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Astrid Swift #1
The Trust
Ever so wholesome.
Ever so deadly...
When art restorer Astrid Swift moved from London to the Dorset village of Hanbury, she thought she was heading for a quiet life. Far from it. A local man has just been murdered in the English Trust stately home where Astrid works, and the sleepy community is shaken to its core.
Soon Astrid has discovered the shocking truth about her employer: rather than being the genteel organisation it seems on the surface, the Trust is a hotbed of politics and intrigue. As Astrid's new friend Kath from the village says: 'It's like the mafia, but with scones.'
As the suspicious deaths mount up, Astrid must use every gadget in her restorer's toolkit to solve the mystery, salvage her reputation – and maybe even save her life.
Thrilling, funny and unputdownable, The Trust is perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood and Clare Chase.
Ever so deadly...
When art restorer Astrid Swift moved from London to the Dorset village of Hanbury, she thought she was heading for a quiet life. Far from it. A local man has just been murdered in the English Trust stately home where Astrid works, and the sleepy community is shaken to its core.
Soon Astrid has discovered the shocking truth about her employer: rather than being the genteel organisation it seems on the surface, the Trust is a hotbed of politics and intrigue. As Astrid's new friend Kath from the village says: 'It's like the mafia, but with scones.'
As the suspicious deaths mount up, Astrid must use every gadget in her restorer's toolkit to solve the mystery, salvage her reputation – and maybe even save her life.
Thrilling, funny and unputdownable, The Trust is perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood and Clare Chase.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2022
315 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
May 29, 2022
This was a very good start to a new cozy series. I enjoyed Astrid Kisner (nee Swift) trying to find her bearings after the realization that her husband and best friend were having an affair. The second blow dealt of her losing her job would have been too much misery but she received word her dear uncle has left her his residence. What she thought would be a quick trip turned into a new home and new friends. The matter of murder at The Trust happens fairly quickly and the mystery of who did it and why took off. Before too long there's another body and it was clear to me before it was to Astrid that she was now a target. I enjoyed trying to work out the puzzle and while I had my suspicions I didn't quite tack down the why.
I enjoyed the new friends she made along the way in the village and at The Trust. I hope they all appear in the next book. The only thing I didn't really like was that Astrid seemed quite quick to condescend to people and dismiss them even while she was feeling lost given all the emotional blows she'd been dealt. Still, I liked her enough that I wanted her to succeed and in the end, she was able to see the value in those around her (it would have been nicer if she'd immediately seen the worth in them that they saw in her but characters, like people, aren't perfect.
The location was described beautifully as were the works of art. This prompted me to look up the art of John Constable and I could see what Astrid was talking about when describing his work. Lovely pastoral landscapes and skies I could sit and look at for quite some time. It's always nice to learn something new when reading and this cozy gave me that.
I look forward to the next in the series. I read this through Kindle Unlimited. Recommended.
I enjoyed the new friends she made along the way in the village and at The Trust. I hope they all appear in the next book. The only thing I didn't really like was that Astrid seemed quite quick to condescend to people and dismiss them even while she was feeling lost given all the emotional blows she'd been dealt. Still, I liked her enough that I wanted her to succeed and in the end, she was able to see the value in those around her (it would have been nicer if she'd immediately seen the worth in them that they saw in her but characters, like people, aren't perfect.
The location was described beautifully as were the works of art. This prompted me to look up the art of John Constable and I could see what Astrid was talking about when describing his work. Lovely pastoral landscapes and skies I could sit and look at for quite some time. It's always nice to learn something new when reading and this cozy gave me that.
I look forward to the next in the series. I read this through Kindle Unlimited. Recommended.
February 13, 2022
The Trust is an entertaining cosy mystery, featuring an endearingly flawed protagonist, quirky supporting characters and a quintessentially English setting.
In one fell swoop, art restorer Astrid Kisner (née Swift) loses her marriage, her best friend, her home and her beloved job at London's National Gallery, after discovering a bracelet that's not hers in the shower of the plush Waterloo apartment she shares with her husband of four years (who also happens to be her boss). Feeling justifiably aggrieved, Astrid thinks she's been handed a lifeline in the shape of a idyllic country home in Dorset, when she discovers she's been made her estranged uncle Henry's sole heir. Astrid's relief turns to dismay, however, when she discovers that "Curlew's Rest" is not the country home surrounded by gardens that she remembers from her childhood, but a rather dilapidated classic ketch, moored on the riverbank close to the (fictional) town of Hanbury in southern Dorset.
A Hillyard 9-ton Ketch, and the River Frome near Wareham, where I imagine "Curlew's Rest" moored.
Astrid snares herself a temporary position cataloguing and restoring artworks at nearby English Trust property, Sherborne Hall, bringing her into the varied circle of characters who run, work and, in the case of the imperious but impecunious Lady Sherborne, live in the property. One day, while exploring the grounds during her lunch break, Astrid discovers a body lying sprawled at the bottom of the pit in Sherborne's secluded ice house.
Dorset National Trust property Kingston Lacy, which I imagine as a model for The Trust's fictional Sherborne Hall.
Astrid's boss, marketing-obsessed Cressida, is keen to keep Astrid's discovery under wraps, in case it affects the all-important footfall statistics (i.e. the number of visitors) to Sherborne. Local police also seem content to assume the death of local antiques dealer Gerald DeVine an accident. But Astrid and her unlikely new pal, Kath, are convinced it's murder, and commence their own covert investigation. One death rapidly becomes two, in addition to a near-miss at a civil war re-enactment, and Astrid comes to the realisation that she's also become a target. But who is behind the murders and is it related to the artwork, attributed to British master Constable, that Astrid has been working on at Sherborne Hall, a painting that Astrid is convinced is a clever fake...
Other readers may, like me, detect echoes of M.C. Beaton's quirky heroine Agatha Raisin in Astrid. Like Aggie, Astrid is often too quick to judge others and prone to making impetuous decisions which frequently land her in sticky situations, but is redeemed by a solid loyalty to those she holds close and a nose for mystery and wickedness. While on one level, Astrid uses her mystery-solving activities to distract herself from the major life changes she's facing, we also follow her journey to a renewed sense of purpose and a reassessment of her priorities, as she uncovers a series of beguiling clues left behind for her by Uncle Henry.
