Love a good murder and the hospital setting was a bonus! Omg what a thrill of a read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Twisty and full of suspence. I was on the edge of my seat. Gripped from start to finish. Read in one sitting. Couldn't put it down. Definitely recommend. 5*

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Great murder mystery. Enjoyable and easy read that won't disappoint. I enjoyed the setting as well.

This was the first book by Michelle that I have read, I really enjoyed it. A great historical story line with many twists. I look forward to reading more

I really enjoyed this book. It was different than anything else I've read recently. I couldn't put it down! I will keep an eye out for this author's future work!

A very enjoyable murder mystery set at the end of WW1, the location is a hospital situated in the grounds of the Merewood estate. Helen is a nurse and Samuel the doctor who is in charge of the convalescent hospital. They are caring for five patients in different stages of mental and physical injuries. Samuel is keen to keep the place open but the owner wants to sell the estate. The year before the book opens, a nurse was murdered, a case which has not been solved at this point. A series of deaths occur which baffle the various characters who live on the estate. The author creates an atmosphere of distrust and fear while also picking up the strain of the period through the deep pain associated with the patients. Overall a great mystery, the characters are well drawn and the two main characters are not always likeable. Excellent read, thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review of Murder at Merewood Hospital.

A good creepy story set in 1916. This book was well written and I enjoyed it very much. It was a little drawn out but, that added to the story. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

1919, one nurse, one doctor and 5 patients remain at Merewood. But the owner wants to sell the property and a series of strange and deadly incidents lead to danger for all of the residents...
Murder at Merewood Hospital is an historical murder mystery set in England after WW1.
Helen Hopgood and Samuel Bingham are the only remaining medical staff to care for 5 patients who were significantly injured during the war. Now it is time for all to relocate but the pair struggle to find suitable alternatives for their remaining patients. Extra pressure ensues when a series of pranks is intermingled with murder...
I thought the historical element of the book was researched well and the setting and premise were quite unique. In the author's note at the end, she mentions Merewood is loosely based on Minley which is right near where I live!
The book is written in the third person to show the various experiences of all characters. I was very mistrustful of all the characters, medical and injured as well as the other Merewood residents. There were multiple layers to the plot and a mix of relationships to unpick. I had great sympathy for the hardships and fears faced by the patients, but had mixed feelings about Helen and Samuel due to their single mindedness and even selfishness. There were plenty of red herrings and misdirections which meant the mystery was well maintained until the reveal at the end.
Murder at Merewood Hospital is an enjoyable historical murder mystery.

World War One has ended and soon the temporary hospital at Merewood Farm will have to close.

Nurse Helen Hopgood wants to make sure that the injured servicemen that remain in the ward have been moved and are OK, However, someone else has other plans and soon one of her patients is murdered. With everyone seemingly under suspicion, can the perpetrator be found before someone else gets hurt?

I’n such a big fan of Michelle Salter. I was not only excited at the release of this new mystery but was very happy to be part of the blog tour around its release.

Having enjoyed the Iris Woodmore series, I wondered what this brand new historical mystery would be like and whether I’d like it as much as Iris’s adventures. I need not have worried.

Michelle Salter has a skill of drawing you into her stories. She sets the scene well and I felt like I was at this hospital at the end of the war. I could see the building and the woods so vividly in my head.

Helen is a great protagonist. You can tell she takes her job seriously and although she accepts that the hospital must close, she cares what happens to the patients who are left. She was easy to like. In fact, she was the only one I didn’t suspect as being the potential Murderer.

Doubts are cast on everyone else and I found the ending surprising as it could have been any one of them. I had to keep reading. I needed to know who the culprit was. Suspicion, doubt and tension are weaved in really well. I felt so sorry for the servicemen in this novel. To go through the war and then end up in the path of someone who will quite happily kill them. It made me sad.

As with all of the mysteries I review, there’s not a lot more I can say without spoilers. If you like your historical settings with a good puzzle to solve, then this book is perfect. I really enjoyed it and I throughly recommend it.

(Thank you to Boldwood Books, Netgalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.)

Merewood Farm, part of the Merewood estate, was turned into a military hospital for wounded soldiers during WW1 and had been staffed by dozens of doctors, nurses and orderlies. Now the war was over only a handful of patients remained, Nurse Helen Hopwood and Dr Samuel Bingham the only staff. Merewood was set to close its doors once the farm had been sold so alternatives needed to be found for the remaining patients. Dr Bingham, however, had his own plans.

