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Liz, Pat and Thelma #1
A Spoonful Of Murder
Retirement can be murder…
Every Thursday, three retired school teachers have their ‘coffee o’clock’ sessions at the Thirsk Garden Centre café.
But one fateful week, as they are catching up with a slice of cake, they bump into their ex-colleague, Topsy.
By the next Thursday, Topsy’s dead.
The last thing Liz, Thelma and Pat imagined was that they would become involved in a murder.
But they know there’s more to Topsy’s death than meets the eye – and it’s down to them to prove it…
Sit down with a cup of tea, a slice of cake and this perfectly witty, page-turning cosy crime novel. Fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Death in Paradise and Midsomer Murders will be hooked from the very first page.
Every Thursday, three retired school teachers have their ‘coffee o’clock’ sessions at the Thirsk Garden Centre café.
But one fateful week, as they are catching up with a slice of cake, they bump into their ex-colleague, Topsy.
By the next Thursday, Topsy’s dead.
The last thing Liz, Thelma and Pat imagined was that they would become involved in a murder.
But they know there’s more to Topsy’s death than meets the eye – and it’s down to them to prove it…
Sit down with a cup of tea, a slice of cake and this perfectly witty, page-turning cosy crime novel. Fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Death in Paradise and Midsomer Murders will be hooked from the very first page.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2022
1509 people are currently reading
6444 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Hall
4 books144 followersJ.M. Hall is an author, playwright and deputy head of a primary school. His plays have been produced in theatres across the UK as well as for radio, the most recent being Trust, starring Julie Hesmondhalgh on BBC Radio 4. His first novel, A Spoonful of Murder, is about retired primary school teachers who turn to sleuthing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,004 reviews
November 19, 2023
EXCERPT: Since they'd all been retired (Pat two years, Thelma and Liz four) it had to be said the weekends had somewhat lost that special quality - that snatched, hallowed glow. Truth be told, the days even held a certain . . . sameness - Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays - a sameness to be fought against with book groups and keep fit classes and stints in the charity shop. Fought against, but not admitted to.
Hence coffee o'clock every Thursday in the café at Thirsk Garden Centre (good parking, well away from tourists).
And if it hadn't been a Thursday . . . if it hadn't been the garden centre cafe . . . they wouldn't have met Topsy and KellyAnne and, crucially, Thelma wouldn't have come across Topsy crying in the toilets, which they all agreed was really the start of things.
ABOUT 'A SPOONFUL OF MURDER': Retirement can be murder…
Every Thursday, three retired school teachers have their ‘coffee o’clock’ sessions at the Thirsk Garden Centre café.
But one fateful week, as they are catching up with a slice of cake, they bump into their ex-colleague, Topsy.
By the next Thursday, Topsy’s dead.
The last thing Liz, Thelma and Pat imagined was that they would become involved in a murder.
But they know there’s more to Topsy’s death than meets the eye – and it’s down to them to prove it…
MY THOUGHTS: A Spoonful of Murder is an entertaining cosy murder mystery starring three very down to earth retired teachers, any one of whom could be your neighbour.
My favourite character was definitely Pat. Self-deprecating, inquisitive and very wise in her own way, Pat is definitely easy to relate to and often had me laughing at her inner thoughts. Thelma and Liz are the ideal sidekicks.
The plot flows at an even pace, with numerous humorous moments. There are a veritable plethora of red herrings and multiple suspects who could be responsible for Topsy's death, but WHY? Why would anyone want to murder a harmless, if slightly befuddled, old lady?
Narrator Julie Hesmondhalgh has a wonderful range of voices and intonation in her repertoire and I would instantly be attracted to anything she narrates.
A Spoonful of Murder, as well as being a delightfully entertaining read, deals with dementia, loan sharks, and cleverly outlines many of the ways the vulnerable elderly can be defrauded of their life savings.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.1
#ASpoonfulofMurder #NetGalley
I: @jm_hall_writer @harpercollinsuk @avonbooksuk
T: @ HarperCollinsUK @AvonBooksUK
#audiobook #contemporaryfiction #cosymystery #murdermystery
THE AUTHOR: J.M. Hall is an author, playwright and deputy head of a primary school. His plays have been produced in theatres across the UK as well as for radio.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Avon Books UK, and HarperCollins Audio for providing both a digital and an audio ARC of A Spoonful of Murder by J.M. Hall for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
A Spoonful of Murder by J.M. Hall is available in Kindle and audiobook formats.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Hence coffee o'clock every Thursday in the café at Thirsk Garden Centre (good parking, well away from tourists).
And if it hadn't been a Thursday . . . if it hadn't been the garden centre cafe . . . they wouldn't have met Topsy and KellyAnne and, crucially, Thelma wouldn't have come across Topsy crying in the toilets, which they all agreed was really the start of things.
ABOUT 'A SPOONFUL OF MURDER': Retirement can be murder…
Every Thursday, three retired school teachers have their ‘coffee o’clock’ sessions at the Thirsk Garden Centre café.
But one fateful week, as they are catching up with a slice of cake, they bump into their ex-colleague, Topsy.
By the next Thursday, Topsy’s dead.
The last thing Liz, Thelma and Pat imagined was that they would become involved in a murder.
But they know there’s more to Topsy’s death than meets the eye – and it’s down to them to prove it…
MY THOUGHTS: A Spoonful of Murder is an entertaining cosy murder mystery starring three very down to earth retired teachers, any one of whom could be your neighbour.
My favourite character was definitely Pat. Self-deprecating, inquisitive and very wise in her own way, Pat is definitely easy to relate to and often had me laughing at her inner thoughts. Thelma and Liz are the ideal sidekicks.
The plot flows at an even pace, with numerous humorous moments. There are a veritable plethora of red herrings and multiple suspects who could be responsible for Topsy's death, but WHY? Why would anyone want to murder a harmless, if slightly befuddled, old lady?
Narrator Julie Hesmondhalgh has a wonderful range of voices and intonation in her repertoire and I would instantly be attracted to anything she narrates.
A Spoonful of Murder, as well as being a delightfully entertaining read, deals with dementia, loan sharks, and cleverly outlines many of the ways the vulnerable elderly can be defrauded of their life savings.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.1
#ASpoonfulofMurder #NetGalley
I: @jm_hall_writer @harpercollinsuk @avonbooksuk
T: @ HarperCollinsUK @AvonBooksUK
#audiobook #contemporaryfiction #cosymystery #murdermystery
THE AUTHOR: J.M. Hall is an author, playwright and deputy head of a primary school. His plays have been produced in theatres across the UK as well as for radio.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Avon Books UK, and HarperCollins Audio for providing both a digital and an audio ARC of A Spoonful of Murder by J.M. Hall for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
A Spoonful of Murder by J.M. Hall is available in Kindle and audiobook formats.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
March 20, 2022
Now available as of March17, 2022
3.5⭐️ rounded down.
As the story begins, we meet Liz, Pat and Thelma, former colleagues and retired teachers of St. Barnabus’s Primary School who meet up every Thursday at the Thirsk Garden Centre café sharing gossip and tidbits about their lives and families. On one particular Thursday, they bump into Topsy, another ex-colleague, former nursery nurse at the same school, and her daughter Kelly Anne. Topsy is in the early stages of dementia , a condition that has worsened since the death of her husband . KellyAnne is her only caregiver. While the friends appreciate KellyAnne’s taking care of her mother and sympathize with their situation, they also sense that there is something that is not quite right when Topsy shares some disturbing facts . This prompts the friends to visit her at her home. They come to know that recently Topsy has been the victim of financial fraud and has lost all her life savings. When Topsy is found dead in her home the following week Liz , Pat and Thelma suspect that there might be more to her death than meets the eye.
Though Topsy's death is attributed to her “muddling” her medication , the friends take it upon themselves to investigate both her death and the bank fraud which occurred prior to the same, all the while dealing with their personal family concerns. Added to the mix is Paula, Topsy’s cleaner and former employee at the school where Topsy and the ladies were employed who has nothing good to say about KellyAnne , Paula's stripper/call center worker son, a real estate agent with dubious intentions, a builder with a corrupt agenda and a bank employee who is definitely hiding something.
J.M.Hall’s debut novel, A Spoonful of Murder is a charming cozy mystery with three smart, inquisitive and determined protagonists, a good dose of humor and an interesting premise. The story touches upon issues such as elder care and financial exploitation of vulnerable individuals by fraudulent entities, both of which are important issues. However, the narrative does take a while to pick up the pace, and only does so after the halfway mark. I found the writing a bit long-drawn and repetitive in parts and it took a bit of effort to focus as I waited for the mystery to unravel. There are multiple red herrings and numerous sub-plots which are a bit difficult to keep track of and do distract from the primary track. Though my attention wavered at points I was happy with the way the story is ultimately wrapped up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books, UK for the digital review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
3.5⭐️ rounded down.
As the story begins, we meet Liz, Pat and Thelma, former colleagues and retired teachers of St. Barnabus’s Primary School who meet up every Thursday at the Thirsk Garden Centre café sharing gossip and tidbits about their lives and families. On one particular Thursday, they bump into Topsy, another ex-colleague, former nursery nurse at the same school, and her daughter Kelly Anne. Topsy is in the early stages of dementia , a condition that has worsened since the death of her husband . KellyAnne is her only caregiver. While the friends appreciate KellyAnne’s taking care of her mother and sympathize with their situation, they also sense that there is something that is not quite right when Topsy shares some disturbing facts . This prompts the friends to visit her at her home. They come to know that recently Topsy has been the victim of financial fraud and has lost all her life savings. When Topsy is found dead in her home the following week Liz , Pat and Thelma suspect that there might be more to her death than meets the eye.
Though Topsy's death is attributed to her “muddling” her medication , the friends take it upon themselves to investigate both her death and the bank fraud which occurred prior to the same, all the while dealing with their personal family concerns. Added to the mix is Paula, Topsy’s cleaner and former employee at the school where Topsy and the ladies were employed who has nothing good to say about KellyAnne , Paula's stripper/call center worker son, a real estate agent with dubious intentions, a builder with a corrupt agenda and a bank employee who is definitely hiding something.
J.M.Hall’s debut novel, A Spoonful of Murder is a charming cozy mystery with three smart, inquisitive and determined protagonists, a good dose of humor and an interesting premise. The story touches upon issues such as elder care and financial exploitation of vulnerable individuals by fraudulent entities, both of which are important issues. However, the narrative does take a while to pick up the pace, and only does so after the halfway mark. I found the writing a bit long-drawn and repetitive in parts and it took a bit of effort to focus as I waited for the mystery to unravel. There are multiple red herrings and numerous sub-plots which are a bit difficult to keep track of and do distract from the primary track. Though my attention wavered at points I was happy with the way the story is ultimately wrapped up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books, UK for the digital review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
March 12, 2022
A Spoonful of Murder is the debut novel of J.M. Hall. It is a British cozy mystery featuring three kind, smart, and curious protagonists who have extra time on their hands since they retired. I wanted to like this British cozy, but I found it hard to read. I felt like I was in the middle of a tornado twisting round and round. That is what this book felt like to me. The writing style is the problem. The author is overly descriptive, the pacing is slow, and it is hard to tell which character is talking (they all sounded alike to me). There was also too much repetition (because of the switching viewpoint and memories issues). The first two-thirds of the book is slow going with the pacing picking up toward the end as the mystery reaches its climax. We follow Liz, Thelma, and Pat as they go about their day-to-day activities plus work to solve the mystery. We are privy to their thoughts about on their lives, families, and friends (with it often being in parenthesis which is distracting and further slows down the pace). We are introduced to a multitude of people with many of them having nothing to do with the mystery. The author tried to make the mystery complex with multiple red herrings and subplots. By the end of the first chapter, I knew who would die and the identity of the killer. I can understand having a red herring or two, but the author went overboard. The mystery was nicely wrapped up at the end. It is carefully explained how Topsy died and how the killer accomplished the deed. We also are privy as to how the three amateur sleuths pieced together the clues. There are several themes in A Spoonful of Murder that includes elder care, dementia, aging, elder financial fraud, parenting, and childlessness. I like the close friendship between Liz, Thelma, and Pat. I liked the humor scattered throughout the story. II felt, though, that the author missed the mark with this cozy. A Spoonful of Murder should have been a light cozy mystery with plenty of humor and warm characters. The book felt long and drawn out. I wanted to like A Spoonful of Murder, but it was hard as the story jumped from issue to issue and character to character. I found it a chore to complete this book. While A Spoonful of Murder was not for me, I suggest you obtain a sample to judge for yourself. A Spoonful of Murder is an eventful British cozy with coffee klatches, financial fraud, a difficult death, muddled memories, and firm friends.
May 27, 2024
1.5 stars. reading vlog: https://youtu.be/nbVXSOSVKPo
i'm sorry babes you'll never be thursday murder club
i'm sorry babes you'll never be thursday murder club
July 14, 2022
I was expecting interesting characters that will contribute to the plot each in a particular and different way but what this book presents us is three barely over sixty women who are sheltered, not very friendly to each other and dull. Thelma, Pat and Liz are like I said (but it is worth repeating) barely over sixty, they do not know what emojis are, distrust online banking and act much older.
The book in my opinion needed more dialogue. The characters needed to be different from one another. The plot needed to be faster and the sub plots shorter. Jacob’s story was not so necessary but kudos to writing Liam’s story. There are truly funny moments like with Pat’s Zumba class.
Another problem is that these ladies have husbands that tell them what to do constantly, they are very submissive in their family life. The mystery is solved brilliantly at the end but in order to get there this book offers us a very slow plot that repeats itself with not so very interesting sub plots and dull characters.
The book in my opinion needed more dialogue. The characters needed to be different from one another. The plot needed to be faster and the sub plots shorter. Jacob’s story was not so necessary but kudos to writing Liam’s story. There are truly funny moments like with Pat’s Zumba class.
Another problem is that these ladies have husbands that tell them what to do constantly, they are very submissive in their family life. The mystery is solved brilliantly at the end but in order to get there this book offers us a very slow plot that repeats itself with not so very interesting sub plots and dull characters.
March 27, 2022
(4.5*) A Spoonful Of Murder is an engrossing mystery, which in most respects fits the "cosy" genre, but also raises some very pertinent social issues around how elderly people, particularly those suffering with some form of dementia, can be manipulated and abused by those around them.
Retired Yorkshire school teachers Liz, Pat and Thelma meet up every Thursday morning for "coffee o'clock" at at the Thirsk Garden Centre Café. During one such meeting, they bump into their former colleague, the once-redoubtable Topsy, accompanied by her daughter KellyAnne. It quickly becomes clear that Topsy is no longer the woman she once was - she's fast deteriorating with a dementia-type illness. Attempting to make conversation with Topsy when KerryAnne leaves her with them, they all feel sad to see her in this bewildered state. However, things take an alarming turn when Topsy confides in Thelma about people coming to her house, "financial misnomers" and that someone had said "It'd be better all round if she was dead." when he thought Topsy was sleeping.
The real Thirsk Garden Centre Coffee Shop (R), but I couldn't resist the image of three ladies having a natter at the nearby Old Barn Coffee Shop (L).
The women resolve to keep an eye on their old friend, but within a fortnight Topsy is in fact dead, apparently having "mucked up" her medication while KellyAnne was away on a mini-break in Portugal.
In light of Topsy's comments to Thelma, the three friends aren't satisfied that Topsy's death was the simple accident it appears, and begin a surreptitious investigation of their own into the events leading up to what has occurred. They uncover a rather shocking trail of elder abuse - worst of all that Topsy had been conned out of her life savings by somebody masquerading as a bank employee. She'd also been targeted by a dodgy local builder, who'd convinced her that her late husband had arranged the expensive and unnecessary work he's done (or half-done) around her home. KellyAnne also shows them the evidence of an insidious campaign of targeted catalogues and "special offers" received by Topsy over recent months, apparently designed to draw in the vulnerable to unnecessary financial outlay. And what of KerryAnne herself? Why would she take off to Portugal at a moment's notice without arranging anyone to look out for her ailing mother? And who are the pushy real estate agent and her rather dishy young assistant, who always seem to be hanging around Topsy's home?
The course of the women's investigatory efforts is interwoven with the narrative of each of their own home lives and the goings-on around the town of Thirsk. All three are engaging characters, and I especially loved Pat's no-nonsense approach to life and humorous self-deprecating asides. As the daughter of a teacher, I found that their interactions and preoccupations evoked a sense of nostalgia for listening to my mother and her colleagues-friends chatter during quilting nights.
While on the whole A Spoonful Of Murder is a light and entertaining read, the issues around financial abuse of the elderly are very real and disturbing. From an interview with the author that was placed at the conclusion of the audiobook edition, it transpires that J.M. Hall had to confront many similar issues during his own father's battle with dementia. He's drawn on those experiences to create a very engaging but cautionary tale for those entering their so-called "golden years" and the friends and family members who care for them.
I loved the sense of setting in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, and the very distinctive usage and vernacular in the character's dialogue. The Thirsk Garden Centre and Coffee Shop is a real place, to which J.M. Hall pays homage in his acknowledgements.
A Spoonful Of Murder is J.M. Hall's first novel, and is obviously based substantially around his own experiences. I'm pleased to see that a second novel (A Pen Dipped in Poison) is scheduled for release in early 2023 - I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!
I'd enthusiastically recommend A Spoonful Of Murder to any lover of traditional-style character-based mysteries. Having read an advance e-copy, I'll be purchasing a physical copy of the book for my own collection and to share with friends.
My thanks to the author (Jonathan) J.M. Hall, publisher Avon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this charming and enthralling story.
Retired Yorkshire school teachers Liz, Pat and Thelma meet up every Thursday morning for "coffee o'clock" at at the Thirsk Garden Centre Café. During one such meeting, they bump into their former colleague, the once-redoubtable Topsy, accompanied by her daughter KellyAnne. It quickly becomes clear that Topsy is no longer the woman she once was - she's fast deteriorating with a dementia-type illness. Attempting to make conversation with Topsy when KerryAnne leaves her with them, they all feel sad to see her in this bewildered state. However, things take an alarming turn when Topsy confides in Thelma about people coming to her house, "financial misnomers" and that someone had said "It'd be better all round if she was dead." when he thought Topsy was sleeping.
The real Thirsk Garden Centre Coffee Shop (R), but I couldn't resist the image of three ladies having a natter at the nearby Old Barn Coffee Shop (L).
The women resolve to keep an eye on their old friend, but within a fortnight Topsy is in fact dead, apparently having "mucked up" her medication while KellyAnne was away on a mini-break in Portugal.
In light of Topsy's comments to Thelma, the three friends aren't satisfied that Topsy's death was the simple accident it appears, and begin a surreptitious investigation of their own into the events leading up to what has occurred. They uncover a rather shocking trail of elder abuse - worst of all that Topsy had been conned out of her life savings by somebody masquerading as a bank employee. She'd also been targeted by a dodgy local builder, who'd convinced her that her late husband had arranged the expensive and unnecessary work he's done (or half-done) around her home. KellyAnne also shows them the evidence of an insidious campaign of targeted catalogues and "special offers" received by Topsy over recent months, apparently designed to draw in the vulnerable to unnecessary financial outlay. And what of KerryAnne herself? Why would she take off to Portugal at a moment's notice without arranging anyone to look out for her ailing mother? And who are the pushy real estate agent and her rather dishy young assistant, who always seem to be hanging around Topsy's home?
The course of the women's investigatory efforts is interwoven with the narrative of each of their own home lives and the goings-on around the town of Thirsk. All three are engaging characters, and I especially loved Pat's no-nonsense approach to life and humorous self-deprecating asides. As the daughter of a teacher, I found that their interactions and preoccupations evoked a sense of nostalgia for listening to my mother and her colleagues-friends chatter during quilting nights.
While on the whole A Spoonful Of Murder is a light and entertaining read, the issues around financial abuse of the elderly are very real and disturbing. From an interview with the author that was placed at the conclusion of the audiobook edition, it transpires that J.M. Hall had to confront many similar issues during his own father's battle with dementia. He's drawn on those experiences to create a very engaging but cautionary tale for those entering their so-called "golden years" and the friends and family members who care for them.
I loved the sense of setting in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, and the very distinctive usage and vernacular in the character's dialogue. The Thirsk Garden Centre and Coffee Shop is a real place, to which J.M. Hall pays homage in his acknowledgements.
A Spoonful Of Murder is J.M. Hall's first novel, and is obviously based substantially around his own experiences. I'm pleased to see that a second novel (A Pen Dipped in Poison) is scheduled for release in early 2023 - I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!
I'd enthusiastically recommend A Spoonful Of Murder to any lover of traditional-style character-based mysteries. Having read an advance e-copy, I'll be purchasing a physical copy of the book for my own collection and to share with friends.
My thanks to the author (Jonathan) J.M. Hall, publisher Avon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this charming and enthralling story.
September 11, 2023
*Murder in the Village*
**3.5 Stars**
This is a cosy armchair mystery. Three retired school teachers Thelma, Liz and Pat meet up every Thursday at the garden centre in Thirsk a market town in North Yorkshire. They talk about everything and nothing, when they bump into ex colleague Topsy a rather strong character with failing health due to Alzheimer’s disease setting in they never dreamed that a week later that Topsy would be no more.
Something about her passing doesn’t seem right to them. Enter the trio of ladies who get on the case. It reminded me of ‘Dinner Ladies’ a Uk sketch show meets ‘Midsomer Murders’ a uk drama come something else in between that I cannot quite think of. Subtly witty as they try to work out all the elements of the case when to the police it seemed like an open and shut case.
**3.5 Stars**
This is a cosy armchair mystery. Three retired school teachers Thelma, Liz and Pat meet up every Thursday at the garden centre in Thirsk a market town in North Yorkshire. They talk about everything and nothing, when they bump into ex colleague Topsy a rather strong character with failing health due to Alzheimer’s disease setting in they never dreamed that a week later that Topsy would be no more.
Something about her passing doesn’t seem right to them. Enter the trio of ladies who get on the case. It reminded me of ‘Dinner Ladies’ a Uk sketch show meets ‘Midsomer Murders’ a uk drama come something else in between that I cannot quite think of. Subtly witty as they try to work out all the elements of the case when to the police it seemed like an open and shut case.
May 26, 2022
Described as a cozy British mystery, a spoon full of murder follows three retired female protagonists who take it upon themselves to find their late friends murderer after she dies under suspicious circumstances, while keeping their weekly Thursday catch up. They go on tiny adventures to find out more details leading them to solve more than one crime.
“No moustaches, no peals of crackling laughter, just ordinary evil.”- J.M.Hall – A Spoon full of Murder
The book is written in simple terms with a gentle tone that is reminiscent of an older person. The story is clearly well thought out with lots of characters to keep track of and plenty of subplots to keep the reader engaged. It is however an excessively slow read that at some point felt like work to get through.I am sure that this book would appeal to those currently in retirement or very close to it, since it does feel like an older lady telling a story that could have been told in 5 min.
“Why oh why did life’s important encounters always happen when one needed the loo? -J.M. Hall – A Spoon full of Murder
But it’s not all slow and tedious, there is some commentary on the social issues of elderly abuse and manipulation that was very impactful which made me want to give my grandma a call. There are also a few interesting details to the story from male strippers to cougars, no not the animal rather the classic older ladies that fancy young boys. Subtle humour brings some charm to the story as well as interesting observations on human nature. While Hall tries to make the reader doubt the initial, obvious hints of who the killer is, it comes as no surprise at the end of the story when the killer is finally revealed.
“When it comes down to it did anyone have an ordinary life?”- J.M. Hall –A Spoon full of Murder
It is not that I disliked the book or how it was written, unfortunately it just did not grip me as a mystery should.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon books UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“No moustaches, no peals of crackling laughter, just ordinary evil.”- J.M.Hall – A Spoon full of Murder
The book is written in simple terms with a gentle tone that is reminiscent of an older person. The story is clearly well thought out with lots of characters to keep track of and plenty of subplots to keep the reader engaged. It is however an excessively slow read that at some point felt like work to get through.I am sure that this book would appeal to those currently in retirement or very close to it, since it does feel like an older lady telling a story that could have been told in 5 min.
“Why oh why did life’s important encounters always happen when one needed the loo? -J.M. Hall – A Spoon full of Murder
But it’s not all slow and tedious, there is some commentary on the social issues of elderly abuse and manipulation that was very impactful which made me want to give my grandma a call. There are also a few interesting details to the story from male strippers to cougars, no not the animal rather the classic older ladies that fancy young boys. Subtle humour brings some charm to the story as well as interesting observations on human nature. While Hall tries to make the reader doubt the initial, obvious hints of who the killer is, it comes as no surprise at the end of the story when the killer is finally revealed.
“When it comes down to it did anyone have an ordinary life?”- J.M. Hall –A Spoon full of Murder
It is not that I disliked the book or how it was written, unfortunately it just did not grip me as a mystery should.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon books UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2022
⭐⭐ -- Cute cover on this one!
I wanted to enjoy this one more than I did. I loved the setting, but the story itself just plodding along and I found it confusing to keep all the characters straight. They all can't be winners, right? 🤷🏻♀️
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I wanted to enjoy this one more than I did. I loved the setting, but the story itself just plodding along and I found it confusing to keep all the characters straight. They all can't be winners, right? 🤷🏻♀️
**ARC Via NetGalley**
January 23, 2022
This book follows ex colleagues Liz, Pat and Thelma as they meet up every Thursday to catch up on each other’s lives. One Thursday they bump into another one of the old colleagues, Topsy, and her daughter. It turns out that Topsy has been diagnosed with dementia that has been getting progressively worse since the death of her husband, and the only person in her life she has caring for her is her daughter. During this surprise encounter the girls are concerned for Topsy after she shares some insights into her life that aren’t quite right.
The girls decide to visit Topsy at her home to check up on her and see what exactly is going on, while there they discover that she has lost all of her life savings and has been a victim of fraud. When Topsy is found dead the girls know there is more to this than meets the eye. The girls take it upon themselves to investigate Topsy’s death and digging into what happened with the bank fraud and her death. So who is responsible for Topsy’s death? Does her daughter have something to do with it? You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out!
I really enjoyed this fun read, and I felt the pacing of the plot was okay for the length of the book and the amount of detail we’re given while reading. I was hooked right up until the end and I had many guesses as to who was responsible for Topsy’s death, and what was going on.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
The girls decide to visit Topsy at her home to check up on her and see what exactly is going on, while there they discover that she has lost all of her life savings and has been a victim of fraud. When Topsy is found dead the girls know there is more to this than meets the eye. The girls take it upon themselves to investigate Topsy’s death and digging into what happened with the bank fraud and her death. So who is responsible for Topsy’s death? Does her daughter have something to do with it? You’ll have to read the book yourself to find out!
I really enjoyed this fun read, and I felt the pacing of the plot was okay for the length of the book and the amount of detail we’re given while reading. I was hooked right up until the end and I had many guesses as to who was responsible for Topsy’s death, and what was going on.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2022
“It’d be better all round if she was dead…”
☕️🥄☕️🥄☕️
A Spoonful of Murder by J. M. Hall, published 17 March from @AvonBooksUK. Thank you for my early copy via @NetGalley.
______
The last thing Liz, Thelma and Pat imagined was that they would become involved in a murder.
______
Title? Great.
Cover? Nice.
Blurb? I’m intrigued.
Reviews? Cosy, light, murder mystery.
My experience? One of the worst reading experiences I’ve had in a very, very long time. This book just done nothing for me. I wanted to DNF it so many times but I’m just not that person. It was so much hard work getting through this book - and reading should never have to feel like a chore or an unenjoyable experience.
We follow three retired school teachers attempt to figure out what happened to their old colleague who they seen alive & (somewhat) well the previous week.
I wasn’t really a fan of Richard Osman’s TTMC (however the sequel was much better), which this book is very much like, but it’s far too similar but not as well done. It even has another DC Donna - just like TTMC.
I struggled with all of the three leading characters, there wasn’t really any distinctive characteristic differences between them and I couldn’t tell who was who even by the end of the book.
There’s so many extra characters in this book, it was so hard figuring out who was who, the book dragged like nothing I’ve ever felt. I just wanted it to end so badly! There’s so many subplots and so many words which seemed to be there just to increase the word count.
I’ve more qualms about this book, but I feel like I’m just ranting and not reviewing so I’m just gonna stop now.
I was so aggravated with this book by the end, I was just like: really, I’ve went through all these pages… just for this?
I sadly wouldn’t recommend this book, nor would I pick up the sequel.
⭐️ (Harsh? Not when I had such a bad reading experience).
MINOR **SPOILERS** AHEAD
I was not having a good time with this book by the time a revelation about Liam came to light that I just got so angry over the smallest decision of the words chosen.
Liam is the son of Pat(?? I think, could be Liz) and we come to learn he is “outted” as gay on Facebook by someone from his school. And I got so worked up over the authors choice of language when they write that Liam’s mother “will love him no matter what choices he makes” … being gay is a choice???? And then I think it’s Thelma who says later something along the lines of “I prayed for him/ that family” after finding out he’s gay and I was just not here for this rhetoric.
Blurb:
Retirement can be murder…
Every Thursday, three retired school teachers have their ‘coffee o’clock’ sessions at the Thirsk Garden Centre café.
But one fateful week, as they are catching up with a slice of cake, they bump into their ex-colleague, Topsy.
By the next Thursday, Topsy’s dead.
The last thing Liz, Thelma and Pat imagined was that they would become involved in a murder.
But they know there’s more to Topsy’s death than meets the eye – and it’s down to them to prove it…
Read: 28 Jan - 3 Feb… yeah really took that long!
☕️🥄☕️🥄☕️
A Spoonful of Murder by J. M. Hall, published 17 March from @AvonBooksUK. Thank you for my early copy via @NetGalley.
______
The last thing Liz, Thelma and Pat imagined was that they would become involved in a murder.
______
Title? Great.
Cover? Nice.
Blurb? I’m intrigued.
Reviews? Cosy, light, murder mystery.
My experience? One of the worst reading experiences I’ve had in a very, very long time. This book just done nothing for me. I wanted to DNF it so many times but I’m just not that person. It was so much hard work getting through this book - and reading should never have to feel like a chore or an unenjoyable experience.
We follow three retired school teachers attempt to figure out what happened to their old colleague who they seen alive & (somewhat) well the previous week.
I wasn’t really a fan of Richard Osman’s TTMC (however the sequel was much better), which this book is very much like, but it’s far too similar but not as well done. It even has another DC Donna - just like TTMC.
I struggled with all of the three leading characters, there wasn’t really any distinctive characteristic differences between them and I couldn’t tell who was who even by the end of the book.
There’s so many extra characters in this book, it was so hard figuring out who was who, the book dragged like nothing I’ve ever felt. I just wanted it to end so badly! There’s so many subplots and so many words which seemed to be there just to increase the word count.
I’ve more qualms about this book, but I feel like I’m just ranting and not reviewing so I’m just gonna stop now.
I was so aggravated with this book by the end, I was just like: really, I’ve went through all these pages… just for this?
I sadly wouldn’t recommend this book, nor would I pick up the sequel.
⭐️ (Harsh? Not when I had such a bad reading experience).
MINOR **SPOILERS** AHEAD
I was not having a good time with this book by the time a revelation about Liam came to light that I just got so angry over the smallest decision of the words chosen.
Liam is the son of Pat(?? I think, could be Liz) and we come to learn he is “outted” as gay on Facebook by someone from his school. And I got so worked up over the authors choice of language when they write that Liam’s mother “will love him no matter what choices he makes” … being gay is a choice???? And then I think it’s Thelma who says later something along the lines of “I prayed for him/ that family” after finding out he’s gay and I was just not here for this rhetoric.
Blurb:
Retirement can be murder…
Every Thursday, three retired school teachers have their ‘coffee o’clock’ sessions at the Thirsk Garden Centre café.
But one fateful week, as they are catching up with a slice of cake, they bump into their ex-colleague, Topsy.
By the next Thursday, Topsy’s dead.
The last thing Liz, Thelma and Pat imagined was that they would become involved in a murder.
But they know there’s more to Topsy’s death than meets the eye – and it’s down to them to prove it…
Read: 28 Jan - 3 Feb… yeah really took that long!
January 18, 2023
Can’t tell if I’m dumb or the book is just poorly written? Half the time I had no idea who the characters were that were speaking because the author doesn’t end dialogue sentences with the characters name. I found it confusing and hard to follow with no distinction between any characters, even the main protagonists :(
March 27, 2022
A Spoonful Of Murder is an engrossing mystery, which in most respects fits the "cosy" genre, but also raises some very pertinent social issues around how elderly people, particularly those suffering with some form of dementia, can be manipulated and abused by those around them.
The audiobook narration by Julie Hesmondhalgh is absolutely wonderful, with her characteristically northern delivery. It also includes an illuminating recorded interview between Hesmondhalgh and author J.M. Hall at the conclusion of the book.
Retired Yorkshire school teachers Liz, Pat and Thelma meet up every Thursday morning for "coffee o'clock" at at the Thirsk Garden Centre Café. During one such meeting, they bump into their former colleague, the once-redoubtable Topsy, accompanied by her daughter KellyAnne. It quickly becomes clear that Topsy is no longer the woman she once was - she's fast deteriorating with a dementia-type illness. Attempting to make conversation with Topsy when KerryAnne leaves her with them, they all feel sad to see her in this bewildered state. However, things take an alarming turn when Topsy confides in Thelma about people coming to her house, "financial misnomers" and that someone had said "It'd be better all round if she was dead." when he thought Topsy was sleeping.
The women resolve to keep an eye on their old friend, but within a fortnight Topsy is in fact dead, apparently having "mucked up" her medication while KellyAnne was away on a mini-break in Portugal.
In light of Topsy's comments to Thelma, the three friends aren't satisfied that Topsy's death was the simple accident it appears, and begin a surreptitious investigation of their own into the events leading up to what has occurred. They uncover a rather shocking trail of elder abuse - worst of all that Topsy had been conned out of her life savings by somebody masquerading as a bank employee. She'd also been targeted by a dodgy local builder, who'd convinced her that her late husband had arranged the expensive and unnecessary work he's done (or half-done) around her home. KellyAnne also shows them the evidence of an insidious campaign of targeted catalogues and "special offers" received by Topsy over recent months, apparently designed to draw in the vulnerable to unnecessary financial outlay. And what of KerryAnne herself? Why would she take off to Portugal at a moment's notice without arranging anyone to look out for her ailing mother? And who are the pushy real estate agent and her rather dishy young assistant, who always seem to be hanging around Topsy's home?
The course of the women's investigatory efforts is interwoven with the narrative of each of their own home lives and the goings-on around the town of Thirsk. All three are engaging characters, and I especially loved Pat's no-nonsense approach to life and humorous self-deprecating asides. As the daughter of a teacher, I found that their interactions and preoccupations evoked a sense of nostalgia for listening to my mother and her colleagues-friends chatter during quilting nights.
While on the whole A Spoonful Of Murder is a light and entertaining read, the issues around financial abuse of the elderly are very real and disturbing. From an interview with the author that was placed at the conclusion of the audiobook edition, it transpires that J.M. Hall had to confront many similar issues during his own father's battle with dementia. He's drawn on those experiences to create a very engaging but cautionary tale for those entering their so-called "golden years" and the friends and family members who care for them.
I loved the sense of setting in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, and the very distinctive usage and vernacular in the character's dialogue. The Thirsk Garden Centre and Coffee Shop is a real place, to which J.M. Hall pays homage in his acknowledgements.
A Spoonful Of Murder is J.M. Hall's first novel, and is obviously based substantially around his own experiences. I'm pleased to see that a second novel (A Pen Dipped in Poison) is scheduled for release in early 2023 - I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!
I'd enthusiastically recommend A Spoonful Of Murder to any lover of traditional-style character-based mysteries. Having enjoyed listening to an advance e-copy of the audiobook, I'll be purchasing a physical copy for my own collection and to share with friends.
My thanks to the author (Jonathan) J.M. Hall, narrator Julie Hesmondhalgh, publisher Avon Books and NetGalleyUK for the opportunity to read and review this charming and enthralling story.
The audiobook narration by Julie Hesmondhalgh is absolutely wonderful, with her characteristically northern delivery. It also includes an illuminating recorded interview between Hesmondhalgh and author J.M. Hall at the conclusion of the book.
Retired Yorkshire school teachers Liz, Pat and Thelma meet up every Thursday morning for "coffee o'clock" at at the Thirsk Garden Centre Café. During one such meeting, they bump into their former colleague, the once-redoubtable Topsy, accompanied by her daughter KellyAnne. It quickly becomes clear that Topsy is no longer the woman she once was - she's fast deteriorating with a dementia-type illness. Attempting to make conversation with Topsy when KerryAnne leaves her with them, they all feel sad to see her in this bewildered state. However, things take an alarming turn when Topsy confides in Thelma about people coming to her house, "financial misnomers" and that someone had said "It'd be better all round if she was dead." when he thought Topsy was sleeping.
