Many thanks to Jill and Books ‘n’ All Promotions for my spot on this Blog Tour.

I needed something to soothe my mind in between my thrillers, and I chose to read a cozy murder. As if murder can be cozied, you know what I mean.

This was book 1 in the series and my first book by Faith Martin. I was introduced to Monica, the newly married wife of vicar Graham with a daughter Carol-Ann. The Vicarage had been converted into 8 apartments, and Monica threw a party to welcome the new residents. A shotgun blast and someone was dead. Another strangulation a week later made Monica realize that she had to enter the investigation especially when her daughter was suspected.

The story was fun in parts and serious in its investigation. Monica was good, I loved her conversations with her daughter, they were zingy, and some of them were shockers. The writing showed me the by-play deeds of the guests, and their hidden reactions. It was obvious that secrets were brewing under the surface. I soon got to know that each one had something to hide.

Initially the characters took time to set in my mind, there were many. But once the story got on track with its steady pace, I could keep them in line. I liked the investigation done by the cops. Both Jason and Jim seemed to manage it quite well with sound theories. The book became extremely entertaining when secrets started coming out. I loved being the voyeur.

I read this book pure for the fun of it. I didn’t analyze or think so much. I went with the flow and enjoyed it. A gentle murder mystery.

I received a free ARC from Jill and the author, and this is my journey into its pages, straight from the heart!! STRICTLY HONEST AND UNBIASED.

All my reviews can be read here

Faith Martin is a pen name of English author Jacquie Walton, who is best known for her popular detective series, starring Detective Inspector Hillary Greene.

As Joyce Cato, she writes more classically-inspired ‘cosy’ murder mysteries. As Maxine Barry, her latest romance novels are now available from Corazon Books. As Jessie Daniels, her ‘spooky’ crime novel, The Lavender Lady Casefile came out in November 2017.

Monica Noble is throwing a party to welcome the village’s new residents. The guests include Margaret and her cheating husband Sean, who’s a celebrity chef. Also on the list are an Oxford university professor, a 40-something divorcee, and the owner of a chain of gyms.

Then as the drinks are flowing, a shotgun blast rings out. One of the guests is found dead.

DCI Dury and Sergeant Jim Greer are soon on the scene and discover that the victim had many enemies. Almost all the guests harbour secrets and motives for murder. Even Monica’s daughter comes under suspicion.

When another villager is strangled to death nearly a week later, the stakes are raised.

Can Monica help the local detectives save her daughter and solve the murders before anyone else pays the ultimate price?

Publication Date: 30th August 2019

Publisher: Joffe Books