Isabel's back with a bang! Isabel Puddles has been invited to her mystery author friend Teddy Mansfield's home in Mousehole, Cornwall. She leaves Lake Michigan behind for two weeks and flies to London, her dream city, then is driven to Teddy's chocolate box village where she eventually shakes off jetlag and is quickly immersed and enveloped into strangers' (not for long!) lives. Teddy's housekeeper Tuppence quickly initiates her. Isabel had decided to give up her private investigating business so this break was exactly what she needed. Until family drama, village gossip and murder come knocking. She uses her investigative skills to inveigle and sniff out the murderer with Teddy's help. She also sniffs out delicious foods along the way.

The use of British idioms and foods should not have befuddled Isabel, however. They are well known abroad, especially to readers as she is. Evocative descriptions of England always give me goosebumps and take me back in an instant. But you needn't be a traveler to enjoy the beautiful landscape and food descriptions. The mystery for me is secondary to the eclectic characters and lovely setting.

Cozy mystery fans who enjoy sprightly sixty-something sleuths with life experience ought to get to know Isabel Puddles, humorous sleuth extraordinaire and comfy friend.

My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this delightful book and for introducing me to the series.

Such a delightful cozy mystery with an adorable character! I will certainly be looking for more of the books in this series. I truly enjoyed my time spent following Isabel Puddles on her first trip to England from her native Michigan. This is the first book I've read in this series, but had no trouble reading it as a stand alone.

Apparently, Isabel Puddles is in her sixties and has solved several murders previously as an investigator. Isabel has been invited by her friend Teddy Mansfield aka Archie Cavendish, a mystery writer, to visit him in his home in Mousehole (pronounced Mow-zul) Cornwall. Of course there's a murder in Cornwall and Isabel's expertise is called upon to help solve it.

There were some great characters in the book and my favorite, of course, was Isabel Puddles. I also really enjoy Tuppence, Mr. Mansfield's maid. The murder victim seemed to be a despicable person and was disliked by many making it difficult to determine who had the best motive to kill her. It was intriguing to follow the investigation's path. I enjoyed the controversy over the cooking contest. The town of Mousehole seemed like a great community.

Thanks to Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on November 29, 2022.

Thanks Kensington Books and Netgalley for sharing the next installment of Isabel Puddles. It’s another sweet and gentle chapter in the life of the accidental detective. Perfect if you just need something easy and relaxing but not as cutesy as some of the other cozy mystery series I’ve seen (and I don’t like those at all). Recommended for murder-mystery-without-the-gore fans.

Isabel Puddles decides to leave her cozy hometown of Gulf Harbor, Michigan for an adventure in jolly old England. Widowed Isabel has struck up a friendship with the English detective novelist Teddy Mansfield and is thrilled to take her first trip outside the country to visit Teddy in Cornwall. Is there a chance of a romance? Well, Isabel isn't entirely opposed to the idea. Isabel has had some previous experience solving murders and working as a private detective, so she's hoping this trip will give her some well-earned relaxation (as if!).

Once in England, Isabel is introduced to many people in Teddy's village of Mousehole (pronounced Mow-zul). There's his allegedly taciturn (but in reality friendly) housekeeper Tuppence, his unmarried and somewhat aloof sister Matilde, the town busybody Hyacinth, and of course, the corgis, Fred and Ginger. The book meanders along and the only thing that really happens in the first part of the book is the village scone bakeoff, judged this year by that TV personality Raul Bollywood and with a winning trophy presented by the Duchess of Cornwall (as she was then) Camilla. Tuppence is tired of constantly losing to Hyacinth, but this year she has a secret recipe that is sure to win over Mr. Bollywood and get her a handshake from Camilla.

Eventually, though, there is a diabolical murder and of course Isabel is on the front lines in trying to find the murderer and make sure none of her friends gets the blame. It's especially helpful that the local police officer in charge, Inspector Carlyle, keeps Isabel informed of all developments in the case and allows her to come in and be present whenever a potential suspect is detained and questioned. Since he doesn't have much experience with murders and Isabel does, I suppose it's only natural. Eventually Isabel is able to sort out the motive and lead the police to the truth, so her record of solving murders is unblemished.

The story is very leisurely paced and gentle, and Isabel's true love of the culture and landscape of England shines through. There do seem to be a few odd things that are sort of belabored -- mainly, alleged Anglophile Isabel's complete and utter bafflement whenever anyone uses a British idiom. If someone mentions her "jumper" or says "Bob's your uncle," you'd think the locals had suddenly lapsed into speaking Swahili. Aside from the meaning being fairly evident from the context, surely someone who claimed to be a fan of British literature and TV shows would have encountered these expressions repeatedly. I was also somewhat skeptical of the British people using so many old US TV references -- Mr. Magoo, Macmillan and Wife, Hart to Hart, etc. If they had thrown out some British TV references, Isabel would have been within her rights to be confused! Still, the story was interesting and I enjoyed Isabel's jaunt abroad!

