Although I read the whole story and didn’t skip anything I did find the writing style a bit ploddy, meaning that it felt a bit laboured and I didn’t really enjoy the whole process of reading. It almost felt a little old fashioned and if it were written about the fifties era it could have been relevant. However a good plot and ok characters but didn’t feel as if I wanted to find out more about them in subsequent novels. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

Merryn Allingham has another winner with Murder at the Priory Hotel! Here, Flora, Jack, and everyone in Abbeymead is gathering to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Priory Hotel. Sally Jenner has bought it and has big plans. But those plans grind to a halt when Beverly Russo, the lead singer of the band brought in for the big day, drops dead on stage. Heart attack? Poison? Electrocution?

Flora and Jack are once again in the thick of things when police progress is painfully slow. This time, they’re both aware of their growing feelings for each other, and so aren’t as quick to jump in to help. But when Sally asks Flora for help, fearing that she will lose the hotel, Flora can’t say no.

Once again, there’s no shortage of suspects! At one point Flora wonders whether Sally herself could have done the deed. It turns out many people have connections to Beverly, and most of those connected to her have a reason to hate her. Even Dominic, on whom Sally is sweet, has ties to Beverly (and he may not be who he purports to be, either). Who acted on that passion and ended her life?

The most frustrating thing about this book for me was the efforts both Jack and Flora made to keep themselves away from each other. Clearly they have feelings for each other. Why, then, the dance to keep those at bay? I like the characters. I want them to be happy. It seems to me like they would be happy together (and then they could open a detective agency, and wouldn’t that be fun?!).

This is a light, clean read with enough twists and turns to keep the story moving. No extreme gore or adult situations here. It’s the kind of book you can just lose yourself in and forget about life for a while! I think that may be just what we need in this crazy world. Five stars from me!

Attending the opening of the Priory Hotel owned by her friend Sally,Flora is there to help but also to enjoy,that is until a member of the band stands to perform and promptly drops dead

Suspects aplenty,a blossoming romance and a 2nd murder make for an interesting and captivating read

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this cosy mystery
Complete with its sense of history.
Set back in 1957 in the village of Abbeymead
It could well be the next book that you need!

Flora Steele is attending the Priory Hotel
Hoping everything at the re-opening will go well.
She, along with everyone else there, had a nasty surprise
As they witnessed the lead singer's untimely demise.

A missing ruby ring, lots of suspects and secrets galore
Flora and Jack Carrington are on the case once more!
Can they find clues that will help to reveal
Whatever someone is wanting to conceal?

A taste of village life, a possible romance,
A murder to solve if they're given the chance!
What an engrossing, fun read it proved to be
Now future books I just can't wait to see!

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Flora Steele is on the case again and accompanied by crime writer Jack Carrington. Flora and Jack attend a lavish grand re-opening of the famous Priory Hotel. The hotel is located in the beautiful little village of Abbeymead. Flora’s friend Sally is in charge of the event, but the festivities are cut short when the singer on stage drops dead. The main police inspector is away and so Sally relies on Flora and Jack to solve the case. Flora immediately assumes foul play. Beverly Russo was an energetic young woman with an amazing singing voice. Flora and Jack are determined to solve the case. They soon discover that Beverly’s ruby ring is missing. They wonder if that could be the reason for Beverly’s demise. Could it have been Beverly’s former boyfriend Tommy May or could it be the local doctor? Soon one of the suspects is found dead in the woods near the hotel. The murder weapon was a musical instrument. Someone sure is doing everything they can to send a message.

I loved the continuation to the Flora Steele Mystery Series. This story was a wonderful cozy mystery. I loved this heart-warming story and I especially liked the chemistry between Flora and Jack. They make a great investigative team. They are very witty and they make me laugh. I like how the author keeps you guessing to the very end. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, another twist to the story proves me to be wrong. Wow, what a great way to spend the day, solving crimes in Abbeymead Village. I completely loved this book. It’s a definite must read for all cozy mystery fans. I loved this book and I totally recommend it.

