er kennt Francesca von früher und ist sich sicher, dass sie ihren besten Freund umgebracht hat. Seltsamerweise kamen alle bisherigen Ehemänner von Francesca ums Leben. Das kann doch kein Zufall sein?!
Ich mochte diese Folge richtig gerne, obwohl ich von der Auflösung des Falles nicht 100% überzeugt war. Trotzdem konnte mich die Geschichte aber fesseln, das Geheimnisvolle daran und die Charaktere an sich.
Ich mag diese Reihe ❤
Im Hotel lernt Alfie Francesca kennen, doch sein Freund Oscar warnt ihn. Er kennt Francesca von früher und ist sich sicher, dass sie ihren besten Freund umgebracht hat. Seltsamerweise kamen alle bisherigen Ehemänner von Francesca ums Leben. Das kann doch kein Zufall sein?!
Ich mochte diese Folge richtig gerne, obwohl ich von der Auflösung des Falles nicht 100% überzeugt war. Trotzdem konnte mich die Geschichte aber fesseln, das Geheimnisvolle daran und die Charaktere an sich.
Ich mag diese Reihe ❤
December 4, 2021
Ein Geburtstagsfest und eine schwarze Witwe
Francesca Fairfax Adams ist in Bunburry und sie hat keinen guten Ruf, denn man sagt ihr nach ihre Ehemänner ermordet zu haben. Wie sonst lässt sich erklären, dass ihre Freunde und Männer immer sterben? Oscar jedenfalls ist überzeugt, dass sie einen seiner Freunde ermordet hat, doch Alfie ist ganz bezaubert von der schwarzen Witwe und will den Gerüchten nicht glauben.
Im Fokus steht dieses Mal das neueröffnete Hotel Magnolia Inn. Hier kommt Oscar in seiner Suite unter und es soll auch eine Geburtstagsparty ausgerichtet werden.
Mir hat dieser Band so gut gefallen! Ich fand den Fall interessant und es war einfach wieder schön in Bunburry zu sein. Nach 12 Teilen bin ich immer mehr mit dem bezaubernden Ort verwachsen. Ich will mir gar nicht vorstellen, dass irgendwann die Reihe ein Ende finden könnte.
Francesca Fairfax Adams ist in Bunburry und sie hat keinen guten Ruf, denn man sagt ihr nach ihre Ehemänner ermordet zu haben. Wie sonst lässt sich erklären, dass ihre Freunde und Männer immer sterben? Oscar jedenfalls ist überzeugt, dass sie einen seiner Freunde ermordet hat, doch Alfie ist ganz bezaubert von der schwarzen Witwe und will den Gerüchten nicht glauben.
Im Fokus steht dieses Mal das neueröffnete Hotel Magnolia Inn. Hier kommt Oscar in seiner Suite unter und es soll auch eine Geburtstagsparty ausgerichtet werden.
Mir hat dieser Band so gut gefallen! Ich fand den Fall interessant und es war einfach wieder schön in Bunburry zu sein. Nach 12 Teilen bin ich immer mehr mit dem bezaubernden Ort verwachsen. Ich will mir gar nicht vorstellen, dass irgendwann die Reihe ein Ende finden könnte.
November 25, 2021
Schade dass die Aufklärung nur erzählt wurde und man nicht direkt dabei war …
July 31, 2024
Ugh... this had one of the stupidest, most unbelievable denouements I have ever read.
Audiobook
Nathaniel Parker - Narrator
Duration: 03:47:39
Audiobook
Nathaniel Parker - Narrator
Duration: 03:47:39
December 27, 2023
3.5 stars. Another fun cozy mystery in this series.
October 8, 2021
Did she? Is she? How come he can't read her?
I enjoy reading these stories. They are fun even though there is usually a murder. When I have need of a short but good read Helena Marchmont fills the time slot well. Reading from the first story, The characters have developed into well known persons. This time Alfie and Oscar truely do not agree, "venomently"! Is she a black widow?
I enjoy reading these stories. They are fun even though there is usually a murder. When I have need of a short but good read Helena Marchmont fills the time slot well. Reading from the first story, The characters have developed into well known persons. This time Alfie and Oscar truely do not agree, "venomently"! Is she a black widow?
