'An Extremely Unlikely Death' by Hannah Hendy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I would say I'm biased because I love this author and this series but this is an amazing book. It's got mystery, adventure, sarcastic remarks, Crochet Monthly and a new furry little friend too (with excellent detective skills). I've said it before but I would definitely have Margery, Clementine and the rest of their team in my corner if ever I was in trouble. And the ending, I was not expecting that. Can't wait for the next one. A remarkable series for fans of cozy crime, please read it you won't be disappointed.

Murder is the only paw-sible explanation...

During a routine welfare check, the police find local shop owner Mr Fitzgerald at the foot of his stairs, dead. There is broken glass over the floor of his shop, his dog has been locked in the kitchenette cupboard, and on the counter is an envelope addressed to Mrs and Mrs Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker – The Dinner Lady Detectives.

As the town mourns Mr Fitzgerald’s death as an unfortunate accident, Margery and Clementine cannot shake the sense that there is something suspicious about the scene. They are convinced this was no accident. But why would anybody want to harm an elderly shopkeeper? And with the culprit still at large, and determined to cover their tracks, can they get to the bottom of the case before there is another victim?

Thanks to NetGallery UK, the publishers and the author for letting me read a copy in return for an honest review.

There's a whole lot of change on the horizon for the Dinner Lady Detectives in this book, and they're not all that happy about it. With a change of head teacher at the school, plus a raft of catering decisions taken out of their hands, they're somewhat unsettled. Then when Mr Fitzgerald, one of the school governors, is found dead at the foot of his stairs, things take a turn for the worse. Margery and Clementine are convinced that he didn't slip and fall, but who would want to kill a school governor? With the help of their crew of dinner ladies, the unseated deputy head and a crochety neighbour, they set out to solve the case.

I really enjoyed this installment in the series, with the tweaks to the school circumstances adding some light relief and intrigue. It's rapidly become one of my favourite cosy crime series. Although you could easily read each book as a stand-alone novel, it's a real comfort blanket moment to catch up with the Mrs Butcher-Bakers!

I did not know that this was part of a series before reading this, however, I don’t think it made it hard to follow. I will definitely be going back and reading the previous books because I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was cute and I loved the characters. It’s definitely a cozy mystery series and I love reading a cozy mystery every so often. I normally read horror or thriller books so this gave me a nice palette cleanser to read.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC. An Extremely Unlikely Death by Hannah Hendy is a captivating and darkly intriguing mystery. The story follows the investigation of an unusual death that leads to unexpected twists and a deeper uncovering of secrets. Hendy’s writing is engaging and atmospheric, keeping readers hooked with suspense and well-paced action. The characters are well-developed, and the plot offers plenty of surprises along the way. Overall, An Extremely Unlikely Death is a compelling read for fans of thrilling, mysterious stories with a touch of suspense.

5/5 stars: This sixth entry in Hendy's Dinner Lady Detectives series, which is a 2SLGBTQIA+ British Senior Sleuth Cozy Mystery that's set in a quaint Welsh village and follows a sixty-something married couple, who work as secondary school dinner ladies (AKA high school cafeteria workers), as they turn sleuths after the suspicious death of a school governor and the discovery of an envelope addressed to them in the victim's apartment. The two will have to work fast to unravel this mystery before the killer strikes again. With plenty of twists and turns, Hendy has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Hendy's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's great to catch up with Margery and Clementine, their school colleagues and kitchen crew and the folks of Dewstow. I love the quirky, diverse and just plain lovely cast of characters. With tact and sensitivity, Hendy touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, The Dinner Lady Detectives.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Canelo in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Following reports of a disturbance at his shop police find local shop owner dead at the bottom of the stairs, because of his age his death is put down to an accident, but of course the Dinner Lady Detectives don't believe that. They set out to find out if it was accident or if he was murdered, and if he was murdered who is responsible, does it have anything to do with the new head teacher at the high school?
This is definitely the weakest of the series, there are too many things that just don't make sense - if your boss told you that you couldn't speak to or visit any of your colleagues outside of work you wouldn't just meekly go along with it.

