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A Beth Haldane Mystery #6
The Murder Club
A club of card enthusiasts gather in a magnificent mansion. But someone has been dealt a deadly hand…
In peaceful Dulwich Village, a group of elderly residents meet every week for Bridge Club. Green cloths are laid over square tables, the deck is carefully dealt, and every beady eye is on the lookout for cheating.
Amateur sleuth Beth Haldane has never understood the rules, but she’s drawn into the drama when her mother’s bridge partner Alfie Poole is found dead. He was last seen heading out for a breath of fresh air after a particularly tricky hand.
Beth knows poor Alfie was a sweet old man, but when she learns he was poisoned it’s clear someone wanted him gone… Suspecting skulduggery, Beth questions each member of the club. Did the retired doctor slip Alfie a sedative? Is the ex-English teacher quite as clumsy as she seems? Or was it Alfie’s daughter, wanting her inheritance early?
Organising a re-enactment of the day Alfie was killed, and making sure exactly the same cards are dealt, Beth keeps a close eye on who comes up trumps… but then her own mother Wendy starts choking on her cup of tea. Thankfully Wendy is rushed to hospital just in time: but the poisoner is still on the loose. If Beth plays her cards right, can she catch the killer – or is the deck stacked against her?
In peaceful Dulwich Village, a group of elderly residents meet every week for Bridge Club. Green cloths are laid over square tables, the deck is carefully dealt, and every beady eye is on the lookout for cheating.
Amateur sleuth Beth Haldane has never understood the rules, but she’s drawn into the drama when her mother’s bridge partner Alfie Poole is found dead. He was last seen heading out for a breath of fresh air after a particularly tricky hand.
Beth knows poor Alfie was a sweet old man, but when she learns he was poisoned it’s clear someone wanted him gone… Suspecting skulduggery, Beth questions each member of the club. Did the retired doctor slip Alfie a sedative? Is the ex-English teacher quite as clumsy as she seems? Or was it Alfie’s daughter, wanting her inheritance early?
Organising a re-enactment of the day Alfie was killed, and making sure exactly the same cards are dealt, Beth keeps a close eye on who comes up trumps… but then her own mother Wendy starts choking on her cup of tea. Thankfully Wendy is rushed to hospital just in time: but the poisoner is still on the loose. If Beth plays her cards right, can she catch the killer – or is the deck stacked against her?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2019
434 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Alice Castle
23 books157 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 3, 2023
Favorite Quotes:
But the trouble with having lifelong ambitions was that when they were finally realised, you were left treading air like a cartoon cat shooting off a cliff.
‘Beth, and you know I don’t like to boast.’ Wendy lowered her eyes modestly for a moment, then ruined the effect by going on to blow her own trumpet in a lengthy solo.
Beth remembered neither of them had ever been Scouts. Or Brownies, come to that, though Beth had tried to make up for that by eating her weight in them many times over.
Was it Beth’s imagination, or did Katie sound a bit, well, reluctant? ‘You do still want to help out, don’t you, Cagney? Or are you Lacey? You’re the carefree blonde, obviously. I’m the brunette with the bad flick hairdo and the fat arse.’
Wendy well enough to realise that she would have been so hands-off as a mother to qualify as an honorary amputee.
Beth had thought bridge was just longwinded whist. But no. In Dulwich at least, it seemed as riven with rivalry and toxicity as the set of Who Killed Baby Jane?
Mrs Prendergast’s partner was a big man, his pale blue shirt at least a size smaller than its owner. Beth wouldn’t like to be around when his buttons finally decided they’d had enough of this arrangement. Tall and over-spilling the spindly chair in all directions, he was frowning over his cards like a hippo scrutinising a matchbox.
All this would be complex enough, without the added burden that her mother would be playing the recent poisoning victim like Meryl Streep on steroids, to get Josh’s full attention.
My Review:
I have savored each delightful tale in this cleverly written series. As with the previous installments, The Body in Belair Park was a highly pleasurable read featuring a seemingly confounding and unsolvable mystery with witty comedic accents, cunning humor, and colorful character descriptions that evoked keen and smirk-worthy visuals. The series revolves around Beth, a quirky pixie of a woman with a questionable work ethic, tight budget, narcissistic mother, tween son, indulged pets, and lax domestic efforts. In addition to being disorganized and easily distracted, she apparently tends to be a trouble magnet. I adore her and want to be her friend.
Ms. Castle writing style is refreshingly crisp and breezy yet cunningly insightful and deliciously entertaining. I treasure and covet her agile word skills and sublimely captivating storytelling and greatly enjoy her penchant for unusual fatalities. I fervently hope she continues to unearth them in every suburb across England.
But the trouble with having lifelong ambitions was that when they were finally realised, you were left treading air like a cartoon cat shooting off a cliff.
‘Beth, and you know I don’t like to boast.’ Wendy lowered her eyes modestly for a moment, then ruined the effect by going on to blow her own trumpet in a lengthy solo.
Beth remembered neither of them had ever been Scouts. Or Brownies, come to that, though Beth had tried to make up for that by eating her weight in them many times over.
Was it Beth’s imagination, or did Katie sound a bit, well, reluctant? ‘You do still want to help out, don’t you, Cagney? Or are you Lacey? You’re the carefree blonde, obviously. I’m the brunette with the bad flick hairdo and the fat arse.’
Wendy well enough to realise that she would have been so hands-off as a mother to qualify as an honorary amputee.
Beth had thought bridge was just longwinded whist. But no. In Dulwich at least, it seemed as riven with rivalry and toxicity as the set of Who Killed Baby Jane?
Mrs Prendergast’s partner was a big man, his pale blue shirt at least a size smaller than its owner. Beth wouldn’t like to be around when his buttons finally decided they’d had enough of this arrangement. Tall and over-spilling the spindly chair in all directions, he was frowning over his cards like a hippo scrutinising a matchbox.
All this would be complex enough, without the added burden that her mother would be playing the recent poisoning victim like Meryl Streep on steroids, to get Josh’s full attention.
My Review:
I have savored each delightful tale in this cleverly written series. As with the previous installments, The Body in Belair Park was a highly pleasurable read featuring a seemingly confounding and unsolvable mystery with witty comedic accents, cunning humor, and colorful character descriptions that evoked keen and smirk-worthy visuals. The series revolves around Beth, a quirky pixie of a woman with a questionable work ethic, tight budget, narcissistic mother, tween son, indulged pets, and lax domestic efforts. In addition to being disorganized and easily distracted, she apparently tends to be a trouble magnet. I adore her and want to be her friend.
Ms. Castle writing style is refreshingly crisp and breezy yet cunningly insightful and deliciously entertaining. I treasure and covet her agile word skills and sublimely captivating storytelling and greatly enjoy her penchant for unusual fatalities. I fervently hope she continues to unearth them in every suburb across England.
May 28, 2019
I had the best time reading Book #6 (!) in The London Murder Mysteries Book series. This book, like the preceding five has an alliterative title. This time it’s “The Body in Belair Park”. I saw that a reviewer described the series as “Hygge-style”. Hygge-style means cozy, charming or special. Yes, this series is billed as a cozy mystery series, but there’s much more going on with that…which I will reveal later, as this review has turned in to my own personal cozy mystery (within a review for a cozy mystery).
Book 6 begins with intrepid heroine Beth Haldane, “SE21’s answer to Miss Marple”, shopping for school shoes for her beloved son Ben, in a crowded department store. Ben will be starting at the prestigious Wyatt’s school the next day. Further headlines in Beth’s life: She has a rescue dog, cat, a friend, a frenemy, an appealing Metropolitan police officer boyfriend, an interesting job as an archivist, plus varied insecurities and worries. We tag along with Beth as she mopes through her days. Until one morning when Beth’s phone rings with “Bridge Over Trouble Water”- the ringtone for her mother…and a new mystery must be solved, involving a death at a duplicate bridge game.
For me, the mystery part of the book was merely one card in a hand filled with so much sparkling and creative writing. The metaphors, similes, puns are so droll and witty. Favorite examples:
“Between them, more weeds burst out exuberantly, like mischievous tufts evading a swimsuit.”
An actor had been the star of last year’s massive Netflix hit, “Blame the Drones…”
“…she drawled in an accent so American that Beth could almost taste the milkshake and fries.”
What kind of marvelous treasure is this book, and series? I asked myself. It’s not really a cozy mystery is it?
I did a bit of sleuthing and learned that on Amazon, Author Castle’s books are classified as “Literary Satire Fiction”! Aha! That explains the wondrous quirkiness of the book. I was a bit disappointed to find out that “Dulwich” really is a town in South London. I had hope that this was another clever creation by the author. FYI- "The name Dulwich is derived from "marshy meadow where dill grows", and in 1333 had a population of 100 people." And there really is a Belair House. For more info: http://belairhouse.co.uk
https://www.southwark.gov.uk/parks-an...
The motto of Ben’s school is “For God’s Sake” (which was my first clue that this was a special story.) And yes, For God’s Sake start reading this series. Many thanks to at Rachel’s Random Resources and the publisher for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
Book 6 begins with intrepid heroine Beth Haldane, “SE21’s answer to Miss Marple”, shopping for school shoes for her beloved son Ben, in a crowded department store. Ben will be starting at the prestigious Wyatt’s school the next day. Further headlines in Beth’s life: She has a rescue dog, cat, a friend, a frenemy, an appealing Metropolitan police officer boyfriend, an interesting job as an archivist, plus varied insecurities and worries. We tag along with Beth as she mopes through her days. Until one morning when Beth’s phone rings with “Bridge Over Trouble Water”- the ringtone for her mother…and a new mystery must be solved, involving a death at a duplicate bridge game.
For me, the mystery part of the book was merely one card in a hand filled with so much sparkling and creative writing. The metaphors, similes, puns are so droll and witty. Favorite examples:
“Between them, more weeds burst out exuberantly, like mischievous tufts evading a swimsuit.”
An actor had been the star of last year’s massive Netflix hit, “Blame the Drones…”
“…she drawled in an accent so American that Beth could almost taste the milkshake and fries.”
What kind of marvelous treasure is this book, and series? I asked myself. It’s not really a cozy mystery is it?
I did a bit of sleuthing and learned that on Amazon, Author Castle’s books are classified as “Literary Satire Fiction”! Aha! That explains the wondrous quirkiness of the book. I was a bit disappointed to find out that “Dulwich” really is a town in South London. I had hope that this was another clever creation by the author. FYI- "The name Dulwich is derived from "marshy meadow where dill grows", and in 1333 had a population of 100 people." And there really is a Belair House. For more info: http://belairhouse.co.uk
https://www.southwark.gov.uk/parks-an...
The motto of Ben’s school is “For God’s Sake” (which was my first clue that this was a special story.) And yes, For God’s Sake start reading this series. Many thanks to at Rachel’s Random Resources and the publisher for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
June 29, 2019
Beth Haldane’s dream of her son Ben attending Wyatt’s, the prestigious Dulwich secondary school, had come true. It had been her reason for staying in the expensive area after she had been widowed and now, here she was battling the crush of parents in the last minute rush to buy new shoes for their offspring. Nevertheless, her life seems to be working out nicely. She and DI Harry York have settled into a relationship and now her goal for Ben had been realised she supposed she should concentrate on her role as archivist, detailing her plan for the biography of Sir Thomas Wyatt, the founder of the school. But before Beth could even get her thoughts in order another mystery presents itself via a distraught phone call from her mother.
