Member Reviews
Full of twists
The Mayor of Whitby has died after being poisoned at an event and suspicion immediately falls on the caterer but things aren’t as they seem and Liz is determined to help clear her friends name
I enjoyed this book overall but I will admit that at times I did struggle with Liz, she can be very self centred and doesn’t always seem to think of how her actions can affect others. At the same time however, I did like a lot of the rest of the cast of characters (apart from Nelson) who have flowed through the series which made it easier to read
The story was full of unexpected twists and turns which I really enjoyed and I will admit that I didn’t work out who the killer was until the reveal in the final scenes which shows the cleverness of the writing and the authors ability to pull the reader into the story
I’m going to add as an aside that whilst this book can be read as an individual story, I would recommend reading it in series order, or at least after the first one, because the main characters and their interpersonal relationships are all linked and there isn’t really any explanation of how and why repeated in the series which can cause some slight frustration and make it seem disjointed if you don’t already know (or remember) who they are
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a murder mystery full of twists and turns that will draw you in and keep you guessing right from the start
Death At The Feast by Jan Durham is a delightful and engaging seaside mystery that blends a picturesque setting with a cleverly crafted whodunit plot. This four-star read introduces readers to Liz McLuckie, who, in her retirement in the charming fishing town of Whitby, finds herself entangled in a web of mystery and intrigue.
The story kicks off with a fatal feast and a missing body, setting the stage for a seaside sleuth adventure. Durham weaves a compelling narrative as Liz McLuckie, grieving the loss of her husband, becomes determined to clear her friend's name when accused of poisoning the town mayor. The stakes are raised when it is suspected that the mayor's fatal allergy was intentionally triggered.
The author skillfully builds suspense and keeps readers guessing as Liz dives into the investigation. The added layer of complexity emerges when the mayor's body is stolen the night before his funeral, leaving Liz and her motley collection of friends, along with Nelson the bull terrier, to unravel the mystery.
Durham's portrayal of Whitby adds charm and atmosphere to the story, making it a character in itself. The seaside setting, coupled with the quirky cast of characters, enhances the reader's immersion into the narrative. The inclusion of Nelson, the bull terrier, adds a touch of humor and bravery to the mix, making the storytelling both heartwarming and entertaining.
As Liz navigates the twists and turns of the investigation, readers are treated to a well-paced and intricately plotted mystery. The resolution is satisfying, and Durham successfully combines elements of suspense, humor, and camaraderie. Death At The Feast is a recommended read for mystery enthusiasts who appreciate a seaside setting, endearing characters, and a cleverly constructed plot. Jan Durham's storytelling prowess shines through, earning this book a well-deserved four-star rating.
This is a delightful series and I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment as the others. Liz and Nelson the dog are great characters and I always have fun in following their investigation.
The Whitby setting is as fascinating as usual and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
i can't wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This is a lovely cosy mystery, engagingly written and with believable - if a little larger than life - characters. Personally, I could have done without the dog but that seems to be one of the selling points of the series, so I think that's just me!
This is the third in a series set in Whitby and the first that I have read. I didn't feel that I had missed out on anything by not having previously read the first two. Whitby is fabulously described and really comes alive as a vital character in the book - I found myself looking up some locations online and enjoying a virtual tour of the town.
I won't go into the plot here, except to say that it revolves around a suspicious death - but then, what cosy mystery doesn't?
Although I read this at the height of summer, it's actually set around Christmas and would make a wonderful read tucked up in a cosy bed or in front of a log fire on a December night. I hope that I meet the characters again and look forward to more titles from this writer (minus the dog!?).
Perfect cozy mystery! Reminds me of Jane Marple and other non detective ppl who get into a mystery. Who dun it all the way to the end. The clues kept coming up and I didn’t get a hint for who is the culprit
I grew up watching Murder, She Wrote and Death at the Feast has all the same feel: a competent widow who notices clues and sometimes gets herself in a pickle. I enjoyed reading this story and definitely was still guessing who-dun-it almost to the reveal. This is a great addition for fans of cozy mystery.
It’s very well written and definitely worth a read. Wow!!! Started this book and could not stop reading it until I'd finished!! Every time I thought I had things sussed, along came another surprise!! So rare for a story to catch me out, so well done to the author.
I just read and reviewed Death At The Feast on Netgalley. It was a great mystery/crime novel and I loved the book because of its location. How delightful to read a book that is set in Yorkshire. It is so refreshing to read about the idyllic location of Whitby. I loved the seaside feel to the location and reading about the various landmarks mentioned in the book.
I liked all the characters in the book. This novel held my interest from the first page to the last and it was a joy to read.
It was a lot more lighthearted than other crime/mystery/thrillers that I’ve read recently and I liked reading about the adventures of these colourful characters. I also loved Nelson the dog. He was simply charming.
I liked the writing style of this novel, main characters and the plot. I’m giving this book 4 stars.
A great entry in the Kipper Cottage Mystery series. I love how the author incorporates actual streets and locations in this series. It gives a real sense of the town of Whitby and surrounding area. Liz finds herself caught up in another murder mystery as she tries to clear her friend’s name. This 3rd book in the series has the same great cast of characters along with a twisty plot.
Third in the series. Liz and her dog Nelson are well known in the town. They set out to solve the mystery of the Town Mayor's murder, meeting lots of suspects along the way. The Mayor had a young second wife and children, are any of them the killers? Who could be next?
Wonderful descriptions of Whitby and eccentric characters, from a love interest for Liz, to DI Flint trampling all over the case.
