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London Murder Mystery #1
The Murder Mystery
Meet Dulwich Village’s most daring resident, Beth Haldane. Mother to a sweet little boy, owner of a sulky cat… and solver of mysteries?
It’s a crisp spring day in Dulwich Village when Beth arrives at the intricate iron gates of Wyatt’s School for her new job as the historian’s assistant. But on a lunchtime stroll admiring the pristine grounds of this five-hundred-year-old institution, Beth is shocked to stumble over the body of her new boss Alan Jenkins: spectacles askew, his mustard-yellow tweed jacket covered in blood.
Gossip about outsider Beth spreads like wildfire. The parents in the playground are all whispering: did she bump him off to get her hands on his job?
Desperate to clear her name and protect her own little boy, Beth turns her research skills to hunt for the true killer. She soon discovers Alan rubbed his fellow teachers up the wrong way… could the handsome headmaster be involved? Why did Beth see a flash of the school receptionist’s bright pink jumper at the murder scene? And what is the groundskeeper hiding?
When Beth returns from her sleuthing to find her office in disarray and documents missing from the archives, it’s clear this prestigious school hides a deadly secret. But with parents and teachers panicking that the long-protected reputation of Wyatt’s is under threat, will Beth herself be in the murderer’s sights before the school bell rings?
Wander down the cobbled streets of Dulwich, where nothing is as perfect as it seems! Fans of Agatha Christie, The Thursday Murder Club and Faith Martin won’t be able to put down this deliciously gripping mystery.
This book was previously published as Death in Dulwich.
It’s a crisp spring day in Dulwich Village when Beth arrives at the intricate iron gates of Wyatt’s School for her new job as the historian’s assistant. But on a lunchtime stroll admiring the pristine grounds of this five-hundred-year-old institution, Beth is shocked to stumble over the body of her new boss Alan Jenkins: spectacles askew, his mustard-yellow tweed jacket covered in blood.
Gossip about outsider Beth spreads like wildfire. The parents in the playground are all whispering: did she bump him off to get her hands on his job?
Desperate to clear her name and protect her own little boy, Beth turns her research skills to hunt for the true killer. She soon discovers Alan rubbed his fellow teachers up the wrong way… could the handsome headmaster be involved? Why did Beth see a flash of the school receptionist’s bright pink jumper at the murder scene? And what is the groundskeeper hiding?
When Beth returns from her sleuthing to find her office in disarray and documents missing from the archives, it’s clear this prestigious school hides a deadly secret. But with parents and teachers panicking that the long-protected reputation of Wyatt’s is under threat, will Beth herself be in the murderer’s sights before the school bell rings?
Wander down the cobbled streets of Dulwich, where nothing is as perfect as it seems! Fans of Agatha Christie, The Thursday Murder Club and Faith Martin won’t be able to put down this deliciously gripping mystery.
This book was previously published as Death in Dulwich.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2022
2018 people are currently reading
1663 people want to read
About the author
Alice Castle
20 books153 followersAlice Castle lives in South London. She was a feature writer on national newspapers for many years. She has a degree in Modern History from St Andrews University, is the British Royalty expert for Flemish TV, and lived in Brussels for nearly a decade. Her first novel, Hot Chocolate, sold out in two weeks and her second, the cozy crime novel The Murder Mystery, is an Amazon bestseller. She has written nine more whodunnits starring single mum amateur sleuth Beth Haldane. She has also written two psychological thrillers for Harper Collins, The Perfect Widow and The Invitation, under the name A.M. Castle
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
October 6, 2022
EXCERPT: No one had asked her the cause of death, and she didn't like to broach it herself, but she had seen a lot of blood. Now this mention of a knife over the police radio. Jenkins couldn't have fallen on the knife by accident, surely? He had been lying on his back, although his face was covered. For the first time, she wished she'd got closer and been able to see what it was over his face. But the fact that he'd been covered up certainly implied there'd been a second person present when Jenkins died.
Unless he'd pulled something over his own face as he expired? No, ridiculous. So, with the knife, the covering, the blood . . . the whole thing was beginning to look like . . . murder.
ABOUT 'THE MURDER MYSTERY': (This book was previously published as 'Death in Dulwich')
Meet Dulwich Village’s most daring resident, Beth Haldane. Mother to a sweet little boy, owner of a sulky cat… and solver of mysteries?
It’s a crisp spring day in Dulwich Village when Beth arrives at the intricate iron gates of Wyatt’s School for her new job as the historian’s assistant. But on a lunchtime stroll admiring the pristine grounds of this five-hundred-year-old institution, Beth is shocked to stumble over the body of her new boss Alan Jenkins: spectacles askew, his mustard-yellow tweed jacket covered in blood.
Gossip about outsider Beth spreads like wildfire. The parents in the playground are all whispering: did she bump him off to get her hands on his job?
Desperate to clear her name and protect her own little boy, Beth turns her research skills to hunt for the true killer. She soon discovers Alan rubbed his fellow teachers up the wrong way… could the handsome headmaster be involved? Why did Beth see a flash of the school receptionist’s bright pink jumper at the murder scene? And what is the groundskeeper hiding?
When Beth returns from her sleuthing to find her office in disarray and documents missing from the archives, it’s clear this prestigious school hides a deadly secret. But with parents and teachers panicking that the long-protected reputation of Wyatt’s is under threat, will Beth herself be in the murderer’s sights before the school bell rings?
MY THOUGHTS: I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy-murder-mystery until the last 10% and then it all fell to pieces for me.
I really don't like the 'confession at the end because I'm going to kill you and you won't be able to tell anyone' resolution. It's predictable, and lazy.
However, the first 90% of this book was brilliant! I liked Beth's character immensely. She's a widow with a seven year old son. Although she is a native Dulwich born woman, she doesn't fit in with the ultra-competitive 'yummy mummy' culture at the school gates. Most months she struggles to pay her mortgage. She certainly doesn't have the funds to shop in the local boutiques. She doesn't have a 4x4 SUV, or an au pair.
What Beth does have is a burning need to prove her innocence. After all, she was the last person known to have seen Jenkins alive, and she discovered the body.
There are a large number of viable suspects for this murder on the grounds of proximity alone, and as Jenkins was not a man who was well liked or, indeed, liked much at all, that only increases the pool of suspects.
As I said, I hugely enjoyed the majority of this mystery. But, in addition to the unsatisfactory ending, there were a couple of things that weren't explained -
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series, but hope that this type of ending is not going to be repeated.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#TheMurderMystery #NetGalley
I: @alice_castle_ @bookouture
T: @AliceMCastle @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #cosymystery #crime #murdermystery
THE AUTHOR: Alice Castle lives in South London with her two children and two cats. She was a feature writer on the Daily Express for many years and has written for most other national newspapers. She has a degree in Modern History from St Andrews University, is the British Royalty expert for Flemish TV, and lived in Brussels for nearly a decade.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Murder Mystery (A Beth
Haldane Mystery #1) by Alice Castle for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Unless he'd pulled something over his own face as he expired? No, ridiculous. So, with the knife, the covering, the blood . . . the whole thing was beginning to look like . . . murder.
ABOUT 'THE MURDER MYSTERY': (This book was previously published as 'Death in Dulwich')
Meet Dulwich Village’s most daring resident, Beth Haldane. Mother to a sweet little boy, owner of a sulky cat… and solver of mysteries?
It’s a crisp spring day in Dulwich Village when Beth arrives at the intricate iron gates of Wyatt’s School for her new job as the historian’s assistant. But on a lunchtime stroll admiring the pristine grounds of this five-hundred-year-old institution, Beth is shocked to stumble over the body of her new boss Alan Jenkins: spectacles askew, his mustard-yellow tweed jacket covered in blood.
Gossip about outsider Beth spreads like wildfire. The parents in the playground are all whispering: did she bump him off to get her hands on his job?
Desperate to clear her name and protect her own little boy, Beth turns her research skills to hunt for the true killer. She soon discovers Alan rubbed his fellow teachers up the wrong way… could the handsome headmaster be involved? Why did Beth see a flash of the school receptionist’s bright pink jumper at the murder scene? And what is the groundskeeper hiding?
When Beth returns from her sleuthing to find her office in disarray and documents missing from the archives, it’s clear this prestigious school hides a deadly secret. But with parents and teachers panicking that the long-protected reputation of Wyatt’s is under threat, will Beth herself be in the murderer’s sights before the school bell rings?
MY THOUGHTS: I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy-murder-mystery until the last 10% and then it all fell to pieces for me.
I really don't like the 'confession at the end because I'm going to kill you and you won't be able to tell anyone' resolution. It's predictable, and lazy.
However, the first 90% of this book was brilliant! I liked Beth's character immensely. She's a widow with a seven year old son. Although she is a native Dulwich born woman, she doesn't fit in with the ultra-competitive 'yummy mummy' culture at the school gates. Most months she struggles to pay her mortgage. She certainly doesn't have the funds to shop in the local boutiques. She doesn't have a 4x4 SUV, or an au pair.
What Beth does have is a burning need to prove her innocence. After all, she was the last person known to have seen Jenkins alive, and she discovered the body.
There are a large number of viable suspects for this murder on the grounds of proximity alone, and as Jenkins was not a man who was well liked or, indeed, liked much at all, that only increases the pool of suspects.
As I said, I hugely enjoyed the majority of this mystery. But, in addition to the unsatisfactory ending, there were a couple of things that weren't explained -
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series, but hope that this type of ending is not going to be repeated.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#TheMurderMystery #NetGalley
I: @alice_castle_ @bookouture
T: @AliceMCastle @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #cosymystery #crime #murdermystery
THE AUTHOR: Alice Castle lives in South London with her two children and two cats. She was a feature writer on the Daily Express for many years and has written for most other national newspapers. She has a degree in Modern History from St Andrews University, is the British Royalty expert for Flemish TV, and lived in Brussels for nearly a decade.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Murder Mystery (A Beth
Haldane Mystery #1) by Alice Castle for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 18, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Beth Haldane’s first day at her new job working as an assistant archivist at the prestigious Wyatts Private School hasn’t gotten off to the best start. After finding herself stuck in a room with no windows for three hours waiting for her boss, she decides to go and look for him. She eventually finds him but not quite how she was expecting. Dr. Alan Jenkins the senior archivist at the school is lay behind the bins, dead. It looks like he has been stabbed.
With enquires into his death ongoing, it would seem that some people are quick to point the finger at the new girl. Well, she was the person who found him and statistics show that the finder is often the culprit! Using her journalistic skills she acquired from a previous job, she sets out to clear her name and discover who the real killer is. However, by doing so she has just put herself in danger too?
Death in Dulwich is a classic cosy murder mystery set in a middle class picturesque rural village in England – Think Murder She Wrote meets Midsummer Murders. The list of suspects is long. Everyone seems to have a reason to want Dr. Jenkins dead so Beth clearly has her hands full.
The book is told mainly from Beth’s point of view as she tries to unmask the murderer whilst at the same time clear her name. She is a wonderful character, even if she does go on with herself a bit too much sometimes. I did wonder in real-life how far she would really get with her investigations until the police would come knocking and tell her to stay out of it, but I can understand her wanting to stand up for herself and not be blamed for something she didn’t do.
If you like straightforward murder mysteries then this is the perfect series for you. I now can’t wait to get started on book two, ‘The Girl in the Gallery’.
Beth Haldane’s first day at her new job working as an assistant archivist at the prestigious Wyatts Private School hasn’t gotten off to the best start. After finding herself stuck in a room with no windows for three hours waiting for her boss, she decides to go and look for him. She eventually finds him but not quite how she was expecting. Dr. Alan Jenkins the senior archivist at the school is lay behind the bins, dead. It looks like he has been stabbed.
With enquires into his death ongoing, it would seem that some people are quick to point the finger at the new girl. Well, she was the person who found him and statistics show that the finder is often the culprit! Using her journalistic skills she acquired from a previous job, she sets out to clear her name and discover who the real killer is. However, by doing so she has just put herself in danger too?
Death in Dulwich is a classic cosy murder mystery set in a middle class picturesque rural village in England – Think Murder She Wrote meets Midsummer Murders. The list of suspects is long. Everyone seems to have a reason to want Dr. Jenkins dead so Beth clearly has her hands full.
The book is told mainly from Beth’s point of view as she tries to unmask the murderer whilst at the same time clear her name. She is a wonderful character, even if she does go on with herself a bit too much sometimes. I did wonder in real-life how far she would really get with her investigations until the police would come knocking and tell her to stay out of it, but I can understand her wanting to stand up for herself and not be blamed for something she didn’t do.
If you like straightforward murder mysteries then this is the perfect series for you. I now can’t wait to get started on book two, ‘The Girl in the Gallery’.
August 3, 2023
Favorite Quotes:
The spring sunshine glinted off perfectly tousled blonde hair and the equally shiny metal clasps of a new handbag, the size of a well-fed toddler. Beth raised her eyebrows at Katie. That bag must have cost more than her monthly mortgage payment.
Dr Grover was famously married to a willowy actress– the only factor that kept most of Dulwich’s divorcees at bay. But when had being married ever stopped people? True, if it ever got out, there would be a fuss; not least from the disappointed divorcees.
It was true that the man had had a certain arrogant swagger. She’d just thought it had come from being a guy of a certain age, in possession of a penis. There was a type and a generation of men who thought this simple appendage made them superior to every woman around them, and also, in some very strange corner of their psyche, convinced that all females desperately wanted them to demonstrate their skills with that specific piece of gristle at the slightest opportunity, whether the women demurred or not.
My Review:
I took a gamble and decided to read an unfamiliar author with a three-part British mystery series, a genre I haven’t indulged in for ages. While still on page one I was struck by the refreshingly comfortable and amusing writing style, allowing me to relax into my chair and settle in for a cozy treat. The storylines were slowly developed yet easy to follow, engaging, and character-driven. I relished Ms. Castle’s dry wit and use of vibrant descriptions and amusing details, which often brought and kept a smirk to my lips. A young widow and single-mom, Beth was having the worst type of first day of a new job with the disheartening realization that her new boss was a loathsome letch, only to be the one to find that loathsome letch dead a few hours later while on her way to lunch. Yikes. Talk about bad luck… Beth had no alibi and being the snoopy sort, she felt compelled to launch her own inquiries for fear she was the top suspect. Although her efforts to clear her name were vaguely thought out and she tended to dither, I adored her anyway. I am eagerly looking forward to more of her hapless adventures and am ready to gobble the next installment, which is currently idling on my kindle.
The spring sunshine glinted off perfectly tousled blonde hair and the equally shiny metal clasps of a new handbag, the size of a well-fed toddler. Beth raised her eyebrows at Katie. That bag must have cost more than her monthly mortgage payment.
Dr Grover was famously married to a willowy actress– the only factor that kept most of Dulwich’s divorcees at bay. But when had being married ever stopped people? True, if it ever got out, there would be a fuss; not least from the disappointed divorcees.
It was true that the man had had a certain arrogant swagger. She’d just thought it had come from being a guy of a certain age, in possession of a penis. There was a type and a generation of men who thought this simple appendage made them superior to every woman around them, and also, in some very strange corner of their psyche, convinced that all females desperately wanted them to demonstrate their skills with that specific piece of gristle at the slightest opportunity, whether the women demurred or not.
My Review:
I took a gamble and decided to read an unfamiliar author with a three-part British mystery series, a genre I haven’t indulged in for ages. While still on page one I was struck by the refreshingly comfortable and amusing writing style, allowing me to relax into my chair and settle in for a cozy treat. The storylines were slowly developed yet easy to follow, engaging, and character-driven. I relished Ms. Castle’s dry wit and use of vibrant descriptions and amusing details, which often brought and kept a smirk to my lips. A young widow and single-mom, Beth was having the worst type of first day of a new job with the disheartening realization that her new boss was a loathsome letch, only to be the one to find that loathsome letch dead a few hours later while on her way to lunch. Yikes. Talk about bad luck… Beth had no alibi and being the snoopy sort, she felt compelled to launch her own inquiries for fear she was the top suspect. Although her efforts to clear her name were vaguely thought out and she tended to dither, I adored her anyway. I am eagerly looking forward to more of her hapless adventures and am ready to gobble the next installment, which is currently idling on my kindle.
July 14, 2018
4 Cozy Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was a fun very readable cozy mystery... set in the uppercrust community of Dulwich... where your child’s success is based on how many instruments they are learning to play and how many hours of tutoring/coaching they have per week.... glad to see Americans aren’t the only ones to go a little overboard on this, and I am as guilty as anybody else! The author did a wonderful job of drawing a picture of this community I could just picture it... I could just feel the judgment, LOL
Beth starts a new job at a posh school as a assistant archaeologist... on her first day on the job she finds a dead body... not a great first day! As in all good cozy mysteries Beth takes it upon herself to play amateur sleuth especially after her house has been broken into.... really likes Beth she was a wonderful single mother just trying to give her son the best life possible... loved her best friend Katie and Katie’s passion for yoga...
The academic setting was filled with eccentric characters, some of who you would not want to see at your child’s school! Plenty of suspects that allowed me to play amateur detective right along with Katie... and it is a good thing she was there, because I did not figure this one out! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series...
Absolutely recommend to all fans of the cozy mystery! This one checks off all the boxes for things you love and expect from a wonderful cozy mystery!
*** many thanks to the author and Rachel at Rachel’s Rado Resources for my copy of this book ***
PS: the idea of a company that does school projects for you is brilliant! I hate school projects! 😝
This was a fun very readable cozy mystery... set in the uppercrust community of Dulwich... where your child’s success is based on how many instruments they are learning to play and how many hours of tutoring/coaching they have per week.... glad to see Americans aren’t the only ones to go a little overboard on this, and I am as guilty as anybody else! The author did a wonderful job of drawing a picture of this community I could just picture it... I could just feel the judgment, LOL
Beth starts a new job at a posh school as a assistant archaeologist... on her first day on the job she finds a dead body... not a great first day! As in all good cozy mysteries Beth takes it upon herself to play amateur sleuth especially after her house has been broken into.... really likes Beth she was a wonderful single mother just trying to give her son the best life possible... loved her best friend Katie and Katie’s passion for yoga...
The academic setting was filled with eccentric characters, some of who you would not want to see at your child’s school! Plenty of suspects that allowed me to play amateur detective right along with Katie... and it is a good thing she was there, because I did not figure this one out! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series...
