Arthur’s Boatyard is a jewel in the crown of Saxford St Peter, a famous firm that’s been fixing barges and boats for a hundred years. But their centenary celebration shows it’s not all plain sailing… The owner, Anthony Mottram, seems to be at daggers drawn with half the village. So when he turns up dead in his own workshop, Eve Mallow knows she needs to chart her path carefully if she’s to find his killer.
Accompanied by her stalwart sidekick, dachshund Gus, Eve sets out on decidedly choppy waters. Why did Anthony’s sister send him to the boatyard, the night he died? Where has his ex-girlfriend vanished to? And what is his best friend and business partner hiding?
With her only clues a scarf, a scrap of paper and the smell of perfume, Eve must navigate an ocean of suspects who all have reasons to lie. But when the new owner of the boatyard is murdered, she knows she’s sailing close to the wind. Despite all the mince pies and the carol singing, someone is feeling far from festive. Can Eve make it through the storm and land her suspect, or will she be left dead in the water?
A completely charming and gripping English cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Emylia Hall and J.R. Ellis.
My Rating:
Favorite Quote:
Eve could see the excited anticipation in Moira’s eyes. The storekeeper viewed first-hand gossip as a robin might view a juicy worm. It would make her the centre of attention for at least twenty-four hours if she could get Eve’s full account.
My Review:
This has been an enjoyable and well-plotted series with Ms. Chase’s devious mysteries growing in complexity with each new installment. She never fails to keep me guessing with my curiosity primed throughout perusal. Her main characters are likable, ethical, and authentically human as well as humane. And bonus points for including an adorable tartan-wearing weiner dog as a companion and sidekick.
In addition to my ever-growing admiration of Ms. Chase’s exceptional word skills, I have gained no less than three informal British expressions for my neglected Brit Words and Phrases List. First up is “chance her arm,” which Mr. Google notes is to undertake something even if it may be dangerous or unsuccessful. Next up is “took the biscuit” (or “takes the biscuit”), which seems exactly the same as our “takes the cake.” Meaning something at a mostly negative level that is beyond annoying or outrageous. And lastly, I chanced upon “led her a dance,” which means to deliberately cause someone to do a lot of unnecessary trouble and running around in circles.
Clare Chase writes classic mysteries. She aims to take readers away from it all via some armchair sleuthing in atmospheric locations.
Her debut novel was shortlisted for Novelicious’s Undiscovered Award, as well as an EPIC award post-publication, and was chosen as a Debut of the Month by LoveReading. Murder on the Marshes (Tara Thorpe 1) was shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers award.
Like her heroines, Clare is fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in settings as diverse as Littlehey Prison and the University of Cambridge, in her home city. She’s lived everywhere from the house of a lord to a slug-infested flat and finds the mid-terrace she currently occupies a good, happy medium.
As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s books.
