When I first added ‘Murder Under The Rock’ to my TBR, the premise—headstrong sleuthing sisters solving a murder and robbery in 1930s England—caught my attention. Yet over time, the title and cover didn’t bring that premise back to mind, so it stayed on my shelf longer than expected.

Once I picked it up, I found a quick-paced mystery with a classic vibe and a light nod to Agatha Christie. A standout element was the core group: Nora, Kitty, Jimmy, and Arthur. Their dynamic carried the story, alongside the girls’ endearing father. The tone leans toward young adult, with the impulsivity of the twins and their friends, though some of the townspeople’s grittier aspects add an edge. Frankly, there was one townsperson whose (brief) perspective I didn’t enjoy. The main crew is so likable that I’d prefer, in the next installment, to see the world solely through their eyes. I recommend this to any fan of classic amateur detective stories.

Special thanks to the publisher, Troubador, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A delightful new mystery series staring twin amateur sleuths that have had some success finding lost cats and other misdemeanors but when murder happens nearby they can't resist investigating with the help of their neighbor, Arthur, and their long-time friend, James, who is a new police constable. Most of the police think it is a easy open and shut case with a man quickly arrested but the twins aren't so sure. Digging deeper they find several other possible suspects that keeps the reader entertained until the end.

The twins, Kitty and Nora, are lively young women who are very fun to read. Their friends, James and Arthur equal out the talents they don't have to make a quality team. They have unique personalities but are very personable. You feel like you would like to become friends with them.

The mystery is solid with plenty of twists. It reminds me a bit of some of Agatha Christie's novels, particularly when starring young sleuths like in Why Didn't They Ask Evans? There is humor, a small village and well-to-do people without being the height of fashion. I look forward to reading more of this series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

My thanks go Troubador publishing and NetGalley for a copy of “Murder Under The Rock “ for an honest review.

This was a nostalgic read with a classic whodunnit in the perfect setting of Torquay A classy cosy crime , For me it was a little too slow paced , and didn’t really keep my attention , so although overall I enjoyed the book , I can only really give it an average mark.

It's a lovely summer in Torquay in 1930.

Twins Kitty and Nora Markham are amatuer detectives. But a murder close to their home is rather more shicking than their usual caseload of lost purses and missing cats.

Their little gang is completed by the Chief Constable's son Arthur, and James, a new constable and the great-nephew of their housekeeper.

The intrepid team think the early arrest of a man for the crime is rather premature.

And they're right...

Brilliant

So far as time-period cozy mysteries go, Murder Under the Rock is a great example of the genre. The story centers around a pair of twins who find themselves drawn into a local mystery, and they’re surrounded by a cast of supporting characters who really help bring the village to life. You can’t help but root for the twins—while also worrying for them as the investigation unfolds.

The tone and charm of the book felt like a lovely nod to classic Agatha Christie novels, with its mix of suspense and warmth. I’m curious to see if this becomes a series—I would happily read more adventures with these characters.

With Murder Under The Rock, I was immediately taken by the immersive world building.

It follows the journey of Nora and Kitty Markham to try and right a wrong within their sleepy, 1930’s post war Devon.

Joined by the bright next door neighbour Arthur, and newly emboldened police officer Jimmy, they come together and indulge a hobby of amateur sleuthing.

One thing I absolutely adored about Ali Simpsons’ writing is her ability to take us along on their journey, and allow us to learn with the characters!

I’m very much looking forward to see what the Markham Twins get up to next!

Target audience? Me.
Did you grow up loving Agatha Christie, binged Only Murders in the Building, or are craving a very British cozy Mystery? Enter Murder Under the Rock.
While I would have liked a little bit more character work for the Twins to get me hooked in the beginning, I enjoyed the setting and low stakes feel of the investigation. A la Christie, the investigation is very conversation heavy, with all the players being placed on the chessboard through one-on-one interviews. This takes place in the 1930s, so there are some elements of post-war trauma, Women's Rights, etc.

Murder Under the Rock is a beautifully atmospheric read, filled with vivid descriptions and stunning coastal scenery that really bring the setting to life. The story follows the Markham twins as they delve into some amateur sleuthing to solve a murder that disrupts the peace of their quiet seaside town.

While the writing is strong and the sense of place is wonderfully done, the pace of the novel was slower than I typically prefer. It leans more towards a gentle mystery than a dark, fast-paced thriller, making it a bit of a slow burn. There were moments where I found myself wanting a bit more tension or excitement to keep the momentum going.

That said, I did enjoy the read overall and appreciated the cosy, almost classic mystery feel. I’d definitely be open to reading more from Ali Simpson in the future, especially if the pace picks up a little in her next work.

This reads like one of those fabulous mystery novels from the Golden Age of Murder. It's surely a homage to Agatha Christie: set in Torquay (her home town), in 1930 (the year in which her first Miss Marple novel 'The Murder at the Vicarage' was published), and featuring young amateur sleuths who could easily swap places with Tommy and Tuppence Beresford (her 'Partners in Crime'). It is certainly as good as any of Dame Agatha's early novels.
Nora, Kitty, Arthur and Jimmy and compelling characters and I am truly pleased they will return in another mystery soon.
Torquay and its fictionalized suburbs are a perfect backdrop to a well-plotted mystery that unfolds with the usual gathering of red herrings and well-used tropes.
It's an easy, enjoyable read.

**First Person ARC Review: *Murder Under the Rock* by Ali Simpson**

*Murder Under the Rock* was the kind of mystery that lured me in with the promise of a classic whodunnit and then surprised me with how layered and atmospheric it turned out to be. Set in a remote coastal town with a reputation as rocky as its cliffs, this story builds tension with the quiet intensity of a storm gathering just off the shore.

What really hooked me was the setting—it’s so vividly drawn that it practically becomes a character itself. The isolation, the local legends, the deep-rooted grudges—it all creates this simmering tension that made every interaction feel like it could be the spark that sets everything ablaze.

The investigation unfolds in a satisfyingly slow burn. I appreciated that it didn’t rush to deliver twists; instead, it let them stew, giving each new reveal time to deepen the mystery. The protagonist—sharp, persistent, and refreshingly flawed—was someone I rooted for even when I didn’t fully trust her instincts. That sense of unease, of not knowing who to believe, kept me turning pages late into the night.

This isn’t a flashy thriller; it’s more like a shadow creeping across the walls, tightening around a town that’s been keeping secrets for far too long. *Murder Under the Rock* is smart, suspenseful, and quietly haunting. It left me thinking long after the final page—not just about who did it, but about all the ways silence can be just as dangerous as violence.

I just loved this book! Once I got started I was just hooked and I had to find out what the truth is. I loved this story, as it was set back in the day 1930’s I just loved it. I just loved the characters in this book as well, I also loved that the twins had their dad to have their back. This story kept just kept me guessing right until the end and I loved it.

I would highly recommend reading this book if you love a good mystery that keeps you guessing until the end and believe me it’s worth it.

I would like to thank Troubador Publishing Ltd and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward until the next book in this series.

I thank NetGalley and Troubadour Publishing for an advance reader copy of “Murder Under The Rock.” All opinions and comments are my own.

What happens when two precocious young women, twins, aided by the young man that lives next door, decide that the wrong fellow has been arrested for a horrific murder? Why, go investigating on their own, of course. And that’s what the Markham Twins, formerly finders of lost purses and lost cats, determine to do. And a fine job they do of it, too in “Murder Under the Rock,” the first in a new series by Ali Simpson.

In a case close to home in post-WWI Wellesmead, Torquay, Catherine (“Kitty”) and Eleanora (“Nora”) Markham, pull out all their investigative skills to determine who murdered Mrs. Watcombe of Rockcliffe House, and what’s happened with her priceless pearl necklace (the one readers learn about straightaway). Aided by young “Master Arthur” from next door, their 16-year-old partner-in-crime, whose father is the Chief Constable, Kitty and Nora stop at (almost) nothing to figure out the details of this crime, and in a stunning twist, they absolutely do.

Author Ali Sinclair is adept at presenting word pictures of the characters within these pages. Each one stands out as you make your way through “Murder Under The Rock.” Twists and turns will keep readers guessing along the way, too, always a challenge to the imagination. And as there has been some personal danger for our girls, dear father Markham asks them to stop “detecting” as the book ends. Kitty and Nora will find a way to continuing their sleuthing, and an entertaining bookish journey it will be, too.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

I LOVED this book and I hope this is the start to a new series.

If you are looking for an excellent police procedural / amateur sleuths book to read, look no further. This crime story set in the past has wonderful plot and character development (and a charming set of crime solving twins) .

5 stars from this reviewer for this delightful story, I will be watching for more books by Ali Simpson!

This charming and humorous mystery novel takes place in the 1930's along the English rivera. It features quite a unique cast of characters. There is another book in this series that will be released in the. future so overall this first novel had a really good start.
Our two main characters are twin sisters Nora and Kitty. Nora and Kitty have always had a knack for private investigating but given to their age it has mostly been lost animals. However, a murder takes place in their hometown they decide to team up with their neighbor Arthur to get to the bottom of it.
Overall these amateur detectives were brilliant. Kitty, Nora, and Arthur seemed to really know their stuff and seemed more reliable than the actual detectives on the case. I can't wait to see what adventures unfold in the next book!