DI Leo George and Jess have been a couple for 2 months and are on their first weekend away. They attend Leo’s student’s reunion in a luxury resort. Their getaway is brutally cut short when Leo’s boss calls him back. Not far from their country club is an unattended death. At first, it looks like a simple suicide cut Leo suspects foul play. The victim used to work in the club and according to her friends and colleagues showed no signs of depression or suicidal tendencies. As if that is not enough, one of Leo’s friends is found dead in his camper that’s parked in a field adjacent to the country club. When it’s clear he died of carbon dioxide poisoning, his girlfriend is arrested by one of Leo’s colleagues. Leo himself can’t go near the investigation but his friends hire Jess to exonerate Rainbow. There are now 2 murders that are disguised as suicides, are they connected? How and Why? Or is it a coincidence?

This is the 4th story in this series but can be read as a standalone. It takes place in February of 2020 at the start of the pandemic and there are a few references to the increasing risks.
There’s a rather long introduction before something happens. But as this is a whole new set of characters (Leo’s friends from his student days) it’s maybe necessary. Once the first murder has happened, things start rolling and get the momentum that’s hard to stop. It’s as suspenseful as the previous ones and
Jess seems a lot more mature and less irresponsible than in the previous books. She appears to be less prone to rash and stupid decisions. That is until she makes an almost unforgivable ‘mistake’.
One of the characters in this book is a really unpleasant woman. Not only is she rumoured to have poisoned a dog but she had her car declawed as well. And that while she claims to be a cat person! I must say that the author makes it clear that something like that is illegal in the UK and cruel. I do have a cat myself and I watch daily how he uses his claws just as it would be hands and fingers. So, I wanted that person to be the killer in order to have her locked up, but I couldn’t find a motive for the second murder though. Is she guilty after all? You must find out yourself.
We also witness the first lover’s tiff between Jess and Leo and it’s but the question if they can overcome this.
I was invited by Harper Collins, One More Chapter to read this ARC and this is my honest and unbiased review of it.

My thanks to HarperCollins U.K. One More Chapter for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Grey Stones’ by Joss Stirling in exchange for an honest review.

This is the fourth in Joss Stirling’s series of mysteries set in Oxford featuring irrepressible private investigator, Jess Bridges, and the stoic DI Leo George of the Oxford police. Stirling provides background for new readers though I am pleased to have now read all of the earlier books.

DI Leo George has been invited to a reunion weekend with a group of his old university friends. They are meeting at the exclusive Piccadilly Club in the Cotswolds village of Chipping Norton. Leo brings Jess, his new girlfriend, to the gathering. Yet Jess wonders if she will really fit in with Leo’s old university set.

There’s a great deal going on within the group and it’s also clear that Janice, Leo’s glamorous former flame, isn’t at all happy that he brought Jess along. When the body of an employee of the lodge is found in what at first appears to be a suicide, Leo is called away to investigate, leaving Jess to negotiate the stormy interpersonal dynamics of the group.

This series has been consistently good and has gone from strength to strength. This proved to be quite a complex case that took some unexpected turns into dark territory. As a result, it was somewhat more serious in tone than the previous books even though Jess remained her wonderful self. In addition, in both this and ‘Red House’ Leo’s background in terms of his relationships with family and friends is explored.

The grey stones depicted on the book’s cover refers to the Rollrights, an ancient stone circle located near Chipping Norton and they feature in the story. Indeed, in all four novels Stirling has evoked a strong sense of place that has enhanced her narratives.

Is this the end of the series? Will the coronavirus ground Jess and Leo? Set in February 2020 the beginnings of the pandemic is briefly mentioned.

At present there’s no further books listed as upcoming. I know that I would happily read many more Jess Bridges Mysteries, and have also become a fan of the author and so look forward to news of Joss Stirling’s future projects.

Highly recommended book and series.

