Mystery at Apple Tree Cottage
(Eve Mallow Mystery #2)
by Clare Chase
Obituary writer and amateur sleuth Eve Mallow is enjoying life in sleepy Saxford St Peter – until a mysterious murder lands right at her door…
It’s spring in Saxford St Peter – time to get back in the garden, listen to the birds, and take gentle strolls in the woods. But for some, it’s the season for murder.
Eve Mallow is relishing the gentle pace of the village until a new arrival stirs everyone up. Ashton Foley is back: a teenage tearaway turned interior designer to the stars. He’s mad, bad and dangerous to know, but charming too – as Eve herself can testify – and every house in Saxford opens its doors to him.
So when he’s found murdered in the woods near his mother’s home, Apple Tree Cottage, there’s no shortage of suspects. A jealous husband? A spurned lover? Or has someone from his past life caught up with him?
The police soon hit on a simple solution, and arrest his mother’s partner Howard. Ashton always hated him, and he bears all the marks of a recent fight. But Ashton’s mother, miles away in New Zealand, is convinced he’s innocent, and enlists Eve’s help to prove it.
There’s just one problem. Eve saw Howard sniffing around Apple Tree Cottage on the morning of the murder, and she’s fairly sure he’s guilty, too…
An unputdownable page-turner, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, Agatha Christie and Betty Rowlands.
As a freelance obituary writer, she interviewed the living to unearth the secrets of the dead…
‘I’m sure Simon’s ready to settle down now. And he’s looked very subdued lately.’ ‘You have a vivid imagination. He looks like a dog that’s been let off the leash each time I see him.’
She wasn’t busy at the moment, but a fascinating obituary subject could turn up at any time. It wasn’t like you got advance notice.
Still, he seems like a nice guy, not like he’s portrayed in the press. I’d guess he works hard at his bad-boy image, then goes home and brews up a cocoa.
I know what you’re thinking. I can see it in your face. Nothing would delight you more than having me as a houseguest, but you can’t imagine how to express your thanks. Well, don’t worry, you don’t have to. I want to come. If any dodgy characters turn up on your doorstep, I can frighten them away with my violent hair colour.
Villagers at the ready! Deploy!
He might not be chatty, but he’s easy on the eye. And great with a hoe. So there you are, double benefits. Nice scenery, which will lead to nice scenery.
My Review:
This engaging cozy mystery was a proper conundrum and complete head-scratcher with a full slate of suspects for such a small village. There appeared to be ample circumstantial evidence to put several under suspicion, yet no actual proof on anyone. Color me intrigued. I delighted in this amusing and observantly insightful tale with clever and generous servings of wry humor along with well-paced tidbits and red herrings that had my cynical nature spinning in all directions.
Ms. Chase’s character development continually comes up aces with dynamic and well-honed descriptions and colorful personality traits. I have yet to decide on my favorite, between the vivacious Viv and ever-curious Eve, they are still neck and neck and tied for the top spot.
About The Author
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Clare Chase writes women sleuth mysteries. After graduating from London University with a degree in English Literature, Clare moved to Cambridge and has lived there ever since. She's fascinated by the city's contrasts and contradictions, which feed into her writing. She's worked in diverse settings - from the 800-year-old University to one of the local prisons - and lived everywhere from the house of a Lord to a slug-infested flat. The terrace she now occupies, with her husband and teenage children, presents a good happy medium.
As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people's books.
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