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English Village Mysteries #2
Sixpenny Holding
Discover a cozy and engrossing village mystery from a bestselling author, set in a time before colour television and mobile phones.
Marian Stamford moves to her dream home: a snug little cottage in a Dorset village where nothing ever happens. She only wants a quiet life, a home for her unlikely family of two nieces and one troublesome kitten.
Before long, things take a darker turn.
A man breaks out of prison, leaving the villagers rattled.
What are they afraid of?
Marian isn’t one for idle gossip. But she can’t ignore the telltale signs that someone has been sneaking into her garden at night.
And then there’s the gruff stranger she’s seen hanging round next door. Who is he? And what does he want with the farmer’s wife?
It’s up to Marian find out.
But in a village full of secrets, the truth can be hard to find.
Marian Stamford moves to her dream home: a snug little cottage in a Dorset village where nothing ever happens. She only wants a quiet life, a home for her unlikely family of two nieces and one troublesome kitten.
Before long, things take a darker turn.
A man breaks out of prison, leaving the villagers rattled.
What are they afraid of?
Marian isn’t one for idle gossip. But she can’t ignore the telltale signs that someone has been sneaking into her garden at night.
And then there’s the gruff stranger she’s seen hanging round next door. Who is he? And what does he want with the farmer’s wife?
It’s up to Marian find out.
But in a village full of secrets, the truth can be hard to find.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
671 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Scutt
6 books19 followersMargaret Alice Scutt was born in 1905 in Weymouth, Dorset, where her father was Schoolmaster at St. John’s. His career was successful and the family moved several times within Dorset to his final headship in Lytchett Matravers. Margaret’s mother, Minnie, also taught and was the local postmistress. Margaret, too, became a teacher and taught in many Dorset schools, mainly in the Poole area, retiring in 1966 as Deputy Head at Sylvan School, Poole.
The family grew up when entertainment was largely local and community generated. The Scutt family performed extensively in amateur dramatics and variety shows and were well reported in Dorset newspapers. Corpse Path Cottage, as well as being an intriguing crime novel, catches the essence and humour of a post-war Dorset village before the advent of television and the internet changed social mores forever.
Throughout her life, Margaret wrote in many formats including for family members and for school and community events such as short stories, playlets and verse. Two historical novels were published in 1947 and 1949; I Do But Follow and And Some There Be respectively. She continued to write in her spare time and left several complete manuscripts.
Margaret cared for her widowed mother from 1957 to 1963 whilst continuing to work full-time. After retirement in 1966, she remained active and devoted to family and local church. She died suddenly in 1988 in Poole. In a later era Margaret’s many talents might have led her to a much higher profile life. She was a very much loved aunt to the children of her brother and sister and the five cousins feel strongly that all her work merits preservation and further publication.
Corpse Path Cottage was submitted to Robert Hale, then an imprint of the Crowood Press who accepted and first published it in hardback in 2018. Now under the banner of Joffe Books, Corpse Path Cottage is published on Kindle and paperback on demand from Amazon.
The family grew up when entertainment was largely local and community generated. The Scutt family performed extensively in amateur dramatics and variety shows and were well reported in Dorset newspapers. Corpse Path Cottage, as well as being an intriguing crime novel, catches the essence and humour of a post-war Dorset village before the advent of television and the internet changed social mores forever.
Throughout her life, Margaret wrote in many formats including for family members and for school and community events such as short stories, playlets and verse. Two historical novels were published in 1947 and 1949; I Do But Follow and And Some There Be respectively. She continued to write in her spare time and left several complete manuscripts.
Margaret cared for her widowed mother from 1957 to 1963 whilst continuing to work full-time. After retirement in 1966, she remained active and devoted to family and local church. She died suddenly in 1988 in Poole. In a later era Margaret’s many talents might have led her to a much higher profile life. She was a very much loved aunt to the children of her brother and sister and the five cousins feel strongly that all her work merits preservation and further publication.
Corpse Path Cottage was submitted to Robert Hale, then an imprint of the Crowood Press who accepted and first published it in hardback in 2018. Now under the banner of Joffe Books, Corpse Path Cottage is published on Kindle and paperback on demand from Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
September 20, 2021
Sixpenny Holding is a compelling and atmospheric cosy crime novel originally written in the 1940s which remained unpublished until Scutt’s family happened across it after her death. After years of nursing her sick mother before she passed, Marian Stamford has bought a picturesque cottage known as Sixpenny Holding in the Dorset village she now calls home. Although her family are concerned about her deciding to take up residence in the back of beyond, Marian is content with her life as a cat-loving spinster who enjoys her time alone and plans on using her days to pen the book she has always wanted to write. Her new neighbours, the Ingrams, are nosy but welcoming. Soon she is asked by her brother Fred if she can care for her niece, Dinah, who had rolled under the wheel of a stationary truck when her mother, Dora, had a blackout while out and about; a while later she also takes on the responsibility of her second niece, too. One day a Police Constable, Bill Keyes, riding a bicycle stops at her home to talk with her, and what he has to say shocks Marian. A violent escaped prisoner, Cyril Carson, is on the run and may be in the area, but they claim there are no links between him and the spate of recent break-ins, however, naturally, the locals remain concerned.
Carson had gone on the run after assaulting a warden watching over a Dartmoor working party he had been part of and had initially been incarcerated for breaking into Loden House and losing his temper when he found its resident, old Mrs Damer, had nothing of worth for him to steal. Marian soon discovers that her niece had seen a man cycle off down the street after being in her garden shed, but she was too late to catch anything but a fleeting glimpse as he disappeared down the street. Can Cyril be found before he scares the villagers senseless? This is a captivating and engaging mystery, but I would hesitate to label it a murder mystery because it doesn't actually involve anyone being killed. That said, the intriguing mystery and chase to find escapee Carson kept me invested in the story and the aspect I liked most about it being set eight decades ago is that the investigating is very much done through hard work as there were no mobile phones, computers, internet or DNA testing to help make the police's job easier. It perfectly captures Dorset village life after WW2 but before modern technology changed community life completely. Well constructed it combines drama with gentle humour as it describes the lives and intrigues of the quirky village residents.
Carson had gone on the run after assaulting a warden watching over a Dartmoor working party he had been part of and had initially been incarcerated for breaking into Loden House and losing his temper when he found its resident, old Mrs Damer, had nothing of worth for him to steal. Marian soon discovers that her niece had seen a man cycle off down the street after being in her garden shed, but she was too late to catch anything but a fleeting glimpse as he disappeared down the street. Can Cyril be found before he scares the villagers senseless? This is a captivating and engaging mystery, but I would hesitate to label it a murder mystery because it doesn't actually involve anyone being killed. That said, the intriguing mystery and chase to find escapee Carson kept me invested in the story and the aspect I liked most about it being set eight decades ago is that the investigating is very much done through hard work as there were no mobile phones, computers, internet or DNA testing to help make the police's job easier. It perfectly captures Dorset village life after WW2 but before modern technology changed community life completely. Well constructed it combines drama with gentle humour as it describes the lives and intrigues of the quirky village residents.
January 16, 2025
SIXPENNY HOLDING by Margaret Scutt was a book I struggled to finish. It felt slow paced and I had a hard time staying focused. It’s about a small farming community and it had some mystery. I wanted more romance and story detail.
Thanks Joffe Books via NetGalley.
2.5⭐️
Thanks Joffe Books via NetGalley.
2.5⭐️
September 23, 2021
A heart-warming, atmospheric novel that I genuinely enjoyed reading. While this book was full of village gossips and curiosities, I do find it to be misrepresented as a murder mystery. I feel the misrepresentation on the book's cover (having it state 'murder mystery' on there) could cause disappointment for some readers, however, don't let that dissuade you from this charming book!
Our character's lead, Marian, has decided to reside in Sixpenny Holding seeking calm, atmosphere and perhaps the inspiration to write. The author excels in setting the atmosphere and mood so well that I have felt that I have spent a vacation away at a cozy cottage writing!
The characters had depth, and I found myself wanting to get to know those less featured more.
If you enjoy women's fiction, atmospheric novels, and cozy village settings then add this to your list!
Thank you Joffe Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
Our character's lead, Marian, has decided to reside in Sixpenny Holding seeking calm, atmosphere and perhaps the inspiration to write. The author excels in setting the atmosphere and mood so well that I have felt that I have spent a vacation away at a cozy cottage writing!
The characters had depth, and I found myself wanting to get to know those less featured more.
If you enjoy women's fiction, atmospheric novels, and cozy village settings then add this to your list!
Thank you Joffe Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
August 29, 2022
1960s. Marian Stamford has moved into Sixpenny Holdings hoping to spend her days writing. But soon she has two nieces to stay. Events bring some turmoil to her life.
An enjoyable story but not much of a mystery.
An enjoyable story but not much of a mystery.
September 10, 2025
Quite an enjoyable novel. It was wonderful to watch Dinah warm her way into her Aunt’s heart amidst village life.
December 31, 2022
A rather gentle mystery
Set in the 1960s, when the world felt just a bit kinder, this is about a woman who has cared for her mother and is now preparing to embrace a single life and some peaceful solitude when her 4-year-old niece is thrust upon her. Marian reluctantly agrees to the new arrangement, but it takes an escaped convict to make her see what she values most in life.
Set in the 1960s, when the world felt just a bit kinder, this is about a woman who has cared for her mother and is now preparing to embrace a single life and some peaceful solitude when her 4-year-old niece is thrust upon her. Marian reluctantly agrees to the new arrangement, but it takes an escaped convict to make her see what she values most in life.
September 24, 2021
A pure delight
Life has a way of laughing at the plans of humankind. In this cozy, satisfying tale a spinster woman’s good nature lets her family shamelessly take advantage of her. Not content with letting her spend her youth caring for an elderly parent, they press her to take care of their children. After all, what else does she have to do? Luckily the two young girls wished on their aunt bring unexpected joy and richness to her life. Her little cottage home brings a sense of peace, and a surprising chance at middle-aged romance. Throw in a brief mystery with a local ne’er do well, and the achievement of her heart’s dream of being published, and you have a story that satisfies.
Life has a way of laughing at the plans of humankind. In this cozy, satisfying tale a spinster woman’s good nature lets her family shamelessly take advantage of her. Not content with letting her spend her youth caring for an elderly parent, they press her to take care of their children. After all, what else does she have to do? Luckily the two young girls wished on their aunt bring unexpected joy and richness to her life. Her little cottage home brings a sense of peace, and a surprising chance at middle-aged romance. Throw in a brief mystery with a local ne’er do well, and the achievement of her heart’s dream of being published, and you have a story that satisfies.
September 22, 2021
It was full of emotions.
I enjoyed this feel good story. Margaret, a middle aged spinster bought a cottage, Sixpenny Holding. Her life at the cottage was refreshingly different from what she had envisaged. The characters were skilfully constructed into becoming real people with real emotions.
I enjoyed this feel good story. Margaret, a middle aged spinster bought a cottage, Sixpenny Holding. Her life at the cottage was refreshingly different from what she had envisaged. The characters were skilfully constructed into becoming real people with real emotions.
September 24, 2021
I loved this book, it's a cosy stories with some mystery elements. I love Marian, the lovely descriptions of country life and the entertaining plot.
It's a lovely story and I want to read more by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's a lovely story and I want to read more by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 18, 2021
I received an advance copy of, Sixpenny Holding, by Margaret Scutt. This was a pretty good book. I read it in one sitting. I liked the character Marian.
June 13, 2022
There are 2 cozies in the "English Village Mysteries" series set in villages in Dorset, England in the 1960s. Order read will not matter as each title is a stand-alone with different characters. It was not my intent but at the close of the book I discovered I'd read Book 2.
Marian Stamford purchased and moved to a small cottage named, "Sixpenny Holding" after the loss of her mother. Even after years of caretaking an invalid mother, brothers Fred and Tom, and sister Joan, and their spouses were stunned that their sister chose solitude in her first steps of freedom after their mother's funeral. Marian's intent is to use the setting of peace and solitude to follow her own dream of writing a novel.
I loved Marian and her welcoming and kind neighbors of Myra and Peter Ingram and Peter's step-brother John who live on a nearby farm. The first changes to Marian's plans of solitude quickly and unexpected go awry with a phone call with changes continuing as they do in real life. And sometimes the unexpected brings fullness to life beyond measure.
Whether you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, a glass of lemonade or sweet tea, this is a charming cozy to savor as you visit a village in Dorset with characters that would be lovely to visit in real life.
"A glossary of English usage for US readers" is provided at the end of the cozy and is discoverable if needed from the "Table of Contents."
Marian Stamford purchased and moved to a small cottage named, "Sixpenny Holding" after the loss of her mother. Even after years of caretaking an invalid mother, brothers Fred and Tom, and sister Joan, and their spouses were stunned that their sister chose solitude in her first steps of freedom after their mother's funeral. Marian's intent is to use the setting of peace and solitude to follow her own dream of writing a novel.
I loved Marian and her welcoming and kind neighbors of Myra and Peter Ingram and Peter's step-brother John who live on a nearby farm. The first changes to Marian's plans of solitude quickly and unexpected go awry with a phone call with changes continuing as they do in real life. And sometimes the unexpected brings fullness to life beyond measure.
Whether you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, a glass of lemonade or sweet tea, this is a charming cozy to savor as you visit a village in Dorset with characters that would be lovely to visit in real life.
"A glossary of English usage for US readers" is provided at the end of the cozy and is discoverable if needed from the "Table of Contents."
January 8, 2022
Marian had spent most of her life taking care of her sick mother. Now she wants to have a life of her own & follow her dream to become a writer. Against the advice of her siblings she buys a rundown cottage in Dorset. Getting used to life without the things she is accustomed to taking for granted is a bit of a challenge. Her nearest neighbours are very kind & helpful- even if the farmer's brother seem to find it hard to speak to anyone! Her quiet life doesn't last long as she soon finds herself caring for her four year old niece after her guardian dies & her brother goes off to Canada. Shortly afterwards another sibling asks her to take care of another niece. This wasn't quite what she had in mind but they soon settle into their country life- even if the thought of an escaped convict being on the loose doesn't fit the idea of the rural idyll!
This is a fabulously written book. The characters are wonderful. It is a shame it is billed as a mystery story as there isn't enough of a mystery to make an impact really & readers looking for that may well be disappointed. I loved it! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
This is a fabulously written book. The characters are wonderful. It is a shame it is billed as a mystery story as there isn't enough of a mystery to make an impact really & readers looking for that may well be disappointed. I loved it! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
December 2, 2023
This book was more atmospheric than mystery, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A 40's something spinster buys a secluded cottage near a small village after her mother, for whom she had been caring, passes away. She doesn't get the alone time she sought when her brother asks her to take in his small daughter so he can go to British Columbia and start a new life. She finds she enjoys having the child around, so offers to keep her sister's slightly old child while she recovers from sickness. The relationship between the children becomes close and she knows she will miss them when they leave.
Marian's only neighbours are a young couple and the husband's middle aged brother, who is at first shy and awkward around her but he always seems to appear when she needs him. He also comes to adore the children. His brother and the entire village are keeping a close eye on their developing friendship.
A local convict has escaped from prison and the village is keeping an eye out for him. A young Australian walker offers to help Marian with her weeding. Life goes on until one day the children don't come home from school. This only happens near the end of the book, so not much mystery.
A 40's something spinster buys a secluded cottage near a small village after her mother, for whom she had been caring, passes away. She doesn't get the alone time she sought when her brother asks her to take in his small daughter so he can go to British Columbia and start a new life. She finds she enjoys having the child around, so offers to keep her sister's slightly old child while she recovers from sickness. The relationship between the children becomes close and she knows she will miss them when they leave.