Thank you Merryn Allingham for such a wonderful and well written addition to the Flora Steele Mystery Series. You always have such great characters in your stories and that is what always brings me back to reading your books. Loved it!!!

This is the fourth book in the Flora Steele Mystery Series.

Flora and Jack are back in Abbeymead. The village is excited about the opening if the Priory Hotel. Everyone has been invited to an afternoon party to celebrate with a set by band Tutti Fruiti, led by glamorous singer Beverly Russo. As the music starts Beverly drops dead.

Flora is determined to help her friend Sally save the hotel’s reputation and get to the bottom of the mystery. As Flora and Jack start to investigate it soon become clear that Beverly was talented and ambitious but not very well liked.

With the police investigation stalling Jack and Flora use their local gossip to put together the pieces. The band, their manager, and some of the villagers are all keeping secrets that link them to Beverly, but none of them seem to be big enough to warrant a murder.

This is a complex and intriguing mystery that keeps you going until the end. There’s a lot of suspects to be ruled out and a lot of secrets to be revealed.

The tension between Jack and Flora is stronger than ever. They are clearly attracted to each other and are getting to know each other well. After their adventures in Cornwall, Flora is determined to keep their relationship platonic. When you get to the end of this book you will definitely want to know what happens next.

This works as a standalone alone mystery but the series is so good I would definitely recommend reading them all and enjoying the relationships and characters as they develop.

I love Flora – running a bookshop, cycling around the village and solving crime is pretty much my dream life!

Thank you to Bookoutre for my gifted copy of Murder at the Priory Hotel and for inviting me to be a part of the blog tour.

Murder at the Priory Hotel is the fourth book in the Flora Steele Mystery series and despite my preference tending towards darker crime fiction, I keep coming back for more of these delightful novels. Each one is a standalone mystery so there is no need to have read the previous books, however, it's worth mentioning that the development of the characters and their various relationships is ongoing, which will obviously be most appreciated by those who have read the series from the beginning.
A few months have passed since Flora and Jack Carrington's eventful stay in Cornwall in Murder at Primrose Cottage and the pair are back in the Sussex village of Abbeymead, looking forward to the reopening of the Priory Hotel. The building will be familiar to returning readers, having featured in the first two books in the series, The Bookshop Murder and Murder on the Pier. Having once been a well-loved, welcoming house when owned by Edward Templeton, the building has seen a change in fortunes in more recent times. However, change is in the air; it's now 1957, the hotel is under new ownership and many of the villagers are about to experience their first taste of rock 'n' roll as up-and-coming band, Tutti Frutti take to the stage to perform. It's already been made clear that all is not well within the band but nevertheless, the death of their lead singer, Beverly Russo in front of a horrified audience is shocking, particularly for Sally whose dreams of running a successful business look to be shattered.
There are several suspects and the cause of death is quickly discovered but the police don't seem to be making much progress which is why Sally asks Flora and Jack to investigate too. In the past, Flora has been the more keen of the pair but she initially seems reluctant. She realises what the the reasons behind her hesitation are, and they all make sense within the ongoing story arc. However, Flora is a natural-born investigator and I wasn't surprised that she inevitably becomes involved. She is such a likeable character; kind, community-driven and resolute but with a real sense of humour too – I love her teasing of Jack, particularly when she refers to him by his real name, Jolyon. Their friendship is the real heart of the series and I was intrigued to see what developments would occur here. It's become obvious that there are definite sparks between them but both have been hurt and have a tendency to try to protect themselves. The pacing of this storyline has been excellent throughout and continues here; I'm not going to go into any detail suffice to say that Merryn Allingham knows exactly how to keep readers coming back for more...!
Affairs of the heart figure prominently in Murder at the Priory Hotel; from the complicated love-life of the victim, to the highs and lows of the relationships of Flora's friends. There is potential for heartbreak as well as happiness and I love that readers are encouraged to become invested in the lives of the secondary characters too.
The period setting is evoked beautifully, once again and the way in which Merryn Allingham has reflected the changing times over the course of the series has been superb. In the first book, it was evident the country was still experiencing postwar life but now the immense social changes, especially the emergence of youth culture are well underway. Flora even considers wearing a pair of jeans!
If I'm honest, I was less interested in the unveiling of the murderer than I was in the lives of the recurrent characters. I think that's because Merryn Allingham has done such a wonderful job in bringing them to life and as Beverly is killed so early on in proceedings, I naturally didn't feel such a connection to her. Likewise, the second murder is committed towards the end of the book and while it helps speed up the investigation, it didn't really have an emotional impact on me. That said, it is certainly a puzzling mystery; I didn't guess the identity of the killer and was completely satisfied by the resolution.
Murder at the Priory Hotel is another captivating treat in this reliably engaging series. I really am a fan of these books and as always, can't wait to read more. I thoroughly recommend it.

Flora Steele's friend Sally has bought the Priory Hotel with Dominic. She has put a lot of money into refurbishing and also has a loan. They are now getting ready for the grand opening, have hired a band, Tuti Frutti, to play before a meal, and most of the town is invited. Shortly before the band is to play, Flora hears an argument between the lead singer, Beverly, and the head of the band, Tommy May. The band comes on stage, and Beverly grabs the microphone; her mouth starts to shake. Jack yells to switch the microphone off, but Beverly is dead. Jack rushes to get the doctor, and a band member takes Beverly to to a first floor suite with Flora following. Flora notices that although Beverly had been wearing a large ruby ring on her left hand, it is now missing.

Sally can't open the hotel until the murder is solved, and the police don't seem to be getting anywhere, so Flora and Jack must solve it before Sally needs to pay her first loan payment. They have a tough job, because there are several suspects. The doctor has been acting funny; the four members of the band hadn't seemed to get along very well, and none of them really like the band's agent. Dominic is also acting funny. A second murder then makes things even more difficult!

I thought this was a fun addition to the series, and Flora and Jack just might be getting closer. I thank Netgalley and Bookoutour for the ARC of this book.

It took me a couple of books to get used to the writing style and characters. This is the 4th book in the Flora Steele – Jack Carrington series, and is yet another cozy mystery.

The Priory hotel has new owners in Sally and Dominic, who have raised considerable money to renovate and launch the hotel with a new look. Flora Steele (book shop owner), Jack Carrington (writer), and much of the town is at the inauguration. The lead singer of the band engaged for the inauguration, Beverly, suddenly totters and falls, as she holds the mike. Those in attendance are shocked to find that she is dead immediately. A heart attack, poison or electrocution? – all seem possibilities. As with the previous books, the police make no headway, and Flora & Jack step in to help Sally. There are a number of suspects as they consider the possibility of foul play.

The sleuthing as in the previous books is casual & easy. I found the story and plot to be good, though a touch far-fetched with a more complex plot in comparison to the previous books. This is a good book (as the previous ones) to relax with as Flora & Jack are loveable characters, there is no bad violence and the pace is decent.

My rating: 3.75 / 5.

Another delightful installment in the Flora Steele series! Although a cozy mystery there is lots going on here with twists, turns and perhaps some romance? Wonderful read!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this opportunity to review “Murder at the Priory Hotel.” All opinions and comments are my own.

Everyone is helping out at the grand opening of the Priory Hotel, owned by Flora Steele’s friend Sally as “Murder at the Priory Hotel,” the fourth in Merryn Allingham’s series featuring bookshop owner Flora and her friend and confidante Jack Carrington, a crime fiction writer, begins. The books are set in 1956-era Sussex.

The grand feast is being spread out, drinks are chilling and the band is getting ready to perform. Only the lead vocalist is screaming at the lead guitarist. Not a good start to the day. And when said vocalist steps up to the mic and immediately drops dead, it’s really not a good start to the big shindig. So, was it heart failure, and does the medication she was taking (which figures large in the investigation) mean something? Awfully young for heart failure, though. Jack thinks she was electrocuted, and lo and behold -- she was. Who did the diva in?

Sally asks for their help, and who can refuse a friend? Author Allingham makes sure there are plenty of suspects, including Dominic, co-owner and Sally’s light of her life. Everybody else thinks the guy is rather smarmy, but who’s counting? And all sorts of tidbits emerge about the bandmembers. No angels, they.

Of course, we have side stories; our regular characters have grown throughout the books. Sally’s money woes continue, and now that the hotel is closed because of the murder, are getting bleaker. Jack’s lost his confidence, as a writer, and wonders what his future holds -- perhaps a life as a private detective? Our girl Flora is happy with her bookstore, but unhappy with what she should do with Jack. The gentle romance that started way back advances a bit in “Murder at the Priory Hotel”, and Flora and Jack continue to grow as “people.” These little “side steps” as it were, add personality to what we’re reading, and bring the book to life.

We have another dead body -- killed in a rather interesting manner (a small bone of contention here: the method of dispatch was “not” something that would have been recognized and known (nor described that way) in the late fifties. The “particular instrument” weren’t popular until the late sixties in the States, much less England). The identity of the corpse throws off Flora’s investigation, but only for a while. For revenge, and jealousy, and loyalty are strong motives for murder. Ms. Allingham ties it all together in a rather neat bow, with lots of little tidbits that should keep you guessing.

So, the Priory Hotel can re-open again, and all’s right with the world. It’s Jack’s birthday, and things are looking up. Flora and Jack do make a good couple. I do wish there was more of a 1950’s “feel” to their background; I never really feel that we are “there” in time, other than a gentle softening of tone --- these are never gritty, modern crime stories. Maybe that’s all we need right now. I certainly intend to find out what body they’ll stumble across next.

We return to the Priory Hotel for the fourth book in the Flora Steele Mystery series. Invested in its success as one of the owners is a friend of Flora's, she is distressed when there's a suspicious death on opening night. As the police seem willing to accept the death isn't suspicious, it falls to Flora and Jack to discover the truth.

I love the 1950s village setting and the cast of characters. Flora and Jack are great amateur sleuths, and the underlying menace always ramps up the suspense. Another enjoyable cosy crime mystery with a clever mystery and great characters.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Join Flora Steele, amateur detective extraordinaire, as she finds herself in position yet again to solve another murder. While Flora and Jack, who are good friends - although Jack apparently wants more - are set to enjoy the grand re-opening of the Priory Hotel. The hotel has had its troubles, but the re-opening is being celebrated with a musical performance. One of the singers suddenly drops dead - literally. The singer's manner of death is more than shocking, leaving some to wonder if it was perhaps a sudden heart attack. However, could it have been more, more meaning foul play was behind her death?

When Beverly Russo's performance definitely proves that someone succeeded in killing her, Flora plans on leaving no stone unturned as she start her own investigation. With very little faith in the police solving this curious murder, Flora begins digging deeply, only to discover that Ms. Russo was woman that was not well-liked by many, leaving more than one suspect in this newest case where Flora shines when it comes to uncovering secrets and lies. With Jack by her side also looking for clues, the pair prove indomitable when it comes to finding answers when even the police fall short.

However, one of the subjects is also found dead, and the weapon appears to be a musical instrument, leaving no doubt that the two deaths are both murders that are connected. Not only must Flora act even more quickly, she must avoid falling into the killer's crosshairs. Meanwhile, Jack is glad he is there at the hotel, as he feels that it is time for his relationship with Flora to be defined.

Murder at the Priory Hotel is an enjoyable addition to an engaging cozy mystery series. Since Jack is so distracted by his writing, these murders take a lot of his time. One thing that leads Flora and Jack in their pursuit of clues is the fact that Beverly Russo's ruby ring appears to be missing. That clue is the first of many in this intriguing entry of a series that I thoroughly enjoy.

I love that each book in this series stands on its own, but I really enjoy the continuity that reading this series in order brings, especially as Flora and Jack's relationship takes a slow turn from friendship to possibly more, and this leaves me more than eager for the next book in the series.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

A very small side note - this book is a year or so too early for the "official" name of the frisbee. Although the disc in its plastic form was invented in 1948, the round disc wasn't called the frisbee until around mid-1957.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review as well - https://youtu.be/TfrqQvgCc4E

Sussex, 1957: When Flora Steele and handsome crime writer Jack Carrington attend the grand re-opening of the Priory Hotel in their beautiful little village of Abbeymead, their day out is cut short when Beverley Russo, the flame-haired female singer in the band suddenly drops dead before their eyes. Flora is stunned by the unexpected turn of events and immediately deduces foul play. The first clue in the extraordinary case is Beverly’s missing ruby ring. As Flora & Jack make their enquiries, they discover that Beverly wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea and there’s more than one person in Abbeymead who had reason to dislike her. Then one of the suspects is found dead in the woods near the Priory Hotel. The murder weapon – a musical instrument.
This is the fourth outing for Flora & Jack, whilst it could be read on its own the characters both main & secondary have developed over the series so I’d recommend reading in order. I really like both Flora & Jack & their relationship shifts in this book as it’s Jack not Flora who is more invested in solving the case to begin with plus the ending is surprising but welcome & I can’t wait to see how things progress in the next book. A well written easy to read cosy mystery with plenty of suspects but also of red herrings & twists & turns. The setting is well described as is life in the 1950’s, one thing though were frisbees around in 1957?
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I have not read the previous books in this series. I had no problem reading this as a standalone though I would like to read the previous books. I think getting the backstory of the main characters would help me.
Murder and secrets abound with reading Murder at the Priory Hotel.
The characters are engaging and likeable.
Overall, a enjoyable read.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Lovely to revisit Flora and Jack (plus Alice, Kate and Charlie Teague). At the reopening of the Priory Hotel the singer of the band hired for the occasion suddenly dies. Is it a heart attack or murder? The police don't seem to be getting anywhere so as usual Flora and Jack do their own investigating. A depiction of village life in the 1950's

Another great addition to the series. While this book started a little slower than the others, quickly picks up pace and becomes engrossing.
While helping their friend, Sally, on opening day of the Priory Hotel, Flora and Jack, among others, are witness to the lead singer passing out and seemingly dying from electrocution. This time it is Jack, more than Flora, who is eager to do some sleuthing and find out what is going on. Together they uncover some interesting clues.
Love the characters, and enjoy seeing the blooming relationship between Flora and Jack. Anxious to see where the two are headed.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

How far would you go to help a friend? Would you risk your own life? How much are you willing to give of yourself?

That's the situation facing Flora Steele. She's even invited Jack to help. That alone is enough to make her wary. She's been dancing around her relationship with Jack for awhile. As the book opens, however, their focus is on helping their friend Sally prepare for the grand re-opening of the Priory Hotel in Abbeymead. Everything seems to be going well until, well, it isn't. The singer of the band hired to entertain drops dead on stage in front of an audience. She's been electrocuted. The main police inspector is away and Sally, who has everything she owns tied to the success or failure of the hotel, turns to Flora and Jack for help.

As intriguing as it is to watch them set out to find the murderer, it's even more fascinating to contrast the tools available to them in 1957 to now. They are forced to rely on good ol' fashioned sleuthing, talking to people and gathering evidence that isn't always as helpful as it might be in this day and age. I mean, Jack doesn't even have a telephone in his residence yet, let alone the instant communication and reference ability a cell phone offers us today. Flora rides a bicycle she calls Betty which, a bit of research tells me wasn't that unusual in the area during the time period depicted. In fact, Abbeymead was largely green fields until nearly the 1970s and was still recovering from the damage of World War II in 1957. I also noted, excuse me detour into research, that many of the real streets had bird names, too, just as in the book. In other words, the author knows her stuff. I'll spare you my other detour into knot gardens, which are mentioned, but that mention added another element of historical reality to the setting.

As for the mystery, it seems slow going at first. Flora is reluctant not because she doesn't want to help Sally but, well, because she fears losing more of her heart to Jack if they come together to investigate. Despite this, a sense of responsibility to her friends wins out and they begin. It's slow going at first, with few clues. Jack even ventures to another town to talk to a suspect's mother, something difficult given the then fuel shortages, while Flora remains at home, asking questions and listening. She's even willing to consider Sally a suspect, however unlikely. That's what "real" detectives do, consider everyone until they can be eliminated. It takes a frustratingly long time, however. Then a second murder occurs. Eliminate one suspect.

I like Flora and Jack both apart and together. It's pretty obvious I find the setting in the Gloucestershire area, researching it a bit more each book. I find it fascinating to figuratively watch the wheels in Flora's brain spin, spinning at an almost dangerous pace as she zeroes in on the culprit. She's impulsive, yes, but Jack is right there with her.

I'm looking forward to seeing where their relationship goes from here. I'm also looking forward to not just more history of the area in future books but to seeing where the events in this book take Jake and Flora.

Thanks again, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for inviting me back into Flora's world. I think it's my ancestors from the Gloucestershire area would applaud my taste in books.

3.8 Stars

One Liner: Good continuation to the series; light cozy mystery

Sussex, 1957:
Flora Steele and Jack Carrington are back in the fourth installment of the series. The Priory Hotel is being reopened by Sally and Dominic, her business partner. On the day of the reopening, the lead singer, Beverly, of the rock n’ roll band Tutti Frutti drops dead in front of the crowd.
With a not-so-positive history, the hotel suffers from canceled bookings. Sally is worried that her investment will sink into nothing. When Flora and Jack have no option but to investigate the case, they come across information that puts just about everyone on the suspect list.
Will the duo solve the case and save Priory Hotel from losses? Are they putting themselves at risk yet again?

My Observations:
We are back at Priory Hotel, but the book keeps the case interesting. Despite the same setting (as in the first book), the story doesn’t feel repetitive or boring.
Flora and Jack have a slight change of characters, with Jack being more eager to solve the crime. Of course, we need Flora to find the clues for us.
The writing seemed a little slower than in the previous books. It could also be that I was more tired (which I was), and that affected my reading.
We have enough red herrings and suspects in this one, but the danger quotient is slightly less. I like how it has been incorporated into the story.
There’s a development in Flora and Jack’s friendship, and I’m hoping it will continue in the coming books.
As always, we meet the recurring characters, and some of them have developments in their lives. I always like it when side characters’ lives are also given importance.
The book works as a standalone, but the reader might be confused about the range of characters introduced in the first few pages. There are references to previous cases, though none of them affect the current case.

To sum up, Murder at the Priory Hotel is a light cozy mystery and a little less dangerous than the previous ones. Looking forward to the next book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

This is the fourth installment for Flora and Jack
I'm not normally one to read books set in the 50's but I really do love this cosy mystery series. I worried that in the previous book that Flora was becoming a little over bearing but she was on top form in this book. The friendship she shares with Jack is wonderfully written and as a reader you wonder how/if that will progress to more.

This book centres on the murder of the outgoing lead singer of a band hired to perform at the opening of The Priory. On this occasion Flora is not as hasty to investigate but Jack who is suffering from writers block is keen to discover the truth.

I highly recommend this series, the characters, scene and story are wonderfully written. Am already looking forward to the 5th installment.