Then There Were ... Two Murders?

Miss Riddell #2

by P.C. James

She’s determined to bring a murderer to justice. Can a whip-smart woman solve a crime nobody else believes happened?

England, 1953. After her first success, Miss Riddell has caught the mystery bug. Excited to demonstrate that she’s a talented up-and-coming detective, she eagerly agrees to help an elderly lady pry into strange occurrences. But when the aspiring amateur sleuth arrives to discuss the particulars, she’s alarmed to discover her client dead.

Refusing to believe the police ruling of suicide, Miss Riddell follows her own suspicions… to alarmingly incorrect conclusions. And when she’s ordered to stay away from the investigation under threat of arrest, the sharp-minded woman realizes the only way to lure out the killer is to offer herself as bait.

Can Miss Riddell crack the case before she joins the body count?

Then There Were Two… Murders? is the enthralling second book in the Miss Riddell Cozy Mystery series. If you like brilliant heroines, intriguing puzzles, and heart-pounding near-misses, then you’ll love P.C. James’s delightful story.

Genres: Cozy, Historical, Fiction

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2021

Reviews

[Judy]

This is a pleasant cozy set in the fifties (hard to think of that as a historical novel since I was born in the fifties) with a woman who has had one success solving a murder, and now wants another one. She is trying to work with the police, but they are not so interested in her help. In the end she does solve the murder by setting herself up as a target, although the motivations were not what she was imagining. This is second in a series, and I'm going back to check out the first one next. 3.5 stars

[Chris Benetti]

Then There Were ... Two Murders? is a delightful historical cozy mystery that combines a clever puzzle, a memorable heroine, and plenty of twists to keep readers guessing.
Following her first successful investigation, Miss Pauline Riddell is eager to prove herself as a capable detective. When a potential client is found dead before their meeting can even begin, Miss Riddell quickly suspects that the official explanation doesn’t tell the whole story. What follows is a fascinating investigation filled with false assumptions, hidden motives, and unexpected danger.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its protagonist. Miss Riddell is intelligent and resourceful, but she is also refreshingly human. Her mistakes and occasional misjudgments make her investigation feel realistic and add depth to her character. Watching her piece together the truth is both entertaining and rewarding.
The mystery itself is well constructed, offering enough clues to engage attentive readers while still delivering satisfying surprises. The story steadily builds tension as Miss Riddell finds herself drawn deeper into a case that becomes increasingly dangerous.
The 1950s English setting adds charm and authenticity, creating the perfect backdrop for a traditional whodunit. Fans of classic detective fiction will appreciate the atmosphere, while cozy mystery readers will enjoy the balance of suspense and character-driven storytelling.
The pacing remains strong throughout, with each revelation raising new questions and keeping the reader invested until the final pages.

[Angela]

3 Stars

Then There Were... Two Murders? is the second book in the Miss Riddell’s Cozy Mystery Adventures series by P.C. James.
Miss Riddell’s Cozy Mystery Adventures is a ten-book boxset that follows amateur sleuth, Pauline Riddell on many adventures. The series spans about 35 years, and several countries, making for an interesting read.
With plenty of (historical) cozy mysteries, crime & investigation, intrigue, interesting characters, and dramatic developments- Miss Riddell is kept very busy, and takes us along for the ride.
The Series Contains:
-In the Beginning, There Was a Murder (Book #1)
-Then There Were… Two Murders? (Book #2)
-The Past Never Dies (Book #3)
-A Murder For Christmas (Book #4)
-Miss Riddell and the Heiress (Book #5)
-Miss Riddell and the Pet Thefts (Book #5.5)
-Miss Riddell’s Paranormal Mystery (Book #6)
-The Girl in the Gazebo (Book #7)
-The Dead of Winter (Book #8)
-It’s Murder, On a Galapagos Cruise (Book #9)

Happy Reading…

Thank you, P.C. James!

[Adrian Murphy]

I enjoyed this latest cozy mystery from P.C. James, having become familiar with super sleuth Pauline Riddell in the author's previous works.

The newest book sees Pauline trying to determine if a natural death and a suicide were in fact murders. Of course, there's more than meets the eye, as initially it seems her suspicions are without merit. 

As before, the writer convincingly portrays the post-war English countryside. I think cozy mystery fans should like this gently paced period piece. 

