Grave Suspicions

The Lavington Windsor Mysteries #3

by Alice James

Agatha Raisin meets Sookie Stackhouse, with demons, vampires and bad boyfriends.

She’s back. She’s hungover. She’s got no idea.

Estate agent by day, necromancer by night, reluctant amateur sleuth when bullied into it… Toni Windsor is already juggling life and now she has to find out who clubbed a Cornish cheese millionaire to death while he was alone in a locked room.

And her diary was already full. She’s trying to keep the peace between vampire courts, a fistful of demonic contracts have just landed on her lap and – no surprise – her love life still isn’t looking great even though she’s finally dating someone who isn’t dead.

Can’t a girl catch a break?

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Vampires, Fiction, Adult, Thriller, Urban Fantasy

298 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2023

About the author

Alice lives in a converted chapel in Oxfordshire, England, with three cats and many house plants. She works as a writer, specialising in finance and travel. She was previously a journalist and TV presenter for Bloomberg before becoming press and PR director of a $1 billion US hedge fund for 18 months. That turned out to be the worst period in history for hedge funds, so she retired wounded. Alice has a degree in Maths from Bristol University – and half of a diploma in silversmithing from UCE University because it turns out that making the ladies’ version of the One Ring is a lot harder than she thought.

Alice’s series of whodunits, The Lavington Windsor Mysteries, is studded with zombies, vampires, romance and croquet and you should definitely read it. Today.

Reviews

[FantasyBookNerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here I am again with my favourite Necromancing estate agent, Toni Windsor. I wonder how much trouble she is going to get herself into this time. Turns out quite a lot.

Time has passed since the end of the Grave Danger and guess what? Toni has got herself a real live boyfriend. However, true to form, things just aren't going the way she planned. Yep, the guy is lovely, but she is just not feeling it.

And that's not the worst of it! There's murder afoot, and she's got herself mixed up with those pesky vampires again.

Have I mentioned that I totally enjoy these books. Toni is totally wonderful as a character, despite the fact that her love life is an absolute shambles.

As usual, Alice James deftly weaves a nice little gory tale of vampires with a light hearted rom com, managing to get a wonderful balance of shadow and light.

In addition to Toni's romantic shenanigans there is the usual murder mystery plot. This time it's a locked room scenario, in which the victim is murdered in impossible circumstances.And very typically for Alice James' style, the mystery aspect of the book is kept on the sidelines, until the moment comes for the reveal. Now I must admit, I did wonder how Alice James was going to pull together a seemingly number of disparate plot threads into a tightly woven dénouement, but as true to form, Alice James does it in a wonderfully underhand sleight of hand kind of way. You see, she tends to use the other stuff as a diversionary tactic to displace your focus on to the romantic and supernatural elements, whilst all the while carefully manoeuvring the missing pea of the story to the correct position, so that she can go ta daaaaaa, it was there all along.

And let's talk about those diversionary tactics shall we? The growth of the character of Toni, the mystery of her powers, the reason for her parent's mistreatment of her as a child and the growth of the world as a whole. Now that Toni has been established as a character and so has the world in which the story takes place, Alice James, is adding more substance to the world, especially with the introduction of witches and demons, and vampire lore as a whole.

We have got the introduction of new characters, particularly in the form of Nicky, a new vampire on the scene. We also get new love interests for Toni and we get to see where her relationship woes might end up. Of course, Alice James doesn't leave out the obligatory rumpy pumpy, but it comes much later in the story.

As a whole, Grave Suspicions is a fantastic addition to the series, and one I think will have Grave Repercussions (you can have that one, free of charge🤣 - Only Joking! Never thought I would get a Harry Enfield reference in a review🤣) to the rest of the series.

[Jamedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally on JamReads

Grave Suspicions is the third book in the Lavington Windsor Mysteries series, written by Alice James, and published by Solaris Books. Our favourite part time estate agent, part time necromancer, returns, finding she has inherited a house and her brother needs his help to resolve a mysterious assassination that seems impossible at the first time.

But as you might expect, Toni's life would be easy if those were the only problems that appear in front of her eyes. Even if she has decided to avoid relationships with vampires, when Benedict Akil summons her, she has no other option than helping one of his associates, Nicky, a recently converted vampire. And on top of that, a stalker is persecuting Toni, putting her life at an enormous risk.

Toni continues being our sassy and decided main character, trying to help while having to balance her chaotic life. After her previous love experiences, especially with Oscar, she has taken the decision to look for more normal people, to get an easier life; but if we really know Toni, that's not going to happen, especially with how sexy Nicky is.
We get to know more about her past and her disappeared family, learning about the origin of her necromancer powers; demonic contracts are introduced in this series.

I personally liked the detail of several characters returning from the previous books, and honestly, Benedict kinda grew into me; at this point, I cannot really blame him for many of his actions, as at the end, he's just acting as the father of a family, trying to protect them even if that needs some sacrifices.

Pacing is in a brilliant spot, making this novel a really agile one, and the mystery elements allow you to make your own guesses before the whole secret is revealed. And romance is still present in the story, and honestly, I hope Toni gets that love she deserves.

Alice James has delivered a great third book in this series; a novel that the previous readers will love. Grave Suspicions take the foundations of the first two books and continue expanding the delightful world of the Lavington Windsor Mysteries.

[Annemieke / A Dance with Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Rebellion, Solaris and netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.

TW Sexual Content | Murder | Violence

Book 3 already in this series where we follow necromancer Toni Windsor. Now that the bad boyfriends are out of the way, nothing is in her way to living a good life. Or is there?

The thing about these books is that I enjoy the actual plots and setting. But I am absolutely frustrated with our main character and her choices regarding relationships. At the start of this book she is in a relationship with a kind man who is also a widower. She struggles with that aspact of their relationship, but instead of talking with him about it, it becomes very clear that she is not at all interested in a serious relationship with this man. He leaves for a holiday, she jumps into bed with another man, he comes back and she seems to be staying with him. There is no guilt over cheating. Nothing. That bothered me. I dont mind if a character makes a mistake but it needs to be dealt with. Toni just happily skips along. It makes me slowly start to dislike her.

Like I said, I do enjoy the plot. Learning about the world of the vampires here and how they co-exist with the humans. Her friendship with her latest tenant. Learning more about her own background and why she was treated the way she was by her own family. Her brother is an awesome add too. And of course there is Akil who was severly lacking in this book.

So you can see that I am very conflicted about this book. There are some good things here but also some not good things.

[Mr. P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a grave suspicion that this series could run and run.
Lavington (Toni) Windsor is a relatable protagonist, not withstanding being able to raise the dead and a penchant for hot vampires.
The very human response to the ridiculous circumstances and the huge courage in face of often overwhelming odds: be they the roaming hands of her boss; or a murderous stalker; or the hidden history in the family. Toni comes through with wit and a certain amount of sangfroid, (sure there are far too many lovely outfits ruined by mud and blood, but what is a girl to do when all seems against her).
Thoroughly enjoyed this latest in the series.
More please Ms. James
I received an e-ARC of this book with no strings attached.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover and book blurb tells you more about this book than I can put into words. I will add, really fun urban fantasy. I hadn’t read the previous books, that didn’t matter, and I will look out for them and the next book in the series which I’m sure is being lived out in the author’s mind and pen. Thank you to Rebellion and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[Julia Barthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to need Toni to give Benedict just one tiny chance, just once. I'll ready every book in this series but I need Toni to have just a wild roundabout with benedict. Toni has learned not only is she a necromancer but also a Witch, and of course who has the answers to help her learn what she needs.... Benedict. And who does Toni prefer to never seek help from cause he can be a mysterious, hot, annoying, charming man........ also Benedict.

[Runalong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic addition to a series getting ever stronger. The themes of exploring toxic relationships and getting out of them is here at the fore as well as more fleshing out of the supernatural world. A huge amount of fun to read and thoughtful too!

Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third time is somewhat the charm for Toni in "Grave Suspicions." It's been six months since she was in "grave danger," and things seem to be going well. She has a reliable, respectful boyfriend, her ward Paul is getting ready for university, and no one has tried to kill her lately.

Of course, it's too good to last. Her brother, Wills, pulls her in to raise the zombie of a lecherous cheese millionaire who was murdered in a locked room. There are plenty of suspects, but seemingly, no opportunity.

Toni, who had been successfully avoiding the vampires in the area, is then ordered by master vampire Benedict to help a fledging vampire who has had several members of his coterie vanish. The last member of his coterie is jealous, and threatens Toni.

She's not the only one. Two men have been watching Toni's house, and they break in and attack her, saying that she's stolen from them. Benedict's assistant, Aidan, is just in time to prevent Toni's rape and murder.

Toni sets out to investigate, but she's also gotta eat, and feed her housemate/ward, Paul. Work hasn't been that lucrative lately, so she throws herself into generating some customers, thinking that at least there, she won't get into any trouble.

But we know better, don't we? Poor Toni doesn't have an easy time of it. Sometimes she gets into predicaments through no fault of her own, but sometimes it's honestly her questionable choices that cause her grief. She's such an engaging heroine, though, that you cheer for her even as you want to sit her down and give her a stern talking to. One of her best qualities is that she wants to help people, She raises an old zombie regularly, not just because they've become friends, and because he gives good advice, but because he wants to be raised. She took in Paul when he was still a student under suspicion of being a murderer. She visits the elderly.

She's also trying to find out more about her past and her powers. She finds some papers left behind by her grandfather, and works with Paul to decipher them. Her parents had stopped paying attention to her when she was very young, and she never knew why, but she suspects it had something to do with either their powers or hers.

The various mysteries are great, and the solution to the locked room mystery will probably surprise you, but the best part of the book for me was when Toni finally figured out why her childhood was the way it was. No spoilers, but it's going to fill in a lot of the blanks we've had for the last two books.

Naturally, there's plenty of shagging and food alongside the mysteries and occasionally gory death. Toni may or may not be ready to settle down, but she's in no short supply of potential partners.

I never would have thought cozy horror mysteries could be a thing until I picked up the first book, "Grave Secrets," and I certainly wouldn't have believed that the premise could sustain a series. I was so very wrong, and I'm glad of it. The books are fun and frothy and I'm looking forward to book four.

4.25 out of 5 stars.

I received an advance copy directly from the author, as there was an issue with the files on NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

[Theresa Derwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave Suspicions
Lavington Windsor Mysteries #3
Author: Alice James
Publisher: Solaris/Rebellion Publishing
Release date: 15th Aug 2023

Lavington (Toni) Windsor is a real estate agent and a necromancer. In between selling properties, she helps her brother Wills (a cop) solve crimes by raising the dead and asking them who killed them. This is rarely straightforward.
In this book, she’s investigating missing people, dead bodies, her Grandad’s past and psychotic stalkers. Somehow, she always ends up with more trouble than she needs, but just enough for her to handle.
Eighty-four year old Derowen – The Cornish Cheese Millionaire – is found dead in the classic ‘locked room’ scenario. He was not a well liked man, despite his access to cheese. And Will needs her help.
At the same time, vampire boss Benedict Akil sends Toni to meet up with vampire Nicky to help him find out where the human women of his coterie have disappeared to.
Then there’s the human who has stalked vampire Sophy all the way from Paris and is determined to get his ‘love’ back.
Add in a wonderful boyfriend who is human, harmless but doesn’t light her on fire and demonic contracts landing on her desk, and it’s all a bit much.
All this, after being almost vampire-free six months.
There’s a lot going on in this one and the worldbuilding itself is growing, with Emir who runs the underground vampire club, the introduction of witches and Paul – her lodger – becoming more ingrained in the supernatural life.
I really like new vampire Nicky. He might be naive where it comes to his shallow girlfriend, but when it comes to the crunch, he supports Toni, and though he may want to look the part of goth vampire, he’s a bit of a marshmallow inside. He’s also, like the rest of the walking mosquitos – pretty sexy.
Brendon, Toni’s zombie, makes a few appearances too and he is always welcome, whilst Benedict steals almost every scene he’s in.
The parts that make this book almost a completion of a story arc, is the discoveries Toni makes about her parents and her granddad.
This novel is abundantly joyful, despite the murder and mayhem, sexy, funny, but surprisingly with this one, a little bit heart-breaking. When the reader finally clicks what the set of contracts are all about, it’s likely to change their attitude to a couple of characters, just as it changes Toni’s perspective on quite a few things.
I adored this one, as I’ve adored the previous two books, but now it feels like we’re about to get into some dark places with book four.
Though I have no doubt it will still be littered with a lot of fun and laughter.
This is another terrific instalment.

[Sarah]

This book is action packed all the way through. You have the murder of Polkerris that Toni has to solve, the man that appears to be stalking her, and the mysterious missing coterie that Toni has been tasked with investigating. The Polkerris murder is intriguing. There are some good twists and turns throughout the investigation, and you never quite know how it is going to turn out. Toni's stalkers add some interesting complications making everything a little bit harder. The missing coterie also adds some good twists and turns. I enjoyed the growing relationship between Toni and Nicky while she investigated his missing coterie.

Toni's life continues to be a disaster. She barely shows up to her job, she's always hungover, and she never knows what to do with her love life. Toni during this book finally gets to learn a little more about her necromancy and her witch powers. It's good that James is starting to give more of Toni's backstory, and give the reader a better understanding of how Toni came to be. It's also good that she has managed to tie Toni's backstory into the vampire assemblage, giving Toni some more connection to the vampires.

There are a lot of side characters by book three. We have collected all of the side characters from books 1 and 2, plus the addition of several from this book. It is extremely hard to keep all of the them straight and remember who everyone is. I found myself constantly flipping through to try and jog my memory about several characters. It might be beneficial for James to choose which side characters should be more prominent than others.

All in all, this book is a very entertaining read. It's the best book in the series currently. James continues to grow as an author through the series. She managed to tie all of the investigations in the book together under one theme, which I found to be brilliant. Everything was tied together in the book, but with an eye towards what might happen in the fourth. I, personally, am excited to see the return of Oscar in the fourth.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grave Suspicions by Alice James is the third book in the Lavington Windsor Mystery series. I thought I had read at least one of the two previous books, but I have not. Thankfully I have read enough of this sub genre of books that I was able to figure out most of the important bits quickly.

Estate agent by day, necromancer by night, and reluctant amateur sleuth when bullied into it Toni Windsor is already juggling life and now she has to find out who clubbed a Cornish cheese millionaire to death while he was alone in a locked room. And her diary was already full. She’s trying to keep the peace between vampire courts, a fistful of demonic contracts have just landed on her lap and – no surprise – her love life still isn’t looking great even though she’s finally dating someone who isn’t dead. Can’t a girl catch a break?

Grave Suspicions is an enjoyable and engaging read. When I started the book I thought I had certainly read the first book in the series, simply because this is right up my ally, but I must have some how missed the first two books at some point, which is something I will now have to rectify. The book is balanced well between snarky humor, trying to figure out several mysteries and problems at one, and Toni just trying to figure out exactly who she is and what she want. There is fun, danger, sexy times, and character growth all woven together. If you have read the first two books, then don't stop now. If you have not read the other books I do suggest starting at the beginning (I wish I had) so that you don't have the earlier surprises ruined for you. I am going back to read the first two books now- and I look forward to seeing how Toni got to the point where I met her in this book.

Grave Suspicions is a fun read with plenty of mystery, shenanigans, and some sexy times.

[S. Bavey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a review copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Alice and the publisher, Solaris Books.

Grave Suspicions is the third book in this delightful series about a Staffordshire necromancer, who can’t seem to help getting caught up romantically with the local vampires while solving the local murder mysteries.

In this episode, estate agent Lavington “Toni” Windsor finds she has inherited a house much to the homicidal jealousy of its previous owner’s son. She also finds herself helping her brother at the morgue once again and trying to solve the mystery of various groups of dead bodies there. With the amount of murders occurring, Staffordshire has become a very dangerous place to live.

I really enjoyed Toni’s laid back sense of humour and attitude once again, despite her ending up in countless perilous situations. She never learns from her mistakes and goes barreling from one person trying to kill her to the next.

A whole host of new characters were introduced to the story in this book, vampire Nicky was a favourite of mine, with his nasty girlfriend and an interesting back story. There were also some witches introduced, which widened the scope of the story even further: now we have vampires, zombies, necromancers and witches.

Familiar characters returned, including Toni’s lodger, Paul and head vampire, Benedict Akil. I was sorry not to see as much of Bredon, the long dead corpse who has become a good friend to both Toni and Paul, as in prior books.

Grave Suspicions is another fun romp from Alice James, with just the right amount of romance included and if you enjoyed the previous books in the series, you will undoubtedly enjoy this one as well!

Grave Suspicions will be published on August 15th, 2023.

[Hannah F · Rating 1 out of 5]

what a stupid judgmental bugger is Toni.

apparently its only okay for the vampires to kill when she is in trouble, or she tells the to.. but otherwise "oh no!"

and she really is not the witty charming person you seem to think she is. Shes boring and slow and repetitively whining about her dating life and love blah blah .. ICK. It was so obvious who the murderer was and it was also quite obvious who the stalker was. yet it dragged out forever.

And of course, she's the cliched lead character who every man human or not seems to want ..

Even the vampires are so cliched and boring. none of the charm in other books The sex scenes are dragged out cliched and useless. Instead of a classy romantic scene with implied and much shorter. it drags and drags even more awkward than those stupid harlequin books. Useless to the plot. guess she needed to make a word quot. Also explains why there's tons of repetition.

OH and her bothering the poor dead people is a distasteful "skill" and not impressive. The poor dead people using them for her own amusement; and then getting annoyed when they dont entertain her enough .. moron.
PS Shes a hideous drunk confused how she gets anything done. Oh wait. She doesnt. . in fact if you drink every time she does you might fall down bloody drunk for 2 days

PS LOTS of bad grammar and awkwardness in writing.. maybe one should get an editor

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic five-star read. This is number three in the Lavington Windsor Mysteries series, and I am so excited to see what will come next. Toni is so great, you know you would love to be friends with her, but you also know that you would need to come armed, or at least wear some very good protection, as man she really gets herself into some real mixes. This one had me changing my mind about some devilish characters in this story, but that’s part of the reason this author appeals to me so much, everyone has flaws, but its how they deal with them that matters. Toni really does have a heart of gold, and sometimes that gold can become hardened and bruised, but it’s still beautiful. I have a real hope for how this story will go, but honestly I don’t mind, as Toni will keep us guessing and giving us great stories via the imagination of the wonderful Alice James.

[Sarah Leenart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life has lost a little bit of sparkle for Toni, it's got the peace and quiet she thinks she's craving but its also a little dull. And then another murder happens and her help is requested by a vampire. Enter the vampires again and life gets a bit too exciting, including the usual near death experiences and much weirdness. Toni however has a lot to discover about herself and is definitely upping her game. She also begins to learn more about the vampires, their interactions and starts to have a begrudging respect and perhaps liking as well. This book was a laugh out loud riot and I loved the world of the vampires and small town supernatural antics with the biggest hint so far in the series that there are much more than vampires and necromancers out there. Loved it, really hope there are more to come soon.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic + Mysteries + Vampires + some romance was exactly what I was feeling. The writing was easy to immerse myself in, but I'm going to be honest, I wanted to shake the main character for her love life so many times in this book. Girl, if you just communicated with the person you were seeing you would have so many less problems. Other than that, there were a bunch of mysteries that needed to be solved, and it was really satisfying to see them all come together.

I actually started this series on this book, and didn't seem to feel like I was missing anything. Would definitely recommend this if you're looking for a cozy read.

3.5/5

I received an ARC (thank you Rebellion/Solaris/Netgalley) for review!

[Mirthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC provided.
Like the other two books in this series, this was great fun once again!
Toni is hilarious and her comments often made me chuckle and I wish her the best HEA a necromancer can have. She deserves it. You know what she also deserves? A cute boyfriend, maybe a certain German doctor (who I missed terribly this book). I like that it is hard to predict who the love interest in the book is going to be, as well as how sex positive it is.
Also fuck you Oscar, you suck (especially for a vampire).
All in all a really fun read/listen with lots of fun characters (new and old), not my favorite book in the series so far but I’m already looking forward to a fourth book!

[Samantha Castles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first two books in the series, grave secrets being so fantastic I have read it many times. Unfortunately I found the final book had lost its way. It was a very convoluted story, tons of characters added in to serve a minor purpose (I assume) with no mention again. It was confusing, lots of names, no real clarity or completion on a lot of avenues. I found the sex scenes and fight scenes extremely repetitive.

Spoiler:
I was disappointed with the ending, I didn’t think it cleared up anything in regards to Peter, Nicky, or even Oscar? Very confused that a man who physically beat her to near death was coming back and she was just going to ignore that and have a ‘room’ at the stone house anyway? I found that so confusing and not really fitting for the character of Toni.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this third book in the series, and I feel exactly like I did after finishing the one before this: befuddled in a good way. Toni is such an interesting and complex character. At times she seems a little ditzy and other times she seems to be very wise. I love how the author takes many threads and then they all come together at the end in amazing ways. I still don’t think these books are actually mysteries; more like a look into everyone’s lives and how they change and grow. I would like a little more mystery but am content with how happy I am with all the other things. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Feyre Stark]

What a fantastic read. This is number three in the Lavington Windsor Mysteries series, and I am so excited to see what will come next. Toni is so great, you know you would love to be friends with her. This one had me changing my mind about some devilish characters in this story, but that’s part of the reason this author appeals to me so much, everyone has flaws, but it’s how they deal with them that matters.

[Ellie Bodington · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this book and its previous companions is fun - a spunky, quirky necromancer in England running around with vampires and zombies, with her chaotic love life mixed in. However, I can’t get past how Wattpad-like the writing can be. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing! But I have grown out of my Wattpad phase, and I want my books to have a bit more polish.

But it’s cute, it’s fun, it’s a good cozy fantasy read, great for fall.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to read another novel in this series soon and not wait 3 years.
Toni Windsor is one of her kind, we can drop names but she's a likeable, complex and funny necromancer who likes to choose the most unsuitable fiancè.
That said this is another highly entertaining and gripping novel.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Erin Newton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun installment, and obviously not the last. Not much romance in this one and thankfully no Peter. The Nicky subplot was interesting but I wanted more Benedict. When is the next book?! Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC

[Josie Jaffrey]

I’ve devoured this series. I can’t wait for the next one. There had better be a next one! The story is so cleverly layered and intriguing, and the wobbly nonlinear romance is perfect. I’m desperate for the will-they-won’t-they to resolve itself!

[Katy Springer · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the writing of this novel was about a four star rating, the overall story was lacking. Yes, it was ‘action’ packed, but there was nothing to grab hold of begging for the next page to be read. This is a shame because the other two books are fantastic.

[David Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read Alice's previous two books, Grave Secrets and Grave Danger, you'll have some idea what to expect. Crime. Necromancy. Estate agenting. Vampires. Shagging. And poor Toni having yet another new outfit ruined by a would-be murderer or the irate undead.

And indeed, Grave Suspicions delivers on all three.

There is, though, a lot more to it than that.

Yes, Toni's romantic life remains as tangled and hopeless as ever - her heart lost to Peter who's showing no sign of returning from Germany, while she takes solace as she can. And yes, she does her best to avoid abusive ex, vampire Oscar, while trying to help her policeman brother Will with yet another hard-to-crack case by raising the victim in the morgue. But she's also finding out more about her own past, and that of her family; about the parents who turned away from her; about her connection to the vampires.

And some part of that past comes reaching out to her, in the form of a pair of thugs who seem to think she's got something of theirs.

The county coroner is also trying to corner Toni - she has no idea what that's about.

And she's as short of money as ever...

It was, simply, sheer joy to return to this world of modern rural fantasy featuring my favourite down-to-earth heroine, as Alice James creates perhaps the most deadly combination of threats for her yet. Being Toni Windsor always meant living with multiply interlocking mysteries and complications, but I think this third book takes things to a new level as seeds planted in the earlier books begin to spout. There's there's a new richness to the story. It is both more complex and at the same time more focussed than the earlier stories, if that makes sense.

Also, Toni is gaining in power and confidence, which is great to see, but she is also being matched against trickier and more lethal opponents. If this were a role playing game, I'd say Alice James is the ideal dungeon mistress, and I very much look forward to seeing what new monsters lurk in future instalments (I think I can guess at one of them, quietly growing in plain sight). But more than that, it's how fascinating how Alice and her team are also meshing and working together

So - in Grave Suspicions we have Peril, we have Revelations and of course, we have the ruin of a series of outfits (it's no wonder Toni is always short of money). But there's more still! This book also features a classic locked room mystery, which provided a genuine puzzle and brought the crime aspect of this story rather to the fore. As ever, the writing sparkles, Toni's observations of life, love and rural society always spot on. In short, the book is a bewildering mix, but in a very good way, and I'd strongly recommend it (and its predecessors if you haven't got to them yet).

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better! Loved hanging out with Toni again.

[Amy K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novels in this series are highly readable, and I mean that as a compliment—engaging characters, interesting worldbuilding, compelling plots. I feel safe reading these as a total escape.

[Serena Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Lavington Windsor novels, and this is no exception!

[Polly · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a second volume which I found disappointing (or maybe just wasn't in the mood for), I found this book more in the spirit of the first in the series. Vampy fun.