Publisher: Farrago Books

Publishing Date: 1st July 2021

Source:  Received from the publisher via NetGalley, thank you!

Number of pages: 230

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Cosy Mystery

 

Synopsis:

Richard is a middle-aged Englishman who runs a B&B in the fictional Val de Follet in the Loire Valley. Nothing ever happens to Richard, and really that's the way he likes it.

One day, however, one of his older guests disappears, leaving behind a bloody handprint on the wallpaper. Another guest, the exotic Valérie, persuades a reluctant Richard to join her in investigating the disappearance.

Richard remains a dazed passenger in the case until things become really serious and someone murders Ava Gardner, one of his beloved hens ... and you don't mess with a fellow's hens!

Unputdownable mystery set in rural France, by TV/radio regular and bestselling author Ian Moore – perfect for fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club, Julia Chapman, or M.C. Beaton.

The middle aged Richard is an ex – pat Brit, running a small B&B in the Loire Valley in France now, taking a break from his wife and daughter. He likes his life and the routine it brings with itself. Until one of his guests is found missing, leaving a bloodstained handprint behind. Richard wouldn't think anything about it, but one of his other guests, the glamorous Valerie, has other ideas. And so Richard, albeit reluctantly, is dragged into solving the mystery. Now his life is anything but dull and quiet – but will they be able to find out what has actually happened?

I loved the premise to the book, it was funny and truly promising. However, here it ended, with the premise. Right from the very beginning I had problems with getting into the story, with connecting with the characters – I can't tell you why, probably just one of the things, or the way it was written, but it didn't keep my interest and took me a while to get used to. I had a feeling the author tries too much and well, it failed. Sometimes less is more and I think it would work better with this story. It was meant to be amusing and funny, but, I'm afraid, I didn't find it like this and the humour felt forced. The story was also more on the slow side, which is a shame, I truly had high expectations for this one.

There are many quirky characters in this book but I somehow couldn't warm to them. Nevertheless, I appreciated them, especially Valerie, who kept the story going! Richard's highlights is feeding his hens, Lana Turner, Joan Crawford and Ava Gardner and watching old movies and drinking whiskey. Why did he go for B&B, no idea, to be honest. But it's nice to follow them and there is something in them that made me feel sympathy.

What didn't sit so well with me was the mystery itself. Right from the beginning it was hard for me to get involved in it, I had problems with it as it didn't live up to my expectations.

It was enjoyable read, with some hilarious moments and sharp one – liners jumping at us. It's a pity it didn't work form e, but if you're in the mood for something that is light, easy to read and humorous, try this one.

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