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I am sure that this book would appeal to those currently in retirement or very close to it, since it does feel like an older lady telling a story that could have been told in 5 min. If you like a good cosy crime, with emotional and thoughtful undercurrent, this may well be the book for you. According to its billing, it should appeal to fans of Richard Osman's, "The Thursday Murder Club" and there are certainly some obvious parallels - not least the group of pensioners who get together for their regular "coffee o'clock sessions" in the café at the local garden centre on a Thursday! I was so aggravated with this book by the end, I was just like: really, I’ve went through all these pages… just for this?
Liz seemed the most timid of the three but was actually very astute and perhaps, unknowingly, at the time, the most in tune with what was really happening. While the mystery and the ladies antics were somewhat humorous, there are some serious issues dealt with in this story.I wasn’t really a fan of Richard Osman’s TTMC (however the sequel was much better), which this book is very much like, but it’s far too similar but not as well done.
In summary, Hall has done a credible job of presenting a mystery that has several interesting components. I’ve actually been enjoying all the ‘cosy crime’ amateur sleuth types of books which have been released of late, particularly those where the protagonists are possible the least likely Detectives you might hope to meet. Charming… The plot is cosy and tricky, with just the right blend of Miss Marple, interesting and quirky characters, secrets… colourful cardigans, and of course, heaps of tea and warm companionship. Also, Hall’s background as a primary school deputy head gave him inspiration in creating his main characters and his love for the works of Agatha Christie informed his approach to writing this intriguing mystery. The book touches on some important issues to do with retirement such as fraudulent schemes that target the elderly, women's perception of themselves, and raising children in today's world.These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. of the way through the book I thought it had finished and was surprised when there was a fair but more of the book to go!
Primary teaching has always been a huge part of his life and throughout his writing career he is proud never to have lost the ability of running a slick painting table. I was lucky enough to listen to the audiobook and the narrator, Julie Hesmondhalgh was great and her Yorkshire accent really added to the cosy Yorkshire setting. Sit down with a cup of tea, a slice of cake and this perfectly witty, page-turning cosy crime novel. In addition to these questions, each of the friends has her own issues that range from needing to lose weight to remembering an old incident that could have resulted in terrible consequences, to dealing with a son who is withdrawn and moody and a grandson who is having trouble in school to name a few.They are three very different characters, all very carefully created and developed, each with characteristics that both endeared and, at times, frustrated me. The book might benefit from sticking with the main plot and the few sub-plots that are directly related to it rather than following the larger number of tangents included. Because the more the three women delve into the final days of their old friend Topsy, the clearer it becomes that there is something not quite right about the whole situation and the more certain I became that there was definitely something hinky in play. Thelma was the most direct about looking into what had really happened, the most determined to understand what was happening, driven to find an answer by her own faith. It's simple prose and gentle telling make this is a great spring garden book - put down your secateurs, grab a brew and indulge in a chapter or two on the patio.
This book follows ex colleagues Liz, Pat and Thelma as they meet up every Thursday to catch up on each other’s lives.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Avon Books UK, and HarperCollins Audio for providing both a digital and an audio ARC of A Spoonful of Murder by J. There must be a thing now with older amateur sleuth stories, as I’ve read more than I had expected to recently. Your personal data will not be shared with any other organisations and you have the right to unsubscribe at any time. I loved this book' NetGalley review 'Cosy mystery at its best with a cast of loveable characters, a truly satisfying read!
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