Unfortunately, I was never able to get into this book. I felt the pace was slow and I just couldn't connect to the characters. I didn't care who did the murder or why they did it. I stopped reading it just over 1/2 way through and I hate doing that.

I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

Murder Flies the Coop, Jessica Ellicott’s new 1920s mystery, has charm in abundance as well as a distinctly British character.  Beryl Helliwell, the American adventuress, and her friend Edwina are opposites in many ways, but they are also fast friends with a talent for solving mysteries.  But being independent women has a downside - a dire lack of funds. When the vicar comes to them with a problem he wishes solved discretely, it suggests another option- becoming private detectives.  A member of his pigeon racing club has disappeared, along with several of the members’ best birds and a substantial sum from the treasury. Before long, it becomes clear (with the discovery of the body) that they are now seeking a murderer.


Part of the novel’s charm lies in the variety of village personalities,  and in the way things are done in Walmsley Parva. Beryl and Edwina challenge the norm, both by starting their own business and associating with people across classes.  It draws their attention to the problems at the local colliery, and the suffering of the miners - something ignored by the villagers and the mine owner. At the same time, it opens doors, allowing them to discover information that would otherwise be missed.  I also liked how pigeon racing plays a central role. It is a uniquely British sport that most readers are unlikely to be familiar with.


Beryl is quite like Phryne Fisher, albeit a touch older.  The two very different friends understand each other and work well together, with Edwina skillfully soothing egos and using her social acuity to get information.  Fans of the Miss Fisher Mysteries as well as historical mysteries in general will enjoy Murder Flies the Coop. It is a delightful cozy that has everything readers could desire in a village mystery.


4 / 5


I received a copy of Murder Flies the Coop from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.


— Crittermom

After their successful murder investigation the previous autumn, Beryl and Edwina, short on funds, have decided to form a private investigations agency in their sleepy little village of Walmsley Parva. At first glance, locating the missing pigeon club treasurer seems like an easy task, but once they find him murdered everything changes. Add in a small fortune in missing jewels, adultery, and an Aussie reporter, and Jessica Ellicott has created a perfectly lovely mystery in Murder Flies the Coop. I'm partial to English cozies, especially set during the early 20th century, and adored this perfect cozy mystery! A+++

I really enjoy this author and series. It’s a quirky book but fun and entertaining. It’s the perfect beach read. I look forward to reading more from this author. I highly recommend!

Fun filled mystery featuring Beryl and Edwina. Who killed the pigeon racer? These two ladies start a detective agency after their last adventure and are hired to find missing jewels and the missing racer. The best part of series is watching characters change. The ladies are finding that they are different but have some of the same qualities.
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