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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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A Christmas Murder by Mary Grand #Review

 

Today we have a great cozy crime by Mary Grand. Just right for the coming months, A Christmas Murder was published by Boldwood Books on 5th September.


Susan didn’t plan on being an amateur sleuth and, after two successful investigations, she’s looking forward to a quiet Christmas. So, when local businesswoman Meera is in desperate need of help, Susan agrees rather reluctantly.

The task should be easy enough. The infamous press mogul Duncan Fern is coming back to the Isle of Wight, the scene of his family’s childhood holidays, to celebrate Christmas with his grown-up children and their partners, his new glamorous wife Kirsten who is forever dripping with diamonds, and the spikey editor of his paper the Morning Flame, Antoine. The newly-refurbished luxurious Bishopstone Manor is the perfect setting for a festive break and all Susan has to do is help Meera host.

But when a snowstorm descends over the island, and the following morning a body is found, Christmas at the Manor takes a darker turn. Can Susan get to the bottom of the mystery before the murderer strikes again…


 My Thoughts

The Isle of Wight provides a great setting for this wintry mystery story. centred in an imposing Manor House, now opening as an hotel, it gives all the closed room vibes with a varied cast of characters. Susan would rather be settling into her new home but finds herself spending Christmas working  as an assistant to the hotel's owner. The family who come to spend Christmas together bring all their past baggage with them and although Susan tries to stay under the radar, they can't help but notice her amateur sleuthing ways.

    With different motives on show and complicated family dynamics, there are several suspects for the inevitable death which blights the holiday. The cosy crime genre is just right for the story. Susan's growing friendships add to our knowledge of her character. I haven't read any of the previous books in the series but I did enjoy Susan's visits to the pin sharp elderly Alice whose pointed observations moved the story on. 

In short: Plenty of intrigue for the festive season

About the Author

Mary Grand writes gripping, page-turning suspense novels, with a dark and often murderous underside. She grew up in Wales, was for many years a teacher of deaf children and now lives on the Isle of Wight.

You can follow Mary here: Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Newsletter Sign Up  |  Bookbub

Purchase links 

 

Thanks to Mary Grand, 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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