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Kitt Hartley Yorkshire Mysteries #1
De moord in inkt
Kitt Hartley is aan het werk in de universiteitsbibliotheek van York. Het lijkt een dag als alle andere, maar dan verschijnt rechercheur Halloran aan haar bureau om te vertellen dat haar beste vriendin, Evie Bowes, verdacht wordt van moord. Evie's ex-vriend Owen is dood aangetroffen - met een vulpen door zijn hart gestoken - en al het bewijs wijst naar haar.
Kitt is geschokt en acht het uitgesloten dat Evie hiertoe in staat zou zijn. Ze besluit dat er maar één ding op zit: ze gaat zelf onderzoek doen naar de moord op Owen. Ze heeft honderden thrillers gelezen - hoe moeilijk kan het zijn?
Met hulp van haar assistent Grace gaat ze aan de slag. Ze ontdekt al snel dat er in de schilderachtige straten van York duistere geheimen liggen. Bovendien houdt de moordenaar haar in de gaten…
Kitt is geschokt en acht het uitgesloten dat Evie hiertoe in staat zou zijn. Ze besluit dat er maar één ding op zit: ze gaat zelf onderzoek doen naar de moord op Owen. Ze heeft honderden thrillers gelezen - hoe moeilijk kan het zijn?
Met hulp van haar assistent Grace gaat ze aan de slag. Ze ontdekt al snel dat er in de schilderachtige straten van York duistere geheimen liggen. Bovendien houdt de moordenaar haar in de gaten…
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2019
251 people are currently reading
1087 people want to read
About the author
Helen Cox
54 books136 followersHelen Cox is a Yorkshire-born novelist and poet. After completing her MA in creative writing at the University of York St. John Helen wrote for a range of publications, edited her own independent film magazine for five years and penned three non-fiction books. Her first two novels were published by HarperCollins in 2016. She currently lives by the sea in Sunderland where she writes poetry, romance novellas, craft non-fiction and The Kitt Hartley series alongside hosting The Poetrygram podcast.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 286 reviews
March 14, 2023
Ein gemütlicher und unterhaltsamer, eher ruhiger Krimi. Die Geschichte ist nicht hochspannend, aber sehr kurzweilig und unterschwellig auch humorvoll.
Ich mag diese Art Kriminalromane sehr, und so konnte mich auch dieser erste Band der Reihe von Hexen Cox sehr gut unterhalten. 💗
Ich mag diese Art Kriminalromane sehr, und so konnte mich auch dieser erste Band der Reihe von Hexen Cox sehr gut unterhalten. 💗
May 29, 2019
This is Helen Cox's first book in the murder mystery series featuring the strong, independent, trilby wearing librarian, Katherine 'Kitt' Hartley, set in the wonderful city of York. She works at the University of Vale of York Library, her best friend, Evie Bowes, is a massage therapist. On a ordinary day at work, the police arrive at the library, Evie has been arrested for murder. Owen Hall, Evie's ex-boyfriend, who had treated Evie badly, has been killed by poison, and a fountain pen has been stabbed into his heart. DI Malcolm Halloran and DS Charlotte Banks are investigating the murder, and all the evidence at the crime scene points towards Evie. Kitt knows that Evie would never have murdered Owen, and besides, at the time of the murder, Evie was with Kitt.
Urged on by Evie, Kitt finds herself looking into the murder, ably assisted by her work colleague and library assistant, Grace, a whizz at ferreting out information online. The police continue to view Evie as a suspect, possibly being helped by a accomplice. However, more murders with the same MO take place, and an initially irritated DI Halloran recognises that Kitt has turned up important leads. Against all policing protocols, Halloran suggests Kitt collaborate with them in an effort to stop more people being killed. This is a lovely and entertaining cozy mystery with numerous literary crime references, including Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle. Kitt makes a great protagonist, trying to ensure her heart is not placed at risk, like when an old boyfriend, Theo, had disappeared from her life, although she is drawn to DI Halloran. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
Urged on by Evie, Kitt finds herself looking into the murder, ably assisted by her work colleague and library assistant, Grace, a whizz at ferreting out information online. The police continue to view Evie as a suspect, possibly being helped by a accomplice. However, more murders with the same MO take place, and an initially irritated DI Halloran recognises that Kitt has turned up important leads. Against all policing protocols, Halloran suggests Kitt collaborate with them in an effort to stop more people being killed. This is a lovely and entertaining cozy mystery with numerous literary crime references, including Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle. Kitt makes a great protagonist, trying to ensure her heart is not placed at risk, like when an old boyfriend, Theo, had disappeared from her life, although she is drawn to DI Halloran. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
July 4, 2024
4 ⭐
Un cozy mystery con un pizzico di romanticismo? Proprio quello di cui avevo bisogno in questo periodo di studio.
Ambientato nella grigia e tranquilla York di certo non ci si aspetterebbe di incappare in un omicidio e soprattutto di essere uno dei sospettati e, peggio ancora, di essere accusato di altri omicidi; eppure è ciò che succede a Kitt e alla sua migliore amica Evie. Per riabilitare il suo nome, e quello di Evie, Kitt decide di indagare su questi omicidi anche se questo significherà avere a che fare con l'ispettore Mal Halloran, un uomo a cui non è del tutto indifferente e ciò lo rende ancora più pericoloso visto che Kitt ha giurato che non avrebbe più aperto il suo cuore a nessuno dopo la scomparsa del suo ex.
Con uno stile semplice ma incalzante Helen Cox ti trascina nel cuore di York e delle sue atmosfere gotiche alla ricerca del serial killer dei cuori infranti.
Nutrivo zero aspettative su questo libro, mi aspettavo un cozy mystery banale e noioso, e invece ho trovato un buon romanzo capace di intrattenere senza però risultare pesante. I personaggi sono il motore della storia e, anche se alcuni vengono solo abbozzati, risultano comunque ben riconoscibili.
Consiglio questo libro a coloro che sono alla ricerca di un buon cozy mystery per l'estate/autunno e per chi vuole cerca un buon romanzo per uscire dal blocco del lettore.
Non vedo l'ora di leggere il secondo romanzo della serie perché sono curiosa di sapere come si evolverà il rapporto tra Kitt e Mal.
Un cozy mystery con un pizzico di romanticismo? Proprio quello di cui avevo bisogno in questo periodo di studio.
Ambientato nella grigia e tranquilla York di certo non ci si aspetterebbe di incappare in un omicidio e soprattutto di essere uno dei sospettati e, peggio ancora, di essere accusato di altri omicidi; eppure è ciò che succede a Kitt e alla sua migliore amica Evie. Per riabilitare il suo nome, e quello di Evie, Kitt decide di indagare su questi omicidi anche se questo significherà avere a che fare con l'ispettore Mal Halloran, un uomo a cui non è del tutto indifferente e ciò lo rende ancora più pericoloso visto che Kitt ha giurato che non avrebbe più aperto il suo cuore a nessuno dopo la scomparsa del suo ex.
Con uno stile semplice ma incalzante Helen Cox ti trascina nel cuore di York e delle sue atmosfere gotiche alla ricerca del serial killer dei cuori infranti.
Nutrivo zero aspettative su questo libro, mi aspettavo un cozy mystery banale e noioso, e invece ho trovato un buon romanzo capace di intrattenere senza però risultare pesante. I personaggi sono il motore della storia e, anche se alcuni vengono solo abbozzati, risultano comunque ben riconoscibili.
Consiglio questo libro a coloro che sono alla ricerca di un buon cozy mystery per l'estate/autunno e per chi vuole cerca un buon romanzo per uscire dal blocco del lettore.
Non vedo l'ora di leggere il secondo romanzo della serie perché sono curiosa di sapere come si evolverà il rapporto tra Kitt e Mal.
December 23, 2019
3 - 4 stars.
Three dramatic murders in York??? Noooooo!!!! It is one of the most beautiful, historic and safest cities in the UK where the most dangerous thing is the River Ouse (it is indeed ‘merciless’) and on a lighter note the hen and stag parties that descend at weekends with all their gaudy plumage and exuberance. However, I loved the setting as like many of our glorious old cities with rich history it did make a fabulous backdrop to this Christie-esque novel. I thought Kitt Hartley and her pals at York University Library were really good characters as was Kitt’s best friend Evie. The police officers were good characters too. I loved the book references throughout (classics that us book lovers will all know!). One of the characters said ....’ not all answers are found in books’; maybe so, but they answer an awful lot of questions!!! I liked the old fashioned feel but with plenty of twenty first century references. However, overall I found it perhaps a bit dated and some of the plotting and storyline stretched credulity especially the murders which were over the top! Overall, it was quite an enjoyable read on a sunny afternoon but with some reservations.
Three dramatic murders in York??? Noooooo!!!! It is one of the most beautiful, historic and safest cities in the UK where the most dangerous thing is the River Ouse (it is indeed ‘merciless’) and on a lighter note the hen and stag parties that descend at weekends with all their gaudy plumage and exuberance. However, I loved the setting as like many of our glorious old cities with rich history it did make a fabulous backdrop to this Christie-esque novel. I thought Kitt Hartley and her pals at York University Library were really good characters as was Kitt’s best friend Evie. The police officers were good characters too. I loved the book references throughout (classics that us book lovers will all know!). One of the characters said ....’ not all answers are found in books’; maybe so, but they answer an awful lot of questions!!! I liked the old fashioned feel but with plenty of twenty first century references. However, overall I found it perhaps a bit dated and some of the plotting and storyline stretched credulity especially the murders which were over the top! Overall, it was quite an enjoyable read on a sunny afternoon but with some reservations.
February 2, 2020
“The room is warm and smells like dust, and just the presence of so many books make it easier to breathe. Its remarkable how being around books, even those you’ve never read, can have a calming effect, like walking into a crowded party and finding it full of people you know.” – Mackenzie Lee
I’d only read a few pages of “Murder by the Minster” and already made two wonderful discoveries. One, the author’s wonderful dedication:
“For all the librarians.”
The second was that chapter one took place in a library, Vale of York University Library to be precise.
Simply put…I love libraries.
The reasons for this long running affection are too varied, or numerous to list here, but one is that I’ve always been a reader whose enjoyed the quietude of any place where one could sit down and get lost in a book, libraries always provided that tranquil kind of atmosphere. As I got older, and my life became more hectic, I could sometimes be seen making a quick stop at the local library, my sublime oasis from the hectic world outside…
But back to the first chapter of the book, I was further delighted that Cox took the time to describe this particular library:
“Towering oak bookshelves, stained glass windows and high ceilings painted with ornate murals.”
I’ve never been to York, but considering everything I’ve read and heard about it, I imagine visiting it as the heart of the British experience. From the city’s highest point, York Minster’s central tower, to the twisting cobbled lanes of the medieval streets of the Shambles far below, this city is brimming with the great structures, stories and artifacts of the past and even with my bit of knowledge of this wonderful place, I know for sure that Helen Cox was right to help us “see” the settings of these early scenes by spending some time in description of their grandeur.
Next, I was introduced to Kitt, the copper-red headed librarian of the Woman’s Studies Section. I read that she was a creature of habit, starting with her work uniform:
“Ankle length navy skirt, white shirt, navy blazer and tan belt.”
Kitt’s workplace fashion choices may have been predictable, but that, I soon learned, should not cause one to assume her to be predictable in inclination or force of personality. She possesses a mind of her own, and an inquisitive one at that, but also, she’s an incredibly loyal and caring friend…not to mention the owner of a maroon trebly and Jane Eyre quote pendant (truly impressive).
Right from the start, Kitt fascinated me and based on the first chapter clues, I guessed her to be an astute and resourceful woman who some in this story may choose to underestimate.
Still in the opening pages of chapter one, Cox introduces me to Grace, Kitt’s library assistant. The positive momentum of this chapter continued as I read of this psychology student with shoulder-length, brown-black curly hair, a turquoise sleeved cardigan, blue jeans and a white shirt. She came across as fun, comfortably stylish with winning personality, in short, a woman enchanting and fashionable enough to single-handedly keep “Cool Britannia” alive.
By this point it would be almost impossible to derail my engagement of his opening chapter. Even the entrance of Kitt’s rather unfortunate supervisor Michelle, (her lips turned down at the corners without any effort on her part, even her bobbed, mouse-brown hair looked limp with displeasure), offered little resistance to my enthusiasm.
Things were going swimmingly, then without warning, Cox threw me her first curveball, ending the chapter with the entrance of two police officers, both walking toward Kitt with an “air of brisk authority…”
The appearance of these police officers in no way derailed my enjoyment of the story, but it did temporarily distract me. The reason was that his particular scene brought to mind a similarly unexpected “law enforcement moment” of my own.
My wife and I were living on an acreage at the time of this particular incident and since my work shift was early and the commute a far distance, I fell into the habit of waking early to go running…outside…in the winter no less. It was in the winter months that it was pitch black when I was running on the road, which, I soon learned, came to be a concern for a few of my neighbors who happened to be driving on the range roads at those early morning hours.
One morning I was running up a hill and when I reached the top, I noticed a light of a police car up ahead. As I neared, the car I began wondering what the officer was doing on the road at such an hour, and more distressingly, if I was somehow the reason for them being here. I drew nearer, noticing a lone female officer alighting her squad car.
“Excuse me, do you regularly run on his road at this time?” She asked.
“Yes,” I replied, now stopping.
“Well sir,” she continued, “We received a call from one of our neighbors who drives the road, so we waited here to talk to you about this concern.”
“What is the nature of the concern?” I asked.
“It’s that they find it difficult to see you in the dark and are worried that they may accidently run you over.” She clarified.
I was searching for a response when I noticed that she was reaching into the back seat of her car, soon retrieving a yellow and bright red safety vest, the neon strips of which would’ve sufficiently illuminated me, but the garment also featured a built-in, battery powered set of blinking lights, bright enough, I thought to land a Boeing 747.
“Please wear this from today forward,” she stated with a smile, but a tone of voice that indicated she wasn’t really asking.
“I will, thank you,” I replied as I snapped on the vest.
“Oh, and one more thing,” she said as she opened her notebook, “I’ll need our name and phone number for my supply report.”
I gave her my contact information, she in turn handed me her card, we then parted ways.
Later that morning when I was walking into the house, my wife began laughing, asking me where I got the neon vest. I told her the entire story to which she replied, “You gave your name and phone number to a strange woman you met on a dark, deserted road?”
We still laugh about it today.
Anyway, that was the story that came to mind as I read the end of the first chapter of “Murder by the Minster.” The two law enforcement officers were Detective Inspector Malcolm Halloran and Detective Sergeant Charlotte Banks. They ask for Kitt and take her aside, asking her if she knew a man named Owen Hall to which she replied that she did, as he was the ex-boyfriend of her best friend Evie.
They ask if she knew him well, which she admitted that even though he’d dated her best friend for a few years, she never really got to know him all that well. They asked if she knew how they broke up and Kitt, registering disgust shared hat he broke up with her over Facebook Messenger. By now Kitt is genuinely confused, pressing the detectives for the reason for all these questions. Banks and Halloran glance at each other, seemingly deciding to tell her:
Owen Hall has been murdered.
The murder, Halloran gently explains, appeared to be premeditated as the victim was poisoned. Banks then speaks for the first time, confirming that the police suspect Evie as she appears to be the only one with sufficient motive. Kitt vehemently protests, forcefully advocating for her friend, she couldn’t have possibly murdered Owen, or anyone else for that matter.
The officers ignore this, instead questioning Kitt as to her whereabouts on the night in question. She states that she and Evie were together that evening for a movie night a Kitt’s home, and no, there is no one else who could corroborate this. It’s at this point that Banks makes a casual comment about the possibility that Evie may have had an accomplice.
Kitt asks about the nature of the murder, “Was it random?”
Detective Halloran confirms that the poison was slipped into wine, the same brand, the police learned through Facebook, that Owen purchased for Evie on several occasions. And there appeared to be no forced entry, all of which lead to Evie as a suspect. Kitt continued to force her opinion that the police had it wrong about Evie which prompted Halloran to add that there was a note pinned to he dead man’s chest, a note that contained he same opening sentence, (I don’t know how else to say this), as the breakup note Owen had penned to Evie before.
The conversation wraps up with the detectives leaving, but warning Kitt to remain in the local area for questioning. A few hours later, Evie herself makes her way to the library to be consoled by her best friend. The conversation that ensues has Evie telling Kitt that the police informed her that the note was pinned to Owen’s chest by stabbing a fountain pen through the note, then through his heart.
Despite the horrid details of the story, Kitt’s librarian nature kicks in, causing her to realize that this particular murder scenario reminds her of a story she’d read entitled, “A Study in Scarlett” which was a Sherlock Holmes book. Apparently, the story is about a murder that results from a broken heart.
“What brand of fountain pen?” Kitt asks.
“I think they said it was a Stanwyck,” Evie replies in confusion.
It was at this point I’d decided that I was going to love Helen Cox’s “Murder by the Minster,” and as the story unfolded, I became more and more invested in the characters and the incredible happenings going on in their worlds. Who could resist a story containing the illicit weekend activities of a hotel receptionist? An arrest at a ball? A stationary loving serial killer? An elusive hooded figure? A chilling incident taking place on a suitably frightening street (Mad Alice Lane)? An assertive, brash female TV reporter that reminds us why the British press is considered he most intrusive in the world? And a heart-pounding first kiss you’ll not soon forget…
Helen Cox has crafted a truly spellbinding “cozy mystery.” I highly recommend this one!
I’d only read a few pages of “Murder by the Minster” and already made two wonderful discoveries. One, the author’s wonderful dedication:
“For all the librarians.”
The second was that chapter one took place in a library, Vale of York University Library to be precise.
Simply put…I love libraries.
The reasons for this long running affection are too varied, or numerous to list here, but one is that I’ve always been a reader whose enjoyed the quietude of any place where one could sit down and get lost in a book, libraries always provided that tranquil kind of atmosphere. As I got older, and my life became more hectic, I could sometimes be seen making a quick stop at the local library, my sublime oasis from the hectic world outside…
But back to the first chapter of the book, I was further delighted that Cox took the time to describe this particular library:
“Towering oak bookshelves, stained glass windows and high ceilings painted with ornate murals.”
I’ve never been to York, but considering everything I’ve read and heard about it, I imagine visiting it as the heart of the British experience. From the city’s highest point, York Minster’s central tower, to the twisting cobbled lanes of the medieval streets of the Shambles far below, this city is brimming with the great structures, stories and artifacts of the past and even with my bit of knowledge of this wonderful place, I know for sure that Helen Cox was right to help us “see” the settings of these early scenes by spending some time in description of their grandeur.
Next, I was introduced to Kitt, the copper-red headed librarian of the Woman’s Studies Section. I read that she was a creature of habit, starting with her work uniform:
“Ankle length navy skirt, white shirt, navy blazer and tan belt.”
Kitt’s workplace fashion choices may have been predictable, but that, I soon learned, should not cause one to assume her to be predictable in inclination or force of personality. She possesses a mind of her own, and an inquisitive one at that, but also, she’s an incredibly loyal and caring friend…not to mention the owner of a maroon trebly and Jane Eyre quote pendant (truly impressive).
Right from the start, Kitt fascinated me and based on the first chapter clues, I guessed her to be an astute and resourceful woman who some in this story may choose to underestimate.
Still in the opening pages of chapter one, Cox introduces me to Grace, Kitt’s library assistant. The positive momentum of this chapter continued as I read of this psychology student with shoulder-length, brown-black curly hair, a turquoise sleeved cardigan, blue jeans and a white shirt. She came across as fun, comfortably stylish with winning personality, in short, a woman enchanting and fashionable enough to single-handedly keep “Cool Britannia” alive.
By this point it would be almost impossible to derail my engagement of his opening chapter. Even the entrance of Kitt’s rather unfortunate supervisor Michelle, (her lips turned down at the corners without any effort on her part, even her bobbed, mouse-brown hair looked limp with displeasure), offered little resistance to my enthusiasm.
Things were going swimmingly, then without warning, Cox threw me her first curveball, ending the chapter with the entrance of two police officers, both walking toward Kitt with an “air of brisk authority…”
The appearance of these police officers in no way derailed my enjoyment of the story, but it did temporarily distract me. The reason was that his particular scene brought to mind a similarly unexpected “law enforcement moment” of my own.
My wife and I were living on an acreage at the time of this particular incident and since my work shift was early and the commute a far distance, I fell into the habit of waking early to go running…outside…in the winter no less. It was in the winter months that it was pitch black when I was running on the road, which, I soon learned, came to be a concern for a few of my neighbors who happened to be driving on the range roads at those early morning hours.
One morning I was running up a hill and when I reached the top, I noticed a light of a police car up ahead. As I neared, the car I began wondering what the officer was doing on the road at such an hour, and more distressingly, if I was somehow the reason for them being here. I drew nearer, noticing a lone female officer alighting her squad car.
“Excuse me, do you regularly run on his road at this time?” She asked.
“Yes,” I replied, now stopping.
“Well sir,” she continued, “We received a call from one of our neighbors who drives the road, so we waited here to talk to you about this concern.”
“What is the nature of the concern?” I asked.
“It’s that they find it difficult to see you in the dark and are worried that they may accidently run you over.” She clarified.
I was searching for a response when I noticed that she was reaching into the back seat of her car, soon retrieving a yellow and bright red safety vest, the neon strips of which would’ve sufficiently illuminated me, but the garment also featured a built-in, battery powered set of blinking lights, bright enough, I thought to land a Boeing 747.
“Please wear this from today forward,” she stated with a smile, but a tone of voice that indicated she wasn’t really asking.
“I will, thank you,” I replied as I snapped on the vest.
“Oh, and one more thing,” she said as she opened her notebook, “I’ll need our name and phone number for my supply report.”
I gave her my contact information, she in turn handed me her card, we then parted ways.
Later that morning when I was walking into the house, my wife began laughing, asking me where I got the neon vest. I told her the entire story to which she replied, “You gave your name and phone number to a strange woman you met on a dark, deserted road?”
We still laugh about it today.
Anyway, that was the story that came to mind as I read the end of the first chapter of “Murder by the Minster.” The two law enforcement officers were Detective Inspector Malcolm Halloran and Detective Sergeant Charlotte Banks. They ask for Kitt and take her aside, asking her if she knew a man named Owen Hall to which she replied that she did, as he was the ex-boyfriend of her best friend Evie.
They ask if she knew him well, which she admitted that even though he’d dated her best friend for a few years, she never really got to know him all that well. They asked if she knew how they broke up and Kitt, registering disgust shared hat he broke up with her over Facebook Messenger. By now Kitt is genuinely confused, pressing the detectives for the reason for all these questions. Banks and Halloran glance at each other, seemingly deciding to tell her:
Owen Hall has been murdered.
The murder, Halloran gently explains, appeared to be premeditated as the victim was poisoned. Banks then speaks for the first time, confirming that the police suspect Evie as she appears to be the only one with sufficient motive. Kitt vehemently protests, forcefully advocating for her friend, she couldn’t have possibly murdered Owen, or anyone else for that matter.
The officers ignore this, instead questioning Kitt as to her whereabouts on the night in question. She states that she and Evie were together that evening for a movie night a Kitt’s home, and no, there is no one else who could corroborate this. It’s at this point that Banks makes a casual comment about the possibility that Evie may have had an accomplice.
Kitt asks about the nature of the murder, “Was it random?”
Detective Halloran confirms that the poison was slipped into wine, the same brand, the police learned through Facebook, that Owen purchased for Evie on several occasions. And there appeared to be no forced entry, all of which lead to Evie as a suspect. Kitt continued to force her opinion that the police had it wrong about Evie which prompted Halloran to add that there was a note pinned to he dead man’s chest, a note that contained he same opening sentence, (I don’t know how else to say this), as the breakup note Owen had penned to Evie before.
The conversation wraps up with the detectives leaving, but warning Kitt to remain in the local area for questioning. A few hours later, Evie herself makes her way to the library to be consoled by her best friend. The conversation that ensues has Evie telling Kitt that the police informed her that the note was pinned to Owen’s chest by stabbing a fountain pen through the note, then through his heart.
Despite the horrid details of the story, Kitt’s librarian nature kicks in, causing her to realize that this particular murder scenario reminds her of a story she’d read entitled, “A Study in Scarlett” which was a Sherlock Holmes book. Apparently, the story is about a murder that results from a broken heart.
“What brand of fountain pen?” Kitt asks.
“I think they said it was a Stanwyck,” Evie replies in confusion.
It was at this point I’d decided that I was going to love Helen Cox’s “Murder by the Minster,” and as the story unfolded, I became more and more invested in the characters and the incredible happenings going on in their worlds. Who could resist a story containing the illicit weekend activities of a hotel receptionist? An arrest at a ball? A stationary loving serial killer? An elusive hooded figure? A chilling incident taking place on a suitably frightening street (Mad Alice Lane)? An assertive, brash female TV reporter that reminds us why the British press is considered he most intrusive in the world? And a heart-pounding first kiss you’ll not soon forget…
Helen Cox has crafted a truly spellbinding “cozy mystery.” I highly recommend this one!
August 14, 2020
My review on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
Murder by the Minster by Helen Cox is the first in a brand-new mystery series set in the city of York. I loved every second of this detective mystery. As I loved it so much Helen Cox has become one of my favourite top authors, so much so that I'm now desperate to read her next book in the mystery series A Body in theBookshop, that is due out in 2020.
What did I enjoy about Murder by the Minster? The story is about Kitt a librarian, whose best friend Evie is a suspect in a murder investigation. If your best friend is a suspect in a murder investigation, you know she couldn't possibly do such a thing as murder her ex-boyfriend.
We follow Kitt on a journey trailing everything possible to clear her best friend of murdering her ex boyfriend Owen, after all that's what friendship is about girls helping out each other.
Each character sucked me in from everyone who worked in the library to visitors who came into the library and Detective Inspector Halloran who always thinks he is right. I loved the fact that the pace never stopped, it kept me guessing who the murderer is.
I must highly recommend Murder by the Minster with so many surprises along the way.
Murder by the Minster by Helen Cox is the first in a brand-new mystery series set in the city of York. I loved every second of this detective mystery. As I loved it so much Helen Cox has become one of my favourite top authors, so much so that I'm now desperate to read her next book in the mystery series A Body in theBookshop, that is due out in 2020.
What did I enjoy about Murder by the Minster? The story is about Kitt a librarian, whose best friend Evie is a suspect in a murder investigation. If your best friend is a suspect in a murder investigation, you know she couldn't possibly do such a thing as murder her ex-boyfriend.
We follow Kitt on a journey trailing everything possible to clear her best friend of murdering her ex boyfriend Owen, after all that's what friendship is about girls helping out each other.
Each character sucked me in from everyone who worked in the library to visitors who came into the library and Detective Inspector Halloran who always thinks he is right. I loved the fact that the pace never stopped, it kept me guessing who the murderer is.
I must highly recommend Murder by the Minster with so many surprises along the way.
December 11, 2023
Kitt Hartley werkt in de universiteitsbibliotheek. Op een dag staat er een rechercheur voor haar neus, de ex-vriend van haar beste vriendin is vermoord.
De moord is opvallend. Owen is dood aangetroffen met een vulpen in zijn hart gestoken. Kitt kan het niet geloven dat Evie de moord heeft gepleegd. Aangezien Kitt honderden moordmysteries heeft gelezen, besluit ze zelf op onderzoek uit te gaan. Alleen brengt dit haar in problemen.. Nu is ze zélf de hoofdverdachte geworden…
De moord in inkt is een fijne start van een moordmysterie serie. Helen Cox heeft een vertellende schrijfstijl. Wat me wel opviel is dat de beroepen van de personages vaak werden herhaald. Maar verder vond ik het erg fijn lezen. De hoofdstukken zijn niet heel erg lang, vaak rond de 10 bladzijden. Zo kun je makkelijk nog éven een hoofdstuk lezen.
De dader was gelukkig niet meteen duidelijk, dat is een groot pluspunt. Samen met Kitt ga je op onderzoek uit en kom je achter de dader. Ik denk dat dit boek zowel onder cozy crime kan vallen als murder mystery. Ik heb niet op het puntje van m’n stoel gezeten van de spanning, maar gezellig met Kitt de moord onderzocht.
De moord in inkt is de start van de serie met Kitt Hartley. Als ebook zijn er al 8 te lezen, alleen de eerste is momenteel verkrijgbaar als paperback.
Met veel plezier gelezen! Bedankt voor dit recensie exemplaar @uitgeverijdefontein
De moord is opvallend. Owen is dood aangetroffen met een vulpen in zijn hart gestoken. Kitt kan het niet geloven dat Evie de moord heeft gepleegd. Aangezien Kitt honderden moordmysteries heeft gelezen, besluit ze zelf op onderzoek uit te gaan. Alleen brengt dit haar in problemen.. Nu is ze zélf de hoofdverdachte geworden…
De moord in inkt is een fijne start van een moordmysterie serie. Helen Cox heeft een vertellende schrijfstijl. Wat me wel opviel is dat de beroepen van de personages vaak werden herhaald. Maar verder vond ik het erg fijn lezen. De hoofdstukken zijn niet heel erg lang, vaak rond de 10 bladzijden. Zo kun je makkelijk nog éven een hoofdstuk lezen.
De dader was gelukkig niet meteen duidelijk, dat is een groot pluspunt. Samen met Kitt ga je op onderzoek uit en kom je achter de dader. Ik denk dat dit boek zowel onder cozy crime kan vallen als murder mystery. Ik heb niet op het puntje van m’n stoel gezeten van de spanning, maar gezellig met Kitt de moord onderzocht.
De moord in inkt is de start van de serie met Kitt Hartley. Als ebook zijn er al 8 te lezen, alleen de eerste is momenteel verkrijgbaar als paperback.
Met veel plezier gelezen! Bedankt voor dit recensie exemplaar @uitgeverijdefontein
November 18, 2019
I was bored to tears by this story. I only made it to chapter 6 before I admitted defeat and gave up.
First off, I couldn't care less about relationship drama by a woman who was dumped by a jerk, whom she put up with WAY too much shit from, even if he is the one who ends up dead and she is suspected of the murder.
The whole thing seemed to be about who dated who, how badly they were treated, how crushed they are by being treated badly, and then being dumped, etc., etc., etc. I just didn't care.
First off, I couldn't care less about relationship drama by a woman who was dumped by a jerk, whom she put up with WAY too much shit from, even if he is the one who ends up dead and she is suspected of the murder.
The whole thing seemed to be about who dated who, how badly they were treated, how crushed they are by being treated badly, and then being dumped, etc., etc., etc. I just didn't care.
September 14, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Quercus books for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is one review I hope doesn’t come back to bite me. I hope it doesn’t come across as unduly harsh.
On the positive side, Helen Cox obviously knows how to write. (She’s a multi-published romance novelist.) I didn’t feel like pulling my eyeballs out while reading, and the story kept me reading from the first page to the last. Kudos for that!
However, there are some serious issues with the book as a mystery and as a novel. I’ll try to explain.
