I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, The Magic Chair Murder, set in 1920s England – see my review here – where Frances Black and Tom Dods team up to discover what happened to a woman who disappeared in mysterious circumstances. So I was delighted when this offering became available and I was approved to read and review it.
Tom Dod’s Aunt Hetty is worried – three sudden deaths have occurred in the sleepy village of Durley 
Dean. They might seem like tragic accidents, but Aunt Hetty isn’t so sure. After all, all three took a stand against Reverend Pinder, the new vicar of St Agnes Church, whose controversial changes have divided the congregation. But is there really a killer among the parishioners? And while Fran leaps at the chance to spend a weekend at Aunt Hetty’s sleuthing with Tom, could the trip prove to be a poisoned chalice in more ways than one?
While the mystery obviously takes centre stage and needs to be successful, for me the added pleasure with this series is the really likeable, intelligent main character, Fran Black. She is compromised, having been deserted by her husband at a time when divorce carried with it a huge social stigma and was difficult and costly to acquire. Her mother is querulous and demanding, having lost both sons in the Great War and while Fran is able to live on a fixed income without having to work, she is more than happy to become involved in the intricacies of an investigation as an escape from her unsatisfactory home life.
Janes is adept at slipping in all sorts of social and political details of the time without holding up the investigation, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I do like the fact that when someone is arrested and charged with murder, Fran and Tom become very aware that if they cannot find the real murderer, an innocent man will hang, which nicely ups the stakes. As with the previous murder mystery, this one owes its inspiration to the likes of Agatha Christie, with plenty of suspects.
I got there before the big reveal, but to be honest, that wasn’t a dealbreaker as it was only a couple of chapters ahead of the denouement and with all the other issues going on relating to Fran and Tom’s relationship – or lack of it – the plot didn’t stand or fall on the mystery alone. The pacing was nicely judged, the characters memorable and I kept thinking what a cracking TV show this would make. In the meantime, I look forward to the next one in the series as I’m keen to see where Janes will take these characters next. Highly recommended for fans of historical cosy murder mysteries. While I obtained an arc of The Poisoned Chalice Murder from Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
9/10
Fab review! I’ve not heard of this book before but it sounds like just my kind of read so I’m going to make a note of this title (and the previous one you reviewed) and will try and get hold of copies soon.
Thank you, Hayley:). I do think that you would enjoy this book – very well written with a fine main protagonist…
I don’t think I’ve ever read any historical cozy mysteries before so this series has me intrigued, especially since it sounds so well written. Wonderful review!
I’m rather fond of this sub-genre – there are so many good writers who produce cracking stories:)
Historical and cozy seem like a good combo😁 Thanks for sharing, Sarah!
I really love this series – so well written with a very sympathetic protagonist:)
A historical cozy mystery does sound good, Sarah! Terrific review!
Thank you, Jennifer. This series is a cut above so many others because of the fabulous depiction of the period. So well done!
Those quiet English villages seem a veritable hotbed for murder and intrigue, at least judging from this book and a few TV series! 😀
Thanks for sharing!
Yes! Who would EVER move to Midsomer or the surrounding villages, Maddalena?
Indeed… 😉
This one actually sounds quite intriguing. I’ll remember the name for later 🙂
You do need to read the first book for this one to make sense – and I don’t regard this one for space opera beginners…
ah, ok, good to know! 🙂
Ah… no – I got my comments muddled up! That one was intended for the John Scalzi – this is a delightful read which I think you’d really enjoy:))
Great review and clearly a book you thoroughly enjoyed. I think I would probably enjoy this too.
Lynn 😀
Yes, I think so too, Lynn:)
This series has me intrigued. I am just starting to enjoy historical cozy mysteries. I like that the MC is smart. I had not heard of it, but it sounds like I would enjoy it. I will see if I can get any on KU, otherwise, I will have to buy them. Nice review Sarah.
Thank you, Carla:). I tend to read historical cosy mysteries when I want a break from SFF and I think this is an exceptional series. I hope you manage to track them down.
I found the first one at the library so will be able to read it for sure.
Oh good! Because it’s fearfully expensive on Kindle!
Yes, I looked there first, then the library when I saw the price.
It’s a crazy amount of money!
The cover looked familiar, and I remembered your previous review. Along with this one, it makes me regret that my reading backlog is so huge – and that’s in SFF genres alone, because this series sounds like a great, entertaining read.
Oh yes – this is one of those series that stands out in my memory, because the depiction of the time is so very well done and Fran as a protagonist is a delight. I’ve just read the next one, which is due to come out in September and once again, it’s a joy:)