I loved the frequent satire around the culture of Britain's extensive National Trust network, here barely camouflaged as "The English Trust". As Kath remarks, the Trust's influence is far-reaching and not always entirely benevolent:
I'd recommend The Trust very highly as a quick and entertaining read for those who enjoy a lighter, frequently humorous, angle to their mystery reads. I'm already looking forward to Astrid and Kath's future adventures in Death on the Isle, scheduled for publication later in 2022.
My thanks to the author, M.H. Eccleston, publisher Head of Zeus (Aries Fiction) and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this engrossing and quirky mystery.
In one fell swoop, art restorer Astrid Kisner (née Swift) loses her marriage, her best friend, her home and her beloved job at London's National Gallery, after discovering a bracelet that's not hers in the shower of the plush Waterloo apartment she shares with her husband of four years (who also happens to be her boss). Feeling justifiably aggrieved, Astrid thinks she's been handed a lifeline in the shape of a idyllic country home in Dorset, when she discovers she's been made her estranged uncle Henry's sole heir. Astrid's relief turns to dismay, however, when she discovers that "Curlew's Rest" is not the country home surrounded by gardens that she remembers from her childhood, but a rather dilapidated classic ketch, moored on the riverbank close to the (fictional) town of Hanbury in southern Dorset.
A Hillyard 9-ton Ketch, and the River Frome near Wareham, where I imagine "Curlew's Rest" moored.
Astrid snares herself a temporary position cataloguing and restoring artworks at nearby English Trust property, Sherborne Hall, bringing her into the varied circle of characters who run, work and, in the case of the imperious but impecunious Lady Sherborne, live in the property. One day, while exploring the grounds during her lunch break, Astrid discovers a body lying sprawled at the bottom of the pit in Sherborne's secluded ice house.
Dorset National Trust property Kingston Lacy, which I imagine as a model for The Trust's fictional Sherborne Hall.
Astrid's boss, marketing-obsessed Cressida, is keen to keep Astrid's discovery under wraps, in case it affects the all-important footfall statistics (i.e. the number of visitors) to Sherborne. Local police also seem content to assume the death of local antiques dealer Gerald DeVine an accident. But Astrid and her unlikely new pal, Kath, are convinced it's murder, and commence their own covert investigation. One death rapidly becomes two, in addition to a near-miss at a civil war re-enactment, and Astrid comes to the realisation that she's also become a target. But who is behind the murders and is it related to the artwork, attributed to British master Constable, that Astrid has been working on at Sherborne Hall, a painting that Astrid is convinced is a clever fake...
Other readers may, like me, detect echoes of M.C. Beaton's quirky heroine Agatha Raisin in Astrid. Like Aggie, Astrid is often too quick to judge others and prone to making impetuous decisions which frequently land her in sticky situations, but is redeemed by a solid loyalty to those she holds close and a nose for mystery and wickedness. While on one level, Astrid uses her mystery-solving activities to distract herself from the major life changes she's facing, we also follow her journey to a renewed sense of purpose and a reassessment of her priorities, as she uncovers a series of beguiling clues left behind for her by Uncle Henry.
I loved the frequent satire around the culture of Britain's extensive National Trust network, here barely camouflaged as "The English Trust". As Kath remarks, the Trust's influence is far-reaching and not always entirely benevolent:
"They own everything 'round here. It's like the mafia with cream teas." (loc.809).The Trust and local community certainly provide fertile ground for the supporting cast of characters , possessing a wide range of both useful skills and devious motives. The story also takes Astrid to a number of familiar settings in coastal Dorset, including RSPB Arne, Brownsea Island (a real life National Trust property) and elsewhere in the vicinity of real life Wareham and Poole Harbour (the village of Hanbury, located near Astrid's mooring, and the Trust property Sherborne Hall are both fictionalised). It's a picturesque area of the United Kingdom, which M.H. Eccleston utilises to full effect as a setting for this rollicking mystery.
I'd recommend The Trust very highly as a quick and entertaining read for those who enjoy a lighter, frequently humorous, angle to their mystery reads. I'm already looking forward to Astrid and Kath's future adventures in Death on the Isle, scheduled for publication later in 2022.
My thanks to the author, M.H. Eccleston, publisher Head of Zeus (Aries Fiction) and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this engrossing and quirky mystery.
February 14, 2022
4 stars (pub. date Aug. 12, 2022)
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a very good cozy mystery that is a quick and easy read. The mystery is interesting and I really liked the main character Astrid. She is smart, curious and the growth in her character throughout the book felt natural. She comes to the countryside ensconced in her designer clothes and expensive tastes, but soon finds herself befriended by free spirit Kath who serves as a sort of liaison between Astrid and the village. As her friendship with Kath grows, Astrid’s stiff exterior melts away and she is slowly accepted by the village. The minor characters from the village add a lot of charm to the book and provide a good sounding board for Astrid’s ideas. I love stories that are set in tiny villages because we are always treated with a variety of quirky characters, and the author does not disappoint here.
Astrid is an art restorer at a prominent institution in London. She is married to the head of the department and they live a comfortable life, until Astrid discovers her husband is unfaithful. Shocked to the core, she flees London for the countryside when she discovers she's inherited property in Dorset. Thinking she will lick her wounds in a beautiful countryside manor, she is surprised to find her property is a dilapidated houseboat on a muddy estuary.
She finds work at a National Trust home preparing and restoring art for a future exhibition. Instead of a genteel and stately charity, the home is a hotbed of intrigue and politics. On her first day Astrid discovers a dead man on the premises and decides it's her duty to discover the killer when the police deem it an accident. When another death occurs at the home, Astrid’s list of suspects grows longer while the danger to her increases.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend you read it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Head of Zeus - an Aries Book. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a very good cozy mystery that is a quick and easy read. The mystery is interesting and I really liked the main character Astrid. She is smart, curious and the growth in her character throughout the book felt natural. She comes to the countryside ensconced in her designer clothes and expensive tastes, but soon finds herself befriended by free spirit Kath who serves as a sort of liaison between Astrid and the village. As her friendship with Kath grows, Astrid’s stiff exterior melts away and she is slowly accepted by the village. The minor characters from the village add a lot of charm to the book and provide a good sounding board for Astrid’s ideas. I love stories that are set in tiny villages because we are always treated with a variety of quirky characters, and the author does not disappoint here.
Astrid is an art restorer at a prominent institution in London. She is married to the head of the department and they live a comfortable life, until Astrid discovers her husband is unfaithful. Shocked to the core, she flees London for the countryside when she discovers she's inherited property in Dorset. Thinking she will lick her wounds in a beautiful countryside manor, she is surprised to find her property is a dilapidated houseboat on a muddy estuary.
She finds work at a National Trust home preparing and restoring art for a future exhibition. Instead of a genteel and stately charity, the home is a hotbed of intrigue and politics. On her first day Astrid discovers a dead man on the premises and decides it's her duty to discover the killer when the police deem it an accident. When another death occurs at the home, Astrid’s list of suspects grows longer while the danger to her increases.
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend you read it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Head of Zeus - an Aries Book. All opinions are my own.
April 29, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Love the cover on this one!
If I am not mistaken, this was M.H. Eccleston's debut novel, and it was a very impressive one indeed! It was well written and well paced. I loved the English countryside setting. The plot was cozy and entertaining and kept me guessing until the end. The book was packed full of quirky side characters. Astrid...was complicated. That's to say, I found her a bit annoying at the start of the book. I mean, who finds a dead body and right away without having met any of the local police, decides they will probably bungle it so she might as well investigate herself??!! That said, she quickly becomes a lot more likeable and by the end of the book I loved her character. Overall, this was a solid read and an entertaining first book in an ongoing series. I am looking forward to diving into book two!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
If I am not mistaken, this was M.H. Eccleston's debut novel, and it was a very impressive one indeed! It was well written and well paced. I loved the English countryside setting. The plot was cozy and entertaining and kept me guessing until the end. The book was packed full of quirky side characters. Astrid...was complicated. That's to say, I found her a bit annoying at the start of the book. I mean, who finds a dead body and right away without having met any of the local police, decides they will probably bungle it so she might as well investigate herself??!! That said, she quickly becomes a lot more likeable and by the end of the book I loved her character. Overall, this was a solid read and an entertaining first book in an ongoing series. I am looking forward to diving into book two!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
March 3, 2022
I'm a huge fan of cosy mysteries, but this one unfortunately missed a mark for me.
It's very bland on every level, besides the setting - English Trust house (and this was actually the reason I picked that book ans which made me keep on reading).
The whole murder(s) plot is ridiculous, random characters dropping like flies, main character going into the forest with a random man because he tells her to, strangers becoming friends in minutes.
The romance is lukewarm at best, as there is zero chemistry between MC and the Love Interest.
Everything feels rushed and superficial, characters are one-dimensional and were more of caricatures than real people, the dialogues felt unnatural.
I had huge hopes for this one but I will not be picking up next books.
It's very bland on every level, besides the setting - English Trust house (and this was actually the reason I picked that book ans which made me keep on reading).
The whole murder(s) plot is ridiculous, random characters dropping like flies, main character going into the forest with a random man because he tells her to, strangers becoming friends in minutes.
The romance is lukewarm at best, as there is zero chemistry between MC and the Love Interest.
Everything feels rushed and superficial, characters are one-dimensional and were more of caricatures than real people, the dialogues felt unnatural.
I had huge hopes for this one but I will not be picking up next books.
August 25, 2022
Why is the main character so insufferable.
April 28, 2024
This was an amusing but contrived cosy.
Astrid Kisner moves out of London to the coast after receiving an unexpected inheritance and bad news about her ratbag husband. After taking a job at the English Trust (see what you did there, Eccleston), she soon starts stumbling across bodies.
Maybe its cast of eccentric coastal characters would have won my heart if Astrid hadn't enacted toothbrush-revenge early on (a personal bugbear of mine. NOT COOL, ASTRID.) It certainly does have the feel-good factor when Astrid gets to know the locals.
The mystery, unfortunately, was secondary and didn't draw me in all that much. It all felt a bit stuck on, and there was very little in the way of misleading complexities and clues.
Despite the mediocre mystery, the book was good fun. I sniggered many times. So I'll give it 3 stars for enjoyment with the caveat that I've read more proficient cosies.
Astrid Kisner moves out of London to the coast after receiving an unexpected inheritance and bad news about her ratbag husband. After taking a job at the English Trust (see what you did there, Eccleston), she soon starts stumbling across bodies.
Maybe its cast of eccentric coastal characters would have won my heart if Astrid hadn't enacted toothbrush-revenge early on (a personal bugbear of mine. NOT COOL, ASTRID.) It certainly does have the feel-good factor when Astrid gets to know the locals.
The mystery, unfortunately, was secondary and didn't draw me in all that much. It all felt a bit stuck on, and there was very little in the way of misleading complexities and clues.
Despite the mediocre mystery, the book was good fun. I sniggered many times. So I'll give it 3 stars for enjoyment with the caveat that I've read more proficient cosies.
January 24, 2022
I love a good cozy crime and this definitely fits the bill.
Astrid is a very strong character - part of her charm is that to start with she’s slightly unlikeable - if it weren’t for the fact that we know what she’s been through we would probably view her as stuck up and self righteous. I’m pretty sure that’s how she’s viewed by the majority of people in Hanbury when she first arrives.
As the story moves on we start to see her soften and I will say that I quickly grew to like her a lot. I became invested in her future and wished for her to find a new place with people who would treat her well and be her friends. I love the way she stands up to Simon and the tensions between Astrid and Cobb add a little something to keep you in your toes.
The story starts with Astrid (an art conservator) starting a new job at Sherborne Hall - an English Trust Property with its own secrets and charms.
Flash backs are used well to set the back story and I found the style of writing flowed well. It was a relaxed book which was easy to read - a great bonus and not an easy thing to achieve.
There are a host of characters in the book and they all have their unique charms. I particularly loved Harold and Margaret (two of the volunteers at Sherborne Hall). Their conversations had me chuckling to myself as I read and I could hear the tone in Margaret’s voice everytime she expressed her opinion on someone or something. I don’t wish to generalise but I really hope that this book is a true reflection on the lives of volunteers at heritage homes across the country. The thought of houses full of Margarets and Harold’s just make me smile.
When Astrid discovers a body in the grounds she decides that she needs to investigate. Her boss Cressida seems only interested in preserving the reputation of The English Trust and Astrid has little faith in the local policeman. Could she be the one to crack the case?
The plot quickly thickens as there are more deaths and accidents not to mention a fake painting and the appearance of Simon( Astrid’s husband).
Can Astrid and her new friends solve the case and will Astrid move on to the new life that her uncle would have wanted?
You’ll have to read the book to find out but what I will tell you is that you won’t regret it. A perfect mix of cozy crime and romance.
Astrid is a very strong character - part of her charm is that to start with she’s slightly unlikeable - if it weren’t for the fact that we know what she’s been through we would probably view her as stuck up and self righteous. I’m pretty sure that’s how she’s viewed by the majority of people in Hanbury when she first arrives.
As the story moves on we start to see her soften and I will say that I quickly grew to like her a lot. I became invested in her future and wished for her to find a new place with people who would treat her well and be her friends. I love the way she stands up to Simon and the tensions between Astrid and Cobb add a little something to keep you in your toes.
The story starts with Astrid (an art conservator) starting a new job at Sherborne Hall - an English Trust Property with its own secrets and charms.
Flash backs are used well to set the back story and I found the style of writing flowed well. It was a relaxed book which was easy to read - a great bonus and not an easy thing to achieve.
There are a host of characters in the book and they all have their unique charms. I particularly loved Harold and Margaret (two of the volunteers at Sherborne Hall). Their conversations had me chuckling to myself as I read and I could hear the tone in Margaret’s voice everytime she expressed her opinion on someone or something. I don’t wish to generalise but I really hope that this book is a true reflection on the lives of volunteers at heritage homes across the country. The thought of houses full of Margarets and Harold’s just make me smile.
When Astrid discovers a body in the grounds she decides that she needs to investigate. Her boss Cressida seems only interested in preserving the reputation of The English Trust and Astrid has little faith in the local policeman. Could she be the one to crack the case?
The plot quickly thickens as there are more deaths and accidents not to mention a fake painting and the appearance of Simon( Astrid’s husband).
Can Astrid and her new friends solve the case and will Astrid move on to the new life that her uncle would have wanted?
You’ll have to read the book to find out but what I will tell you is that you won’t regret it. A perfect mix of cozy crime and romance.
December 7, 2023
I seem to be very fortunate in my choice of books. I see from my Goodreads page that I have given 4* to my last 10 reads. This one makes it 11.
I had never heard of this author until I read a recommendation for this book by M S Morris on their latest which I have just finished. The writing has a similar feel to it. Both have an easy to read style. Its the author's first book , written during our Covid lock down.
It is a book about Astid Kisner, an art conservator, who takes a job with The English Trust at a stately home in Dorset and away from her cheating husband and her high life in London.
Crimes are committed and solved but the book is also about how her life changes as she learns more about herself and her uncle. It was the uncle who recently died and left Astrid his home.
May be early on, there are thoughts of " would she do that ?" but may be she would and Uncle Henry did know her her best after all.
I didnt solve the main crime but somehow this is the sort of book where it doesnt matter.
I think that this is another author to get his name on my 'watch' list.
I had never heard of this author until I read a recommendation for this book by M S Morris on their latest which I have just finished. The writing has a similar feel to it. Both have an easy to read style. Its the author's first book , written during our Covid lock down.
It is a book about Astid Kisner, an art conservator, who takes a job with The English Trust at a stately home in Dorset and away from her cheating husband and her high life in London.
Crimes are committed and solved but the book is also about how her life changes as she learns more about herself and her uncle. It was the uncle who recently died and left Astrid his home.
May be early on, there are thoughts of " would she do that ?" but may be she would and Uncle Henry did know her her best after all.
I didnt solve the main crime but somehow this is the sort of book where it doesnt matter.
I think that this is another author to get his name on my 'watch' list.
February 8, 2022
Astrid, is living the ‘perfect’ life in London. She lives in an expensive flat, wears a designer wardrobe (there’s a lot of label-name dropping), and a wonderful marriage to the director of the National Gallery (where she works as a conservator). But her great life comes crashing to a halt when she discovers that her husband has been cheating on her… with her best friend.
With her life in shambles, Astrid tries to start over and the perfect excuse comes in the form of an inheritance – apparently her Uncle Henry has left her his property in Dorset. Astrid remembers a nice country house and decides to pack up and begin a new life in Dorset. The only problem is when she arrives – the property turns out to be a houseboat… one that is badly in need of repairs.
Not to be deterred, Astrid finds a job in Dorset with the English Trust – restoring paintings at Sherborne Hall. However, on her first day at work, she not only discovers a valuable painting, she discovers a dead body.
I loved seeing Astrid develop as a character in this book. She starts off as this perfect city girl, moves to a small village and becomes a bit of a snob, and then slowly becomes one of the locals. At the start I wasn’t sure that I would like her as a main character but she really grew on me. I liked that she was plucky and adapted to her new life rather than just give up and wallow in her bad fortune.
“It’s like the mafia with cream teas.” ~ Kath describing the English Trust
Aside from Astrid, I really enjoyed travelling to Dorset and meeting some great new supporting characters, including Astrid’s new best friend, Kath, and the boat restorer Cobb (future love interest?). These new friends become quite loyal to Astrid pretty quickly and it’s obvious that her new life is much more fulfilling than her previous one.
One of the things I enjoy most about cozy mysteries is that they aren’t as dark and gritty as regular murder mysteries or crime thrillers. Sometimes I just want to relax with a good whodunnit and The Trust definitely fits that bill.
The pacing is pretty even throughout the book and kept me turning the pages while the murder mystery itself is believable. As a series starter The Trust does a great job of introducing us to Astrid and her friends while making sure the mystery keeps the action moving along. It’s always a lot of information dumping in the first book but I never felt overwhelmed with info and had a very easy time keeping track of all the new characters I was meeting.
There is a bit of light-hearted humour sprinkled throughout the book, which I also appreciated. It takes a very deft hand to inject laughter into the middle of a mystery story and I always enjoy a cozy mystery more when it’s able to do that in a way that doesn’t seem forced (or turn it into a comedy book).
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Trust and I’m very much looking forward to the next adventure with Astrid Swift.
*** Thank you to the publisher, Head of Zeus – an Aries Book, for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
With her life in shambles, Astrid tries to start over and the perfect excuse comes in the form of an inheritance – apparently her Uncle Henry has left her his property in Dorset. Astrid remembers a nice country house and decides to pack up and begin a new life in Dorset. The only problem is when she arrives – the property turns out to be a houseboat… one that is badly in need of repairs.