Alfie Pole had been Beth’s mother’s Bridge partner for years and she’s convinced his death was not through natural causes. Against her better judgement Beth finds herself investigating what she believes is probably a death from natural causes to placate her mother, while partnering her mother at the Bridge club. It was an eye opener. Who knew there was such stringent rules and rivalry in a genteel Bridge club. Beth is also distracted about Ben not being very communicative about his new school, friends and homework, and worries about how he’s coping. Then things become more personal for Beth and although Harry tells Beth to stay out of it and let him do the investigating, she can’t help herself.
Another fun cosy mystery with a definite satirical slant to the prose and humorous observations of Dulwich life and residents. A little slow to start, with the explanations of Bridge rules, but the pace picked up fairly quickly. Although Dulwich is an area of London, the village/small community feel comes across extremely well with all the accompanying tensions, eccentricities and conflicts. Beth is a very relatable character, her life is full on with single parenthood, her work at Wyatt’s, looking after a newly acquired rescue dog and the mysteries that she’s unintentionally drawn into. She hardly has time to draw a breath and may possibly be about to acquire something else besides a dog….we’ll have to wait and see!
I chose to read and review The Body in Belair Park based on a digital copy of the book kindly supplied by the author via Rachel’s Random Resources.
Alfie Pole had been Beth’s mother’s Bridge partner for years and she’s convinced his death was not through natural causes. Against her better judgement Beth finds herself investigating what she believes is probably a death from natural causes to placate her mother, while partnering her mother at the Bridge club. It was an eye opener. Who knew there was such stringent rules and rivalry in a genteel Bridge club. Beth is also distracted about Ben not being very communicative about his new school, friends and homework, and worries about how he’s coping. Then things become more personal for Beth and although Harry tells Beth to stay out of it and let him do the investigating, she can’t help herself.
Another fun cosy mystery with a definite satirical slant to the prose and humorous observations of Dulwich life and residents. A little slow to start, with the explanations of Bridge rules, but the pace picked up fairly quickly. Although Dulwich is an area of London, the village/small community feel comes across extremely well with all the accompanying tensions, eccentricities and conflicts. Beth is a very relatable character, her life is full on with single parenthood, her work at Wyatt’s, looking after a newly acquired rescue dog and the mysteries that she’s unintentionally drawn into. She hardly has time to draw a breath and may possibly be about to acquire something else besides a dog….we’ll have to wait and see!
I chose to read and review The Body in Belair Park based on a digital copy of the book kindly supplied by the author via Rachel’s Random Resources.
June 22, 2019
Beth Haldane is a single Mum, though she does have a "boyfriend" - Metropolitan Police Detective Inspector Harry York. Her son is about to start attending the prestigious Wyatt's secondary school which is also the place where she supposedly works as an archivist. The reason for the supposedly is that she seems to keep getting distracted from her job by mysterious events which have her acting like Dulwich's younger answer to Miss Marple! This time it is her Mum who calls to get Beth to investigate the mysterious demise of Alfie Poe, her Mum's bridge partner.
This is a highly entertaining and somewhat satirical read with great characters, plenty of intrigue, lots of laughs and a plethora of red herrings as the mystery unfolds. Nothing is straightforward in this, probably Beth's most complicated investigation so far. Beth is dealing with the members of the Dulwich Bridge Club, digging for information from the allotment holders and still trying to keep her son and boyfriend happy. Her antics are often laugh out loud funny but this is a dangerous investigation that will put her and others at risk. The ending is superb at linking things together and the story is a great read throughout and there's also a great surprise for Beth to keep you wondering what will happen in the next book in this series.
Whilst this is the sixth book in this brilliant series, I suspect it could be read and thoroughly enjoyed even if you've missed the previous five. Having typed that, I'll add a slight warning that once you've read one you'll probably want to go grab yourself copies of the earlier books to read, too! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this intriguing story and have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys escaping into a small community based murder mystery with great character and plenty to keep you enthralled and smiling.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and being surprised just how much I enjoyed it.
This is a highly entertaining and somewhat satirical read with great characters, plenty of intrigue, lots of laughs and a plethora of red herrings as the mystery unfolds. Nothing is straightforward in this, probably Beth's most complicated investigation so far. Beth is dealing with the members of the Dulwich Bridge Club, digging for information from the allotment holders and still trying to keep her son and boyfriend happy. Her antics are often laugh out loud funny but this is a dangerous investigation that will put her and others at risk. The ending is superb at linking things together and the story is a great read throughout and there's also a great surprise for Beth to keep you wondering what will happen in the next book in this series.
Whilst this is the sixth book in this brilliant series, I suspect it could be read and thoroughly enjoyed even if you've missed the previous five. Having typed that, I'll add a slight warning that once you've read one you'll probably want to go grab yourself copies of the earlier books to read, too! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this intriguing story and have no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys escaping into a small community based murder mystery with great character and plenty to keep you enthralled and smiling.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and being surprised just how much I enjoyed it.
June 26, 2019
It’s nice to be back with Beth and the residents of Dulwich, it’s a bit like visiting an old friend as this is the sixth novel in the series.
This time Beth is asked to investigate the death of Alfie Pole, her high maintenance mum’s long suffering bridge partner. She’d convinced that it’s murder but Alfie was in his eighties, why would anyone want to kill of an old man?
I am already a huge fan of this series, they’re fun, quick reads with great characters that I just love catching up with.
Poor Beth, she thinks her life is going to plan, good job, dishy detective boyfriend and her son Ben is finally attending the much sought after Wyatt’s school. Then she has to deal with her mum! You can tell that Beth loves her but her selfishness and old before her time attitude is hard for her to deal with. I completely understood Beth’s frustrations, you’d have to have the patience of a saint to deal with her mother!
There’s also some nice character development in this novel, we also find out a little bit more about Beth’s past and why her relationship with her mother is quite so fraught. It also sets it up nicely for the next novel in the series.
I did feel a little confused by the killer reveal, it felt a little out of the blue but that’s just a small thing.
The body in Belair park is a humorous and fun cosy mystery that you can really lose yourself in for a few hours.
This time Beth is asked to investigate the death of Alfie Pole, her high maintenance mum’s long suffering bridge partner. She’d convinced that it’s murder but Alfie was in his eighties, why would anyone want to kill of an old man?
I am already a huge fan of this series, they’re fun, quick reads with great characters that I just love catching up with.
Poor Beth, she thinks her life is going to plan, good job, dishy detective boyfriend and her son Ben is finally attending the much sought after Wyatt’s school. Then she has to deal with her mum! You can tell that Beth loves her but her selfishness and old before her time attitude is hard for her to deal with. I completely understood Beth’s frustrations, you’d have to have the patience of a saint to deal with her mother!
There’s also some nice character development in this novel, we also find out a little bit more about Beth’s past and why her relationship with her mother is quite so fraught. It also sets it up nicely for the next novel in the series.
I did feel a little confused by the killer reveal, it felt a little out of the blue but that’s just a small thing.
The body in Belair park is a humorous and fun cosy mystery that you can really lose yourself in for a few hours.
June 28, 2019
Such a joy to return to Dulwich and get re-acquainted with Beth Haldane, her son, friends and her unfailing ability for finding bodies!
Everything seems rosy in Beth's world - and then her mother phones. Her bridge partner has been found dead, and Wendy is convinced he's been murdered. She decides to draft in Beth to investigate and, frankly, doesn't give her daughter much choice in the matter. Cue the opportunity for Beth - and me - to learn all about this game!
With the mystery getting deeper by the moment, this is one which will grab you and keep you focused. Beth certainly has her work cut out! Alongside trying to solve the case, she has to contend with worrying about Ben, the inattention of her friend Kate and her tenuous relationship, as well as looking after her pets and dealing with her ever demanding mother. There's never a dull moment. I've always enjoyed this series; author Alice Castle's journalistic background shines through in her excellent use of vocabulary making this an enthralling story. Fabulously enjoyable! With each instalment, the story advances and I really look forward to the next book. Definitely a five star read!
Everything seems rosy in Beth's world - and then her mother phones. Her bridge partner has been found dead, and Wendy is convinced he's been murdered. She decides to draft in Beth to investigate and, frankly, doesn't give her daughter much choice in the matter. Cue the opportunity for Beth - and me - to learn all about this game!
With the mystery getting deeper by the moment, this is one which will grab you and keep you focused. Beth certainly has her work cut out! Alongside trying to solve the case, she has to contend with worrying about Ben, the inattention of her friend Kate and her tenuous relationship, as well as looking after her pets and dealing with her ever demanding mother. There's never a dull moment. I've always enjoyed this series; author Alice Castle's journalistic background shines through in her excellent use of vocabulary making this an enthralling story. Fabulously enjoyable! With each instalment, the story advances and I really look forward to the next book. Definitely a five star read!
July 3, 2019
What I really enjoy about The London Murder Mysteries is that they can be read as a standalone. However, I have read a couple of the other books and the fact that The Body in Belair Park was so good reminds me that I need to read the rest of this series asap!
I love Alice Castle’s writing. There’s wit, charm, and plenty of mystery to keep you turning the pages. This is a quick, fun read with wonderful characters that feel more like friends. I just love this series!
Beth is certainly developing as a character, and I love when that happens in a series this large. She seems she has plenty of growth to go, and that just makes readers want to return to this world again and again.
I highly recommend checking out this entire series. The Body in Belair Park is book 6 and SO good!
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
I love Alice Castle’s writing. There’s wit, charm, and plenty of mystery to keep you turning the pages. This is a quick, fun read with wonderful characters that feel more like friends. I just love this series!
Beth is certainly developing as a character, and I love when that happens in a series this large. She seems she has plenty of growth to go, and that just makes readers want to return to this world again and again.
I highly recommend checking out this entire series. The Body in Belair Park is book 6 and SO good!
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
November 17, 2022
Dear Lord. They get worse. All of the same old bingo words are trotted out - Harry’s peacoat, Beth’s fringe, Beth’s height, Magpie being a hellbeast… Beth still hasn’t located a work bone in her body - the occasional twinge of guilt apparently not enough to actually get her doing the job she’s paid for, half the time. Her mother Wendy features heavily in this book, and honestly she’s a caricature who sends Beth’s blood pressure sky high - Wendy nearly gets poisoned to death here, then milks her recovery for all it’s worth. When we’re not reading about that, we’re getting a far more in depth overview of Bridge than anyone cares for. Then it turns out the murderer is someone we’ve barely heard about, we don’t actually see their name until a way after they’ve been arrested, and we’re not exactly sure why they did it - all kind of key things for a murder mystery.
