A Conflict of Interests

Josephine Fox #3

by Claire Gradidge

June 1944, Romsey, England.

Josephine 'Jo' Fox is at an impasse since the unwelcome return of her wayward husband Richard. So, when he disappears again, she is neither concerned nor surprised - until a burning car is discovered with a body inside. And there are signs that Richard is somehow involved.

Jo is determined to find both her husband and answers, yet with her friend Bram Nash in hospital suffering an infection of his old war wound, she must do so alone. When information comes to light that implicates Bram too, Jo finds herself on a dangerous path to the truth.

But what will be left for her when all is revealed?

Genres: Historical, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Crime, World War II, Detective

384 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2022

Reviews

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected a gentle, meandering cosy crime in A Conflict of Interests, but I was soon disabused of that assumption as it opens in dramatic fashion in a manner that engages the reader instantly and keeps them enthralled throughout.

The plot is fast paced and cleverly constructed to keep the reader guessing. I thought the timed and dated chapter headings with the italicised narrative interspersing Jo’s first person story, gave impetus that compelled me on. I kept thinking I’d just read one more chapter and found myself devouring A Conflict of Interests because I found it exciting and interesting.

I loved meeting Josephine Fox and am now desperate to read more with her as the protagonist. Jo is feisty and feminist, reckless and measured, intelligent and passionate, so that she is an ideal heroine. The depiction of her relationship with Richard made my blood boil whereas I was desperate for her to find happiness with Bram. Claire Gradidge made me care about Jo completely and I found myself cheering for her all the way.

Indeed, all the characters are so convincing, particularly the insidious Alec, so that A Conflict of Interests is peopled by realistic and fascinating individuals that really bring the narrative to life. I thought they were brilliantly depicted.

The themes weaving through the story give real texture. Social mores, the place of women in society, war and conflict, loyalty and morality, mental and physical health, rivalry, betrayal and courage all swirl through an absolutely super read, giving plenty for the reader to think about. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book.

Set against a brilliantly authentic, but not intrusive, historical backdrop, A Conflict of Interests manages to be a thriller, a romance and a social history that educates, entrances and entertains. I thought it was excellent and thoroughly recommend it.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoying this author so much. Her storytelling envelops me I do not want to leave it. I hope there is a book 4.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

June 1944, Romsey, England. Josephine 'Jo' Fox is at an impasse since the unwelcome return of her wayward husband Richard. So, when he disappears again, she is neither concerned nor surprised - until a burning car is discovered with a body inside. And there are signs that Richard is somehow involved. Jo is determined to find both her husband and answers, yet with her friend, coroner Bram Nash in hospital suffering an infection of his old war wound, she must do so alone. When information comes to light that implicates Bram too, Jo finds herself on a dangerous path to the truth.
The third book in the series & another well written book which whilst it held my interest all the way through I wasn't engrossed. The characters are well portrayed & have depth. I did love the insight into war torn England. I really like Jo who found this case very personal to her. I think I wasn’t enthralled as it was easy to work out who the villain was so the element of guessing was taken out of the equation but I did enjot how Jo worked things out in the end
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Sarah Farmer-Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jo and Bram are called to investigate the gruesome discovery of charred human remains in a burned out car. However Bram unexpectedly falls ill from complications relating to a war wound leaving Jo, his able and feisty assistant, to continue with their enquiries.
This is the 3rd book in this series about this investigative duo but I did not feel at a loss from not having read the previous two books, indeed I felt it worked very well as a standalone novel.
There is a slow, gentle, easy going pace through much of this book but then, towards the latter part of the book, the pace picks up a bit of speed towards the final crescendo.
I felt that the “whodunnit” in this mystery was fairly obvious from the start but the “why” certainly wasn’t, and when that reveal came it gave a nice surprising flourish to the plot.
The characterisation was good (I particularly liked Jo) and the plot was nicely developed - there were some elements of the plot which raised a wry eyebrow for me, namely the handling of evidence at crime scenes (moving items without gloves) but it felt fairly easy to forgive as it seemed very much in keeping with the era within which the story was set.
Overall, I found this a thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Susan Kumar-Merino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping read yet again … action all the way to the end … what characters Jo and Bram are …. Please keep writing more

[Diane Close · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can finally say I've happily found my "Dandy Gilver" replacement. Catriona McPherson's heroine has always been a favorite of mine, but the author's irritating habit of making her forgetful of important details that are always "on the tip of her tongue" is definitely more irritating than not. There's none of that nonsense here! Author Claire Gradidge explains away delays in her heroine getting certain types of information naturally, as in the police have to investigate a burglary so the main cop isn't around to consult, or certain evidence has to be sent to the big city to be examined by specialty equipment, so the report on it will arrive later, etc. None of this "oh it's at the back of my mind but I can't remember" crap. :) Good stuff and much more satisfying for a reader!

I figured out the whodunnit about 50% of the way through, but only because I thought it would be really cool if the author made this a mystery that hinged on a particular relationship and I really didn't expect her to go that route but she did. I'm quite happy with that! I guessed most of the whydunnit too, but there were enough twists there too to make some pleasant and satisfying surprises.

Bram is out of the picture in this one due to illness, so it's mostly a Josephine show, like book #2 when she did the snooping at the Bletchly Circle-type war effort complex. The personal cliffhanger at the end of that novel is resolved here too, which makes for a thoroughly satisfying ending, from a fan point of view. I can't wait for book #4!

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

For an independent, brave and strong woman in the 40’s, Jo Lester sure lets people treat her like shit.

It’s so irritating and ruins the books.

The same goes for when she makes damn stupid decisions, like withholding evidence from the Police….!

I have to say that I don’t understand the attraction. She’s extremely annoying.

I’ll decide whether I’ll bother with the next book when it comes out.

It wasn’t terrible, the mystery was ok and some of the supporting characters are well done, but it wasn’t my fave.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bonnier Books for an advance copy of A Conflict of Interests, the third novel to feature Coroner’s Assistant Josephine Fox, set in Romsey, Hampshire in 1944.

Clues found at the site of a burning car and a burnt body make Jo think that her estranged husband, Richard, is involved, but not knowing where he is or much about his current life she keeps her mouth shut and tries to find him. Her friend, Coroner Bram Nash, is in hospital with a nasty infection so she’s on her own.

A Conflict of Interests is a very readable book. I like the plot premise and I’m impressed by the realism of the setting - I’m not sure if I have seen the practicalities of rationing and wartime precautions done more naturally. Having said that it didn’t hold my attention the way I thought it would and I never heard the siren song luring me back for one more chapter, possibly because it is a bit of a choppy read, never settling on one thing for long.

The novel is told mostly from Jo’s point of view, with interjections from Bram’s dreams as he feverishly fights infection. His dreams may be an expression of his character and thoughts, but they don’t propel the plot forward or make a contribution to the solution of the murder enquiry. His later eavesdropping is more on point. She, on the other hand, is conducting her own investigation because of Richard’s potential involvement and lands in bother with Sgt Tillis. I don’t think she should give up the day job anytime soon as her emotions get in the way of critical thinking and it’s luck or bad luck that lead to any discoveries she makes.

There is a weird dynamic between her and Bram - they can’t get together because Richard is on the scene, despite him and Jo separating seven years earlier. I understand that morality and reputation were a big thing, but I also understood that wartime destroyed much of this convention. Perhaps if I had read the previous novels it would make more sense, but as is all that seething emotion put me off.

A Conflict of Interests is not to my taste, but I think that many readers will enjoy its twists and turns.

