if 90 year old Peggy didn't die of natural causes then who would murder her and why? Did it have anything to do with her talent for helping mystery authors with various methods of murder? Well, at first glance the verdict is heart attack, case closed. Not something her caregiver, Natalka, is willing to accept. She gathers her friends Benedict and Edwin to investigate Peggy's life and how she seems to have crossed the path of her killer. Added to the case is DS Harbinger Kaur who has her hands full keeping this group out of trouble. If anyone had any doubt about Peggy being murdered they are convinced when an intruder in Peggy's apartment pulls a gun and the case heats up.
Filled with humor, lots of red herrings and a tip of the hat to Dame Agatha, this is a wonderful mystery set in the world of mystery writers, publishers and mystery lovers. While it is the second in the series it isn't necessary to have read the previous book, The Stranger Diaries.
My thanks to the publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is the 2nd book to feature DS Harbinder Kaur. This time she travels from Shoreham to Aberdeen and back again in search of the truth. The story is told from several different perspectives and this works really well.
The story is set around ‘Seaview Court’ and after a resident’s death, a group of her friends turn ‘super sleuths’ and call the police.

It is extremely well written, it has everything we know and love from the author, shocks, dangerous incidents, a killing spree and numerous twists. Overall, this is a very enjoyable read with an intriguing and well thought out plot that keeps you guessing.
Recommended

Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and NetGalley for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

I didn't realize The Postscript Murders was part of a series when I first picked it up. While reading The Stranger Diaries I looked at Claire, and her daughter Georgie as the main characters. Harbinder to me was a great important character, but I wasn't expecting to see her as the focus of a series. After reading this book I think Griffiths has come up with an ingenious way to create a series. Harbinder again doesn't seem like the main character of this story, but she is a major part. We get to learn more about her as time goes on, but the other new characters the murder is focused around take center stage. I liked this method of inserting her into each story without making the focus be solely on the individual the series is named after.

As for the book itself, if you're a fan of twisty plots, and amateur sleuths this is a title for you. It's the story of deaths connected to mystery/crime writers, and the 90 year old woman who helped them come up with murders. The characters are unique and interesting. The story pulls you in, and before long you want to know more about this 90 year old "murder consultant" and what really happened.

This was a fun book to read and I especially liked the fact that a central character is a very old woman, 90 year old Peggy.

This was refreshing as so many other novels treat older people as invisible, or portray them in stereotyped ways. But Peggy is someone who seems to have kept all her faculties even very late in life, and also was still doing interesting things up to her death.

The story is interesting. When Peggy dies, it seems natural as she is 90 years of age. But when her helper Natalka starts looking through Peggy's things she becomes more suspicious.

It seems Peggy has many books with dedications to her - all crime or thriller novels. When a book is stolen at gunpoint, things become even more mysterious.

Detective Harbinder Kaur investigates and uncovers the truth about Peggy's extraordinary life. A nice book to read for anyone who enjoys crime fiction and mysteries.

THE POSTSCRIPT MURDERS by Elly Griffiths is everything a diverting murder mystery should be: clever play on words, likeable characters, humorous incidents, and plenty of twists and turns in a puzzling story. Award-winning author Griffiths has crafted a stand-alone mystery - although I would be happy to see a reprise of the amateur detectives Benedict (a former monk), Natalka (a caregiver), and Edwin (retired from the BBC) in the future. Together with Detective Sargeant Harbinder Kaur, they investigate the sudden death of an old age pensioner, Peggy Smith, who also advertised as a "murder consultant." Often acknowledged by mystery writers for her help, Peggy dies shortly after spotting some suspicious men outside her own apartment complex. Motivated by friendship for Peggy and learning to trust each other, Benedict, Natalka, and Edwin travel to a literary festival in Aberdeen, Scotland where yet another death occurs and romance blossoms. Booklist gave THE POSTSCRIPT MURDERS a starred review. Enjoy!

Frankly I never expected to see a Harbinder Kaur #2. She really didn't seem to be the heroine of the Stranger Diaries. I'm not sure that she's actually the star of this one either, but her reappearance is certainly welcome. A totally different setting and set of characters to get to know and explore. It is so refreshing to read a detective series where the detective takes a back seat to the actual murder. I hope that there are many more of these. I can't wait to learn more about Harbinder, she's definitely worth knowing!

In Elly Griffiths' The Postscript Murders, the death of Peggy Smith seems straightforward. After all, she was 90 years old. But items at the death scene lead Peggy's caretaker, Natalka, to suspect that Peggy was murdered. Just what does it mean that so many crime novels in Peggy's home library are dedicated to her? And why does Peggy have business cards listing her job as a "murder consultant"?

This book takes you down a lot of windy roads following Natalka and Peggy's other friends Benedict and Edwin along with detective Harbinder Kaur. The detective is doing the real police work trying to figure out what or who caused Peggy's death - and the subsequent deaths that follow - while the three friends fancy themselves amateur sleuths and take matters into their own hands.

Is it something to do with the crime authors? Did Peggy's son Nigel have anything to gain from his mother's death? Who are the mysterious men outside Peggy's apartment? Are they the same men who came to Natalka's home? And who is the gun-wielding book thief?

At times, there were so many twists and characters to keep track of that the plot was getting a little confusing. I felt like I should have been making a flowchart or something.

But overall, I really enjoyed the process of discovering just what the heck was going on and how it was all related - or not. This is a can't-put-down book for readers who like their detective and crime stories with a bit of humor.

The Postscript Murders is published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and is available to purchase now. I received a free e-ARC in exchange for my review.

The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths is the second novel to feature DS Harbinder Kaur of the West Sussex Police Department. The story is told from multiple points of view as a diverse group of friends work together to solve the murder of a 90-year-old woman. Peggy Smith was known by some as a “murder consultant” and her friends want to know why and who would have wanted to kill the elderly woman in her own home at the Seaview Court.

Whether or not Harbinder wants their help, former monk and cafe owner Benedict, mysterious and attractive Ukraine immigrant Natalka, and elderly former BBC employee Edwin have declared themselves a team who are determined to get justice for Peggy. When the murderer strikes again, there is even more investigating to do and more potential danger this unlikely group of sleuths must face to find out the truth. The book has elements of a classic murder mystery with plenty of humor and even some romance for a couple of the characters. There are some slow parts in the middle of the book and the suspect list and potential motives grow, but I love how everything came together at the end. I enjoyed the first book in this series, The Stranger Diaries, a little more, but I love the character of Harbinder and the writing style of Griffiths. I like the book and hope there is more to come in this well-written series.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

I love Harbinder Kaur -- thanks to Elly Griffiths for a new & different but relatable detective. This was an intriguing story acted out by a wonderful host of characters. I also enjoyed seeing both Brighton and Edinburgh from a more familiar perspective. Will definitely watch for the next Harbinder novel.

This is the second book in the Harbibder Kaur series.
In my opinion this is more like a cosy murder mystery than a blood and gore thriller, but that does not detract from how good this book is. I ended up reading into the night because I couldn't put it down - I had to know who the murderer was.
Although this us the second book in the series it is not necessary to read the first to fully enjoy this delightful book
I would definitely recommend this book and fingers crossed there will be more in the series.

I think this is technically a sequel to the Stranger Diaries, featuring DS Harbinder Kaur, who gets involved in the suspicious death of an elderly woman (Peggy) living in an apartment complex for elderly folks who can live alone but need some care. Natalka, Peggy's carer, thinks that her death is suspicious and goes to the the police, which is how DS Kaur gets involved. This is a very literary mystery in the sense that many of the supporting characters are writers or publishers or in some other way involved in the world of books and writing. I find Griffiths' mysteries consistently satisfying, twisty enough to be interesting but not completely overrun with red herrings. This one is a great choice for book loving mystery fans.

I read The Strangers Diary (book one in the series) directly before reading Postscript Mysteries and I absolutely loved it. This second book wasn’t as gripping, but is still a lot of fun.
Harbinder Kaur, the West Sussex detective at the center of the series is warm and funny and real. I love that she’s not moody or noir, but takes her job seriously and is committed to being great.
I loved that the mystery revolves around crime/mystery writers and books, the book contains a lot of commentary on the whole publishing world that was a lot of fun.
This book, like the first, switches POVs between Harbinder & the suspects/people involved (friends of the murder victims). It didn’t work as well for me in the first half of Postscript Mysteries but picked up at about the 1/2 way point.
I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series!

I'm an Elly Griffiths fan! I've read and loved books from both her on-going series. Mysteries about books and murder and the publishing industry are favorites of mine, so THE.STRANGER DIARIES hooked me from the very first page. This clever follow-up, THE POSTSCRIPT MURDERS, worked for me, also. First, the setting--a West Sussex coastal town--perfect. Second, the characters, both living and dead--crazy good. I love that the ghost of 90-year-old "murder consultant" Peggy Smith haunts the book from beginning to end. The three amateur (misfit) sleuths who team up with DS Kaur to "help" find the killer--but really want to solve the murders themselves--are great. The plot was twisty enough to keep me entertained to the very last sentence. This can be read as a stand-alone. Readers who enjoy Anthony Horowitz mysteries about books and authors and murder, should check this one out!.

Elly Griffiths has such a versatile talent! She came to my attention with her Ruth Galloway series, about a forensic archeologist set in 21st-century Norfolk. Next I devoured her Stephens and Mephisto series, set in Brighton in the mid-20th century.

The strengths evident in all those books (strong narrative skills; gifted characterization; natural, realistic dialogue; dry wit, and organic plots) are on display again in a new, 21st century series featuring Harbinder Kaur, a Sussex detective sergeant of Sikh heritage.

What was unique to this book was the sly, insiders' look at the book publishing industry. Someone is killing writers of crime fiction, and they might go free if not for the enthusiastic, often-misguided efforts of a trio of civilians: a beautiful Ukrainian immigrant, a retired BBC mid-level employee, and a former monk.

Once again I felt I was in delightful, intelligent company. Thanks to NetGalley and Houghton Milfflin Harcourt for an advance readers copy.

This was a good mystery for mystery lovers, with lots of nods to classics and lots of elements of the genre. I'd recommend going back to read The Stranger Diaries before this one- while they aren't strictly connected, I think this one works better if you've been introduced to Harbinder Kaur before. This one had some nice surprises within it, and was an overall enjoyable story, though it only garnered 3 stars from me because it just didn't stand out.

A very intriguing and fast paced crime mystery novel. This was a first for me from this author, and I really enjoyed it. From excellent writing, good character development, and a well thought out plot it definitely gets a must read from me! Highly recommend and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Elly Griffiths adds to her stellar list of mysteries with The Postscript Murders. In this literary plot that includes a number of quixotic mystery writers, the cast of characters is delightful. It includes, in particular Edwin, an 80-year-old dapper retiree; Benedict, a former monk trying to make his way in the world as a coffee shop owner; Natalka, a lovely Ukrainian who has a secret tie to bitcoin and a fear of the Ukrainian mafia; and Harbinder Kaur, a gay Sikh detective. The characters are drawn together by the murder of Peggy, an older woman who, it turns out, has been helping mystery writers for years as they search for plots, specifically interesting ways to commit murder. Griffiths, as always, includes frequent references to literature and interjections of sly humor. The plot of Postscript Murders and its characters make for great reading.

The Postscript Murders is a cozy-ish mystery for lovers of books and writing. There are references to Shakespeare, Agatha Christie, the writing process, and an abundance of winks at the fourth wall, like this one:

“The murderer is usually a member of the family…. In real life anyway, not in crime fiction. Then it’s always the most unlikely person.”

Elly Griffiths clearly had a lot of fun with this one, and that delight comes through on the page. It’s almost like a playful, self-aware ode to writers and readers of writing, except that it’s also a great book. There are clues expertly hidden in plain sight and a lovable rag-tag team of amateur sleuths who deepen their friendships around a steadily developing plot. Our sleuths come to the aid of DS Harbinder Kaur, millennial detective living with her parents and navigating mid-career dynamics as a gay Indian Sikh on the police force. She is sharp and funny, and I enjoyed her voice the most. Reading Stranger Diaries isn’t a prerequisite, but I’m glad that I did so that I can watch Kaur’s arc in its entirety.

For those who did read Stranger Diaries, this installment is a little bit of a detour. There are no major gothic elements in this book, no dark hauntings of old lore. I have to say that I missed that a little: for all the fun in here, maybe because of it, I never quite got to forget that I was reading a book. That said, both books have been literary-inspired and warmly welcomed by this book nerd. Wherever the series goes next, I’m here for it.

Elly Griffiths is hands-down one of my favourite authors. And the Ruth Galloway series is my absolute favourite. Last year Griffiths wrote a standalone called The Stranger Diaries that featured DS Harbinder Kaur. It was a wonderful read! (my review) And I’m happy to say that wasn’t just a standalone! Griffith has just released the second book featuring DS Kaur - The Postscript Murders.

Peggy Smith is a senior who spends her days looking out her bay window in the retirement home. She is older, so it’s not much of a surprise when her carer Natalka finds her passed away one morning. But it is a surprise when Natalka finds a card a card with the body, listing Peggy as a murder consultant. Well, that opens up a wealth of opportunities and directions for the story to go, doesn't it? A mystery about mystery novels, a murder consultant, mystery writers and more bodies makes for great reading.

That mystery is clever and will keep you guessing. There's lot of red herrings to keep the reader on their toes, as well as a wealth of suspects. I admit I didn’t see the final whodunit reveal coming. (I always appreciate being kept guessing!) And the one that saves the day surprised me as well.

But here’s the real reason that I love Griffith's books. The characters. They’re just so wonderfully drawn and I find myself so easily transported into the story and the world Griffiths has created. All of the players are just a bit quirky. DS Kaur describes herself as the best gay Sikh detective in West Sussex. She's quite clever and solves cases with her own methods. (Her family is so warm and I wish I could sample her mother's cooking!) Harbinder's inner dialogue is priceless. She often mentally visualizes her partner Neil as a squirrel. The Postscript Murders also has a group of amateur detectives on the case. Natalka, who is quite sure (and worried) that her past has found her. Benedict, an ex monk, turned coffee shack owner and dapper, lonely octogenarian Edwin, who is very happy to be on the case. The burgeoning friendship between the three is a lovely as well. The characters are believable and the reader can't help but be behind them.

I devoured this one far too quickly. Most definitely recommended. More Harbinder Kaur please!

(And there is a new Ruth Galloway book coming later this year. Watch for The Night Hawks.)

A big thank you to @netgalley @hmhbooks and @ellygriffiths17 for this ARC!

This is Griffiths' second novel featuring DS Kaur, but it was the first I'd read of her books.

Synopsis: The death of a ninety-year-old woman with a heart condition should not be suspicious. Detective Sergeant Harbinder Kaur certainly sees nothing out of the ordinary when Peggy’s caretaker, Natalka, begins to recount Peggy Smith’s passing.

But Natalka had a reason to be at the police station: while clearing out Peggy’s flat, she noticed an unusual number of crime novels, all dedicated to Peggy. And each psychological thriller included a mysterious postscript: PS: for PS. When a gunman breaks into the flat to steal a book and its author is found dead shortly thereafter—Detective Kaur begins to think that perhaps there is no such thing as an unsuspicious death after all.

My thoughts: I enjoyed the idea of this book a ton, and have already recruited a number of friends to become Murder Consultants when we retire 😆 I loved that we got to see more of DS Kaur's life, and loved Natalka, Benedict, and Edwin. But, it felt like some of the plot lines were a little loose. Like maybe some things were there only to set up for the next book, or something like that? Overall, a very enjoyable murder mystery!