Sarah Vane is making the most of her retirement, entering the annual baking competition at the stately Coates House. Normally, it runs like clockwork under the eagle eye of Madeleine Brett-Coates. But when Sarah stumbles across the body of the lady of the manor, a string of bunting wrapped tightly around her neck, the event is plunged into chaos.

Mrs. Brett-Coates’s children appear heartbroken, but soon Sarah learns that the kind old woman ruled her roost with an iron rod. And as well as whispers of a secret fling, Sarah discovers that someone’s name was hastily crossed out of her will just days before her death…

Everybody at the manor, even the staff, had a motive, and all of them had secrets they’d kill to keep. But when one of the Brett-Coates heirs vanishes, and a threatening note is sent to the others, Sarah suddenly sees a much bigger plot unfolding. Can Sarah track down the killer before another victim is claimed?

A delightfully cozy and utterly unputdownable murder mystery, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, J.R. Ellis, and Clare Chase who are looking for their next addictive read.

 

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

 

Sarah tried to keep herself busy by engaging Bernard in conversation, but it was rather like swimming through treacle with all your limbs tied together.

Goodness, Helena’s going to be as mad as a sack of squirrels about that!

…it’s enough to give my heebie-jeebies the collywobbles.

My Review:

 

Another entertaining cracker of a cozy murder mystery from the clever Alice Castle, one of my favorite raconteurs. I do love her humorously drawn yet resourceful characters and immersive storytelling. She led me on a merry chase with this one. I couldn’t settle on a villain as the entire family was rather vile, useless, and consumed by their own self-importance and drama.

I adore this series and am now as attached to Sarah Vane as I was to Ms. Castle’s previous creation of the pixie-booted Beth Haldane. The murder mysteries are well-plotted and unpredictable, while the wryly witty and enjoyable storylines keep me engaged and amused. The secondary character of Daphne continues to provide comic relief, and precious little Hamish was also front and center, providing his mistress with comforting snuggles and small but mighty guard-dog protection.