Mystery at the Old Mill by Clare Chase is an Eve Mallow mystery. Eve is a middle-aged woman living in Saxford St Peter, a Suffolk village she moved to after her divorce. She rented a home called Elizabeth's Cottage because of a story about a woman named Elizabeth who, back in 1720, had hidden a servant boy to keep him from the gallows. Eve was a professional obituary writer, no of simple obituaries who appear in the daily newspaper, but those of more well known folks, for whom magazines and such were willing to pay. Such obituaries went much more in depth and Eve made a decent living, though supplemented by her work at a local cafe. I was at her bi-annual charity party celebrating Elizabeth that she met Harry Tennant, a neighbor who lived in a refurbished mill nearby, and who seemed to be conversant with many of the residents of the village. The same Harry Tennant whose   home burned down around his ears less than two weeks later, Harry never having awakened and so was killed in the blaze. 

There was a slight British reserve in the telling of this story, not much, though. It could have taken place anywhere. Eve is a good character, still reacting to her divorce, but not heart-broken at all. She has made friends in this place, and she has an unquenchable curiosity about things. The mystery was compelling, with plenty of misdirection and confusion complicating its solving. People have so much to hide, that in a murder investigation, it is sometimes difficult to parse the  important secrets from the others. Too often, the amateur sleuth putting herself into a position where she will be killed and that is the solution solves the crime. It is an old and over-used trope, which is the worst thing I can say about this book. It was an entertaining story with a good mystery and lots of interesting characters. I recommend it. 

I was invited to read a free ARC of Mystery at the Old Mill by Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #mysteryattheoldmill

This is an excellent addition to an excellent cosy series and I think each novel is better than the previous.
It’s a highly entertaining and gripping story, a complex whodunnit that kept me hooked till the end.
There are murders, there are a lot of secrets and there’s a lovely village where things could not be what they seem.
Henry Tennant is the victim but he’s also an intriguing character, full of secrets and with a double life. He’s complex character and you cannot help loving and hating him at the same time.
Eve is a great character: she’s curious and she wants justice for the victims. I love her discussions with Gus (one of the most lovely dog in the cosy world) and I love how she feels empathy toward the victims and the people involved.
The character development is excellent and the recurring characters are likeable and well thought. The new ones are well fleshed out and intriguing. My favorite is Robin and I would be curious to read about his previous life.
The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and the solution came as a surprise.
I can’t wait to read the next instalment, this one is highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Eve Mallow, one of my favourite amateur sleuths and obituary writers, is back with her trusty and beloved sidekick Gus, in the fourth instalment in this delightful series. 

The town of Saxford St Peter is again hit with tragedy when a fire at the Old Mill claims the life of its new owner Harry Tennant. As Eve writes his obituary, she uncovers that Harry has been living a double life and as his lies are exposed, wonders if there is more to his death than meets the eye…

The mystery plays out well and when it is established that Harry’s death was no accident, the reader is given a number of characters to suspect. Clare Chase never makes the culprit obvious, which always makes for a surprise when revealed and not who you expected at all.

What I love the most about this series is, I always know I am going to read something great and Mystery at the Old Mill is no exception. It has been beautifully written, its plot is fresh, has plenty of red herrings and with its cast of quirky characters, makes for an enjoyable and effortless read.

The Eve Mallow series is one I can not recommend highly enough and is a masterclass in the cozy mystery genre. I get so much enjoyment from reading these books and it is a series that has definitely captured my heart. My only critique, they always end way too soon! 

Mystery at the Old Mill is a fun and entertaining cozy mystery and as I always say, can be read as a standalone, but you would be missing out on three other fantastic books. Go on, go get them. I guarantee you will not be disappointed! 

Thank you to Clare Chase, Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Mystery at the Old Mill, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Eve Mallow, following tradition in her small seaside English village, opens her home on Christmas Eve for a celebration in honor of the beloved woman who owned it in the 1720’s. . Elizabeth was famous for saving the life of a young servant  boy when he was being pursued by the local gentry  for having stolen a loaf of bread to feed his hungry siblings. While showing off the room where Elizabeth slept, and the spot where she had hidden young Isaac, Eve meets some neighbors she hadn’t yet met, among them, Harry, a self described consultant. It turns out that Harry, who had been quite reclusive since moving to the village, has planned a party at his renovated mill, and promised everyone to share a few surprises. Before the party can take place though, Harry is killed when an arsonist sets his mill ablaze. Was he killed to keep him from sharing those surprises? As more details of his identity emerge, Eve, a professional obituary writer, is asked to write about him. The more she learns about this seemingly pleasant man the more she begins to question his morals and treatment of others. While talking with those who knew him she gets drawn into the mystery of why he was killed, and by whom. With plenty of potential suspects, we’re kept guessing until the end.
The village of Saxford St. Peter has  become a cozy place to return to in book 4 of this series. The cafe run by Eve’s good friend Viv serves up mouthwatering cakes and tea, and the local shop owner, Moira, can always be counted on to pass on the latest gossip. I’ve been enjoying this series because of the development of the characters and their stories, although it could be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. Eve is an independent and intelligent woman who has frustrations and joy as everyone does, which makes her very relatable. 
I started this series with an Advance Readers copy of book 3, and then happily read books 1 and 2. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this copy of book 4. I’m hoping the author continues the series with many books to come.

4.5 Stars
Everyone in Saxford St Peter is desperate to know more about Harry Tennant, the newcomer who owns the Old Mill. He usually keeps himself to himself, but he’s finally invited the villagers round for drinks, and Eve Mallow isn’t the only one looking forward to having some questions answered. Just two days before the party, a terrible fire sweeps through the mill, and Harry is found dead. When Eve passes the burned remains of his beautiful house, she can’t resist the call to investigate. Especially when it turns out quiet, charming Harry was living a double life as the famous agony aunt Pippa Longford. Accompanied by her reliable dachshund sidekick Gus, Eve starts digging. She soon realises Harry was at the centre of a web of lives – and lies. There’s an uncle desperate to inherit, two women who thought they were his one and only, not to mention everyone who shared their darkest secrets with him. 
This is the fourth book in this riveting entertaining series, it could easily be read on its own but if like me you love series then I’d recommend reading from the start as the relationships between the villagers do develop throughout the books. Eve as ever is eager to investigate & when she gets the call to write Henry’s obituary then she's given the green light to do so. Once again I was engrossed from cover to cover. There were plenty of suspects especially as Eve delved into Henry’s past, there were also red herrings, twists & turns so I was left guessing until near the end. The pace was very good & never lagged, the characters were well portrayed & had depth, I loved Eve who is forging a new life for herself & how she’s quickly become a loved village member, there's also the growing relationship between her & Robin, which I hope continues.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Freelance obituary writer is certainly a unique job title! Eve Mallow combines that with part-time work at her friend Viv’s teashop in the quiet village of Saxford St. Peter. Eve, divorced with two adult children, lives in the historic Elizabeth’s Cottage. She’s designated the keeper of the cottage by villagers and opens it once a year for tours, food, drink and conversation. This year’s party is attended by the many villagers Eve knows and also by some new additions to the town. One is Harry Tennant, a handsome, flirtatious, self described “consultant” who makes plans to meet Eve after the next village party, an open house to be held at the old mill, Harry’s new home. He assures her that it will be a great party as he has many secrets to reveal. Eve never sees Harry again. An arsonist sets the mill on fire and Harry dies in the conflagration.

Almost immediately after his death, the villagers learn that Harry was author of advice columns by “Pippa Longford” and Eve remembers that several guests at her party had mentioned that Pippa Longford lived in Saxford St. Peter. Could Harry’s secrets be information revealed in questions sent to Pippa by villagers? When Eve is asked to write Harry’s obituary, she learns much about his character and the methods he used to dispense advice. She also learns that that Saxford St. Peter is full of possible suspects. Will Harry’s murderer kill again? Will Eve become a target? 

Mystery at the Old Mill is everything a cozy mystery should be. Well-written, It’s full of delightful characters, has a quaint setting and a plot full of surprises. This is the fourth in the Eve Mallow series by Clare Chase. I look forward to the next. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Clare Chase for this ARC.

Following a local tradition Eve Mallow opens her beautiful home to the villagers of Saxford St Peters on the winter solstice sharing both her hospitality and the history of Elizabeth's Cottage. Chatting with newcomer Harry Tennant that evening is a pleasure and she is looking forward to his own get-together in early January. 

The party was never to be as fire guts Harry's home and when Eve is asked to write the obituary his secrets begin to emerge. Not as popular as she'd first thought he was, her discoveries leave Eve with an interesting and varied list of suspects as she finds herself facing a danger she isn’t sure she can escape. 

This has become one one of my favourite series of cozy crimes. Clare Chase has written a relatable protagonist whose only difference to those around her is her occupation as an obituary writer and the ability to work out links others don't. Eve likes people and wants to do her best for anyone who needs it, has friends who are interesting, a lifestyle which is realistic and a very cute dog! 

The murders she investigates are always complex with twists aplenty and more suspects than you can shake a stick at! The writing is free flowing and both easy to read and get lost in. I wait with high expectations for each book and they never disappoint. 

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I highly recommend this book.

I have read all four of the Eve Mallow Mystery series.  This very likeable character and her  unusual career certainly help her to did deep once again to work through and find out “who dunnit”. The friendships and village life, once again, complement and balance out the drama that unfolds. I enjoyed the plot twists in this one. Its another good one for those of us who enjoy that cozy, murder mystery.

I am thoroughly enjoying seeing how Eve's character develops with each book and am encouraged to see a key relationship develop just a little more. Its almost a mystery in itself

With thanks to #NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author, Clare Chase, for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion.

I loved ‘Mystery at the Old Mill’. It absolutely oozed charm and then along came a murder of course. The location descriptions were calming and quaint, and if it wasn’t for the danger element, I’d love to live in Saxford St Peter. 

I’d like to highly praise amateur detective, Eve Mallow’s sounding board and confidante, Gus the dog. I really enjoyed their conversations and walks as the mystery unfolded. Don’t worry, Gus the dog doesn’t talk back but he is the perfect little short legged partner and I found the descriptions of him adorable.

The opening was intriguing and as gripping as an opening could be. Soon, I was introduced to the main characters of the village through a house tour setting and it really made me feel Christmassy. The scene was well and truly set when the Old Mill, another local residence, is burnt to cinders. That’s when the mystery begins.  There is so much more cosy excitement to come after this. This was a real, armchair read. Perfect for this time of the year and definitely one I’d recommend. It’s fun, and surprising at every turn.

The obituary writer day job for Eve was a master stroke, she had the perfect way to enter everyone’s world and investigate the murder. This book is well plotted and the interviews were great to read. There’s plenty of danger and mystery, definitely enough to have kept me reading into the early hours of the morning. Really enjoyable read and the setting - perfect!

If there was ever a writer for whom the term "cosy crime" was invented, it's Clare Chase. This is a wonderfully written book with engaging characters - this is the first of her books that I've read, but I'm sure it won't be the last. 

I wish I'd met the cast first in the first book of the series (this is the fourth), I think a little knowledge of the characters would have helped. However there is enough background information dropped in to allow new readers to catch up quite quickly without boring older readers. The plot is also well thought through and developed, and does a good job of keeping the reader guessing. 

This is the ideal read for a night in by the fire. Wonderful, lovely, easy to read and easy to become engrossed in - I'm 'glad I spent time reading this book.

We are now on book four of this series and every one has been a winner! So... do yourself a favour and start from book one and read in order. You can thank me later!
So, Eve Mallow, my favourite fictional obituary writer - OK only, but it gives the crime fiction genre a unique spin - is once again embroiled in a murder mystery. The victim is mostly unknown to Eve apart from a short meeting at her open house but she is still shocked when his house - The Old Mill - burns down, his dead body found in the ashes, she finds out that he was the resident newspaper Agony Aunt! Even before being tasked with writing his obit, she decides to investigate - she's got the bug by now, well, we are on book 4! Along with trusty sidekick - of the canine variety - and ably assisted by her village friends and gossips, can she solve it before the police - again!?
This series does have it all - it ticks all the boxes I need for a great read. Cracking characters - series and episode extras - main and supporting - are all well drawn and wholly believable. But characters, even good ones, would be a little redundant if they didn't have a tale to tell. A mystery to act out. And again here we have that too. With secrets, lies and duplicitous behaviour, along with a fair few suspects all with motives, it definitely kept me on my toes throughout. Pacing is good and matches the narrative throughout. The story gets on with itself very well, aided by the fact that there is no superfluous waffle or padding. And the ending, when it eventually came, was perfect, and not something I saw coming either. As I said, ticked every box!
All in all, a cracking addition to one of my now favourite series. Can't wait for next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

I was intrigued in Book 1 by the idea of a freelance obituary writer, an easy cover for her sleuthing activities when something happens. In this entry to the series—it is the death of a man living in the Old Mill in Saxton St Peter, Suffolk village.

The victim, Harry Tennant, is an “agony aunt,” that is, an advice columnist. Harry is not a nice man and his columns are not always helpful—but, hey, that’s what sells. When his old mill burns down with him in it, it is established that it wasn’t accidental.

There is little additional development of Eve and Book 4 does not sufficiently reintroduce Eve’s circumstances, other than she is still working with her BFF, Viv in her tea shop. Eve discusses the case with Gus, her Dachshund, who eyes her appropriately depending whether or not he gets to go on her interviews.

I had difficulty getting into the rather drawn out plot, well-plotted though it was, just a bit slow for me and my attention lagged more than once. His isn’t the only body to fall by the wayside in the ensuing investigation and there are a number of red herrings. Eve has a way of seriously ticking off her interviewees, curtailing any further discussion but several possible perps rise to the top of the list. 

Seems the more obvious suspects are too obvious and in the end, the conclusion is enlightening as well as surprising. In the meantime, I enjoyed the little tidbits about the frigid location by the North Sea and the country lanes with their very colorful names. If you are a fan of the author, I’d suggest you begin this series with Book 1, as I felt a bit lost in Book 4. Must have missed something and perhaps would not function well as a standalone. 3.5/5 stars

Lovely writing and execution. 



Fast paced, quick and intense plot, keep you glued to the pages. Thoroughly delightful. A cosy murder mystery to sink into on a weekend, keep you on your toes with the twists,

Love this series, and this fourth book did not disappoint.  
Eve Mallow once again is asked to write an obituary for a villager who has passed, this time in a fire.  But Eve uncovers a few secrets about Harry Tennant that make her curious.  When she starts investigating she realizes she has stumbled right into another mystery.  
I always love the twists and turns in the Eve Mallow mysteries, and this one kept me guessing until the end. 
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Another great entry in the Eve Mallow series.  As usual, Eve manages to get herself tangled in the mysterious death of one of her fellow villagers.  Eve is  asked to write the obituary, and in the process, uncovers many secrets.  Plenty of  twists and turns in the plot and some developments in Eve's personal life.

amateur-sleuth, cosy-mystery, England, law-enforcement, ex-cop, family-dynamics, friendship, murder-investigation, writers, small-town

The man seemed like an ordinary man who enjoyed chatting folks up sometimes until his murdered body was found after the fire that destroyed the Old Mill where he lived. It turned out that he ran an advice column and a bit more. Eve Mallow (and her trusty dachshund) was drawn to the investigation even before getting a call from one of her employers asking for her to write a signature obituary on the man. The more she learns about him, the more suspects come out of the woodwork. Lots of red herrings, suspense, and plot twists as well as the usual interesting characters. Of course I stayed up way too late just to finish it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Bookouture via NetGalley. Thank you!

First time I've read this author and I really liked the book. The characters are interesting as is the setting. They mystery kept me guessing. I look forward to finding the others in the series. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fourth in the Eve Mallow series and the plot keeps up to it’s predecessors. The narrative is tight and maintains the suspense till the conclusion. The characters are many and some are dealt in detail while some are left off loosely. What I did not like in this book is the methods used by Eve which felt immature and different from her usual ways, and she trying to justify them. 4.5 stars

Another cosy instalment in the life of Eve Mallow, Obituary writer and novice sleuth 

This the 4th  in this series sees Eve probing into the death of Newcomer Harry Tennant , due to have welcomed his neighbours to his new home he does not get that opportunity due to his untimely and suspicious death 

Love that you can settle right into the story from the opening page and feel as though are in the village with all the regulars

Highly recommended

Stepping into the pages of a new Eve Mallow mystery is like stepping into your favourite well worn comfy slippers, the setting and characters oh so familiar. Eve now feels to me like a trusted (if fictional!)friend that I can’t wait to catch up with. I experience a real sense of coming home when I embark on another episode in the life of Eve and her friends, reacquainting myself with this loveable obituary writer cum super sleuth extraordinaire and the beautiful setting of Saxford St Peter. All the regulars are on hand to accompany Eve through her latest adventures as amateur detective, from Viv, owner of Monty’s tea shop to local storekeeper and village busybody Moira to mysterious local gardener Robin, not forgetting her most trusted and loyal sidekick Gus the dachshund. In Mystery at The Old Mill, the fourth in this series, you can count on more than one dead body making an appearance as Eve happily snoops into the lives of local residents, satisfying her curiosity and her love of people watching. Nothing escapes Eve’s beady eye in what promises to be another delightful and entertaining read.

On this occasion relative newcomer to the village and owner of the old mill, Harry Tennant will become the first victim in this whodunnit, his assailant setting fire to this beautiful old property. Gossip spreads like wildfire or in this case arson (!) in these parts, thanks to the likes of Moira and Robin’s connection with the local constabulary and so it’s not long before this unwelcome news reaches the ears of Eve. The fact Harry was due to have welcomed his fellow neighbours into his home to celebrate his arrival in the village makes his death all the more timely and suspicious. At Eve’s midwinter open house just days before,  he’d divulged he may have some interesting snippets of gossip to reveal which suggests that the subject of this not so secret information is desperate for it to remain private. What kind of secret could be so damaging that our culprit resorts to murder? Rest assured, with Eve and Gus, frequently used as a decoy to justify her nosiness, the case will be solved. The assumption that there will be more collateral damage along the way is one of the reasons you keep turning the pages. 

The most pertinent question for Eve to answer is what could Harry’s death and Judd Bentley’s questions surrounding the whereabouts of agony aunt Pippa Longford have in common? 
Well, it will come as no big surprise that Harry and Pippa are one and the same, this agony aunt/uncle having written for national magazine the Real Story, dispensing often controversial pieces of advice. Under the guise of writing his obituary it’s up to Eve to determine exactly who knew of Harry’s true identity and in unmasking the man beneath the disguise, will evidence of his true, rather unsavoury character point to the killer?

Clare has provided yet again an abundance of colourful, interesting characters to keep her readers guessing as to the killer’s identity. Displaying her usual skill at misdirection your attention constantly lurches from one suspect to another, quickly becoming entangled in a web of suspicion. There’s Harry’s cleaner, Kerry Clifton, a Mrs Tiggywinkle type character who claims she had a good relationship with her employer; Camilla the local florist who has recommended Pippa Longford’s services to more than one village resident; his neighbours the Abbotts; his uncle Tristan and Judd Bentley, a new groom at the local stables who seemed more than keen at Eve’s open house to make contact with the elusive Pippa. Finally there’s a mystery blonde, seen previously at Harry’s residence who could also be in the frame. So many potential suspects but will you identify the killer ahead of our accomplished sleuth Eve? I couldn’t!

Although I’m fairly adept at guessing the identity of culprits in the many psychological thrillers I often read, I have NEVER guessed the guilty party in any of Eve Mallow’s mysteries which makes them all the more engrossing. Coupled with the cozy village atmosphere in which gossip is exchanged and often overheard in Moira’s shop or at the tables in Monty’s tea shop makes this series deliciously moreish.  I’d love to wander down the country lanes, meander along the river and indulge in some hearty fare at the Cross Keys pub or share a pot of tea with Viv at Monty’s in this setting that no longer feels fictional to me. Clare has surpassed herself in bringing this location alive so that the  more I read of this series the more I think the characters and the setting would translate brilliantly onto the small screen, providing perfect prime time Sunday drama. What I also love is that whilst I highly recommend reading the books in order, you don’t need to be familiar with the characters to  wholeheartedly enjoy these crime mysteries. The author punctuates the storyline with salient pieces of background information which can either serve as an introduction for new readers or a recap for erstwhile fans. In her creation of Eve Mallow, Clare Chase allows you to indulge in an inoffensive and sanitised version of death and drama without ever losing a sense of intrigue. With each new mystery, Eve is fast becoming my favourite sleuth and my desire to see a possible romance brewing between Eve and Robin may finally be realised going by the events in this latest book.  If you haven’t already discovered this series then what are you waiting for??? 
My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.