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The Martha Miller Mysteries #3
Death at Lovers' Leap
Westleham Village 1948
As Valentine's Day rolls around, Martha Miller finds herself unusually melancholy at the state of her own love life. With husband Stan still missing and with her growing feelings for Vicar Luke still shrouded in secrecy, there’s only one place Martha can go - famous local beauty spot, Lovers' Leap.
Legend has it that those with a broken heart throw themselves off the bridge that spans the river, but Martha is certainly not about to do such a thing! But it looks like someone else has had other ideas….
Because there in the river, Martha finds a body. But is this misadventure, a moment of lovesick madness, or is foul play afoot?
Martha knows one thing…the villagers of Westleham have another crime to solve!
Let the investigation commence!
Find out if Martha and Luke can catch the killer in a brand new Martha Miller mystery from bestselling author Catherine Coles.
Perfect for fans of Lee Strauss and Beth Byers!
As Valentine's Day rolls around, Martha Miller finds herself unusually melancholy at the state of her own love life. With husband Stan still missing and with her growing feelings for Vicar Luke still shrouded in secrecy, there’s only one place Martha can go - famous local beauty spot, Lovers' Leap.
Legend has it that those with a broken heart throw themselves off the bridge that spans the river, but Martha is certainly not about to do such a thing! But it looks like someone else has had other ideas….
Because there in the river, Martha finds a body. But is this misadventure, a moment of lovesick madness, or is foul play afoot?
Martha knows one thing…the villagers of Westleham have another crime to solve!
Let the investigation commence!
Find out if Martha and Luke can catch the killer in a brand new Martha Miller mystery from bestselling author Catherine Coles.
Perfect for fans of Lee Strauss and Beth Byers!
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2024
133 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Coles
38 books304 followersThe daughter of a military father, Catherine was born in Germany and lived most of the first 14 years of her life abroad. She spent her school years devouring everything her school library had to offer!
Her favourites were romance and mysteries. Her love for the Nancy Drew books led Catherine to check out every mystery story she could find. She soon found Agatha Christie who quickly became Catherine's favourite author.
Catherine writes cosy mysteries that take place in the English countryside. Her extremely popular Tommy & Evelyn Christie mysteries are set in 1920s North Yorkshire. Her new series, the Martha Miller cosy mysteries, are set in the years following the Second World War in Berkshire.
Catherine lives in northeast England with her two spoiled dogs who have no idea they are not human!
You can connect with Catherine on her website - www.catherinecoles.com
Her favourites were romance and mysteries. Her love for the Nancy Drew books led Catherine to check out every mystery story she could find. She soon found Agatha Christie who quickly became Catherine's favourite author.
Catherine writes cosy mysteries that take place in the English countryside. Her extremely popular Tommy & Evelyn Christie mysteries are set in 1920s North Yorkshire. Her new series, the Martha Miller cosy mysteries, are set in the years following the Second World War in Berkshire.
Catherine lives in northeast England with her two spoiled dogs who have no idea they are not human!
You can connect with Catherine on her website - www.catherinecoles.com
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January 14, 2024
Publication Date: 16th Feb 2024
3 Stars
One Liner: It was okay; could have been better!
Westleham Village 1948
Martha Miller is lamenting her life with Valentine’s Day around the corner. With her husband Stan missing for a while and her growing feelings for the handsome Vicar Luke Walker, she wants to focus on something other than herself for distraction.
However, she doesn’t expect to stumble upon a dead body near Lover’s Leap, a famous beauty spot in the region. Did the person jump from the bridge, or were they a victim of a crime? It’s up to Martha and Luke to solve the case.
The story comes in the first-person POV of Martha Miller.
My Thoughts:
It’s been a while since book #2, so I was excited to read this one. Martha and Luke are back in their village, back to routine lives.
The book starts with a (not-so) brief intro by Martha. This is useful for readers who haven’t read the previous two books. Still, I did sympathize a little with her situation. Not easy for her.
There’s a new entry who tries to create trouble. I won’t say more. We meet another new character as well, though she is a delight to read. I hope the latter continues to appear in the series.
The mystery, as such, is the coziest of cozies. Yeah, there are deaths, but the sleuthing is more of gossiping, questioning the same people, and drinking cups of tea. The resolution is weak, too.
Not much excitement either since the focus is more on the rumors about Martha and Luke’s ‘relationship’. Can we bump off Stan already and get these two together? There’s only so much of pinning I can read.
What I do like is that we see how hard it is to blend into a village and become one of them. The gossip, rumors, nosy neighbors, judgments, etc., are highlighted well in this series. Life is not rosy and happy quaint little towns!
Given the period (post WWII), food rationing, women’s rights, financial concerns, etc., are integral to the plot.
There’s a development in the subplot, which made me happy even if Ben has almost nothing to do with the sleuthing.
Despite the lack of action, the book is decently paced and can be read in a couple of hours. That said, the book feels like it was written during a slump/ writer’s block. Hopefully, the next will be back on track.
To summarize, Death at Lovers' Leap has a few moments but ends as an average read with a thin plot. This would have worked better as a subplot in a more complex main mystery. I did like revisiting the characters and enjoyed the development in the personal track, but that’s it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #DeathAtLoversLeap
3 Stars
One Liner: It was okay; could have been better!
Westleham Village 1948
Martha Miller is lamenting her life with Valentine’s Day around the corner. With her husband Stan missing for a while and her growing feelings for the handsome Vicar Luke Walker, she wants to focus on something other than herself for distraction.
However, she doesn’t expect to stumble upon a dead body near Lover’s Leap, a famous beauty spot in the region. Did the person jump from the bridge, or were they a victim of a crime? It’s up to Martha and Luke to solve the case.
The story comes in the first-person POV of Martha Miller.
My Thoughts:
It’s been a while since book #2, so I was excited to read this one. Martha and Luke are back in their village, back to routine lives.
The book starts with a (not-so) brief intro by Martha. This is useful for readers who haven’t read the previous two books. Still, I did sympathize a little with her situation. Not easy for her.
There’s a new entry who tries to create trouble. I won’t say more. We meet another new character as well, though she is a delight to read. I hope the latter continues to appear in the series.
The mystery, as such, is the coziest of cozies. Yeah, there are deaths, but the sleuthing is more of gossiping, questioning the same people, and drinking cups of tea. The resolution is weak, too.
Not much excitement either since the focus is more on the rumors about Martha and Luke’s ‘relationship’. Can we bump off Stan already and get these two together? There’s only so much of pinning I can read.
What I do like is that we see how hard it is to blend into a village and become one of them. The gossip, rumors, nosy neighbors, judgments, etc., are highlighted well in this series. Life is not rosy and happy quaint little towns!
Given the period (post WWII), food rationing, women’s rights, financial concerns, etc., are integral to the plot.
There’s a development in the subplot, which made me happy even if Ben has almost nothing to do with the sleuthing.
Despite the lack of action, the book is decently paced and can be read in a couple of hours. That said, the book feels like it was written during a slump/ writer’s block. Hopefully, the next will be back on track.
To summarize, Death at Lovers' Leap has a few moments but ends as an average read with a thin plot. This would have worked better as a subplot in a more complex main mystery. I did like revisiting the characters and enjoyed the development in the personal track, but that’s it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #DeathAtLoversLeap
August 22, 2025
3.25 ⭐
Con questo terzo volume si conclude (spero per il momento) la serie The Martha Miller's Mysteries!
Questi romanzi, nonostante i difetti e la scarsa quantità di pagine, è riuscita a coinvolgermi e a farmi affezionare ai personaggi, la complicità segreta di Martha e Luke, fatta di sguardi rubati e parole sussurrate, mi ha conquistata fin da subito e spero che alla fine abbiano il loro lieto fine.
È la trilogia perfetta se cercate dei cozy mystery brevi ma intensi in cui la tranquilla e placida vita tipica dei villaggi inglesi fa da cornice.
Con questo terzo volume si conclude (spero per il momento) la serie The Martha Miller's Mysteries!
Questi romanzi, nonostante i difetti e la scarsa quantità di pagine, è riuscita a coinvolgermi e a farmi affezionare ai personaggi, la complicità segreta di Martha e Luke, fatta di sguardi rubati e parole sussurrate, mi ha conquistata fin da subito e spero che alla fine abbiano il loro lieto fine.
È la trilogia perfetta se cercate dei cozy mystery brevi ma intensi in cui la tranquilla e placida vita tipica dei villaggi inglesi fa da cornice.
February 22, 2024
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Death At Lovers' Leap' by Catherine Coles.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Catherine Coles, Rachel's Random Resources, Book And Tonic, Boldwood Books, Poison & Pens and The Bold Book Club
Publication date 16th February 2024
This is the first book I have read by this author but it most definitely won't be my last!!! It is also the third book in 'The Martha Miller Mysteries' series but can be read as a standalone.
This novel consists of 15 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
I must admit that I am always a bit dubious with books based historically as I worry about not being able to 'deal' with the language used but I absolutely love how Catherine has written this book. The language used is perfectly suited to the era whilst being easy to read and making it quite humorous on several occasions. The atmosphere and descriptions were perfect. The synopsis and cover also suit the storyline.
I absolutely LOVE this book and have become so invested in it as a series!! I absolutely devoured it in several hours!
OMG!!!!! I absolutely loved this funny, emotive, crime packed page turning cosy murder mystery!!!! I had to actually go back to see if I had read any of the previous books in this series as when I started it, it felt like I was coming back to a favourite village with amazing characters I already knew but I have never read a single book by this fantastic author!! I mean where have you been all my life Catherine?!?! I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this fantastic book in what is absolutely guaranteed to be an amazing and favourite series for me if this page turner is anything to go by!!! This book has been set in the stunning location of Westleham, which although it is fictional Catherine ensured the village came to life in front of my eyes. She has created a fantastic setting for a crime series and portrayed life in a small village absolutely perfectly!! I live in one myself and you can't sneeze without half the place knowing and talking about it!!! Catherine's amazing and evocative writing skills really has brought everything to life all throughout this fantastic book and I have loved every moment. The storyline is ram packed with crime, humour, friendship, romance, forbidden love, family drama and absolutely everything you could ask for in an absolutely fantastic page turner!!! There was no way I could finish just one chapter as even though I kept telling myself I would and then go to bed each chapter ended in a way where I just HAD to know what happened next and before I knew it I had devoured the whole book in one sitting in a few hours!!! The storyline was realistic which I always prefer as it makes it more enjoyable to read when you can see that it is something that could happen. This book is well constructed and traditional and what starts off as one murder becomes quite multi layered with all the characters backgrounds coming out. It was a very compelling read. I would never have guessed who did what and I was completely shocked by the mega twist. An absolutely fantastic read filled with suspense, mystery, twists and much more (I can't say much more as I don't want to spoil it for future readers) Congratulations Catherine, it is getting harder and harder to surprise me and you did just that!!! This is one of those fantastic books that you could get completely lost in whether you are curled up on the sofa with a hot chocolate or laying on the beach with a cocktail. I also want to add that Catherine has included a character list at the start of her book which is an absolutely fantastic idea and one I wish more authors would do as It makes a brilliant reference point especially if the book is in a series and you start at any that isn't the first in the series. Well done Catherine and thank you for this fantastic thoughtful input! It is a fun easy to read book filled with laughter out loud moments and sweet forbidden romance you will get completely lost in the pages. If you have never read any books by this brilliant author then pick up your copy today!! Well done Catherine on a fantastic, addictive and gorgeous page turner!!!
Clear your schedules and pick up this fantastic and page turning book in this absolutely promising series!!!
Although this is the third book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I loved meeting all the characters again who are a delightful mix of personalities with intriguing backgrounds and each one was very compelling. They very quickly became like friends to me. I actually had to go back and make sure I hadn't actually read any other books in this series as immediately it felt like I had met them before and I was even pleased to meet them again as it just felt like I knew thim. This has got to be a first for me and although it was a very strange experience it was really nice to feel like I already knew characters that I had never actually met before!!! I absolutely loved the main characters of Martha and Luke who both had such brilliant personalities and worked perfectly as individuals and together. I would absolutely love to see them in a relationship and it is so heartbreaking that due to her husband missing and him being a vicar that in those times it just was not possible. I adored watching their interactions and they are definitely two characters I will be rooting for regardless of how they should or shouldn't be!!! There were so many brilliant characters in this book including Maud, Ruby, Ada and Ben to name a few that I could go on and on about them but I'll try not too!!! I loved that each of the women had such strong personalities and were determined to get to the bottom of the deaths. Maud made me laugh with her blunt attitude, Ada is sweet and I adored Ruby and Ben and am looking forward to seeing their next chapter. I am just absolutely landed that I can not only look forward to meeting these amazing characters again in Catherine's future books but I can also go back and read the previous ones in this fantastic series while I'm waiting!!! Catherine's evocative writing skills really have brought each of these characters to life throughout this book and I am looking forward to continuing my new found friendship with them all!! One of the characters that I have got to mention and that I also loved is Lizzie (Martha's dog). I am a huge animal lover so any books that contain animals as part of their plot are always a huge hit for me and Lizzie is definitely a main character and another one I cannot wait to meet again!! An amazing group of realistic, strong and unique characters that I have loved getting to know in this amazing book and that I cannot wait to meet again and again!!!
Congratulations Catherine on an absolutely addictive and unputdownable cosy crime book, an absolutely perfect start (for me) to what promises to be one of the best cosy crime book series' that I have come across. I would love to welcome you to my favourite cosy mystery author club and here's to your next success 🥂!!!
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the prologue and first chapter of Catherine's 'Daggers At The Country Fair' which is the second book in this fantastic series and which promises to be just as addictive as this book. It is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!
210 pages.
This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.99 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
DeathAtLoversLeap #TheMarthaMillerMysteries #CatherineColes #BoldwoodBooks #Boldwood #BoldwoodBloggers #theboldbookclub #BookAndTonic #PoisonAndPens #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger
@DeathAtLoversLeap @TheMarthaMillerMysteries @CatherineColes @BoldwoodBooks @Boldwood @BoldwoodBloggers @theboldbookclub @BookAndTonic @PoisonAndPens @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger
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Review for 'Death At Lovers' Leap' by Catherine Coles.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Catherine Coles, Rachel's Random Resources, Book And Tonic, Boldwood Books, Poison & Pens and The Bold Book Club
Publication date 16th February 2024
This is the first book I have read by this author but it most definitely won't be my last!!! It is also the third book in 'The Martha Miller Mysteries' series but can be read as a standalone.
This novel consists of 15 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
I must admit that I am always a bit dubious with books based historically as I worry about not being able to 'deal' with the language used but I absolutely love how Catherine has written this book. The language used is perfectly suited to the era whilst being easy to read and making it quite humorous on several occasions. The atmosphere and descriptions were perfect. The synopsis and cover also suit the storyline.
I absolutely LOVE this book and have become so invested in it as a series!! I absolutely devoured it in several hours!
OMG!!!!! I absolutely loved this funny, emotive, crime packed page turning cosy murder mystery!!!! I had to actually go back to see if I had read any of the previous books in this series as when I started it, it felt like I was coming back to a favourite village with amazing characters I already knew but I have never read a single book by this fantastic author!! I mean where have you been all my life Catherine?!?! I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this fantastic book in what is absolutely guaranteed to be an amazing and favourite series for me if this page turner is anything to go by!!! This book has been set in the stunning location of Westleham, which although it is fictional Catherine ensured the village came to life in front of my eyes. She has created a fantastic setting for a crime series and portrayed life in a small village absolutely perfectly!! I live in one myself and you can't sneeze without half the place knowing and talking about it!!! Catherine's amazing and evocative writing skills really has brought everything to life all throughout this fantastic book and I have loved every moment. The storyline is ram packed with crime, humour, friendship, romance, forbidden love, family drama and absolutely everything you could ask for in an absolutely fantastic page turner!!! There was no way I could finish just one chapter as even though I kept telling myself I would and then go to bed each chapter ended in a way where I just HAD to know what happened next and before I knew it I had devoured the whole book in one sitting in a few hours!!! The storyline was realistic which I always prefer as it makes it more enjoyable to read when you can see that it is something that could happen. This book is well constructed and traditional and what starts off as one murder becomes quite multi layered with all the characters backgrounds coming out. It was a very compelling read. I would never have guessed who did what and I was completely shocked by the mega twist. An absolutely fantastic read filled with suspense, mystery, twists and much more (I can't say much more as I don't want to spoil it for future readers) Congratulations Catherine, it is getting harder and harder to surprise me and you did just that!!! This is one of those fantastic books that you could get completely lost in whether you are curled up on the sofa with a hot chocolate or laying on the beach with a cocktail. I also want to add that Catherine has included a character list at the start of her book which is an absolutely fantastic idea and one I wish more authors would do as It makes a brilliant reference point especially if the book is in a series and you start at any that isn't the first in the series. Well done Catherine and thank you for this fantastic thoughtful input! It is a fun easy to read book filled with laughter out loud moments and sweet forbidden romance you will get completely lost in the pages. If you have never read any books by this brilliant author then pick up your copy today!! Well done Catherine on a fantastic, addictive and gorgeous page turner!!!
Clear your schedules and pick up this fantastic and page turning book in this absolutely promising series!!!
Although this is the third book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I loved meeting all the characters again who are a delightful mix of personalities with intriguing backgrounds and each one was very compelling. They very quickly became like friends to me. I actually had to go back and make sure I hadn't actually read any other books in this series as immediately it felt like I had met them before and I was even pleased to meet them again as it just felt like I knew thim. This has got to be a first for me and although it was a very strange experience it was really nice to feel like I already knew characters that I had never actually met before!!! I absolutely loved the main characters of Martha and Luke who both had such brilliant personalities and worked perfectly as individuals and together. I would absolutely love to see them in a relationship and it is so heartbreaking that due to her husband missing and him being a vicar that in those times it just was not possible. I adored watching their interactions and they are definitely two characters I will be rooting for regardless of how they should or shouldn't be!!! There were so many brilliant characters in this book including Maud, Ruby, Ada and Ben to name a few that I could go on and on about them but I'll try not too!!! I loved that each of the women had such strong personalities and were determined to get to the bottom of the deaths. Maud made me laugh with her blunt attitude, Ada is sweet and I adored Ruby and Ben and am looking forward to seeing their next chapter. I am just absolutely landed that I can not only look forward to meeting these amazing characters again in Catherine's future books but I can also go back and read the previous ones in this fantastic series while I'm waiting!!! Catherine's evocative writing skills really have brought each of these characters to life throughout this book and I am looking forward to continuing my new found friendship with them all!! One of the characters that I have got to mention and that I also loved is Lizzie (Martha's dog). I am a huge animal lover so any books that contain animals as part of their plot are always a huge hit for me and Lizzie is definitely a main character and another one I cannot wait to meet again!! An amazing group of realistic, strong and unique characters that I have loved getting to know in this amazing book and that I cannot wait to meet again and again!!!
Congratulations Catherine on an absolutely addictive and unputdownable cosy crime book, an absolutely perfect start (for me) to what promises to be one of the best cosy crime book series' that I have come across. I would love to welcome you to my favourite cosy mystery author club and here's to your next success 🥂!!!
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the prologue and first chapter of Catherine's 'Daggers At The Country Fair' which is the second book in this fantastic series and which promises to be just as addictive as this book. It is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!
210 pages.
This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.99 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
DeathAtLoversLeap #TheMarthaMillerMysteries #CatherineColes #BoldwoodBooks #Boldwood #BoldwoodBloggers #theboldbookclub #BookAndTonic #PoisonAndPens #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger
@DeathAtLoversLeap @TheMarthaMillerMysteries @CatherineColes @BoldwoodBooks @Boldwood @BoldwoodBloggers @theboldbookclub @BookAndTonic @PoisonAndPens @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger
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January 2, 2024
Requested from NetGalley as it had the word ‘leap’ in the title and was an easy way to fulfil one of the 2024 PopSugar prompts. Though part of a series, it serves well as a standalone.
I’m probably not the target audience for this. Cosy mystery in a setting that seemed rather antiquated, and the sleuthing abilities of the duo in question appear rather over-egged. Harmless fun, but nothing that is going to push the boundaries.
Our main character is Martha Miller, deserted by her husband, but secretly in love with Luke Walker, the village vicar. The duo have, as is pointed out frequently, been collaborators in solving previous mysteries so it is no surprise that upon discovering the body of a local lad Martha is keen to undertake her own investigation.
From start to finish I got sick of hearing the gossip about the relationship between these two, when it’s pretty obvious they are likely to end up together somehow. The mystery was not exactly setting things on fire, and characters appeared at unlikely moments to serve their purpose in moving the plot on.
I’m sure this will have its fans, but it didn’t do much for me.
I’m probably not the target audience for this. Cosy mystery in a setting that seemed rather antiquated, and the sleuthing abilities of the duo in question appear rather over-egged. Harmless fun, but nothing that is going to push the boundaries.
Our main character is Martha Miller, deserted by her husband, but secretly in love with Luke Walker, the village vicar. The duo have, as is pointed out frequently, been collaborators in solving previous mysteries so it is no surprise that upon discovering the body of a local lad Martha is keen to undertake her own investigation.
From start to finish I got sick of hearing the gossip about the relationship between these two, when it’s pretty obvious they are likely to end up together somehow. The mystery was not exactly setting things on fire, and characters appeared at unlikely moments to serve their purpose in moving the plot on.
I’m sure this will have its fans, but it didn’t do much for me.
February 22, 2024
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Death At Lovers' Leap' by Catherine Coles.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Catherine Coles, Rachel's Random Resources, Book And Tonic, Boldwood Books, Poison & Pens and The Bold Book Club
Publication date 16th February 2024
This is the first book I have read by this author but it most definitely won't be my last!!! It is also the third book in 'The Martha Miller Mysteries' series but can be read as a standalone.
This novel consists of 15 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
I must admit that I am always a bit dubious with books based historically as I worry about not being able to 'deal' with the language used but I absolutely love how Catherine has written this book. The language used is perfectly suited to the era whilst being easy to read and making it quite humorous on several occasions. The atmosphere and descriptions were perfect. The synopsis and cover also suit the storyline.
I absolutely LOVE this book and have become so invested in it as a series!! I absolutely devoured it in several hours!
OMG!!!!! I absolutely loved this funny, emotive, crime packed page turning cosy murder mystery!!!! I had to actually go back to see if I had read any of the previous books in this series as when I started it, it felt like I was coming back to a favourite village with amazing characters I already knew but I have never read a single book by this fantastic author!! I mean where have you been all my life Catherine?!?! I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this fantastic book in what is absolutely guaranteed to be an amazing and favourite series for me if this page turner is anything to go by!!! This book has been set in the stunning location of Westleham, which although it is fictional Catherine ensured the village came to life in front of my eyes. She has created a fantastic setting for a crime series and portrayed life in a small village absolutely perfectly!! I live in one myself and you can't sneeze without half the place knowing and talking about it!!! Catherine's amazing and evocative writing skills really has brought everything to life all throughout this fantastic book and I have loved every moment. The storyline is ram packed with crime, humour, friendship, romance, forbidden love, family drama and absolutely everything you could ask for in an absolutely fantastic page turner!!! There was no way I could finish just one chapter as even though I kept telling myself I would and then go to bed each chapter ended in a way where I just HAD to know what happened next and before I knew it I had devoured the whole book in one sitting in a few hours!!! The storyline was realistic which I always prefer as it makes it more enjoyable to read when you can see that it is something that could happen. This book is well constructed and traditional and what starts off as one murder becomes quite multi layered with all the characters backgrounds coming out. It was a very compelling read. I would never have guessed who did what and I was completely shocked by the mega twist. An absolutely fantastic read filled with suspense, mystery, twists and much more (I can't say much more as I don't want to spoil it for future readers) Congratulations Catherine, it is getting harder and harder to surprise me and you did just that!!! This is one of those fantastic books that you could get completely lost in whether you are curled up on the sofa with a hot chocolate or laying on the beach with a cocktail. I also want to add that Catherine has included a character list at the start of her book which is an absolutely fantastic idea and one I wish more authors would do as It makes a brilliant reference point especially if the book is in a series and you start at any that isn't the first in the series. Well done Catherine and thank you for this fantastic thoughtful input! It is a fun easy to read book filled with laughter out loud moments and sweet forbidden romance you will get completely lost in the pages. If you have never read any books by this brilliant author then pick up your copy today!! Well done Catherine on a fantastic, addictive and gorgeous page turner!!!
Clear your schedules and pick up this fantastic and page turning book in this absolutely promising series!!!
Although this is the third book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I loved meeting all the characters again who are a delightful mix of personalities with intriguing backgrounds and each one was very compelling. They very quickly became like friends to me. I actually had to go back and make sure I hadn't actually read any other books in this series as immediately it felt like I had met them before and I was even pleased to meet them again as it just felt like I knew thim. This has got to be a first for me and although it was a very strange experience it was really nice to feel like I already knew characters that I had never actually met before!!! I absolutely loved the main characters of Martha and Luke who both had such brilliant personalities and worked perfectly as individuals and together. I would absolutely love to see them in a relationship and it is so heartbreaking that due to her husband missing and him being a vicar that in those times it just was not possible. I adored watching their interactions and they are definitely two characters I will be rooting for regardless of how they should or shouldn't be!!! There were so many brilliant characters in this book including Maud, Ruby, Ada and Ben to name a few that I could go on and on about them but I'll try not too!!! I loved that each of the women had such strong personalities and were determined to get to the bottom of the deaths. Maud made me laugh with her blunt attitude, Ada is sweet and I adored Ruby and Ben and am looking forward to seeing their next chapter. I am just absolutely landed that I can not only look forward to meeting these amazing characters again in Catherine's future books but I can also go back and read the previous ones in this fantastic series while I'm waiting!!! Catherine's evocative writing skills really have brought each of these characters to life throughout this book and I am looking forward to continuing my new found friendship with them all!! One of the characters that I have got to mention and that I also loved is Lizzie (Martha's dog). I am a huge animal lover so any books that contain animals as part of their plot are always a huge hit for me and Lizzie is definitely a main character and another one I cannot wait to meet again!! An amazing group of realistic, strong and unique characters that I have loved getting to know in this amazing book and that I cannot wait to meet again and again!!!
Congratulations Catherine on an absolutely addictive and unputdownable cosy crime book, an absolutely perfect start (for me) to what promises to be one of the best cosy crime book series' that I have come across. I would love to welcome you to my favourite cosy mystery author club and here's to your next success 🥂!!!
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the prologue and first chapter of Catherine's 'Daggers At The Country Fair' which is the second book in this fantastic series and which promises to be just as addictive as this book. It is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!
210 pages.
This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.99 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
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Review for 'Death At Lovers' Leap' by Catherine Coles.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Catherine Coles, Rachel's Random Resources, Book And Tonic, Boldwood Books, Poison & Pens and The Bold Book Club
Publication date 16th February 2024
This is the first book I have read by this author but it most definitely won't be my last!!! It is also the third book in 'The Martha Miller Mysteries' series but can be read as a standalone.
This novel consists of 15 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
I must admit that I am always a bit dubious with books based historically as I worry about not being able to 'deal' with the language used but I absolutely love how Catherine has written this book. The language used is perfectly suited to the era whilst being easy to read and making it quite humorous on several occasions. The atmosphere and descriptions were perfect. The synopsis and cover also suit the storyline.
I absolutely LOVE this book and have become so invested in it as a series!! I absolutely devoured it in several hours!
OMG!!!!! I absolutely loved this funny, emotive, crime packed page turning cosy murder mystery!!!! I had to actually go back to see if I had read any of the previous books in this series as when I started it, it felt like I was coming back to a favourite village with amazing characters I already knew but I have never read a single book by this fantastic author!! I mean where have you been all my life Catherine?!?! I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this fantastic book in what is absolutely guaranteed to be an amazing and favourite series for me if this page turner is anything to go by!!! This book has been set in the stunning location of Westleham, which although it is fictional Catherine ensured the village came to life in front of my eyes. She has created a fantastic setting for a crime series and portrayed life in a small village absolutely perfectly!! I live in one myself and you can't sneeze without half the place knowing and talking about it!!! Catherine's amazing and evocative writing skills really has brought everything to life all throughout this fantastic book and I have loved every moment. The storyline is ram packed with crime, humour, friendship, romance, forbidden love, family drama and absolutely everything you could ask for in an absolutely fantastic page turner!!! There was no way I could finish just one chapter as even though I kept telling myself I would and then go to bed each chapter ended in a way where I just HAD to know what happened next and before I knew it I had devoured the whole book in one sitting in a few hours!!! The storyline was realistic which I always prefer as it makes it more enjoyable to read when you can see that it is something that could happen. This book is well constructed and traditional and what starts off as one murder becomes quite multi layered with all the characters backgrounds coming out. It was a very compelling read. I would never have guessed who did what and I was completely shocked by the mega twist. An absolutely fantastic read filled with suspense, mystery, twists and much more (I can't say much more as I don't want to spoil it for future readers) Congratulations Catherine, it is getting harder and harder to surprise me and you did just that!!! This is one of those fantastic books that you could get completely lost in whether you are curled up on the sofa with a hot chocolate or laying on the beach with a cocktail. I also want to add that Catherine has included a character list at the start of her book which is an absolutely fantastic idea and one I wish more authors would do as It makes a brilliant reference point especially if the book is in a series and you start at any that isn't the first in the series. Well done Catherine and thank you for this fantastic thoughtful input! It is a fun easy to read book filled with laughter out loud moments and sweet forbidden romance you will get completely lost in the pages. If you have never read any books by this brilliant author then pick up your copy today!! Well done Catherine on a fantastic, addictive and gorgeous page turner!!!
Clear your schedules and pick up this fantastic and page turning book in this absolutely promising series!!!
Although this is the third book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I loved meeting all the characters again who are a delightful mix of personalities with intriguing backgrounds and each one was very compelling. They very quickly became like friends to me. I actually had to go back and make sure I hadn't actually read any other books in this series as immediately it felt like I had met them before and I was even pleased to meet them again as it just felt like I knew thim. This has got to be a first for me and although it was a very strange experience it was really nice to feel like I already knew characters that I had never actually met before!!! I absolutely loved the main characters of Martha and Luke who both had such brilliant personalities and worked perfectly as individuals and together. I would absolutely love to see them in a relationship and it is so heartbreaking that due to her husband missing and him being a vicar that in those times it just was not possible. I adored watching their interactions and they are definitely two characters I will be rooting for regardless of how they should or shouldn't be!!! There were so many brilliant characters in this book including Maud, Ruby, Ada and Ben to name a few that I could go on and on about them but I'll try not too!!! I loved that each of the women had such strong personalities and were determined to get to the bottom of the deaths. Maud made me laugh with her blunt attitude, Ada is sweet and I adored Ruby and Ben and am looking forward to seeing their next chapter. I am just absolutely landed that I can not only look forward to meeting these amazing characters again in Catherine's future books but I can also go back and read the previous ones in this fantastic series while I'm waiting!!! Catherine's evocative writing skills really have brought each of these characters to life throughout this book and I am looking forward to continuing my new found friendship with them all!! One of the characters that I have got to mention and that I also loved is Lizzie (Martha's dog). I am a huge animal lover so any books that contain animals as part of their plot are always a huge hit for me and Lizzie is definitely a main character and another one I cannot wait to meet again!! An amazing group of realistic, strong and unique characters that I have loved getting to know in this amazing book and that I cannot wait to meet again and again!!!
Congratulations Catherine on an absolutely addictive and unputdownable cosy crime book, an absolutely perfect start (for me) to what promises to be one of the best cosy crime book series' that I have come across. I would love to welcome you to my favourite cosy mystery author club and here's to your next success 🥂!!!
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the prologue and first chapter of Catherine's 'Daggers At The Country Fair' which is the second book in this fantastic series and which promises to be just as addictive as this book. It is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!
210 pages.
This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.99 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
DeathAtLoversLeap #TheMarthaMillerMysteries #CatherineColes #BoldwoodBooks #Boldwood #BoldwoodBloggers #theboldbookclub #BookAndTonic #PoisonAndPens #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger
@DeathAtLoversLeap @TheMarthaMillerMysteries @CatherineColes @BoldwoodBooks @Boldwood @BoldwoodBloggers @theboldbookclub @BookAndTonic @PoisonAndPens @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger
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February 14, 2024
This is the third in the Martha Miller mystery series but can easily be read as a standalone as the author gives you enough background on the characters to not feel like you'd missed anything.
