Helena Marchmont Archives – Carol's Notebook

Foul Play by Helena Marchmont

February 23, 2023February 21, 2023 by CarolNo Comments

Foul Play is a fun addition to the Bunburry series. The story revolves around a lost play by none other than Oscar Wilde, and of course an ensuing murder. Marge is the executrix of her friend's estate so several of our friends, including Alfie, head off to the mansion. We get a good introduction to all the characters before the murder occurs so we have several suspects. The secret hidden in the library is definitely worth killing for. The plot was intriguing and the characters are well drawn. I especially loved the Oscar Wilde fans who descend on the town. I do wish Alfie's love life would get straightened out or let go by the wayside. These stories are short enough, I don't need the mystery given less attention so that we can see more of how bad Alfie is at communicating with women he's attracted to. ...

When Night Falls by Helena Marchmont

February 22, 2023February 21, 2023 by CarolNo Comments

When burglaries start happening in Bunburry, everyone is concerned their house will be the next target. When Alfie's two favorite people become victims, Alfie and Emma, who's supposed to be on leave, have to get involved. In the meantime, a new arrival from London has formed a vigilante group that is threatening the local youth with baseball bats. The mystery was good. Alfie jumps to conclusions a bit too quickly but is able to change his mind as they find new evidence. There are a couple of legitimate suspects and I liked how the clues worked together. Alfie and Emma make a good team, but they need to communicate better when it comes to their personal relationship. I enjoyed this installment. It's a fun, light series. I enjoy spending time with the quirky residents of Bunburry. I do wish I could have some of the fudge, though. ...

Lost and Found by Helena Marchmont

July 18, 2022July 18, 2022 by CarolNo Comments

Like all the Bunburry books, Lost and Found is light and cozy. This time around, Alfie meets his half-sister and his niece. Both are warm, charming women, but the niece has a problem Alfie is determined to help her solve. I should have figured out the answer to the main mystery, it's a short novella and there are only so many characters. I can't say I loved the mystery itself, but I read these more to spend time with the characters than for the plot. Alfie and his friends (and now family) are a delightful, colorful bunch. ...

Poison Ivy by Helena Marchmont

April 9, 2022April 7, 2022 by CarolNo Comments

Poison Ivy is the 12th in the Bunburry mysteries and I don't think it would be as good as a standalone - half of the fun is knowing the characters and how their relationships work. I was quite happy that Oscar is in town for most of this one, along with the rest of the usual cast. Emma and Alfie are planning a surprise party for Marg and Liz. At the hotel, Alfie meets a beautiful interesting woman. It turns out she's an old acquaintance of Oscar's and he's sure she's a murderer. This was another good entry in the series. The mystery had a twist or two. The characters are their delightful selves and I like how some of the newer ones have settled into recurring roles. It was a nice way to spend a few hours. ...

Murder at the Magnolia Inn by Helena Marchmont

October 14, 2021November 12, 2021 by CarolNo Comments

I really enjoy the Bunburry stories. The characters are fun and quirky and the setting is a typical, lovely small town, with an incompetent police sergeant. This time around Alfie, Liz, Marge, and Emma agree to help the two women who are developing the old manor house into a hotel. At first, they're dealing with vandalism, then a man is killed. The characters are what bring me back to this series. Alfie is funny and in this one his women troubles are mostly set aside. Marge and Liz are smart older women and I wish I had their fudge recipe. Emma is caring and I don't know how/why she puts up with the sergeant. Oscar has an interesting part too. I'm hoping we start seeing him around Bunburry more. The mystery was a bit rushed, but the solution made sense and I liked that it took all of our investigators to find the various bits that came together in the end. I'm looking...

Sinners and Saints by Helena Marchmont

August 19, 2021August 18, 2021 by Carol2 Comments

Sinners and Saints was a fun addition to the series. And do read them in order. They are short and you get to know the colorful cast better that way. Here we get to know a bit more about the vicar, Philip, who has been a good friend to Alfie, but has a pretty big secret. This time around the crime is a theft and vandalism, and while Philip is a suspect, Alfie and the crew can't quite believe it. I don't understand why Harold Wilson is still a police sergeant, he's worse than incompetent. Yes, cozies often need bumbling police, but Wilson is a little over the edge. Thankfully, this series relies more on characters than plot. I was disappointed that the culprit didn't show up at all until the very end. He walks into the scene, admits he did it, and Emma takes care of the situation. Sorry for the spoiler, but you knew the vicar didn't do it....