I love a light hearted mystery read. As a teacher, I of course loved the setting of this story. The characters were enjoyable, and the details were just right. I’m adding Hannah to my authors favorites list!

I love the dinner lady gang so much. They are witty, sweet, kind and bring fun and hope to bleak situations. Clementine and Marjorie are a sweet couple, they whittle out of people the information that’s the way need all whilst keeping the students well fed and the staff too. I love the friendships, the fun and the warmth of these ladies to others.
Haphazard and motivated is my favourite genre and catching up is always a joy. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

Good read! The mystery was a good one, characters were well written!! Looking forward to reading the other 5 of this series!

Hannah Hendy is a fantastic writer. Feel like this group of friends would be brilliant to be around (apart from the murders) I cannot recommend this series enough. Love the stories and it’s such an easy read. Absolutely brilliant!

This was a new-to-me series and I’m glad I gave it a chance. I was quickly able to orient myself with who was who and info on previous relationships and plots flowed smoothly into the story and dialogue. While some may find it relatively slow paced, it unfolded in such a way that I felt comfortable with the characters as I became equally comfortable with the largely school setting. Margery and Clementine make an interesting couple sleuths and differences in approaches are noted as we go along. They also have a job that I don't recall encountering an amateur sleuth in, albeit countless are in that same general field, food. Nope, not owners or bakers of a trendy bakery or cafe. They provide meals in Summerview school's cafeteria. They, along with their friends, The Dinner Lady Detectives, wind up not only having a case to solve but must worry about salvaging their own jobs given the arrival of a new headmaster after the first is found dead at the bottom of the steps at his home. Despite ample evidence to the contrary, the local police quickly declare it a tragic accident and block their soon to be detective, Symon, from investigating further. Bothered by it all, he's the one who asks Margery and Clementine to look into it. Then, much to their surprise, the discover they inherited everything from FItzgerald, including his beloved Jack Russell, Jason.

That's when the story really takes off. They visit his, now their, new property and find some interesting clues, not to mention lots of, well, miscellaneous stuff. They even have some unmarked keys but are having trouble finding the one they're just sure will help them find some vital clues. Toss in the upheaval at the school, where the new, seemingly to-be-temporary headmaster, Janet Cooper, is issuing some odd demands and new rules. She's also set up a sort of "tattle tale" group of students who are taxed with reporting anything out of the ordinary to her. As a former teacher, I could see where this could lead to trouble, no, make that Trouble with a capital "T". Nope, not telling. You'll have to read the book. Then there is the very troublesome issue of why the police seem to be covering up evidence. What is going on? In the middle of all this, Margery is told she must learn a new computer program to order cafeteria food and supplies, cutting out local suppliers for a company the new headmaster mandates be used. On the home front, the question is, will their cats get along with new dog Jason. Speaking of Jason, it's a hoot watching Dinner Detective/teacher Rose take him around with her at school while dog-sitting. Emotional support dog? Okay, works for me. And, oh, so much more but that's enough teasers for now.

All in all, a fun, interesting read with both its serious moments and humor. While not quite hooked yet, I will definitely be on the look out for the next book. I really do want to get to know this cast of characters better, not to mention keep up with senior dog Jason. Poor baby. Locked in a cabinet? I already disliked whoever the whodunit character was and the book had only begun. And, as a former teacher, of course I found the school setting of interest, albeit I'm happy to say my schools were never as, oh, what word should I use? Okay, let's be mundane, "interesting" as Summerview. I definitely give kudos to author Hendy for sharing that former headmaster James admits he's surprised to discover how much he's enjoying being with students and his return to teaching English without carrying all that bureaucratic responsibilities. Thanks #Canelo for introducing me to not just Margery and Clementine but their school. I'm sure I'm going to feel right at home there. Well, as long as I don't get murdered. Grin.

I love a cozy set around a cozy shop and with the shopkeeper being the unfortunate victim this one fit the bill. The "Dinner Lady Detectives" were wonderful, and I loved all the banter in this book. I am so excited that I know have 5 more backlist books to read in the series!

The Dinner Lady Detectives - An Extremely Unlikely Death........the definitive cozy crime experience. It was fantastic to return to the world of Clementine & Margery in their sixth outing as yet another murder unfolds in their vicinity. An easy, warm read with a comedic narrative that will have you chuckling and wondering in equal measure. A worthy edition to the Dinner Lady Collection and so thoroughly enjoyable that I read it in one sitting!

Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker have been partners for decades, both personally as a couple and professionally as dinner ladies at a local school. Lately, they've formed a new partnership as the Dinner Lady Detectives. In this 6th book of the series, they are drawn in to another mystery when Mr Fitzgerald, friend, owner of an antique/junk shop, and a school governor is found dead at the bottom of his stairs, holding an unusual object. The young police trainee is told to consider it an accident, but things aren't sitting right with him, so he goes to Margery and Clementine for help. Of course, the rest of the school crew jumps in to help.

This is an enjoyable series and this book continues in the same vein. The characters are fun to spend time with and often make me laugh. The setting is fun and the squabbles between teachers are often amusing. In this book, Jack the terrier was a delightful addition to the story. As a crocheter myself, I loved the prominent role that had throughout the book. When I picked this book up I was in the mood for a cozy and I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading it. When I had to set it aside for a while to do some pesky household tasks, I looked forward to getting back to it so I could find out what happened. It's a light read with different storylines weaving together to create the story. You don't need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one, although previous cases are referenced. Enough information is given so readers aren't left wondering what is being talked about, but not so much that spoilers are given, so if someone wanted to go back and read ear;lier books, that experience wouldn't be ruined.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a DRC.

LIES. DECEIT. CUTE DOGS.

I absolutely love following Margery and Clementine on their crazy situations and sleuthing and this 6th part did not disappoint. This book felt so in sync with the rest of the series but also elevated. I loved the, no spoilers, scheming involved in this crime.

There has been a change up in staffing at school leaving the headteacher being demoted and replaced. His replacement is hard and stern, a big change for the school and everyone in it. All while an unexpected death happens, it all feels suspicious to the Baker-Butchers. Margery and Clementine find themselves more intertwined in this case than ever…

I am yet to be disappointed with a Dinner Lady Detective’s instalment and if you like the series this wont be the one! Looks like we’re in for a 7th and that is great news!

Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for this ARC. An honour!

I love reading about Margery and Clementine's previous exploits and jumped at the chance to read this one early. It definitely didn't disappoint.

Filled with the usual cast of funny characters (Rose is my favourite) and some new ones added in, this kept me guessing for quite a bit. Lots of red herrings thrown in for confusion as always, which I enjoyed.

These books feel like a lovely cosy cup of tea....with some murder thrown in. If you liked the others, you'll definitely love this.

These are not your garden variety detectives! Margery and Clementine are an older married couple who work together as school dinner ladies, and also solve the town's murders in their spare time. This is a part 6 of Dinner Lady Detectives series. I haven't read the previous parts, and I don't think it's needed in order to enjoy this one. The author does a good job providing enough background info.

In the past, the school had had a streak of bad luck with people ending up dead on the school grounds. And now Mr Fitzpatrick, an oddities shop owner and school governor, is found dead at his shop. The new headteacher wants the dinner lady detectives to keep their sleuthing strictly away from the school, and avoid implicating school into another drama.

This is a small town, cozy mystery, as advertised. And while it's got its funny and charming moments, it's slow paced with many ordinary staff room problems thrown in with the murder plot. I'm sure others will appreciate it for what it is, but I prefer a bit more murder mystery, and less mundane life problems in my crime novels, and so it's 3.75 from me, rounded up.

Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for the DRC in exchange for my honest review.