What do you think?
Rate this book
Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery #1
Fake Death
One dead body. Multiple identities. Can an amateur sleuth see through the charade before she becomes a tragic victim?
Young military widow, Dotty Sayers, is delighted with her new job at an auction house in Britain’s picturesque Cotswolds. She reluctantly agrees to take part in a Remembrance parade, to commemorate her husband and his fallen comrades, but she’s shocked to learn that after the event an unknown soldier is found dead.
Dotty assists the police and appraises objects found at the victim’s house, but rather than identifying the deceased, she discovers numerous personas. When a suspect is arrested, and Dotty is asked to look after his British blue cat, she realises appearances can be deceiving. Can she track down the real culprit and prevent an innocent man from being imprisoned?
Can Dotty unmask the killer without putting her own life at risk?
Fake Death is the first book in the captivating Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series. If you like intriguing mysteries, entertaining characters and the glorious British countryside, then you’ll adore Victoria Tait’s enthralling tale.
Buy Fake Death and unmask a killer today!
Young military widow, Dotty Sayers, is delighted with her new job at an auction house in Britain’s picturesque Cotswolds. She reluctantly agrees to take part in a Remembrance parade, to commemorate her husband and his fallen comrades, but she’s shocked to learn that after the event an unknown soldier is found dead.
Dotty assists the police and appraises objects found at the victim’s house, but rather than identifying the deceased, she discovers numerous personas. When a suspect is arrested, and Dotty is asked to look after his British blue cat, she realises appearances can be deceiving. Can she track down the real culprit and prevent an innocent man from being imprisoned?
Can Dotty unmask the killer without putting her own life at risk?
Fake Death is the first book in the captivating Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series. If you like intriguing mysteries, entertaining characters and the glorious British countryside, then you’ll adore Victoria Tait’s enthralling tale.
Buy Fake Death and unmask a killer today!
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2022
About the author
Victoria Tait
79 books346 followersVictoria Tait was born and raised in Yorkshire, England, where she discovered a passion for mystery fiction and storytelling. Inspired by the works of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Midsomer Murders, she writes British cozy mysteries infused with her signature British charm.
Her determined and hard-working female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and her settings are vivid and evocative. With intrigue, surprises, and gentle humour, Victoria's page-turning stories offer engaging whodunits, best enjoyed with a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
Victoria's books avoid graphic content and profanity, focusing on character, logic, and the steady work of uncovering truth.
Victoria has recently been exploring the world, drawing inspiration for her books from remarkable places including the Azores, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Morocco, and Malta.
Read the FREE prequel to her Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series:
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ep6qtlojl8
Or click Follow for updates.
Find Victoria and all her books at:
https://victoriatait.com/
Her determined and hard-working female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and her settings are vivid and evocative. With intrigue, surprises, and gentle humour, Victoria's page-turning stories offer engaging whodunits, best enjoyed with a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
Victoria's books avoid graphic content and profanity, focusing on character, logic, and the steady work of uncovering truth.
Victoria has recently been exploring the world, drawing inspiration for her books from remarkable places including the Azores, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Morocco, and Malta.
Read the FREE prequel to her Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series:
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ep6qtlojl8
Or click Follow for updates.
Find Victoria and all her books at:
https://victoriatait.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
June 9, 2025
One dead body. Multiple identities. Can an amateur sleuth see through the charade before she becomes a tragic victim?
Dotty Sayers life had changed since the death of her husband, and she is just finding her way and handling her independence. In addition to starting a new job and helping to solve a murder, she has a very big decision to make.
Recovering from a head injury, Dottie Sayers is happy to be working at Akemans Auction House. Reluctantly, she agrees to take part in a "Remembrance Parade" honoring her late husband and the other soldiers who died in the line of duty. Everyone is shocked when the body of a soldier is found after the parade, Dottie soon realizes that she recognizes the man. As she assists the auction house in appraising items, she discovers that the man was not who he appeared to be. The question of the hour is now...Will Dottie be able to put all the pieces together to solve the mystery?
How do these "cozy mystery" authors come up with all these ordinary, everyday women with absolutely no investigating training, to track down and capture killers, and solve these murder mysteries? I have to hand it to this author...what she has written is indeed a perplexing mystery.... but I soon became confused. Raise your hand if that surprises you? We are told, repeatedly, that Dottie has a head injury...also that an "attack" had caused it. But... we are never told what type of attack it was or who attacked her, or what she was doing to be attacked. Again, what was she doing out investing anything at all with a head injury? For the majority of the book I felt as if I was missing something important. Another reason why I don't like the "cozy mystery" genera.
Dotty acts more like a victim than a protagonist. She's meek, mild and subservient to everyone. The side character of Sarah should have been the main character. I have to admit that half the time I was hard pressed to know or care about what was going on.
