Reviews

Pat, Liz, Thelma and Marguerite are retired teachers. When Marguerite experiences a haunting encounter one foggy night, Pat Liz and Thelma set off to investigate the paranormal, only to find themselves sleuthing a potential murder mystery.

This was a whodunnit that was full of twists and turns and tangents and red herrings. We have the central story of the investigation into Margeurite's paranormal experience; we have the murder mystery; we have the side plots of Pat and Liz' children coming home, and all of the threads knitting together to come to the final conclusion.

The friendship between the three main characters, Pat, Liz and Thelma, was warm and genuine, and relatable, however I did find the constant references to them being "women of a certain age" got a little tiresome (we didn't need references to Pat's LBL when she laughed). The husbands, villagers and supporting cast however, were very one-dimensional characters, and their tangents and threads lead nowhere.

There was a LOT going on at all times in this book, which I think muddied the story, and made it all just a little too convoluted and the final outcome a little too contrived for me.

It was an ok read for me, but others who are more into twisty Miss Marple/Midsomer Murder mysteries may get more enjoyment out of it than I did.

~ Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

NOTE: I also listened to the audiobook of this through Audible. The narrator Julie Hesmondhalgh gave a fantastic reading, infusing warmth and vibrancy into all the different characters.

liljakatr's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

richard_morrow's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The retired primary school teachers are once again “looking into” an accident with suspicious circumstances. While they use the mystery as a diversion from issues in their own lives, Thelma, Liz and Pat are all brought close to danger due to the secrets which are uncovered. The cosiest of cosy crime which you can easily dip in and out of without worrying about losing the plot.

georgey1809's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

4.0

lewisjmwood's review

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mysterious medium-paced

3.5

daniellemgee's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

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