SPOONFUL OF MURDER, A

The product was delivered in a good condition. Overall a nice product .

"Old age these days seemed to need as much investment and capital as starting up a business."Every Thursday, three retired school teachers have their ‘coffee o’clock’ sessions at the Thirsk Garden Centre café. But one fateful week, as they are catching up with a slice of cake, they bump into their ex-colleague, Topsy. By next Thursday, Topsy is dead.The last thing Liz, Thelma and Pat imagined was that they would become involved in a murder. But they know there’s more to Topsy’s death than meets the eye – and it’s down to them to prove it.This was yet another cover-caught-my-attention-so-I-want-to-read book (but don't go in expecting any cats because there are none).It took me some time to get into this book as the characters of the three women seemed to blend into one another making it difficult to recognise who's who. Only when the mystery began to deepen did they seem to be unstuck from each other.That this is a cosy crime mystery with the main characters above the age of 50 greatly appealed to me. I enjoyed following Pat, Liz, and Thelma on their mission to uncover the truth behind Topsy's death as they fight their insecurities and apprehensions.The book touches upon challenges of old age and how vulnerable it makes you even as one strives to fight it. The chapters have an unusual naming convention which I thought was unique and interesting.Even though I'd say this was slow, it was an overall pleasant read with warm humour, ideal to curl up with over a weekend.This ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Avon Books.For complete review, visit aquamarineflavours.wordpress.com

This is a pretty typical cozy English murder mystery. After a former colleague/friend dies, three retired school teachers feel like something doesn't sit right, so they dig a little and a little bit more and eventually get to the bottom of things. I quite enjoyed it, but here are a few things for consideration: • It's not very fast-paced. Not that it's super slow, but it doesn't really zip along. • As others have said, there are a lot of characters/names to keep track of. However, I found that even if I didn't remember someone right away, it soon became clear if I kept reading. • There is some gentle humour, but it's not laugh-out-loud funny. • Although I would certainly describe the book as "cozy" as opposed to "grim", dementia and other aspects of aging are recurring themes and some people may find it a bit triggering or uncomfortable. • The book sees each of the three main characters needing to be a bit courageous at different times, and also utilize their "teacher gently taking control of the situation" skills. • The main characters' quest for the truth is complex and there are a lot of pieces that slowly come together. There are several avenues of inquiry. As things start to wrap up, the reader may guess the ending, but it should keep you guessing for awhile. • Elegant, easy-to-read writing style that I really liked.Also, if it interests you: • It takes place between late February and late March/early April (before Easter) • It's set in North Yorkshire, England around Baldersby, Thirsk, Ripon, Northallerton, etc. • It's set in the present day, although no specific year is mentioned and there is no mention of COVID-19. • All three main characters characters have husbands, but they are very minor characters. One of the main characters is a grandmother, one has teenaged-boys, and the other other has no children. • Most of the central characters are female. Race is rarely mentioned, but most characters are likely white. Minimal queer representation. While there is some minority-representation, it's not a lot.

Too much reflection of past incidents

Well written and entertaining

Great characters in this quirky mystery.Really enjoyed it!

This story line did not catch my attention, it seemed to ramble. Sorry not a fan.