The women resolve to keep an eye on their old friend, but within a fortnight Topsy is in fact dead, apparently having "mucked up" her medication while KellyAnne was away on a mini-break in Portugal.
In light of Topsy's comments to Thelma, the three friends aren't satisfied that Topsy's death was the simple accident it appears, and begin a surreptitious investigation of their own into the events leading up to what has occurred. They uncover a rather shocking trail of elder abuse - worst of all that Topsy had been conned out of her life savings by somebody masquerading as a bank employee. She'd also been targeted by a dodgy local builder, who'd convinced her that her late husband had arranged the expensive and unnecessary work he's done (or half-done) around her home. KellyAnne also shows them the evidence of an insidious campaign of targeted catalogues and "special offers" received by Topsy over recent months, apparently designed to draw in the vulnerable to unnecessary financial outlay. And what of KerryAnne herself? Why would she take off to Portugal at a moment's notice without arranging anyone to look out for her ailing mother? And who are the pushy real estate agent and her rather dishy young assistant, who always seem to be hanging around Topsy's home?
The course of the women's investigatory efforts is interwoven with the narrative of each of their own home lives and the goings-on around the town of Thirsk. All three are engaging characters, and I especially loved Pat's no-nonsense approach to life and humorous self-deprecating asides. As the daughter of a teacher, I found that their interactions and preoccupations evoked a sense of nostalgia for listening to my mother and her colleagues-friends chatter during quilting nights.
While on the whole A Spoonful Of Murder is a light and entertaining read, the issues around financial abuse of the elderly are very real and disturbing. From an interview with the author that was placed at the conclusion of the audiobook edition, it transpires that J.M. Hall had to confront many similar issues during his own father's battle with dementia. He's drawn on those experiences to create a very engaging but cautionary tale for those entering their so-called "golden years" and the friends and family members who care for them.
I loved the sense of setting in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, and the very distinctive usage and vernacular in the character's dialogue. The Thirsk Garden Centre and Coffee Shop is a real place, to which J.M. Hall pays homage in his acknowledgements.
A Spoonful Of Murder is J.M. Hall's first novel, and is obviously based substantially around his own experiences. I'm pleased to see that a second novel (A Pen Dipped in Poison) is scheduled for release in early 2023 - I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!
I'd enthusiastically recommend A Spoonful Of Murder to any lover of traditional-style character-based mysteries. Having enjoyed listening to an advance e-copy of the audiobook, I'll be purchasing a physical copy for my own collection and to share with friends.
My thanks to the author (Jonathan) J.M. Hall, narrator Julie Hesmondhalgh, publisher Avon Books and NetGalleyUK for the opportunity to read and review this charming and enthralling story.
March 24, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. The main characters are retired teachers in a primary school and as I worked in primary schools for a lot of years I found the analogies brilliant! The story took on some delicate issues which we know happens all to regularly and my heart went out to the victim... It was a great cosy crime audiobook and the narrator is brilliant!
March 15, 2022
Honestly, cosy crime isn’t usually something I lean towards. With a notable exception of Richard Osman’s series, which is one of my favourites. However, I tend to prefer my crime fiction on the dark and gruesome side and I’m always really happy to return to that, even after Osman. ‘A Spoonful of Murder‘ tempted me with its delightful cover and title. Luckily for me, the inside was just as delightful and I would quite happily read more of it.
In ‘A Spoonful of Murder‘ we meet Liz, Pat and Thelma. Three retired schoolteachers who meet up with each other every Thursday (and there’s a completely believable reasoning behind why it has to be a Thursday) for cake, coffee and a chat about children and grandchildren. But then a former colleague is found dead and their weekly meetings turn a little something darker. Because Topsy may have died looking all peaceful and whatnot in her comfy chair, the three friends know deep down there’s a lot more to it than that. Now they just have to prove it.
These three ladies will capture your heart from the very beginning. All three are very different but they also compliment each other, and their friendship just works. Often as I was reading, I was thinking about how much fun it would be to pull up a chair and join them at their table for a wee cup and a natter. Not that retirement sounds like a bed of roses. Pat knows there’s something troubling her youngest son Liam but can’t figure out what it is, for Liz it is her grandson who’s causing worry, and Thelma may be childless but she has things going on in her head that aren’t easy to deal with.
Then Topsy dies and it’s not only the friends’ lives that are turned around because the story itself suddenly deals with a more complex societal issue with regards to the elderly and how they are taken advantage of. Especially those who are considered extremely frail, possibly suffering from dementia. Up pops an entire array of, quite frankly, despicable people who don’t even think twice in ripping off the vulnerable. This ranges from the builder who offers to do jobs that don’t need doing for a lot of money, to the seemingly helpful voice on the phone from “your bank” who wants to help move your hard-earned money, to tons and tons of junk mail promising all sorts of things. As Thelma often wonders, when there are no children, who will look after the senior citizen trying to navigate this minefield? Before you know it, your cosy crime story ends up being a lot more thought-provoking than you envisaged at the start.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. ‘A Spoonful of Murder‘ is oftentimes fabulously witty and I absolutely adored these characters, who managed to make me chuckle out loud. Watching them being pushed out of their comfort zone was quite entertaining and I think the author really managed to portray it wasn’t always easy for them. Sure they want to find out the truth about what happened to Topsy but there’s also this reluctance, this feeling that maybe they shouldn’t be getting involved in things they know nothing about.
I had a pretty good idea about what had happened to Topsy early on but there is something else surrounding the mystery of her death that left me with a list of suspects I was unable to narrow down. So, what started out as being completely bedazzled by a lovely cover actually ended up in a couple of hours of truly entertaining reading. I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with these lovely ladies and if they were ever to set out on another murder investigation, I’d quite happily join them on that mission. Grab yourself a cup of tea and a nice, warm blanket because if cosy crime is your thing, I think you will enjoy ‘A Spoonful of Murder‘ too.
In ‘A Spoonful of Murder‘ we meet Liz, Pat and Thelma. Three retired schoolteachers who meet up with each other every Thursday (and there’s a completely believable reasoning behind why it has to be a Thursday) for cake, coffee and a chat about children and grandchildren. But then a former colleague is found dead and their weekly meetings turn a little something darker. Because Topsy may have died looking all peaceful and whatnot in her comfy chair, the three friends know deep down there’s a lot more to it than that. Now they just have to prove it.
These three ladies will capture your heart from the very beginning. All three are very different but they also compliment each other, and their friendship just works. Often as I was reading, I was thinking about how much fun it would be to pull up a chair and join them at their table for a wee cup and a natter. Not that retirement sounds like a bed of roses. Pat knows there’s something troubling her youngest son Liam but can’t figure out what it is, for Liz it is her grandson who’s causing worry, and Thelma may be childless but she has things going on in her head that aren’t easy to deal with.
Then Topsy dies and it’s not only the friends’ lives that are turned around because the story itself suddenly deals with a more complex societal issue with regards to the elderly and how they are taken advantage of. Especially those who are considered extremely frail, possibly suffering from dementia. Up pops an entire array of, quite frankly, despicable people who don’t even think twice in ripping off the vulnerable. This ranges from the builder who offers to do jobs that don’t need doing for a lot of money, to the seemingly helpful voice on the phone from “your bank” who wants to help move your hard-earned money, to tons and tons of junk mail promising all sorts of things. As Thelma often wonders, when there are no children, who will look after the senior citizen trying to navigate this minefield? Before you know it, your cosy crime story ends up being a lot more thought-provoking than you envisaged at the start.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. ‘A Spoonful of Murder‘ is oftentimes fabulously witty and I absolutely adored these characters, who managed to make me chuckle out loud. Watching them being pushed out of their comfort zone was quite entertaining and I think the author really managed to portray it wasn’t always easy for them. Sure they want to find out the truth about what happened to Topsy but there’s also this reluctance, this feeling that maybe they shouldn’t be getting involved in things they know nothing about.
I had a pretty good idea about what had happened to Topsy early on but there is something else surrounding the mystery of her death that left me with a list of suspects I was unable to narrow down. So, what started out as being completely bedazzled by a lovely cover actually ended up in a couple of hours of truly entertaining reading. I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with these lovely ladies and if they were ever to set out on another murder investigation, I’d quite happily join them on that mission. Grab yourself a cup of tea and a nice, warm blanket because if cosy crime is your thing, I think you will enjoy ‘A Spoonful of Murder‘ too.
August 9, 2022
3.5
had no idea what was going on half of the time but it was poetic and i liked the ending
had no idea what was going on half of the time but it was poetic and i liked the ending
March 5, 2023
This was a February lunchtime listen but I just couldn't get into it, and realised after about 90 mins of listening over 3 days I didn't really give a monkey about Topsie being dead, sorry
Read
March 31, 2025This is a cozy mystery for boomer church ladies who still believe in weight watchers. I did not like it.
March 21, 2022
A Spoonful of Murder is a perfect book for me. Not only am I a retired educator who meets with colleagues regularly over coffee or a meal, but I am a huge cozy mystery fan. As the story starts, we meet Liz, Pat and Thelma, retired teachers and former colleagues of St. Barnabus’s Primary School. They meet up each week to gossip and catch up with each other. One week they bump into Topsy, another ex-colleague, and her daughter Kelly Anne. Topsy is in the early stages of dementia and KellyAnne is her caregiver. While the friends chat with Topsy, they sense that there is something not quite right, especially when Topsy shares some disturbing facts. Within a short period of time, KellyAnne shares that her mother has been the victim of financial fraud and has lost all her life savings. When Topsy is found dead in her home the following week Liz, Pat and Thelma suspect that there might be more to her death than meets the eye. Even though her death is ruled accidental, the ladies are sure there is more going on and they nose around and ask questions. Does the fraud have anything to do with the death or possible murder?
I enjoyed meeting these three ladies. They had a great friendship, yet were very different from one another. I liked how they complemented each other and worked together to figure out what happened to Topsy and with the fraud. Of course, being retired teachers, they knew a lot of people and were observant as well as good at solving puzzles. There was also lots of humor, tongue in cheek and some sarcasm that kept me chuckling. I thought I had a few things figured out, but with so many possible suspects and clues that led me down various paths, I was only partially correct. While the mystery and the ladies antics were somewhat humorous, there are some serious issues dealt with in this story. Issues that elders will deal with such as, treatment of frail persons, possibility of dementia and the issues surrounding care, the vulnerability of older persons to be taken advantage of by scammers (not just bank fraud, but charging for jobs not needed or not completed), banks who don't want to help and those who have no children to help them. Overall, this was a fun cozy mystery with some serious thing to think about after you close the cover. I did a read/listen with this book and must say that I really enjoyed the narration by Julie Hesmondhalgh. She gave the characters great voice, emotion and expression. I felt like the ladies were telling me this story while sitting at the local coffee shop. I definitely recommend this story.
I enjoyed meeting these three ladies. They had a great friendship, yet were very different from one another. I liked how they complemented each other and worked together to figure out what happened to Topsy and with the fraud. Of course, being retired teachers, they knew a lot of people and were observant as well as good at solving puzzles. There was also lots of humor, tongue in cheek and some sarcasm that kept me chuckling. I thought I had a few things figured out, but with so many possible suspects and clues that led me down various paths, I was only partially correct. While the mystery and the ladies antics were somewhat humorous, there are some serious issues dealt with in this story. Issues that elders will deal with such as, treatment of frail persons, possibility of dementia and the issues surrounding care, the vulnerability of older persons to be taken advantage of by scammers (not just bank fraud, but charging for jobs not needed or not completed), banks who don't want to help and those who have no children to help them. Overall, this was a fun cozy mystery with some serious thing to think about after you close the cover. I did a read/listen with this book and must say that I really enjoyed the narration by Julie Hesmondhalgh. She gave the characters great voice, emotion and expression. I felt like the ladies were telling me this story while sitting at the local coffee shop. I definitely recommend this story.
March 11, 2022
The title says it all! Along with the opening line “to be involved in anything like murder quite simple it was something they would never set out to do!! I knew then it was going to be a really good read.
The three retired ladies, Thelma, Pat, and Liz, who all taught at the same Primary school together, met weekly for a coffee and chat. One week they saw an ex-colleague and friend who appeared to be in trouble and set them on the path of trying to find out what was going on, especially when she was found dead the following week.
I really loved this book, it’s was so well-written, with good use of language, and a smattering of humour. I smiled at some of the names that were used, like ‘Mandy Pinder-that-was’ for an ex-pupil from their school and a son’s girlfriend the ‘Celtic Poet’. Just two examples that made this book stand out to me.
The three friends have to be my favourite characters, they were very different from one another but came together to see their sleuthing through and get justice for their friend. I also have this lovely picture of Ness the older woman chasing young Jake!
A Spoonful of Murder was a very easy read and felt like a modern-day Agatha Christie. I could not put the book down. It has a good mixture of humour, sadness, and mystery which kept my interest throughout and I didn’t want it to end.
Well done J.M. Hall for an excellent read, I shall definitely be recommending this delightful and interesting book to my family and friends.
The three retired ladies, Thelma, Pat, and Liz, who all taught at the same Primary school together, met weekly for a coffee and chat. One week they saw an ex-colleague and friend who appeared to be in trouble and set them on the path of trying to find out what was going on, especially when she was found dead the following week.
I really loved this book, it’s was so well-written, with good use of language, and a smattering of humour. I smiled at some of the names that were used, like ‘Mandy Pinder-that-was’ for an ex-pupil from their school and a son’s girlfriend the ‘Celtic Poet’. Just two examples that made this book stand out to me.
The three friends have to be my favourite characters, they were very different from one another but came together to see their sleuthing through and get justice for their friend. I also have this lovely picture of Ness the older woman chasing young Jake!
A Spoonful of Murder was a very easy read and felt like a modern-day Agatha Christie. I could not put the book down. It has a good mixture of humour, sadness, and mystery which kept my interest throughout and I didn’t want it to end.
Well done J.M. Hall for an excellent read, I shall definitely be recommending this delightful and interesting book to my family and friends.
April 7, 2022
Cozy mysteries featuring senior-citizen amateur sleuths seem to be all the rage these days. Despite my worries about whether this was just another leap onto the bandwagon, I decided to spend an Audible credit on this one.
Our amateur sleuths in this case are three recently-retired elementary school teachers: Liz, Thelma and Pat. They meet up every Thursday for coffee at the garden center of their Yorkshire home town, Thirsk. On one Thursday, they run into their former colleague, Topsy, escorted by her daughter, Kelly Anne. The three are shocked and saddened to see that Topsy is beginning to be affected by dementia. They decide to visit Topsy at home soon after and find that things aren’t as they should be. There are heaps of junk catalogs geared toward seniors, scammy-looking mail solicitations and a dubious-looking contractor demanding money.
When Topsy dies in her sleep after supposedly mistakenly taking too much of her heart medication, the three learn troubling facts about a number of people connected to Topsy that make them suspicious that Topsy may have been murdered and, even if not, was being victimized and by possibly more than one person. They decide to investigate.
As each member of the trio investigates, they also deal with real life, like managing their households, dealing with grandchildren and a troubled teenage son. Elements of their everyday lives and their life experiences as schoolteachers often inform their thoughts about what happened to Topsy. At the close, several threads are resolved and life goes on in this northern town.
The story was a little slow starting, and I had trouble sometimes keeping the individual identities of our three sleuths straight. But it was easy to become immersed in the story because of the descriptions of everyday lives, the Yorkshire surroundings, and the realistic treatment of the problems of aging, including relentless scams targeting the elderly. Once I got past that slow-ish start, I was engrossed and very much enjoyed the story. I think that teachers might particularly like this book.
I listened to the audiobook and, while I could follow it after a couple of minutes getting used to the reader’s Yorkshire accent, anybody who has problems with accents should think twice before trying this in audiobook form. I also wished after the fact that I’d read it in print form just because the plot has some complexity and twists and turns, and I would have like to go back and re-read some bits.
This is J. M. Hall’s debut book. I’ll definitely be looking out for any new books by Hall.
Our amateur sleuths in this case are three recently-retired elementary school teachers: Liz, Thelma and Pat. They meet up every Thursday for coffee at the garden center of their Yorkshire home town, Thirsk. On one Thursday, they run into their former colleague, Topsy, escorted by her daughter, Kelly Anne. The three are shocked and saddened to see that Topsy is beginning to be affected by dementia. They decide to visit Topsy at home soon after and find that things aren’t as they should be. There are heaps of junk catalogs geared toward seniors, scammy-looking mail solicitations and a dubious-looking contractor demanding money.
When Topsy dies in her sleep after supposedly mistakenly taking too much of her heart medication, the three learn troubling facts about a number of people connected to Topsy that make them suspicious that Topsy may have been murdered and, even if not, was being victimized and by possibly more than one person. They decide to investigate.
As each member of the trio investigates, they also deal with real life, like managing their households, dealing with grandchildren and a troubled teenage son. Elements of their everyday lives and their life experiences as schoolteachers often inform their thoughts about what happened to Topsy. At the close, several threads are resolved and life goes on in this northern town.
The story was a little slow starting, and I had trouble sometimes keeping the individual identities of our three sleuths straight. But it was easy to become immersed in the story because of the descriptions of everyday lives, the Yorkshire surroundings, and the realistic treatment of the problems of aging, including relentless scams targeting the elderly. Once I got past that slow-ish start, I was engrossed and very much enjoyed the story. I think that teachers might particularly like this book.
I listened to the audiobook and, while I could follow it after a couple of minutes getting used to the reader’s Yorkshire accent, anybody who has problems with accents should think twice before trying this in audiobook form. I also wished after the fact that I’d read it in print form just because the plot has some complexity and twists and turns, and I would have like to go back and re-read some bits.
This is J. M. Hall’s debut book. I’ll definitely be looking out for any new books by Hall.
March 25, 2022
Every week, Jan, Thelma and Liz, three retired primary school teachers, meet for coffee at the local garden centre (mainly because it has impressive toilets). Gossiping about family and their old days teaching it's a low stress hour out of their "busy" schedules. That is, until their old colleague Topsy Joy is sat at their table by her daughter Kellyanne. Topsy is clearly suffering from some form of memory related illness and it's clearly taking a toll on Kellyanne. Each of the women resent the disruption to their routine, each of the women hopes fervently they wont be dragged into somebody else's life, each of the women find themselves unwillingly enmeshed in Topsy's afterlife when she dies days after the meeting. Something about her passing isn't setting right with anyone and as the three retirees start looking into the life and death of Topsy Joy they find themselves embroiled in a modern day Miss Marple mystery - very British, very low-key, absolutely no blood, guts or autopsies.
A Spoonful of Murder as a story rings true. Jan, Liz and Thelma and their supporting cast of friends, family and suspects are all well drawn out. Motivations for the characters are all very understandable and the problems and issues faced by all the characters are relatable to modern readers. The book touches on some important issues to do with retirement such as fraudulent schemes that target the elderly, women's perception of themselves, and raising children in today's world. All the women seem to be different ages too and these are left unspecified - Jan has a teenager doing their A-levels still at home whereas Topsy has a thirty some year old, and Jan has a grandchild at primary school. A subplot deals with a younger female single mother of two so JM Hall has created a situation where there will be something for most women to relate to.
The story is well plotted and well thought out. There are plenty of subplots and backstories that all get wrapped up before the "reveal" moment at the end. The actual culprit is quite obvious from the opening chapter but the devil is in the details and getting to the reveal is the most fun as the ladies trip around Yorkshire getting involved with male strippers and teenagers with a thing for older women. All the side trips do steer you away from initial assumptions time and time again though.
This isn't a psychological drama so if you're looking for another Girl on the Train or Gone Girl this isn't it. The cover and the premise scream out that this is perfect for people who loved the Thursday Murder Club (but it doesn't have the absurd and glamourous aspects it had). It's a bit like reading a modern Miss Marple or if Midsomer Murders moved to Thirsk. It's simple prose and gentle telling make this is a great spring garden book - put down your secateurs, grab a brew and indulge in a chapter or two on the patio.
A Spoonful of Murder as a story rings true. Jan, Liz and Thelma and their supporting cast of friends, family and suspects are all well drawn out. Motivations for the characters are all very understandable and the problems and issues faced by all the characters are relatable to modern readers. The book touches on some important issues to do with retirement such as fraudulent schemes that target the elderly, women's perception of themselves, and raising children in today's world. All the women seem to be different ages too and these are left unspecified - Jan has a teenager doing their A-levels still at home whereas Topsy has a thirty some year old, and Jan has a grandchild at primary school. A subplot deals with a younger female single mother of two so JM Hall has created a situation where there will be something for most women to relate to.
The story is well plotted and well thought out. There are plenty of subplots and backstories that all get wrapped up before the "reveal" moment at the end. The actual culprit is quite obvious from the opening chapter but the devil is in the details and getting to the reveal is the most fun as the ladies trip around Yorkshire getting involved with male strippers and teenagers with a thing for older women. All the side trips do steer you away from initial assumptions time and time again though.
This isn't a psychological drama so if you're looking for another Girl on the Train or Gone Girl this isn't it. The cover and the premise scream out that this is perfect for people who loved the Thursday Murder Club (but it doesn't have the absurd and glamourous aspects it had). It's a bit like reading a modern Miss Marple or if Midsomer Murders moved to Thirsk. It's simple prose and gentle telling make this is a great spring garden book - put down your secateurs, grab a brew and indulge in a chapter or two on the patio.
February 11, 2022
If I was to sum this book up in one sentence I would explain it to be A cross between Thursday Murder Club and Elizabeth is Missing.
It was in parts amusing and in others poignant as we hear about older widowers being taken advantage of for money.
I enjoyed following Pat, Liz and Thelma as they meet for coffee to reminisce about their pasts as teachers and then as that escalates to trying to solve the potential murder of their friend Topsy.
At times the threads all got a bit muddled for me as I listened to the audio, but I did like how everything came together in the end.
I expected this to be light and breezy, but as mentioned before it was quite sad and anger inducing in places as Dementia is a big focus of the book. I thought it was treated with sensitivity throughout.
A fun read with added depth.
It was in parts amusing and in others poignant as we hear about older widowers being taken advantage of for money.
I enjoyed following Pat, Liz and Thelma as they meet for coffee to reminisce about their pasts as teachers and then as that escalates to trying to solve the potential murder of their friend Topsy.
At times the threads all got a bit muddled for me as I listened to the audio, but I did like how everything came together in the end.
I expected this to be light and breezy, but as mentioned before it was quite sad and anger inducing in places as Dementia is a big focus of the book. I thought it was treated with sensitivity throughout.
A fun read with added depth.
July 21, 2022
*sigh*
Was there any editing done on this book at all?!
I counted the use of the word “weary” almost 20 times in this book. 20!
Page numbers below for those playing at home…
Page 5
Page 6
Page 9
Page 24
Page 44
Page 71
Page 75
Page 115
Page 171
Page 211
Page 221
Page 224
Page 230 x 2
Page 231
Page 235
Page 249
Page 282 x 2 in the same sentence
Was there any editing done on this book at all?!
I counted the use of the word “weary” almost 20 times in this book. 20!
Page numbers below for those playing at home…
Page 5
Page 6
Page 9
Page 24
Page 44
Page 71
Page 75
Page 115
Page 171
Page 211
Page 221
Page 224
Page 230 x 2
Page 231
Page 235
Page 249
Page 282 x 2 in the same sentence
March 29, 2022
After the super-interesting The Thursday Murder Club whetted my appetite for senior sleuths, I was constantly on the lookout for such stories. With their wit and wisdom, these seniors do things even I couldn't dream of, often reminding me of my beloved Miss Marple.
Then I came across this book and was instantly hooked! It ticked all the correct boxes even though it was a tad (okay, a lot) longer than my usual audiobooks.
The story follows Thelma, Liz, and Pat, three retired teachers who meet every week at the Thirsk Garden Cafe. On one such Thursday, they meet an old colleague of theirs, Topsy Joy with her daughter, Kelly Anne.
Over coffee and cakes, they discover that Topsy is showing signs of dementia. Some things she says do not sit right with them. They also realize that Kelly Anne is her sole caretaker now and she is having a difficult time.
Just as they make up their minds to visit Topsy more often, the news of her death hits them. But was it a natural death? The police certainly seem to think so. Then why does the trio feel so uneasy?
The book had touches of humour in all the right places. Pat would wonder whether her son is having an affair with the Celtic poet right in the middle of cooking dinner and worrying about Topsy. It was all very natural.
The audiobook was excellent. It took me some time to get used to the accent but once I did, it was all breezy.
The book has a lot of characters and subplots and false clues, but the author has tied them all up in the end. I felt the book was a bit too long, but the ending was worth it.
The interview with the author at the end is wonderful as well (I love these little snippets into their lives - not that I am a stalker or anything. Just saying).
4 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley, J.M. Hall, and HarperCollins UK Audio for the audio ARC.
Then I came across this book and was instantly hooked! It ticked all the correct boxes even though it was a tad (okay, a lot) longer than my usual audiobooks.
The story follows Thelma, Liz, and Pat, three retired teachers who meet every week at the Thirsk Garden Cafe. On one such Thursday, they meet an old colleague of theirs, Topsy Joy with her daughter, Kelly Anne.
Over coffee and cakes, they discover that Topsy is showing signs of dementia. Some things she says do not sit right with them. They also realize that Kelly Anne is her sole caretaker now and she is having a difficult time.
Just as they make up their minds to visit Topsy more often, the news of her death hits them. But was it a natural death? The police certainly seem to think so. Then why does the trio feel so uneasy?
The book had touches of humour in all the right places. Pat would wonder whether her son is having an affair with the Celtic poet right in the middle of cooking dinner and worrying about Topsy. It was all very natural.
The audiobook was excellent. It took me some time to get used to the accent but once I did, it was all breezy.
The book has a lot of characters and subplots and false clues, but the author has tied them all up in the end. I felt the book was a bit too long, but the ending was worth it.
The interview with the author at the end is wonderful as well (I love these little snippets into their lives - not that I am a stalker or anything. Just saying).
4 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley, J.M. Hall, and HarperCollins UK Audio for the audio ARC.
September 30, 2023
Kiekvieną ketvirtadienį trys buvusios mokytojos, dabar pensininkės, susitinka kavinėje paplepėjimui prie puodelio kavos. Vieną dieną jos kavinėje susiduria su buvusia kolege Topsy, akivaizdžiai kankinama Alzhaimerio. O po savaitės Topsy miršta. Ar tikrai jos mirtis – tik nelaimingas atsitikimas ir Topsy tiesiog sumaišė vaistų dozę? Ar jos mestelta frazė apie nugirstą pokalbį „geriau jau ji mirtų“ – tik liguisto proto vaizduotė? O jei ne, kas ištarė tuos žodžius?
Liz, Thelma ir Pat mažiausiai tikėjosi, kad įsitrauks į žmogžudystės tyrimą.
Iš aprašymo, o ir iš pažadų viršelyje žmogus tikiesi tokio sau cozy mystery, kažko panašaus į Osmaną ar Thorogoodą. Gal tos viltys ir pakišo koją. Gal. Bet kaip bebūtų, knyga nebloga, tik va, trys minusai...
Vienas. Jaukumo čia beveik dieną su žiburiu tenka ieškoti, visos persipynusios istorijos gana liūdnos ir palieka tokį kartų poskonį. O kokį dar gali palikti istorijos apie bejėgius, beviltiškoje padėtyje atsidūrusius žmones ir tuos, kas be sąžinės graužaties naudojasi svetima nelaime?
Du. Be pagrindinės mįslės – Topsy mirties, pakeliui eksmokytojos išnarplios dar keletą šalutinių, nors kažkiek ir susijusių su ta pagrindine. Ir viso to darosi jau kiek per daug – o juk dar nekalbu apie kiekvienos iš protagonisčių asmenines bėdas ir problemėles, kurioms vietos irgi negailima. Visa ta linijų gausa kiek blaško dėmesį.
Trys. Pačios protagonistės – Liz, Pat ir Thelma. Tarsi kažkiek ir skirtingos, bet man jos nuolat sulipdavo į kažkokį trigalvį slibiną – Lizpathelmiką. Kol dar jos namuose, kažkiek identifikuoji pagal kiekvienos asmenines problemas, o paskui susirenka krūvon – ir belieka vardai, o kur kuri... Gal čia kažkiek autoriaus klaida, kad pasirinko tris tokias nekontrastingas damas.
Trys iš penkių. Kad ir tvirti, bet noro ieškot kitos serijos knygos kol kas tikrai nėra.
Liz, Thelma ir Pat mažiausiai tikėjosi, kad įsitrauks į žmogžudystės tyrimą.
Iš aprašymo, o ir iš pažadų viršelyje žmogus tikiesi tokio sau cozy mystery, kažko panašaus į Osmaną ar Thorogoodą. Gal tos viltys ir pakišo koją. Gal. Bet kaip bebūtų, knyga nebloga, tik va, trys minusai...
Vienas. Jaukumo čia beveik dieną su žiburiu tenka ieškoti, visos persipynusios istorijos gana liūdnos ir palieka tokį kartų poskonį. O kokį dar gali palikti istorijos apie bejėgius, beviltiškoje padėtyje atsidūrusius žmones ir tuos, kas be sąžinės graužaties naudojasi svetima nelaime?
Du. Be pagrindinės mįslės – Topsy mirties, pakeliui eksmokytojos išnarplios dar keletą šalutinių, nors kažkiek ir susijusių su ta pagrindine. Ir viso to darosi jau kiek per daug – o juk dar nekalbu apie kiekvienos iš protagonisčių asmenines bėdas ir problemėles, kurioms vietos irgi negailima. Visa ta linijų gausa kiek blaško dėmesį.
Trys. Pačios protagonistės – Liz, Pat ir Thelma. Tarsi kažkiek ir skirtingos, bet man jos nuolat sulipdavo į kažkokį trigalvį slibiną – Lizpathelmiką. Kol dar jos namuose, kažkiek identifikuoji pagal kiekvienos asmenines problemas, o paskui susirenka krūvon – ir belieka vardai, o kur kuri... Gal čia kažkiek autoriaus klaida, kad pasirinko tris tokias nekontrastingas damas.
Trys iš penkių. Kad ir tvirti, bet noro ieškot kitos serijos knygos kol kas tikrai nėra.
December 20, 2021
** Four and a half stars **
Set in the charming village of Thirsk, Yorkshire , when three retired primary school teachers, (Thelma, Pat and Liz), are faced with the suspicious death of a friend, Topsy, they reluctantly take up the task of uncovering the “ordinary evil” lurking beneath the unassuming facade of their quiet and comfortable neighborhood.
Written by a first-time (and ex-teacher) author, the friendship of the three main protagonists, built upon a shared history of tea, support and companionship nurtured on the worn chairs of their former staff room, is steeped with authenticity. How the male author manages to also nail the middle-aged female psyche is truly a marvel, with each of the three characters so well-crafted you would swear you have met them.
Thelma, the unofficial leader, outwardly strong and practical, can always “find the exact words the other two are fumbling for”. Childless, and married to a college professor, Teddy, Thelma fills her days with charity work - hiding a heartbreaking secret and a inner core as vulnerable and uncertain as her more emotive friends.
Pat, bright and attractive, the wife of Rod, (a builder), worries about her youngest, teenage son, Liam, the bodily trials of aging, and a generation raised in a world where the internet in all its trappings can clearly be seen to “sap the soul”.
Liz, a seasoned gardener, anxious grandmother to Jacob, life-long worrier with a sweet and sensitive conscience, is the heart-and-soul of the group, most likely to be on hand when someone is needed “to dispense tissues, wipes, and make gentle conversation”.
The plot is cozy and tricky, with just the right blend of “Miss Marple”, interesting and quirky characters, secrets, unexpected nuance, colorful cardigans, and of course, heaps of tea and warm companionship.
I loved this book and look forward to reading more from this wonderful (and talented) new author.
A great big thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
Set in the charming village of Thirsk, Yorkshire , when three retired primary school teachers, (Thelma, Pat and Liz), are faced with the suspicious death of a friend, Topsy, they reluctantly take up the task of uncovering the “ordinary evil” lurking beneath the unassuming facade of their quiet and comfortable neighborhood.
Written by a first-time (and ex-teacher) author, the friendship of the three main protagonists, built upon a shared history of tea, support and companionship nurtured on the worn chairs of their former staff room, is steeped with authenticity. How the male author manages to also nail the middle-aged female psyche is truly a marvel, with each of the three characters so well-crafted you would swear you have met them.
Thelma, the unofficial leader, outwardly strong and practical, can always “find the exact words the other two are fumbling for”. Childless, and married to a college professor, Teddy, Thelma fills her days with charity work - hiding a heartbreaking secret and a inner core as vulnerable and uncertain as her more emotive friends.
Pat, bright and attractive, the wife of Rod, (a builder), worries about her youngest, teenage son, Liam, the bodily trials of aging, and a generation raised in a world where the internet in all its trappings can clearly be seen to “sap the soul”.
Liz, a seasoned gardener, anxious grandmother to Jacob, life-long worrier with a sweet and sensitive conscience, is the heart-and-soul of the group, most likely to be on hand when someone is needed “to dispense tissues, wipes, and make gentle conversation”.
The plot is cozy and tricky, with just the right blend of “Miss Marple”, interesting and quirky characters, secrets, unexpected nuance, colorful cardigans, and of course, heaps of tea and warm companionship.
I loved this book and look forward to reading more from this wonderful (and talented) new author.
A great big thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
November 25, 2021
Rating: 2.0/5
Unfortunately, this cosy mystery failed to hold my attention. According to its billing, it should appeal to fans of Richard Osman's, "The Thursday Murder Club" and there are certainly some obvious parallels - not least the group of pensioners who get together for their regular "coffee o'clock sessions" in the café at the local garden centre on a Thursday! However, I think it is unlikely that "A Spoonful of Murder" will go on to enjoy anything like the success that Richard Osman's creation has achieved.
It isn't that this book doesn't have its merits. The writing is generally of a more considered quality than is often found in cosy mysteries. It avoids the overtly cheesy style that is often utilised in the genre. There are pleasant moments of well-observed human behaviour and some warm, gentle humour is also in evidence. But against that, it is also quite protracted and excessively pedestrian.
It doesn't help matters that there are a lot of characters to for readers to contend with. It is easier to get away with having a large cast in a television drama, where the audience has more cues available to help remember who everyone is, but in a novel it is much more difficult. It can be done, but it takes skilled handling on the part of the author to pull it off successfully. Failing that, the writer relies on the reader being prepared to make copious notes along the way, which isn't everyone's idea of an enjoyable way to read a book.
Sadly, in spite of having some plus points, I found this becoming too much like hard work - and that is one thing that a cosy mystery can never afford to be if it is to work well.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this cosy mystery failed to hold my attention. According to its billing, it should appeal to fans of Richard Osman's, "The Thursday Murder Club" and there are certainly some obvious parallels - not least the group of pensioners who get together for their regular "coffee o'clock sessions" in the café at the local garden centre on a Thursday! However, I think it is unlikely that "A Spoonful of Murder" will go on to enjoy anything like the success that Richard Osman's creation has achieved.
It isn't that this book doesn't have its merits. The writing is generally of a more considered quality than is often found in cosy mysteries. It avoids the overtly cheesy style that is often utilised in the genre. There are pleasant moments of well-observed human behaviour and some warm, gentle humour is also in evidence. But against that, it is also quite protracted and excessively pedestrian.
It doesn't help matters that there are a lot of characters to for readers to contend with. It is easier to get away with having a large cast in a television drama, where the audience has more cues available to help remember who everyone is, but in a novel it is much more difficult. It can be done, but it takes skilled handling on the part of the author to pull it off successfully. Failing that, the writer relies on the reader being prepared to make copious notes along the way, which isn't everyone's idea of an enjoyable way to read a book.
Sadly, in spite of having some plus points, I found this becoming too much like hard work - and that is one thing that a cosy mystery can never afford to be if it is to work well.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
December 19, 2021
A Spoonful of Murder is a cozy mystery centered around a group of retired teachers who meet weekly to visit. When a former coworker is found dead, confusion and suspicions arise within the circle of friends.
Although I enjoyed the book, it starts off slow and remains a tad slow throughout. Alzheimer's is discussed so readers sensitive to this topic should be aware. I recommend this book if you like cozy reads in general.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Although I enjoyed the book, it starts off slow and remains a tad slow throughout. Alzheimer's is discussed so readers sensitive to this topic should be aware. I recommend this book if you like cozy reads in general.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 21, 2022
A Spoonful of Murder is a cosy mystery that involves retired teachers who decide to solve the mysterious death of one of their colleagues who died from "muddling with her medication" - or not. Though it fits the "cosy" genre on the whole, there´s also much discussion of dementia - so beware if you´re sensitive on this theme. The story was rather slow in my opinion and had too many red herrings in it that led to different people involved in the murder.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
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