Murder at the Abbey by Frances Evesham.

 

Murder at the Abbey

The Brand NEW installment in the bestselling Exham-on-Sea series.

An unsolved murder echoes down the corridors of Cleeve Abbey for years.

The Exham-on-Sea’s History Society's annual summer picnic comes to an abrupt end when human bones are discovered in Washford River, beside historic Cleeve Abbey.

Thrilled to find evidence of a possible centuries-old murder mystery, the members of the society organise a ghost-hunting night in the ruins of Cleeve Abbey, despite amateur sleuth Libby Forest's reservations.

Libby is a woman of many talents, a baker, chocolatier, even a reluctant sleuth, but she's no fan of the supernatural.and her doubts are justified when a friend is attacked under cover of darkness at the ghost-hunt.

Distressed and angry, Libby sets out with her new husband Max and their two dogs Bear and Shipley to uncover the connection between the murder of a sixteenth century monk and a present-day attack in picturesque Somerset.

With friends and neighbors as suspects, Libby and Max close in on the culprit only to find that others are still in danger.

There's no time to lose as the sins of the past threaten lives in the community.

Murder at the Abbey is the eighth in a series of Exham-on-Sea Murder Mysteries from the small English seaside town full of quirky characters, sea air, and gossip.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3BJyYn1

It has been a while since I read a book in this series and it was exciting to return.
This series and in fact this book has something for everyone.

Our main characters are mature with interesting histories of their own. The people they have around them are interesting and entertaining. As with any unofficial investigators, they have a mixed experience when dealing with local authorities.
However, they are valued by those who have seen what they can do to aid an investigation.

The historical society is enjoying a picnic when bones are discovered in the river.
There are many plausible reasons for them being there, yet it is enough of a mystery to attract the curiosity of several group members. I loved learning the history as the clues were investigated.

It so happened that permission had been given for a paranormal investigation to be given at the site, and fortunately the historical society members and investigating team were allowed to be present for that. Well, fortunately until one is attacked, making them all suspects.
So the question is, what provoked the attack? Are the curious aspects of the plot related?
And why does a loud mouthed, trouble seeking individual from their past seem to keep turning up?

This is a page turner, a well paced exciting read.
You may find some of the information easier to digest if you had read previous books in the series but it is not necessary to enjoy this book alone.
The characters are well developed and grow with the series.
The dialogue feels realistic and includes humorous moments as well as tense moments.


Overall an excellent read and I can't wait to go back and enjoy the books in this series I have missed.

Frances Evesham is the author of the hugely successful Exham-on-Sea mysteries set in her home county of Somerset.

Boldwood has republished the complete series. Frances has also started a new cosy crime series set in rural Herefordshire, the first of which was published in June 2020.

Social Media Links –

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/frances.evesham.writer/

Twitter https://twitter.com/francesevesham

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/francesevesham/

Newsletter Sign Up Link https://bit.ly/FrancesEveshamSignUp

Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/frances-evesham