A young man is found dead at Westleham's notorious lover's leap, a bridge where legend had it that two lovers leapt to their deaths after they couldn't be together. Martha isn't sure whether Steven died by accident or it was murder, but she's going to get to the bottom of it, regardless.
Death at Lovers Leap is a historical mystery which is definitely on the cosy/lighthearted side of things, giving a nod to classic mysteries while maintaining a modern and fresh feel.
I absolutely devoured this story in two days. It had such a fast pace which pulled me along, making it hard to put down.
Luke gets a few unexpected visitors in the story and it's nice to know more about his past and make me see him in a different light. He wasn't just the dishy vicar any more but a character with flaws and faults.
I felt that the relationship/potential romance took over a bit in this story, pushing the mystery a bit to the back burner. I didn't mind this too much, but I really hope they don't take too long to get together. There's only so much, will they, won't they, I enjoy.
Also, I understand that one character is a vicar, but there were several faith based questions, i.e. why would God let this happen, which as a non-religious person found a bit unnecessary in the story and made it feel gloomy in places.
A quick read with likeable sleuths with an intriguing mystery to get your teeth into.
A young man is found dead at Westleham's notorious lover's leap, a bridge where legend had it that two lovers leapt to their deaths after they couldn't be together. Martha isn't sure whether Steven died by accident or it was murder, but she's going to get to the bottom of it, regardless.
Death at Lovers Leap is a historical mystery which is definitely on the cosy/lighthearted side of things, giving a nod to classic mysteries while maintaining a modern and fresh feel.
I absolutely devoured this story in two days. It had such a fast pace which pulled me along, making it hard to put down.
Luke gets a few unexpected visitors in the story and it's nice to know more about his past and make me see him in a different light. He wasn't just the dishy vicar any more but a character with flaws and faults.
I felt that the relationship/potential romance took over a bit in this story, pushing the mystery a bit to the back burner. I didn't mind this too much, but I really hope they don't take too long to get together. There's only so much, will they, won't they, I enjoy.
Also, I understand that one character is a vicar, but there were several faith based questions, i.e. why would God let this happen, which as a non-religious person found a bit unnecessary in the story and made it feel gloomy in places.
A quick read with likeable sleuths with an intriguing mystery to get your teeth into.
September 17, 2025
Delitto a Lovers’ Leap è il terzo volume della serie di Catherine Coles e ci riporta a Westleham, un piccolo villaggio inglese che, nel difficile dopoguerra, cerca di ritrovare equilibrio tra razionamenti, ristrettezze e la forza di una comunità unita.
La protagonista, Martha Miller, ormai abituata a imbattersi in misteri, si trova suo malgrado al centro di una nuova vicenda quando, durante una passeggiata con la sua cagnolina Lizzie, rinviene il corpo senza vita di un giovane ai piedi del ponte chiamato Lovers’ Leap, luogo legato a una leggenda locale che racconta di due innamorati gettatisi nel fiume per amore proibito.
All’apparenza potrebbe sembrare un tragico incidente, ma Martha non riesce a scrollarsi di dosso i dubbi e, affiancata dal pastore Luke Walker, con cui non manca mai di scambiarsi civettuole schermaglie, decide di indagare più a fondo. Ne nasce un intreccio giallo leggero e piacevole, mai troppo complesso ma ben costruito, che intrattiene con il giusto equilibrio tra indizi, colpi di scena e rivelazioni finali.
Eppure, ciò che rende davvero speciale questa serie non è solo il mistero da risolvere, ma la dimensione personale dei protagonisti: la vita privata di Martha, i suoi sentimenti contrastanti, il rapporto con Luke che si fa sempre più intenso, sono elementi che fidelizzano il lettore e lo spingono a tornare volume dopo volume.
Anche in questo terzo capitolo, infatti, non mancano sviluppi sul piano affettivo, che lasciano con il sorriso e insieme con un po’ di nostalgia, perché, una volta chiuso il libro, resta la voglia di sapere cosa accadrà dopo e l’attesa del prossimo episodio della serie…
La protagonista, Martha Miller, ormai abituata a imbattersi in misteri, si trova suo malgrado al centro di una nuova vicenda quando, durante una passeggiata con la sua cagnolina Lizzie, rinviene il corpo senza vita di un giovane ai piedi del ponte chiamato Lovers’ Leap, luogo legato a una leggenda locale che racconta di due innamorati gettatisi nel fiume per amore proibito.
All’apparenza potrebbe sembrare un tragico incidente, ma Martha non riesce a scrollarsi di dosso i dubbi e, affiancata dal pastore Luke Walker, con cui non manca mai di scambiarsi civettuole schermaglie, decide di indagare più a fondo. Ne nasce un intreccio giallo leggero e piacevole, mai troppo complesso ma ben costruito, che intrattiene con il giusto equilibrio tra indizi, colpi di scena e rivelazioni finali.
Eppure, ciò che rende davvero speciale questa serie non è solo il mistero da risolvere, ma la dimensione personale dei protagonisti: la vita privata di Martha, i suoi sentimenti contrastanti, il rapporto con Luke che si fa sempre più intenso, sono elementi che fidelizzano il lettore e lo spingono a tornare volume dopo volume.
Anche in questo terzo capitolo, infatti, non mancano sviluppi sul piano affettivo, che lasciano con il sorriso e insieme con un po’ di nostalgia, perché, una volta chiuso il libro, resta la voglia di sapere cosa accadrà dopo e l’attesa del prossimo episodio della serie…
February 16, 2024
This is the third book in the Martha Miller mystery series; however, I read this as a standalone. Catherine Coles gave enough information, especially about Martha, so I didn't feel I was missing anything.
Martha Miller is a master sleuth, and I like her style. While she is on a walk near Lover's Leap, she discovers the body of a young man. As Martha has previously solved two murders, the young man's mother asks Martha to find out who murdered her son. With the help of the vicar, neighbors, friends, family, gossip, tea, and cake, Martha puts the pieces together.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. The story is set in the 1940s, so there is a historical element to this as well. The author provided amazing details about the setting. There are a lot of characters, but I always felt clear about who anyone was. The characters are likable and believable. I like Catherine's writing style, and this was an easy read. I was able to finish this in one sitting.
Death at Lovers' Leap is a well-paced, entertaining, cozy read. I am excited to read the other books in this series.
Thank you, Catherine Coles, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Martha Miller is a master sleuth, and I like her style. While she is on a walk near Lover's Leap, she discovers the body of a young man. As Martha has previously solved two murders, the young man's mother asks Martha to find out who murdered her son. With the help of the vicar, neighbors, friends, family, gossip, tea, and cake, Martha puts the pieces together.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. The story is set in the 1940s, so there is a historical element to this as well. The author provided amazing details about the setting. There are a lot of characters, but I always felt clear about who anyone was. The characters are likable and believable. I like Catherine's writing style, and this was an easy read. I was able to finish this in one sitting.
Death at Lovers' Leap is a well-paced, entertaining, cozy read. I am excited to read the other books in this series.
Thank you, Catherine Coles, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 22, 2024
Catherine Coles - Death At Lovers’ Leap.
(The Martha Miller mysteries book3)
Catherine Coles is a new author to me, so I hadn’t read books one or two in this series.
There is however, enough background information given, that this book was easily read as a stand alone story.
This is a cosy mystery/crime set in 1948.
While out for a walk, Martha and her dog come across the dead body of a young local man.
Was his death an accident? Was it suicide? Or is there a murder to be solved?
Martha and Luke (the local vicar) along with a motley crew of friends and neighbours begin their investigations to find the truth. With a little help from the police of course!
I liked Martha and Luke. They made a sweet pair, but with Martha’s husband still missing, their relationship must remain platonic.
#DeathAtLoversLeap is a fast paced, engaging and well written cosy mystery.
There is a great bunch of characters and a plot that will charm you and keep you gripped.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(The Martha Miller mysteries book3)
Catherine Coles is a new author to me, so I hadn’t read books one or two in this series.
There is however, enough background information given, that this book was easily read as a stand alone story.
This is a cosy mystery/crime set in 1948.
While out for a walk, Martha and her dog come across the dead body of a young local man.
Was his death an accident? Was it suicide? Or is there a murder to be solved?
Martha and Luke (the local vicar) along with a motley crew of friends and neighbours begin their investigations to find the truth. With a little help from the police of course!
I liked Martha and Luke. They made a sweet pair, but with Martha’s husband still missing, their relationship must remain platonic.
#DeathAtLoversLeap is a fast paced, engaging and well written cosy mystery.
There is a great bunch of characters and a plot that will charm you and keep you gripped.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 21, 2024
This is Book Three in 'The Martha Miller Mysteries'. 1948 Westleham. Martha Miller's husband Stan is still missing. Marrtha and Vicar Luke Walker are still the talk of the village of Westleham, even though they are only friends. It's Valentine's Day and Martha needs to get out and heads to Lovers Leap with her dog Lizzie. But it's not long before a quiet walk to sort her head out, turns into murder, when she comes across a body. With the help from Martha, Luke, neighbours Maud Burnerr and Ada Garrett come together to find out what happened and why. We have a cozy murder mystery with a bit of romance.
August 8, 2025
Tre stelline e mezzo.
August 18, 2025
Il mistero da scoprire è abbastanza intuibile. Il testo si legge facilmente ed è molto scorrevole. Quel che ho apprezzato di più sono le interazioni tra i soliti personaggi e lo sviluppo di quegli aspetti della storia già presentati nei precedenti volumi della collana.
January 31, 2024
A confident little mystery, I am enjoying this authors Martha Miller series of books and I am excited for more books from her.
The main mystery is about the death of a boy who Martha finds on her walk, cue a story about rationing, the vicars father, characters in the village and red herrings.. There is also there small mystery of where Martha’s husband is and this will need answering in later books.. and of course the will they won’t they with Martha and Luke..
A solid story with a good mystery.. more please!!
The main mystery is about the death of a boy who Martha finds on her walk, cue a story about rationing, the vicars father, characters in the village and red herrings.. There is also there small mystery of where Martha’s husband is and this will need answering in later books.. and of course the will they won’t they with Martha and Luke..
A solid story with a good mystery.. more please!!
January 3, 2024
Ah, the good ol' days. The days where when you stumbled across a dead body, instead of taking out a cell phone and calling for help, you had to leave the body and go summon the police in person. The days when crime scene photos were actually sketches, at least in small villages like Westleham Village. Cameras were too expensive for small town police, thus a rarity. A time when old stories connected to an old bridge clouded investigations and thoughts. Has Lover's Leap claimed another victim?