I’ve got one more of these books to read and review, and then I’ll be blessedly finished.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
I’ve got one more of these books to read and review, and then I’ll be blessedly finished.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
June 23, 2019
I could read this author's books forever - her observational wit and perfect descriptions of people and situations are second to none.
Welcome to Dulwich society - where yummy mummies battle for dominance at the school gates with coffee morning invites at the ready while the more senior residents cross swords over allotment entitlements and Bridge Club etiquette ( fortunately, "helmet" hairdos are not obligatory)
This is a cosy mystery, very much in the style of Murder She Wrote with its small community setting and everybody knowing everyone's business. However, added to the mix of authentic setting, eccentric characters, and a murder-mystery is the author's unique observational wit and satirical asides.
This is not a grand drama or gory massacre, but rather a very satisfying mystery where members of the Bridge Club are being poisoned. Eighty-year-old Alfie Pole - victim no.1 - is found stiff as a board on a bench in the gardens of Belair House. Most people, including our sleuth, Beth Haldane, think he's had a heart attack or something typical of a man of his years, but Beth's mum, Wendy thinks differently. Alfie was her bridge partner, and had never left her in the lurch during a club meeting before. So, what had tempted Alfie into the gardens where he met his untimely end?
Beth's mind is already preoccupied: Her son, Ben, has just started at a new school, but he's not very chatty and seems to be just getting on with things, including his homework - which worries Beth. Her boyfriend, Harry, the detective is, of course, not disclosing any facts the police case has found - which also worries Beth. Her mum's obsession with the case, and her ideas to help find the killer - also worries Beth, and then there's her new job in the archives dept at Ben's school, and the fact she hasn't been turning up for work much - which is also a worry for Beth. So, the last thing she needs, despite her sleuthing reputation, is another mystery to solve. Her mum has other ideas, and very quickly Beth sees that maybe Wendy is onto something, but not before there's another death.
There are a lot of bridge rules mentioned, all of which are over my head, but, thankfully the author spices up these scenes with wonderful observations of the players, told through Beth's thoughts as she comes across one eccentric character after another.
"She had what could only be described as a helmet of hair ... as sugar-spun as Donald Trump's"
"his thick black hair was slicked down with enough gel to keep a boy band going for weeks"
"with white hair collected into two tufts over his ears, like a cartoon professor"
With such imagery, it's impossible not to get drawn into this world.
The story is rich in characters, outside of the mystery, which really builds the idea of a community. Even so, it seems Dulwich has more than its fair share of oddballs and eccentrics: the garden-crazed neighbour and her fear of Japanese Knockweed in Wendy's garden; Alfie's daughter and the Jane Austen film crew in his garden of plastic flowers, and Belinda, the school tyrant mum who leaves Beth out of her coffee morning get-togethers (probably the only thing that Beth is not worried about)
Beth's antics and attempts to solve the mystery are often unorthodox, but frequently hilarious, notwithstanding the serious side to the investigation that endangers her and others. All of which, in true cosy style, is nicely tied up at the end, although you'd never think it possible. This is an easy-going, funny read, a lovely world to lose yourself in for a few hours.
As I've not read every book of the series, I've remedied that and picked up the books missing from my reading list - yep, it's that good, and I really wish I'd been reading from the start. But hey, it's never too late to catch up ;)
Welcome to Dulwich society - where yummy mummies battle for dominance at the school gates with coffee morning invites at the ready while the more senior residents cross swords over allotment entitlements and Bridge Club etiquette ( fortunately, "helmet" hairdos are not obligatory)
This is a cosy mystery, very much in the style of Murder She Wrote with its small community setting and everybody knowing everyone's business. However, added to the mix of authentic setting, eccentric characters, and a murder-mystery is the author's unique observational wit and satirical asides.
This is not a grand drama or gory massacre, but rather a very satisfying mystery where members of the Bridge Club are being poisoned. Eighty-year-old Alfie Pole - victim no.1 - is found stiff as a board on a bench in the gardens of Belair House. Most people, including our sleuth, Beth Haldane, think he's had a heart attack or something typical of a man of his years, but Beth's mum, Wendy thinks differently. Alfie was her bridge partner, and had never left her in the lurch during a club meeting before. So, what had tempted Alfie into the gardens where he met his untimely end?
Beth's mind is already preoccupied: Her son, Ben, has just started at a new school, but he's not very chatty and seems to be just getting on with things, including his homework - which worries Beth. Her boyfriend, Harry, the detective is, of course, not disclosing any facts the police case has found - which also worries Beth. Her mum's obsession with the case, and her ideas to help find the killer - also worries Beth, and then there's her new job in the archives dept at Ben's school, and the fact she hasn't been turning up for work much - which is also a worry for Beth. So, the last thing she needs, despite her sleuthing reputation, is another mystery to solve. Her mum has other ideas, and very quickly Beth sees that maybe Wendy is onto something, but not before there's another death.
There are a lot of bridge rules mentioned, all of which are over my head, but, thankfully the author spices up these scenes with wonderful observations of the players, told through Beth's thoughts as she comes across one eccentric character after another.
"She had what could only be described as a helmet of hair ... as sugar-spun as Donald Trump's"
"his thick black hair was slicked down with enough gel to keep a boy band going for weeks"
"with white hair collected into two tufts over his ears, like a cartoon professor"
With such imagery, it's impossible not to get drawn into this world.
The story is rich in characters, outside of the mystery, which really builds the idea of a community. Even so, it seems Dulwich has more than its fair share of oddballs and eccentrics: the garden-crazed neighbour and her fear of Japanese Knockweed in Wendy's garden; Alfie's daughter and the Jane Austen film crew in his garden of plastic flowers, and Belinda, the school tyrant mum who leaves Beth out of her coffee morning get-togethers (probably the only thing that Beth is not worried about)
Beth's antics and attempts to solve the mystery are often unorthodox, but frequently hilarious, notwithstanding the serious side to the investigation that endangers her and others. All of which, in true cosy style, is nicely tied up at the end, although you'd never think it possible. This is an easy-going, funny read, a lovely world to lose yourself in for a few hours.
As I've not read every book of the series, I've remedied that and picked up the books missing from my reading list - yep, it's that good, and I really wish I'd been reading from the start. But hey, it's never too late to catch up ;)
July 1, 2019
*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Beth (and Ben, Harry, Katie and Colin) is back, and still doing her bit to make Dulwich safer, although she should really be doing her Wyatt project instead!
With things a bit more settled in her personal life, it looks like Beth might finally get a bit of an easier ride for a while: her relationship with Harry York is chugging along undemandingly; Ben has fulfilled her parental dreams by getting into Wyatts; and work continues to demand little of her time or attention, whilst still paying her.
Of course, such serenity cannot continue in a cosy mystery and this time it is Beth’s mother who breezes in to ruin Beth’s peace and throw a corpse among the cards (not literally!). Beth’s mother, who may be one of the most exasperating women in the world. How Beth manages to keep her cool I will never know… practice I guess! Wendy believes her bridge partner has been murdered and demands Beth solve the ‘case’, whilst being as obstructive and obstreperous as possible.
This is the sixth book in this series of Dulwich-based cosy mysteries, but the story does stand alone. I would recommend reading the whole series, not just for the backstory and character development, but because they are very enjoyable reads: quick, fun, murder mysteries with some interesting sidelines into parenting issues, work dilemmas and financial struggles.
I really enjoyed this instalment of Beth’s sleuthing adventures and the direction that the series is taking, despite knowing nothing at all about bridge (the setting for the murder this time). I did find myself slightly confused towards the end of the story as Beth had an epiphany about the identity of the murder but then managed to withhold it from the reader for a good few chapters (I thought I had missed a bit!), but this just added to the surprise of the reveal, which led to some very interesting revelations about Beth’s family history!
Anyone looking for a quick, humorous UK cosy mystery series will enjoy the London Murder Mysteries series, and this is another great addition to the Dulwich files.
For a moment, she imagined a Dulwich in which everyone was colour-coded according to their income or ambitions. Belinda MacKenzie would be in gold, with go-faster stripes; Katie in sunny yellow. What would she be in? Probably the same dingy grey she was wearing now, she thought, looking down at her uniform of sweater, jeans, and boots. Time to turn her thoughts back to crime.
– Alice Castle, The Body in Belair Park
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Beth (and Ben, Harry, Katie and Colin) is back, and still doing her bit to make Dulwich safer, although she should really be doing her Wyatt project instead!
With things a bit more settled in her personal life, it looks like Beth might finally get a bit of an easier ride for a while: her relationship with Harry York is chugging along undemandingly; Ben has fulfilled her parental dreams by getting into Wyatts; and work continues to demand little of her time or attention, whilst still paying her.
Of course, such serenity cannot continue in a cosy mystery and this time it is Beth’s mother who breezes in to ruin Beth’s peace and throw a corpse among the cards (not literally!). Beth’s mother, who may be one of the most exasperating women in the world. How Beth manages to keep her cool I will never know… practice I guess! Wendy believes her bridge partner has been murdered and demands Beth solve the ‘case’, whilst being as obstructive and obstreperous as possible.
This is the sixth book in this series of Dulwich-based cosy mysteries, but the story does stand alone. I would recommend reading the whole series, not just for the backstory and character development, but because they are very enjoyable reads: quick, fun, murder mysteries with some interesting sidelines into parenting issues, work dilemmas and financial struggles.
I really enjoyed this instalment of Beth’s sleuthing adventures and the direction that the series is taking, despite knowing nothing at all about bridge (the setting for the murder this time). I did find myself slightly confused towards the end of the story as Beth had an epiphany about the identity of the murder but then managed to withhold it from the reader for a good few chapters (I thought I had missed a bit!), but this just added to the surprise of the reveal, which led to some very interesting revelations about Beth’s family history!
Anyone looking for a quick, humorous UK cosy mystery series will enjoy the London Murder Mysteries series, and this is another great addition to the Dulwich files.
For a moment, she imagined a Dulwich in which everyone was colour-coded according to their income or ambitions. Belinda MacKenzie would be in gold, with go-faster stripes; Katie in sunny yellow. What would she be in? Probably the same dingy grey she was wearing now, she thought, looking down at her uniform of sweater, jeans, and boots. Time to turn her thoughts back to crime.
– Alice Castle, The Body in Belair Park
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
June 27, 2019
Beth is back in investigatory mode when her mother’s bridge partner dies, in suspicious circumstances, in the middle of a game. Her boyfriend Harry is working the case and as usual telling Beth to keep out of it. She can’t. Her mother ends up in hospital and now it’s personal. As always, I love the way these stories are told – humorously, with great insight into human nature and the unseen pressures of being the supermum that all your child’s friends have. This story leaves us feeling some conclusion has been reached between Beth and Harry. I sincerely hope the series continues!
July 7, 2019
I really love this series of books, having already read Homicide in Herne Hill and Revenge on the Rye, it was good to catch up with Beth again and see what trouble she gets herself in to this time.
This book sees her looking into the death of her mother’s bridge partner. What I love about these books is how they are written, they always have a good story told well and are full of humour.
This book sees her looking into the death of her mother’s bridge partner. What I love about these books is how they are written, they always have a good story told well and are full of humour.
August 27, 2019
Enthralling
I don't think I could ever tire of this brilliant series! Once again, Castle has proven herself as an author who surprises. The plot, the theme, and the red herrings were super juicy as ever. Wit and description vivid and punchy - often resulting in me clutching my stomach! Excited muchly for book 7...
I don't think I could ever tire of this brilliant series! Once again, Castle has proven herself as an author who surprises. The plot, the theme, and the red herrings were super juicy as ever. Wit and description vivid and punchy - often resulting in me clutching my stomach! Excited muchly for book 7...
November 7, 2022
The Murder Club by Alice Castle
A Beth Haldane Mystery Book #6 - Previously released as The Body in Belair Park
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
A club of card enthusiasts gather in a magnificent mansion. But someone has been dealt a deadly hand…
In peaceful Dulwich Village, a group of elderly residents meet every week for Bridge Club. Green cloths are laid over square tables, the deck is carefully dealt, and every beady eye is on the lookout for cheating.
Amateur sleuth Beth Haldane has never understood the rules, but she’s drawn into the drama when her mother’s bridge partner Alfie Poole is found dead. He was last seen heading out for a breath of fresh air after a particularly tricky hand.
Beth knows poor Alfie was a sweet old man, but when she learns he was poisoned it’s clear someone wanted him gone… Suspecting skulduggery, Beth questions each member of the club. Did the retired doctor slip Alfie a sedative? Is the ex-English teacher quite as clumsy as she seems? Or was it Alfie’s daughter, wanting her inheritance early?
My Opinion
This series of books is being re-released with new names. These are quick little mystery books to read and I can easily finish one in a few hours. So far I am enjoying this series and the characters are really starting to develop as we work through the various mysteries. Whilst these books are part of a series, each would work well as a standalone.
There are some twists and turns to keep the reader interested but the more I read in this series, the more I am starting to predict. An entertaining read with Beth creating a re-enactment of the murder to try and find out what happened.
Rating 4/5
A Beth Haldane Mystery Book #6 - Previously released as The Body in Belair Park
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
A club of card enthusiasts gather in a magnificent mansion. But someone has been dealt a deadly hand…
In peaceful Dulwich Village, a group of elderly residents meet every week for Bridge Club. Green cloths are laid over square tables, the deck is carefully dealt, and every beady eye is on the lookout for cheating.
Amateur sleuth Beth Haldane has never understood the rules, but she’s drawn into the drama when her mother’s bridge partner Alfie Poole is found dead. He was last seen heading out for a breath of fresh air after a particularly tricky hand.
Beth knows poor Alfie was a sweet old man, but when she learns he was poisoned it’s clear someone wanted him gone… Suspecting skulduggery, Beth questions each member of the club. Did the retired doctor slip Alfie a sedative? Is the ex-English teacher quite as clumsy as she seems? Or was it Alfie’s daughter, wanting her inheritance early?
My Opinion
This series of books is being re-released with new names. These are quick little mystery books to read and I can easily finish one in a few hours. So far I am enjoying this series and the characters are really starting to develop as we work through the various mysteries. Whilst these books are part of a series, each would work well as a standalone.
There are some twists and turns to keep the reader interested but the more I read in this series, the more I am starting to predict. An entertaining read with Beth creating a re-enactment of the murder to try and find out what happened.
Rating 4/5
September 2, 2022
Amateur sleuth Beth Haldane has never understood the rules, but she’s drawn into the drama when her mother’s bridge partner Alfie Poole is found dead. He was last seen heading out for a breath of fresh air. Beth knows poor Alfie was a sweet old man, but when she learns he was poisoned it’s clear someone wanted him gone. Organising a re-enactment of the day Alfie was killed, and making sure exactly the same cards are dealt, Beth keeps a close eye on who comes up trumps but then her own mother Wendy starts choking on her cup of tea. Thankfully Wendy is rushed to hospital just in time: The sixth book in this delightful series & it could easily be read on its own. However I love how the characters & relationships have developed throughout the series. I particularly love how Beth & Harry’s romance has developed & also her relationship with best friend Katie. I must admit this is my least favourite of the series, I think as I dislike Belinda & how she always has to belittle Beth, I think she's totally self centred & manipulative. There are plenty of bridge playing suspects as well as red herrings. I was surprised at the denouement, something I’d not been expecting
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 25, 2026
Another cosy and cleverly layered Beth Haldane mystery delivers plenty of intrigue beneath its genteel surface.
Set in Dulwich, this instalment centres on an apparently harmless bridge club made up of local pensioners — until one member is found dead and an attempted murder rocks the quiet group. The stakes feel especially high this time as Beth’s own mother becomes one of the victims, giving the investigation a far more personal and emotional edge.
The mystery unfolds at a satisfying pace, with suspicions shifting and long-buried secrets beginning to surface. The question of whether the truth lies in the past hangs neatly over the story, and the author seeds just enough clues to keep readers guessing without giving too much away.
The final chapters are genuinely explosive, delivering revelations that reframe earlier events and neatly tie together threads we didn’t even realise were significant. It’s a smart, satisfying payoff that rewards careful readers.
Overall, this is another gripping cosy mystery from the Beth Haldane series — warm, twisty, and packed with small-town secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Set in Dulwich, this instalment centres on an apparently harmless bridge club made up of local pensioners — until one member is found dead and an attempted murder rocks the quiet group. The stakes feel especially high this time as Beth’s own mother becomes one of the victims, giving the investigation a far more personal and emotional edge.
The mystery unfolds at a satisfying pace, with suspicions shifting and long-buried secrets beginning to surface. The question of whether the truth lies in the past hangs neatly over the story, and the author seeds just enough clues to keep readers guessing without giving too much away.
The final chapters are genuinely explosive, delivering revelations that reframe earlier events and neatly tie together threads we didn’t even realise were significant. It’s a smart, satisfying payoff that rewards careful readers.
Overall, this is another gripping cosy mystery from the Beth Haldane series — warm, twisty, and packed with small-town secrets waiting to be uncovered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2022
Beth's self-absorbed mother Wendy needs Beth's help when her Bridge partner Alf dies suddenly during the tea break. He was an elderly man so his death is being seen as inevitable, but Wendy is convinced he has been poisoned.
In other news, Jake has got into Wyatt's, Beth is still doing absolutely no work (for which she is being paid by Wyatt's), Katie's dog Teddy has served its purpose and has now been consigned to a dog-walker and I don't expect we'll hear from him again. Oh, and Belinda the middle school bully mother is having a hard time exerting her power now the boys have gone to Big School and most of the other children didn't get into Wyatt's.
As always, Beth's social life, family life, and general faffing take precedence over any actual plot and in this case the identity of the murderer and the reasons are utterly ridiculous.
As noted in my previous reviews, my feeling is that these books are so 'cosy/cozy' that there is very little detecting involved, we read a lot about coffee in chi-chi shops and expensive handbags, and cat hairs then out of thin air Beth solves the crime without (as my maths teacher used to say) showing the workings. It is always as an afterthought that someone asks 'how did you know that X was the murderer' just so we the readers can find out what happened. These are okay but TBH if I didn't have the eighth book sitting on my TBR pile as an ARC and the books are all on Kindle Unlimited I probably wouldn't bother reading any more.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
In other news, Jake has got into Wyatt's, Beth is still doing absolutely no work (for which she is being paid by Wyatt's), Katie's dog Teddy has served its purpose and has now been consigned to a dog-walker and I don't expect we'll hear from him again. Oh, and Belinda the middle school bully mother is having a hard time exerting her power now the boys have gone to Big School and most of the other children didn't get into Wyatt's.
As always, Beth's social life, family life, and general faffing take precedence over any actual plot and in this case the identity of the murderer and the reasons are utterly ridiculous.
As noted in my previous reviews, my feeling is that these books are so 'cosy/cozy' that there is very little detecting involved, we read a lot about coffee in chi-chi shops and expensive handbags, and cat hairs then out of thin air Beth solves the crime without (as my maths teacher used to say) showing the workings. It is always as an afterthought that someone asks 'how did you know that X was the murderer' just so we the readers can find out what happened. These are okay but TBH if I didn't have the eighth book sitting on my TBR pile as an ARC and the books are all on Kindle Unlimited I probably wouldn't bother reading any more.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
December 12, 2022
This book, the sixth in the Beth Haldane series, answers some questions about Beth’s past. It’s a bit different from the previous books in the series, with multiple murders and attempted murders over a fairly lengthy period of time.
And I had to laugh, because the game of bridge features prominently and I really related to Beth, who absolutely didn’t want to learn to play but finally did to please her difficult mother. In my case, it was a grandmother I never got along with who tried to teach me, and against whom I completely rebelled. That was probably 55 years ago, and to this day I refuse to learn. Families can do that to you. . .
And I had to laugh, because the game of bridge features prominently and I really related to Beth, who absolutely didn’t want to learn to play but finally did to please her difficult mother. In my case, it was a grandmother I never got along with who tried to teach me, and against whom I completely rebelled. That was probably 55 years ago, and to this day I refuse to learn. Families can do that to you. . .
January 12, 2026
I’ve read all the books in this series to date and will read the remainder, but, I find Beth, the main character really really annoying, for someone who constantly pleads poverty and has a full time job she rarely turns up to her job, I just want someone to sack her.
The plot was really sketchy or rather the subplots were sketchy and a waste of time as they didn’t go anywhere. The reason behind the murder was explained but badly. All in all this had the worst plot of all the books to date.
The plot was really sketchy or rather the subplots were sketchy and a waste of time as they didn’t go anywhere. The reason behind the murder was explained but badly. All in all this had the worst plot of all the books to date.
September 14, 2022
The Murder Club by Alice Castle is the sixth book within the new Beth Haldane Cosy Mystery series and these books have been a good read. However, I am finding them predicable. - well I did read these back to back whilst relaxing in the summer holidays.
This book is full of good strong twists and turns throughout and another great book and I highly recommend this series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author Alice Castle for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is full of good strong twists and turns throughout and another great book and I highly recommend this series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author Alice Castle for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2022
I found this book as entertaining as usual but it's not a favorite because some twists were a bit predictable.
I was glad to catch up with Beth and the cast of characters and travel to Dulwich
The mystery is entertaining but a bit predictable.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I was glad to catch up with Beth and the cast of characters and travel to Dulwich
The mystery is entertaining but a bit predictable.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 11, 2023
While I enjoy this series, this outing left out so many possible clues that the reader really has little chance to figure it before the end. Also the bridge filler got a bit much.
March 12, 2025
Needs editing
Long wordy explanations that go on and on taking forever to get to the point. Pretty soon you not even sure what actually happened.
Long wordy explanations that go on and on taking forever to get to the point. Pretty soon you not even sure what actually happened.
September 3, 2019
I really enjoyed this, the sixth in the London Mystery series featuring Beth Haldane. Alice Castle has a very light touch and I loved the gentle humour throughout this well told story. I’m now looking forward to Book 7. It’s a great series.
September 8, 2020
Another cosy crime involving bridge this time. Personal life trundles alongside Dulwich village inhabitants.
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