A Death of Fresh Air by Helen Golden Series: A Right Royal Cozy Investigation #10
Published by Drew Bradley Press on September 30, 2024
Source: Rachel's Random Resources
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 338
Format: eBook
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In a charming seaside town, secrets don’t stay buried for long…
Body of Chef Found in Wall Three Years After He ‘Left to go to Australia’
Human remains found inside the wall of a disused building have now been identified as those of Victor Blackwell. He was the head chef at Windstanton’s The Seaside Lounge until just over three years ago, when, according his friends, he left for a job in Australia. Detective Inspector Albert Finch from Fenshire’s Cold Case Unit has asked for anyone who has information about the chef’s movements three years ago to come forward.
We have no choice! With only three weeks until the Grand Opening, the last thing Bea and Perry need is the grim discovery of a skeleton in the wall of Simon and Ryan’s soon-to-open restaurant, SaltAir. But when it’s designated a crime scene, and the policeman in charge of the investigation into Vic’s murder refuses to let them have access to continue the refurbishment, they have no other option than to investigate the murder themselves or risk letting Simon and Ryan down.
But in a town where everyone harbours secrets, can they uncover the truth in time or will SaltAir’s opening be a damp squib?
This time around, Lady Beatrice and her business partner, Perry Juke, are working on the refurbishment of Clary House, which a few years ago had been The Seaside Lounge. Simon and Ryan are planning to reopen it as a restaurant, Salt Air. Of course, it doesn’t go smoothly and a skeleton is found inside the wall. Turns out the chef from the Lounge hadn’t left for Australia, but had been killed and his body hidden. Bea and Perry get involved, of course.
I really enjoy this series and the cover of this one is adorable. Lady Beatrice is a delight, as always. I love that her friendship with Perry and Simon remains a priority for her, even as her relationship with Rich develops. The supporting cast in these books is just so great. It’s like catching up with old friends.
The mystery was put together well. There were clues, but also enough red herrings that I was surprised by the reveal.
While A Death of Fresh Air can definitely be read as a stand alone, although if you’ve read the series from the beginning, you’ll obviously have more off a feel for their character and their backgrounds.
About Helen Golden
Helen Golden writes British contemporary cozy whodunnits with a hint of humour. She lives in small village in Lincolnshire in the UK with her husband, her step-daughter, two cats, two dogs, sometimes her step-son, and a tortoise.
She used to work in senior management, but after her recent job came to a natural end she had the opportunity to follow her dreams and start writing.