I received this ARC via Netgalley and Kensington Books, in return for an honest review. While the third book in this series, it is easily read as a standalone. Isabel Puddles is a delightful protagonist to enjoy in this cozy series. This time, she’s visiting a new friend, Teddy Mansfield, in Cornwall, with a short stay in London beforehand. The pace is a slow build and well written. The mystery occurs about halfway through the book and you should enjoy the ‘scenery’ along the way, as you’ll be interesting characters and experiences in the Cornwall town of Mousehole. There’s a scone baking contest, disagreeable neighbors, a murder victim. All kinds of mayhem await Isabel’s unique deductive skills in Cornwall!

I want to start off by saying that there are very few male cozy writers out there (or male writers of any genre) who can write an authentic female main character. M. V. Byrne is one of the few. Even if I didn't like the books in this series I would give them respect for that alone. But it just so happens I also really like these books.

Isabel is at a bit of a crossroads. She's decided to give up her criminal justice studies and her private investigator business is at a bit of a standstill. Instead of lollygagging about, Isabel heads out to visit her new friend Teddy in Cornwall. We see a bit of her life changes in the beginning, some of her trip planning, her voyage and arrival. The mystery itself doesn't get started until we're about halfway through the book. Normally I would complain about that, but it works here. There's so much going on and there's a bit of suspense as you wait for the body count to start.

I've really enjoyed this series. It's not typical of a cozy series, the main character is going through some pretty major life changes and each book is a completely different setting and premise and Isabel herself is a very different person as she is finding her way in life. I think that's really refreshing considering that Isabel is a "senior sleuth" (though not elderly by any means she's over the age of 60 and at the stage in life where she's semi-retired and her children are grown) and yet her approach to life is what you might expect from someone in their early 20's, starting out and trying to find their way.

Though this series isn't typical of cozies in general, it's not so different that it's not enjoyable as a cozy. I've really enjoyed all three book and I had the privilege of attending a webinar where M. V. Byrne spoke and he seems like he's a super nice guy (he was there along with Rick Copp - aka Lee Hollis, another author who writes a fantastic female main character - and I think the two of them are friends). I would highly recommend this series.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

At times a bit repetitive and slow going but overall a lovely cozy read.

Isabel Puddles has retired her PI business and takes the opportunity to visit her new friend Terry Mansfield in Cornwall, England. Terry is a successful mystery author. He and Isabel find themselves involved in solving the murder of a very unpopular woman in Terry's village.

The potential for romance will be part of upcoming cozies when Terry is expected to spend the summer with Isabel in Gull Harbor, Michigan.

Isabel heads to England to visit a dear friend, and manages to get involved in a murder while on vacation.

The story is satisfying and the characters are intriguing. The use of British English is unconvincing, but as long as you're not distracted by that, this is a fun read.

ISABEL PUDDLES ABROAD by M. V. Byrne begins strong, with a portrait of Isabel and her friends at home in their small town in Michigan. Isabel has sworn off solving murders (including changing her major in college and shuttering her private investigation agency), and she is planning a trip to meet a friend in England. The writing, in terms of the prose itself, is stronger than much of what I've read in cozy mysteries, and I was initially impressed. By the time I was over a third of the way through the book, though, and nothing had happened (except Isabel traveling to England--still no murder), I realized I was in for a slog. I was right--the book never recovered, and it was a chore to finish.

To start with, the writing in the Isabel Puddles books is some of the strongest I’ve ever read. It flows in a way that is tremendously descriptive but still easy to read. I feel like if you had the perfect narrator it would be a wonderful audiobook. The history & connections Isabel has to so many people in her hometown, make it feel like a real town, full of eccentric characters. Isabel is off to England this time around & trouble goes where she goes. I like the change of locale & adding Isabel into it makes this book even more up my alley! The village of Mousehole has all the British quirkiness & charm you could want in the characters & such. Byrne tends to build up to the mystery for longer than some cozies but I quite like it. The stories are really lived in & the endings never rushed. Simply put, I loved the book & I adore the series.

verbal-humor, England, family, family-dynamics, famous-author, small-town, siblings****

Isabel is a widow (and amateur sleuth) with grown children who live on opposite coasts while she chooses to stay in her hometown in downstate Michigan with all her friends and cousins. But she's always wanted to see London. Now she has been invited by her friend/mystery author/professor for a visit. Her family makes arrangements and off she goes. But friend has a mix-up with his work schedule, so she spends most of the visit in beautiful Cornwall with Teddy's friends and family. It's all so different (that line about two countries separated by a common language comes to mind) with squabbles and such. But then an obnoxious neighbor is found planted in her own garden and Isabel's prowess as a sleuth is proven once again! Loved this laugh riot!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Kensington Books/Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Thank you!

What a delight it has been getting to know Isabel Puddles. I'm new to this series but found it a solid stand-alone. A trip to England, Isabel's first, good friends, scones, sightseeing, and, oh, yeah, murder.

This one has a slow build, however, so we don't stumble across the body until nearly halfway in, but much to enjoy as we get to that point. Isabel is a delight, as are her family and friends, and I found myself warming to her British friend Teddy and Tuppence, his housekeeper, immediately. Tuppence's scone recipe is included at the end, an extra treat. And, hey, there are even corgis in the book. I gave my corgi mix and extra ear scratch after discovering them on the cover.

So, who buried the body in the flower bed? Who would have wanted to kill Hyacinth? Well, as it turns out, there are quite a few likely suspects. Isabel, who was walking the corgis when they got loose and started digging in the flower bed, of course, becomes involved. Being new to the series, I don't know her relationship with the police in America but since this is the new constable's first murder case, she feels she may be helpful. But, does he feel the same? Why doesn't Teddy's sister like Isabel? Could someone have been jealous enough over a baking contest to want revenge? How seriously do people take these contests? Who is harboring secrets?

There are lots of twists and turns, not to mention red herrings, that make Isabel's first visit to England rather memorable. I mean, I've never discovered a dead body, thank goodness, while dog walking. So, how will it all turn out? Will we see more of Tuppence and Teddy in future books? I mean, there will be an ocean between them.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me along on Isabel's overseas trip. It was great fun with interesting characters met along the way. Now that I've met Isabel, I'm looking forward to joining her on future adventures.

The third entry in the Isabel Puddles cozy mystery series finds Isabel finally heading to Cornwall to visit her pen pal, Teddy. Of course there is a murder and Isabel is soon in the middle of things and assisting the local police to find the killer. The investigation is complicated by Teddy's family drama and a scone baking competition that has its own dramatic aspects. Isabel is a great character and I felt she was channeling Jessica Fletcher/Murder She Wrote in sorting out the case. Very low key, no graphic violence, just a nice cozy mystery. I enjoyed the book and can't wait for some of these characters to show up in Michigan as the series continues. I received a copy of the book for review.

Isabel Puddles is off to visit her friend Teddy in Cornwall and of course, a murder that needs solving finds her there. If you love cozy mysteries that don't rush but meander, developing characters and relationships this is a book for you. The murder doesn't even happen until halfway through the story, but in that time we get to know Isabel, Teddy, Tuppence and the whole cast of characters. A few twists and turns take us through the suspects and the solution to the mystery. Such an enjoyable way to spend a rainy afternoon.
#IsabelPuddlesAbroad#KensingtonBooks#NetGalley

Across The Pond…
The third in this entertaining and enjoyable series finds Isabel venturing across the pond to visit an old mystery writer friend. It really goes without saying that her excursion will not go entirely to plan. It’s not long before Isabel is trying to unearth a killer following the quite literal unearthing of a corpse. A likeable protagonist in Isabel and a colourful cast of supporting characters make for a delightful cosy mystery laced with gentle humour and a worthy addition to this series.

You know when you settle down with a book & it makes you feel warm & cozy and you never want it to end? This is that book. Third in a series, this is the first one I’ve read and nowhere along the way did I feel lost. The characters are well developed, colorful and fun. The plot was nicely paced and the mystery kept me guessing until it was revealed after all he twists and turns. Highly recommended for those looking for a senior detective.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital copy of this ARC. All opinions are my own. This review can also be found on my Goodreads page.

Isabel is finally going to be visit her longtime pen pal, Mystery writer Teddy Mansfield. While staying in Teddy’s guesthouse, Isabel finds the locals to be as interesting as his characters. But when the local winner of the annual town bake off is found dead in her garden, Isabel helps the new constable solve his first murder case.

While I love Isabel, I think I love her even more in Cornwall…what a hoot! The whodunit is solid with enough red herrings to keep you guessing until the end. What I love most is seeing a senior living life to the fullest and taking on what comes her way, while also going out of her way at times too. I want to be Isabel when I get older!

This is a part of the series however can be read as a standalone without any issues. It is a slow build but a solid read. Isabel is a fun character to follow through out the mystery.
I enjoyed this one and looking forward to the next.
#IsabelPuddlesAbroad #NetGalley

I'd not read an Isabel Puddles book before, but it worked well as a standalone novel. It's quite slow going with lots of, I found unnecessary repetition and explanation. It kept me reading and made me laugh in parts. Set mainly in Cornwall with a short visit to London..I enjoyed it

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.

I love Isabel Puddles and couldn't wait to read about her adventures in England with her friend Teddy. I expected her to do some sleuthing and I expected, and received, quirky characters, a lovely setting, and a murder.
This book seemed a bit slower paced than the previous books. I found the plot a little loose, with a lot of repetition and review. I loved some of the characters and hope to see them again. However, some were not as well defined and not believable to me.
All told, it was a fun read and I look forward to more Isabel in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington books for the ARC of Isabel Puddles Abroad.