The author's childhood, marked by frequent moves with an army family, fostered a deep love for travel that continued into adulthood. Settling in southern England after marriage and children, she also pursued a career in academia before dedicating herself to writing. Her historical novels, often set in exotic locales against backdrops of significant world events, blend mystery, suspense, and romance. These works explore enduring themes of family, love, and loss within richly imagined historical settings.
An absolutely page-turning and addictive cozy mystery novel
262 pages
10 hours of reading
In a gripping mystery, Flora Steele, a bookshop owner and aspiring detective, teams up with her fiancé, crime writer Jack Carrington, to unravel a case where the power of words takes a deadly turn. As they delve into the investigation, they uncover dark secrets and the sinister impact of language, leading them to confront both external threats and their own relationship dynamics. This intriguing blend of crime and romance promises twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Set in 1944 England, the story follows a protagonist whose encounter with a soldier leads to the discovery of a long-hidden family secret. As the narrative unfolds, themes of identity, legacy, and the impact of war come to light, intertwining personal histories with broader historical events. The revelation of this mystery not only transforms the protagonist's understanding of their family but also explores the emotional complexities of relationships during a tumultuous time.
Set in England during 1914, the story revolves around a pivotal decision faced by the protagonist that has the potential to either bring her family closer together or drive them apart. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, conflict, and the impact of personal choices against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of war, highlighting the emotional and social struggles of the time.
Flora Steele, a bookshop owner and amateur detective, embarks on an intriguing journey to solve a fresh murder mystery. Her character blends a love for literature with a knack for sleuthing, as she navigates the challenges of her quaint town on her bicycle. With her daydreaming nature, Flora's adventures promise a delightful mix of charm and suspense.
Flora Steele is a charming bookshop owner with a passion for cycling and a vivid imagination, who also dabbles in amateur sleuthing. As she navigates her quaint life, she finds herself drawn into intriguing mysteries, using her keen observational skills and love for literature to uncover the truth. Her adventures blend cozy elements with suspense, making her a relatable and engaging protagonist for readers who enjoy a mix of mystery and charm in a literary setting.
"Bookshop owner Flora Steele escapes the sleepy English village of Abbeymead through the adventures in the stories she sells. Until one morning, everything changes when she discovers a body amongst her own bookshelves... The young man with the shock of white-blond hair lay spread-eagled on the floor, surrounded by fallen books. His hand reached out to the scattered pages, as though he was trying to tell her something. But who is he? How did he come to be killed in Flora's ordinary little bookshop? Flora finds out he was staying at the Priory Hotel, and when the gardener suddenly dies in its beautiful grounds only a few days later, she is certain that something untoward is happening in her quiet village by the sea. But are the two deaths connected? And is someone at the hotel responsible - the nervous cook, the money-obsessed receptionist, or the formidable manageress? Determined to save her beloved bookshop's reputation and solve the murder mystery, Flora enlists the help of handsome and brooding Jack Carrington: crime writer, recluse and her most reliable customer. As the unlikely duo set about investigating the baffling case, guilty faces greet them at every door. And they soon realise there's more than one person hiding secrets in Abbeymead..."--Provided by publisher
Fleeing the threat of betrothal to a degenerate man, Amelie Milverton escapes her home disguised as a maidservant. Only to find herself falling in love with a man who is hiding as many secrets as herself.
Facing penury, Elinor Milford is urged by her dying mother to seek help from Amersham Hall. What connection can there be? Disguised as a dairymaid, Elinor sets out to unearth the secrets of her birth and discovers an extraordinary story.
