Alice Beeton is like a modern day Miss Marple. She notices details and understands people so when a murder occurs at one of her clients homes she feels she has no option but to become involved. This leads to an entertaining cosy mystery that I enjoyed reading.
It is very much a book of its genre and no worse for that as the reader knows exactly what to expect, a fairly lighthearted (murder aside) engaging storyline with a variety of memorable characters including a dog.
Delightful

For those who love cosy mysteries, this novel fits neatly into the genre, offering a modern-day story with the nostalgic feel of a Golden Age mystery. The narrative requires some suspension of disbelief, much like the stories of Poirot or Miss Marple, but that’s part of the fun. While the plot is fairly busy with various twists and turns, it remains entertaining and never takes itself too seriously.

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Oh this book was thoroughly entertaining. Alice Beeton is such a wonderful character, one I loved spending time with, and this is the finest of cosy mysteries, one which took a turn I was not expecting at all. There is such warmth and humour in this book, cosy crime fans will find it irresistible, and, as it is set sort of around Christmas, it would make the perfect festive gift too - what more could you ask for?

In Miss Beeton's Murder Agency, Josie Lloyd introduces us to Alice Beeton and her team at the Good Household Management Agency, undoubtedly the ideal career for a woman whose ancestry includes the inimitable Mrs Beeton - yes, that one. Facing a last minute request to find a housekeeper for an affluent French family, Alice Beeton finds herself in need of a new member of staff. Now, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the fact a French speaking, exceedingly well referenced, new prospect just happened to walk through the door that very morning is a touch convenient. Well ... it is for Alice, but less so for Enya, whose very first engagement on behalf of Alice's team will also be her last. Murder is the name of the game at the Messent's New Years Eve party, but did Enya disturb a would be burglar, or is something else afoot?

I love how Josie Lloyd has framed this mystery. She takes her time over introducing the characters and establishing their back story before the fateful night, which meant that I was able to take Alice, her beloved dog, Agatha (named after Agatha Christie, of course), and her team and friends, Helly, Jinx, Jacques, Massoud, and Barney, to my heart very easily. They are a wonderful bunch, and the banter and good humour that bounces back and forth between them makes this such an enjoyable read. It's clear that Alice is a woman who likes things to be just so, who had clear standards, but who elicits real warmth, honesty and loyalty from those around her, and I can see why, She may be a 'spinster', but there is something about her that draws you in, and there is also a clear spark between her and the investigating officer in Enya's murder, Detective Rigby. It's not so obvious at first, but that is the beauty of how the book has been written. it's something that grows over the course of the book, a kind of natural evolution than any kind of big bang - all the more sweet and enduring for it.

The mystery in this book is perfectly pitched, and the clues slowly unravelled until we reach what is, in the end, quite a clever and oacy conclusion. Alice is, as her dog's namesake might suggest, quite a fan of the classic mysteries, especially Agatha Christie, and she puts this to very good use, with the aid of her friends, infiltrating the Messent home in the guise of a replacement Housekeeper, taking the opportunity of absolute trust to uncover that which people would rather remain hidden. It's quite the mix of characters, secrets and lies in that household, and nothing is quite what it may seem. I did guess one element of the story, to a degree, but that didn't mean I had the whole case sewn up - there is plenty to discover, and many unexpected moments yet to come. Illegality on a grand scale, with a twisted and cunning plot, and brilliant reveal that Mrs C herself would be proud of.

The setting of the novel is perfect, and Josie Lloyd really brings that grand life of London's social elite to life. Even Alice's own history has a little glamour to it, even if it is somewhat dulled by the way in which her brother, Jasper, has ruined the family home. It allows for good, clean (no pun intended) mystery, with a heroine who reminds me a little of a younger Miss Marple, although Alice's romantic prospects do seem to be far more encouraging. Definitely, and heartily, recommended.

3.5/4

I admit to struggling a bit with the rating because whilst this book is very readable and no doubt, destined for the Christmas market, there are some parts of it that are beyond the fantastical and it is a very cosy murder.

I added the extra half star because of the recipes included, which I know people will love. Sadly, because I was reading the ARC they lost a lot in translation so I couldn't even tell you whether they sounded exciting. Plus I'm the world's worst baker. I think Mrs Beeton would have despaired of me.

