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Prunella Pearce Mystery #2
Murders at the Montgomery Hall Hotel
A sleuthing librarian and her friends spend Halloween at a generations-old estate where they discover murder runs in the family . . .
Prunella Pearce, Bree, and the other ladies of the Winterbottom Women’s Institute are planning to spend Halloween at the Montgomery Hall Hotel murder-mystery weekend—just as the historical venue’s past comes back to haunt it.
The hotel is now in the incapable hands of Tarragon Montgomery, with its faltering finances overseen by elderly matriarch Cecily.
Meanwhile, the local actress hired to play Psychic Selma for the weekend has been replaced by an impostor. But who is she, and what is her agenda?
Pru and Bree have some experience solving mysteries, but as Montgomery Hall is engulfed by a storm and the bodies start piling up, they may need a little assistance from Pru’s delectable detective, Andy Barnes, in order to crack the case . . .
Prunella Pearce, Bree, and the other ladies of the Winterbottom Women’s Institute are planning to spend Halloween at the Montgomery Hall Hotel murder-mystery weekend—just as the historical venue’s past comes back to haunt it.
The hotel is now in the incapable hands of Tarragon Montgomery, with its faltering finances overseen by elderly matriarch Cecily.
Meanwhile, the local actress hired to play Psychic Selma for the weekend has been replaced by an impostor. But who is she, and what is her agenda?
Pru and Bree have some experience solving mysteries, but as Montgomery Hall is engulfed by a storm and the bodies start piling up, they may need a little assistance from Pru’s delectable detective, Andy Barnes, in order to crack the case . . .
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2022
102 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Gina Kirkham
12 books42 followersGina was born in the late 1950s to a mum who frequently abandoned her in a pram outside Woolworths and a dad who after two pints of beer could play a mean Boogie Woogie on the piano in the front room of their 3-bed semi on the Wirral. Being the less adventurous of three children, she remains there to this day - apart from a long weekend in Bognor Regis in 1982.
Her teenage years were filled with angst, a CSE in Arithmetic, raging pimples and Barry White. Marriage and motherhood ensued, followed by divorce in her early thirties and a desperate need for a career and some form of financial support for herself and her young daughter. Trundling a three-wheeled trike along a leafy path one wintry day, memories of her favourite author Enid Blyton, ginger beer and solving mysteries along with her lifelong passion to be a police officer, excitedly gave way to an epiphany. And thus began an enjoyable and fulfilling career with Merseyside Police.
On reaching an age most women lie about, she quickly adapted to retirement by utilising her policing skills to chase after two granddaughters, two dogs and one previously used, but still in excellent condition, husband. Having said goodbye to what had been a huge part of her life, she suddenly had another epiphany. This time it was to put pen to paper to write a book based on her experiences as a police officer. Lying in bed one night staring at the ceiling, Gina's alter-ego Mavis Upton was born, ready to star in a humorous and sometimes poignant look at the life, loves and career of an everyday girl who followed a dream and embarked upon a search for the missing piece of her childhood.
Her teenage years were filled with angst, a CSE in Arithmetic, raging pimples and Barry White. Marriage and motherhood ensued, followed by divorce in her early thirties and a desperate need for a career and some form of financial support for herself and her young daughter. Trundling a three-wheeled trike along a leafy path one wintry day, memories of her favourite author Enid Blyton, ginger beer and solving mysteries along with her lifelong passion to be a police officer, excitedly gave way to an epiphany. And thus began an enjoyable and fulfilling career with Merseyside Police.
On reaching an age most women lie about, she quickly adapted to retirement by utilising her policing skills to chase after two granddaughters, two dogs and one previously used, but still in excellent condition, husband. Having said goodbye to what had been a huge part of her life, she suddenly had another epiphany. This time it was to put pen to paper to write a book based on her experiences as a police officer. Lying in bed one night staring at the ceiling, Gina's alter-ego Mavis Upton was born, ready to star in a humorous and sometimes poignant look at the life, loves and career of an everyday girl who followed a dream and embarked upon a search for the missing piece of her childhood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 11, 2022
Publication Date: 14th Nov 2022
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Interesting premise but got a few misses
Librarian Prunella Pearce and her bestie Bree are all set to start a detective agency after their success in the previous case (book one). The duo and other ladies of the Winterbottom Women’s Institute go to Montgomery Hall Hotel for Halloween to enjoy a murder mystery weekend away from the village.
The hotel’s current owner Tarragon Montgomery is stuck between matriarch Cecily (who doesn’t want to make changes to the place) and his money-loving wife, Stephanie. As if things aren’t bad enough, there seems to be a thief at their barely surviving hotel.
Psychic Selma, who was to be a part of the murder mystery weekend, has been replaced by an impostor with an ulterior motive. With a raging storm outside and the Winterbottom women going wild (thanks to free-flowing booze), it’s up to Pru and Bree to solve the cases and determine if there’s a connection between the mysteries.
Can the duo repeat their success?
The story comes from multiple POVs.
What I Like:
The book works great as a standalone despite being the second in the series. The characters can be a bit confusing (continued in the next section), but the plot is independent.
The pacing is steady and consistent even when nothing seems to be happening. That’s hard to achieve in a book with 350+ pages, but here it keeps going without slowing down.
The mystery, as such, isn’t much. We can figure it out in the first quarter of the book. It’s more of ‘how will all these threads come together, and will the criminal be nabbed’ that keeps the reader moving.
The book is more of a chick-lit and family drama with murders thrown into the mix. Though that wasn’t what I expected, I readjusted my expectations and could enjoy the book (to an extent).
The scenes with the killer are decent and well done. They don’t delve into the darker side but show enough glimpses to create an impact.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
There are three ladies whose names start with C. Two of them stick together and are kinda bosom buddies (in many ways). This doesn’t help in remembering who is who, especially when all of them are loud.
I have no issues with old ladies lacking a filter or making sexual innuendo jokes. But there’s only so much I can read without rolling my eyes at the constant sex jokes (it doesn’t help that some of those went over my head). There’s a difference between older ladies speaking their minds and blabbering. I like the former kind, while the book has the latter. Also, I don’t particularly like the ladies being used as comic relief.
Humorous cozies are fun (I recently enjoyed a goofy book). However, here the slapstick comedy and the murders don’t gel completely in this book. The author can write (the book is very visual). It just wasn’t that good for me. I also see how this will make a great script for the screen (after editing). The comedy I found too much in the book can be appealing when enacted by people.
To summarize, Murders at the Montgomery Hall Hotel is the book for you if you like mindless comedy and jokes with a bunch of murders thrown into the mix. The cover is super cool, though.
Thank you, Bloodhound Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Interesting premise but got a few misses
Librarian Prunella Pearce and her bestie Bree are all set to start a detective agency after their success in the previous case (book one). The duo and other ladies of the Winterbottom Women’s Institute go to Montgomery Hall Hotel for Halloween to enjoy a murder mystery weekend away from the village.
The hotel’s current owner Tarragon Montgomery is stuck between matriarch Cecily (who doesn’t want to make changes to the place) and his money-loving wife, Stephanie. As if things aren’t bad enough, there seems to be a thief at their barely surviving hotel.
Psychic Selma, who was to be a part of the murder mystery weekend, has been replaced by an impostor with an ulterior motive. With a raging storm outside and the Winterbottom women going wild (thanks to free-flowing booze), it’s up to Pru and Bree to solve the cases and determine if there’s a connection between the mysteries.
Can the duo repeat their success?
The story comes from multiple POVs.
What I Like:
The book works great as a standalone despite being the second in the series. The characters can be a bit confusing (continued in the next section), but the plot is independent.
The pacing is steady and consistent even when nothing seems to be happening. That’s hard to achieve in a book with 350+ pages, but here it keeps going without slowing down.
The mystery, as such, isn’t much. We can figure it out in the first quarter of the book. It’s more of ‘how will all these threads come together, and will the criminal be nabbed’ that keeps the reader moving.
The book is more of a chick-lit and family drama with murders thrown into the mix. Though that wasn’t what I expected, I readjusted my expectations and could enjoy the book (to an extent).
The scenes with the killer are decent and well done. They don’t delve into the darker side but show enough glimpses to create an impact.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
There are three ladies whose names start with C. Two of them stick together and are kinda bosom buddies (in many ways). This doesn’t help in remembering who is who, especially when all of them are loud.
I have no issues with old ladies lacking a filter or making sexual innuendo jokes. But there’s only so much I can read without rolling my eyes at the constant sex jokes (it doesn’t help that some of those went over my head). There’s a difference between older ladies speaking their minds and blabbering. I like the former kind, while the book has the latter. Also, I don’t particularly like the ladies being used as comic relief.
Humorous cozies are fun (I recently enjoyed a goofy book). However, here the slapstick comedy and the murders don’t gel completely in this book. The author can write (the book is very visual). It just wasn’t that good for me. I also see how this will make a great script for the screen (after editing). The comedy I found too much in the book can be appealing when enacted by people.
To summarize, Murders at the Montgomery Hall Hotel is the book for you if you like mindless comedy and jokes with a bunch of murders thrown into the mix. The cover is super cool, though.
Thank you, Bloodhound Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
October 25, 2022
Prunella Pearce a librarian at the local village library in Winterbottom. She recently has seen some grisly murders by one of their own, so she decides to set up a part time detective agency with her best friend Bree Richards. They are also members of the Winterbottom WI.
Tarragon Montgomery is the owner of The Montgomery Hall Hotel. A family run hotel which has a checkered past of members of their own family cursed and died there. But recently, the hotel is in quite disrepair and expensive items have seemed to go missing. Prunella gets a call for the agencies first job to find out who is stealing things at the hotel. At the same time, there is a murder mystery weekend at the hotel which the Winterbottom WI agree to attend.
Meanwhile an actress due to play Psychic Selma at the weekend, is taken over by an imposter. Who are they and what do they want? So, WI arrive at the hotel and attend the Murder mystery night. Instead of actors/actress acting out some people being murdered. Real dead bodies are piling up. Who is doing this and why? There is a race against time before more bodies turn up.
Thank you, Bloodhound books, for a copy of Murders at the Montgomery Hotel by Gina Kirkham. This is the first Cozy mystery novel I have read and from the author. I didn’t realise that there have been other books written with these characters previously, but you can read this as a standalone novel. I found this to have an interesting premise of a Locked room mystery and had a tense spooky feel to it. The thing that let it down for me is the too many sexual innuendos in the story and the author trying to make it like a slapstick comedy but unfortunately, it didn’t do it for me. I didn’t think it was funny. 3 stars from me.
February 13, 2023
Quite a good book will read more by this author.
January 17, 2023
This is book two of Prunella Pierce mystery series, but it can be read as a standalone. The story takes place at the Montgomery hotel which is an ancient hotel that has been passed down thru generations of Montgomery’s. The Montgomery family has a tragic history and many secrets. During Halloween weekend Prince, Bree, their group of friends, and a group of actors are staying at the Montgomery for a murder mystery event unaware of how many murders will really occur.
I found this story to be a funny, with many characters and murder mystery. I found the story to be well written and it reminded me of the board games guess who? And the movie Knives out. Towards the end you find out that there’s more then two people involved in the murders.
It was definitely a light story with fun characters. I really enjoyed it and looking forward to the next one.
I found this story to be a funny, with many characters and murder mystery. I found the story to be well written and it reminded me of the board games guess who? And the movie Knives out. Towards the end you find out that there’s more then two people involved in the murders.
It was definitely a light story with fun characters. I really enjoyed it and looking forward to the next one.
July 17, 2025
I reviewed the first audiobook in this series on my audio book platform, and I have notes after listening to the second one, too. Are you ready? Here we go:
First off, this is an interesting book written by an ex-police officer whose debut novel was published in 2017, if my research skills are any good. Offering a general plot and scenery that resembles other Classical British Murder Mysteries, the author’s MO, which I already did not quite subscribe to in the first book of the series, has largely remained the same (which can be a good thing, provided that it works): As was the case with the first book, this second book in the Prunella Pearce series starts with a rather confusing flashback to the childhood memories and bad deeds of an unknown character, only to then cut to the present in Winterbottom, and continue third-person narrating from multiple POVs while we accompany the main and support characters, as well as the murderer on their respective adventures and (mis-)deeds.
So far, so similar.
Listening to the book was somewhat pleasant, and I even found myself getting invested in the narrative towards the end, but it ultimately fell flat and suffered from the same problems as the first book: the dramatic arc was struggling to take off, and it just wasn’t dev-edited properly (or carefully) enough. What also kept me from immersing myself into the narrative was its near-complete lack of professional proofreading! Maybe this is an issue exclusive to the audio book, but I am specifically referring to one part where one of the characters has an inner monologue and counts out a list with five elements about some topic or other. Instead of counting the list from 1 to 5, the audio goes: “One: ..., one: ..., then one: ..., one: ..., and finally one: ...”.
There were other parts where read-out errors rudely tore my brain away from the world of Prunella Pearce, but this particular error stuck with me like a sore bum after sitting for too long. For a moment, I wondered if AI had gotten the best of the narrator. I genuinely would have expected the narrator to raise that blatant error, because that isn't just a minor error that can be snuck past listeners – it is incredibly jarring.
I will not be belabour the next issue too much, though it needs to be said: The characters are all incredibly one-dimensional, and at times, entirely implausible. What craftsperson worth their salt pronounces “crochet” [ˈkʰɹʷəʉʃeɪ̯] as “crotch” [kʰɹʷɔt͡ʃ]?:
I have been crocheting and knitting for over 12 years, and I have never heard any other crafter string together a sentence remotely close to that. As a matter of fact, one does not need to unpick crochet carefully; the nice thing about it is that it’s worked with a single hook, holding only one single live stitch at any given time, and so there is no risk of dropping one’s stitches or the work being too delicate to move.
Okay, maybe I will be harping on the issue of one-dimensionality a bit more: what is the deal with the eldest members of the Winterbottom Women’s Institute’s ladies being exclusively inappropriate with everything they say towards almost anyone; so inappropriate, in fact, that it borders on sexual harassment‽
I celebrate the depiction of older individuals as people with sexual interests past and present, and I applaud each and every author who does not regale readers with the tiresome cliché of the dithering old lady who wants nothing but a sherry and bedtime by 6pm, but Ms Kirkham has rather overshot the mark and almost made their female elderly characters feel as repulsive as a lecherous man who is too liberal with the placement of his hands. The sexual innuendos never seem to end, and that seems to be the entirety of Ethel’s personality.
On a positive note, there was one plot twist in the end that rendered this book more interesting than the first in the series – even though one moment of foreshadowing made the twist a bit too obvious. While I am happy about this additional interest that the narrative exhibited, this follows the exact same “recipe” as the first book in the series. Also, just like the twist in the last book, I got the unshakeable feeling of this aforementioned plot twist having been added to the narrative as but a half-hearted afterthought, to serve as a means for quelling the comments of people like myself who objected to the first book’s lack of excitement and actual mystery.
Stepping back from my nit-picks, though, I have to admit, Gina Kirkham’s second book in the Prunella Pearce series is not too bad. And even though my review is admittedly not singing the book’s highest praises, I do genuinely love the ideas of the author and the general outline of the plot and the characters. I would not have listened to the second book if I did not like some parts of the first! I hope, if the author ever reads this review, she is not disheartened by my review. Her writing has given me some nice relaxing hours outside while walking my flatmate’s dogs!
So, we knew whodunit almost from the get-go, so what? We did not know their true identity or motives, which seems to be the perspective from which the author likes to approach mystery books! On another, unrelated note:
I previously said that I would give this book series a second chance after the first book, and I have. I still have not made up my mind though; I think I need to listen to the third book in the series to find out whether my opinion will remain as it is, or whether the quality of the narrative and, especially, the editing and proofreading will improve! I sincerely hope so, because the stories set in Winterbottom exhibit a very promising basis for great entertainment! I just wish the characters had more depth and substance to them.
First off, this is an interesting book written by an ex-police officer whose debut novel was published in 2017, if my research skills are any good. Offering a general plot and scenery that resembles other Classical British Murder Mysteries, the author’s MO, which I already did not quite subscribe to in the first book of the series, has largely remained the same (which can be a good thing, provided that it works): As was the case with the first book, this second book in the Prunella Pearce series starts with a rather confusing flashback to the childhood memories and bad deeds of an unknown character, only to then cut to the present in Winterbottom, and continue third-person narrating from multiple POVs while we accompany the main and support characters, as well as the murderer on their respective adventures and (mis-)deeds.
So far, so similar.
Listening to the book was somewhat pleasant, and I even found myself getting invested in the narrative towards the end, but it ultimately fell flat and suffered from the same problems as the first book: the dramatic arc was struggling to take off, and it just wasn’t dev-edited properly (or carefully) enough. What also kept me from immersing myself into the narrative was its near-complete lack of professional proofreading! Maybe this is an issue exclusive to the audio book, but I am specifically referring to one part where one of the characters has an inner monologue and counts out a list with five elements about some topic or other. Instead of counting the list from 1 to 5, the audio goes: “One: ..., one: ..., then one: ..., one: ..., and finally one: ...”.
There were other parts where read-out errors rudely tore my brain away from the world of Prunella Pearce, but this particular error stuck with me like a sore bum after sitting for too long. For a moment, I wondered if AI had gotten the best of the narrator. I genuinely would have expected the narrator to raise that blatant error, because that isn't just a minor error that can be snuck past listeners – it is incredibly jarring.
I will not be belabour the next issue too much, though it needs to be said: The characters are all incredibly one-dimensional, and at times, entirely implausible. What craftsperson worth their salt pronounces “crochet” [ˈkʰɹʷəʉʃeɪ̯] as “crotch” [kʰɹʷɔt͡ʃ]?:
‘You promised me the window seat on the way back’, grumbled Hilda. She stood in the aisle, adjusting her hearing aids. Brenda remained firmly ensconced in the seat in question: ‘You’ll have to wait! I am just trying to unpick my crotch; it’s got a big hole in it.’ Brenda held up her latest work in mulberry and gray three-ply, the wool hanging from the needle. ‘I wouldnt advertise that too loudly, my dear.’
I have been crocheting and knitting for over 12 years, and I have never heard any other crafter string together a sentence remotely close to that. As a matter of fact, one does not need to unpick crochet carefully; the nice thing about it is that it’s worked with a single hook, holding only one single live stitch at any given time, and so there is no risk of dropping one’s stitches or the work being too delicate to move.
Okay, maybe I will be harping on the issue of one-dimensionality a bit more: what is the deal with the eldest members of the Winterbottom Women’s Institute’s ladies being exclusively inappropriate with everything they say towards almost anyone; so inappropriate, in fact, that it borders on sexual harassment‽
I celebrate the depiction of older individuals as people with sexual interests past and present, and I applaud each and every author who does not regale readers with the tiresome cliché of the dithering old lady who wants nothing but a sherry and bedtime by 6pm, but Ms Kirkham has rather overshot the mark and almost made their female elderly characters feel as repulsive as a lecherous man who is too liberal with the placement of his hands. The sexual innuendos never seem to end, and that seems to be the entirety of Ethel’s personality.
On a positive note, there was one plot twist in the end that rendered this book more interesting than the first in the series – even though one moment of foreshadowing made the twist a bit too obvious. While I am happy about this additional interest that the narrative exhibited, this follows the exact same “recipe” as the first book in the series. Also, just like the twist in the last book, I got the unshakeable feeling of this aforementioned plot twist having been added to the narrative as but a half-hearted afterthought, to serve as a means for quelling the comments of people like myself who objected to the first book’s lack of excitement and actual mystery.
Stepping back from my nit-picks, though, I have to admit, Gina Kirkham’s second book in the Prunella Pearce series is not too bad. And even though my review is admittedly not singing the book’s highest praises, I do genuinely love the ideas of the author and the general outline of the plot and the characters. I would not have listened to the second book if I did not like some parts of the first! I hope, if the author ever reads this review, she is not disheartened by my review. Her writing has given me some nice relaxing hours outside while walking my flatmate’s dogs!
So, we knew whodunit almost from the get-go, so what? We did not know their true identity or motives, which seems to be the perspective from which the author likes to approach mystery books! On another, unrelated note:
I previously said that I would give this book series a second chance after the first book, and I have. I still have not made up my mind though; I think I need to listen to the third book in the series to find out whether my opinion will remain as it is, or whether the quality of the narrative and, especially, the editing and proofreading will improve! I sincerely hope so, because the stories set in Winterbottom exhibit a very promising basis for great entertainment! I just wish the characters had more depth and substance to them.
November 10, 2025
Overall I liked The Murders at Montgomery Hall. It’s not as cleverly told as the first book though. The humour is sharp, and the tone has a playful warmth to it. The chapters from the murderer’s perspective were well done. The voice is unnervingly calm and self-justifying, which creates some genuinely chilling moments. Also, I really love the characters of Prunella and Bree, they are great fun, along with a few of the ladies from the WI who stood out from the first book as well - Ethel being my favourite.
However…I did feel there were far too many characters, though. There are quite a few similar names to hold in mind, and several have similar personalities, so I often had to pause and work out who was being referred to. The addition of the theatre company also felt unnecessary. I don’t think they contributed much to the core mystery, and I suspect the story would have been cleaner, clearer, and just as atmospheric if the event had simply been a Halloween psychic night. As it stands, they mostly added confusion rather than depth.
And I cannot ignore the overuse of the word “delicious.” It come up very often and in several different contexts. I listened to the audiobook and found myself rolling my eyes every time it came up by the end. Once I noticed it, I couldn’t un-notice it. For me, it became distracting and pulled me out of the narrative rhythm. It definitely seems like a stylistic tic, and I hope the author moves away from this in the next book! There are plenty of other adjectives to choose from…
The biggest problem for me was the ending. Daniel dies trapped in the hidden chamber, but the police do not know this, and they do not know where the room is. Prunella never tells Andy about the “door” shape she found nor about the key! So from Andy’s perspective, the murderer MUST have escaped or has simply vanished. In a realistic scenario, this would trigger a full manhunt and significant professional consequences for Andy. That would be the second mass murder he has let slip through his fingers.
However, the book ends immediately, without explaining any of the investigation or recovery that would logically follow. The emotional resolution is lacking, but procedural resolution is a bit infuriating. And I have no idea how a self-respecting detective who lost a murderer, would still be in the mood to celebrate and propose to his girlfriend? This bit just felt very forced unfortunately.
To sum it up, I did enjoy the atmosphere, the humour, and the chilling murderer’s perspective. I just felt the story would have been stronger with fewer characters, less distraction from superfluous side plots like the inner dynamics of the theatre troupe, and a more coherent follow-through at the end to match the strength of the setup.
I’ll definitely read the next one, though! Book 1 was so good that it’s held up my interest in the series even though this one was a little chaotic.
However…I did feel there were far too many characters, though. There are quite a few similar names to hold in mind, and several have similar personalities, so I often had to pause and work out who was being referred to. The addition of the theatre company also felt unnecessary. I don’t think they contributed much to the core mystery, and I suspect the story would have been cleaner, clearer, and just as atmospheric if the event had simply been a Halloween psychic night. As it stands, they mostly added confusion rather than depth.
And I cannot ignore the overuse of the word “delicious.” It come up very often and in several different contexts. I listened to the audiobook and found myself rolling my eyes every time it came up by the end. Once I noticed it, I couldn’t un-notice it. For me, it became distracting and pulled me out of the narrative rhythm. It definitely seems like a stylistic tic, and I hope the author moves away from this in the next book! There are plenty of other adjectives to choose from…
The biggest problem for me was the ending. Daniel dies trapped in the hidden chamber, but the police do not know this, and they do not know where the room is. Prunella never tells Andy about the “door” shape she found nor about the key! So from Andy’s perspective, the murderer MUST have escaped or has simply vanished. In a realistic scenario, this would trigger a full manhunt and significant professional consequences for Andy. That would be the second mass murder he has let slip through his fingers.
However, the book ends immediately, without explaining any of the investigation or recovery that would logically follow. The emotional resolution is lacking, but procedural resolution is a bit infuriating. And I have no idea how a self-respecting detective who lost a murderer, would still be in the mood to celebrate and propose to his girlfriend? This bit just felt very forced unfortunately.
To sum it up, I did enjoy the atmosphere, the humour, and the chilling murderer’s perspective. I just felt the story would have been stronger with fewer characters, less distraction from superfluous side plots like the inner dynamics of the theatre troupe, and a more coherent follow-through at the end to match the strength of the setup.
I’ll definitely read the next one, though! Book 1 was so good that it’s held up my interest in the series even though this one was a little chaotic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2024
Prunella Pearce, librarian, has been elected as president of the Winterbottom Women's Institute, and part of her duties is planning weekend getaways for the ladies, most of whom are elderly, with a few exceptions such as Pru and her friend Bree.
Since the two friends have just opened their detective agency, they are happy to receive their first case -- Tarragon Montgomery wants them to find out who is nicking pieces of the household. Since they are going to be there anyway, they book a weekend for the ladies for a murder-mystery by a local set of actors. There's going to be a psychic, and that's a plus. It's also going to be Halloween weekend, so the ladies are looking forward to a mystery hunt as well.
When they arrive on the beginnings of what appears to be a bad storm, what can be better? Except that Pru can't reach her boyfriend, the delectable detective Andy Barnes, who is on a case in another town. Without cell power, they're stuck here. Which wouldn't be so bad if there wasn't a murder...or two...or three..or...
I read the first book in this series and I was pleased with it. This is not a typical cozy, as while there is no sex, there certainly is a lot of innuendo, and not just by the younger ladies. The elders can hold their own in that department. Just letting you know...
I was intrigued by the fact that while the bodies do start piling up, there are some gruesome doings along with it. Poor Tarragon is saddled with a greedy wife and son, and his longtime butler Smithers is the one holding everything together. But the show must go on, and even with the heavy bickering between the actors, it does. Just not the way they expected...
I thought the plot was done nicely, giving us a chance to try and figure everything out. It actually didn't come together until almost the end of the book, which isn't a bad thing, as you have a nice mystery to sink your teeth into and try and figure out. Even when the rain clears there is still things to be sorted, and the confusion doesn't end for DI Barnes even then.
But it does all come together, and while the ending is definitely a surprise, it is also quite satisifying to read. I didn't feel that justice wasn't done, because it was; and I did like how it all turned out. Recommended.
Since the two friends have just opened their detective agency, they are happy to receive their first case -- Tarragon Montgomery wants them to find out who is nicking pieces of the household. Since they are going to be there anyway, they book a weekend for the ladies for a murder-mystery by a local set of actors. There's going to be a psychic, and that's a plus. It's also going to be Halloween weekend, so the ladies are looking forward to a mystery hunt as well.
When they arrive on the beginnings of what appears to be a bad storm, what can be better? Except that Pru can't reach her boyfriend, the delectable detective Andy Barnes, who is on a case in another town. Without cell power, they're stuck here. Which wouldn't be so bad if there wasn't a murder...or two...or three..or...
I read the first book in this series and I was pleased with it. This is not a typical cozy, as while there is no sex, there certainly is a lot of innuendo, and not just by the younger ladies. The elders can hold their own in that department. Just letting you know...
I was intrigued by the fact that while the bodies do start piling up, there are some gruesome doings along with it. Poor Tarragon is saddled with a greedy wife and son, and his longtime butler Smithers is the one holding everything together. But the show must go on, and even with the heavy bickering between the actors, it does. Just not the way they expected...
I thought the plot was done nicely, giving us a chance to try and figure everything out. It actually didn't come together until almost the end of the book, which isn't a bad thing, as you have a nice mystery to sink your teeth into and try and figure out. Even when the rain clears there is still things to be sorted, and the confusion doesn't end for DI Barnes even then.
But it does all come together, and while the ending is definitely a surprise, it is also quite satisifying to read. I didn't feel that justice wasn't done, because it was; and I did like how it all turned out. Recommended.
December 6, 2022
I admit I'm officially a fan of these books but I do feel to get the best of this book, you must read the first one The murders at the Winterbottom Women's Institute.
Once you have all the Characters in your head you actually start believing that you are in the story looking in.
I have certain disabilities which cause difficulties in reading books so I have listened to the audible version first.
I have been so excited waiting for the Montgomery Hall to come out and wow it was worth the wait.
I've listened to the audio version but I had to read the book too.
I found myself putting it on in the car, using my ear buds in my garden and then when cleaning the house. Could not put it down as I was waiting to see what's going to happen next...
There was no disappointment there either.
You do have to have a good sense of humour and realise that it's not true.
It reminds me of a good Agatha Christie with many humerous aspects added in to it.
I found it very easy to follow the characters and looked forward to what came next.
This is just my opinion but I'm sad that people can give poor reviews without giving their reasons for doing so.
Surely they read what it's about before they purchase it. If people put 1 or 2 stats but don't explain what they didn't like, it doesn't help other readers or the authors.
All constructive criticism is good and does help me decide what to read and what to not purchase.
If you don't like an addictive, funny and unusual murder mysteries, either read these books with an open mind expecting WI capers or choose something else.
I'm so glad I've read these books as it's got me reading again and it lightens my day.
Thankyou Mrs Kirkham and more please!..... 🙏🏼
Once you have all the Characters in your head you actually start believing that you are in the story looking in.
I have certain disabilities which cause difficulties in reading books so I have listened to the audible version first.
I have been so excited waiting for the Montgomery Hall to come out and wow it was worth the wait.
I've listened to the audio version but I had to read the book too.
I found myself putting it on in the car, using my ear buds in my garden and then when cleaning the house. Could not put it down as I was waiting to see what's going to happen next...
There was no disappointment there either.
You do have to have a good sense of humour and realise that it's not true.
It reminds me of a good Agatha Christie with many humerous aspects added in to it.
I found it very easy to follow the characters and looked forward to what came next.
This is just my opinion but I'm sad that people can give poor reviews without giving their reasons for doing so.
Surely they read what it's about before they purchase it. If people put 1 or 2 stats but don't explain what they didn't like, it doesn't help other readers or the authors.
All constructive criticism is good and does help me decide what to read and what to not purchase.
If you don't like an addictive, funny and unusual murder mysteries, either read these books with an open mind expecting WI capers or choose something else.
I'm so glad I've read these books as it's got me reading again and it lightens my day.
Thankyou Mrs Kirkham and more please!..... 🙏🏼
January 16, 2023
I was so happy to be back with Prunella and the women from the Winterbottom Womens Institute for another rip roaring adventure.
I loved seeing more of the characters and how they had developed in the second book as well as the inclusion of some new and equally hunourous characters. I am just gonna say it the character names are EVERYTHING iun this book and never failed to out a smile on my face.
I loved Ethel, she reminds me so much of me. Anyone who knows me will know I often get words wrong and get myself into many a fix and I was totally here for her. I am also THAT girl who would be horrified that a virgin had been handed a bacon sandwich and loudly state that it wasn't appropriate, only for one of my friends to reply equally horrified that she was a vegan. I found her so relatable - i think she is my soul sister.
I loved it and it would have been 5 stars but I guessed the end twist, I still loved it though
I loved seeing more of the characters and how they had developed in the second book as well as the inclusion of some new and equally hunourous characters. I am just gonna say it the character names are EVERYTHING iun this book and never failed to out a smile on my face.
I loved Ethel, she reminds me so much of me. Anyone who knows me will know I often get words wrong and get myself into many a fix and I was totally here for her. I am also THAT girl who would be horrified that a virgin had been handed a bacon sandwich and loudly state that it wasn't appropriate, only for one of my friends to reply equally horrified that she was a vegan. I found her so relatable - i think she is my soul sister.
I loved it and it would have been 5 stars but I guessed the end twist, I still loved it though
January 19, 2023
Librarian turned amateur detective, Prunella Pearce, and her motley crew of Women’s Institute ladies pack their bags to enjoy a murder mystery weekend away at Montgomery Hall. But they get a bit more than they bargained for with a manic serial killer (or two) on the loose…
Although this is the second book in the Prunella Pearce Mystery series it can be easily read as a standalone.
I absolutely adored the WI ladies & their easy going friendships with each other, I can only hope I’m half that fun at that age! But I did find myself eye-rolling at the numerous cheesy sexual innuendos - a bit too many for my liking.
I enjoyed exploring the spooky Montgomery Hall with the characters from multiple POVs. Although unfortunately the plot was lacking slightly for me & I had figured out the “mysterious” murderer under halfway through the book.
All in all a very easy read which kept me entertained throughout, I think I will be joining Pru on her next murder mystery adventure! 🕵🏼♀️
Thank you to author Gina Kirkham and Bloodhound Publishing for the e-arc of this book.
Although this is the second book in the Prunella Pearce Mystery series it can be easily read as a standalone.
I absolutely adored the WI ladies & their easy going friendships with each other, I can only hope I’m half that fun at that age! But I did find myself eye-rolling at the numerous cheesy sexual innuendos - a bit too many for my liking.
I enjoyed exploring the spooky Montgomery Hall with the characters from multiple POVs. Although unfortunately the plot was lacking slightly for me & I had figured out the “mysterious” murderer under halfway through the book.
All in all a very easy read which kept me entertained throughout, I think I will be joining Pru on her next murder mystery adventure! 🕵🏼♀️
Thank you to author Gina Kirkham and Bloodhound Publishing for the e-arc of this book.
January 19, 2023
This murder mystery is akin to Midsomer Murders
There are deaths aplenty, dark humour, an over the top plot and characters.
Pru is back this time the part time Winterbottom librarian and now started a detective agency with best friend Bree. Also Chair of the village W.I
It's decided that they would attend a Psychic Murder Mystery weekend there. Upon check in all the characters arrive, drinks are flowing, storms brew family secrets full of unpleasant characters.. I mean what's the worst that could happen
There is a bit of time hopping in this book but it doesn't detract from the present day story, they work side by side well.
Once the murders start happening they come aplenty. I will say there is a scene involving two young children in the Prologue that some may find distressing.
There is definitely murder in the Montgomery Hotel and out of it two.
This is definitely a worthy sequel for Pru.
There are deaths aplenty, dark humour, an over the top plot and characters.
Pru is back this time the part time Winterbottom librarian and now started a detective agency with best friend Bree. Also Chair of the village W.I
It's decided that they would attend a Psychic Murder Mystery weekend there. Upon check in all the characters arrive, drinks are flowing, storms brew family secrets full of unpleasant characters.. I mean what's the worst that could happen
There is a bit of time hopping in this book but it doesn't detract from the present day story, they work side by side well.
Once the murders start happening they come aplenty. I will say there is a scene involving two young children in the Prologue that some may find distressing.
There is definitely murder in the Montgomery Hotel and out of it two.
This is definitely a worthy sequel for Pru.
January 20, 2023
This is a brilliant whodunnit murder mystery. It’s quite interesting to see the POV of the murderer who isn’t who everybody thinks they are and there are also so many other hidden characters.
The plot is great and I loved following all the different perspectives. It gives a depth to this book that you rarely see.
I know this is a second book in a series and while it can be read a stand alone, I would have liked to have read the first book first as I feel the characters would have been more familiar to me. But still, the characters are brilliant and humorous and a bit nutty at times. Of course, there’s a few psychopaths in the mix as well, but everybody made the book better and funnier. And although, I had my guess of who the murderer was, the ending still surprised me.
All in all, a brilliant murder mystery and I will now go read the first book in the series!
*Free copy received from Love Books Tours for a book tour and review
The plot is great and I loved following all the different perspectives. It gives a depth to this book that you rarely see.
I know this is a second book in a series and while it can be read a stand alone, I would have liked to have read the first book first as I feel the characters would have been more familiar to me. But still, the characters are brilliant and humorous and a bit nutty at times. Of course, there’s a few psychopaths in the mix as well, but everybody made the book better and funnier. And although, I had my guess of who the murderer was, the ending still surprised me.
All in all, a brilliant murder mystery and I will now go read the first book in the series!
*Free copy received from Love Books Tours for a book tour and review
January 25, 2023
4.5
Another Prunella Pearce Mystery that will keep you guessing until the end and also keep you laughing.
It can’t be easy to combine humour and murder but Gina Kirkham does it, and she does it very well! I’m always laughing while reading her books and at the same time I’m on the edge of my seat.
The characters are written so perfectly. They all have so much personality and add so much to the story. There isn’t a character who isn’t written well. The main characters also show great development, not only from the first book to this one, but also throughout the book.
The story line is so interesting. I love when stories go back to personal or family history to build up to the current time and everything sort of clicks right where it should. This is something I really enjoyed in the Prunella Pearce Mystery book series. I’m really looking forward to any future books in this series!
There were a few spelling and grammatical mistakes in this, other than that I loved it.
Another Prunella Pearce Mystery that will keep you guessing until the end and also keep you laughing.
It can’t be easy to combine humour and murder but Gina Kirkham does it, and she does it very well! I’m always laughing while reading her books and at the same time I’m on the edge of my seat.
The characters are written so perfectly. They all have so much personality and add so much to the story. There isn’t a character who isn’t written well. The main characters also show great development, not only from the first book to this one, but also throughout the book.
The story line is so interesting. I love when stories go back to personal or family history to build up to the current time and everything sort of clicks right where it should. This is something I really enjoyed in the Prunella Pearce Mystery book series. I’m really looking forward to any future books in this series!
There were a few spelling and grammatical mistakes in this, other than that I loved it.
January 19, 2023
This is the second book in the series, but contains lots of exposition so can be read as a stand alone story (characters and aspects of first book are explained!)
“Cosy crime” seems like a juxtaposition, but this book truly is both of these things! A murder mystery, alongside the lovely relationships between the WI women and Pru and her handsome detective boyfriend Andy.
It’s a fun story to unravel and unpack, with certain aspects I guessed early on but others… well I was shocked so no spoilers! Would love to read more by this author, and thoroughly enjoyed going on this cluedo style adventure. (Gifted by Love Book Tours in exchange for an honest review-4.5 stars ✨).
“Cosy crime” seems like a juxtaposition, but this book truly is both of these things! A murder mystery, alongside the lovely relationships between the WI women and Pru and her handsome detective boyfriend Andy.
It’s a fun story to unravel and unpack, with certain aspects I guessed early on but others… well I was shocked so no spoilers! Would love to read more by this author, and thoroughly enjoyed going on this cluedo style adventure. (Gifted by Love Book Tours in exchange for an honest review-4.5 stars ✨).
January 18, 2023
Gina Kirkham has done it again! I absolutely adore the mismatched ladies of Winterbottom and their hysterical antics! The things they say will have you in stitches, the multiple Murders will have you gasping, wondering who the killer could be! I love the Pru and Andy storyline and can’t wait for more! This is the second book in the series, and the fun never seems to end. You will love the endearing characters, their lack of filter, and all of the double entendres… all from the mouths of sassy senior citizens! I could not put this down!
November 18, 2022
Excellence personified
Another triumph for Gina that did not disappoint. I was aghast at her descriptive writing and left breathless and crying with laughter numerous times. Gina is an eloquent raconteur in person and ,thankfully for the reader, a brilliant writer too. Thank you Gina.
Another triumph for Gina that did not disappoint. I was aghast at her descriptive writing and left breathless and crying with laughter numerous times. Gina is an eloquent raconteur in person and ,thankfully for the reader, a brilliant writer too. Thank you Gina.
February 7, 2023
What a fun read!
This book was hilarious, and I could not stop chuckling as I sped through it. It had everything I love in a cosy mystery - a very quirky girl gang, an ancient home owned by an ancient family hiding secrets, and lots of murder and mayhem... The Halloween setting was just perfect for everything that unfolds.
Though this book worked as a standalone, I wish I'd read Book1 too.
This book was hilarious, and I could not stop chuckling as I sped through it. It had everything I love in a cosy mystery - a very quirky girl gang, an ancient home owned by an ancient family hiding secrets, and lots of murder and mayhem... The Halloween setting was just perfect for everything that unfolds.
Though this book worked as a standalone, I wish I'd read Book1 too.
May 28, 2023
Less drinking
Well, at least they talked about sitting down to drink quite as much. It was obvious who the killer was. It was obvious who the Watcher was. I find the killer being able to get around and no one being the wiser hard to believe. And I realize it is necessary but must Pru always keep stuff to herself and end up nearly dying?
Well, at least they talked about sitting down to drink quite as much. It was obvious who the killer was. It was obvious who the Watcher was. I find the killer being able to get around and no one being the wiser hard to believe. And I realize it is necessary but must Pru always keep stuff to herself and end up nearly dying?
August 14, 2025
I felt I had no choice but to give it 2 stars and felt generous. It is one of the most difficult books to finish for me. I didnot enjoy it at all, it failed to 'grasp' me and I was boreed. I haveno interest in reading any others in this series and have deleted it from my library For me, it was an utter disaster.
February 5, 2026
A cozy mystery. Pru and Bree start a private investigation business. They are hired to figure out who is stealing items from a manor house that has been turned into a hotel. The secondary story tells of the background of the manor family and their misfortune with untimely deaths. These two themes are woven together throughout this story. There were a lot of characters to follow in this book.
December 31, 2022
Funny, risqué, easy to read, likeable characters especially if you're familiar with village life and WI 'types'!
Quirky sleuthing story set in a storm at Halloween in a spooky old stately home- all the right ingredients for a great whodunit.
Quirky sleuthing story set in a storm at Halloween in a spooky old stately home- all the right ingredients for a great whodunit.
November 22, 2023
A good read
Once again the adventures of Pru and Bree lead to murder and mayhem, as they go on the village murder weekend. I liked the mix of humour and drama, with some laugh out loud scenes . An engaging set of characters added to the enjoyment.
Once again the adventures of Pru and Bree lead to murder and mayhem, as they go on the village murder weekend. I liked the mix of humour and drama, with some laugh out loud scenes . An engaging set of characters added to the enjoyment.
January 16, 2025
I love the humour in this series of books several times laughing out loud. I highly recommend all books by Gina , she is a talented, very funny author. The narrator is also excellent. I have another this series to listen to and , I very much there are more to come
July 4, 2025
A “fun” and engaging read.
If you are not afraid of a mystery with multiple murders, then this is a ‘fun” and engaging mystery. I enjoyed the eclectic characters and the twists and turns of the plot and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
If you are not afraid of a mystery with multiple murders, then this is a ‘fun” and engaging mystery. I enjoyed the eclectic characters and the twists and turns of the plot and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 5, 2022
Appalling rubbish
Poor writing, vacuous characters, and entirely bereft of any humour. Not worth reading, even if it were free of charge.
Not worth buying at any price.
Poor writing, vacuous characters, and entirely bereft of any humour. Not worth reading, even if it were free of charge.
Not worth buying at any price.
February 11, 2023
Brilliant
This is a laugh out loud book enjoyed every minute loved the w.i. ladies Will definitely read more of their adventures
This is a laugh out loud book enjoyed every minute loved the w.i. ladies Will definitely read more of their adventures
May 25, 2023
The plot and action reminded me of an old Whitehall farce, but was redeemed by the unexpected ending.
July 7, 2023
Not awful…. Not really that good… but better than having a hive of bees sting my ear lobe.
September 21, 2023
After the previous book, first of this series, Pru and Bree are forming a detective agency and their first job is to investigate the rash of thefts that have taken place at Montgomery Hall Hotel. It is very handy that the ladies of Winterbottom W.I., of whom they are a part, have chosen to attend a murder mystery weekend at the hotel as this will give them an excellent cover story.
Along with the murder mystery which is played out with a local acting group the hotel have organised for Psychic Stella to perform over the weekend. Tarragon is the owner of Montgomery Hall Hotel but it is his wife, Stephanie, that has organised the events. They really need the weekend to go well as the Hall is in need of work and finances are not very good. Cecily the family matriarch oversees the finances. Bentley, Tarragon and Stephanie’s son it seems is always in need of money doesn’t help the situation.
Andy, a DS in the police and Pru’s partner, along with his colleague Lucy, a DC, are assigned to another forces investigation. The weather is bad and it is difficult for Andy and Pru to keep in touch. They are finishing their time with this investigation when Andy gets a garbled and worrying text from Pru. He and Lucy don’t hesitate and are soon making their way to the Montgomery Hall Hotel.
In this delightful book murders are mounting up and there are a number of mysteries to be resolved. Is there a lost fortune hidden in Montgomery Hall? Who is killing off the Montgomery heirs? Are Pru and Bree in danger? Can Pru and Bree find the thief? Can they find the killer?
If you like your murder mystery reading with a hearty measure of humour, wonderful characters and plots to die for then Murders at the Montgomery Hall Hotel is for you.
I read these books for the excellent cosy mystery novels that they are.
Book: Purchased
Along with the murder mystery which is played out with a local acting group the hotel have organised for Psychic Stella to perform over the weekend. Tarragon is the owner of Montgomery Hall Hotel but it is his wife, Stephanie, that has organised the events. They really need the weekend to go well as the Hall is in need of work and finances are not very good. Cecily the family matriarch oversees the finances. Bentley, Tarragon and Stephanie’s son it seems is always in need of money doesn’t help the situation.
Andy, a DS in the police and Pru’s partner, along with his colleague Lucy, a DC, are assigned to another forces investigation. The weather is bad and it is difficult for Andy and Pru to keep in touch. They are finishing their time with this investigation when Andy gets a garbled and worrying text from Pru. He and Lucy don’t hesitate and are soon making their way to the Montgomery Hall Hotel.
In this delightful book murders are mounting up and there are a number of mysteries to be resolved. Is there a lost fortune hidden in Montgomery Hall? Who is killing off the Montgomery heirs? Are Pru and Bree in danger? Can Pru and Bree find the thief? Can they find the killer?
If you like your murder mystery reading with a hearty measure of humour, wonderful characters and plots to die for then Murders at the Montgomery Hall Hotel is for you.
I read these books for the excellent cosy mystery novels that they are.
Book: Purchased
October 8, 2023
Fabulous Read
This book is the best I have read in years. Good story
line, great characters and very entertaining. Thoroughly recommend
This book is the best I have read in years. Good story
line, great characters and very entertaining. Thoroughly recommend
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