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Lois Meade Mystery #3
Weeping on Wednesday
It's all smiles for the series that sweeps up sales-every day of the week. Working mum and owner of a cleaning business, Lois has just hired on the daughter of the Abrahams, an eccentric, reclusive family. But when strange letters and omens put everyone on edge, Lois wonders if the rumors about the Abrahams are the key to a terrible secret.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
19 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Ann Purser
37 books141 followersAnn Purser lives in the East Midlands, in a small and attractive village which still has a village shop, a garage, pub and church. Here she finds her inspiration for her novels about country life. She has only to do her daily shopping down the High Street to listen to the real life of the village going on around her.
Before turning to fiction, she had a number of different careers, including journalism – she was for six years a columnist in SHE magazine – and art gallery proprietor. Running her own gallery in a 400-year-old barn behind the house, she gained fascinating insights into the characters and relationships of customers wandering around. She had no compunction about eavesdropping, and sharpened up her writer’s skills in weaving plots around strangers who spent sometimes more than an hour in her gallery.
Working in a village school added more grist to the mill, as does singing in the church choir and membership of the Women’s Guild. She reminds herself humbly that Virginia Woolf was President of her local WI…
Six years hard study won her an Open University degree, and when she faltered and threatened to fall by the wayside, writer husband Philip Purser reminded her that he was paying good money for the course. During this period, she wrote two non-fiction books, one for parents of handicapped children (she has a daughter with cerebral palsy) and the other a lighthearted book for schools, on the explosion of popular entertainment in the first forty years of the twentieth century.
Ten years of running the gallery proved to be enough, and while it was very successful she decided to sell. The business moved down the street to another barn and owner, and Pursers stayed on in their house next to the village school – another rich source of material for the stories. Time to start writing novels.
Round Ringford became Ann’s village in a series of six novels, each with a separate story, but featuring the same cast of characters with a few newcomers each time. The list of books gives details of each story, and each features an issue common to all villages in our rural countryside. “Just like our village!” is a frequent comment from Ann’s readers.
Next: the Lois Meade Mysteries, each title reflecting a day of the week. Ann has always loved detective fiction, and determined to make it her next series. So Murder on Monday was born, followed by Terror on Tuesday, and Weeping on Wednesday. The rest of the week follows!
Mornings are set aside for writing, and the rest of the day Ann spends walking the dog, retrieving bantams’ eggs from around the garden, gossiping and taking part in the life of the village. She is never bored!
Before turning to fiction, she had a number of different careers, including journalism – she was for six years a columnist in SHE magazine – and art gallery proprietor. Running her own gallery in a 400-year-old barn behind the house, she gained fascinating insights into the characters and relationships of customers wandering around. She had no compunction about eavesdropping, and sharpened up her writer’s skills in weaving plots around strangers who spent sometimes more than an hour in her gallery.
Working in a village school added more grist to the mill, as does singing in the church choir and membership of the Women’s Guild. She reminds herself humbly that Virginia Woolf was President of her local WI…
Six years hard study won her an Open University degree, and when she faltered and threatened to fall by the wayside, writer husband Philip Purser reminded her that he was paying good money for the course. During this period, she wrote two non-fiction books, one for parents of handicapped children (she has a daughter with cerebral palsy) and the other a lighthearted book for schools, on the explosion of popular entertainment in the first forty years of the twentieth century.
Ten years of running the gallery proved to be enough, and while it was very successful she decided to sell. The business moved down the street to another barn and owner, and Pursers stayed on in their house next to the village school – another rich source of material for the stories. Time to start writing novels.
Round Ringford became Ann’s village in a series of six novels, each with a separate story, but featuring the same cast of characters with a few newcomers each time. The list of books gives details of each story, and each features an issue common to all villages in our rural countryside. “Just like our village!” is a frequent comment from Ann’s readers.
Next: the Lois Meade Mysteries, each title reflecting a day of the week. Ann has always loved detective fiction, and determined to make it her next series. So Murder on Monday was born, followed by Terror on Tuesday, and Weeping on Wednesday. The rest of the week follows!
