What reviewers are saying about my latest book in the series!

Bringing together the same cast of novice crime-solving sleuths, A Priest, a Rabbi, and a Baptist minister: The Murders at Thornhaven Manor(hereafter The Murders at Thornhaven Manor) by Janet Brown is the second book in this cosy mystery series set in Maryland, USA. Hitting all the notes of the underdog detective trope, the story opens with the murder of the owner of Thornhaven Manor, Alma Hargrove. After the case is all but dismissed by local state police, homicide detective Maureen McNeely enlists her uncle, Father Brendan O’Clery, alongside Rabbi Ezra Lieberman and Pastor Langdon Boothe to form a crime-solving team and get to the bottom of who murdered one of Porter Mills' most disliked personalities. When everyone has a motive, who can you trust?

There is a lot to like, if not love, with The Murders at Thornhaven Manor. Even though this is the second book in the series, it is easy to grasp the storyline and character personalities from the opening chapters; further exposition is not needed. I personally have not read any other titles in the series and was still able to pick up what was going on, the plot line is standalone in this regard.

The writing approach is so true to form with anything of its kind in the cosy mystery genre, and the characters instantly recognisable. Brendan, Ezra, and Langdon all have their unique traits and bring something different in their collective approach to solving this case in a book that gives all shades of Richard Osmond's The Thursday Murder Club and the popular British TV drama Midsomer Murders. Readers should expect a hefty dose of wisdom and chaos when picking up this title!

The pacing of the plot is also met at the right level, moving the story forward in a semi-relaxed way that does not feel super high stakes but equally does not downplay the need to solve the mystery of who killed Alma Hargrove. The inclusion of Maureen's character also helps support the actions of the three novice armchair detectives, giving them access to suspects in a way that would be harder to conceive had the three gone mooching around without invitation. Having the three central figures come from a religious background is a great directional choice from the author, adding to the cosy mystery vibe. Even though Father Brendan O’Clery lived a previous life as a Marine and intelligence officer, his charm as a man of the cloth works wonders with suspects while his mind remains as sharp as a pin.

The Murders at Thornhaven Manor is an excellent book in its genre and a great read. Even the cover design is faultless, a pastel green pairing nicely with the slightly quirky layout and font choice of the title text. It perfectly suits the theme of everything the book is aiming to achieve and the audience it is targeting. A five-star read, through and through.

~ Alice Bennett, Reedsy reviewer