Marian's only neighbours are a young couple and the husband's middle aged brother, who is at first shy and awkward around her but he always seems to appear when she needs him. He also comes to adore the children. His brother and the entire village are keeping a close eye on their developing friendship.
A local convict has escaped from prison and the village is keeping an eye out for him. A young Australian walker offers to help Marian with her weeding. Life goes on until one day the children don't come home from school. This only happens near the end of the book, so not much mystery.
December 7, 2023
3.75
While I found the story to be charming, it wasn't what I expected. There really isn't a mystery (I went in thinking I was in for a cozy) though there is a mystery element at the very end of the book. But that's not what drives the story. This is more of a quiet, gentle, settling into country life plot -- I'd even call it episodic. So, given all that, I'm surprised I enjoyed it as much as I did. The old-fashioned 'tell' rather than 'show' technique of storytelling fit for the era -- set in the 1960s. I listened to the audible edition (presently available as an Audible Plus selection) and enjoyed Jennifer Dixon's narration. But, I'm also guessing that if I straight up read this book, I would likely have DNFed it. Isn't this a review full of contradictions?! Margaret Scott is a new-to-me author and, while I'm glad to have made her acquaintance, I don't think I will continue on with this series.
While I found the story to be charming, it wasn't what I expected. There really isn't a mystery (I went in thinking I was in for a cozy) though there is a mystery element at the very end of the book. But that's not what drives the story. This is more of a quiet, gentle, settling into country life plot -- I'd even call it episodic. So, given all that, I'm surprised I enjoyed it as much as I did. The old-fashioned 'tell' rather than 'show' technique of storytelling fit for the era -- set in the 1960s. I listened to the audible edition (presently available as an Audible Plus selection) and enjoyed Jennifer Dixon's narration. But, I'm also guessing that if I straight up read this book, I would likely have DNFed it. Isn't this a review full of contradictions?! Margaret Scott is a new-to-me author and, while I'm glad to have made her acquaintance, I don't think I will continue on with this series.
October 15, 2021
A gentle story set in a tranquil setting.
This is an old fashioned tale full of yearnings, kindness and vividly describes life in a village untouched by modernisation.
Kindly, albeit often reserved characters. Behaviour dictated by the social modes of the time and before.
Worries about age, social standing, local gossip with a quick brush of comparison when London is visited!
Quite a delightful, gentle unfolding of one person's new life and the realisation there could be more to life.
The children bring so very many positives to all main characters and are ably and credibly drawn.
I'm afraid I have a four because the author has a rather awkward style of writing which could do with some further editing for the current market. Just a tweak here and there, no changes as such.
This is an old fashioned tale full of yearnings, kindness and vividly describes life in a village untouched by modernisation.
Kindly, albeit often reserved characters. Behaviour dictated by the social modes of the time and before.
Worries about age, social standing, local gossip with a quick brush of comparison when London is visited!
Quite a delightful, gentle unfolding of one person's new life and the realisation there could be more to life.
The children bring so very many positives to all main characters and are ably and credibly drawn.
I'm afraid I have a four because the author has a rather awkward style of writing which could do with some further editing for the current market. Just a tweak here and there, no changes as such.
Read
December 11, 2021Discover a cozy and engrossing village mystery from a bestselling author, set in a time before colour television and mobile phones.
Marian Stamford moves to her dream home: a snug little cottage in a Dorset village where nothing ever happens. She only wants a quiet life, a home for her unlikely family of two nieces and one troublesome kitten.
Before long, things take a darker turn.
A man breaks out of prison, leaving the villagers rattled.
What are they afraid of?
Marian isn’t one for idle gossip. But she can’t ignore the telltale signs that someone has been sneaking into her garden at night.
And then there’s the gruff stranger she’s seen hanging round next door. Who is he? And what does he want with the farmer’s wife?
It’s up to Marian find out.
Didn't finish.
Marian Stamford moves to her dream home: a snug little cottage in a Dorset village where nothing ever happens. She only wants a quiet life, a home for her unlikely family of two nieces and one troublesome kitten.
Before long, things take a darker turn.
A man breaks out of prison, leaving the villagers rattled.
What are they afraid of?
Marian isn’t one for idle gossip. But she can’t ignore the telltale signs that someone has been sneaking into her garden at night.
And then there’s the gruff stranger she’s seen hanging round next door. Who is he? And what does he want with the farmer’s wife?
It’s up to Marian find out.
Didn't finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2022
A lovely story very much like a visit to Miss Read’s Thrush Green or Fairacre. Marian has the chance for a new beginning in a quaint little village in a tiny cottage, her nearest neighbors is a family of farmers. Her siblings warn her about living so far away from the city. But Marian isn’t worried, she’s longed for the time and seclusion to pursue her dream of writing. But nothing goes according to her carefully planned future. Very soon she finds herself with caring for two nieces, one only 4 and the other 12. There was a mystery and enough suspense that kept my interest. I throughly enjoyed this book.
November 1, 2022
Sixpence None The Richer
A potentially interesting premise, some dated language (halfway through i discovered that author Margaret Scutt died in 1988, with the book most likely written in the sixties). I didn't really warm to any of the characters, persevering with the book mainly because it was set in the area that I spent so much off my early years in - Dorset.
There were some strained relationships, lots of impact from events outside the main story and a disjointed finale woven around a less than interesting love story.
I'll not be looking out for other works by Ms Scutt
A potentially interesting premise, some dated language (halfway through i discovered that author Margaret Scutt died in 1988, with the book most likely written in the sixties). I didn't really warm to any of the characters, persevering with the book mainly because it was set in the area that I spent so much off my early years in - Dorset.
There were some strained relationships, lots of impact from events outside the main story and a disjointed finale woven around a less than interesting love story.
I'll not be looking out for other works by Ms Scutt
October 4, 2021
Well, it’s a cozy book, but it doesn’t actually have a murder, as I was led to believe, nor the somewhat darker tone that the title on the cover suggests. The cover is nice, but promises suspense and maybe even horror—that is something I could see past for the description and tags, where it touted it was like Agatha Christie or midsummer murders, which it was nothing close to.
That said, I found it an enjoyable read once my brain accepted that the book wasn’t what I’d set out to read, with colourful setting and well drawn characters and places.
That said, I found it an enjoyable read once my brain accepted that the book wasn’t what I’d set out to read, with colourful setting and well drawn characters and places.
June 13, 2023
An English Tale
This story is like an old friend. It's like an old comfortable blanket that you wrap around yourself. Margaret writes like a poet, using beautiful words to tell her English tale. At one point she writes "...baby leaves unable to stand such a violent welcome into the world littered the ground. "
The characters are all special people, like old friends. The plot is interesting with a surprise. Margaret gives the reader a good grounding in the story before she springs the mystery on the reader.
This story is like an old friend. It's like an old comfortable blanket that you wrap around yourself. Margaret writes like a poet, using beautiful words to tell her English tale. At one point she writes "...baby leaves unable to stand such a violent welcome into the world littered the ground. "
The characters are all special people, like old friends. The plot is interesting with a surprise. Margaret gives the reader a good grounding in the story before she springs the mystery on the reader.
January 3, 2022
More than just one story
Margaret Scutt has written a marvelous story that doesn't stop. It is like reading for books in a set with each book getting better and more suspenseful. Just like with any series, this story has a thread that runs through it and, while each story goes through plot build up, the thread of the greater mystery continues a slow building, then a " who cares" period, and finally, the entincity builds to the - almost - final climax. What a trip.
Margaret Scutt has written a marvelous story that doesn't stop. It is like reading for books in a set with each book getting better and more suspenseful. Just like with any series, this story has a thread that runs through it and, while each story goes through plot build up, the thread of the greater mystery continues a slow building, then a " who cares" period, and finally, the entincity builds to the - almost - final climax. What a trip.
January 31, 2022
Delightful.
I needed this. After a steady dose of historical fiction, psychological thrillers and suspenseful murder mysteries, I wanted something to simply relax and enjoy reading. Margaret Scutt’s books are brilliantly written and Sixpenny Holding was everything I hoped for. A mystery, engaging characters you’ll like immediately, a sweet romance, humor, and excitement all served to the reader with a twist at the end. Enjoy!
I needed this. After a steady dose of historical fiction, psychological thrillers and suspenseful murder mysteries, I wanted something to simply relax and enjoy reading. Margaret Scutt’s books are brilliantly written and Sixpenny Holding was everything I hoped for. A mystery, engaging characters you’ll like immediately, a sweet romance, humor, and excitement all served to the reader with a twist at the end. Enjoy!
August 27, 2022
This book was not much interest to me. A little girl Dinah,goes to live in the country with a relative named Marian . She really had no one around much to play with till a friend of hers ask if her daughter Angela could maybe come stay with them awhile. They were close in age. They got to be friends then. Not alot going on in their town. Marian was writting a book in her spare time. She enjoyed the girls being there. She was'nt alone then. Basically tells what they did all day.
September 18, 2022
I felt as though this was a super slow book that didn't even start with excitement until you reached the 60%mark. Even then it was very obvious and not a big mystery to the reader. The setting felt like it was older than the author intended but that could be my impression due to the location. It was written well but not super enjoyable for me. I felt like it was a story from the Waltons.... old TV show.
September 18, 2022
Lovely slice of life book
I really liked this book, but it wasn’t a mystery. No one solved anything to my mind, but it was a lovely story of a woman, who, having spent her youth caring for her mother, now considers herself a confirmed spinster and wants nothing more than to be left alone to write her magnum opus. But life keeps getting in the way, and things turn out very differently from what she had imagined.
I really liked this book, but it wasn’t a mystery. No one solved anything to my mind, but it was a lovely story of a woman, who, having spent her youth caring for her mother, now considers herself a confirmed spinster and wants nothing more than to be left alone to write her magnum opus. But life keeps getting in the way, and things turn out very differently from what she had imagined.
October 16, 2021
This was a charming cozy mystery about Marion who finally gets a chance to live on her own. She is the single woman in the family who has taken care of her mother until she passed away. She moved to a cottage in the countryside of England hoping to have the solitude to write her novel. Things don’t go as planned.
I enjoyed this sweet book.
I enjoyed this sweet book.
October 17, 2021
Comfortable read. Good story
My biggest complaint is that I wanted the author 's second book to continue with these characters. Marian is a wonderful protagonist and her relationship with Dinah and Angela is realistic. I wanted more about the. Not filled with action, but enjoyable story that kept me reading.
My biggest complaint is that I wanted the author 's second book to continue with these characters. Marian is a wonderful protagonist and her relationship with Dinah and Angela is realistic. I wanted more about the. Not filled with action, but enjoyable story that kept me reading.
November 18, 2021
excellent characters, long time for plot development
I loved the characters—well developed, felt as if they were real. All actions were in character and emotionally captivating. It just took a very, very long time for reason for all the action that finally happens, to happen. If you are a very patient reader, it is an excellent story.
I loved the characters—well developed, felt as if they were real. All actions were in character and emotionally captivating. It just took a very, very long time for reason for all the action that finally happens, to happen. If you are a very patient reader, it is an excellent story.
July 22, 2022
Just a yummy read.
The story has a lovely quaintness about it. the characters are charming and wholesome. I particularly liked how all the relationship developed. I could see it as a nice little TV drama. The crime part is probably the weakest element so maybe not for you if you're just in it for the who dunnit read.
The story has a lovely quaintness about it. the characters are charming and wholesome. I particularly liked how all the relationship developed. I could see it as a nice little TV drama. The crime part is probably the weakest element so maybe not for you if you're just in it for the who dunnit read.
September 5, 2022
Much better than I expected! I thought it would be a badly written cozy mystery that I got for free from BookBub but that was happily not the case. The writing felt “older” and reminded me of the Miss Read books. Great characters that you root for. Not really a mystery, though, in the typical sense.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews