A Suspicious Death…?
The sixth in the Poppy Denby Investigates series of mysteries set in the 1920’s and our enigmatic reporter come amateur sleuth returns to investigate a suspicious death of a scientist in an Oxford laboratory. What secrets does the Crystal Crypt hold? Enjoyable and entertaining read with a likeable protagonist in Poppy and populated with a colourful cast. Part of a long running series but could happily be read as a standalone. A worthy addition.

Another in the series and a well-written murder mystery. I have read some of the others in the Poppy series Denby and thoroughly enjoyed them. This has an intriguing plot with many twists and turns and while I did not manage to guess whodunnit (there are a fair number of red herrings), it was rewarding to have worked out many of the key aspects.

I love her boss, Rollo, he's just the most delightful and well-rounded character. With every episode, I enjoy him more and hope he features more strongly going forward. Sadly, I don't find Poppy's romantic interest quite so appealing. Daniel just doesn't do it for me. Both Rollo and Poppy feel the need to keep him out of the loop during the investigation... hmmm!

The author includes historical details about birth control and the prejudice around people of colour. Whilst they may make those of us who are a little more sensitive cringe a little, they were tastefully dealt with and added context and depth to the overall story.

With thanks to the publisher Lion Hudson Ltd, #Netgalley and the author for my free advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. Even though I hadn't read any of the other books in the series, this didn't feel like a problem. I connected with Poppy very quickly.

I know Oxford very well and loved all of the description of the city. The use of bikes etc and the description of it made me chuckle, I only ever braved it once so understood the jeopardy of cycling in Oxford.

I would advise anyone to read this book and would like to find the earlier ones of the series. This was a gripping book with many twists and turns, and I couldn't put it down.

Thank you for my preview copy!

I hadn't read any of the other books in this series but the author does recap previous incidents and happenings with the characters during the story.
Poppy a newspaper journalist in London and amateur detective is drawn into an investigation amongst the scientists in Oxford. She is examining the life of a ground-breaking female scientist who has died, but as she delves deeper into her life it seems that there has been a possible cover-up of a murder. Who is behind it and why? Increasingly violent crimes and threats indicate that she may be getting closer to the truth.
This is a quick read but It does fell a bit drawn by numbers especially the revisiting of earlier plots. The depiction of misogyny towards women ,casual racism is hard to stomach but very much of its time. Not sure from the setting and description if this is intended for an American market?
An ok esapist read but not sure I will red the others in the series.

An engaging book that kept me avidly reading.... The truth of what happened and how people were treated and segregated against its so sad. It was encouraging to read something positive about the times, even if it was fictional.

The Crystal Crypt by Fiona Veitch Smith was for me like the curate's egg. I enjoyed the story and liked seeing Poppy standing more on her own. But it seemed to me to be written for an American audience in terms of both the narrative voice and, sometimes, Poppy's own voice.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle by Lion Hudson Ltd, Lion Fiction and #NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Poppy Denby is back with gusto and flair.