Mystery at Lockley Grange by Clare Chase

Published by Bookouture,
30 October 2024.
ISBN: 978-1-83525727-2 (PB)

Prolific mystery writer Clare Chase has a considerable well-deserved following. Mystery at Lockley Grange is the 13^th novel in her Eve Mallow series.

Eve is under pressure trying to hold down two jobs as an obituary writer and working with friend Viv in the tea shop while attempting to organise the arrangements for her own wedding in a couple of weeks’ time. However, she is happy to be asked to cater for the big party hosted by diplomat Lance Hale at Lockley Grange to celebrate his latest award. Many years before, Eve used to act as babysitter to the three Hale children.

Lance is found dead in his swimming pool the morning after the party. He is the third member of his family to suffer a tragic death. His first wife died when she was deliberately run down by a car and his eldest daughter fell from a cliff top only a few months ago.

Despite all the difficulties of finalising the wedding details – not least dealing with her brother who constantly pesters her with questions about the accommodation she has arranged for him – Eve finds it impossible not to investigate Lance’s murder. She quickly obtains a commission to write the Lance’s obituary which provides her with a good excuse to question all his remaining family and close associates.

Lockley Grange proves to be a hotbed of jealousy, sibling rivalry, lies and deceit. All too soon she discovers that his two surviving children, his second wife, his personal assistant and even the family doctor have plausible motives for his murder.

Clare Chase keeps the reader trying to unpick the tangled web. The twists and turns of the plot build up until it reaches a satisfying conclusion.

A thoroughly enjoyable read – perfect for those who enjoy a fast-paced, cosy mystery that will keep you turning the page and guessing till the very end.
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Reviewer: Judith Cranswick

Clare Chase writes classic mysteries. Her aim is to take readers away from it all via some armchair sleuthing in atmospheric locations. Like her heroines, Clare is fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in settings as diverse as Littlehey Prison and the University of Cambridge, in her home city. She’s lived everywhere from the house of a lord to a slug-infested flat and finds the mid-terrace she currently occupies a good happy medium. As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s books.

www.clarechase.com 

Judith Cranswick was born and brought up in Norwich. Apart from writing, Judith’s great passions are travel and history. Both have influenced her two series of mystery novels. Tour Manager, Fiona Mason takes coach parties throughout Europe, and historian Aunt Jessica is the guest lecturer accompanying tour groups visiting more exotic destinations aided by her nephew Harry. Her published novels also include several award-winning standalone psychological thrillers. She wrote her first novel (now languishing in the back of a drawer somewhere) when her two children were toddlers, but there was little time for writing when she returned to her teaching career. Now retired, she is able to indulge her love of writing and has begun a life of crime! ‘Writers are told to write what they know about, but I can assure you, I've never committed a murder. I'm an ex-convent school headmistress for goodness’ sake!’ Judith’s latest book is Journey to Casablanca 

http://judithcranswick.co.uk/