The story follows Alice Beeton, a distant relative of the original Mrs Beeton. She runs a household management agency but is rushed, one morning, into placing an unknown quantity (Enya) into a household of a French family (the Messents). Enya seems perfect but after a very short time it seems there's more going on than Alice originally thought. Then, at a New Year's Eve party, tragedy strikes.

Alice and her dog Agatha are drawn into the investigation as she takes over Enya's role. She also gets help from longtime friend, Jinx and Detective Rigby of the Met. But can she divert disaster in both her home life and the criminal world.

As I say, it is a cosy murder perfect for fans of Agatha Christie or Richard Osman. There's no blood and guts, little (if any) bad language and the cast of characters are all pleasant - except the baddies of course.

Cosy murders aren't really a favourite of mine but this book will find a good audience base, especially with the recipes included. It seems set for a series so I suspect this is not the last we have seen of Alice Beeton and Agatha.

Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for the advance review copy.

This is a fantastic twisty turns yet Genteel murder mystery. I absolutely loved it. There’s enough twists and dilemmas to keep the interest going and get so much excellent friendship and family background to flesh out a strong character of Alice Beeton.
I thought it was excellent, and I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to have read this. I had a publication and exchange for an honest review.

This murder mystery is great fun, and a quick read. The characters, although not all likeable, are engaging, and the dynamic between them well-constructed. However, the tasty-looking recipes throughout the text rather annoyed me; I would prefer to have these included in an appendix instead of having to skip over them in order to get on with the fast-moving plot.

The author has constructed a strong and diverse team (including some romantic interest) that I hope to meet again in future books.

Alice Beeton is a distant relative to the famous Isabelle Beeton who wrote the Victorian Book of household management. She is single and lives on her own with her dog called Agatha named after her favourite author. Who she has quite a collection of her books and she loves baking.
She runs the Good Household Management agency with the help of her friends Helly and Jinx. They provide domesticated staff to the rich and famous. She thoroughly vets her staff before hiring them. Until one day whilst interviewing a new member of staff Enya Fischer she gets a phone call from one of her clients saying that they need someone immediately. Enya’s CV and references looks impressive. So, she straightway sends her there. But whilst spending time with her family she gets a phone call to say that Enya Fischer is dead. She uses her sleuthing skills from reading Agatha Christie and goes undercover to find out who killed her.
If you love cosy crime this book is for you. This has an intriguing storyline and likeable characters and a really liked the Christmasy scene on the cover. I did enjoy this in parts. But sometimes the storyline slowed down too much and got over descriptive for me. The other thing was disappointing was the recipes interwoven though the book. I don’t know him much relevance to them in terms of the storyline and what was worse, because of the formatting you couldn’t read them anyway. 3.5 stars from me.

I have read two of Josie's books so far - The Cancer Ladies Running Club and Lifesaving For Beginners - and they were both exquisite. So if you add that talent, plus Mrs Beeton, plus what looks like a Christmassy setting, judging by the cover, then you've got the recipe for a brilliant read.

There are recipes in it!!!!!! I do enjoy a good recipe, especially when you least expect it, and I have saved a few of them.

I began reading this thinking it was set in the 1950s and it fits that era in my head, but then after a few pages it mentions Instagram and so I had to re-evaluate what I thought I knew. And yet knowing this, I still pictured Alice as a young woman in the 50s and I couldn't rid myself of that image.

It's got a lot going for it. There's history (I know I've learnt it's not an historical novel now, but all the talk of Mrs Beeton just gave me that nostalgia), there's adventure, thrill, comedy, crime, cosy crime, Christmassyness, uplift. I would have liked a bit more festivities considering the cover sort of advertises it as a Christmas story but that's not a big thing.

It was a little slow to begin with, it took a while to get going. And I've seen from other reviews that some see that as a problem. But I don't see it like that. It gives us time to get into this world, get to know our characters and become invested. I think in a story like this, if I'd had gone straight in, it wouldn't have had quite the same effect.

There is a very large cast of characters, but I loved Alice the best. She's so warm and friendly and trusting. She really shone. The other characters - there are too many to mention here - are just as good and work well with and against her. There's no wasted characters, which is impressive given a cast this size.

I read it in less than a day, it was so addictive and easy to read, and even though there's murder and whatnot, it's a real uplifting read. I reeeeeeeeeeeeeally hope this is the start of a series as I can really see it flying. It's completely different to the books of hers I've read before and it's just great. Good storytelling, fab characters, adventure, emotion, and at the centre, it's a real uplift.

Alice lives in a basement flat in London with her dog Agatha, and run a Good Household Management Agency,
Christmas is the busiest time of the year and, against her usual standard, she finds herself hiring Enya on the spot, after a frantic call from Camille Messant needing a housekeeper.

Everything seems to be going well, until she receives a call that Enya is dead. Miss Beeton is dragged into finding out who did it.

This is such a wonderful read, I immediately liked the main character, Alice and all her friends. Hoping for a sequel.

Miss Beeton's Murder Agency is a joy from start to finish .

Alice Beeton- distant relative of the legendary Mrs Beeton runs a Household Management company (supported by her friends Jinx and Helly) providing housekeepers, caterers and function staff to the wealthy of London .

A request for staff by a wealthy art dealer and his wife- the Messents- leads to murder and Alice goes undercover to discover what happened.

Accompanied by Agatha - her dog- and a close circle of friends she endeavours to find who is guilty but as the situation worsens Alice finds herself caught up in an international crime and murder gets even closer

Comedic in parts, full of warmth and with a nod to Miss Marple ( well Agatha is named so for a reason) Alice Beeton is character that is full of heart as she fumbles her way through some dangerous situations- whilst dealing with her wayward brother and the family manor house and encounters with a Detective Rigby (who she feels an attraction towards) There are even recipes to enjoy and create !!


Being someone who primarily reads crime/police procedurals, I really enjoyed the story and escaped into Alice's world

Josie Lloyd has written a brilliant wintery crime caper- a sequel is needed as the team are so good and it would be great to see how Alice deals with another murderous situation... bring on the TV version

I really enjoyed this book and hope it's the start of a series. I fell in love with all the characters at the agency.
A book to curl up with and switch off the world.

When you have a famous name, it's a common occurrence for people to assume you're related. In Alice Beeton's case, she doesn't mind because, albeit distantly, she is! With a little help with the name, Alice runs the Good Household Management Agency, providing discreet and experienced staff to the more discerning family at prices that prove her exclusivity. Her cooking, which she too is very good at, is purely for enjoyment and as a way to reduce the stresses in her life.

Spending Christmas with her brother, Jasper, and his family, at the somewhat dilapidated family pile, is a ritual Alice and her dog, Agatha have got used to. She is, however, glad to return home until a disturbing phone call in the middle of New Year’s Eve night sets Alice on a course she never envisaged. Now, she finds herself investigating the death of one of her housekeepers when it appears the police don't have the resources she does. But does voraciously reading crime fiction and avidly watching TV detective shows really prepare anyone for the real thing?

This new series by Josie Lloyd has the promise of many original stories to come and, as should be expected, there is a lot of scene setting here. There is also quite a large cast of both friends and foe, which I did find it all a little overwhelming at times. The inclusion of handwritten recipes throughout is a nice touch, and the revelations regarding the victim were very cleverly done.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, HQ, but the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed this. It was original and entertaining throughout. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

I don’t read a lot of cozy mystery type books normally preferring the grittier type murder mystery’s but this one really appealed to me and I have to say it was a terrific read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I think what made the read so good was the excellent writing, humour and whole bunch of super characters especially the main one Alice Beeton who is a distant relative of the famous cookery writer Mrs Beeton.
There was a lot going on in the story with Alice who totally by chance finds herself getting deeper and deeper into solving the murder of an employee of hers and oh boy did she get involved!
I’m hoping there will be more from Alice and this will be the first book of Miss Beetons Murder Agency as I would love to catch up with Alice and the rest rest of the characters and finding out what they are all up to.
So a great read, lots of fun and some lovely recipes what more could you want apart from more of the same please!
My thanks to NetGalley and HQ for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a cozy mystery, very easy to read. I had read some reviews about this book and decided I would like to read it. Alice Beeton, a distant relative of Mrs Beeton, the author of Household Management amongst others, has set up an agency to supply household staff to wealthy families.
When one client requests a replacement as soon as possible, Enya just happened to be looking for a job and happen end to be in the office at that particular time. Alice wasn’t as particular as usual with references and such like, so Enya was employed. Well, I won’t spoil the story, but murder and theft are involved! Of course, being a cozy mystery, it has a satisfying end. My thanks go to NetGalley, Josie Lloyd and Harper Collins for an arc of this enjoyable book.

Fans of Agatha Christie and cosy murder mysteries will love this modernised Marple-esque story.

A fairly quick read, I blasted through it in two days, mainly because it was a real page turner and i got easily hooked into the storyline.

Miss Beeton (yes, a descendant of THAT Mrs. Beeton) runs a successful home help agency, putting her prestigious clients in touch with Chefs; Chauffeurs; Waitresses; PAs; Cleaners and domestic assistants. Discretion is her middle name and decorum is as natural to her as breathing. However, when a domestic assistant she has recently placed with a very prestigious family suddenly drops dead on New Year's Eve (mid party I may add - how uncouth!) and there is noone else to replace the employment, Miss Beeton and her trusty dog Agatha (yep after that Agatha) have to fill in undercover in order to keep the client satisfied. Is everything as it seems in this family though? And is there something more to this death than the police are willing to admit?

Miss Beeton is propelled into a secret life of undercover crime sleuthing and when her dog Agatha is taken hostage - she just HAS to solve the case.

Interspersed with recipes from Christmas Cake to stew, (im unsure whether they are really Mrs Beeton recipes or not its not clear! But they certainly could be... ) the whole book has quite a twee, homely feel to it, easily readable and a feel good heartwarming mystery.

The recipes were totally corrupted in the unedited pre-release version I read which is a shame as id have loved to have made some of them!

Thanks to the publisher, the author and Netgalley for this ARC.

What an absolute joy this book is! It was the tonic that I didn’t know I needed. It’s just lovely, fantastic characters (all of who I loved, and felt I knew), a brilliant plot..a potential romance??…hmmm…I think I fancy him myself actually.

Absolutely loved it - and I did not get the murderer correct either. What a sleuth Miss Beeton is. I need more!!

My thanks to Netgalley and Rachel Quin Marketing for this absolute joy, in exchange for an honest review.

Miss Beeton's Murder Agency is a delightful read and the excellent start to a new series featuring a diverse set of characters that are quirky, relatable and endearing.

Alice Beeton runs the the Good Household Management Agency and one of her members Enya that she placed in service is found dead , she can't help but turn into the sleuth that Agatha Christie would be proud of.

Enya it seems wasn't who Alice thought she was.

Alice is determined , she made me laugh and she is a formidable investigator but has so much more on the go with recipes

Her dog Agatha stole my heart.

Miss Beeton's Murder Agency is a cozy mystery lover's delight and I for one cant wait to see what adventure Alice Beeton takes us on next.

Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the privilege of reading and reviewing this wonderful new series.

Delicious mix of murder and cookery with a side of humour and country houses. Enjoyable light crime that should make a series as Miss Beeton and the detective are rather good together.

This is a good murder mystery and the connection to Mrs Beeton's book of housekeeping is a nice twist. The mystery itself was interesting and involving with red herrings and curve balls aplenty. An enjoyable read all round. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Alice Beeton runs The Good Household Management Agency, a company that vets domestic staff for wealthy clients. When one of her placements is murdered Alice, along with her friends, investigates.

Josie Lloyd has written Miss Beeton's Murder Academy with a lightness of touch and gossipy style, which puts it firmly in the cosy crime genre. Combined with the cosy crime is another popular addition, the inclusion of recipes. This works particularly well as the main character, Alice Beeton, is a distant relative of Mrs Beeton.

Alice is the wrong side of fifty but is mainly content with her life. She has a wide circle of friends, a successful business and her beloved dog, Agatha. There are a couple of niggles; the noisy upstairs neighbours and the fact that her brother seems to be letting the family home fall into ruin.

Serendipity is at work when a young woman, Enya, signs on with the agency. At almost the same time Alice fields a call from a client desperate for a replacement housekeeper immediately. Enya seems to be the perfect fit and is able to start right away. Within days Enya is found murdered and the police are struggling to discover the culprit. Alice, thanks to her love of crime fiction, decides to go undercover as the new housekeeper to investigate and finds herself embroiled in high-end art theft.

During the investigation, Alice is supported by a host of friends. I loved the two women who work at the agency, Helly and Jinx. Jinx is a complete contrast to Alice. She's flamboyant, outspoken and seems to know everyone. There are also a couple of characters who have highly prized skills thanks to their previous employment working for the security services.

The first two-thirds of the book is really just developing the characters and setting the scene, the action doesn't begin to happen until the final third, and I felt this let the story down. I loved all of the characters and the gossipy style but just felt the pace was too slow. I would certainly read a sequel now that I've got to know all the characters.