A newcomer to the village wants to open a hostel but most of the community are against the idea. Someone ends the plan once and for all by killing Percy. Flora and Jack begin to investigate as they genuinely liked the victim but are they putting themselves in danger?
Murder at Abbeymead Farm is the 6th book in the Flora Steele cosy murder mystery series. There are some mentions of events from previous books but no spoilers about the criminals' identities.
Percy Milburn had a dream to build a hostel but this had made him enemies, one of whom is prepared to kill. Meanwhile, Flora's bookshop and home are targeted and she fears this could be a warning that her life is in danger too.
The book is written in the third person as we observe the amateur sleuths' investigation. Once again the author has researched the 1950s well to bring the village and characters to life. Flora and Jack are still constrained by the time period and the social norms.
There are suspects, motives and red herrings aplenty so the mystery is maintained well. The attacks on Flora add an extra level of danger and tension (I was horrified that anyone could destroy books!)
Murder at Abbeymead Farm is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery.

Murder at Abbeymead Farm is the sixth book in Merryn Allingham's Flora Steele Mystery series. It can be read as a stand-alone but having been with the series since the beginning, I have really enjoyed following the personal lives of the characters, particularly Flora and Jack, so I would recommend reading from the start, if possible.
When Percy Milburn is killed, he becomes the latest in a growing list of Abbeymead's murder victims – the apparently idyllic village is becoming about as safe a place to live as Midsomer! It does mean that Flora Steele and Jack Carrington are becoming quite seasoned amateur sleuths now and with the pair finally in a couple, it would perhaps be more accurate to describe this as the Flora and Jack Mystery series, because I can't imagine one without the other. Their shared sense of humour and determination to uncover the truth about what emerges as an especially trying case ensures they are consistently likeable protagonists, even though their failure to communicate at times is frustrating. As an unmarried couple in the 1950s, the expectation that they will soon announce their engagement is inevitable. I don't know what Merryn Allingham plans for them in the future but I must confess to loving Flora's independent streak and refusal to yield to societal conventions.
One of the most interesting aspects of this instalment is that it explores a less pleasant side of village life, especially for newcomers. It quickly becomes apparent that Percy wasn't a popular man but other than being blunt and resolute in his plans, he clearly wasn't unpleasant and Flora was evidently quite fond of him. However, several of her fellow villagers didn't feel the same way and while the term didn't exist back then, their collective concern about changes wrought by new people coming to the area is typical nimbyism. Some of their objections are understandable but their distrust of visitors and new residents – especially the 'wrong sort '– is portrayed with honesty throughout.
Although the village isn't at its best here, the people who become the main suspects in the investigation are admittedly a rather shady bunch. Avarice and vindictiveness abound and with a known criminal element also involved, it's no wonder that Flora and Jack become stumped. I did manage to figure out the culprit before it is revealed but following the clues carefully laid by the author is part of the fun of reading this sort of whodunnit and so not a criticism at all. There's a sort of subplot running alongside the main investigation which adds a further element of suspense and indeed, poignancy to proceedings. I'm loath to say much more about it for fear of spoilers but there are some moments which are really quite chilling and the sense of violation experienced is heartbreaking.
As always, Merryn Allingham's attention to detail in this historical series is excellent and I love the little touches, such as the mention of a character using a biro, which was becoming a more commonplace sight by the mid-fifties. From the referencing of newly published books to the inclusion of Agatha Christie's Spider Web, which really was performed in Worthing in 1957, the authentic sense of place is first-rate.
Murder at Abbeymead Farm is a satisfyingly immersive cosy mystery; I continue to look forward to more from this reliably entertaining historical crime fiction series.

I am totally here for Flora and Jack. Sure they investigate a murder, cause heartburn for local police but really their relationship- sigh.
A new resident of their little town has been pushing hard for modern life - and is found dead.
The lead suspect winds up dead - and someone is antagonizing Flora.
This cozy mystery is filled with twists, murder, intrigue and a sweet romance.

"Can they unravel the mystery before they're led like lambs to the slaughter?"
...

