Death of a Blogger: A Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe Mystery Novella

Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe #0.5

by Dawn Brookes

When a gossip blogger joins a tour party along with victims of her malicious words, there can only be one outcome!

When Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe embarks on her first river cruise with companions Rachel Prince and Sarah Bradshaw, she's not expecting murder for company! It's bad enough knowing there might be a murderer among their travelling party, but then Lady Marjorie finds herself saddled with a most unwelcome guest. Edna Parkinton, Marjorie's estranged cousin-in-law is loud, brash and tells it as it is. Marjorie can't wait to be rid of her. With Rachel and Sarah intent on enjoying a holiday for once, Marjorie decides to investigate a guest's suspicious death herself. Will she find the killer before the killer finds her?

Laugh out loud fun and mayhem, this prequel provides an appetising taster for the Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe series. Edna Parkinton is a welcome addition to Dawn Brookes's intriguing characters.

What readers
"I have read the whole Rachel Prince series. I loved this book. The characters are so real. Edna is a memorable character."
"Just started reading - and it's already a hoot!!!!!! Gotta love Lady Marjorie!"
"I decided to delay reading the Sunday paper and read Death of a Blogger instead. I loved it! So much fun having my favorite characters on a river cruise. Edna is definitely going to be fun going forward!"
"Loved it. I liked they way they stayed overnight in Amsterdam. Having been on a lot of coach tours in my younger days I could relate to some passengers! I just loved Marjorie's cousin!"

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy

182 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2021

About the author

Dawn Brookes is an award winning cosy mystery and crime writer who also writes memoirs and children's books.
She has an MA in Creative Writing with Distinction.

Dawn writes most days and publishes regularly, to keep up to date visit her website.

Rachel Prince Mysteries:

#1 A Cruise to Murder set during a Mediterranean cruise
#2 Deadly Cruise set during a transatlantic crossing to New York.
#3 Killer Cruise set during a Baltic cruise.
#4 Dying to Cruise set during a cruise around Australia and New Zealand.
#5 A Christmas Cruise Murder set on a Canary Island cruise.
#6 Murderous Cruise Habit set on a Caribbean cruise.
#7 Honeymoon Cruise Murder set on a Mediterranean cruise.
#8 A Murder Mystery Cruise set on a cruise to the Norwegian Ffords.
#9 Hazardous Cruise set on a Mediterranean and Adriatic cruise.
#10 Captain's Dinner Cruise Murder
#11 Corporate Cruise Murder set in India.
#12 Treacherous Cruise Flirtation set in Hawaii.
#13 Toxic Cruise Cocktail set on a SE Asia cruise.
#14 Cruise into Darkness

The Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe Mysteries

#Prequel Novella Death of a Blogger
#1 Murder at the Opera House
#2 Murder in the Highlands
#3 Murder at the Christmas Market
#4 Murder at a Wimbledon Mansion
#5 Murder in a Care Home
#6 Murder at the Regatta
#7 Murder on a Bus Tour

Carlos Jacobi PI

#1 Body in the Woods Award winning novel.
#2 The Bradgate Park Murders
#3 The Museum Murders

Nursing Memoirs

#1 Hurry up Nurse: memoirs of nurse training in the 1970s

#2 Hurry up Nurse 2: London calling
#3 Hurry up Nurse 3: More adventures in the life of a student nurse

Books are available in paperback, hardback, large print, kindle ebook, and audiobook.

Dawn grew up in Leicester, England and trained as a nurse. She later moved to London to undertake further training in the East End. Dawn worked in the NHS in England for the best part of thirty-nine years and during that time gained a wide range of experience as well as academic and professional qualifications. She also holds an MA in Creative Writing.

Dawn's website can be found at: https://www.dawnbrookespublishing.com

Children's Books

Dawn has written a number of children's books including:

Suki Seal and the Plastic Ring

Gerry the One-Eared Cat

Danny the Caterpillar

Ava & Oliver's Bonfire Night Adventure

Ava & Oliver's Christmas Nativity Adventure

Jesus Feeds a Big Crowd

Jesus Heals a Man on a Stretcher

Dawn founded a literature festival in her locality which aims to engage readers and authors with all things literature.

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK
Loved it loved it loved it. Sorry but I love these little cruise murder mysteries and that fact Marj ;-) now has her own spin off is brilliant. This story does not disappoint and I loved the fact that Marjory is now turning into the cruise worlds Jessica Fletcher. Love it

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the Rachel Prince series, so was delighted to see that the author was planning to do a spin off series featuring Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe, one of my favourite characters and it was even better than I imagined. I liked the introduction of the new character Edna and the by play between her and the main character, I have a feeling we will be seeing her again. This is a new series so you don't have to have read or listened to the other cozy series but I can recommend them because like this book they are a lot of fun and all set on cruise ships. The mystery was fun and with plenty of suspects it kept you guessing. A good start to what I hope is going to be a long running series.
Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe, an elderly widow is being accompanied by her young friends Rachel and Sarah on a river cruise. The ship hasn't even left port before she decides this holiday is going to be a very long trip. Two weeks is a long time to try and hide from the other passenger's. One passenger is rude, obnoxious and rubs everybody up the wrong way by gossiping about everybody. The other guest she would like to ignore is her cousin in law who she fell out with but with a mix up at the time of the booking means she ends up sharing Marjorie's cabin. The morning the ship sets sail one of the passengers is found at the bottom of some steep stairs. She wasn't well like and even her husband doesn't appear to be broken hearted over the death but was it really an accident or was she pushed? Sarah is convinced it wasn't murder and talks Rachel into just enjoying there holiday, leaving it up to Marjorie to investigate but which passenger doesn't want there secret blogged about? When a confession is found and a suicide is attempted everyone begins to relax and enjoy there holiday but is it really over?
I liked the narrator. She does a good job of portraying the characters.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death of a Blogger is a novella designed to spin-off Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe into her own series after formerly appearing in the Rachel Prince Mysteries series.

Accompanied by Rachel and Sarah Bradshaw on her first ever river cruise the would-be sleuth is plunged into a murder investigation when one of the guests is pushed down the stairs at the hotel before they even set sail.

Because this is Marjorie’s chance to shine in her very own book series, Rachel & Sarah are just bit part characters and this gives a chance for Marge’s estranged cousin-in-law Edna who is booked on the same cruise to join the hunt for the murderer.

With a victim who has many enemies booked on the trip it is up to Marge & Edna to get to the truth.

This is a delightful cozy mystery and the interaction between Marjorie and Edna is a joy as the two explore their new found relationship whilst sharing a cabin (much to Marjorie’s annoyance)

The book sets up the Marge/Edna sleuthing due perfectly ready to plunge into the following titles in the series.

Witty, well written and fun, hopefully there are many further adventures for the quarrelsome twosome to come.

https://montysbookreviews.blogspot.co...

[Em__Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a most unusual start to a river cruise when one of the passengers, a gossip blogger with a nasty reputation accidentally falls down a staircase . . . or was she pushed? Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe, octogenarian and amateur sleuth, certainly thinks it’s worth investigating. Not only does the husband seems to be living it up immediately after his wife’s death, but several of the cruise guests have previously fallen foul of the nasty blogger’s words. What’s a shove down the stairs matter if it means a malicious soul is removed from this earth?

I have a fondness for spirited older characters, whatever the fiction genre. And Marjorie proves entertaining, especially when joined by Edna Parkinton, her cousin-by-marriage and opposite in so many ways. These two clash splendidly and often provide laughs in the story.

Pearl Hewitt’s narration was pleasant to listen to.

DEATH OF A BLOGGER by Dawn Brookes serves as an introduction to the upcoming Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe cosy mystery series. It’s an entertaining yet undemanding listen. Perfect for when you want to listen to an audiobook while pottering around the house.

[Carol Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story short but sweet and of course the odd titter made my day have never heard of Dawn Brookes before but now I have I will have to take another look. This one is of Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe in her twilight years and taking a cruise, and why not and accompanying her is her young friends Rachel & Sarah one a police officer and the other a nurse. Before they even set sail there is a ruckus and who would it be the one and only Edna cousin-IN-LAW as Marjorie insist and they have been enemy's for years, and if that wasn't all a murder on the first night of sailing or was it? It was a pleasant change from the usual crimes stories I read and I would love to listen to another Marjorie Snellthorpe if writer Dawn Brookes is going down that street. The narration by Pearl Hewitt was also superb and very clear, and this could listen to in one sitting.

[Sandra Leivesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having enjoyed Dawn Brookes Cruise series, I was overjoyed to see that Lady Marjorie now has her own spin-off series! This one is set on a European river cruise, and when a nasty blogger falls down the stairs to her death Lady Marjorie can't help investigating.

This a short but very sweet listen. Rachel Prince and her friend, Sarah, from the Cruise series are here and we meet Marjorie's cousin-in-law, Edna. All in all this is a fun little whodunnit with engaging characters and lots of humour. Looking forward to the next in the series.

The narrator, Pearl Hewitt, brings the characters to life.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually prefer to read full length books as opposed to novellas, but I enjoyed reading Death of a Blogger. I have been on cruises but never a river cruise and I liked traveling with Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe, and her friends Rachel, and Sarah. Marjorie is looking forward to traveling from Amsterdam to Budapest until she discovers that her deceased husband's cousin, Edna Parkinton, is also on the cruise. Then when fellow passenger Greta Mitchell falls down some stairs, the sleuth in her is determined to find out who killed her! I enjoyed the descriptions of the characters especially Edna. This is a great start to a mystery series.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a writer that has made quite an impact in so few words. The characters are stellar, the answer toward this mystery itself quite unexpected. As you can expect to find the utmost unexpected match as sleuthing companions.This is certainly a Dawn Brooke's mystery full of clean,bold and mischievous antics for junior to mature readers of cozey mysterys. Acquire "Death of a Blogger " so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have.🙂🤔😏 Kat

[Deb Snelson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely did not enjoy this. Too many characters “ introduced” at the start, although I hardly consider “the woman she started talking to” as an introduction. I had to listen to it four times to pick up on that “introduction” so I knew who was talking in the next chapter. Worst mistake a writer can make is to not create something memorable about a character, and to not develop characters at all. All we are told about Sarah, a seemingly important character, is that she is a nurse. Really? Will not read more from this author.

[Kristi Duarte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by Dawn Brooks and I found it entertaining and a quick read. However, there's no depth to the characters or the setting, so it's not a book that made me feel as if I were there. I had hoped to find out why all these people who'd had bad experiences with the murdered woman were on the same cruise, but there was no explanation for it. I also found the main character, Marjorie, quite rude and unlikeable. My favorite character was Edna.

[Narelle Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a freebie and really enjoyed it. The only complaint I had was that my curiosity got the better of me and I would have liked to find out more about each of the characters who would have been happy to see the victim dead. We did find out about some of them, but there was a feeling that there was more that could have been revealed, including the identity of the love child. Leave them wanting more I guess lol. A fun, quick read.

[Adele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruising with Murder

Well written and well thought out characters. Enjoyed the relationship between Marjorie and her young friends. Even for a novella, the story just wasn’t long enough, or it would have gotten 5 stars from me. She is in a beautiful part of the world, sailing along on a lazy river boat. It needs a little more description of what she is seeing from the ship. Maybe information about what castles adorn the hills as she travels past.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great cozy mystery, this time on a river cruise, featuring all my favourite characters plus Lady Marjorie’s larger than life cousin in law Edna. There is an accidental death in Amsterdam before the guests board the cruise ship but with Rachel and Lady Majorie on board all is not as it seems.

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

It didn't get really good for me until we got to hear Edna's innermost thoughts because, personally, I find her more likable than Marjorie. Yes, she can be annoying and she's too loud and brash but she's also aware of her failings and her flaws and that makes her more human and down-to-earth for me than Marjorie who can be, pardon me saying that, a little prissy and lacking self-awareness.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review

Dawn Brooke’s strikes again. I loved all the books before this & to find Lady Marjorie has taken off as well. Marvellous.
She may be an older lady but misses nothing & is great fun to read or listen to. Bring on more
Narrator keeps it going so well.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome story. Easy reading, delightful characters, easy to love. Marg is a gossip blogger who ends up on a cruise with some of her so called victims. Who committed murder and why. Don’t miss out.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought 3 of these audiobooks on a Chirp sale thinking I'd like them. The first one was just okay ... I found the characters, including Lady Marjorie, irritating and judgmental. I'll listen to one more, but I doubt I'll be reading this whole series. 2 stars.

[Susan Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series. I'm looking forward to reading more.

[Dinnl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok read. It is just not really my cup of tea.

[Joseph O. Gilpatric II · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Marjorie is quite feisty and determined when there is a murder onboard a cruise ship. Well worth the read

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dawn Brookes books. So fun. I want to be Majorie SnellThorpe when I get 80

[Mary Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will enjoy this new series!

[aem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Accident or murder aboard a cruise…

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

The banter between the two senior sleuth is charming.

[Debra Jo Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is just great. If you enjoy Ms. Marple, you will enjoy this. I lol’d a few times.

The narration is great.

[Karin Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Greta Mitchell and why??? Pet supplies??? i enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Trish Goodgame · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun novella cozy mystery with great characters that you either love or hate.

[Paula R C R. C. Readman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good cozy mystery! I enjoyed the MCs.

[Cassie Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in a spin-off series, Death of a Blogger introduces us to Marjorie Snellthorpe, a side character in the Rachel Prince Mysteries who is now center stage. With Rachel entering a new phase of life, Marjorie will soon need a new traveling companion. Enter Edna, a snarky cousin-in-law with a bone to pick because of sticky inheritance issues. The two women are nothing alike, but they find themselves stuck together due to a booking error.

Things couldn’t get worse… until a woman is found dead at the foot of the stairs. With another mystery at hand, Marjorie is eager to crack the case. But Edna isn’t going to be left out, no sir, and she drags in an acquaintance to stir the pot even more. But as they get closer to the truth, they find a complicated knot of suspects, alibis, and motives. Will Marjorie and Edna make it out of their first adventure alive, or are they doomed to join their late husbands six feet under?

A delightful introduction for Marjorie Snellthorpe, Death of a Blogger fascinated me. Edna is such a fun character. Having never read the Rachel Prince Mysteries, I got a good sense of her character from this book, and I hope to read of her adventures soon. But for now, I want to read about Lady Snellthorpe and her wonderful bite of humor mixed with British class. Recommended if you enjoy British cozies, or if you’re a fan of elderly sleuths (looking at you, Myrtle Clover fans).