I will confess that the ONLY reason I grabbed this book up in the first place, was that it had a yellow cover that I needed to complete a challenge. To make it even worse, the challenge I needed the book with a yellow cover for...was one that I WROTE! Why couldn't I have asked folks to read a book with a red, blue, green, black, white...any color but yellow!!! Purple might have been harder. Anyone that likes books of this genera will more than likely like this story...and if you need a book with a yellow cover....
Dotty Sayers life had changed since the death of her husband, and she is just finding her way and handling her independence. In addition to starting a new job and helping to solve a murder, she has a very big decision to make.
Recovering from a head injury, Dottie Sayers is happy to be working at Akemans Auction House. Reluctantly, she agrees to take part in a "Remembrance Parade" honoring her late husband and the other soldiers who died in the line of duty. Everyone is shocked when the body of a soldier is found after the parade, Dottie soon realizes that she recognizes the man. As she assists the auction house in appraising items, she discovers that the man was not who he appeared to be. The question of the hour is now...Will Dottie be able to put all the pieces together to solve the mystery?
How do these "cozy mystery" authors come up with all these ordinary, everyday women with absolutely no investigating training, to track down and capture killers, and solve these murder mysteries? I have to hand it to this author...what she has written is indeed a perplexing mystery.... but I soon became confused. Raise your hand if that surprises you? We are told, repeatedly, that Dottie has a head injury...also that an "attack" had caused it. But... we are never told what type of attack it was or who attacked her, or what she was doing to be attacked. Again, what was she doing out investing anything at all with a head injury? For the majority of the book I felt as if I was missing something important. Another reason why I don't like the "cozy mystery" genera.
Dotty acts more like a victim than a protagonist. She's meek, mild and subservient to everyone. The side character of Sarah should have been the main character. I have to admit that half the time I was hard pressed to know or care about what was going on.
I will confess that the ONLY reason I grabbed this book up in the first place, was that it had a yellow cover that I needed to complete a challenge. To make it even worse, the challenge I needed the book with a yellow cover for...was one that I WROTE! Why couldn't I have asked folks to read a book with a red, blue, green, black, white...any color but yellow!!! Purple might have been harder. Anyone that likes books of this genera will more than likely like this story...and if you need a book with a yellow cover....
April 21, 2022
Great cozy mystery
After I read the prequel in the Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series, I went and pre-ordered the rest of the series because I enjoyed it so much. I am happy to say that Fake Death did not disappoint. It is filled with fun, well written characters. One of the things that I love in cozy mystery books is quirky characters, and Fake Death fits that requirement for me. Since I love reading British cozy mysteries, the setting of this series adds to this already delightful book. The mystery is a puzzling one, and you will enjoy following the clues and solving the mystery with Dotty. I definitely recommend this book. Be sure you sign up for the author's newsletter so that you can read the prequel. It really adds to this book.
After I read the prequel in the Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series, I went and pre-ordered the rest of the series because I enjoyed it so much. I am happy to say that Fake Death did not disappoint. It is filled with fun, well written characters. One of the things that I love in cozy mystery books is quirky characters, and Fake Death fits that requirement for me. Since I love reading British cozy mysteries, the setting of this series adds to this already delightful book. The mystery is a puzzling one, and you will enjoy following the clues and solving the mystery with Dotty. I definitely recommend this book. Be sure you sign up for the author's newsletter so that you can read the prequel. It really adds to this book.
April 9, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
In this new series from Victoria Tait, we meet Dotty Sayers. A young military widow now under the care of her husband’s regiment she is excited about her new job at Akemans Auction House. She still has duties to honor her husband like the Remembrance parade for him and his fallen comrades. She is nervous about being on public display and happy when her duty is complete. Then she learns a soldier was found dead after the event. The man has no identification on his person and Dotty agrees to help the police by checking out his home. She finds some very surprising things. She soon starts to put the clues together but can she reveal the killer before she becomes their next victim?
Dotty Sayers is a very interesting protagonist. Her life has changed since the death of her husband and she is just finding her way and handling her independence. In addition to starting a new job and helping to solve a murder, she has a very big decision to make. This character grew a lot over the course of this story and it will be fun to see her continue to evolve as the series continues.
Ms. Tait has surrounded Dotty with a strong cast of supporting characters Including the very entertaining Aunt Beanie and her niece, Gilly, as well as her other workmates, Marion, George, and David. She also has to deal with men from her husband’s regiment and the authorities. Constable Varma is quite a character. A bit of a clutz but she and Dotty form a quick friendship. All these characters are cleverly crafted.
The mystery was complicated and very well-plotted. I really enjoyed the antique theme and all the background provided about the work entailed to pull off a successful auction. David and Dotty’s travels to view and photograph items were very interesting and set up the mystery part of the story so well. It puts Dotty in fantastic places to find clues and follow where they led. The author provided wonderful detail to easily see everything clearly in my mind. From Dotty’s little cottage to the many rooms at the auction house to her trips to the Colonel’s office and more, she puts us right there on the scene. A second murder late in the book was surprising and emotional for all involved. I was definitely sad to see the character removed from the story but it was key to moving the story in the right direction.
I really enjoyed Ms. Tait’s Kenya Kanga Mystery Series so I knew I would enjoy this series as well. There couldn’t be two more different leading characters than Mama Rose and Dotty and they both have found a place in my heart. I am very excited to see what mystery Dotty gets caught up in next.
An excellent mystery with engaging characters in a wonderful setting. Fake Death has set this series off to a wonderful start. The second book in the series, Valued for Murder, is set to be released on June 10. My bags are already packed for my next virtual return trip to the Cotswolds.
In this new series from Victoria Tait, we meet Dotty Sayers. A young military widow now under the care of her husband’s regiment she is excited about her new job at Akemans Auction House. She still has duties to honor her husband like the Remembrance parade for him and his fallen comrades. She is nervous about being on public display and happy when her duty is complete. Then she learns a soldier was found dead after the event. The man has no identification on his person and Dotty agrees to help the police by checking out his home. She finds some very surprising things. She soon starts to put the clues together but can she reveal the killer before she becomes their next victim?
Dotty Sayers is a very interesting protagonist. Her life has changed since the death of her husband and she is just finding her way and handling her independence. In addition to starting a new job and helping to solve a murder, she has a very big decision to make. This character grew a lot over the course of this story and it will be fun to see her continue to evolve as the series continues.
Ms. Tait has surrounded Dotty with a strong cast of supporting characters Including the very entertaining Aunt Beanie and her niece, Gilly, as well as her other workmates, Marion, George, and David. She also has to deal with men from her husband’s regiment and the authorities. Constable Varma is quite a character. A bit of a clutz but she and Dotty form a quick friendship. All these characters are cleverly crafted.
The mystery was complicated and very well-plotted. I really enjoyed the antique theme and all the background provided about the work entailed to pull off a successful auction. David and Dotty’s travels to view and photograph items were very interesting and set up the mystery part of the story so well. It puts Dotty in fantastic places to find clues and follow where they led. The author provided wonderful detail to easily see everything clearly in my mind. From Dotty’s little cottage to the many rooms at the auction house to her trips to the Colonel’s office and more, she puts us right there on the scene. A second murder late in the book was surprising and emotional for all involved. I was definitely sad to see the character removed from the story but it was key to moving the story in the right direction.
I really enjoyed Ms. Tait’s Kenya Kanga Mystery Series so I knew I would enjoy this series as well. There couldn’t be two more different leading characters than Mama Rose and Dotty and they both have found a place in my heart. I am very excited to see what mystery Dotty gets caught up in next.
An excellent mystery with engaging characters in a wonderful setting. Fake Death has set this series off to a wonderful start. The second book in the series, Valued for Murder, is set to be released on June 10. My bags are already packed for my next virtual return trip to the Cotswolds.
April 8, 2022
Fake Death Earns 5+/5 Multiple IDs…Compelling and Clever Drama!
The bearded man strikes up a conversation with a man sitting next to the ram statue outside the Woolmarket Center trying to rouse him to send him home, but “He’s not sleeping.”
Earlier that week…Dotty Sayers is excited about her now official position at Akemans Antiques center, and following doctor’s advice, she promises not to overexert herself. Business is booming as they prepare for the next auction, but appraiser Georgina and manager Gilly get interrupted. Their Aunt Beanie is asking her nieces to come to the farm immediately. George is too busy, so Gilly wrangles Dotty’s help. She warns that their Uncle Cliff is a handful since he suffers from dementia which is on full display when he throws a fit on their arrival. Aunt Beanie calms him down and sets to tell Gilly the reason she’s asked her here…an imposter! She discovered the man calling himself Reverend Seymour Simms is a fake: the real vicar couldn’t verify the diocese sent him to visit parishioners unable to attend services in person. Although he’d sit and keep Uncle Cliff company, he seems to have stolen her jams and jellies meant for the harvest festival…what else has he stolen? Additional questions arise and other mysterious visitors are reported, more missing items are discovered, and Dotty’s in the middle.
Victoria Tait’s first full-length book in the Dotty Sayers Antique Mysteries provided a smooth transition from the prequel Hour is Come answering the question about what’s next for Dotty, yet continuing to throw in a few more obstacles like the battalion that is supporting her is being reassigned back to Scotland. She is still reeling from the attempted murder incident, but her first days back, she’s met with an imposter, clients reporting missing items, and a murder…I love it when things get complicated right off! The mystery of the victim’s identity is cleverly developed with many having stories of their own “mysterious visitor” ingratiating themself into their lives, and the mystery person’s aliases are brilliantly witty! Victoria’s writing style is very engaging from an informative narrative to friendly banter, from a complex mystery and investigation to both an anxious and amiable connection with law enforcement from diverse characters to realistic obstacles for the protagonist to manage. Yet, again, there is a decision needing to be made about Dotty’s future…where will she live…and with what four-legged companion?
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
The bearded man strikes up a conversation with a man sitting next to the ram statue outside the Woolmarket Center trying to rouse him to send him home, but “He’s not sleeping.”
Earlier that week…Dotty Sayers is excited about her now official position at Akemans Antiques center, and following doctor’s advice, she promises not to overexert herself. Business is booming as they prepare for the next auction, but appraiser Georgina and manager Gilly get interrupted. Their Aunt Beanie is asking her nieces to come to the farm immediately. George is too busy, so Gilly wrangles Dotty’s help. She warns that their Uncle Cliff is a handful since he suffers from dementia which is on full display when he throws a fit on their arrival. Aunt Beanie calms him down and sets to tell Gilly the reason she’s asked her here…an imposter! She discovered the man calling himself Reverend Seymour Simms is a fake: the real vicar couldn’t verify the diocese sent him to visit parishioners unable to attend services in person. Although he’d sit and keep Uncle Cliff company, he seems to have stolen her jams and jellies meant for the harvest festival…what else has he stolen? Additional questions arise and other mysterious visitors are reported, more missing items are discovered, and Dotty’s in the middle.
Victoria Tait’s first full-length book in the Dotty Sayers Antique Mysteries provided a smooth transition from the prequel Hour is Come answering the question about what’s next for Dotty, yet continuing to throw in a few more obstacles like the battalion that is supporting her is being reassigned back to Scotland. She is still reeling from the attempted murder incident, but her first days back, she’s met with an imposter, clients reporting missing items, and a murder…I love it when things get complicated right off! The mystery of the victim’s identity is cleverly developed with many having stories of their own “mysterious visitor” ingratiating themself into their lives, and the mystery person’s aliases are brilliantly witty! Victoria’s writing style is very engaging from an informative narrative to friendly banter, from a complex mystery and investigation to both an anxious and amiable connection with law enforcement from diverse characters to realistic obstacles for the protagonist to manage. Yet, again, there is a decision needing to be made about Dotty’s future…where will she live…and with what four-legged companion?
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
December 18, 2022
I could never get a good sense of time or place. Couldn't get into the character. Leaving this unfinished. I don't do that often but I have so many others to read. Decided at my age not to waste time on books I don't enjoy.
November 11, 2022
Who doesn’t love a good cozy mystery and even more a good cozy mystery series? Well, I do and this was a lovely introduction to Dottie Sayers, amateur sleuth and military widow. I do wonder if her name is a tip of the hat to a very famous mystery writer, hmmm. LOL
Well, about the story, it was entertaining, logical (which is very important to me) and there were clues. Don’t you just hate a so called cozy mystery where there are no clues and believe me I’ve read a few of those. Anyway, this was a lovely story that introduced us to Dottie who had previously been injured and was still suffering with headaches and being a recent military widow only complicates her life since the regiment insisted on taking care of her which also meant a relocation to Scotland and away from her new job.
We are introduced to a cast of characters, some of whom work at Akeman’s Auctions with Dottie and some others that Dottie meets along the way. A few of these characters are very colorful and memorable.
I enjoyed this book and hope to read more of Dottie’s adventures in antiques.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author Victoria Tate.
Well, about the story, it was entertaining, logical (which is very important to me) and there were clues. Don’t you just hate a so called cozy mystery where there are no clues and believe me I’ve read a few of those. Anyway, this was a lovely story that introduced us to Dottie who had previously been injured and was still suffering with headaches and being a recent military widow only complicates her life since the regiment insisted on taking care of her which also meant a relocation to Scotland and away from her new job.
We are introduced to a cast of characters, some of whom work at Akeman’s Auctions with Dottie and some others that Dottie meets along the way. A few of these characters are very colorful and memorable.
I enjoyed this book and hope to read more of Dottie’s adventures in antiques.
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author Victoria Tate.
December 6, 2023
A good read. Cleverly worked mystery. Love Dotty's character.
April 5, 2022
FAKE DEATH by Victoria Tait
The First Dotty Sayers Antiques Mystery
Recovering from a head injury, Dottie Sayers is happy to be working at Akemans Auction House. Reluctantly, she agrees to take part of a Remembrance Parade honoring her late husband and all soldiers who died in the line of duty. Shocked when the body of a soldier is found after the parade, Dottie soon realizes she recognizes the man. As she assists the auction house in appraising items, she winds up discovering that the man was not who he appeared to be. Will Dottie be able to put the pieces together and solve the mystery?
FAKE DEATH is a perplexing mystery. As I started to read I soon became confused. Dottie's head injury was continually mentioned, as was the attack that caused it. But what attack? By whom? I thought I had made an error and started this series a book or so in, but no, this was the first in the series. Indeed for most of the book I felt as if I was missing something important.
Dotty acts more like a victim than a protagonist. She appears meek and subservient to pretty much everyone. I really liked Sarah and hoped she'd help Dottie come into her own. The story itself was interesting. I quite liked how the identities of the victim were revealed and Dottie's growing realizations as to what was going on. I loved Norman and Earl Grey and was captivated by the Duke's story.
FAKE DEATH highlights appearances and honor in a Cotswold mystery.
The First Dotty Sayers Antiques Mystery
Recovering from a head injury, Dottie Sayers is happy to be working at Akemans Auction House. Reluctantly, she agrees to take part of a Remembrance Parade honoring her late husband and all soldiers who died in the line of duty. Shocked when the body of a soldier is found after the parade, Dottie soon realizes she recognizes the man. As she assists the auction house in appraising items, she winds up discovering that the man was not who he appeared to be. Will Dottie be able to put the pieces together and solve the mystery?
FAKE DEATH is a perplexing mystery. As I started to read I soon became confused. Dottie's head injury was continually mentioned, as was the attack that caused it. But what attack? By whom? I thought I had made an error and started this series a book or so in, but no, this was the first in the series. Indeed for most of the book I felt as if I was missing something important.
Dotty acts more like a victim than a protagonist. She appears meek and subservient to pretty much everyone. I really liked Sarah and hoped she'd help Dottie come into her own. The story itself was interesting. I quite liked how the identities of the victim were revealed and Dottie's growing realizations as to what was going on. I loved Norman and Earl Grey and was captivated by the Duke's story.
FAKE DEATH highlights appearances and honor in a Cotswold mystery.
April 10, 2024
A pleasant read
The book was a pleasant read but the beginning was hard to follow and the main character was a bit “demure” or too “inward” for my taste. That’s not to say it wouldn’t be to someone’s else’s. I’m just not much on shrinking violets as a main character. It also didn’t explain a lot of the premise.
The book was a pleasant read but the beginning was hard to follow and the main character was a bit “demure” or too “inward” for my taste. That’s not to say it wouldn’t be to someone’s else’s. I’m just not much on shrinking violets as a main character. It also didn’t explain a lot of the premise.
May 20, 2022
Fake Death by Victoria Tait is book 1 in A Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery Series. It comes after Hour is Come which is a must read prequel of the series. It is set in England and centered around Dotty’s new job in an Auction House. As a new military widow now under the care of her husband’s regiment she is expected to fulfill certain duties. Now she must decide to stay in England on her own, working in antiques or move to Scotland with the military and be taken care of by them. She went from a controlling father, to a controlling husband and now the military commander wants to control her. Dead bodies are discovered and Dotty has mysteries to solve. Her character grows as she works through these huge problems in her life and she blossoms. This is a great mystery with interesting characters. I loved this book and will continue to read the series.
I received and ARC for free from the author.
I received and ARC for free from the author.
January 31, 2025
This book was dreadful!
It was badly written, boring and there was way too much unnecessary information and I felt like there should have been more explanation about the main characters past
It was badly written, boring and there was way too much unnecessary information and I felt like there should have been more explanation about the main characters past
May 15, 2025
Fun cozy
This was another fun installment in the series. Loved getting to know all the characters better and watch Dotty grow as a person.
Just downloaded the next one. Highly recommend for cozy fans.
This was another fun installment in the series. Loved getting to know all the characters better and watch Dotty grow as a person.
Just downloaded the next one. Highly recommend for cozy fans.
April 6, 2022
Mild spoilers.
Dotty a young army widow is working at a local auction house in the English Cotswolds. The monthly auction is coming up and they are busy with a two new collections that of the duke who’s recently passed on and one of widow which has some interesting and potentially valuable pieces. All things come to a head on Remembrance Day after Dotty walks in the parade that night an officer or so it seems is murdered. Except he is also recognized as the friend of the widow, a local pastor who was paying sick calls and the doctor who was tending to the duke in his final days. Auction day brings another shocking event and when a sweet older gentleman friend is arrested Dotty must find the truth so that he is set free.
So the description says first in series, but it feels like some first in series things are missing. For example how did Dotty get this job, how does she know these people the police personnel, how was she injured? Does the story work without these questions being answered to an extant yes, would it be better with some introductory questions answered I think so. I like the book, the setting is lovely, the characters are diverse, quirky and quintessential small town types, the mystery is wonderfully entertaining the con man as victim makes for an unexpected journey from start to finish. It’s just the characters, it’s like it’s your first day of school except everyone already knows each other and you’re trying to play catch up and fit in but you’re not quite sure how. You read through and you get a feel for the characters, make assumptions on their relationships and how things happen but it does not feel complete. If there’s a second book will I read it absolutely and hopefully we get some more of the background of how these people came to be in the jobs and relationships they’re in. I give it a 3.5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dotty a young army widow is working at a local auction house in the English Cotswolds. The monthly auction is coming up and they are busy with a two new collections that of the duke who’s recently passed on and one of widow which has some interesting and potentially valuable pieces. All things come to a head on Remembrance Day after Dotty walks in the parade that night an officer or so it seems is murdered. Except he is also recognized as the friend of the widow, a local pastor who was paying sick calls and the doctor who was tending to the duke in his final days. Auction day brings another shocking event and when a sweet older gentleman friend is arrested Dotty must find the truth so that he is set free.
So the description says first in series, but it feels like some first in series things are missing. For example how did Dotty get this job, how does she know these people the police personnel, how was she injured? Does the story work without these questions being answered to an extant yes, would it be better with some introductory questions answered I think so. I like the book, the setting is lovely, the characters are diverse, quirky and quintessential small town types, the mystery is wonderfully entertaining the con man as victim makes for an unexpected journey from start to finish. It’s just the characters, it’s like it’s your first day of school except everyone already knows each other and you’re trying to play catch up and fit in but you’re not quite sure how. You read through and you get a feel for the characters, make assumptions on their relationships and how things happen but it does not feel complete. If there’s a second book will I read it absolutely and hopefully we get some more of the background of how these people came to be in the jobs and relationships they’re in. I give it a 3.5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2022
Cosy crime in the Cotswolds.
The author has packed in all the tropes for a cosy crime mystery with female heroine, pets, helpers and hinderers as well as a just ending. The names are teasers as the heroine's name is a direct reference to Dorothy L Sayers, a mystery writer who has a detective called Wimsey (also appropriated for one of the author's characters). Another character uses word play in names as pointed out in the text.
I have deducted stars for several plot holes, some of which are vital to the story. In England, where this is set, it is illegal to carry a knife in public with a blade longer than three inches. At least a couple of characters will have fallen foul of that law. The author's research is also inadequate as she confuses a dirk with a sgian dhu (pronounced skee-en doo). The latter is a small, ceremonial knife worn in the top of the sock. A dirk is much longer (and illegal in public) so cannot be worn in the sock and is worn from the belt.
There were also several contrived co-incidences that spoiled the credibility of the plot and solution to the mystery. Setting the main character working in an auction house gave opportunity for some sleuthing as well as interacting with some colourful characters. Reading the author's details made me wonder how much of this first book in a series is autobiographical as there were some heartfelt and credible emotions coming from our heroine.
The title is clever as the author Dorothy L Sayers tended to favour two word titles and it mislead me for much of the text. I understood the relevance by the end, however rushed the solving of the mystery was. Many of the other character's resolutions and disposals were predictable from a long way ahead.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author has packed in all the tropes for a cosy crime mystery with female heroine, pets, helpers and hinderers as well as a just ending. The names are teasers as the heroine's name is a direct reference to Dorothy L Sayers, a mystery writer who has a detective called Wimsey (also appropriated for one of the author's characters). Another character uses word play in names as pointed out in the text.
I have deducted stars for several plot holes, some of which are vital to the story. In England, where this is set, it is illegal to carry a knife in public with a blade longer than three inches. At least a couple of characters will have fallen foul of that law. The author's research is also inadequate as she confuses a dirk with a sgian dhu (pronounced skee-en doo). The latter is a small, ceremonial knife worn in the top of the sock. A dirk is much longer (and illegal in public) so cannot be worn in the sock and is worn from the belt.
There were also several contrived co-incidences that spoiled the credibility of the plot and solution to the mystery. Setting the main character working in an auction house gave opportunity for some sleuthing as well as interacting with some colourful characters. Reading the author's details made me wonder how much of this first book in a series is autobiographical as there were some heartfelt and credible emotions coming from our heroine.
The title is clever as the author Dorothy L Sayers tended to favour two word titles and it mislead me for much of the text. I understood the relevance by the end, however rushed the solving of the mystery was. Many of the other character's resolutions and disposals were predictable from a long way ahead.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2022
I really loved this new series! I'm a fan of Victoria Tait's (Kenya series) and now this new English series is even better!
Fake Death is the first book in Victoria Tait’s delightful Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series (after the prequel novella, Hour Is Come*). It’s set in the English countryside among quaint cottages, farms, and pubs. If you are thinking “Miss Marple” you are not far off.
Dotty Sayers, a 28-year-old military widow, is just beginning to enjoy her new freedom. She loves her stumbled-upon job at an antiques auction house and is quickly learning the ropes. She’s made friends there, as well as with the bungling, female Constable Varma, who loves Dotty’s lunch sandwiches so much she will happily let a few case clues slip out while she’s eating them. In learning to appraise collections of antiques on sight, Dotty meets more people who impact her life in happy and humorous ways. Life is good in the Cotswolds.
However, Dotty is still living in military housing, so she feels obligated – when asked by Colonel Sutherland – to take part in a memorial parade for her late husband and other fallen soldiers. She’s glad when it’s over, but is soon horrified to learn that an unidentified soldier’s body was discovered there. As she helps the police catalogue boxes at the victim’s house, something very strange comes to light. When another body is found, Dottie must put aside her grief and stretch her sleuthing skills to find the killer.
I love Victoria Tait’s writing style. It’s so accessible and entertaining. She keeps the action moving briskly while taking that special time to portray characters that you love and can’t forget. Be sure to look closely at the book’s cover. You’ll see some fun parts of the story. Yep, the cat too!
Fake Death is the first book in Victoria Tait’s delightful Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series (after the prequel novella, Hour Is Come*). It’s set in the English countryside among quaint cottages, farms, and pubs. If you are thinking “Miss Marple” you are not far off.
Dotty Sayers, a 28-year-old military widow, is just beginning to enjoy her new freedom. She loves her stumbled-upon job at an antiques auction house and is quickly learning the ropes. She’s made friends there, as well as with the bungling, female Constable Varma, who loves Dotty’s lunch sandwiches so much she will happily let a few case clues slip out while she’s eating them. In learning to appraise collections of antiques on sight, Dotty meets more people who impact her life in happy and humorous ways. Life is good in the Cotswolds.
However, Dotty is still living in military housing, so she feels obligated – when asked by Colonel Sutherland – to take part in a memorial parade for her late husband and other fallen soldiers. She’s glad when it’s over, but is soon horrified to learn that an unidentified soldier’s body was discovered there. As she helps the police catalogue boxes at the victim’s house, something very strange comes to light. When another body is found, Dottie must put aside her grief and stretch her sleuthing skills to find the killer.
I love Victoria Tait’s writing style. It’s so accessible and entertaining. She keeps the action moving briskly while taking that special time to portray characters that you love and can’t forget. Be sure to look closely at the book’s cover. You’ll see some fun parts of the story. Yep, the cat too!
March 9, 2022
The first book of this new series by Victoria Tait exceeded my expectations. After reading the prequel Hour is Come I was anxious for
book one. I could not put it down, I love the characters and relate to Dotty as she tries to find her new life as a young widow on her own for the first time. Making friends adjusting to a new job and having been caught up in the midst of two murders trying to solve the puzzling crimes and help her friends. I can’t wait for the next book I am so invested in the lives of these people and guessing what is next. Dotty even has a wonderful cat as companion now which is the icing on the cake. A must read.
book one. I could not put it down, I love the characters and relate to Dotty as she tries to find her new life as a young widow on her own for the first time. Making friends adjusting to a new job and having been caught up in the midst of two murders trying to solve the puzzling crimes and help her friends. I can’t wait for the next book I am so invested in the lives of these people and guessing what is next. Dotty even has a wonderful cat as companion now which is the icing on the cake. A must read.
April 8, 2022
There were great characters developed throughout the book but our mystery loving, Dotty Sayers, grew up a lot from protected young girl to a valued employee of an antique shop. Dotty is newly widowed and she has a great job working with George, the no-nonsense blond, Marion, Gilly and her husband the doctor, among others. Dotty has true friends as well. My favorite is Aunt Beany with her orange curls and colorful mish-mash of clothing, but there is also the ever so clumsy and hungry Constable Varma. Throughout the book Dotty grows into a wiser and more confident woman and also succeeds in solving a great whodunit. A great read.
April 10, 2022
Fake Death is book #1 in the Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series by Victoria Tait.
Dotty Sayers is a military widow who works at an auction house. She has to make decisions about her future, but is distracted when a soldier is found dead and she finds herself involved in the investigation.
I really enjoyed this book. I really like Dotty. The group at Akemans is very interesting with a variety of personalities. The mystery was intriguing even though I guessed the guilty party early on.
At the end, there is a link to get the prequel to fill in Dotty’s story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dotty Sayers is a military widow who works at an auction house. She has to make decisions about her future, but is distracted when a soldier is found dead and she finds herself involved in the investigation.
I really enjoyed this book. I really like Dotty. The group at Akemans is very interesting with a variety of personalities. The mystery was intriguing even though I guessed the guilty party early on.
At the end, there is a link to get the prequel to fill in Dotty’s story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2022
3.5
Once again, many thanks to the author, Victoria Tait for giving me the chance to read this as one of her ARC readers.
I read the prequel to the first of this series of cozy mysteries. I was introduced to her character Dotty Sayers and quite liked her. She is a military widow, quite naive and young, with very little experience living on her own. It's encouraging to read about her growth and increasing independence and confidence as she works for an Auction House.
There are other characters throughout both books who add to the 'spice' of the novels.
An enjoyable read for sure!
Once again, many thanks to the author, Victoria Tait for giving me the chance to read this as one of her ARC readers.
I read the prequel to the first of this series of cozy mysteries. I was introduced to her character Dotty Sayers and quite liked her. She is a military widow, quite naive and young, with very little experience living on her own. It's encouraging to read about her growth and increasing independence and confidence as she works for an Auction House.
There are other characters throughout both books who add to the 'spice' of the novels.
An enjoyable read for sure!
April 7, 2022
Although both the prequel and this book are self contained mysteries and neither end on a cliff hanger, as such, I wonder if I might have felt a bit befuddled had I not read the prequel, as one reviewer said. Having said that, the new characters are well introduced and it all comes together very well. I am delighted to see that Dotty is developing and honing her investigative skills and cultivating strong new friendships which are helping her becoming more independent. Intriguing and fun read all around and I am looking forward to reading more about Dotty and her friends.
April 19, 2022
Really enjoyed watching Dotty grow as a person, becoming more mature and independent. Love all the characters that surround her and David was an excellent addition in this story. He was very supportive of her, kept showing up at the right times, and is not at all a potential love interest. Love all the new characters in this and the clever names used for the con man. I got such a kick out of those. Wonderful mysteries with plenty of suspects and great wrap up on all matters. Really looking forward to the next book.
April 13, 2022
One dead body. Multiple identities. Can an amateur sleuth see through the charade before she becomes a tragic victim?
A captivating cozy mystery that keeps you glued to the pages trying to solve the mystery before you reach the end. It's entertaining, enjoyable and captivating. The characters are fun, easy to get to know and bring a nice element to the story.
.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A captivating cozy mystery that keeps you glued to the pages trying to solve the mystery before you reach the end. It's entertaining, enjoyable and captivating. The characters are fun, easy to get to know and bring a nice element to the story.
.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2022
Another quick and easy read from Victoria Tait. I enjoyed seeing Dotty continue to become her own person after losing her husband and make more friends outside of the military base.
The Cotswolds setting and the visits to the local pub are quite a change to the gritty crime novels I normally choose.
These books are perfect to read on a lazy afternoon.
The Cotswolds setting and the visits to the local pub are quite a change to the gritty crime novels I normally choose.
These books are perfect to read on a lazy afternoon.
April 8, 2022
I enjoyed this story. Dotty was an interesting main character. She is a normal person and she feels real to me. I think the author did a great job with describing her setting. Victoria realistically places her reader into the English countryside.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2022
Enjoyable book. I do wish I had read the prequel prior to reading this first book in the series. I think it would have helped a lot. I love the characters in the book and the mystery was a good one. Thanks to the author, I received a copy of this book. I will definitely be looking forward to each new book in the series as they are published. Recommended.
April 19, 2022
Loved this book. Excitement, warm moments, sme suspense - can't ask for more. Oh yes, great characters and great writing - they're here too. The descriptions of the Cotswolds is very evocative as well, like the author's previous mysteries set in Africa (which are also wonderful books!). Highly recommended!
May 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this first book of this new series. Dotty a recent war widow is trying to get her life back on track when a murder occurs in her Cotswolds village. When the police arrest a suspect Dotty thinks they got the wrong man and decides to investigate.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2022
This is the first of Victoria Tait's books that I've read and It left me wondering if they need to be read in order so the reader has a feel fir the character before they even start this one cuz this left me with little desire to get to know Dotty.
April 13, 2022
A delightfully and well written cozey mystery with mayhem and murder, the characters are vibrant and colorful drawing you in. The mystery intriguing and stimulating, the plot carries you through to the end Acquire " Fake Death " today so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
April 13, 2022
It was a good book to read. There were several quirky characters in it along with the suspects. I went back & forth on who was the actual murderer, but one clue finally sealed the deal on who the murderer was.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews