The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective - Jo Nichols

I started The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective after dinner one night. And stayed up way too late - I just couldn't put it down!

We meet the folks who live in the six cottages, including Mrs. B. She owns the cottages and has a relationship with each person.  Except for the dead body found on the grounds of the cottage. And what about that latest resident....

The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective has the feel of a cozy mystery. And it is. We (the reader) are aware of their personalities, lives, thoughts, hopes, fears and more. Can you solve the case?

I love the epistolary bits used by Nichols. The group meets online. And the comments are quite funny. Quirky is the word for this book and characters. I quite enjoyed it all! Thanks so much Jo Nichols.

 

The Armchair Detectives - Matt Dunn

I find I am reading more and more 'cozies.' They are relaxing despite the bodies and baddies! How to pick one? For me it is usual the cover. I liked the bright red and the image had a cane and slippers of this one.

This is the first in a series - The Armchair Detectives by Matt Dunn. Where do you think the tale might be set? Retirement and care home? You're right!

Martin is our lead character and his sidekick is Albie. Martin is sure that there is crime afoot..... 

I liked Martin but as the book progressed, I grew tired of listening to him repeating for Albie. Martin's daughter was a bit wooden to me. I would like to have seen a woman in a larger role that Barbara was.

The crime was clever. It will be interesting to see where and what happens in the next entry.

This may be a trigger for some and a learning opportunity for others ... a medical condition is described. 

  

The Armchair Detectives - Matt Dunn ---- Blog Tour

New from Matt Dunn - The Armchair Detectives 

What's it about...?

"They might be over the hill but they’re far from six feet under and now there’s a murder to solve!

Meet Martin Maxwell. As a former government operative, at eighty-four-years young he always pictured a retirement sipping shaken-not-stirred martinis on a far-flung island. But in need of some care after a new hip, he finds himself at Twilight Lodge on the decidedly cloudy English coast.

From the outside, it’s a picture-perfect place to recuperate. But when popular resident Elsie dies unexpectedly, Martin suspects foul play. She’s the third death in less than two weeks and always had a clean bill of health. Armed with a walking stick and his trusty notebook and pen, Martin decides to investigate.

While nobody believes him – death is an inevitable part of care home life after all – Martin is convinced something sinister is afoot. With his wheelchair-bound sidekick and former nemesis Albie in tow, they begin questioning the residents. Soon they learn that there are several suspects in the frame.

When they discover Albie’s love interest Barbara is in the killer’s sights, Martin knows time is running out. Will Albie’s heart be broken forever, or can they battle the effects of old age and each other, outwitting a murderer before it’s too late?"

"An absolutely hilarious and heartwarming cozy mystery perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood, Jesse Q. Sutanto and Only Murders in the Building."

"Matt Dunn is the author of numerous novels, including the bestselling The Ex-Boyfriend’s Handbook (which was shortlisted for both the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award and the Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance), A Day at the Office, 13 Dates (shortlisted for the RNA Romantic Comedy of the Year), and At The Wedding (an Amazon Kindle #1 bestseller). He’s also written for various publications including The Times, Guardian, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Company, Elle, and The Sun. Previously, he’s worked as a professional lifeguard, fitness-equipment salesman, and most recently, an I.T. head-hunter (where his success in re-writing other people’s CVs made him think he might have a talent for fiction), but he prefers writing novels for a living."

 

                                                   See what other book lovers thought!

 

A Very Bookish Murder -- Dee MacDonald Tour!

A Very Bookish Murder is the third entry in Dee MacDonald's series

I like to have a cozy book when I've had a long day and just want to 'escape' with some amateur sleuths. Maybe I can solve the whodunit before the last page is turned? (I didn't!)

MacDonald has a lead character in Ally McKinley that is clever, curious and likeable. There are a number of supporting folks from the village. Queenie from the village makes me laugh. And Ross is lovely. I feel like I am catching up with old friends. Ally is offering her B&B group of writers attending a retreat. (I also want to own Ally's historical building.) All is good until.....I'm sure you know what happens next.....make a cuppa and enjoy.

Aged 18, Dee arrived in London from Scotland and typed her way round the West End for a couple of years before joining BOAC (forerunner of BOAC) in Passenger Services for 2 years and then as a stewardess for 8 years. She has worked at the BOAC when they had the franchise.

Dee has since relocated to BOAC, where she spent 10 years running B&Bs, and only began writing when she was over 70! Married twice, she has one son and two grandsons.

Brand-new from New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews!

Brand-new from New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews! The Queen of the Summer Read is back with her first novel in two years!

 

Maeve and Therese Dunigan are sisters—but the two have been estranged for years. They could not be more opposite: Maeve, a rule-follower and Therese, a rebel. But when their mother’s death brings the family back together, the two find that they have inherited a painting—one that could be worth millions and could save each of them from their respective wolves at the door. The only issue is the painting might be a fake and the only way they can solve the problem is to find the original. This means a road trip—to Ireland, to their family roots, and to a mysterious crime that occurred years ago. 

With tensions simmering, the two hit the road and find themselves on twisty lanes, in colorful villages, at local pubs, and with handsome men whose gift of the gab is surpassed only by their charm. Can Maeve and Therese find the real painting, remove a family curse, solve a cold case, and actually survive without killing each other? Join Mary Kay Andrews on a road trip that will entertain you for miles.

#CoverReveal! Behold ROAD TRIP by NYT-bestselling author @marykayandrewsauthor. The mega-bestselling queen of the beach reads is back and she’s crossing the pond next summer with rolling hills, hot men with accents, and a trip to Ireland two sisters might not survive.

 Mark your calendars and start planning your Summer 2026 reading early. ROAD TRIP will be in stores everywhere on June 2, 2026 from @stmartinspress. Pre-order NOW!

https://bit.ly/SMPRoadTrip

#summerneverendswithmka

Down Cemetery Road - Mick Herron

Oh wow! I had seen the NetGalley mention of the CWA Gold Dagger winner Mick Herron's debut novel. 

I looked at the premise of Down Cemetery Road and thought yes - I like what I see. Two women fill the leaders role. Each has their own set of skills. I think I'm a bit more Zoë Boehm than Sarah Tucker.

The plot takes some inspiration from current events and government actives. 

Often I find that some books would be excellent as an audio books. That's the case with Down Cemetery Road. The narrator was narrated by Alix Dunmore. She has a clear speaking voice. She's created voices that are recognizable for the listener. She captures the dangerous, emotion and more of Herron plotting. A great tale and a great presentation.

The Wrong Sister - Claire Douglas

Woohoo! A new book from Claire Douglas - The Wrong Sister.
 

I adore domestic suspense novels. There are so many ways that a story can unfurl. A stranger trying to get into a family, or someone try to get out. Or both?...

Another must 'haves' are twists and turns! I really enjoy being surprised! Is it a clue, truth or lies?

There's one of every kind of personality populating the pages of The Wrong Sister.  Tasha is the one I was drawn to. Douglas does a great job with creating other players. And a hard to crack whodunnit!

Another great read from Claire Douglas! I'm looking for her next book.