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Epitaph
An English pensioner and PI is drawn into a baffling case that strikes close to home in this cozy mystery by the author of the Kat and Mouse series.
Doris Lester has taken a well-deserved break from work. She's planned a holiday with her best friend Wendy on a journey across the Yorkshire and Derbyshire Dales. But before they depart, a letter arrives that stirs up trouble and memories of the past. Soon Doris and Wendy are drawn into the mystery surrounding a troubled family, a missing person and gruesome murder.
When Doris and Wendy join the investigation, intriguing revelations about Doris's life come to the surface, which shock even those closest to her. Step by step they uncover secrets that could tear a family even further apart. Can Wendy and Doris solve the mystery? And if they do, will their lives ever be the same again?
Doris Lester has taken a well-deserved break from work. She's planned a holiday with her best friend Wendy on a journey across the Yorkshire and Derbyshire Dales. But before they depart, a letter arrives that stirs up trouble and memories of the past. Soon Doris and Wendy are drawn into the mystery surrounding a troubled family, a missing person and gruesome murder.
When Doris and Wendy join the investigation, intriguing revelations about Doris's life come to the surface, which shock even those closest to her. Step by step they uncover secrets that could tear a family even further apart. Can Wendy and Doris solve the mystery? And if they do, will their lives ever be the same again?
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2020
146 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Anita Waller
48 books470 followersI live in Sheffield, UK. I am retired and have recently fulfilled my lifelong ambition of becoming a published author with Bloodhound Books.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 12, 2020
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
EPITAPH by Anita Waller is mix of cozy mystery and British police procedural that is perfectly blended and I could not put it down. This story features pensioner and P.I. Doris Lester from the Kat and Mouse Mystery series and while it is an offshoot of the series and can be read as a standalone, I was happy I already had background and a love of this main character from the series.
P.I. Doris Lester and her best friend of 40 years, Wendy Lucas are beginning a long-deserved vacation travelling throughout England visiting the graves of historically famous people. After only the very first outing of their trip, Doris tells Wendy about a disturbing letter she received. The letter is from a woman claiming to be the daughter of her husband, who has been dead for fifteen years. Wendy knows her friend well and they delay their trip and detour to meet this woman.
Doris and Wendy discover not one, but two unknown daughters. Doris becomes involved in the sisters’ families, when one goes missing and her almost sister-in-law is discovered dead. Secrets, lies and infidelities lead to another murder. When the authorities become involved, Doris once again finds herself connecting with local law enforcement, but she and Wendy are also following the clues and are one step ahead.
I love Doris so much! She is seventy, a black belt, a P.I., an IT wiz, has a past she cannot tell you about or she will have to kill you and a loving grandmother. In this book we also get to see what a close friend she has in Wendy. Even with such a small cast of characters, Ms. Waller skillfully keeps the reader guessing with plot twists and red herrings. This mystery has a steady pace as it intertwines Doris and Wendy’s investigation with the police investigation up until the climatic resolution.
I highly recommend this book and all of Ms. Waller’s books. She never disappoints.
EPITAPH by Anita Waller is mix of cozy mystery and British police procedural that is perfectly blended and I could not put it down. This story features pensioner and P.I. Doris Lester from the Kat and Mouse Mystery series and while it is an offshoot of the series and can be read as a standalone, I was happy I already had background and a love of this main character from the series.
P.I. Doris Lester and her best friend of 40 years, Wendy Lucas are beginning a long-deserved vacation travelling throughout England visiting the graves of historically famous people. After only the very first outing of their trip, Doris tells Wendy about a disturbing letter she received. The letter is from a woman claiming to be the daughter of her husband, who has been dead for fifteen years. Wendy knows her friend well and they delay their trip and detour to meet this woman.
Doris and Wendy discover not one, but two unknown daughters. Doris becomes involved in the sisters’ families, when one goes missing and her almost sister-in-law is discovered dead. Secrets, lies and infidelities lead to another murder. When the authorities become involved, Doris once again finds herself connecting with local law enforcement, but she and Wendy are also following the clues and are one step ahead.
I love Doris so much! She is seventy, a black belt, a P.I., an IT wiz, has a past she cannot tell you about or she will have to kill you and a loving grandmother. In this book we also get to see what a close friend she has in Wendy. Even with such a small cast of characters, Ms. Waller skillfully keeps the reader guessing with plot twists and red herrings. This mystery has a steady pace as it intertwines Doris and Wendy’s investigation with the police investigation up until the climatic resolution.
I highly recommend this book and all of Ms. Waller’s books. She never disappoints.
May 18, 2021
This is my first book by this author.
Why did I choose it?
The cover.
I absolutely love this cover and I hope that it will not change with time, like so many others.
Now about this book.
The concept is very good.
I enjoyed the writing, the slow pacing, the good chitchats, some humorous dialogues and nice characters.
It’s very clever and well constructed.
There is a missing person and a dead body.
Isn’t that enough to make it exciting?
It should, but the whole development is too cozy.
I never thought that I would be missing some “f” words said with conviction (well, there was one “where the f is my wife, bitch?”) or some gory scenes.
