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Death In The Hills by Kate Wells

Jan8

Engaging Cosy Crime

Death In The Hills by Kate Wells is a contemporary cosy crime novel that I really enjoyed. It is the fourth book in The Malvern Farm Mystery but can be read as a stand-alone.

As the series name suggests, the action is set in the Malvern area with mentions of the cities of Worcester and Birmingham. Living in Worcestershire means the area was easy for me to picture, giving the story a familiar feel to it.

We see the value of family. Family is not just blood related but includes all who love us. There were some very touching scenes featuring a very young nephew, and at the other end of the scale, an aging Grandmother. This showed the love between the generations. Too often the elderly are ignored, this makes for ideal amateur sleuthing as their ears are open.

The reader is treated to the open Malvern landscape as we roam the hills, see the sheep and sample the fayre in a local pub.

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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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A Year In The Lives Of God’s Furry Angels by Kirby Lee Davis

Jan5

Absolutely Delightful

A Year In The Lives Of God’s Furry Angels by Kirby Lee Davis is an absolutely delightful book. I read the original book, and now I have read the newly released 2024 hardback edition which is positively charming.

The reader journeys through the twelve months following a young couple and their cat, and the other animals and humans whom they encounter along the way.

This is a cat lovers delight. Kirby Lee Davis has certainly captured the lives of cats in several walks of life. He gives them voices that seem believable to this cat lover.

We meet old Sebastian in the early months and see how devastating his passing is. For anyone who has loved and lost their fur babies, we can certainly empathise with Jessica. “She will always cling to her memories of Sebastian.” Other cats may come and go, each one taking up residence in our hearts.

For the rest of the year, we follow new kitten, Bridget who is full of joi de vivre and a young kitten’s natural curiosity. I certainly remember the climbing the curtain stage; the biting stage; and the fussy eating stage when we have had young kittens. “After several different attempts, Jessica finally provides a food Bridget likes.” We’ve all done it – pandered to our fur babies fussy eating habits!

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The Baker’s Secret by Lelita Baldock

Jan2

Finally Home

The Baker’s Secret by Lelita Baldock is a powerful dual timeline novel that I read in just one sitting.

The action takes place in Riga, Latvia during World War II and also in 2018 in Australia as we follow two sisters and their wartime experiences. The chapters alternate between the pair.

Latvia was a turbulent and dangerous place to be during World War II. Having gained independence after World War; during World War II, first the Soviets marched in, and then the Nazis, and then the Soviets returned to oppress the people until 1990. Latvians were trapped within their own country, always being persecuted by whoever had control.

June 14th 1941 is called The Night Of The Disappeared as 15,000 Latvians were torn from their homes – men, women and children – never to be seen again.

We witness the bravery of the people. One sister is active within the resistance, the other reluctantly helps. Both are proud Latvians.

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