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Coming Home to Maple Lodge by Alison Sherlock #Review

  I am delighted to feature the first in Alison Sherlock's new series set in the Corswolds. Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge was published by Boldwood Books on June 20th. A family and hotel in desperate need of help… Maple Tree Lodge has been the home of the Jackson family for over a century. But the hotel has never been a success and, following the sudden loss of his father, architect Ben Jackson soon discovers the hotel is close to financial ruin. Ben has to make some tough decisions if the hotel is to survive and his family are to keep a roof over their heads. With the hotel in urgent need of a renovation, Ben’s sister calls on the talents of her best friend, interior designer Lily Watson. Cash strapped Lily needs a successful project to prove to herself and her high-achieving parents that she can carve a successful career and Maple Tree Lodge sounds like just the place for Lily to showcase her talents. However, Lily’s vision for a cosy, country Cotswolds hotel is the com...
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Banana Devil Cake by Susan A King #Review

 

We are off to cozy crime genre for Susan A. King's latest in her Beattie Bramshaw mysteries, Banana Devil Cake.  

 
With the murder of last year’s fête judge now but a hazy memory, the village of Elmesbury has retired to its former tranquil existence. That is, until a mysterious newcomer sets in motion a series of events that will see members of the W.I. crossing wooden spoons at dawn.

In the midst of preparing for her long-awaited engagement party, redoubtable village busybody Beattie Bramshaw not only finds herself embroiled in a one-woman campaign to save the elm tree from which the village gets its name, but having to contend with an outbreak of unrest within her beloved W.I. group. Rivalry to win favour with the judge of this year’s fête has fuelled dissent within the ranks and, when two members are found dead in mysterious circumstances, suspicions run rife.

Confident the devil is not only in the cake but in the detail, Beattie determines to uncover the clues that will ultimately lead to the killer’s conviction. But can she solve the mystery before another member of the W.I. is picked off?

Banana Devil Cake is a comedy crime caper in the spirit of Agatha Raisin and one that is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Prepare yourself for a tale of tea, cake and riotous goings-on from the author of Marrow Jam.


 My Thoughts

This is certainly a lot of fun as you follow Beattie Bramshaw as she turns her attention to mysterious events in her sleepy village of Elmesbury. This has all the attributes of a cozy crime story, from the plot to the cast of characters who we are introduced to. There may be deaths and dastardly deeds but you are always safe in the knowledge that there are no graphic violent bits coming up. You can relax and enjoy the mystery.

    Full of humour which is derived from the larger than life characters and the petty jealousies which the WI competitions seem to breed, you see the villagers warts and all. Beattie is certainly a determined sleuth, a faintly eccentric characters who observes life around her. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read- just perfect to pass a weekend with.

In short:  Watch out, Beattie's about!  


About the Author



Susan A. King lives with her husband in a quiet suburb in Hampshire. Between them they have four grown-up sons.

The inspiration for her Beattie Bramshaw novels comes from her long experience and observation of competitors at the local Romsey Show, where she regularly aspires to win Best in Show with her floral arrangements.

You can follow Susan here: Twitter |  Instagram 

Book links: Amazon UK  |  Amazon US 

Thanks to Susan A King, Lightning Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

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