Mystery at Magpie Lodge is the 7th Eve Mallow village cozy mystery by Clare Chase. Released 6th Jan 2022, it's 296 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 (along with the rest of the series) to borrow and read for free.

This is a satisfying addition to this very well written series. The characters are distinct and well rendered and the dialogue generally flows unhindered. There's maybe a trifle too much emphasis on hearsay and gossip (and many of the central characters are middle aged and female and a trifle trope-y), but it's not egregious and I didn't find myself being irritated over it whilst reading. Main protagonist Eve's love/hate relationship with the local constabulary, and her secret relationship with a former detective who is lying low in the district for his own protection after a high profile case in London, add some interest and conflict.

There were several seemingly disparate plot threads which intertwined into a satisfying denouement and resolution. Despite being the seventh book in the series, it worked well enough as a standalone, though there are some minor spoilers for earlier books if read out of order. With 9 books extant currently, this would be a good choice for readers who enjoy binge-reading series. I've enjoyed all of them and look forward to more.

Four strong stars. This is definitely one for British village cozy readers. Very well written and constructed. Clean language and mostly off-page violence.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I know there are a number of Eve Mallow mysteries in print, but this is the first for me (number 7 in the series). I love a mystery set in a small English village, and I loved that the protagonist of this series, Eve, is a fifty-plus woman with a career, a secret lover, a dachshund, and a life she's comfortable with. The black sheep of a local prominent family returns, down on his luck and desperate for money. He starts leading tours around the village, but he focuses on the scandals the locals would rather were forgotten. When he is murdered, there are several villagers who are happy he's no longer around to stir up trouble, but Eve is troubled. She liked Emory and found him sincere, and she is determined to find out who killed him. I figured the whodunnit out about three-quarters of the way through, which is much later than usual; Ms. Chase did a good job of sprinkling her clues and red herrings about. I enjoyed this book enough that I may have to back track to read more about Eve and how she came to the little town of Saxford St. Peter and her clandestine romance.

It’s no mystery why Clare Chase’s Eve Mallow series has quietly made its way up my favorites list. This is a series you can count on for an intelligent and complex mystery, a logical and practical protagonist, and a town with colorful and charming residents. Mystery at Magpie Lodge, the seventh installment of the series checks all the boxes.

Obituary writer Eve Mallow first encounters Emory Fulton when he is conducting ghost tours in Saxford St. Peter. Emory, who has also authored several ghost-hunting books, has barely moved into Magpie Lodge when he is found murdered. While the townsfolk proffer a supernatural explanation for this, Eve, ever the skeptic, is betting on a more practical – and human – conclusion. As she takes on the task of Emory’s obituary, she realizes she is on the track of a killer. Eve must sort through the various suspects, each with a nefarious purpose, and ultimately placing herself in danger, to unmask the perpetrator.

Eve Mallow is one of the best amateur sleuths I have read. She is smart, logical and organized, with genuine affection for her Dachshund Gus. Unlike other cozy protagonists who keep stumbling into cases as the bodies pile up in their small town, Eve has a legitimate reason for solving cases. Her profession requires her to thoroughly investigate her subjects to present a truthful, yet respectful, portrait of the deceased. Likewise, her job allows her to travel to different locations, thus ensuring that not all of the murders take place in Saxford St. Peter.

The mystery here is a good one. Both Emory’s somewhat estranged brother and his niece appear to have excellent motives for the crime. Yet as Eve investigates, she finds several other viable candidates. She is aided in her investigation, as always, by Gus and by Robin, a former inspector turned gardener, who also serves as a romantic interest for Eve.

Mystery at Magpie Lodge (and all of the Eve Mallow series) is a pleasure to read. It, like its protagonist, is both clever and charming, the perfect book to curl up with in front of the fire. As an added bonus for those who have it, Mystery at Magpie Lodge (and most of the rest of the series) is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.

Note: I received an ARC of Mystery at Magpie Lodge from NetGalley and Bookouture. The above is my honest review.

This book had a good plot, but I thought the story was slow moving. Great characters.
Action seemed to delay at times.

Thanks to Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for my review.

This is book 7 in the Eve Mallow Mystery series and it's a winner. I really enjoy this series and the characters in the books. Eve is an obituary writer and I find that fascinating. This book has Eve writing the obituary of a local ghost hunter. There are plenty of red herrings in the book to keep you entertained and the mystery was fun to try and solve. I found the book charming and completely engaging. I'll be looking forward to book 8 in the series.

I will confess, I am a cover judger but Clare need not fear as this is what drew me to her book…. And obviously the blurb.

A cosy mystery perfect for those dark night, one that pulls you in page by page, one that has you suspecting everyone… Even the dog!

I love the way Clare writes her books, she slowly plants the seed and page by page waters it and before you know it that couple of pages you said you’d read before bed turns into a couple of chapters!

She has a way of describing her setting that has you thinking you’ve been there before, or somewhere pretty close. Her attention to detail is spot on, her characters could be real and I love how she manages to throw you of the path as to where the ending is going – she definitely got me at the end of this.

A lovely read that has be heading to the start of the series to see what I’ve missed!

This 7th in the series starts with Eve Mallow attending a fundraiser at the Fulton Estate where she meets Emory Fulton and Coco Fulton. Emory is the 'black sheep' brother that has recently decided it was time to live with family again. Coco Fulton is the daughter of Selina & Roger Fulton and Emory's niece.

When Emory is found dead, there's no shortage of suspects. Eve manages to interview all of them using her job as obituary writer as an excuse.

I won't share any spoilers, but will say this was a well thought out mystery and I enjoyed it very much.

Another great entry in the Eve Mallow Mystery series by Clare Chase. Eve is drawn into investigating another murder while writing the obituary for a local ghosthunter, Emory Fulton. Family secrets and red herrings lead Eve in many different directions until all is revealed.

Eve and her faithful companion Dachshund Gus return in this the 7th instalment of our favourite obituary writer

A supernatural event leads to a death and Eve once more digs deep to discover who and why

Eve is ever the perfect amateur sleuth with an inquiring mind and lots of contacts in the village. As the obituary writer, she has a foolproof reason for asking questions. Surprisingly revelations mean that earthly suspects supersede the ghostly ones. The latest Eve Mallow mystery has a distinctly ghostly feel to it. Ghost tours at Magpie lodge are upsetting the villagers. When the instigator dies, Eve has to write his obituary and gets the chance to investigate the reasons for his death with the help of Gus and Robin.

I like the clever detecting, great plot twists and vibrant characters in this engaging cosy mystery.

I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Another enjoyable read is set in a small English village with Eve and her little dog taking the lead. Lots of red herrings in this one. I got part of the plot correct, but also had a couple of surprises!

I found the motivation behind the murders just a little more far fetched this time but still engaging.

I'd like to see the romance move along with Robin, quite how I'm unsure. But I'm sure Clare can make a plan!

With thanks to #NetGalley, Bookcouture and the author, Clare Chase, for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion.

Another excellent book in the Eve Mallow mystery series. When the disgraced ghost tour guide and former history returns to his family home there are plenty of people who are unhappy to see him however when he turns up dead in a bath obituary writer and secret sleuth Eve is determined to find the identity of the killer.

Unlike some of the previous books in the series, I was actually sad when this character died as Clare, in a very short space of time built up a likely and engaging character who you really felt for.

Well written and gripping highly recommended.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review,

Wow! This was an incredible read! I’ve read other books in the Eve Dallas series before, but this one was the best by far. The book description got my attention and the story certainly delivered. Everything was perfect and the resolution—fantastic! Twists aplenty and I really appreciated Eve’s sleuthing this time around. The conclusion was fabulous and when Eve put the final pieces together, I was like DANG! that was unique thinking. I highly recommend this book. Thank you to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.

This is the seventh book in the Eve Mallow mystery series. Oh boy where have I been! I have certainly missed a few but I am happy to report that this can be read has a standalone. Although I will be going to read the ones I have missed because I enjoyed this book and Clare’s writing so much.

Clare is without a doubt a modern day Agatha Christie. It is beautifully written and jam packed full of mystery. It is what I call light, enjoyable, cosy reading. That had me hooked from start to finish. I loved the setting at Magpie Lodge and the ghostly feeling with the historical tours. In fact I loved everything about it.

We follow a spooky, atmosphere tail that made me feel like I was in the story. With plenty of clues along the way that keep you guessing until the end. Mystery at Magpie Lodge is the kind of book to snuggle one with on a winters day.

I am left looking forward to reading more of Eva and seeing what is in store for her next. This book is brilliant for old and new fans, you definitely wont be disappointed.

This mystery was interesting from the first few pages. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It had a strong female protagonist, fascinating characters, including many suspects, as well as a good plot. I highly recommend this book to other mystery readers.

Another very enjoyable Eve Mallow mystery book, the seventh in the series.
When Eve meets Emory Fulton, a famous author of ghost novels and self declared ghost hunter, she cannot resist his invitation to join his ghost tour through the village of Saxford St Peter. Emory seems to be (re)settling well in the village where he was born but unfortunately not for long because a couple of days later he is found dead, murdered by drowning in the bath of his former childhood caretaker.
As usual Eve decides to not only write his obituary but also to delve deeper into who murdered Emory.

Naturally she is aided by her loyal dachshund and her secret lover Robin.
I already liked the previous episodes but the series kind of grows on you. I particularly like the cosy setting, the village gossip and the mouthwatering descriptions of the cakes at the village tearoom. Can't wait for the next instalment.

Thank you to Bookouture for providing a digital ARC of Mystery at Magpie Lodge by Clare Chase via Netgalley in exchange for my honest for review.

I really enjoy the Eve Mallow books. I like the characters and how Eve has a reason to investigate the murder. I like her relationship to Robin which helps her get some info but also gives her backup in bad situations.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mystery at Magpie Lodge by Clare Chase is book 7 in the Eve Mallow Mystery series of books but could easily be read as a standalone. A warm and engaging cosy mystery, this is a book I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. It had been some time since I caught up with Eve but it felt as though I’d never been away, the gorgeous writing and gentle storytelling drawing me into this murder mystery tale from the outset, with its twists, turns, shocks and surprises keeping me on my toes throughout.

This time Eve Mallow is on the hunt for whoever killed Emory Fulton, black sheep of the Fulton family. With long hidden family secrets to be uncovered and tales of strange and spooky goings on all adding to the atmosphere and suspense, Eve, with her trusty dachshund sidekick Gus at her side, begins to dig deeper into the life of the murdered man. Will Eve ever be able to get to the bottom of the case to reveal the truth of what happened to Emory? Or is her investigation about to put her own life in danger? Alongside a larger than life cast of supporting characters, Eve Mallory is a protagonist you can’t help but like as she slowly begins to uncover the truth behind the murder.

A born storyteller, Clare Chase is an author at the top of her game, bringing these people and their stories vividly to life against the backdrop of the picturesque village of Saxford St Peter. I loved this latest installment of the series and can’t wait to read whatever the author has in store for the wonderful Eve Mallow next!

As charming as it is intriguing, Mystery at Magpie Lodge is the perfect book to curl up with this winter and is a gorgeously written cosy mystery tale that I would highly recommend.

I love this series.

A TV pronounced ghost hunter is found dead in this one.

From the start it jumps right into the action and doesn't pull back until the end.

It's suspenseful and has some comedic moments scattered within.

Highly recommend.

This one kept me guessing. There were so many intriguing red herrings and interesting suspects that I found myself unable to pin down in my own mind who the killer was. Of course, as Eve Mallow puts together all the clues at the end, I thought, "Of course."

It was fascinating to spend time in Eve's mind, so to speak. Even though I couldn't quite figure out why she so liked the victim initially, her thought process was fascinating and thorough. Even when she was in danger, it was hard at work not just trying to figure out an escape but pulling loose ends together to make it all make sense to her. She's helped along the way, of course, by friends, including the mysterious Robin and his past police ties, a lover whose true connection to her must remain secret for now. And, Gus, her trusty canine companion, who is perhaps her most frequent sounding board. I liked how she at times had to talk things out with him just to organize them, so to speak, in her mind. As one owned by a dog, I thoroughly understood that inclination.

Bottom line, a thoroughly enjoyable read that reminds me of some of the classic mysteries I've read in the past. Eve isn't rash, she has no desire to rush into danger, which was reassuring given the frequent rashness of modern amateur sleuths. I liked that, even in the situation where she found herself in a dangerous situation, she had thought it through and tried to ensure "backup". I liked her. I liked Robin. I liked Gus. I liked her friends. I enjoyed visiting their communities, even if I don't think I'd have been as prone to walking my dog in the wooded areas as she was. I'll be going back and reading the previous books in this series, which was new to me, I think, not to mention looking forward to sharing Eve's thoughtful investigations in the future.

Thank you #NetGalley and #Bookouture for the ARC.