Flora Steele discovers another body but at least it isn't in her bookshop this time! Local girl Polly is found dead at the beach but did she fall from the pier or was she pushed? Flora persuades crime author Jack to help her again to discover the truth behind the death as she is sure that it is murder...
Murder on the Pier is the second book by Merryn Allingham to feature Flora and Jack. There are some mentions of events in the first book The Bookshop Murder but there are no spoilers.
Flora and Jack are a mismatched pair whose friendship teeters on something more romantic. She is much more outgoing while he is a steadying influence. Flora throws herself into the investigation which means Jack has to support and protect her as she gets closer to the killer.
The Sussex village and historical detail of the 1950s brings the setting to life. The tight knit community within the village and their distrust of newcomers comes to the fore when one of their own dies and foul play is suspected by all except the police. Meanwhile Flora is defying the social conventions of the time with her determination and independence.
There is little violence or forensic detail despite the murder plot, in keeping with the genre of cosy murder mystery. As with traditional whodunnits (such as Agatha Christie's), the focus is upon uncovering motive and weeding out truths from secretive characters.
Murder on the Pier is an enjoyable murder mystery that is cosy and I would like to see it made into a TV drama.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Cozy mysteries are my new go to genre - really enjoying the gentle who done its. Merryn has written some cracking characters in this series.

Like the first book in the Flora Steele series, this one was a winner for me. The vibe is not as comical as some of the cosy mysteries around (the ones with the pun titles) – it’s more Midsomer Murders than Murder She Wrote. I really enjoyed the voice of this – the setting and characters and pace all drew me in. I enjoyed solving the mystery alongside Flora – this is one of those mystery books that I feel really succeeds at bringing the reader along on for the sleuthing. The way the story unfolds gives enough clues as it goes for you to try and piece together at the same time as Flora and Jack, and I thought the ending was satisfying.

I remember enjoying seeing Flora and Jack get to know each other in the previous book, The Bookshop Murder, and their growing friendship continued to charm me this instalment. The slow development of relationships in the background of mystery series like this is something I really appreciate – the way that they develop over several books. I really like the way Jack and Flora challenge each other and feel at ease in each other’s company.

Murder on the Pier is the second Flora Steele storefront historical cozy by Merryn Allingham. Released 10th Nov 2021, it's 201 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free (along with the rest of the series).

This is a light British cozy featuring a female protagonist and her Watson, a local reclusive crime writer of some renown. This one ticked a lot of boxes for me. It's capably written with intelligent and appealing protagonists. The story is satisfyingly twisty with numerous disparate plot threads intertwining ever closer into a satisfying denouement and resolution. It never drags, so although simple, it's an enjoyable and engaging read. There is no bad language or triggering content. It has a nice historical nostalgic and safe vibe and was a relaxing and fun read.

Four stars. Fans of the genre will find a lot to like here. With four books extant and a 5th due out in the 4th quarter 2022, it also makes a good candidate for a weekend binge read. The mystery and resolution are self contained and the necessary back-story is written into the story so readers won't have any trouble following along with the plot if they hop in here.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The second book in the most delightful journey back in time to the golden age of detective fiction in the more modern vein of Agatha Christie, MURDER ON THE PIER sees Flora Steele - bookshop owner, bicycle rider, daydreamer and amateur sleuth - back in action dragging crime writer Jack Carrington into yet another mystery that she's intent on solving. After the discovery of a dead body in her newly inherited bookshop last autumn, the sleepy chocolate box village of Abbeymead wasn't ready for another murder on their doorstep. After all, it took some time after the last one for Flora to regain her custom in the bookshop once again what with rumours of it being haunted floating about in its wake.

Sussex 1956: It's winter and the villagers have gathered to farewell Bernie Mitchell, husband of Kate - Flora's old schoolfriend and owner of the Nook cafe. He had been missing for several months since October when his body finally washed up a couple of weeks ago. Despite it being her husband, Kate had managed to cater for the wake with the help of Alice from the Priory. And then Polly Dakers walks in on the arm of Henry Barnes, dressed in all her sparkling finery, to pay her respects.

A couple of days later, Flora and Jack take young Charlie Teague to Brighton as a well-deserved treat for the young lad who has been helping Jack organise his garden at Overlay House. The attraction of the theatre, the waxworks and a fish and chip lunch were all that was needed to entice the lad. But Charlie gets much more than he bargained for when, after the rubbish production they had just sat through, he leans over the railings of the pier to discover a body floating in the ocean below. Flora immediately recognises it to be that of Polly, a young woman who had dreamed of leaving Abbeymead to become a model. The proximity of her watery grave leads police to rule the unfortunate event as an accident (due to the icy conditions) or a suicide. But Flora has other ideas. She is sure Polly was murdered and intends to find out who was responsible. Jack, of course, has no option but to tag along.

The suspect list grows as Flora ruminates on who had the motive and opportunity to kill poor Polly. There was the stalker, the sugar daddy, the irate wife of said sugar daddy, the boyfriend even? Each of them, and others, all seem to have something to hide. But no matter which way she looks at it they either had the motive but not the opportunity or they had the opportunity but no real motive. So who wanted Polly dead?

Then just when Flora and Jack found their friendship in a comfortable place, an unexpected knock on the door one day brought Jack's former fiance Helen back into his life...and sending Flora stomping angrily back to her cottage. Should Flora consider the return of the woman who had broken Jack's heart a threat? And why should she be a threat when all she and Jack were were friends! Weren't they?

Things start to get troubling when attempts are then made on Flora and Jack's lives, first with Flora being run off the road whilst riding her bike (fondly named Betty) then with Jack when his window is broken with a piece of sharpened flint that strikes him on the face. The penultimate attempt is when the rowboat they have taken out in a second attempt to treat Charlie begins taking on water and they nearly drown, if not for Jack's hardy rescue of them both. The boat had been in tip-top condition, with the owner working tirelessly on it, leading Flora and Jack to one conclusion - it was sabotaged. Someone wanted them dead. The only reason being was that they were getting close to the truth. But will they uncover the killer before they too are silenced?

MURDER ON THE PIER is a delightful cosy read that is quick and well paced. I love the camaraderie between Flora and Jack and had hoped, after reading the first one ,i>"The Bookshop Murder" that Jack would team up with Flora for future adventures. I doubt Flora would be as endearing without Jack to bounce her ideas off and the playful banter they sure...not to mention the inclusion of Charlie Teague. Flora and Jack are positively endearing. The easy style of this series is a delight to read and is reminiscent of the Queen of Crime herself Agatha Christie's Miss Marple and her own sleepy village of St Mary Mead.

The mystery in this book was probably a little better than that in the first one, but then so was the wonderful locale of Brighton. I could almost hear the seagulls, smell the sea air and taste the fish and chips. There is something positively healing and calming in water...unless of course there is a body floating in it which, in this case, there was. And while the mystery itself was fairly straightforward, there were plenty of secrets to uncover and despite the abundance of red herrings thrown in our way, I figured out the killer long before Flora did and long before the culprit would even be considered. The teeny tiny matter of motive I pounced on before it was considered a motive...or even thought of. And the Agatha Christie in me said "that's the murderer". But I was curious to know how Flora and Jack would get there...

Flora is a delightful sleuth, and a very dogged one, even if she is amateur. Her sunny disposition and cheerful personality is hard not to like. Jack is as equally loveable and, despite his efforts to reign Flora in, really shines in his position as sidekick. The couple are charming and are a pleasure to read.

While the mystery was better than that in the first, I think I enjoyed the first book more and didn't find this one quite as captivating, although it was still a wonderfully fun read. I cannot wait for book 3 "Murder at Primrose Cottage" which is to be set in Cornwall, where Jack has been commissioned to set a series of books he is to write. I also note that book 4 "Murder at the Priory Hotel" is to be released in July, so Flora and Jack are definitely going to be busy, as are their readers.

Overall, MURDER ON THE PIER is a delightful cosy mystery that is a quick and easy read, easily devoured in five or six hours. A relaxing way to while away a few hours, for sure.

I would like to thank #MerrynAllingham, #Netgalley, #Bookouture for an ARC of #MurderOnThePier in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

If post-war cosy mysteries are what you crave
Read this one, I'm sure it'll make you rave!
Set in a Sussex village in 1955 you'll meet
Lots of folks you'd like to actually greet.

Flora Steele and Jack Carrington are friends who
Seem to accidentally get involved in a mystery or two.
In this one a trip to visit Brighton and the pier
Is where they discover Polly Dakers, she's dead, I fear.

Is it a suicide, an accident or murder? They have to know!
So again it is off investigating that they go.
There are secrets, surprises and so much more
That they'd discover as they start to explore.

With a plethora of clues and danger around both of them
Will they survive investigating yet again?
WOW! I thoroughly enjoy reading about the village and times
As well as these two endeavouring to solve the crimes.

It is a series I hope to return to in future to read more
About Abbeymead, the folks and times I adore.
I admit I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there's a chance
This sleuthing couple will develop into a romance!

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.

When Flora and Jack are on a day out in Brighton the last thing they expect to find is a body, and it’s someone they both know. Shocked at first, Flora is convinced that it’s not the accident that the police are suggesting. She saw the victim having an argument recently, as well as other suspicious things. Determined to find out the truth, she kicks off her own investigation alongside Jack. But the more they delve into it, the more potential suspects they come up with. And as they start to get closer to the truth, Flora and Jack keep finding themselves in danger. Will they discover who the culprit was before one of them gets hurt?

For me it was fantastic being back with Flora and Jack. They’re both fantastic characters, with some brilliant chemistry. Flora is her usual hardworking, resilient, determined and persistent self. She’s stubborn and when she believes in something, she’ll put her foot down. Jack is wonderful, and I love how he wants to protect Flora and how he cares about Charlie. Watching the two of them starting to realise their feelings is brilliant and I really want them to end up together, they’re perfect for each other! And talking of characters, I love little Charlie. He’s so funny, but a hardworking wonderful boy.

The setting is brilliant. A small, cosy village with a real community spirit. The way Merryn describes it really brings it to life, and you’ll find yourself transported to village life ten years after world war 2. The effects of the war are still evident, and people are still coming to terms with the aftermath. The descriptions of the scenery are wonderful. I could picture the pier and the theatre, and the little river. It all sounds idyllic (apart from the murder!)

Finally, another fantastic storyline that sucked me in. I guessed who the culprit was about 3/4 of the way through and was so happy that I got it, because the book keeps you guessing till the very end. The plot works well, and the writing is a joy to read. The style really does make you feel like you’re in the 1950’s.
So if you’re looking for a super cosy, wonderful mystery set in the 50’s with a couple of fantastic lead characters, a mystery that will keep you turning the pages and a beautiful setting, then this is for you. Highly recommended by me. I’m looking forward to the next one!

Murder on the pier by Merryn Allingham.
A Flora steele mystery book 2.
Meet Flora Steele – bookshop owner, bicycle-rider, daydreamer and amateur detective! Sussex, 1956: When bookshop owner Flora Steele goes for a walk along the pier she isn’t expecting to spot a young woman’s body in the stormy waters below. And she’s shocked to discover the victim is someone she knows…
Convinced the death was not an accident, Flora persuades attractive local crime writer Jack Carrington to help her find out what really happened to poor Polly Dakers, a popular young woman with a complicated love life, who’d been at the heart of village life in Abbeymead. Jack is reluctant to get involved in another murder case at first but even he can’t deny that Polly’s fall seems fishy. An argument at a party, a missed hairdresser’s appointment and a red woollen bobble found on the wooden boards where Polly last stood provide a trail of clues…
As they grow closer to solving the puzzling mystery, the unlikely pair stumble upon several surprising secrets about those closest to Polly. A number of potential suspects begin to emerge. But who really disliked Polly enough to kill her? Was it Raymond, her jilted first love? Harry, her latest beau? Or Evelyn, Harry’s jealous estranged wife? As the investigation brings them closer to the truth, Flora is intent on unmasking the killer – but will her stealthy sleuthing lead her down a dangerous path?
A very good read with good characters. I did like the story and plot. I'm hoping that there is moretocome. 4*.

To be honest, it was the cover of this book that caught my eye most of all, I don't live far from Southwold pier, and I was glad that the book wasn't set in Southwold.

This is the first Book by Merryn Allingham that I have read, and I wasn't disappointed! What a real page-turner this book was, along with great characters and plenty happening to keep you guessing what would happen next.

Thank you to Netgalley for letting me read and review a copy of this book.

Flora Steele walking along the pier found a body in the cold water, it is young Polly. Police and family think that Polly's death was an accident, but Flora thinks otherwise and now she needs to look into this suspicious death.
Nice cozy mystery, thanks to Netgalley.

Another wonderful read in the Flora Steele mystery series. I didn't guess who the killer was as quickly as I did in the previous book so it made for addictive reading. I can't wait to see where book three brings Flora and Jack.

“Meet Flora Steele – bookshop owner, bicycle-rider, daydreamer and amateur detective!”


Whilst the technical definition of ‘Golden Age’ detective fiction, is predominantly recognised as the decades of the 1920s and 1930s, the scope of the genre can apparently also be extended to other periods and I personally think that “The Flora Steele Mysteries” whilst set in the mid 1950s, qualify for a number of reasons, not the least of which being that the village setting, with its fairly predictable mix of local characters and tradespeople, are very reminiscent of the format for the “Miss Marple” series, by best selling author Agatha Christie, despite the fact that our sleuthing duo of Jack and Flora, are considerably younger in years than the estimable Miss Marple.

The combination of bookshop owner Flora and crime writer Jack, sounds like an amateur detective partnership made in heaven, although at first glance they may not be an obvious fit, as Jack is as taciturn and considered in his approach to their unofficial investigations, as Flora is impulsive and garrulous, which often puts them somewhat at odds with each other. Having only recently solved the case of The Bookshop Murder though, it would appear that Jack and Flora are gradually coming to an understanding in their relationship which places them more on an even footing, although I suspect that Jack will always be worried about letting Flora out of his sight for too long when a new case is there to be worked, as her impetuous nature rather courts trouble and danger, which has a nasty habit of placing them both in life threatening peril, as Flora is prone to acting first and considering the consequences later.

Jack has an unofficial understanding with local police detective Alan Ridley, who is open to casting a professional eye over the more technical details behind the plots of Jack’s books, to ensure their authenticity and accuracy. However, this does nothing to endear Alan to Flora, as she considers him far too quick to try and close a case down with probable cause and with the minimum amount of inconvenience; rather than assuage any nagging suspicions of foul play, by digging around for actual cause and suspects. Somewhat reluctantly, Jack has to agree that Ridley may not always take the most thorough route to solving a crime, although he will always try to keep the officer appraised of any developments and impending sticky situations, so that he and his team can be on hand if Jack and Flora get out of their depth, as so often happens.

The couple has also come to rely more and more on the astute observation and forthright manner of Jack’s young protegee, twelve-year-old, Charlie Teague. Charlie more than has his wits about him when it comes to being in the right place at the right time to earn himself a few pennies and whilst he may be a little rough around the edges, he is big-hearted, honest and keen to please. Jack and Flora, to their utmost chagrin, have rather silenced Charlie on more than one occasion during the course of this investigation though, as his young mind, sharp as it is, is subjected to the sight of a dead body floating in the sea and a personal near death experience involving a sabotaged boat and a large expanse of fast-flowing water, when he is unable to swim. A bit of TLC and a good plateful of food, usually revives Charlie in an instant, however the couple are more than aware that his mother should be able to rely on them to take more care of her young son, when he is in their charge.

Whilst not strictly a crime of passion, this case has a complicated mix of emotions and motives and a rather large and sprawling list of suspects, which Flora and Jack are not particularly organised about eliminating and really don’t begin to narrow down too much until the very last minute, and then only when they are confronted by the real perpetrator, who wasn’t even on their list, but I have to say was on my own, although maybe not right up there at the top. To elaborate any further really would be to disclose ‘spoilers’ and give the game away, for any armchair detectives out there, so you really do need to follow in Jack and Flora’s footsteps and see where the journey leads you, or perhaps you too, will be one step ahead and egging them on towards the finish line. The only clue I’m willing to share – ‘Is blood really thicker than water?’

Murder On The Pier is my idea of a textbook story format. It has a beginning which hits the ground running and after just a few pages I knew that something bad was going to happen pretty soon. The storyline is well paced with the action almost non-stop and plenty of cleverly added twists and turns to keep me on my toes and guessing. The ending is pretty neatly tied up with no nasty loose ends left hanging, although there is a rumour that the action might be moving location in the coming episodes, unless that’s just another red herring. I also don’t like my protagonists to end up dead and thankfully Jack and Flora manage this final challenge, but only by the very skin of their teeth and after several soakings, much bruising and the physical drawing of blood. How much longer can their luck hold out before there is some serious damage done and one of them is badly, perhaps fatally hurt!

Whilst this traditional murder mystery series is fast becoming compellingly addictive and growing in depth, each episode works well as a stand alone story, with the backstory deftly woven into the narrative and dialogue without detracting from the detail of the current investigation, making for a fluid, multi-layered, well structured storyline, which is rich in atmosphere and beautifully textured. The fluent and assured writing is visually descriptive, adding a wonderful three dimensional sense of time and place, which came to life on the pages as I was reading, transporting me back in time, immersing me in the action and making me part of the village life. Author Merryn Allingham, did an excellent job of changing the pace of the action and lowering the tension, only to ramp it back up again at a moments notice, just as I started to get comfortable with my new surroundings. Perhaps my one tiny niggle would be that, whilst Brighton is a real and tangible location, the village of Abbeymead is fictional, which doesn’t sit so comfortably with my ‘nerdy’ wish to have real places so I can physically track the action.

Jack and Flora are growing in stature with each episode in this village saga, as their relationship is slowly nurtured and begins to flourish. They are however, both badly shaken up by this most recent of cases. Jack because he realises that much against his better judgement, his feelings for Flora are growing deeper by the day and he wants to protect her. He is concerned about the age difference between them and the fact that hitherto he has been quite reclusive, struggling to become part of the community, because of a past which he can’t shake off and which refuses to let him move on. He knows deep down that this is very much his own state of mind and is therefore even more confused and concerned when he realises that little by little, Flora is breaking down his self imposed wall of exile and he is being ever so subtly, forced out into the open gaze of a village which is more than willing to embrace him, if only he will unburden himself and allow them to.

Flora is genuinely rocked to her core and has had her confidence badly knocked by her recent ordeals, and she too recognises the strength of the connection which is growing between Jack and herself, although she is not quite ready to cede to his gentle ministrations, fiercely strives to maintain her independence and is confused by her feelings of jealousy, when an unwanted face from Jack’s past turns up out of the blue. Behind all her surface bravado and bubbly confidence, Flora is actually quite a fragile and vulnerable person, for whom moving to Abbeymead to live with her aunt, was an emotional salvation for the distressed child, with the bookshop affording her a real sense of belonging and purpose to her future.

Once Jack and Flora have had the closest thing they have ever had to a true heart to heart conversation, it remains to be seen if they can move on together, or will an impending shift in focus, tear them apart rather than bring them closer?

Merryn has created a multi-faceted, well drawn, developed and defined cast of supporting characters who, whether they are on the side of good or bad, are authentically realistic to the times and genuinely believable in the individual roles which have been created for them. She has then afforded them all a good strong voice, with which to tell their story and direct the course of the action, which is probably just as well, as in this rather insular small community, everyone has an opinion and a wish to be heard, but only once you can prove that you can carve a worthwhile place for yourself amongst their ranks. Not all of the characters are easy to connect with or relate to, although generally the individual dynamics and synergy between them, works quite well, so whilst they may be quite complex and emotional, sometimes unreliable and a little vulnerable; they are all compelling, addictive, vibrant and totally worth investing in.

Engaging, enjoyable, emotional, escapist entertainment! – What more can I ask from a book?

I really enjoyed this book. It is a good, old fashioned who done it with a great cast of characters. It kept me guess to the end.

Loved this this second entry in the Flora Steele Mystery series. Well written, plenty of red herrings, likeable characters in Flora and Jack, and water plays a big part in this story. Flora just can't seem to help getting involved in the latest murder even at the risk of putting herself in danger.

This is book two in the Flora Steele mysteries by Merryn Allingham and we rejoin the leading duo of Flora and Jack. Once again, they are in the midst of mystery before they realise it. A friend seemingly dies by suicide but Flora is unconvinced. As she begins digging, she befalls an “accident” and Jack is concerned she is putting herself at unnecessary risk.

Whilst I didn’t find the mystery especially tricky to work out, I enjoyed the village life and the time with familiar characters. If you enjoy a cosy, historical mystery, this is a series to read! I am looking forward to the next one! It’s a four out of five on the enJOYment scale.

Merryn Allingham’s Murder on the Pier is a delightful 1950s cosy mystery I thoroughly enjoyed.

When bookshop owner Flora Steele went for a walk along the pier, she never imagined that she would spot a young woman’s body in the stormy waters below – or that the victim would be somebody known to her. Flora is convinced that this death was no accident and she is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery – even if it means persuading local crime writer Jack Carrington to help her uncover the truth about Polly Dakers’ death.

Polly was well known in the Sussex village of Abbeymead. Her notorious love life gave the gossips in the small town plenty of fodder to speculate over, but who could possibly want to kill her? As Flora and Jack begin to piece together all the clues, they are more convinced than ever that Polly wasn’t the victim of a tragic accident. When they start drawing up a list of suspects, it becomes clear that there were plenty of people in Abbeymead who wanted to see the back of Polly. Could her jilted former lover Raymond have been driven to murder? Or maybe her current beau Harry? Or Harry’s jealous first wife, Evelyn who wanted her husband back?

Flora and Jack will do whatever it takes to find Polly’s killer – even if it means putting themselves in jeopardy…

Merryn Allingham’s Murder on the Pier is a captivating cosy mystery full of period charm, red herrings, twists and turns and a sprinkling of romance that will keep readers gleefully turning the pages. Flora and Jack are a terrific double act and readers will be charmed and intrigued by them as they embark on another dangerous quest to catch a murderer.

A deftly plotted, highly intriguing and pacy cosy mystery that I did not want to put down, Merryn Allingham’s Murder on the Pier will have readers eagerly anticipating their next trip back to Abbeymead.

This is the second in the Flora Steele series of novels, which features the aforementioned and crime writer Jack Carrington set in the 1950s in the South Downs.

Time has moved slightly on, since we last saw Flora. Determined to keep the bookshop going and concentrating more on than that than murders it seems that in Abbeymead, peace has resumed.

On a day trip to Brighton, Flora does not expect to find a body floating under the pier and even more she doesn’t expect it to be someone she knows; Polly Dakers.

Polly had her whole life in front of her and was determined to be a model and be noticed, but probably not in this way. Clearly looking like an accident to others, Flora is convinced there is some foul play at work and she is determined to find the truth.

However, with possible suspects and motives stacking up, Flora’s determination finds herself hanging on to life on more than one occasion. All the while at her side is crime writer Jack. A strong friendship developed in the first novel is progressing nicely in this one and it seems that both Flora and Jack are destined to be more than friends. That is if Flora stops getting both of them into scrapes!

This was a delightful sojourn to a cosy crime, and I was thoroughly delighted to have worked out the murderer which is a rare occurrence for me. Always great to have seen the clues and see how it all fits together in the end.

Great historical cosy crime to take you away from everything, even if someone people meet a grizzly end, there seems to be just a gentleness of Flora, Jack and the other residents of Abbeymead. I look forward to going back there.

Oh this was such a wonderful read. Beautifully written, transporting. An engaging, wonderful mystery that I absolutely loved. Can't wait for the next!

Jack and Flora are back in their second novel.

When they find their friend, Polly, floating in the sea everyone thinks that it's suicide or accidental, but it's Flora who suspects murder, and with the help of crime writer Jack they are out to prove it.

Sadly, I was disappointed in this novel. Although it was a very easy read, similar to Agatha Rasin in the M.C. Beaton novels, this novel left nothing to the imagination. It was predictable, that I found myself knowing what was going to happen next; and because of this, it was boring.

It's a shame because I really enjoyed the first novel and genuinely looked forward to the next installment. Maybe I will give the author the benefit of the doubt with this second novel and although I may pick up the third when it comes out, I won't be going out of my way to read it,