I wanted to be shocked by family secrets. Infidelity is far from shocking.
For a murder mystery this was “too gentle”.
Is this what they call “cozy mystery”? If so, then it’s my first experience.
Although I was disappointed, I’m still looking forward to reading her other books (purchased way before this one).
But, again, it seems that I’m in the minority, as there are plenty of 5 stars.
Well, I really wanted to love this book.
PS. I was told not to start with this one, as the others are a lot better, but it was too late.
Why did I choose it?
The cover.
I absolutely love this cover and I hope that it will not change with time, like so many others.
Now about this book.
The concept is very good.
I enjoyed the writing, the slow pacing, the good chitchats, some humorous dialogues and nice characters.
It’s very clever and well constructed.
There is a missing person and a dead body.
Isn’t that enough to make it exciting?
It should, but the whole development is too cozy.
I never thought that I would be missing some “f” words said with conviction (well, there was one “where the f is my wife, bitch?”) or some gory scenes.
I wanted to be shocked by family secrets. Infidelity is far from shocking.
For a murder mystery this was “too gentle”.
Is this what they call “cozy mystery”? If so, then it’s my first experience.
Although I was disappointed, I’m still looking forward to reading her other books (purchased way before this one).
But, again, it seems that I’m in the minority, as there are plenty of 5 stars.
Well, I really wanted to love this book.
PS. I was told not to start with this one, as the others are a lot better, but it was too late.
August 12, 2020
PI Doris Lester and her friend Wendy have planned a unique well-deserved vacation. They will be visiting graves sites of famous people.
But before they start, Doris receives a letter from a woman she has never heard of. What the letter states is that the sender is the daughter of Doris' husband ... only he's been dead for 15 years. Doris doesn't have happy memories of her marriage, she always knew he had cheated on her, she just didn't know long it had been going on. Much to her surprise, she finds that there was a second daughter...also fathered by her husband.
A distressed family, a missing person, and a horrifying murder have Doris and Wendy working alongside the police investigation. What Doris learns about her past, as well as her present, will change her life forever.
As someone of comparable age with Doris and Wendy, I found them skillfully drawn. There is much humor, loving friendship, and I loved how the author portrayed these 70-somethings as real people who still have a lot of living to do. The mystery is well paced, steady, with twists and turns that lead to an unexpected ending.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction/cozy. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
But before they start, Doris receives a letter from a woman she has never heard of. What the letter states is that the sender is the daughter of Doris' husband ... only he's been dead for 15 years. Doris doesn't have happy memories of her marriage, she always knew he had cheated on her, she just didn't know long it had been going on. Much to her surprise, she finds that there was a second daughter...also fathered by her husband.
A distressed family, a missing person, and a horrifying murder have Doris and Wendy working alongside the police investigation. What Doris learns about her past, as well as her present, will change her life forever.
As someone of comparable age with Doris and Wendy, I found them skillfully drawn. There is much humor, loving friendship, and I loved how the author portrayed these 70-somethings as real people who still have a lot of living to do. The mystery is well paced, steady, with twists and turns that lead to an unexpected ending.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction/cozy. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 1, 2020
This book has everything I love in a book - humour, friendship and a bit of murder!
Doris and her friend Wendy decide to take a little holiday and visit some famous graves on their travels.
They don’t get very far as Doris finds out some unsettling news about her late husband and it means a bit of a detour for them.
Soon they’re made aware of a woman being murdered and another one missing, so Doris is asked to help.
Wendy is a close friend and her contacts come in handy during the off the books investigation.
I loved the friendship between the two women and could just imagine them having cups of tea and putting the world to rights.
A great mystery thriller that I can highly recommend.
Thanks to Anita Waller for sending me a copy of the book to read and review.
Doris and her friend Wendy decide to take a little holiday and visit some famous graves on their travels.
They don’t get very far as Doris finds out some unsettling news about her late husband and it means a bit of a detour for them.
Soon they’re made aware of a woman being murdered and another one missing, so Doris is asked to help.
Wendy is a close friend and her contacts come in handy during the off the books investigation.
I loved the friendship between the two women and could just imagine them having cups of tea and putting the world to rights.
A great mystery thriller that I can highly recommend.
Thanks to Anita Waller for sending me a copy of the book to read and review.
July 25, 2020
I am a firm follower of Anita Waller and have read all her books, this is another brilliant read which held my interest all the way until the very end.
I was on the edge of my seat throughout, extremely well written and all the characters are well developed and I felt I knew them all although I did have a bit of an inkling of how it would end.
I can thoroughly recommend this book and a worthy five stars from me, well done once again Anita.
I was on the edge of my seat throughout, extremely well written and all the characters are well developed and I felt I knew them all although I did have a bit of an inkling of how it would end.
I can thoroughly recommend this book and a worthy five stars from me, well done once again Anita.
August 16, 2020
Doris Lester. A force to be reckoned with and a much loved character in Waller's Kat and Mouse series. Here in Epitaph she has the leading role and we find out about some aspects of her life prior to her becoming a PI.
