Happy Publication Day to Helena Dixon! Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Murder at the Island Hotel, the 15th Miss Underhay Mystery. If you enjoy historical mysteries, or cozy mysteries, then this is the series for you. Scroll down for my thoughts and to learn more about the book and author.
Murder at the Island Hotel (Miss Underhay #15) by Helena Dixon
Published March 4th 2024 by Bookouture
About the Book: A gorgeous island off the English coast, a beautiful hotel perched on the cliffs, a group of glamourous friends… and a suspicious death? Kitty Underhay's invitation didn't mention murder!
Spring, 1936. As the boat draws into the harbour of Bird Island, Kitty is absolutely delighted to see the stunning hotel for the first time. She and her friend Alice have been asked to join the distinguished guests before the hotel officially opens its doors, but they have barely unpacked when the owner is found dead in his own study…
Sir Norman's death looks like suicide. But Kitty isn't convinced – she cannot find a note, and he is left-handed but was shot on the right side of his head. Kitty tries to reach the police, but a violent storm engulfs the island and the power goes out. Kitty and Alice need to move quickly before anyone else finds death on their dinner menu!
With several old friends amongst their suspects, Kitty decides the investigation should stay secret. But it's not until Kitty uncovers Sir Norman's financial difficulties that she's on the killer's trail. Can Kitty and Alice catch the culprit in time for tea, or will they become the next guests on the murderer's list?
Fans of T.E. Kinsey, Agatha Christie or Lee Strauss will adore this warm and witty whodunnit. An utter delight to read!
Buy Link(s): https://geni.us/B0CLKX2BXGsocial - Audible: UK - US
Listen here: https://ow.ly/CkfR50QHMvR
5 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Murder at the Island Hotel is the 15th Miss Underhay book, and Helena Dixon has penned another winner in this series. Bird Island is an isolated island off the coast of Torquay. A rich restauranteur, Sir Norman Whittier, has build an elegant hotel on the cliff and wants to become a member of the hoteliers group. Kitty's grandmother asks her to inspect the hotel and approve the application if she sees fit. She invites her friend Alice to accompany her. Along with the two of them, there is a small group of actors and theatre people spending the weekend. An opera singer, Marie Monbiere had written a play and it is her group that are traveling to the island. Marie is engaged to Sir Norman, and he is supporting her efforts. Marie is his partner in the hotel, having sunk all her savings into furnishing and decorating. As the first day comes to a close, there is a storm raging outside and no one can arrive or leave the island. Dinner is ready, and Sir Norman has not come out of his study where he was working. When the group enter the study, they find him slumped over his desk, dead with a bullet in his head. It isn't until the next day that Kitty finally gets through to the police on the mainland and Matt, Chief Inspector Greville, and Inspector Lewis, are able to get to the island with the doctor. Was it murder or suicide? Who amongst the group is responsible?
I really enjoy this historical mystery series. Kitty and Matt make a great team working as private investigators to solve crimes. I love how Chief Inspector Greville also works with them, you would think they were on his payroll. He is smart, but some of his mannerisms and a hoot. Kitty doesn't get to sit in on the interviews this time, but she and Alice work behind the scenes talking to the various suspects and the two employees. This is a locked room mystery, definitely a nod to Agatha Christie. As the story rolls out, there are plenty of suspects, all with their own motives. I thought I had it figured out, but was not right, especially when a second death occurs. This one has a twist that was perfect and the ending was wonderful. I am already looking forward to what is next for Miss Kitty Underhay and the rest of the wonderful cast of characters. A well written and developed mystery that I recommend.
About the Author: Helena Dixon splits her time between the Black Country and Devon. Married to the same man for over thirty-five years she has three daughters, a cactus called Spike, and a crazy cockapoo. She is allergic to adhesives, apples, tinsel and housework. She was winner of The Romance Prize in 2007 and Love Story of the Year 2010 as Nell Dixon. She now writes historical 1930's set cozy crime. Nell enjoys hearing from readers and you can read her news and contact her via her website at http://www.nelldixon.com visit her blog at http://www.nelldixonrw.blogspot.com.
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