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Kipper Cottage Mystery #4
Death at the Anchorage
Roses are red, violets are blue. A killer is coming. The question is - who?
It’s Valentine’s Day in the picturesque fishing town of Whitby, and hearts are beating fast – for all the wrong reasons.
When an impromptu séance at the local retirement home sparks a grisly death, widow Liz McLuckie once again finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.
Why did someone kill mild-mannered pensioner Clara Bendelow? Could it have something to do with the suicide of her brother thirty years before? And how is it connected to the recent re-appearance of a convicted fraudster?
The answers lie buried in the past and Liz will have to dig deep to find them, with the help of her motley assortment of friends and Nelson the English bull terrier, the ugliest (and cleverest) dog in Yorkshire.
It’s Valentine’s Day in the picturesque fishing town of Whitby, and hearts are beating fast – for all the wrong reasons.
When an impromptu séance at the local retirement home sparks a grisly death, widow Liz McLuckie once again finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.
Why did someone kill mild-mannered pensioner Clara Bendelow? Could it have something to do with the suicide of her brother thirty years before? And how is it connected to the recent re-appearance of a convicted fraudster?
The answers lie buried in the past and Liz will have to dig deep to find them, with the help of her motley assortment of friends and Nelson the English bull terrier, the ugliest (and cleverest) dog in Yorkshire.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2022
53 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Jan Durham
6 books32 followersWelcome to Kipper Cottage! I write the Kipper Cottage cozy crime series set in Whitby, featuring amateur sleuth Liz McLuckie and her motley assortment of friends - and of course Nelson, the bravest bull terrier in Yorkshire.
I’d love to live in Whitby (all that sand, sea and fish and chips!) but actually live just outside Edinburgh with my husband, three kids, a one-eyed whippet and a fat black pug. I began my writing career as an advertising copywriter, and have since had novels published by Random House and HarperCollins. I also write for tv.
I enjoy psychological thrillers and crime fiction of all kinds, from the coziest of cozies to the blackest of noirs. I love talking to my readers, so please do get in touch with me via my website – kippercottagemysteries.co.uk - or on Instagram - kippercottagemysteries
Thank you for reading my books!
I’d love to live in Whitby (all that sand, sea and fish and chips!) but actually live just outside Edinburgh with my husband, three kids, a one-eyed whippet and a fat black pug. I began my writing career as an advertising copywriter, and have since had novels published by Random House and HarperCollins. I also write for tv.
I enjoy psychological thrillers and crime fiction of all kinds, from the coziest of cozies to the blackest of noirs. I love talking to my readers, so please do get in touch with me via my website – kippercottagemysteries.co.uk - or on Instagram - kippercottagemysteries
Thank you for reading my books!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 24, 2023
This is the third book I have read in this series (having missed reading book #3) and the series has maintained its enjoyment level with good plotlines and interesting and quirky characters including Nelson, the bull terrier. I like Liz McLuckie as a character--she is smart, kind and friendly and it looks like she is finally ready for a new romance after losing her husband a few years ago. The mystery once again is a good one involving a murder (or two) at a local retirement home after a séance session proves deadly and which unearths old secrets and crimes.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Inkubator Books and the author Jan Durham for the e-Arc of the book.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Inkubator Books and the author Jan Durham for the e-Arc of the book.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
September 13, 2023
I think from now on, Liz McLuckie and nosy parker are synonymous!
In Death at the Anchorage, Whitby is preparing to celebrate Valentine's Day, but as usual, Mrs. McLuckie finds herself involved in another crime, this time at the Anchorage Retirement Home, where Liz is invited to an "innocent" game with a Ouija. The message received: MURDERER!
A clean and entertaining story, but if the reader has read a couple of books in this series, he will notice that there are entire paragraphs that are repeated in each story. For this reason I give this book only 3 stars. Otherwise it would easily get the 5 stars it deserves.
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on what I think and feel about this book.
In Death at the Anchorage, Whitby is preparing to celebrate Valentine's Day, but as usual, Mrs. McLuckie finds herself involved in another crime, this time at the Anchorage Retirement Home, where Liz is invited to an "innocent" game with a Ouija. The message received: MURDERER!
A clean and entertaining story, but if the reader has read a couple of books in this series, he will notice that there are entire paragraphs that are repeated in each story. For this reason I give this book only 3 stars. Otherwise it would easily get the 5 stars it deserves.
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on what I think and feel about this book.
December 28, 2022
Mysteries set in retirement homes or about older sleuths seem to be trending and this one did not disappoint. What I enjoyed most was the description of location which was vivid and atmospheric. The characters were also well developed: we got an insight into their unique personalities and quirks. Overall, a good read.
November 15, 2022
Liz doing a good turn for her friend Iris helping her look into a retirement home while her son is away winds up roped into an impromptu seance. The unlikely foretelling of murderer sours the game for all and the two friends head back home. Yet the next morning Iris shows up at Liz’s house all worked up about a murder at the home. Iris’s friend Clara who lived there has been killed. A shocking death, who would want to kill the sweet older retired lady? The death hits Liz’s friend Iris particularly hard though which cause Liz to get involved in yet another investigation. Once again putting her at cross purposes with DI Flint. Liz soldiers on with the help of her rag tag crew of friends and her faithful pup Nelson. Secrets from the past, shady goings on in the retirement home, Valentines Day and odd behavior from Benedict are some of the obstacles that come through but Liz is plucky and never stops til the truth us found.
A very enjoyable series! I love Liz and her determination to remake her life in the wake of her husband’s death. Her uncanny ability to wind up in the middle of things is fun for the reader though I’m sure it’s vexing for Liz. The small seaside English village is a lovely setting and the people who love there friend or foe are colorful and enriching additions to all the stories. I especially like the hopeful beginning of a relationship at the end even if it is a bit of a cliffhanger. Bottom line the series is a wonderful collection of small town mystery cozies that are a sure fire win every time!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A very enjoyable series! I love Liz and her determination to remake her life in the wake of her husband’s death. Her uncanny ability to wind up in the middle of things is fun for the reader though I’m sure it’s vexing for Liz. The small seaside English village is a lovely setting and the people who love there friend or foe are colorful and enriching additions to all the stories. I especially like the hopeful beginning of a relationship at the end even if it is a bit of a cliffhanger. Bottom line the series is a wonderful collection of small town mystery cozies that are a sure fire win every time!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
It’s February in the picturesque fishing town of Whitby, and when an impromptu séance at the Anchorage, the local retirement home sparks a grisly death, widow & retired nurse Liz McLuckie once again finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Why would anyone kill mild-mannered pensioner Clara Bendelow?
This is the fourth outing for Liz & her friends & another well written engrossing read & it could be easily read on its own. However I love a series & have loved how relationships have developed throughout the series. I love Liz & Nelson her dog, also the great supporting cast of Mags & Tilly, Benedict & Kevin & of course Iris, the lovely Niall & I mustn’t forget the strident DI Flint. Liz always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time & then can’t help but getting involved aided & abetted by her friends. There are quite a few red herrings plus twists & turns before the case is solved & I thoroughly enjoyed pitting my wits against Liz’s - no I didn't work it out! Liz also comes to a turning point in her life & I can’t wait to find out which way she goes
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the fourth outing for Liz & her friends & another well written engrossing read & it could be easily read on its own. However I love a series & have loved how relationships have developed throughout the series. I love Liz & Nelson her dog, also the great supporting cast of Mags & Tilly, Benedict & Kevin & of course Iris, the lovely Niall & I mustn’t forget the strident DI Flint. Liz always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time & then can’t help but getting involved aided & abetted by her friends. There are quite a few red herrings plus twists & turns before the case is solved & I thoroughly enjoyed pitting my wits against Liz’s - no I didn't work it out! Liz also comes to a turning point in her life & I can’t wait to find out which way she goes
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 13, 2022
I liked the previous books in this series but this one has gone up a notch. It starts with Liz, Iris and some residents at a home gathered around a ouija board which suddenly seems to spell out the word Murderer, followed quite soon after by the murder of Clara Bendelow, one of the people around the table.
I love reading stories set in Whitby. It adds to the whole atmosphere of the book. The characters are so funny and warm and I just love how Liz seems to find herself in the middle of every mystery going. She is certainly not living up to her surname!
This had me gripped from the start with that ouija board scene and we are then surrounded by fortune tellers, psychics and a sceptic society to add to the business and enjoyment of the story. The author has a way of making you feel right there with Liz in the middle of things and I just have to keep on reading.
Things seem to be changing also on the personal front and it was an intriguing ending, so hopefully there isn't too long to wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love reading stories set in Whitby. It adds to the whole atmosphere of the book. The characters are so funny and warm and I just love how Liz seems to find herself in the middle of every mystery going. She is certainly not living up to her surname!
This had me gripped from the start with that ouija board scene and we are then surrounded by fortune tellers, psychics and a sceptic society to add to the business and enjoyment of the story. The author has a way of making you feel right there with Liz in the middle of things and I just have to keep on reading.
Things seem to be changing also on the personal front and it was an intriguing ending, so hopefully there isn't too long to wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2023
This is the 4th book in this lovely cozy mystery series set in Whitby.
Liz is a retired nurse, widowed at 46 she left her job and bought to fisherman's cottages in Whitby, and she's renovating them to let to holiday makers. She has a habit if getting involved in murder investigations locally, my to the ire of the local Detective who has it in for her. Liz has made friends in the area, notably Benedict, also a widower; his Son, a policeman; Niall, her lodger; Tilly and Mags, who own the local cafe, and their helper Gryzna who helps in the cafe.
In this book, Liz is helping Iris, a local who is becoming forgetful and her Son is thinking she needs to be cared for in a local care home where a couple of friends of Iris's live. Liz takes her there and ends up getting embroiled in a complicated murder mystery involving seances and family secrets.
All the books are standalone stories, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
If you like cozy mysteries, try this series, it's very readable.
Liz is a retired nurse, widowed at 46 she left her job and bought to fisherman's cottages in Whitby, and she's renovating them to let to holiday makers. She has a habit if getting involved in murder investigations locally, my to the ire of the local Detective who has it in for her. Liz has made friends in the area, notably Benedict, also a widower; his Son, a policeman; Niall, her lodger; Tilly and Mags, who own the local cafe, and their helper Gryzna who helps in the cafe.
In this book, Liz is helping Iris, a local who is becoming forgetful and her Son is thinking she needs to be cared for in a local care home where a couple of friends of Iris's live. Liz takes her there and ends up getting embroiled in a complicated murder mystery involving seances and family secrets.
All the books are standalone stories, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
If you like cozy mysteries, try this series, it's very readable.
February 3, 2025
This is an enjoyable cozy mystery series -- provides just what you want and expect from the format. Liz is a widow who's moved to Whitby (of Dracula fame) and bought two cottages -- one to live in and one to let out. She has her own lodger as well, a young student called Niall. She has a number of friends in the town and a possible love interest as well. She gets on well with one of the local cops -- but the DI in charge of murder investigations thoroughly hates her and pretty much wants to blame every death on her.
In this case, an old woman at a local retirement home is killed. What evidence there is points to her daughter, a newcomer to town and who has become very close with Liz's lodger. But WHY? And surely there are other possibilities? Psychics and seances feature as well as an awkward Valentine's day subplot -- I do think the 'romance' between Liz and Benedict doesn't feel that 'real'. But for me it's much less important than the main mystery which is reasonably well done. The series is available via Kindle Unlimited.
In this case, an old woman at a local retirement home is killed. What evidence there is points to her daughter, a newcomer to town and who has become very close with Liz's lodger. But WHY? And surely there are other possibilities? Psychics and seances feature as well as an awkward Valentine's day subplot -- I do think the 'romance' between Liz and Benedict doesn't feel that 'real'. But for me it's much less important than the main mystery which is reasonably well done. The series is available via Kindle Unlimited.
November 15, 2022
Death at the Anchorage is the perfect cosy crime mystery. It has everything a cosy crime needs. Nosey neighbours, groups of busy bodies, a mystery that needs solving and a great setting. I really enjoyed that the setting is mainly in a care home. It made for a new and unique perspective. Although we do get to know people outside of the setting too. Its a gentle story with enough twists and turns to keep your interest peeked. The writing style is easy and at a pace that keeps the plot moving along well. I actually read the whole book in a couple of afternoons.
Although this is the 4th book in the Kipper Cottage series I didn't feel like I was missing anything, however I am now reading the previous books and loving every word.
This is absolutely an author and a series that I would highly recommend.
Although this is the 4th book in the Kipper Cottage series I didn't feel like I was missing anything, however I am now reading the previous books and loving every word.
This is absolutely an author and a series that I would highly recommend.
November 15, 2022
This is book 4, but works as a standalone. The book goes straight into the story, and it's easy to pick up on who the characters are due to their charming interaction. While it's amusing to read dialogue from a shouting character, the capital letters get tiresome after a while as well as jarring on the eyes, particularly when the dialogue is long and the conversation is between a small number of characters.
The narrative is at times difficult to follow: it takes a while into the story to understand what's happening currently and what's a dream, for example. It might help to read the previous books to grasp the writing style. Regarding the writing style, the book is a pleasant read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The narrative is at times difficult to follow: it takes a while into the story to understand what's happening currently and what's a dream, for example. It might help to read the previous books to grasp the writing style. Regarding the writing style, the book is a pleasant read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2022
Liz is a great investigator. I loved that her friends jumped in for the big tricks to make the killer reveal themselves. Her dog even helped her investigation (while being a normal dog, nothing paranormal, except for being the ugliest dog in Yorkshire). Liz kept putting herself into pickles but could always make it out. I thought it was a bit strange that the DI jumped straight to arresting Liz when she brought in information, but it all worked out in the end. Liz didn't confront the suspected killer on her own; she made sure the police were around the corner. That makes me forgive her bit of recklessness in searching for the truth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2022
Liz is back in the newest instalment of the Kipper Cottage mystery series.
In this book there is love in the air as well as murders and a ouija board and a foray in to the spirit world.
The writing makes it easy to read and it’s nice to meet up with all the usual characters including Nelson the dog in the beautiful setting of Whitby.
Looking forward to the next book in this enjoyable cosy mystery series.
A perfect read for a winters afternoon tucked up in your favourite chair with a mug of hot chocolate .
Thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books.
In this book there is love in the air as well as murders and a ouija board and a foray in to the spirit world.
The writing makes it easy to read and it’s nice to meet up with all the usual characters including Nelson the dog in the beautiful setting of Whitby.
Looking forward to the next book in this enjoyable cosy mystery series.
A perfect read for a winters afternoon tucked up in your favourite chair with a mug of hot chocolate .
Thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books.
November 16, 2022
Liz Mcluckie is once again caught up in solving a murder in this 4th entry in the Kipper Cottage Mystery series, and once again finds herself raising the ire of DI Flint as she gets involved in the investigation. Along with the usual cast of friends, Liz finds herself investigating the world of seances and spiritualism.
November 17, 2022
Who knew that escorting a friend to see a room at a retirement home, attending an “innocent” impromptu séance, would snowball into a murder, and one that has its roots in the past.
This is the 4th book in the series and the first one I read, definitely a fun cozy and not hard to start reading after characters have already had 3 books to get them established.
This is the 4th book in the series and the first one I read, definitely a fun cozy and not hard to start reading after characters have already had 3 books to get them established.
November 23, 2022
Whitby is one of my favourite places to be, and I visit as often as I can.
Jan's Whitby series is a must read for me. I know the town very well, and all of the real places mentioned in the stories are very familiar to me. It feels like I'm there!
Loving this easy to read, very enjoyable series. The great fully rounded characters are a credit to Jan.
Looking forward to the next in the series!
Jan's Whitby series is a must read for me. I know the town very well, and all of the real places mentioned in the stories are very familiar to me. It feels like I'm there!
Loving this easy to read, very enjoyable series. The great fully rounded characters are a credit to Jan.
Looking forward to the next in the series!
November 27, 2022
I have enjoyed all of the books on this series. Loving Whitby as I do the writing evokes many memories of this pretty little town. The characters are quirky, funny, sometimes annoying (by design) but never boring. The plot moves along nicely and kept me guessing just as a cosy Murder mystery should.
November 29, 2022
A cozy mystery that pulls you in and keeps you glued to the pages. This murder mystery is well-written, captivating and enjoyable. The characters are strong, well-developed and easy to get to know. A perfect weekend read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2023
Death at the Anchorage
Murder in a retirement home. Who would want to kill the elderly and why? Liz and friend iris are at the Anchorage retirement home with a view to Iris becoming a resident. She and her long time friend hold a sceance with Liz and some of the residents when the board spells out murderer....
Murder in a retirement home. Who would want to kill the elderly and why? Liz and friend iris are at the Anchorage retirement home with a view to Iris becoming a resident. She and her long time friend hold a sceance with Liz and some of the residents when the board spells out murderer....
April 16, 2023
A retirement home murder mystery that was rather interesting with a bit of a twist. With charming new beginnings and new friendships afoot now entangled in a puzzling murder that encompasses the past. The tenants at the retirement home were an amusing, opened minded bunch. It was a mildly intriguing and entertaining read.
November 18, 2022
Our amateur sleuth strikes again
Liz and the gang get involved a mystery from years ago, but someone doesn't want the past raked up. Another enjoyable tale from Whitby. And you got to love Iris!
Liz and the gang get involved a mystery from years ago, but someone doesn't want the past raked up. Another enjoyable tale from Whitby. And you got to love Iris!
December 2, 2022
Brilliant
Utterly brilliant storey fantastic characters first-class plot believable characters developing slowly drawing you in more and more. Keeping you turning the pages to the end
Utterly brilliant storey fantastic characters first-class plot believable characters developing slowly drawing you in more and more. Keeping you turning the pages to the end
December 31, 2022
Totally Enjoyable
This is the fourth Kippers Cottage book I've read, and I've lived each one of them . One of the things I like is that I can't easily guess who the bad guy is--it's always a surprise. The characters are engaging and we'll developed too.
This is the fourth Kippers Cottage book I've read, and I've lived each one of them . One of the things I like is that I can't easily guess who the bad guy is--it's always a surprise. The characters are engaging and we'll developed too.
January 25, 2023
quick paced murders in retirement home
I thought it might be a slow read. I was WRONG! Familiar characters and twists enough to keep me reading late into the evening. I hope there will be more Kipper Cottage Books.
I thought it might be a slow read. I was WRONG! Familiar characters and twists enough to keep me reading late into the evening. I hope there will be more Kipper Cottage Books.
May 9, 2023
This is a series of books I highly recommend you read, engaging stories and a wonderful cast of characters whose antics will bring a smile to your face. If you know the Yorkshire coast, and particularly Whitby I think you'll love it. Cosy crime at its best.
May 10, 2023
Familiar characters, and Liz is still renovating. Ever the busybody she gets involved in a murder that involves Iris. I didn't feel the mystery dropped enough clues for the convoluted ending. All the characters has changes.
December 15, 2023
a great series
I’ve enjoyed each book in this series. Great group of friends in a charming town. Interesting mysteries to solve. Not too long and always entertaining. Liz and company never disappoint. This book held my attention. I really enjoyed it.
I’ve enjoyed each book in this series. Great group of friends in a charming town. Interesting mysteries to solve. Not too long and always entertaining. Liz and company never disappoint. This book held my attention. I really enjoyed it.
January 25, 2024
Great Escape Reading
I've just picked this series up again. Lovely cozy British Crime book. If this is your preferred genre, as it is presently mine, you will enjoy this book. It's a very quuck, easy and entertaining read. Read it on a rainy afternoon.
I've just picked this series up again. Lovely cozy British Crime book. If this is your preferred genre, as it is presently mine, you will enjoy this book. It's a very quuck, easy and entertaining read. Read it on a rainy afternoon.
February 23, 2024
Whitby mystery books
I love these books. I love Whitby and all the familiar places in them. The "players" in the stories, the easy to remember names and I can't wait to read the next book.
I love these books. I love Whitby and all the familiar places in them. The "players" in the stories, the easy to remember names and I can't wait to read the next book.
April 5, 2025
Another great read in an entertaining series.
There were a few continuity hiccups, as has been the case in the other books in the series. And a few areas the editor could have tidued up a bit.
But all in all an enjoyable read, I'm very happy I bought this book.
Highly recommend.
There were a few continuity hiccups, as has been the case in the other books in the series. And a few areas the editor could have tidued up a bit.
But all in all an enjoyable read, I'm very happy I bought this book.
Highly recommend.
December 29, 2022
LI have loved reading this series of books, and this one number 4 in the series didn't disappoint.
Even though its a series I do feel each could be read as a standalone in its own right.
A lovely mystery murder you can just curl up read and thoroughly enjoy.
A well written captivating storyline with great characters and cleverly written twists.
I love the way Liz conducts her investigations, and I usually get it totally wrong.
The descriptive of the characters, storyline and where it is set in are truly wonderful.
I learn something everytime about Whitby a place that's very memorable.
This is a wonderful enjoyable book from beginning to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Even though its a series I do feel each could be read as a standalone in its own right.
A lovely mystery murder you can just curl up read and thoroughly enjoy.
A well written captivating storyline with great characters and cleverly written twists.
I love the way Liz conducts her investigations, and I usually get it totally wrong.
The descriptive of the characters, storyline and where it is set in are truly wonderful.
I learn something everytime about Whitby a place that's very memorable.
This is a wonderful enjoyable book from beginning to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews