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A Travelling Celebrant Mystery #1
Till Daph Do Us Part
One wedding. Two feuding families. Three sneaky suspects.
Daphne Jones has travelled with her cute-as-a-button camper Bluebell to the outback town of Little Bridges to officiate a wedding at a beautiful rural home. Such a perfect setting. But not so perfect people are determined to stop the union and before the day is done, a member of the bridal party ends up face down in the swimming pool.
She's no detective nor a spring chicken, but Daphne does love a puzzle and her gut tells her this was no accident.
Amid old family feuds, resentful relatives, and missing money, there are plenty of suspects, and none of them appreciates Daphne snooping in their business, but with a heart of gold and a way with words, this celebrant sleuth is not giving up. Unless the killer finds her first...
The Daphne Jones Mysteries are later in life camping cozies with a travelling wedding officiant and a regional, small-town Aussie twist. A light and quirky story with a nosy main character.
Daphne Jones has travelled with her cute-as-a-button camper Bluebell to the outback town of Little Bridges to officiate a wedding at a beautiful rural home. Such a perfect setting. But not so perfect people are determined to stop the union and before the day is done, a member of the bridal party ends up face down in the swimming pool.
She's no detective nor a spring chicken, but Daphne does love a puzzle and her gut tells her this was no accident.
Amid old family feuds, resentful relatives, and missing money, there are plenty of suspects, and none of them appreciates Daphne snooping in their business, but with a heart of gold and a way with words, this celebrant sleuth is not giving up. Unless the killer finds her first...
The Daphne Jones Mysteries are later in life camping cozies with a travelling wedding officiant and a regional, small-town Aussie twist. A light and quirky story with a nosy main character.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2021
177 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Phillipa Nefri Clark
93 books363 followersPhillipa lives just outside a beautiful town in country Victoria, Australia. She also lives in the many worlds of her imagination and stockpiles stories beside her laptop.
She writes from the heart about love, dreams, secrets, discovery, the sea, the world as she knows it… or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.
With a passion for music, the ocean, nature, reading, and writing, she is often found in the vegetable garden pondering a new story.
She writes from the heart about love, dreams, secrets, discovery, the sea, the world as she knows it… or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who stay with you long after the final page.
With a passion for music, the ocean, nature, reading, and writing, she is often found in the vegetable garden pondering a new story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
July 31, 2021
Till Daph Do Us Part introduced me to Daphne and John Jones, two friendly, well balanced, contented and just plain nice people, who have been happily married for years and obviously intend to stay that way. It was a pleasure to spend a few hours with them as they attempted to sort out a few other not always so nice people.
Daphne is a travelling celebrant and she and John use their caravan to move from one country town to another. Unfortunately there is a murder at a wedding and Daphne involves herself in solving the case. I enjoyed the logical way she and John set themselves to investigating and keeping themselves out of danger at the same time.
The mystery was interesting with lots of red herrings, yet also enough hints along the way for the reader to make some educated guesses who the murderer might be. I was half right - there is a neat little twist at the end that caught me out.
This is a nicely written and enjoyable book and I look forward to seeing what Daphne and John get up to next.
Daphne is a travelling celebrant and she and John use their caravan to move from one country town to another. Unfortunately there is a murder at a wedding and Daphne involves herself in solving the case. I enjoyed the logical way she and John set themselves to investigating and keeping themselves out of danger at the same time.
The mystery was interesting with lots of red herrings, yet also enough hints along the way for the reader to make some educated guesses who the murderer might be. I was half right - there is a neat little twist at the end that caught me out.
This is a nicely written and enjoyable book and I look forward to seeing what Daphne and John get up to next.
August 17, 2021
Marriage celebrant Daphne Jones and her husband John travelled in their caravan from country town to country town in rural Victoria, marrying people and enjoying their lifestyle. Daphne and John had been married for a long time and this time as ‘grey nomads’ was a little different to most. Their latest stop saw them in a caravan park beside a river – perfect for John to indulge in a spot of fishing, which was a pleasant past-time. But on the day of the wedding, things went wrong from almost the beginning. And Daphne was horrified at the awful family. When the groom, only married minutes, was found dead, Daphne knew it wasn’t an accident.
As Daphne and John methodically set about investigating the death – and helping the local police - Daphne hoped to find a solution quickly as she wanted to move on to their next destination. Worse was to come as Daphne discovered the past family feud which seemed to be ongoing. But would they solve the mystery before having to leave town?
Till Daph Do Us Part is the 1st in the Daphne Jones Mysteries by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and I quite enjoyed it. Fun and entertaining, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the readers guessing, my suspicions came and went. An excellent cosy mystery which I recommend, and I’m looking forward to #2 in the near future.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
As Daphne and John methodically set about investigating the death – and helping the local police - Daphne hoped to find a solution quickly as she wanted to move on to their next destination. Worse was to come as Daphne discovered the past family feud which seemed to be ongoing. But would they solve the mystery before having to leave town?
Till Daph Do Us Part is the 1st in the Daphne Jones Mysteries by Aussie author Phillipa Nefri Clark and I quite enjoyed it. Fun and entertaining, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the readers guessing, my suspicions came and went. An excellent cosy mystery which I recommend, and I’m looking forward to #2 in the near future.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2021
Woohoo another series from Phillipa Nefri Clark, this is the first installment and I thoroughly enjoyed it, I have fond memories of Daphne from previous books and she is lots of fun to be with, now Daph and husband John are touring in their caravan, Bluebell while Daph performs weddings and funerals as a travelling celebrant, she is very much enjoying her new life, I do hope that you come along for the ride.
Daph and John have arrived in the small town of Little Bridges so Daph can marry Lisa Brooker and Steve Tanner she is just about to meet them for the first time and she is not feeling too good about it, not sure but that strange feeling she has that something isn’t quite right is with her and very strongly.
Although things don’t go as planned on the first meeting Daph is back the next day to perform the wedding and then things really go pear shaped when within minutes of saying you are now husband and wife the groom ends up in the pool dead, this brings to life Daph’s excellent sleuthing skills and sets her on a trail of discovering the murderer, and here she uncovers a family feuds and secrets that go back generations and some nasty family members, but Daph never stops investigating no matter what.
This one had me guessing till the end lots of twists and turns in this page turner, I loved the way that John was always there for support and the way Daph talks things through, a small town and two big families and Daph gets to the bottom of the puzzle I think this cozy mystery is a fabulous start to the series traveling around Victoria and going to new towns is going to be wonderful and Daph and John are great people to hang around with, can’t wait for the next one.
My thanks to the author and Netgalley for my copy to read and review
Daph and John have arrived in the small town of Little Bridges so Daph can marry Lisa Brooker and Steve Tanner she is just about to meet them for the first time and she is not feeling too good about it, not sure but that strange feeling she has that something isn’t quite right is with her and very strongly.
Although things don’t go as planned on the first meeting Daph is back the next day to perform the wedding and then things really go pear shaped when within minutes of saying you are now husband and wife the groom ends up in the pool dead, this brings to life Daph’s excellent sleuthing skills and sets her on a trail of discovering the murderer, and here she uncovers a family feuds and secrets that go back generations and some nasty family members, but Daph never stops investigating no matter what.
This one had me guessing till the end lots of twists and turns in this page turner, I loved the way that John was always there for support and the way Daph talks things through, a small town and two big families and Daph gets to the bottom of the puzzle I think this cozy mystery is a fabulous start to the series traveling around Victoria and going to new towns is going to be wonderful and Daph and John are great people to hang around with, can’t wait for the next one.
My thanks to the author and Netgalley for my copy to read and review
September 20, 2021
Daphne Jones is a travelling celebrant who has journeyed into the gorgeous town of Little Bridges from River's End to marry Lisa Brooker and Steve Tanner. She and her husband John who used to run a real estate agency travel around with Bluebell, her newly restored towable caravan. Her first meeting with the couple doesn't go to plan, however, Daph returns to the bride to be's plush home to perform the ceremony. The couple makes their vows but then Bertie Brooker vanishes and another member of the bridal party is found floating in the swimming pool. Daph finds herself involved in trying to find a murderer.
Till Daph Do Us Part is a fabulous read and with its copious clues and red herrings this reader was enthralled trying to work out who the culprit was and the motive. Ripe with family rivalries and strange occurrences this was a terrific cozy and I will be watching out for book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Till Daph Do Us Part is a fabulous read and with its copious clues and red herrings this reader was enthralled trying to work out who the culprit was and the motive. Ripe with family rivalries and strange occurrences this was a terrific cozy and I will be watching out for book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 17, 2021
Celebrant Daphne immediately felt uneasy when she arrived at a family home before performing a wedding. Family members were behaving strangely. Then she found out that bride-to-be Lisa was on her third wedding and all the men came from the same family. Was Lisa just unlucky in love or was in murder?
There were some unique features in this story which makes it different than a lot of cozies. The location, the protagonist's job and her form of travel. It was a nice change. Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
There were some unique features in this story which makes it different than a lot of cozies. The location, the protagonist's job and her form of travel. It was a nice change. Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
February 9, 2022
This is a fun read. I enjoyed Daph and John, they are so supportive of one another. Twists and turns had me guessing until almost the end!
May 3, 2022
Till Daph Do Us Part is the first book in a series starring Daphne Jones, a traveling celebrant who likes to do a bit of sleuthing on the side.
When someone is found dead at a wedding Daphne is officiating at she can't help but become involved in the investigation.
Daphne reminded me of Miss Marple, she has an eye for things out of place and people tend to open up to her.
This was a fun cosy mystery and I enjoyed Daphne's investigative process. The story had a couple of good twists that I didn't see coming.
If you enjoy light, fun, Miss Marple type reads, Till Daph Do Us Part will appeal.
*I received my copy from the author
When someone is found dead at a wedding Daphne is officiating at she can't help but become involved in the investigation.
Daphne reminded me of Miss Marple, she has an eye for things out of place and people tend to open up to her.
This was a fun cosy mystery and I enjoyed Daphne's investigative process. The story had a couple of good twists that I didn't see coming.
If you enjoy light, fun, Miss Marple type reads, Till Daph Do Us Part will appeal.
*I received my copy from the author
December 3, 2022
An enjoyable fun cosy mystery which I really enjoyed. I haven’t read many cosy mysteries, but it’s a genre I would like to read a bit more of in the future. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Recommended.
June 19, 2022
Very much enjoyed this cozy mystery with a grey nomad marriage celebrant travelling around Australia with her lovely, low-stress husband, coping valiantly with a dramatic murder thrown into her path. Great fun!
August 5, 2021
Thank you Phillipa for sending us a copy to read and review.
Daphne Jones is a nomadic celebrant.
A life she loves with her husband John, travelling in her trusted caravan Bluebell and helping people with their weddings or saying goodbye to a loved one.
On this trip they arrive in Little Bridges to officiate the couple but soon Daphne is amongst the drama and someone in the wedding party is found dead.
Daphne begins putting pieces of the puzzle together with the help of her husband but has she taken on more than she bargained.
Look out folks, Daphne is on the case and nothing will stop her.
A younger version of Miss Marple meets Aussie small town vibes in this new cozy mystery series.
A clever crafted plot with a mix of characters all against a little community atmosphere.
It’s comfort reading that’s fun, entertaining and absorbing where between the crime and the melodrama there’s not a dull moment in sight.
Making her debut in Phillipa’s River’s End books, Daphne is the star here and has made a big splash in her own right.
A wonderful mystery that’s fast moving with plenty of suspects, humour and a few surprises.
Here’s to more Daphne adventures and riddles to unravel.
Daphne Jones is a nomadic celebrant.
A life she loves with her husband John, travelling in her trusted caravan Bluebell and helping people with their weddings or saying goodbye to a loved one.
On this trip they arrive in Little Bridges to officiate the couple but soon Daphne is amongst the drama and someone in the wedding party is found dead.
Daphne begins putting pieces of the puzzle together with the help of her husband but has she taken on more than she bargained.
Look out folks, Daphne is on the case and nothing will stop her.
A younger version of Miss Marple meets Aussie small town vibes in this new cozy mystery series.
A clever crafted plot with a mix of characters all against a little community atmosphere.
It’s comfort reading that’s fun, entertaining and absorbing where between the crime and the melodrama there’s not a dull moment in sight.
Making her debut in Phillipa’s River’s End books, Daphne is the star here and has made a big splash in her own right.
A wonderful mystery that’s fast moving with plenty of suspects, humour and a few surprises.
Here’s to more Daphne adventures and riddles to unravel.
February 3, 2023
The first in the series about Daphne who is a marriage celebrant on the road with her husband John, in Bluebell a caravan. When the wedding she officiated ends with the groom face down in the pool, Daphne puts her sleuthing skills to the test to solve the murder. Daphne is a character like no other-warm and full of heart. I love her relationship with her husband and the plot device of them being on the road in small country towns that means every book will have a different setting. A great read.
December 1, 2025
Daphne and her husband John are off on an adventure, and it sure is a huge fiasco.
Daphne has her brand new officiant certificate and she's heading out to perform her very first wedding ceremony.
As they make their way to Little Bridges, the couple enjoy traveling in Bluebell, the camper they lovingly restored.
Daphne is excited to perform her first marriage ceremony and she can't help thinking about it as they make their way.
The future bride and groom, Lisa & Steve, are not your typical couple. He is her third husband, all from the same family. Gossip is traveling fast about the couple, and when Daphne meets Steve, her opinion quickly changes.
I enjoyed the story and the relabetween Daphne and John. As a couple, they work well together and are easy to like.
Daphne has her brand new officiant certificate and she's heading out to perform her very first wedding ceremony.
As they make their way to Little Bridges, the couple enjoy traveling in Bluebell, the camper they lovingly restored.
Daphne is excited to perform her first marriage ceremony and she can't help thinking about it as they make their way.
The future bride and groom, Lisa & Steve, are not your typical couple. He is her third husband, all from the same family. Gossip is traveling fast about the couple, and when Daphne meets Steve, her opinion quickly changes.
I enjoyed the story and the relabetween Daphne and John. As a couple, they work well together and are easy to like.
August 18, 2021
Til Daph do us part is the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Phillipa Nefri Clark. Daphne (Daph) Jones is a mobile celebrant who, along with her husband John and their faithful caravan Bluebell, travels the countryside performing required celebrant duties, weddings, funerals etc.
Long time readers of Clark’s works will recognise Daph, who first appeared in The Stationmaster’s Cottage, book one of Clark’s highly successful River’s End series and then made appearances in each of the subsequent River’s End Series books, as well as making a brief appearance in Deadly Past (one of the Charlotte Dean Mysteries). As many authors will tell you, characters have a habit of taking on a life of their own, and so it was with Daph who insisted that she deserved her own series, hence the series Daphne Jones, Weddings, Funerals, Sleuthing was born.
In this first book Daph and John have headed to Little Bridges for Daph to officiate at the wedding of Lisa Brooker and Steve Tanning. But when she arrives there’s a strange undercurrent in the air. Steve is the third brother in the Tanning family that Lisa is marrying, with both prior grooms dying in strange circumstances not long into their marriages. Steve’s family are refusing to attend the wedding, and Lisa’s family don’t seem over enthused about the wedding.
When a member of the bridal party is found floating in the swimming pool before the days end, Daph finds herself involved in trying to find a murderer.
Waiters changing wet clothing, family members who make it clear that Daph is not welcome, strange goings on around the caravan at night, long time family rivalries, this whodunnit has it all. But when the goings on in Little Bridges start to affect Daph’s future bookings nothing is going to get in her way of solving this mystery and saving her business.
Clark’s latest offering is definitely more cozy mystery and less suspense than her previous works, but it is a fabulous read, and with hints and red herrings galore you will be enthralled as you try to work out who did it, and why.
In addition to the wonderful story, I must make mention of the gorgeous book cover by Jade Erica of Steam Power Studios. who has captured the essence of Daph perfectly, a simple yet stunning cover with so much detail as the closer you look.
I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the Daph series. A 5 star read from me.
Long time readers of Clark’s works will recognise Daph, who first appeared in The Stationmaster’s Cottage, book one of Clark’s highly successful River’s End series and then made appearances in each of the subsequent River’s End Series books, as well as making a brief appearance in Deadly Past (one of the Charlotte Dean Mysteries). As many authors will tell you, characters have a habit of taking on a life of their own, and so it was with Daph who insisted that she deserved her own series, hence the series Daphne Jones, Weddings, Funerals, Sleuthing was born.
In this first book Daph and John have headed to Little Bridges for Daph to officiate at the wedding of Lisa Brooker and Steve Tanning. But when she arrives there’s a strange undercurrent in the air. Steve is the third brother in the Tanning family that Lisa is marrying, with both prior grooms dying in strange circumstances not long into their marriages. Steve’s family are refusing to attend the wedding, and Lisa’s family don’t seem over enthused about the wedding.
When a member of the bridal party is found floating in the swimming pool before the days end, Daph finds herself involved in trying to find a murderer.
Waiters changing wet clothing, family members who make it clear that Daph is not welcome, strange goings on around the caravan at night, long time family rivalries, this whodunnit has it all. But when the goings on in Little Bridges start to affect Daph’s future bookings nothing is going to get in her way of solving this mystery and saving her business.
Clark’s latest offering is definitely more cozy mystery and less suspense than her previous works, but it is a fabulous read, and with hints and red herrings galore you will be enthralled as you try to work out who did it, and why.
In addition to the wonderful story, I must make mention of the gorgeous book cover by Jade Erica of Steam Power Studios. who has captured the essence of Daph perfectly, a simple yet stunning cover with so much detail as the closer you look.
I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the Daph series. A 5 star read from me.
July 31, 2021
So let's just start with this cover, have you ever seen anything so cute. I know I don't usually comment on the covers of books because I'm so wrapped up in the words, but this is just so cake sweet and cute. I love it! It's like no other book on my shelf.
Ok now onto the story. Now, I've read Phillipa before and I love her rustic outback romances but this is something new for me. I'm guessing that Daph would fall solidly into the category of 'cosy mystery' which is not a genre I usually read. I'm generally not a who dun it kinda girl. But knowing this author's writing I wanted to give it a go, and to be honest, the cover and the title was just so cute I had to read it... So it just goes to prove that I absolutely judged a book by it's cover - get it on a book store display Phillipa and readers will pick it up.
Anyway, back to the story, It's so cute and sweet, it's like an Aussie Angela Landsbury in a caravan. Murder She Wrote with a sugary pastel twist - though in my mind Daphne looks more like Betty White with pink and purple highlights. This story is a quick and easy read, with twists and turns and who dun it's at every turn. It's a game of Cludo being played by the anti-Brady Bunch - a family so screwed up and warped that they're a danger to themselves and others, quite literally. One family full of age-old hates and feuds, 3 dead husbands, one bride, and an entire town who's on one side or the other... Who killed Lias's husbands? Why? And why the heck is a grieving family so obnoxious and rude to Daph, a roaming marriage celebrant with a bright blue caravan.
You'll be guessing along with Daph until the end as she's sucked in and tries to muddle through the string of suspects. Such a fun and sweet book, I'm hoping that there are more adventures for Daph to come. Can you believe it? I've gone from not being a cosy mystery fan to wanting more of Phillipa's Daphne, John and Bluebell.
Ok now onto the story. Now, I've read Phillipa before and I love her rustic outback romances but this is something new for me. I'm guessing that Daph would fall solidly into the category of 'cosy mystery' which is not a genre I usually read. I'm generally not a who dun it kinda girl. But knowing this author's writing I wanted to give it a go, and to be honest, the cover and the title was just so cute I had to read it... So it just goes to prove that I absolutely judged a book by it's cover - get it on a book store display Phillipa and readers will pick it up.
Anyway, back to the story, It's so cute and sweet, it's like an Aussie Angela Landsbury in a caravan. Murder She Wrote with a sugary pastel twist - though in my mind Daphne looks more like Betty White with pink and purple highlights. This story is a quick and easy read, with twists and turns and who dun it's at every turn. It's a game of Cludo being played by the anti-Brady Bunch - a family so screwed up and warped that they're a danger to themselves and others, quite literally. One family full of age-old hates and feuds, 3 dead husbands, one bride, and an entire town who's on one side or the other... Who killed Lias's husbands? Why? And why the heck is a grieving family so obnoxious and rude to Daph, a roaming marriage celebrant with a bright blue caravan.
You'll be guessing along with Daph until the end as she's sucked in and tries to muddle through the string of suspects. Such a fun and sweet book, I'm hoping that there are more adventures for Daph to come. Can you believe it? I've gone from not being a cosy mystery fan to wanting more of Phillipa's Daphne, John and Bluebell.
December 16, 2025
Super nice couple Daphne and John Jones are travelling around Victoria, living out of their camper, while Daphne officiates weddings and funerals. Her latest assignment has her officiating the wedding of Lisa Brooker to Steve Tanning in the town of Little Bridges.
Daphne meets Lisa and her family, all of whom are pretty unpleasant, and it is clear that no one on the Brooker side is happy with her choice of husband. Who will be her third, as she’s married two of his cousins in the past, both of whom died in accidents not long after their marriages. Keeping her thoughts to herself, Daphne plans for her wedding, even as she feels hurt and upset by the Brookers.
Well, Steve sets a new record for shortest married Tanner man, as he’s found dead in the pool minutes after Daphne concludes the marriage ceremony.
Daphne has a feeling something is wrong with the scene, which looks like Steve slipped and fell in the pool and drowned. Taking her concerns to the police, they are initially unwilling to listen, but this isn’t Daphne’s first murder (she’s appeared in a different series, which I’m unfamiliar with, by this author), and she begins noting things she’s noticed in a notebook, and shares everything with the police, the more she learns. And John, being the supportive husband that he is, begins helping her, for example researching family histories in the library, and before too long, it’s clear the pair are on the right track, because someone slashes their camper’s tires. Of course Daphne figured things out, and the murderer is apprehended, and the local police are thankful for all of Daphne’s help.
This is a nice start to Daphne Jones’ series. The mystery is fairly easy to figure out, with the author providing plenty of clues.
Daphne and John are such nice, considerate and friendly people, and it makes sense that most people she deals with immediately like her and John. The acrimony that exists between the Brookers and Tanners, and the murder, really affect what should have been a pleasant time in the town, but maybe Daphne’s next client won’t be so unpleasant?
I hope so, as I’m reading the next in the series.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and Booksprout for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Daphne meets Lisa and her family, all of whom are pretty unpleasant, and it is clear that no one on the Brooker side is happy with her choice of husband. Who will be her third, as she’s married two of his cousins in the past, both of whom died in accidents not long after their marriages. Keeping her thoughts to herself, Daphne plans for her wedding, even as she feels hurt and upset by the Brookers.
Well, Steve sets a new record for shortest married Tanner man, as he’s found dead in the pool minutes after Daphne concludes the marriage ceremony.
Daphne has a feeling something is wrong with the scene, which looks like Steve slipped and fell in the pool and drowned. Taking her concerns to the police, they are initially unwilling to listen, but this isn’t Daphne’s first murder (she’s appeared in a different series, which I’m unfamiliar with, by this author), and she begins noting things she’s noticed in a notebook, and shares everything with the police, the more she learns. And John, being the supportive husband that he is, begins helping her, for example researching family histories in the library, and before too long, it’s clear the pair are on the right track, because someone slashes their camper’s tires. Of course Daphne figured things out, and the murderer is apprehended, and the local police are thankful for all of Daphne’s help.
This is a nice start to Daphne Jones’ series. The mystery is fairly easy to figure out, with the author providing plenty of clues.
Daphne and John are such nice, considerate and friendly people, and it makes sense that most people she deals with immediately like her and John. The acrimony that exists between the Brookers and Tanners, and the murder, really affect what should have been a pleasant time in the town, but maybe Daphne’s next client won’t be so unpleasant?
I hope so, as I’m reading the next in the series.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and Booksprout for this ARC in exchange for my review.
December 18, 2025
Of Marriage And Murder is the first book in the traveling celebrant cozy mysteries by Philippa Nerri Clark, in the book we meet Daphne Jones and her husband John they’re traveling in a caravan to a wedding that she’s going to officiate but first she must go and meet the happy couple. unfortunately a happy couple isn’t what she meets instead she meets Lisa and Steve and Lisa’s parents to say their problematic is an understatement this isn’t Lisa’s first marriage and as a matter of fact her last two were to Steve’s cousins Sam and Shane and just like his cousin Steve too soon after the wedding will wind up dead. is Lisa a black widow or just unlucky? Does someone not want her to be married or is this family just cursed? I have many opinions about this book but I will keep them to a minimum for one thing I thought it was odd that the sluethe and main character Daphne was the efficient a person who has in my opinion the smallest part in the wedding but that’s neither here nor there. I did like her and John’s relationship but thought it would’ve been better and he been her voice of reason as opposed to just standing back and being like “yes Daphne do dig in the caterers van looking for evidence, I found the mystery to be quite simple the characters were kind of generic although I did like the couple of times Daphne had her sassy in her thoughts but those were fleeting I wish I would’ve liked this look better but I think because I didn’t buy the whole efficient role started me off negatively towards the book. I mean how long does the person that marriage you stick around after the wedding in this case it was a few days so not realistic. I really love cozy mysteries and although I did finish this one I don’t think I will be continuing with the series but I could see how someone would like this book by myself did not. #NetGalley,#TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #PhilippaNefriClark, #OfMarriageAndMurder,”
October 31, 2021
This was an enjoyable, relatively quick read for me, the first of Phillipa’s books I have read, I loved the quirky artwork cover, with a hint of clues, it has its very own appeal, and I have no doubt will be jumping off the bookstore shelves into the arms of discerning readers. Daphne, while not your typical Mrs Jones, reminds me of a bumbling version of Brenda Blethyn in ‘Vera’ minus the attitude, or an annoying eccentric meddling caring, well-meaning aunt similar to Hyacinth Bucket.
Not having read any of Phillipa’s previous books I wasn’t familiar with either John or Daphne the lead characters, but I did warm to this endearing couple straight away, not your typical quasi retiree’s. Life is a rolling adventure for the long-married duo, leisurely exploring one town after another in their beloved Bluebell, John happily lazing by the river with his fishing rod for company, whilst Daph keeps herself busy as the spokesperson for couples tying the knot or by delivering eulogies at funeral services.
There were enough twists and wrong turns and family filled drama along the way to hold my interest, and Daphne and John certainly aren’t ‘keeping up with the Joneses.’ They’re just a pair of childless sweeties going out of their way to help people and often Daphne whilst well-meaning can’t help literally being in the way.
Thank you so much Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to provide an honest review of an ARC digital version of Phillipa Nefri Clark “Til Daph Do Us Part” and I’m looking forward to reading Daph’s ongoing adventures when number two in the series is released.
Not having read any of Phillipa’s previous books I wasn’t familiar with either John or Daphne the lead characters, but I did warm to this endearing couple straight away, not your typical quasi retiree’s. Life is a rolling adventure for the long-married duo, leisurely exploring one town after another in their beloved Bluebell, John happily lazing by the river with his fishing rod for company, whilst Daph keeps herself busy as the spokesperson for couples tying the knot or by delivering eulogies at funeral services.
There were enough twists and wrong turns and family filled drama along the way to hold my interest, and Daphne and John certainly aren’t ‘keeping up with the Joneses.’ They’re just a pair of childless sweeties going out of their way to help people and often Daphne whilst well-meaning can’t help literally being in the way.
Thank you so much Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to provide an honest review of an ARC digital version of Phillipa Nefri Clark “Til Daph Do Us Part” and I’m looking forward to reading Daph’s ongoing adventures when number two in the series is released.
October 29, 2022
Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars
Cosy mysteries are very hit and miss with me and this one unfortunately was a miss. While the idea was adorable and it was an easy and quick read, I just couldn't connect with Daphne and when the lead of a cosy mystery doesn't work for you then the entire book falls apart.
We live in a time where people with no credentials think their opinion gives them a right to override trained professionals and that is the premise of this book. We have a wedding celebrant who has no policing skills who basically solves(?) the mystery purely by listening to gossip and then the police stand around scratching their heads and actually saying to her "Help us solve the case, because we are too busy and too clueless". Well, yeah - I feel a little annoyed. At least when Poirot does it, it works because he is a famed detective who has earned the right.
The relationship between Daph and John just felt really wooden and 2D to me and the constant references to Daphne's weight just made me angry. While I was hoping for a quirky and fun mystery, the murder just seemed overly silly and didn't really make a lot of sense (but by this stage I confess I was skim reading because I just wasn't engaged).
Like most books, there has to be a connection between the book and the reader. The book was not bad (and it has lots of very high rating), it is just there was no connection/chemistry between me and Daph and these cosy mysteries 100% rely on that connection. Glad I gave it a try though.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2022 October Phillipa Nefri Clark Challenge: Read a book by Phillipa Nefri Clark
Aussie Readers 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge: Read books with titles that spell out Elizabeth (T = Till)
Cosy mysteries are very hit and miss with me and this one unfortunately was a miss. While the idea was adorable and it was an easy and quick read, I just couldn't connect with Daphne and when the lead of a cosy mystery doesn't work for you then the entire book falls apart.
We live in a time where people with no credentials think their opinion gives them a right to override trained professionals and that is the premise of this book. We have a wedding celebrant who has no policing skills who basically solves(?) the mystery purely by listening to gossip and then the police stand around scratching their heads and actually saying to her "Help us solve the case, because we are too busy and too clueless". Well, yeah - I feel a little annoyed. At least when Poirot does it, it works because he is a famed detective who has earned the right.
The relationship between Daph and John just felt really wooden and 2D to me and the constant references to Daphne's weight just made me angry. While I was hoping for a quirky and fun mystery, the murder just seemed overly silly and didn't really make a lot of sense (but by this stage I confess I was skim reading because I just wasn't engaged).
Like most books, there has to be a connection between the book and the reader. The book was not bad (and it has lots of very high rating), it is just there was no connection/chemistry between me and Daph and these cosy mysteries 100% rely on that connection. Glad I gave it a try though.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2022 October Phillipa Nefri Clark Challenge: Read a book by Phillipa Nefri Clark
Aussie Readers 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge: Read books with titles that spell out Elizabeth (T = Till)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Celebrant Daphne Jones hasn't been in her new job for very long but, in a total life change, alongside her recently retired husband John, she is travelling around Australia towing caravan Buttercup and plying her new trade wherever it's needed. Invited to Little Bridges she is to officiate at the wedding of Lisa and fiance Steve but things aren't quite as they seem. Already widowed twice the bride is hoping for third time lucky, but when a body is discovered almost immediately after the service, it seems as if nothing good is going to happen. Determined to solve the case Daphne and a reluctant John begin looking for a killer but knowing no-one in town is a distinct disadvantage especially when historical disagreements and very unpleasant family members seem to be involved from the start. Can she solve the case before someone decides to stop her fledgling career in its tracks?
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a re-release of the first book in Phillipa Nefri Clark's Travelling Celebrant Mystery Series, was previously titled Till Daph Do Us Part, and is a really good read. I loved Daphne from the start and, apart from calling her 'doll', husband John was a good foil for her exuberance. Having thoroughly enjoyed this I am definitely looking forward to book two.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a re-release of the first book in Phillipa Nefri Clark's Travelling Celebrant Mystery Series, was previously titled Till Daph Do Us Part, and is a really good read. I loved Daphne from the start and, apart from calling her 'doll', husband John was a good foil for her exuberance. Having thoroughly enjoyed this I am definitely looking forward to book two.
August 3, 2021
Daphne Jones loves her new career as a travelling celebrant, visiting a different small town weekly to marry happy couples or help with sad goodbyes.
She and her husband John recently retired from their real estate agency in River's End and enjoy the freedom of travelling with their caravan, Bluebell.
Daphne felt the tension at the Brooker wedding she officiated at early in the book, and when one of the wedding party ends up in the family swimming pool she begins to wonder what has been happening to create the ill feeling in the family .
She soon finds herself knee-deep in a mystery, but John is keen to move on to their next venue to prepare for their next event.
The reader is taking on a roller coaster ride with the couple as they become embroiled in the small town and the author introduces a number of twists and turns to keep the story moving along at a good pace.
Phillipa Nefri Clark lives in Victoria, Australia and much of her writing is based in this area.
Daphne and John first appeared in her River's End series, in four books from The Stationmaster's Cottage onwards but it is not necessary to read those books to enjoy the Daphne Jones Mysteries.I have not read any others in the series and I certainly picked up the story easily and thoroughly enjoyed Till Daph Do Us part as a stand alone read.
An easy read I will be keen to read other work by this author and thank her for the e copy of Till Daph Do Us Part in return for an honest review .
She and her husband John recently retired from their real estate agency in River's End and enjoy the freedom of travelling with their caravan, Bluebell.
Daphne felt the tension at the Brooker wedding she officiated at early in the book, and when one of the wedding party ends up in the family swimming pool she begins to wonder what has been happening to create the ill feeling in the family .
She soon finds herself knee-deep in a mystery, but John is keen to move on to their next venue to prepare for their next event.
The reader is taking on a roller coaster ride with the couple as they become embroiled in the small town and the author introduces a number of twists and turns to keep the story moving along at a good pace.
Phillipa Nefri Clark lives in Victoria, Australia and much of her writing is based in this area.
Daphne and John first appeared in her River's End series, in four books from The Stationmaster's Cottage onwards but it is not necessary to read those books to enjoy the Daphne Jones Mysteries.I have not read any others in the series and I certainly picked up the story easily and thoroughly enjoyed Till Daph Do Us part as a stand alone read.
An easy read I will be keen to read other work by this author and thank her for the e copy of Till Daph Do Us Part in return for an honest review .
December 28, 2025
Phillipa Nefri Clark is an auto-buy author for me, and Of Marriage and Murder is another wonderful addition to her growing list of stories.
This is the first book in the Travelling Celebrant Mystery series and introduces Daphne Jones, who arrives in the small town of Little Bridges to officiate a wedding — only for the groom to be murdered moments after the ceremony. What follows is a cosy, cleverly paced mystery full of secrets, tensions, and small-town intrigue.
I loved the storyline, the pacing, and the cast of characters. The mystery is well constructed and kept me guessing right to the end. Daphne is a fantastic new protagonist, and her role as a travelling celebrant gives the series a fresh and interesting angle.
One thing I always enjoy about Phillipa Nefri Clark’s books is how they can all be read as standalones, while still sharing familiar names and places across series. If you’ve read her other work, you’ll recognise those little connections — and if you haven’t, you won’t feel lost at all.
A strong, enjoyable start to a new series, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing where Daphne’s travels take her next.
This is the first book in the Travelling Celebrant Mystery series and introduces Daphne Jones, who arrives in the small town of Little Bridges to officiate a wedding — only for the groom to be murdered moments after the ceremony. What follows is a cosy, cleverly paced mystery full of secrets, tensions, and small-town intrigue.
I loved the storyline, the pacing, and the cast of characters. The mystery is well constructed and kept me guessing right to the end. Daphne is a fantastic new protagonist, and her role as a travelling celebrant gives the series a fresh and interesting angle.
One thing I always enjoy about Phillipa Nefri Clark’s books is how they can all be read as standalones, while still sharing familiar names and places across series. If you’ve read her other work, you’ll recognise those little connections — and if you haven’t, you won’t feel lost at all.
A strong, enjoyable start to a new series, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing where Daphne’s travels take her next.
August 22, 2021
When I started out reading this novel, I was pleasantly surprised at how fast I became addicted to the story. Daphne is a wedding celebrant who has come to town to marry a couple whose families have bad blood between them. But, that shouldn’t stop the celebration of the happy couple right? Well, you would be wrong. A murder takes place, and Daphne feels it is up to her to find out who done it! Honestly, I LOVED the main character Daphne and her husband John. I love that the characters are later on in life and not some teenage detective and her boyfriend trying to solve a mystery. I love the way both of the characters look out for one another and show how deeply they care. I also love that Daphne is not described as some hot model type with blond hair, she’s got gray hairs and some curves which makes it more realistic for readers. If you are into mystery murders, small-town vibes, and an adorable couple-this is your book. I will definitely be picking up the next installment of this series!
August 10, 2021
Daphne Jones and her husband John have taken to life on the road as they move into their next act. Daphne as an officiant and John who is pursuing his passions of fishing, photography, genealogy and Daphne. As they travel around Australia in their camper to Daphne's engagements, they are exploring the countryside and just enjoying time together. Daphne's latest gig is for a wedding in a small town and she's chuffed to wed the young couple, but when she meets them, she's less than impressed with the entire family and their rudeness to each other and her. But Daphne agreed to marry the couple and wed them she will, then she and John can leave town for her next engagement.
If Daphne though the rehearsal was hard to get through, the wedding itself was a breeze...until a body is found in the pool and Daphne vows to find justice for the victim. So many suspects, so little time for Daphne to get through them all before she has to get to the next town. Secrets, lies and surprises await Daphne along the way and with John's support, she gets closer and yet farther away. But will Daphne be able to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to figure it out before someone is officiating her funeral?
The second book in this series, it is the first I have read and it is fine as a stand alone. It's nice to have a cozy of a married couple on their second act, which I can relate to. I enjoy the relationship that Daphne and John have and think they have serious #CoupleGoals.. Daphne is so empathetic and caring and she just makes you want to get to know her further and you'll be waiting for the next book to do just that.
If Daphne though the rehearsal was hard to get through, the wedding itself was a breeze...until a body is found in the pool and Daphne vows to find justice for the victim. So many suspects, so little time for Daphne to get through them all before she has to get to the next town. Secrets, lies and surprises await Daphne along the way and with John's support, she gets closer and yet farther away. But will Daphne be able to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to figure it out before someone is officiating her funeral?
The second book in this series, it is the first I have read and it is fine as a stand alone. It's nice to have a cozy of a married couple on their second act, which I can relate to. I enjoy the relationship that Daphne and John have and think they have serious #CoupleGoals.. Daphne is so empathetic and caring and she just makes you want to get to know her further and you'll be waiting for the next book to do just that.
September 7, 2022
Princess Fuzzypants here: Daph and her husband John travel around southern Australia in a caravan named Bluebell. In a post retirement career, she is a celebrant and she is in town to officiate at a wedding. But from the moment she arrives, she wishes she had not accepted the job. The two families make the Hatfield and McCoys look like pikers and things go from verbal snipes to murder. These are not nice people and while John would like to depart quickly, Daph gets more deeply involved in the feud between the families.
She is asked to celebrate the life of the deceased- twice- but when the news of the murder gets out, her nascent business might be threatened. Even though she was not a suspect, future clients cancelled. If she does not help uncover the killer, she may have no business left.
She does work compatibly with the local police who find the information she shares and her observations helpful. But even when Daoh and the police discover the guilty parties, there is still one element they missed. I do confess I suspected it but there were still bits that caught me by surprise, as they did Daph.
I did like Daph and John. They are a sweet older couple who love and support each other. They are amiable and endearing characters and I suspect there could be further adventures as they ride the roads with Bluebell. Five purrs and two paws up.
She is asked to celebrate the life of the deceased- twice- but when the news of the murder gets out, her nascent business might be threatened. Even though she was not a suspect, future clients cancelled. If she does not help uncover the killer, she may have no business left.
She does work compatibly with the local police who find the information she shares and her observations helpful. But even when Daoh and the police discover the guilty parties, there is still one element they missed. I do confess I suspected it but there were still bits that caught me by surprise, as they did Daph.
I did like Daph and John. They are a sweet older couple who love and support each other. They are amiable and endearing characters and I suspect there could be further adventures as they ride the roads with Bluebell. Five purrs and two paws up.
October 2, 2021
Amateur sleuth Daphne and husband, John Jones travel around the countryside as a traveling Celebrant, who does weddings and funerals. Just to help them celebrate their wedding or say goodbye to their love ones. Daph preforms a wedding and then the groom drowns. What could have happened to the groom? Do the families have secrets? Will Daph find what happened? Will they continue on to their next destination? Will they blame Daphne? Who could have done this? So many people and reasons to kill the groom.. I loved this book. It is well worth the read. Can’t wait for Daphne and John’s next adventure.
February 6, 2023
This was cute! A likeable MC, Daphne and her husband John are just to cute for words. The mystery is a mess of family grudges and drama with a bride on her third husband, who is also then murdered. Daphne investigates out of a sense of obligation and over the objection of one side of the girding family. John is such a supportive hubby, supports her and does a lot of research. Overall, these are very light, cute reads.
April 14, 2024
3.5 stars. This is a quick and fun cozy mystery. The main character, Daphne, is a wedding officiant. When the groom dies minutes after the ceremony, she brings her amateur sleuth game to figure out who killed him and becomes embroiled in a generations-old family feud in the process. I enjoyed the Australian small town setting and the RV life that Daphne and her husband are enjoying in their retirement-both gave the story a memorable spin.
August 31, 2021
This is sort of a cozy mystery. Daphne, from the River’s End series and her husband, John, have retired from the real estate business and Daphne has become a celebrant (minister). They travel in an RV for Daphne to perform weddings and other pastoral duties. They are in a small town for Lisa’s 3rd wedding – she is a widow from her 2 prior marriages and about to become a widow for the 3rd time. Daphne and John stay in the town until the murderer is exposed.
September 2, 2021
The beginning of what should be a fantastic new cosy mystery series! Daphne and her husband John have hooked up their caravan Bluebell and will travel around while Daphne builds her career as a celebrant. Their first stop - Little Bridges, a small town in Victoria. The moment Daphne meets the bride and groom, she senses something is amiss. She performs the wedding - the bride's third! - but a few minutes later, the groom is found dead in the pool.
Daphne gets swept up into the mystery. Unable to leave town as a witness, she and John begin to investigate and help the police solve a very interesting crime with roots to a decades old family feud.
I loved this book, it's a fantastic cosy mystery, and I can't wait for more!
Daphne gets swept up into the mystery. Unable to leave town as a witness, she and John begin to investigate and help the police solve a very interesting crime with roots to a decades old family feud.
I loved this book, it's a fantastic cosy mystery, and I can't wait for more!
October 18, 2021
What a wonderful character Daphne is. Together with her super loving husband of many years, Daph is free to enjoy her life and all the sleuthing she wants. And she does it very well. Never one to ignore her gut instinct, Daphne pursues what her heart and head tells her, and with amazing results. I look forward to reading more of the Daphne cosy mysteries by an author who has come up with very clever book titles, and book covers to die for. Good job!!
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