This is a historical crime series set in 1960s Brighton, it is the third in the series, but the first one for me. It works reasonably fine as a standalone and is a pretty gripping mystery with a protagonist that you really do root for. Ruby Baker is about to enter the exciting world of horse-racing to look into what might be a murder. Rita Stonehill shockingly steps in front of the horses, seemingly committing suicide. But has she? Her brother is convinced that it was murder and tells Ruby. But where is the evidence for such a claim? Ruby walks in dark, murky and dangerous world in her efforts to get to the truth. This is a light and entertaining read with an absorbing mystery.

This is a nice gentle detective story with minimal gore, violence, sex and swearing, and I enjoyed it very much. Ruby Baker is a hairdresser in Brighton and also sometimes dabbles in private investigations when she thinks she can be of help. In this story a young girl throws herself in front of racehorses competing in a Derby trial right next to where Ruby and her friends are standing, and she is later approached by one of the dead girl's brothers who refuses to believe the official line of suicide. Things become more complicated when a racing stables appears to be targeted by trouble-makers and Ruby herself gets threatened. The investigation looks to be a hopeless case until finally there is a breakthrough and a fast and furious finish to unmask the culprits. This is book number three in the series and works fine on its own, but I shall definitely be catching up with the first two in this series that could run and run.

The third in - I hope - a much longer series. I've enjoyed all three so far. Each of the stories stand alone, but there is also an arch which links them all together. Ruby Baker is a no nonsense sort of girl whose customers at the hairdressers help with her mysteries. She gets around to talk to her interviewees on the bus. Being set in Brighton in the 1960s adds a lovely, frisky edge to the books too.

A good mystery, well written and engaging.
The cast of characters is interesting, the description of the '60s is great and the plot keep you guessing till the end.
An entertaining and fun read.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC