It's 1939, war is inevitable. Not least in Europe but also in the sleepy coastal town of Sackwater as the are bestowed with not only their first female police woman but an inspector to boot. Betty Church is a local girl but certainly no one expected her return like this, especially missing an arm. Betty soon realised her hometown has become a dumping ground for members of the force no one knows quite what to do with. Her fellow inspector resents her been there, her superior is fairly oblivious as he's thinks he's still in the first world war and as for the constables...well one calls herself Dodo and says things like 'ouchy wouchy'. Luckily crime isn't a major problem in Sackwater, so at least Betty is initially assured that they can't do much harm. But then a series of murders begins rumours of a vampire haunting the Suffolk coastline. It's Betty's job to get to the truth and prove there is no supernatural culprit, just a very dangerous killer.

There is a strong sense of the ridiculous in the pages of this novel, frankly murder probably should not be this funny! But it is and in Betty we have a droll and highly likeable character. In fact pretty much everyone is likeable in the Sackwater police force. As well as Betty, Dodo is so very funny too, but more in a laugh at her than with her way, but in her dopey words a thread of wisdom can often be found. I must admit to not reading Kasasians previous novels despite them been on my to read list for years, but I'm really glad to have finally got round to it as this is well worth reading.

MRC Kasasian was a welcome find for me a couple of years ago, at a time when I needed great storytelling, humour and mystery all in one. I devoured all of his Mangle Street novels as soon as they came out and was excited to hear of his new series based on Betty Church, another no-nonsense heroine, in the vein of March Middleton: intelligent, brave, feisty and flawed. In this first book in the series, Betty has just returned to her childhood town and is thrown into detecting immediately with a case that seems to come straight from the pen of Bram Stoker or Hammer Horrors. There is an alleged vampire doing the rounds and she’s got to discover his or her identity before a national garlic crisis is called (not really). Betty sets to work professionally on the case but is often frustrated or thwarted by her staff who have a more bumbling approach to detective work.

MRC Kasasian retains his dry humour in his latest series, with many ‘LOL’ moments. He is a master of witty conversations and yet he can still master that difficult art of combining suspense with laughter. He also had a gift for writing relatable heroines whose courage, quick thinking and bravery inspire our respect. I have heard that this will be the first in a new series and, as always, I am excited to read the next.

The story starts with Betty Church been made an Inspector and assigned back to her childhood home in Sackwater, Suffolk.
This story is set in the 1930’s a time when not many women held rack in the police. The style of the story takes a bit of getting used too due to a lot of descriptive settings and eccentric support characters. I was into the second half of this mystery before the pace hotted up, plenty of murders, thought to be a vampire by the locals.
I think you will enjoy future books in this series having gotten used to the characters eccentricities.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have loved all the Gower Street Detective books by this author which have now sadly come to an end so I was eagerly awaiting the publication of this book, and hoping it would be every bit as good. In fact I think it is even better! Set in 1939 just as war is breaking out, it features Inspector Betty Church, god-daughter to the most wonderful March Middleton who makes the off appearance herself. Betty is one of very few female police officers, especially high ranking, who finds herself back in her home town of Sackwater after losing part of her arm in the course of her duty. The story introduces a wealth of new characters, including friends, family and an astounding array of bumbling misfit colleagues as she tries to solve a string of murders which locals believe to be the work of the Suffolk Vampire. I loved this book - it is cleverly written with so much humour in it whilst still carrying on its dark theme. I really do hope this turns into another series as I am already wanting more from Betty and friends.

4☆ A Fun Crime Mystery

Betty Church and the Suffolk Vampire is the first book in what I have a feeling is going to be a great series!

I am a big fan of vampire books and reading Betty Church and the Suffolk Vampire was a refreshing change. Normally it's manipulation, sex, lust, power, murder with vamp books.
But this book had a unique feel. It's more of a crime caper/ mystery with some comedy moments & mishaps.

First of all Betty Church isn't your average police women. She has an amputee from part of her arm. Which makes her incredibly brave, strong, fearless and determined.
She has been moved to become an inspector at Sackwater, her hometown.

Betty is set to investigate a series of murders, all with one thing in common..... puncture wounds.... fang marks.
So exciting... A Vampire on the Lose.
But can Betty and her quirky team catch The Suffolk Vampire before it's too late?

The characters are quirky, a tad eccentric, but Betty is the gel that holds them together. I really liked her character.

The length is a little on the long side which can come across as a lil off putting but there is enough going on to keep the reader entertained. Although personally I would of preferred it a lil shorter.

This is definitely a series I'm looking forward to discovering what is next in-store for Betty Church and her eccentric team.

Thank you to Head of Zeus for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

A compulsive read. Engaging plot and a bonkers cast with a very likeable and equally bonkers protagonist in Betty, this is a hugely enjoyable read. Written beautifully too. Highly recommended.

For those who like myself loved the Gower Street series this book doesn’t disappoint . There are lots Zany but believable characters and the story zips along with a roller coaster of twists and bends. There are a number of under stories which I am sure will be developed as the series goes on. March Middleton had the mystery of her lost love and Betty Church her lost arm! A disabled heroine at last!
Many thanks to M.R.C. Kasasian for yet another great read. Also to the publisher Head of Zeus and NetGalley for the pre publication copy. I find many of the books I enjoy are published by Head of Zeus so if you like this book check out their website for more great Authors!

I didn't get on well with this book, I'm afraid. It's the first Kasasian I have read and may well be the last.

Set in 1939, Sgt. Betty Church has lost half her left arm and is promoted to inspector and sent to her home town in Suffolk to get her out of the way. Suffolk has never admitted female police officers so…well, you can probably guess the welcome she receives. There is a lot of local "colour" and lots of improbable murders happen, but I never had the sense of any sort of developing, involving story.

Part of the problem is that although Betty is a fairly engaging narrator and her feminism and toughness are fine qualities, the other characters are a parade of annoyingly pantomimic stereotypes: the unspeakably sexist, vulgar, incompetent, drunken, halitosis-ridden fellow-inspector, for example, or Dido, who combines all the worst aspects of Madeleine Bassett and Violet Elizabeth Bott, but without the brilliant comedic touch of either. She became unreadably annoying very quickly – which is a real problem in an almost incessant presence. This, coupled with the sense of just wading through descriptions with little narrative drive, meant that The Suffolk Vampire became a chore for me. I stuck it out for about half the book, but couldn't face 400-odd pages of this stuff and skimmed most of the rest.

Plainly, Kasasian's books have been popular, but this really wasn't for me. It's decently written, but I found it tedious and unfunny and can't recommend it.

Cosy Mystery is a favourite genre, and this story fits neatly into it. By definition, these stories are quirky full of eccentric characters, a smart detective, often disguised as a bumbling fool and numerous gruesome, but not graphically described murders, or similarly heinous crimes.

To enjoy a cosy mystery the reader needs to connect with the detective and enjoy the cast of characters and setting. I instantly connected with 'Betty Church', and empathised with her, the discrimination she suffers is disturbing but historically correct. I enjoyed how she always came out on top despite working almost entirely with misogynous males. The cast of characters are undoubtedly eccentric, but they are too much. Their strangeness is returned to again and again until it becomes wearing and detracts from the sharpness of the detective's character and the story's pacing.

The plot is over the top but well-written and full of action and vivid description, unfortunately, it is hampered by the quirks of the supporting characters that make the story drag in parts.

So on balance, this one isn't for me. With a different set of supporting characters, I would give this series another chance.

I received a copy of this book via Head of Zeus via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I have always loved the writing of Mr Kasasian, that is why I jumped at the chance to read this one.
I have to admit that i was terribly sorry to see the end of Mr Grice and his adventures, but was excited to see that we had a new charecter to follow and hopefully enjoy.
We meet Betty Church who works as a Policewoman, bearing in mind that this is 1939, she is looked down upon by some fellow male officers, especially after an accident where she looses a part of her arm and has to transfer to a small town in suffolk.
It was a nice surprise to see March Middleton again, as i was just saying that I did miss the Mangle Street Murder charecters and low and behold we find out that Mrch is Betty's Godmother, who has made a name for herself sluething.
I feel like i am going to let this book down ,by my terrible review, as I cannot really seem to write something that makes it justice ( this is about my fifth attempt) as much to say that the writing style is the same as the previous series, sharp, witty and very charecter driven. That being said, there is an amazing plot line too, with a bit of murdering going on makes it all wrap up nicely!
Thank you so much Netgalley and Heads of Zeus for letting me read this, i have pre ordered this and am going to listen to it on audio too!
P.S
Sorry for shit review, but i bloody loved it!

This joyful novel is set in 1939. Our heroine is Betty Church, who was forced to leave the Metropolitan Police when she becomes a part amputee; losing part of her arm. She turns for help to her Godmother, March Middleton, who will be familiar to readers of the Gower Street Detective series. March Middleton is elderly now, but still influential enough to keep Betty in the job that she loves, although she is shuttled off to Sackwater, her childhood home in Suffolk. A promotion to Inspector helps soften what is, in reality, a step down in the career she loves.

Still, it has to be said that Betty is always positive and she intends to make the best of things. War is on the horizon and Sackwater is near the coast and preparing for possible invasion. Still, the crime rate is not high – well, at least, not until Betty arrives. Before long, there are a string of murders and all of the victims have puncture wounds to the throat – suggesting that a vampire is on the loose.

What makes this gentle, funny mystery so enjoyable are the characters. Betty is brave and resourceful and the inhabitants of Sackwater are delightfully eccentric. There is the sergeant that Betty first confused for a corpse, the hypochondriac Constable Rivers, Dr Edward ‘Tubby’ Gretham and the wonderful, delightfully named, Police Constable Dodo Chivers, whose conversation goes something like, “Bicycles are a teensy-weensy bit too wibbly-wobberly for little old me,” and who quickly replaces Betty in her parents affections.

I hope that this becomes a series as I look forward to reading more about Betty Church and the inhabitants of Sackwater. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.

Having read some of the Gower Street detective series also by M. R. C. Kasasian. I was intrigued to find out about this new series.
Set in 1939, Betty Church returns to her hometown of Sackwater to become the new Inspector at the local police constabulary. They’re not keen on her arrival as firstly, the police force is a man’s world and the men are a bit prejudiced as she is female and they think she should be at home. But, also after an accident she has lost one of her arms.
She leads an investigation of several grisly murders, were the victims die after two puncture wounds in their necks. When the local gossipers and the local paper and gets wind of the murders, they nickname the killer ‘the Suffolk vampire’.
I loved this book and if you love Agatha Christie type novels this book is for you. I loved the different characters in the police team and some were very silly and there is a lot a lot of humour in this story too. But I liked the story that way, as this made the story more original. This is a great book with many twists and turns and dead ends. This author has written this really well as it is quite a long book but for me it didn’t feel that way as how the book is written.

Thank you Head of Zeus and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

I never read anything by M R C Kasasian and this came as a great surprise.
I started the book and - BANG - I couldn't put it down.
I loved the humour and the funny events mixed with more serious parts like the start of the WWII and the position of the woman.
The main character is great, a bad ass heroine with a lot of humour. The entire cast of characters is likeable and well written.. The mystery was good and fun to read.
I loved the style that mixes different tones and gives each character his/her own type of language.
I look forward to reading other instalment in this series because this one was great.
Many thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for this ARC

Betty Church and the Suffolk Vampire is the first in a new series by M R C Kasasian and is a crime novel based in 1939.

Having not read any of the author's previous books I did not know what to expect however, whilst at times, the premis of the story was good and some of the humour hit the mark I found that most of the minor characters were one dimensional and irritating and that the plot was dragged out rather than moving along at a decent pace.

Maybe if you have read and enjoyed the previous books you might find this one good however it wasn't for me

Atmospheric 1930's mystery with weird minor characters and humour thrown in. A strong female protagonist with a refreshing no-nonsense attitude to her police work. I haven't read the Gower Street series but I believe this is a spin-off with references to its main characters. Might give that a go after this.

I loved Betty and the humour in the book, it was great and totally original.I thought the small town feel and eccentric characters were all very well portrayed as well ,and quite believable.Betty was a truly fabulous character.This wasn't a little book but it did keep my interest and I thought it was a great read. Thanks to the Publishers and netgalley for an ARC.

I was so excited to read this book as mrc kasasian is one of my most beloved authors and his sydney grice series is one of the best ive ever read. This perhaps was part of its downfall.

This books introduces betty church, a one armed wartime dectective, who returns to police her home town. Deaths ensue and betty, along with her newly minted sidekick dodo, are tasked to stop the killings and arrest the perpetrator. .

Sadly i feel that it lacked something in almost every department. The disability of betty was over promoted, the periphiral characters utterly one dimensional and the plot was over long and bordering on tedious. I felt no affinity with betty and honestly couldnt have cared less if shed caught the killer or not.

I am very disheartened by this novel. Perhaps my expectations were too high but i expected a much more intelligent and thrilling story than what is delivered. I shan't be reading the second in the series.

I enjoyed Betty Church and The Suffolk Vampire so much I only wish I could write a review to do it justice. MRC Kasasian is a very clever writer with a distinctive and individual voice. He can tell a good story. His characters are completely original and at the same time believable. His brilliant plotting has events and ‘clues’ feeding back in, and,
after some masterly misdirection, the story arrives at a logical, convincing and satisfying conclusion as a truly good mystery story does.
It satisfies as historical fiction too as the characters speak and behave as they might have in the 1939. I was delighted that the language, values and beliefs feel true to its time and place rather than 21st century. (I am old enough and have watched enough black and white movies to know what it was like long ago!) And then there are cultural references that add to the richness of the book that I won’t mention in detail so as not to spoil the delicious moments of reading them.
To cap it all Mr Kasasian does humour so well – gentle humour and laugh aloud moments which he then sometimes undercuts in the subtlest way with great poignancy as we remember the backdrop of the previous war and the war about to start. A truly gifted writer.
I was sad when The Gower Street Detective Series came to an end so I was pleased to find March Middleton popping up as Betty’s godmother, and references to Sidney Grice too – gone but not forgotten. I was relieved and delighted that Betty Church and the Suffolk Vampire is every bit as good as I hoped it would be. I would find it very embarrassing to receive a proof copy and then not be able to write a good review! If you haven’t read The Gower Street Detective Series you are in for a treat. I am only sorry that there isn’t the next Betty Church mystery ready and waiting for me now. More please Mr Kasasaian and Head of Zeus!

Having read the Sidney Grice/March Middleton detective series, I kind of knew what to expect from this book - quirky characters, unusual plots and a dash of humour to accompany the business of murder. I hadn't realised that this book is connected to the original series - Inspector Betty Church is the goddaughter of March Middleton, who turns up in this book in a supporting role.

The story follows Inspector Betty Church, who has lost her arm in an incident not really explained, as she sidelined by the police and sent to work in Sackwater, a small and very odd Suffolk town. There, she encounters a range of weird and wonderful characters, a lot of whom are fellow police officers: cutesy Dodo, cowardly twins Sandy and Algy, Briggsy of the dubious facial hair... A series of murders hit the small town and rumours of a vampire start to circulate because of the strange marks left on victims' necks. It's down to Betty and her band of incompetents and eccentrics to solve the crime before more of Sackwater's inhabitents are killed.

I really enjoyed this, although I did feel at times that the narrative meandered a bit. The lack of pace is made up for with quirky characterisation and witty wordplay, but just sometimes it felt a bit slow. However, I loved the wartime setting, the characters and the plot (suitably twisty with plenty of red herrings). I really hope this is intended as the first in a series because I'd definitely like to read more about Betty and the bunch at Sackwater Central Police Station.

My inner feminist (maybe not so inner) was screaming for joy at how Betty tackles the gender prejudices of the time in this book. I loved the plot as its well-conceived and imaginative there are some comedic gems in amongst it all.

Betty Church, is very much a woman in a man's world in the early 1900’s and she’s a female police officer. She is more than capable to look after herself, despite those who surround her. The author manages to add humour to the gender and social norms of the time. Betty Church is a wonderful creation and I'd like to read more about her.

Betty is reluctant to leave the police after losing part of her arm, leaving her with the only option which is to transfer from the Met to The Suffolk town of Sackwater where she grew up and thought she had left behind for good. After a visit to her Godmother (the famous investigator March Middleton), she is promoted to Inspector.

Everything is different for Betty in Sackwater, she’s the first woman police officer in the area, the times passes slower as the crimes are slightly lighter shade (reminds me a little of Hot Fuzz). Once Betty gets a case at the train station to investigate a missing bench. When Betty gets to the station there is no bench, instead there is a body (It’s in the synopsis not a spoiler). A smartly dressed man, stone-cold dead, with two distinctive puncture wounds in his throat. Sending the locals into a gossip frenzy about the Suffolk Vampire.