[Denis Wheller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A car is burning. In the driver’s seat is a body, also burning. It’s D-day minus one, but this is a rural lane in Hampshire, not France. Viewing the charred remains, the local coroner, Bram Nash, and his assistant, Jo Fox, first thoughts are Who? How? Why? Leaving the police to preserve the scene they get a lift back to their office in Romsey from the Chief Fire Officer, Bram dictating notes and instructions to Jo as they go, when he suddenly collapses into unconsciousness, dislodging the metal mask that covers the half of his face ruined by shrapnel in WWI. Rushed to Southampton Hospital it is clear he is seriously ill but Jo persuades the top surgeon, Alec Corby-Clifford, an old colleague of her estranged husband, to administer Penicillin. Over the next few days, while Bram is hors de combat, Jo investigates the fire on his behalf. It soon becomes clear that this is a case of murder and that Jo’s husband is connected in some way, but he was due to embark on the D-day mission and cannot be traced. It is imperative that her original three questions be answered as soon as possible.
Fortunately, she is well up to the task, since this is the third book in a series (no previous knowledge required). The story is told almost entirely from her point of view, with some sections from Bram’s semi-conscious or convalescent mind. For Jo, the case is complicated because of her close personal involvement with all the main characters. I stress that it is complicated for Jo because it is not very complicated for the reader. The story is well written, the wider cast of characters are interesting and the background is well established, but it doesn’t get going until quite late on when it becomes more intense and dangerous. Overall, it’s an easy and enjoyable read; a 3.5 which rounds to 4.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the series about Josephine Lester, an illegitimate woman who returns to her birth town of Romsey and, despite the antipathy of many of the locals, gets a job assisting the local solicitor and coroner Bram Nash in investigating suspicious deaths. As children Bram was the leader of their little gang, even though his family were far more wealthy than Jo's and their other friends. Jo was kicked out when she was just fourteen years old, when her grandmother died, and forced to find work in London. Bram was hit in the face by shrapnel during WW1 and is forced to cover his scars with a metal mask which covers half his face.

It's two years since the shocking epilogue to the second book. Britain is on the brink of D-Day.

Bram and Jo are called out to a gruesome death scene, a body has been found in a burned out motor car in a deserted country lane, but before they can start their investigations proper, Bram is taken gravely ill, with blood pouring from the injury he sustained in WW1. While Bram lies in hospital Jo tries to solve the death with the reluctant help of Sergeant Tilling and the local police force, but Jo suspects the body may be that of her errant husband Richard. He might be abusive and a serial cheater, but she would never want him dead. But since she and Bram separately quarrelled with Richard shortly before he died the suspicion will lay squarely with them both unless she can uncover the truth.

I've got to say I thought the murderer's identity was fairly well signalled from the start, what I didn't know was the why - and that was a doozy. What I like about these books is that they are all very different and show character progression. I do hope this isn't the end for our crime-busting duo!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A burned out car with a body in the driving seat. Coroner's assistant Jo Lester suspects that her husband is involved with the incident. But is he the victim or the killer, or is she biased and he is in fact completely innocent?
A Conflict of Interests is the third book to feature Jo and coroner Bram Nash in Romsey, England during WW2. However it would work as a stand alone novel and does not contain spoilers about the cases in the earlier books.
This book is set a couple of years after the last book. D Day is imminent and the soldiers have moved out. Jo's ex was due to leave too and now he has disappeared but is this due to an involvement in the burned car incident?
Jo finds herself leading the investigation as her coroner employer and past lover Bram is rushed to hospital. She finds that the gender and class stereotypes of the time again thwart her efforts to be accepted and respected in her role.
Jo and Bram's relationship has stalled completely on the romantic front thanks to the reappearance of her estranged husband. Their feelings for each other come to the fore as Bram is hospitalised, Jo is frantic for his safe recovery and he focuses on her to help him get better.
As before, the majority of the book is written from Jo's first person perspective. We also see Bram's viewpoint in the third person but it was highly effective for showing his fevered thoughts as he suffers from an infection of his old war wound.
A Conflict of Interests is an entertaining murder mystery and I continue to enjoy the development of the main characters' relationship.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Josephine Cox Series, a fact I wasn’t aware of until I was partway through the book and something was mentioned that made me check, but it did still read well as a stand-alone. Set in 1944 in Romsey, Hampshire the story is told largely from Jo’s POV mainly in the present with some of her memories and some ‘dreams’ from Bram. The setting was excellent, my parents spoke a lot about rationing and how it affected their lives and this played out just like their tales.

Briefly, Coroner Bram Nash and his assistant Jo attend a burnt out car with a badly burned body and evidence makes Jo think her husband is either the corpse or the killer. Then Bram is rushed to hospital seriously ill and Jo and the rest of the team are left to advance the investigation and liaise with the police. But with all the worry about Bram can Jo get to the bottom of the case?

This was a good, well written and easy read, verging on cozy, and I’ll go back and check out the earlier books in the series. The simmering attraction between Jo and Bram, which the return of her estranged husband put a stop to, was frustrating to read. I wanted to bash their heads together and say “oh just get on with it!” A slow/medium paced read until near the end where it ratchets right up. I had guessed (but without certainty) the killer but the why was a complete shock. An enjoyable read and I’d definitely read this author again.

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. Couldn’t put it down. I love Jo and Bram’s stuttering relationship which at the end of book two came to a sudden halt.
We start this story nearly 18 months down the line. The sudden halt had been caused by the surprise reappearance of Jo’s philandering husband (missing presumed dead, in action) who wants her back.
A car has been found on a country lane, burnt out and with a body inside. This will need investigated but Bram collapses with blood seeping from his war torn face. Jo gets him to hospital and as he lies unconscious tells him she loves him and he better not bloody die. So now Jo will, on her own or with sergeant Tilling, be the one to ask questions to determine what happened.
Alec a friend of Jo’s husband - not a likeable character but an eminent surgeon - is at the local hospital awaiting his call back to the front. Jo finds out penicillin would help in Bram’s recovery but most of it is heading off to frontline hospitals. She tells Alec she will give anything to have some of the drug diverted to Bram. We know the minute she says this she will live to regret it.
In the meantime she is shocked to find who the dead person in the car is and she upsets Sergeant Tilling by, not lying, but not giving him the full picture.
In this story the fiercely independent Jo finds that she has more friends than she imagined and she will need them.
Loved it, I’ll be very sad if this is the last of these stories.

[Starsailor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think most books are too long and this one definitely is. The perpetrator of the crime is so obvious really early on but it takes such a long time for Jo to find the murderer (by accident really) that it becomes really annoying when all the clues could be worked out so early on in the book. I don't think the book feels well researched either, there is a 'war on' but everyone seems to be throwing sugar into the tea with abandon and I'm sure the goat farm that Jo slaves away in would surely have had some help (land army? The whole book could be set in any time, it doesn't really feel like it is set in the second world war or the 1940's. The relationships feel too modern. Jo's love interest, Bram, is unconscious for most of the book but his dreamy ramblings are drawn out and sentimental. In fact, the whole book is very sentimental, and the 'romantic' ending too syrupy for me.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an engaging historical mystery that blended atmosphere, character, and suspense very well. The return of familiar characters gave the story a comforting continuity, while the new elements and moral dilemmas added depth and freshness. Claire Gradidge captures the period beautifully, making the setting feel immersive and true to life.

The mystery itself is layered, with enough twists to hold interest without becoming overcomplicated. At times the pacing slowed, but the steady build allowed for rich character development and an ending that tied things together satisfyingly.

A thoughtful and well-crafted read that balances intrigue with strong storytelling—definitely a worthy addition to the series.

[Noemi Proietti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year is 1944 and, while in Europe the war goes on and D-day is fast approaching, in Romsey, a village in Hampshire, the remains of a burned out car are found with an unidentified body inside. While coroner Bram Nash is in hospital fighting an infection from an injury he sustained during WW1, his assistant Josephine Fox is investigating on her own. Clues found on the site make her think that her estranged husband Richard is somehow involved. But is he the killer, the victim, or just a witness?

The pace is easy and slow and there are a few unexpected surprises along the way. This is the third book in the Josephine Fox series, but it can be easily read as a stand-alone. Not having read the previous two novels of the series, I wasn’t familiar with the characters, especially Josephine and Bram’s complex relationship, but I quickly caught on and it made me eager to read the previous two books. Josephine is a smart, determined, and strong woman. Rejected by her family for being illegitimate, she’s been on her own since a young age. Her marriage with Richard has been over for a long time, even though he refuses to give her a divorce. Her feelings for Bram are strong and complicated as they won’t admit their strong attraction to each other as long as Richard is in the picture.

The story is told mostly from Josephine’s perspective as she juggles a murder investigation, her worry for Bram’s health, and the unwanted attentions of a friend of Richard. I started to have my suspicions on who the killer was halfway through the story, but I couldn’t figure out the motive. I was really engrossed in the story, excited to find out the truth and I loved how it all played out in the end.

Overall, A Conflict of Interests is a thrilling and enjoyable read with quite a few twists, a couple of intense moments, and a fantastic ending! Highly recommended!

[Lucy Dunphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this after reading the sneak peak from the second book. I did enjoy A Conflict Of Interests I just found it to be quite predictable. It was fairly obvious quite early on who was responsible. It was however quite enjoyable with a very satisfying ending. I hope there's more from Jo and Bram in the future as I've really grown quite fond of them as characters.

Thanks to Netgalley and Zaffre for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 3rd in the Josephine Fox series. I liked it because of the fast pace, get to the end kind of story. A murder mystery set in WW2 England. Lots of suspense, no foul language, nice little bit of romance, many women are central to the story demonstrating the role women played in WW2. 3.5 stars for the writing, 4 stars for the story and suspense. Love the cover! Hope there is a 4th book but havent seen any notes on that.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well plotted, entertaining and well researched historical mystery by this author. It kept me turning pages and guessing till the end.
I loved the vivid historical background and was glad to catch up with the characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was obvious the author had done her research and her affection for the location also shone through. I deducted a star only because it was too obvious who the murderer was, from fairly early on.

I'm frustrated that I can find only two of her books in print, as I'd love to read more.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book quite as much as the previous, as there was much more unhappiness and a lot of short pieces as it went between characters but it still held my interest, developed the characters and storyline and I will certainly continue following the series.

[Beachcomber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent addition to the series, seeing various relationships develop and lay the ground for further books. I did spot early on that someone was very suspect, but was slightly off on the why. However, the overall story and the ending made this an enjoyable read.

[Susan Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claire Gradidge back on form, after being a little disappointed with the second book in the series this one swept me along with it's faster paced story.
Not entirely believable but enjoyable all the same. It is now 1944, D Day is happening but there are still murders to be solved back in Romsey.

[Phyllida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bram and Josy are back in the third installment of the series, hope there will be a fourth. Bram is in hospital for most of this book and Josy must work alone. I was frustrated that Bram didn't get a more active role.

[Maya Kumar-Merino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh I just love Bram and Jo and so much. This story was so intense and although I figured out who the killer was, the murder wasn’t really the ultimate focus of the story it intertwined in the love story of the couple.

[Kris-Ann Moyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know why I like this series. Maybe because it’s a nice escapist story with a guaranteed “ good guys win” ending. To many books like this would be like too much cotton candy, but sometimes it’s nice.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't expect to be reading this again but I was stuck without a book and found it on Libby - couldn't remember that I had already read it.

I enjoyed the series - nice to see the characters again.

[Marcella · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is too easy to guess who the murderer is and what the motive is.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle. Each one gets a bit better!

[Jane Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose this as was based in Romsey,but murder mysteries are not really my thing and I found this very tame.