Mornings are set aside for writing, and the rest of the day Ann spends walking the dog, retrieving bantams’ eggs from around the garden, gossiping and taking part in the life of the village. She is never bored!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 11, 2024
This one failed to capture me all the way, and again it might be me, not the book. This was the subject of too many late night short sessions to be fully comprehensible to me - and still I liked it quite a lot. Enjoyed the sprawling storyline (once again) and the fact that the main mystery takes a back seat for long parts. I'm sure I'll be back for more.
October 28, 2024
I did enjoy this, but it was different. It wasn't the usual cozy. Well, it was and it wasn't. Lois seemed to be a bit more mean and abrupt with the people around her. She was always snapping at them and cutting them off when they were speaking and she treats her husband not very nicely.
In this one, a big flood happens and Lois thinks she sees a face in the floodwaters as she's trying to get help for her stuck vehicle at the Abraham's household. They are a reclusive family, but the daughter ends up getting a job with Lois. No body can be found, so things go on. Except that Enid's brother is being looked for as he owes people some money. Then letters start arriving to Lois's husband about her cheating with a cop. Quite a few things are happening and it's all very high drama!
In this one, a big flood happens and Lois thinks she sees a face in the floodwaters as she's trying to get help for her stuck vehicle at the Abraham's household. They are a reclusive family, but the daughter ends up getting a job with Lois. No body can be found, so things go on. Except that Enid's brother is being looked for as he owes people some money. Then letters start arriving to Lois's husband about her cheating with a cop. Quite a few things are happening and it's all very high drama!
February 24, 2013
I had to read this book in the series out of order (which I hate to do) because my library didn't have it. I'm to the point in the series now where Lois Meades kids have grown up and left the house. Now that I've gone back and read an earlier book I've found I prefer it when the kids are still at home. Lois juggling being a mum, owning her business and dectective work adds something to the story that is missing once the kids leave home.
Something else I've noticed with Ann pursers books, is she doesn't always tie up all the loose ends when the book ends. Sometimes I'm still left wondering about things. Like in this book there is a question about the Enid's father that is never answered. But it doesn't really matter because the journey is more interesting than the end.
Something else I've noticed with Ann pursers books, is she doesn't always tie up all the loose ends when the book ends. Sometimes I'm still left wondering about things. Like in this book there is a question about the Enid's father that is never answered. But it doesn't really matter because the journey is more interesting than the end.
July 1, 2022
I love this very British cozy mystery series about a cleaning business run by Lois Meade. Her cleaners are privy to all that goes on in the village. Enid Abraham applied to be one of her cleaners. There is of course village gossip about a certain detective and Lois. There is a murder and several suspects. The ending is very well planned and not at all what I expected.
October 17, 2019
I liked the characters Purser has created for this book, but sometimes I got the impression that they were constrained by the script Purser was writing for them rather than doing what they wanted to do. The plot held my interest, and it gave a nice picture of English village life, but it was not much of a mystery. The police do little in the way of policing; at one point, people go to great lengths to find a certain bit of information, which then is never used except to fill in a small bit of back story; and the reveal of the actual murderer is not done through detection but by the murderer confessing.
May 24, 2022
OMG! I'm enjoying these books. Whoever decided to label and sell these books as cozies, did the author a great disservice. I've compared these before to the Midsomer books. Elly Griffiths fans would like these books as well as, Inspector Bill Slider fans. Yes, there is a non-police protagonist who finds dead people. But it's typical for maids to find dead people, they are right up there with joggers, and postmen. Not to mention a maid service, with far spread service area, would be a boon to any smart policeman. There is thrills, strange murders such as matricide, and more that are not standard in a cozy. You owe it to yourself to try them while they are still available new.
August 16, 2023
This was my first time reading anything by Ann Purser.
Lois Meade owns a cleaning company and places an ad for new employees. Despite objections from her staff and husband, she decides to hire Enid Abraham. The Abraham family has tons of rumors and trouble over the years.
Enid disappears along with her brother and dad. The mom was murdered but unsure if the murderer is the husband or son. Enid drugs her brother so she and their dad can escape. They go to Lois's house for help.
Despite not giving this 5 stars, it was a decent read and will read others in the series.
