Another great book in the Eve Mallow series. When a tv series starts shooting in her home town, Eve and her neighbors are beyond excited to be close enough to watch the celebrities in action. But when one of the celebrities is killed on set, Eve must investigate before anyone else dies. Clare Chase maintains this series to keep her many fans rushing to get the next book.

Eve and a few other townsfolk are staring as extras on a movie set. When the director is found murdered she steps in to ask questions and help find the killer. Too bad she also gets on his view and it gets close. Would recommend, especially if you've read others in the series. This is book 6.

Mystery at the Church is the 6th book in the Eve Mallow village cozy series by Clare Chase. Released 4th Aug 2021, it's 265 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library (along with the rest of the series) to borrow and read for free.

This is a technically adept and well written book. The characters are distinct enough to keep them clear in readers' minds, and the dialogue flows fairly well. There's maybe a trifle too much emphasis on hearsay and gossip (and many of the central characters are middle aged and female and a trifle trope-y), but it's not egregious and I didn't find myself being irritated over it whilst reading. Main protagonist Eve's love/hate relationship with the local constabulary, and her secret relationship with a former detective who is lying low in the district for his own protection after a high profile case in London, add some interest and conflict. The book is peppered with actors and amateur dramatics characters who provide eccentric and light drama.

There were several seemingly disparate plot threads which intertwined into a satisfying denouement and resolution. Despite being the sixth book in the series, it worked well enough as a standalone, though there are some minor spoilers for earlier books if read out of order. I was engaged enough with the writing and the mystery, that I intend to pick up the previous books in the series. This would be a good one for readers who enjoy binge-reading series.

Four stars. This is definitely one for British village cozy readers. Very well written and constructed. Clean language and mostly off-page violence.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Obituary writer and amateur sleuth Eve Mallow joins the locals in being an extra for a TV series that films in their village. But the filming ends in chaos when the director is found dead in the ancient church. The other cast and crew are the main suspects...
Mystery at the Church is the 6th book by Clare Chase to feature Eve Mallow. However, there are no spoilers so would work as a stand alone novel.
The village of Saxford St Peter is overrun with a TV crew and Eve in on hand as an extra but also providing cakes as part of her part time job in between obituary writing. When celebrated director Rufus Beaumont is found dead, Eve seizes the opportunity to write his obituary as well as hunt for his killer. Once again she calls upon former police detective Robin to undermine the ineffective officer in charge of the case.
The personal and professional relationships of the victim with other characters are examined by Eve as she gathers information for her obituary. This enables her to search for clues about the motive for the murder and therefore the person responsible.
There is little forensic information or violence despite the murder plot. As I have said previously about the other books in the series, the plot has a classical Sunday night TV drama feel to it due the traditional English village setting and array of background characters.
Mystery at the Church is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery to add to the series.

Mystery at the Church by Clare Chase in another intriguing mystery investigated by obituary writer, Eve Mallow. Eve writes about interesting and famous people for major publications, not just the local rag. Right now she is busy serving as a member of the crowd for the folks making a movie nearby. Nearly everyone in the village is, as well. Plus she and Viv were supplying cakes from the tearoom to serve the actors and extras on break. Moira, the town gossip was there picking up whatever news she could find. Rufus Beaumont was a well-know director from a well-known theatrical family and there were several stars involved as well. Eve was there to people watch and she was getting plenty of action. Then, Rufus ended up dead. Then, others.

This was a good mystery. Not that Eve's doesn't live a mystery given her relationship with gardener, Robin, who isn't a gardener at all but an ex-policeman who uncovered major corruption in the department and now was hiding from reprisal. Eve was involved on the sly and she and Robin worked together to solve crimes, including this one. Eve is a terrific character, with plenty of back-story. The reader doesn't see as much of Robin, but he is a good guy. Viv is a little wild, but a good person, and interesting. Where movie people are involved, nothing is beyond belief and this is no exception. There are twists and turns and red herrings everywhere. In the end, it's a very sad story, but a good one.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Mystery at the Church by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #bookoutre #clarechase #mysteryatthechurch

Each book in this series is better than the last and this sixth installment is no exception. Eve Mallow is one of my favorite protagonists. She's clever, tenacious and has the interesting job of obituary writer. This is a well written book with a cast of interesting characters. The mystery itself is quite clever and tricky to solve. This is just one of my favorite cozy series.

Another great instalment in the Eve Mallow series. When a film company come to Saxford St Peter to record a new drama series the residents are excited to be invited on set as extras for a funeral scene. But there is soon a real life murder on set and Eve finds herself interviewing the key players for his obituary whilst also investigating his murder. A great cosy mystery.

I absolutely loved this book! From the beginning I was caught up in the story of the small town of Saxford St Peter and the television show being filmed there. The characters were written so vividly that I could imagine myself as one of the group, watching the scene unfold. Eve is a force to keep up with, clever and incredibly interesting. This is my first Eve Mallow Mystery and I hope to go back and read the rest.

5/5 Stars!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and atmosphere of this story. The characters and plot were engrossing and kept my attention until the end.

Yet another fantastic mystery from Clare Chase. Eve Mallow, the moonlighting obituary writer, finds herself in the middle of another murder when she is selected to write the obituary of a world famous director.
Chase's characters are well written and full of life. The mystery is intriguing wit lots of red herrings to keep you guessing.
Highly recommended.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

The sixth in the Eve Mallow series sees our favourite writer/sleuth embroiled in a murder mystery when she stumbles accross a dead body whilst on a tea run from the set of a mini series being filmed in the quaint village she lives in

Another fast paced read and highly recommended

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great storyline with excellent characters. I would highly recommend this book as it was a great read.

You might remember my review from last week of Clare Chase's Mystery at the Abbey Hotel. Having just discovered this series, I'm not having any problems following the stories without having read the first four books. The books in this cute cozy most definitely can be read on their own.

After having read only two books in the Eve Mallow Mystery series, I can tell the books are highly formulaic. That doesn't mean they aren't enjoyable, just a bit predictable. Though the mystery is so complex that the reader can't figure out the killer until the end.

It is all the twists and turns, the ruling out of a suspect only to see him or her added back to the top of the list as new evidence comes to light that makes these books so entertaining. Unlike with the previous book where I had a particular character in mind for the crime (though I was wrong), none of the characters of Mystery at the Church roused my suspicion completely.

As suspected, only the core characters of the village carried over. None of the characters specific to the previous book's mystery made an appearance. I assume that is trued for the entire series, though there was a brief appearance of a character that might have been in a previous book - it is alluded to that the character had been interviewed by Eve before. Also, a new series regular may have been introduced in Mystery at the Church. Dot has ties to the village already and it seems that a childhood romance between her and one of the owners of the local pub may have been rekindled.

I'm not sure if I'm complete taken with the story's structure. There is a prologue that shows the murder. It doesn't reveal who the murderer is but you do know in just a few pages who the victim is. I think I prefer to be surprised by who the victim is.

Overall, though, it is an entertaining read. I have a sad event coming up at the end of the week and this cozy mystery has given me several hours of reprieve, keeping my mind off that upcoming event.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Thursday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2021/08/mystery-at-church-by-clare-chase-review.html

Combining a clever plotline, an intrepid sleuth, and an engaging television industry backdrop, Mystery at the Church, the sixth book in Clare Chase’s Eve Mallow Mystery series, is both lively and quintessentially cozy. It is a book that grabs your attention with its dramatic prologue and won’t let go until the thrilling conclusion.

Eve Mallow is taking a break from her obituary writing assignments and her ongoing duties at Viv’s tearoom to join the other residents of Saxford St. Peter who are acting as extras in the television miniseries Last of the Lindens. The lavish production comes to a grinding halt when director Rufus Beaumont is found murdered on set in the vestry of All Souls Church. Given her personal interest in the case, Eve quickly secures permission from her publisher to write Rufus’s obituary. But, as she soon discovers, things are not exactly as they seem. Nearly everyone connected with the program – the producer, cast, crew, and even the caretaker of the onsite housing facility --- is a suspect, each with secrets both past and present that provide ample motive for murder. The tension escalates as one after another of the suspects is eliminated -- permanently. In the face of mounting danger, Eve must assemble the clues and expose the killer before she, too, faces her final curtain call.

This story is simply a delight. Ms. Chase effortlessly weaves clues and red herrings throughout the novel in way that keeps you guessing along with Eve. It is not often that I am surprised by “who done it,” but in this case, I found that, like Eve, I had dismissed this suspect prematurely. And the climactic scene kept me on the edge of my seat. Bravo for a job well done.

And bravo, too, for the warm and cozy atmosphere. Saxford St. Peter feels like home, and its residents like old friends. Eve Mallow is intelligent, quick witted, observant, and logical. She is also compassionate, loyal and kind – especially with her beloved dachshund, Gus. In short, she is the perfect amateur sleuth. Her surrounding cast, too, are intriguing and delightful. Her friend (and part-time boss) Viv is vivacious and charming. And Robin, the “gardener” with a secret past, has developed into a wonderful confidant for Eve, with more than a hint of romance on the horizon. Gossipy Moira and DS Greg Boles round out the cast of characters, each playing a small, but important, role.

The Eve Mallow series is one of my favorites, and Mystery at the Church may be the best one yet. From start to finish, it embodies the best that the cozy mystery genre has to offer. If you haven’t started this series yet, I do recommend beginning with the first book, Mystery on Hidden Lane. While each book can be read as a standalone, these stories build on each other. As for me, I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this marvelous series (which I’m told should be available in early 2022).

Note: I received an ARC of Mystery at the Church from NetGalley and Bookouture. The above is my honest review.

As a devoted follower of this series, it definitely gets better with each new book. Eve Mallow, the part-time obituary writer and tea shop helper, is a lovely character. The perfect amateur sleuth being courageous, kind, nosy and quirky. Her latest role as a film extra provides lots of opportunities to use her keen observational skills. A dangerous gift and an unexpected death lead to a new commission and the chance to investigate a murder.

I love the methodical way she draws up a timeline to solve the murder. With her useful police contacts and her opportunity to interview potential suspects in her obituary writer role, she soon has lots of clues, motives and suspects, to consider.

The characters are relatable. The potential suspects have secrets that Eve and Robin discover as the story unfolds. It's a good balance of action, deduction and investigation. The immersive writing style invites the reader to draw their conclusions too.

The perfect read for lovers of classic mystery.

I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This was a good book, and a good read.
The mystery was so good and intense that I had to keep guessing till the end

Favorite Quotes:

There was a distasteful, meditative look in his eye as though she was a fly on his bowl of trifle and he was working out how best to swat her.

If a man had been unfaithful once, why would you assume it wasn’t his habit? Saskia struck her as someone who’d been on cloud nine and failed to look down.

His ego was like a cobweb: painstakingly constructed but easily destroyed.


My Review:

This tale had a slow and maddeningly meandering progression to the well-crafted head-scratcher of a mystery with oddly unlikable and prickly victims and a multitude of suspects as nearly everyone in the cast had cause to snuff out these vile players. The writing was lively, light with storylines that were entertaining and easy to follow.

Amongst a nest of entertainment professionals, it proved to be even more difficult to determine if reactions and statements were real or an act. The little village was abuzz with gossip and rumors, and Eve was still working to keep her relationship under the radar. The intrepid Eve and her lovable little Gus were on the case from the beginning being extras on the set where the murders occurred and Eve being the very one to find the first body. I wasn’t the only one having a hard time narrowing down the guilty party, Eve was flip-flopping as well, but luckily she had little Gus and the lovely Robin to talk things through.

I am delighted to be catching up with the latest happenings in this charming cozy mystery series. It was great to be back with Eve and her beloved dachshund Gus who live in the sweet little village of Saxford St Peter.

In this sixth instalment, Eve is excited when Saxford St Peter is to be the chosen location for a drama series. Celebrities and locals alike will be in 'Last of the Lindens' in a funeral scene being filmed at the church. Eve is also there to deliver baked goodies, including orange and raspberry cupcakes. Rufus Beaumont, the director, receives a bunch of purple flowers in his trailer and tries to find out who sent them. The next day Eve and Viv are acting as extras in the funeral wake with their sausage rolls, sandwiches and fake wine for the takes. They are chatting to a man they met the previous day, whilst Rufus has words with the film crew. Later Rufus is found dead and Eve is on the case.

Amateur sleuth, tea-shop employee and obituary writer, Eve just keeps getting better and better with each story. I find her ebullience, confidence and intuitiveness very refreshing, which is a credit to Clare Chase's writing skills, and I feel as though I am meeting up with an old friend when I'm reading a new Eve Mallow mystery. Her dog, Gus is also a favourite who has captured my heart. The author's superb and varied characterisation is fantastic, and in this brilliant story, there is certainly no shortage of suspects, as Eve realises.

Mystery at the Church has a well-thought-out, compelling plot, and enough twists to keep the most demanding armchair sleuth satisfied. Clare Chase writes with such flair and an easy style and this was a story that held my attention well, loving my escape into Eve's world of diabolical deeds. Whilst I recommend reading the books in order, you don’t need to be familiar with the characters to fully enjoy these mysteries. I am eagerly anticipating what Clare Chase has in store for Eve Mallow next, in book seven, Mystery at Magpie Lodge.

Disclosure: Thank you to Bookouture for providing a digital ARC of Mystery at the Church by Clare Chase via Netgalley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I enjoyed this mystery. All the suspects kept me guessing and I wasn't able to figure out who did it. I like how the MC has a reason to be involved and that she has help from members / former members of the police. I do like the setting and the other characters in the book. Will a way be found for Eve & Robin to be together openly?
Well written and an entertaining read. A great installment to the series.

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

Eve Mallow, obituary writer and amateur sleuth is so excited when her village, Saxford St Peter is chosen as the location for a new drama series. Eve is happy to take on odd jobs, like delivering cupcakes because it allows her the opportunity to hang around the set as much as possible. Being the people watcher that she is, she realizes that television stars are as glamorous as she imagined. But when a bouquet of poisonous flowers is delivered to the director, Rufus Beaumont, soon after, Rufus’s body is found and Eve is on the case. But when Detective Inspector Palmer arrives on scene, he isn’t surprised and isn’t happy, that once again Eve is in the middle of it all. She finds herself interrogating suspects, and trying to find the culprit, before she becomes the next victim. I thoroughly enjoy this series. I absolutely love that Eve’s side kick is Gus, the dachshund. It really personalizes this story. I love this series and I look so forward to its continuation. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you Clare Chase for such a wonderful continuation to a fabulous series. I loved the plot twists so much that it definitely kept me guessing. The characters were relatable and the storyline was fantastic.