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Suzy Spencer Mysteries #4
The Judge At Saint Jane's
A COZY MURDER MYSTERY SET IN A PICTURESQUE CUMBRIAN VILLAGE.
It’s a glorious autumn evening in Tarnfield when Deborah Arbiter falls to her death.
She ran a hostel for survivors of domestic abuse. What was she doing on the roof of St Jane’s?
Everyone says Deborah fell after climbing up to inspect a leak. But Suzy Spencer doesn’t believe the seventy-year-old was undertaking her own DIY repairs.
Suzy thinks something fishy is going on. And when her new friend, Ellie, stops replying to her messages, Suzy can’t put it out of her mind. Suzy knows all about Ellie’s controlling lover. Then she finds out that Ellie was booked in to stay at Deborah’s hostel.
One woman who falls to her death at St Jane’s. One woman who never arrives.
Can Suzy Spencer get to the bottom of these sinister goings-on before it’s too late?
A new cozy mystery full of red herrings and twists and turns.
It’s a glorious autumn evening in Tarnfield when Deborah Arbiter falls to her death.
She ran a hostel for survivors of domestic abuse. What was she doing on the roof of St Jane’s?
Everyone says Deborah fell after climbing up to inspect a leak. But Suzy Spencer doesn’t believe the seventy-year-old was undertaking her own DIY repairs.
Suzy thinks something fishy is going on. And when her new friend, Ellie, stops replying to her messages, Suzy can’t put it out of her mind. Suzy knows all about Ellie’s controlling lover. Then she finds out that Ellie was booked in to stay at Deborah’s hostel.
One woman who falls to her death at St Jane’s. One woman who never arrives.
Can Suzy Spencer get to the bottom of these sinister goings-on before it’s too late?
A new cozy mystery full of red herrings and twists and turns.
- GenresMystery
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2022
386 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 10, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Suzy Spencer Mysteries Book 4
It's a glorious summer evening in Tarnfield when Deborah falls to her death. What was she doing on the roof of her old Georgian country house, Saint Jane's? People think Deborah was up there inspecting a leak. But Suzy Spencer doesn't believe the seventy year old was doing DIY.
This cosy mystery has plenty of suspects to keep us guessing. There's also plenty of twists. the story covers the theft of metal, blackmail and murder. I have not read any of the previous books in this series, but it does read well as a standalone. This is a quick and easy book to read. The storyline held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #LisHowell for my ARC of #TheJudgeAtSaintJanes in exchange for an honest review.
Suzy Spencer Mysteries Book 4
It's a glorious summer evening in Tarnfield when Deborah falls to her death. What was she doing on the roof of her old Georgian country house, Saint Jane's? People think Deborah was up there inspecting a leak. But Suzy Spencer doesn't believe the seventy year old was doing DIY.
This cosy mystery has plenty of suspects to keep us guessing. There's also plenty of twists. the story covers the theft of metal, blackmail and murder. I have not read any of the previous books in this series, but it does read well as a standalone. This is a quick and easy book to read. The storyline held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #LisHowell for my ARC of #TheJudgeAtSaintJanes in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2022
liked the winding story
Did not quite agree with a licence of twisting the biblical principles to suit the world. But just as a crime story it was alright !
Did not quite agree with a licence of twisting the biblical principles to suit the world. But just as a crime story it was alright !
March 8, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Judge at Saint Jane’s is a beautifully written and intricately plotted village cozy by Lis Howell and the 4th Suzy Spencer mystery. Released 8th March 2022 by Joffe Books, it's 359 pages and is available in ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free (along with the other books in the series).
It's not all that often that I stumble across a new (to me) author and series that ticks all the boxes. This is a cerebral, well written, modern mystery series with a savvy and intelligent female protagonist who *isn't* a willowy 20-something supergirl. Protagonist Suzy bears some autobiographical resemblance to her creator, and it's clear that the author, Ms. Howell, is intimately familiar with the media branch and allied work, as well as the inner workings of the Church and politicization of religion and how earnest disagreements over theological questions can affect worshipers deeply.
The plot combines metal thefts, environmental crime, greed, murder, blackmail, and skullduggery centred around an isolated women's retreat and shelter. The writing is superlative and it's tightly plotted and resolves into a satisfying denouement. Despite being the 4th book in the series, I had no trouble keeping the characters straight or following the plot. It works well as a standalone.
Five stars. The author is remarkably talented and fans of Ruth Rendell, Elizabeth George, and even Colin Dexter will find a lot to love here. Despite having more in my TBR pile than I can hope to tackle in the immediate future, I've moved the prior books in the series to the top of my list.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Judge at Saint Jane’s is a beautifully written and intricately plotted village cozy by Lis Howell and the 4th Suzy Spencer mystery. Released 8th March 2022 by Joffe Books, it's 359 pages and is available in ebook format. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free (along with the other books in the series).
It's not all that often that I stumble across a new (to me) author and series that ticks all the boxes. This is a cerebral, well written, modern mystery series with a savvy and intelligent female protagonist who *isn't* a willowy 20-something supergirl. Protagonist Suzy bears some autobiographical resemblance to her creator, and it's clear that the author, Ms. Howell, is intimately familiar with the media branch and allied work, as well as the inner workings of the Church and politicization of religion and how earnest disagreements over theological questions can affect worshipers deeply.
The plot combines metal thefts, environmental crime, greed, murder, blackmail, and skullduggery centred around an isolated women's retreat and shelter. The writing is superlative and it's tightly plotted and resolves into a satisfying denouement. Despite being the 4th book in the series, I had no trouble keeping the characters straight or following the plot. It works well as a standalone.
Five stars. The author is remarkably talented and fans of Ruth Rendell, Elizabeth George, and even Colin Dexter will find a lot to love here. Despite having more in my TBR pile than I can hope to tackle in the immediate future, I've moved the prior books in the series to the top of my list.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
March 10, 2022
The Judge at Saint Jane's is the fourth book in a series set in the English countryside featuring Suzy Spencer and her husband Robert as amateur detectives. In this instalment, Suzy becomes suspicious when Deborah Arbiter, the "Judge", falls from the roof of her Georgian mansion and dies instantly. Deborah had established and run a refuge for women who had experienced domestic violence and abuse, so had earned her share of enemies and took many secrets to the grave with her. Then Suzy discovers that an acquaintance of hers had a connection to Saint Jane's and died in a manner similar to Deborah. Suzy cannot forget her friend's death and is resolved to find the answers.
This novel is fairly representative of the English murder mystery and is well-written, although the pace was a little slow. My attention and enthusiasm flagged a bit halfway through and I did accurately guess at the killer before the big reveal. There were also quite a few characters, incidental and major, which made it rather confusing to keep them straight. It is always difficult to jump into a series when you have missed several books, and I am certain that reading the first three would make a huge difference in appreciating the characters. It was an enjoyable read, but a little slow overall. Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books.
This novel is fairly representative of the English murder mystery and is well-written, although the pace was a little slow. My attention and enthusiasm flagged a bit halfway through and I did accurately guess at the killer before the big reveal. There were also quite a few characters, incidental and major, which made it rather confusing to keep them straight. It is always difficult to jump into a series when you have missed several books, and I am certain that reading the first three would make a huge difference in appreciating the characters. It was an enjoyable read, but a little slow overall. Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books.
March 12, 2022
I have a little confession to make. Although I have the first three books in the Suzy Spencer series on my ever increasing ‘to be read’ mountain, I haven’t actually read one yet. I know what a mistake to make. When I was invited to take part in the blog tour for ‘The Judge At Saint Jane’s’, which is the fourth book in the Suzy Spencer series, I knew that this was the kick up the bottom that I needed to ‘meet’ Suzy and to get to know the area and the other regular characters. Having enjoyed reading ‘The Judge At Saint Jane’s’ as much as I did, I am now rather cross with myself that I left it this long to ‘discover’ Suzy Spencer. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Judge At Saint Jane’s’ but more about that in a bit.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘The Judge At Saint Jane’s’. In fact the synopsis was enough to grab my attention and the story drew me in. As soon as I started reading, I had an inkling that I wouldn’t be able to put this book down for any length of time. I was intrigued by the descriptions of the village and by the different characters and I had to keep reading to find out how the different strands to this story impacted on certain characters. This was one of those books that really got under my skin as it were- if I wasn’t reading the book then I was thinking about it. I think part of the reason, why I became so addicted to the story was the fact that I also live in a village similar to the one in the story so I was comparing that village with the one where I live. The pages of the book turned increasingly quickly as I made my way through the book as my desperation to find out what happened grew and grew. At one point the pages were turning that quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and the page numbers became a blur. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘The Judge At Saint Jane’s’ and I had to say goodbye to Suzy and the rest. I found ‘The Judge At Saint Jane’s’ to be a gripping read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘The Judge At Saint Jane’s’ is superbly written. Lis has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact I didn’t feel as though I was reading a book because the text reads more like a chat between friends than reading an actual book. For me, the story hits the ground running and maintained a steady pace throughout. Lis clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very thorough way in which she describes them. Lis describes the characters so well that they seem to leap off the page and seem just as real as you and I. I love the way in which Lis makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That’s how I felt anyway.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Judge At Saint Jane’s’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Lis’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘The Judge At Saint Jane’s’. In fact the synopsis was enough to grab my attention and the story drew me in. As soon as I started reading, I had an inkling that I wouldn’t be able to put this book down for any length of time. I was intrigued by the descriptions of the village and by the different characters and I had to keep reading to find out how the different strands to this story impacted on certain characters. This was one of those books that really got under my skin as it were- if I wasn’t reading the book then I was thinking about it. I think part of the reason, why I became so addicted to the story was the fact that I also live in a village similar to the one in the story so I was comparing that village with the one where I live. The pages of the book turned increasingly quickly as I made my way through the book as my desperation to find out what happened grew and grew. At one point the pages were turning that quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and the page numbers became a blur. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘The Judge At Saint Jane’s’ and I had to say goodbye to Suzy and the rest. I found ‘The Judge At Saint Jane’s’ to be a gripping read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘The Judge At Saint Jane’s’ is superbly written. Lis has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact I didn’t feel as though I was reading a book because the text reads more like a chat between friends than reading an actual book. For me, the story hits the ground running and maintained a steady pace throughout. Lis clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very thorough way in which she describes them. Lis describes the characters so well that they seem to leap off the page and seem just as real as you and I. I love the way in which Lis makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That’s how I felt anyway.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Judge At Saint Jane’s’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Lis’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
March 13, 2022
Readers who enjoy traditional British mysteries cannot fail but be delighted by Lis Howell’s The Judge at Saint Jane’s.
Shockwaves reverberate all around the Cumbrian village of Tarnfield when seventy year old Deborah Arbiter falls to her death. Just what was Deborah doing on the roof of her beautiful home, St Jane’s, which she had converted into a women’s refuge, late in the evening? While everybody believes that Deborah had been inspecting a leak, Suzy Spencer is not convinced and she vows to get to the bottom of this case – whatever it takes! But are Suzy’s suspicions correct?
Deborah had given up a glittering law career to set up her refuge and surely a woman who was so philanthropic would never incur the wrath of a murderer? Just what was Deborah involved in? And will Suzy get to the bottom of this perplexing mystery? The disappearance of another of Suzy’s friends only serves to make the amateur detective even more convinced that there’s something sinister going on at St. Jane’s and when it turns out that there is a shocking connection between the two women, she is determined to leave no stone unturned to get to the truth – before it’s too late!
Lis Howell’s The Judge at Saint Jane’s is a must-read for cozy mystery fans. Set in an idyllic rural village where nothing is what it initially seems, The Judge at Saint Jane’s features a curious, intelligent and irrepressible sleuth readers will love and plenty of bucolic mischief, red herrings and twists and turns to keep them hooked from beginning to end.
A fun read perfect for Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands fans, cozy mystery fans will not want to miss Lis Howell’s The Judge at Saint Jane’s.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shockwaves reverberate all around the Cumbrian village of Tarnfield when seventy year old Deborah Arbiter falls to her death. Just what was Deborah doing on the roof of her beautiful home, St Jane’s, which she had converted into a women’s refuge, late in the evening? While everybody believes that Deborah had been inspecting a leak, Suzy Spencer is not convinced and she vows to get to the bottom of this case – whatever it takes! But are Suzy’s suspicions correct?
Deborah had given up a glittering law career to set up her refuge and surely a woman who was so philanthropic would never incur the wrath of a murderer? Just what was Deborah involved in? And will Suzy get to the bottom of this perplexing mystery? The disappearance of another of Suzy’s friends only serves to make the amateur detective even more convinced that there’s something sinister going on at St. Jane’s and when it turns out that there is a shocking connection between the two women, she is determined to leave no stone unturned to get to the truth – before it’s too late!
Lis Howell’s The Judge at Saint Jane’s is a must-read for cozy mystery fans. Set in an idyllic rural village where nothing is what it initially seems, The Judge at Saint Jane’s features a curious, intelligent and irrepressible sleuth readers will love and plenty of bucolic mischief, red herrings and twists and turns to keep them hooked from beginning to end.
A fun read perfect for Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands fans, cozy mystery fans will not want to miss Lis Howell’s The Judge at Saint Jane’s.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 15, 2022
I'd like to thank Net Galley for providing me with an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fourth book in Lis Howell's Suzy Spencer Mysteries. I admit I have not read the previous three novels, which might have helped me understand the past relationships between some of the characters. But even without that knowledge, this was an enjoyable and entertaining cozy mystery read.
Suzy Spenser is a freelance TV producer who has settled with her two children in the small village of Tarnfield in northern Cumbria, not exactly the bustling metropolis of London she's used to. Over the course of her previous adventures (described in The Flower Arranger at All Saints, The Chorister at the Abbey, and The Death of a Teacher) she hooks up with quiet, local widower, Robert Clark, who works as an English professor at a nearby university. Central to their lives and the community where they live is the church, All Saints.
In The judge at Saint Jane's, Suzy becomes involved in the mysterious death of Deborah Arbiter who runs a hostel for women who have experienced domestic violence. No one is too sure what the 70-year-old lady was doing on the roof of Saint Jane's before she plummeted to her death. Was it just an unfortunate accident? Suzy isn't convinced after discovering a new friend, Ellie, has disappeared. And she as booked to stay at Deborah's hostel.
Soon Suzy and Robert are deep into the mystery. And the bodies are starting to pile up.
Once again, I would suggest reading the three previous novels if you're interested in investing yourself to a new cozy mystery series. But you can easily jump into the excitement with this book.
This is the fourth book in Lis Howell's Suzy Spencer Mysteries. I admit I have not read the previous three novels, which might have helped me understand the past relationships between some of the characters. But even without that knowledge, this was an enjoyable and entertaining cozy mystery read.
Suzy Spenser is a freelance TV producer who has settled with her two children in the small village of Tarnfield in northern Cumbria, not exactly the bustling metropolis of London she's used to. Over the course of her previous adventures (described in The Flower Arranger at All Saints, The Chorister at the Abbey, and The Death of a Teacher) she hooks up with quiet, local widower, Robert Clark, who works as an English professor at a nearby university. Central to their lives and the community where they live is the church, All Saints.
In The judge at Saint Jane's, Suzy becomes involved in the mysterious death of Deborah Arbiter who runs a hostel for women who have experienced domestic violence. No one is too sure what the 70-year-old lady was doing on the roof of Saint Jane's before she plummeted to her death. Was it just an unfortunate accident? Suzy isn't convinced after discovering a new friend, Ellie, has disappeared. And she as booked to stay at Deborah's hostel.
Soon Suzy and Robert are deep into the mystery. And the bodies are starting to pile up.
Once again, I would suggest reading the three previous novels if you're interested in investing yourself to a new cozy mystery series. But you can easily jump into the excitement with this book.
November 14, 2023
I've really enjoyed this widely spaced series of books by Lis Howell. And the latest, The Judge at St Jane's, lived up to my expectations. The plot is predicated on some unlikely co-incidences and some lucky network connections but, hey, it's fiction and disbelief can be suspended when the plot holds together credibly as it does here.
Suzy Spencer, now married to Robert Clark, feels certain that two deaths are in fact murders perpetrated by the same person. This is based on nothing more than a feeling (which is where the suspension of disbelief comes in) but the theory gradually gathers traction.
I like the cast of characters many of whom recur throughout the series and I was delighted to spend more time with them. I hope that further books will be forthcoming.
I just have one gripe. The chapters are all headed by a quote from the book of Judges in the Old Testament. No problem at all with that. But why did the author/publisher decide to use a seventeenth century English translation? It irks me, perhaps unnecessarily, but the Bible has been translated since then, using language that 21st century readers are more familiar with.
Suzy Spencer, now married to Robert Clark, feels certain that two deaths are in fact murders perpetrated by the same person. This is based on nothing more than a feeling (which is where the suspension of disbelief comes in) but the theory gradually gathers traction.
I like the cast of characters many of whom recur throughout the series and I was delighted to spend more time with them. I hope that further books will be forthcoming.
I just have one gripe. The chapters are all headed by a quote from the book of Judges in the Old Testament. No problem at all with that. But why did the author/publisher decide to use a seventeenth century English translation? It irks me, perhaps unnecessarily, but the Bible has been translated since then, using language that 21st century readers are more familiar with.
February 19, 2023
This was a wonderful modern, village orientated cosy murder mystery that really got the brain thinking! Even though this is book 4 of the series it was my first read and it works well as a standalone novel - I didn't feel like I was missing any back story that was detrimental to this book. Well paced with fully-fleshed characters this was a quick, enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more about Suzy and her family in the first three books of the series, which I have downloaded.
I received a free copy of this ebook directly from the publishers, Joffe Books. I have voluntarily chosen to review the novel and the gifting in no way influences my review/rating, which is my honest opinion.
I received a free copy of this ebook directly from the publishers, Joffe Books. I have voluntarily chosen to review the novel and the gifting in no way influences my review/rating, which is my honest opinion.
June 29, 2022
Hooray! This is the best book of the series. I felt like Suzy and Rob took a backseat in the previous book, but they were front and center in this one. I liked how characters from the previous books were part of this story as well.
The clues were there, and I had significant parts of the mystery solved, but there were enough surprises to keep me involved until the very end.
The clues were there, and I had significant parts of the mystery solved, but there were enough surprises to keep me involved until the very end.
March 25, 2022
Loved this book! It's the first I've read by this author, but it certainly won't be the last. Great characters, a clever plot with lots of twists and turns, and some heart-stopping drama make this a great cozy mystery!
May 18, 2022
Another entertaining read!
I'm sorry to leave Suzy and her family behind having finished the last of the four book series. She and they now feel like friends - which is a real compliment to the author and her skill. I can certainly recommend the series.
I'm sorry to leave Suzy and her family behind having finished the last of the four book series. She and they now feel like friends - which is a real compliment to the author and her skill. I can certainly recommend the series.
November 14, 2022
The mettle of Deborah
So far there are 4 books in this series. This is the best.
Susie and husband Robert play A big part. They help solve murders and metal thefts and they reconcile their Vicar and the archbishop and prevent possible pollution to their small community.
So far there are 4 books in this series. This is the best.
Susie and husband Robert play A big part. They help solve murders and metal thefts and they reconcile their Vicar and the archbishop and prevent possible pollution to their small community.
January 25, 2023
Interesting story
The story started slow and the uncertainty of the two main characters weren't necessary but as the story progressed the plotline started to pick up and became highly fascinating. Enough red herrings and plot twists to keep you guessing to who the murderer is.
The story started slow and the uncertainty of the two main characters weren't necessary but as the story progressed the plotline started to pick up and became highly fascinating. Enough red herrings and plot twists to keep you guessing to who the murderer is.
May 26, 2022
Saved the best for last!
Ins and outs, ups and downs. Don't see the connection, or do I? Yes! No! Wow!! A true "Who done it" of the best kind!!
Ins and outs, ups and downs. Don't see the connection, or do I? Yes! No! Wow!! A true "Who done it" of the best kind!!
January 2, 2023
All 4 books are brilliant. Especially good for those with knowledge of the Anglican church traditions. I hope there will be more in this series.
October 13, 2022
The Judge at Saint Jane's is the fourth in a series of books, and yet it stands alone just the same. All is not as it seems. Deborah runs a hostel for domestic victims and ends up dead. Problem is, there's another murder made to look like an accident as well, but no one is buying it. What happens next is a pretty good page turner of a mystery as you learn of different characters and whether or not they are the killer. Lots of secrets, turns, twists, and no dead giveaways. I think my favorite part of the book was the dictionary of terms at the end, for those of us who are not from London. Much appreciated! Great mystery that kept me interested.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
May 11, 2022
THE JUDGE AT SAINT JANE'S by Lis Howell.
It’s a glorious autumn evening in Tarnfield when Deborah Arbiter falls to her death.She ran a hostel for survivors of domestic abuse. What was she doing on the roof of St Jane’s?Everyone says Deborah fell after climbing up to inspect a leak. But Suzy Spencer doesn’t believe the seventy-year-old was undertaking her own DIY repairs.Suzy thinks something fishy is going on. And when her new friend, Ellie, stops replying to her messages, Suzy can’t put it out of her mind. Suzy knows all about Ellie’s controlling lover. Then she finds out that Ellie was booked in to stay at Deborah’s hostel.
A good read with good characters. Slow but readable. 3*.
It’s a glorious autumn evening in Tarnfield when Deborah Arbiter falls to her death.She ran a hostel for survivors of domestic abuse. What was she doing on the roof of St Jane’s?Everyone says Deborah fell after climbing up to inspect a leak. But Suzy Spencer doesn’t believe the seventy-year-old was undertaking her own DIY repairs.Suzy thinks something fishy is going on. And when her new friend, Ellie, stops replying to her messages, Suzy can’t put it out of her mind. Suzy knows all about Ellie’s controlling lover. Then she finds out that Ellie was booked in to stay at Deborah’s hostel.
A good read with good characters. Slow but readable. 3*.
June 18, 2022
The Judge at Saint Jane’s is the fourth entry in a series of cozy mysteries that began with The Flower Arranger at All Saints. Featured in each is amateur detective Suzy Spencer.
The victim this time is Deborah Arbiter. She endeavored to do good and ran a shelter for those who suffered domestic abuse. Did Deborah fall or was it murder? No spoiler to say that it was murder.
Read this title to solve the mystery along with Suzy. It is a good read. Enjoy the characters and the setting.
Note: There was a Saint Jane. The book’s author explains how she relates to the book’s title.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe books for this title. All opinions are my own.
The victim this time is Deborah Arbiter. She endeavored to do good and ran a shelter for those who suffered domestic abuse. Did Deborah fall or was it murder? No spoiler to say that it was murder.
Read this title to solve the mystery along with Suzy. It is a good read. Enjoy the characters and the setting.
Note: There was a Saint Jane. The book’s author explains how she relates to the book’s title.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Joffe books for this title. All opinions are my own.
September 10, 2025
Mystery, classified as a 'cozy' in a review, but this is not a cozy to me. No, it's not a detective, nor police-type mystery, but the details and sometimes too much minutiae that happens, mostly involved with the Church of England just take it beyond a cozy in my opinion.
There is some really awkward writing, though. There's one section where a character tells a story about events, and one page later, the second character repeats the story (all the story) to another person. Like we forgot in the space of a couple pages. There's some weird use of words. I don't know if that's editing or writing. Either way, the story is good, but the writing doesn't seem to flow.
There is some really awkward writing, though. There's one section where a character tells a story about events, and one page later, the second character repeats the story (all the story) to another person. Like we forgot in the space of a couple pages. There's some weird use of words. I don't know if that's editing or writing. Either way, the story is good, but the writing doesn't seem to flow.
March 18, 2022
Deborah Arbitier falls to her death from the roof of her Georgian country house St. Jane.
People think she was up on the roof to fix a leak but a friend did not believe that. One of Suzy's friends disappears and finds connection between Deborah and St Janes. This is the 4th series in the book wish I would of
read the other books in this series before this last one to get their backstory.
Thanks to Joffe Books, Netgalley and the author in exchange for a review.
People think she was up on the roof to fix a leak but a friend did not believe that. One of Suzy's friends disappears and finds connection between Deborah and St Janes. This is the 4th series in the book wish I would of
read the other books in this series before this last one to get their backstory.
Thanks to Joffe Books, Netgalley and the author in exchange for a review.
March 27, 2022
This is book four in the Suzy Spencer mystery series and a first for me however this didn't effect my readying enjoyment. Now i'm a big fan of an amateur sleuth so took an instant like to the lead character. The writing style was easy to follow and kept me engaged throughout with some interesting complex characters in an intriguing setting a cosy English mystery that didn't disappoint.
April 12, 2022
This is the first book i read in this series and won't surely be the last as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Solid mystery, lovely setting and well developed characters. It kept me hooked and guessing till the end.
Can't wait to read the next in this series
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Solid mystery, lovely setting and well developed characters. It kept me hooked and guessing till the end.
Can't wait to read the next in this series
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 22, 2022
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Joffe Books and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
This delightful cozy kept me entertained and engaged throughout. I didn’t want to put this one down, so I didn’t! I read it all in one sitting.
This delightful cozy kept me entertained and engaged throughout. I didn’t want to put this one down, so I didn’t! I read it all in one sitting.
March 11, 2022
Another excellent book in the series - I very much enjoy the quotations and the information following the book!
March 11, 2022
I have waited so long for this to be published and for this reason i did not put it down until finished
Absolutely great read
Absolutely great read
October 27, 2022
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. A great mystery thriller novel. Love the cover.
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