May 11, 2022
Audiobook : Spotify.
Read by Nathaniel Parker.
The best one yet! I am definitely in lurrrve with Oscar - and this instalment of Bunburry definitely had me LOL-ing in parts. More, please!
Read by Nathaniel Parker.
The best one yet! I am definitely in lurrrve with Oscar - and this instalment of Bunburry definitely had me LOL-ing in parts. More, please!
January 22, 2022
Another winner in the Bunbury series. I liked this one especially because we got more of Oscar in it. Great ending - never saw it coming. I love all the characters and the atmosphere of these books. I'll read as many as Ms. Marchmont cares to write!
July 16, 2022
Another enjoyable installment in the Bunburry series.
I wasn't wild about Betty's return at first but I'm kind of glad now that she did. They make better friends. Alfie seemed a little OOC to me when it came to Francesca but I guess there are some people with whom you just click right from the get-go.
I loved the whole surprise birthday party for Liz and Marge. along with all our favorite characters being invited.
So recommended? Yes. I enjoyed the story once I got to sit down and listen to it.
Buy/borrow? Borrow
I wasn't wild about Betty's return at first but I'm kind of glad now that she did. They make better friends. Alfie seemed a little OOC to me when it came to Francesca but I guess there are some people with whom you just click right from the get-go.
I loved the whole surprise birthday party for Liz and Marge. along with all our favorite characters being invited.
So recommended? Yes. I enjoyed the story once I got to sit down and listen to it.
Buy/borrow? Borrow
January 21, 2024
First off the positive: I listened to the Audiobook version of this, and Nathaniel Parker has a very pleasant reading voice. I've previously seen him in the Inspector Lynley mysteries (BBC TV series), so I knew what to expect.
As for the story itself: I love a good cozy mystery, but I also like to engage more than one brain cell when reading/listening. Murder mysteries have been done a thousand times over, so clearly it's hard to come up with something new. If the plot isn't particularly intricate or suspenseful, the characters and the scenery must do the "heavy lifting" (check Fred Vargas on that account). I've just finished the book, and now that I've sat down to write a review, I already have a hard time remembering the names of the main characters and the village they live in. It's unfortunately all quite forgettable... It feels a lot like a watered down Agatha Raisin mystery (i.e., similar setting, but minus the humour and quirkiness).
The book would be perfect for someone who's learning English, as it really doesn't matter if you miss parts of it.
As for the story itself: I love a good cozy mystery, but I also like to engage more than one brain cell when reading/listening. Murder mysteries have been done a thousand times over, so clearly it's hard to come up with something new. If the plot isn't particularly intricate or suspenseful, the characters and the scenery must do the "heavy lifting" (check Fred Vargas on that account). I've just finished the book, and now that I've sat down to write a review, I already have a hard time remembering the names of the main characters and the village they live in. It's unfortunately all quite forgettable... It feels a lot like a watered down Agatha Raisin mystery (i.e., similar setting, but minus the humour and quirkiness).
The book would be perfect for someone who's learning English, as it really doesn't matter if you miss parts of it.
December 8, 2025
We've been building to this. Magnolia Inn is up and running (no word on the flooring, I assume we lost the parquet people) and what better way to launch than a last minute party for Marge and Liz with all of Bunburry as well as some special out-of-towners as guests? Might stop people talking about the murder that interrupted the renovation phase.
Luckily, Noah, clutcher of Agathe Christie novels and founding member of the Bunburry Irregulars (which is totally off brand for him as that is from Sherlock Holmes. He loves Agatha Christie, looks like Harry Potter and acts like Enyclopedia Brown. There are only so many franchises one 10-year-old should encroach on), is in hand to investigate what is really going down when a Black Widow comes to town with a new victim in mind. And Alfie isn't opposed to a bit of B&E at Magnolia Inn when the spirit moves him. As it has in each book including the Magnolia Inn thus far.
Luckily, Noah, clutcher of Agathe Christie novels and founding member of the Bunburry Irregulars (which is totally off brand for him as that is from Sherlock Holmes. He loves Agatha Christie, looks like Harry Potter and acts like Enyclopedia Brown. There are only so many franchises one 10-year-old should encroach on), is in hand to investigate what is really going down when a Black Widow comes to town with a new victim in mind. And Alfie isn't opposed to a bit of B&E at Magnolia Inn when the spirit moves him. As it has in each book including the Magnolia Inn thus far.
April 7, 2022
Poison Ivy is the 12th in the Bunburry mysteries and I don’t think it would be as good as a standalone – half of the fun is knowing the characters and how their relationships work. I was quite happy that Oscar is in town for most of this one, along with the rest of the usual cast.
Emma and Alfie are planning a surprise party for Marg and Liz. At the hotel, Alfie meets a beautiful interesting woman. It turns out she’s an old acquaintance of Oscar’s and he’s sure she’s a murderer.
This was another good entry in the series. The mystery had a twist or two. The characters are their delightful selves and I like how some of the newer ones have settled into recurring roles. It was a nice way to spend a few hours.
Emma and Alfie are planning a surprise party for Marg and Liz. At the hotel, Alfie meets a beautiful interesting woman. It turns out she’s an old acquaintance of Oscar’s and he’s sure she’s a murderer.
This was another good entry in the series. The mystery had a twist or two. The characters are their delightful selves and I like how some of the newer ones have settled into recurring roles. It was a nice way to spend a few hours.
March 20, 2022
Lukijana Nathaniel Parker.
Olipa taas ihana kuunnella eläytyvää kerrontaa. Tällä kertaa juoni oli vähän erilainen, Bunburry triangle ei ollutkaan pääosassa, vaan keskityttiin enemmän kylän muihin hahmoihin ja tutustuttiin tarkemmin Magnolia Inniin. Suurimman huomion sai Oscar ja hyvä niin. Tarina oli hyvin keksitty ja kirjoitettu, paikkakuvaukset hienoja ja hahmot hyvin kuvailtuja. Loppu oli hyvinkin jännittävä. Vaikka pidinkin kaikesta, ei tämä silti kohonnut suosikikseni. Kerrankin arvasin muuten syyllisen. Todellakin odotan ja toivon Alfien ja hänen lähipiirinsä seikkailuille jatkoa.
Olipa taas ihana kuunnella eläytyvää kerrontaa. Tällä kertaa juoni oli vähän erilainen, Bunburry triangle ei ollutkaan pääosassa, vaan keskityttiin enemmän kylän muihin hahmoihin ja tutustuttiin tarkemmin Magnolia Inniin. Suurimman huomion sai Oscar ja hyvä niin. Tarina oli hyvin keksitty ja kirjoitettu, paikkakuvaukset hienoja ja hahmot hyvin kuvailtuja. Loppu oli hyvinkin jännittävä. Vaikka pidinkin kaikesta, ei tämä silti kohonnut suosikikseni. Kerrankin arvasin muuten syyllisen. Todellakin odotan ja toivon Alfien ja hänen lähipiirinsä seikkailuille jatkoa.
September 30, 2021
Marchmont at her best
Much is happening within Bunburry in this installment. Liz and Marge's birthday is the backdrop. Oscar comes to town to host and toast both Liz and Marge only to find a femme fatale in town. Betty returns. Does Oscar have an admirer?
Alfie and the Bunburry Irregulars are rather busy trying to determine if a crime's been committed and then find a murderer. Helena Marchmont spins an amazing mystery.
Much is happening within Bunburry in this installment. Liz and Marge's birthday is the backdrop. Oscar comes to town to host and toast both Liz and Marge only to find a femme fatale in town. Betty returns. Does Oscar have an admirer?
Alfie and the Bunburry Irregulars are rather busy trying to determine if a crime's been committed and then find a murderer. Helena Marchmont spins an amazing mystery.
July 18, 2022
Wie alle anderen Bücher der Reihe kann man auch hier der Geschichte wieder gut folgen. Die Charaktere sind einfach zauberhaft und ich liebe deren realistische Aufmachung. Der Plottwist ist überraschend, jedoch ist das Buch danach recht schnell zu Ende und wirkt etwas abgeharkt, was ich sehr schade finde. Ich kann das Buch jedoch jedem empfehlen der leichtere Krimis mag. Auch gerne als Hörbuch, Uve Teschner liest es hervorragend.
February 6, 2022
Cute story
Oscar in Bunburry oh my! What starts out as a surprise party for Marg and Liz turns into a "is she or isn't she" a murderer, when an old acquaintance of Oscar's shows up. The Bunburry Triangle is out in force with the Bunburry Irregulars helping to solve the mystery. Cute storyline with all the familiar characters on board make for an delightful story.
Oscar in Bunburry oh my! What starts out as a surprise party for Marg and Liz turns into a "is she or isn't she" a murderer, when an old acquaintance of Oscar's shows up. The Bunburry Triangle is out in force with the Bunburry Irregulars helping to solve the mystery. Cute storyline with all the familiar characters on board make for an delightful story.
November 19, 2025
There are too many to review, thanks to Goodreads' not-working sidebar, so I'm copying and pasting a series review on each one:
Marchmont has created a delightful village, hilarious characters, and interesting mysteries that kept me buying the next to find out what's up in the Cotswolds. An absolute delight.
Marchmont has created a delightful village, hilarious characters, and interesting mysteries that kept me buying the next to find out what's up in the Cotswolds. An absolute delight.
October 6, 2021
My favorite Bunburry case!
So happy to meet up with the Bunburry Truangle again! Love the characters, both old and new. No spoilers here but all I can say is “Did not see that coming” as I put this down finally.
So happy to meet up with the Bunburry Truangle again! Love the characters, both old and new. No spoilers here but all I can say is “Did not see that coming” as I put this down finally.
March 17, 2022
There’s a big party being planned and it wouldn’t be Bunburry if there wasn’t a crime to solve! The party is being held at the fabulous new Magnolia Inn in honor of Aunt Marge’s birthday and everyone will be there, including Oscar and tons of trouble.
May 16, 2022
Like all the Bunburry books, Poison Ivy is fluff but it is such cozy, enjoyable, fluff that I'm all in. These characters, the setting–all of it, just an absolute pleasure every time. Reading Bunburry books is like I imagine spending time with Miss Marple would be. I love it.
September 9, 2025
My review for Poison Ivy
I absolutely loved it! I loved the twist in this one! Brilliantly written! I so glad we didn’t lose a character! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
I absolutely loved it! I loved the twist in this one! Brilliantly written! I so glad we didn’t lose a character! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
October 1, 2021
Too short
Great story, fun to follow. Wished it had gone on longer. However, it was delightful and looking forward to the next
Great story, fun to follow. Wished it had gone on longer. However, it was delightful and looking forward to the next
October 8, 2021
Read every one of these
I have enjoyed all of these stories. I stated the series and can't put them down. Waiting on the next one
I have enjoyed all of these stories. I stated the series and can't put them down. Waiting on the next one
October 23, 2021
I was surprised!
A cozy setting of celebratiom in rich surroundings. A unique twist. Enjoyable story. Just a little short. Ecapism at its best.
A cozy setting of celebratiom in rich surroundings. A unique twist. Enjoyable story. Just a little short. Ecapism at its best.
December 6, 2021
Enjoyable read!
As a fan of The Importance of Being Earnest, I enjoy the references to the play throughout all of the books so far. Love this series!
As a fan of The Importance of Being Earnest, I enjoy the references to the play throughout all of the books so far. Love this series!
December 10, 2021
I enjoy this novella series featuring retired young rich entrepreneur Alfie and his band of village friends. This time around his friend Oscar tries to warn Alfie away from an alluring young widow. Lots of twists and turns and fun.
January 24, 2022
Great fun
Loved the continuing stories and characters so excellent and fascinating. What will they be up to next. We'll soon see
Loved the continuing stories and characters so excellent and fascinating. What will they be up to next. We'll soon see
March 17, 2022
Fantastic!!! I love this series!!!!!
March 20, 2022
Das war meiner Meinung nach der bisher beste Band dieser wunderbaren Reihe ❤️ Ich hoffe bald mehr von Oscar und dem Bunburry Trio zu hören 😊
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews