REVIEW - SOMETHING IN THE WATERS - Ripples of Cosy!

Something in the Waters by Kim M Watt

Date read: 6th August 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Chaos Mystery 

Buy link: Amazon 

I needed a palate cleanser, having read far too many books with tense/dreary settings lately. So, when I realised this was still sitting on my TBR, it was a no-brainer. 

I LOVE the Beaufort Mystery books. They give cute dragons, determined WI, and utter chaos, but with cosiness and cake. 

And this one was super refreshing. No murder, but suspicious activity. And torrential rain which just won't stop. And what's up with all the geese and swans? 

Ahhh...that's better :) 

I hope there's many more of these books to come. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - TRIAL BY FURY - Mediums are tricksy

Trial by Fury by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 19th April 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: 1920s Ghost Cosy Mystery 

Buy link: Amazon 

A sleuth who has to solve the murders of the ghosts he sees may not be an obvious comfort read. But it's my comfort read. I seek out Lucas Rathbone books when I need a good read with great writing. 

Poor Lucas - will he ever get a ghost who actually tells him what he needs to know in order to help them? Lady Clementine Rosillo doesn't seem to be that one! And there are several people who wanted her dead; she knew how to rile folk up. 

Tommy is navigating his relationship, and throwing a spanner in the works. Lucas is starting a new job, and upsets his colleague. Does the gang need any more stress? Sure they do!  

This book kept me reading late into the night. 

As expected, this was just the book I was looking for. Ghost Whisperer meets Miss Marple. 

A murder to solve in 1920s London, with an unhelpful ghost and my favourite characters.

A scintillating sleuthy tale.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE FROST FAIR MURDERS - as juicy as a figgy pudding

The Frost Fair Murders by Ellis Blackwood

Date read: 27th December 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical (Restoration) Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

I am aware this book is far into series, so is not the best book to start with. However, it's Christmas and I'm a mood reader. I've probably given myself spoilers as I definitely want to go back and read more of this series!

The intriguing characters of this book completely inhabit their accurate world!

We have Samuel Pepys and his Inquisitors (one male, one female which is refreshing), slipping across the frozen Thames as they try to solve a murder. But then more bodies show up, and Pepys seems more and more involved. But who is truly behind these dastardly deeds? 

Welcome to the seedy underbelly of London in 1666. The Great Plague and the Fire have both happened, and it's a harsh, cold winter. 

There is one character in a side story who is very interesting, but I'm not sure what he has to do with this story? I feel like his thread was left a bit? But maybe it's me, and I just missed it. Or he was just a red herring? 

I loved all the realistic, historical details - given appropriately and really immersed me into 17th century London. 

Obviously, the real Samuel Pepys is fictionalised, but in a marvellous way which feels right. And the whole host of characters have depth. 

The plot is as juicy as a figgy pudding! 

A wonderfully devious, festive read. More of an icy than a cosy mystery.

Always in love and light,

TL

 

REVIEW - FESTIVELY FATAL - When you need something Christmassy yet murdery

Festively Fatal by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 22nd November 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Christmas Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

I've been saving this book on my TBR for this time of year. I love this series, and intersperse it in my reading, knowing I'll enjoy each book. It's definitely a series I wish more people knew about.

I love that the team who have been brought up in a 'make do and mend' environment got to see how the other half live. And realised that maybe they have the better end of the deal! :O 

Poor Lucas - he's grumpier than ever. He should be enjoying a lovely Christmas. But, of course, a ghost has to come along and ruin it. But at least Tommy gets some long-awaited festive family spoiling, bless him. Oh, the cuteness of a city boy experiencing the snowy countryside - something I've personally witnessed IRL! And Clara seems to thrive whenever there's a mystery to solve. 

The banter and enthusiasm always wrap these mysteries in a loving warmth. 

And this one really had me guessing! Who dunnit? 

Marvellous writing, great characters, festive plot - a brilliant read. Just right for anyone wanting a little Christmas with their murder mystery.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - WHAT HAPPENED IN LONDON - Unusual things!

What Happened in London by Kim M Watt

 Date read: 7th November 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Not-So-Cosy Romance

Buy link: Amazon 

Having read and loved all the Beaufort Scales books, I was intrigued by what had happened to DI Adams to get her there. She was definitely, deliberately not saying something! 

I was keen to eek out spooky season, so this was my opportune moment to delve in. The Beaufort Scales series is full of cake and wonderful chaos. This story, as the author warns, is darker, though. But then I trust Kim M Watt - she can make even the dark and dangerous sound beautiful with her beautiful phrasing. She has a delightful way of viewing the world in terms of sharp angles and diffuse light. 

So, the story:

Children are going missing in the Christmas Market! And there are strange people about - ones who are not quite all they seem. But then there are the forgotten - they're going missing too, not that anyone seemed to care before DS (not yet DI) Adams got involved.

Jack is a colourful character, and a wonderful addition to this cast. He's fascinating.

And it was comforting and lovely to see the 'dog' make a tentative introduction this early in Adams' career.

The bridge itself becomes a character in its own right, with its looming, dark girders, and the Thames swirling below with its hungry currents. 

I love how determined DS Adams is. She will sniff out a case and keep investigating until it's solved, even when the clues she discovers make 0 sense and give her migraines. 

NB This is not a book for those folk who don't like arachnid behaviour

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those readers seeking a thrilling mystery with an unusual nature. An intriguing book that peeks behind the flimsy veil of reality.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - DEATH MOST DEVIOUS - Fiendishly Good

Death Most Devious by Saffrom Amatti

Date read: 8th June 2025

My rating: 4*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon  

The gang are back! This time they're attending an exhibition where a sudden death occurs. And the culprit appears to be a snake!

I love how Tommy gets more interesting with each book. Whether he's the embodiment of Ra or just a regular fella falling for another fella, I adore him. 

The theme of Egyptology was a fab touch - I'm always intrigued by that.

Oh, and there's a mystery author in this one too. That clearly makes her suspicious ;) But everyone seems to have a motive - the victim is a really bad egg. Poor Lucas really doesn't enjoy communicating with this ghost. 

Fun and mysterious. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE ALEWIVES - Cheers m'dears!

The Alewives by Elizabeth R Andersen

Date read: 13th May 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical Women in Fiction

Buy link: Amazon  

 

What a fab book! I have to admit I thought the main focus was going to be on the murder mystery, but was pleasantly surprised to discover it's more about the camaraderie between three women.

The book is set in Colmar, Alsace in the year 1353.

I love these women. Grumpy Gritta with her menagerie of offspring is a grounding force not to be reckoned with. Appel who has dubious ways of making money is wise. And pretty Efi who strives to find herself after her loss. The three women are just wonderful together - perfectly imperfect. And so incredibly strong - they must face the ire of jealous men who would deem it unlawful for them to run a business. Well, they survived The Great Pestilence - they're made of stern stuff!

As someone who's written a tale of medieval monks, I was super excited to read Friar Wikerus - an intriguing figure indeed. 

This book is incredibly well researched. We get to explore the smelly tanneries district, meet the poor folk who dwell in that area AND investigate a murder (or two) and thievery. The brewing techniques are detailed in all their glory. And I felt like I was there, strolling around, poking my nose into the folk's houses. The tone was kept light with wry humour. Amazing! 

If you like historical fiction and cosy mysteries, this book is right up your...Trench Lane!

Trouble is brewing!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - GRAVE SECRETS - Truth Unearthed

Grave Secrets by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 6th January 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Mystery Aided By Ghosts 

Buy link: Amazon 

This is book 3 in the Lucas Rathbone Mysteries (book 1 review can be found here)

The series gives Poirot meets Ghost Whisperer vibes. You have glorious 1920s London and a quaint village. With a whole lot happening. 

I was really pleased to discover more about Tommy in this book. He's definitely a character with layers. A little bit ooh, a little bit whey! Only, in this book he's landed himself slap bang in the middle of trouble. Again. And so, his loyal friend, Clara has to dive in to try to help, along with her grumpy puppy fiancé, Lucas Rathbone.

Lucas has ghosts who can talk to him. Fair ole talk his ear off, to be fair. Gives a chap a nasty headache. 

There's definitely more to Tommy's tragic past than previously realised. 

And I must say I'm warming to the guy. 

A well-written, thrilling, dangerous and intriguing tale!

One I heartily recommend. 

A great way to start my 2025 reading.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE PROBLEM WITH DEAD PEOPLE - Cosy cosy

The Problem With Dead People by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 16th October 2024

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Cosy Mystery Aided By Ghosts 

Buy link: Amazon 

This book had been on my radar far too long. The problem with this reader is their TBR is extensive!

However, I'm delighted I finally got around to reading it. 

I was seeking something different to read. And this was just the ticket. 

Set in 1920s England, about 10 years after the war, one gets immersed in that vivid world, still recovering from all that pain.

This book doesn't just contain one murder but several, owing to that it started life as 5 novellas. But I love how they're all in one book. You see, there is a trail of breadcrumbs being laid. 

Lucas Rathbone is a reporter for the local rag. Clara, his childhood friend and sweetheart, has moved to London, but comes running any time he needs her assistance. And they're just adorable together. He's all quiet and bumbly, and she's all 'grasp the nettle'. A raincloud/sunbeam relationship.

I thoroughly enjoyed following them around England, through the sleepy rural village to the seaside and even a jaunt into the city. Even if there were ghosts demanding assistance at every turn. And a nefarious group threatening them. 

The settings were all beautifully created, the people wonderfully portrayed and the plot was riveting. 

I will definitely be reading more in this series. 

A glorious cosy set of mysteries with a post-war backdrop. 

Think Miss Marple meets Ghost Whisperer, and you'll be in the right ballpark.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - BONFIRE OF CALAMATIES - Penny for them!

Bonfire of Calamaties by Kim M Watt

Date read: 9th July 2024

My rating: 5* 

Genre I reckon: Dragony WI Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

Penny for the guy! But, oh dear, he goes missing only to be replaced by a dead body - only in Toot Hansell!

Deadly dealings are afoot, and more trouble is brewing. And there are all manner of animals on the loose! 

This is possibly the most dangerous mystery for the WI yet. And it was marvellous. Thrilling action! I must say Thompson definitely earned some delicacies on this one.

And now I must wait for the next book (*twiddles thumbs*).

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - BEAST LAID PLANS - Beastly!

Beast Laid Plans by Kim M Watt

Date read: 29th June 2024

My rating: 5* 

Genre I reckon: Dragony WI Cosy Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

I'm still ambling my way through the Beaufort Scales series. And this one may be the best yet. A fine mix of the endearing chaos and loathsome danger. When the WI goes bad! 

A village further along the Yorkshire Dales is host to the madness only monster hunters can bring. But the Toot Hansell hipster dragon has gone missing, and all eyes turn to that village. Is Gilbert OK?

The usual host of marvellous characters aren't likely to sit still when one of their own goes missing and needs them. Ladies of a certain age unite! And rope in our favourite police and distant relatives.

The language used is so eloquent - descriptions lull you into the folds of the Dales with poetic beauty. Juxtaposed with riveting peril. These books are simply charming yet enthralling. 

And I keep diving in for some comfort reading I know I'll enjoy. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - GAME OF SCONES - murderous shenanigans

 

Game of Scones by Kim M Watt

Date read: 20th May 2024

My rating: 5* 

Genre I reckon: WI Cosy Mystery 

Buy link: Amazon 

Oh, my! The WI are delving into the world of politics! :O 

Usually when I say 'support our farmers' I'd mean buying their produce at reasonable rates, wonky or not. However, in this case, it's more stop them being chased off entirely!

I'm happy to report that the mayhem is a little less raucous than the last instalment. However, it is a lot more dangerous as members of the local council are getting bumped off. Is this a challenge too far even for our intrepid Alice? 

I love all these characters. They're who I turn to when I need a cosy mystery which makes me chuckle. Each WI lady is unique, as are the dragons, but they all have a cake obsession. But with all their running around, they need it. DI Adams is maybe slightly less cynical - could the countryside be growing on her? 

The hilariously inept protestors make a welcome return in this one too. 

Oh, and can I just say how much I love these covers? There are little hints when you look at them. Delightful!

Gentle, funny, dangerous mayhem! 

Always in love and light,

TL