"Flora and Jack are determined to solve this fiendish case by the book – but will this be the end of their story?"

....

It is the summer of 1958, a very warm one as it turns out, and the village of Abbeymead in rural Sussex, is hosting its first 'crime conference', in the grounds of the local school. Bookshop owner Flora Steele, is a little reluctantly leaving her beloved 'All's Well' bookshop in the hands of Rose, a relative newcomer to the community, whilst she sets up her stall selling crime novels written by the various authors and speakers at the conference. Her fiance and crime solving partner Jack Carrington, an up and coming crime novelist himself, has been seconded by Basil the event organiser, into helping out with some of the administration, no mean feat given some of the very tetchy and temperamental writers in attendance.

The timing of the conference has also meant that Jack and Flora have decided to delay their wedding plans, which has caused Flora's idyllic summer wedding, to become an autumn event around the date of Jack's birthday. Even so, with the whole village seemingly wanting to be involved in the big day, every spare moment ends in wedding talk, which Jack and Flora are all too keen to deflect, in favour of a relatively low-key affair. One of the original residents of the village and good friend to Flora and previously her aunt Violet, Maud Frobisher, is also present at the conference, based in the school playground with her local authority mobile library, as her final hurrah in the role before her impending retirement and she is more than excited by a rare and very valuable find, which she is busy showing off to one and all.

Unbeknown to Flora, the council have appointed one of her friends from her university days as Maud's replacement and given the trouble past romantic dalliances have wrought for both Jack and Flora, Lowell isn't going to receive the most friendly of receptions when he meets the couple under very suspicious circumstances, following the dreadfully brutal murder of poor Maud, before the conference has even opened its doors on the first morning. Inspector Alan Ridley is called in with his team to investigate, although on this occasion, rather than relishing the help of our aspiring amateur detectives, Alan seems rather out of sorts and preoccupied, and is only too willing to declare an open and shut case when he arrests poor Lowell for the murder.

Flora declares that she is quite open to the fact that Lowell might actually be guilty, although she doesn't believe that he is, so decides that she and a very reluctant Jack should follow some of their own lines of enquiry. When it transpires that Maud's valuable find has also apparently been stolen during the attack, the suspects begin to stack up, as more than one person has either the motive, need or desire, to want to possess it. When poor Jack seems to be the target of a potentially fatal 'accident', even he doubts the wisdom of Alan's rash decision in being so quick to accuse Lowell, so joins Flora on her quest with renewed enthusiasm, leaving his current, unfinished and overdue manuscript to one side.

When another body is discovered and all the evidence points to many crimes, not just murder, having been committed, it takes all of Jack and Flora's skills and ingenuity to unravel the many clues and piece together the evidence. Alan Ridley learns a valuable lesson about being so quick to dismiss the 'little lady' and Jack discovers that trust is a large part of any relationship, if it is to be a successful and happy one...

....

Having been born into the very era which Jack and Flora are now approaching, I am beginning to associate some of the passing references to events, the routines of life and the aspects of social history described, as being very similar to times as I remember them, which is somehow really evocative and comforting. I have also discovered a new personal affinity with Flora in this storyline, as it transpires that she lived and studied in the City of Bath for a period before moving to Abbeymead, which is only a stones-throw from where I now live.

Author Merryn Allingham tackles the unspoken taboos of the time surrounding divorce and separation; that Flora and Jack whilst mostly abiding by the unspoken norms of the times, do occasionally decide to spend a night together in one or the other of their houses, thus raising a few eyebrows amongst the older residents. The fragility of age and frailty of the human mind, is also discussed with compassion and empathy. Those things, when this time woven together with the most heinous and malevolent of crimes amongst authors and writers, namely that of plagiarism; the shame of fraud in the workplace and the knock-on effects that has on homelife; and of course murder itself in its many terrible guises, makes this a storyline which is completely immersive and all-consuming.

As usual, the story is broken down into lovely bite-sized chapters, which keep the pace moving along nicely and make some lovely natural breaks, if like myself, reading a book in a single sitting just isn't possible, as much as I might like it to be. I did get a slightly different feeling about the construction of this episode though, in as much as, whilst of course the multiple crimes and the solving of them still takes up a considerable chunk of the book, they were sandwiched neatly between opening and closing segments which encompassed, to my thinking much more comprehensively, the wider aspects of village life and the many 'extras' who create the atmosphere and ambience which make the storylines what they are. In fact, this story was replete with so many suspects, each of whom had secrets to hide and motives a plenty to commit crime, together with some well chosen and placed red-herrings, that I didn't manage to unravel the endless possibilities and decide on a perpetrator, virtually until the final reveal was almost upon me.

As always, Merryn fills the pages with authentic, real-life characters who could be related to any one of her readers, so easy is it to personally associate with them. In fact, many of them have grown in stature and importance as the series has unfolded, with many extra snippets of information being added about them, as they take it turns to feature in an episode. Flora and Jack have definitely evolved since their relationship has been placed on a firmer, more long-lasting trajectory and I have come to like them more each time. They have learned the hard way to trust in and rely upon one another, without it feeling like any kind of weakness or admission of guilt or failing. As theirs has also been quite a lengthy courtship, they realise that having the odd spat, isn't a reason to give up on the relationship and that they can usually work things out by talking about any issues they might have with one another. The forthcoming wedding plans have helped to cement Jack and Flora's place in the community, which is why, much as they would quite like a low-key, no fuss affair, they realise that this will be the event of the year for many of their friends, so not wishing to disappoint anyone, they are allowing themselves to go with the flow, knowing that they will definitely be given a day to remember.

Whilst Abbeymead has always been a fictitious location in the beautiful Sussex countryside; the village, its environs and the people who call it home, are so wonderfully described and drawn in such colourful detail, that even for a confirmed 'armchair traveller' such as myself, I could almost imagine living as part of the community, taking part in the many events which they always have organised; although, I might be a little concerned by the inordinate number of murders and suspicious accidents and incidents which occur in such a small place.

Over the timespan of the series, the number of new residents moving to Abbeymead has also increased and whilst it can take a while for these 'outsiders' to be fully integrated and accepted into village life, once the hand of friendship has finally been extended, be assured that someone will always have your back in a crisis. This time around Rose Lawson and Thelma Easterhouse have decided to make Abbeymead their home and I'm sure that since Lowell Gracey and Jack have managed to agree that the past will definitely be staying just that, the former will soon be a regular visitor to Flora's cottage, whenever his mobile library round brings him back to the village.

I read this book not having read the previous 7 in the series. Although the book works as a standalone, I think I would have appreciated it more had I read the other stories first. This is the latest episode in the lives of Flora and her husband to be, Jack. they are both due to be at a writers' conference where Flora is hoping to sell some books. But, before arriving at the conference, Flora plans to visit an old friend at the library but murder gets in the way. This is a charming book with just enough edge to add interest to it's cosy genre. it made a great holiday read.

This was my first flora steele mystery book i dont think you need to read the others first but probably be better too so you get more of the history of the characters.
The combination of characters were intereating and it was good too find things out about them and see where the story was going i was intrigued at the beginning however i have too admit i did struggle too get through this book and sorta lost interest but wanted too carry on reading too find out what happened too the book which did dissapoint a little bit.

Flora and Jack are organising a book event in the village. But a first edition Dickens is stolen and the librarian is found dead. The main suspect is someone Flora used to know but his arrival in the village seems odd and he was discovered standing over the body...
The Library Murders is the 8th book to feature bookshop owner Flora and crime writer Jack in the 1950s.
Despite a wedding on the horizon, it still isn't smooth sailing for our pair of sleuths. A face from Flora's past stirs ups some jealousy. She is also given more information about her family history which is a plotline that follows from earlier books.
Flora faces a dilemma because she can't believe that Lowell is a killer but his sudden appearance is definitely odd. There are other suspects and motives that revolve around money and the temptation of the valuable book. Of course, the title gives a clue! Then there is another murder which makes Flora and Jack rethink the evidence.
Being set in the 1950s, there is a range of historical social comments that add to the development of the characters and plot. I still feel frustrated with the delays to the relationship between Flora and Jack but they are also impatient to wed!
The Library Murders is an enjoyable cosy historical murder mystery.

Flora and her crime writing fiancé, Jack,
Together on a new case they are back!
Supporting the crime conference in Abbeymead
Not expecting the police they'll actually need!

Flora really isn't thrilled
When she discovers the local librarian killed.
She was a close family friend
Not deserving such a sticky end!

With an old college friend as chief suspect
Other possibilities and clues the police neglect.
There are so many others who could be the killer
A dreadful thought and a real chiller.

The intrepid duo are on the case
Looking for clues, anything out of place.
But where is the missing rare book
Is it something the killer took?

With dangerous encounters once more
These two need to take care as they explore.
There are surprise revelations and jealousy, too,
Wedding plans and so much to do!

Another intriguing cosy murder mystery
With great characters and fab community.
I really enjoyed it from beginning to end
And have no hesitation, it I highly recommend!

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

This was just an OK read for me. I did enjoy the mystery and cast of characters, but once the murder was solved I lost interest. There was also another aspect to this story with a missing first edition of a class book and in the end to find out what "happened" to it was a big disappointment.

***Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the E-Arc. All opinions expressed are my own***

this had everything that I was hoping for from the flora steele mystery series, it had everything that I was looking for from the other seven books in this series. The characters were everything that I was looking for from this series. It had a great mystery to it and I enjoyed trying to figure out what was going on in this story. Merryn Allingham has a great writing style and I'm glad I got to read this. I hope there is more in this series and enjoyed the feel of the story.

In this the eight in the series, Flora Steele is back in her sleepy Sussex village. With a Crime Writers Conference taking place in the local school, Flora has the opportunity to sell some of her books at a pop up stall. The Mobile library is in place and the whole village is a buzz, with famous authors.

That is until there is a crime, a dead body, in the mobile library. The suspect known to Flora from her past seems to be the most likeliest candidate. But she is not convinced and so with the help of fiancée, Jack Carrington, a well known crime writer it is a up to them to find out the truth.

Perfect cosy mystery, that I am sure Miss Marple must live in their village!

The latest entry in the very enjoyable Flora Steele mystery series set in late 1950s Britain is as enjoyable as its predecessors. Flora and Jack and caught up in a book-related crime, fitting enough for bookstore owner Flora, when a librarian is found dead and an old friend of Flora’s is implicated. The resulting investigation brings tension to Flora and Jack’s wedding planning and to the pair’s dealings with Inspector Ridley. There are also some big choices ahead for Jack, which could affect Jack and Flora’s plans. Another engaging story that means catching up with favorite characters. Fingers crossed Flora and Jack find a measure of peace as the wedding and honeymoon approach…. Thanks to Netflix and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another great addition to the Flora Steele Mystery series and another one that I completely enjoyed. What is not to like about a mystery and a library?

A wonderful cosy mystery that centres around a library and Flora is of course there to solve the case. This is a book that you read in one sitting as you just can't put it down. Plenty of twists and certainly not predictable which is something I love in a good author. Love the setting and love the characters and how they all work together to get the results they want. Great read and love the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for giving ,e the opportunity to read and review this book.

Flora Steele and Jack Carrington need to turn detectives yet again in The Library Murders, the latest in Merryn Allingham’s addictive cozy mystery series.

Abbeymead librarian Maud Frobisher is about to retire and to celebrate this event, Flora is cycling over to her house to deliver a gift to mark the occasion. However, Flora is shocked when she finds the librarian slumped in a corner and a man standing over her with the murder weapon: an enormous hardback book. Worse, Flora immediately recognises Lowell Gracey. But he couldn’t possibly have murdered Maud…could he?

Flora has known Lowell since her college days and he swears he is innocent. However, Lowell is heavily in debt and that rare first edition that has gone missing could certainly have got him out of the very tight spot he is in. Lowell maintains he is innocent, but with the evidence stacked against him, Flora and Jack are going to have quite a challenge on their hands to prove that he didn’t kill Maud. But who would kill the much-loved librarian? Might the killer have been newcomer Rose Lawson? Best-selling author Felix Wingrave? Or somebody else Flora and Jack might have overlooked?

Flora and Jack need to work fast if they are to find out whodunnit and when a second body is found, they realise they have no time to lose…

Merryn Allingham always leaves her readers guessing till the end and she has done it again with The Library Murders. Atmospheric, fast-paced and wonderfully entertaining, The Library Murders is another exquisitely plotted Flora Steele mystery that I struggled to put down. Fun, entertaining and delightful, Merryn Allingham’s The Library Murders has me eagerly anticipating the next Flora Steele adventure.

I love a cosy crime mystery and this was no exception , Jack, Flora and all their friends in Abbeymead are a perfect back drop for this double murder. I got a real Miss Marple vibe about the village, the Green, the Post Office, the Pub, and the Tea Rooms are reminiscent of times gone by, when shops closed for a half day, didn’t open on Sundays and tea was the solution to the worlds ills (it obviously still is). Flora stands out as an independent clever woman, running her own business and fiancé Jack, a man ahead of the times in being happy about it. There are twists, turns and double bluffs a plenty here, but lots of personal vignettes about our protagonists, making them feel very real. I will certainly read the next in the series

The Library Murders by Merryn Allingham features popular hero and heroine, Jack Carrington and Flora Steele. And the lovely little town of Abbeymead where right now a Murder mystery festival is taking place, under the auspices of The Dirk and Dagger Society. Naturally, the book table is set up and manned by Flora’s All’s Well. In order to do this, Flora had had to take on extra help by the name of a young woman, Rose who had been working at the post office but needed more hours. Flora is hesitant, not because of Rose, but because leaving anyone with her beloved bookshop was difficult for her, but this would be worth it. One of the high points would be seeing the lending library’s newest acquisition: a first edition of A Christmas Carol signed by the author. Another astounding thing was the appearance of Lowell Gracey, a young man she had known well at university but hadn’t seen since. Things seemed to be going smoothly until the body of Maude Frobisher, a friend of her aunt’s and the person who ran the traveling library, was discovered and the beautiful old book was gone from the open safe.

As always Jack and Flora hopped right in although Jack with less enthusiasm than usual. He was a bit jealous of Lowell’s appearance. As usual, small coincidences made tracking the killer more difficult than it should be. Everybody was suspicious. When the police arrived it was no surprise that Detective Alan Ridley appeared. Alan was a good guy and a good friend to Jack, although he was somewhat unsure of Flora, mostly because of her brains, but also her age. Jack and Flora planned to be married soon and he was also suspicious of that. As Flora chased leads, Jack remained at this post, assisting the organizer of the festival. He also came under suspicion when Jack discovered he needed money and the festival wasn’t making any. It was a thorough investigation during which they discovered the killer and the village got back on track. There were plenty of twists and turns on the way, as always. Thanks Merryn for another terrific Flora Steele novel.

I was invited to read The Library Murders by Bookoutre. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #MerrynAllingham #TheLibraryMurders

This latest entry in the Flora Steele series is set close to home as Flora and Jack investigate the murder of the librarian of the mobile unit. As Jack and Flora draw closer to their wedding date, they must learn to trust each other with all aspects of their lives.

This is the eighth book in the Flora Steele cosy mysteries series. These books are set in the 1950s, in a countryside Sussex village known as Abbey mead. The protagonist is Flora, a bookshop owner, who solves crimes with her crime writer fiancé, Jack Carrington.

I discovered this series a few years ago, and I'm very glad I did. It's one of my favourite cosy mysteries series. I love the connection between Flora and Jack, as they are best friends and a great deal more besides. There's also something about the countryside village setting, and I feel as though the characters all look out for each other. These books guarantee a comforting, cosy read, and this instalment is no exception.

On this occasion, it seemed that Flora had a more personal connection to the crime, so I became very invested. This was another cosy, comforting murder mystery that was easy to read in one sitting.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Library Murders' by Merryn Allingham.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Merryn Allingham, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 20th February 2024.

This is the seventh book I have read by this author. It is also the eighth book in the 'Flora Steele Mystery' series. I have previously read 'The Bookshop Murder' which is the first book in the series, 'Murder At The Pier' which is the second book in the series, 'Murder At Primrose Cottage' which is the third book in the series, 'Murder At The Priory Hotel' which is the fourth book in this series, 'Murder At Abbeymead Farm' which is the sixth book in this series and 'Murder in A french Village' which is the seventh book in this series.Every book in this series can be read as a standalone and I would highly recommend each and every one of them!

This novel consists of 32 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

Yet again this book is another fantastic success by Merryn!!! Absolutely devoured this book in one sitting!!

Well I must say this is yet another explosive book in an absolutely addictive series!!! The storyline was very intriguing, addictive and very fast paced. I absolutely love the fact that the main characters Flora owns a Bookshop and Jack is an author. I always look forward to meeting them and am gutted to come to the end of each book as they have become like friends to me. There is just something about a book where there is a lot of emphasis on books for me and this book was packed with them!! I really enjoyed that it was set in the past and the storyline really suited that. It really is a nice cozy mystery that will keep you guessing throughout. In this gorgeous addition to this amazing series Flora and Jack have returned to our beloved Abbeymead and are engaged!!!! There is a Crime Writers conference being hosted at the local school and Jack is the one organising it while Flora is running a book stall there. Jack is frustrated with the fact that it is so time consuming and struggling with the fact that it is digging into a lot of his writing time and things get even worse when there is a murder on the opening day and even more crimes after. When someone Flora knows is arrested and she is not convinced its them even when they have a motive she is determined to discover the real killer. With the suspect list increasing will Flora discover the murderer? Will she find herself being targeted? Well, you'll just have to pick up a copy of this fantastic cozy mystery today to find out more!!! At no point did I suspect who was doing what or why so another huge well done there Merryn!!! I have read many a mystery and find that I am working out the killer/perp quicker every time and there's nothing worse than working out who did what when your need even half way through a book. I loved that this book is based in Sussex as the atmospheres suit the book perfectly. Not only is this a suspense and action filled mystery but there was just the right amount of quirkiness, laughter and attitude to give it a nice mix!!! This book was extremely well written and I do believe alot of research went into it as everything linked correctly in with the era it was set in which was 1957. It is a real bug bear for me when I read a historical novel and the author hasn't done their research and gets basic information mixed up so well done Merryn!! As always with each of the books in this fantastic series I just could not put id down and ended up devouring it in one sitting!! It was very well written and I found the synopsis and the cover fitted the storyline perfectly, The descriptions were great and it really felt as if I was in the storyline along with Flora and Jack. This book is yet another fantastic addition to a brilliant cozy mystery series that I absolutely love looking out for the next book in!

LOVE, LOVE, ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS FANTASTIC ADDITION TO THIS SERIES!!!! 😍 😘 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ WELL DONE MERRYN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AS ALWAYS!!! DID I MENTION I LOVED IT???!!!!!

Another fun, addictive, unputdownable cozy crime mystery in this gorgeous series. Clear your schedules as you won't be able to put this book down!

Although this is the eighth book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

I am thoroughly invested in the characters and really enjoyed meeting Flora and Jack again both with their fantastic and quirky personalities!!! They have very much become like friends that I am sad to say goodbye to at the end of each book but look forward to and love meeting them again when I join them on their next adventure!! Each and every one of the characters had their own individual personalities which worked really well with each other. I am definitely looking forward to meeting Flora and Jack again and some more of the villagers. I really have loved watching Jack and Flora getting closer and closer and they make the perfect partners in crime and love!! One of the things that I love about Merryn is the fact that she genuinely cares for her characters absolutely shines through the pages. They are both such fantastic people and even when jealousy raises its ugly head it is dealt with in a mature way whereas some other books would have the characters bickering and squabbling unnecessarily. Jack and Flora have a strong bond that i have absolutely loved watching develop and grow in each one of these fantastic books. Some of the other characters I enjoy meeting each time include Flora's friend and cafe owner Kate, Alice and Jack's little helper Charlie whom I have got to enjoy meeting and seeing their characters, personalities and friendships develop throughout also!!! I won't say anymore as I don't want to give anything away but as always with this great series there is a perfect mix of strong and realistic characters to make an addictive storyline. I cannot wait to meet the majority of them again!!

