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The Mystery of Four
A brilliantly twisty country house-set thriller from the No. 1 bestselling author of Remember My Name
Tess Morgan has finally made her dream of restoring beautiful Kilfenora House and Gardens into a reality.
But during rehearsals for the play that forms the opening weekend's flagship event, her dream turns into a nightmare when a devastating accident looks set to ruin her carefully laid plans.
There are rumours that Kilfenora House is cursed, but this feels personal, and becomes increasingly terrifying when more than one body is discovered. Could someone be closing in on Tess herself?
Clarissa Westmacott, ex star of stage and screen, certainly believes so, particularly when she learns that purple-flowered aconite has been picked from the Poison Garden. And Clarissa will stop at nothing to protect the friend she has come to see as a daughter...
Four tragic accidents. Or four brutal murders? Unravel The Mystery of Four . . .
Tess Morgan has finally made her dream of restoring beautiful Kilfenora House and Gardens into a reality.
But during rehearsals for the play that forms the opening weekend's flagship event, her dream turns into a nightmare when a devastating accident looks set to ruin her carefully laid plans.
There are rumours that Kilfenora House is cursed, but this feels personal, and becomes increasingly terrifying when more than one body is discovered. Could someone be closing in on Tess herself?
Clarissa Westmacott, ex star of stage and screen, certainly believes so, particularly when she learns that purple-flowered aconite has been picked from the Poison Garden. And Clarissa will stop at nothing to protect the friend she has come to see as a daughter...
Four tragic accidents. Or four brutal murders? Unravel The Mystery of Four . . .
400 pages, Paperback
Published January 5, 2023
56 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
About the author
Sam Blake
12 books338 followersJoin Sam's Readers’ Club and get a free e-copy of her addictive thriller ‘High Pressure’! Info at www.samblakebooks.com
Sam Blake has been writing fiction since 1999 when her husband went sailing across the Atlantic for 8 weeks and she had an idea for a book.
Her debut novel 'Little Bones' (Bonnier 2016) was a runaway bestseller. Across all her books Sam has been an Eason No 1 bestseller an Irish Times No 1 and shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards (in the crime or teen categories) five times. 2023 saw her multiple award shortlisted YA debut Something Terrible Happened Last Night hit the shelves. In 2024 Something's About to Blow Up won Irish Teen/YA Book of the Year.
Moving away from police procedurals, now writing 'deliciously twisted' (Daily Mail) bestselling psychological thrillers, Sam's focus is on strong female characters and 'creating genuine page turners with metronomic timing.' (Sunday Business Post).
Sam is originally from St. Albans in Hertfordshire but has lived at the foot of the Wicklow mountains, for more years than she lived in the UK. Follow her on social @samblakebooks.
Visit www.samblakebooks.com for more!
Sam Blake has been writing fiction since 1999 when her husband went sailing across the Atlantic for 8 weeks and she had an idea for a book.
Her debut novel 'Little Bones' (Bonnier 2016) was a runaway bestseller. Across all her books Sam has been an Eason No 1 bestseller an Irish Times No 1 and shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards (in the crime or teen categories) five times. 2023 saw her multiple award shortlisted YA debut Something Terrible Happened Last Night hit the shelves. In 2024 Something's About to Blow Up won Irish Teen/YA Book of the Year.
Moving away from police procedurals, now writing 'deliciously twisted' (Daily Mail) bestselling psychological thrillers, Sam's focus is on strong female characters and 'creating genuine page turners with metronomic timing.' (Sunday Business Post).
Sam is originally from St. Albans in Hertfordshire but has lived at the foot of the Wicklow mountains, for more years than she lived in the UK. Follow her on social @samblakebooks.
Visit www.samblakebooks.com for more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
August 31, 2022
This is a Christie-esque novel which is character driven and does indeed have the feel of a golden age cozy mystery. Tess Morgan has fulfilled a dream by renovating Kilfenora House , County Wicklow and it’s about to open the doors of the Tudor Manor to the public. However, the first sign that her well laid plans are about to go awry is an accident that befalls an actor in the production of Dr Faustus to be performed in the Manors ballroom. This triggers multiple rumours especially about the so-called Kilfenora curse but to Tess it feels personal. Who is targeting Tess and trying to implode her plans for the future? Sadly the accident is just the start and the body count mounts. Are these tragic accidents or cold blooded murder?
First of all, the start is without doubt slow. This is principally because we are introduced to a lot of characters, many of whom are quirky which I like but you do get somewhat bamboozled. However, you can see why the author chooses to do this and it enables you to understand the character dynamics which are visible via things such as the play rehearsals and the village online forum.
The last third is by far the best as this is when the pace picks up, there’s plenty going on which is fuelled by rumours and it builds to a good tense ending where it all joins together satisfactorily.
One of the most effective parts of the storytelling is the terrific setting with the house and grounds taking centre stage and if you add in the role of Merlin the cat it gives plenty of atmosphere!
Overall, it’s a bit too much of an of a slow ambling pace for me but it’s still a good read and an enjoyable one with plenty of undertones to keep the interest. If you like Cozy mysteries then this is for you.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Atlantic Books/Corvus for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
First of all, the start is without doubt slow. This is principally because we are introduced to a lot of characters, many of whom are quirky which I like but you do get somewhat bamboozled. However, you can see why the author chooses to do this and it enables you to understand the character dynamics which are visible via things such as the play rehearsals and the village online forum.
The last third is by far the best as this is when the pace picks up, there’s plenty going on which is fuelled by rumours and it builds to a good tense ending where it all joins together satisfactorily.
One of the most effective parts of the storytelling is the terrific setting with the house and grounds taking centre stage and if you add in the role of Merlin the cat it gives plenty of atmosphere!
Overall, it’s a bit too much of an of a slow ambling pace for me but it’s still a good read and an enjoyable one with plenty of undertones to keep the interest. If you like Cozy mysteries then this is for you.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Atlantic Books/Corvus for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
March 1, 2023
EXCERPT: Almost midnight. The garden is ink black, as though it's been washed with a brush, details of marble statues and sweeping steps picked out by the week moonlight.
Below, a bronze fountain cast in the likeness of Apollo splashes water into the lake, disturbing the stillness of the hour. Accompanied by the distant scream of a fox, the hoot of an owl, the night sounds meld into backdrop of what is to come.
"The stars move still, time runs, the clock will strike."
Skirting the high granite wall, careful footsteps crunch on the gravel to the end of the path where towering gates stand open, wrought-iron flourishes picked out with golden ivy leaves, visible even in the darkness.
Now cutting across the neatly mown grass in front of the glasshouses, and through another set of matching gates.
Beyond, a series of rose beds and square ponds are linked like gems in a necklace along the formal Rose Walk, leading to the wishing well and the yew maze. On either side, crowded flower beds wait for the morning sunshine, their scent heavy, trapped in high walls covered in more roses, their stems entwined, thick with thorns.
A black shape slips into the foliage unseen, green eyes watching.
Almost there. This will be the last trip.
It's been a long journey, the planning detailed, but there's been a lot of time for that. Now, the last act will be easy.
ABOUT 'THE MYSTERY OF FOUR': Tess Morgan has finally made her dream of restoring beautiful Kilfenora House and Gardens into a reality.
But during rehearsals for the play that forms the opening weekend's flagship event, her dream turns into a nightmare when a devastating accident looks set to ruin her carefully laid plans.
There are rumours that Kilfenora House is cursed, but this feels personal, and becomes increasingly terrifying when more than one body is discovered. Could someone be closing in on Tess herself?
Clarissa Westmacott, ex star of stage and screen, certainly believes so, particularly when she learns that purple-flowered aconite has been picked from the Poison Garden. And Clarissa will stop at nothing to protect the friend she has come to see as a daughter...
Four tragic accidents. Or four brutal murders? Unravel The Mystery of Four . . .
MY THOUGHTS: I enjoyed this quiet but engaging murder-mystery. I loved the atmosphere of Kilfenora House, and the characters involved, particularly Clarissa Westmacott, who turns out to be a star in more ways than one.
Now I have to admit that I guessed who was behind all the 'accidents' by the time I was a little over halfway through the book. But that didn't impact on my enjoyment at all. I loved the journey to the rather satisfying end.
The characters are vividly portrayed. Tess is still grieving over the death of her fiance, and I could feel her grief, also her frustration and anguish at the endless stream of incidents that seem set to derail the grand opening of Kilfenora House to the public. On top of all that she has a true crime television crew wanting to dig up the grounds because they believe a serial killer may have buried at least one body there. I loved her response to the news - 'This just keeps on getting better.'
Merlin the cat is another character of importance. He certainly has personality in spades and has a pivotal role in the solving of this slow-burn mystery.
Great characters, a setting oozing with atmosphere, and an engaging mystery makes this a no-brainer for mystery fans. This is the first book I have read by Sam Blake, and I'll certainly be snapping up any more that come my way. I see she also has an impressive array of backtitles for me to get my teeth into.
I have listened to other audiobooks narrated by Aoife McMahon and always appreciate her talents. The Mystery of Four is another feather in her cap.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheMysteryofFour #NetGalley
I: @samblakebooks @bolindaaudio
T: @samblakebooks @Bolindaaudio
#contemporaryfiction #crime #friendship #murdermystery
MEET THE AUTHOR: Sam Blake has been writing fiction since her husband set sail across the Atlantic for eight weeks, and she had an idea for a book.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bolinda Audio via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of The Mystery of Four, written by Sam Blake and narrated by Aoife McMahon, 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/...
Below, a bronze fountain cast in the likeness of Apollo splashes water into the lake, disturbing the stillness of the hour. Accompanied by the distant scream of a fox, the hoot of an owl, the night sounds meld into backdrop of what is to come.
"The stars move still, time runs, the clock will strike."
Skirting the high granite wall, careful footsteps crunch on the gravel to the end of the path where towering gates stand open, wrought-iron flourishes picked out with golden ivy leaves, visible even in the darkness.
Now cutting across the neatly mown grass in front of the glasshouses, and through another set of matching gates.
Beyond, a series of rose beds and square ponds are linked like gems in a necklace along the formal Rose Walk, leading to the wishing well and the yew maze. On either side, crowded flower beds wait for the morning sunshine, their scent heavy, trapped in high walls covered in more roses, their stems entwined, thick with thorns.
A black shape slips into the foliage unseen, green eyes watching.
Almost there. This will be the last trip.
It's been a long journey, the planning detailed, but there's been a lot of time for that. Now, the last act will be easy.
ABOUT 'THE MYSTERY OF FOUR': Tess Morgan has finally made her dream of restoring beautiful Kilfenora House and Gardens into a reality.
But during rehearsals for the play that forms the opening weekend's flagship event, her dream turns into a nightmare when a devastating accident looks set to ruin her carefully laid plans.
There are rumours that Kilfenora House is cursed, but this feels personal, and becomes increasingly terrifying when more than one body is discovered. Could someone be closing in on Tess herself?
Clarissa Westmacott, ex star of stage and screen, certainly believes so, particularly when she learns that purple-flowered aconite has been picked from the Poison Garden. And Clarissa will stop at nothing to protect the friend she has come to see as a daughter...
Four tragic accidents. Or four brutal murders? Unravel The Mystery of Four . . .
MY THOUGHTS: I enjoyed this quiet but engaging murder-mystery. I loved the atmosphere of Kilfenora House, and the characters involved, particularly Clarissa Westmacott, who turns out to be a star in more ways than one.
Now I have to admit that I guessed who was behind all the 'accidents' by the time I was a little over halfway through the book. But that didn't impact on my enjoyment at all. I loved the journey to the rather satisfying end.
The characters are vividly portrayed. Tess is still grieving over the death of her fiance, and I could feel her grief, also her frustration and anguish at the endless stream of incidents that seem set to derail the grand opening of Kilfenora House to the public. On top of all that she has a true crime television crew wanting to dig up the grounds because they believe a serial killer may have buried at least one body there. I loved her response to the news - 'This just keeps on getting better.'
Merlin the cat is another character of importance. He certainly has personality in spades and has a pivotal role in the solving of this slow-burn mystery.
Great characters, a setting oozing with atmosphere, and an engaging mystery makes this a no-brainer for mystery fans. This is the first book I have read by Sam Blake, and I'll certainly be snapping up any more that come my way. I see she also has an impressive array of backtitles for me to get my teeth into.
I have listened to other audiobooks narrated by Aoife McMahon and always appreciate her talents. The Mystery of Four is another feather in her cap.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheMysteryofFour #NetGalley
I: @samblakebooks @bolindaaudio
T: @samblakebooks @Bolindaaudio
#contemporaryfiction #crime #friendship #murdermystery
MEET THE AUTHOR: Sam Blake has been writing fiction since her husband set sail across the Atlantic for eight weeks, and she had an idea for a book.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bolinda Audio via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of The Mystery of Four, written by Sam Blake and narrated by Aoife McMahon, 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/...
January 20, 2023
So many characters and the only one I ended up caring about was Merlin, the cat.
December 5, 2022
The blurb of this really appealed as I love mysteries set in big houses and I had high hopes this would be a modern Christie-type murder. Our main character, Tess Morgan, has been restoring Kilfenora House and Gardens in County Wicklow and we are close to the opening when this story begins. However, things are not going well. Not only is Tess being trolled online, but there is a call from a journalist investigating the disappearance of women living alone, with the suggestion that a man working on the house is linked to the vanishings and the possibility that a body may have been buried on Tess’s property. Then, as if that is not enough, there are ghosts, curses, and an accident which occurs during play rehearsals for the grand opening.
I felt more stunned that the poor actor after all of this, and thought it was a mistake to have the accident happen off-stage, as it were. Tess seems to spend much of the time stumbling around reacting to events, and, as the reader, you are trailing in her wake. I liked some of the characters more than others, but mostly I felt this was a somewhat confused muddle, which – like the plot – never found its way. I would like to be more positive about this, as it was not poorly written, but I found Tess annoying, and I lacked sympathy for her as things went from bad to worse. Despite the various storylines, I was not pulled into the plot and nor could I feel that concerned about anyone involved. The test is whether I would read another novel featuring Tess and I have to say that the answer is no. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
I felt more stunned that the poor actor after all of this, and thought it was a mistake to have the accident happen off-stage, as it were. Tess seems to spend much of the time stumbling around reacting to events, and, as the reader, you are trailing in her wake. I liked some of the characters more than others, but mostly I felt this was a somewhat confused muddle, which – like the plot – never found its way. I would like to be more positive about this, as it was not poorly written, but I found Tess annoying, and I lacked sympathy for her as things went from bad to worse. Despite the various storylines, I was not pulled into the plot and nor could I feel that concerned about anyone involved. The test is whether I would read another novel featuring Tess and I have to say that the answer is no. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
February 8, 2023
Tess has recently finished restoring Kilfenora House and Gardens (Ireland) and the opening gala and play/performance is upon her. Rumour has it that the House is cursed, four accidents/murders would seem to indicate that might be true, and Tess's dreams are falling away around her.
Described as "brilliantly twisty" the premise was good but I really struggled with this book. Coming in at over 400 pages it was just too long. The first half in particular dragged. Long passages of dialogue, reproductions of social media conversations and wordy descriptions (and I am someone that generally loves words) of the simplest, everyday activities meant I quickly lost interest. There was also a long cast list to get your head around. Although the pace picked up in the second half I was left ultimately just reading to see if the answer was as I predicted (it was).
Described as "brilliantly twisty" the premise was good but I really struggled with this book. Coming in at over 400 pages it was just too long. The first half in particular dragged. Long passages of dialogue, reproductions of social media conversations and wordy descriptions (and I am someone that generally loves words) of the simplest, everyday activities meant I quickly lost interest. There was also a long cast list to get your head around. Although the pace picked up in the second half I was left ultimately just reading to see if the answer was as I predicted (it was).
October 22, 2022
This has been an unimaginative and uninspiring read for me sadly.
Set in Ireland Tess Morgan has returned from Dubai and bought Kilfenora House to restore it to its former glory. She clearly has a past which involves a significant upset but I really could not warm to her or any of the other numerous characters. The plot felt disjointed, there were repetitions of the same information and some of the writing was clunky. The almost constant leaning that goes on is irritating to say the least and is about the only action many of the characters do! Too much explaining and not enough inference renders this a story which I feel lacks any sense of tension or mystery.
Given that some characters suddenly lose immediate family relatives in suspicious circumstances, the dialogue at times is absurd , unrealistic and insensitive.
I don't like dismissing an author's work so vehemently but this just was not a book I enjoyed nor can I recommend it.
Thanks to Pigeonhole however for allowing me the opportunity to read along.
Set in Ireland Tess Morgan has returned from Dubai and bought Kilfenora House to restore it to its former glory. She clearly has a past which involves a significant upset but I really could not warm to her or any of the other numerous characters. The plot felt disjointed, there were repetitions of the same information and some of the writing was clunky. The almost constant leaning that goes on is irritating to say the least and is about the only action many of the characters do! Too much explaining and not enough inference renders this a story which I feel lacks any sense of tension or mystery.
Given that some characters suddenly lose immediate family relatives in suspicious circumstances, the dialogue at times is absurd , unrealistic and insensitive.
I don't like dismissing an author's work so vehemently but this just was not a book I enjoyed nor can I recommend it.
Thanks to Pigeonhole however for allowing me the opportunity to read along.
January 9, 2023
Tess Morgan returned to Ireland after leaving her job in Dubai and has been renovating Kilfenora House, County Wicklow in the last few years. It’s about to open to the public, however, Tess's plans are set to go awry when an accident befalls an actor named Conor Kelly in the production of Dr Faustus to be performed in the Manor's ballroom. In addition, there is a suggestion that a body is buried on her land...
Compelling and entertaining, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Mystery of Four.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Atlantic Books, Corvus via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Compelling and entertaining, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Mystery of Four.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Atlantic Books, Corvus via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
April 21, 2023
Nothing happened for ages. I trusted the cat to identify the baddie and skipped the last third. I can’t identify why this was so unengaging a read, dreadfully slow and kind of pointless. I didn’t think there was a mystery of 4, I thought it was all about one but heck, I wasn’t paying much attention after two apparent accidents
July 7, 2024
2.75
The main character was too stupid for this book to be enjoyable. And it was obvious who it was everytime they mentioned getting a coffee( which was every other page)I mean I like coffee as much as the next person but to read about Tess receiving and drinking a coffee every 10 minutes, grew tiresome....
The characters had no depth, I couldn't bond with them and it was all a bit rushed.
I liked the short chapters tho. Made it easier to get through
The main character was too stupid for this book to be enjoyable. And it was obvious who it was everytime they mentioned getting a coffee( which was every other page)I mean I like coffee as much as the next person but to read about Tess receiving and drinking a coffee every 10 minutes, grew tiresome....
The characters had no depth, I couldn't bond with them and it was all a bit rushed.
I liked the short chapters tho. Made it easier to get through
January 28, 2023
I picked this up because I needed to read a well-written, not too complicated mystery with nice characters and an interesting setting. I was not disappointed.
I admired Tess because she's a strong woman who's not afraid to show her vulnerabilities too. She may have restored the old manor almost single-handedly, she's not afraid to ask for (professional) help when she needs it. She wants to do something for the community she lives in, but she doesn't want to become 'the rich lady' just. She wants to have something for herself out of it too. After all, she needs to earn money enough for the upkeep of the house and grounds with something left over to do nice things with for the village.
I sometimes found Tess a little bit to ignorant of what was going on around her, and not all other characters had the same depth. Some characters I found 'too good to be true' but then again that are the characters that met a horrible faith.
This was the first book by Sam Blake I read but I think I will keep an eye on her.
I admired Tess because she's a strong woman who's not afraid to show her vulnerabilities too. She may have restored the old manor almost single-handedly, she's not afraid to ask for (professional) help when she needs it. She wants to do something for the community she lives in, but she doesn't want to become 'the rich lady' just. She wants to have something for herself out of it too. After all, she needs to earn money enough for the upkeep of the house and grounds with something left over to do nice things with for the village.
I sometimes found Tess a little bit to ignorant of what was going on around her, and not all other characters had the same depth. Some characters I found 'too good to be true' but then again that are the characters that met a horrible faith.
This was the first book by Sam Blake I read but I think I will keep an eye on her.
January 20, 2023
A cozy mystery inspired by Agatha Christie, sign me up!
Tess is renovating a manor house for public use in her small Irish village and has pinned the economic hopes of the town on it's success.
There are rumors of a curse however, and when an actor is injured early in the story, the thrills begin. It's a bit of a slow start, but you truly need to meet and get to know all of the characters that will add to this fun story!
Tess is renovating a manor house for public use in her small Irish village and has pinned the economic hopes of the town on it's success.
There are rumors of a curse however, and when an actor is injured early in the story, the thrills begin. It's a bit of a slow start, but you truly need to meet and get to know all of the characters that will add to this fun story!
January 30, 2023
If you enjoy character-driven, cosy mysteries, then The Mystery Of Four is most definitely a book that you will enjoy. Brilliantly written and highly engaging, it's an intruiging crime drama with a host of likeable characters.
I personally found the story too much of a slow-burn and felt that it dragged in places, but that's only because I like my thrillers more action-packed and fast-paced. The Mystery Of Four, instead, is very focused on characters and backstories to give you plenty of motives to try and pick apart, just like a classic mystery should.
The ending is great and I really enjoyed the plot overall. Had I been more in the mood for what I call a "cosy armchair mystery", this would have fit the bill perfectly, though, and there is no denying Blake's talent as a writer!
The audiobook is narrated by Aoife McMahon who is one of my favourite audiobook narrators so she held my interest throughout.
I personally found the story too much of a slow-burn and felt that it dragged in places, but that's only because I like my thrillers more action-packed and fast-paced. The Mystery Of Four, instead, is very focused on characters and backstories to give you plenty of motives to try and pick apart, just like a classic mystery should.
The ending is great and I really enjoyed the plot overall. Had I been more in the mood for what I call a "cosy armchair mystery", this would have fit the bill perfectly, though, and there is no denying Blake's talent as a writer!
The audiobook is narrated by Aoife McMahon who is one of my favourite audiobook narrators so she held my interest throughout.
December 17, 2022
Recently murder mysteries have been super addicting to me, I can’t put my finger on it but I just can’t get enough of them in my life, especially when they continuously keep you guessing right up until the final moments. Add in a whole cast of unusual characters for me to be suspicious about, a secluded country house setting, and pacing that is about as perfect as it can be for a mystery novel and I can’t fathom rating it anything other than 5 stars. Which I did. The suspense was beautifully built up to the point that I was having heart palpitations while reading it, or maybe it was the amount of caffeine in my at 2am because I needed to be alert to finish it, I don’t know. Either way if you’re a fan of a good murder mystery then DEFINITELY pick up a copy of this one.
Thank you to Corvus / Atlantic Books for sending me a proof of this one that’s releasing January 5th.
Thank you to Corvus / Atlantic Books for sending me a proof of this one that’s releasing January 5th.
January 11, 2024
As a lover of a cosy Agatha Christie mystery, as well as being familiar with the areas mentioned, I was in my element when I first found this book. But, I don't know, I just don't think the pace was for me. From the beginning Blake set the scene very well, with the abundance of characters really helping you feel fully immersed in the story. But I had to skim past some of the more descriptive paragraphs as they felt too long and incredibly slow moving. At about the half way mark I had my suspicions as to what was going on and at that point I really was glued to it. From there on out the pace really picked up and I was unable to put it down. Happy with the ending, even if the climax it felt a little rushed. Slow first half and very fast ending, I would have preferred if the pace was a little more balanced but overall a great read.
March 5, 2024
The main character, Tess Morgan bought Kilfenora House and is working hard to launch the reopening of the estate.
In doing this, she is working closely with Aidan who is directing a play which will open when Tess opens the estate to the public.
The story is extremely slow, in the first 200 page's we learned about the "curse" associated with Kilfenora House and about the twitter troll who is causing Tess to have second thoughts.
We are also introduced to what felt like every individual in the village.
When the story actually began, it was interesting but very predictable, even Merlin the cat knew who the killer was.
I will say, I liked how the story ended and did feel like it was tied up with a nice modest bow. We even had some hope of a blossoming love story between two of the characters.
In doing this, she is working closely with Aidan who is directing a play which will open when Tess opens the estate to the public.
The story is extremely slow, in the first 200 page's we learned about the "curse" associated with Kilfenora House and about the twitter troll who is causing Tess to have second thoughts.
We are also introduced to what felt like every individual in the village.
When the story actually began, it was interesting but very predictable, even Merlin the cat knew who the killer was.
I will say, I liked how the story ended and did feel like it was tied up with a nice modest bow. We even had some hope of a blossoming love story between two of the characters.
March 31, 2023
Took a little while to get into, but a page-turner once I did!
April 2, 2024
This was my second Sam Blake book, I doubt it will be my last as I like her writing style.
I enjoyed this book. It's a murder mystery, of course I did! :) There was plenty in it of promise but just not enough to wow me, unfortunately. None of the characters stood out as being brilliantly conceived, but none were boring, either. I felt the plot was a little undercooked and took far too long to build up a head of steam, the entire narrative simmering along until the final few chapters. But the denouement was great!
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but it's not an essential read.
I enjoyed this book. It's a murder mystery, of course I did! :) There was plenty in it of promise but just not enough to wow me, unfortunately. None of the characters stood out as being brilliantly conceived, but none were boring, either. I felt the plot was a little undercooked and took far too long to build up a head of steam, the entire narrative simmering along until the final few chapters. But the denouement was great!
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but it's not an essential read.
February 29, 2024
And yet another 3 from me.
Nothing like a five hour car journey to really crack into an audiobook!
This was my third Sam Blake, and I must say I love how different they all are.
There is a real Agatha Christie whodunnit vibe from this.
Kilfenora House is on its way to its grand (re?)opening with Tess at the helm. But its past is troubled, and Tess has her best to show but is addled.
Aidan, Clarissa, Genevieve, Aidan, Handsome Mark, and of course MERLIN! He made the story.
Loved the characters, is was up until the end and the reveal that you were like, ok cool yeah I can go with that.
What makes it a 3 for me is that a good bit could have been cut out. A bit too much fat on the bone.
But the story was intriguing and kept me going until the end. It was not breakneck speed thrills but enough to keep the pages turning.
As a small aside, was deadly to see the seedlings of the Blakeverse with the first mention of Carla and Grace from Three Little Birds. Small but noteable cameo seeing as I read these in the wrong release order.
More Sam Blake coming through the year!
Nothing like a five hour car journey to really crack into an audiobook!
This was my third Sam Blake, and I must say I love how different they all are.
There is a real Agatha Christie whodunnit vibe from this.
Kilfenora House is on its way to its grand (re?)opening with Tess at the helm. But its past is troubled, and Tess has her best to show but is addled.
Aidan, Clarissa, Genevieve, Aidan, Handsome Mark, and of course MERLIN! He made the story.
Loved the characters, is was up until the end and the reveal that you were like, ok cool yeah I can go with that.
What makes it a 3 for me is that a good bit could have been cut out. A bit too much fat on the bone.
But the story was intriguing and kept me going until the end. It was not breakneck speed thrills but enough to keep the pages turning.
As a small aside, was deadly to see the seedlings of the Blakeverse with the first mention of Carla and Grace from Three Little Birds. Small but noteable cameo seeing as I read these in the wrong release order.
More Sam Blake coming through the year!
March 12, 2023
Really enjoyed this book, not faced paced but kept my interest. I did guess the murderer!
June 3, 2023
I listened on Borrowbox. Brilliant.
December 4, 2023
A great mystery that kept me guessing from the start. I connected with the MC early on and loved her connection to the house and the community. I especially enjoyed the Irish setting of the novel. Tess becomes a target early on and people she cares about are being murdered. But why? It was such a great mystery with lots of twists. A must read.
December 2, 2024
Not criticise in the book, but it just failed to hold my attention.
September 4, 2023
Thrilling
May 27, 2023
Very enjoyable, easy read.
November 10, 2024
Wonderful story. The twist at the end is totally unexpected.
March 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, loved the 3 dimensional characters and their back stories as well as the plot. I could really see this as a film or series!
February 11, 2023
The Mystery of Four is a Christie-esque thriller set in the Irish countryside in Kilfenora, Co. Wicklow. Tess Morgan has been restoring Kilfenora House since she returned from Dubai, where she escaped to after a personal tragedy. However, just days before the grand opening, things start to go very wrong. A cold case, rumours of a centuries old curse and history starting to repeat itself threaten to ruin everything for Tess.
If you’re looking for a cosy mystery full of quirky characters and an atmospheric setting I’d definitely recommend the Mystery of Four. I found listening to this book rather than reading really enjoyable and Aoife McMahon was the perfect narrator for this story.
Thank you to Bolinda Audio, Sam Blake and NetGalley for a review copy of the unabridged audiobook of this book.
January 5, 2023
You can’t beat a good whodunnit, especially when �� like in this case – you don’t have a clue right up until the very end. Suspicious, too obvious, no motive, too obscure, couldn’t have, wouldn’t have, a red herring – all the possibilities are here.
Following a personal tragedy which saw Tess Morgan escaping to a job in Dubai, she has finally decided to return to Ireland and restore the beautiful Kilfenora House and Gardens. It’s cost her a fortune in time and money and nothing can stand in the way of success. Tess can’t allow it to, not after all the effort and hard work.
So when a devastating accident occurs just days before the opening night, Tess is drawn into a nightmare that could derail her plans. They say that Kilfenora House is cursed, but who believes that kind of nonsense these days? But when more bodies turn up, it begins to feel personal. Who is trying to terrify her and could she be next?
There are a lot of characters involved and it took a while to work them all out, but bear with. It all becomes clear as to who is who (just), though I still didn’t know who was guilty. I even began to suspect Merlin the cat, who seems to be as clever as the rest of them put together, though Clarissa is really the star of the show. Well she was, literally, for many years and she knows her stuff. Especially when it comes to the purple-flowered aconite which grows in the Poison Garden. Because it kills without trace. After a few days it’s gone from the system and the cause of death mimics a heart attack. But who is cunning (and daring) enough to use it?
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author, and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
Following a personal tragedy which saw Tess Morgan escaping to a job in Dubai, she has finally decided to return to Ireland and restore the beautiful Kilfenora House and Gardens. It’s cost her a fortune in time and money and nothing can stand in the way of success. Tess can’t allow it to, not after all the effort and hard work.
So when a devastating accident occurs just days before the opening night, Tess is drawn into a nightmare that could derail her plans. They say that Kilfenora House is cursed, but who believes that kind of nonsense these days? But when more bodies turn up, it begins to feel personal. Who is trying to terrify her and could she be next?
There are a lot of characters involved and it took a while to work them all out, but bear with. It all becomes clear as to who is who (just), though I still didn’t know who was guilty. I even began to suspect Merlin the cat, who seems to be as clever as the rest of them put together, though Clarissa is really the star of the show. Well she was, literally, for many years and she knows her stuff. Especially when it comes to the purple-flowered aconite which grows in the Poison Garden. Because it kills without trace. After a few days it’s gone from the system and the cause of death mimics a heart attack. But who is cunning (and daring) enough to use it?
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author, and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
January 2, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
This book was fine, it’s intriguing and on the whole would recommend but nothing particularly stood out to me. In it we’re following Tess who’s renovated this big Manor House in Kilfenora, County Wicklow and is about to open to the public with a series of events and a play being the showpiece. But things aren’t going the best with an online troll, a reporter thinking a body is on the land and then the main actor has an accident. There’s a digging up of the house’s past with curses, ghost stories and questions being raised as to whether the ‘accidents’ really were just that… or is a murderer out there?
I think it starts very slow with quite a lot of character introductions which was alright but I did get a little bored and then the last 25% gets more exciting. I enjoyed how things all came together, the character developments and uncoverings. I wasn’t that keen on the MC Tess because she kinda stumbles over and into things, not really taking that much agency and you’re just following her along this path so yh a bit meh-ish. Some of the other characters were okay, I’d say Clarissa (local ageing actress) was my favourite but the rest I didn’t really care all that much for. The writing was mostly good and I enjoyed the setting but it’s nothing amazing.
This book was fine, it’s intriguing and on the whole would recommend but nothing particularly stood out to me. In it we’re following Tess who’s renovated this big Manor House in Kilfenora, County Wicklow and is about to open to the public with a series of events and a play being the showpiece. But things aren’t going the best with an online troll, a reporter thinking a body is on the land and then the main actor has an accident. There’s a digging up of the house’s past with curses, ghost stories and questions being raised as to whether the ‘accidents’ really were just that… or is a murderer out there?
I think it starts very slow with quite a lot of character introductions which was alright but I did get a little bored and then the last 25% gets more exciting. I enjoyed how things all came together, the character developments and uncoverings. I wasn’t that keen on the MC Tess because she kinda stumbles over and into things, not really taking that much agency and you’re just following her along this path so yh a bit meh-ish. Some of the other characters were okay, I’d say Clarissa (local ageing actress) was my favourite but the rest I didn’t really care all that much for. The writing was mostly good and I enjoyed the setting but it’s nothing amazing.
March 8, 2023
As I know the Wicklow area, and love gardens, I got a lot out of this read. Also, the central theme of restoring a former stately home and gardens, felt so good after the lockdowns. Plenty of suspects come and go around the location, where murders or unexplained deaths occur one after another. Do they relate to a series of unsolved disappearances of women? or to a ghost story? Are they personal or random in nature? We're trying to figure out the issues.
This is an amateur sleuth story, and quite serious in tone, but always working towards a grand opening that sounds so positive. Many different personalities and viewpoints feature, and I was able to keep them straight after I got into the tale, but it took some time.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
This is an amateur sleuth story, and quite serious in tone, but always working towards a grand opening that sounds so positive. Many different personalities and viewpoints feature, and I was able to keep them straight after I got into the tale, but it took some time.
I read an e-ARC from Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
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