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Flora Steele Mystery #3
Murder at Primrose Cottage
Join Flora Steele – bookshop owner, bicycle-rider, daydreamer and amateur detective – in her quest to solve a brand-new murder mystery!
Cornwall, 1956: When Flora Steele sets off for a peaceful vacation with crime writer Jack Carrington in his little red Austin, the last thing she expects to find is a body at their pretty rental cottage!
Shocked by the discovery, inquisitive Flora joins forces with handsome Jack to find out how the poor man came to such an untimely end in the overgrown orchard of Primrose Cottage. They discover Roger Gifford was a man with plenty of friends and the villagers seem devastated by his sudden death…
So why was he murdered? And who has blood on their hands – his estranged wife Beatrice, his wayward younger brother Lionel, or the suspicious newcomer Mercy Dearlove?
The baffling case gets even more complicated when a second man is found dead and a set of puzzling clues lead them to an intriguing wartime mystery connected to Jack’s estranged father.
As old secrets emerge and Jack receives an unsettling letter, it seems the crime writer is in danger of a fate befitting his fictional characters. Will Flora be able to crack the case and save Jack? Or will this be one murder too many for Flora Steele?
Cornwall, 1956: When Flora Steele sets off for a peaceful vacation with crime writer Jack Carrington in his little red Austin, the last thing she expects to find is a body at their pretty rental cottage!
Shocked by the discovery, inquisitive Flora joins forces with handsome Jack to find out how the poor man came to such an untimely end in the overgrown orchard of Primrose Cottage. They discover Roger Gifford was a man with plenty of friends and the villagers seem devastated by his sudden death…
So why was he murdered? And who has blood on their hands – his estranged wife Beatrice, his wayward younger brother Lionel, or the suspicious newcomer Mercy Dearlove?
The baffling case gets even more complicated when a second man is found dead and a set of puzzling clues lead them to an intriguing wartime mystery connected to Jack’s estranged father.
As old secrets emerge and Jack receives an unsettling letter, it seems the crime writer is in danger of a fate befitting his fictional characters. Will Flora be able to crack the case and save Jack? Or will this be one murder too many for Flora Steele?
276 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2022
1869 people are currently reading
678 people want to read
About the author
Merryn Allingham
43 books313 followersI was born into an army family and spent my childhood moving around the UK and abroad. Unsurprisingly it gave me itchy feet and in my twenties I escaped an unloved secretarial career to work as cabin crew and see the world.
I still love to travel and visit new places, especially those with an interesting history, but the arrival of marriage, children and cats meant a more settled life in the south of England, where I've lived ever since. It also gave me the opportunity to go back to 'school' and eventually teach at university.
I've written seven historical novels, all mysteries with a helping of suspense and a dash of romance - sometimes set in exotic locations and often against a background of stirring world events.
My latest novel, A Tale of Two Sisters, is set in Constantinople at the turn of the 20th century when rebellion within the Ottoman Empire is growing ever louder. Against this background the novel traces the fate of two sisters, Alice and Lydia Verinder, and explores themes of family, love and loss.
I still love to travel and visit new places, especially those with an interesting history, but the arrival of marriage, children and cats meant a more settled life in the south of England, where I've lived ever since. It also gave me the opportunity to go back to 'school' and eventually teach at university.
I've written seven historical novels, all mysteries with a helping of suspense and a dash of romance - sometimes set in exotic locations and often against a background of stirring world events.
My latest novel, A Tale of Two Sisters, is set in Constantinople at the turn of the 20th century when rebellion within the Ottoman Empire is growing ever louder. Against this background the novel traces the fate of two sisters, Alice and Lydia Verinder, and explores themes of family, love and loss.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
March 28, 2022
This is the third and most recent Flora Steele – Jack Carrington mystery in the series (each book can be read independently but best in order). These are light crime-suspense stories which are also good for teens.
Jack has planned a stay at Cornwall to write his new book and has invited Flora to come along. They drive to Treleggan Primrose cottage where they meet with the owner Roger Gifford. Roger uses this as a workplace on and off for his research and has let the place out this time. Flora has a restless night and early morning decides to take a walk. As she walks into the orchard right next to the cottage, she finds Roger lying dead. This is a small village and Roger was a much-liked person. Flora and Jack meet with his brother – Lionel, his estranged wife Beatrice and a woman Mercy who many find strange, but struggle to find the motive for the murder. There is more to follow, including Jack and Flora being threatened.
This is a light read which is well-paced, though as with the previous books the sleuthing and unravelling of the crime is simplistic.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture & the publisher for a free electronic review copy.
My rating: 3.5 / 5.
March 2, 2022
Book 3 in this series in which Flora nearly succeeds in getting both herself and Jack killed. She really does need to be a bit more careful when she is pursuing a murderer.
The two of them are in Cornwall where Jack is supposed to be looking for ideas for his current book, and Flora is having a break after the trials she went through in Book 2. Unfortunately they discover a body almost immediately and their plans are tossed aside as Flora plunges into amateur detective mode. The story is set in the Cornish countryside in 1956 where the police were apparently not inclined to investigate too hard. Flora is determined to get justice for the victim herself.
I very much enjoyed the setting and the outings that the pair enjoyed to places I used to know well - Helston, the Lizard, Mullion Cove and the rest, all brought back many happy memories. I was aware of the history of many places along that coast line being used in preparations for D-Day and this was an interesting contribution to the story.
I am enjoying this series very much and hope the author continues to write them, plus I am looking forward to a developing relationship between our two main characters!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The two of them are in Cornwall where Jack is supposed to be looking for ideas for his current book, and Flora is having a break after the trials she went through in Book 2. Unfortunately they discover a body almost immediately and their plans are tossed aside as Flora plunges into amateur detective mode. The story is set in the Cornish countryside in 1956 where the police were apparently not inclined to investigate too hard. Flora is determined to get justice for the victim herself.
I very much enjoyed the setting and the outings that the pair enjoyed to places I used to know well - Helston, the Lizard, Mullion Cove and the rest, all brought back many happy memories. I was aware of the history of many places along that coast line being used in preparations for D-Day and this was an interesting contribution to the story.
I am enjoying this series very much and hope the author continues to write them, plus I am looking forward to a developing relationship between our two main characters!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 15, 2022
A cozy British mystery set in Cornwall. Flora Steele, a bookshop owner, and her friend Jack Carrington, a crime novel author, travel to Cornwall to do research for the book Jack is working on. Soon after they arrive at Primrose Cottage in Cornwall where they will be staying during their trip, Flora finds the body of the cottage's owner in the orchard near the cottage. Roger Gifford, the dead man, had been well loved by his friends and had been the local bank manager before he retired. He'd been recently researching the history of Cornwall during the war. Flora wants to find out why Gifford was murdered and who did it. She begins investigating while she and Jack are doing their research on the book. There are some interesting developments, and Flora and Jack have been warned off the case by some strange occurrences.
An interesting mystery which delved into the past, finding some long hidden secrets. Sweet characters - I liked both Flora and Jack, as well as the witch, Mercy Dearlove and the housekeeper, Jessie.
Thanks to Bookouture through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on March 18,2022.
An interesting mystery which delved into the past, finding some long hidden secrets. Sweet characters - I liked both Flora and Jack, as well as the witch, Mercy Dearlove and the housekeeper, Jessie.
Thanks to Bookouture through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on March 18,2022.
March 18, 2022
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.
Murder in Primrose Cottage is the third in the Flora Steele series of cosy mysteries by Merryn Allingham, which I have been following from the start. While this can be read as a standalone as the mystery is complete and we get enough background on the characters to follow their story as well, there are spoilers in terms of the victims in the previous books.
The series, set in 1950s England follows twenty-five-year-old Flora Steele who runs a bookshop which she inherited from her aunt, in the small Sussex village of Abbeymead. Also living in the village is Jack Carrington, a former reporter, and now writer of mystery novels, who is a recluse but emerges in the first book (and discovers a body) when his errand boy falls ill. The two have become good friends (and partners in solving crime) but while they are interested in each other, they don’t wish to take things further just yet, because of past heartbreaks. At the end of the previous book, Flora who hasn’t taken a holiday in ages had decided to accompany Jack to Cornwall where he is to do research for the first of a series of books he has undertaken to write. There they are to rent Primrose cottage, arrangements for which have been made by Jack’s agent.
They arrive at the cottage and meet Roger Gifford, their landlord who also lends them his housekeeper, Jessie Bolitho who is to keep house and cook for them. But the next morning when Flora goes out to explore the orchard behind the cottage, she finds Roger’s body, his throat slit. While Roger was generally a well-liked man, there were some who bore him grudges—his estranged wife and younger wastrel brother among them; also according to Jessie, he had an argument with the local ‘witch’ or peller Mercy Dearlove. The police have found Roger’s broken watch so believe it to be the work of a mugger, but Flora thinks otherwise. Meanwhile Flora and Jack also begin to visit different places in Cornwall, both of historical interest and those related to the war (which was more recent past in terms of when our book is set) in search of locations and background for Jack’s book, while he also deals with writer’s block of sorts, scrapping plots and tearing things up. But their trips and investigations into Roger’s death are clearly making the murderer nervous for they get targeted repeatedly. Will they manage to identify the killer before he gets them?
This was a fun instalment in this series, and I think my favourite of the books so far. What I loved about this book the most was its setting and the war background. The setting in Cornwall comes through really well in the book with all the locations that they explore including Helston where Flora Day is celebrated every year (a spring festival); Tintagel and its Arthurian Castle; Henry the VII’s Pendennis Castle and the Lizard (and also the numerous pasties they eat; Jessie provides some delicious fare as well). I also kept looking up these sites online as I was reading. Then, there was also the historical background of the war and Signals units in Cornwall to which part of their mystery relates, a part which also links back to Flora’s village (not a spoiler since we know this from the start). I enjoyed exploring Cornwall with Flora and Jack, and also learning about its role in the war, about which like Flora and Jack I didn’t know much (or rather anything).
The mystery itself was interesting, but more than suspects (which we do have a handful), it is the motivations that keep one guessing—is it something to do with Roger’s personal life and problems or his research (which focused on the war efforts in Cornwall); once one makes up one’s mind as to that though, then the whodunit wasn’t so much of a surprise since we did get hints, and one is able to somewhat work out what happened (though not all). But nonetheless, it was fun reading and seeing if one was thinking correctly.
Flora and Jack are likeable characters, and in this book, we get more of a look into Jack’s past—his estrangement with his parents—as we meet his father. The police I am beginning to accept in this series, as being the kind that only appears at the last minute, and invariably is on the wrong track in solving the murders they are faced with. Back in Abbeymead too there are some developments which connect up with events of the past books, and the effects of which I think we will see in subsequent books, as we have a new character introduced in the form of Sally, the niece of Alice who was cook at the Priory (the manor-house-turned-hotel). There was also a fun reference to Enid Blyton, the second time one has come up in this series which I enjoyed being a fan of Blyton.
A fun read overall, in which I very much enjoyed the setting and historical background.
3.9 stars rounded up to 4.
Murder in Primrose Cottage is the third in the Flora Steele series of cosy mysteries by Merryn Allingham, which I have been following from the start. While this can be read as a standalone as the mystery is complete and we get enough background on the characters to follow their story as well, there are spoilers in terms of the victims in the previous books.
The series, set in 1950s England follows twenty-five-year-old Flora Steele who runs a bookshop which she inherited from her aunt, in the small Sussex village of Abbeymead. Also living in the village is Jack Carrington, a former reporter, and now writer of mystery novels, who is a recluse but emerges in the first book (and discovers a body) when his errand boy falls ill. The two have become good friends (and partners in solving crime) but while they are interested in each other, they don’t wish to take things further just yet, because of past heartbreaks. At the end of the previous book, Flora who hasn’t taken a holiday in ages had decided to accompany Jack to Cornwall where he is to do research for the first of a series of books he has undertaken to write. There they are to rent Primrose cottage, arrangements for which have been made by Jack’s agent.
They arrive at the cottage and meet Roger Gifford, their landlord who also lends them his housekeeper, Jessie Bolitho who is to keep house and cook for them. But the next morning when Flora goes out to explore the orchard behind the cottage, she finds Roger’s body, his throat slit. While Roger was generally a well-liked man, there were some who bore him grudges—his estranged wife and younger wastrel brother among them; also according to Jessie, he had an argument with the local ‘witch’ or peller Mercy Dearlove. The police have found Roger’s broken watch so believe it to be the work of a mugger, but Flora thinks otherwise. Meanwhile Flora and Jack also begin to visit different places in Cornwall, both of historical interest and those related to the war (which was more recent past in terms of when our book is set) in search of locations and background for Jack’s book, while he also deals with writer’s block of sorts, scrapping plots and tearing things up. But their trips and investigations into Roger’s death are clearly making the murderer nervous for they get targeted repeatedly. Will they manage to identify the killer before he gets them?
This was a fun instalment in this series, and I think my favourite of the books so far. What I loved about this book the most was its setting and the war background. The setting in Cornwall comes through really well in the book with all the locations that they explore including Helston where Flora Day is celebrated every year (a spring festival); Tintagel and its Arthurian Castle; Henry the VII’s Pendennis Castle and the Lizard (and also the numerous pasties they eat; Jessie provides some delicious fare as well). I also kept looking up these sites online as I was reading. Then, there was also the historical background of the war and Signals units in Cornwall to which part of their mystery relates, a part which also links back to Flora’s village (not a spoiler since we know this from the start). I enjoyed exploring Cornwall with Flora and Jack, and also learning about its role in the war, about which like Flora and Jack I didn’t know much (or rather anything).
The mystery itself was interesting, but more than suspects (which we do have a handful), it is the motivations that keep one guessing—is it something to do with Roger’s personal life and problems or his research (which focused on the war efforts in Cornwall); once one makes up one’s mind as to that though, then the whodunit wasn’t so much of a surprise since we did get hints, and one is able to somewhat work out what happened (though not all). But nonetheless, it was fun reading and seeing if one was thinking correctly.
Flora and Jack are likeable characters, and in this book, we get more of a look into Jack’s past—his estrangement with his parents—as we meet his father. The police I am beginning to accept in this series, as being the kind that only appears at the last minute, and invariably is on the wrong track in solving the murders they are faced with. Back in Abbeymead too there are some developments which connect up with events of the past books, and the effects of which I think we will see in subsequent books, as we have a new character introduced in the form of Sally, the niece of Alice who was cook at the Priory (the manor-house-turned-hotel). There was also a fun reference to Enid Blyton, the second time one has come up in this series which I enjoyed being a fan of Blyton.
A fun read overall, in which I very much enjoyed the setting and historical background.
3.9 stars rounded up to 4.
March 13, 2022
Flora and her companion, crime writer Jack Carrington, had set out from Abbeymead for Cornwall – Treleggan to be exact – Flora combining a long-awaited vacation while helping Jack with research for his current book. Primrose Cottage was a beautiful little rental, with an overgrown garden which Flora knew she’d delight in working in and when owner Roger Gifford talked about his research while showing them the cottage, Flora felt things were right in their world. But later, while making her way through the long grass of the garden, Flora was shocked to come across a dead body…
With the police seemingly quiet on the murder front, Flora and Jack decided to incorporate investigating into their itinerary. Flora’s imagination ran riot, as was usual for her, and as they ventured through Cornwall, the danger they were drawing followed them. Was their housekeeper Jessie’s conclusion correct? Or did Mercy Dearlove have the answers? With clues pointing to the war twelve years prior, Jack and Flora had many more questions than answers.
