| Title | : | Murder at Abbeymead Farm (Flora Steele #6) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1837903026 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 261 |
| Publication | : | First published May 31, 2023 |
Sussex, 1957: When Flora and Jack hear that Percy Milburn – a newcomer to the area who has ruffled more than a few feathers with his grand plans for modernising Abbeymead – is missing, they’re determined to find him. But after scouring the village, Flora is shocked to discover the body of the poor man in the cellar of a crumbling farmhouse.
Percy’s murder is tragic but not unexpected, as his ambition had made him many enemies within the small, rural community. Flora and Jack get stuck into the case, but they’re sent on a wild goose chase around the village. Whoever is behind the death has taken careful steps to cover their tracks…
Was it Miss Minnie Howden, the nervous housekeeper who loved Percy? Sir Frederick Neville, the owner of the farm Percy was trying to buy? Or Colin Palmer, made rich by Percy’s death? Did any of the suspects dislike Percy enough to end his life?
The amateur detective duo finds themselves outfoxed at every turn, unable to find any concrete clues. When their prime suspect is murdered, Flora and Jack have their work cut out to find the culprit. But the clever killer has pulled the wool over their eyes and is reeling them ever nearer to danger.
Will this case finally bring Flora and Jack closer together? And can they unravel the mystery before they’re led like lambs to the slaughter?
Murder at Abbeymead Farm (Flora Steele #6) Reviews
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The sixth book in this great series and I have read them all.
It is 1957 in the English village of Abbeymead and Flora Steele and Jack Carrington are crime solving again. More than one person dies, and Flora finds herself being harassed by someone unknown - just small things at first but getting more serious as the story progresses. When possible suspects for the first murder also die Flora starts to lose confidence in herself and her ability to solve crimes.
She should have asked me - I knew who it was! Anyway all was well in the end, and the pair even took one more tiny step towards becoming a couple. The author is determined to make us wait for this but at least it should mean there will be another book soon. I am looking forward to it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. -
It was 1957 in Abbeymead, Sussex, and Flora Steele was impressed with Percy Milburn's verbal image of the farm he was going to buy, turning it into a hostel. But not everyone was impressed with Percy's idea, and when a meeting called to iron out the differences was missing its main person - Percy - they all wondered where he was. But it was three days later that he was found, murdered. Shocked but determined to uncover the killer, Flora and Jack Carrington, crime writer and Flora's good friend - maybe beau - joined forces to once again discover the answers.
But this case was particularly baffling and it was one step forward and two back for them both. Plus someone was after Flora, damaging items she loved. Jack was worried, Flora was angry. And when another body was found - their main suspect - their frustration was immense. Would Flora and Jack find the evil doer before it was too late for someone else?
Murder at Abbeymead Farm is the 6th in the Flora Steele Mystery series by Merryn Allingham and I quite enjoyed it. Fun, entertaining with plenty of twists, I have no hesitation in recommending this cosy mystery to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. -
My thanks to Bookouture for a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Author Merryn Allingham certainly writes these faster than I can keep up; it was only recently that I seemed to be reading Murder at St Saviour’s, the fifth of the Flora Steele series of mysteries set in 1950s England, and before I knew it, there was book 6.
In Murder at Abbeymead Farm (2023), we are back to the small Sussex village of Abbeymead where twenty-seven-year-old Flora Steele runs a book shop, the All’s Well left to her by the aunt who’d brought her up. In the village also lives her partner in crime, and the man she is in love with journalist-turned-mystery-writer Jack Carrington with whom her adventures began when he discovered a body in her book shop. In this book, we meet Percy Milburn, an enterprising and wealthy Yorkshireman who has settled in Abbeymead after retirement and is not only Flora’s best customer but one she likes very much for his endless energy and ideas. His latest is the purchase of a farm, Bird’s Acre whose tenant Robert Martin has died, to convert it into a hostel where people with limited means can stay while enjoying the countryside at Abbeymead. This, not surprisingly, stirs up a hornet’s nest, for while the owner of the farm Sir Frederick Neville is desperate for money, he’d rather have a classy hotel than a hostel, while other residents of the village are opposed to any project at all. Mr Milburn fails to appear at the village meeting set up to pitch his ideas, and then also to his meeting with Sir Frederick. Worried, Flora convinces Jack to search for him, only to find his body, in a cider barrel on the Farm. The police is, as always, short-staffed and Jack’s friend Inspector Alan Ridley is happy to have Jack and Flora take over some of the investigation. Sir Frederick and his as-unlikeable nephew Piers were both keen on having a hotel on the farm and have also been involved in negotiations with the odd-looking and shady agent, Sidney Lovejoy. There’s also Sir Frederick’s agent Colin Palmer, who wants the sale to go through. Then Flora starts to become a target of someone very nasty, but is it the killer or someone else?
Murder at Abbeymead Farm made for another very readable entry in the Flora Steele series, giving us an interesting mystery with a fair few suspects, of whom some are strangers (always a standout in a small village), as well as developments in the village itself, in the lives of characters we’ve come to know and become interested in, besides Flora and Jack’s relationship.
Pretty much since the previous book in the series, Inspector Ridley sees Jack and Flora as allies rather than meddlers and is more than pleased to leave entire sections of the investigation (in this case, the fiddly bits where he might face difficulties, like talking to peers who might just be friends with the commissioner) to them, and openly admits it when he runs into a dead end. But he is also very much at hand when help is needed, arriving on the scene like some of those movie policemen, just in the nick of time!
In terms of the mystery, this book was an interesting one, but about half way into the book, based on some occurrences and remarks by the person concerned, I was fairly certain as to whodunit, but was happy to read on to see whether I guessed right (I had) or whether Allingham would spring a surprise.
The book’s setting is of course, in the post-war period, so we’re seeing the developments of the time like things coming out of rationing but others still remaining luxuries (smoked salmon amongst them). As Flora runs a bookshop, there’s also talk of the new books of the day, among them Daphne Du Maurier’s The Scapegoat (one I am still to read). Also aspects like the country side changing with hotels and such taking off and farms and manors changing hands and the character of the village with it.
In Flora and Jack’s relationship we also start to see some changes (slight tensions) as Jack has come to realise that he wants to cement things further while Flora, perhaps not too optimistic about marriage based on what little she’s seen (and of course her past experiences in love and those of Jack) would rather things continue just the same. But there are plenty of obstacles to that including new information about her parents who died when she was a child.
Will that lead us to our next mystery? Well, one will have to wait for the next book to find out, though I don’t think that will be long coming.
-
Flora Steele find herself the victim of harassment. Some things that are very special to her are being destroyed. What has she done to annoy somebody to the point that they are trying to make her extremely unhappy? In addition to that, Flora and her boyfriend Jack are investigating yet another murder scene. Flora has always been very adept at when it comes to her role as an amateur sleuth.
In this sixth book in the Flora Steele cozy mystery series, Flora is interested to see how Percy Milburn plans on convincing the village of Abbeymead to begin a hostel at a farm he planned on purchasing. When a meeting is about to begin to discuss the plans, Flora and the others in attendance wonder why he is late. Sadly, not only is he late, but he does not show up at all. In fact, after a few days his body is discovered and it was apparently a murder. Between her determination to solve Percy’s murder and the strange happenings in her case, Flora is busier than ever.
Flora and Jack have different responses to the personal attacks that her. Jack’s concern is much different than Flora’s ire. And when you factor in yet another murder, they both realize that time is definitely of the essence. Then, when you consider the fact that Percy Milburn was actually killed in Flora’s bookshop, it really comes to no surprise that she is ever more determined to solve this murder. Then, with Jack being an author of crime novels, they make a wonderful team.
Considering that some of the villagers were not happy about Percy’s hostel plans, there are no shortage of suspects. One other part of this book is that Flora’s friend Kate is going to get married soon, so readers get another aspect of Flora’s relationship with Jack as she ponders her friend’s upcoming nuptials. I love keeping her relationship with Jack as part of the context of this series and I cannot wait to see where it goes from here when we get the next book. If you love cozy mysteries, and if you love continuity, then this series by Merryn Allingham is one that I think you will love.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this book for review. This is my honest opinion. -
What's a sleuth to do when one of their prime suspects is murdered, too? That's just one of the problems facing Flora and Jack this go-round. I was pleased that we seemed to be getting more of the story through Jack's eyes this time, with Flora unusually rattled by the death of a man she considered a friend, Percy Milburn. Given the vandalism to some beloved objects and, well, Flora is having a rough go of it. That's even without all the not-so-subtle hints that many expect to see Jack and her wed soon.
So, who killed Percy, a man determined to make changes to stubbornly unchanging Abbeymead? Honestly, I didn't see this one coming. Was it Sir Frederick, whose decision to sell a piece of proper started the whole mess, or maybe his nephew Piers who has his own ideas of what should be done with the same property? Or maybe the ambitious Colin, who stood to gain a fortune? Surely not sweet, mild mannered Minnie, Percy's maid? Or one of the many citizens who are rankled by Percy's plan to build a hostel and, in their minds, bring the wrong kind of people to Abbeymead? Most seem content that Abbeymead remain the same forever.
There's great deal going on in this installment. I've read the series from the beginning and have enjoyed watching the relationship between Jack and Flora develop. Hmm, will that mysterious letter push it along or throw more obstacles in the way? Well, like finding dead bodies isn't distraction enough. Oddly enough, one my favorite things about the duo is that they've proven to be fallible. That makes them all the more human in my eyes. Jack's willingness to go the extra mile to make Flora happy is definitely sweet and I'm rooting for him.
Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for inviting me back to Abbeymead. Life was both more difficult yet more simple in so many ways in 1957. -
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Murder At Abbeymead Farm' by Merryn Allingham.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Merryn Allingham, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 11th May 2023.
This is the fifth book I have read by this author. It is also the sixth book in the 'Flora Steele Mystery' series. I have previously read 'The Bookshop Murder' which is the first book in the series, 'Murder At The Pier' which is the second book in the series, 'Murder At Primrose Cottage' which is the third book in the series and 'Murder At The Priory Hotel' which is the fourth book in this series and all of them I highly recommend, although they can each be read as a standalone.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis for this series stated that this series is 'A completely addictive cozy crime novel set in the fictional Sussex village of Abbeymead. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis!' I am a huge fan of all three of those authors so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Merryn and if this is half as good as 'The Bookshop Murder', 'Murder On The Pier', 'Murder At Primrose Cottage' and 'Murder At The Priory Hotel' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 32 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Sussex, England 🏴, UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times. I have in fact visited and holidayed in Sussex on many occasions including this year and next year again so am looking forward to possibly recognising name places.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Flora Steele ad Jack Carrington. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Another fantastic success by Merryn!!! Absolutely devoured this book in one sitting!!
Well I must say this is yet another explosive book in an absolutely addictive series!!! The storyline was very interesting and very fast paced. I absolutely love the fact that the main characters (Flora) owns a Bookshop and Jack is an author. I always look forward to meeting them and am gutted to come to the end of each book as they have become like friends to me. There is just something about a book where there is a lot of emphasis on books for me and this book was packed with them!! I really enjoyed that it was set in the past and the storyline really suited that. It really is a nice cozy mystery that will keep you guessing throughout. Abbeymead farm is up for sale but the villagers are not happy with the fact that the new potential owner Percy Millburn wants to turn it into a hostel. When he doesn't turn up for a meeting Flora and Jack decide that something isn't right so go to look for him. They soon find him but not how they were expecting at all and they end up trying to discover who was responsible for his grim ending. However, this time they seem to be in deeper trouble than usual when Flora finds herself a target when her beloved bookshop is vandalized. The more that Jack and Flora dig into this mystery the more dangerous the attacks on Flora become. Will they find out who is responsible before there's another murder or before the killer has their final revenge on Flora?? You'll just have to pick up a copy of this fantastic coz mystery today to find out more!!! At no point did I suspect who was doing what or why so another huge well done there Merryn!!! I have read many a mystery and find that I am working out the killer/perp quicker every time and there's nothing worse than working out who did what when your need even half way through a book. I loved that this book is based in Sussex as the atmospheres suit the book perfectly. Not only is this a suspense and action filled mystery but there was just the right amount of quirkiness, laughter and attitude to give it a nice mix!!! This book was extremely well written and I do believe alot of research went into it as everything linked correctly in with the era it was set in which was 1955. It is a real bug bear for me when I read a historical novel and the author hasn't done their research and gets basic information mixed up so well done Merryn!! It was very well written and I found the synopsis and the cover fitted the storyline perfectly, The descriptions were great and it really felt as if I was in the storyline along with Flora and Jack. Merryn describes life in a small village perfectly with everyone knowing everyone else and their business, growing up and living in one now she has definitely got it perfectly!! This book is yet another fantastic addition to a brilliant cozy mystery series that I absolutely love looking out for the next book in!
OMG!!!! THAT ENDING!!!! LOVE, LOVE, ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!!! 😍 😘 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ WELL DONE MERRYN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! DID I MENTION I LOVED IT???!!!!!
A fun, addictive, unputdownable cozy crime mystery. Clear your schedules as you won't be able to put this book down!
Although this is the sixth book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.
I am thoroughly invested in the characters and really enjoyed meeting Flora and Jack again both with their fantastic and quirky personality!!! In fact all of the characters had their own individual personalities which worked really well with each other. I am definitely looking forward to meeting Flora and Jack again and some more of the villagers. Some of the characters I was glad to see the back of but what fun would there be if we got along with them all. Flora and Jack have definitely become like friends to me and I look forward to meeting them again each time Merryn brings out another fantastic book in this series. I have loved watching Jack and Flora getting closer and closer and I really hope she gets over her fear of marriage and that they finally tie the knot soon as they make the perfect partners in crime and love!! Some of the other characters I enjoy meeting each time include Flora's friend and cafe owner, soon to be married, Kate, Alice and Jack's little helper Charlie. I wasn't a fan of Winifred who was trying to bully everyone into agreeing to what she wanted, especially the lovely Minnie. Anyway I won't say anymore as I don't want to give anything away but as always with this great seriea there is a perfect mix of strong and realistic characters to make an addictive storyline.
Congratulations Merryn on yet an absolutely fantastic book in an absolutely epic series!! I am really looking forward to see what Flora and Jack get up to next!!! Here's to your next success 🥂
Overall an page turning, perfect mix of mystery, crime, suspense and quirkiness which kept me turning the pages late at night!! An explosive addition to an addictive series!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Suspense, Cozy Animal Mystery, Mystery, Thriller, Cozy Culinary Mystery, Women Sleuths, Crime Thriller, Cozy Crafts And Hobbies Mystery, Police Procedural, Women Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuths, Murder Mystery and Crime Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Helena Dixon, Agatha Christie, Faith Martin, Joy Ellis, Verity Bright, Clare Chase, Dee MacDonald, Fliss Chester and anyone looking for a historic cosy mystery!!
266 pages.
This book is just £1.99 on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £7.99 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
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Merryn Allingham is either crazy or a genius. A mystery where the sleuths don't figure it out but the reader does? Loved it!
Some village relationships get really strained, and as a result, red herrings abound. I can't wait to see what Allingham does next. -
Such a wonderful cozy mystery read. Merryn Allingham has me hooked on the Flora Steel mystery books. Set in the 1950's they all follow amateur sleuth Flora and her beau Jack as they fumble their way through another murder mystery.
Great characters and a really good plot. -
Flora Steele has recently befriended a newcomer to Abbeymead, but as he intends to open a hostel for those tourists wishing to travel across the South Downs by foot, she is in the minority. When a meeting is called to discuss the plans and he fails to attend Flora and her boyfriend, popular novelist Jack Carrington, are dismayed to discover a body in the cellar of the farmhouse at the centre of the controversy.
As the two amateur sleuths begin looking into all those suspects with reason to commit murder Flora is unsettled by things happening far closer to home. Will she and Jack be able to discover the identity of Abbeymead's latest killer while facing the other problems head-on?
Book six in Merryn Allingham's lovely series sees changes afoot for Flora and her beloved home village. There is a lot going on but it was easy to follow the different storylines and additional characters. I thoroughly enjoy reading about life in the late 1950s and if there's a murder thrown in it's even better!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a great historical murder mystery series I happily recommend. -
The delightful Flora Steele and Jack Carrington are back as this series continues to entertain us from the sleepy village of Abbeymead in rural Sussex. And once again they become embroiled in another murder mystery on their hands...this time with baffling proportions. I'm guessing they will soon have a bodycount to rival Midsomer!
Abbeymead, April 1957: Since the discovery of a body in her bookshop the All's Well the previous summer, Flora Steele has had several murder mysteries fall into her lap and that she has insisted on solving...with the help of her dashing crime writer/sleuth Jack Carrington. And this time it's no different.
Recently befriending newcomer Percy Milburn to the village, Flora is among the minority who like Percy. His plans for a nearby farm which he intended to turn into a hostel to enable those less affluent to afford to holiday in such a delightful village had locals raging. They didn't want any hostel cheapening or decimating their quiet village with riff-raff. So when he calls a meeting to discuss the plans in the village hall and then fails to attend, Flora is concerned. There is no way Percy would miss this opportunity to sell his idea to the villagers. So why didn't he?
Putting her thinking cap on, Flora began a process of elimination. Where was Percy last seen? Or rather, where was he supposed to be and also failed to show? A discussion of plans with the vendor at the abandoned farm at which Percy was a no-show. Or was he? Flora knows Percy wouldn't have ditched his plans so therefore something must have happened to him. And when she and Jack discover his remains in barrel of cider in the cellar of the old farmhouse, she is both shocked and dismayed. But she isn't surprised. Because she knew something had stopped Percy from attending both meetings at which his presence was expected. The question is - who?
And then a new buyer is miraculously found for the old farm...who has plans to build a new hotel, of which Abbeymead has no need. So what is really at play here? And whose palms are being greased to make this sale happen?
This case has Flora and Jack similarly stumped. Enquiries take Jack to London where he does a little digging of his own, uncovering from rather unsettling surprises. Meanwhile, back in Abbeymead, someone seems to have it in for Flora as her bookshop is broken into yet again this time all her stock is not only vandalised but decimated. And then the rowan tree her aunt had planted in the front yard of their cottage which held special meaning to her is destroyed during the night. Who is after Flora? And why?
MURDER AT ABBEYMEAD FARM is the sixth book in this entertaining cosy series which is a cross between Agatha Christie's Miss Marple and Father Brown. Each one is a standalone mystery with a backstory that continues to evolve over time. As with each of the books, it is fun entertaining and a quick light read with plenty of twists. Though not my favourite of the series, it is still just as entertaining and just as much fun...and I cannot wait to rejoin Flora and Jack next time. Though I hope Flora isn't as troubled as she appeared in this one and soon makes peace with the news of her friend's upcoming wedding and that of her past.
I would like to thank #MerrynAllingham, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #MurderAtAbbeymeadFarm in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at
https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/. -
Murder at Abbeymead Farm is the sixth book in Merryn Allingham's Flora Steele Mystery series. It can be read as a stand-alone but having been with the series since the beginning, I have really enjoyed following the personal lives of the characters, particularly Flora and Jack, so I would recommend reading from the start, if possible.
When Percy Milburn is killed, he becomes the latest in a growing list of Abbeymead's murder victims – the apparently idyllic village is becoming about as safe a place to live as Midsomer! It does mean that Flora Steele and Jack Carrington are becoming quite seasoned amateur sleuths now and with the pair finally in a couple, it would perhaps be more accurate to describe this as the Flora and Jack Mystery series, because I can't imagine one without the other. Their shared sense of humour and determination to uncover the truth about what emerges as an especially trying case ensures they are consistently likeable protagonists, even though their failure to communicate at times is frustrating. As an unmarried couple in the 1950s, the expectation that they will soon announce their engagement is inevitable. I don't know what Merryn Allingham plans for them in the future but I must confess to loving Flora's independent streak and refusal to yield to societal conventions.
One of the most interesting aspects of this instalment is that it explores a less pleasant side of village life, especially for newcomers. It quickly becomes apparent that Percy wasn't a popular man but other than being blunt and resolute in his plans, he clearly wasn't unpleasant and Flora was evidently quite fond of him. However, several of her fellow villagers didn't feel the same way and while the term didn't exist back then, their collective concern about changes wrought by new people coming to the area is typical nimbyism. Some of their objections are understandable but their distrust of visitors and new residents – especially the 'wrong sort '– is portrayed with honesty throughout.
Although the village isn't at its best here, the people who become the main suspects in the investigation are admittedly a rather shady bunch. Avarice and vindictiveness abound and with a known criminal element also involved, it's no wonder that Flora and Jack become stumped. I did manage to figure out the culprit before it is revealed but following the clues carefully laid by the author is part of the fun of reading this sort of whodunnit and so not a criticism at all. There's a sort of subplot running alongside the main investigation which adds a further element of suspense and indeed, poignancy to proceedings. I'm loath to say much more about it for fear of spoilers but there are some moments which are really quite chilling and the sense of violation experienced is heartbreaking.
As always, Merryn Allingham's attention to detail in this historical series is excellent and I love the little touches, such as the mention of a character using a biro, which was becoming a more commonplace sight by the mid-fifties. From the referencing of newly published books to the inclusion of Agatha Christie's Spider Web, which really was performed in Worthing in 1957, the authentic sense of place is first-rate.
Murder at Abbeymead Farm is a satisfyingly immersive cosy mystery; I continue to look forward to more from this reliably entertaining historical crime fiction series. -
Po śmierci dzierżawcy Birds Acre Farm niedaleko Abbeymead właściciel majątku, Sir Fredrick Neville, zawiera wstępną umowę na jego sprzedaż z Percym Milburnem, któremu marzy się urządzenie tam schroniska dla mniej zamożnych gości. Na wiejskim zebraniu, zwołanym przez byłą dyrektorkę szkoły, wydaje się, że jedynie Flora Steele gotowa jest bronić pomysłu Milburna, ale wszyscy z niecierpliwoscią czekają na jego autora. Nadaremnie. Zaniepokojona Flora jedzie na Ptasie Pole ze swym wiernym partnerem, Jackiem Carringtonem, i w piwnicy głównego budynku odkrywają zwłoki Milburna.
Jest kilka powodów, dla których szósty tom serii Merryn Allingham z parą detektywów-amatorów wydał mi się szczególnie godny uwagi, nawet jeśli rozwiązanie zagadki kryminalnej tym razem jest łatwiejsze dla czytelników niż dla Flory i Jacka. Przede wszystkim w obrazie społeczności lokalnej wychodzą na jaw rozmaite, trudne do pogodzenia podziały. Przeżycia wojenne sprowadziły do Abbeymead nowych mieszkańców, którzy przez minione lata się zadomowili, znaleźli w pięknym krajobrazie kredowych wzgórz - Downs of Sussex - swoją życiową przystań. Jednak przez wielu rdzennych lokalsów nadal traktowani są jak obcy. Szczególnie jeśli próbują wcielić w życie swoje pomysły, wpuścić trochę świeżego powietrza, na przykład uatrakcyjnić wioskę i jej okolice dla turystów. Dość powiedzieć, że w ocenie Milburna Flora nie jest w stanie znaleźć wspólny język nawet ze swoją najserdeczniejszą przyjaciółką.
Inna linia podziałów sięga przeszłości, statusu majątkowego i pochodzenia rodowego. Już w poprzednich tomach sporo dowiedzieliśmy się o perturbacjach z posiadłością Templetonów, która wreszcie zaczyna jako tako funkcjonować jako Priory Hotel dla bogaczy. Tutaj obserwujemy zmierzch innej rodziny arystokratycznej, kłótnie między Nevillem seniorem i jego bratankiem, ich kłopoty finansowe, poważne zadłużenie i podatność na wpływy rozmaitych doradców i pośredników w dysponowaniu odziedziczonym majątkiem, co doprowadza do pojawienia się na prowincji szemranych typów z wielkiego miasta, łącznie z gangsterami. Staje się to naturalnie głównym obszarem działalności detektywistycznej zarówno policji, jak i Flory i Jacka.
O konserwatyzmie obyczajowym, przejawiającym się choćby w powszechnej językowej tytułomanii, także w stosunku do osób cieszących się nie najlepszą opinią, zbyt dużo pisać nie będę. Nie wiem, w jakim stopniu była to cecha angielskiej prowincji w tamtej epoce, a w jakim styl pisarstwa autorki.
W Abbeymead, jak w innych powojennych społecznościach, żyje wiele samotnych kobiet. Na ogół jakoś sobie radzą w trudnych czasach i są doceniane, szczególnie przez inne kobiety. Bo z mężczyznami różnie bywa. Znamienne jest rozżalenie Flory na udzielanie - przy kuflu piwa w pubie - informacji na temat śledztwa przez inspektora Alana Ridleya Jackowi, nie jej, choć wszyscy wiedzą, źe to ona jest inspiratorką działań ich dwójki. Natomiast również u przyjaciółek nie znajduje Flora zrozumienia dla swojego trwania w panieństwie i wyczuwalne jest bagatelizowanie najczęstszych przyczyn rozpadu damsko-męskich związków.
Akcja siódmego tomu serii dość niespodzianie przenosi się do Francji, ale trzeba nań poczekać do końca października. -
4 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining
Sussex 1957
Percy Milburn is an enthusiastic newcomer to Abbeymead. His plans to turn a farm into a hostel and his go-getter attitude make him more enemies than friends. When Percy goes missing, Flora and Jack jump into action. Discovering his body is a rude shock but expected.
Now, the duo has to investigate the crime and find who the killer is. When another body turns up, they realize this case is more complex than the ones they solved. Also, someone is trying to hurt Flora by tinkering with the things she loves.
Can Flora and Jack unravel both mysteries without getting killed? What about their slow-progressing relationship? Will they take any more steps to be together?
The story comes in the third-person POV of Flora and Jack.
My Thoughts:
The sixth book in the series, this one has plenty to offer to readers who have been Flora and Jack’s adventures from the start. It should work as a standalone, though not knowing the full backstories might dim the reading experience.
The main plot has quite a bit of intrigue and action. In fact, we have many suspects this time and not enough clues (though I guessed the killer). I like how the sleuthing duo is not their finest best this time and even acknowledge. It brings a refreshing change to the series.
The book also has a few subplots dealing with the side characters and their lives. Of course, this affects Flora and Jack, but how is something you’ll have to read and find out.
Jack is working on his new book. However, here we get only little bits of details. This one focuses on Flora, just as it should (the previous ones dealt with Jack, so it’s her turn now). I love that she is resilient but vulnerable and has conflicting emotions at times. It enhances her character arc.
My favorite part is how the most unsuspected person (not for me, I suspected them soon enough) is the criminal and the reason for their actions. It deals with core human desires and also gives a glimpse into the not-so-good side of small towns.
The book ends on a positive note, though we can’t help but hope for a more positive development for Flora and Jack. Thankfully, book #7’s cover has been revealed, so I’m excited to read it soon. It promises more adventure and developments for our sleuthing couple.
To summarize, Murder at Abbeymead Farm is an entertaining mystery with some introspective moments. This one has fewer laughs, though it is just as enjoyable for cozy lovers.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MurderatAbbeymeadFarm -
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this opportunity to review Murder at Abbeymead Farm. All opinions and comments are my own.
Bookshop owner, Flora Steel and Jack Carrington, crime writer and “fellow sleuth” solve crimes in the 1950’s Sussex countryside and village of Abbeymead in this entertaining series by Merryn Allingham. Murder at Abbeymead Farm is the sixth book, and while they can be read as standalones, why would you do that? Always better to start with the first book to get a thorough understanding of the characters.
What’s that ominous prologue mean? I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough. In the meantime, what we have is the “villagers against change” trope. Someone wants to make over a property, in this case to a hostel. Locals don’t want outsiders flooding in, et cetera. Well, you can pretty tell what’s coming… soon our proposed hostel-builder is dead. Well, Flora can’t let this stand, and with Jack’s help, she’ll figure out whodunit.
But who cares about that, what we readers need to know is who has it in for Flora? ‘Cause terrible things are beginning to happen around and to her. We know that Flora’s “nosy” nature (characters do like to mention that a lot) does get her into trouble, but this time, it’s really personal. She shoulders on with the murder investigation while watching over her shoulder. Jack’s involvement helps, of course.
Speaking of -- they’re definitely a couple now, but neither one is mentioning marriage. The author outlines the lots of reasons why not, especially on Flora’s part. An ongoing story, lots of fodder for future books.
So, who among these people (a grasping nephew, smarmy land agent, a ruthless consortium buying up land, and of course the villagers) did the deed? Ms. Allingham gives us plenty to think about -- you get your chance to decide which one you prefer. Oh, almost forgot -- we get another murder.
There’s a dramatic finish, and everything’s tied up very nicely. Flora thinks they might have missed this one, a bit. Still, they make a good team. Murder at Abbeymead Farm is a quietly entertaining read with two likeable characters that fit together very well. There’s plenty here to keep your attention, a twisty path of suspects and motives. And a glimpse at an English village of yesteryear, calming and quiet. Minus the bodies, of course. -
This is such a great series and an auto-read for me.
The writer has created a whole world in 1950s Abbeymead with Flora Sreele and The End’s Well bookshop at its centre.
Times are starting to change in Abbeymead. With old farming families dying and land being sold off, the village and surrounding areas are starting be developed. But not everyone is happy about the changes.
Percy Milburn is new to the village and looking to turn a local farm into a new holiday hostel. He’s due to attend a meeting for local residents to gain support for his proposal, but he doesn’t turn up.
When his body is discovered, Flora and Jack set out to find out who is responsible. There are no shortage of suspects as Percy was not a very popular man, and lots of other people wanted to get their hands on the farm.
There are lots of threads to this story – plenty of red herrings and twists and turns to keep you guessing. Flora and Jack have definitely got their work cut out for them this time.
I had a suspicion of who it might be but couldn’t work out why or even really how until it all came together at the end
Flora is also struggling with some aspects of her personal life. She loves Jack but definitely isn’t ready for marriage, and with her friend Kate planning their own wedding, romance is definitely in the air. Flora finds herself wrestling with her own feelings so she can support her friend.
If you like cosy mysteries with a vintage setting, I can not recommend this series highly enough. I have enjoyed every book so far, and it’s great to see how the relationships between the characters develop. -
It’s 1957 in Abbeymead, Sussex, and Flora Steele, amateur sleuth, likes the ideas Percy Milburn has to purchase and update Abbeymead Farm. But the rest of the town doesn’t share in her enthusiasm. A meeting is called to work out the differences between Percy and some of the local residents. But Percy is a no-show to the meeting and everyone is wondering where he is. Flora sets out to look for Percy, but she is too late, Percy is dead. Flora and Jack are on the case and with the long list of suspects the investigation could go on for a while. It could have been Sir Frederick Neville, who owns the farm that Percy was wanting to buy, it could have been Minnie Howden, the housekeeper who was in love with Percy or was it Mr. Colin Palmer who could become very rich if Percy were to die. But Flora and Jack think they have solved the case, they know who the murderer is right up until their prime suspect is the next victim. Flora and Jack are running out of time, and the list of suspects just grew.
Murder at Abbeymead Farm by Merryn Allingham is book six of the Flora Steele Series. This cozy mystery was fabulous. I was engrossed in the story and just when I thought I figured it all out…I was wrong. Great plot twist that I didn’t see coming. I really enjoy the amateur super sleuth team of Flora and Jack, as I think they work very well together. I loved this installment as much as the previous books. It can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the series. I enjoyed the escape and I highly recommend this book. -
A newcomer to the village wants to open a hostel but most of the community are against the idea. Someone ends the plan once and for all by killing Percy. Flora and Jack begin to investigate as they genuinely liked the victim but are they putting themselves in danger?
Murder at Abbeymead Farm is the 6th book in the Flora Steele cosy murder mystery series. There are some mentions of events from previous books but no spoilers about the criminals' identities.
Percy Milburn had a dream to build a hostel but this had made him enemies, one of whom is prepared to kill. Meanwhile, Flora's bookshop and home are targeted and she fears this could be a warning that her life is in danger too.
The book is written in the third person as we observe the amateur sleuths' investigation. Once again the author has researched the 1950s well to bring the village and characters to life. Flora and Jack are still constrained by the time period and the social norms.
There are suspects, motives and red herrings aplenty so the mystery is maintained well. The attacks on Flora add an extra level of danger and tension (I was horrified that anyone could destroy books!)
Murder at Abbeymead Farm is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery. -
Sussex, 1957: When Flora and Jack hear that Percy Milburn, a newcomer to the area who has ruffled more than a few feathers with his grand plans for modernising Abbeymead is missing, they’re determined to find him. But after scouring the village, Flora is shocked to discover the body of the poor man in the cellar of a deserted farmhouse. Flora and Jack get stuck into the case, but they don't seem to make any headway. Then if seems as though someone is targeting Flora in ways that hurt rather than harm her. When their prime suspect is murdered, Flora and Jack have their work cut out to find the culprit.
This is the sixth book in the series & whilst it's easily read on its own the author has brought the village of Abbeymead to life & the inhabitants feel like old friends. I love both Flora & Jack & love how their relationship has grown & developed although it’s going through a rocky patch in this book. A well written murder mystery with lots of twists, turns & red herrings. I actually guessed who the villain was, not from any clues but from the fact I found them to be chilling & they gave me the heebie- jeebies!
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read -
Bookshop owner Flora Steele and writer Jack Carrington are enjoying the spring of 1957 in the village of Abbeymead when the corpse of a newcomer is found in the basement of a local farm that is up for sale by the local aristocratic landowner. Of course they want to find out what happened, but once they start investigating they soon discover a hotbed of controversy, over traditional land use, financial greed and even the movements of villainous gangs in nearby London, not to mention the fact that someone has apparently targeted Flora by attacking all the items that she holds most dear…. I had actually forgotten about the Flora Steele cozy series, of which this is the sixth, until I randomly ran across the author’s name and remembered that I had enjoyed the first five books. Here we have a bit more development in the relationship between Flora and Jack, and we also see the sometimes hidebound attitudes of villagers in a world that is changing around them. I figured out the culprit about halfway through the book, but still enjoyed the setting and the characters, so mildly recommended!
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So good to visit Abbeymead once more
With the clues to a murder mystery to explore.
Flora Steele and Jack Carrington are the intrepid duo who
Need to beware as they search for that elusive clue!
In 1957 this village community is in turmoil
As an incomer, Percy Milburn, has plans that many wish to foil.
A special meeting is called for him to share his plans for a local farm
But he never arrives - has he come to harm?
When Flora and Jack discover his murdered body in the farm
There are so many suspects who could have cause him harm.
From locals to landowners, a visitor and a crook
Our sleuthing duo aren't sure where to look!
Another fascinating read with plenty of twists and surprises,
A killer luring them in but no one realises!
Putting a strain on their relationship, too,
Will solving the mystery help them pull through?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading my complementary copy of this book
And have no hesitation that you give it (and the series) more than a look.
It is great read I highly recommend to you
As I share with you this, my honest review. -
I really do want to like these books but, at times, do struggle with some of the logic of the storyline. Some aspects just feel implausible. Flora and Jack do make for an interesting leading couple., An unlikely duo, Each has major hang-ups which get in the way of their evolving relationship. In this book, the village is divided on a possible development that is planned and the murder mystery revolves around these key characters. But even the broader cast of regulars are not necessarily seeing eye-to-eye on this one resulting in some difficult conversations. It was a steady, gentle cosy read - who knows where they'll go next?
My thanks to #Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my honest opinion in exchange for my Advance Reader Copy -
Flora and Jack find themselves attempting to solve the murder of a newcomer in this sixth book in the Flora Steele series set in the late 1950s. I like the village setting and the historical details of this story, the pace of life is less hectic than in the present day, but the village gossips remain unchanged. Flora and Jack, now a couple and amateur sleuths, complement each other, but Jack's protectiveness is a source of discord. This book's many suspects and personal issues draw the reader into village life. The mystery has unexpected twists and a good ending. It's an enjoyable, escapist read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. -
I absolutely loved this book, I love the whole series. The village and the characters are so easy to imagine that I feel like I know the place like the back of my hand. The only reason I’ve deducted a star is that I found this one easier to guess the murderer than in the others and as silly as it might seem, I didn’t love Jack and Flora having (even a small!) rough patch. I love them so much as individual characters, as well as a couple that any mention that they may not end up married and together forever just ruins my enjoyment of the story. Even if that mention is mostly cleared up by the end of the book.
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After enjoying some of the previous books in the Flora Steele series, I was excited to read this one.
When I first took an interest in reading this series, I was very drawn to the cover illustrations, and I thought this one was beautiful too.
This was another very entertaining cosy mystery. I really like Flora as a protagonist, and I relate to her a lot. I enjoy the bookshop setting, and the references to books and authors, alongside the mystery itself. I would probably be interested in reading all of this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