After receiving a letter addressed to her late husband, secrets begin to unravel as Doris, supported by her friend Wendy, learn that her husband wasn't the person she thought he was. Things quickly escalate as the two women begin an investigation into a young woman's murder.
For anyone who loves the crime genre, but needs to swap grisly crime scenes for something with some humour, this is the book for you need. Doris and Wendy, both in their 70's could put many people half their age to shame with their determination and hard work. These two ladies make a great pairing had me laughing a number of times.
I really enjoyed this book and getting to know Doris better. Waller has written her character so well, it's like reading a real person's account of events. And please, as I'm sure other readers will be thinking - give Doris a long ball mashing and happy life!
After receiving a letter addressed to her late husband, secrets begin to unravel as Doris, supported by her friend Wendy, learn that her husband wasn't the person she thought he was. Things quickly escalate as the two women begin an investigation into a young woman's murder.
For anyone who loves the crime genre, but needs to swap grisly crime scenes for something with some humour, this is the book for you need. Doris and Wendy, both in their 70's could put many people half their age to shame with their determination and hard work. These two ladies make a great pairing had me laughing a number of times.
I really enjoyed this book and getting to know Doris better. Waller has written her character so well, it's like reading a real person's account of events. And please, as I'm sure other readers will be thinking - give Doris a long ball mashing and happy life!
August 6, 2020
Oh my I enjoyed this way too much. It was like Miss Marple and Vera on a road trip ! Even though this was a crime story which was really well done by the way, I laughed a lot. The characters were amazing. I fell in love with Doris and Wendy. I had some tears in the end, you will see why . 5 shiny stars from me and now I need the rest of the Kat and Mouse series 📚❤
August 12, 2020
This is a lighter read than I'm used to from Anita Waller but, on discovering that it leads on from an earlier series, I'm adding them all to my wish list!
Doris Lester and her friend Wendy Lucas are embarking on a different kind of holiday but, as luck would have it, things arise which make them cut it short. The arrival of a letter before they depart means a slight detour and before they know it, they are on a busman's holiday, investigating a murder. Don't be fooled that Doris is like any other seventy year old woman; with the highest credentials she is a private investigator with the complete ability to take care of herself in even the most trying of situations!
This book has it all: a gripping mystery, great characters, humour generously sprinkled throughout and, of course, a pet in the form of Belle, the cat. With each character beautifully rounded, I'm torn between Doris and Megan as my favourite! I would never have guessed the culprit, but I had fun trying. The mystery itself is intricate and as the dead bodies mounted up I was no closer to knowing who was guilty or not - I suspected just about everyone at some point or another and it was still a surprise to find out at the end. A smashing read, thoroughly enjoyed and as an introduction to the Kat and Mouse series, one I'm so glad I read - can't wait to fit all the preceding books into my list! A full five sparkling stars, and worth every single one of them.
Doris Lester and her friend Wendy Lucas are embarking on a different kind of holiday but, as luck would have it, things arise which make them cut it short. The arrival of a letter before they depart means a slight detour and before they know it, they are on a busman's holiday, investigating a murder. Don't be fooled that Doris is like any other seventy year old woman; with the highest credentials she is a private investigator with the complete ability to take care of herself in even the most trying of situations!
This book has it all: a gripping mystery, great characters, humour generously sprinkled throughout and, of course, a pet in the form of Belle, the cat. With each character beautifully rounded, I'm torn between Doris and Megan as my favourite! I would never have guessed the culprit, but I had fun trying. The mystery itself is intricate and as the dead bodies mounted up I was no closer to knowing who was guilty or not - I suspected just about everyone at some point or another and it was still a surprise to find out at the end. A smashing read, thoroughly enjoyed and as an introduction to the Kat and Mouse series, one I'm so glad I read - can't wait to fit all the preceding books into my list! A full five sparkling stars, and worth every single one of them.
August 6, 2020
I really, really enjoyed this, and it has really likeable characters; especially Doris and Wendy; who are like the female versions of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson.
Their relationship is brilliant and this makes for a brilliant, easy read. But for an easy read, the story really draws you in, and will keep you hooked right up until the very end.
It all starts when Doris receives a letter from Rosie. Rosie is the result of an affair that her late husband had, and although Doris knew of the affair, she knew nothing about him having had any children with the other woman.
In the letter Rosie is requesting to meet up with her father, but unbeknown to Rosie he has passed away some fifteen years earlier.
So when Doris and Wendy go off on their holiday road trip, Doris makes the decision to go and visit her. Partly out of curiosity, but to also let Rosie know of her fathers passing, rather than telling her over the phone.
This simple act involves them in what is initially a missing person’s case when Rosie’s sister, Shirley disappears; but this is a family with secrets; and as each secret unravels and is exposed, the loyalties of each of the characters are truly tested.
Doris very quickly becomes very involved with her “new family” and does what she can to help. But the body count is rising, and due to her past occupations Doris finds herself liaising with the police
But who is responsible!
Their relationship is brilliant and this makes for a brilliant, easy read. But for an easy read, the story really draws you in, and will keep you hooked right up until the very end.
