I’m sure I read all the novels in this series, and this means I love it and it’s the tenth time I read and review an Eve Mallow mystery.
Eve, Gus, Robin and Viv are sort of friends you meet from time to time, catch up with them, have fun and share the joy for the positive changes in their life.
Clare Chase created relatable characters and made them change and evolve, except Gus but he’s a big part of my enjoyment.
This is a bit darker than the other novels: there’s secrets, there’s a divided family, betrayals and a village who is not happy about the new owner of Fairfield Castle.
A solid mystery with a lot of surprises, twists, and an adrenalinic last part that kept me reading till late in the night.
I had fun, I wish I could visit a place like Fairfield Castle and felt for the victims.
Another winner in this series that could be read as a stand-alone but can be fully appreciated it you read the previous novels.
Can’t wait to read the next stories.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this arc, all opinions are mine

Wowsers are we really at book 10! Obviously usual series rules apply and you don't need me to spell them out!
This time out, Eve Mallow is asked to take off her obituary writer's hat and is instead asked to attend and write a review for a writers' retreat at nearby Fairfield Castle which has recently come into new owners, Kitty and her novelist husband Julian Fisher. Their purchase of said castle has been controversial to say the least and the villagers are disappointed (understatement) that only the privileged will able to "enjoy" it going forward.
There's a launch party which does not go without incident as Eve feel tension in the air and she also witnesses Kitty arguing with several other guests. Upset, she rushes off. Fast forward to later that evening and, surprise surprise (not really for anyone who has read the previous books, and you have, haven't you?!) Kitty is found dead. In the castle's icehouse of all places...
It's a good thing that Eve is on hand to investigate, as always, as if you recall, Det Palmer, her nemesis is a bit on the useless side. Unfortunately, Eve is without her usual sidekick Robin as he is off testifying against those he is hiding from, a trial that, if it goes the right way, will mean he will be free. But Eve is not without other helpers as the whole village is more than interested in the shenanigans...
As with every previous book in this series it hit the ground running, held me captive throughout, spitting me out at the end exhausted but satisfied. Again I gave up second guessing quite early on and just went with the flow, enjoying the ride. And without any superfluous waffle or padding, the ride was quite a speedy one, with pacing matching the narrative throughout.
One thing I really do love and want to single out is the author's amazing skill with characterisation. Series characters and episode ones, main and bit part, every single one is well crafted and all play their parts with aplomb. I know you don't have to connect to all the characters in a book to make it a great read but it really does help make a reader's job easier if you can! And with this series, I most definitely do. And yes, I'm including the animals in this too :)
All in all, a cracking addition to an already well impressive series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

A well written and twisting plot which kept me guessing to the end. This is a great series that seems to get better and better as we go along. This was especially good as the castle is local so lots of the local character's can make an appearance which is nice. A very good cozy mystery in a beautiful setting, recommended. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

‘Mystery at Farfield Castle’ by Clare Chase is an Eve Mallow mystery and is set in the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Eve attends a champagne reception for the opening of the castle as a writers’ retreat. Novelist Julian Fisher and his wife Kitty, along with her brother, plan to make a success of the venture, but not everyone is happy. When Kitty is found dead that night, Eve becomes involved in the investigation – if only to prevent the local police making a mess of it. She soon discovers that there are a few people with reason to kill Kitty. But as she delves deeper, danger comes closer, and Eve must find the killer before anyone else is hurt.

I like Eve. I’ve read a few in this series and have enjoyed them all. This is no exception. Eve is a good friend, kind and thoughtful. It helps her in her work writing obituaries, as well as in her investigative endeavours. She’s sensible and not easily flummoxed. She’s also curious and observant. That makes for a great amateur detective. She’s also empathetic and able to read people well.

I loved being in the Suffolk countryside again and appreciate Clare Chase’s wonderfully descriptive writing about the area. She has a knack of getting inside the heads of her characters, and therefore draws the reader in.

I enjoyed the story immensely and look forward to more in the same vein.

I was given this ARC to review.

Ding, dong bell
Kitty's in the well.
Who pushed her in?
Let the investigations begin!

Eve Mallow is invited to Farfield Castle to stay
To write about their planned writers' retreat and open day.
A launch party with locals coming, too,
Should be a fun, not gruesome, do.

But when Kitty's body is found down the ice house well
She's been murdered the evidence soon will tell.
But who is the perpetrator and why?
Eve Mallow's seeking where the answers lie.

Hidden relationships, secrets being hidden, too,
Eve hopes the truth will win a way through.
Kitty's husband and his prickly PA,
Kitty's brother and the ex castle owner all have a say.

A family heirloom and a laptop both disappear
Why should they go, it isn't clear.
Another journalist is asking questions galore
Just what is it that he's looking for?

With accusations, liaisons, secrets and dreams
Maybe nothing is quite as it seems.
The community folks support Eve's search, too,
Sharing what they saw, where and who.

Putting together the pieces to find what's true,
Ignoring red herrings, that's what Eve will do.
Get ready for twist and surprises galore
Especially those the police inspector will ignore!

I'm really enjoying this series of mysteries
With great characters, plots and their histories.
For Eve there's danger and romance,
But she won't give the killer any chance!

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

Eve and Gus are back with another delightful instalment of this cosy mystery series which I am very much invested in as it gives me my amateur sleuth fix.

I love the village of Saxford St Peter and the regular characters who pop up along the way with their individual characters and personalities which have been written and developed with precision and care, Clare creates a wonderful picture of village life.

Having read all of the Eve Mallow books I have grown to appreciate Clare Chase's excellent characterisation and the way she weaves her easy reading mysteries. Fairfield Hall was no exception. Well written and engaging, I didn't work out the killer which is always a bonus.
It is nice to see Eve's personal story development as well.
Hopefully there shall be many more.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

How is this already Eve Mallow's 10th sleuthing adventure? Time flies! But I've envoyed every book in the series and this one is no exception. As usual, I was happy to see the recurring characters again, and of course it's always a joy to discover new secrets as Eve meets new people who have a lot to hide. This time, she's sent to write an article about the opening of a writing retreat, but she soon finds herself interviewing people for the obituary of a murder victim again. Usual pattern, new set of suspects with interesting secrets - another success, in my opinion.
Now for those who haven't read the previous books yet: this one wouldn't spoil the ending of either of the others but would reveal the secret of one suspect from the first, so I still recommend to start with the first book (unless you really don't mind partial spoilers). After that, the reading order is less important.

Book 10 in this delightful cozy crime series sees obituary writer Eve Mallow and her gorgeous dachshund Gus staying at a local castle, soon to be developed into a writers retreat. She is there as a journalist to give readers of her paper an insight into the project.

It is widely frowned on by the locals in her community as the previous owners had generously shared the land with them for picnics and walks. Eve is determined to be neutral and all is well until one of the new owners is found dead at the launch party.

Great lovable characters known now from previous books appear and Eve’s boyfriend Robin is featured as he is also nearing the end of a case in which he has helped to expose fellow police who were corrupt.

Well written and a twisting plot which really kept me guessing as to who was the murderer. Best read as a series to get the most of the building of the characters and their lives, but equally can be read as a standalone.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book Title: Mystery at Fairfield Castle
Series: An Eve Mallow Mystery Book 10
Author: Claire Chase
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: May 5, 2023
My Rating: 4.18 Stars

Eve Mallow is a sympathetic obituary writer; but does have an inquisitive side making her good at being an amateur sleuth.
Eve has accepted a writing commission ~ (first time in twenty year as It isn’t an obituary) to write about the grand opening of a new writers’ retreat; additional has been invited to a launch party. The new Farfield Castle will be run by novelist Julian Fisher his wife Kitty Marchant and her brother Nate Marchant ~ Nate has put up the money, Julian will act as mentor, and Kitty will conduct exercise classes.

However the Saxford St Peter locals are disgruntled as Ella Tyndall one of their own- a local teacher and historian had raised funds to purchase the castle for the villagers to use and enjoy as a community but Nate out bid her. Instead it is being turned into a luxury writer’s retreat which means only the wealthy will be able to enjoy it.

Side note Kitty’s grandparents one lived at Farfield and Kitty was involved in some scandal and created some enemies. Now Kitty disappears, and her body was found in the Farfield Icehouse.
Hmmm is this all related?

I have no doubt that Eve will track down the killer and solve the case!

I always enjoy reading the author’s ‘Acknowledgements’ as well as the ‘Author’s note’. In this case ‘A letter from Clare’.
She tells us that she hopes we have fun trying to solve this case!

I laughed out loud as true I enjoyed this but wasn’t close to solving it!

Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 5, 2023

This is another great book in the Eve Mallow series.
Eve, once again, stumbles into a murder investigation. This time, she knows the players and is having aa difficult time piecing things together. Every time she gets another clue, she feels farther away from figuring things out. Luckily she is able to solve things just before she falls prey to the murderer.
As always, the characters are great, the plot is captivating, and I love Gus! This story had a few twists and turns, and some secrets revealed that threw a few wrenches in the solving of the crime. Highly recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

An Eve Mallow Mystery-

I felt that there were too many characters introduced in the very beginning. It was confusing and hard to keep them straight.
The book felt very disjointed until around chapter ten when they started putting characters together with the story.
It was more slow and steady, as opposed to a page turner.
The writing style was good. I'm newer to English writers and some of the terminology was unfamiliar to me.
It was tied to together nicely at the end.
No sex
No graphic violence
No bad language

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.

A short and engaging read to take your mind off the everyday chores. The conclusion is becoming formulaic with Eve running headlong into danger.

This is the 10th book in the series and I have read a few previous ones but not all however it did not detract from the book.

I really enjoyed that Eve's best friend and fellow cafe owner was more involved in solving the mystery - great characters!

A fun, easy read.

Thank you for the arc.

Many thankks to NetGalley & Clare Chase for allowing me to have a free copy of this book in exchange for my unprejudiced review.

I've been following the Eve Mallow Mystery series for quite some time now and am never disappointed. Eve is a sympathetic obituary writer and sleuth and her sidekicks Viv and Robin are nice characters too.
I remember that the last episode I found the plot a bit overly complicated but this time Eve is right back on track with what might just be her best episode in this series yet. Eve has been invited to write an article about Farfield Castle, a venue very near to where she lives, which has been turned into a writers’ retreat, For the opening evening all the villagers and a couple of other people have been invited to join in the celebrations, but this being the Eve Mallow mysteries violent death is spoiling the party when Kitty, one of the castles owners, is found dead in the former ice-house.
So now Eve has a double task, writing the article about the Castle turned writers retreat and writing Kitty's obituary, and off course, solving the murder(s) while doing so.

Another great episode in this series.

Definitely found a firm f here...Can't wait to read the rest of this series and her other books. Very well written. Kept me interested and guessing all the way through. A pleasure to read.

Another excellent novel by Clare Chase starring Eve Mallow continuing to solve mysteries occuring in her home town of Saxford. She is looking into the death of a woman called Kitty who is found murdered in an icehouse in the Fairfield Castle. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good murder mystery read.

Thank you to NetGalley & author Clare Chase for allowing me to have a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.

This is the first book I have read by Clare Chase, but it certainly won’t be the last. Over the past few weeks I have fallen head over heels for cozy mysteries and Mystery at Farfield Castle was the perfect book to add to my ever growing collection.

Amateur sleuth Eve Mallow & the rest of the Saxford St Peter locals head to Farfield Castle after being invited to a launch party by the owners Kitty & Julian Fisher. Sadly with the locals still being furious that they missed out at being able to buy the property for the village, now only the rich will be able to enjoy it. As tension hangs in the air & angry words fly, Kitty Fisher disappears, only to have her body found in the Farfield Icehouse. Can Eve track down the killer and solve the case?

Mystery at Farfield Castle was amazing, I couldn’t get over how detailed it was, it was so engaging, kept me hooked the whole way through, there were so many twists & turns that trying to figure out who killed Kitty was simply impossible, and then the ending was such a shock, but truly brilliant. As I read the majority of the book before I went to sleep, I ended up dreaming about it as I was thinking about it so much before going to sleep. I’m so happy that there are another 9 books in the Eve Mallow Mystery series, I cannot wait to get my hands on them.

Officially, Eve's job is to write obituaries. Unofficially, though, she has a habit of stumbling across dead bodies...and a talent for solving the mystery before the rather inept detectives can. In "Mystery at Farfield Castle," Eve has accepted a request to write about something else—there shouldn't be any murders to solve at a new writing retreat set at an old castle, right? ...right? But before long, of course, Eve is right in it (with her silent but trusty sidekick/familiar/doggo, Gus), trying to figure out who killed Kitty Marchant, one of the owners of the retreat.

I went into this cozy relatively blind, which is to say that it's book 10 in a series of which I have not read books 1–9. I'm happy to report that although there are several threads for storylines that clearly span numerous books, this stands alone. The mystery isn't quite a locked-room sort (there are too many random people on the grounds of the castle when Kitty is killed), but it's clear early on that there are only a few viable suspects, some of whom have reason to resent Kitty and her husband's purchase of the castle...and some of whom might have more personal reasons to want Kitty dead. Not a lot of big twists here, but plenty of small clues that add up to keep you guessing until the end. Eve being a reporter, too, gives her the excuse (not just for the other characters, but for the reader) to dig a bit into personal lives—she knows things that the average attendee might not when she shows up, but that makes sense because Eve has done her due diligence.

The real reason I read the book was the setting—a writer's retreat at a castle! I cannot possibly be the only person who daydreams of winning the lottery and setting up exactly that. (In fact, I know I am not, because I have seen many memes to that effect.) To that end, while I knew going in that the murder takes place at the launch party rather than when a bunch of writers are there, I would have liked quite a bit more, well, *castle* out of this. This is a personal quirk, I think (I live in a studio apartment and wouldn't want to deal with the upkeep of a many-roomed castle, thanks, but I *would* like to imagine myself in the castle library), but in books set in castles, or manors, or just big, old houses, I tend to want the building to be almost a character in and of itself. Even more specifically, I want to see how another writer imagines a castle-as-writing-retreat to be set up.

I'll have to look elsewhere to get my writing-retreat-castle kicks, then, but as a cozy mystery this was a lot of fun. Hurray for heroines who know enough to call in backup.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy via NetGalley.

Castle Conundrum..
The tenth outing in the Eve Mallow series of mysteries finds our sometime amateur sleuth at the delightful Fairfield Castle, at a launch party for the writers retreat that novelist and now castle owner Julian Fisher is hosting. Tension abounds which soon turns to murder most foul and, as ever, Eve must absolutely get involved. As Eve investigates matters, become more and more complicated. With a well drawn cast of characters, an enjoyable narrative, red herrings and twists aplenty and a likeable protagonist this is another entertaining addition to the series