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The Cream Tea Killer by Judy Leigh

Jan6

Cosy Crime At Its’ Finest

The Cream Tea Killer by Judy Leigh is a most delightful, contemporary, cosy crime novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the third book in the Morwenna Mutton Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone. However, for maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading the previous books first.

I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces as the Cornish summer season gets underway. We ‘experience’ the Cornish hospitality. “If you come here when we are closing, I’ll give you what’s left over, a pasty, a bit of cake, scones, some fruit, a bottle of milk.” Seal Bay is a welcoming community that offers hospitality and help to those in need.

There is a more worrying side as one of their own is washed ashore and shady characters are seen around. Fortunately for all, Morwenna Mutton, a modern-day Miss Marple is at hand to investigate, alongside the police. Her amateur sleuthing is second to none.

All the characters were well drawn and believable, Morwenna Mutton is sixty-three but is like a breath of fresh air wherever she goes. She is very sprightly as she cycles around the village.

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The Revenge Pact by Liz Mistry

Nov22

Heroes & Villains

The Revenge Pact by Liz Mistry is a gripping contemporary crime thriller that totally consumed me. It is the second book in the Solanki & McQueen series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading book one first as there is a background story, begun in the first book, which runs underneath the main story. The ending reminds us that there is unfinished business which will be carried over to the next book.

I have to say the writing is superb. I loved the juxtaposing of opposites within a single sentence. “I’m clinging to life so that I can cause death.”

We follow gang-related crimes in Edinburgh and Glasgow, as decades old feuds continue. Turf wars between rival gangs mean trust is in short supply and memories are long.

A cold case is resurrected and reignites a desire to bring the guilty to justice.

All the characters were well drawn and realistic. They are rough, tough and ready – the criminals and police. There is no honor among thieves. In contrast the Jazz Queens in the force have each other’s backs.

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Blood Matters by Ian McFadyen

Nov20

Wow! – Fabulous!

Blood Matters by Ian McFadyen is a totally gripping contemporary crime novel that I just could not put down. I read it in just one sitting. It is the tenth book in the DCI Carmichael series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Ian McFadyen has constructed and well executed a marvellous plotline, full of twists and turns, designed to keep the reader on their toes. I closely followed the action but failed to guess the perpetrator.

As the body count rose, there was a connection to a twenty year old cold case. Unanswered questions saw characters digging deeply. As each question arose, the mystery deepened. There seemed to be those in the know, but their lips were sealed.

Desperate people employed ever more desperate measures. In their mind, bumping off people to silence them was acceptable. Long-held secrets eventually emerged.

I found the ending was superb. It was a jaw dropping moment as the penny dropped for a character and the reader.

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Storm Bodies by Steve Orme

Nov16

Totally Gripping

Storm Bodies by Steve Orme is a totally gripping crime suspense that I just could not put down. It is the second book in the D.I. Miles Davies series and can be read as a stand-alone. However, for maximum enjoyment and character progression, I recommend reading Storm Deaths first, especially as a storyline continues over to this book.

Once more the reader follows the Derbyshire police force as they investigate serious crime. The force is a well-oiled machine, relentless in their pursuit of crime. To lighten the atmosphere, a character spreads dark humor. There is also an extremely well-written episode of light humor which makes the reader chuckle, and counter balances the dark topic of murder.

The author’s passion for basketball once again, comes through as we follow the Derby Storm team. Familiar names from the first book pop up.

All the characters were well drawn. They were an eclectic mix who elicited a variety of emotional responses from me.

Storm Bodies is crime fiction writing out of the top drawer. The reader is drawn in from the start as we cling on, following the story to its’ conclusion.

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