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The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop by Jill Steeples #Review

I am delighted to feature another novel by Jill Steeples set in the Cotswolds. The Cotswold Christmas Bookshop, a   festive story , was published on August 31st by Boldwood Books. Isla Stewart has a glittering publishing career in London, but when she’s unexpectedly made redundant, she faces an uncertain future. Licking her wounds, Isla heads home to the Cotswolds. Keeping her devastating redundancy a secret from her proud parents, she seeks refuge at Finch’s, the enchanting bookshop she worked in as a teenager. With the owners struggling with their health, Isla steps in to manage the shop hoping to convince them that the business has a future. Isla likes nothing more than chatting to people about books, but her safe haven is soon disturbed when she comes face-to-face with her first love, Charlie Brace, made worse by the arrival of Guy Madley, the incredibly handsome property consultant who has advice for owners Jon and Miriam. As Christmas approaches, Isla has decisions...
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A Corpse in Christmas Close by Michelle Salter #Review #IrisWoodmoreMysteriesBook5 #PublicationDay

 

Well- it may be August but the Christmas reading list is open! Today we have a cozy crime novel by Michelle Salter. A Corpse in Christmas Close is published today by Boldwood Books on August 24th. 


When a pantomime turns deadly, Iris investigates a cast of killers…

Christmas, 1923. When reporter Iris Woodmore is sent to cover the Prince of Wales’ visit to historic Winchester, she discovers more than just royal gossip.

The leading lady in Winchester Cathedral’s charity pantomime is found dead in mysterious circumstances. And the chief suspect is Cinderella’s handsome prince, played by Percy Baverstock’s younger brother, Freddie.

For the sake of the Baverstocks, Iris must investigate the murder, even though it means confronting an old enemy. And as the line between friend and foe blurs dangerously, she’s ensnared by someone she hoped she’d never see again…

Everyone's favourite amateur sleuth returns for a Christmas mystery, perfect for fans of Verity Bright, Claire Gradidge and Emily Organ.


 My Thoughts

I haven't read any others in this cozy crime series, but I found Iris Woodmore to be a feisty and wholly likeable character. Set in the decade after the First World War and following some women being given the right to vote, you can see her independent streak and determination not to be put down. Wearing trousers is her way of signalling her individuality and refusal to fit in with how things have been. 

    There are several layers to this mystery and quite a few surprises along the way. You feel all the period detail which adds to the feeling of authenticity and there is quite a range of characters who live around the community.With a royal visit to add to the interest, there is a festive air without it being over the top. In all it will make for an enjoyable but light read for the Winter months. 

In short: 1920's comes alive 

About the Author

Michelle Salter writes historical cosy crime set in Hampshire, where she lives, and inspired by real-life events in 1920s Britain. Her Iris Woodmore series draws on an interest in the aftermath of the Great War and the suffragette movement.

You can follow Michelle here: Website  |  X (Twitter) |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  You tube

 

Book links 

Thanks to Michelle Salter, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 


 

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