It all starts when Doris receives a letter from Rosie. Rosie is the result of an affair that her late husband had, and although Doris knew of the affair, she knew nothing about him having had any children with the other woman.
In the letter Rosie is requesting to meet up with her father, but unbeknown to Rosie he has passed away some fifteen years earlier.
So when Doris and Wendy go off on their holiday road trip, Doris makes the decision to go and visit her. Partly out of curiosity, but to also let Rosie know of her fathers passing, rather than telling her over the phone.
This simple act involves them in what is initially a missing person’s case when Rosie’s sister, Shirley disappears; but this is a family with secrets; and as each secret unravels and is exposed, the loyalties of each of the characters are truly tested.
Doris very quickly becomes very involved with her “new family” and does what she can to help. But the body count is rising, and due to her past occupations Doris finds herself liaising with the police
But who is responsible!
August 12, 2020
Doris and her friend, Wendy plan on having a holiday going to find celebrity graves. There plans for awry and they end up going back to Doris’ house instead and it’s not long before they are involved in a disappearance and a murder case!
This is an enjoyable and easy read which didn’t take me long to read as I couldn’t put it down. It’s great to have Doris in her own story. Some interesting characters and vivid descriptions of scenery make it a great read.
This is an enjoyable and easy read which didn’t take me long to read as I couldn’t put it down. It’s great to have Doris in her own story. Some interesting characters and vivid descriptions of scenery make it a great read.
August 12, 2020
There is a quote from DS Harriet Jameson talking about Doris in the book, where she says “Dear Gods, I so want to be this woman” - that is just perfect. Doris has become such a well-loved character both in and out of these stories that I think secretly we ALL want to be that woman!! Although Kat and Mouse are wonderful characters, I have always thought that as soon as Doris made an appearance in this series, she truly stole the show! After four fantastic stories featuring the whole team, Doris now has an adventure all to herself. She and Wendy Lucas, her close friend of over forty years, have been planning a holiday together for a while, in fact it will be the first one for Doris in six years! She is hoping for quiet adventures and the answer to a problem. They will tour across the Yorkshire and Derbyshire Dales, and their research into the graves of the famous dead people they hope to visit has been meticulous, producing a file full of documents and a plan to fill a big fat journal each with photos and notes. Their first stop, however, is at the grave of Harry, Doris’ late husband who died years ago. Intriguingly, instead of being sad or mournful, she appears to want rid of his memory forever! The pair move swiftly on to their first famous resting place and it starts to look like this holiday will be a great success. Famous last words!! Doris reveals secrets about her past personal life to Wendy, including some new facts that she has recently discovered. This leads them onto meeting Rosie Steer and Shirley Ledger, proving exceptionally handy for Rosie and her family when shortly afterwards there is a murder close to home and someone goes missing. Their holiday put on the back burner, Doris and Wendy step up to the mark and get immersed in “helping” DCI Grace Stamford and DS Jameson, another pair of very likeable detectives who make a great team to compliment the pairing of Tessa and Hannah at Eyam. There are many secrets to be dragged out of some very unhappy people, and Doris’ high kicks and her nose for finding things out, coupled with Wendy’s contacts, lead to a strange and satisfying outcome. There are shocks and twists along the way though (the suspense was killing me in places), and an ending that still had the ability to knock me for six. It’s great, finally, to get more of an insight as to what made Doris the lady she is today, or at least as much as The Official Secrets Act will allow anyway. Wendy is such a lovely friend for her – clearly they know each other well and bounce off each other with witty and very caring conversation that demonstrates how well they get along. The author has a great talent for injecting a wonderful sense of humour into the proceedings. I quite often find myself chuckling away as I am reading the dialogue between all the characters. The book also features a lovely tribute to a lady called Enid Hill – from what is written I think she would have loved being featured in this story. Epitaph is such a fitting title for the book in many ways. So….Go Team Doris!! Anita Waller, you have created one of my all time favourite characters and thank you so much for sharing her with the rest of us. I adored this book as I know so many others will too. Unmissable!! 5*
September 15, 2020
Captivating!!!
This is a new author for me but I thoroughly enjoyed the story!. When I read the description with "two old ladies" in it ,I thought it would be an easy read and nothing special but how was I do wrong!!!. I'll definitely be reading some more books Thayer for sure!!.
I also have to include this comment only because it's rare and makes you see what sort of special person the author is..... I'n the " thanks " section,the usual people were thanked but also thanked and named were her best and ARC readers of which I am for a few authors..I was shocked but also pleased that this lady was grateful enough to thank these people by name!!!! What a touching thing to do....
This is a new author for me but I thoroughly enjoyed the story!. When I read the description with "two old ladies" in it ,I thought it would be an easy read and nothing special but how was I do wrong!!!. I'll definitely be reading some more books Thayer for sure!!.
I also have to include this comment only because it's rare and makes you see what sort of special person the author is..... I'n the " thanks " section,the usual people were thanked but also thanked and named were her best and ARC readers of which I am for a few authors..I was shocked but also pleased that this lady was grateful enough to thank these people by name!!!! What a touching thing to do....