Murder at Primrose Cottage is the 3rd in the Flora Steele Mystery series by Merryn Allingham and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The delightfully rugged countryside in and around Cornwall was a character in itself, add to the mix some eccentric but wonderful people in Treleggan and surrounds and the entertainment level was high. This is a great series, and I’m looking forward to #4 already. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
With the police seemingly quiet on the murder front, Flora and Jack decided to incorporate investigating into their itinerary. Flora’s imagination ran riot, as was usual for her, and as they ventured through Cornwall, the danger they were drawing followed them. Was their housekeeper Jessie’s conclusion correct? Or did Mercy Dearlove have the answers? With clues pointing to the war twelve years prior, Jack and Flora had many more questions than answers.
Murder at Primrose Cottage is the 3rd in the Flora Steele Mystery series by Merryn Allingham and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The delightfully rugged countryside in and around Cornwall was a character in itself, add to the mix some eccentric but wonderful people in Treleggan and surrounds and the entertainment level was high. This is a great series, and I’m looking forward to #4 already. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2025
Naprawdę przyjemna cozy mistery, ale jakoś straciłam do niej zapał i nie będę kontynuować.
June 29, 2022
“Join Flora Steele – bookshop owner, bicycle-rider, daydreamer and amateur detective – in her quest to solve a brand-new murder mystery!”
This is the third book in this excellent cozy mystery series, set in the late 1950s, featuring Flora Steele, Abbeymead bookshop owner and enthusiastic amateur sleuth extraordinaire; and her erstwhile companion, journalist turned crime writer, Jack Carrington.
This traditional murder mystery series is fast becoming compellingly addictive and growing in depth, with each episode also working well as a standalone story, the backstory being deftly woven into the narrative and dialogue without detracting from the detail of the current investigation, making for an immersive, multi-layered, well-structured storyline, which is rich in atmosphere and beautifully textured. The fluent, well-paced and assured writing is visually descriptive, adding a wonderfully three- dimensional sense of time and place, which came to life on the pages as I was reading, transporting me back in time, immersing me in the action and making me part of the village life, on this occasion, both in Cornwall and Sussex. It’s a bit of a shame that the two main location hubs of the storyline have been given fictional names, however other places are real and are brought beautifully to life, which made this particular “armchair traveller” very happy, as Cornwall is one of my most favourite places to visit, whilst Sussex remains on my bucket-list of places to explore.
Jack is several years Flora’s senior by age, and both are recovering from previous difficult and traumatic relationship breakups, which have left them feeling vulnerable and a little isolated. They have so far vowed to one another that their own, very fledgling relationship, will remain purely platonic, however Jack is beginning to dread Flora becoming embroiled in any more murder investigations, as with each new case, she seems to find herself becoming involved in ever increasingly dangerous situations and he cannot cope with the stress and worry, which might suggest that perhaps their feelings for each other have moved off first base.
Jack has been commissioned by his agent, to set his next crime novel in Cornwall, so in a moment of madness, he invites Flora to join him for an extended research break, basing themselves in the fictional village of Treleggan, located around the Helston River area and staying in a privately rented cottage the agent has found for them.
Flora leaves the shop under the loving care of local girl Sally and Flora’s stalwart friend and ally, Sally’s aunt Alice, knowing that it will be in safe hands, but still a little apprehensive about abandoning her ‘baby’. Alice happens to throw a casual aside into their handover conversation, about a local lad Thomas Martin, who was based at a Signals Unit in Cornwall during the war, disappeared around D-Day and was never heard from again, although rumour had it that he had turned traitor, which upset his disbelieving family back in Abbeymead. She is half hoping that Jack and Flora might be able to make some enquiries whilst they are in Cornwall, to see if there are any records relating to the incident. Jack’s inbuilt radar system is already sensing that there might be trouble brewing ahead, as Flora is already speculating on two separate research areas, one for Jack’s book and another into the case of the missing serviceman.
Okay, if you are with me so far, this will be about the only time you are, for the remaining duration of “Jack and Flora’s Cornish Adventure”. Even before they leave Abbeymead, Jack is warned off making any enquiries about wartime activities in Cornwall, in fact, he is encouraged to stay away from the county all together. From the time they arrive at the cottage in Treleggan, events immediately begin to spiral out of control, starting with Flora discovering a body in the orchard at the bottom of the derelict garden, within the first twelve hours of them unpacking their bags. One murder is more than enough for poor Jack, especially as this one turns out to be none other than their new landlord, but once Flora gets the bit between her teeth, there is no stopping her wanting to avenge the death and solve the case, which ups the ante and places them both in grave danger. Flora compiles a suspect list which grows longer by the day, yet constantly changes. She meets the local peller, who is shunned by all the villagers and with whom Jack will have nothing to do, even though Flora finds her intriguing. The body count begins to rise too, which rattles the local constabulary, who are completely out of their depth.
Jack’s book research is most definitely forced to take a back seat, as it soon becomes apparent that recent events are inextricably linked to those of the past, with at least one resident having plenty to hide. Although I did have my suspicions about the one person who wasn’t on the Flora’s suspect list, I wouldn’t have put my money on them being the perpetrator and clearly neither did Jack or Flora, or not until it was almost too late! After a middle of the night clifftop confrontation, involving a torch, a gun, a wartime bunker and a hidden grave, everyone was lucky that casualties were kept to a minimum, although even the redoubtable Flora is more shaken than she will ever admit. More by Jack’s forethought and planning, than Flora’s impetuous and reckless behaviour, the pair emerged victorious once again, although severely battered and bruised, and certainly more than ready to cut short their break and go home to Sussex, with the framework for Jack’s book still in tatters, but with good news for the Martin family, that their son’s honest reputation had been restored.
Once back in familiar surroundings, it seems as though Jack has also come to a decision about his future, although he hasn’t yet discussed it with Flora in any detail. I have the germ of an idea as to what it might be, but I might be way off the mark and I’m not sure what Flora’s reaction might be. I still need to catch up with book #4 in the series, so I can’t wait to see if I am anywhere near right! It also looks as though, following so many near death experiences in such a short space of time, Jack has decided that the only way he can ever hope to protect an impulsive Flora, is to move their relationship up a notch, so that they spend more time together; and Flora doesn’t seem to be complaining.
There is a multi-faceted, well drawn, developed and defined, sometimes quirky, cast of supporting characters who, whether they are on the side of good or bad, are authentically realistic to the times and genuinely believable in the individual roles which have been created for them. They have then all been afforded a good strong voice, with which to tell their story and direct the course of the action, which is probably just as well, as in these rather small and insular communities, everyone has an opinion and a wish to be heard, but only once you can prove that you can carve a worthwhile place for yourself amongst their ranks, of course. Not all of the characters are easy to connect with or relate to, although generally the individual dynamics and synergy between them, works quite well, so whilst they may be quite complex and emotional, sometimes unreliable and a little vulnerable; they are all compelling, addictive, vibrant and totally worth investing in.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my review, I appreciate your support!
...
A complimentary kindle download of this book, for review purposes, was made available by the publisher Bookouture and supplied by NetGalley.
Any thoughts or comments are my own personal opinion and I am in no way being monetarily compensated for this, or any other article which promotes this book or its author.
I personally do not agree with ‘rating’ a book, as the overall experience is all a matter of personal taste, which varies from reader to reader. However some review sites do demand a rating value, so when this review is posted to such a site, it will attract a well deserved 5 out of 5 stars!
This is the third book in this excellent cozy mystery series, set in the late 1950s, featuring Flora Steele, Abbeymead bookshop owner and enthusiastic amateur sleuth extraordinaire; and her erstwhile companion, journalist turned crime writer, Jack Carrington.
This traditional murder mystery series is fast becoming compellingly addictive and growing in depth, with each episode also working well as a standalone story, the backstory being deftly woven into the narrative and dialogue without detracting from the detail of the current investigation, making for an immersive, multi-layered, well-structured storyline, which is rich in atmosphere and beautifully textured. The fluent, well-paced and assured writing is visually descriptive, adding a wonderfully three- dimensional sense of time and place, which came to life on the pages as I was reading, transporting me back in time, immersing me in the action and making me part of the village life, on this occasion, both in Cornwall and Sussex. It’s a bit of a shame that the two main location hubs of the storyline have been given fictional names, however other places are real and are brought beautifully to life, which made this particular “armchair traveller” very happy, as Cornwall is one of my most favourite places to visit, whilst Sussex remains on my bucket-list of places to explore.
Jack is several years Flora’s senior by age, and both are recovering from previous difficult and traumatic relationship breakups, which have left them feeling vulnerable and a little isolated. They have so far vowed to one another that their own, very fledgling relationship, will remain purely platonic, however Jack is beginning to dread Flora becoming embroiled in any more murder investigations, as with each new case, she seems to find herself becoming involved in ever increasingly dangerous situations and he cannot cope with the stress and worry, which might suggest that perhaps their feelings for each other have moved off first base.
Jack has been commissioned by his agent, to set his next crime novel in Cornwall, so in a moment of madness, he invites Flora to join him for an extended research break, basing themselves in the fictional village of Treleggan, located around the Helston River area and staying in a privately rented cottage the agent has found for them.
Flora leaves the shop under the loving care of local girl Sally and Flora’s stalwart friend and ally, Sally’s aunt Alice, knowing that it will be in safe hands, but still a little apprehensive about abandoning her ‘baby’. Alice happens to throw a casual aside into their handover conversation, about a local lad Thomas Martin, who was based at a Signals Unit in Cornwall during the war, disappeared around D-Day and was never heard from again, although rumour had it that he had turned traitor, which upset his disbelieving family back in Abbeymead. She is half hoping that Jack and Flora might be able to make some enquiries whilst they are in Cornwall, to see if there are any records relating to the incident. Jack’s inbuilt radar system is already sensing that there might be trouble brewing ahead, as Flora is already speculating on two separate research areas, one for Jack’s book and another into the case of the missing serviceman.
Okay, if you are with me so far, this will be about the only time you are, for the remaining duration of “Jack and Flora’s Cornish Adventure”. Even before they leave Abbeymead, Jack is warned off making any enquiries about wartime activities in Cornwall, in fact, he is encouraged to stay away from the county all together. From the time they arrive at the cottage in Treleggan, events immediately begin to spiral out of control, starting with Flora discovering a body in the orchard at the bottom of the derelict garden, within the first twelve hours of them unpacking their bags. One murder is more than enough for poor Jack, especially as this one turns out to be none other than their new landlord, but once Flora gets the bit between her teeth, there is no stopping her wanting to avenge the death and solve the case, which ups the ante and places them both in grave danger. Flora compiles a suspect list which grows longer by the day, yet constantly changes. She meets the local peller, who is shunned by all the villagers and with whom Jack will have nothing to do, even though Flora finds her intriguing. The body count begins to rise too, which rattles the local constabulary, who are completely out of their depth.
Jack’s book research is most definitely forced to take a back seat, as it soon becomes apparent that recent events are inextricably linked to those of the past, with at least one resident having plenty to hide. Although I did have my suspicions about the one person who wasn’t on the Flora’s suspect list, I wouldn’t have put my money on them being the perpetrator and clearly neither did Jack or Flora, or not until it was almost too late! After a middle of the night clifftop confrontation, involving a torch, a gun, a wartime bunker and a hidden grave, everyone was lucky that casualties were kept to a minimum, although even the redoubtable Flora is more shaken than she will ever admit. More by Jack’s forethought and planning, than Flora’s impetuous and reckless behaviour, the pair emerged victorious once again, although severely battered and bruised, and certainly more than ready to cut short their break and go home to Sussex, with the framework for Jack’s book still in tatters, but with good news for the Martin family, that their son’s honest reputation had been restored.
Once back in familiar surroundings, it seems as though Jack has also come to a decision about his future, although he hasn’t yet discussed it with Flora in any detail. I have the germ of an idea as to what it might be, but I might be way off the mark and I’m not sure what Flora’s reaction might be. I still need to catch up with book #4 in the series, so I can’t wait to see if I am anywhere near right! It also looks as though, following so many near death experiences in such a short space of time, Jack has decided that the only way he can ever hope to protect an impulsive Flora, is to move their relationship up a notch, so that they spend more time together; and Flora doesn’t seem to be complaining.
There is a multi-faceted, well drawn, developed and defined, sometimes quirky, cast of supporting characters who, whether they are on the side of good or bad, are authentically realistic to the times and genuinely believable in the individual roles which have been created for them. They have then all been afforded a good strong voice, with which to tell their story and direct the course of the action, which is probably just as well, as in these rather small and insular communities, everyone has an opinion and a wish to be heard, but only once you can prove that you can carve a worthwhile place for yourself amongst their ranks, of course. Not all of the characters are easy to connect with or relate to, although generally the individual dynamics and synergy between them, works quite well, so whilst they may be quite complex and emotional, sometimes unreliable and a little vulnerable; they are all compelling, addictive, vibrant and totally worth investing in.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my review, I appreciate your support!
...
A complimentary kindle download of this book, for review purposes, was made available by the publisher Bookouture and supplied by NetGalley.
Any thoughts or comments are my own personal opinion and I am in no way being monetarily compensated for this, or any other article which promotes this book or its author.
I personally do not agree with ‘rating’ a book, as the overall experience is all a matter of personal taste, which varies from reader to reader. However some review sites do demand a rating value, so when this review is posted to such a site, it will attract a well deserved 5 out of 5 stars!
January 29, 2025
Równie przyjemna co poprzednie części. 4⭐
March 18, 2022
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review Murder at Primrose Cottage. All opinions and comments are my own.
Bookseller Flora Steele is taking a trip to Cornwall with Jack Carrington, crime fiction writer (prominently featured in the other books in the series). Immediately before leaving Jack gets a note not to go. Well, that never stopped anybody, certainly not characters in a mystery series. So off they drive to Primrose Cottage, meet the landlord, and settle in for the evening in the lovely spot.
And next morning while Flora is taking an early stroll she stumbles across a body. It’s the landlord. That didn’t take long. Boy, that note wasn’t kidding! Was Jack supposed to be the target? Flora thinks that might be a possibility, so of course she wants to investigate.
Well, we have a suspect right off the bat – the village “peller,” or witch in the local dialect. That’s someone who had an ongoing quarrel with Roger the landlord. The book is set in the 50’s, but you really don’t get a sense of it from the reading, although I guess superstition was still very prevalent then. But villages do have their prejudices, as anyone that reads in the genre will know. Soon, though, there’s another suspect, Roger’s younger brother. And a mystery woman is dogging their steps. And we mustn’t forget the missing will, a missing wife, spy doings during WWII; lots to work with in Murder at Primrose Cottage.
The book provides a Cornwall travelogue, too. That’s always a plus in a historical mystery, the revealing of the locality.
Finally, after a pretty thorough investigation, secrets from the war are found to be at the bottom of everything. Flora has the reader alongside her as she carefully uncovers the reasons for why Roger had to be killed. Not without some peril.
I enjoyed Murder at Primrose Cottage, although I could have done without the scenes with the “peller.” I’m not a fan of plotlines that include any kind of supernatural forces at work. But Flora and Jack make a great team, and the author has a deft hand with describing the building of their relationship while making sure the mystery plot is handled first and foremost.
Bookseller Flora Steele is taking a trip to Cornwall with Jack Carrington, crime fiction writer (prominently featured in the other books in the series). Immediately before leaving Jack gets a note not to go. Well, that never stopped anybody, certainly not characters in a mystery series. So off they drive to Primrose Cottage, meet the landlord, and settle in for the evening in the lovely spot.
And next morning while Flora is taking an early stroll she stumbles across a body. It’s the landlord. That didn’t take long. Boy, that note wasn’t kidding! Was Jack supposed to be the target? Flora thinks that might be a possibility, so of course she wants to investigate.
Well, we have a suspect right off the bat – the village “peller,” or witch in the local dialect. That’s someone who had an ongoing quarrel with Roger the landlord. The book is set in the 50’s, but you really don’t get a sense of it from the reading, although I guess superstition was still very prevalent then. But villages do have their prejudices, as anyone that reads in the genre will know. Soon, though, there’s another suspect, Roger’s younger brother. And a mystery woman is dogging their steps. And we mustn’t forget the missing will, a missing wife, spy doings during WWII; lots to work with in Murder at Primrose Cottage.
The book provides a Cornwall travelogue, too. That’s always a plus in a historical mystery, the revealing of the locality.
Finally, after a pretty thorough investigation, secrets from the war are found to be at the bottom of everything. Flora has the reader alongside her as she carefully uncovers the reasons for why Roger had to be killed. Not without some peril.
I enjoyed Murder at Primrose Cottage, although I could have done without the scenes with the “peller.” I’m not a fan of plotlines that include any kind of supernatural forces at work. But Flora and Jack make a great team, and the author has a deft hand with describing the building of their relationship while making sure the mystery plot is handled first and foremost.
June 11, 2024
4/5 ⭐
Chyba wolę, gdy Flora jest u siebie, a nie gdzieś w obcych stronach, ale i tak mi się podobało! Czekam na kolejne tomy :)
Chyba wolę, gdy Flora jest u siebie, a nie gdzieś w obcych stronach, ale i tak mi się podobało! Czekam na kolejne tomy :)
June 19, 2024
"Morderstwo o poranku" to trzecia część serii kryminalnej autorstwa Merryn Allingham. Moim zdaniem kolejność czytania ma znaczenie dla fabuły, dlatego polecam rozpoczęcie przygody od pierwszego tomu 🙂
Te książki to dla mnie rozrywka na dość dobrym poziomie. Język jest co prawda prosty, ale sprawy kryminalne ciekawe, choć niekoniecznie zaskakujące.
Tym razem główna bohaterka wraz ze swoim znajomym, pisarzem Jackiem, wyrusza na zaplanowany wyjazd do Kornwalii. Chyba nie muszę wspominać, że w tajemniczy sposób pojawiają się tam zwłoki i dzięki temu mamy kolejną zbrodnię do rozwiązania? 🤭
Nie przepadam za Florą, choć cieszę się, że jest energiczną, odważną, pomysłową bohaterką. W tej części wykazuje się sprytem przez co popada w nie lada kłopoty.
Lubię małomiasteczkowość tych kryminałów. Przypominają mi twórczość Christie, choć tam często nie byłam w stanie domyśleć się rozwiązania. Tutaj jestem w stanie to zrobić, ale i tak dobrze bawię się podczas lektury.
Polecam wielbicielom klasycznych kryminałów, takich bez wylewów krwi, ostrych opisów czy brutalnych scen. To pozycje dobre do zabrania na plażę albo polecenia komuś, kto dopiero zaczyna przygodę z książkami.
Moja ocena: 3,75/5 ⭐️
Te książki to dla mnie rozrywka na dość dobrym poziomie. Język jest co prawda prosty, ale sprawy kryminalne ciekawe, choć niekoniecznie zaskakujące.
Tym razem główna bohaterka wraz ze swoim znajomym, pisarzem Jackiem, wyrusza na zaplanowany wyjazd do Kornwalii. Chyba nie muszę wspominać, że w tajemniczy sposób pojawiają się tam zwłoki i dzięki temu mamy kolejną zbrodnię do rozwiązania? 🤭
Nie przepadam za Florą, choć cieszę się, że jest energiczną, odważną, pomysłową bohaterką. W tej części wykazuje się sprytem przez co popada w nie lada kłopoty.
Lubię małomiasteczkowość tych kryminałów. Przypominają mi twórczość Christie, choć tam często nie byłam w stanie domyśleć się rozwiązania. Tutaj jestem w stanie to zrobić, ale i tak dobrze bawię się podczas lektury.
Polecam wielbicielom klasycznych kryminałów, takich bez wylewów krwi, ostrych opisów czy brutalnych scen. To pozycje dobre do zabrania na plażę albo polecenia komuś, kto dopiero zaczyna przygodę z książkami.
Moja ocena: 3,75/5 ⭐️
December 25, 2025
W trzecim tomie przygód Flory Steele nasza znana już wszystkim para wybiera się na małe wakacje do Kornwalii, by Jack mógł nabrać inspiracji do swojej nowej powieści. Jednak zaraz po przyjeździe na miejsce szybko trafiają na zwłoki Rogera Gifforda, właściciela domu, który postanowili wynająć.
Pierwszy i drugi tom dostały ode mnie po 1 gwiazdce, bo zbyt wiele rzeczy nie było w stanie się obronić. W końcu ta książka wypada na tle tych dwóch lepiej. Nie wiem czy to za sprawą tego całego tła historycznego na który został położony silny nacisk czy może autorka w końcu skończyła skupiać się aż tak na życiu uczuciowym bohaterów, ale podziałało. W końcu zagadka nie była aż tak turbo oczywista jak przy poprzednich książkach, a bohaterowie nie wybierają najtrudniejszych oraz najbardziej abstrakcyjnych rozwiązań byleby przeciągnąć wielki finał. Nasza główna bohaterka nadal sporo dywaguje oraz wymyśla kolejne i kolejne pomysły, ale chyba już zaczynam się do takiego jej sposobu bycia przyzwyczajać. Jedyny minus jaki od razu wyłapałam to moment, kiedy autorka podsuwa czytelnikowi dosłownie pod twarz sprawcę. Jeżeli ten konkretny moment wyłapiecie to do samego końca książki będziecie przekonani, że to ta osoba, a zakończenie nie będzie żadną niespodzianką. Natomiast co do reszty to uwag nie mam i cieszę się, że seria ma w końcu tę tendencję wzrostową. Oczywiście jak tak wygląda sytuacja to będę czytać tę serię dalej.
Pierwszy i drugi tom dostały ode mnie po 1 gwiazdce, bo zbyt wiele rzeczy nie było w stanie się obronić. W końcu ta książka wypada na tle tych dwóch lepiej. Nie wiem czy to za sprawą tego całego tła historycznego na który został położony silny nacisk czy może autorka w końcu skończyła skupiać się aż tak na życiu uczuciowym bohaterów, ale podziałało. W końcu zagadka nie była aż tak turbo oczywista jak przy poprzednich książkach, a bohaterowie nie wybierają najtrudniejszych oraz najbardziej abstrakcyjnych rozwiązań byleby przeciągnąć wielki finał. Nasza główna bohaterka nadal sporo dywaguje oraz wymyśla kolejne i kolejne pomysły, ale chyba już zaczynam się do takiego jej sposobu bycia przyzwyczajać. Jedyny minus jaki od razu wyłapałam to moment, kiedy autorka podsuwa czytelnikowi dosłownie pod twarz sprawcę. Jeżeli ten konkretny moment wyłapiecie to do samego końca książki będziecie przekonani, że to ta osoba, a zakończenie nie będzie żadną niespodzianką. Natomiast co do reszty to uwag nie mam i cieszę się, że seria ma w końcu tę tendencję wzrostową. Oczywiście jak tak wygląda sytuacja to będę czytać tę serię dalej.
May 8, 2024
3,5/5 ⭐
May 26, 2024
Cosy kryminały mają to do siebie, że nie epatują brutalnością, a ich siła tkwi w klimacie i detektywistycznej zagadce. "Morderstwo o poranku" idealnie wpisuje się w ten gatunek. Allingham zręcznie prowadzi czytelnika przez meandry śledztwa, podrzucając subtelne wskazówki i myląc tropy. Flora i Jack, chociaż amatorzy, z pasją i determinacją dążą do rozwiązania sprawy, co czyni ich postaciami bardzo sympatycznymi i budzącymi autentyczną ciekawość.
Autorka kolejny raz udowadnia, że potrafi w cosy kryminały. Pomimo morderczej niespodzianki, książka jest bardzo komfortowa i czyta się ją z wielką przyjemnością. Fabuła nie jest pośpieszna, a zawiłe śledztwo dwójki detektywów amatorów to przede wszystkim świetne dialogi i wyczuwalna chemia pomiędzy nimi. Ich relacja, choć z pozoru oparta na przyjaźni, ma w sobie coś więcej. Zagłębiając się w książki z tej serii, coraz wyraźniej widzę subtelne iskry i narastające napięcie między Florą a Jackiem. Wręcz wyczekuję, kiedy ta dwójka pojmie, że została dla siebie stworzona. Merryn Allingham doskonale balansuje między rozwijaniem wątku kryminalnego a tłem jeszcze-nie-romantycznym, co sprawia, że lektura staje się jeszcze bardziej wciągająca.
Allingham przeprowadziła świetny research, serwując czytelnikom oraz swoim bohaterom krótką lekcję historii wojennej Kornwalii, co było smakowitym kąskiem na tle kryminalnej intrygi. Podczas lektury zachwycałam się malowniczymi opisami Kornwalii - stała się ona nie tylko tłem dla wydarzeń, ale również pełnoprawnym bohaterem. Autorka z precyzją opisuje urokliwe zakątki, małe wioski i historyczne miejsca, co sprawia, że czytelnik może niemal poczuć morską bryzę na twarzy i zobaczyć piękne widoki, które zachwycają bohaterów.
Zakończenie książki to prawdziwa wisienka na torcie. Allingham porządnie mnie zaskoczyła, umiejętnie łącząc wszystkie wątki i ujawniając prawdziwego sprawcę. To moment, w którym wszystkie elementy układanki trafiają na swoje miejsce, a ja z satysfakcją odłożyłam książkę, ciesząc się dobrze spędzonym czasem.
"Morderstwo o poranku" to doskonała lektura dla miłośników cosy kryminałów. Merryn Allingham po raz kolejny stworzyła historię, która wciąga, bawi i zaskakuje. Jej bohaterowie, Flora Steele i Jack Carrington, to duet, z którym warto spędzić czas, a malownicza Kornwalia dodaje książce niepowtarzalnego uroku. Gorąco polecam tę książkę wszystkim, którzy szukają przyjemnej, nieco nostalgicznej kryminalnej rozrywki.
Autorka kolejny raz udowadnia, że potrafi w cosy kryminały. Pomimo morderczej niespodzianki, książka jest bardzo komfortowa i czyta się ją z wielką przyjemnością. Fabuła nie jest pośpieszna, a zawiłe śledztwo dwójki detektywów amatorów to przede wszystkim świetne dialogi i wyczuwalna chemia pomiędzy nimi. Ich relacja, choć z pozoru oparta na przyjaźni, ma w sobie coś więcej. Zagłębiając się w książki z tej serii, coraz wyraźniej widzę subtelne iskry i narastające napięcie między Florą a Jackiem. Wręcz wyczekuję, kiedy ta dwójka pojmie, że została dla siebie stworzona. Merryn Allingham doskonale balansuje między rozwijaniem wątku kryminalnego a tłem jeszcze-nie-romantycznym, co sprawia, że lektura staje się jeszcze bardziej wciągająca.
Allingham przeprowadziła świetny research, serwując czytelnikom oraz swoim bohaterom krótką lekcję historii wojennej Kornwalii, co było smakowitym kąskiem na tle kryminalnej intrygi. Podczas lektury zachwycałam się malowniczymi opisami Kornwalii - stała się ona nie tylko tłem dla wydarzeń, ale również pełnoprawnym bohaterem. Autorka z precyzją opisuje urokliwe zakątki, małe wioski i historyczne miejsca, co sprawia, że czytelnik może niemal poczuć morską bryzę na twarzy i zobaczyć piękne widoki, które zachwycają bohaterów.
Zakończenie książki to prawdziwa wisienka na torcie. Allingham porządnie mnie zaskoczyła, umiejętnie łącząc wszystkie wątki i ujawniając prawdziwego sprawcę. To moment, w którym wszystkie elementy układanki trafiają na swoje miejsce, a ja z satysfakcją odłożyłam książkę, ciesząc się dobrze spędzonym czasem.
"Morderstwo o poranku" to doskonała lektura dla miłośników cosy kryminałów. Merryn Allingham po raz kolejny stworzyła historię, która wciąga, bawi i zaskakuje. Jej bohaterowie, Flora Steele i Jack Carrington, to duet, z którym warto spędzić czas, a malownicza Kornwalia dodaje książce niepowtarzalnego uroku. Gorąco polecam tę książkę wszystkim, którzy szukają przyjemnej, nieco nostalgicznej kryminalnej rozrywki.
May 27, 2022
Roger Gifford is dead and, despite being on vacation with boyfriend Jack Carrington, Flora Steele is determined to get behind what happened. Flora has already proved more than adept at solving murders and she is certain that she will discover who is responsible for Roger’s death. However, with at least three suspects, Flora has her work cut out for her.
Whether it is is Roger’s alienated wife, his brother or even someone new where Flora is vacationing she doesn’t doubt for one second that she will have success in finding answers she is seeking. However, not only is another body soon found, but things begin to tie in to Jack and his estranged father. Flora is a bookshop owner and Jack is a crime writer, so is this enough for this pair to prove successful at being amateur detectives yet again in order to solve the mystery that has somehow involved Jack and his past?
With excellent protagonists, a delightful setting and an intriguing mystery, Murder at Primrose Cottage is the delightfully engaging third book in the Flora Steele Mystery series. While this book can be read as a standalone novel, readers will no doubt enjoy reading the series in order and getting to know Flora and Jack as they flourish in their friendship and as their relationship grows all while solving the most surprising of crimes.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Whether it is is Roger’s alienated wife, his brother or even someone new where Flora is vacationing she doesn’t doubt for one second that she will have success in finding answers she is seeking. However, not only is another body soon found, but things begin to tie in to Jack and his estranged father. Flora is a bookshop owner and Jack is a crime writer, so is this enough for this pair to prove successful at being amateur detectives yet again in order to solve the mystery that has somehow involved Jack and his past?
With excellent protagonists, a delightful setting and an intriguing mystery, Murder at Primrose Cottage is the delightfully engaging third book in the Flora Steele Mystery series. While this book can be read as a standalone novel, readers will no doubt enjoy reading the series in order and getting to know Flora and Jack as they flourish in their friendship and as their relationship grows all while solving the most surprising of crimes.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
March 21, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Murder At Primrose Cottages' by Merryn Allingham.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Merryn Allingham, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 18th March 2022.
This is the third book I have read by this author. It is also the third book in the 'Flora Steele Mystery' series. I have previously read 'The Bookshop Murder' which is the first book in the series and 'Murder At The Pier' which is the second book in the series and which I highly recommend, although this can be read as a standalone.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis for this series stated that this series is 'Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis!.' I am a huge fan of all three of those authors so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Merryn and if this is half as good as 'The Bookshop Murder' and 'Murder On The Pier' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 30 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Gloucester and Cornwall, England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times. I have in fact visited and holidayed in Gloucester and Cornwall on many occasions including this year and next year again so am looking forward to possibly recognising name places.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Flora Steele ad Jack Carrington. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Another fantastic success by Merryn!!! Absolutely devoured this book in one sitting!!
This book was extremely well written and I do believe alot of research went into it as everything linked correctly in with the era it was set in which was 1955. It is a real bug bear for me when I read a historical novel and the author hasn't done their research and gets basic information mixed up so well done Merryn!! It was very well written and I found the synopsis and the cover fitted the storyline perfectly, The descriptions were great and it really felt as if I was in the storyline along with Flora and Jack.
Well I must say this is yet another explosive book in an absolutely addictive series!!! The storyline was very interesting and very fast paced. I absolutely love the fact that the main characters (Flora) owns a Bookshop and Jack is an author. There is just something about a book where there is a lot of emphasis on books for me and this book was packed with them!! I really enjoyed that it was set in the past and the storyline really suited that. It really is a nice cozy mystery that will keep you guessing throughout. At no point did I suspect who was doing what or why so another huge well done there Merryn!!! I have read many a mystery and find that I am working out the killer/perp quicker every time and there's nothing worse than working out who did what when your need even half way through a book. I loved that this book is based in Gloucester and Cornwall as the atmospheres suit the book perfectly. Not only is this a suspense and action filled mystery but there was just the right amount of quirkiness, laughter and attitude to give it a nice mix!!! A fun, addictive, unputdownable cozy crime mystery.
Although this is the third book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I am thoroughly invested in the characters and really enjoyed meeting Flora and Jack again both with their fantastic and quirky personality!!! In fact all of the characters had their own individual personalities which worked really well with each other. I am definitely looking forward to meeting Flora and Jack again and some more of the villagers. I really enjoyed meeting Jessie who was a lovely lady with a huge personality and I'd love to see her visit Flora in the Alls Well soon. Some of the characters I was glad to see the back of but what fun would there be if we got along with them all. A perfect mix of strong and realistic characters to make an addictive storyline.
Congratulations Merryn on yet an absolutely fantastic book in an absolutely epic series!! I am really looking forward to see what Flora and Jack get up to next!!! Here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an page turning, perfect mix of mystery, crime, suspense and quirkiness which kept me turning the pages late at night!! An explosive addition to an addictive series!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Suspense, Mystery, Thriller, Murder Mystery and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Helena Dixon, Agatha Christie, Dee MacDonald, Fliss Chester and anyone looking for a historic cosy mystery!!
378 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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Review for 'Murder At Primrose Cottages' by Merryn Allingham.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Merryn Allingham, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 18th March 2022.
This is the third book I have read by this author. It is also the third book in the 'Flora Steele Mystery' series. I have previously read 'The Bookshop Murder' which is the first book in the series and 'Murder At The Pier' which is the second book in the series and which I highly recommend, although this can be read as a standalone.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis for this series stated that this series is 'Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis!.' I am a huge fan of all three of those authors so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Merryn and if this is half as good as 'The Bookshop Murder' and 'Murder On The Pier' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 30 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Gloucester and Cornwall, England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times. I have in fact visited and holidayed in Gloucester and Cornwall on many occasions including this year and next year again so am looking forward to possibly recognising name places.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Flora Steele ad Jack Carrington. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Another fantastic success by Merryn!!! Absolutely devoured this book in one sitting!!
This book was extremely well written and I do believe alot of research went into it as everything linked correctly in with the era it was set in which was 1955. It is a real bug bear for me when I read a historical novel and the author hasn't done their research and gets basic information mixed up so well done Merryn!! It was very well written and I found the synopsis and the cover fitted the storyline perfectly, The descriptions were great and it really felt as if I was in the storyline along with Flora and Jack.
Well I must say this is yet another explosive book in an absolutely addictive series!!! The storyline was very interesting and very fast paced. I absolutely love the fact that the main characters (Flora) owns a Bookshop and Jack is an author. There is just something about a book where there is a lot of emphasis on books for me and this book was packed with them!! I really enjoyed that it was set in the past and the storyline really suited that. It really is a nice cozy mystery that will keep you guessing throughout. At no point did I suspect who was doing what or why so another huge well done there Merryn!!! I have read many a mystery and find that I am working out the killer/perp quicker every time and there's nothing worse than working out who did what when your need even half way through a book. I loved that this book is based in Gloucester and Cornwall as the atmospheres suit the book perfectly. Not only is this a suspense and action filled mystery but there was just the right amount of quirkiness, laughter and attitude to give it a nice mix!!! A fun, addictive, unputdownable cozy crime mystery.
Although this is the third book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I am thoroughly invested in the characters and really enjoyed meeting Flora and Jack again both with their fantastic and quirky personality!!! In fact all of the characters had their own individual personalities which worked really well with each other. I am definitely looking forward to meeting Flora and Jack again and some more of the villagers. I really enjoyed meeting Jessie who was a lovely lady with a huge personality and I'd love to see her visit Flora in the Alls Well soon. Some of the characters I was glad to see the back of but what fun would there be if we got along with them all. A perfect mix of strong and realistic characters to make an addictive storyline.
Congratulations Merryn on yet an absolutely fantastic book in an absolutely epic series!! I am really looking forward to see what Flora and Jack get up to next!!! Here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an page turning, perfect mix of mystery, crime, suspense and quirkiness which kept me turning the pages late at night!! An explosive addition to an addictive series!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Suspense, Mystery, Thriller, Murder Mystery and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Helena Dixon, Agatha Christie, Dee MacDonald, Fliss Chester and anyone looking for a historic cosy mystery!!
378 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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June 21, 2024
4,25/5 ⭐️
Ta seria daje mi kupę radości! Świetna 🥰
Ta seria daje mi kupę radości! Świetna 🥰
February 13, 2022
4 Stars
One-Liner: Cozy mystery when you don’t want to tax your grey cells.
Jack and Flora are back again in the third installment of the series. The duo arrives in Cornwall to research Jack’s book and enjoy the sights in the country. However, Flora stumbles over a dead body right behind the cottage they rented, that too on the very next day of their arrival.
Now, Flora cannot resist a mystery, more so since the local police seem to be doing nothing. Jack wants to work on his book, though he manages to assist Flora and get some research done. When the reason for the crime forks into the past (the time of WWII) and the victim’s personal life, it’s up to Flora and Jack to find the actual cause of the crime and identify the killer.
Of course, the killer is on guard and has attempted to attack the duo more than once. The duo needs to keep themselves safe and unearth the killer. A tough task in a different country, isn’t it?
My Observations:
• It’s a small book (268 pages) and has a steady pace throughout. Moreover, it reads well as a standalone (and there isn’t too much information dump about the previous books).
• The writing in this one felt a little different (I found way too many adverbs), though the tone hasn’t changed.
• The characters are pretty much black and white. If you want layered and complex characters, this is not the book. But if you want something that adheres to the cozy mystery checklist, pick this book.
• The descriptions of places in Cornwall were beautiful. I enjoyed the scenic beauty of the locations.
• The mystery is neither strong nor weak. I guessed the killer more on instinct, though the clues confirmed my guess soon enough.
• There are no unexpected twists, no melodrama, or heavy stuff. There’s some progress in the personal track, but it’s limited to one character.
• The book ends with a sort of bait to keep the reader guessing about what the next book will be about, which I rather liked. The current case is complete, and the new one will start fresh in the next one.
To Sum up, Murder at Primrose Cottage is a good continuation of the series and works well as a breather between heavy reads. Pick it up if you want a cozy mystery that doesn’t require too much effort to read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #MurderatPrimroseCottageAFloraSteeleMysteryBook3
One-Liner: Cozy mystery when you don’t want to tax your grey cells.
Jack and Flora are back again in the third installment of the series. The duo arrives in Cornwall to research Jack’s book and enjoy the sights in the country. However, Flora stumbles over a dead body right behind the cottage they rented, that too on the very next day of their arrival.
Now, Flora cannot resist a mystery, more so since the local police seem to be doing nothing. Jack wants to work on his book, though he manages to assist Flora and get some research done. When the reason for the crime forks into the past (the time of WWII) and the victim’s personal life, it’s up to Flora and Jack to find the actual cause of the crime and identify the killer.
Of course, the killer is on guard and has attempted to attack the duo more than once. The duo needs to keep themselves safe and unearth the killer. A tough task in a different country, isn’t it?
My Observations:
• It’s a small book (268 pages) and has a steady pace throughout. Moreover, it reads well as a standalone (and there isn’t too much information dump about the previous books).
• The writing in this one felt a little different (I found way too many adverbs), though the tone hasn’t changed.
• The characters are pretty much black and white. If you want layered and complex characters, this is not the book. But if you want something that adheres to the cozy mystery checklist, pick this book.
• The descriptions of places in Cornwall were beautiful. I enjoyed the scenic beauty of the locations.
• The mystery is neither strong nor weak. I guessed the killer more on instinct, though the clues confirmed my guess soon enough.
• There are no unexpected twists, no melodrama, or heavy stuff. There’s some progress in the personal track, but it’s limited to one character.
• The book ends with a sort of bait to keep the reader guessing about what the next book will be about, which I rather liked. The current case is complete, and the new one will start fresh in the next one.
To Sum up, Murder at Primrose Cottage is a good continuation of the series and works well as a breather between heavy reads. Pick it up if you want a cozy mystery that doesn’t require too much effort to read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #MurderatPrimroseCottageAFloraSteeleMysteryBook3
May 9, 2024
waham się jeszcze jak ocenić tę część. przysięgam jak tylko zobaczyłam powiadomienie, że książka jest dostępna, kliknęłam w nie z prędkością światła.
nie chce powiedzieć, że się zawiodłam bo nie, ale na pewno historia nie pozostawiła za sobą takiego satysfakcjonującego uczucia, jak te poprzedzające.
nadal jestem totalnie oczarowana klimatem Kornwalii w historii i relacją Jacka i Flory, ale zbrodnia... to nie było to samo, brakowało mi tu jakiegoś punktu, który by mnie zaangażował.
nie chce powiedzieć, że się zawiodłam bo nie, ale na pewno historia nie pozostawiła za sobą takiego satysfakcjonującego uczucia, jak te poprzedzające.
nadal jestem totalnie oczarowana klimatem Kornwalii w historii i relacją Jacka i Flory, ale zbrodnia... to nie było to samo, brakowało mi tu jakiegoś punktu, który by mnie zaangażował.
June 17, 2024
mega irytujaca flora w tej czesci
October 11, 2025
hmm lekkie i lubie spędzać czas z słuchaniem tej serii w audio, ale ta część gorsza od poprzednich. pewnie przez nawiązania do historii - not my type
October 28, 2025
:/ za bardzo się dłużyła, ale ten rozkwitający romans słodziutki
June 22, 2025
Te książki w formie audio wchodzą jak złoto!
December 2, 2024
Bardzo sympatyczna lektura. Ktoś wymyślił dla takich pozycji termin kocykowy kryminał.
May 25, 2024
“Morderstwo o poranku” autorstwa Merryn Allingham to kryminał, który przenosi czytelnika w sam środek malowniczej Kornwalii, gdzie wakacyjna idylla szybko zamienia się w mroczną zagadkę. Flora Steele, księgarka szukająca odskoczni od codzienności, i Jack Carrington, pisarz kryminałów, nieoczekiwanie stają się detektywami w sprawie morderstwa, które wydarzyło się tuż obok ich wakacyjnego domu.
Czy uda im się rozwikłać tę zagadkę?
W tej powieści Merryn Allingham zręcznie łączy elementy kryminału z bogatym tłem historycznym, tworząc historię, która jest równocześnie intrygująca i edukacyjna. Wątek drugiej wojny światowej i tajnych operacji wojskowych dodaje głębi narracji. Podążając za głównymi bohaterami, mamy okazję zgłębiać tajemnice Kornwalii, od legendarnych miejsc związanych z Królem Arturem po mniej znane epizody z czasów wojny. Wątki historyczne są jednak umiejętnie wplecione w fabułę, przez co nie dominują nad nią, lecz stanowią ciekawe tło dla głównej intrygi.
Flora Steele i Jack Carrington, choć nie są profesjonalnymi detektywami, wykazują się niezwykłą spostrzegawczością i determinacją w dążeniu do prawdy. Ich relacja, pełna wzajemnego szacunku i lekkiego humoru, co dodaje powieści uroku i ciepła.
„Morderstwo o poranku” to klasyczna powieść detektywistyczna. Allingham oddaje atmosferę powieści z lat 50-tych, jednocześnie dostosowując ją do współczesnych oczekiwań czytelników. Zbrodnia, choć brutalna, nie jest przedstawiona w sposób przesadnie graficzny, co pozwala skupić się na procesie dedukcji i rozwiązywaniu zagadki.
“Morderstwo o poranku” to książka, która z pewnością przypadnie do gustu miłośnikom klasycznych kryminałów w stylu Agathy Christie. Jest to również doskonały wybór dla tych, którzy cenią sobie klimatyczne scenerie i historie z dreszczykiem. Polecam każdemu, kto szuka literackiej ucieczki do miejsca pełnego tajemnic i zbrodni, gdzie każdy szczegół może okazać się kluczem do rozwiązania zagadki.
Dziękuję za zaufanie i egzemplarz do recenzji od wydawnictwa @wydawnictwomando (współpraca reklamowa) 🩷.
Czy uda im się rozwikłać tę zagadkę?
W tej powieści Merryn Allingham zręcznie łączy elementy kryminału z bogatym tłem historycznym, tworząc historię, która jest równocześnie intrygująca i edukacyjna. Wątek drugiej wojny światowej i tajnych operacji wojskowych dodaje głębi narracji. Podążając za głównymi bohaterami, mamy okazję zgłębiać tajemnice Kornwalii, od legendarnych miejsc związanych z Królem Arturem po mniej znane epizody z czasów wojny. Wątki historyczne są jednak umiejętnie wplecione w fabułę, przez co nie dominują nad nią, lecz stanowią ciekawe tło dla głównej intrygi.
Flora Steele i Jack Carrington, choć nie są profesjonalnymi detektywami, wykazują się niezwykłą spostrzegawczością i determinacją w dążeniu do prawdy. Ich relacja, pełna wzajemnego szacunku i lekkiego humoru, co dodaje powieści uroku i ciepła.
„Morderstwo o poranku” to klasyczna powieść detektywistyczna. Allingham oddaje atmosferę powieści z lat 50-tych, jednocześnie dostosowując ją do współczesnych oczekiwań czytelników. Zbrodnia, choć brutalna, nie jest przedstawiona w sposób przesadnie graficzny, co pozwala skupić się na procesie dedukcji i rozwiązywaniu zagadki.
“Morderstwo o poranku” to książka, która z pewnością przypadnie do gustu miłośnikom klasycznych kryminałów w stylu Agathy Christie. Jest to również doskonały wybór dla tych, którzy cenią sobie klimatyczne scenerie i historie z dreszczykiem. Polecam każdemu, kto szuka literackiej ucieczki do miejsca pełnego tajemnic i zbrodni, gdzie każdy szczegół może okazać się kluczem do rozwiązania zagadki.
Dziękuję za zaufanie i egzemplarz do recenzji od wydawnictwa @wydawnictwomando (współpraca reklamowa) 🩷.
June 17, 2024
3.5
Uwielbiam w książkach tej autorki jak dogłębnie opisuje historie regionu i przepięknie wplata ją w fabułę! Ta część wyjątkowo podobała mi się pod względem kryminalnym.
Niestety warsztatowo coś jest nie tak. Mam wrażenie, że autorka nie radzi sobie z płynnym wprowadzeniem akcji w części obyczajowe - żeby jakieś zdarzenie musiało się wydarzyć, główni bohaterowie MUSZA DOKŁADNIE WYTŁUMACZYĆ nam cel konkretnej podróży, co brzmi strasznie sztucznie 😕
Uwielbiam w książkach tej autorki jak dogłębnie opisuje historie regionu i przepięknie wplata ją w fabułę! Ta część wyjątkowo podobała mi się pod względem kryminalnym.
Niestety warsztatowo coś jest nie tak. Mam wrażenie, że autorka nie radzi sobie z płynnym wprowadzeniem akcji w części obyczajowe - żeby jakieś zdarzenie musiało się wydarzyć, główni bohaterowie MUSZA DOKŁADNIE WYTŁUMACZYĆ nam cel konkretnej podróży, co brzmi strasznie sztucznie 😕
June 25, 2024
4.4/5
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