3.5 stars rounded up. A promising start to a new historical cosy crime series, with the added bonus of being set in Torquay - always like a good Devon setting! The characters are all fairly likeable, a few little twists and surprises, and a decent plot. I did manage to guess what happened and whodunnit, which is always a bonus! Overall an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading any further books.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

In 1930, the twins fancy themselves detectives and are determined to discover who murdered a nice elderly lady and tried to hide the crime by burning down her house. They have some allies in their efforts including a young constable with whom they have grown up. They lead a sheltered and privileged life with their doctor father so they have the time and resources to interrogate the various people who might be involved or know something.

When they put two and two together, they get a huge surprise and shock and it could be deadly. The killer is not opposed to committing murder again if it hides his ugly secrets. The book had its moments but it did not grab me as some do. I am going to give it three and a half purrs and one paw up.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC copy of this book for my honest review.

This book was a delightful departure from my usual reading. While I typically gravitate towards modern murder mysteries and thrillers, the historical setting of this novel immediately captured my interest, offering a refreshing break from contemporary storylines. I found it surprisingly easy to adjust to and even more intriguing to read.

The story transported me back in time to a charming, almost-cozy murder mystery. It follows the Markham twins and their neighbor as they embark on solving a mysterious death in their neighborhood after the local police arrest the wrong person. The narrative flows smoothly and makes for an easy read. I eagerly anticipate the Markham Twins' next adventure!

This is a new mystery series staring twin amateur sleuths that have solved some other small mysteries before this one. They are a young pair of sleuths which is a nice change as most I have read lately have been older The mystery is interesting with plenty of twists but I will say I did solve it fairly earlier on. However a good start to a new series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Summer 19030 and we see twins Kitty and Nora Markham enjoying their normal and privileged life with their hobbies, one of which is finding lost cats and purses. But there is more to sleuthing than that and when a murder is committed near their home they start investigating. Is it as clear cut as everyone thinks? Or is there more to this story that needs investigating?

What a great book with some wonderful and quirky characters a great setting and a story that will keep you reading and guessing. There are plenty of twists and turns and plenty of things happening throughout to keep your interest. A classic cosy style of book but with enough fun and depth to make it interesting and make me want to read more. Looking forward to seeing what comes next in this new series.

Thank you NetGalley and Troubador for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

The author brings 1930s England to life and it’s a perfect setting for a murder mystery. The twins are terrific characters and loads of fun to read about as they criticise the efforts of the police and ultimately involve themselves in sleuthing. it’s a great example of a historical mystery which is also sitting well within the cozy genre. Clever, engaging characters and dialogue make this a joy to read.

I've read a fair few cosy murder mystery books over the last while. They seem to be rising in popularity, you know, the ones set in a small town with amateur detectives solving a murder. This is certainly one of the better ones I've read, however, and I will say setting it in the 1930's with a pair of female detectives added an interesting element.

I will also say what was interesting was that the twins, whilst amateurs have been solving small mysteries around town so at least have some foundation for their sleuthing skills which delightfully includes disguising themselves, something that you see in Sherlock Holmes media which I don't recall seeing in other cosy mysteries that I've read.

The other nice thing about it being set in the 1930's is it makes the police's ineptitude in solving the crime seem less ridiculous than in more modern books I've read, where the police were just hilariously incompetent just so our sleuths would be able to solve the crime first. Not so here, it makes total sense that the police come to the conclusions they do, and I'm not really surprised they don't dig deeper.

I really did enjoy the twins' characters, they feel just the right amount of defiant of expectations (particularly considering the role of women of that time) whilst also embracing femininity in the form of enjoying wearing nice clothes and makeup and feeling their emotions where warranted.

Now I will say I immediately figured out the guilty party as soon as they were properly introduced (and suspected them strongly from certain clues revealed early on) but I think that's just narrative pattern recognition on my part and I do think it's a nice, well-founded reveal if it does take you by surprise.

Overall, a very fun time, and I will definitely be keeping my eye out for the sequel.

