Member Reviews

Another winner by Jan Durham featuring resourceful Liz McLuckie and her rag tag band of neighbors. These are great characters and I really enjoyed spending time with them. Plus, there's great mystery. Liz always seems to find herself in the right (or wrong) place, and is usually one or two steps ahead of the local police, led by Liz's nemesis, Flynn. There is ONE character I am suspicious of, and don't care for, and that's Benedict! I'll be looking forward to #7 to see if he and Liz really do have a future.

P.S. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC.

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I'm a fan of this series, Liz and Nelson are great characters and the setting and cast of characters are delightful.
This is not my favourite as I found the plot a bit confusing at times but it was as entertaining as the rest of the series
Enjoyable. It can be read as a stand alone but the it's better to read the series in order
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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Though I loved the setting for this book (Whitby) I found the plot a little too convoluted and the evidence not very logical. Rather than being a detective, Liz is a local business woman who has an interest in local crime. I was not particularly convinced by the relationship with her love interest or friends / acquaintances .
My opinion is that the book was OK, not particularly enthralling . Not very much action . Not really for me

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This is a nice gentle murder mystery (if there can be such a thing) set in Whitby, North Yorkshire. If you know Whitby you'll be able to imagine the town as Liz walks round it (and imagine the fish and chips, too - happy memories!).

When a nightwatchman at an art gallery is killed, Liz sets out to investigate on behalf of the man's widow and soon and finds herself in the seedy world of art fraud. She's helped - and inevitably hindered at times - by her many friends.

If, like me, you enjoy mysteries with identifiable settings (often leading to happy musings over google maps), you should find plenty to like in this one, which is part of a series. I'll be reading more of them.

Thanks, NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the advance copy.

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In the charming coastal town of Whitby, the arrival of summer heralds longer days, balmy evenings, and the promise of a thriving tourist season. Yet, beneath the picturesque façade of this quaint fishing town lies a sinister mystery, one that will challenge the wit and resolve of its resilient residents. In Jan Durham's delightful and suspenseful novel, "Death on the West Cliff: Kipper Cottage Series Book #6," murder casts a long shadow over the serene art world.

The story unfurls when the lifeless body of the night watchman at the West Cliff Art Gallery is discovered, sending shockwaves through the close-knit community. As the town grapples with the unsettling crime, the mystery deepens. The perpetrators, it seems, had deliberately deactivated all of the gallery's alarms, granting them unrestricted access. Yet, bafflingly, nothing was stolen. It's a conundrum that confounds both the townspeople and the authorities. Enter Liz McLuckie, a determined widow who finds herself embroiled in the pursuit of truth.

Liz's relentless pursuit of justice takes her on a captivating journey through the shadowy realms of art fraud. Her quest for answers unfolds in a riveting way, intertwining intricate plotlines and the rich array of characters that populate the town. Durham orchestrates the elements of suspense and intrigue, keeping readers engaged and guessing. It's a tale where every detail matters, where secrets and motives are shrouded in a web of deception.

Widow Liz McLuckie has resilience and tenacity that are inspiring and relatable. As she digs deep into the world of art fraud, Liz's character undergoes a transformation, revealing her strength amidst the town's turmoil.

Nelson, the ugliest (and bravest) dog in Yorkshire, adds a delightful and heartwarming dimension to the story. As he stands by Liz's side in her quest for the truth, his loyalty and courage become emblematic of the unbreakable bonds that unite the people of Whitby.

Durham's writing is a blend of wit and suspense, laced with moments of humor that serve as a respite from the tension. Her descriptions of the picturesque coastal town and its inhabitants create a backdrop against which the drama unfolds. The storytelling is punctuated by clever twists and turns.

At its core, "Death on the West Cliff" is a narrative that explores the themes of community, friendship, and the indomitable human spirit. As Liz McLuckie navigates the complexities of the case, she discovers that sometimes the most unexpected alliances can lead to the most remarkable outcomes.

"Death on the West Cliff: Kipper Cottage Series Book #6" is a brilliantly crafted novel of mystery and intrigue. Jan Durham combines the charm of a small coastal town with the suspense of a compelling murder mystery -- engaging characters, a well-constructed plot, and a dash of humor.

"Jan Durham's 'Death on the West Cliff' is a delightful coastal mystery that combines wit, charm, and intrigue in a compelling page-turner."

"A murder mystery with a heartwarming twist, this book illustrates the resilience of a small seaside town and the spirit of its residents."

"A murder, a quirky dog, and a determined widow -- Durham's novel is a blend of humor and intrigue set against the backdrop of a charming coastal community."

"With well-drawn characters and a picturesque setting, 'Death on the West Cliff' is a coastal cozy mystery that will keep you guessing till the very end."

"Liz McLuckie and her unlikely companion, Nelson, are a dynamic duo in this captivating murder mystery by Jan Durham."

"Experience the allure of Whitby and the mystery of art fraud in 'Death on the West Cliff,' a cozy coastal whodunit with a delightful twist."

"Jan Durham's novel is evidence of the enduring charm of small-town life, where neighbors become friends, and murder mysteries become community affairs."

"Uncover the secrets of the West Cliff Art Gallery in this charming coastal mystery, where laughter and suspense go hand in hand."

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This new installment of Jan Durham's Kipper Cottage series give us some updates on different characters' lives and picks up some threads from previous books/stories, but could still work as a stand-alone read. I was looking forward to this update, but found this mystery a little all over the place both with the events happening and how Liz, the main character, investigates it. This book felt more like she was grasping at straws and trying out various solutions instead of investigating more methodically or logically.

There was a lot of relationship drama in this book which also felt like it distracted a bit from the mystery as there was so much switching back and forth. However, the characters all feel like old friends and the location was as cozy and mystery-appropriate as ever, which kept me reading until the end!

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It seems Liz McLuckie is willing to do just about anything (as you will find out) to get the information she needs to solve the latest mystery she’s gotten involved in. This time Liz is solving a case of art fraud and the deaths of two people connected to the fraud. As usual, the town of Whitby is lovingly featured, and we catch up with the regular characters from previous books in the series. Liz's feelings towards Benedict tend to run hot and cold and it’s not surprising their relationship hits a rocky patch.

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I am sorry, I didn't enjoy this book. There were too many confusing characters and the story lacked flow. Several times it harked back to previous happenings presumably in previous books in the series. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I had read those first.

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This is an engaging mystery with a likeable sleuth in Liz and a colourful cast of supporting characters including Nelson the dog. The setting of Whitby is a nice change and well depicted and works ideally as a backdrop to the mystery. The plot is well worked and intriguing, the suspects numerous and red herrings galore although I did spot the answer but it didn't ruin the story which was enjoyable and entertaining and my first read in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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The Kipper Cottage stories have to be one of my favourite series ever!
I love the way Jan Durham writes, and the fact that it is set in one of my favourite places is a real bonus!
Liz McCluckie has her investigating hat on again when the night watchman at a local art gallery is found dead.
However, it seems that nothing was taken! What could be the reason behind the break in? Liz is determined to find out, but could she be putting herself at risk?
Read to find out....

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Death On The West Cliff is the 6th book in the Kipper Cottage series. This instalment is another enjoyable cosy mystery with plenty of red herrings ro keep the reader on their toes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for my ARC.

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Death On The Agenda..
Another enjoyable read in this sixth instalment in the Kipper Cottage series of cosy mysteries. With visitors flocking in droves to Whitby, the town is abuzz, yet amidst the joy and excitement death is on the agenda when the night watchman at the local art gallery is found dead in apparent theft but nothing appears to have been stolen. Liz soon finds herself amidst a baffling situation. Warm and engaging mystery with an endearing, yet feisty and smart, protagonist in Liz and a colourful cast of supporting characters - not least of which is Nelson, quite possibly the bravest dog in Yorkshire. The setting of Whitby and environs is as perfectly painted as usual, is well depicted and works ideally as a backdrop to the mystery. The plot is well worked and intriguing, suspects numerous and red herrings well planted. Another thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining mystery, gratefully devoured in one straight sitting.

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A murder mystery set in Whitby which takes in the glorious surroundings. Very real people with normal lives and relationships- and their problems- and more than their fair share of murders.
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.

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Liz McLuckie is back!
When a security guard is found murdered at the local Art Gallery it has every one puzzled. Why was nothing stolen?
Liz starts to investigate art fraud and soon finds she needs the help of all her friends.
But one of them is blowing hot and cold. Could it be the end of that friendship and the start of another?

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Liz McLuckie, owner of the Kipper rental cottage, finds out that an acquaintance, Christian Petit, is found dead at the West Cliff Gallery. He was their security guard but nothing was taken. Liz was asked by Christian's widow to find out who killed him and Liz also wanted to find out what happened. As she starts to ask questions, another person was murdered and her friend, Tilly, was accused. Liz now finds herself in the thick of art forgery, lovers quarrels and coming to the wrong conclusions.
A quick and enjoyable cozy mystery in the continuing Kipper Cottage Mystery series set in the town of Whitby along with the usual quirky inhabitants that help Liz along the way.
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this e-galley of "Death on the West Cliff."

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The latest installment(#6) in the Kipper Cottage series transports readers back to the picturesque seaside town of Whitby, where a baffling murder shakes the fishing village. When the night guard of the West Cliff Art Gallery is killed despite no evidence of theft, spirited amateur sleuth Liz McLuckie takes up the case at the request of the victim’s grieving widow.
McLuckie’s investigation soon immerses her in a dangerous world of art forgery and fraud.
A good read, short, swift and a satisfying tale of crime-solving by the an amateur sleuth.
My thanks to Netgalley for providing me a advance copy of the book for my unbiased review.

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I didn’t really like this book. I don’t like the surroundings, I couldn’t picture the area in my head at all. I also didn’t like the main character, she felt as if she was just being nosy and it didn’t feel like she really cared about the other people around her. #DeathonTheWestCliff #NetGalley

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Jan Durham gives us Death on the West Cliff, the sixth book in the Kipper Cottage series whose protagonist Liz McLuckie will feel compelled to clear her friend Tilly's good name, which will invariably lead her to stick her curious nose in another murder case. , which this time involves an art gallery.
Now, I think that Whitby, despite all its attractiveness, is not a good place to live, because despite being a small town, violent deaths abound! But a short stay, perhaps a fortnight, at Kipper Cottage could be a nice (if as risky as eating fugu) change to my routine!
I found it a very entertaining read, despite all the paragraphs that the author repeats in each of the books... in fact, I have already learned to ignore those paragraphs almost automatically.
I thank the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on what I think and feel about this book.

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Liz McLuckie just wanted to get to the launderette. She had a new visitor coming to stay in her guest cottage and needed to be there to meet him and his dogs when they arrived. But after stopping for chats with friends and waiting for the bridge to close--oh and the police cars outside the art gallery, she was running late. She had to know what was happening at the gallery, after all. Turns out the night watchman was found dead. Clearly he was murdered, but why? Nothing was stolen so it wasn't a robbery. Liz had been warned off about her independent investigations so was determined to stay out of it this time, but when the night watchman's widow begged her to help, how could she refuse? As always, her quirky friends and of course, Nelson, her wonderful dog, were on hand to assist!

This is the 6th in the Kipper Cottage series and it was a good, solid, enjoyable read. I'll be honest--there were a couple of times when Liz said or did things that I thought were out of character. However, I enjoyed the art theme and reading about Liz and her friends as they go through their lives. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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Death on the West Cliff, the sixth in the excellent Kipper Cottage series, takes Liz McLuckie out of her comfort zone, both physically and personally. Liz’ friends and activities have been centered on the east side, the oldest part of historic Whitby. When the body of a new friend is found in a west side art galley, the man’s grieving widow asks Liz to investigate. Why did someone break into the gallery, kill a security guard but steal nothing? This troubling case will lead to suspicions, false accusations and another murder before it is solved. It will also cause problems between Liz and her good friend Benedict when the two disagree about the future of their relationship.

This series just gets better. Death on the West Cliff introduces new characters while keeping many from earlier adventures. Niall, Iris and Dickie, even Dora, feel like old friends. And, as usual, Whitby stars in the background. I especially enjoyed learning about the whalebone arch erected in 1853. As always, Im looking forward to the next in this enjoyable series. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Incubator Books and Jan Durham for this ARC.

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