Almost from the start we’re aware one of the nurses had been murdered a year ago and the killer was still at large. Now someone was playing nasty pranks and the body count begins to rise. There is an underlying sense of foreboding despite the lovely descriptions of the lake, surrounding woods and wildlife. All this serves to fuel the local belief that the hospital was ill fated.

Helen was feeling disheartened and afraid she wouldn’t be able to find accommodation for her patients in time for the sale. They were unable to deal with normal life and suffered from varying degrees of trauma and anger issues.

The story is told from multiple perspectives so there isn’t a deep understanding of the characters and each is unsure how much they can trust the others. There was a lot of twists and misdirection which kept up the suspense. A well written and enjoyable cosy murder mystery..

In "Murder at Merewood Hospital," Michelle Salter skillfully transports readers to the aftermath of the Great War, where the scars of battle are still fresh, and a new danger lurks within the walls of Merewood Farm. Set against the backdrop of a quaint Hampshire village, this cozy crime novel unfolds with an atmospheric blend of historical richness and suspense.

The story opens in 1916, introducing Sister Helen Hopgood, a dedicated nurse tasked with caring for wounded soldiers at Merewood Farm, a temporary military hospital. Fast forward to 1919, and the war is over, leaving behind only five remaining patients in Helen's care. As the last ward faces closure, the shadows of the past loom large, and the specter of Nurse Taplin's murder casts a chilling aura over Merewood Manor.

Joseph Wintringham, facing the necessity of selling the farm to save Merewood Manor, finds himself entangled in local superstitions and rumors. The belief in a curse, whether tied to Nurse Taplin or the war's tragic aftermath, adds a layer of intrigue that propels the narrative forward. As unnatural deaths unfold on Midsummer's Night, the suspense builds, and the question of whether the hospital is haunted or if a tangible threat exists becomes the crux of the mystery.

Salter's narrative is steeped in historical detail, immersing readers in the post-war era with authenticity. The characters, particularly Sister Helen, are well-drawn, each carrying their own burdens and secrets. The cozy crime genre, with its focus on community and character dynamics, is expertly woven into the historical context, providing a satisfying blend of intrigue and period atmosphere.

The plot unfolds with a measured pace, allowing readers to savor the rich tapestry of the setting and characters. The mystery at the heart of the novel is compelling, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the final revelation. Helen's quest to uncover the truth adds an emotional depth to the story, making her a relatable and determined protagonist.

"Murder at Merewood Hospital" is a captivating addition to the cozy crime genre, offering readers a well-crafted mystery with historical resonance. Michelle Salter's ability to seamlessly merge the post-war setting, mysterious deaths, and a touch of the supernatural makes for an engrossing read. For fans of historical cozy mysteries, this novel delivers a satisfying blend of suspense, period detail, and a compelling whodunit.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for an advance copy for my honest review.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'Murder At Merewood Hospital' by Michelle Salter.


Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Michelle Salter, Boldwood Books, Book And Tonic, The Bold Club and Rachel's Random Tours.


Publication date 14th January 2024.


This is the second book I have read by this author. I have also read 'Murder At Waldenmere Lake' which is the second book in the 'Iris Woodmore Mysteries' series and I would highly recommend it.


This novel consists of 42 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!



This book is yet another successful unputdownable mystery by the very talented Michelle Salter. I'm always a bit dubious with books based historically as I worry about not being able to 'deal' with the language used but I absolutely love how Michelle has written her books. The language used is perfectly suited to the era whilst being easy to read and making it quite humorous on several occasions. The atmosphere and descriptions were perfect. The synopsis and cover also suit the storyline.


The storyline had me hooked immediately and I love the way that Helen goes about her detective work. There was so much going on that it kept me entertained thoroughly throughout with mystery after mystery and clue after clue. I absolutely adored the historical aspects of the book especially the information that Michelle includes in her author's notes so make sure when you grab your copy you read that too!!! I absolutely loved the sinister, atmospheric and creepy atmosphere of the hospital while also being intrigued and fascinated by Michelle's evocative storytelling especially the educational historical details and facts of the war. The storyline itself was filled with mystery, suspense, murder, clues, tension, history and so much more!! It is absolutely perfect to read either curled in front of the fire or lying on a beach which not many books can achieve. I never did work out who the killer was and was completely shocked when they were discovered. A great achievement as I am a huge crime fan and tend to work out who did what quite early on. The atmosphere was perfectly suited to the mystery. I enjoyed getting into this series and managed to read this book in one sitting and I absolutely loved all the shocks that Michelle filled the book with that managed to get me each and every time especially one in particularly which made my heartbreak for Iris. I wont say anymore about that as I don't want to spoil anything for future readers by giving too much away. The storyline was intriguing and I enjoyed reading about the history of the war and how it effected the different characters along with the history in general. I would liken the speed of this book to a roller-coaster where it starts off slowly as it builds up and then once it hits a certain point you are at the top of the coaster and start travelling at speed with twists, turns, some slow parts and others faster until you hit the ending which is not quite what you would expect! I also think the mental health awareness and the effects that the war had on people is also a very important topic that should be discussed in books more often to spread awareness so a huge well done for bringing these important topics to life Michelle! Another absolutely addictive read from this fantastic author!!


There was a fantastic selection of characters that I met in this book along with our main protagonist Helen. I was fascinated watching the character development from the start to the end of this book although with it being told from multiple perspectives the characters aren't quite as developed for me as they were in Michelle's Iris Woodmore Mysteries series but I still got to know who was who as much as the story needed. There are several suspects so it is hard to say to much about the characters and how I felt about them as things changed throughout the book. Regardless of how i felt about them Michelle's fantastic writing skills and descriptions brought them and the storyline to life and I'm looking forward to reading more standalone books by her as well as continuing her Iris Woodmore series.


Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the first chapter of Michelle's 'A Killing At Smuggler's Cove' that promises to be just as intriguing as this page turner!

Overall an addictive and easy to read page turning murder mystery with the perfect amount of crime and history that will keep you turning the pages.



293 pages.


This book is just £1.39 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.99 on paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!


Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.


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Murder at Merewood Hospital was such a fabulously thrilling mystery. The setting of an old convalescent home for soldiers reminded me of Downton Abbey. With all the other nurses and most of the patients gone, there is an eerie feel to the hospital. The foreshadowing of the pranks adds to the anticipation of more devious things to come.
The pacing is fabulous. I didn’t want to put the book down because it flowed so nicely from one heart racing moment to the next. The characters are all so interesting and quirky that you find yourself questioning each one. I didn’t predict the full ending and was genuinely left with a shock at the end.

I have posted this review on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/p/C2OADBDLsVF/?igsh=ZGo3eXZ2d2Znbmww

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6069726806

And Amazon

Anybody who knows me well, knows that not only am I a book geek but I am also a history nerd with a particular interest in historical fiction set in the 20th Century. Imagine my excitement when I read the synopsis of 'Murder At Merewood Hospital'. I couldn't wait to dive in and so without further ado I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down for what turned out to be a thrilling afternoon of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Murder At Merewood Hospital' but more about that in a bit.

The synopsis of 'Murder At Merewood Hospital' was enough to grab my attention and draw me in. When I started reading the story itself I realised two things. Firstly I was reading something special and secondly that I was going to love the story. I was spot on in both cases. I had picked the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but I was blown away by the quality of the story and by the characters. Part of the reason why I enjoyed the story so much has to do with the time in which the story is set. The interwar period fascinates me and reading books such as these are the nearest I am going to be able to get to actually experience it for myself. This book stayed with me whether I had my Kindle in my hand or not - if I wasn't reading the story then I was thinking about it. If I had to put the book down for any reason then I would immediately look forward to being able to pick the book up again. I was so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of 'Murder At Merewood Hospital'. I found 'Murder At Merewood Hospital' to be a gripping story, which certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat.

'Murder At Merewood Hospital' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Michelle Salter. Michelle has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and get along with. At the same time Michelle has a way of making the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. Michelle's clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the way in which she describes them. Her characters seem just as real as you and I. Michelle has clearly done a lot of research into the time period during which the story takes place and this makes the story that bit more authentic. There were several twists and turns along the way- some of which I guessed.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Murder At Merewood Hospital' and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Michelle's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

Murder at Merehood Hospital is a dark and twisty mystery full of tension. The hospital is populated with so many flawed characters that it is impossible to decide who could be the killer and until the last suspenseful moment, I had absolutely no idea.

Tension and menace build slowly but steadily right from the very beginning. The unsolved murder of Nurse Taplin is at the forefront of everyone's minds and this is quickly followed by nasty pranks and murder. There is a sense that something bad could happen at any moment. There are no cute, quirky characters in this book or have an obvious villain. Everyone is flawed and one or two are quite unlikeable. I suspected every single person at various stages including Sister Helen Hopgood.

The final scenes where everything starts to become clearer are intensely suspenseful and dramatic. I couldn't put it down.

Helen was a great character. Independent and smart. There is a little bit of a romantic element in her storyline as two men are interested in her. I didn't particularly care for either of them as neither seemed

Having read the Iris Woodmore series I was desperate to read the new story from @michellesalter_writer and this didn't disappoint. I think this is a perfect mix of murder mystery and historical fiction, I could picture what was happening through great character development and descriptions of the setting. I was on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns. After finishing this story I am really hoping for a sequel

The combination of history and fiction had me in it's grip and I cannot get enough of these mysteries!

It is 1916 and Sister Helen has been sent to Hampshire to care for wounded soldiers. As the last of the wounded are ready to be be placed in different care places so the ward can close.

Suspense, mystery and great characters bring this story to a great conclusion!!

This was a book I was very excited for. I love this time period, and the concept was really intriguing. To say that this book lived up to my expectations would be an understatement. I truly enjoyed this book so much, and really enjoyed getting to know all the characters, as well as guessing who the killer was right from the beginning.

At the beginning, the characters were a little hard to nail down. Mostly because there are multiple men in the hospital as patients and it took me a little time to organize them in my head. The other reason is because of the doctor and Sister Hopgood. They are sometimes called by their title and sometimes by their first name, so this took me some time to remember who is who at the beginning. Once I got to know the characters better I did start to care for all of them, some more than others.

We jump into the drama pretty fast in the book. We hear about a murder that happened just a year prior that was never sold, and then we see a mean practical joke happen, and the reader is immediately trying to figure out the connection between the two things, and this is just the start. I enjoyed the tension, and the speed at what things were happening.

There seemed to be the perfect mix of mystery and just having dialogue and normal things with the characters. Everything blended together perfectly in a way that I really looked forward to not only getting to the bottom of the mystery but also looking forward to what was happening between the characters.

The different points of view are very interesting to me. We are seeing so many different points of view. We see them finding clues that would point to one person, or hearing a conversation that would point to another person. This was done masterfully as it kept me bouncing back and forth as to who I thought the guilty person was.

There are so many little backstories that make the reader second guess everything that they were thinking. I kept thinking I figured it out but then would get new information that would make me think it was someone else. I did have an inkling by the end of who it was, but that inkling wasn’t based on anything concrete so I wasn’t even sure of myself.

I really loved the ending. I love ending with a happy ending that is all about an empowered woman and her finding herself. That was honestly the best way to end the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its twists and turns. I loved getting to know the characters and getting to be at Merewood Hospital in its final days. I loved the characters and the intense mystery that I got to experience with them. I can’t wait to read more books from Michelle Salter. I highly recommend this book if you like historical fiction, mystery, or want something that you won’t be able to put down.

Ratings:

Characters: 9/10

Plot: 9.5/10

Writing Style: 9/10

Settings: 10/10

Overall: 9.375/10

It is an evocative story full of historical details and complex characters with an intriguing mystery that draws you in. Merewood Hospital in the grounds of Merewood Manor only has five patients: a resident doctor and a Nursing Sister, Helen Hopgood. The menace and suspense intensify, and there are numerous suspects as the story develops. I like this story's historical setting, the believable characters and the suspenseful ethos. It's an absorbing read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Merewood Farm has been repurposed as a military hospital, and even though the war is over, some patients remain. Sister Helen Hopgood is the only nurse left, and is trying to rehabilitate the men to make them ready for life outside. The murder of a fellow nurse the previous year has left the hospital feeling cursed. Death revisits the hospital and Helen must uncover the mystery before anyone else dies.

Unexplained death leaves an ominous cloud over Merewood Farm. The author created a sinister atmosphere, and I could almost feel the constant fear of those still living there. The tension built slowly and one never knows who to trust.

There is a romantic undertone as Helen develops feelings for two men, and the situation makes it difficult to choose. Who can she count on? Until the killer is found she can never discount either could be guilty.

This well-written historical mystery kept me glued to the page. The twists and turns kept me guessing and I couldn’t put it down.

Murder at Merewood Hospital is written by Michelle Salter. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it will not be my last. This is set right after the end of World War II. I really liked how the author wrote how the war affected soldiers.



Sister Helen Hopgood was sent with a team of nurses to care for wounded soldiers at Merewood Farm. Now the war is over, only five patients remain – and she is the only nurse. The last ward must close, and Helen is doing all she can to find new homes for the injured servicemen. Joseph Wintringham wants to sell Merewood Farm - however the locals think it's cursed since a nurse was murdered and unexplained soldier deaths.



I enjoyed reading this creepy historical mystery. There was times were the hair was standing up on my neck. The characters are well written - the story line will draw you in within the first few pages.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.