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Abbot Agency #6
A False Report
Meet Bea Abbot. Life in leafy Kensington should be all Georgian houses, beautiful parks and charming tea shops. But it turns out there are plenty of murders to solve for our amateur sleuth.
Bea knows perfectly well that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. But she can’t resist an invitation to tea at the Ritz, even if it comes with a side order of murder ...
Bea’s old acquaintance CJ wants her help clearing his friend Jeremy’s name. An eccentric music teacher, Jeremy is accused of the murder of his pupil, Josie. Though the charge is quickly disproved, the damage is done. Jeremy has been sacked from his job, his wife has thrown him out and his reputation is in tatters.
Bea is grateful for the distraction. Although business is booming at the agency, she can’t help feeling something is wrong. The company is making more money than ever so why are her most loyal employees handing in their notice? Just what is the new manager, the ever-so-smooth-talking Ianthe, up to?
Later that night Jeremy suddenly lands on Bea’s doorstep. His flat has been broken into and his beloved piano smashed to smithereens — a stark warning or a close call?
If Jeremy didn’t kill Josie, then who did? Bea’s investigation leads to the discovery of a circle of crooks with links to high society. Jeremy isn’t their first victim, and if Bea doesn’t stop them, he may not be their last . . .
A charming cozy murder mystery packed with humour and intrigue.
Bea knows perfectly well that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. But she can’t resist an invitation to tea at the Ritz, even if it comes with a side order of murder ...
Bea’s old acquaintance CJ wants her help clearing his friend Jeremy’s name. An eccentric music teacher, Jeremy is accused of the murder of his pupil, Josie. Though the charge is quickly disproved, the damage is done. Jeremy has been sacked from his job, his wife has thrown him out and his reputation is in tatters.
Bea is grateful for the distraction. Although business is booming at the agency, she can’t help feeling something is wrong. The company is making more money than ever so why are her most loyal employees handing in their notice? Just what is the new manager, the ever-so-smooth-talking Ianthe, up to?
Later that night Jeremy suddenly lands on Bea’s doorstep. His flat has been broken into and his beloved piano smashed to smithereens — a stark warning or a close call?
If Jeremy didn’t kill Josie, then who did? Bea’s investigation leads to the discovery of a circle of crooks with links to high society. Jeremy isn’t their first victim, and if Bea doesn’t stop them, he may not be their last . . .
A charming cozy murder mystery packed with humour and intrigue.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2012
338 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Heley
96 books131 followersVeronica Heley has published more than fifty books, including crime fiction, historical, and children's titles. She is currently involved in the Ellie Quicke series of crime stories and a variety of other projects. A full-time writer, she has been married to a London probation officer since 1964, and has one musician daughter.
AKA Veronica Thorne
AKA Veronica Thorne
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 12, 2014
I enjoyed the last Abbott Agency novel by Veronica Heley, False Money, and the previous one, False Pretences. I did, really! But Nos. 4 and 5 in the series just weren’t as good as the first three. However, I’m glad to say that Heley returned to form with the sixth installment, False Report.
At the novel’s start, Bea Abbott’s son, the self-important and bullying Member-of-Parliament Max Abbott, tries to persuade his mother that she’s over the hill and should give up the Abbott Agency, a temporary staffing agency that sometimes investigates crimes. Mrs. Abbott begins to have her doubts as to whether she’s outlived her usefulness.
Mrs. Abbott is almost persuaded when she realizes that the agency’s new office manager, Ianthe, is running off all of Bea’s longtime loyal staff and is engaged in other suspicious activities. Bea also looks into a false accusation of murder and of sexual impropriety against a tiny, absent-minded music teacher/composer. Readers will find both plotlines compelling. False Report’s thrill ride will keep readers riveted, part of the reason the novel ranks as the best of the series — which, considering how excellent the series is, is saying a lot!
Three cheers for the redoubtable Mrs. Abbott! And for her motley crew — Oliver and Maggie! They’re why this novel comes so highly recommended.
At the novel’s start, Bea Abbott’s son, the self-important and bullying Member-of-Parliament Max Abbott, tries to persuade his mother that she’s over the hill and should give up the Abbott Agency, a temporary staffing agency that sometimes investigates crimes. Mrs. Abbott begins to have her doubts as to whether she’s outlived her usefulness.
Mrs. Abbott is almost persuaded when she realizes that the agency’s new office manager, Ianthe, is running off all of Bea’s longtime loyal staff and is engaged in other suspicious activities. Bea also looks into a false accusation of murder and of sexual impropriety against a tiny, absent-minded music teacher/composer. Readers will find both plotlines compelling. False Report’s thrill ride will keep readers riveted, part of the reason the novel ranks as the best of the series — which, considering how excellent the series is, is saying a lot!
Three cheers for the redoubtable Mrs. Abbott! And for her motley crew — Oliver and Maggie! They’re why this novel comes so highly recommended.
October 14, 2014
This one of the worst books I've read, the main character is very sanctimonious praying to god every 5 minutes. The other characters are laughable and the plot is crazy and awfully written. I've read many Scandi novels which have been translated better than this. I hope anyone who is reading this book doesn't think all Brits are like this. The ending made me think I'd fallen into a Cluedo game with Mr Butcher, Sir Charles and Mr Jason, what with Fires, Knives and Murder, ridiculous!!!!
December 18, 2015
Bea Abbot has just returned from a much needed holiday to find things seemed to have changed. Her business, the Abbot Agency, is going from strength to strength but something seems to be wrong and she can't put her finger on what. Maggie, who shares the house with her, seems to be upset about something and her adopted son, Oliver doesn't seem to want to talk to her. To cap it all her friend, CJ, has landed her with the job of helping an acquaintance of his, composer Jeremy Waite, who is mixed up in a murder enquiry. Her son, Max, seems bent on convincing her she is too old to run a business and wants her to retire and sell him her large house at a knockdown price.
Fortunately Bea loves a challenge and she rolls up her sleeves and gets on with the job to prove to herself she is not too old to work. I really enjoyed this book and read it in an evening. I like Bea as a character and Maggie and Oliver are developing in their own ways and making a success of their lives. It was good to see a bit more of CJ who is always an enigmatic character.
I enjoy this author's writing style and her plots are always interesting because they are based in everyday life, though maybe we don't all come across people wanting to murder us! Guests still need to be fed, housework needs to be done and work needs to be accomplished. This is a cosy mystery with an edge to it and things don't always work out how people want them to.
If you like your crime novels without too much violence and with interesting characters and plots then give this series a try. The first book in the series is False Charity (Abbot Agency) but they can be read in any order. If you enjoy books by Hazel Holt and Rebecca Tope then you may enjoy Veronica Heley too.
Fortunately Bea loves a challenge and she rolls up her sleeves and gets on with the job to prove to herself she is not too old to work. I really enjoyed this book and read it in an evening. I like Bea as a character and Maggie and Oliver are developing in their own ways and making a success of their lives. It was good to see a bit more of CJ who is always an enigmatic character.
I enjoy this author's writing style and her plots are always interesting because they are based in everyday life, though maybe we don't all come across people wanting to murder us! Guests still need to be fed, housework needs to be done and work needs to be accomplished. This is a cosy mystery with an edge to it and things don't always work out how people want them to.
If you like your crime novels without too much violence and with interesting characters and plots then give this series a try. The first book in the series is False Charity (Abbot Agency) but they can be read in any order. If you enjoy books by Hazel Holt and Rebecca Tope then you may enjoy Veronica Heley too.
April 14, 2012
I wish there was a Bea Abbott for all the people that need someone to take them in and sort them out. Although I do wish she wouldn't let her son Max boss her about quite so much.
February 26, 2018
Excellent as usual
February 14, 2023
Despite good reviews my feelings about the book are rather negative; characters were not believable with no back bone whatsoever; the story was introduced so poorly it took about 40% of the book to get to know all important characters and start understanding how they fit in the story, so before that you only read and do not associate the not-so-well-written letters in a context you actually do not know. Ah and yes, normally it takes me 2 days to finish a book, this one took me two weeks, I prioritized even prioritized cleaning to reading! Normally a battle never lost by a good book. But maybe just the stars were not aligned for me and for somebody else this book is a perfect read 🙂
January 15, 2023
Back on form
Great story and characters . Nice pace and no padding . Yes it's slightly dated , a bit religious (but not as much as some others ), if you are really polliticly correct you might question some of the phrasing . But it's a great story about about a sixty year old woman and the waives and strays she has collected her annoying son , murder and blackmail . But as with all series start at the beginning.
Great story and characters . Nice pace and no padding . Yes it's slightly dated , a bit religious (but not as much as some others ), if you are really polliticly correct you might question some of the phrasing . But it's a great story about about a sixty year old woman and the waives and strays she has collected her annoying son , murder and blackmail . But as with all series start at the beginning.
March 1, 2025
Abbot Agency books
I’ve read 5 books so far and they all have been so fun and interesting. I’m looking forward to diving right to the next cozy mystery. All the main characters are unique and I love the family dynamic. It doesn’t always have to be by blood relation to love someone like they were your family. And as a person of faith, I really enjoy the main character and her moments of prayer. A great find!
I’ve read 5 books so far and they all have been so fun and interesting. I’m looking forward to diving right to the next cozy mystery. All the main characters are unique and I love the family dynamic. It doesn’t always have to be by blood relation to love someone like they were your family. And as a person of faith, I really enjoy the main character and her moments of prayer. A great find!
September 3, 2019
This book should be titled Farce Report - 218 pages of buffoonery!! Such slapstick - no Zander or Chris in this episode but a new clown called Jeremy - who is more absurd than either of the other two. Fortunately we were spared Nicole this time round, but Max was as insensitive as usual. It’s like reading a soap opera! Yes, I will read the next book as soon as I can get to the library!!
July 29, 2023
A Bea Abbott mystery: Bea’s old acquaintance CJ wants her help clearing his friend Jeremy’s name. An eccentric music teacher, Jeremy is accused of the murder of his pupil, Josie. Though the charge is quickly disproved, the damage is done. Jeremy has been sacked from his job, his wife has thrown him out and his reputation is in tatters.
April 15, 2024
An entertaining read
Bea Abbot gets roped into another mystery by her "friend" CJ when he asks her to look after the "little man" who has been unjustly accused of a crime. Jeremy turns out to be a handful and is both lovable and irritating. Lots of interesting characters. Lots of twists and turns right up to the end.
Bea Abbot gets roped into another mystery by her "friend" CJ when he asks her to look after the "little man" who has been unjustly accused of a crime. Jeremy turns out to be a handful and is both lovable and irritating. Lots of interesting characters. Lots of twists and turns right up to the end.
January 21, 2023
miitararra@gmail.com
This has been an interesting read. Two plots running parallel but linked in the end. I thought the italicised accounts of exchanges between the bad guys were unnecessary; they didn't add to the suspense in my view. Overall it was a good read.
This has been an interesting read. Two plots running parallel but linked in the end. I thought the italicised accounts of exchanges between the bad guys were unnecessary; they didn't add to the suspense in my view. Overall it was a good read.
November 22, 2023
Bea Abbott to the rescue
I love the story and all the friends and villains.
A fast, exciting and shocking read.
I don’t like the nasty son.
And in Ellie Quicke books, I really don’t like the bash daughter Diana. The books follow the same scenario.
I love the story and all the friends and villains.
A fast, exciting and shocking read.
I don’t like the nasty son.
And in Ellie Quicke books, I really don’t like the bash daughter Diana. The books follow the same scenario.
December 28, 2023
Fab series - addictive reading!
What a great series of cosy mysteries - each one is an addictive read and full of suspense. There isn't a weak link in this set of Bea Abbott mysteries yet - Veronica Heley writes a great bedtime story!
What a great series of cosy mysteries - each one is an addictive read and full of suspense. There isn't a weak link in this set of Bea Abbott mysteries yet - Veronica Heley writes a great bedtime story!
July 16, 2024
Addictive reading
I'm hooked .this author is addictive. Her characters are believable,her story lines strong. Compulsive reading, I need to know what happens next. thank goodness it's a series. But oooh what will I do when I've read them all?
I'm hooked .this author is addictive. Her characters are believable,her story lines strong. Compulsive reading, I need to know what happens next. thank goodness it's a series. But oooh what will I do when I've read them all?
October 24, 2024
a False Report
I quite enjoyed this book. Found it a bit muddled, but loved the different characters. A murder mystery and the Agents problems all muddled together….but both solved in the end.
I quite enjoyed this book. Found it a bit muddled, but loved the different characters. A murder mystery and the Agents problems all muddled together….but both solved in the end.
Want to read
January 11, 2023Discounted electronic copy from Joffe Books and Veronica Heley. Cozy Mystery Series, Abbott Agency. This is #6; in the series.
January 13, 2023
A different type of who dunnit
This book was completely unputdownable, I read it in a day. Bea is a great character and clever detective. More like this please.
This book was completely unputdownable, I read it in a day. Bea is a great character and clever detective. More like this please.
January 14, 2023
I really like Bea Abbott as a character. Bea saves the day, and the agency, again.
January 16, 2023
hooked!
I have been enthralled by this series and am devouring each episode in Bea Abbots story. Love the characters of her disparate unrelated family. Love them.
I have been enthralled by this series and am devouring each episode in Bea Abbots story. Love the characters of her disparate unrelated family. Love them.
February 27, 2023
4.5 stars. REally enjoying this series. This book seems even more fun with Jeremy's lovable personality.
March 22, 2023
Good, clean, book.
This is the type of book all authors should try to immulate
No political crap, no filthy language
Just good clean reading
Thank you
Rose
This is the type of book all authors should try to immulate
No political crap, no filthy language
Just good clean reading
Thank you
Rose
May 26, 2023
another exciting Bea story
Really enjoy these stories and I particularly like Bea, not sure about her son Max, needs a bit of a shake up, pompous toad!
Really enjoy these stories and I particularly like Bea, not sure about her son Max, needs a bit of a shake up, pompous toad!
June 4, 2023
easy read
Love this series of books. Particularly moved by the ‘song’ which results from the story line. Not usually a thought provoking series but this song really moved me.
Love this series of books. Particularly moved by the ‘song’ which results from the story line. Not usually a thought provoking series but this song really moved me.
July 8, 2024
This was a good one, with two storylines going on, linking at the end. Chaos and action!
June 3, 2023
This is a very pleasant, easy-reading cozy series of mysteries set in London. Good plot, engaging characters, and well paced. A great relaxing read.
June 3, 2017
These books about the Abbot Agency are very entertaining. Bea is the owner of a domestic placement agency but she is also (as the book points out several times) a mother hen. In this episode she deftly manages her son, Max; her ex-husband, Piers; strays Maggie, Oliver and Jeremy; and all while running her agency and solving a couple of murders.... No mean feat when her son and ex-husband are planning her retirement and her office manager has her own agenda. Very clever.
February 3, 2015
marvellous. veronica Henley is on form. Characters well drawn. Very delightful read. Bea abbot to the rescue once more.
April 6, 2019
Another satisfying read from Veronica Heley!
October 27, 2015
Another enjoyable mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews