Sunday, September 08, 2024

Book on Tour: Murder in the Countryside by Helena Dixon

 



Book Description:


A meandering drive on a beautiful day, a visit to a local apple orchard, a chance for Bertie the dog to stretch his legs but… has Kitty Underhay just found a dead farmer?

England, 1936. On a clear autumn day, Kitty and her mischievous spaniel Bertie take a drive to a nearby village. After a long walk in the rolling country hills and lunch in a pretty tearoom, what could be nicer than to buy a couple of bottles of local cider for her husband – and partner-in-crime solving – Matt? Instead, she finds a body in the orchard…

Kitty is shocked to discover Titus Blake dead, crushed by his own cider press. The new local detective arrives swiftly, making it clear he has no time for amateur sleuths, especially a woman. Hearing his words, Kitty and Matt are determined to get to the bottom of the mystery before the sour inspector. Titus’s estranged brother, reclusive housekeeper and even his long-suffering son soon make their suspect list.

But when the police get wind of Kitty and Matt’s snooping, the inspector firmly tells them to keep their noses out. Now in a race to find the killer, the inquisitive pair are stopped in their tracks when their chief suspect is also found dead in the barn. 
Can Kitty find the rotten apple before it’s too late, or will the killer feed her a poisoned fruit first?

If you love Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey or Lee Strauss, you will be utterly gripped by this totally charming cozy murder mystery!

What I thought: 

An enjoyable whodunnit mystery, set somewhere near my home in cider-making country (although at times it feels a sight more menacing).  There are plenty of suspects raising their heads as the story progresses, and the police are not doing very well at catching the killer, despite the apparent ambitions of the Inspector leading the investigation.  It is a very close-knit farming community, where everyone knows everyone else (even if they don't get on) and the neighbours are keen to see justice done and safety reinstated. They are only too pleased to enlist the help of temporary residents Kitty and Matt in discovering the truth, as they have past experience of investigation.  This story is well written and the characters interesting.  A lovely read, on holiday or at home.


Author Bio:

Helena Dixon is the author of the best-selling Miss Underhay murder mystery series and
lives in 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.



Oops, I did it again.  Travelling and touring can be very disorienting, and I am a day late - for which I can only apologise.  Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible, I promise.

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