I had a hard time keeping up with this book as I hadn't read any previous books in the series. Unless you have done so, a lot in this book will not make sense.

A Book of Murder, by Victoria Dowd, is number 4 in a series. I have not read the previous books in this series. The author devotes a significant amount of time and detail in recounting the previous books and backstory. I kept thinking how tedious it must be for those readers who have read the previous 3 books to have to reread the back stories for these characters.

I am a huge mystery fan, especially British mysteries. The premise of this book was intriguing, but much of the book is not devoted to the actual story outlined in the premise. Instead, half the book weaves in an out between the murder and the trial that came later. Normally I don't have a problem with this sort of narrative structure, but in this case it was distracting. The actual story of the murder would have been better served as a linear murder mystery, with the trial and solution told in the last half of the book.

I did find some of the characters interesting, such as Ursula and Aunt Charlotte, and Ursula's suitor. That said, this was a long novel, with much detail. I found myself struggling to stay with this novel and finish it. I do appreciate that the author and publisher provided this ARC for me to read and review honestly. Thank you also to NetGalley for providing so many novels that keep me busy reading, especially as I recover from surgery and need a distraction offered only in reading.

Eccentric, Entertaining…
The fourth entry in the Smart Woman’s Mystery series and the Smart women are back in this engaging, eccentric and entertaining whodunnit. We know that trouble is never far away when these ladies appear and they have now landed an invitation to a book launch weekend on a private island. What could possibly go wrong? Poisoning, death and courtroom dramas ensue, as the women are called as witnesses. Is one of the island guests a killer? An eccentric and enjoyable cast leads the way for another unforgettable, often madcap, humorous case. A worthy addition to the series to date.

I love a good murder mystery and this one has a great premise. A limited group of people, isolated on an island and many with good reason to detest the victim. They were interesting characters too. My issue with the book though was actually twofold. It is part of a series, number 4, and required the retelling of a great deal of backstory, very complex backstory too. Secondly and without spoilers I found the solution a stretch. Not for me I’m afraid.

Absolutely brilliant! Victoria Dowd has done it again, a compulsive and at times outrageous masterpiece which kept me guessing right to the end. I have never come across anything quite like this before.
The attention to detail is astonishing. I loved the chapter headings, which for me equate as clues to try and predict the outcome! The guest list, the history and legends of the Old Bailey, its all immensely impressive and enjoyable.
I didn't want it to end, roll on book 5 in the series.

I really liked this, it was well written with a compelling sotryline that was both funny and full of mystery. Twisty and unpredictable I was kept guessing until the end. A really enjoyable read.

Something fishy is afoot at renowned crime author Anthony Lovell's special feast where influencers rub shoulders with others in the literary business. But Anthony is rubbed out. Permanently. The accused stands trial in the Old Bailey courtroom where there is more than a pin dropping. The Smart women (blogger Pandora, her daughter/assistant Ursula and sister/assistant Charlotte) are in attendance at both and wherever they go, danger and hijinks lurk like shadows. Not only is there murder but underlying pain and other issues. Thin Rex Stout (!) even makes an appearance!

Victoria Dowd is a wonderful author. She writes refreshingly with a humorous lilt in her words and is engaging and poignant in the next paragraph. Her descriptions are breathtaking and vivid with an amazing insight into human nature. Bits of history are sprinkled throughout, too.

If you are hankering after a fun whodunnit with a serious side, too, this is for you.

My sincere thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this marvelous book, the fourth in the series. It will be interesting to see what Dowd comes up with next! Whatever it is, it will be good.

I love Victoria Dowd's books! I've been with the Smart women since the beginning, and each new installment is entertaining and thrilling. Ursula is very funny. Even though these mysteries have some dark themes, they still seem like cozy mysteries to me. Perfect to read on a rainy day!

The sharply-witted, uniquely-plotted series continues! In Book #4 of the Smart Woman's Mystery series (featuring the Smart Women), the sharp tongued group is invited to a book launch....on a ship ! Barbs and quips are feverently exchanged on the cruise as the women have the opportunity to meet other authors as well as the most famous author of all, Anthony Lovell. Lovell is a bit larger than life and he brags relentlessly about the special banquet dinner featuring the very dangerous Fugu fillet (a rare and poisonous delicacy). the evening, he is poisoned by the same fugu he bragged of

Much of the story takes place in a courtroom which differs from the typical stories in the series. Via dual timelines we slowly close in on who is at fault. If you like barbed quips, solving unique mysteries or just enjoy the lite and quick prose of Victoria Down, then this book is for you!
#Joffe #netgalley #SmartWomen #ABookOfMurder

Book of murder by Victoria Dowd.
A lonely fort at sea.
Nineteen guests with secrets to hide.
An invitation to die for?
Brilliant read. I love this series. I do hope there is more to come. 5*.

A Book of Murder by Victoria Dowd

Unfortunately, this book and story were just not for me as an audience. I could not engage with the writing style or connect with any of the characters. I read it to finish the book but was not a fan.

#ABOOKOFMURDER #NetGalley @JoffeBooks