I really want to like this series. I love the setting so much! I enjoy several of the characters as well. But the mystery this time around was so predictable. And the fact that the tortoiseshell cat, Bunter, is a male made it hard for me to finish the first book in the series. I thought that was just a mistake in the ARC, but it was in the printed copy too. And then also in this book. Here's the thing: tortoiseshell cats, like calico cats, are almost exclusively female. Males are extremely rare, like 1 in 3,000 or so, and most of them are sterile and they generally have health issues that shorten their lifespans. Because of their rarity, they can sell for thousands of dollars. So when it's mentioned that every Bunter is a tortoiseshell and a boy, that's pretty much impossible. I realize it's a weird gripe, but I don't know that I'm going to be able to read any further books in this series because of this detail.

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. This was a a good cozy mystery with interesting characters.

I enjoy all of Marty Wingate novels. She writes well with captivating characters and events.
This is another in the First Edition Library Series. With the focus on Dorothy Sayers and Murder Must Advertise, I was happily caught up since I very much enjoy those books.
The story works well with a fun mystery within the mystery (where is the book hidden?).
It was a fine read.

I do not understand why this book is still listed for me I send my feedback three years ago. Sending this to remove,

This series just gets better and better. There is something so comforting about reading a series where the characters are surrounded (both physically and mentally) by books. We were introduced to the First Edition Library in the first book, and in this we learn more about it's founder Lady Fowling - who seems like such a fun and eccentric women and literary fanatic. Imagine knowing some of history's most famous crime authors! This story revolves around the creative process of putting together Hayley's biggest project yet - an exhibition about this fascinating lady. Even with many bumps along the way, it was interesting to see a behind the scenes into the planning of such an event.

And even more than the setting, the characters are truly the best part of this book. Hayley is smart, creative, and mature sleuth that I really enjoyed following. She and Val are one of my favorite cozy couples because you can just see how much they adore and respect and glow around one another. And Miss Woolgar has certainly grown on me - I am dying to learn more about her past, I bet she has some interested stories to share! The mystery led every which way and just when you don't know who to suspect there are plot twists. I was able to guess the murderer (and am a bit proud of myself), but loved how the story unraveled. I can't wait to read more of this series, to see how the exhibition goes and to see more of these wonderful characters.

Thanks to the publisher for a netgalley copy; I'm thrilled to share my honest thoughts.

This new mystery from Marty Wingate features Hayley Burke, who is the curator of Lady Fowling’s first edition mysteries at Middlebank House. Hayley is working on putting together an exhibition featuring Lady Fowling’s letters and information about her life.
Since this is meant to be a huge deal, Hayley, with the approval of the board, hires Oona Atherton to help with the planning. Everything seems to be going pretty well when the discover of a letter leads Hayley and Oona to begin a search for a first edition of “Murder Must Advertise,” which has been signed by several authors of the time.
The natural place for the book to reside is in the library at Middlebank, but finding it is another matter.
When Oona turns up dead, it’s obvious that someone else is looking for the book. Hayley just hopes she can get through this whole thing unscathed, so she is looking for the killer as well.
I've enjoyed all of Marty's books.

This is such a fun series, and I had a great time with this cozy mystery. I loved the plot, the twists and turns, and the characters!

Marty Wingate gives us Murder is a Must a book lover's cozy. Hilary Burke the curator of the First Edition Library of Lady Fowling, has been tasked with setting up an exhibition of Lady Fowling's collection. Then the exhibition stager is murder falling down the circular staircase. Enough red herrings to keep you guessing. Annoying characters and a love interest for Hilary. Good relaxing read.

Princess Fuzzypants here: I have never been disappointed by anything I have read by this author and I am not disappointed in this one either. Hayley is still trying to win over all the people associated with The First Edition Library and the thing that could seal the deal is a successful exhibition in honour of the woman whose collections and former home are now under Hayley’s management. There is a rumour that hidden amongst the books, there is a priceless signed book that would make the focal point of the exhibition.

The problem is nobody, including Bunter, the library cat, knows where it is. The first woman hired to put it together thinks she may have discovered the clue. Sadly, moments later she is murdered and the page that might hold the vital clue is missing. The dead woman, a marketing dynamo, was not well loved by the people who had worked with her, including Hayley. Was she murdered for past transgressions or did it have to do with the missing book.

Thankfully Hayley has a good relationship with the Bath police and a loyal boyfriend, Val, who are most helpful with her enquires. She needs it. It seems some of the prime suspects are people with whom she is now working. At the same time all this is going on Hayley and Val are juggling the assorted trials and tribulations of their grown up daughters- twins for Val and one for Hayley. Hayley is a great character as you see her put on her various hats and pull off each of them with finesse.

The mystery was good and it kept me guessing to the very end with a rather nifty twist. It’s the first book in what I hope will become a series as I thoroughly enjoyed her adventure. Five purrs and two paws up.

Hayley Burke is beyond excited when she lands a job as the curator of the First Edition Society in Bath. Little did she know that dealing with the longtime secretary, Mrs. Woolgar would be the easiest hurtle to jump because murder will soon to follow.

As curator, Hayley has big ideas as to how she is going to spread the word and create interest in women authors of the Golden Age of Mystery. In particular, Lady Georgiana Fowling whose home and collection she is there to promote and protect. It is the location of the First Edition library, the envy of all Golden Age Mystery lovers. But the piece de resistance is a first edition book signed by members of the of the Detection Club in 1933, including Lady Fowling, Agatha Christie and G. K. Chesterton that was hidden years ago and never found. Making a modern-day mystery that intrigues Hayley and the members of the Society.

Hayley has the clues Lady Fowling left to find the book, but they are cryptic at best. And she has other things on her mind. She must garner more interest for the First Edition Society which includes salons as well as an exhibition. Everyone is excited about the exhibition, but has doubts about it actually coming to fruition. Haley thinks she can pull it off, but that is before the person in charge of the exhibition is found dead. Apparently, someone will stop at nothing to get his or her hands on that hidden book.

Wingate is one of my favorite writers. She brings the reader into the setting and story in the first few pages and keeps you there until the final pages. The characters are fully developed and you’ll love or hate them accordingly. As a mystery lover, it is satisfying to be kept guessing until the last pages of the book to find out who the killer is. I highly recommend Murder is a Must. It is a gem.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2020 Laura Hartman
M

Murder is a Must earns 5/5 Classic Books...Engaging and Clever!

Haley Burke is anxious, about her first public event as curator of the First Edition Society. She has arranged for a literary salon evening with author Arthur Fish specking on “Fifty Ways to Murder,” and in exchange for having his own books available for purchase, he will waive his fee. A win—win for both her and Fish himself. Now...the next project. Haley has high expectations for an exhibition showcasing the fascinating life of Lady Fowling, the author, collector, and name sake of the First Edition Society. “Lady Georgiana Fowling: A Life in Words” would include a display of her personal journals, her own detective books on François Flambeaux, and, after finding a personal letter from Lady Fowling to Dorothy L. Sayers thanking her for the first edition copy of her “Murder Must Advertise” signed by members of the Detection Club, a find that could create a successful frenzy. She needs to get the Society’s approval, a venue to exhibit the artifacts, and someone to put it all together, but things fall into place with a cancellation at a popular location, a fortuitous run in with a former colleague, and an over-the-moon excited board of directors. But, the colleague from hell, leaked details about a book yet to be found, overzealous collectors, and after an incomplete text about the missing Sayers’ novel, a dead body suspiciously found at the bottom of a set of stairs, Haley is put into serious overdrive.

Brilliant! Marty Wingate has done Sayers proud with a MUST read mystery perfect for all cozy fans. The drama has elements found in Sayers’ “Murder Must Advertise” with a staircase, an accident not an accident, and as karma is dished out nicely, it is not without a few perilous moments. My inner “Lord Wimsey,” Sayers’ fictional detective, had suspicions about the killer and motive, but lots of misdirection kept me guessing to the end. Haley is a favorite cozy character with whom many can easily identify: witty, patient, clever, but struggling, as we all do, with self-confidence. The supporting cast envelopes a variety of different personalities making it well-rounded and complete. The setting in a mansion turned into a sanctuary of mystery books is the perfect element to entwine those classics and spark further reading. Wingate’s well-written and steady-paced first-person narrative is enriched with descriptive language and dialogue that illustrates well emotions and the different personalities. Be prepared to be reading well into the late hours, as I did, so put on a pot of tea!

Another well plotted installment in an interesting new series. I was glad that Mrs. Woolgar was treating Hayley a lot better in this book. Hayley was doing a good job getting used to her position as curator and actually even got a few compliments from the woman. I was glad to see Hayley and her boyfriend Val were in a good place in their relationship too, and she even met his twins.

The showdown with the killer was a good one, and someone I thought might be a killer turned out to be a big help. I really liked the character of Dom, he kind of cracked me up and reminded me a little of Sheldon on TV with his exactness and how he remembered things. It'll be interesting to see where Hayley's adventures take her after the Lady Fowling remembrance exhibition.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

Hayley Burke is settling into her new life as curator for the late Lady Fowling's First Edition Library at Middlebank. She has her own flat in the home, and even the company of the house's resident cat, Bunter. She's even coming to get on a better footing with Miss Woolgar, Lady Fowling's secretary, who also lives and works there. But Hayley is not only starting her own salons with noted writers, she's on a mission -- she wants to have a public exhibition of some of Lady Fowling's first editions, along with a history of her life and what it all meant to her.

The ideal location would be the Charlotte, but they're completely booked and Hayley can't find a location...until almost a miracle occurs and now she's faced with finding an exhibition manager. Luckily, or unluckily, depending on how you look at it, she discovers her old boss Oona Atherton in town, who happens to be the best at what she does, and Hayley hires her.

But it seems the woman hasn't changed, and runs roughshod over everyone, Hayley included. But when a tragic event occurs and Oona is killed, Hayley is faced with the realization of not only needing to find another manager, but the fact that a murderer is on the loose, and they might be someone she already knows...

I have read all of Ms. Wingate's books, and they are top-notch. Her writing is crisp, clear, and descriptive, and this book is no different. We are transported to England, and become a part of Hayley's life, along with her strengths and yes, her insecurities. She's also got a blossoming relationship with Val Moffat, a local writing teacher who helps her and supports her in her endeavors, and that's a refreshing thing in itself.

When the unpleasant woman dies, Hayley could easily spin into panic mode, but she keeps her wits about her and carries on, trying to balance her personal life -- which is a tale unto itself at the moment -- and her professional life, which is needing more attention than before. She's afraid of putting her career in danger and disappointing people, but refuses to allow it to get the better of her.

What Ms. Wingate has brought from all this is a very human character in Hayley Burke; much like anyone else we could know. We cheer for her when she rights things; we feel her worry and watch as she figures things out. But when Hayley is looking for a killer, she's got suspects she's focusing on, and wanting to know who killed Oona.

When the answer comes quite random it seems, but really not so, Hayley unknowingly puts herself in danger too late. But watching the outcome is the best part, and the ending gives us even more to look forward to in the next book. I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait for the next one. Highly recommended.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

It is a delight to read the second in this fresh and exhilarating series that highlights authors and best- selling novels from the Golden Age of Mystery! I enjoyed visiting these delightful, well-defined characters in Bath, England. The author mixes wit, history, and mystery into a unique blend that entertains modern readers in the same way that the classics enthralled readers past and present.

The First Edition Society was begun by the late Lady Georgiana Fowling, who gained a love of the classic mysteries from her beloved late husband. She included his extensive collection of signed first editions in the library at Middlebank House and added to it throughout her life. Hayley is the new curator of the library, and one of her goals is to rebuild the Society to the world-wide membership it once enjoyed.

Hayley, with the assistance of Val, her boyfriend, is preparing for the inaugural literary salon, a six-week program which highlights lecturers from various walks of life who are also mystery authors. As one who believes she needs to prove herself in this position, Hayley has also proposed an exhibition to highlight the life of Lady Georgiana Fowling. Included will be her journals, mysteries she wrote, and mysteries she loved. The exhibition will take place in about a year, dependent on obtaining a venue and exhibition manager. When a cancellation occurs at the preferred venue, Hayley jumps on it, and must find a manager quickly as the cancellation is only three months away!

Oona is a brilliant manager that Hayley once worked for. Her shows are excellent, but she is a challenging lady to work for. As demanding as she is with her assistants, she is equally demanding on herself. It is with mixed feelings that Hayley presents her to the board as a potential manager because Oona is the one person who could pull off the exhibition in the allotted time. Thankfully, she now comes with her own personal assistant.

Oona wows the board with her ideas for the show. Hayley secures a room for Oona and Clara, her PA, to work from at the venue. When searching through various collectible editions in the library, Hayley found a draft of a letter Lady Fowling sent to Dorothy Sellers. If Hayley can find the book referenced in the letter, it will be a focal point for the show – a first edition of the famous author’s 1933 novel, ‘Murder Must Advertise’ signed by all members of the famous Detection Club! It will also add an unprecedented value to the library.

Oona texted Hayley that she found THE clue that will help them locate the novel, but her text is incomplete. Hayley hurries to see what Oona found, but someone else may have been the taken the clue. Oona is dead on the landing of exterior stairs to the office, a victim of murder, perhaps by someone with an interest in the valuable volume.

Hayley and others are described well with characteristics that bring them to life. Glynnis Woolgar, the secretary of the First Edition Society board and former PA to and close friend of Lady Georgiana, is warming up to Hayley. She wears elegant 1930’s-style clothing she has sewn herself. Hayley has many endearing attributes, including getting Bunter, Lady Fowling’s tortoiseshell cat, a new catnip mouse every week and talking with the life-size portrait of Lady Fowling on the library landing. And what woman dating a father of adult daughters hasn’t trembled when meeting those daddy’s girls?

Plot twists and turns identify or eliminate suspects in this murder investigation. It might not be in Hayley’s job description, but she feels the need to solve the case to protect Clara and make sure the exhibition is known for Lady Georgiana and her work rather than an unsolved murder. She also feels the responsibility to find the valuable Sayers first edition. This challenging mystery includes several surprises, including who provides the vital clue that identifies the real bad guy. I highly recommend this hard to put down novel with an incredible ending!

I love reading books by this author. It's not gory like some mysteries and reminds me of the cozy reads of MC Beaton and Rita Mae Brown. Great addition to a new series.

To begin with, a disclaimer: I have loved the city of Bath (England) ever since spending time there as an exchange student. So, I was very excited to have the opportunity to read this mystery set in one of my favorite places. The good news is that I did enjoy the setting but I also enjoyed this cozy mystery for other reasons.

The protagonist of this two book series is likeable as is her romantic interest. The book is one that loves the mystery genre as tribute is paid to Dorothy Sayers and especially her novel Murder Must Advertise. That Sayers title and this novel both have a murder victim who dies falling down a spiral staircase. There are suspects and a case to solve by our amateur sleuth.

This title is recommended to those who enjoy a cozy mystery. It was an easy read which I mean in a good way; this was a book for those who would like to relax for a bit.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Hosting an exhibition of the finest First Edition Mysteries is more than enough work to keep Hayley busy so she hires an exhibition manager, her old nemesis, Oona. Oona's organizational skills are unmatched, so Hayley can put up with a little inconvenience in order to have an excellent turnout. And then Oona is murdered......
Hayley must quickly figure out who murdered Oona and if they stole a rare first edition before hand or her first exhibition could be her last.

This is an excellent cozy mystery that anyone who loves the genre will appreciate. You will not be able to guess who the killer is!!!!

4.5 stars

This is the second book in the First Edition Library mystery series by Marty Wingate.

This mystery surrounds the missing first edition of Murder Must Advertise signed by a bunch of Golden Age mystery authors and then the death of Oona, an organizer, who is a colleague of Hayley.

I enjoyed the story a lot. It reminded me of an Agatha Christie novel. The mystery of Oona’s death and other things that grabbed her attention kept the flow of the story going along nicely. I thought the main character of Hayley was a great leading character and really brought out the best in the mystery. The story was well plotted and kept my attention all the way through.

Definitely a series you want to dig into if you love bookish mysteries.

If you like cozy mysteries, check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

This is book 2 in the First Edition Library mystery series and I think I'd recommend reading book 1, Bodies in the Library for background. You can read it as a stand alone but the previous interaction of the characters seems important. Hayley is gaining confidence into her job at the Lady Fowling's library and is planning a huge exhibit. She hired Oona to coordinate the plan only to find her dead on the stairs. Hayley thinks Oona found a very rare book and was killed before she could do anything with it. A good cozy and a fun revisit to Middlebank. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I really enjoy Marty Wingate's books and this second entry into the First Edition Library mystery series was no exception. There's a missing book and a murder and more then a few suspects. It's suggested that Hayley has bitten off more then she can chew when she suggests an exhibit on Lady Fowling, the founder of the First Edition Library, and that is definitely proven when the timeline gets cut by about 3/4 and a murder is thrown into the mix. She spends a bit of time flustered and running back and forth and while it was entertaining to read I missed the time spent in the actual library which we had in the first book.

This is a fun easy read with enjoyable main characters in a fascinating setting. While I can't say it's one that will really stick with me I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience. I wasn't sure the whos and the whats until the very end and I couldn't wait until all was revealed. I'm always somewhat shocked by Hayley's lack of knowledge about classic mystery authors but this one is loosely tied to one I've never read - Dorothy L. Sayers' Murder Must Advertise - and it is one that has definitely jumped up my To Read List! While this is the 2nd book in the series I think you could easily jump in with this one with no issue.