Lois Meade owns a cleaning company and places an ad for new employees. Despite objections from her staff and husband, she decides to hire Enid Abraham. The Abraham family has tons of rumors and trouble over the years.
Enid disappears along with her brother and dad. The mom was murdered but unsure if the murderer is the husband or son. Enid drugs her brother so she and their dad can escape. They go to Lois's house for help.
Despite not giving this 5 stars, it was a decent read and will read others in the series.
February 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this book though I found it darker than the previous book in this series that I read. The story kept me interested and wanting to know what was going to happen next. The characters are interesting and well drawn by the author.I am looking forward to the next one and determined to read them in order.
May 24, 2019
Lois' cleaning business is thriving, new people are moving into the village, a mysterious family is exposed, and mayhem abounds. Lois is dogged in trying to help her new employee, stay on her husband Derek's good side, and put up with the local Inspector. Good fun and an intriguing story with a bit of a surprise ending.
December 6, 2024
I enjoyed this cozy mystery for its atmosphere and the sleuth’s family dynamics. I wish most mysteries would spend less time on the denouement and this was no exception; once I know where we’re heading, I’d prefer to wrap it up quickly! Still, I enjoyed it for what it was and may read others in the series.
May 31, 2017
This one was refreshing as it is a cozy mystery that didn't center around a murder! Still a good read, though, although not as compelling as the first.
June 26, 2017
Book 3 in the series and an easy to read book of Lois and her cleaning company solving a mystery. No big drama's in these books but relaxing read with interesting characters. Would recommend.
September 28, 2018
Village cleaner Lois Meade helps solve a mystery surrounding an old mill and the secretive family who lives there.
December 14, 2020
2 - Didn't Like It
May 11, 2021
Greatful to be reading this series. Lois shows great humanity and insight. Trouble at home and problems with her crew don't stop her.
August 6, 2021
On to Thursday!
January 22, 2024
Good book
June 15, 2024
Oh my goodness... Shocking ... Poor Enid, what a life!
April 7, 2026
4.0 stars Started slow but picked up pace. Might have been a little easier at the beginning if I would have read previous books.
September 10, 2018
This is the 3rd in the Lois Meade cleaning services mystery series.
Much of the story was engrossing and it ends without us knowing conclusively which person committed the murder, although I have a guess. I liked the Enid character, although at times she seemed a little bland, and her family relationships had gotten out of control.
Although a character (or two) commented on the solidness of Lois and Derek's relationship, it didn't seem that solid as inner details unwound. Derek could have spoken with Lois sooner and saved them both a lot of trouble. Also, when Gran suggested that Derek was more used to Lois's support than she could currently give, Lois reacted in anger, rather than considering whether there was any validity in the comment and facing the issue together unitedly with Derek - working through the problem together jointly to something in which they could both be contented. They did, however, come to a consensus on the real, underlying issue and the ways they would address it. So maybe they "got there" even though they took a harder route than necessary.
As a side note, the vet compares and equates euthanizing animals with euthanizing humans.
Another book borrowed from my mother-in-law.
Much of the story was engrossing and it ends without us knowing conclusively which person committed the murder, although I have a guess. I liked the Enid character, although at times she seemed a little bland, and her family relationships had gotten out of control.
Although a character (or two) commented on the solidness of Lois and Derek's relationship, it didn't seem that solid as inner details unwound. Derek could have spoken with Lois sooner and saved them both a lot of trouble. Also, when Gran suggested that Derek was more used to Lois's support than she could currently give, Lois reacted in anger, rather than considering whether there was any validity in the comment and facing the issue together unitedly with Derek - working through the problem together jointly to something in which they could both be contented. They did, however, come to a consensus on the real, underlying issue and the ways they would address it. So maybe they "got there" even though they took a harder route than necessary.
As a side note, the vet compares and equates euthanizing animals with euthanizing humans.
Another book borrowed from my mother-in-law.
November 16, 2015
SPOILER ALERT I really did not like this one, I thought the killing of the animals was somewhat gratuitous. I could not like any of the characters and none of them were very well developed. It seems like the only reason for killing the dog was to make the brother into a really bad guy, which I'm not sure that he really was. You don't go from small crimes to killing just like that. I don't think that the brother was any more messed up than Enid who seemed to show more anger when she kills the chicken. I've started the next book, and probably won't even finish it. The characters all seem to have taken on an angry edge in this book also.
May 12, 2011
I checked these out from the library and am continuing to read them even though they're not the best because they're pretty quick reads (and I've yet to make my return trip to the library to get something else). It's been tough to like Lois, she seems totally crabby at times, turns nasty on a dime, it's just weird. And the detective is so secretive and of few words, it's hard to imagine him as a real cop putting someone in those spots without much info, it's just not believable. I'm getting through the few I have and will call it a day with this series.
October 21, 2012
I've enjoyed this series so far, and I've bought the rest of the books in the weekday series. The main character, Lois, is one that is not always easy to identify with, and that makes the stories all the more enjoyable. She's not just your nice little cleaning lady turned sleuth. She's more well-rounded, because she's many things to many people. She's businesswoman, boss, wife, mother, daughter, and friend. All in all, I like this series, and this book was good. The story moved along really well, and it was a good read waiting at the end of the day.
February 10, 2017
I enjoy easy read mysteries like this every so often. This story has the tone of a Midsommer Murders tale, without quite so many murders. Don't expect high literature here - we're talking grab a book for a nice read in a hot soak or curled up in your favorite nook during a rain storm. This volume in the series did start out a little distractingly for me, because it had several grammatical and editing errors up front. Fortunately, those evened out and the story line sucked me in beyond the initial irritations.
April 9, 2016
I found this book to be very flat. It wasn't very long so I thought that i could read it pretty quickly, but it was just blah and couldn't keep my attention. The main character Lois was still a grouch and the author has been watching to many mystery shows. This book kind of felt like it should be turned into an episode of Murder She Wrote. Heck, maybe it was and the author stole the idea. Not really sure if I'll continue to read the series.
August 21, 2020
30th August 2009
I always enjoy the Ann Purser series and Weeping on Wednesday was no exception. When Lois recruits a new lady onto her team of cleaners at her New Brooms cleaning firm she is taking on more than she realises. Miss Enid Abraham lives at Cathanger Mill, a creepy of place at the best of times and then her brother Edward goes missing and it is up to Lois and her troupe to start rummaging around and sort out the truth from the gossip in the local villages.
I always enjoy the Ann Purser series and Weeping on Wednesday was no exception. When Lois recruits a new lady onto her team of cleaners at her New Brooms cleaning firm she is taking on more than she realises. Miss Enid Abraham lives at Cathanger Mill, a creepy of place at the best of times and then her brother Edward goes missing and it is up to Lois and her troupe to start rummaging around and sort out the truth from the gossip in the local villages.
May 30, 2013
I enjoy this series and its cleaning lady turned crime solver, Lois Meade. And living in a small town is nice because you can always find someone who knows someone etc who can help you out. In this story I loved that Lois gave Enid a chance and the others in her cleaning service did the same even though they didn't like her. I like the family story that always goes along with each mystery too because that is real life!
January 14, 2014
When I'm stressed, tired, or otherwise not very "brain-functional", I relax by reading cozy mysteries like this one. Compared to many cozies that I have read, this one was well-written, had a good plot with plenty of twists and turns, and good character development. It's always a plus for me when the location is in Britain, so that added to my pleasure in reading this book today. I'll definitely be reading more in this series.
April 19, 2009
Very satisfying book. A bit like an updated Miss Marple. Lois Meade lives in a small town and runs a house cleaning business. She helps the local police solve crimes. But she's no quiet spinster. She's a very spunky married mom who speaks plainly and doesn't underestimate herself. I'm going to the beginning of the series to fill in the gaps.
September 29, 2011
I liked this book, and will read more in the series. Lois Meade can be a bit of a bully at times and brushes it off as the burden of being a boss. She must be some kind of an amazing beauty to be put up with by the men in her life, as the author blatantly tells us "all is forgiven" cause she is just so beautiful. Really a bit hard to swallow at times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews