When I read the synopsis of this book I thought this would be an easy 5 stars for me. Well, I was wrong.

I think my biggest issue is the tone of the book (weird cozy mystery slightly humorous but not really) and the new characters introduced in this installment. Instead of finding them quirky and lovable (as most reviewers do) I think they were cartoonish and annoying. Also, most of the plotlines are implausible to say the least and the resolution to some of them is based on clues that would’ve been the first thing checked out in any police investigation.

Although it was a disappointment after loving The stranger diaries, it was really fast paced and easy to read so there was no chance of me getting bored (which is always a plus).

I guess I’ll have to read the next book in the series before I decide to continue or not.

'It's business card, very official, with black, curly writing. Mrs P. Smith, it says, Murder Consultant'
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I seem to be falling down a rabbit hole recently of elderly people solving or helping with crimes, and trust me there are no complaints coming from me! This story was so fun to follow along with and the feature of the literary world made it very enjoyable for a bibliophile like myself!
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Harbinder, Natalka, Benedict and Edwin aren't the most likely team to be solving crime, especially when you take into account that only one of them is qualified to be solving a crime anyway! But my word are they an enjoyable bunch to travel along with as they delve further and further into the death of Peggy Smith and all the deaths that come after!
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A must read for anyone who enjoys a cosy crime book that packs a bit more substance into the story. The character of Harbinder Kaur is also a very likeable protagonist to read along with, cynical in all the right places and taking her first steps into dating/trying to date women for the first time, I found her a very well rounded lead investigator for the crime and will be rushing out to buy the first book in this series as soon as I can!
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Thank you. so much to Quercus and Netgalley for the ARC! I thoroughly enjoyed it!!
P.S. Thanks for the murders.

This new series from Elly Griffiths featuring DS Harbinder Kaur, a thirty six year old gay Sikh woman still living with her parents, is shaping up to be very enjoyable. More cosy crime than police procedural, it has a lighter feel than her excellent Elly Griffiths series with a good infusion of humour.

In this second episode, the mystery is kicked off with the unexpected death of ninety year old, Peggy Smith, a woman with an interesting past and a self proclaimed Murder Consulatant who helps authors with plots for their murder mysteries. Her friends, pensioner Edwin, carer Natalka and cafe owner Benedict all become involved in solving the mystery of her death, much to Harbinder's amusement and despair. The amateur detectives are all interesting quirky characters, something the author writes so well. Harbinder is also developing well as an original character; a good detective with a kind heart who listens to people but gets the job done. The plot takes us into the world of writing and publishing and even to a literary festival. Well written with some good twists and a gentle humour, this was a fun and engaging read.

“‘Of course, plot is overrated,’ says Lance. ‘I try to get beyond describing what happens next.’
Edwin reminds himself never to read Lance’s book.”

The Post Script Murders is the second book by British author, Elly Griffiths, to feature DS Harbinder Kaur. When Natalka Kolisnyk finds one of her elderly clients dead in her home, she quickly begins to suspect that Peggy Smith, a fit and lively ninety-year-old, did not die of natural causes. Peggy’s near neighbour in Seaview Court, Edwin Fitzgerald agrees, and their beachside barista at The Shack, Benedict Cole, doesn’t take long to convince: both men recall Peggy’s mention of feeling she was being watched.

At Nigel Smith’s direction, Natalka begins packing up his mother’s books, and notes most have either a dedication: “To Peggy, Without whom…”; or mention her in their acknowledgements: “Thanks for the murders.” But the uncorrected proof that Edwin takes as a memento, Dex Challoner’s new book, has a postcard slipped between the pages “We are coming for you”. Sounds ominous…

Natalka takes her suspicion to DS Harbinder Kaur, who is willing to consider her concerns, moreso when a masked individual takes a book from Peggy’s flat at gunpoint. But she’s less than impressed when, after a popular author is murdered, this amateur detective trio treks to Aberdeen to warn other potential victims at a writers’ festival. Are they dealing with Ukrainian assassins? Polish spies? Plagiarising writers? Thieving descendants?

As well as her gay detective of south Asian extraction, and several crime writers, Griffiths populates this novel with a cast of quirky characters: a Ukrainian carer with cryptocurrency expertise, an ancient TV producer and an ex-monk-turned-coffee-shop-owner, all determined to solve the murder of the woman described as having “the soul of a killer hidden in the body of a sweet old lady.” Oh, and a few more murders that occur along the way.

As always, Griffiths captures her settings with ease, manages to insert plenty of black humour, and her plot is clever: there are red herrings and not a few surprises, and even the most astute reader is likely to be kept guessing until the final chapters. This is another entertaining dose of British crime fiction and more of Harbinder Kaur will definitely be welcome.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and the publishers.

When a 90-year-old-woman with a heart condition dies peacefully in her armchair, it really shouldn't be suspicious and that was the view taken by DS Harbinder Kaur until she spoke to Peggy Smith's carer. Natalka Kolisnyk was adamant that there was more to Peggy's death than met the eye - particularly as she knew that there was no heart condition and that Peggy had worried that she was being followed. Then there was the fact that Peggy was a 'murder consultant' who helped authors with knotty plot lines in their books: she knew more about murder than any elderly woman should need to know.

All that could have been glossed over but the masked gunman who burst into Peggy's flat when Natalka was boxing up Peggy's books and removed just one book - well, that was a little harder to dismiss. People who had been thanked in the postscripts of crime books were being killed. And so there came about a group of people who were determined to get to the bottom of what had happened. Edwin Fitzgerald lived near to Peggy in the Seaview Court retirement complex. He called it Preview Court and couldn't help but think about that Morecambe and Wise sketch every time he did so but then he'd think that it was a preview of what was to come. Benedict Cole owned the coffee shack on the front at Shoreham-by-Sea. He had been a monk and had left the monastery not because he had lost his faith, but because he saw himself as married. Finding the woman was harder, though, but he was drawn to the other member of the group - Natalka the carer.

Harbinder Kaur still lived at home, despite being in her thirties. He mother, Bibi, was keen to get her married, even promoting the possibilities of the 'Sikh What's Up Group'. Harbinder hadn't yet explained to her parents that she was gay and the man who cringingly called himself her 'work husband' - DS Neil Winston didn't count as a relationship. He was just plain annoying. She found it best to think of him as a small, wild animal.

It's just on the serious side of cosy crime, which wouldn't normally be my chosen reading matter but I'm an immense fan of Elly Griffiths' Dr Ruth Galloway mysteries and I was expecting something of similar depth. Was I disappointed? Well, no. It's Elly Griffiths, so the writing, characterisation and plotting are all excellent and there's a vein of humour running through the story which kept a smile on my face.

I'd like to thank the publishers for making the book available to the Bookbag.

As I read I couldn't help but think about Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. There's a similar cast of characters - from a retirement complex - and they have the same sort of unusual backgrounds and determination not to let age beat them. If you like one book you're sure to enjoy the other.

A good traditional murder mystery, set in the cutthroat world of crime writing and literary festivals. Fun to read, with some memorable characters.

A stand alone book by Elly Griffiths - writer of the Ruth Galloway and Brighton murder mysteries.
An old women, Peggy Smith, dies in a care home in Hove, but her friends are sure that there is something not quite right about it as she seemed fit and well, despite her age. It’s seems that Peggy knew a couple of authors - quite a few have dedications to her in their books, and a business card calling her a Murder Consultant is found. A famous author is found shot dead - one that knew Peggy - shortly after meeting her friends, carer Natalka, Cafe owner Benedict and fellow care Home
Resident Edwin.
DS Kaur is trying to solve the murder of the author, whilst Peggy’s trio of unlikely friends are certain that the deaths are linked.
The story flits between Brighton and Hove and Aberdeen - is the carer Natalia who she seems to be, what is the link between Peggy and Russia, and why do people keep dying?
Very different to Griffiths’ other books - delving into the lives of very different people, but an enjoyable read - with a twist at the end.
Loved it!

This is the second outing for DS Harbinder Kaur and is a jolly murder mystery romp, involving an elderly “murder consultant”, an ex-monk, a retired BBC executive, and a Ukrainian carer.
At one point in the book some crime novels are described as cosy, and this is one.
It is a very literary book with dead authors, a road trip to a crime fiction convention in Aberdeen, and accusations of plot stealing.

However, by the end I’d lost track of who had killed whom, and for what reason, and who has really written which book, and was very confused about motives.

The author obviously enjoyed writing it, and I enjoyed reading it, the characters are all likeable and well-drawn, but I’ve given 3 stars because of my confusion.

Thanks to Netgalley and Quercus Book for the opportunity to read this book.

Elly Griffiths is a favourite of mine , she manages to create characters that you remember long after the pages are closed and you hope to see again. Harbinder Kaur once again is an unusual character- gay and still living with her parents, slightly impatient and always up for excitement and adventure. Lovers of gentle mysteries may prefer this to the tougher Dr Ruth Galloway series. Here we have a motley crew of crime fighters, a disparate group of individuals who connect with the police team but are definitely Enthusiastic amateurs ! The plot holds together, the literary world is fascinating and it even mentions book bloggers, if that doesn’t draw you in I dont know what will! Support this talented author and try Her other series too. At least four now that I know of, including one for children. DS Harbinder Kaur is likely to become a long running lead character, there is plenty of scope for her personal development.
This is a race around the UK almost to track potential suspects, more of a “ fun” Mystery than police procedural. Cosy? Slightly, but dont let that mean lightweight. This author has a knack for dialogue and realistic relationships rather than the cliched so you will not be disappointed if thats what keeps you coming back to a well known series.

Elly Griffiths can do no wrong! Her undoubted strength is the wonderful Ruth Galloway novels but the Brighton Mysteries make entertaining reading and The Stranger Diaries was a dark and disturbing read. The Postscript Murders, the sequel to the latter, confirms Ms Griffiths' status among contemporary crime novelists and highlights her versatility. A series of deaths occur that seem linked in some way; as Harbinder Kaur is tasked with finding the connection, she is aided, abetted and hindered by a group of local residents who are all beautifully portrayed, and the dialogue is excellent. A real pleasure.

This was such a brilliant and fun book to read it was completely different from what I was expecting and I just loved it. The book features DS Harbinder Kaur and although I hadn’t read the first of the series this in no way affected my enjoyment of this book and what a wonderful cast of characters we have with each and every one of them just fabulous in their own way.
The book was a much lighter kind of murder mystery than I usually read and it was a completely refreshing change, I found myself laughing out loud many times and it really was a joy of a read.
The writing was superb, the plot while bordering on the far fetched at times I felt this just made the story even better and it was a real book lover’s read in my opinion.
I’m not rehashing the plot I would just pick this book up and read it like I did with no preconceptions and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed, it brought many a smile to my face and I loved it for that.
My thanks to Elly Griffiths, NetGalley and Quercus Books for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down.
An unlikely trio of people meet when their lives cross paths over the death of Peggy Smith. A police woman gets involved too and all 4 of them join forces to try and solve a series of murders. Their mission takes them to Aberdeen and they risk their lives to find out the truth.
I can’t quite work out if this is a cosy murder mystery or a relaxed thriller. There are lots of twists and turns and the characters are built up really well. The reader really gets to know them and I was a bit sad when it ended.
Highly recommended from a great author

I like Elly Griffiths books. Here we're back with Sikh DS Harbinder Kaur, Second one in the series but you can read this as a stand alone. Very good cosy character driven crime. 90 Peggy Smith sits by the window and acts as an observer of things that happen in the street outside. Care worker Natalka finds her dead one day but she starts to wonder if this could be something suspicious about it all.


Turns out Peggy was a bit of a 'murder consultant' which involved her helping authors and there are many books where they thank her for her help. She goes to the police who take her concerns seriously - especially when she later comes across a gunman in Peggy's flat.

Peggy's friends (and what a quirky bunch they are!) decide to find out what really happened. They are a motley crew of some very funny characters.

They soon get on the case but then some things start to happen - some crime authors are being killed- and the OAP investigators just carry on, convinced they are getting somewhere....

The police are then called to a crime writing festival in Aberdeen as they have to try and keep these writers safe - easier said than done.

I think the character of Harbinder Kaur is a great one - she's in her thirties, still living at home, is sikh and also gay. Plenty of complications in her life which is great for a writer to work with! There's lots to like here and the style of writing really brings this fun and entertaining story to a satisfying conclusion. I need the next one thank you!

The characters grew on me as the story progressed, each adding something important to the solving of the crime. The story starts with the death of an elderly lady who turns out to be a murder consultant to a number of crime novelists. DS Kaur is a strong female lead character.

The second book in this great new series by Elly Griffiths doesn’t disappoint. Ninety year old Peggy Smith is found dead by her Ukrainian born carer Natalka. Is it suspicious? After all Peggy was 92, but both Natalia and Edwin a fellow resident and friend of Peggy in ‘Seaview Court’ think it is. After discussing it between themselves and with coffee shop owner Benedict they decide that Natalia should go to the police and report it. DS Harbinder Kaur is assigned the case.

The story is told from several different perspectives one of them being Harbinder. The story is full of colourful characters with Natalka, Benedict and Edwin playing amateur detectives which at times is amusing, and Harbinder as the real detective. With lots of references to crime novels, television shows, and quotes. This is an entertaining read, with all the things you want in a crime novel and more.

I am absolutely loving this series, I can’t wait for book 3 to see where this goes next.

I would like to thank #netgalley and #Quercus for an eARC of this book in exchange for and honest, fair and unbiased review.

I have enjoyed Elly Griffiths writing since her first Ruth Galloway book. This is the first of this series that I have read but I shall be catching up with Harbinder Kaur's first outing very soon. I thought that this was a really good read. Nothing too scary, almost a cosy mystery; some great characters and an interesting thread wuth the publishing world pulling it all together. With thanks to Netalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review and e-ARC of this book.

Bestselling novelist Elly Griffiths has been writing mystery stories since 2009’s The Crossing Places, which launched series investigator Dr Ruth Galloway. Her 1950s Brighton-set series featuring Mephisto and Stephens began with The Zig Zag Girl, published in 2014.

The Stranger Diaries was the first novel featuring DS Harbinder Kaur, a rather interesting central character quite unlike the stereotypical police detective of ‘regular’ mystery novels. She lives with her parents in Shoreham, on the south coast.

The death of a ninety-year-old woman with a heart condition should absolutely not be suspicious. DS Harbinder Kaur certainly sees nothing to concern her in carer Natalka’s account of Peggy Smith’s death.

But when Natalka reveals that Peggy lied about her heart condition and that she had been sure someone was following her…
And that Peggy Smith had been a ‘murder consultant’ who plotted deaths for authors, and knew more about murder than anyone has any right to…
And when clearing out Peggy’s flat ends in Natalka being held at gunpoint by a masked figure…

There’s something incredibly enjoyable about ‘cosy crime’, whether it’s the intricate plotting of an Agatha Christie, the comforting historical charm of a Josephine Tey, or even the more-modern, but psychologically nuanced, PD James, these novels are reassuringly safe. Often they’re criticised as being one-dimensional, populated by poorly-sketched characters, whose murders are so anaemic as to trivialise such a heinous crime as homicide by making them totally devoid of reality, but over the years the cosy crime novel has endured.

The Postscript Murders is a thoroughly enjoyable romp with a blistering pace and a few surprises along the way. The characters are well-drawn and rounded, with plenty of variety to ensure it doesn’t get confusing. Whilst it’s fair to say the plot is ludicrous and implausible, it’s delivered with enough panache it seems churlish to complain too much. I particularly enjoyed the section set in Aberdeen, at a hotel during a literary crime festival, and there is an affectionate undercurrent of playfulness about the whole proceedings, despite it involving a murder. As someone who has attended similar events, I recognised certain observations that brought a smile to my lips. The genre of crime writing is an incredibly broad church (no pun intended), but if you prefer something gentle and fun as opposed to gritty and thrilling, I think you’ll probably enjoy The Postscript Murders. Nothing ground-breaking, nothing too edgy, but nevertheless a good way to spend a few hours.

I thought this was a well written story, if a little dull at times. I liked the characters, and it was interesting having it all tie into the world of publishing. It did get a bit farfetched at times, which made me lose interest.

The second novel featuring Elly’s splendidly drawn detective DS Harbinder Kaur, this new tale follows on from The Stranger Diaries (which we featured back in Edition at the end of 2018) and is a total treat of a tea-time drama. The book features a clue-following collective of extremely unlikely associates as they attempt to solve the apparent killing of an elderly resident of Shoreham who is revealed, post-mortem, to provide services as a ‘murder consultant’. The suspense-packed pacy hunt leads the pack to a crime writers’ convention in Aberdeen, dips its toes in the murky world of Eastern European cryptocurrency, and deftly weaves in thoughtful asides on the modern plague of loneliness – caused in these characters’ cases by solitude, old age and not-being-from-round-here – which will resonate deeply with many readers following the long days of lockdown. Perfectly cosy winter reading that will leave you hoping for even more to come from Harbinder and her new set of friends.

Cambridge Edition Book Club 'Autumn Reads' October 2020 (link to follow)

This is the second book to feature the rather wonderful character DS Harbinder Kaur. You don't have to read The Stranger Diaries (but why wouldn't you, it's great) but if you pick this up you can read it as a standalone crime read.

Peggy Smith lives in Seaview Court, at 90 Peggy has lived a great, interesting life and she is known as the murder consultant, writers contact her when they are struggling to find the perfect murder. When Peggy dies suddenly her carer Natalka becomes suspicious that her death may not have been of natural causes. Natalka goes to the police and finds an ally in Harbinder Kaur, and so Natalka and Peggy's other 2 close friends, Edwin a retired BBC radio and TV broadcaster and Benedict an ex-monk join forces to help Harbinder investigate.

What Elly Griffiths does so well is writing likeable characters who have a charm and wit about them and she then places them in an entertaining, easy to read crime novel. Think Agatha Christie meets The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out Of the Window and Disappeared. A great crime caper which keeps you guessing until the final page.

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.