What Judy’s book club doesn’t know about murder mysteries isn’t worth writing about. Nothing beats cracking a fictional case over some wine and salt and vinegar crisps. But can they put their puzzle-solving skills to the test when the local librarian dies in a real-life murder?

For widower Judy, her murder book club is the highlight of the month: she gets to hear all the local gossip and even discuss a good fictitious poisoning or two. But when local librarian Wendy disappears, Judy follows in the footsteps of her fictional detective heroes only to find her dead in her home, clasping a copy of Romeo and Juliet…

The police rule it a tragic accident, but Judy knows that her friend hated Shakespeare, and suspects foul play. Gathering her fellow book lovers together, soon they discover that several townspeople had motive to want Wendy dead. Was it Nigel from the tavern, who may have been Wendy’s secret boyfriend? Or could it be Bryan, the local bookshop owner, tangled in a bitter rivalry with the library?

The plot thickens at a charity murder mystery night held at Nigel’s tavern. Suddenly more murders come to light, both real and very badly staged. And when Nigel makes an astonishing revelation, the book club agree it’s a plot twist no-one saw coming. Can Judy and her book club solve the mystery before they too fall victim to a killer plot?

An utterly addictive and hilarious new cozy mystery series, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood and Faith Martin.

What readers are saying about Maggie Allswell:

‘Oh boy!… my goodness it was absolutely fantastic!… I laughed so many times… I didn’t want this book to end! It is that good!’ Jessica’s Book Biz, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘One of the funniest books I’ve read this year… I found myself laughing out loud… A fantastic holiday read.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I thought that this book was brilliant!… had me laughing out loud… I loved everything about the book from cover to cover… I flew through it.’ Donna’s Book Blog

‘Five stars are really not enough for this fantastic book but in the absence of anything more I would just like to say to people reading this review, “Read it, you won’t regret it.”’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Absolutely hilarious… Such a funny and joyous book, just perfect for summer. I really enjoyed it.’ Sibzzreads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Loved it, made me laugh from start to finish.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