A Pen Dipped in Poison: A witty and cozy mystery story, perfect for fans of Richard Osman

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I really had high hopes for this. I was expecting a cozy mystery but, in my opinion, that is not what I got. The language is realistic up to a point, mainly because you do not see that many profanities littered throughout the narrative, which I am pleased about. So, kudos to the author for that and for the various twists and misdirection’s scattered throughout the story. I could not put this book down! What a perfect book…! I loved the three main characters… I highly recommend.’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Malice and mayhem spur a school reunion of three modern Marples – and some of their Thirsk community learn a lesson they’ll never forget!’ Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, author of A Murder of Crows But as they work to uncover the truth, they begin to wonder just how far someone will go to silence this poison pen... I loved the first book in this series so naturally I was very excited about the second one, and boy it didn’t disappoint in any way. I liked that this lead on well from the first book in the series, A Spoonful of Murder, but has a very different feel with a focus on education instead of aging parents and responsibilities while retaining the lovely warm characters. I am unsure if this subject would have worked as well in the first book though and at times it felt a little too forced through, overriding the plot a little.What I found to my liking was the pace of the book. Never pedestrian or rushed, and neither was it overly elaborate. I more or less fathomed out the guilty party early on, but it did not play out precisely as I had imagined it would either, which I was more or less happy about. The winner will be selected at random by Tuesday 21st March 2023 at 5pm and this decision is final.

Malice and mayhem spur a school reunion of three modern Marples - and some of their Thirsk community learn a lesson they'll never forget!' Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, author of A Murder of Crows A Pen Dipped in Poison is an uncomplicated but highly entertaining dramatic mystery with likeable, and dare I say at a pinch, loveable protagonists. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have no qualms whatsoever in recommending it. After reading and listening to the brilliant A Spoonful of Murder by J.M. Hall, I just had to request A Pen Dipped In Poison. Thankfully the publishers, Avon Books UK, have allowed me to read the next in the series, so I thank them for that. If you are a fan of the Richard Osman books, this should be the ideal book for you. It has all the ingredients necessary for an excellent little cosy mystery. Suspense, drama and skulduggery are woven into a great storyline which features retired schoolteachers Liz, Pat and Thelma as they embark on another adventure.A cruel letter to the Headmistress is assumed to be a one-off, until a spate of others target random teachers. Who? Why? Those are the obvious questions but, as Pat reminds her friends, Liz and Thelma, the questions in the rhyme they all taught to their pupils also contains, How? Where? and When? Although less obvious, answering the last three will turn up the clues needed to solve the first three. “How” is easy, the letters are computer typed and printed on the school’s stationary; “Where” is also easy, they turn up in various locations within the school, “When” is more complicated, the first one was found during the setting up for the Summer Fayre, the last event of that academic year, all the rest turn up individually during the first term of the next academic year. The school, St Barnabus Primary, is now part of Lodestone Academy Trust, and is run by the new headmistress Kayleigh Brittain, designer clad, perfectly coiffed, powerfully efficient. Are the letters someone’s plan to disrupt the school and get her fired? The three retired friends start to investigate, despite the protestations of their husbands. Ron, Liz’s husband, recently recovered from cancer, is looking to retire having lost a contract linked to Lodestone; Derek, Pat’s husband, is a teacher at the “College for Vicars” which is possibly under threat of closure (by an organisation linked to Lodestone) ; Teddy, Thelma’s husband, is Head of that College. Could a scam of some kind be involved? Retired schoolteachers and amateur sleuths Liz, Pat and Thelma have a brand-new mystery to solve in this witty tale - perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, by Richard OsmanCurious white envelopes have been delivered to friends and neighbours. Retired schoolteachers Liz, Pat and Thelma never expected they would be caught up in a crime even once in their lives, let alone twice.

Masterful storytelling and delightfully retro-style detective ladies make A Pen Dipped in Poison an imaginative and eventful read. Think Miss Marple with attitude coupled with a strong sense of togetherness, probably just about sums up Liz, Pat and Thelma. Like Jane Marple, these characters though quirky and slightly twee can think outside the box and around corners. I guess that is what comes of them being retired school teachers. What makes A Pen Dipped in Poison so enjoyable? To begin with, the characters feel very real and relatable; their family relationships are explored in greater depth compared to the first book in the series, making them all the more likeable. The writing style is also much improved here; it is sharp and witty without being overly long-winded or dull. The plot is well-paced but keeps you guessing throughout – I did guess who the culprit was early on but not the reason why until the big reveal!I could not put this book down what a perfect book to read I loved the three main characters if you loved the author other book you going to love this as did I loved the description of all the characters & I had a version of hycient bouquet for the headteacher when I was reading this and loved them mention of Suffolk town near from where I am from originally A charming read with a cast of characters you'll really connect with' Faith Martin, author of A Fatal End

I loved this so much! Perfect cosy crime - I am a big fan of this author!' NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Three Miss Marples for the price of one!

The ingredients for the perfect modern cosy crime: intrigue, characters you care about and a good dollop of humour‘ Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants