Author: bookafterbook

Publication: 7th January 2025 – Quercus

Two twins. An unbroken bond. A truth unspoken.

The only thing James and Johnny Golden have ever had is each other. For as long as she can remember, James’s deep connection with her twin brother, Johnny, has gone beyond intuition – she can feel what he feels. So, when Johnny is killed in a tragic accident, James knows before her phone even rings that her brother is gone and that she’s alone – truly alone – for the first time in her life.

When James arrives in the rural town of Hawthorne, California to settle her brother’s affairs, she’s forced to rehash the ominous past she and Johnny shared and finally face Micah, the only person who knows about it. He’s also the only man she’s ever loved.

But James soon discovers that the strange connection she had with Johnny isn’t quite gone, and the more she immerses herself into his world, the more questions she has about the brother she thought she knew. Johnny was keeping secrets, and he’s not the only one.

What she uncovers will push her to unravel what happened in the days before Johnny’s death, but in the end, she’ll have to decide which truths should come to light, and which should stay buried forever.

AMAZON

WATERSTONES

I love Adrienne Young’s novels. I adore her immersive stories, her wonderful cast of complex and intriguing characters, and her beautiful writing that captivates you from the first to the very last page.

A Sea of Unspoken Things is her latest fascinating novel set in the small town of Hawthorne. The protagonist, James Golden, left the town when she was 18 years old and she hasn’t been back until now, following the mysterious death of her twin brother Johnny. She’s always had a special connection with her brother Johnny so that she knew the exact moment he died and now she is back to get his affairs in order, including finishing an environmental project he was involved in. But James has other reasons to return to Hawthorne. First of all, she is convinced that her brother’s death was no accident and may also be connected to the tragic event that made her leave town. And then there is Micah, her first love and the boy, now a man, whose heart she broke when she left. And he is probably the only person she can now trust. 

While The Unmaking of June Farrow still remains my favourite novel by Adrienne Young, I really enjoyed A Sea of Unspoken Things. It is haunting, chilling, and atmospheric with evocative descriptions and interesting characters together with supernatural elements, an intriguing and intense mystery, and an exciting romance. I can’t wait to read more by this author!

A huge thank you to Quercus and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of this beautiful novel.

Adrienne Young is the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of Spells for Forgetting, the Sky in the Deep duology and the Fable series. When she’s not writing, you can find her on her yoga mat, on a walk in the woods, or planning her next travel adventure. She lives and writes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Publication: 2nd May 2024 – Macmillan

Ten days. Eight suspects. Six cities. Five authors. Three bodies. One trip to die for.

Eleanor Dash, bestselling author of the Vacation Mysteries series, is on a book tour along the gorgeous Amalfi Coast when life starts imitating art as her ex-boyfriend (and book protagonist) Connor Smith is targeted by a killer.

Eleanor’s sleuthing skills are about to be put to the ultimate test as – among literary rivals, rabid fans, a crazed stalker and another ex-flame on tour with her – suspicions are flying faster than paperbacks off a bestseller shelf. But who is really trying to get away with murder?

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is The White Lotus meets Only Murders in the Building and the first in an irresistible and whip-smart mystery series.

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To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the publication of the book that made her a best-selling author, Eleanor Dash is in Italy for a promotional tour. Accompanying her are Connor, the charming and yet annoying former private investigator she fell in love ten years earlier and took her on the investigation that inspired her novel; Harper, her sister and assistant who seems to be keeping secrets from her; Oliver, her ex-boyfriend who she is still in love with; Allison, Connor’s ex-wife who is always so nice; Guy, a former private investigator carrying a gun; Shek, a disgruntled author; Emily, a young publishing sensation whose book looks to be the exact copy of Eleanor’s debut novel; Isabella, the stranger girl that Connor picked up on the plane and who doesn’t mind all their shenanigans and drama; a group of fans that includes Eleanor’s own stalker; and let’s not forget the tour guide who seems to have no knowledge of Roman history.

Between the ruins of Rome and Pompeii and boat tours around Capri, someone seems determined to get rid of Connor and, as Eleanor uses her detective skills to figure out who may want him dead (and the list is long), she discovers that Connor may not be the only one in danger. Partly funny, partly twisty, I honestly adored this novel and I read it in one sitting. I loved the characters, especially as I rooted for Eleanor and Oliver to get back together, and I loved the author’s writing and how the narrator interacts with the reader, involving them in the investigation as it progresses throughout the novel.

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is the first book in the Vacation Mysteries series and I am already looking forward to reading its sequel, No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding, of which the ending already gives us an exciting and captivating peak! Highly recommended!!!

A huge thank you to Macmillan and NetGalley for a proof of this brilliant novel.

Catherine Mack (she/her) is the pseudonym for the USA Today and Globe & Mail bestselling author of over a dozen novels. Her books are approaching two million copies sold worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages including French, German, Portuguese, and Polish. Television rights to Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies and its forthcoming sequels sold in a major auction to Fox TV for development into a series, with Mack writing the pilot script. A dual Canadian and US citizen, she splits her time between Canada and various warmer locations in the US.

Publication: 28th November 2024 – Viking

I WOULD TURN THE WORLD TO DARKNESS FOR YOU

In a world ruled by the Stars, cruel and merciless gods, Elara has been cursed by fate.

A prophecy promises she will fall for a Star, but it will kill them both.

When the Star of wrath and war descends to hunt Elara, the neighbouring kingdom sees an opportunity to take her from her home, the Kingdom of Night, to Helios, the Kingdom of Light – where she strides straight into the arms of an enemy prince.

There, Elara is forced to either let Prince Lorenzo train her into a weapon worthy of battling against the tyrannical reign of the Stars, or to accept her fate.

But there are shadows even within the Kingdom of Light, and they threaten to reveal the darkness in Lorenzo’s past and the ancient magic that slumbers in Elara’s veins – and with it all, the undeniable, star-crossed pull between them…

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Lately I have been a bit dissatisfied with my latest romantasy reads, so I went into Heavenly Bodies a bit wary, afraid that, despite the good reviews I read, this would be another disappointment for me, but I was delighted to find that it hooked me from the very first page. Right from the strong badass heroine, a princess without a kingdom who is taken prisoner from the enemy king to be used as a weapon against the cruel Stars who rule their world. Enter a charming and handsome prince tasked with helping her develop her power and the tension and the banter between these two kept me glued to the pages.

There is also a dooming prophecy, complex magic, a ruthless king and brutal gods, a fantastic cast of side characters, masked balls and sexy dances, and quite a few twists and turns that took me by surprise.

I genuinely liked the two protagonists and how their enemies-to-lovers story develops: smart, loyal, and determined, Elara can walk through dreams and is shadow, while adorable and fearless Lorenzo “Enzo” is light and he would do anything to protect Elara. Both are haunted by the ghosts of their pasts, by their losses and griefs, and I was completely invested in how they find each other and go through them.

I loved everything about this book: the brilliant writing, the incredible world-building, the addictive and riveting story, the wonderful and engaging characters, the slow-burn romance between the star-crossed lovers, and that unexpected ending that left me in absolute need of the sequel. Highly recommended! 

A huge thank you to Viking and NetGalley for a proof of this fantastic novel.

Imani Erriu is the author of the romance fantasy series Heavenly Bodies. She is a graduate from the Manchester Metropolitan University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.

A Lake District born girl, she spent most of her childhood in the forests of the English countryside, which definitely gifted her an overactive imagination. When she isn’t crying over her own fictional characters or daydreaming up her next plot twist, she can be found eating pasta and watching The Office on repeat.

Publication: 7th January 2025 – Headline Eternal

Maybe it’s time for a plot twist . . .

Emily Walker hates anyone disrupting her carefully curated life, especially her legendary nemesis, Jack Bennett – the exact opposite of the wonderful heroes she dreams up in her double life as a romance writer. But now Jack’s back in town after a failed engagement and he’s here to stay . . . as both her colleague and her neighbour.

Jack is glad to be back, eager to renovate his house and work on the next mystery novel under his bestselling pen name. Until, that is, he realises he’s now neighbours with the one woman who has always pushed his buttons.

With their red-hot animosity at an all-time high, Emily makes a mistake that could reveal her secret literary identity. Frustratingly, she needs Jack’s help to make it right. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?

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I adore Sarah Adams’ novels and her latest one, Beg, Borrow, or Steal is another five star for me. I loved the characters, the story, and I am always happy to return to Rome, Kentucky, and the Walkers siblings. Practice Makes Perfect, Annie and Will’s story, will probably always be my favourite, but Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a close second and I couldn’t get enough of Emily and Jack.

Enemies and competitive since the day they met in college, Emily and Jack had never got along, not even when they started working together as teachers in the same school. Then, Jack left to move to Nebraska with his fiancée and it appeared that that was the end of their story. Except that Jack is now back in town, single, and back to work at her school and, worst of all, he is her new neighbour. Emily is determined to make sure that Jack regrets it and gets the whole town to support her sabotage attempts. However, when she makes a mistake that could ruin her career, Jack jumps in to help her and she discovers that maybe he is not the detestable man she thought he was.

I had so much fun reading this novel. It’s hilarious, addictive, romantic and I loved the characters of Emily and Jack. Since the death of their parents when she was very young, Emily has been taking care of her family, always putting their needs above hers. But now they don’t need her anymore and she is struggling. Jack is also facing his own problems, his difficult relationship with his father, and his secret career as a best-selling author. I loved how their story develops, their journey as they face their struggles, on their own and together, and how they turn from enemies to friends to lovers.

I can’t ever get enough of Sarah Adams’ novels. Her writing is witty and immersive and I always fall in love with her wonderful characters and her beautiful stories. Beg, Borrow, or Steal is the fantastic third book in the When in Room series (although it can be easily read as a stand-alone) and I already can’t wait for the next one!

A huge thank you to Headline Eternal and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of this fantastic novel.

Sarah Adams was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She loves her family, warm days, and making people smile. Sarah has dreamed of being a writer since she was a girl, but she finally wrote her first novel when her daughters were napping and she no longer had any excuses to put it off. Sarah is a coffee addict, a British history nerd, a mom of two daughters, married to her best friend, and an indecisive introvert. Her hope is to always write stories that make readers laugh, maybe even cry – but always leave them happier than when they started reading.


To learn more, visit: www.authorsarahadams.com or follow Sarah on Facebook and Instagram: @authorsarahadams.

Publication: 15th December 2024 – Parkerville Press

A lady shouldn’t be seen to incite a duel… but Judith wasn’t even there when it happened.

Lady Avely doesn’t know what infuriates her more: that someone used her image to provoke the Duke of Sargen into killing a man, or that the duke actually believed it was her trysting in the maze that night.

Now she and the duke must concoct their own subterfuge to shake out the culprit. Otherwise, Dacian might be arrested for murder, or worse, the shadowy guardians of the Musing might inflict their own cruel punishment for the misuse of his Gift. Judith will need her most respectable mobcap, and unfortunately, the duke will need a false moustache.

With Judith’s ability to detect lies and Dacian’s now carefully contained power, they set out to uncover the truth – but their own hearts make them easy to manipulate. Facing a master of deception, as well as the duke’s renewed determination to win her, Judith will need a stiff drink of chocolate and the help of her cheerful, tiny vampiri companion before she can find her way out of the deadly tangle…

Can Judith and Dacian unmask the killer before more blood is shed? And how many different ways can one disguise a duke?

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​​Lady Avely’s Guide to Lies and Charms is such a fun read. There is a mystery to solve, magic involved and vampiri companions, there is slow-burn romance with the two protagonists trying to admit their feelings for each other,  all in the beautiful setting of Regency England.

In a world where people have magic, the two protagonists, Dacian, the Duke of Sargen, and Lady Judith Avely, are trying to solve a murder that, nine years earlier, had sent Dacian to exile. During a party, in a fit of jealousy, Dacian used magic to kill Lord Garvey under the illusion that he was seducing Judith, the woman he’s always loved. After nine years abroad, Dacian is back and together with Judith, a stubborn and helpful young man, fake moustaches, and two (sometimes) reluctant vampiri, he travels in search of the truth to a country house that may be haunted and that hosts two suspicious and irritable servants, a recluse matron, and a suggestible young woman. Who wanted Lord Garvey dead? Or did the killer want to get rid of Dacian by forcing him into exile?

Lady Avely’s Guide to Lies and Charms is the second book in the Matronly Misadventures series, but it can be easily read as a stand alone. The plot is intriguing and engaging and I loved Rosalie Oaks’ writing style and how she masterfully manages to merge together fantasy, history, romance, and mystery. The characters are fun and well-developed and I enjoyed the witty banter between them. The story ends with a cliffhanger that left me curious about what’s next and I am also looking forward to starting on the Lady Diviner series, which features some of the same characters.

A huge thank you to Parkerville Press and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of the novel.

Rosalie Oaks writes cozy novels set in a magical Regency England, full of manners, mystery, and the occasional outrageous breach of propriety.

As a child, she loved conducting home-made theatre productions with her three younger brothers. Now she directs her characters instead, but like her brothers, they don’t always do what she says.

While writing, Rosalie consumes vast quantities of tea and chocolate, and steadfastly ignores the housework.

Join Rosalie’s newsletter to get writing updates, as well as the exclusive prequel novella to the series, A Pendant for Trouble.

Publication: 3rd December 2024 – Severn House

Join Countess turned advice columnist Amelia Amesbury as she tries to juggle a new Season and a new murder in this charmingly deadly historical mystery.

“A beautiful debutante, a wealthy widow, and a dead would-be baron. What could be more exciting?”

Countess by day, secret advice columnist by night, Amelia Amesbury has life happily balanced on a quill’s edge . . . until her sister Margaret shows up in London under a blanket of scandal and Amelia is catapulted out of mourning and into the ton’s unforgiving Season.

However Madge’s Season debut is marred by a rather inconvenient death at the dining table as the infamous Mr Radcliffe takes ill and is later confirmed dead by poisoning. With Madge being the last person to have cross words with the soon-to-be baron, the ton’s gossip mill – and the police – are looking to pin the murder on her.

Adding to the ton’s troubles is a jewellery thief targeting the most lavish of Society’s houses. Is the murderer and the thief one in the same? It falls to Amelia once again to uncover the secrets buried deep within the pages before her sister goes down for the crimes.

Perfect for fans of witty historical mystery and Regency romances with a similar feel to Verity Bright and T.E. Kinsey

AMAZON

I am really excited today to take part in the blog tour for Murder in Season, the fantastic new novel by Mary Winters.

If you are looking for a story that has mystery, romance, and adventure, then Murder in Season is the perfect read for you.

Murder in Season is the third book in the Lady of Letters series featuring protagonist Amelia, also known as Countess Amesbury and, less known, as Lady Agony, a secret advice columnist for a weekly magazine. Occasionally, she also turns her hand into investigations, solving murders and mysteries.

In this third book, we are in the full London season and there are many parties and balls to attend, but this is not the only thing keeping the ton busy. There is a thief of jewels who is targeting Mayfair houses, a murdered victim who seemed to have made quite a number of enemies, and a feisty young debutante who is not afraid to speak her mind, which often gets her in trouble and, in this case, a suspect of murder. Fortunately, there is also her sister Amelia who is determined to prove her innocence and find the killer with the help of Lord Simon Bainbridge, who may (or may not) finally admit his feelings for her. As she navigates London society, Amelia will have to solve a few mysteries and maybe also find a bit of time for love.

I really like the character of Amelia. She is loyal, honest and she takes care of her family, even going undercover and facing dangerous situations for those she loves. I enjoyed that each chapter begins with an agony letter followed by Amelia’s witty and hilarious responses and the mysteries are very well-developed and full of surprises.

Perfect for both fans of historical mystery and Regency romance, Murder in Season is an immersive and intriguing novel and I am already looking forward to the next book.

A huge thank you to Austenprose and Severn House for inviting me to take part in the blog tour and providing me with a proof of this brilliant novel.

Mary Winters is the author of the Lady of Letters historical mystery series, two cozy mystery series, and several short stories. A longtime reader of historical fiction, Mary set her latest work in Victorian England after being inspired by a trip to London. Since then, she’s been busily planning her next mystery – and another trip! 

I am super excited to take part in the cover reveal for the next book by one of my favourite authors.

The Crinoline Academy is the brand new historical romance series by Mimi Matthews and I thrilled to share the cover for the first book, RULES FOR RUIN, out in May 2025.

Let’s see first what the book is about…

No one betrays the Academy. But now Euphemia must decide: break the rules for her enemy, or let the rules break her heart.

On the outskirts of London sits a seemingly innocuous institution with a secretive aim—train young women to distract, disrupt, and discredit the patriarchy. Outraged by a powerful politician’s systematic attack on women’s rights, the Academy summons its brightest—and most bitter—pupil to infiltrate the odious man’s inner circle. A deal is struck: bring down the viscount, and Miss Euphemia Flite will finally earn her freedom.

But betting shop owner Gabriel Royce has other plans. The viscount is the perfect pawn to insulate Gabriel’s underworld empire from government interference. He’s not about to let some crinoline-clad miss destroy his carefully constructed enterprise—no matter how captivating he finds her threats.

From the rookeries of St. Giles to the ballrooms of Mayfair, Euphemia and Gabriel engage in a battle of wits and wills that’s complicated by a blossoming desire. Soon Euphemia realizes it’s not the broken promises to her Academy sisters she should fear. . . . It’s the danger to her heart.

And now lets’s take a look at the beautiful cover for RULES FOR RUIN

I am so in love with this cover!!! And, if you’d like to preorder RULES FOR RUIN, here is the link:

https://www.mimimatthews.com/books/crinoline-academy/rules-for-ruin/

Publication: 21st November 2024 – Bookouture

Sipping Manhattan cocktails, strolling through Central Park and sightseeing at the Empire State building. Kitty Underhay is loving life in New York… until she stumbles across a murder!

Winter, 1936.Kitty receives an unexpected telegram just before Christmas saying that her father in New York is seriously ill. She and her husband Matt swiftly set out for America and, after a fraught ocean crossing, they arrive to discover he is much improved. Kitty decides to make the most of her visit by taking in the sights and attending a costume party thrown by her father’s friend, Mrs Dangerfield.

After a fabulous night, Kitty and Matt blow away the cobwebs with a chilly morning walk in Central Park. They enjoy watching ice skaters glide across one of the frozen lakes but then they discover their hostess Mrs Dangerfield murdered, her body partly hidden in some bushes. She is still in her evening wear, but her diamond earrings and necklace are missing.

Soon, Mrs Dangerfield’s resentful daughter, elderly chauffeur and secret lover make Kitty and Matt’s suspect list. The finger of suspicion seems to be pointing towards Mrs Dangerfield’s secretary, but then the typist turns up dead too. With a mystery killer spoiling their trip to the Big Apple, will the amateur sleuths save the day, or will they breathe their last in the city that never sleeps…?

Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey or Lee Strauss will adore this utterly charming murder mystery. The perfect treat for cozy crime fans!

