Mostly Murders

To tell you the truth, Ryan and I have discussed giving up on the idea of being private detectives. We’ve only had three cases in three months. One lost cat, a stolen bird table and a stolen necklace.

Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for this ebook. Book 2 in the The Fish and Chip Shop Detective Agency series.

Maggie and Ryan are friends despite their age difference with Maggie being old enough to be Ryan’s mom, and colleagues in both Robbins’ Fish and Chip Shop and their own detective agency. Their detective business has been disappointing, but that all changes when the Fish and Chip Shop is broken into. At first Mr Robbins doesn’t want to do anything about it. Then he changes his mind and asks Ryan and Maggie to investigate, only to disappear right after.

A cozy mystery with gentle humour, very sympathetic characters and two very different sleuths whose skills and personalities nicely complement each other. Maggie loves puzzles and murder mysteries, and Ryan sees himself as the Robin to Maggie’s Batman. The seaside setting is comfortable and cozy, and the villagers are quirky and lovingly portrayed. The mystery is very fair, with both Maggie and Ryan summarising and reprising questions, timelines and alibis throughout the book, allowing the reader to catch up and ponder their own solutions.

The relationship between Maggie and Ryan is warm and respectful and I really liked the way they both learn about themselves through their relationship and interactions, taking time for self-reflection and self-realisation, even when they are busy investigating and serving up fish and chips. Maggie’s relationship with David was interesting and fun, and I’m curious to see how that will develop in the future. All in all, a great read for anyone looking for a relaxing, comforting, fun cozy mystery with lots of heart and memorable characters who will stay with you long after you finish reading.

Cozy mystery