This is the 4th in this series and, as per the norm, I am going to recommend you start from the beginning and read in order. Jess and Leo both have interesting pasts - both apart and together - and although the main story is wholly self-contained, you'll get the very best from it if you do.
So, Leo has been invited to a reunion at a posh lodge. He decides this would be a good time to introduce now gf Jess to his friends so he invites her to join them. The friends have a long and complicated past and Jess initially feels a bit left out especially when she finds out that one of the other guests has a bit of a past with Leo. This is compounded when Leo is called away to the scene of a suicide nearby. A suicide that looks a bit off to him... And so begins another interesting case for our duo to investigate; Leo with the law, Jess on its boundary... A case that will send them in a direction they never believed possible at the beginning and which will come a bit close to home for Leo...
I love this series. Leo and Jess are a bit chalk and cheese but they bring out the best in each other - complementing each others' personalities. Yes they have their moments - obviously their personalities clash a bit but they do take their investigations seriously. Even when it all gets a bit uncomfortably close to home for Leo.
Pacing is good throughout and matches the narrative every step of the way, The setting up is done efficiently and there is no hint of it even starting to drag. Then when the foundations are laid, the layers of secrets, lies and duplicitous behaviour is peeled back, the pacing speeding up and it becomes a bit of a wild ride all the way to the end. With not one word of padding of waffle.
And the ending when it comes, well, if you asked me at the beginning if we'd go down that road... well... spoilers prevent me saying more. Just need to add that the plotting and execution was perfect.
All in all, a cracking addition to an already well established series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

This is the 4th book in the Jess Bridges series by author Joss Stirling. I have read all 4 books in this series but this book could be read as a standalone. I loved the very first book and have enjoyed the light hearted funny murder mysteries with really outstanding characters. Jess Bridges is a very unique character, full of fun and sure to shock but great entertainment. Supported by other good characters these mysteries are a little different from the norm but well worth reading.

DI Leo George has been invited to a friends’ reunion weekend at a lodge in the grounds of the exclusive Piccadilly Club in the affluent Cotswolds village of Chipping Norton. He’s bringing his new girlfriend, Jess Bridges, an edgy private detective who’s wondering if she’ll fit in with Leo’s old university set.
As the only outsider, it’s clear to Jess that there is more than just friendship at the heart of the group, and they seem to have made a habit of pushing the boundaries of their relationships to their limits. The weekend proves to be a catalyst that opens a Pandora’s box of ugly secrets – Jess can see that when some friendships are this toxic, there can only be one deadly outcome.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Grey Stones is the fourth book in the Jess Bridges Mystery Series by Joss Stirling. This story is narrated from the dual POV of DI Leo George and private detective Jess Bridges.

The dynamic duo are back at it again and this time Jess is along for the ride as Leo’s girlfriend. If you love Jess’s sassy humour then your in for a real treat because this story has an abundance of it. I have been rooting for Leo and Jess since the first book so I was extremely happy with this book.

Leo is invited to a friend’s reunion weekend and decides to take Jess along with him. But unfortunately during the reunion tragedy strikes and the duo are on the case. I loved this story because I learned more about Leo and his background. I found his college friends to be interesting, rude, stuck up and annoying all at the same time.

This story was intriguing, hilarious, heartbreaking, intense and romantic. I hope there are more books to come because I absolutely love Leo and Jess so much.

I recieved an advanced copy for free, and this is my honest opinion.

Grey Stones is the fourth book in the Jess Bridges series. I have loved the previous books and this one is no exception. Jess and Leo are off to meet up with Leo's college friends at an exclusive resort for the weekend. They are both nervous and hope that Jess will get along well with Leo's friends. DI Leo gets called to deal with an apparent suicide . And then another suspicious "suicide" happens to an acquaintance. Suspicions of course are aimed at the group of friends. Jess is asked to help prove that their friend is innocent.
Things become quite uncomfortable within the group. Some of the friends are really not that likeable to Jess and there is an ex girlfriend involved too. I was happy with the ending and hope there will be another book in this series.

A great new installment to the Jess Bridges series. While it can be read as a stand-alone, it is best enjoyed in sequence. This felt like Leo’s book more than Jess’ with Leo’s character revealed as his past unfolds. The alternating between Leo and Jess’ voice makes for an engaging read. Having two fiercely authentic main voices brave enough to acknowledge their vulnerabilities truly sets this book apart.

Grey Stones sits firmly in the classical mystery genre in a way that Red House does not. Be prepared to settle down for a solid whodunnit with plenty of suspects and some arguably unorthodox detective work from Jess. The main setting is a luxurious holiday destination. There are plenty of interesting supporting characters and Jess and Leo both struggle to set aside preconceived prejudices and suspicions in pursuit of the truth.

If you are looking for a read that will keep you at the edge of your seat, pick this book! It is excellently written and is a joy to read.

Grey Stones is the fourth instalment in the Jess Bridges Mystery series, set in and around the small market town of Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire. The story begins on a February day before the sun has had a chance to rise. The location is The Rollright Stones, a complex of megalithic monuments on the edge of the Cotswold Hills spanning nearly 2,000 years of Neolithic and Bronze Age development, where a lone figure stands and in the quiet solace comes to terms with murder. It then moves back in time to the lead up to the deaths of several people. DI Leo George of Thames Valley Police and Jess Bridges, who is currently working as an admin at the Development Office in St Nicholas' College at Oxford University while she establishes her missing persons agency, have been a couple now for two months but their natural attraction to one another had been there since their very first encounter and both are keen to make it work. Leo has been invited to a reunion to catch up with old university friends and enjoy a three day stay at a lakeside retreat but is debating whether to go or not and if so if he should take Jess in a bid to be more open with her. In their drive up there Jess has concerns that his friends won't warm to her. They pull up past the grand stately home turned "clubhouse" in front of the huge lakeside cottage they will be staying at. Owned by the prominent Birbeck brothers, and run by friend Rebecca, this was part of what was known as the Piccadilly People Club offering lavish getaways and five-star amenities in the clubhouse, where you can choose from three restaurants, bar, casino, library, games room, swimming pool and spa.

The group spend time together with Leo particularly hopeful that Jess and Freddie, Lauren and Rainbow, those who mattered to him the most, will enjoy each other's company. However, he fails to mention to Jess that his ex-girlfriend Janice is attending and this creates some pretty awkward moments between the two ladies. Leo and Jess also enjoy spending some much-needed alone time together where they kick back, relax and take in the stunning surroundings. But their tranquility is soon shattered when Leo receives a call from his superintendent, Claire Thaxted, requesting him to attend a suspected suicide in Chipping Norton. He waits for the local police to send a squad car to pick him and take him to the scene of the "unattended death" at one of the almshouses on Church Lane. The victim is 44-year-old Kelly Ann Porter who is single, lives alone and just happens to work at the exclusive club Piccadilly People. It appears she had used a box cutter to do the deed but after scouring the scene Leo believes there are enough anomalies to call it a suspicious death. Then city broker Lloyd Rumbold disappears and when they break-in to his room they find he's been dead a while and girlfriend Rainbow Williams is distraught. While Leo works the staged suicide, Jess is called to prove that Rainbow is innocent and didn't kill her beau, but will the two cases converge? This is a compulsive, enthralling and thoroughly gripping read with mystery, intrigue, thrills, tasty twists and enough action and drama to keep you turning the pages. I found myself racing through and its perfect blend of murder, romance and mystery set against the backdrop of the beautiful Cotswolds makes this a captivating and entertaining read. Highly recommended.

I can’t quite believe we’re already on book number four of the brilliant Jess Bridges mystery series. It only feels like five minutes ago Leo George was making the acquaintance of Jess, who at the time was bizarrely clad in only a few sheets of newspaper! That was at the beginning of a investigation into the murder of a local Oxford college bursar and since then Leo and Jess have had a few exciting cases to crack as they settle into their informal and unlikely partnership. With each new instalment this series has grown from strength to strength, the success of which is down to the author’s pairing of two characters who couldn’t be more dissimilar yet compliment each other perfectly. To me they are the dream team! If you haven’t already discovered this wonderful series then whilst it’s by no means imperative, I suggest starting with book number one just so you can fully appreciate the nuances of Leo and Jess’s relationship, on both a professional and personal level. Combined with a jolly good mystery which you can sink your teeth into, this is now one of my favourite series, one which doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s intrigue, there’s humour and there’s romance so pretty much every preference is catered for.

This time around just as Leo and Jess are establishing themselves as a romantically involved couple they’re invited to meet up with Leo’s university friends to enjoy a weekend away at a lakeside retreat, courtesy of friend Rebecca who manages the establishment. Owned by the well renowned Birbeck brothers, this is just one of the many Piccadilly People clubs exclusively catering for the upper echelons of society in which money can acquire almost anything, providing you have plenty of it and are willing to pay! Both Leo and Jess are apprehensive about this weekend break, with Leo keen for Jess to get on well with the likes of Freddie and Lauren , Rainbow and Lloyd and Phil plus ex girlfriend Janice whom he’s conveniently managed not to mention will also be present! Jess too is worried she won’t fit into this circle of friends who share so much history together so I was intrigued to discover how the weekend would unfold and whether these strangers would welcome Jess into their midst.

Hoping for some quality time to nurture and nourish their relationship Jess and Leo are expecting nothing more than a few days of fun and games, good food, laughter and a chance to relax and unwind. What they don’t anticipate is Leo being called away to a suspected suicide in nearby Chipping Norton leaving Jess as an outsider to find her feet amongst these strangers, some of whom are more welcoming than others. However, if you’re already familiar with this wannabe private detective then you’ll know Jess will be more than capable of standing her ground, her perceptiveness and intuition when it comes to considering her first impressions of this eclectic bunch of individuals boding well for the surprising turn of events that await them all. Scratch beneath the surface of these friendships and you will find a side to some of them that is far from innocent.

Grey Stones feels very much like a classic whodunnit with this group of friends all gathered in one location, sitting ducks for anyone who wishes them harm. When it transpires the suspected suicide victim is an employee of the club, the plot thickens with Leo’s intuition leading him to question the validity of this swiftly made assumption surrounding the woman’s death. Could foul play be to blame instead and if so why? Is there any chance this woman’s workplace could play a significant role in her sudden demise? The weekend descends into further chaos when hot on the heels of this death comes another suspected self termination, but this time it’s a member of their own party. Cue much shock and horror as Leo and Jess endeavour to ascertain whether there’s a connection between these two unexpected deaths, which are starting to look increasingly like murder and the Piccadilly People club itself. Quite a few of these characters are hiding beneath a thin veneer of respectability so with Leo and Jess’s combined skills this is a fairly easy nut to crack, exposing these people for who they really are, although you may be surprised at the type and magnitude of the sins being committed. Suffice to say this is a storyline in which the wealthy and privileged take advantage of a more vulnerable section of society, all in the name of pleasure, desire and greed.

This whodunnit wouldn’t be so nearly as entertaining without the maverick Jess to aid Leo in his investigations. Her gung ho attitude, forthrightness and ability to think outside the box see her taking risks, her detective style in complete contrast to Leo’s more constrained approach. This woman has bags of confidence, nerves of steel and her irreverence makes her utterly refreshing and delightful. Jess is best placed to dig deep into the dynamics of this friendship group and discover the secrets that bind them together unlike Leo whose loyalties to these individuals threaten to cloud his judgement. By initially refusing to believe any one of them capable of murder, Leo and Jess’s relationship struggles under mounting pressure as revelations come thick and fast regarding this motley crew. Will they walk away from this investigation with their relationship intact or will Jess’s self destructive streak scupper their chances of romantic bliss?!? A development in Leo’s personal life brings a new addition to the cast of familiar characters, one that proves instrumental in exposing truths behind carefully constructed facades and is an inspired way for the author to tie two strands together! Ultimately reputations will be severely tarnished and damaged beyond repair by the close of play as this investigation depicts the sleazier side of human nature.

Some of these characters are friendly, harmless and easy to like whilst others seem to have their own hidden agendas. Like or loathe them I found them to be entertaining, each one adding their own unique slant to the proceedings as I contemplated which members of this group I could trust and which ones should be approached with caution.

I loved loved loved Leo and Jess’s latest adventure, set against the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, although thankfully references to this current situation are few and far between and of a lighthearted tone. Thanks Joss for reminding us of our panic buying of loo paper! I have no idea how long this series will run for, unable to believe the author will allow our detective duo to walk off into the sunset into a life of marriage and mediocrity but for now I’m thoroughly enjoying the (often bumpy!) ride. My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read.

I really enjoy series, I think the dynamics between characters works well but I wish Jess hadn't done it!
A difficult, personal case for Leo and co

Another great book in the Jess Bridges Series. Jess is going to meet DI Leo George’s university friends at a reunion at an exclusive club. After the initial meet and greet Leo gets called out to assist the local police with an apparent suicide, but things don’t add up. Next day one of the Leo’s friends’ partner is found dead, murder? While Leo investigates the suicide, Jess gets “hired” to prove Leo’s friend innocence of having committed murder. By the book Leo and unconventional Jess make the perfect team, and before you know it the cases are connected, but how to keep things for going south, and how to prove that they are, and how will it affect their relationship.
Great read, set in today’s time at the beginning of the pandemic when it was just something that was out there (love the reference to loo paper), human trafficking, some interesting personal twists added, you keep turning that page because you don’t want to miss a thing!
Thank you to Joss Stirling, One More Chapter and NetGalley for an early read.