This is the third instalment in the series.
It is a delightful addition to the series. The setting is described beautifully and has plenty of drama.

A good book

Book 3 in the series of obituary writer Eve. While attending a fete at a local estate, she views the bride to be fall out of a window. Asking those around her, she tries to build an image of what the victim was like, and in the process learn who was the one who pushed her out the window. With her dog Gus, and help from Robin, her ex-cop gardener, the story is another great cozy mystery. Would recommend.

Mystery At Seagrave Hall by Clare Chase

It’s Eve Mallow’s first visit to the local village fair.

Amidst the booths, lurks something darker.
A mysterious fall means a new case for amateur detective
Eve.

Thanks too Net Galley for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy for review.

This was a fun mystery that was tough to solve and kept me guessing

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Obituary writer Eve Mallow is setting up for the village fair when a murder happens right in front of her. Verity Nye was a high profile diver, engaged to Rupert Seagrave who is preparing to take over the family estate.
Who could have wanted Verity dead? Someone from her fiance's family trying to protect the property, someone from her charity dive team or a secret from her past...?
Mystery at Seagrave Hall is the third book in the Eve Mallow series: I have previously reviewed Mystery on Hidden Lane and Mystery at Apple Tree Cottage. There are no spoilers about the previous books so this would work well as a standalone novel.
Eve continues to be a down to earth and likeable character. Firmly established in her new home and village, she is enjoying life away from her feckless ex, working in a tea room in between writing magazine articles. Once again her inquisitive skills are put to the test as she determines to write Verity's obituary and solve her murder too.
Like a classic Sunday night murder drama series, there are plenty of suspects, motives, clues and misdirections to keep the plot entertaining. The setting of a traditional English village and country house feels comfortable and familiar, probably from my ill-spent youth reading Agatha Chrisite novels!
The mystery itself is sustained until the very end and I had no idea of the culprit or motive. Clare Chase's style of writing is relaxed and pleasant despite the murderous plot!

An American 40 something divorcée sleuth with a people watching skill that makes her question the real person behind that fake smile.

I read this third book in the series of Eve Mallow, an obituary writer and amateur sleuth. This could easily be a stand alone story too.

It's very much written in the feeling of Murder she wrote, a very cozy 'Who done it?''

Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC

First book by this Author that I've read. Loved Eve and Gus. A fair is the setting for the killer to end Verity's life. Eve is tasked with writing the obituary and digging into Verity's life puts her in the sights of the killer. Great story that will keep you turning pages!

Eve Mallow investigates another murder in Saxford St Peter, this time at Seagrave Hall. She is, as always one step ahead of the local police and despite all the red herrings works out the sad reason behind the death. A lighthearted who done it.

Whenever I need a great cozy mystery, I can always count on the authors of Bookouture to deliver, and Clare Chase did exactly that! While this is the third installment in the Eve Mallow series, it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone (even though I highly recommend the other books as well!).

Verity Nye is a famous diver who unfortunately meets an untimely demise when she falls to her death from a third floor window. The ultimate question is if Verity's death was just a tragic accident or was she pushed?

Enter Eve Mallow. Eve is an obituary writer and amateur detective. Eve witnessed Verity's fall. Tasked with writing Verity's obituary, which involves interviewing friends, family, and witnesses, Eve decides to also investigate the circumstances surrounding Verity's death. What Eve doesn't anticipate is the wild ride that she is in for.

This was a wonderful atmospheric whodunit. I loved the interviews that Eve conducted as we started to piece together what exactly happened to Verity. There were several twists along the way, which I definitely appreciated. I do love red herrings, so those were appreciated as well.

Overall, if you're looking for a great light-hearted mystery with a picturesque English backdrop, pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.

This series is improving with each instalment and I loved this one.
It's fast pace, full of twists and turn, and I wasn't able to put it down.
It was great to meet again the well rounded cast of characters, visit the lovely village and reading the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
I can't wait to read the next instalment.
This was an engrossing and entertaining read that it's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This has quickly become one of my favorite series. I believe each book is better than the last. An ideal setting, interesting characters, and a well plotted mystery made this a read in one sitting book.