Absolutely recommend to all fans of the cozy mystery! This one checks off all the boxes for things you love and expect from a wonderful cozy mystery!
*** many thanks to the author and Rachel at Rachel’s Rado Resources for my copy of this book ***
PS: the idea of a company that does school projects for you is brilliant! I hate school projects! 😝
August 20, 2022
A Beth Haldane Book 1
It's a crisp spring day in Dulwich Village when Beth arrives at the intricate iron gates of Wyatt's school for her new job as the historian's assistant. But on a lunchtime stroll admiring the pristine grounds of this five hundred year old institution, Beth is shocked to stumble over the body of her new boss Alan Jenkins: spectacles askew, his mustard-yellow tweed jacket covered in blood. Gossip about outsider Beth spreads wildfire. The parents in the playground are whispering : did she bump him off to get her hands on his job? Desperate to clear her name and protect her own little boy, Beth turns her research skills to hunt for the real killer.
Beth and DI York are determined to find out who killed Dr Alan Jenkins. Beth is a likeable character who has her own battles to contend with, but there's also a few eccentric characters as well. This is one of those cosy reads where there isn't really any violence. There's a few suspects to choose from. The story is descriptively written with some added humor. The story is told mainly from Beth's point of view. A great start to a new cosy mystery series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AliceCastle for my ARC of #TheMurderMystery in exchange for an honest review.
It's a crisp spring day in Dulwich Village when Beth arrives at the intricate iron gates of Wyatt's school for her new job as the historian's assistant. But on a lunchtime stroll admiring the pristine grounds of this five hundred year old institution, Beth is shocked to stumble over the body of her new boss Alan Jenkins: spectacles askew, his mustard-yellow tweed jacket covered in blood. Gossip about outsider Beth spreads wildfire. The parents in the playground are whispering : did she bump him off to get her hands on his job? Desperate to clear her name and protect her own little boy, Beth turns her research skills to hunt for the real killer.
Beth and DI York are determined to find out who killed Dr Alan Jenkins. Beth is a likeable character who has her own battles to contend with, but there's also a few eccentric characters as well. This is one of those cosy reads where there isn't really any violence. There's a few suspects to choose from. The story is descriptively written with some added humor. The story is told mainly from Beth's point of view. A great start to a new cosy mystery series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AliceCastle for my ARC of #TheMurderMystery in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2018
I am crazy about this series! What, What! I really enjoy books based in London even there’s some nasty murder to go with it. I also love that the sleuth was a single mom battling issues that us moms can relate to. I also can see why reviewers are saying she’s the modern Miss Marple and have even compared her to one of my all time favorites, Stephanie Plum!!!

There wasn’t loads of gore and violence in these novels, just great murder mysteries that are sure to captivate many readers with their witty and charming characters and portraying a story that has you antsy waiting for the next novel to arrive. I wish there was more mysteries like this. There was the perfect blend of a fun cozy feel and a murder mystery that keeps you turning pages late through the night! #WorthIt! I loved the characterization in these novels and loved the steady pace that captured my attention from beginning to end! I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good murder mystery with great characters are that great added bonus. I give the first two novels in The London Murder Mystery Series a definite 5+ out of 5 freakin’ fantabulous stars!

There wasn’t loads of gore and violence in these novels, just great murder mysteries that are sure to captivate many readers with their witty and charming characters and portraying a story that has you antsy waiting for the next novel to arrive. I wish there was more mysteries like this. There was the perfect blend of a fun cozy feel and a murder mystery that keeps you turning pages late through the night! #WorthIt! I loved the characterization in these novels and loved the steady pace that captured my attention from beginning to end! I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good murder mystery with great characters are that great added bonus. I give the first two novels in The London Murder Mystery Series a definite 5+ out of 5 freakin’ fantabulous stars!
March 18, 2018
The descriptive opening with its Dulwich setting and the centuries-old school swept me into a change of reading direction. I tend to read more hard-boiled mysteries, but when a cozy grabs my attention like Death in Dulwich, I am hooked.
Single-mum Beth Haldane did more than that. She’s both a determined and an amusing protagonist whose priority is her son. But stumbling over a murder victim on her first day at a new job adds to her impressive daily juggling. She realises that she is a prime suspect so delving into the secrets hiding in leafy SE21 is logical.
Except to the police who have their way of dealing with crime. I sensed that the Inspector will be making a re-appearance in Beth’s life when she is faced with her next case. As a writer of police procedurals, I questioned the authenticity of his actions – but only for a moment, and I want to know more.
Beth holds to her priorities - Homework must come before murder investigations and getting your son to school on time is vital. Even harder when you are surrounded by ‘the yummy mummies’ with aspirations for their little darlings.
Alice Castle paints a humorous picture of the upwardly-mobile world, yet she makes the subtle competitiveness work alongside. The characters all feel realistic, from the staff at Wyatt’s – I remember some from my private school days – to the suspects driven by…well, that would be spoiling the fun.
Let’s just say that suspects can get desperate, and there are red herrings plus direct challenges for Beth that test her resolve. Never underestimate a determined sleuth or a devious writer. Some of the structural twists fooled me as well.
This mystery that kept me grinning and thinking. Recommended for those that want a neat cozy read. I may not join Beth immediately for her next case, but The Girl in The Gallery is a Must Read.
4.7 stars upgraded to 5.
Story – five stars
Setting/World-building – five stars
Authenticity – four stars
Characters – five stars
Structure – four stars
Readability – five stars
Editing – five stars
November 24, 2022
“It’s back to school for this new super sleuth!”
..
New to me author, Alice Castle, introduces a brand-new style of amateur sleuth, that of the younger middle-aged, single parent, living in smart Dulwich Village, in the London Borough of Southwark. The Murder Mystery is book #1 in the Beth Haldane series, which was originally published in 2017, with the title Death in Dulwich. The entire series of seven (soon to be eight books) have since received new titles and been newly presented to the reading audience in 2022, by publisher Bookouture.
So, let’s say Hi! to Beth and find out what makes her tick…
..
For Beth, moving back to Dulwich was coming home to her roots, although as a widow of some seven years, she finds herself unable to compete with, or relate to, the new brand of ‘yummy mummy’, up and coming population, with their 4×4 SUV’s, live in au pairs, and as many extra-curricular activities as their upwardly aspiring children can cram into their free time. She is aware that hers may well be worst house on the best street, but she does the best she can to provide a safe and loving environment for her young son Jake. Her mother Wendy lives nearby but upsetting her very organised and highly scheduled routine is not something Beth really wants to do, as she knows from bitter experience that it becomes far too stressful for all concerned and she doesn’t want to cause Wendy any unnecessary distress. She loves her brother Josh dearly; however, he is a rather unreliable Peter Pan type character, who has never really grown up and tends to turn up randomly when he thinks about it and usually with his latest girlfriend in tow – not exactly the role model Beth has in mind for Jake, but nonetheless an occasional welcome distraction and male company for him.
Competition to earn a place at Wyatt’s School for Boys, is fierce and Beth is all too aware that nine-year-old Jake is probably going to struggle to make the grade, when his time comes to leave the local primary school. She is therefore pleasantly surprised when she manages to bag the position of Archivist’s Assistant within Wyatt’s hallowed walls, hoping that she may have a little leverage when places for the new academic year are allocated. However, right from her very first morning it becomes apparent that archives really don’t seem to figure too heavily on the agendas of the headmaster and his senior team, being located as they are in nothing more than a rather glorified shed, sharing space with various items of games kit, separate from the main school buildings and almost next to the rubbish bin area. Beth’s new immediate boss, archivist Alan Jenkins, isn’t very ‘user friendly’ either, as he has that uncomfortable way of undressing you with his eyes, even on your first day in the job, although finding him stabbed to death by lunch time, with his face covered, wasn’t Beth’s preferred way of dealing with the situation.
When what has now become her archive room at Wyatt’s is turned upside down, Beth, assuming that the two crimes are connected, sets about trying to work out what could possibly be of such interest to a murderer turned burglar. When she thinks she might have found evidence which doesn’t paint Alan Jenkins in too good a light, she foolishly removes it from the premises and takes it home to check it out more thoroughly, without telling the police which is very much frowned on, and which potentially places both her own and Jake’s lives in danger. When her home is trashed with even more venom than the first assault on school property, Beth realises that not only has she stupidly put her own life in danger, but Jake’s too, which is totally unacceptable to her. DI Harry York, who is the senior officer on the case, cautions Beth not to interfere in the police investigation, although deep down he also has a grudging respect for the feisty mum and is quite happy to listen to her thoughts about why Alan might have met his maker so suddenly and who might have helped him on his way.
It turns out that there are more lies, secret assignations and twists in the lives of the many members of Wyatt’s staff and their families, than Beth ever thought possible and if some of the pushier mothers knew half the truth, they may not be fighting so hard and furiously to attain places for their offspring within its revered corridors. However, gambling, corruption, illicit affairs and yes, even murder, pale into insignificance when the true depth of Alan’s debauchery is revealed. And just to add to headmaster Dr Grove’s woes, the reputation of the establishment itself is called into question when the ‘slavery’ word is mentioned, although that rather flamboyant gentleman isn’t going to miss a trick and knows just how to turn the situation to his advantage.
..
The physical footprint of the story is confined to a single, quite niche location, so for anyone looking for travel to far flung places, there may be slight disappointment. However, some evocative and observational narrative and dialogue, genuinely offers a great sense and feeling of sights and sounds, time and place. So, if a short sojourn to Dulwich Village in 2017 floats your boat, you definitely won’t feel cheated by this book.
Whilst the chapters are slightly longer than I have become used to in many of my recent cozy mystery series reads, there are plenty of breakout points which kept this multi-layered and highly textured storyline, well-structured and signposted, fluently written, evenly paced and seamlessly evolving, with literally never a dull moment.
I had my own suspicions about the identity of the perpetrator quite early on, however, being new to the detective game, Beth’s modus operandi is still in its early-stage development, so it was good to see how she handled the investigation and to follow her train of thought. She has a list of relevant suspects and to give her her due, she does manage to ‘out’ the guilty party from some very tenuous DNA evidence. However, despite her journalistic background, she isn’t the most methodical of individuals given the head space she is in right now, so hopefully with her new job promotion requiring a tidy frame of mind to come as second nature, that organisation might well spill over into any new cases she may embark on. And of course, as with any good amateur sleuth, Beth also needs to try and avoid getting herself injured or killed, and a couple of close shaves in her very first case, should be focussing her mind and making her much more alert to potential danger.
A large, sprawling cast of guest characters occupied this storyline, none of which, with the exception of Beth’s best and true friend Katie Wood, are particularly likeable. Selfish, demanding, manipulative and duplicitous, are all words which come readily to mind, to describe this eclectic mix of the upper classes, who all seem to be jostling for some unspoken recognition or position, regardless of whose shoulders they need to stand to attain the heady heights they want to achieve for themselves, their families and their offspring.
There also may be a more personal and potentially romantic liaison developing between Beth and DI Harry York, although we have so far learned nothing about his private life, so right now that is pure speculation and supposition, and might be a strand of the storyline which is never going to lead anywhere. However, after being loyal to James’s memory for so long, Beth is coming around to the idea that a little adult happiness in her life and a male role model for Jake to look up to, may not be such a bad idea and there are certainly discernible sparks of mutual respect and attraction simmering away beneath the surface.
And of course, no self-respecting amateur sleuth who ever featured in a cozy mystery, did so without having the extra support of a four-legged confidante by their side. Beth is no exception to this rule, although the usual assortment of canine companions has been traded in by her for Magpie, a rather supercilious feline who shuns human company whenever possible but is nonetheless loved by her owner and displays a grudging respect in return, but only when required to and generally only if there is food involved!
A good solid start to a promising new series and it will be interesting to see just how Alice develops Beth’s character in the coming episodes. Books #2-7 are heading for my ‘wish list’ right now.
..
New to me author, Alice Castle, introduces a brand-new style of amateur sleuth, that of the younger middle-aged, single parent, living in smart Dulwich Village, in the London Borough of Southwark. The Murder Mystery is book #1 in the Beth Haldane series, which was originally published in 2017, with the title Death in Dulwich. The entire series of seven (soon to be eight books) have since received new titles and been newly presented to the reading audience in 2022, by publisher Bookouture.
So, let’s say Hi! to Beth and find out what makes her tick…
..
For Beth, moving back to Dulwich was coming home to her roots, although as a widow of some seven years, she finds herself unable to compete with, or relate to, the new brand of ‘yummy mummy’, up and coming population, with their 4×4 SUV’s, live in au pairs, and as many extra-curricular activities as their upwardly aspiring children can cram into their free time. She is aware that hers may well be worst house on the best street, but she does the best she can to provide a safe and loving environment for her young son Jake. Her mother Wendy lives nearby but upsetting her very organised and highly scheduled routine is not something Beth really wants to do, as she knows from bitter experience that it becomes far too stressful for all concerned and she doesn’t want to cause Wendy any unnecessary distress. She loves her brother Josh dearly; however, he is a rather unreliable Peter Pan type character, who has never really grown up and tends to turn up randomly when he thinks about it and usually with his latest girlfriend in tow – not exactly the role model Beth has in mind for Jake, but nonetheless an occasional welcome distraction and male company for him.
Competition to earn a place at Wyatt’s School for Boys, is fierce and Beth is all too aware that nine-year-old Jake is probably going to struggle to make the grade, when his time comes to leave the local primary school. She is therefore pleasantly surprised when she manages to bag the position of Archivist’s Assistant within Wyatt’s hallowed walls, hoping that she may have a little leverage when places for the new academic year are allocated. However, right from her very first morning it becomes apparent that archives really don’t seem to figure too heavily on the agendas of the headmaster and his senior team, being located as they are in nothing more than a rather glorified shed, sharing space with various items of games kit, separate from the main school buildings and almost next to the rubbish bin area. Beth’s new immediate boss, archivist Alan Jenkins, isn’t very ‘user friendly’ either, as he has that uncomfortable way of undressing you with his eyes, even on your first day in the job, although finding him stabbed to death by lunch time, with his face covered, wasn’t Beth’s preferred way of dealing with the situation.
When what has now become her archive room at Wyatt’s is turned upside down, Beth, assuming that the two crimes are connected, sets about trying to work out what could possibly be of such interest to a murderer turned burglar. When she thinks she might have found evidence which doesn’t paint Alan Jenkins in too good a light, she foolishly removes it from the premises and takes it home to check it out more thoroughly, without telling the police which is very much frowned on, and which potentially places both her own and Jake’s lives in danger. When her home is trashed with even more venom than the first assault on school property, Beth realises that not only has she stupidly put her own life in danger, but Jake’s too, which is totally unacceptable to her. DI Harry York, who is the senior officer on the case, cautions Beth not to interfere in the police investigation, although deep down he also has a grudging respect for the feisty mum and is quite happy to listen to her thoughts about why Alan might have met his maker so suddenly and who might have helped him on his way.
It turns out that there are more lies, secret assignations and twists in the lives of the many members of Wyatt’s staff and their families, than Beth ever thought possible and if some of the pushier mothers knew half the truth, they may not be fighting so hard and furiously to attain places for their offspring within its revered corridors. However, gambling, corruption, illicit affairs and yes, even murder, pale into insignificance when the true depth of Alan’s debauchery is revealed. And just to add to headmaster Dr Grove’s woes, the reputation of the establishment itself is called into question when the ‘slavery’ word is mentioned, although that rather flamboyant gentleman isn’t going to miss a trick and knows just how to turn the situation to his advantage.
..
The physical footprint of the story is confined to a single, quite niche location, so for anyone looking for travel to far flung places, there may be slight disappointment. However, some evocative and observational narrative and dialogue, genuinely offers a great sense and feeling of sights and sounds, time and place. So, if a short sojourn to Dulwich Village in 2017 floats your boat, you definitely won’t feel cheated by this book.
Whilst the chapters are slightly longer than I have become used to in many of my recent cozy mystery series reads, there are plenty of breakout points which kept this multi-layered and highly textured storyline, well-structured and signposted, fluently written, evenly paced and seamlessly evolving, with literally never a dull moment.
I had my own suspicions about the identity of the perpetrator quite early on, however, being new to the detective game, Beth’s modus operandi is still in its early-stage development, so it was good to see how she handled the investigation and to follow her train of thought. She has a list of relevant suspects and to give her her due, she does manage to ‘out’ the guilty party from some very tenuous DNA evidence. However, despite her journalistic background, she isn’t the most methodical of individuals given the head space she is in right now, so hopefully with her new job promotion requiring a tidy frame of mind to come as second nature, that organisation might well spill over into any new cases she may embark on. And of course, as with any good amateur sleuth, Beth also needs to try and avoid getting herself injured or killed, and a couple of close shaves in her very first case, should be focussing her mind and making her much more alert to potential danger.
A large, sprawling cast of guest characters occupied this storyline, none of which, with the exception of Beth’s best and true friend Katie Wood, are particularly likeable. Selfish, demanding, manipulative and duplicitous, are all words which come readily to mind, to describe this eclectic mix of the upper classes, who all seem to be jostling for some unspoken recognition or position, regardless of whose shoulders they need to stand to attain the heady heights they want to achieve for themselves, their families and their offspring.
There also may be a more personal and potentially romantic liaison developing between Beth and DI Harry York, although we have so far learned nothing about his private life, so right now that is pure speculation and supposition, and might be a strand of the storyline which is never going to lead anywhere. However, after being loyal to James’s memory for so long, Beth is coming around to the idea that a little adult happiness in her life and a male role model for Jake to look up to, may not be such a bad idea and there are certainly discernible sparks of mutual respect and attraction simmering away beneath the surface.
And of course, no self-respecting amateur sleuth who ever featured in a cozy mystery, did so without having the extra support of a four-legged confidante by their side. Beth is no exception to this rule, although the usual assortment of canine companions has been traded in by her for Magpie, a rather supercilious feline who shuns human company whenever possible but is nonetheless loved by her owner and displays a grudging respect in return, but only when required to and generally only if there is food involved!
A good solid start to a promising new series and it will be interesting to see just how Alice develops Beth’s character in the coming episodes. Books #2-7 are heading for my ‘wish list’ right now.
August 21, 2017
Widowed Beth Haldane lives with her young son in the much-coveted village of Dulwich where yummy mummies are the order of the day. Beth has no time for such idleness as she strives to earn enough to keep herself and Ben above the breadline. A temporary job of assistant archivist at the posh school of Wyatt’s is a godsend to her – little did she know what she was letting herself in for! The story which follows is compelling reading once you begin – who can she trust and, more pertinently, add to her list of suspects? This author has created a very likeable amateur female sleuth, and I’ve always had a soft spot for a good mystery!
I’m delighted that this book heralds the beginning of a series; it is a well thought out mystery with a great variety of characters and such accomplished writing. The vocabulary is widely varied and spot on – it was no surprise to read in the author’s bio that Alice Castle comes from a journalism background. Her knowledge of the written language shines throughout this novel.
The ins and outs of this Death in Dulwich take right up until the last few pages of the book, finishing this mystery but hopefully leaving a bit of continuity for the follow up, which I am so looking forward to. A fabulous read, and one which I heartily recommend.
I was offered an arc from the author, that was our first interaction and was purely on a professional level. This is my own original, honest and unbiased review.
I’m delighted that this book heralds the beginning of a series; it is a well thought out mystery with a great variety of characters and such accomplished writing. The vocabulary is widely varied and spot on – it was no surprise to read in the author’s bio that Alice Castle comes from a journalism background. Her knowledge of the written language shines throughout this novel.
The ins and outs of this Death in Dulwich take right up until the last few pages of the book, finishing this mystery but hopefully leaving a bit of continuity for the follow up, which I am so looking forward to. A fabulous read, and one which I heartily recommend.
I was offered an arc from the author, that was our first interaction and was purely on a professional level. This is my own original, honest and unbiased review.
June 13, 2017
This was a somewhat languid read for a mystery murder book.
Our heroine starts a new job only to discover the body of her boss at lunchtime. Needless to state, she sets about solving the murder on her own despite the ongoing police investigation.
The writing is readable, and there are minimal proofing errors, although there are a couple of inconsistencies in the story.
What it lacked was any sort of pacing or tension, and characterisation was weak. We had the ever-smiling supportive friend, a wooden police inspector, and the only mildly interesting ones were two staff at the school where Beth works, mainly for their eccentricity.
There are no red herrings or fascinating denouements, and the likeliest suspect becomes obvious fairly quickly.
Still, an easyish read, and will suit readers who like their murder stories on the slow and plodding side.
3.5 but is nearer 4 than 3.
Our heroine starts a new job only to discover the body of her boss at lunchtime. Needless to state, she sets about solving the murder on her own despite the ongoing police investigation.
The writing is readable, and there are minimal proofing errors, although there are a couple of inconsistencies in the story.
What it lacked was any sort of pacing or tension, and characterisation was weak. We had the ever-smiling supportive friend, a wooden police inspector, and the only mildly interesting ones were two staff at the school where Beth works, mainly for their eccentricity.
There are no red herrings or fascinating denouements, and the likeliest suspect becomes obvious fairly quickly.
Still, an easyish read, and will suit readers who like their murder stories on the slow and plodding side.
3.5 but is nearer 4 than 3.
May 20, 2025
Takie to nudnawe trochę. Nawet jak dla mnie.
August 12, 2022
This was a new author for me and I really enjoyed it. Set in Dulwich, England and it read like a cozy mystery. It kept me guessing who did the murder and I loved all the twists in this story. I’ve already been approved for books two and three in this series which I’ll be reading at some point. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
February 20, 2023
First of all, this is a damn fool title for a book. How many hundreds of murder mysteries are published each year, adding to how many thousands already in existence? I would have thought that the point of a book title was to create a unique impression in a potential reader's mind, especially someone who has no idea who the author is and thus has only the title to go by, and make it easy for such a reader to find the book. When I typed "murder mystery" into the search window of my Kindle library, I still had to hunt for this thing. Worse, typing "murder mystery" into the search box on Goodreads brings up 17729 results. Not clever.
That being said, I enjoyed the book well enough. It was later instalments that slashed the ratings for the whole series down to where they are now; at the time, I rated this first book somewhat higher. It was a little depressing that so many of the Cozy Mystery Bingo squares were filled in: unqualified main character scores dream job - check; hot detective who will of course be the love interest - check; quirky friends - check; pet cat with more personality than most of the human characters - check... but really, that's all to be expected. It's the rare cozy mystery that either bucks convention or makes the Bingo board its own that keeps me reading the silly things. I suppose you could say that this author does something of the latter. The main character, even here in this first introduction, raised my eyebrows a bit; she is embarking on her first day in a new job as the book begins, and her boss is the murder victim she discovers at lunchtime. And almost immediately her attitude shifts from "I'm not entirely sure what I'm supposed to be doing but let me see what I can find to do anyhow" to "well, nobody's watching me, so I'm going to skive off as much as possible and when I am in my office I will spend at least half my time playing detective". I've worked with far too many people who steal their employers' time and money by doing anything but their jobs for this to sit well with me. It's not a good look, and was not calculated to make me too fond of Beth Haldane.
My main takeaway from this book was a sort of vague surprise that it was set in England. If that was made clear in the early chapters, I missed it, and it certainly wasn't apparent in the rest of the book; I think at some point about halfway through I went on a hunt to see what state it was supposed to be set in, and was mildly astonished that it wasn't.
Again, this was a perfectly adequate start to a series - but I can't recommend it based on the later books, which made me deeply regret the time wasted reading this and the next couple. I plan on forgetting them quickly.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
That being said, I enjoyed the book well enough. It was later instalments that slashed the ratings for the whole series down to where they are now; at the time, I rated this first book somewhat higher. It was a little depressing that so many of the Cozy Mystery Bingo squares were filled in: unqualified main character scores dream job - check; hot detective who will of course be the love interest - check; quirky friends - check; pet cat with more personality than most of the human characters - check... but really, that's all to be expected. It's the rare cozy mystery that either bucks convention or makes the Bingo board its own that keeps me reading the silly things. I suppose you could say that this author does something of the latter. The main character, even here in this first introduction, raised my eyebrows a bit; she is embarking on her first day in a new job as the book begins, and her boss is the murder victim she discovers at lunchtime. And almost immediately her attitude shifts from "I'm not entirely sure what I'm supposed to be doing but let me see what I can find to do anyhow" to "well, nobody's watching me, so I'm going to skive off as much as possible and when I am in my office I will spend at least half my time playing detective". I've worked with far too many people who steal their employers' time and money by doing anything but their jobs for this to sit well with me. It's not a good look, and was not calculated to make me too fond of Beth Haldane.
My main takeaway from this book was a sort of vague surprise that it was set in England. If that was made clear in the early chapters, I missed it, and it certainly wasn't apparent in the rest of the book; I think at some point about halfway through I went on a hunt to see what state it was supposed to be set in, and was mildly astonished that it wasn't.
Again, this was a perfectly adequate start to a series - but I can't recommend it based on the later books, which made me deeply regret the time wasted reading this and the next couple. I plan on forgetting them quickly.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
October 17, 2022
Re-published with new titles and cover designs, the Beth Haldane Mysteries is a series of seven cozy mystery books dealing with widow Beth Haldane and her quest to solve mysteries while raising her son in the upscale Dulwich Village.
Each book deals with a murder mystery revolving around the residents of Dulwich Village with the elite Wyatt's School and College School and other landmarks of the village making up the scene of the crime. Each murder mystery is connected to a social/moral issue (child sexual abuse, incest, peer pressure, health and image issues amongst teenagers, abusive relationships, cheating and jealousy, foul play/fraud, etc.) which becomes the motive for the crime.
As an inquisitive character with a strong sense of truth and justice, Beth can't resist attaching herself to each mystery and doing everything possible to make sure the culprits are caught and punished, which irks DI Harry York to no end.
In my opinion Beth should just become a private investigator instead of staying on as an archivist at the Wyatt's School, a job she rarely finds herself doing.
The thing that gradually became annoying as I kept reading the books was Beth's constant introspection and self musings about everything that was happening in her life at that moment, her past, her future, etc...it was repetitive and most times steered away from the issue at hand.
I have so far read the first four books in the series. I will continue and read the rest of the books but I feel I do need a break from all the incessant self musings/brooding of Beth.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Alice Castle for the e-Arcs of the books.
Ratings:
The Murder Mystery (previously published as Death in Dulwich)- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Murder Museum (previously published as The Girl in the Gallery)- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Murder Question (previously published as Calamity in Camberwell)- ⭐⭐⭐💫
The Murder Plot (previously published as Homicide in Herne Hill)- ⭐⭐⭐💫
Each book deals with a murder mystery revolving around the residents of Dulwich Village with the elite Wyatt's School and College School and other landmarks of the village making up the scene of the crime. Each murder mystery is connected to a social/moral issue (child sexual abuse, incest, peer pressure, health and image issues amongst teenagers, abusive relationships, cheating and jealousy, foul play/fraud, etc.) which becomes the motive for the crime.
As an inquisitive character with a strong sense of truth and justice, Beth can't resist attaching herself to each mystery and doing everything possible to make sure the culprits are caught and punished, which irks DI Harry York to no end.
In my opinion Beth should just become a private investigator instead of staying on as an archivist at the Wyatt's School, a job she rarely finds herself doing.
The thing that gradually became annoying as I kept reading the books was Beth's constant introspection and self musings about everything that was happening in her life at that moment, her past, her future, etc...it was repetitive and most times steered away from the issue at hand.
I have so far read the first four books in the series. I will continue and read the rest of the books but I feel I do need a break from all the incessant self musings/brooding of Beth.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Alice Castle for the e-Arcs of the books.
Ratings:
The Murder Mystery (previously published as Death in Dulwich)- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Murder Museum (previously published as The Girl in the Gallery)- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Murder Question (previously published as Calamity in Camberwell)- ⭐⭐⭐💫
The Murder Plot (previously published as Homicide in Herne Hill)- ⭐⭐⭐💫
July 24, 2018
Welcome to the village of Dulwich. Where appearances matter a great deal. From wonderfully maintained homes to the yummy-mummies at the school gates and children with a multitude of extra-curricular activities that will surely catapult them into a future that holds big mansions, flashy cars and lots of money and status.
How inconvenient then that Beth Haldane, on her first day at a new job, should find a dead body near the bins on the playground of the top local school, Wyatt’s. Since Beth has no alibi, she worries she may end up being the prime suspect and she sets out to investigate on her own to try and find the culprit of this crime.
Beth is one of those characters you warm to from the moment you meet her. There’s something incredibly likeable about this thirty-something single mum. Thrilled as she is to land the job of assistant archivist at Wyatt’s, she also fears she’s not up to the job and wonders how on earth she got it in the first place. However, she’s determined to make a good go of it, hoping the money she earns can be put aside to give her son the best start in life.
Death in Dulwich is a wonderful introduction to a new cosy crime series. Alice Castle really brings the village to life and there is always something fun about an ordinary person finding themselves in extraordinary circumstances. The mystery itself kept me guessing until the end. I couldn’t at all figure out who the killer was, especially because it seemed the victim wasn’t particularly liked so the list of potential suspects was quite long.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy mystery. If gore and gruesomeness isn’t quite your thing but you do like a bit of crime fiction, then this is for you. I’m sure Dulwich and its residents have many more stories to tell.
How inconvenient then that Beth Haldane, on her first day at a new job, should find a dead body near the bins on the playground of the top local school, Wyatt’s. Since Beth has no alibi, she worries she may end up being the prime suspect and she sets out to investigate on her own to try and find the culprit of this crime.
Beth is one of those characters you warm to from the moment you meet her. There’s something incredibly likeable about this thirty-something single mum. Thrilled as she is to land the job of assistant archivist at Wyatt’s, she also fears she’s not up to the job and wonders how on earth she got it in the first place. However, she’s determined to make a good go of it, hoping the money she earns can be put aside to give her son the best start in life.
Death in Dulwich is a wonderful introduction to a new cosy crime series. Alice Castle really brings the village to life and there is always something fun about an ordinary person finding themselves in extraordinary circumstances. The mystery itself kept me guessing until the end. I couldn’t at all figure out who the killer was, especially because it seemed the victim wasn’t particularly liked so the list of potential suspects was quite long.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy mystery. If gore and gruesomeness isn’t quite your thing but you do like a bit of crime fiction, then this is for you. I’m sure Dulwich and its residents have many more stories to tell.
September 11, 2017
Beth’s first day in her new job as archivist at Wyatt’s school is memorable for the wrong reason. Her immediate superior Dr Jenkins, the senior archivist, sees her into her office then disappears for the morning. She goes for lunch and finds him dead. Both Beth and Detective Inspector York are determined to find out who killed him. The case is surprisingly not straight forward. Nobody liked Dr Jenkins and the delightful village of Dulwich is quite put about.
Beth is intelligent and curious. She takes it upon herself, as the finder of the body, to try to solve the riddle of the death. Yes, she should have left it to the nice policeman. But really, would you? This book was full of gentle humour and sharp observation and I enjoyed it very much, despite having a bit of an idea before the end of whodunit. A great read in the cosy mystery genre.
I received a review copy of this book.
Beth is intelligent and curious. She takes it upon herself, as the finder of the body, to try to solve the riddle of the death. Yes, she should have left it to the nice policeman. But really, would you? This book was full of gentle humour and sharp observation and I enjoyed it very much, despite having a bit of an idea before the end of whodunit. A great read in the cosy mystery genre.
I received a review copy of this book.
January 8, 2018
I really loved the setting as described- the fabulous old school of Wyatt’s with its stunning architecture, as privileged as you could ever get and then the author comes to describe the location of the (no spoilers) action at the beginning of the novel. That description prompted the first laugh of the story, and I found a good few more. If you want a quick entertaining read that’s a cosy murder mystery, then Death in Dulwich will tick the boxes but you’ll have to add a few more because Beth is a bit different from some other sleuths I’ve read about. She’s quite unflappable, very inquisitive, at times sneakily persuasive and prone to entering situations she’s not exactly planned for. I was just getting to know that nice man Harry York, the real detective, when the story ended and he’d be nice to know even better.
Of course, maybe a read of Book 2 will help with that?
Of course, maybe a read of Book 2 will help with that?
August 3, 2022
What a great combination: a strong, likeable heroine, an intriguing mystery and lots of laughs. The comedy of manners inspired by the locals of Dulwich Village, where the book’s set, is excellent. I enjoyed the dynamic between Beth and the lead detective on the murder investigation too. (I’ll look forward to seeing how that develops!) Very enjoyable.
December 30, 2022
3.5 stars
January 17, 2023
I adore the occasional cozy mystery to just lose myself in a benign whodunit.
But this one broke the cardinal rule of cozy mysteries - broaching big, heady subjects that a cozy mystery isn't equipped to handle. It therefore just discards them and continues to tie things into a neat little bow, making the whole book seem trite.
But this one broke the cardinal rule of cozy mysteries - broaching big, heady subjects that a cozy mystery isn't equipped to handle. It therefore just discards them and continues to tie things into a neat little bow, making the whole book seem trite.
July 19, 2022
Beth Haldane seems like a normal person, realistic, likable and somehow both confident and unsure of herself. She compares herself to that adorable little pony while wishing for longer legs herself and a more tameable mane. I immediately liked her attitude, which is good as we spend a great deal of time in her head. Determined to give her 9 year-old son the best life possible, she's accepted a job at a posh, rather snooty school. Yet, she can't figure out why they hired her. She knows her own resume was sketchy in the area of historical archivist and that there were surely other applicants far more experienced. She's grateful, however, as she presents herself at the school the next morning.
That gratefulness turns to uneasiness. To be polite, let's just say her boss leers. She's actually glad when he heads out to meet someone and leaves her alone in the shed, er, office for hours. He never returns. Finally steeling herself to find lunch and a restroom, Beth heads out, only to get turned around on the school's paths. Then, she finds her boss. He's dead. That is where the story truly begins. Detective Inspector Harry York soon arrives to begin the investigation.
Who killed Dr. Alan Jenkins, her boss? She slowly comes to grips with the thought that the person who finds the body is often a suspect. Determined to prove her innocence, albeit without a clue how to do so, Beth begins her own investigation. Will this get her in trouble? Oh, come on. You know the answer to that. This is a cozy mystery after all. This brings her into frequent contact and conflict with Det. York. Will he tell her not to get involved? Of course. Will she listen? Of course not. They gradually come to respect and even, hmm, like each other, however, as the book continues.
What I liked most about this book, aside from the likable main character, is that the murder plot involved more depth than who killed Jenkins. Sadly, many readers, especially women, will relate. Like Beth, Jenkins has a backstory and it isn't an admirable one. Maybe this explains the reactions of so many to his death? Will Beth get herself fired asking nosy questions at the school? It's an upscale facility, think parents with money and prestige, and the school is anxious to move past this and regain its usual hallowed status. Is the fact Beth spied the headmaster near where the body was found meaningful? Who was that flash of pink she saw? Is the receptionist friend or foe? Why are so many relieved to know Jenkins is dead? Why was there a handkerchief over his face? What secrets are hidden in the archive office? Oh, my, so much to think about but, enough teasers. Read the book.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for introducing me to Beth and her posh new job setting. I wasn't sure what to expect but am glad I accepted and am looking forward to the next in the series. I wonder if she'll listen more to her cat's not so subtle hints that a bad day may be at hand.
That gratefulness turns to uneasiness. To be polite, let's just say her boss leers. She's actually glad when he heads out to meet someone and leaves her alone in the shed, er, office for hours. He never returns. Finally steeling herself to find lunch and a restroom, Beth heads out, only to get turned around on the school's paths. Then, she finds her boss. He's dead. That is where the story truly begins. Detective Inspector Harry York soon arrives to begin the investigation.
Who killed Dr. Alan Jenkins, her boss? She slowly comes to grips with the thought that the person who finds the body is often a suspect. Determined to prove her innocence, albeit without a clue how to do so, Beth begins her own investigation. Will this get her in trouble? Oh, come on. You know the answer to that. This is a cozy mystery after all. This brings her into frequent contact and conflict with Det. York. Will he tell her not to get involved? Of course. Will she listen? Of course not. They gradually come to respect and even, hmm, like each other, however, as the book continues.
What I liked most about this book, aside from the likable main character, is that the murder plot involved more depth than who killed Jenkins. Sadly, many readers, especially women, will relate. Like Beth, Jenkins has a backstory and it isn't an admirable one. Maybe this explains the reactions of so many to his death? Will Beth get herself fired asking nosy questions at the school? It's an upscale facility, think parents with money and prestige, and the school is anxious to move past this and regain its usual hallowed status. Is the fact Beth spied the headmaster near where the body was found meaningful? Who was that flash of pink she saw? Is the receptionist friend or foe? Why are so many relieved to know Jenkins is dead? Why was there a handkerchief over his face? What secrets are hidden in the archive office? Oh, my, so much to think about but, enough teasers. Read the book.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Bookouture for introducing me to Beth and her posh new job setting. I wasn't sure what to expect but am glad I accepted and am looking forward to the next in the series. I wonder if she'll listen more to her cat's not so subtle hints that a bad day may be at hand.
December 18, 2017
Life in yummy-mummy land
Beth Haldane has landed a job against all the odds as assistant archivist at Wyatt’s, the most sought-after independent secondary school in Dulwich. She is a widow who struggles to bring up her son, Ben, after her husband’s untimely, early death. Life is tough and although she feels there must have been other, more highly-qualified, applicants for the job she is hardly going to turn down this life-saving opportunity.
Her intention to investigate who else applied for the job and to determine why she was the successful candidate is overtaken by much more dramatic events on her first morning of her new job which leads to her investigations being directed elsewhere.
I should admit immediately that this was not my favourite kind of murder mystery. Beth’s meddling would not have been tolerated by the investigating authorities and her actions are illogical for the type of personality she has. The book is written from her point of view except for rather strange, short episodes written from the investigating officer’s POV regardless of the fact that he hardly appears in the plot.
The saving grace of this book though is the author’s acute observations of life in Dulwich. Middle-class angst shines through and is at times even amusing. I am sure it is just prejudice but I share the active dislike of the type of person she paints so well. Those who, just because they have made squillions on property in London, seem to think that this makes them better or more superior to anyone else on the planet. I have too had to dodge the 4x4 SUVs driven through narrow London streets by (mostly) women who haven’t yet found that the vehicle possesses a reverse gear.
This novel, therefore, raised many a smile but, in the end, and despite being well-written, is a fairly meaningless romp of an amateur detective - with the stress on amateur.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Beth Haldane has landed a job against all the odds as assistant archivist at Wyatt’s, the most sought-after independent secondary school in Dulwich. She is a widow who struggles to bring up her son, Ben, after her husband’s untimely, early death. Life is tough and although she feels there must have been other, more highly-qualified, applicants for the job she is hardly going to turn down this life-saving opportunity.
Her intention to investigate who else applied for the job and to determine why she was the successful candidate is overtaken by much more dramatic events on her first morning of her new job which leads to her investigations being directed elsewhere.
I should admit immediately that this was not my favourite kind of murder mystery. Beth’s meddling would not have been tolerated by the investigating authorities and her actions are illogical for the type of personality she has. The book is written from her point of view except for rather strange, short episodes written from the investigating officer’s POV regardless of the fact that he hardly appears in the plot.
The saving grace of this book though is the author’s acute observations of life in Dulwich. Middle-class angst shines through and is at times even amusing. I am sure it is just prejudice but I share the active dislike of the type of person she paints so well. Those who, just because they have made squillions on property in London, seem to think that this makes them better or more superior to anyone else on the planet. I have too had to dodge the 4x4 SUVs driven through narrow London streets by (mostly) women who haven’t yet found that the vehicle possesses a reverse gear.
This novel, therefore, raised many a smile but, in the end, and despite being well-written, is a fairly meaningless romp of an amateur detective - with the stress on amateur.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
August 24, 2022
Excited by her new job as assistant archivist, Beth Haldane, widow and mother to son Jake, finds herself in a strange predicament. She has just stumbled over the body of her new boss Alan Jenkins, and it is quickly assumed that she is responsible for his murder, all in attempts to take his job over. Not only has Beth clearly not killed Alan, she doesn’t feel that she can leave it to the police to sort this out. In fact, she takes her research skills to a new level in order to investigate Alan‘s life and to see who could’ve been that wanted him dead.
During the course of her investigation she finds that her office has been ransacked, and this helps her to clearly see that there is more going on than she expected. Something else becomes clear to Beth. The school itself must be hiding a secret, and her knowledge of this fact just might place her in the murderer’s crosshairs.
While being an archivist might be Beth’s latest job, it is clear that she is also rather adept when it comes to amateur sleuthing. The Murder Mystery is the engaging first book in the London Murder Mystery series. Beth is a delightful character who isn’t afraid to ask questions, is skilled at finding the right answers and never forgets her responsibilities.
During the course of her investigation she finds that her office has been ransacked, and this helps her to clearly see that there is more going on than she expected. Something else becomes clear to Beth. The school itself must be hiding a secret, and her knowledge of this fact just might place her in the murderer’s crosshairs.
While being an archivist might be Beth’s latest job, it is clear that she is also rather adept when it comes to amateur sleuthing. The Murder Mystery is the engaging first book in the London Murder Mystery series. Beth is a delightful character who isn’t afraid to ask questions, is skilled at finding the right answers and never forgets her responsibilities.
August 25, 2017
A must for lovers of cosy crime fiction. Widowed single mum Beth Haldane gets a job as an archivist in a prestigious school in aspirational Dulwich Village. But her first day doesn’t quite go according to plan and that’s putting it mildly – she discovers the body of her boss who has been brutally murdered. Aware that she must be one of the suspects she sets out to unmask the murderer. This is a good old-fashioned whodunnit with a great cast of characters. Beth felt absolutely real and was very easy to sympathise with. I can’t wait to see what her next case will be
February 29, 2020
An easy read, however not a mystery series I will continue with. Do not quite know how to describe it, almost a DNF.
July 20, 2018
4.5*
It was Beth Haldane’s first day in a new job as assistant archivist at Wyatt’s, the highly regarded, impressive and most sought after school in the area. Beth is very grateful, even though it’s a temporary position, for the chance to allay some of her money worries. Since being widowed several years earlier, her son Ben is her number one priority and it’s been a struggle for her to make ends meet. But she’s determined and optimistic, despite some sleepless nights.
Beth’s day doesn’t exactly go according to plan when she’s left to her own devices in a portable office well away from the main building. After several hours she decided to go and find some lunch and stumbles across the body of her new boss, the lascivious Dr Jenkins. Fearing she will be seen as the prime suspect in his murder, especially as she found the body, Beth decides to do a little digging of her own. She can’t resist puzzle solving even if her persistence is tested at times.
~~‘What? What are they going to think? That you took that job on purpose just to attack a complete stranger? No-one can really think that, particularly once they’ve met you,’ said Katie, looking her friend over affectionately.
Beth, from her mop of shiny dark hair and worried grey eyes, to her tatty ‘day off’ jeans and little pixie boots, was the last person anyone would suspect of murder most foul.~~
In true cosy mystery fashion DI Harry York, the lead investigator, is (mostly) more tolerant of Beth’s help in the investigations than would normally be acceptable and there are some amusing responses to the results of her amateur sleuthing. The investigation is credible with enough red herrings so the story moves along and keeps the reader guessing.
Told mainly from Beth’s perspective, she is portrayed realistically with the dilemmas she faces because of her new job, juggling working with raising her son and finding herself in the midst of a murder enquiry.
A fluently written and engaging cosy mystery with descriptive prose, likeable protagonists and a good selection of characters. I haven’t been to Dulwich but Alice Castle sold the village, it sounds lovely and a place I’d like to visit.
It was Beth Haldane’s first day in a new job as assistant archivist at Wyatt’s, the highly regarded, impressive and most sought after school in the area. Beth is very grateful, even though it’s a temporary position, for the chance to allay some of her money worries. Since being widowed several years earlier, her son Ben is her number one priority and it’s been a struggle for her to make ends meet. But she’s determined and optimistic, despite some sleepless nights.
Beth’s day doesn’t exactly go according to plan when she’s left to her own devices in a portable office well away from the main building. After several hours she decided to go and find some lunch and stumbles across the body of her new boss, the lascivious Dr Jenkins. Fearing she will be seen as the prime suspect in his murder, especially as she found the body, Beth decides to do a little digging of her own. She can’t resist puzzle solving even if her persistence is tested at times.
~~‘What? What are they going to think? That you took that job on purpose just to attack a complete stranger? No-one can really think that, particularly once they’ve met you,’ said Katie, looking her friend over affectionately.
Beth, from her mop of shiny dark hair and worried grey eyes, to her tatty ‘day off’ jeans and little pixie boots, was the last person anyone would suspect of murder most foul.~~
In true cosy mystery fashion DI Harry York, the lead investigator, is (mostly) more tolerant of Beth’s help in the investigations than would normally be acceptable and there are some amusing responses to the results of her amateur sleuthing. The investigation is credible with enough red herrings so the story moves along and keeps the reader guessing.
Told mainly from Beth’s perspective, she is portrayed realistically with the dilemmas she faces because of her new job, juggling working with raising her son and finding herself in the midst of a murder enquiry.
A fluently written and engaging cosy mystery with descriptive prose, likeable protagonists and a good selection of characters. I haven’t been to Dulwich but Alice Castle sold the village, it sounds lovely and a place I’d like to visit.
June 20, 2018
Beth Haldane, single mom getting by on freelance work, has landed the job of assistant archivist at swank local school Wyatt's. With her training mostly in journalism, she's not sure she's really up to it, but she was honest in the application process, and they've hired her. In addition to stabilizing their financial situation, she hopes it will eventually mean her son, Ben, will have a better chance at getting into this excellent school when the time comes.
She's hoping for a really good first day of work.
Instead, her new boss proves to be as creepy as she had hoped he wasn't really, and, in a mixed blessing, escorts her to the archivist shed and leaves her to go, he says, to a meeting. He doesn't return. At lunchtime, she heads out to meet the school's admin, Janice, for lunch, and stumbles over her boss's dead body. There's a knife, and a lot of blood, and a handkerchief over his face.
It's a really awful first day of work.
We get introduced to the town of Dulwich, the major figures at Wyatt's, and Beth and her friends. It's an upscale town, and Beth's family has a long history there, but her own grip on the proper socioeconomic standing has been a bit tenuous since her husband, James, died. She's a little to practical, not quite focused enough on squeezing every possible educational advantage into her son, who is fairly bright, but a reluctant reader who needs some help.
This is the first of a series, and while the mystery here is important and compelling, especially when the burglaries make Beth feel more directly threatened, I think the main point here is to introduce the regulars.
Including, of course, the handsome Inspector York.
Oh, hadn't I mentioned him before?
It's an enjoyable story, and seems like a solid start to the series. Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher.
She's hoping for a really good first day of work.
Instead, her new boss proves to be as creepy as she had hoped he wasn't really, and, in a mixed blessing, escorts her to the archivist shed and leaves her to go, he says, to a meeting. He doesn't return. At lunchtime, she heads out to meet the school's admin, Janice, for lunch, and stumbles over her boss's dead body. There's a knife, and a lot of blood, and a handkerchief over his face.
It's a really awful first day of work.
We get introduced to the town of Dulwich, the major figures at Wyatt's, and Beth and her friends. It's an upscale town, and Beth's family has a long history there, but her own grip on the proper socioeconomic standing has been a bit tenuous since her husband, James, died. She's a little to practical, not quite focused enough on squeezing every possible educational advantage into her son, who is fairly bright, but a reluctant reader who needs some help.
This is the first of a series, and while the mystery here is important and compelling, especially when the burglaries make Beth feel more directly threatened, I think the main point here is to introduce the regulars.
Including, of course, the handsome Inspector York.
Oh, hadn't I mentioned him before?
It's an enjoyable story, and seems like a solid start to the series. Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher.
July 15, 2018
Beth Haldane is a single mum, just about scraping by after the death of her husband trying to provide for her nine year old son Ben. She lives in the affluent Dulwich Village, surrounded by yummy mummies with far too much time on their hands. When she’s offered an archivist assistant job at Wyatt’s, a much sort after boys school in the area, she jumps at the chance. Unfortunately for her on the first day she finds her boss, Dr Jenkins dead.
Feeling that she’s the only suspect, she embarks on finding the real culprit, much to the annoyance of dishy DI Harry York.
This book puts the cosy into cosy mystery! It’s a good old fashioned style whodunnit, with plenty of suspects, red herrings and mystery. It really reminded me of the Agatha Raisin series by MC Beaton which I absolutely love.
I was quite surprised that Dulwich Village is actually a real place in South London. I honestly thought before I started reading it that it was entirely out of the writer’s imagination but now I want to go and visit it although I don’t think I’d want to live there, not with all those yummy mummies hanging around!
I really liked Beth. She’s hard working, a little stubborn with an OCD streak and has a tendency for bouts of low self esteem. I think any mum, single or not, would understand the constant struggle of trying to do your best for your child or children that Beth goes through on a day to day basis. The way she butts head with DI York, who seems a little cold and formal, was a nice touch and I look forward to their relationship growing.
I did feel that Beth’s friend Katie seemed a little too perfect, even though she’s meant to be the so called ‘normal’ one like Beth and she was just there as a bit of a plot device to move the story on but of course that’s just my opinion!
A fantastic start to the series that I would recommend this book to those who love a good cosy mystery.
Feeling that she’s the only suspect, she embarks on finding the real culprit, much to the annoyance of dishy DI Harry York.
This book puts the cosy into cosy mystery! It’s a good old fashioned style whodunnit, with plenty of suspects, red herrings and mystery. It really reminded me of the Agatha Raisin series by MC Beaton which I absolutely love.
I was quite surprised that Dulwich Village is actually a real place in South London. I honestly thought before I started reading it that it was entirely out of the writer’s imagination but now I want to go and visit it although I don’t think I’d want to live there, not with all those yummy mummies hanging around!
I really liked Beth. She’s hard working, a little stubborn with an OCD streak and has a tendency for bouts of low self esteem. I think any mum, single or not, would understand the constant struggle of trying to do your best for your child or children that Beth goes through on a day to day basis. The way she butts head with DI York, who seems a little cold and formal, was a nice touch and I look forward to their relationship growing.
I did feel that Beth’s friend Katie seemed a little too perfect, even though she’s meant to be the so called ‘normal’ one like Beth and she was just there as a bit of a plot device to move the story on but of course that’s just my opinion!
A fantastic start to the series that I would recommend this book to those who love a good cosy mystery.
August 24, 2022
Beth gets her dream job at the esteemed Wyatt’s School. She is the school's new historian assistant. During her lunchtime she decides to take a stroll around the beautiful grounds. She finds the gardens of the five hundred year old school to be breathtaking, until she stumbles over the body of Alan Jenkins who happens to be her new boss. Not exactly the first day she was hoping for. No one knows Beth and as the newest employee she is also the number one suspect. Beth must clear her name not only for the sake of her reputation but also for her young son attending the school. She becomes a super sleuth and must find the killer before they can kill again.
What a wonderful and fun story. I really enjoyed the first installment of A Beth Haldane Mystery Series. This well written cozy mystery was enjoyable and engaging. I was hooked from the beginning. The characters were believable and relatable. I loved the detailed description of Dulwich Village, and the beautiful gardens surrounding the school, which sounds like a lovely place to visit. I love the writing style of this author as she kept me guessing until the very end. This is such a fun read and a must read for every cozy mystery fan. I am so happy that this is only the beginning of what I’m sure will be a wonderful series. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Alice Castle for such a wonderful cozy mystery series. This is such a well written whodunnit and I highly recommend it.
What a wonderful and fun story. I really enjoyed the first installment of A Beth Haldane Mystery Series. This well written cozy mystery was enjoyable and engaging. I was hooked from the beginning. The characters were believable and relatable. I loved the detailed description of Dulwich Village, and the beautiful gardens surrounding the school, which sounds like a lovely place to visit. I love the writing style of this author as she kept me guessing until the very end. This is such a fun read and a must read for every cozy mystery fan. I am so happy that this is only the beginning of what I’m sure will be a wonderful series. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Alice Castle for such a wonderful cozy mystery series. This is such a well written whodunnit and I highly recommend it.
October 2, 2018
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
Death in Dulwich is a sweet, enjoyable read which makes a refreshing change from the darker, more violent crime novels I often read. It combines all the elements of a cozy mystery that you’d expect (if you’re not familiar with the term, I’ll attempt to sum up some of the sub-genre’s tropes for you: amateur sleuths; small, countryside or isolated settings; and a lack of real violence portrayed, or at least not explicitly – often if there is any, it’s inferred).
The characters in this novel make it such a fun read – protagonist Beth is very likable and seems really sweet; you’re rooting for her to figure it all out, even if she can seem a little naïve at times, along with her friend Katie – and even slightly condescending detective York is quite a pleasant character.
Of course, there are the ‘dark sheeps’ of the story too – I won’t give anything away, but going along for the journey with Beth makes for an enjoyable, surprisingly relaxing story! If you’re expecting a dark, shocking, and gritty read then this isn’t for you, but otherwise give this a go -– this looks to be the first in a promising new series which I’d like to read more of.
Many thanks to Rachel Gilbey for providing a e-copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
Death in Dulwich is a sweet, enjoyable read which makes a refreshing change from the darker, more violent crime novels I often read. It combines all the elements of a cozy mystery that you’d expect (if you’re not familiar with the term, I’ll attempt to sum up some of the sub-genre’s tropes for you: amateur sleuths; small, countryside or isolated settings; and a lack of real violence portrayed, or at least not explicitly – often if there is any, it’s inferred).
The characters in this novel make it such a fun read – protagonist Beth is very likable and seems really sweet; you’re rooting for her to figure it all out, even if she can seem a little naïve at times, along with her friend Katie – and even slightly condescending detective York is quite a pleasant character.
Of course, there are the ‘dark sheeps’ of the story too – I won’t give anything away, but going along for the journey with Beth makes for an enjoyable, surprisingly relaxing story! If you’re expecting a dark, shocking, and gritty read then this isn’t for you, but otherwise give this a go -– this looks to be the first in a promising new series which I’d like to read more of.
Many thanks to Rachel Gilbey for providing a e-copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
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