Whilst not all 'cozy' mysteries I come across are going to shout 'read me', this series is definitely one of my favourites and is one of the few I have striven hard to keep up to date with, as it just keeps getting better and better. The storylines are believable, the characters easy to engage with, and all in keeping with the time period in which they are set, which is the 1950s.

Although each episode is a self-contained storyline, with backstory details being added in sufficient detail to satisfy any newcomers to the series, but not so overwhelming as to be too repetitious for any dedicated Flora Steele followers, I'm sure that once you have read one book, you will be as hooked as I am!

So, without further ado, welcome to the fictional village of Abbeymead in rural Sussex, 1957...
...

Bookshop owner Flora Steele, is lucky enough to have many loyal, regular customers, who keep her business ticking over very nicely thank you! Relative newcomer to the village, and someone with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Percy Milburn, is one such person. Still perceived and treated very much as a stranger by the staunch locals, Percy is a widower from Yorkshire, whose son was killed in the war and who has set his heart on buying the vacant Birds Acre farm, which he wants to turn into a hostel, providing low cost holiday accommodation for visitors wishing to explore the beauty of the Sussex Downs. Not everyone in the village is happy about Percy's plans for the farm and land though, as 'dyed-in-the-wool' locals are quite happy to accept the likes of Sir Frederick Neville with his inherited wealth and title, but are not quite so willing to accommodate Percy's style of hard-earned cash and status. Plus, many of the established locals also believe that the village is only for long-term residents and visitors of a certain status and there is already a more luxurious hotel which caters for them. Retired schoolmistress Winifred Ticehurst is leading the charge against Percy, thus splitting opinion in the community right down the middle.

The farm and its land, is owned by one Sir Frederick Neville, who despite managing several tracts of land and properties in the area, seems surprisingly, very short of cash and is eager to sell to the highest bidder, so long as the price is right. A meeting is arranged between the two gentlemen to finalise details of the sale, however Percy is conspicuous by his absence and it isn't until his concerned housekeeper visits Flora, that she and her fellow amateur sleuth, author Jack Carrington, decide to investigate. Unfortunately for Flora, when Jack persuades her that they should check out Birds Acre as their obvious place to begin the search for Percy, they discover much more than they bargained for and the site becomes the scene of a gruesome murder enquiry.

On this occasion, unlike so many previous times, their presence is actually appreciated and encouraged by Inspector Alan Ridley, Jack's contact in the Brighton police force and regular advisor to him about police protocol for the murder stories he writes. The Inspector is continually under-staffed and over-worked, so is happy for our amateur sleuthing duo to make enquiries on his behalf, knowing that he can trust them to be pragmatic and discreet in their investigations. On this occasion however, Jack is unusually reticent about getting too involved with his friend's investigation, because for one thing, the suspect list is long and not very salubrious, and on top of that, he is under increasing pressure from his agent and publisher to make good inroads into his next murder mystery novel. When it seems that anyone involved in the sale of Birds Acre, from the solicitor and agent, to a consortium of various gangland thugs trying to evade the long arm of the law and even Sir Neville himself, become both potential targets for murder, and also suspects in the demise of poor Percy, Jack and Flora realise that they are fast becoming embroiled in a situation which is spiralling out of control and which they are powerless to stop, which has never happened to them before. When the body count begins to rise, the suspect list is narrowed down by default and it becomes obvious that the perpetrator is getting evermore desperate, which leaves Flora and Jack facing potentially dangerous outcomes and situations which they may be unable to extricate themselves from.

Alongside this convoluted and difficult case to unravel, a series of very worrying events and 'accidents' have befallen Flora herself and it soon becomes obvious that she is the target of a personal vendetta of harassment, designed to scare her, but to what end? Is this connected to the case, or are there others whom Flora has unwittingly upset who are now out for revenge? As if this all isn't worrying enough for Flora, her personal relationship with Jack is also on a downwards trajectory, which she knows is of her own making, but about which she is not yet ready to make compromises or promises she cannot keep.

...

I know I say this every time, but this case has to be the most complicated and potentially deadly, that author Merryn Allingham has had Flora and Jack face yet. With her usual attention to detail, this very multi-layered and immersive storyline, unfolds its many secrets slowly, almost reluctantly, making me wait until almost the final page before the many strands of the plot are dovetailed together and the tension in the air is almost at breaking point, before the net closes on the perpetrator(s) of the crime(s). Merryn always ensures that her readers compile suspect lists which are always quite substantial and generally include any newcomers to the village, a status which automatically places them under suspicion, although not always justifiably so. In fact, this is the first time that I heard both Jack and Flora admit to being stumped by a case and not really certain which direction to take in their investigation. It really is refreshing to know that the characters in a story are only human, filled with doubts about their ability to bring a criminal to justice when there are so many peaks and troughs in a case.

Each new book is like catching up with old friends and it is always good to see how everyone is getting along. The core cast of characters are all wonderfully authentic and multi-faceted, well developed, easy to invest in and quite able to tell their own story. In fact they are more than willing to tell their story to anyone who will listen, so probably best not to let slip to any one of them anything in confidence, which you don’t want spreading far and wide, although Flora and Jack often find the 'jungle drums' a great source of information when they are working on a case. There is a real sense of community growing around Jack and Flora, now that they have finally been accepted into the fold and knowing that someone will always have your back in times of crisis is invaluable to them, although they do need to beware those residents who would set themselves above everyone else, unfortunately every community has them! I did wonder if there might have been a few too many ‘extra’ characters introduced this time around, who all stood out rather like a sore thumb. It was just a case of working out which of them were the rotten apples in the barrel, not easy as it turned out, especially when someone closer to home might have been using them as a decoy for their own nefarious ends.

Jack and Flora may now consider themselves part of village life, however, they have to be careful that they don't overstep the markers of propriety in their personal living arrangements. Having both had previous partners who hurt them badly, they are probably a little too liberal and ahead of their time for such an insular community. So, sooner rather than later, I feel certain they are going to have to make a decision about their relationship going forwards, as Flora's rather forthright approach when dealing with very thinly veiled questions from folk, is not going to sit well for too much longer and may end up by damaging relationships and even her business status, if she and Jack can't find a way forward, although I believe that Jack has already made his mind up and is trying to give Flora the time and space she needs to decide.

Albeit that there is a mix of real and fictional places in the storyline, for any ‘armchair travellers’ like myself, the author uses her palette of words wonderfully, to paint enough descriptive detail to set the backdrop of a scene more than adequately, which, when taken together with the vivid narrative details of everyday village life in the late 1950s, including many authentic cameos of some of the stalwart villagers themselves, offers a realistic sense of time and place which is most satisfying. In this episode, Flora and Jack, both together and independently, also spend short periods of time outside of Abbeymead, so Brighton, Worthing and London, also get a noteworthy mention.

Such is Merryn's fluent style of writing and the way she keeps moving a case forwards, almost imperceptibly at times, she always makes me feel as though I have just finished reading another new murder/mystery by the great Agatha Christie. In fact, Merryn does add a few lovely little touches, such as the referencing of Flora stocking newly published books, including one 'Spider's Web' by said Agatha Christie and the latest Ian Fleming novel in his James Bond series. That very slightly tongue-in-cheek narrative and dialogue, always engaging, but never laced with misplaced humour or with an unrealistic feel to it, is what keeps me coming back for more!

Lost myself in this story immediately, kept me up reading well past bedtime. Memorable characters and an excellent mystery.

My thanks to Bookouture for a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

Author Merryn Allingham certainly writes these faster than I can keep up; it was only recently that I seemed to be reading Murder at St Saviour’s, the fifth of the Flora Steele series of mysteries set in 1950s England, and before I knew it, there was book 6.

In Murder at Abbeymead Farm (2023), we are back to the small Sussex village of Abbeymead where twenty-seven-year-old Flora Steele runs a book shop, the All’s Well left to her by the aunt who’d brought her up. In the village also lives her partner in crime, and the man she is in love with journalist-turned-mystery-writer Jack Carrington with whom her adventures began when he discovered a body in her book shop. In this book, we meet Percy Milburn, an enterprising and wealthy Yorkshireman who has settled in Abbeymead after retirement and is not only Flora’s best customer but one she likes very much for his endless energy and ideas. His latest is the purchase of a farm, Bird’s Acre whose tenant Robert Martin has died, to convert it into a hostel where people with limited means can stay while enjoying the countryside at Abbeymead. This, not surprisingly, stirs up a hornet’s nest, for while the owner of the farm Sir Frederick Neville is desperate for money, he’d rather have a classy hotel than a hostel, while other residents of the village are opposed to any project at all. Mr Milburn fails to appear at the village meeting set up to pitch his ideas, and then also to his meeting with Sir Frederick. Worried, Flora convinces Jack to search for him, only to find his body, in a cider barrel on the Farm. The police is, as always, short-staffed and Jack’s friend Inspector Alan Ridley is happy to have Jack and Flora take over some of the investigation. Sir Frederick and his as-unlikeable nephew Piers were both keen on having a hotel on the farm and have also been involved in negotiations with the odd-looking and shady agent, Sidney Lovejoy. There’s also Sir Frederick’s agent Colin Palmer, who wants the sale to go through. Then Flora starts to become a target of someone very nasty, but is it the killer or someone else?

Murder at Abbeymead Farm made for another very readable entry in the Flora Steele series, giving us an interesting mystery with a fair few suspects, of whom some are strangers (always a standout in a small village), as well as developments in the village itself, in the lives of characters we’ve come to know and become interested in, besides Flora and Jack’s relationship.

Pretty much since the previous book in the series, Inspector Ridley sees Jack and Flora as allies rather than meddlers and is more than pleased to leave entire sections of the investigation (in this case, the fiddly bits where he might face difficulties, like talking to peers who might just be friends with the commissioner) to them, and openly admits it when he runs into a dead end. But he is also very much at hand when help is needed, arriving on the scene like some of those movie policemen, just in the nick of time!

In terms of the mystery, this book was an interesting one, but about half way into the book, based on some occurrences and remarks by the person concerned, I was fairly certain as to whodunit, but was happy to read on to see whether I guessed right (I had) or whether Allingham would spring a surprise.

The book’s setting is of course, in the post-war period, so we’re seeing the developments of the time like things coming out of rationing but others still remaining luxuries (smoked salmon amongst them). As Flora runs a bookshop, there’s also talk of the new books of the day, among them Daphne Du Maurier’s The Scapegoat (one I am still to read). Also aspects like the country side changing with hotels and such taking off and farms and manors changing hands and the character of the village with it.

In Flora and Jack’s relationship we also start to see some changes (slight tensions) as Jack has come to realise that he wants to cement things further while Flora, perhaps not too optimistic about marriage based on what little she’s seen (and of course her past experiences in love and those of Jack) would rather things continue just the same. But there are plenty of obstacles to that including new information about her parents who died when she was a child.

Will that lead us to our next mystery? Well, one will have to wait for the next book to find out, though I don’t think that will be long coming.

rouble with little villages is when a newcomer arrives, it always arouses suspicion. In this case in Abbeymead, Percy Milburn has arrived and he is getting to know the local area well and has some ideas abut what to do with a farmhouse that is recently empty.

Those ideas are not popular with everyone, but Percy is determined to state his case. When he doesn’t turn up for the meeting, Flora our well known bookshop proprietor is concerned. Even more so when Percy’s body appears in the cellar of the farmhouse. Flora suspects foul play.

So she draws on her ever growing friendship with novelist Jack Carrington and they start to uncover the truth about Percy and the owners of the farmhouse. Trouble is Flora has some little problems of her own, missing personal items and vandalism. Someone is trying to unsettle her, but surely it is not connected to the case?

When another body appears, it seems that the net is closing in and Flora and Jack need to act quickly.

Another delightful escapist cosy mystery. Think Midsummer Murders but in the 1950s. Of course there is the underlying plot thread of Flora and jack’s relationship and as others seem to falling for all the romance, surely it won’t be too long before we reach that stage?

Of course the only way to find out is to keep on reading

Book 6 in the Flora Steele series.

Flora and Jack are asked to help the police in the murder of a local man, due to the delicate nature of the investigation.

When incidents happen in the bookstore and Flora’s home, it appears that this is a warning about their detective work.

Also Flora and Jack are not seeing eye to eye on relationship issues.

This was an enjoyable cosy crime, though not the best in the series.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

Murder at Abbeymead Farm by Merryn Allingham is a bit of a departure for sleuths Flora and Jack as they search for a reason for a nice little man like Percy Milburn to have been drowned in a vat of apple cider. They had been giving one more look at the buildings at Birds Acre Farm to see if they could get any clues to his disappearance. No one else seemed to care but Flora had liked him. What they found made them angry, but not sure at whom. Percy wanted to buy Abbeymead Farm from Sir Frederick and turn it into a hostel. There were several hotels near Abbeymead but none really for simple folk who didn’t have a lot of money or didn’t want to stay in a pub. There were people against this idea, but Sir Frederick needed the money and so was open to any offer. He had shaken on this deal with Percy. Now Sir Frederick’s nephew wanted to build a hotel which he would then manage. One man was bidding for a London criminal. Winifred Ticehurst, a former teacher, was leading the villagers to rally against any of it. She wanted it to remain a farm. She was pretty much against any change, good or bad.

Flora Steele owns a bookshop called All’s Well which she had inherited from her aunt, Violet. Jack Carrington had been a customer for years but called in his orders and had them delivered. When they finally met, they discovered a new friendship, and maybe more. Carrington wrote mystery novels and they discovered a shared love of sleuthing. Both were pretty much soured on the thought of marriage, Flora more so than Jack. She loved her bookshop, her cottage, her bicycle,
Betty, and her life in general. She didn’t want it to change. This was a particularly puzzling crime as there were several out-of-towners to consider as well as Sir Frederick and his nephew and their land agent. It seemed like they were making no progress and Flora was quite done with it all. Could they figure it out and get back to good standing with one another? Quite an enjoyable read with good characters, an intriguing setting, a terrific backstory and a curious mystery.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Murder at Abbeymead Farm by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All th oughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Bookoutre #MerrynAllingham #MurderAtAbbeymeadFarm

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Murder At Abbeymead Farm' by Merryn Allingham.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Merryn Allingham, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 11th May 2023.

This is the fifth book I have read by this author. It is also the sixth book in the 'Flora Steele Mystery' series. I have previously read 'The Bookshop Murder' which is the first book in the series, 'Murder At The Pier' which is the second book in the series, 'Murder At Primrose Cottage' which is the third book in the series and 'Murder At The Priory Hotel' which is the fourth book in this series and all of them I highly recommend, although they can each be read as a standalone.

I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis for this series stated that this series is 'A completely addictive cozy crime novel set in the fictional Sussex village of Abbeymead. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis!' I am a huge fan of all three of those authors so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Merryn and if this is half as good as 'The Bookshop Murder', 'Murder On The Pier', 'Murder At Primrose Cottage' and 'Murder At The Priory Hotel' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue and 32 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in Sussex, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, UK 🇬🇧. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times. I have in fact visited and holidayed in Sussex on many occasions including this year and next year again so am looking forward to possibly recognising name places.

This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Flora Steele ad Jack Carrington. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

Another fantastic success by Merryn!!! Absolutely devoured this book in one sitting!!


Well I must say this is yet another explosive book in an absolutely addictive series!!! The storyline was very interesting and very fast paced. I absolutely love the fact that the main characters (Flora) owns a Bookshop and Jack is an author. I always look forward to meeting them and am gutted to come to the end of each book as they have become like friends to me. There is just something about a book where there is a lot of emphasis on books for me and this book was packed with them!! I really enjoyed that it was set in the past and the storyline really suited that. It really is a nice cozy mystery that will keep you guessing throughout. Abbeymead farm is up for sale but the villagers are not happy with the fact that the new potential owner Percy Millburn wants to turn it into a hostel. When he doesn't turn up for a meeting Flora and Jack decide that something isn't right so go to look for him. They soon find him but not how they were expecting at all and they end up trying to discover who was responsible for his grim ending. However, this time they seem to be in deeper trouble than usual when Flora finds herself a target when her beloved bookshop is vandalized. The more that Jack and Flora dig into this mystery the more dangerous the attacks on Flora become. Will they find out who is responsible before there's another murder or before the killer has their final revenge on Flora?? You'll just have to pick up a copy of this fantastic coz mystery today to find out more!!! At no point did I suspect who was doing what or why so another huge well done there Merryn!!! I have read many a mystery and find that I am working out the killer/perp quicker every time and there's nothing worse than working out who did what when your need even half way through a book. I loved that this book is based in Sussex as the atmospheres suit the book perfectly. Not only is this a suspense and action filled mystery but there was just the right amount of quirkiness, laughter and attitude to give it a nice mix!!! This book was extremely well written and I do believe alot of research went into it as everything linked correctly in with the era it was set in which was 1955. It is a real bug bear for me when I read a historical novel and the author hasn't done their research and gets basic information mixed up so well done Merryn!! It was very well written and I found the synopsis and the cover fitted the storyline perfectly, The descriptions were great and it really felt as if I was in the storyline along with Flora and Jack. Merryn describes life in a small village perfectly with everyone knowing everyone else and their business, growing up and living in one now she has definitely got it perfectly!! This book is yet another fantastic addition to a brilliant cozy mystery series that I absolutely love looking out for the next book in!

OMG!!!! THAT ENDING!!!! LOVE, LOVE, ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!!! 😍 😘 ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ WELL DONE MERRYN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! DID I MENTION I LOVED IT???!!!!!

A fun, addictive, unputdownable cozy crime mystery. Clear your schedules as you won't be able to put this book down!

Although this is the sixth book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

I am thoroughly invested in the characters and really enjoyed meeting Flora and Jack again both with their fantastic and quirky personality!!! In fact all of the characters had their own individual personalities which worked really well with each other. I am definitely looking forward to meeting Flora and Jack again and some more of the villagers. Some of the characters I was glad to see the back of but what fun would there be if we got along with them all. Flora and Jack have definitely become like friends to me and I look forward to meeting them again each time Merryn brings out another fantastic book in this series. I have loved watching Jack and Flora getting closer and closer and I really hope she gets over her fear of marriage and that they finally tie the knot soon as they make the perfect partners in crime and love!! Some of the other characters I enjoy meeting each time include Flora's friend and cafe owner, soon to be married, Kate, Alice and Jack's little helper Charlie. I wasn't a fan of Winifred who was trying to bully everyone into agreeing to what she wanted, especially the lovely Minnie. Anyway I won't say anymore as I don't want to give anything away but as always with this great seriea there is a perfect mix of strong and realistic characters to make an addictive storyline.

Congratulations Merryn on yet an absolutely fantastic book in an absolutely epic series!! I am really looking forward to see what Flora and Jack get up to next!!! Here's to your next success 🥂

Overall an page turning, perfect mix of mystery, crime, suspense and quirkiness which kept me turning the pages late at night!! An explosive addition to an addictive series!!!

Genres covered in this novel include Suspense, Cozy Animal Mystery, Mystery, Thriller, Cozy Culinary Mystery, Women Sleuths, Crime Thriller, Cozy Crafts And Hobbies Mystery, Police Procedural, Women Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuths, Murder Mystery and Crime Fiction amongst others.

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Helena Dixon, Agatha Christie, Faith Martin, Joy Ellis, Verity Bright, Clare Chase, Dee MacDonald, Fliss Chester and anyone looking for a historic cosy mystery!!

266 pages.

This book is just £1.99 on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £7.99 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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4 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining

Sussex 1957
Percy Milburn is an enthusiastic newcomer to Abbeymead. His plans to turn a farm into a hostel and his go-getter attitude make him more enemies than friends. When Percy goes missing, Flora and Jack jump into action. Discovering his body is a rude shock but expected.
Now, the duo has to investigate the crime and find who the killer is. When another body turns up, they realize this case is more complex than the ones they solved. Also, someone is trying to hurt Flora by tinkering with the things she loves.
Can Flora and Jack unravel both mysteries without getting killed? What about their slow-progressing relationship? Will they take any more steps to be together?
The story comes in the third-person POV of Flora and Jack.

My Thoughts:
The sixth book in the series, this one has plenty to offer to readers who have been Flora and Jack’s adventures from the start. It should work as a standalone, though not knowing the full backstories might dim the reading experience.
The main plot has quite a bit of intrigue and action. In fact, we have many suspects this time and not enough clues (though I guessed the killer). I like how the sleuthing duo is not their finest best this time and even acknowledge. It brings a refreshing change to the series.
The book also has a few subplots dealing with the side characters and their lives. Of course, this affects Flora and Jack, but how is something you’ll have to read and find out.
Jack is working on his new book. However, here we get only little bits of details. This one focuses on Flora, just as it should (the previous ones dealt with Jack, so it’s her turn now). I love that she is resilient but vulnerable and has conflicting emotions at times. It enhances her character arc.
My favorite part is how the most unsuspected person (not for me, I suspected them soon enough) is the criminal and the reason for their actions. It deals with core human desires and also gives a glimpse into the not-so-good side of small towns.
The book ends on a positive note, though we can’t help but hope for a more positive development for Flora and Jack. Thankfully, book #7’s cover has been revealed, so I’m excited to read it soon. It promises more adventure and developments for our sleuthing couple.

To summarize, Murder at Abbeymead Farm is an entertaining mystery with some introspective moments. This one has fewer laughs, though it is just as enjoyable for cozy lovers.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

This is such a great series and an auto-read for me.

The writer has created a whole world in 1950s Abbeymead with Flora Sreele and The End’s Well bookshop at its centre.

Times are starting to change in Abbeymead. With old farming families dying and land being sold off, the village and surrounding areas are starting be developed. But not everyone is happy about the changes.

Percy Milburn is new to the village and looking to turn a local farm into a new holiday hostel. He’s due to attend a meeting for local residents to gain support for his proposal, but he doesn’t turn up.

When his body is discovered, Flora and Jack set out to find out who is responsible. There are no shortage of suspects as Percy was not a very popular man, and lots of other people wanted to get their hands on the farm.

There are lots of threads to this story – plenty of red herrings and twists and turns to keep you guessing. Flora and Jack have definitely got heir work cut out for them this time.

I had a suspicion of who it might be but couldn’t work out why or even really how until it all came together at the end

Flora is also struggling with some aspects of her personal life. She loves Jack but definitely isn’t ready for marriage, and with her friend Kate planning their own wedding, romance is definitely in the air. Flora finds herself wrestling with her own feelings so she can support her friend.

If you like cosy mysteries with a vintage setting, I can not recommend this series highly enough. I have enjoyed every book so far, and it’s great to see how the relationships between the characters develop.

I really do want to like these books but, at times, do struggle with some of the logic of the storyline. Some aspects just feel implausible. Flora and Jack do make for an interesting leading couple., An unlikely duo, Each has major hang-ups which get in the way of their evolving relationship. In this book, the village is divided on a possible development that is planned and the murder mystery revolves around these key characters. But even the broader cast of regulars are not necessarily seeing eye-to-eye on this one resulting in some difficult conversations. It was a steady, gentle cosy read - who knows where they'll go next?

My thanks to #Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my honest opinion in exchange for my Advance Reader Copy

So good to visit Abbeymead once more
With the clues to a murder mystery to explore.
Flora Steele and Jack Carrington are the intrepid duo who
Need to beware as they search for that elusive clue!

In 1957 this village community is in turmoil
As an incomer, Percy Milburn, has plans that many wish to foil.
A special meeting is called for him to share his plans for a local farm
But he never arrives - has he come to harm?

When Flora and Jack discover his murdered body in the farm
There are so many suspects who could have cause him harm.
From locals to landowners, a visitor and a crook
Our sleuthing duo aren't sure where to look!

Another fascinating read with plenty of twists and surprises,
A killer luring them in but no one realises!
Putting a strain on their relationship, too,
Will solving the mystery help them pull through?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading my complementary copy of this book
And have no hesitation that you give it (and the series) more than a look.
It is great read I highly recommend to you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

I think this is my favorite book in this series as the plot is quite complex and tightly knitted and there's some more evolution in the characters.
I loved how Flora had some doubt about her sleuthing and Jack was feeling protective. I think that they're a lovely and very modern couple and like their relationship.
The mystery is solid, there's a lot of suspects and twists that surprised me. The solution is satisfying and I didn't guess it.
Can't wait to read the next story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this arc, all opinions are mine

I enjoyed this book in the series and look forward to more. I liked the characters and the setting. The mystery kept me guessing.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Flora and Jack once again find themselves in the middle of solving a murder but are finding it almost impossible to track down the killer, and not without someone harassing Flora. On a personal level, Flora and Jack are slowly growing closer as a couple, although it remains to be seen if Flora will be willing to give up her independence.

Flora and Jack find themselves attempting to solve the murder of a newcomer in this sixth book in the Flora Steele series set in the late 1950s. I like the village setting and the historical details of this story, the pace of life is less hectic than in the present day, but the village gossips remain unchanged. Flora and Jack, now a couple and amateur sleuths, complement each other, but Jack's protectiveness is a source of discord. This book's many suspects and personal issues draw the reader into village life. The mystery has unexpected twists and a good ending. It's an enjoyable, escapist read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

It’s 1957 in Abbeymead, Sussex, and Flora Steele, amateur sleuth, likes the ideas Percy Milburn has to purchase and update Abbeymead Farm. But the rest of the town doesn’t share in her enthusiasm. A meeting is called to work out the differences between Percy and some of the local residents. But Percy is a no-show to the meeting and everyone is wondering where he is. Flora sets out to look for Percy, but she is too late, Percy is dead. Flora and Jack are on the case and with the long list of suspects the investigation could go on for a while. It could have been Sir Frederick Neville, who owns the farm that Percy was wanting to buy, it could have been Minnie Howden, the housekeeper who was in love with Percy or was it Mr. Colin Palmer who could become very rich if Percy were to die. But Flora and Jack think they have solved the case, they know who the murderer is right up until their prime suspect is the next victim. Flora and Jack are running out of time, and the list of suspects just grew.

Murder at Abbeymead Farm by Merryn Allingham is book six of the Flora Steele Series. This cozy mystery was fabulous. I was engrossed in the story and just when I thought I figured it all out…I was wrong. Great plot twist that I didn’t see coming. I really enjoy the amateur super sleuth team of Flora and Jack, as I think they work very well together. I loved this installment as much as the previous books. It can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the series. I enjoyed the escape and I highly recommend this book.

Flora Steele find herself the victim of harassment. Some things that are very special to her are being destroyed. What has she done to annoy somebody to the point that they are trying to make her extremely unhappy? In addition to that, Flora and her boyfriend Jack are investigating yet another murder scene. Flora has always been very adept at when it comes to her role as an amateur sleuth.

In this sixth book in the Flora Steele cozy mystery series, Flora is interested to see how Percy Milburn plans on convincing the village of Abbeymead to begin a hostel at a farm he planned on purchasing. When a meeting is about to begin to discuss the plans, Flora and the others in attendance wonder why he is late. Sadly, not only is he late, but he does not show up at all. In fact, after a few days his body is discovered and it was apparently a murder. Between her determination to solve Percy’s murder and the strange happenings in her case, Flora is busier than ever.

Flora and Jack have different responses to the personal attacks that her. Jack’s concern is much different than Flora’s ire. And when you factor in yet another murder, they both realize that time is definitely of the essence. Then, when you consider the fact that Percy Milburn was actually killed in Flora’s bookshop, it really comes to no surprise that she is ever more determined to solve this murder. Then, with Jack being an author of crime novels, they make a wonderful team.

Considering that some of the villagers were not happy about Percy’s hostel plans, there are no shortage of suspects. One other part of this book is that Flora’s friend Kate is going to get married soon, so readers get another aspect of Flora’s relationship with Jack as she ponders her friend’s upcoming nuptials. I love keeping her relationship with Jack as part of the context of this series and I cannot wait to see where it goes from here when we get the next book. If you love cozy mysteries, and if you love continuity, then this series by Merryn Allingham is one that I think you will love.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this book for review. This is my honest opinion.