October 4, 2020
Another fabulous book by this wonderful author.
Doris gets her own outing and of course death and mayhem ensues. I wish there was more of this kick arse pensioner because she is absolutely one of my favourite characters in fiction.
Doris gets her own outing and of course death and mayhem ensues. I wish there was more of this kick arse pensioner because she is absolutely one of my favourite characters in fiction.
April 30, 2021
Anita Waller
A gentle amble through a families complicated relationships finds two 70plus ladies helping the police solve the murder of three family members
I want this lady to write my epitaph
A gentle amble through a families complicated relationships finds two 70plus ladies helping the police solve the murder of three family members
I want this lady to write my epitaph
August 7, 2020
Doris Lester, have you heard of her? Well if not you need to read Epitaph which is a lovely introduction to this wonderful feisty older lady (please don’t tell her I said that).
Doris and her friend Wendy are going away on holiday, well visiting cemeteries to see where the famous and infamous dead are buried. They are looking forward to spending some quality time together, staying in nice hotels, eating and maybe a little bit of drinking….. Well, that is the plan, until Doris drops a bombshell and their nice relaxing holiday turns into a mission to find out just exactly what Harry, Doris’ late husband, has left behind.
There are different threads running through this story. One being the heart-warming friendship between Doris and Wendy. I loved listening to (because I did feel as though I was hearing not reading) the quirky conversations between Doris and Wendy. But it is the murder strand that grabbed my attention and also created a knot that I could not untangle! The author may drop hints and throw a few twists out there, but these are only to mislead her readers, because it is only when Mrs Waller is ready, that she will reveal the culprit. She fools me every time!
I have to say that Anita is not your normal run of the mill writer, she does not have a template, she just writes from the heart, or should that be she murders from the heart! No character is safe, no matter how lovely I think they are, she will take them down without a moment’s thought using that evil pen of hers! And it is this style of writing that makes not only this book, but all of her books, a joy to read.
I don’t know she does it, but no sooner had I picked this book up it felt like 5 minutes later I had reached “The End”. It is like she hypnotises me and draws me into a world where time does not exist!
Doris and her friend Wendy are going away on holiday, well visiting cemeteries to see where the famous and infamous dead are buried. They are looking forward to spending some quality time together, staying in nice hotels, eating and maybe a little bit of drinking….. Well, that is the plan, until Doris drops a bombshell and their nice relaxing holiday turns into a mission to find out just exactly what Harry, Doris’ late husband, has left behind.
There are different threads running through this story. One being the heart-warming friendship between Doris and Wendy. I loved listening to (because I did feel as though I was hearing not reading) the quirky conversations between Doris and Wendy. But it is the murder strand that grabbed my attention and also created a knot that I could not untangle! The author may drop hints and throw a few twists out there, but these are only to mislead her readers, because it is only when Mrs Waller is ready, that she will reveal the culprit. She fools me every time!
I have to say that Anita is not your normal run of the mill writer, she does not have a template, she just writes from the heart, or should that be she murders from the heart! No character is safe, no matter how lovely I think they are, she will take them down without a moment’s thought using that evil pen of hers! And it is this style of writing that makes not only this book, but all of her books, a joy to read.
I don’t know she does it, but no sooner had I picked this book up it felt like 5 minutes later I had reached “The End”. It is like she hypnotises me and draws me into a world where time does not exist!
August 11, 2020
Just love Anita’s books! Doris and her friend Wendy are off on their holidays. Being spritely over seventies they are off around a tour of celebrity graves, not everyone's choice but certainly “a thing”. Just before they leave Doris receives a letter which puts her world slightly out of orbit and to settle her mind she asks her friend if they can do a slight detour whilst away. One thing leads to another and soon there is a murder and a missing woman to investigate. This is a standalone book but does have characters from the Kat and Mouse series in it- Doris is one of the investigators in the agency Connections run by Kat and Mouse. Doris has found a new family of sorts and soon finds things are rather amiss. Her investigative nose and Wendy’s talent for being Miss Marple are put to use in this wonderful story . I love Doris, she is someone you would want to know and have in your corner- an extraordinary woman. This left me with a smile and a tear (I won’t spoil anything) and a hope. A hope that there will be many more books like this as they are so very enjoyable. Thank you Anita for a truly wonderful read.
August 9, 2020
If you are a fan of Anita’s Kat and Mouse series you will already be aware of the feisty Doris. This book covers Doris’ holiday, which includes a missing woman and a few bodies !!
Doris and her best friend Wendy are off on their holidays, to visit the graves of famous people around the country. However, their holiday doesn’t go according to plan when Doris discovers a secret which changed everything.
Soon the two best friends are asked to help find a missing woman, Shirley. Her sister, Rosie, is worried that something has happened to her especially when a woman’s body is discovered. But the woman isn’t Shirley, although could the two be connected ?
Doris and Wendy have a brilliant friendship that shines through the pages and Anita has a way of making you feel as though you are sitting around the table with them. If you loved the Kat & Mouse series you will love this and if not you need to read them too !! This is a great book that has a bit of everything, friendship, love, deceit, humour, secrets, death and so much more.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a digital copy of this book.
Doris and her best friend Wendy are off on their holidays, to visit the graves of famous people around the country. However, their holiday doesn’t go according to plan when Doris discovers a secret which changed everything.
Soon the two best friends are asked to help find a missing woman, Shirley. Her sister, Rosie, is worried that something has happened to her especially when a woman’s body is discovered. But the woman isn’t Shirley, although could the two be connected ?
Doris and Wendy have a brilliant friendship that shines through the pages and Anita has a way of making you feel as though you are sitting around the table with them. If you loved the Kat & Mouse series you will love this and if not you need to read them too !! This is a great book that has a bit of everything, friendship, love, deceit, humour, secrets, death and so much more.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for a digital copy of this book.
August 12, 2020
This is my second book by this author. I enjoyed it just as much as the first one if not more. This is a mystery-suspenseful story that is fast paced and kept me turning pages to the end. This is a well written story that has characters that made the story pop for me. The characters made the story easy to read and I had no issues connecting with them. This is a story about Wendy and Doris. They find themselves in the middle of an investigation of a missing person and a nasty murder. As they uncover family secrets will they ever be the same again? I really enjoyed this book and it made a great afternoon read. Strong characters that bring the twists and turns that left me sitting on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this book.
August 7, 2020
With the release of Epitaph, author Anita Waller’s latest murder mystery, it’s gotten to the point where it’s no longer necessary to sample any of her books before making a decision to purchase.
If Anita Waller wrote it, the story is bound to be worth reading. Simple as that.
Epitaph is another Waller tale filled with twists, turns, and secrets, and an ending you’ll not likely see coming.
In a nutshell, Epitaph is focused on two women friends -- including sleuth Doris Lester from previous Waller books -- about to depart on holiday. That’s when a letter arrives, and its contents cause plenty of anxiety, unveiling news about Doris’ late husband.
Epitaph is a classic who-dunnit, and readers will undoubtedly enjoy following along as the two friends attempt to solve the mysteries and murder.
Readers familiar with Waller’s internationally acclaimed Kat and Mouse series may well be please to again learn Doris is back. But no fear, Epitaph can be read as a standalone.
Waller is the author of more than a dozen books, including 34 Days, Angel, Malignant, Beautiful, and Gamble.
If Anita Waller wrote it, the story is bound to be worth reading. Simple as that.
Epitaph is another Waller tale filled with twists, turns, and secrets, and an ending you’ll not likely see coming.
In a nutshell, Epitaph is focused on two women friends -- including sleuth Doris Lester from previous Waller books -- about to depart on holiday. That’s when a letter arrives, and its contents cause plenty of anxiety, unveiling news about Doris’ late husband.
Epitaph is a classic who-dunnit, and readers will undoubtedly enjoy following along as the two friends attempt to solve the mysteries and murder.
Readers familiar with Waller’s internationally acclaimed Kat and Mouse series may well be please to again learn Doris is back. But no fear, Epitaph can be read as a standalone.
Waller is the author of more than a dozen books, including 34 Days, Angel, Malignant, Beautiful, and Gamble.
August 3, 2020
A spin off from Anita Waller’s Cat and Mouse series this is a stand-alone book about Doris, a partner in Connections, a detective agency in the series, and her friend Mary.
The two ladies decide to go on holiday to see graves of famous people.
But, Doris has received a letter addressed to her dead husband. It appears that he has a daughter, Rosie, who wants to meet him, following her mother’s death. Doris is shocked to find that her husband was unfaithful and had a child but she doesn’t want to write back so decides to visit her husband’s daughter to explain that he is dead.
After visiting two graves Doris and Mary make their way to visit Rosie. And so it begins. As the bodies mount up Doris and Mary put on their detective hats and investigate, alongside the local police.
As with all Anita Waller’s mysteries it is so hard to guess ‘who dun it’. She keeps you guessing until the end. And this is no different. I kept changing my mind about the murderer.
Well written and unputdownable. Just another lovely book, not full of gore and bad language, just a really good mystery. Five stars from me
The two ladies decide to go on holiday to see graves of famous people.
But, Doris has received a letter addressed to her dead husband. It appears that he has a daughter, Rosie, who wants to meet him, following her mother’s death. Doris is shocked to find that her husband was unfaithful and had a child but she doesn’t want to write back so decides to visit her husband’s daughter to explain that he is dead.
After visiting two graves Doris and Mary make their way to visit Rosie. And so it begins. As the bodies mount up Doris and Mary put on their detective hats and investigate, alongside the local police.
As with all Anita Waller’s mysteries it is so hard to guess ‘who dun it’. She keeps you guessing until the end. And this is no different. I kept changing my mind about the murderer.
Well written and unputdownable. Just another lovely book, not full of gore and bad language, just a really good mystery. Five stars from me
August 17, 2020
I've only recently been introduced to Anita Waller's books and this is just my second, but I've been bitten by her bug and will be reading more.
This one is written as a stand-alone novel but does have some of the same characters as in the Kat and Mouse series. These characters have also made me want to read that series starting at the beginning with Murder Undeniable.
Wendy and Doris have an unusual holiday planned but as family secrets start to surface, their plans go awry. A body is found in the river but it's clear that death came before she hit the water. As more and more people are connected to the dead young woman, all with airtight alibis, Doris and Wendy work together to separate the wheat from the chaff and solve the murder.
Set in and around Sheffield and the Peak District, Epitaph is written with tenderness and wry northern humour. A cleverly plotted murder mystery with charming characters who will get under your skin.
This one is written as a stand-alone novel but does have some of the same characters as in the Kat and Mouse series. These characters have also made me want to read that series starting at the beginning with Murder Undeniable.
Wendy and Doris have an unusual holiday planned but as family secrets start to surface, their plans go awry. A body is found in the river but it's clear that death came before she hit the water. As more and more people are connected to the dead young woman, all with airtight alibis, Doris and Wendy work together to separate the wheat from the chaff and solve the murder.
Set in and around Sheffield and the Peak District, Epitaph is written with tenderness and wry northern humour. A cleverly plotted murder mystery with charming characters who will get under your skin.
August 11, 2020
Love Doris, she’s a brilliant character and it’s great to have her in a spin off from the Kat and Mouse series. Another fantastic book from this author
August 6, 2020
I have given this book 5 stars but what I wanted to give was 10.
I have loved Doris in all of Anita's Kat and Mouse books, but in Epitaph she is amazing. Her relationship with her friend Wendy, is just so infectious, the good, the bad and the sad times.
This to me has to be one of Anita's best book and all her books are amazing.
I couldn't put the book down and I certainly didn't want it to end, even more so when I finished.
Well done Anita, another big hit, can't wait for the next one :).
I have loved Doris in all of Anita's Kat and Mouse books, but in Epitaph she is amazing. Her relationship with her friend Wendy, is just so infectious, the good, the bad and the sad times.
This to me has to be one of Anita's best book and all her books are amazing.
I couldn't put the book down and I certainly didn't want it to end, even more so when I finished.
Well done Anita, another big hit, can't wait for the next one :).
July 29, 2020
An outstanding cosy murder mystery thiller with deep undertones. Doris Lester was looking forward to her well earned holiday adventure with her best friend Wendy Lucas. Everything was packed and the itinerary well planned out for their visits around graveyards to find the famous dead....Not everyones cup of tea but not everyone is Doris Lester! But Doris was having a bad day, she had something on her mind that troubled her and Wendy could tell. She had received a letter addressed to her long deceased ex-husband and it wasn't welcoming news. Not to be down hearted their travel plans got underway albeit with a necessary little detour....but one little revelation leads to another, then another.....then a murder... Needless to say things didn't quite go as planned. Doris is an amazing character, a 70 year old private investigator with kick arse energy and a personality to match. A captivating read, beautifully written with bags full of mystery, murder and intrigue. Put the kettle on, grab a box of ferrero roche, find yourself a comfy chair in a cosy corner and prepare yourself to be entertained to the very last page.
July 30, 2020
Wow! Another cracker of a book by Anita Waller!
Loving the characters of the Kat and Mouse series, as I do, I was so excited to read a story about the coolest old lady we could ever hope to meet - Doris Lester.
Doris and her friend Wendy planned a holiday to visit the graves of famous people, and that in itself sounds so interesting, however, there are more than just the long-dead bodies to be found.
I love Doris as a character. She is tough and funny and just so endearing. Also, I'm glad I'll never be on the receiving end of one of her karate chops!
This book is great because it lets Doris show her skills in her own right, since she isn't working with Connection on these cases, and Wendy is lovely too.
Twists, turns and some emotional scenes make this a fabulous tale, and you just won't be able to put it down!
Loving the characters of the Kat and Mouse series, as I do, I was so excited to read a story about the coolest old lady we could ever hope to meet - Doris Lester.
Doris and her friend Wendy planned a holiday to visit the graves of famous people, and that in itself sounds so interesting, however, there are more than just the long-dead bodies to be found.
I love Doris as a character. She is tough and funny and just so endearing. Also, I'm glad I'll never be on the receiving end of one of her karate chops!
This book is great because it lets Doris show her skills in her own right, since she isn't working with Connection on these cases, and Wendy is lovely too.
Twists, turns and some emotional scenes make this a fabulous tale, and you just won't be able to put it down!
August 2, 2020
Doris and Wendy have planned their holiday visiting old cemeteries and churches down to the T ...Along the way their plans are interrupted...with secrets from another time and place ...things that will stay with Doris for always...and murder thrown into the mix ...Waller once again casts her spell on you ..with that gift of being able to make you laugh , cry ..and feel every moment with every beat of your heart ..Stunning ...Wonderfully written storytelling ...Five Shiny Gold Stars ...❤
July 27, 2020
Absolutely fantastic as always . Anita is a master at twisting the plot just that little bit more once you think you have stumble across the answer. From the cover to the very end which I must admit to shedding a little tear at . I wasnt expecting that . Doris & Wendy in the spin off from the Kat & Mouse series were every bit as good. You my lovely people will just have to wait till the 12th Aug until you get your hands on this superb book.
August 5, 2020
Here we have a lone Doris, neither Kat or Mouse anywhere in sight. We get an insight into Doris of the past, her prior life, her work and her family.
Doris and her oldest friend Wendy set off on holiday visiting cemeteries!! This book is a great read, well written, intriguing with a truly unexpected ending.
Doris and her oldest friend Wendy set off on holiday visiting cemeteries!! This book is a great read, well written, intriguing with a truly unexpected ending.
January 27, 2021
Having never read any of Anita Waller's novels before, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I got was an enjoyable mystery laced with humour. This was a lighter read than what I was expecting as well. It read almost like a 'cozy' mystery.
The septuagenarian protagonist, Doris Lester, was a complete delight. Highly intelligent, with a warm heart, a razor sharp wit and a black belt in karate, she was formidable.
The 'whodunit' aspect of story, when revealed did make sense, but I hadn't suspected the murderer, so that was a definite plus point.
The setting was idyllic and one of my favourites. The Dales of Derbyshire and a charming old English cottage.
All in all, an enjoyable read. I would gladly read more by this author in the future. Recommended to those readers who enjoy lighter mystery fare peopled with intriguing and personable characters.
Visit https://fictionophile.com to find over 600 more of my book reviews.
The septuagenarian protagonist, Doris Lester, was a complete delight. Highly intelligent, with a warm heart, a razor sharp wit and a black belt in karate, she was formidable.
The 'whodunit' aspect of story, when revealed did make sense, but I hadn't suspected the murderer, so that was a definite plus point.
The setting was idyllic and one of my favourites. The Dales of Derbyshire and a charming old English cottage.
All in all, an enjoyable read. I would gladly read more by this author in the future. Recommended to those readers who enjoy lighter mystery fare peopled with intriguing and personable characters.
Visit https://fictionophile.com to find over 600 more of my book reviews.
June 13, 2025
Once again I find myself shouting out about the Kat and Mouse series which I do not make any apologies for. If you have read my reviews for these books, then this is no surprise and you can only imagine how thrilled and excited I was to hear that Anita was giving my beloved Doris a standalone book of her own.
Although not a title character in the Kat and Mouse series, Doris for me is the standout and is the character who makes these stories so memorable and enjoyable, so it made sense that Anita would give Doris her own story. She really is the ray of sunshine that we all need at the moment with a world that is currently so dark.
For Doris’ first outing on her own, we see her having a well earned break from Connection as she plans a trip with her best friend Wendy, to the Yorkshire and Derbyshire Dales to visit cemeteries of the infamous and famous. But just as they are about to depart, Doris receives a letter containing a shocking revelation that puts an end to their trip and instead embroils them both in a new mystery to solve.
What I was really excited about the most with this book, is how we are given an insight into Doris’ past that we haven’t really been made privy too in the Kat and Mouse series. Epitaph brings her vulnerable side out of her and this just makes her all the more appealing, believable, relatable and gosh darn it, loveable!
I absolutely love Wendy and she compliments Doris so well, even to the point of nearly stealing the show. She is also such a ray of sunshine and they are a formidable team. I enjoyed how she gets into the thick of it all and really has the time of her life helping Doris with the case. They definitely give Rosemary and Thyme a run for their money that’s for sure!
In true Anita form, she doesn’t hold back and play things safe and I have learnt now to always have the tissues at the ready when reading her books. She really is a rare gem in the writing community and I just adore her work
Thank you Anita for providing me with an advanced readers copy of Epitaph which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Although not a title character in the Kat and Mouse series, Doris for me is the standout and is the character who makes these stories so memorable and enjoyable, so it made sense that Anita would give Doris her own story. She really is the ray of sunshine that we all need at the moment with a world that is currently so dark.
For Doris’ first outing on her own, we see her having a well earned break from Connection as she plans a trip with her best friend Wendy, to the Yorkshire and Derbyshire Dales to visit cemeteries of the infamous and famous. But just as they are about to depart, Doris receives a letter containing a shocking revelation that puts an end to their trip and instead embroils them both in a new mystery to solve.
What I was really excited about the most with this book, is how we are given an insight into Doris’ past that we haven’t really been made privy too in the Kat and Mouse series. Epitaph brings her vulnerable side out of her and this just makes her all the more appealing, believable, relatable and gosh darn it, loveable!
I absolutely love Wendy and she compliments Doris so well, even to the point of nearly stealing the show. She is also such a ray of sunshine and they are a formidable team. I enjoyed how she gets into the thick of it all and really has the time of her life helping Doris with the case. They definitely give Rosemary and Thyme a run for their money that’s for sure!
In true Anita form, she doesn’t hold back and play things safe and I have learnt now to always have the tissues at the ready when reading her books. She really is a rare gem in the writing community and I just adore her work
Thank you Anita for providing me with an advanced readers copy of Epitaph which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
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