The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
sikonat's review
5.0
When much loved retired school teacher and Women's Guild member Aunty Clemmie is murdered, its up to Tess Feather, her best friends Raven (heiress to Cherrywood Hall) and Oliver (vicar of the local church), and a blast from Tess's past to solve it.
The Cherrywood Murders is Penny Blackwell's debut mystery, however she's better known for her women's fiction as Mary Jayne Baker and Lisa Swift (among other pen names).
This book is a cosy mystery however its full of the same wit, banter and charm. I absolutely adored the relationships between Tess, Raven and Ollie. The trio have a solid friendship having known each other since they were toddlers and the ease they have with each other, even with Tess returning after years in London. There were times I cackled with laughter with some of their teasing. Think 'sacred Evian' and 'vicar dress'.
Blackwell is so talented at creating a vivid and entertaining world. I really felt like I was in Cherrywood, eavesdropping in the pub or at Women's Guild meetings. I also loved the cast of characters in the Women's Guild, and the solidarity and empowerment the members give each other within their safe space. In one scene, Raven's grandmother firmly puts a young woman in her place talking about the Guild marching for women's rights during the first wave of the feminist movement. You go, Guild women!
The mystery was equally compelling, with a satisfying resolution. This book is compelling, hilarious and cosy with lashing of sass. More please, Ms Blackwell.
Thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the ARC. I have since bought a copy as well as the audiobook.
The Cherrywood Murders is Penny Blackwell's debut mystery, however she's better known for her women's fiction as Mary Jayne Baker and Lisa Swift (among other pen names).
This book is a cosy mystery however its full of the same wit, banter and charm. I absolutely adored the relationships between Tess, Raven and Ollie. The trio have a solid friendship having known each other since they were toddlers and the ease they have with each other, even with Tess returning after years in London. There were times I cackled with laughter with some of their teasing. Think 'sacred Evian' and 'vicar dress'.
Blackwell is so talented at creating a vivid and entertaining world. I really felt like I was in Cherrywood, eavesdropping in the pub or at Women's Guild meetings. I also loved the cast of characters in the Women's Guild, and the solidarity and empowerment the members give each other within their safe space. In one scene, Raven's grandmother firmly puts a young woman in her place talking about the Guild marching for women's rights during the first wave of the feminist movement. You go, Guild women!
The mystery was equally compelling, with a satisfying resolution. This book is compelling, hilarious and cosy with lashing of sass. More please, Ms Blackwell.
Thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the ARC. I have since bought a copy as well as the audiobook.
ailishbennett's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
chloedevxxx's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
leebeeloves's review against another edition
funny
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? It's complicated
3.75
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