Death in an English Village - Fliss Chester

 When the family gardener is murdered near a site of legendary buried treasure, dog-lover and mystery-solver Cressida Fawcett is on the case!

1926, Sussex. The Honourable Cressida Fawcett is delighted to return to her parents’ rambling mansion to introduce them to her pug Ruby’s puppies. But when the pups go running off with Cressida in hot pursuit, they lead her to a bubbling stream – Hell’s Ditch. And the body of Bob the gardener is floating there, his outstretched hand clutching a soggy cheese and pickle sandwich.

Everyone assumes Bob died of natural causes. But when Cressida finds a glittering gold coin grasped in his other fist, she realises this is part of the long-hidden Saxon hoard. Was Bob struck down by the gold’s ancient curse? As Cressida interviews the colourful members of the local historical society, she learns that Bob had been boasting of new-found wealth, much to the annoyance of his wife, and perhaps deadly jealousy of the other members…

Luckily for Cressida, eminent historian Sir James Colston, friend of the family, arrives at the mansion with tantalising information on the whereabouts of the rest of the Saxon gold. He promises to tell all, but the very next day he collapses into his morning porridge…

To Cressida’s horror, Marian – Bob’s widow and her parents’ cook – is accused of poisoning both the porridge and Bob’s sandwich and is carted off to jail. But Cressida is sure the answers are buried in the past. Just how far would a history boffin or a hard-up local go for an ancient pot of gold? And can Cressida dig up the truth before poison worms its way into her family’s kitchen again?

An absolutely addictive, warm and witty whodunnit that will keep you reading late into the night, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Verity Bright.

My Review

I tried really hard not to read this too quickly. Really, really hard. Or at least, in my mind I did. In reality, I devoured every page in a greedy 'don't want to put this book down' frenzy. Now I'm just sad that it's over.
This is the seventh book in the Cressida Fawcett series and while they are stand alone mysteries, that would work just fine if you hadn't read the others, I think that you're missing out if don't start at the beginning. Cressida, Alf, Dotty and of course pug Ruby are such great characters and I've loved following them as they solve these mysteries. I'm loving watching Cressida's relationship with Alfred grow through each book. He's such an understanding chap and a great match for her.
The murder this time is tied up in a missing Anglo-Saxon hoard after the victim is found clutching a gold coin. Has he been killed because he has found the money, or is there more to it than that? Even though the police are on the case, Cressida seems to have the skills to get to the bottom of everything.
I'm sure that it won't be too long before Cressida finds herself in the midst of a mystery again. I can't wait to read it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Author Bio:

Fliss Chester lives in Surrey with her husband and writes historical cozy crime. When she is not killing people off in her 1940s whodunnits, she helps her husband, who is a wine merchant, run their business. Never far from a decent glass of something, Fliss also loves cooking (and writing up her favourite recipes on her blog), enjoying the beautiful Surrey and West Sussex countryside and having a good natter.

https://www.instagram.com/flisschester/

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Review of Death in the Mayfair Hotel - Fliss Chester

In a candlelit ballroom, London’s most fashionable amateur sleuth, Cressida Fawcett, is dancing the night away in her sparkling silk dress. It’s a night Cressida will never forget. Because outside the window, there’s a body under the falling snow…

Christmas Eve, 1925. The Honourable Cressida Fawcett is delighted to attend an exclusive ball at London’s glamorous Mayfair Hotel. When she steps out into the moonlit courtyard with her little pug Ruby wrapped in her furs, she is thrilled to see a dashing man propose to her best pal under the swirling snowflakes. But instead of squealing ‘yes’, Dotty lets out a terrified scream…

Because floating in the fountain, with her long blonde hair rippling in the ice-cold water, is the body of their dear friend Lady Victoria Beaumont.

It’s clear the wealthy young beauty was murdered, whacked over the head with a bottle of champagne. Would Victoria’s elderly husband Lord Beaumont kill his wife over rumours of her younger beau? Or did someone clobber Victoria to prevent her producing an heir for the Beaumont fortune?

A snowstorm prevents the authorities from arriving, and just as Cressida searches for clues, she finds herself locked inside a large wicker hamper. Why does the scent of the hamper’s smoky luxury tea remind her of the crime scene? And will a suspiciously rotund Ruby follow her snuffly nose and find Cressida in the nick of time?

Trapped in the hotel with a killer lurking among the guests, will Cressida lose someone dear to her heart? And when she finds a clue among the Christmas crackers, can Cressida solve her most mysterious case yet?

The perfect cozy whodunnit for a cold winter’s night. Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss won’t be able to put this down!

My Review

Over the last day or so the weather here has taken a turn for the worst. You may be wondering what that has to do with this book review. Death in the Mayfair Hotel is set on Christmas Eve and the colder temperatures have suited that perfectly. It wouldn't really matter though, I'm happy to join Cressida, Alfred, Dotty and of course Ruby the pug at a moment's notice. I do enjoy these books so much. 

This time, I hadn't a clue who was behind it all, but that didn't matter, I was swept up in the glitz and glamour of Cressida's life. She really is such a fun character and one that does seem to care too. It would be so easy for someone with the privilege of the world that she lives in to not care about anyone else, but she does seem to.

After the death of someone that Cressida and Dotty made their debut with, they can't help but try and find out who could be behind the murder. Alfred is there to help and support Cressida, in even more ways than he usually does. As for a certain little dog, I honestly think that Ruby might be the brains behind the whole operation.

I love these stories, the setting and characters are so vivid and alive in my mind as I read. I hope that I get to return to Cressida and the rest of the gang again before much longer!

Author Bio:

Fliss Chester lives in Surrey with her husband and writes historical cozy crime. When she is not killing people off in her 1940s whodunnits, she helps her husband, who is a wine merchant, run their business. Never far from a decent glass of something, Fliss also loves cooking (and writing up her favourite recipes on her blog), enjoying the beautiful Surrey and West Sussex countryside and having a good natter.

https://www.instagram.com/flisschester/

https://twitter.com/SocialWhirlGirl

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Death in the Crypt - Fliss Chester

 The Honourable Cressida Fawcett is expecting the cathedral crypt to be full of dry old bones. But when she finds a body murdered just moments before, she’ll need divine inspiration to solve her most mysterious case yet…

Winchester, 1925. When heiress and amateur sleuth Cressida Fawcett is invited to her aunt’s mansion on Cloister Close, she is looking forward to a quiet stay in the historic town. The views of the cathedral are heavenly – and her aunt’s maid, Nancy, makes devilishly good ginger biscuits! But it seems Cressy and her pug Ruby won’t be allowed to rest in peace… On a tour of the crypt, they are shocked to stumble across the body of Anthony, the gentle, devoted verger. And a wild-eyed Nancy is standing over him, bloodied candlestick in hand…

Since Nancy was caught red-handed and the only other suspect is the Silent Friar, the legendary local ghost, Detective Andrewsof Scotland Yard thinks the case is closed. But Nancy swears she would never have killed Anthony; they were in love. And while Cressy may not believe in ghosts, she does believe Nancy. So, whose soul is full of murder most foul? And will they strike again?

As she digs through parishioner gossip, Cressy discovers that for a man of the cloth, the verger had a surprising number of enemies. Was a local antiques dealer driven to murder over an illegal trade in holy relics? Would the head bellringer kill to achieve his musical ambitions? Or is the saintly Dean, whose black-cloaked figure resembles the Silent Friar and whose wife recently drowned, hiding a deadly sin?

The cathedral conceals many secrets, and it seems Cressy will need a miracle to uncover the truth. But then Cressy finds a hidden passageway to the crypt. Is this how the murderer escaped? The sceptical police lack faith in her theories, but can she catch the killer and save Nancy from the hangman’s noose? Or will she be too late to prevent another funeral march?

A totally gripping and deliciously witty historical murder mystery with a gasp-out-loud reveal, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss.

Author Bio:

Fliss Chester lives in Surrey with her husband and writes historical cozy crime. When she is not killing people off in her 1940s whodunnits, she helps her husband, who is a wine merchant, run their business. Never far from a decent glass of something, Fliss also loves cooking (and writing up her favourite recipes on her blog), enjoying the beautiful Surrey and West Sussex countryside and having a good natter.

https://www.instagram.com/flisschester/

https://twitter.com/SocialWhirlGirl

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Fliss Chester here: https://www.bookouture.com/fliss-chester

Buy Link:

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My Review

I love the Cressida Fawcett Mystery books. The only problem with them is, that I can't help but read them quickly and then feel sad that I've finished! This time, Cressida is visiting her aunt, in Winchester. It isn't long before she has again stumbled onto a mystery and her good friends Dotty and Alf have joined her there.
I loved following Cressida as she tried to find out who was behind the murder and why. I'm also a big fan of the will they won't they relationship that simmers along in the background between her and Alfred. (Surely, they must move a bit closer soon?!)
I didn't manage to fully solve this one, although I had a few ideas that proved to be right, but I didn't manage to solve it all. Either way, it doesn't matter as this was such an enjoyable and gripping read. I can't wait for the next one to come out!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Death Among the Diamonds - Fliss Chester

 Everyone in 1920s London knows the Honourable Cressida Fawcett: fiercely independent (though never apart from her little pug Ruby), lover of martinis and interior designer extraordinaire. She’s solved many crimes of fashion… so how about murder?

Cressida Fawcett is heading to the English countryside for a weekend of cocktails and partying at her friend’s glamorous mansion, the location of a recent diamond heist. But just hours after her arrival, Cressida is woken by an almighty scream. Rushing to the landing, she looks down into the great hall to find a trembling maid standing next to the body of Harry, the friendly young chandelier cleaner.

Everyone believes Harry’s death was an accident. But as Cressida examines the opulent hall and the beautiful grounds, she thinks something darker is afoot. Why clean a chandelier in the early hours of the morning? And who overheard Harry boasting about coming into unexpected wealth? A small piece of torn silk found near the body has Cressida looking at the guests’ elegant clothes with fresh eyes…

The short-tempered Detective insists that she keeps her curious nose out of the investigation, but it’s Cressida who realises the stolen diamonds were hidden in the sparkling chandelier. Convinced there is a connection between the theft and the murder, the case takes a sinister turn when a guest is killed in his sleep after a brandy-fuelled night of cards. With everyone unable to leave, can Cressida’s sharp eye for detail catch the killer before another life is taken?

An absolutely gripping and utterly charming 1920s murder mystery packed with wit, glamour and intrigue. The perfect whodunnit for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Downton Abbey!

Author Bio:

Fliss Chester lives in Surrey with her husband and writes historical cozy crime. When she is not killing people off in her 1940s whodunnits, she helps her husband, who is a wine merchant, run their business. Never far from a decent glass of something, Fliss also loves cooking (and writing up her favourite recipes on her blog), enjoying the beautiful Surrey and West Sussex countryside and having a good natter.

https://www.instagram.com/flisschester/

https://twitter.com/SocialWhirlGirl

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Fliss Chester here: https://www.bookouture.com/fliss-chester

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My Review

I've loved Fliss Chester's Fen Churche series so I was really looking forward to getting into this new Cressida Fawcett mystery series. Although both are historical murder mysteries with female leads, I think that's possibly where the similarity ends. While the Fen Churche books are a little more serious, Cressida seems to be all about the fun, even with dead bodies popping up here there and everywhere. I didn't mind it being something a little different though, I still enjoyed it immensely.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get to the bottom of whodunit completely. I'd managed to work out a few bits and bobs, but the final reveal kept me guessing. It did all make sense though, which is all I demand in a murder mystery.
This was a great start to a new series. It took me a little longer to get into than I expected, but once I'd got my head around the various characters I was hooked. I'm looking forward to reading more of Cressida's adventures. I'm sure that there's plenty more to come.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

The Moonlit Murders - Fliss Chester

 When a journey to New York is interrupted by missing diamonds and a body in the lifeboat, there is

only one woman who can help: Fen Churche!

1945. Fen Churche follows her dreams and sails for New York. She books passage on a steamship from France to America, excited to dance the night away in the glamorous ballroom and play games on deck. Nothing will stand in the way of her trip, not even when an eccentric heiress’s diamond tiara goes missing…

Looking forward to relaxing with her favourite crossword puzzles, Fen’s quiet passage is horribly disrupted by another crime – this time a murder. Fen finds Genie, a young actress bound for Broadway, strangled in her own cabin. With no police onboard and a frantic captain, Fen decides to do a little snooping of her own.

When another body turns up, hidden in a lifeboat, whilst the ship is in the middle of the Atlantic, Fen feels sure these dreadful crimes are linked. Through her sleuthing, she meets light-hearted lieutenants returning from the war, charming cabin boys and snooty first-class passengers who look down their nose at her. But it isn’t until Fen realises that one person is missing from the passenger list that she is finally on the murderer’s trail.

With only rolling waves and sea mists for company, can Fen solve the case before they dock in New York and the killer escapes for good?

You’ll be utterly hooked from page one of this warm and witty cozy! An absolute treat for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Jacqueline Winspear.

Author Bio:

Fliss Chester lives in Surrey with her husband and writes historical cozy crime. When she is not killing people off in her 1940s whodunnits, she helps her husband, who is a wine merchant, run their business. Never far from a decent glass of something, Fliss also loves cooking (and writing up her favourite recipes on her blog), enjoying the beautiful Surrey and West Sussex countryside and having a good natter.

https://twitter.com/SocialWhirlGirl

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3edCvzR

My Review

The Moonlit Murders by Fliss Chester
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Some of my favourite series are historical murder mysteries and The Fen Churche Mysteries are quickly joining these titles. Set in the period immediately following the second world war, the first two books followed Fen in France as she looked for evidence of what happened to her fiance and then made her way back to England. Now, leaving France, she makes a detour and travels to New York.
As seems to happen around Fen, it isn't long before something mysterious happens. First with the theft of some near priceless jewels and then with a murder. Fen, with the help of the lovely James, soon starts sniffing around and trying to get to the bottom of what has happened.
Although it's not just Fen who does the sleuthing in these books, James does take more of a supportive role and it's definitely Fen who leads the investigations. James is there to help her out when she needs an extra pair of hands, or just to look after her when things get a bit much.
I really enjoy these stories and can't wait to find out what happens to Fen next. Will she make it back to England before finding herself caught up in something else. It's clear that there's more to James' story than he's shared as yet and he's far from keen to face up to his family responsibilities.
This was a fantastic read and Fen is fast becoming a bit of a favourite with me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Night Train to Paris - Fliss Chester

Night Train to Paris by Fliss Chester
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved the first Fen Churche mystery, A Dangerous Goodbye and was very excited when I spotted this second instalment was due out. If you've ever looked at the kind of books that manage to get five stars, it's generally the historical murder mysteries, but only if they are well written. There's something about that genre that just does it for me. The Fen Churche Mysteries definitely fall into that category. Night Train to Paris, the second book in the series, is, fortunately, just as good as the first.
Fen is now in Paris, her new friend and ally, James Lancaster has joined her for the journey and together they find themselves plunged into another murder mystery. I have to admit that Fen, (and this goes double for James) was a little behind in this one. I had a good idea who and done it and why from quite early on in the book. Not that it reduced my enjoyment at all, I still really enjoyed the unfolding story.
This was a brilliant read and I can't wait to see what's next for Fen. I have one or two ideas where she might find herself ultimately, but who knows if I will be right or not. Either way, I'm looking forward to reading more of her adventures and hope that I don't have to wait too long.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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