A slightly odd ‘cozy crime’ novel. The author seemingly decided to focus far more on the characters than the crime, which is a shame because none of the characters are very engaging. The case itself is quite interesting, and this book might appeal to people who want an easy read.

This funny and historical romp was a quick read, but delightful. I haven't read the first in the series, nor anything from this author, but I would in the future. We follow barrister Arthur Skelton and clerk Edgar as they try to find out the gruesome truth of an Egyptian doctor accused of murdering his wife.

I enjoyed the setting (1929 England) and the wide cast of characters. We meet many people, but I didn't feel I needed to read the first in the series to get a sense of the characters. I especially enjoyed Skelton's conversations with Edgar, and with his wife. Definitely light-hearted at times, I appreciated the humour throughout. This is a great book to pick up at the end of a long day to unwind.

Thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for the ARC!

This was my first Skelton's murder mystery. I wasn't aware there was a first one, but this can be read as a stand alone novel without knowing the back story. I absolutely loved Skelton's Guide to Suitcase Murders! It was filled with quirky, interesting, and lovable characters and their journey in helping Skelton to solve the murder without being overwhelming. All the characters are well developed and there was a sense of realness in all of them. It was a fun and solid read. Will definitely keep an eye out for future Skelton's mysteries!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an ARC in exchange of a honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this mystery. This was a new author for me, didn't read the first in series. I was attracted to cover, and I've recently been reading British mysteries. I really enjoyed the history in the book & the time period, both unfamiliar to me. I thought the characters were interesting, funny, & mostly believable. The mystery of the body in the suitcase was carried throughout, with many adventures & characters along the way. A most enjoyable read!

Another charming and engrossing mystery from Stafford, this witty historical mystery follows Skelton to a new, nuanced mystery. Brilliant with crystalline wit and a modern sensibility mixed with fantastic historical detail, I hope to read many more Skelton mysteries.

Skelton's Guide to Suitcase Murders is a wonderfully plotted novel, with a cast of unmissable characters that is an absolute delight to read. And the cover is fantastic too.

It made me laugh out loud on many an occasion, and the eclectic mix of cast and events, keeps the reader hooked as the story progresses, from the guinea pig to the motorcycle 'bad-boy,' from London to Leeds to Whitley Bay to Scotland. And oh, how I loved the letters from Cousin Alan.

It trundles along at a wonderful pace, filled with exquisite detail and I would struggle to decide on a favourite character because all of them, even the bit part characters, are so well sketched.

This is genuinely an absolute treat if you enjoy a mystery deeply steeped in the times (1929-1930) and with an unmissable cast. Looking forwards to Book 3.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.

Two words - pure joy! Oh, how I loved this book, the second in the Arthur Skelton series. The first was brilliant but the second is even more so. Very loosely based on a true case, this murder mystery is set mostly in England in 1929, such a fascinating era to read about with colourful historical bits.

Lawyer Arthur Skelton and his assistant Edgar Hobbes have such an incredible relationship resplendent with wit, banter and loyalty. When a body is found in a suitcase, they set out to discover who did it and why. En route, Skelton's cousin and spouse write letters to the Skeltons describing happenings where they are in their camper (clever!). Of course there is a link between their experiences and the case. The humorous letters and the book in general remind me of P. G. Wodehouse which is a very, VERY good thing. The Skeltons enjoy a marriage of wit and playfulness which they have hopefully passed to their young children, Elizabeth and Laurence. Speaking of which, the Laurence Olivier references are such fun!

Though this is a murder mystery, the refreshingly imperfect characters and witticisms are sometimes at the forefront. Not only that but the story is delectably twisty and turny. I was eager to find out how the book would end yet did not want to finish as it would then be over. It is that kind of book. Seamless and relaxed with a little bit of edginess, the writing style really elevates this series. I am already hankering for the next book and hopefully loads more.

All mystery readers really should snap up this and Book #1. This series would truly be a pity to miss. I am beyond besotted with it.

My sincere thank you to Allison & Busby and NetGalley for the privilege of reading the eARC of this delightful book! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

When I read the first in the series of the "Skelton's Guide" books, I had hoped that there were more to come. I am so pleased that David Stafford has written "Skelton's Guide to Suitcase Murders". As charming as the first, this takes you to the golden-era of crime, in the 1930s. I do love his cousins who just happen to be travelling in the area where he needs some extra help in background investigation, details of which are conveyed by lengthy letter to Arthur Skelton.

Love the reference to Sir Laurence Olivier too!

I really enjoyed this cosy 1920's murder mystery; it was reminiscent of Agatha Christie's golden age crime writing crossed with the humour of P.G Wodehouse. Interestingly, this is also loosely based on a true story.

It tells the story of Skelton, a barrister, who is trying to get to the bottom of a case (pun intended) after a group of young boys find a suitcase stuffed with body parts. They are suspected to belonging to an Edna Aziz, wife of Egyptian doctor, Dr Aziz.

Whilst this grim discovery is rather chilling and macabre, the style of writing is witty and relaxed. Skelton and his assistant Edgar have the most perfect relationship and their conversations are laugh out loud funny. The book follows their adventure of trying to find the truth behind this suitcase murder as they bundle along, encountering many red herrings along the way.

We meet a cast of brilliant characters, including a young and eager trainee Rose and a forensic entomologist called Vernon. Another character worth mentioning is Skelton's wife Mila and his children Laurence and Elizabeth. All of these characters' interactions and relationships add humour to this story and help make this book so readable.

All in all, I would say this is a really fun, interesting and engaging read and I would recommend this book to lovers of all golden age 'whodunnit' crime writing.

⭐⭐⭐💫

Thank you to netgalley and allisonandbusby for the ARC - it's been a pleasure. This book is due to be released in April '21.

*Many thanks to David Stafford, Allison & Busby, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
An enjoyable read with perfectly depicted atmosphere of England in the 1920s, covering the feel of the times, cultural references which I often had to google, I admit, a complicated mystery and remarkably likeable characters. I enjoyed the Skeltons dynamics and letters from Wales a lot.
I am definitely joining Skelton's fan club!

Book number 2 in what I hope will be a very long running series.
The first one made it to my top books of 2020,so you can imagine,expectations were high.
The book comes with a fantastic cast of characters,not just Skelton and Edgar,but Skeltons wife,and letter writing relative (I'm from north wales,I know what he means in regards to weather),and Rose.
Each of them warm,likeable,unique and so much humour.
The actual crime felt like a back burner until a good way into the book.
It was however,cleverly done,and interestingly based on a real case.
So lovely to be back with this group.
Again soon please.

Skelton's guide to suitcase murders is David Stafford's 2nd installment in the delightful new series involving the genial barrister Arthur Skelton and his "portly" clerk Edgar.
The dismembered body of a woman is found in a suitcase and her husband, an Egyptian doctor stands accused of murdering her? The act of a jealous husband or a frame up involving political undertones?
A clever plot with a cast of very well drawn characters, this delicious whodunit is also a very detailed and humorous portrait of England at the beginning of the Great Depression. To be enjoyed without moderation👍

Many thanks to Netgalley and Allison&Busby for the opportunity to read this wonderful novel prior to its release date