Great cosy mystery, with lots of twists and fun to guess the culprit! Excellent!
Liz McLuckie a nurse has retired to Whitby after the death of her husband. But Whitby isn’t the peaceful retreat she imagined. The mayor dies at a function where her two friends Tilly & Mags did the catering, then Mags is accused of poisoning the town mayor, Liz is determined to clear her name. She suspects someone has deliberately triggered the mayor’s fatal allergy. The mystery deepens further when the mayor’s body is stolen the night before his funeral.
This is Liz & Nelson, the bull terriers’ third outing & whilst it could easily be read on its own there is a group of characters who appear in each of the books & I love how relationships are growing, changing & developing. I really like Liz who is in her fifties but sometimes acts with the impetuousness of a teenager, her questions can be rude but are direct. There are plenty of twists & turns, as well as red herrings before the case is solved. I also loved how the events take place in the lead up to Christmas & there are light hearted moments when Iris joins the choir!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Another fantastic addition to my favorite series.
The Mayor is dead and Liz's friend Mags is one of the suspects. It is up to Liz to prove her friend's innocence and bring the killer to justice. But it isn't as easy as it sounds - especially when the Mayor's dead body goes missing from the church. As Liz starts to dig deeper, she finds a clue or two - but they don't lead her anywhere.
Jan Durham is a master storyteller. I have been following this series from the start. I am a huge fan of both Jan's writing and the series. Excellent storytelling and plot-to-story development. The killer's identity was unexpected and shocking. We also have a dash of romance - or what might be a fully-blown love story, only time will tell though.
Of course, I have to mention Iris and her SINGING. Looks like Whitby choir has a LOUD SINGER in their midst.
Overall. Death at the Feast was an engrossing and completely entertaining read. Highly recommended!
Death At The Feast is the third book in the Kipper Cottage Mystery series. Set in the picturesque town of Whitby these books have it all - Great setting, great characters and great storylines - I just can't get enough of them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for my ARC.
This genre is one of my guilty pleasures an amateur sleuth novel that gives me some light relief from my more darker choices.
This is book three in the series but this is a first for me and despite the fact that I've missed two books it didn't spoil my enjoyment.
The main character Liz and her side kick Nelson were great fun and likeable, set in the idealistic setting of Whitby a fantastic cosy entertaining mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Having read the first two books in this series, I was thrilled to see number three! It did not disappoint! Once again we visit Liz McLuckie, her friends, neighbours, and other inhabitants of Whitby. And of course, it does not take long for disaster to strike, when the mayor dies of a food allergy at a dinner catered by Liz’ friends Tilly and Mags. Mags is suspected of being careless, a wrongful death lawsuit is filed, and business at the cafe disappears. Liz proceeds to investigate in order to help her friend.
There are various twists and turns as the plot unfolds and I was eager to keep reading to see how it would all end.
The story takes place at Christmastime, which added a fun touch, as did the activities of some of the regulars. There were heartwarming holiday moments as well. Whether you’ve read the previous books in the series or not, I can wholeheartedly recommend this one. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books, but it’s not necessary to have read them in order to follow along with the characters and the plot. I will definitely keep reading this series.
In this latest outing of the Kipper Cottage Mysteries, Liz McLuckie needs to help Mags and Tilly. As owners of the Full Moon Cafe and her friends, they are accused of killing the mayor at a Christmas dinner that they were in charge of. He died from an allergic reaction to nuts and supposedly Mags used nut oil in her preparations. As the evidence points to Liz's friend she still feels that there might be more than an accidental death and that someone wanted the mayor dead.
A quick and engaging British cozy mystery with all the familiar characters from the town lending a hand in helping Liz uncover the culprit.
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this e-galley of "Death at the Feast".
Liz mcLuckie lives in Whitby, a fishing town on the north yorkshire coast. When the mayor dies and her friend Mags is accused of poisoning him with sesame oil that he was highly allergic to, Liz sets out to clear her friends name.. The mayor's young wife dies shortly after him and Liz is sure it was murder. Lots of red herrings, Likeable characters, and a little humor. This was a well written cozy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you for the advance copy Netgalley!
When Neil Grogan, Mayor of Whitby, dies of poisoning at a party, suspicion falls on Liz McLuckie’s close friends Mags and Tilly. Their restaurant loses business and the two women ask Liz to investigate. She has developed a reputation in town as am amateur detective and, because of that, is on the wrong side of Fiona Flint, the local Detective Inspector. Of course, that doesn’t stop Liz as she finds many suspects. The Mayor’s ex-wife Deborah and his three adult children are first in line. So is his new, and much younger wife, Carolyn. Liz’ investigation has barely begun when Neil’s body disappears from the church. Some broad slapstick humor involving the dead body, Liz and her friends will eventually lead to the killer but not before a trusting Liz will have to fight for her life.
Death at the Feast is the third in a delightful series by Jan Durham. There is an atmospheric setting in historic Whitby. Liz McLuckie is a strong female lead and the supporting characters have become my friends. I’m looking forward to the next in the Kipper Cottage series. 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Inkubator Books and Jan Dunham for this ARC.
Twists and turns galore in this book and just when you think it’s safe more pop up, quiet a good book, I did enjoy it ..
This book is set in the North Yorkshire coast and it turns out to be a perfect setting for a murder mystery. Liz is determined to find out who murdered the Mayor and clear her friend of the crime. The how and why behind the murder create a creative and surprising plot.
Had me into it from page one.
I have not read such a creative murder mystery in a long time.
Will be reading more books by this newly discovered author for me.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an advance copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
Recommend.