Series: Flora Steele Mystery #9
Publication Date: 24th July 2024
Purchase Link: https://geni.us/B0CW1J7W8Jsocial
Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208955165-murder-at-cleve-college
Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery
4 Stars
One Liner: The series is still on a high!
Book Blurb:
Bookshop owner Flora Steele and writer
Jack Carrington fell in love solving mysteries. Now they’re taking their first
steps as husband and wife… straight into their most perplexing case yet.
Sussex, 1958: A radiant Flora is being twirled
across the dancefloor by her dashing new husband, Jack. It’s the
perfect wedding in Abbeymead until a mysterious stranger is found
dead just outside the village.
But when Flora finds an envelope tucked into the man’s silver cigarette case,
the address is key to discovering the poor chap’s name – Russell Farr.
He isn’t known to any of the villagers, so at first, all signs point to a tragic
accident. That is until they discover Farr previously worked at the esteemed Cleve
College, where Jack is now a writer-in-residence.
The college has made Jack feel uneasy ever since he learned his predecessor
drowned in its lake, and now it appears a second suspicious death is connected
to it. But who would want two mild-mannered academics dead?
Could it be Jocelyn, the ambitious young teacher with her sights
set on the top? Joe, the sly porter living beyond his means? Or
perhaps Maurice, the college dean who seems far more interested in
power than educating students?
Just when it looks like no amount of studying will crack this case, a chance
encounter brings Flora closer to the truth. But when Jack goes missing, it seems
someone is determined to teach them both a lesson.
Can Flora and Jack outwit the killer before they graduate to becoming the
next victims? Or will their first case as husband and wife be their last?
An absolutely page-turning cosy mystery, packed with unforgettable characters
and sensational twists! Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin, and
Joy Ellis.
***
My Thoughts:
The story comes in Flora and Jack’s third-person POVs.
They are married! I’m glad that we get a short scene with the wedding and reception. Given the book’s size, it works well and continues to keep the focus on the mystery. The book should work as a standalone but will be better when you know at least some backstory of the characters.
Ordinary couples may hate starting their new journey
with a dead body, but not Flora and Jack. Jack is understandably a bit reluctant
to divert his attention to sleuthing since he is already multi-tasking but
Flora is as curious as ever to solve the crime.
The mystery is intriguing and has many threads.
Quite a few suspects too, though I had my target on someone the sleuthing couple
didn’t focus on (should I specify I was right?). The case is intricate with
enough red herrings and reaches a logical conclusion.
The pacing felt a little off or maybe it was coz my
timetable went for a toss, leaving me with less time to read! Either way, I
could finish it as per the plan, so all good.
Jack has relocated to Flora’s cottage, so it is some
time for adjustments for both. They manage to create a schedule that suits
their career commitments and gives them some time to spend together. There isn’t
any extra lovey-dovey which I like. After all, their character arcs don’t
change.
There are a few more developments in the village,
some of which are definitely annoying our dear Alice. I like how even the side
characters have meaningful character arcs. Charlie is growing up too fast, and
we don’t get enough of him now!
To summarize, Murder at Cleve College easily
sustains the momentum of the series while also keeping it fresh with new
changes. The danger levels are a bit high in this one, adding to the intrigue
and entertainment.
Can’t wait for the next book. I guessed where the
next case is likely to be. Now, I wait until the blurb is out to confirm.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC.
This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MurderAtCleveCollege
***
About the Author – Merryn Allingham
Merryn taught university literature for many years,
and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing
the past to life is a passion, and her historical fiction includes Regency
romances, wartime sagas, and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at
their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time
before she plunged into crime with a cozy crime series set in rural Sussex
against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.
Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with
her husband. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet
classes and plenty of walking.
Follow the Author –
Website:
https://merrynallingham.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MerrynWrites
X (Twitter):
https://twitter.com/merrynwrites
Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases
from Merryn Allingham here: https://www.bookouture.com/merryn-allingham
***
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