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1936. It’s Christmas time and Kitty and Matt Bryant’s plans have been disrupted when they receive a telegram informing them that her father is seriously ill in New York. Of course, they quickly book a passage on a ship, but, deep down, Kitty knows that she is probably worrying about nothing and it’s confirmed when she finds her father not at all on his deathbed, but actually quite well. His close friend Nora seems to have overreacted to his slightly faked illness and sent the telegram and now Kitty and Matt are spending their Christmas in New York with him, having also been invited to Nora’s costume party. The party includes some awkward encounters and a bit of drama between the guests, so is it really a surprise when the hostess is found murdered in the snow the next morning? The police investigates, but because of their job as private investigators in England and Kitty’s innate curiosity, Matt and Kitty can’t stay away from the case, especially when someone else is found murdered.

Murder in New York is an entertaining and immersive read. It’s the 18th book in the Miss Underhay series and I enjoyed it very much. It features Christmas in a snowed in New York (which is always a plus), murder, secrets, deceit, and a long list of suspects. Kitty and Matt are wonderful protagonists as they enjoy a different Christmas – and their anniversary – with her father, while also managing a bit of sleuth and being surprised by the differences in habits and lifestyle in America and in England. A fantastic Christmas murder to enjoy this season and with an unexpected cliffhanger that left me ready for the next book!

A huge thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of this novel.

Helena Dixon splits her time between the Black Country and Devon. Married to the same man for over thirty-five years she has three daughters, a cactus called Spike, and a crazy cockapoo. She is allergic to adhesives, apples, tinsel and housework. She was winner of The Romance Prize in 2007 and Love Story of the Year 2010 as Nell Dixon. She now writes historical 1930’s set cozy crime. Nell enjoys hearing from readers and you can read her news and contact her via her website at http://www.nelldixon.com visit her blog at http://www.nelldixonrw.blogspot.com find her on Twitter @NellDixon and friend her on Facebook or follow her on instagram @HelenaDixonauthor Subscription to her newsletter is free https://t.co/upTmuKukHd

Publication: 19th November 2024 – Tor Bramble

Mische lost everything when she was forcibly Turned into a vampire – her home, her humanity and, most devastating of all, the love of the sun god to whom she had devoted her life. Now, sentenced to death for murdering the vampire prince who Turned her, redemption feels impossible.

When Mische is saved by Asar, the bastard prince of the House of Shadow with a brutal past, she is forced into a mission worse than execution: a journey to the underworld to resurrect the god of death himself. But Mische is offered a chance at salvation by her sun god. All she has to do is betray Asar – and kill the god of death.

In the underworld, Mische and Asar must face treacherous trials, colossal beasts and the vengeful ghosts of their pasts. But most dangerous of all is the alluring call of the darkness, and Mische’s forbidden attraction to Asar. As the moment of her betrayal looms, Mische is forced to choose between faith and love – a decision that could lead to her redemption or her ruin . . .

The Songbird and the Heart of Stone is the third book of the New York Times bestselling Crowns of Nyaxia series by Carissa Broadbent, a heart-wrenching, epic fantasy romance of love and treachery between mortals and gods.

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Let me start by saying that I should have reread the first two books in the Crown of Nyaxia series before getting into The Songbird and the Heart of Stone because even though, last year, I read and adored the first two books, there is a fair amount of things that I didn’t remember about it, especially about the character of Mische, as then I was more focused on its two protagonists, Oraya and Raihn. So, when I was initially reading The Songbird & the Heart of Stone, there were a few things that left me confused or lost. Despite this, I really enjoyed it and I found myself completely immersed in the story, especially after I started to catch up.

I really liked the two protagonists, Mische, one of the brides of the god of sun, recently turned into a Vampire, and Asar, the bastard prince and now new heir of the House of Shadow. They have a slow-burning and sexy enemies-to-lovers romance as they travel to the underworld to bring back to life the god of death. They are complex, engaging, and courageous characters, both haunted by their past, their grief and guilt over the loss of the people they cared about, and they are both caught right in the middle of a game of revenge and scheming among the gods.

If you loved the first two books, you are going to adore The Songbird & the Heart of Stone. Addictive, dark, intriguing, and full of surprises, it keeps you glued to the pages until that final explosive cliffhanger that makes you eager for more.

A huge thank you to Tor Bramble and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of this fantastic novel.

Carissa Broadbent has been concerning teachers and parents with mercilessly grim tales since she was roughly nine years old. Since then, her stories have gotten (slightly) less depressing and (hopefully a lot?) more readable. Today, she writes novels that blend epic fantasy plots with a heaping dose of romance. She lives with her husband, her son, one very badly behaved rabbit and one perpetually sceptical cat in Rhode Island.

Publication: 24th October 2024 – Storm Publishing

A body in the swimming pool, a disappearing suspect and a killer hiding in plain sight…

When mystery novelist turned private detective, Marius Quin, is invited to speak at a gala dinner by the mysterious Mrs Thistlethwaite he jumps at the chance of a weekend away on the English Riviera. With his sleuthing partner, Lady Bella Montague, in tow, Marius arrives at Torquay’s Grand Hotel. But they soon realise that, behind the shiny exteriors, all is not what it seems. After Thistlethwaite turns Marius’s big night into a character assassination at his expense, he wonders why he was invited in the first place.

Things go from bad to worse when Marius discovers the body of his cantankerous host in the hotel pool. But how can the duo catch a killer when every piece of evidence they uncover is contradicted by two more? Faced with a hostile police sergeant, evasive witnesses and a conspiracy to conceal the truth, Bella and Marius must call upon every resource they possess to uncover the secret of the body at the Grand Hotel.

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I am so excited to get into yet another Marius Quin mystery. I love this series so much. It’s entertaining, fun, full of surprises, and with a cast of quirky and unique characters. I also love that the story is narrated in first person by the protagonist himself, bestselling author and occasional private detective Marius Quin, who is quite charming and witty. 

In this fourth adventure, Marius, who should be writing his third novel, is invited to give a talk at the Mystery and Detection Society in Torquay. As usual he is accompanied by his loyal hound Percy, his mother, his uncle and his aunt, and, of course, his first love and now close friend and partner-in-crime-solving Lady Isabella (Bella) Montague. The conference is not at all what he expected, but at least he gets to enjoy a luxurious weekend in what is considered the English Riviera. And while Percy seems to get a more special treatment than him, Marius and Bella get involved in another investigation when a body is found in the pool and it turns out that the victim was hated and loved in equal measure.

A Body at the Grand Hotel was another five stars for me. I loved the mystery, the humour, and the relationship between Bella and Marius and their easy banter. The story is well-written and intriguing. There is a victim of murder who used to bully all those around her, so the list of suspects is quite long; there are also an incompetent police detective, a group of amateur know-it-all detectives, and witnesses who keep secrets. It won’t be easy for Marius and Bella to figure out the truth. If you love cozy mystery and historical novels, then I can’t recommend this series enough. Also, the ending was quite unexpected and shocking and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

A huge thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of this fantastic novel.

I’m a Welsh-Irish-Englishman originally from South London but now living in Burgos, a beautiful medieval city in the north of Spain, with my French-Spanish wife and two our ridiculously international children. Writing has always been my passion. It was my favourite half-an-hour a week at primary school, and I started on my first, truly abysmal book as a teenager. So it wasn’t a difficult decision to study literature at university which led to an MA in Creative Writing.I grew up in a crime-fiction-mad family and had made a few clumsy attempts at writing one over the years before coming up with the idea for my contemporary whodunits “The Izzy Palmer Mysteries”. My second series, the 1920s-set “Lord Edgington Investigates…”, has been a great success, with each of the books making a mark on the mystery charts, and I’m about to launch a second historical series.If you’d like to tell me what you think about my detectives, my writing or the world at large, feel free to get in touch at www.benedictbrown.net where you can also download my free mystery novellas.