Thanks to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for this ARC. I love this series, the characters are brilliant and the plot lines are always well thought out. It felt a bit like the end of the road but i really hope not.

In my review of the previous book in the series (found here) I commented on how Archie Powell felt like a genuinely threatening antagonist. There was nothing at the start of this latest instalment in the series to change my mind. It also meant that when he is found murdered, there is no shortage of potential suspects, including Iris herself.

However, by the end of the book, once the murderer has been uncovered and the truth laid bare, I found myself feeling a little sorry for him. In Archie, Michelle Salter had created a cleverly nuanced character who reflects so much of the conflict felt not only by men who had served in WW1, but also of the larger population when faced with the social change which followed it. Women were beginning to make their voices heard and for men who believed this was wrong, it must have been hard to adapt to this change, especially if it came on top of their wartime experiences in the trenches. That’s not to excuse any of his behaviour, far from it, but in providing more of his backstory and not shying away from an acknowledgment of the good he was capable of, Archie becomes someone the reader can empathise with.

Iris also learns some valuable lessons along the way. She too, has a tendency to cling to the past and hold everything close to her chest. Salter has built a cast of characters around her who are loyal and sympathetic and finally Iris realises how much love she is surrounded by.

This is a really strong continuation of the series and once again I find myself eagerly anticipating the next one.

This is the first book in this series that I've read. It works well as a standalone, with enough of the backstory covered that I didn't feel lost. Iris Woodmore is being blackmailed by someone who knows a secret she is guarding. When he is murdered, she becomes a suspect, but is reluctant to reveal her secret in order to clear herself. The author is a fluent and confident writer -- the sentences and paragraphs flow smoothly, with little sense of strain or unnecessary attempts at cleverness. The plot is well constructed, although perhaps not particularly suspenseful. Overall, I was impressed and would read more.

England, family-dynamics, family-expectations, family-history, intimidation, extortion, 1920s, reporter, journalist, newspapers, historical-mystery, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture, investigations, class-consciousness, local-law-enforcement, friends, friendship, defrocked, homelessness, Hampshire, stalker, relationships, unpleasant-victims, murder-investigation****

If you haven't read any of the previous books in series, you might feel a bit lost at the beginning, but there is plenty of opportunity to catch up within the story and will probably go back and read the earlier ones.
As I have already been following the series, I thought it was great. Iris is in her home county and is pleased that some friends have established a hostel for unemployed veterans. Until a nasty enemy proves to be the building manager who has her in his sights for extortion and embarrassment. Yes, he is the toad who gets murdered, and Iris has a difficult time with those who believe that she is the main suspect.
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected ebook file from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you! Avail Mar 09, 2025
#AMurderatMillPonds by @michellesalter_writer #IrisWoodmoreMysteriesBk6 #theboldbookclub
#NetGalley #goodreads #bookbub #librarythingofficial #barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo #Waterstones #England #CozyMurder #historicalMystery #newspaperReporter #1920s #stalker #extortion

4.5 stars. This is the sixth book in the Iris Woodmore series which sees her continue as a journalist in Walden, in 1924. Her nemesis Archie is back in town and now managing a hostel for retired and injured servicemen, and looks set to continue making trouble for Iris… until he is killed and Iris is the prime suspect.

All the characters we like (or like to hate!) are here, minus Iris’ father and step mother who are on holiday so only mentioned in passing. There’s decent mystery and a few twists and turns. I don’t guess whodunnit, though I did guess some of what happened and why. And after Archie took up energy in the last few books, I am glad that particular aspect of the books has been wrapped up. Better to use it well for a short time that let it drag on too long so kudos for that.

Already looking forward to book 7!

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.