A Body at Lavender Cottage by Dee MacDonald
Series: A Kate Palmer Mystery #6
Release: 7th November 2022
Publisher: Bookouture
Genres: Mystery / Crime / Cosy Crime
Nurse Kate Palmer is Cornwall’s answer to Miss Marple! But when a body turns up in her own garden can Kate solve the crime? Or is the murder a bit too close to home?
Kate Palmer is stunned when she wakes up one morning to discover the body of a man in the beautiful garden of Lavender Cottage. She’s spent the last few years renovating her cozy, clifftop cottage with its gorgeous views of the sparkling Cornish sea. And a death right under her nose is more than a little unsettling…
When Woody Forrest, Kate’s new husband and the village’s retired detective inspector, takes a closer look he realises the victim is none other than Frank Ford – Woody’s old nemesis. Now, Frank is lying dead amongst the daisies… strangled with Woody’s blue police tie.
Kate is certain the man she loves is not a murderer and is determined to prove his innocence. But who would want to kill Frank and frame Woody? As Kate investigates, Frank’s family seem to be the obvious suspects. Could it be Jason Ford, the youngest son, who has an odd obsession with birdwatching? Sid Kinsella, the angry father-in-law? Or Sharon Mason, the troublesome daughter?
When another member of the Ford family bites the dust while Woody is tending his allotment, it’s clear the killer is determined to bury Woody’s reputation. But when a chance conversation on Bluebell Road provides Kate with a clue, she must find a woman named Rose, who could hold the answers Kate is looking for.
But Kate needs to dig up the truth – and fast! – before poor Woody is thrown behind bars. Can she solve the case and save her husband before it’s too late?
If you love murder mysteries with a brilliant cast of characters, twisty plots and plenty of red herrings, A Body at Lavender Cottage will have you hooked until the very last page! Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis.
The book description really covers in depth exactly what this story is all about so no need for me to say too much more about the plot except to say it was an enjoyable and intriguing read. I don't usually jump into a series 6 books in, but I was glad I did. It's been written in such a way as to ensure that the reader isn't left feeling that they don't know what's going on or who on earth anyone is. I really felt like I wasn't at a disadvantage, and it was very easy pick up the general thread. With that in mind I definitely wouldn't rule out going back and read all the previous books in the series as the characters are so enjoyable.
As a die-hard Ms Marple fan, I can definitely see why this book would appeal to those who adore a good old murder mystery, especially when there is a determined woman at the heart of it and Kate Palmer is definitely that! She's methodical, stubborn and doesn't give up easily, especially when her husband Woody's reputation and freedom is at risk! Though poor Woody does get a little bit frustrated at times as his wife who sometimes puts herself at risk, but he knows there's no point in arguing with her when she's got the bit between her teeth though. It was refreshing to read a murder mystery with older characters at the heart of it and showing their younger counterparts that they aren't ready to be put out to pasture just yet! Mature super sleuths who are giving everyone in their village a lot to talk about.
A well written, character driven plot based in what sounds like a fabulous location. The author has really provided a lovely backdrop for this novel though given the number of murders that have occurred there I'm not sure it's a particularly safe place to live but with Kate Palmer on the case no crime goes unsolved or unpunished. A super read and definitely worth your attention. Very enjoyable.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aged 18, Dee arrived in London from Scotland and typed her way round the West End for a couple of years before joining BOAC (forerunner of British Airways) in Passenger Services for 2 years and then as a stewardess for 8 years.
She has worked in Market Research, Sales and at the Thames TV Studios when they had the franchise.
Dee has since relocated to Cornwall, where she spent 10 years running B&Bs, and only began writing when she was over 70!
Married twice, she has one son and two grandsons.
Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Dee MacDonald here: https://www.bookouture.com/dee-macdonald
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