Despite its setting during the golden age of mysteries and its being described as an homage to Agatha Christie, one of my favorites, I didn't love Murder Under the Rock as much as I expected. I enjoyed it, but felt it dragged quite a bit and the motive revealed at the end wasn’t wholly satisfactory. The Markham twins and their friends were a cute bunch and it almost read like a YA novel. Not a bad thing, just an observation. To be honest I probably won’t read more in the series as it continues as it didn’t engage me as much as I’d hoped.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

What a cozy story of two young women working together to get to the bottom of things. I absolutely loved this! The atmosphere was light and airy even though this was about a murder. I don’t typically read this style of detective stories, but I’m going to have to start.

I really enjoyed the twins, Arthur, Jimmy and their father. They all had such personalities and they were amicable. This was a no nonsense story that focused on the story progression, some character backstory and setting the scene.

I can’t wait to read what the twins do next!

When I first added ‘Murder Under The Rock’ to my TBR, the premise—headstrong sleuthing sisters solving a murder and robbery in 1930s England—caught my attention. Yet over time, the title and cover didn’t bring that premise back to mind, so it stayed on my shelf longer than expected.

Once I picked it up, I found a quick-paced mystery with a classic vibe and a light nod to Agatha Christie. A standout element was the core group: Nora, Kitty, Jimmy, and Arthur. Their dynamic carried the story, alongside the girls’ endearing father. The tone leans toward young adult, with the impulsivity of the twins and their friends, though some of the townspeople’s grittier aspects add an edge. Frankly, there was one townsperson whose (brief) perspective I didn’t enjoy. The main crew is so likable that I’d prefer, in the next installment, to see the world solely through their eyes. I recommend this to any fan of classic amateur detective stories.

Special thanks to the publisher, Troubador, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A delightful new mystery series staring twin amateur sleuths that have had some success finding lost cats and other misdemeanors but when murder happens nearby they can't resist investigating with the help of their neighbor, Arthur, and their long-time friend, James, who is a new police constable. Most of the police think it is a easy open and shut case with a man quickly arrested but the twins aren't so sure. Digging deeper they find several other possible suspects that keeps the reader entertained until the end.

The twins, Kitty and Nora, are lively young women who are very fun to read. Their friends, James and Arthur equal out the talents they don't have to make a quality team. They have unique personalities but are very personable. You feel like you would like to become friends with them.

The mystery is solid with plenty of twists. It reminds me a bit of some of Agatha Christie's novels, particularly when starring young sleuths like in Why Didn't They Ask Evans? There is humor, a small village and well-to-do people without being the height of fashion. I look forward to reading more of this series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

My thanks go Troubador publishing and NetGalley for a copy of “Murder Under The Rock “ for an honest review.

This was a nostalgic read with a classic whodunnit in the perfect setting of Torquay A classy cosy crime , For me it was a little too slow paced , and didn’t really keep my attention , so although overall I enjoyed the book , I can only really give it an average mark.

It's a lovely summer in Torquay in 1930.

Twins Kitty and Nora Markham are amatuer detectives. But a murder close to their home is rather more shicking than their usual caseload of lost purses and missing cats.

Their little gang is completed by the Chief Constable's son Arthur, and James, a new constable and the great-nephew of their housekeeper.

The intrepid team think the early arrest of a man for the crime is rather premature.

And they're right...

Brilliant

So far as time-period cozy mysteries go, Murder Under the Rock is a great example of the genre. The story centers around a pair of twins who find themselves drawn into a local mystery, and they’re surrounded by a cast of supporting characters who really help bring the village to life. You can’t help but root for the twins—while also worrying for them as the investigation unfolds.

The tone and charm of the book felt like a lovely nod to classic Agatha Christie novels, with its mix of suspense and warmth. I’m curious to see if this becomes a series—I would happily read more adventures with these characters.

With Murder Under The Rock, I was immediately taken by the immersive world building.

It follows the journey of Nora and Kitty Markham to try and right a wrong within their sleepy, 1930’s post war Devon.