Congratulations Merryn on yet an absolutely fantastic book in an absolutely epic series!! I cannot wait to see what Flora and Jack get up to next!!! Here's to your next success 🥂

Overall an page turning, perfect mix of mystery, crime, suspense and quirkiness which kept me turning the pages late at night!! An explosive addition to an addictive series!!!

288 pages.

This book is just £2.99 on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £7.99 in paperback at time of review via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

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4 stars
One Liner: A good mystery

My Thoughts:
How did we reach the eighth book already? Flora and Jack are delightful characters, and you can’t help but root for them when they go sleuthing.
While the book still works as a standalone, it’ll be more enjoyable if you read at least the previous 2-3 books. The dynamics in their relationship will be easier to understand with some background knowledge.
The mystery is independent and decently done. The reveal makes sense, and we take a logical path to uncovering the secrets. Flora and Jack have some differences of opinion, but both have the same goal –dig up the truth and find the killer.
There’s a sub-track, which I thought would be complex. However, I like how it is sorted. This is a cozy mystery, after all. No point in complicating things more than necessary.
Young Charlie is fifteen now! Can you believe it? I miss his younger days, though I hope he’ll one day play a bigger role in solving a crime (pretty please).
The books in the series are small, compact, and steady-paced. This one is no different. I’d have liked it better if we got a little more detail about the crime conference and the authors who attended. While one of them gets space, there is no chance of character development.
As always, I love historical settings in my cozy mysteries. Abbeymead village in 1958 is old-school but with more touches of modernity than the locals would like to accept. Yet, we see a balanced narrative where the side characters are good but with some flaws, and the grumpy ones have some redeeming qualities.

To summarize, The Library Murders is a solid addition to the series and an entertaining read. There are a couple of leads for the next book, so I’m curious to see where it goes (and hopefully no more delays for the wedding).
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********
Links updated.

It's good to see that the 8th book in this bookish-themed series brings us back to the charming Abbeymead village, meeting our beloved amateur-sleuth couple: Flora Steele and Jack Carrington. And this is probably the most bookish crime fiction I've ever read. Everything surrounding the mystery is about books. The victim is a librarian. The weapon is a hardcopy of Lord of the Rings (imagine how thick and heavy it is), smashed to the victim's head. The killer's motive isn't far away from literary world. And even the key clue to solve the mystery is in, or part of, a book!

The murders (yes, there's a second murder - also quite bookish) happens during a crime-writer conference which is held in Abbeymead. Jack is co-hosting, while Flora caters a bookshop stall for the participants. So, of course, beside the recurring characters (which are Flora and Jack's friends or neighbors), all the suspects are mainly literary people. And this bookish aspect makes this book very satisfying for book lovers.

Needless to say, I loved almost everything about this book. Flora and Jack's dynamic relationship after they're engaged added a sweet touch to the story, and the plot itself is cleverly woven. One thing which is a bit off to me is the denouement. While the second murder is wrapped up neatly, the first one isn't very clear. I wished to know more about it. But other than that, it is a perfect getaway book if you love books (who doesn't? 😉), picturesque village in the 1950s, loveable characters, splashed with a touch of romance and sprinkled with witty dialogs.

Flora and Jack are back in Abbeymead, engaged, and Jack is organising a crime festival, which has proved frustrating and time-consuming. A strange murder on opening day has personal connections for Flora., The police detective believes the suspect is in custody, again someone from Flora's past. Even when it emerges he has a motive, Flora still isn't convinced and begins her investigation. New village residents and conference attendees expand the suspect list, and Flora and Jack are both in danger. Engaging and evocative of the late 1950s, this story draws the reader into the investigation. A believable cast of characters adds depth and emotion to this murder mystery. I enjoyed the dynamic between Flora and Jack, the character-driven story and the gentle pacing that lets the reader escape to a simpler, if not safer, time.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

In The Library Murders, author Merryn Allingham once again brings readers a charming 1950s cosy (though there is some blood involved), with a mystery that keeps one guessing, a bookish backdrop and a chance to meet or catch up with the residents of Abbeymead, old and new!