Not to be deterred, Astrid finds a job in Dorset with the English Trust – restoring paintings at Sherborne Hall. However, on her first day at work, she not only discovers a valuable painting, she discovers a dead body.
I loved seeing Astrid develop as a character in this book. She starts off as this perfect city girl, moves to a small village and becomes a bit of a snob, and then slowly becomes one of the locals. At the start I wasn’t sure that I would like her as a main character but she really grew on me. I liked that she was plucky and adapted to her new life rather than just give up and wallow in her bad fortune.
“It’s like the mafia with cream teas.” ~ Kath describing the English Trust
Aside from Astrid, I really enjoyed travelling to Dorset and meeting some great new supporting characters, including Astrid’s new best friend, Kath, and the boat restorer Cobb (future love interest?). These new friends become quite loyal to Astrid pretty quickly and it’s obvious that her new life is much more fulfilling than her previous one.
One of the things I enjoy most about cozy mysteries is that they aren’t as dark and gritty as regular murder mysteries or crime thrillers. Sometimes I just want to relax with a good whodunnit and The Trust definitely fits that bill.
The pacing is pretty even throughout the book and kept me turning the pages while the murder mystery itself is believable. As a series starter The Trust does a great job of introducing us to Astrid and her friends while making sure the mystery keeps the action moving along. It’s always a lot of information dumping in the first book but I never felt overwhelmed with info and had a very easy time keeping track of all the new characters I was meeting.
There is a bit of light-hearted humour sprinkled throughout the book, which I also appreciated. It takes a very deft hand to inject laughter into the middle of a mystery story and I always enjoy a cozy mystery more when it’s able to do that in a way that doesn’t seem forced (or turn it into a comedy book).
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Trust and I’m very much looking forward to the next adventure with Astrid Swift.
*** Thank you to the publisher, Head of Zeus – an Aries Book, for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
February 9, 2022
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.
A cosy mystery with a wonderful collection of quirky characters, THE TRUST by M.H. Eccleston is an entertaining and enjoyable read from start to finish.
Astrid Swift loves her perfectly ordered life with her perfectly ordered job and her perfectly ordered relationship with her husband (and boss), Simon. But when she accidentally discovers that he has cheated on her with her best friend, she needs to get away from him, and the country house that her Uncle left her in his will, seems like the perfect idea. Except the house is a run-down old houseboat that needs a lot of tlc, and when Astrid walked out on Simon, she also walked out on her career. But luckily for Astrid, the local Trust is looking for an art restorer for the local stately home and as she begins to get to know the locals and even make some friends, things might just be looking up. Until Astrid discovers a dead body on the grounds of Sherborne Hall and realises that the local policeman doesn't seem to be up to scratch to catch the killer. As the bodies begin to pile up, can Astrid uncover the truth before the murderer strikes again or will she become the next victim?
THE TRUST by M.H. Eccleston is the perfect book to cosy up on the couch with of an evening with a cup of tea. The setting is fantastic and I love stories centred around small communities where you can really get to know the characters. Astrid isn't immediately likeable as she comes across as snobbish and condescending at times, but as she settles into her new life, she starts to relax and re-evaluate many things and becomes much more relatable and loveable. I always enjoy a good mystery and this one does not disappoint - is it the formidable English Trust who are knocking people off in their own backyards, or, is it someone closer to home? You'll have to read it to find out.
Throw in an ex-husband arriving at the worst possible time, new friendships, rivalry between the elderly volunteers, and the possibility of a new romance, and Astrid's fresh start has become a lot more complicated than she could ever have imagined.
I thoroughly enjoyed THE TRUST and I cannot wait for more from M.H. Eccleston.
A cosy mystery with a wonderful collection of quirky characters, THE TRUST by M.H. Eccleston is an entertaining and enjoyable read from start to finish.
Astrid Swift loves her perfectly ordered life with her perfectly ordered job and her perfectly ordered relationship with her husband (and boss), Simon. But when she accidentally discovers that he has cheated on her with her best friend, she needs to get away from him, and the country house that her Uncle left her in his will, seems like the perfect idea. Except the house is a run-down old houseboat that needs a lot of tlc, and when Astrid walked out on Simon, she also walked out on her career. But luckily for Astrid, the local Trust is looking for an art restorer for the local stately home and as she begins to get to know the locals and even make some friends, things might just be looking up. Until Astrid discovers a dead body on the grounds of Sherborne Hall and realises that the local policeman doesn't seem to be up to scratch to catch the killer. As the bodies begin to pile up, can Astrid uncover the truth before the murderer strikes again or will she become the next victim?
THE TRUST by M.H. Eccleston is the perfect book to cosy up on the couch with of an evening with a cup of tea. The setting is fantastic and I love stories centred around small communities where you can really get to know the characters. Astrid isn't immediately likeable as she comes across as snobbish and condescending at times, but as she settles into her new life, she starts to relax and re-evaluate many things and becomes much more relatable and loveable. I always enjoy a good mystery and this one does not disappoint - is it the formidable English Trust who are knocking people off in their own backyards, or, is it someone closer to home? You'll have to read it to find out.
Throw in an ex-husband arriving at the worst possible time, new friendships, rivalry between the elderly volunteers, and the possibility of a new romance, and Astrid's fresh start has become a lot more complicated than she could ever have imagined.
I thoroughly enjoyed THE TRUST and I cannot wait for more from M.H. Eccleston.
February 27, 2022
One sentence review: A light-hearted murder mystery for chick-lit fans.
'The Trust' is a light-hearted murder mystery that is great for a casual read. Although it seemed to lack mystery, it was a fun book that crossed lines between genres.
If you are a die-hard murder mystery fan, you may find this book disappointing. The actual detective work and mystery are quite limited in this novel - it's more a chick-lit book about a woman finding herself after her husband's infidelity with a sprinkle of a detective plotline. The first quarter of the book was based on Astrid's back story, which seemed quite long-winded for a narrative that had very little to do with the rest of the story.
However, 'The Trust' was an enjoyable novel and is still worth a read. I recognise this is the first book in an upcoming series, and my hope is that now we have the introductions done the next book will focus more on the mystery side. The characters were all very fun and quirky - many of them were your typical stereotypes of people who live in the country. The narrative following a city girl moving to the country and the change in Astrid's character through the book was very well written.
Overall, I think this is a good first book for a series and I'm interested to see how Astrid's story develops. If it stuck to the mystery theme a little more I think I would have given it four stars, but I'm curious to see what Eccleston introduces in the next instalment.
'The Trust' is a light-hearted murder mystery that is great for a casual read. Although it seemed to lack mystery, it was a fun book that crossed lines between genres.
If you are a die-hard murder mystery fan, you may find this book disappointing. The actual detective work and mystery are quite limited in this novel - it's more a chick-lit book about a woman finding herself after her husband's infidelity with a sprinkle of a detective plotline. The first quarter of the book was based on Astrid's back story, which seemed quite long-winded for a narrative that had very little to do with the rest of the story.
However, 'The Trust' was an enjoyable novel and is still worth a read. I recognise this is the first book in an upcoming series, and my hope is that now we have the introductions done the next book will focus more on the mystery side. The characters were all very fun and quirky - many of them were your typical stereotypes of people who live in the country. The narrative following a city girl moving to the country and the change in Astrid's character through the book was very well written.
Overall, I think this is a good first book for a series and I'm interested to see how Astrid's story develops. If it stuck to the mystery theme a little more I think I would have given it four stars, but I'm curious to see what Eccleston introduces in the next instalment.
February 18, 2022
Whilst this story undoubtedly has the cosy mystery vibe. Astrid Swift doesn't immediately strike the reader as the quirky amateur sleuth persona essential in this type of mystery. A successful fine art restorer working in a high profile gallery., Astrid enjoys her life until a. chance discovery forces a rethink. Astrid finds herself in coastal Dorset, discovering the legacy left to her by her favourite uncle.
As she sheds her city glamour, a new Astrid emerges, and she is a charming blend of astute, funny and vulnerability. The people she meets are flawed but believable characters, and she soon realises these are people she can trust. Discovering a body turns her into an amateur sleuth determined to find the truth whatever the risk to her safety.
There is an excellent cast of suspects in a twisty plot with pleasing original touches. Astrid's emotional journey of self-realisation explores controlling relationships and gives the female protagonist positive character development.
The story has lots of humour, a sound mystery and a believable emotional quality that makes it engaging reading. I look forward to Astrid's next adventure.
I received a copy of this book from 'Head of Zeus - Aries Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
As she sheds her city glamour, a new Astrid emerges, and she is a charming blend of astute, funny and vulnerability. The people she meets are flawed but believable characters, and she soon realises these are people she can trust. Discovering a body turns her into an amateur sleuth determined to find the truth whatever the risk to her safety.
There is an excellent cast of suspects in a twisty plot with pleasing original touches. Astrid's emotional journey of self-realisation explores controlling relationships and gives the female protagonist positive character development.
The story has lots of humour, a sound mystery and a believable emotional quality that makes it engaging reading. I look forward to Astrid's next adventure.
I received a copy of this book from 'Head of Zeus - Aries Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 12, 2022
Konservatorn Astrid Swift flyttar från London till en liten by efter att ha fått ett oväntat arv. Snubblar över ett mord som hon försöker lösa.
Jag gillar inte att huvudpersonen är dryg och förutsätter saker som först senare förklaras. Det hade varit bättre om handlingen bara tuffade på. Nu är det typ: ”jag tror att min man är otrogen, bäst att jag säger upp mig och flyttar till landet” innan hon ens har hört ett ljud från honom som kanske förklarar saker.
Eller när det skett ett mord: ”bäst att jag börjar utreda det här själv, för lokalpolisen kommer ändå inte bry sig om det” och sen undanhåller bevis på att det är ett mord och inte en olycka.
Lite konstigt konstruerad story alltså - bakvänd på något vis. Annars helt okej, men inte det bästa jag läst i mysmord-genren.
Jag gillar inte att huvudpersonen är dryg och förutsätter saker som först senare förklaras. Det hade varit bättre om handlingen bara tuffade på. Nu är det typ: ”jag tror att min man är otrogen, bäst att jag säger upp mig och flyttar till landet” innan hon ens har hört ett ljud från honom som kanske förklarar saker.
Eller när det skett ett mord: ”bäst att jag börjar utreda det här själv, för lokalpolisen kommer ändå inte bry sig om det” och sen undanhåller bevis på att det är ett mord och inte en olycka.
Lite konstigt konstruerad story alltså - bakvänd på något vis. Annars helt okej, men inte det bästa jag läst i mysmord-genren.
December 17, 2023
Away from internet, and then stuff happens and I forget what I liked best about this book. Strong, or at least growing stronger, female leads the story as her life has taken some turns. Her best friend was busy stealing Astrid's husband who was portrayed efficiently as a wrong one. Astrid takes art conservation assignment where she solves some gnarly problems in analyzing a piece of art that may or may not be unfound Constable. She takes on a new life living on a boat from her uncle recently deceased. That should be enough to tempt you to read this satisfying tale introducing a smart and flexible young woman adjusting to life changes. Plenty of intrigue and action.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
September 8, 2022
This isn’t my usual type of book, but I think it would be popular with Agatha Raisin fans.
April 25, 2025
Cozy crime fro work
Astrid is cute and her husband is a piece of shit, I ride for Cobb
Astrid is cute and her husband is a piece of shit, I ride for Cobb
November 15, 2025
It‘s described on the cover as a cosy crime, which i would agree with. It was quite slow paced at times and i wouldn‘t say i was hooked, but it was nice after a long day to have something easy to read before bed.
February 13, 2022
An engaging and entertaining cosy mystery with a twist at the end. Often the phrase "unputdownable" is overused, but in this case for me it rang true, as I really couldn't put it down.
Will look forward to reading the next novel by this author when it comes out.
Will look forward to reading the next novel by this author when it comes out.
January 29, 2022
Astrid is an art conservator at the National Gallery, happily married to her husband for four years and looking forward to a romantic, relaxing vacation. Instead, she finds a bracelet in the shower that is not hers. She works with her cheating husband, so she quits her job, packs her bags and discovers that she has inherited some property from her uncle who she used to spend time with as a child all in 24 hours. She is fortunate to get a job at Sherborne Hall, to analyze the Sherborne art collection, but on her first day she discovers a body. Astrid is not the most likeable person, but she grows in character when she makes new friends, remembers happy days with her uncle, works on repairing his houseboat, and tries to solve a murder or two. The other characters are enjoyable to read as well. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2024
Неплохо, но нудновато
January 1, 2022
A gloriously funny and eccentric look at THE TRUST.
Astrid Kinser (nee Astrid Swift) considers herself to be happily married to the director of the National Gallery where she is a conservator – that is until she finds another woman’s chain in her shower! Her life in its present stable environment of a beautiful flat in London with the lifestyle of designer clothes, top restaurants and “friends” comes crashing down – but there is a glimmer of hope– solicitors in Dorset contact Astrid with the news that her that she has inherited her Uncle Henry’s property in Dorset.
Astrid, not normally impetuous, decides that she should take this unexpected opportunity to escape London and her marriage and arrives in Dorset to discover that the “property” is not the house she knew from her childhood but a houseboat in need of repair. Astrid finds the perfect job – restoring paintings at Sherborne Hall – one of the Trust’s newest acquisitions. She discovers that one of the paintings is an original John Constable painted by Constable's while on honeymoon in Dorset. A priceless painting. This discovery will also expose treachery and murder.
There are always reasons why I choose to read a book. Sometimes just the title will be enough for me to read – in this case two factors shouted for my attention: The Trust and the setting in Dorset. Two subjects I have knowledge of. I live in Dorset so wanted to ensure that M.H. Eccleston had captured the true essence of this incredibly unique area and people, and we have several Trust properties to explore. In other words, I was looking to be critical in my views – however – my fears vanished after reading just a few pages of this story. Astrid thinks she is “above” everyone as they lack the sophistication of London, and her attempts to run the murder investigations, based on her knowledge gained from reading books and watching TV programmes.
What a perfect book to start 2022. Murders most foul, set in and around the Jurassic Coast. I loved watching Astrid change from being a “frightfully sophisticated interloper” into one of the locals. What I especially loved was the humour that kept appearing amongst the serious subject of murder. And the bonus of art fraud – what more could I ask for?
Thank you M.H. Eccleston you helped me start 2022 on a high.
Astrid Kinser (nee Astrid Swift) considers herself to be happily married to the director of the National Gallery where she is a conservator – that is until she finds another woman’s chain in her shower! Her life in its present stable environment of a beautiful flat in London with the lifestyle of designer clothes, top restaurants and “friends” comes crashing down – but there is a glimmer of hope– solicitors in Dorset contact Astrid with the news that her that she has inherited her Uncle Henry’s property in Dorset.
Astrid, not normally impetuous, decides that she should take this unexpected opportunity to escape London and her marriage and arrives in Dorset to discover that the “property” is not the house she knew from her childhood but a houseboat in need of repair. Astrid finds the perfect job – restoring paintings at Sherborne Hall – one of the Trust’s newest acquisitions. She discovers that one of the paintings is an original John Constable painted by Constable's while on honeymoon in Dorset. A priceless painting. This discovery will also expose treachery and murder.
There are always reasons why I choose to read a book. Sometimes just the title will be enough for me to read – in this case two factors shouted for my attention: The Trust and the setting in Dorset. Two subjects I have knowledge of. I live in Dorset so wanted to ensure that M.H. Eccleston had captured the true essence of this incredibly unique area and people, and we have several Trust properties to explore. In other words, I was looking to be critical in my views – however – my fears vanished after reading just a few pages of this story. Astrid thinks she is “above” everyone as they lack the sophistication of London, and her attempts to run the murder investigations, based on her knowledge gained from reading books and watching TV programmes.
What a perfect book to start 2022. Murders most foul, set in and around the Jurassic Coast. I loved watching Astrid change from being a “frightfully sophisticated interloper” into one of the locals. What I especially loved was the humour that kept appearing amongst the serious subject of murder. And the bonus of art fraud – what more could I ask for?
Thank you M.H. Eccleston you helped me start 2022 on a high.
November 29, 2021
The Trust by M.H. Eccleston
‘It's like the mafia, but with scones’
First off I loved this book, it is a cosy mystery that’s a perfect spring time read.. I would recommend reading it on a crisp sunny spring day with a nice cup of tea..
Astrid is married to Simon (who we hate) and she discovers that Simon has been cheating on her with her best friend. Astrid takes a look at her life and realises that she does not have a lot keeping her in her swanky London life but a new opportunity has her inheriting a property from her late uncle in Dorset and a way out of her old life, the property turns out to be a boat (and not the big house that she remembers), realising that she needs a job, she applies for a job at the local National trust property as an art restorer for an upcoming showing.
On one of her first days Astrid finds the dead body of a local man, she uses her art restoring skills and takes evidence from the body and comes to the conclusion that the man was murdered and she decides to investigate after every one else says that it is an accidental death.
The National Trust is portrayed as any business really, all politics and intrigue behind the façade of a English State House.
Astrid comes to Dorset on her own but picks up people and creates a motely crew of friends who all become very loyal to Astrid and want to help her investigate the murder with her, Harold is my favourite..
I feel Astrid was drifting in her old life and finding out about the affair is a cataclysmic event in Astrid’s boringly perfect life (perfect job, house, husband, friends, clothes etc) that opens her eyes to who she has become and who she wanted to be.. and going to Dorset for what she thinks will be a temporary period is what makes Astrid really happy and provides her with the unperfect life that she needs.
I liked Astrid, she did not crumble, she just picked herself up and carried on.
The mystery is solid and plausible and the killer and motive were masked until the end and so it kept you going till the end.. I loved that there was a hint on romance on the horizon with Cobb, the boat restorer who Astrid clashes with when she first meets him, its not a full romance but give it time and it could be, Astrid is not rushing in.. just enjoying being herself..
This is the first book by this author and I hope she revisits Astrid and her gang of friends from the National Trust – a sequel maybe but I will be keeping an eye anyway for any more books this author writes. It was an enjoyable mystery book and I really enjoyed it. More please!!!
#Mystery #Contempary #English #Netgally
December 28, 2021
An easy-to-read, thoroughly enjoyable cosy set in a part of the country that I'm *actually* acquainted with (if by acquainted, one means 'can find the area on a local map'). Regardless, I could look it up and sort of figure out the area being described. This is as close to home as I've ever read about, so that was pretty neat!