It's 1948, England. Westleham Village, to be exact. Ration books are still the norm. People have learned to make do with the bare necessities. It's also a time where gossip and everyone knowing your business can be both a blessing and curse. For Martha Miller, frequently the topic of gossip, it's definitely been both. After her husband simply disappeared, rumor had it that they'd find his body buried in her garden. Only now was she beginning to make inroads with friendships and trust, both of which were challenging as she and the local vicar, Luke, developed feelings for each other. Since she's still technically married, this is a bit of a scandal. It seems that despite her husband deserting her, she can't file for a divorce for three years. At this time, the idea of a small town vicar being involved with a divorcee was considered scandalous, not to mention that Martha's husband, Stan, would have to be missing for seven years before he'd be declared officially dead. That's a long time to wait when romantic feelings are kicking up. To be honest, I found myself as entranced with the chasm keeping Luke and Martha apart as I was the murder. That they work together so well as sleuths only upped their time together and, of course, the tension.
So, was it murder? Or was it suicide? After all, it did happen near the bridge dubbed Lover's Leap. Why did the victim rush out of the building so suddenly? Was it that he saw his supposed girl friend with a bouquet of flowers? Where did they come from? Are the rumors right that she'd been seeing two different men? Could the victim's rival had offed him to leave a clear path to his romantic target? What does the sudden, unexpected presence of Luke's father mean? It isn't like they're close. Will the partnership Martha and he have formed to sleuth....as "just friends" .... create more problems for Martha and his relationship? Hey, it's a small village. Gossip flourishes. What problems does a shirt left behind create? Why is Martha so fixated on using lavender tea? Why do you have to be in line early to claim even a loaf of bread at the store? How do Martha's friends both help and, occasionally, distract the investigation?
Who .... oh, way too many teasers. Despite the charmingly quaint slow pace of the plot, the story is an intriguing one. The characters are interesting, even aggravating at times, and, hey, Lizzie the dog is a delight. While we tend to fantasize how wonderful it might be to live in a small British village, it's clear that there is more to Westleham than meets the eye. Makes me curious to see what comes next, not to mention how the author will solve the problem of bringing Martha and Luke together at some point. Sit back with a hot cup of tea (not lavender), prop up your feet, and prepare to enjoy the somewhat leisurely trail to the conclusion which, quite frankly, kept me guessing until the very end. That reveal was rather a long, zig-zagging one, I must admit. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for giving me this sneak peek. It's rather fun to slow down and enjoy a visit to village life circa 1948.
It's 1948, England. Westleham Village, to be exact. Ration books are still the norm. People have learned to make do with the bare necessities. It's also a time where gossip and everyone knowing your business can be both a blessing and curse. For Martha Miller, frequently the topic of gossip, it's definitely been both. After her husband simply disappeared, rumor had it that they'd find his body buried in her garden. Only now was she beginning to make inroads with friendships and trust, both of which were challenging as she and the local vicar, Luke, developed feelings for each other. Since she's still technically married, this is a bit of a scandal. It seems that despite her husband deserting her, she can't file for a divorce for three years. At this time, the idea of a small town vicar being involved with a divorcee was considered scandalous, not to mention that Martha's husband, Stan, would have to be missing for seven years before he'd be declared officially dead. That's a long time to wait when romantic feelings are kicking up. To be honest, I found myself as entranced with the chasm keeping Luke and Martha apart as I was the murder. That they work together so well as sleuths only upped their time together and, of course, the tension.
So, was it murder? Or was it suicide? After all, it did happen near the bridge dubbed Lover's Leap. Why did the victim rush out of the building so suddenly? Was it that he saw his supposed girl friend with a bouquet of flowers? Where did they come from? Are the rumors right that she'd been seeing two different men? Could the victim's rival had offed him to leave a clear path to his romantic target? What does the sudden, unexpected presence of Luke's father mean? It isn't like they're close. Will the partnership Martha and he have formed to sleuth....as "just friends" .... create more problems for Martha and his relationship? Hey, it's a small village. Gossip flourishes. What problems does a shirt left behind create? Why is Martha so fixated on using lavender tea? Why do you have to be in line early to claim even a loaf of bread at the store? How do Martha's friends both help and, occasionally, distract the investigation?
Who .... oh, way too many teasers. Despite the charmingly quaint slow pace of the plot, the story is an intriguing one. The characters are interesting, even aggravating at times, and, hey, Lizzie the dog is a delight. While we tend to fantasize how wonderful it might be to live in a small British village, it's clear that there is more to Westleham than meets the eye. Makes me curious to see what comes next, not to mention how the author will solve the problem of bringing Martha and Luke together at some point. Sit back with a hot cup of tea (not lavender), prop up your feet, and prepare to enjoy the somewhat leisurely trail to the conclusion which, quite frankly, kept me guessing until the very end. That reveal was rather a long, zig-zagging one, I must admit. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for giving me this sneak peek. It's rather fun to slow down and enjoy a visit to village life circa 1948.
August 28, 2025
Recensione per il bog A book with tea
Delitto a Lovers’ Leap è il terzo libro della serie Martha Miller Mysteries, firmata dalla talentuosa autrice Catherine Coles, specializzata in cosy mystery dagli anni ’40 con ambientazioni tipicamente britanniche. Uscito in Italia l'8 agosto 2025 per Newton Compton Editori, il romanzo si conferma un avvincente giallo d’epoca ricco di atmosfera e fascino rétro.
Ambientato nel 1948, nel pittoresco villaggio inglese di Westleham, Delitto a Lovers’ Leap è il terzo capitolo della serie di Catherine Coles dedicata a Martha Miller, ex infermiera diventata investigatrice dilettante quasi per caso. Nonostante faccia parte di una saga, questo romanzo può essere letto anche come autoconclusivo: l’autrice è abile nel fornire al lettore le informazioni necessarie sui personaggi principali e sul contesto, senza appesantire la trama.
Siamo davanti a un cozy mystery classico: un giallo leggero, pieno di atmosfera, che richiama le atmosfere di Agatha Christie, ma con un tocco moderno e un ritmo che cattura subito.
La vicenda si apre nel giorno di San Valentino, quando Martha Miller, malinconica per la scomparsa del marito Stan e confusa dai suoi sentimenti per il vicario Luke, decide di recarsi a Lovers’ Leap, un ponte intriso di leggende romantiche e tragiche. Ma la passeggiata prende una piega inaspettata: la sua fedele cagnolina Lizzie scopre un cadavere lungo la riva del fiume.
La domanda è immediata: si tratta di un incidente, di un gesto disperato d’amore o di un omicidio? Martha, con il suo acume e la sua determinazione, non può fare a meno di indagare, coinvolgendo nuovamente gli abitanti di Westleham in un mistero che sconvolge la tranquillità del villaggio.
Una delle grandi forze di questo libro sta proprio nei suoi personaggi ben caratterizzati. Martha è una protagonista credibile, intelligente e ironica, con un lato emotivo che la rende umana e vicina al lettore. Non è un’investigatrice “perfetta”: dubita, si lascia coinvolgere, e proprio per questo diventa affascinante.
Al suo fianco troviamo Luke, l’affascinante vicario, che in questo volume rivela aspetti inaspettati del suo passato e mostra sfumature che lo rendono più realistico: non più solo il “prete affascinante”, ma un uomo con pregi e difetti.
Ho adorato tutto di questo libro, dai personaggi alla trama. La risoluzione del caso non è scontata e mi ha sorpresa fino alla fine. Ma soprattutto ho apprezzato moltissimo la relazione tra Luke e Martha, che cresce lentamente, regalando momenti di grande tenerezza e intensità.
La parte investigativa è ben costruita, con falsi indizi, intrecci narrativi e colpi di scena che mantengono viva la tensione fino alla fine. Nonostante il tono “cozy” e leggero, l’indagine è appassionante e mai banale.
La scrittura scorrevole di Catherine Coles fa sì che il romanzo si legga velocemente, pur regalando la soddisfazione di un puzzle ben congegnato.
Oltre al giallo vero e proprio, il libro affronta anche temi più ampi.
Il contesto storico post-bellico: siamo nel 1948, con un’Inghilterra ancora segnata dal dopoguerra, dalle restrizioni e dalle difficoltà quotidiane. Questo dettaglio arricchisce la narrazione e la rende più realistica.
La fede e le domande esistenziali: la presenza del vicario Luke porta inevitabilmente a riflessioni su Dio, sul dolore e sul senso della vita.
Il filo rosso sentimentale: oltre al caso del cadavere, resta in sospeso il mistero della sorte di Stan, il marito di Martha. E, naturalmente, la connessione tra Martha e Luke aggiunge tensione emotiva e rende i personaggi ancora più vicini al lettore.
Uno degli elementi più riusciti del libro è proprio l’equilibrio tra mistero e relazione personale. In questo terzo capitolo, la dinamica tra Martha e Luke guadagna spazio, diventando quasi un co-protagonista della trama. Alcuni lettori hanno notato che il romance talvolta sembra prevalere sull’indagine, ma personalmente l’ho trovato un punto di forza: il rapporto tra i due è costruito con lentezza e realismo, e ogni piccolo passo avanti ha un peso emotivo notevole.
Delitto a Lovers’ Leap è un cozy mystery elegante, avvincente e pieno di cuore. Un giallo che unisce atmosfere vintage, ritmo narrativo moderno e personaggi memorabili. La risoluzione del caso è sorprendente, la scrittura è scorrevole e i temi di amore, perdita e rinascita lo rendono più profondo di un semplice passatempo.
Un libro che si legge in pochi giorni, ma che lascia nel lettore il desiderio di tornare subito a Westleham e scoprire cosa accadrà a Martha, Luke e agli altri abitanti del villaggio.
Grazie infinite a Newton Compton editori per la copia cartacea del romanzo.
Delitto a Lovers’ Leap è il terzo libro della serie Martha Miller Mysteries, firmata dalla talentuosa autrice Catherine Coles, specializzata in cosy mystery dagli anni ’40 con ambientazioni tipicamente britanniche. Uscito in Italia l'8 agosto 2025 per Newton Compton Editori, il romanzo si conferma un avvincente giallo d’epoca ricco di atmosfera e fascino rétro.
Ambientato nel 1948, nel pittoresco villaggio inglese di Westleham, Delitto a Lovers’ Leap è il terzo capitolo della serie di Catherine Coles dedicata a Martha Miller, ex infermiera diventata investigatrice dilettante quasi per caso. Nonostante faccia parte di una saga, questo romanzo può essere letto anche come autoconclusivo: l’autrice è abile nel fornire al lettore le informazioni necessarie sui personaggi principali e sul contesto, senza appesantire la trama.
Siamo davanti a un cozy mystery classico: un giallo leggero, pieno di atmosfera, che richiama le atmosfere di Agatha Christie, ma con un tocco moderno e un ritmo che cattura subito.
La vicenda si apre nel giorno di San Valentino, quando Martha Miller, malinconica per la scomparsa del marito Stan e confusa dai suoi sentimenti per il vicario Luke, decide di recarsi a Lovers’ Leap, un ponte intriso di leggende romantiche e tragiche. Ma la passeggiata prende una piega inaspettata: la sua fedele cagnolina Lizzie scopre un cadavere lungo la riva del fiume.