Joined by the bright next door neighbour Arthur, and newly emboldened police officer Jimmy, they come together and indulge a hobby of amateur sleuthing.

One thing I absolutely adored about Ali Simpsons’ writing is her ability to take us along on their journey, and allow us to learn with the characters!

I’m very much looking forward to see what the Markham Twins get up to next!

Target audience? Me.
Did you grow up loving Agatha Christie, binged Only Murders in the Building, or are craving a very British cozy Mystery? Enter Murder Under the Rock.
While I would have liked a little bit more character work for the Twins to get me hooked in the beginning, I enjoyed the setting and low stakes feel of the investigation. A la Christie, the investigation is very conversation heavy, with all the players being placed on the chessboard through one-on-one interviews. This takes place in the 1930s, so there are some elements of post-war trauma, Women's Rights, etc.

Murder Under the Rock is a beautifully atmospheric read, filled with vivid descriptions and stunning coastal scenery that really bring the setting to life. The story follows the Markham twins as they delve into some amateur sleuthing to solve a murder that disrupts the peace of their quiet seaside town.

While the writing is strong and the sense of place is wonderfully done, the pace of the novel was slower than I typically prefer. It leans more towards a gentle mystery than a dark, fast-paced thriller, making it a bit of a slow burn. There were moments where I found myself wanting a bit more tension or excitement to keep the momentum going.

That said, I did enjoy the read overall and appreciated the cosy, almost classic mystery feel. I’d definitely be open to reading more from Ali Simpson in the future, especially if the pace picks up a little in her next work.

This reads like one of those fabulous mystery novels from the Golden Age of Murder. It's surely a homage to Agatha Christie: set in Torquay (her home town), in 1930 (the year in which her first Miss Marple novel 'The Murder at the Vicarage' was published), and featuring young amateur sleuths who could easily swap places with Tommy and Tuppence Beresford (her 'Partners in Crime'). It is certainly as good as any of Dame Agatha's early novels.
Nora, Kitty, Arthur and Jimmy and compelling characters and I am truly pleased they will return in another mystery soon.
Torquay and its fictionalized suburbs are a perfect backdrop to a well-plotted mystery that unfolds with the usual gathering of red herrings and well-used tropes.
It's an easy, enjoyable read.

**First Person ARC Review: *Murder Under the Rock* by Ali Simpson**

*Murder Under the Rock* was the kind of mystery that lured me in with the promise of a classic whodunnit and then surprised me with how layered and atmospheric it turned out to be. Set in a remote coastal town with a reputation as rocky as its cliffs, this story builds tension with the quiet intensity of a storm gathering just off the shore.

What really hooked me was the setting—it’s so vividly drawn that it practically becomes a character itself. The isolation, the local legends, the deep-rooted grudges—it all creates this simmering tension that made every interaction feel like it could be the spark that sets everything ablaze.

The investigation unfolds in a satisfyingly slow burn. I appreciated that it didn’t rush to deliver twists; instead, it let them stew, giving each new reveal time to deepen the mystery. The protagonist—sharp, persistent, and refreshingly flawed—was someone I rooted for even when I didn’t fully trust her instincts. That sense of unease, of not knowing who to believe, kept me turning pages late into the night.

This isn’t a flashy thriller; it’s more like a shadow creeping across the walls, tightening around a town that’s been keeping secrets for far too long. *Murder Under the Rock* is smart, suspenseful, and quietly haunting. It left me thinking long after the final page—not just about who did it, but about all the ways silence can be just as dangerous as violence.

I just loved this book! Once I got started I was just hooked and I had to find out what the truth is. I loved this story, as it was set back in the day 1930’s I just loved it. I just loved the characters in this book as well, I also loved that the twins had their dad to have their back. This story kept just kept me guessing right until the end and I loved it.

I would highly recommend reading this book if you love a good mystery that keeps you guessing until the end and believe me it’s worth it.

I would like to thank Troubador Publishing Ltd and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward until the next book in this series.