Astrid Swift finds herself travelling to Dorset, having inherited some property from her uncle and leaving her philandering, controlling husband, Simon; her betrayal doubled by discovering that the woman he was seeing was her best friend. Leaving them both behind, she arrives at her new abode to find it's an old, leaky boat, rather than the cosy cottage she had pictured in her head. Her new job at the English Trust manor nearby isn't quite what she imagined either - especially because she finds a body on her first day! With everyone else brushing it off as an accident, and the police unwilling to investigate, Astrid finds herself wondering about it and decides to see what she can do to figure it out.
A waitress named Kath, who runs the beach hut cafe (closing it at will), becomes her unlikely friend, ally and confidante. A new love interest named Cobb, a grumpy boatwright who intrigues her despite herself, and a variety of other characters round out the story. The mystery is good and well-written and the story moves along smoothly.
My only niggle is the fact that Astrid doesn't seem to have any real feelings about anything; she's walked out on a five-year marriage only a few days before and is brushing up against a love interest within a week, and seems to get over it all very quickly and easily. I also found the first 2/3 of the book better than the last 1/3, but can't quite put my finger on why. It felt a bit rushed, perhaps, and a bit too neat and tidy.
Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the second in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Astrid Swift finds herself travelling to Dorset, having inherited some property from her uncle and leaving her philandering, controlling husband, Simon; her betrayal doubled by discovering that the woman he was seeing was her best friend. Leaving them both behind, she arrives at her new abode to find it's an old, leaky boat, rather than the cosy cottage she had pictured in her head. Her new job at the English Trust manor nearby isn't quite what she imagined either - especially because she finds a body on her first day! With everyone else brushing it off as an accident, and the police unwilling to investigate, Astrid finds herself wondering about it and decides to see what she can do to figure it out.
A waitress named Kath, who runs the beach hut cafe (closing it at will), becomes her unlikely friend, ally and confidante. A new love interest named Cobb, a grumpy boatwright who intrigues her despite herself, and a variety of other characters round out the story. The mystery is good and well-written and the story moves along smoothly.
My only niggle is the fact that Astrid doesn't seem to have any real feelings about anything; she's walked out on a five-year marriage only a few days before and is brushing up against a love interest within a week, and seems to get over it all very quickly and easily. I also found the first 2/3 of the book better than the last 1/3, but can't quite put my finger on why. It felt a bit rushed, perhaps, and a bit too neat and tidy.
Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the second in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are strictly my own.
January 16, 2022
This book caught my interest purely on the name of Astrid Swift. Classic name. But this is so much more than a name and features all the perfect components for a cosy crime read. Actually, this is better than a stereotypical cosy crime as these characters have more depth and feel much more relatable and real.
Astrid is piecing together all the clues left to her by Uncle Henry. The characters in the village remind me of my Cornish home village where Londoners are posh and snobby unwanted visitors and the locals have known everything about each other for decades. True to life, yet added for good humour. This is very witty and has some excellent one liners throughout.
I love Astrid's job and how art comes into play here. I liked how the author used her profession to become the amateur detective.
Lots of suspicious characters and sprinkled with some great ones too. Kath is utterly brilliant. The volunteers make for particularly endearing reading.
Fun, classic, surprising.
Astrid is piecing together all the clues left to her by Uncle Henry. The characters in the village remind me of my Cornish home village where Londoners are posh and snobby unwanted visitors and the locals have known everything about each other for decades. True to life, yet added for good humour. This is very witty and has some excellent one liners throughout.
I love Astrid's job and how art comes into play here. I liked how the author used her profession to become the amateur detective.
Lots of suspicious characters and sprinkled with some great ones too. Kath is utterly brilliant. The volunteers make for particularly endearing reading.
Fun, classic, surprising.
September 4, 2024
I was recommended this book by a friend who suggested it as a good intro to the crime genre and honestly that’s the only reason I didn’t dnf this book. Every bit of “evidence” has no logical basis and we only know it’s involved because the mc says so and the jumps she makes are ludicrous. Everything in this book felt so contrived and rushed and so in need of more fleshing out. It felt like the author wanted to tell three different stories at once and couldn’t decide so just did a half-baked version of all three. Add on the fact that the MC is just plain infuriating. At least at the beginning when she’s meant to be kind of annoying she had something interesting about her but throughout the book as she supposedly “softens” she just becomes bland with none of the legitimate “feistiness” I was promised by the back of the book, it was all so surface level.
Have never written such a long or scathing review before but honestly just had to let it all out for this one.
Have never written such a long or scathing review before but honestly just had to let it all out for this one.
February 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a well-written, entertaining, and cosy murder mystery that is easy to read, and will have you laughing out loud in places. The plot is (sort of) plausible and the main characters are lovable. I wasn’t too keen on the heroine, Astrid, to begin with but I changed my mind as the story developed and I was really rooting for her by the end. My favourite person in the story was Kath. Who wouldn’t want a friend like her?! The only thing I didn’t understand was why the boat’s name suddenly changed in the epilogue? I would recommend this book to anyone who has read The Thursday Murder Club (one of my favourite books of 2021), and am looking forward to reading more of Astrid’s adventures in the second book of this series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.
September 21, 2022
This is a good, solid mystery series with a likable MC, some really great side characters, and even a cute dog. And even though I knew who the ‘bad guy’ was from about halfway through the novel, I still enjoyed the trip to the end. It was a nice time during some really rainy, thundery days, curled up with some tea.
Ruth Redman is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel. I’d not run across her narration work before, but I’m glad I now have. She is very talented at all the different accents across England, and tackled this largish cast with ease, all by herself. I hope that the publisher, W. F. Howes Ltd., continues to use her services in the future - and other audiobook publishers as well.
4 stars, and recommended.
Ruth Redman is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel. I’d not run across her narration work before, but I’m glad I now have. She is very talented at all the different accents across England, and tackled this largish cast with ease, all by herself. I hope that the publisher, W. F. Howes Ltd., continues to use her services in the future - and other audiobook publishers as well.
4 stars, and recommended.
December 3, 2021
As far as you ca,n call a murder mystery light hearted, this is one. A fun cozy murder mystery. Astrid finds out that her husband has been cheating on her with her best friend and that sets the ball rolling on a voyage of discovery. Astrid finds that her Uncle Henry has died and left her everything in his will. She finds a new job, new friends and settles down to rebuild - and then the husband turns up. Oh dear.
Laugh out loud funny at times.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher |I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
Laugh out loud funny at times.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher |I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
Read
September 5, 2022DNF at 39%. Snooze. Though the audio reader is good.
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