Murder at the Magnolia Inn by Helena Marchmont Narrator: Nathaniel Parker
Series: Bunburry #11
Published by Lübbe Audio on August 27, 2021
Source: Purchased
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Length: 3 hrs 30 mins
Pages: 134
Format: Audiobook
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Miss Marple meets Oscar Wilde in this new series of cosy mysteries set in the picturesque Cotswolds village of Bunburry.
The picturesque village of Bunburry is about to be enhanced by the late Mrs Benson's mansion being transformed into a luxury hotel. But when the project is sabotaged, who is responsible? Careless workers, a disgruntled rival, a vengeful ex-husband, Mrs Benson's criminal nephew, or Mrs Benson's troubled ghost? After damage comes death, and it's up to amateur sleuth Alfie McAlister, his friends Liz and Marge, and police constable Emma Hollis to uncover the truth.
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 forward to #12.
About Helena Marchmont
Helena Marchmont is a pseudonym of Olga Wojtas, who was born and brought up in Edinburgh. She was encouraged to write by an inspirational English teacher, Iona M. Cameron. Olga won a Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award in 2015, has had more than 30 short stories published in magazines and anthologies and writes the Miss Blaine’s Prefect mysteries.