Dawn Brookes

Murder in a Care Home is the fifth book in this series and the first one I read by this author. And while I may have missed out on some of the character and relationship development from the previous books, I thought the author did a great job of introducing just enough information about each of them to make me feel connected to them and to the story. As a result, I enjoyed the rapport between the characters as well as the actual mystery.

Marjorie and Horace featured the most in this book as they were the ones who entered the care home pretending to be convalescing from an injury and a surgery, and for an exorbitant fee. I loved Marjorie's inner monologue as some of the things about the home were explained to her, especially when she was confronted with the physical activity portion she would have to undergo, and the extra fees she would have to pay. That she is the leader of the group is not in doubt as she seemed to be the most stable of the four and seemed to be the more logical one as well, so I naturally preferred her character. As I am getting older, I feel like I am preferring my MCs to be older as well so I liked the fact they were all in their eighties and facing issues with health, families, and money as it was more relatable. It also made me think a lot about my own future and what would happen when I reached that age. I will be frank however, and mention that Edna's character is very annoying, almost like a child. The ''What about me?" and "I thought about it first" constant neediness and whininess was extremely tiresome.

The murder itself was fun, if a bit predictable. I think I figured it out quite early in the book, but it didn't deter from my liking the story or enjoying the twists and turns the author tried to throw into the story. Maybe I've read way too many of these, I don't know. The main characters, while they snooped, didn't really do anything too out there, so I rather like that, and they were willing to share information with each other. The parrot had me cracking up. It makes you think that even though you may plan everything to a tee, forgetting even one little thing, like a bird in a covered cage, can play havoc with your plans. I am not giving away anything to do with the murderer by mentioning this, but I loved that parrot.

Verdict
Murder in a Care Home was entertaining, with a plot that was fun and engaging, even if predictable. While I was not a fan of all the characters, Marjorie is someone with whom I'd love to have a cup of tea and chat about things as I feel she would be very observant and interesting. I am looking forward to reading the next book when it is released in December 2024.… (more)

Body in the Woods does one thing 100% right and that’s realism. It captures what a totally convoluted mess a murder mystery of this type would be. The asshole cops who don’t want the P.I. nosing in on their sorry excuse of an investigation. You have the constant lies from everybody involved. The utter chaos it would bring to the lives of everybody it touches and the rabbit holes that you unintentionally fall into.

At one point, I thought the story was over. The main mystery had been solved. But it just kept going. To be honest, I was over the story at that point. But that just added to the realism. These sort of situations don’t just have some clean finish where everybody goes home happy.

I did have a difficult time following along at times, but I blame that entirely on the audio narration. The narrator did a fine job of reading and acting out the lines. But his characters all sounded exactly the same. So I found it damn near impossible to tell who was talking during conversations that involved several people. I feel like that led to me missing out on vital plot points, though I was, in the end, able to follow along pretty well.

I think if I were to revisit this novel, I would pick up a paperback copy as I’d have a much easier time telling who said what and when.

As for the mystery, I did find myself correctly predicting the culprit. However, there were numerous other twists I wasn’t sure how they fit into the story and was decently surprised by them. I recommend this book because it really felt like I was a fly on the wall in a real investigation and I felt for the characters who had to go through all this nonsense.

NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.… (more)

Death of a Blogger is a novella designed to spin-off Lady Marjorie Snellthorpe into her own series after formerly appearing in the Rachel Prince Mysteries series.

Accompanied by Rachel and Sarah Bradshaw on her first ever river cruise the would-be sleuth is plunged into a murder investigation when one of the guests is pushed down the stairs at the hotel before they even set sail.

Because this is Marjorie’s chance to shine in her very own book series, Rachel & Sarah are just bit part characters and this gives a chance for Marge’s estranged cousin-in-law Edna who is booked on the same cruise to join the hunt for the murderer.

With a victim who has many enemies booked on the trip it is up to Marge & Edna to get to the truth.

This is a delightful cozy mystery and the interaction between Marjorie and Edna is a joy as the two explore their new found relationship whilst sharing a cabin (much to Marjorie’s annoyance)

The book sets up the Marge/Edna sleuthing due perfectly ready to plunge into the following titles in the series.

Witty, well written and fun, hopefully there are many further adventures for the quarrelsome twosome to come.

https://montysbookreviews.blogspot.com/2022/01/tranma-survivors-guide-to-coping-...… (more)