[Susan Honneus]

So glad to see Miss Pauline Riddell super-sleuthing again! I don’t believe it is just a coincidence that Pauline’s name rhymes with riddle, or it is Rye-dell? A fun connection either way.

The author’s choice of selecting novels for Pauline was interesting. I have read both The Thorn Birds as well as All Creatures Great and Small, two books I enjoyed reading many years ago.

I have read all the Riddell Cosy Mysteries so far and love them all. Each one is certainly a page-turner and difficult to put down until the end, wanting more. Thanks, P.C. Keep up the good work!

[Joy RS]

Oh, good! Miss Riddell is back 😊 Once more unto the breach! Is this a murder? And this? Rest assured; Miss Riddell will do her best to uncover all – of course, provided she isn’t number three. In this story, still inexperienced, the intrepid amateur detective is as confused as you no doubt will be. However, she is determined to find the truth, which in this case, could scuttle her and make Book #2 the last in the series…. Read on to find out.

[Carol Amorosi]

A cozy mystery in the classic definition, much like curling up with an Agatha Christie. I thoroughly enjoyed James’ depiction of England after the war. Pauline is a bright young woman with a good heart who keeps trying, even though maybe she shouldn’t. It was fun to see where she was going next and try to solve the crimes with her. Well written, kept me guessing until the end.
I look forward to a cup of tea and reading the rest of the series.

[Ruth]

Feeling at a loss for what to read next on holiday I decided to give this series another try. (I know, but I have the 10 book set so it feels ridiculous to only read 1). Book 2 was certainly better than book 1, thank goodness. It had a dog in it, so perhaps that was why. I didn't find Pauline quite as irritating, and I whipped through it fairly quickly. Will I give book 3 a go? I suppose I have to because what if they really are getting better each time?!

[Elizabeth Ducie]

More than one unexplained death, an amateur sleuth who happens to be female, detectives who resent interference, this book has it all. Plus a well-described 1950s that brings out nostalgia in readers of a certain age. An enjoyable read, slightly spoiled by the fact that Miss Riddell is something of an irritating character. But maybe that's just me.

[Dante Lupinetti]

Paul James does it again. A very intriguing mystery with a cozy cup of tea on those cold wintery England nights. Miss Riddell may make mistakes but she does not give up. It seems she gets more creative when up against it. This has the makings of a great series.

[Nikki]

Didn’t see it coming

As always, I didn’t see it coming. P.C. James keeps you guessing. Miss Riddell is fairly one dimensional, but I’m starting to see a fleshed out sleuth who could be a real human being. I will buy the next book as well.

[S A W Steel]

Getting better

I got a bit fed up with the dithering in the first one but found this one much more enjoyable. I like the post war context and the style and character are developing to be more interesting.

[R.L.S.]

Enjoyable

I like the main character and her struggles to fit into her post-war world, particularly as a young woman who isn't interested in immediately marrying and settling down.

The mystery itself didn't interest me as much, but I still liked the story.

[Maria Barbosa]

Uma boa história de detetives, considerando que a protagonista tem a tendência a chegar a conclusões sem refletir muito, mas acaba por encontrar a solução para o crime. Muito bom.

[Angela]

I enjoy this cozy mystery series. I love the time period and how Miss Ridell is managing her life in employment and as an amateur detective. A lovely read.

[Liz]

Thoroughly enjoyed

These cozies are fun, simple, entertaining and engaging. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Highly recommend.

[Pauline Dutton]

Loving this series.

[Ken]

Another fun to read Cozy Mystery by PC James. Escape from today and travel to the early 1950’s for a fun adventure with an amateur sleuth Miss Riddell. She just can’t seem to say no to a challenge even when all the evidence points in other directions. She just keeps going. I would recommend any of this authors books to my friends and family.

[Amy]

Did not finish.

[Anonymous]

Clean, fun cozy murder mystery

I am not one for gore and violence, but I love a good and clean whodunnit! This is a fun book with a British female sleuth that will get you smiling.

[Maritza]

P.C. James series of Miss Riddell are very well-written, with true character development and reasonable mysteries. However, it has no cosy-elements, no desserts. or meals or detective dogs or small town vibes, or nosy neighbors. In fact, why should these elements be included? I mean, this is MY problem, looking for cosy-reads and their naive situations. These are enjoyable fromm a light-mystery point of view. I wish to continue reading more of P.C. James books.