Mystery at Seagrave Hall is the third instalment in the Eve Mallow series and this time the obituary writer and amateur detective of sorts involves herself in the latest local case. Although it's not essential to have read the first two books before diving into this it is preferable to gain maximum enjoyment as you get to see how Eve, in particular, has evolved and grown into her role over the course of the series even though the main plotline is self-contained. Set in the picture-perfect surroundings of the village of Saxford St Peter we join the inhabitants as they are preparing for the local charity fair which is due to take place in the grounds of stunning Seagrave Hall. Setting out their stalls and busying themselves to ensure they have everything ready to allow them to sell their wares to those attending, they bear witness to the horrific sight of a woman falling from the third-floor window of the countryside mansion. The victim was explorer and renowned cave diver Verity Nye, a supposed special guest at the fair and the fiancee of the heir to the Hall, Rupert Seagrave. Many think this was nothing but an awful and untimely accident but a young boy comes forward to say he saw a figure behind her before she fell. Was she pushed and if so, why?

Eve gets involved as she is intrigued by the whole saga after she is asked to compile Verity’s obituary which involves interviewing her friends, family and even some witnesses. In a bid to understand the complexity of the victim she gathers as much information on her life as possible. There are a few viable suspects who have a motive for killing her but the author managed to keep you guessing for much of the book. This cosy mystery is the perfect lighthearted palate cleanser for those of us who tend to read a lot of violent and gritty thrillers and I absolutely love the fact that this is pretty much Midsomer Murders in book form. It is a delightful and charming addition to the series and has a few good twists, excellent use of misdirection and plenty of drama throughout with a setting described so beautifully that it becomes a character in itself and the wider cast being engaging and mostly likeable. Immersive and engrossing, you are quickly transported away from reality making this the perfect escapist read. Highly recommended to those who enjoy classic cosies or are looking for something a little different. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.

Eve is a amateur detective and lives in a picturesque village. When a sudden death of a celebrity under rather unusual circumstances happen, despite everyone trying to pass it off as a genuine accident, Eve's suspicions are aroused as she feels that things are not quite right.

There is Rupert who was Verity's fiancée - this should have been a happy time but arguments are overheard, there is dissension within Rupert's family with his mother and adopted sister not happy with his choice of bride. There are too many undercurrents in Verity's own professional life to be ignored and Eve who is an obituary writer (I did not know there was a profession like this before) knows she has to investigate further if she is to get to the truth of Verity's death. When a second and a third death takes place, one deliberate, one seemingly accidental there is no room for coincidences and a full scale investigation is on with Eve putting herself right in the middle of a ruthless murderer.

Nice setting, myriad characters and a good story to boot. What's not to like.

A classical cosy who done it mystery.

This is the first book that I have read in this series and although it can be read as a stand alone I suspect to get the most out of the book it would be better to start at the beginning.

A typical English sleuth (reminder me of Jessica Fletcher from murder she wrote)

The story started off well for me but them after the initial attack it seemed to get stuck become sluggish and I found parts quite repetative and so found it hard to engage, having said that I stuck with it and end part of the book picked up again.

I guess I'm used to more suspense but if your a fan of Miss Marple this could be for you!

Loved Gus he was my favourite character 🐾

So this is a classic who did it story! I’ve actually never read one like this before, so for me it was refreshing to read something with a different Angle!

After a fatal accident takes place at the set up of the local fete at Seagrave hall, Obituary writer and local resident Eve, manages to get the deal to write Veritys obituary for a magazine! Eve has solved some mystery’s in the past through her work as when she’s been interviewing family she has come across important evidence which, in turn, has helped the police solve cases!

On this occasion a young boy saw someone behind Verity when she had her accident, and although the police are happy to settle it as just that, an accident, Eve feels there could be more to this event and there could be more truth in the young child’s words than people are giving him credit for!

So as Eve starts delving for information from people who knew Verity for her Obituary she has a list of suspects. Could it be?

Cora, the jealous cousin who was brought up by her Aunt and Uncle at Seagrave Hall?

Rupert, Veritys doting fiancé who she was soon to Marry?

Pete, Veritys colleague who is suspected to have been having an affair with her?

Or

Jade, the charity manager that the fete was being run for, who Verity was the ambassador for?

…and can Eve find and stop the murderer before anyone else gets hurt, even possibly herself?

This book definitely kept me guessing the whole way through, I had my suspicion from the beginning and I couldn’t be any more wrong, yet I was sooooo sure!

I did find after the initial event that the story for me, became a little slow with the interviews. I sometimes found bits of the story a little too repetitive, and found it a little hard to stay engaged.

However as the story went on I found myself really wanting to find out who the murderer was!

There are also so many shocking twists in this book, many exciting and dark and devious revelations from a number of the characters and all of these twists keep you guessing as to who it could be!

I really liked Eve as a character, I did feel for her as obviously her children have grown up and left home, so she puts all of her time in to her work but then becomes a little too involved. But she’s extremely determined and very clever at talking to people and getting them to open up! She thinks things through and is thorough with her notes! Who knew she could make obituary writing so exciting!

I don’t want to talk about the other characters too much in fear of giving things away, but I connected with some and couldn’t connect with others!

Over all this is a classically written murder mystery which can and will be enjoyed by many but for me I just felt it was missing something, I cannot quite put my finger on it, but maybe, just maybe mystery just isn’t for me. But that’s nothing to do with the writing as I’m positive fans of similarly written books will thoroughly enjoy this book… but that’s just me 🙂

Anyway I’d like to give this book 3 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ as there were lots of points I enjoyed in this book. The main character is awesome, the twists are surprising and so shocking, the clue keeps you guessing and the ending and result is definitely not what I expected 😀

I am delighted to be catching up with the latest happenings in this delightful and charming cozy mystery series. It was great to be back in the sweet little village of Saxford St Peter in Suffolk with Eve, her beloved dachshund Gus, and its quirky residents.

In this third instalment, I am taken the local village fair at Seagrave Hall, which promises a day full of merriment. But before it even begins, tragedy strikes and the fiancée of the heir to Seagrave Hall, Verity Nye, plunges to her death from a third storey window. Can amateur sleuth and obituary writer Eve Mallow help to solve this latest murder?

Eve just keeps getting better and better with each story. I find her ebullience, confidence and intuitiveness very refreshing, which is a credit to Clare Chase's writing skills. Gus is also a favourite who has captured my heart. This type of novel is right up my street and I very much appreciated the author's superb and varied characterisation, even though some of the secondary and supporting characters weren't particularly personable.

In this superb story there is certainly no shortage of suspects, as Eve finds out when she starts investigating, including a jealous cousin, a corrupt charity manager and an amorous colleague who might have had the motive to kill. I enjoyed the way in which Eve evaluated the information acquired from her observations and questions. It has a well thought-out, compelling plot, and enough twists and surprises to keep the most demanding armchair sleuth satisfied. Clare Chase writes with such flair and an easy style and also admirable were the wonderful depictions of the setting.

I appreciated the sub-plot snippets that incorporated Eve's personal life (cue gardener Robin Yardley), sprinkled in with the murder investigation. All in all, this was a story that held my attention well and I loved that things came together for a great resolution, wrapping things up very neatly. I am eagerly anticipating what Clare Chase has in store for Eve Mallow next!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

A British cozy mystery that was anything but cozy. The plot was very involved and kept you guessing and reassessing all the way through. I love that it presented a look into the class system and how some of the landed gentry think and how they try to cope with keeping up appearances. Eve is a very entertaining investigator and I love that she keeps us informed as to what avenues she's pursuing for leads. Gus, the dog, is a great character himself and he is perfectly British being a man of few words, stiff upper lip and all of that. The village and surrounding countryside is a very good character too. And of course, you can't have a cozy without a whole heap of interesting townsfolk too. Really enjoyed this and will be looking forward to reading more by Ms. Chase.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.

This is book 3 in the Eve Mallow series and they just keep getting better and better. Eve is an obituary writer/amateur sleuth. While attending the village fair, she witnesses Verity Nye, famous diver and fianceé to Rupert, the heir of Seagrave Hall, fall from a third floor window to her death. Was the fall accidental or was Verity pushed?

The author does a wonderful job with well detailed characters and an interesting plot. There are plenty of suspects that Eve needs to look into, motives for her to discover and a murderer to stop in this extremely well-written and fun to read cozy mystery.

I would like to thank Clare Chase, Bookouture and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is the third in the series of the Eve Mallow cosy mysteries and cosy is a very apt description. These mysteries do exactly what it says on the tin and are fast becoming my go to reads when I’m in need of something comforting and familiar. For me they are my current day equivalent of an Enid Blyton book which is a compliment since I devoured all her books with relish thereby beginning my lifelong love of reading.
The setting for these mysteries sounds idyllic. Nestled in the Suffolk countryside is the village of Saxford St Peter and home to our obituary writing,amateur sleuth, Eve Mallow. She is a latter day Miss Marple with a keen nose for sniffing out clues that inevitably lead her to her culprit(s) despite often finding herself in precarious and dangerous situations. When mulling over potential suspects in her latest murder mystery Eve can be found enjoying the local scenery and wildlife whilst walking beloved doggy companion Gus. Her greatest strength is that she is like a dog with a bone when it comes to solving mysteries, to the dismay of the local constabulary and I love her as a character. She’s loyal and hard working a good friend and obviously inquisitive. All in all she’s a people person through and through and exactly fits into the mould of amateur sleuth.
Considering the village is small, an awful lot of misfortune seems to befall residents or their visitors in and around Saxford St Peter. My mind can’t help conjuring up visions of beautiful countryside where one can indulge in long walks and sample gourmet food at the local pub and partake of mouth watering cakes in Monty’s but I’m not sure it’s a safe place to be!! Trouble seems to follow Eve and on this occasion the fair at Seagrave Hall is where the latest mystery takes place. Verity, a renowned deep sea diver, engaged to Rupert Seagrave, is helping to set up stalls for the forthcoming fair when she falls to her death trying to manoeuvre a tent out of a third floor window. An accident or was she pushed??
Under her usual guise of writing the deceased’s obituary Eve is perfectly placed to ascertain vital information from those connected to the poor woman. As per normal there are plenty of individuals with possible motives for murder, none more so than the Seagraves but as you’d come to expect from this cozy mystery series there are plenty of red herrings along the way. There’s something fishy (pardon the pun) about her diving companion Pete and Cora, Rupert’s cousin may have a lot to lose once he inherits the estate, just two examples of possible suspects. It’s like joining the dots and if you can manage that ahead of Eve, then you are a far better detective than I could ever be but I always have immense fun trying. With good friend Viv by Eve’s side, always on hand for her to test out her latest theories, this is yet another hugely enjoyable read, easy to get caught up in. You feel you are in a safe pair of hands with Eve who will get to the bottom of this latest bout of murder and mayhem, trusting that should she need it, the mysterious handsome gardener Robin will no doubt turn into her knight in shining armour. Note to author; please can Eve and Robin embark on a romance as I feel that’s the only thing lacking in her life at the moment.
You could easily read each individual mystery as a stand-alone but to fully appreciate all the familiar characters that are part of this delightful, gentle series I would recommend reading them in order. Undemanding and great fun I adore these whodunnits even though I never seem able to guess the guilty party! Perfect for those who like a mystery all neatly wrapped up without the graphic descriptions of blood and gore and violence.
My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read.

Eve Mallow’s constant attempts at finding relaxation in the gorgeous village at Saxton St. Peter just never even seems a possibility. Even while attending a village fair. It soon proves true after meeting an famous diver named Verity Nye, a woman Eve has been very excited to meet. the meeting went rather well, although Verity shared some concerns with Eve. With Verity’s shocking fall from a window, not only is Eve tasked with writing the obituary, she soon proves her worth as an amateur sleuth.

This is the third review that I have written for this wonderful cozy mystery series by Clare Chase, and I have not yet mentioned her gorgeous dachshund named Gus. He is always a delight in these stories. Another wonderful character in this book is Robin Yardley, a gardener and former detective inspector, is Eve’s confidante and friend, always there for her to bounce ideas off. The fact that there is a slow romance developing between the pair is an extra bonus.

Of course, writing the obituary should be Eve’s primary purpose, but she cannot help but try and get behind the cause of Verity’s death. from the very beginning, Eve sensed that it was more than an accident, so therefore she also seeks to find a motive. As always when handling one of her “cases”, Eve has no shortage of suspects, including Verity’s fiancé.

As I have enjoyed the series from the beginning I loved watching Eve grow. An American transplant, with undeniable smarts, curiosity and instincts, she is becoming one of my favorite protagonists in these delightful cozy mysteries. In any event, reading the series out of order won’t detract from the actual story contained therein.

The mystery was done quite well, and with Eve’s likable nature, and her love of spreadsheets - mine as well - make this engaging series, one I really look forward to continuing.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.