In their eighth adventure, bookshop-owner Flora Steele and her partner in crime solving and now life, mystery writer Jack Carrington are back in their Sussex village of Abbeymead (after their trip to France in their last outing). Here Jack has been roped into helping organise a mystery writers’ conference by Basil Webb, who runs the Dirk and Dagger society. Many eminent crime writers are on the list of speakers and Flora has been invited to set up a stall selling their bestsellers and new releases while the mobile library in the charge of Maud Frobisher, an old friend of Flora’s aunt Violet, will also be present at the venue for those who can’t afford to buy. But the conference has not even opened when Flora makes a chilling discovery, Maud Frobisher killed in cold blood in her van and a man standing beside her with the murder weapon (a very heavy and very bloody Tolkein trilogy, of all things). She is shocked to see that this is Lowell Gracey, an old friend she knew back in college and who was also a friend of Richard, her former boyfriend. Lowell, a chemist, turns out surprisingly to have been working for Maud. And she had with her a first edition Dickens saved up for auction—a book that’s now gone missing.

There is much that is suspicious around Lowell and Inspector Alan Ridley is quick to take him into custody but Flora is not convinced Lowell could be a killer whatever the circumstances may be. Jack on the other hand, perhaps a tad jealous on account of the old friendship isn’t initially keen to help, but soon enough both begin to look into the matter. Lowell was in need of money and had argued with Maud on the day of the murder but it emerges that there are others at or connected with the conference who may have had motive as well—Rose Lawson, a divorcee who has just moved into the village and is in dire straits, Basil Webb the conference organiser himself, and crime writer Felix Wingrave known to go to any lengths to get his hands on a first edition, being among them. But who actually did it?

Alongside, we follow the developments in the village with Flora and Jack’s wedding upcoming (postponed for the conference in fact), a stranger visiting Flora as also the minor tensions that arise between Flora and Jack when they are not quite communicative with each other. Flora’s friends Alice and Kate are excited about the wedding and trying to make preparations while Charlie Teague, Jack’s errand boy is growing up and turning to new ventures.

The Library Murders turned out as delightful a read as I’d expected and I had fun with it all through. While the Flora Steele books generally have plenty to do with books (with Flora’s shop and often a reference or two to the new releases of the time, plus Jack as a writer), this one did even more so with a book as the murder weapon, a stolen first edition, crime writers (published and aspiring) and agents all over the village and even connections with book collectors and speciality book stores. This was something I particularly loved.

As always, I was also pleased to follow along the developments in the village and Flora and Jack’s relationship; the former seeing some changes, for instance in the life of her friend Sally who runs the Priory hotel and young Charlie who’s exhibiting some surprising talents besides of course the excitement around Flora and Jack’s wedding. There are also developments in both Flora and Jack’s lives with unexpected offers coming to each and while a slight disconnect does arise between them, things are mended soon as well. Each time I read one of these books, especially the ones set in Abbeymead, it feels like I’m catching up with news about old friends and acquaintances—and some of the gossip too (incidentally, village gossip or at least that of Flora’s little group of friends provides our sleuths some useful information as well).

The mystery in this instalment was nicely done with developments and a solution I did not see coming. There are plenty of people on whom suspicion falls at one point or other (each of whom has things to hide and possible motive) giving us many possibles to ponder over. This time around, that second body (of course there is one) took me completely by surprise as I neither expected it to turn up when it did, nor did I guess at who it could have possibly been right till the reveal. While by the time of the denouement, one does manage to work out the solution to an extent, there is still a little surprise waiting for us.

I can’t wait to see what mystery faces our sleuths next; their wedding is something to look forward to as well, but I do hope the body doesn’t turn up amidst it!