La domanda è immediata: si tratta di un incidente, di un gesto disperato d’amore o di un omicidio? Martha, con il suo acume e la sua determinazione, non può fare a meno di indagare, coinvolgendo nuovamente gli abitanti di Westleham in un mistero che sconvolge la tranquillità del villaggio.
Una delle grandi forze di questo libro sta proprio nei suoi personaggi ben caratterizzati. Martha è una protagonista credibile, intelligente e ironica, con un lato emotivo che la rende umana e vicina al lettore. Non è un’investigatrice “perfetta”: dubita, si lascia coinvolgere, e proprio per questo diventa affascinante.
Al suo fianco troviamo Luke, l’affascinante vicario, che in questo volume rivela aspetti inaspettati del suo passato e mostra sfumature che lo rendono più realistico: non più solo il “prete affascinante”, ma un uomo con pregi e difetti.
Ho adorato tutto di questo libro, dai personaggi alla trama. La risoluzione del caso non è scontata e mi ha sorpresa fino alla fine. Ma soprattutto ho apprezzato moltissimo la relazione tra Luke e Martha, che cresce lentamente, regalando momenti di grande tenerezza e intensità.
La parte investigativa è ben costruita, con falsi indizi, intrecci narrativi e colpi di scena che mantengono viva la tensione fino alla fine. Nonostante il tono “cozy” e leggero, l’indagine è appassionante e mai banale.
La scrittura scorrevole di Catherine Coles fa sì che il romanzo si legga velocemente, pur regalando la soddisfazione di un puzzle ben congegnato.
Oltre al giallo vero e proprio, il libro affronta anche temi più ampi.
Il contesto storico post-bellico: siamo nel 1948, con un’Inghilterra ancora segnata dal dopoguerra, dalle restrizioni e dalle difficoltà quotidiane. Questo dettaglio arricchisce la narrazione e la rende più realistica.
La fede e le domande esistenziali: la presenza del vicario Luke porta inevitabilmente a riflessioni su Dio, sul dolore e sul senso della vita.
Il filo rosso sentimentale: oltre al caso del cadavere, resta in sospeso il mistero della sorte di Stan, il marito di Martha. E, naturalmente, la connessione tra Martha e Luke aggiunge tensione emotiva e rende i personaggi ancora più vicini al lettore.
Uno degli elementi più riusciti del libro è proprio l’equilibrio tra mistero e relazione personale. In questo terzo capitolo, la dinamica tra Martha e Luke guadagna spazio, diventando quasi un co-protagonista della trama. Alcuni lettori hanno notato che il romance talvolta sembra prevalere sull’indagine, ma personalmente l’ho trovato un punto di forza: il rapporto tra i due è costruito con lentezza e realismo, e ogni piccolo passo avanti ha un peso emotivo notevole.
Delitto a Lovers’ Leap è un cozy mystery elegante, avvincente e pieno di cuore. Un giallo che unisce atmosfere vintage, ritmo narrativo moderno e personaggi memorabili. La risoluzione del caso è sorprendente, la scrittura è scorrevole e i temi di amore, perdita e rinascita lo rendono più profondo di un semplice passatempo.
Un libro che si legge in pochi giorni, ma che lascia nel lettore il desiderio di tornare subito a Westleham e scoprire cosa accadrà a Martha, Luke e agli altri abitanti del villaggio.
Grazie infinite a Newton Compton editori per la copia cartacea del romanzo.
June 25, 2024
Another winner in the series. Martha and Lizzie happen upon anther dead body while out for a walk along the lovers' leap bridge. They find poor Stephen at the bottom, dead. Did he jump because he was in a love triangle with Florence and the farmer's son, Frank, or was he pushed? Of course, Martha and the vicar, Luke, team up again to investigate, along with the village gossips and Martha's friends and neighbors, Maud and Ada. They quickly learn from Ada that Stephen was in the local shop just a few days prior when Florence walked in holding flowers and Stephen looked surprised. Did Frank give her the flowers, was that why Stephen was upset? They decide to question the other people in line to find out more. To make matters even more interesting, Luke's estranged father, Walter, moved to town and he was behind Stephen in line that day but says that he remembers absolutely nothing. Same goes for Dennis, the undertaker, who was behind Walter in line. But Martha is suspicious about the behavior of both men. When Dennis is found dead a few days later she knows that both men were lying to her. Luke's sister, Iris, upon hearing that their wayward father had moved to town, shows up for a visit and assists them in getting her father to own up to his actions. It appears that he was involved in a black market scam that involved using dead people's rations books to illegally purchase goods for sale. Stephen was upset because Walter dropped a ration book and Stephen picked it up and it just happened to be the book of his dead grandfather who had died a couple of months before. Dennis was the one who collected the books as his role as undertaker, offering to return them to the proper authorities for the grieving families. But Walter did not know who the ring leader was. So Martha sets up a plan to catch the killer by using Walter as bait. Maud and Ada gossip in front of the store clerk that Walter knows who the killer is and is hiding out in the vicarage in order to keep himself safe. Of course, the shop clerk breaks into the vicarage that night to keep Walter quiet and is promptly arrested by the waiting police officers. Unfortunately for Iris & Luke, Walter is also arrested for his illegal black market activities. In personal news, Luke & Martha declare their love for one another but know that it is hopeless since Martha is still married to her long missing husband, Stan. Martha's sister, Ruby, gets engaged to police detective Ben and there is a rumor that Iris may move to the village permanently. I look forward to the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Death at Lovers' Leap is the third Martha Miller cozy by Catherine Coles. Released 16th Feb 2024 by Boldwood Books, it's 178 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.
This is a well written and whimsy filled historical cozy set just after WW2 in rural England. Life in the village has settled down for "newcomer" Martha Miller, but she's still melancholy about her still missing husband, and her (mostly) secret feelings for pastor Luke. When she finds another body, she and her "Watson" are drawn into another amateur investigation.
It's a fair play mystery, and readers will enjoy evaluating the clues as they come along. The author is adept at providing background story, so although it's the third book in the series, it works fine as a standalone read. There are developments with the characters in the previous books, so readers who choose to read them out of order should expect some minor spoilers.
Four stars, with three books extant it would make a nice mini-binge or buddy read. There's a fourth book due out from the same publishers in first quarter 2025.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 6 hours 18 minutes and is expertly read by Alex Lee. She has an even, beautifully modulated RP accent and a surprising facility with the different voices across a range of characters of widely varying ages and both male and female. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Death at Lovers' Leap is the third Martha Miller cozy by Catherine Coles. Released 16th Feb 2024 by Boldwood Books, it's 178 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently available on KU.
This is a well written and whimsy filled historical cozy set just after WW2 in rural England. Life in the village has settled down for "newcomer" Martha Miller, but she's still melancholy about her still missing husband, and her (mostly) secret feelings for pastor Luke. When she finds another body, she and her "Watson" are drawn into another amateur investigation.
It's a fair play mystery, and readers will enjoy evaluating the clues as they come along. The author is adept at providing background story, so although it's the third book in the series, it works fine as a standalone read. There are developments with the characters in the previous books, so readers who choose to read them out of order should expect some minor spoilers.
Four stars, with three books extant it would make a nice mini-binge or buddy read. There's a fourth book due out from the same publishers in first quarter 2025.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 6 hours 18 minutes and is expertly read by Alex Lee. She has an even, beautifully modulated RP accent and a surprising facility with the different voices across a range of characters of widely varying ages and both male and female. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
February 17, 2024
The year is 1948 and Martha’s husband Stan is still missing, whereabouts unknown (but definitely not buried in the potato patch), which leaves Martha Miller and the vicar Luke Walker she adores as having to observe propriety and remain just friends, despite rumours to the contrary. Feeling a little lost on Valentine’s Day, she takes her red setter Lizzie for a walk to local beauty spot Lovers’ Leap where an ill-fated couple once jumped to their deaths in the river, and Lizzie spots a body at the water’s edge. Martha instantly recognises it to be village lad Stephen Strickland, apparently one of two suitors to Florence Noble, daughter of Joe and Winnie who run the village pub. DI Ben Robertson, her sister Ruby’s boyfriend, is called out and soon it appears to be not an accident or suicide but murder!! Martha’s notoriety has grown amongst locals due to her being paramount in solving some tricky cases recently and Stephen’s mother begs her to find out what happened to her son. Soon Martha and Luke, aided by the old gang of her neighbour Maud Burnett and gossip Ada Garrett, are joining forces in a bit of detecting again! They discover all manner of people, including both the undertaker and Luke’s estranged father who has recently started to rent the house of disgraced former resident Margaret Leaming, know more than they are telling and are keeping secrets. Will this unlikely yet very adept team of sleuths get to the truth before there are any more deaths?
This is a charming cosy murder mystery story, full of very engaging characters, intrigue and a little romance for good measure where, despite being set in a bygone era where people had different worries and a slower way of life, the dark side of human nature still abounds. Perfect for a reader to lose themselves in a little bit of nostalgia and gentle crime solving. The whole sizzling “will they, won’t they” question lingers on for Luke and Martha (I do hope the Stan situation is resolved soon!) and I am looking forward to more stories in this lovely series.
This is a charming cosy murder mystery story, full of very engaging characters, intrigue and a little romance for good measure where, despite being set in a bygone era where people had different worries and a slower way of life, the dark side of human nature still abounds. Perfect for a reader to lose themselves in a little bit of nostalgia and gentle crime solving. The whole sizzling “will they, won’t they” question lingers on for Luke and Martha (I do hope the Stan situation is resolved soon!) and I am looking forward to more stories in this lovely series.
August 26, 2025
Ho letto tutti e 3 i libri di questa collana. Il primo mi è piaciuto molto, il che mi ha spinto a leggere anche il secondo che è stato anche quello piacevole. Questo è quello che tra tutti mi è piaciuto un po' meno.
In generale vedo poco sviluppo nei personaggi, soprattutto nella protagonista Martha Miller e nel reverendo Luke Walker che fanno risultare i personaggi un po' piatti.. la coppia non coppia vive in un'altalenante stato di "vorrei (stare con te) ma non posso".
Speravo che in questo terzo libro ci fosse qualche sviluppo sia rispetto al rapporto tra Martha e Luke (improbabile ma ci speravo) ma soprattutto circa il rapporto tra Martha e il marito scomparso Stan. Di lui abbiamo avuto qualche accenno nel primo e secondo libro poi più nulla. Nel primo libro Martha ricerca qualche informazione in più andando a Londra e incontrando qualche vecchio collega del marito, poi più nulla. Non so se ci sarà un altro libro di questa collana ma mi piacerebbe risolvesse quel mistero in primis così da poter vedere come evolve il personaggio ora che può mettersi l'anima in pace ed è libera.
In questo capitolo siamo tornati a Westleham e non più "in trasferta" come per il secondo libro per ritrovarci a cercare l'assassino di due morti apparentemente scollegate. Finale un po' scontato: il colpevole è il nuovo personaggio, di cui viene già fatto un importante accenno proprio a metà libro. Per come viene descritto si intuisce già che sia lui il colpevole quindi quando sono arrivata alla fine avevo già capito non solo quello ma anche tutta la questione tessere annonarie, legata comunque al colpevole degli omicidi.
Qui direi colpevole molto prevedibile fin da quasi subito quindi si è un po' persa la magia e il leggero mistero degli altri due libri dove era un po' più "velato". Aspetto un quarto capitolo (se ci sarà) sperando in ulteriori sviluppi tra Martha e Luke ma anche tra Martha e Stan e un nuovo omicidio da risolvere!
In generale vedo poco sviluppo nei personaggi, soprattutto nella protagonista Martha Miller e nel reverendo Luke Walker che fanno risultare i personaggi un po' piatti.. la coppia non coppia vive in un'altalenante stato di "vorrei (stare con te) ma non posso".
Speravo che in questo terzo libro ci fosse qualche sviluppo sia rispetto al rapporto tra Martha e Luke (improbabile ma ci speravo) ma soprattutto circa il rapporto tra Martha e il marito scomparso Stan. Di lui abbiamo avuto qualche accenno nel primo e secondo libro poi più nulla. Nel primo libro Martha ricerca qualche informazione in più andando a Londra e incontrando qualche vecchio collega del marito, poi più nulla. Non so se ci sarà un altro libro di questa collana ma mi piacerebbe risolvesse quel mistero in primis così da poter vedere come evolve il personaggio ora che può mettersi l'anima in pace ed è libera.
In questo capitolo siamo tornati a Westleham e non più "in trasferta" come per il secondo libro per ritrovarci a cercare l'assassino di due morti apparentemente scollegate. Finale un po' scontato: il colpevole è il nuovo personaggio, di cui viene già fatto un importante accenno proprio a metà libro. Per come viene descritto si intuisce già che sia lui il colpevole quindi quando sono arrivata alla fine avevo già capito non solo quello ma anche tutta la questione tessere annonarie, legata comunque al colpevole degli omicidi.
Qui direi colpevole molto prevedibile fin da quasi subito quindi si è un po' persa la magia e il leggero mistero degli altri due libri dove era un po' più "velato". Aspetto un quarto capitolo (se ci sarà) sperando in ulteriori sviluppi tra Martha e Luke ma anche tra Martha e Stan e un nuovo omicidio da risolvere!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Catherine Coles for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death at Lovers' Leap coming out February 16, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Westleham Village 1948
As Valentine's Day rolls around, Martha Miller finds herself unusually melancholy at the state of her own love life. With husband Stan still missing and with her growing feelings for Vicar Luke still shrouded in secrecy, there’s only one place Martha can go - famous local beauty spot, Lovers' Leap.
Legend has it that those with a broken heart throw themselves off the bridge that spans the river, but Martha is certainly not about to do such a thing! But it looks like someone else has had other ideas….
Because there in the river, Martha finds a body. But is this misadventure, a moment of lovesick madness, or is foul play afoot?
Martha knows one thing…the villagers of Westleham have another crime to solve!
To be honest, I didn’t read the first two books. But I love Catherine Coles’ writing, so I was excited to check out this book. Historical cozy mysteries are one of my favorite genres. I love the village setting and post war era is a fun time period. I was able to get into the story straightaway. I think Martha is a strong character and I enjoyed her relationship with Luke. Things are a bit complicated since she’s still married to her missing husband, but I think she handles things well. I enjoyed the mystery. It was definitely fast paced and a quick read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries set in the 1940s!
Westleham Village 1948
As Valentine's Day rolls around, Martha Miller finds herself unusually melancholy at the state of her own love life. With husband Stan still missing and with her growing feelings for Vicar Luke still shrouded in secrecy, there’s only one place Martha can go - famous local beauty spot, Lovers' Leap.
Legend has it that those with a broken heart throw themselves off the bridge that spans the river, but Martha is certainly not about to do such a thing! But it looks like someone else has had other ideas….
Because there in the river, Martha finds a body. But is this misadventure, a moment of lovesick madness, or is foul play afoot?
Martha knows one thing…the villagers of Westleham have another crime to solve!
To be honest, I didn’t read the first two books. But I love Catherine Coles’ writing, so I was excited to check out this book. Historical cozy mysteries are one of my favorite genres. I love the village setting and post war era is a fun time period. I was able to get into the story straightaway. I think Martha is a strong character and I enjoyed her relationship with Luke. Things are a bit complicated since she’s still married to her missing husband, but I think she handles things well. I enjoyed the mystery. It was definitely fast paced and a quick read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries set in the 1940s!
February 17, 2024
Death at Lovers' Leap is the 3rd book in the Martha Miller series. I hadn't read the 2 previous books but the way they were recapped in this one made it very clear what had happened and the reader wasn't at a disadvantage by not having read them. One thing I really liked about this story is the continuation of certain events and relationships through the books without leaving cliffhangers at the end. It certainly left me wanting to read the next in the series as soon as I could.
The character of Martha was very likable and surrounded by the cast of characters, all with their flaws and strengths, makes for a really good community feel. This wasn't one of those books where the protagonists are met with unnaturally fortunate timing and luck and solve the mystery based on that. It was a good mystery with twists and turns and the Vicar and Martha are met with friendliness and hostility, but persevere through it all to get to the end result.
I enjoyed reading about the family dynamics between the Vicar and his father and really like Iris as a character for the series and hope she stays around. One mature element was that not everything was resolved positively for Martha but we are left hoping it will come around in future books. I also enjoyed the era of war without being in the middle of it. To see that ration cards, shortages and people going without, was still happening 3 years later is a reality not often spoken about.
All in all, thoroughly enjoyable!
Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.
The character of Martha was very likable and surrounded by the cast of characters, all with their flaws and strengths, makes for a really good community feel. This wasn't one of those books where the protagonists are met with unnaturally fortunate timing and luck and solve the mystery based on that. It was a good mystery with twists and turns and the Vicar and Martha are met with friendliness and hostility, but persevere through it all to get to the end result.
I enjoyed reading about the family dynamics between the Vicar and his father and really like Iris as a character for the series and hope she stays around. One mature element was that not everything was resolved positively for Martha but we are left hoping it will come around in future books. I also enjoyed the era of war without being in the middle of it. To see that ration cards, shortages and people going without, was still happening 3 years later is a reality not often spoken about.
All in all, thoroughly enjoyable!
Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2024
Martha Miller finds herself embroiled in another murder mystery in Death at Lovers’ Leap, the third title in Catherine Coles’ terrific historical cosy crime series.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Martha’s thoughts naturally turn to her own love life. She cannot help but feel despondent with her husband Stan still missing and her ever growing feelings for Vicar Luke. Needing some time to think and some clarity, Martha heads off to famous local beauty spot Lovers’ Leap. Legend says that those with a broken heart throw themselves off the bridge and Martha is certainly not about to do that. However, it seems that other people might have had other ideas…
Martha is shocked when on arrival she finds a body in the river. Was it an accident? Misadventure? Or could something sinister be afoot? Having already proved herself to be an accomplished detective, it seems like Martha will have to turn sleuth yet again. Can she – and the villagers of Westleham – solve this mystery? Can she get to the bottom of this case? Or should Martha have let sleeping dogs lie?
Catherine Coles’ Death at Lovers’ Leap is another enjoyable Martha Miller mystery readers will find engaging, engrossing and difficult to put down. Full of wonderful characters, superb period atmosphere and plenty of red herrings to pull the rug out from under readers’ feet, fans of the genre will not want to miss Catherine Coles’ Death at Lovers’ Leap.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Martha’s thoughts naturally turn to her own love life. She cannot help but feel despondent with her husband Stan still missing and her ever growing feelings for Vicar Luke. Needing some time to think and some clarity, Martha heads off to famous local beauty spot Lovers’ Leap. Legend says that those with a broken heart throw themselves off the bridge and Martha is certainly not about to do that. However, it seems that other people might have had other ideas…
Martha is shocked when on arrival she finds a body in the river. Was it an accident? Misadventure? Or could something sinister be afoot? Having already proved herself to be an accomplished detective, it seems like Martha will have to turn sleuth yet again. Can she – and the villagers of Westleham – solve this mystery? Can she get to the bottom of this case? Or should Martha have let sleeping dogs lie?
Catherine Coles’ Death at Lovers’ Leap is another enjoyable Martha Miller mystery readers will find engaging, engrossing and difficult to put down. Full of wonderful characters, superb period atmosphere and plenty of red herrings to pull the rug out from under readers’ feet, fans of the genre will not want to miss Catherine Coles’ Death at Lovers’ Leap.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 2, 2024
(Standalone book in a series)
Set in post war England this tells the story of a murder in a village called Westleham and some of the people around it. Martha, having discovered a murderer in the next village a while ago has got herself a reputation for sleuthing so when she discovers a young man's body under a local bridge she decides to investigate. Her reputation isn’t helped by the fact that she likes the vicar Luke, which wouldn't be so much of a problem if her husband hadn't gone missing during the war so technically she is still married and even when she can divorce him after a number of years, a divorced woman could never marry a vicar. This is book three in the series but happily stands alone- I hadn't read the others. Martha, with Luke, is well placed to hear gossip and through this discovers more than the police which makes for a charming, old fashioned mystery investigation.
I liked Martha and Luke and the book very easily kept me between the pages. It's lovely to have a crime book unfettered by modern trappings and be reminded of how simple life was back then, with all the attached difficulties of things such as rationing- something that is hard to imagine happening now. It's a charming read and one with a wistful smile. A thoroughly enjoyable read and I look forward to more in the series.
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January 10, 2024
As Valentine's Day nears, ridden with melancholy for her lost husband and falling deeper and deeper in love with ten and vicar Luke, Martha goes to Lovers' Leap, the best beauty spot in the village. However, her plans of solace are thwarted after finding a body floating in the river. Martha cannot tell whether it was a tragic accident or a planned act and, thus, becomes set on finding the truth.
The author masterfully interlaces an alluring storyline with ingredients of love, mystery, and small-town drama. Martha is an identifiable and compassionate character, and her inner struggle makes the narrative richer. The cadre of villagers, each with their secrets and motives, adds depth to the plot.
The following investigation is well woven with unexpected plots and subplots that will keep readers off their toes until the end. The author pays great attention to detail in recreating the post-war era, which lends an air of authenticity to the setting as the village of Westleham seems to come alive.
To the fans of cozy mysteries and historical fiction, "Death at Lovers' Leap "is enjoyable. It's well-written, well-paced, and makes for gripping reading from start to finish. Set in a beautiful place, marked by exciting personalities, and filled with a fascinating mystery, this book is bound to draw the attention of both novice and frequent readers.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
The author masterfully interlaces an alluring storyline with ingredients of love, mystery, and small-town drama. Martha is an identifiable and compassionate character, and her inner struggle makes the narrative richer. The cadre of villagers, each with their secrets and motives, adds depth to the plot.
The following investigation is well woven with unexpected plots and subplots that will keep readers off their toes until the end. The author pays great attention to detail in recreating the post-war era, which lends an air of authenticity to the setting as the village of Westleham seems to come alive.
To the fans of cozy mysteries and historical fiction, "Death at Lovers' Leap "is enjoyable. It's well-written, well-paced, and makes for gripping reading from start to finish. Set in a beautiful place, marked by exciting personalities, and filled with a fascinating mystery, this book is bound to draw the attention of both novice and frequent readers.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
January 3, 2024
The third in the Martha Miller series of village murders lives up to its two predecessors.
Martha and vicar, Luke, set out to solve another village crime and uncover the ruthless world of ration dodging along the way.
Yes, the story is a little predictable and maybe even unlikely, but what makes this series is the interactions between the characters and the setting of the story in a well researched and believable post war society with all its etiquette and prejudices.
Martha is a very clear eyed narrator and we feel for her as she fights against her feelings for Luke, knowing that, as a married( if deserted) woman, she can never allow these feelings free rein.
Catherine Coles doesn't paint an "apple pie" version of village life, there is hurtful gossip, snide remarks, and dismissive comments within the community, but there is also friendship and understanding. Martha is just beginning to learn about the friendship and understanding, having been subjected to the other side of the village coin previously.
Maybe her erstwhile treatment by those around her is what gives her such a desire to see justice for the victims in her murder cases.
For those who like classic style Miss Marple, Agatha Raisin type murder mysteries, this series is just made for you..enjoy it with a nice cup of tea...just don't make it lavender as Martha does, because that sounds dreadful!
Martha and vicar, Luke, set out to solve another village crime and uncover the ruthless world of ration dodging along the way.
Yes, the story is a little predictable and maybe even unlikely, but what makes this series is the interactions between the characters and the setting of the story in a well researched and believable post war society with all its etiquette and prejudices.
Martha is a very clear eyed narrator and we feel for her as she fights against her feelings for Luke, knowing that, as a married( if deserted) woman, she can never allow these feelings free rein.
Catherine Coles doesn't paint an "apple pie" version of village life, there is hurtful gossip, snide remarks, and dismissive comments within the community, but there is also friendship and understanding. Martha is just beginning to learn about the friendship and understanding, having been subjected to the other side of the village coin previously.
Maybe her erstwhile treatment by those around her is what gives her such a desire to see justice for the victims in her murder cases.
For those who like classic style Miss Marple, Agatha Raisin type murder mysteries, this series is just made for you..enjoy it with a nice cup of tea...just don't make it lavender as Martha does, because that sounds dreadful!
February 17, 2024
Death at Lovers' Leap by Catherine Coles
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Westleham Village 1948
As Valentine's Day rolls around, Martha Miller finds herself unusually melancholy at the state of her own love life. With husband Stan still missing and with her growing feelings for Vicar Luke still shrouded in secrecy, there’s only one place Martha can go - famous local beauty spot, Lovers' Leap.
Legend has it that those with a broken heart throw themselves off the bridge that spans the river, but Martha is certainly not about to do such a thing! But it looks like someone else has had other ideas….
Because there in the river, Martha finds a body. But is this misadventure, a moment of lovesick madness, or is foul play afoot?
Martha knows one thing…the villagers of Westleham have another crime to solve!
Let the investigation commence!
My Opinion
This was the first Catherine Coles book that I have read but for me I was able to follow it as a standalone. With this only being a short book I chose this as a quick read to take with me on a car journey. In total, this book took me just over an hour to read and was enjoyable. This was a well-paced cosy mystery, great for reading when you have limited time available.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Westleham Village 1948
As Valentine's Day rolls around, Martha Miller finds herself unusually melancholy at the state of her own love life. With husband Stan still missing and with her growing feelings for Vicar Luke still shrouded in secrecy, there’s only one place Martha can go - famous local beauty spot, Lovers' Leap.
Legend has it that those with a broken heart throw themselves off the bridge that spans the river, but Martha is certainly not about to do such a thing! But it looks like someone else has had other ideas….
Because there in the river, Martha finds a body. But is this misadventure, a moment of lovesick madness, or is foul play afoot?
Martha knows one thing…the villagers of Westleham have another crime to solve!
Let the investigation commence!
My Opinion
This was the first Catherine Coles book that I have read but for me I was able to follow it as a standalone. With this only being a short book I chose this as a quick read to take with me on a car journey. In total, this book took me just over an hour to read and was enjoyable. This was a well-paced cosy mystery, great for reading when you have limited time available.
Rating 4/5
March 9, 2024
1948, Martha Miller is feeling blue on Valentine's Day with a missing husband and an unrequited love for the vicar. But things get worse when she finds a young man's dead body...
Death at Lovers' Leap is the third book to feature amateur sleuths Martha and Luke in an English village shortly after WW2. I have previously read and reviewed the first two books in the series: Poison at the Village Show and Daggers at the Country Fair.
A love triangle seems to have caused the latest shock death in the village. Steven died at a place renowned for a tragic past and may have jumped to his death after his girl showed attention to another. Or was he killed by his love rival? Martha and Luke realise something else may be afoot in the village when another person dies. The murder mystery is maintained until the final chapter. I liked the historical details which add to the plot and depth of the characters.
The sleuthing couple have the added complication of the arrival of Luke's father and later his sister too. I feel so sorry for Martha and Luke as they are perfect together and their hopes of a relationship seem as far away as ever despite their obvious feelings. I really want them to find happiness but I don't see how it will happen due to his vocation and her marital history :(
Death at Lovers' Leap is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery.
Death at Lovers' Leap is the third book to feature amateur sleuths Martha and Luke in an English village shortly after WW2. I have previously read and reviewed the first two books in the series: Poison at the Village Show and Daggers at the Country Fair.
A love triangle seems to have caused the latest shock death in the village. Steven died at a place renowned for a tragic past and may have jumped to his death after his girl showed attention to another. Or was he killed by his love rival? Martha and Luke realise something else may be afoot in the village when another person dies. The murder mystery is maintained until the final chapter. I liked the historical details which add to the plot and depth of the characters.
The sleuthing couple have the added complication of the arrival of Luke's father and later his sister too. I feel so sorry for Martha and Luke as they are perfect together and their hopes of a relationship seem as far away as ever despite their obvious feelings. I really want them to find happiness but I don't see how it will happen due to his vocation and her marital history :(
Death at Lovers' Leap is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery.
February 14, 2024
I enjoyed picking up the threads of this cozy crime series and seeing what Martha Miller was up to now. Inevitably, a dead body enters the story and she is drawn into yet another village mystery. There are some satisfying links in the story to the recent war and its continuing effect on the community. Martha is feeling somewhat dissatisfied with her life, waiting to find out what happened to her husband and unable to move on as she longs to. There is a great mixture of historical detail and mystery and this time, her feelings for the local vicar seem to be growing. The social mores of the era are forcing her to try to put a distance between her and Luke but their investigations draw them closer.
You get to find out quite a lot more about Luke's family in this story and to meet some of his relatives. He does not have an easy relationship with all his family and you can see how torn he is. I also enjoyed some of the secondary characters, particularly Martha's friends who are all agog to see if she can solve another murder. The series continues in good heart and by the end, you do feel that Martha's life might be moving on a little. The murder is expertly uncovered, with all the hallmarks of a classic crime novel.
In short: tantalising clues and a touch of romance
You get to find out quite a lot more about Luke's family in this story and to meet some of his relatives. He does not have an easy relationship with all his family and you can see how torn he is. I also enjoyed some of the secondary characters, particularly Martha's friends who are all agog to see if she can solve another murder. The series continues in good heart and by the end, you do feel that Martha's life might be moving on a little. The murder is expertly uncovered, with all the hallmarks of a classic crime novel.
In short: tantalising clues and a touch of romance
September 3, 2025
Questo è il terzo volume della The Martha Miller Misteries Series. Questa serie mi sta facendo impazzire!!! Martha e Luke hanno finalmente dichiarato i loro veri sentimenti, ma non possono ancora mettersi insieme (speriamo che in futuro ci sarà questa possibilità). Ben e Ruby si sposano!!! Sono super felice per loro, se lo meritano tanto di essere felici insieme. Mi dispiace per i due nuovi omicidi di Steven, ancora troppo giovane per fare questa fine e del Becchino Dennis, che aveva sicuramente molte cose da nascondere. Non parlerò del commesso, l’assassino perché come dico sempre non si merita di essere nominato. Ada è il signor Bennington spero che si metteranno insieme. Frank e Florence non avevano futuro fin dall’inizio e lo sapevano entrambi molto bene, ma fingevano di non sapere la realtà. (Lo dico perché si capiva che non era vero amore). Finalmente questo libro non finisce con Martha e Luke Che litigano per qualcosa, anzi in modo del tutto inaspettato confessano di amarsi. Ormai sono diventati una delle mie coppie preferite di sempre, spero che il loro amore riuscirà a sbocciare definitivamente in una relazione vera e propria. Spero che la scrittrice farà uscire al più presto il prossimo volume, anche se ho paura che non ci sarà un prossimo libro di questa serie!?! 🥰
February 20, 2024
This is an excellent historical cozy series: well research and featuring an unusual couple of amateurish detectives.
Martha is a woman who doesn’t know if her husband is dead or alive as he disappeared, Luke is the vicar. There’s a lot of development in the relationship between them and I hope that the mystery of Martha’s husband will be solved.
There’s a lot of research in this book and it shows in how a respectable woman should behave, in the plot of this mystery and the general atmosphere. There’s not a lot of mysteries set just after WWII and this is one of the best.
This mystery could have been written in the 40s as the atmosphere, the characters and even the number of pages pay homage to the mysteries of those ages even if those were darker.
The mystery is solid, full of surprising twists and I thoroughly enjoyed even if I guessed the culprit.
There’s a lot of character development and I hope there will be more developments in Martha’s story.
I enjoyed it and it’s strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Martha is a woman who doesn’t know if her husband is dead or alive as he disappeared, Luke is the vicar. There’s a lot of development in the relationship between them and I hope that the mystery of Martha’s husband will be solved.
There’s a lot of research in this book and it shows in how a respectable woman should behave, in the plot of this mystery and the general atmosphere. There’s not a lot of mysteries set just after WWII and this is one of the best.
This mystery could have been written in the 40s as the atmosphere, the characters and even the number of pages pay homage to the mysteries of those ages even if those were darker.
The mystery is solid, full of surprising twists and I thoroughly enjoyed even if I guessed the culprit.
There’s a lot of character development and I hope there will be more developments in Martha’s story.
I enjoyed it and it’s strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for this ARC, all opinions are mine
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