Ellie is away in Canada and does not feature in this particular title in the long-running series. But there is plenty here to entertain, in the shape of Diana, Ellie's not-so-likeable daughter who ungraciously dumps her two children on next door neighbour Susan following what appears to be a nasty accident to her husband. Susan and her policewoman cousin investigate the series of events which unfold as the mystery deepens. You don't read this series - nor this title, which also works well as a stand alone - for the profundity of the plot, But it's a fun read as always, with plenty of English eccentricities on show,

his is the 21st Ellie Quicke mystery, but it does not feature Ellie Quicke. She is mentioned throughout, and it revolves around her family members though. Ellie is on holiday in Canada when he son-in-law is killed during a burglary. It is down to her next door neighbour Susan, with the help of her husband and aunt to solve the case, and clear Ellie’s daughter Diana from suspicion. Diana is the most appalling individual and it is difficult to think that Ellie could be her mother. But even though Susan dislikes her intensely, she loves Ellie and Diana’s kids, so agrees to look into the death.

This is the first of this series I’ve read, but there is no need to have read the others as it standalone well. It is a really good mystery, written at a hectic pace as befits a house full of kids and a family trying to settle into a new home. It felt so real and the family elements were spot on. I loved the chaos. Susan is a great character and I certainly want to find out more about her in future instalments of the series. I also loved Coralie, the young nanny-in-training, who had a no-nonsense approach that was refreshing. An enjoyable read.

I was given this Arc to review.

Susan's next door neighbor is abroad and not expected back for another week or so. Unfortunately, Ellie's son-in-law is attacked by home invaders and left for dead.

Ellie's daughter, Diana, pounds on Susan's door, and unceremoniously dumps her two children at Susan's expecting her to take care of them. Susan already has two children of her own, and adding two more in their small home is a problem.

Eventually she finds herself also taking in Diana's nanny ... who acts suspicious. Did she have something to do with Evan's death? Was it really a home invasion? When Susan finds that Diana lied to the police about where she was that night, Susan wonders if Diana murdered her own husband?

She soon finds herself grappling with betrayal, shady business dealings and her own distrust of Diana.

Although well written, I felt there was little credibility. A mom with two children of her own...and pregnant ... and taking care of two other children and a nanny ... and trying to solve a crime where the police presence leaves a lot of be desired .. it left a few questions. I did like most of the characters ... Diana was not one of those. There's a lot of action ... when someone tries to kidnap the children ... when her house is broken into ... when the police ignore her pleas for protection. Overall, it was an okay read.

Although the 21st in this series, it was easily read as a stand alone. I have not read any of the previous books, maybe I would have liked this one better if I had. My recommendation is to read them in order for a better reading experience.

Many thanks to the author / Canongate Books / Severn House / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Quirky, Entertaining Mystery.....
The twenty first Ellie Quicke mystery. Chaos ensues in Ellie's absence when a burglary and a death occur and Ellie’s daughter becomes implicated. Things take a dangerous turn as deeper into the mystery we delve. As ever, there are several threads to this quirky and entertaining tale. A very worthy entry into this excellent long running series which can happily be read as a standalone.

A great Ellie Quicke mystery with a missing Ellie (she is vacationing in Canada) a baffling but rather messy murder and some really clumsy murderers... This latest episode was a rollicking ride from start to finish with a menacing and twisty plot and Ms Heley's ability to immerse the reader right away into the story by setting a frantic and often breathless pace... It was just delightful! This newest addition should definitely please anyone familiar with this wonderful series and it should be enjoyed without moderation!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Canongate Books for this ARC.