Spoiler alert, though. It’s hard to explain why certain things didn’t work without revealing parts of the story, though I won’t divulge the killer’s identity. I've tried to hide all the spoilers on Goodreads.
1. Unbelievable/improbable elements.
The police procedures.
Suspects are arrested on flimsy, circumstantial evidence. The victims were poisoned with a chemical used in nail polish remover (after being drugged). This, obviously–or at least obviously to the characters of the novel–means that the killer must be connected with a nail salon. This is simply bizarre. Nail polish remover and its ingredients are readily available, and anyone (including people who don’t wear nail polish) can buy it over the counter. Why are the police adamant on this point?
At one point, Evie phones Kitt in a panic
There are other unbelievable things, too, like
1. DI Halloran’s claim that he gets to control his own investigations. In reality he’s more middle management and would probably deal with tons of paperwork. Honestly, a lot of crime novelists overlook this, too; this isn’t as bad as the next point:
2.
3.
Kitt’s “investigation”
At multiple points, Kitt questions strangers about their relationships and such to the victims and/or suspects. She has absolutely no reason to be meddling.
One person turns over confidential information
Almost no one pushes back at her demands for answers to questions she has no business asking. Frankly, this is absurd.
2. Inconsistencies
Kitt’s social media use
Kitt tells a police officer early in the book,
Yet this is a woman who is a librarian. These are pros who know how online research works.
Furthermore, she’s only 35. That’s a few years younger than I am. By the time Kitt went to the university, almost every young person (in my social circles) could be expected to know how digital research worked. Certainly by the time she graduated, people were using social media! How can someone who came of age during the cyber revolution be this ignorant?
Evie’s relationship with
3. Dislike of main character.
To me, Kitt came off as rude, unnecessarily sarcastic, arrogant, and mean, often dismissing others who aren’t as “intelligent” as she is. (Such as Ruby, a quirky library visitor and the only character I actually liked.) She’s willing to drag in Grace, her assistant, into the investigation, overlooking that this could put Grace in danger (from the killer) and in jeopardy (with the police). While she is protective of Evie, which I like, it was difficult for me to have sympathy for this woman.
If she’d been much older, I might’ve found her ignorance a bit less off-putting. If she’d been a little more self-aware of her own short-comings, I might’ve liked her better.
Conclusion
As I said earlier, Cox knows how to write. There are lovely descriptions. There are fun references to classic mystery novels, such as the work of Agatha Christie, Raymond Chandler, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The developing romance between Halloran and Kitt is well-done.
I really wanted to like the librarian-as-sleuth premise for a mystery series. For years, my mother was a paraprofessional librarian. I grew up around libraries and some incredibly intelligent librarians.
I understand this is a cozy mystery, so I can’t expect the same level of investigative accuracy as in a crime novel. Even so, there was no reason for the number of improbabilities in the book. Maybe cozy mystery fans can suspend their disbelief and enjoy Murder by the Minster. Unfortunately, I couldn’t.
UPDATE: Upon reflection, I decided to add another star because, as I said, my expectations for the investigative accuracy are probably unreasonable. Is it an average book? A good book? I think it really depends on one's expectations and I need to consider the conventions of the genre in that regard more than I did in my original rating.
This is one review I hope doesn’t come back to bite me. I hope it doesn’t come across as unduly harsh.
On the positive side, Helen Cox obviously knows how to write. (She’s a multi-published romance novelist.) I didn’t feel like pulling my eyeballs out while reading, and the story kept me reading from the first page to the last. Kudos for that!
However, there are some serious issues with the book as a mystery and as a novel. I’ll try to explain.
Spoiler alert, though. It’s hard to explain why certain things didn’t work without revealing parts of the story, though I won’t divulge the killer’s identity. I've tried to hide all the spoilers on Goodreads.
1. Unbelievable/improbable elements.
The police procedures.
Suspects are arrested on flimsy, circumstantial evidence. The victims were poisoned with a chemical used in nail polish remover (after being drugged). This, obviously–or at least obviously to the characters of the novel–means that the killer must be connected with a nail salon. This is simply bizarre. Nail polish remover and its ingredients are readily available, and anyone (including people who don’t wear nail polish) can buy it over the counter. Why are the police adamant on this point?
At one point, Evie phones Kitt in a panic
There are other unbelievable things, too, like
1. DI Halloran’s claim that he gets to control his own investigations. In reality he’s more middle management and would probably deal with tons of paperwork. Honestly, a lot of crime novelists overlook this, too; this isn’t as bad as the next point:
2.
3.
Kitt’s “investigation”
At multiple points, Kitt questions strangers about their relationships and such to the victims and/or suspects. She has absolutely no reason to be meddling.
One person turns over confidential information
Almost no one pushes back at her demands for answers to questions she has no business asking. Frankly, this is absurd.
2. Inconsistencies
Kitt’s social media use
Kitt tells a police officer early in the book,
“I don’t have time to be messing around on social media.” (chapter 8)I can buy that. But later, she manages to
Yet this is a woman who is a librarian. These are pros who know how online research works.
Furthermore, she’s only 35. That’s a few years younger than I am. By the time Kitt went to the university, almost every young person (in my social circles) could be expected to know how digital research worked. Certainly by the time she graduated, people were using social media! How can someone who came of age during the cyber revolution be this ignorant?
Evie’s relationship with
3. Dislike of main character.
To me, Kitt came off as rude, unnecessarily sarcastic, arrogant, and mean, often dismissing others who aren’t as “intelligent” as she is. (Such as Ruby, a quirky library visitor and the only character I actually liked.) She’s willing to drag in Grace, her assistant, into the investigation, overlooking that this could put Grace in danger (from the killer) and in jeopardy (with the police). While she is protective of Evie, which I like, it was difficult for me to have sympathy for this woman.
If she’d been much older, I might’ve found her ignorance a bit less off-putting. If she’d been a little more self-aware of her own short-comings, I might’ve liked her better.
Conclusion
As I said earlier, Cox knows how to write. There are lovely descriptions. There are fun references to classic mystery novels, such as the work of Agatha Christie, Raymond Chandler, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The developing romance between Halloran and Kitt is well-done.
I really wanted to like the librarian-as-sleuth premise for a mystery series. For years, my mother was a paraprofessional librarian. I grew up around libraries and some incredibly intelligent librarians.
I understand this is a cozy mystery, so I can’t expect the same level of investigative accuracy as in a crime novel. Even so, there was no reason for the number of improbabilities in the book. Maybe cozy mystery fans can suspend their disbelief and enjoy Murder by the Minster. Unfortunately, I couldn’t.
UPDATE: Upon reflection, I decided to add another star because, as I said, my expectations for the investigative accuracy are probably unreasonable. Is it an average book? A good book? I think it really depends on one's expectations and I need to consider the conventions of the genre in that regard more than I did in my original rating.
June 24, 2019
Title: Murder By the Minster
Series:Kitt Hartley #1
Author: Helen Cox
Genre: mystery
July 1,2019
Meet Kitt Hartley: librarian, trilby-wearer, taker of no nonsense... detective?
It's a perfectly normal day for Kitt Hartley at her job at the University of the Vale of York library, until Detective Inspector Halloran arrives at her desk to tell her that her best friend, Evie Bowes, is under suspicion of murder. Evie's ex-boyfriend Owen has been found dead - with a fountain pen stabbed through his heart - and all the evidence points to her.
Kitt knows there is no way Evie could murder anyone - let alone Owen, who she adored. Horrified that the police could have got it so wrong, Kitt decides there's only one thing to do: she's going to investigate Owen's murder herself. She's read hundreds of mystery novels - how hard can it be?
With the help of her assistant Grace, and the occasional hindrance of the library's eccentric regulars, Kitt summons up all her investigative powers (absorbed over years of reading everything from Agatha Christie to Ian Rankin) and gets to work.
She soon discovers that down the quaint streets and snickelways of York lie darker doings than she'd ever dreamed, but she needs to watch her step: the murderer is watching her. And they haven't finished killing yet..
My thoughts
rating: 3.5
Would I recommend it? yes
Will I read more of this series? yes
Would I read more by this author? yes
Its kind of slow going though out the story , then it picks up and then it goes back to been slow , I do have to say that the author knows how to make the story come to life as well as the characters and the places , but there was one thing I didn't really like and that was how the main character acted at times though out the book , she came off a bit rude as well as insulting . With that said I want to think Netgalley for letting me read and review it .
Series:Kitt Hartley #1
Author: Helen Cox
Genre: mystery
July 1,2019
Meet Kitt Hartley: librarian, trilby-wearer, taker of no nonsense... detective?
It's a perfectly normal day for Kitt Hartley at her job at the University of the Vale of York library, until Detective Inspector Halloran arrives at her desk to tell her that her best friend, Evie Bowes, is under suspicion of murder. Evie's ex-boyfriend Owen has been found dead - with a fountain pen stabbed through his heart - and all the evidence points to her.
Kitt knows there is no way Evie could murder anyone - let alone Owen, who she adored. Horrified that the police could have got it so wrong, Kitt decides there's only one thing to do: she's going to investigate Owen's murder herself. She's read hundreds of mystery novels - how hard can it be?
With the help of her assistant Grace, and the occasional hindrance of the library's eccentric regulars, Kitt summons up all her investigative powers (absorbed over years of reading everything from Agatha Christie to Ian Rankin) and gets to work.
She soon discovers that down the quaint streets and snickelways of York lie darker doings than she'd ever dreamed, but she needs to watch her step: the murderer is watching her. And they haven't finished killing yet..
My thoughts
rating: 3.5
Would I recommend it? yes
Will I read more of this series? yes
Would I read more by this author? yes
Its kind of slow going though out the story , then it picks up and then it goes back to been slow , I do have to say that the author knows how to make the story come to life as well as the characters and the places , but there was one thing I didn't really like and that was how the main character acted at times though out the book , she came off a bit rude as well as insulting . With that said I want to think Netgalley for letting me read and review it .
December 11, 2019
A great book in a new series! I found the characters to be well defined, carefully described (planned) and relatable. The background and setting are done very well too. The murder, red herrings and break-ins lead you on a twisted path that will keep you turning the pages and guessing right to the cool and surprise ending. I highly recommend this book to all mystery readers. I am impatient for the next book to come out!..
February 16, 2025
An absolutely fantastic read, it feels so close to home only being based a small journey away in York. The book had me wondering from the start how it would conclude, even when I had an idea of who the culprit was…it still kept me guessing.
July 3, 2019
Travel to York via the books location
Yay! A book set firmly in the stunning York Minster and the historic city of York. I’ve read many historical books and time slip novels set here, but nothing like a cosy mystery as far as I can recall. This novel hits the spot and then some. It’s like being with old friends and as this is a debut, that’s pretty good going!
There’s a lot to like here. Comedy, mystery, a who dunnit Cluedo style drama and a sleuth who constantly drops in literary quotes, references and more. A great deal takes place in the (Fictional) university library. The university has been renamed but the feel of the place and the grand library is all very recognisable. The history and the academic background give a feel of grandeur and historical intrigue to the whole affair.
The city of York is well evoked and described and the sense of searching for the truth in a gothic city where secrets can hide in the shadows, comes across well. Inspector Halloran and Sergeant Banks are great characters – grumpy and serious in a world where they of course have to solve a murder or two. Compare them to Kitt however and they bounce of each other nicely.
There’s twists, a good old fashioned who dunnit to solve and some cracking literary puns along the way. Watch out for the bad dad jokes – but there they’re part of the charm! And that’s how I think of this book – charming, great reading, a cracking fireside mystery and want-to-meet-again characters. Set in the fascinating city of York and all its gothic splendour takes this to another level.
Cosy, quirky and very enjoyable
July 26, 2020
⚠️⚠️⚠️ SPOILER ALERT⚠️⚠️⚠️
I’m sorry to say but I didn’t really enjoy this book. I found it too outrageous to be believable & that ruined it for me.
Kitt is a librarian. Her best friend’s ex boyfriend is murdered. Evie, her best friend is a suspect. Kitt gets arrested alongside Evie, suspected of being an accomplice or giving her a false alibi. When the pair or released from custody (due to lack of evidence rather than something that proves that cannot possibly be involved), Kitt starts working alongside the police to help them solve the crime at the request of the lead detective!!!
WHY? I realise it’s a work of fiction & most police forces in UK TV crime dramas seem to get help from nosy women but really?? I found it too hard to believe that a senior detective with years of experience would casually ask a suspect to give them a hand solving a serial murder case! It felt as if it had be written for one of those types of programmes rather than as a police crime fiction book.
I couldn’t get into it & my annoyance meant I didn’t warm to any of the characters. I thought the murderer was obvious & the motive was crammed into the last 2 chapters just to finish the book off.
I won’t be in a rush to read any books about Kitt in the future.
I’m sorry to say but I didn’t really enjoy this book. I found it too outrageous to be believable & that ruined it for me.
Kitt is a librarian. Her best friend’s ex boyfriend is murdered. Evie, her best friend is a suspect. Kitt gets arrested alongside Evie, suspected of being an accomplice or giving her a false alibi. When the pair or released from custody (due to lack of evidence rather than something that proves that cannot possibly be involved), Kitt starts working alongside the police to help them solve the crime at the request of the lead detective!!!
WHY? I realise it’s a work of fiction & most police forces in UK TV crime dramas seem to get help from nosy women but really?? I found it too hard to believe that a senior detective with years of experience would casually ask a suspect to give them a hand solving a serial murder case! It felt as if it had be written for one of those types of programmes rather than as a police crime fiction book.
I couldn’t get into it & my annoyance meant I didn’t warm to any of the characters. I thought the murderer was obvious & the motive was crammed into the last 2 chapters just to finish the book off.
I won’t be in a rush to read any books about Kitt in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2025
La Bibliotecaria che inciampò in un omicidio è un classico cozy crime, quel genere di giallo divertente dove non si ritrovano brutalità ed efferatezza che caratterizzano solitamente questo tipo di storia.
Kitt Hartley è nella sua zona di conforto, tra libri e tè inglese, nella biblioteca dell’Università di York quando riceve la visita dell’affascinante ispettore Halloran, dagli occhi del colore dell’Oceano in tempesta, e della sua collega, Charlotte Banks.
La migliore amica di Kitt, Evie, è sospettata dell’omicidio dell’ex fidanzato Owen: lui l’aveva lasciata scrivendole su Messenger, dopo due anni di relazione.
Il suo corpo è stato ritrovato dalla domestica e sul petto è stata conficcata una penna stilografica.
Per Kitt è impossibile che la sua migliore amica possa essere colpevole e inizia così le sue personalissime indagini, attingendo alle sue passioni ma anche alla profonda conoscenza delle dinamiche che ha appreso leggendo i libri dei suoi scrittori preferiti.
Inutile dire che l’affascinante Halloran è infastidito, anche perché Kitt è tutto fuorché discreta e la sua presenza – e quella delle aiutanti investigatrici – si rivela subito d’intralcio..
Lieto fine d'obbligo. (Come da titolo). Carino.
Kitt Hartley è nella sua zona di conforto, tra libri e tè inglese, nella biblioteca dell’Università di York quando riceve la visita dell’affascinante ispettore Halloran, dagli occhi del colore dell’Oceano in tempesta, e della sua collega, Charlotte Banks.
La migliore amica di Kitt, Evie, è sospettata dell’omicidio dell’ex fidanzato Owen: lui l’aveva lasciata scrivendole su Messenger, dopo due anni di relazione.
Il suo corpo è stato ritrovato dalla domestica e sul petto è stata conficcata una penna stilografica.
Per Kitt è impossibile che la sua migliore amica possa essere colpevole e inizia così le sue personalissime indagini, attingendo alle sue passioni ma anche alla profonda conoscenza delle dinamiche che ha appreso leggendo i libri dei suoi scrittori preferiti.
Inutile dire che l’affascinante Halloran è infastidito, anche perché Kitt è tutto fuorché discreta e la sua presenza – e quella delle aiutanti investigatrici – si rivela subito d’intralcio..
Lieto fine d'obbligo. (Come da titolo). Carino.
December 29, 2020
Dødbringende besked er en imponerende start på en ny hyggelig krimiserie. Den historiske by York udgør en glimrende kulisse for bogen, ligesom de fascinerende gotiske rammer var perfekte til at skabe bogens stemning.
Der var mange tiltalende ting ved bogen: Beskrivelsen af det smukke bibliotek med dets tårnhøje bogreoler af egetræ, farvede glasruder og de malede loftsmalerier. Dialogen, der involverede mange velplacerede litterære referencer uden dog at virke alt for intellektuel. Et tempo der aldrig mistede pusten, og derfor hele tiden hold læserne på tæerne.
Kitt er en person med meget bestemte meninger og holdninger – men hun vil gå langt for at redde sin bedste ven. Samtidigt prøver hun at beskytte sig selv og sine følelser, men nogle gange sker tingene selvom vi måske ikke umiddelbart er klar til dem. Og så har hun en kat – det bliver da ikke meget bedre end det 🙂
Alle karaktererne fremstod levende og realistiske, og specielt Kitt fascinerede fra starten. Hun er en klog og ressourcestærk kvinde, som mange sikkert vil undervurdere i starten.
Selvom der måske til tider mangler lidt troværdighed over planlægning og mord, og selvom en mistænkt anholdes på et meget tyndt grundlag, så vil bogen alligevel fange læsere med trang til who-dunnit dramaer i ægte Cluedo-stil. Charmerende og god læsning, der specielt vil tiltale elskere af Elly Griffiths og Louise Penny.
Der var mange tiltalende ting ved bogen: Beskrivelsen af det smukke bibliotek med dets tårnhøje bogreoler af egetræ, farvede glasruder og de malede loftsmalerier. Dialogen, der involverede mange velplacerede litterære referencer uden dog at virke alt for intellektuel. Et tempo der aldrig mistede pusten, og derfor hele tiden hold læserne på tæerne.
Kitt er en person med meget bestemte meninger og holdninger – men hun vil gå langt for at redde sin bedste ven. Samtidigt prøver hun at beskytte sig selv og sine følelser, men nogle gange sker tingene selvom vi måske ikke umiddelbart er klar til dem. Og så har hun en kat – det bliver da ikke meget bedre end det 🙂
Alle karaktererne fremstod levende og realistiske, og specielt Kitt fascinerede fra starten. Hun er en klog og ressourcestærk kvinde, som mange sikkert vil undervurdere i starten.
Selvom der måske til tider mangler lidt troværdighed over planlægning og mord, og selvom en mistænkt anholdes på et meget tyndt grundlag, så vil bogen alligevel fange læsere med trang til who-dunnit dramaer i ægte Cluedo-stil. Charmerende og god læsning, der specielt vil tiltale elskere af Elly Griffiths og Louise Penny.
July 25, 2021
Insgesamt mochte ich dieses Buch. Der Krimi ist spannend und hatte gute Wendungen und auch die Liebesgeschichte mochte ich. Was ich nicht mochte waren die dummen Alleingänge der Protagonistin, die ja eigentlich als intelligent geschildert wird und ich wurde auch recht spät mit ihr warm, weil sie anfangs sehr herablassend war.
May 17, 2024
UN GIALLO LEGGERO MA VALIDO
Romanzo leggero e simpaticissimo, con personaggi davvero singolari (ho fatto il tifo per Kitt e Halloran tutto il tempo!). La soluzione non è di quelle che ti lasciano a bocca aperta, ma "La bibliotecaria che inciampò in un omicidio" resta comunque un giallo davvero valido, in grado di depistare anche il lettore più avveduto.
Romanzo leggero e simpaticissimo, con personaggi davvero singolari (ho fatto il tifo per Kitt e Halloran tutto il tempo!). La soluzione non è di quelle che ti lasciano a bocca aperta, ma "La bibliotecaria che inciampò in un omicidio" resta comunque un giallo davvero valido, in grado di depistare anche il lettore più avveduto.
August 13, 2019
"Murder by the Minster" by Helen Cox is first instalment in the new "Kitt Hartley Yorkshire Mysteries series"mi thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Meet Kitt Hartley: librarian, no-nonsense Yorkshirewoman ... detective?
It's a perfectly normal day for Kitt Hartley at her job at the University of the Vale of York library, until Detective Inspector Halloran arrives at her desk to tell her that her best friend, Evie Bowes, is under suspicion of murder. Evie's ex-boyfriend Owen has been found dead - with a fountain pen stabbed through his heart - and all the evidence points to her.
Kitt knows there is no way Evie could murder anyone - let alone Owen, who she adored. Horrified that the police could have got it so wrong, Kitt decides there's only one thing to do: she's going to investigate Owen's murder herself. She's read hundreds of mystery novels - how hard can it be?
With the help of her assistant Grace, and the occasional hindrance of the library's eccentric regulars, Kitt summons up all her investigative powers (absorbed over years of reading everything from Agatha Christie to Ian Rankin) and gets to work.
She soon discovers that down the quaint streets and snickelways of York lie darker doings than she'd ever dreamed, but she needs to watch her step: the murderer is watching her. And they haven't finished killing yet...
I really enjoyed this British mystery from beginning to end set in picturesque city of York, England. The Protagonist Kitt is clever, well developed and down to earth. There were likeable side characters too. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. The book is engaging from start to finish..
I cant wait to read the next instalment in the series. Highly recommend to mystery fans.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Meet Kitt Hartley: librarian, no-nonsense Yorkshirewoman ... detective?
It's a perfectly normal day for Kitt Hartley at her job at the University of the Vale of York library, until Detective Inspector Halloran arrives at her desk to tell her that her best friend, Evie Bowes, is under suspicion of murder. Evie's ex-boyfriend Owen has been found dead - with a fountain pen stabbed through his heart - and all the evidence points to her.
Kitt knows there is no way Evie could murder anyone - let alone Owen, who she adored. Horrified that the police could have got it so wrong, Kitt decides there's only one thing to do: she's going to investigate Owen's murder herself. She's read hundreds of mystery novels - how hard can it be?
With the help of her assistant Grace, and the occasional hindrance of the library's eccentric regulars, Kitt summons up all her investigative powers (absorbed over years of reading everything from Agatha Christie to Ian Rankin) and gets to work.
She soon discovers that down the quaint streets and snickelways of York lie darker doings than she'd ever dreamed, but she needs to watch her step: the murderer is watching her. And they haven't finished killing yet...
I really enjoyed this British mystery from beginning to end set in picturesque city of York, England. The Protagonist Kitt is clever, well developed and down to earth. There were likeable side characters too. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. The book is engaging from start to finish..
I cant wait to read the next instalment in the series. Highly recommend to mystery fans.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 27, 2020
I've been looking forward to reading this series since I first saw A Body in the Bookshop recommended here on Goodreads. It seemed like fate when I was at my favourite second-hand bookshop, Barter Books, in Alnwick, and almost the first book I saw was 'A Body in the Bookshop'! I had to go online straight away and order 'Murder by the Minster' so I could read them in order.
I wasn't disappointed and I loved both Kitt and Evie as characters. They are both really interesting characters that I am looking forward to discovering more about as the series progresses. I also liked the supporting characters of Halloran and Banks, and I'm looking forward to 'A Body in the Bookshop' which, from the blurb, is more about Banks, which should be intriguing, judging by her in this book. I love the interplay between Kitt and Halloran as well - it's quite sassy and suggestive at times, then veers towards the serious.
The description is great and, having visited York, I can picture the historic streets and the gates and walls, which really gives the book a great atmosphere. But I think even if you haven't visited York before the atmosphere is really set up in this book as they explore the city.
I would really recommend this book for lovers of crime and mystery, and cosy crime, though I'm not sure it really fits into cosy crime or serious crime novels, it's kind of in-between for me, which actually really works.
I wasn't disappointed and I loved both Kitt and Evie as characters. They are both really interesting characters that I am looking forward to discovering more about as the series progresses. I also liked the supporting characters of Halloran and Banks, and I'm looking forward to 'A Body in the Bookshop' which, from the blurb, is more about Banks, which should be intriguing, judging by her in this book. I love the interplay between Kitt and Halloran as well - it's quite sassy and suggestive at times, then veers towards the serious.
The description is great and, having visited York, I can picture the historic streets and the gates and walls, which really gives the book a great atmosphere. But I think even if you haven't visited York before the atmosphere is really set up in this book as they explore the city.
I would really recommend this book for lovers of crime and mystery, and cosy crime, though I'm not sure it really fits into cosy crime or serious crime novels, it's kind of in-between for me, which actually really works.
October 20, 2021
The only thing I liked about this book was the setting. Maybe this should be listed as a romance novel? The main character and her female friends are portrayed as both independent and completely devastated by male companions. Neither of these characteristics was convincing. And the writing is strange. The author doesn't want to use the pronoun "she" so instead, the main character is referred to as "the librarian" in sentences where normally you would just write "she." I found this really jarring.
September 12, 2022
Not a style I like. So many descriptions of everything from books lined on shelves, their spines, clothes, room details, computer images....and interrupting speaking discussions to go off on tangents about rug colors and cat hair. Too much romance. The mystery seemed to just chunked into all this. I didn't find the police and procedure part of this story believable. Too much romance.
January 5, 2020
Disappointed with this one. Clunky. I couldn’t understand why, in the same sentence, the author was using Kit’s name and then almost immediately saying “the librarian”. Seemed silly. Won’t pursue the series.
May 16, 2021
Rather boring.
August 13, 2022
Minu jaoks on see rohkem armastus- kui krimiromaan. Jah, seal toimuvad mõrvad, mida asutakse uurima, kuid eneselegi üllatuseks köitis mind sealse armuloo kujunemine hoopis rohkem. Selline armas lugu, soe ja südamlik, kohati naljakas ning mis põhiline, ilma ülevoolavate seksistseenideta.
Kui norida, siis pealkirjaga on mingisugune kamm. Ma tegelikult ei saanud lõpuni aru, mis see toomkirik asjasse puutub, sest mõrv(ad) toimus(id) kusagil mujal... või äkki viimane isegi oli kusagil lähedal?... See on see, kui lugemisel pöörad tähelepanu hoopis tegelaste omavahelistele suhetele, mitte toimunud kuritööle. Selles mõttes on teose muukeelse väljaande pealkiri "Surmav sõnum" palju loogilisem, aga see selleks.
Üldiselt on tegemist üsnagi nauditava lugemisega ning hea meelega loeks ka sarja järgmisi osi ja mitte ainult sellepärast, et peategelane raamatukoguhoidja on...
Kui norida, siis pealkirjaga on mingisugune kamm. Ma tegelikult ei saanud lõpuni aru, mis see toomkirik asjasse puutub, sest mõrv(ad) toimus(id) kusagil mujal... või äkki viimane isegi oli kusagil lähedal?... See on see, kui lugemisel pöörad tähelepanu hoopis tegelaste omavahelistele suhetele, mitte toimunud kuritööle. Selles mõttes on teose muukeelse väljaande pealkiri "Surmav sõnum" palju loogilisem, aga see selleks.
Üldiselt on tegemist üsnagi nauditava lugemisega ning hea meelega loeks ka sarja järgmisi osi ja mitte ainult sellepärast, et peategelane raamatukoguhoidja on...
March 3, 2020
A very cozy read, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, so much so that I read it twice in two months! Kitt Hartley is a character I relate to in many ways, from her literature related jewellery to her strong, dry sense of humour.
The plot of three murders is quite interesting and very well told. The description in areas is lovely and it really helps to envision York.
Towards the end I found it leaned more towards romance than detective fiction and I found some of the mystery was rushed to give more to the budding amore between Kitt and Holloran.
Overall, looking forward to the next book in the series!! Should be an interesting and enjoyable experience.
The plot of three murders is quite interesting and very well told. The description in areas is lovely and it really helps to envision York.
Towards the end I found it leaned more towards romance than detective fiction and I found some of the mystery was rushed to give more to the budding amore between Kitt and Holloran.
Overall, looking forward to the next book in the series!! Should be an interesting and enjoyable experience.
March 21, 2025
Questa storia è stata un'ottima compagnia in questo momento così caotico.
Una trama coinvolgente, protagonisti gradevoli e dinamici.
Promosso e consiglio ✨️
Una trama coinvolgente, protagonisti gradevoli e dinamici.
Promosso e consiglio ✨️
December 5, 2022
See oli üks tõeliselt kummaline lugemiskogemus. Alustasin seda raamatut kaks korda, enne kui suutsin selle läbi lugeda. Algus oli lihtsalt veniv ja peategelane äärmiselt kummaline. Olin täiesti kindel, et tegu on vanema daami, midagi Jane Marple taolist. Ja siis tuleb välja, et taon 35-aastane. Mul kukkus suu lahti.
Kui lõpuks juhtum lahti läks, siis oli see päris põnev ja lõpp oli ikka täitsa pöörane.
Kui lõpuks juhtum lahti läks, siis oli see päris põnev ja lõpp oli ikka täitsa pöörane.
January 8, 2024
A good cosy crime this is book 1 of 7
June 27, 2019
All I can say is THANK GOD this is going to be a series because I don’t think I could live long without a new Kitt and DI Halloran book coming in the future. Helen Cox is a favorite new author for me. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for any new books by her.
This is basically a police procedural with cozy mystery leanings. Kitt is a librarian who is taken in for questioning for the murder of her best friend Evie’s ex-boyfriend, Owen. The mystery was pretty good and I had no idea whodunit until the end because nearly every other chapter a new suspect was introduced. The chase was thrilling, convoluted and exciting from the moment DI Halloran and his partner laid eyes on Kitt.
But my beyond favorite part of the book was the budding relationship between Kitt and DI Halloran. It was a slow build up relationship. But her friends could see Kitt peaked Halloran’s interest from the beginning even though it was his job to get to the bottom of a murder she might be involved in.
All the small moments between them is what made this so good. They are both pretty hard headed and have their own ideas about justice. Halloran follows the rules and Kitt seems to be somewhat of a rule breaker as she goes off on her own investigation even when Halloran thinks she would be safer staying out of it. That scene with the two of them by the bridge was one of the steamiest and most raw scenes I have witnessed in a long time.
I can’t wait until book two in the series comes out. I am definitely hooked.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is basically a police procedural with cozy mystery leanings. Kitt is a librarian who is taken in for questioning for the murder of her best friend Evie’s ex-boyfriend, Owen. The mystery was pretty good and I had no idea whodunit until the end because nearly every other chapter a new suspect was introduced. The chase was thrilling, convoluted and exciting from the moment DI Halloran and his partner laid eyes on Kitt.
But my beyond favorite part of the book was the budding relationship between Kitt and DI Halloran. It was a slow build up relationship. But her friends could see Kitt peaked Halloran’s interest from the beginning even though it was his job to get to the bottom of a murder she might be involved in.
All the small moments between them is what made this so good. They are both pretty hard headed and have their own ideas about justice. Halloran follows the rules and Kitt seems to be somewhat of a rule breaker as she goes off on her own investigation even when Halloran thinks she would be safer staying out of it. That scene with the two of them by the bridge was one of the steamiest and most raw scenes I have witnessed in a long time.
I can’t wait until book two in the series comes out. I am definitely hooked.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
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