This is a fun second book in the Flora Steele series. Kate's husband Bernie's body finally washes up from the sea, and months after his death they have a wake held in the now closed Priory. Polly shows up on Harry Barnes arm, and a very disagreeable former friend of Bernie is there keeping his eye on her. Polly's cousin Sylvia Russell is also glaring. Jack has bought a car. He has promised young Charlie who helps him out a special outing to Brighton, and Flora goes with them. At the end of the day they go to a play on the pier. Several of the actors wear red and black Harlequin costumes with bobbles on the shoes. Flora walks to the end of the pier, and sees a body, which turns out to be Polly Dakers. Jack calls the police, and Alan Ridley arrives and declares she slipped on the ice and fell in. The only people around appear to be in Harlequin costumes. Flora is sure the death isn't accidental, and convinces Jack to help her solve the crime.

The next day, Flora goes back to the pier and finds a bobble which must have come off a Harlequin costume. However, on checking in the theater, she finds all the Harlequin costumes have their bobbles. Then someone tries to push her off the pier. Jack is very upset when Flora is hit by a car while riding her bicycle, and tries to get her to stop sleuthing. However, Flora is sure it was just a bad driver. Flora doesn't quit, even after three near deaths. She tries to get information from Polly and Sylvia's friend Raymond, who works at Kate's Nook and the Golf Club. However, he soon disappears.

There are several possible suspects, but it is becoming dangerous to keep looking. To try to make up for the finding of a body on Charlie's outing, they decide to do another with a picnic by the river and a ride in a rowboat. When the rowboat capsizes, Jack as the only swimmer has to rescue both Charlie and Flora from the cold river. Charlie remembers seeing someone on the shore who was dressed in red and black, and Flora suddenly realizes who the killer is. However, to be sure, they need to do one more dangerous search!

I'm happy to report that this second Flora Steele mystery is just as enjoyable as the first, The Bookshop Murder. This time readers are taken to the seaside town of Brighton where Flora and Jack deal with a theatrical group and a line-up of suspects that includes a sugar daddy, a spurned wife, an unsavory character from London, and others. Flora's business has yet to fully recover from what happened in the first book. She is trying to drive sales up by various means, but her investigation here in Murder on the Pier kept her away too much yet again. Either Flora is going to be a detective, or she's going to be a bookshop owner. So far the two occupations aren't blending together well. I'm looking forward to seeing how the author deals with this in future books.

Once again, the telling little details about the era add depth to the story. I think most Americans, if they're even aware that there was rationing in this country and in the United Kingdom, believe everything snapped back to normal immediately after World War II ended. It snapped back a lot faster here in the United States, but it took years for rationing to end in the United Kingdom. Meat rationing had ended just the year before (1955), and now Flora lets us know just how precious a brand-new pair of shoes is. Besides, her main source of transportation is Betty, her bicycle.

Readers learn more about Jack in this second book as he and Flora become even more comfortable with each other. When Jack's old flame arrives on his doorstep, I narrowly avoided rolling my eyes, and I'm glad I did. I really like how Jack dealt with the situation. The repartee between Flora and Jack is one of the strongest parts of this series. That and the presence of a young boy named Charlie. With Jack feeling ever more protective of Flora, I do believe he should formulate some sort of fitness regimen to build up his strength and endurance. Why? Because he spent a lot of time dragging Flora out of some hair-raising situations in this book-- none of which were what I call TSTL (Too Stupid To Live).

Interesting characters? Check. Strong setting and historical detail? Check. Fun dialogue? Check. What about the mystery? Well, it's a good'un, too. Although I was blinded by the light of deduction before Flora, she was nipping close at my heels. So yes, I'm looking forward to my next visit to Abbeymead to see what Jack and Flora (and Charlie) get up to next.

I was delighted to realize this was the second book in this series. I had already enjoyed the first book and enjoyed reading again about Jack and Flora's adventures. I did find the secondary characters and their relationships rather confusing though. Charlie Teague is a loveable boy and it is a shame that Jack and Flora's efforts to treat him always end in disaster!

This is a gentle little crime thriller that I would put into the TV movie category. The historical setting, the amateur sleuth working in a small bookshop and a pushbike called Betty, gave it a certain charm and cozy feel.
Some of the happenings seemed a little unbelievable to me and yet I couldn’t put my finger on why.
At the end of the novel, the motive and denouement are well thought out and delivered.
A likeable book that gets you thinking without putting you through the wringer.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookoutre for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Book two in the Flora Steele mystery series and Flora gets herself into some pretty deep water - literally!

There is another murder in the village and of course Flora becomes involved and drags Jack into it as well. Unfortunately the unknown murderer does not care for Flora's investigations and she suffers several attacks on her life. Luckily Jack is there to save her at the last moment.

The mystery is interesting and there are plenty of suspects, especially when Flora lets her imagination rip. Jack tries hard to keep her safe but she seems determined to only see what she wants to see. I must admit she irritated me once or twice when she refused to acknowledge common sense!

It is a good story though with a very pleasant setting, lots of good food, a book shop and many enjoyable characters. I like the romance developing so slowly between the two main characters and I am looking forward to more in book three.

Again this can be read as a stand alone though there are references to the earlier story (also in
the same genre).

Flora is a bit of a day dreamer, also a amateur detective also owner of a bookshop which she inherited from
her aunt. She loves her job, she loves her village but like the Midsomer Murder series, this idyllic village
area harbours very vicious people.

When Polly a beautiful girl from the village is found murdered and discovered near a pier by Flora and Jack,
who are out for a day outing with the boy Charlie the detection has to start on the part of Flora because the
Detective Inspectors assigned to the case call on it as an accident if not suicide. They are not willing to even
admit to the fact that Polly had her life in front of her and it could never be considered suicide - or the theory
of Flora's that it was no accident but that the girl was pushed.

When Flora herself is pushed at the same pier and escapes a gruesome death, very narrowly Jack is convinced
that someone is trying to cover up Flora's enquiries because she is the only person who is pursuing the line that
Polly's death is murder.

Jack and Polly have a way to go to uncover clues because the murderer is someone whom they least suspect.
In this case there are plenty of suspects but the final closure is different.

A very nice cozy.

Day Out Turns Murderous….
The second in the Flora Steele Mystery series, set in the sleepy village of Abbeymead, and an excellent follow up to the first book in what is sure to be a most satisfying series of cosy mysteries featuring book shop owner Flora and, her new acquaintance and crime writer, Jack Carrington. When Flora and Jack stumble across a dead body on a pier during a seaside day out, a catalogue of unimaginable events begin. Wholly entertaining mystery with likeable protagonists in both Flora and Jack and a colourful cast of supporting characters that develop nicely as the tale progresses. An easy, relaxing and most enjoyable read.

This is the second book in this series with Flora and Jack involved in another murder mystery.

Whilst strolling along the pier they find the body of a young women they recognise. Unable to leave things to the police Flora throws herself once again into finding out who killed the woman and why. With Jack as her reluctant partner, they dig deeper and they themselves become targets of the killer.

Whilst trying to solve the murder Flora is running her bookshop and Jack is writing his new book, then out of the blue his ex turns up on his doorstep.

I really enjoy this series especially the chemistry between Flora, Jack and Charlie. I look forward to book 3 in this enjoyable crime series.

I just love Flora! She is a no-nonsense person, and just keeps seeing all kind of different angles to problems. Did Polly jump from the pier or was just pushed, and if pushed who could have done it, so many suspects. Things get a little uncomfortable as ‘accidents’ start to happen to Flora and her side kick Jack.
Great 2nd book in the series. Perfect to curl up with and forget the world for a while.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an early read in exchange for my honest opinion.

I absolutely love the sleuthing partnership of Flora Steele and Jack Carrington! They’re such a great counterbalance for each other and the other series characters are warm and wonderful to come back to as well. As for the mystery, I whizzed through it – there was lots of satisfying focus on the clues but plenty of action and drama too. The first book in the series was thoroughly enjoyable and if anything, I appreciated this one even more. A perfect period cosy.

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Works as a breather and a timepass read.

Flora Steele is back in action dragging Jack with her to solve yet another crime. Set in 1955 in Sussex, the story continues a few months after book one ended. Flora is busy managing the book store, All is Well, while Jack somehow completed the draft of his seventh book.
It’s winter, and the villagers have gathered in the wake of Bernie, the no-good missing husband of Kate. He was missing for months when his body was finally found. Polly arrives at the wake, all dressed up in riches.
However, she’s soon found dead and floating under the pier. The police, of course, call it an accident or a suicide. But Flora has other ideas. She knows Polly was murdered and intends to find out who the killer is. Jack has no option but to tag along. As the list of suspects increases, will the duo solve the case on time? How will they fare when the killer decides to target them instead?
I requested the ARC the instant I saw it. The first book was entertaining, and I was eager to read the next installment in the series. Murder on the Pier works pretty well as a standalone, though it can be a little confusing to remember all the characters.
The flow is decent, and so is the storyline. Flora is an amateur sleuth, and it shows. However, she’s got a brain and uses it well (at least half the time). There’s slight progress on the personal track, which is artfully woven into the main plot.
The sleuthing is interesting, and I could guess the killer halfway through. Since I don’t mind guessing it right, I was still curious to know how Flora and Jack would come to the conclusion. My once ruse is that the book didn’t feel as charming as the first one. It’s good, but not what I’d call great. Still, I’ll be reading book three and hoping that it would be set in Cornwall.
To sum up, Murder on the Pier is a light cozy mystery and works as a great timepass read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I love this series, and this second book was great!
Flora and Jack find themselves in the thick of a murder investigation once more. Polly has been determined to become a model and has finally found a "sponsor". He has put her up in a high end pent house and is promising to pay for her pictures. When Polly's body is found at the bottom of a pier, apparently she has jumped, Flora and Jack are unconvinced and begin to search for suspects. The list, sadly, is long, but they just can't figure things out. But the killer knows they are onto them, and try to eliminate Flora and Jack several times. Will they be able to survive long enough to figure things out?
Great cozy mystery with wonderful characters.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Flora Steel runs All's Well, a little bookshop left to her by her late aunt. Alongside Jack Carrington, a local author, she finds herself caught up in the tragic death of local girl Polly who was discovered drowned off of Brighton Pier. After many adventures and suspects, can Flora and Jack discover who is following them and find out who killed Polly before its too late?

This is the second book in the series, but not having read the first did not affect my enjoyment of the book. I was quickly caught up in the story, and found the book to be a quick and engaging read.

A charming story set in a small south Sussex village in the 50’s. Flora runs a bookshop she inherited from her beloved aunt. Her aunt raised her after the early death of her parents. Now her aunt is dead too, and Flora feels a deep attachment to the shop and the village.
One of the village girls, Polly, has left the village and moved to nearby Brighton. Polly is determined to become a fashion model and has enlisted the aid of Harry Barnes to bankroll her venture. Due to her attractiveness she has also gained the unwanted attention of London nightclub owner Frank Foster. When Polly is found dead under the Brighton pier, Flora, having found the body feels compelled to investigate. She is sure it is murder, even though the local police think it an accidental death. Flora encounters several attempts on her own life as she struggles to find the killer.
The second in the series, this works well as a standalone. The setting is described well and the period of time portrayed effectively. The characters are well illustrated producing an easy to follow story. Flora is quite naive in her investigations, but perhaps that is a reflection of the times.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

With grateful thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
Having read the 1st book I was totally delighted to have an early 2nd copy to see how Flora and Jack were getting on there quite an amazing pair who I actually think with time a romance would blossom, but there a pair of extremely clued in couples and there antics are very funny but they certainly do get results I just loved the his 2nd book as much as the 1st and as its my only time reading this authors work I can highly recommend. its fun intriguing intresting and above all keeps you turning the pages.
Will definitely be looking fir more books by this author.

The second book in the series and a joy to read. This book was so intense and full of mystery and secrets!
I loved how this book captured my attention in the first chapter, the author went right in and they did not slow down til the last sentence. I loved the characters and really enjoyed how it was written!
This is truly an unstoppable read! And I loved every minute of it!

A sweet follow up to Merryn’s first book, following Flora, a bookstore owner, and Jack, the local author, as they solve murders. Reminiscent of the Agatha Raisin books - murders in a small community, where everyone knows everyone’s business……. Set in the 1950’s, the books are easy reading, enjoyable, cozy crime books, no gruesome details of murder, but a pleasing crime solving story. I look forward to the next book in the series! Settle down and enjoy.

Flora Steele enjoys life in the village where she grew up. After her parents were killed she was taken in by her beloved Aunt Violet and together they moved to Abbeymead where they eventually ran a bookshop together. It has been almost a year since her aunt passed away and finally, after a few hiccups, which included the discovery of a dead body, business is good.

After solving a murder a few months earlier, Flora, and her partner in crime deduction, author Jack Carrington, are taking their young friend Charlie Teague to Brighton as thanks for his assistance. Things don't go quite as planned and by the time they return home another murder investigation is looming after they discovered a dead body during their visit.

This is the second in the Flora Steele Mystery Series and is just as entertaining as the first. Set in 1955 almost all technical gadgetry is none existent, Jack doesn't even have a telephone! I enjoy mysteries set in the recent past, of which this is an excellent example, and I recognised a few new items my mum had when I was young!

The murder and subsequent investigation was laid out very well with numerous suspects and even though I worked it out quite early on I still enjoyed being proved right! There is the basis here for a long running series which I hope will come to fruition.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this very entertaining cosy crime novel.

Flora and Jack are on the case again after a local girl is found drowned and the police decide it is an accident. Meantime, Flora needs to increase sale and Jack is struggling with his writing. A sound addition to this series.

Murder on the Pier by Merryn Allingham

2nd in the series , but first time read for me . I didn't feel as if I'd missed out by not reading her first one and I really enjoyed it , and the authors writing style.

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

Sussex, 1955: 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…
The character Flora Steele is a great character , the sort of person you can imagine your aged aunt might once have been , or your favourite teacher from school.
I very much look forward to reading further titles in this series.