Having read a fair few of Faith Martin's DI Hillary Green series, I was uncertain as to what to expect from this series. Here we have the tall cook, Jenny Starling, single, independent, shrewd and intelligent, and passionate about real cooking. She is a travelling caterer, and she is engaged for the birthday party of wealthy twins at a country house. As she arrives, she finds a young man has drowned, but is it foul play? However, matters come to a head when a guest dies later on. With her reputation on the line, Jenny doggedly investigates, determined to find the murderer, despite being faced by a whole host of suspects. This is a lovely murder mystery, with a protagonist that you just cannot help but be charmed by. There are echoes of the golden age of classic crime with the likes of Agatha Christie. I found this is an entertaining read, endearing and engaging read that I am sure lovers of crime fiction will enjoy.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for a review copy of The Birthday Mystery, the first novel to feature professional cook and amateur sleuth, Jenny Starling.

When Jenny arrives as Beech House to cater for twins Justin and Alicia’s twenty first birthday party she is met by the police as a young man has drowned in their pond. Shrugging off the shock Jenny gets on with her job but is even more shocked when one of the guests at the party is poisoned.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Birthday Mystery which is a cosy read with plenty of suspects and motives. The novel is deceptively simple with Jenny’s pleasant character and a very readable style lulling the reader into a false sense of knowledge. The clues are all there but I defy most readers to reach the solution before Jenny as it is convoluted and rather old fashioned, so it simply didn’t occur to me. That and the lack of forensics give the novel the feel of a bygone era. Nevertheless it held my attention from start to finish as I tried to work out not only the perpetrator but how it was accomplished (so simple when it’s explained!).

I immediately warmed to Jenny Starling who isn’t all that different in physique and nature to Ms Martin’s best known character DI Hillary Greene, both being tall and curvaceous with the unerring ability to cut through extranities to the heart of the case. They have different professions but otherwise they’re not so different.

The Birthday Mystery is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

From the first sentence of Faith Martin’s new novel, The Birthday Mystery, you are immersed in the world of Jenny Starling, supersized chef extraordinaire who is completely comfortable with herself. That comfort level translates to a woman who exudes confidence and sex appeal without even trying, an unusual feat for a woman who is 6’1” tall with curves in places other women don’t even have places.

Of course, Jenny’s size has nothing to do with her ability to solve a murder, that is left up to her exceptional mind and her ability to interpret situations, clues, etc. and reach the correct conclusion. This ability is recognized early on by the detective in charge of the case and his sergeant, although they are reluctant to actively involve Jenny in solving the murder. As the story moves forward, however, they begin to recognize the value of Jenny’s intelligence and abilities which leads to Jenny being able to share information and ideas with them without any sense of resentment or attempts to thwart her ability in order to preserve all the glory for themselves.

For her part, Jenny is not intent on becoming the next amateur sleuth to be covered in accolades. In truth, she would much prefer to spend her time in the kitchen, baking the perfect cake and cooking up other delightful dishes using plenty of butter and fresh ingredients. That is somewhat more difficult as, being contracted to prepare the meal for a very fancy birthday party, she is resented by the regular household staff and finds herself functioning almost completely without help. No matter, nothing seems to bother this unflappable woman who cheerfully accepts apologies and seems to be exactly the person she presents to the outside world.

In this, the first book of a new series, Jenny is hired to cook for the twenty-first birthday party of Alicia and Justin, twins to a wealthy family. Alicia has planned every portion of the party, down to when the champagne for the birthday toast will be uncorked. Not surprisingly, it is a mystery after all, the party is marred by the death of Justin during the toast. This gives rise to Jenny’s suspicion that the first death that occurs, that of Jimmy Speight, was actually murder and not an accident as it was designed to appear.

There are suspects galore, clues a plenty and red herrings to be found throughout the book. The difficulty for the reader will be determining in which category to place each of the facts in order to reach the correct solution. This was a thoroughly satisfying read and while I solved the mystery correctly, I often found myself with the same questions Jenny had, at the same time and only reached the answers at the same time as Jenny. The answers required both an understanding of the clues and the personalities involved and it was the need to understand personality that created the biggest stumbling block for the police.

This is a book I highly recommend, and I look forward to reading the next one in the series. My only regret is the story which Jenny references as having happened prior to the invents in this book only exists in the author’s mind and isn’t a book I can obtain and read. I am reluctant to give specifics of the story as I think the book is best enjoyed by slowly getting to know Jenny and the other characters in the setting in which they find themselves. I look forward to additional books in this series. My thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing me an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Jenny Starling, freelance cook, has been engaged to cater for the joint 21st birthday party of Alicia and Justin Greers. On her arrival at their home she finds that the police are on the grounds at an accidental death. But on the night of the party the police are back when at least one of the guests dies in suspicious circumstances. Inspector Mollineaux believes he recognises Jenny from somewhere, but finds she becomes invaluable to unmasking the killer.
An enjoyable mystery, a good solid start to a new series. I look forward to reading more in the series.

Please note this book was first published as “BIRTHDAYS CAN BE MURDER” under Faith Martin’s pen name JOYCE CATO.

This is the first of a series featuring Jenny Starling, a traveling cook and somewhat of an amateur detective. Maybe it's because she's smart, she sees things that others miss, and she has a wonderful ability to piece together puzzles.

Jenny is catering the 21st birthday of a pair of wealthy twins, Alicia and Justin. One of them will die, and one of them will survive ...barely.

And then there's the accident or murder of a young man, recently hired as an assistant yardman.

The police are baffled and they ave warned Jenny not to meddle (as she has been known to do before) but before too long, the police are asking for her help.

This is a murder mystery with a great cast of characters. There are an assortment of possible suspects, all with motives. There are a few surprises along the way. Next to Jenny, my favorite character is the cat. This is a kinder, gentler murder mystery and I really look forward to following Jenny on her further adventures.

Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley / Books n All Promotions for the digital copy of THE BIRTHDAY MYSTERY. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

4 stars

Jenny Starling is a caterer extraordinaire. She is catering the birthday party for Alicia and Justin, but as she arrives at the posh mansion, the police are on the scene. A young man has hit his head and fallen into the pond. He is dead.

So begins a new series for writer Faith Martin.

Although she is 6’ 1,” Jenny is comfortable with herself and her job. She likes “real” cooking, not the goofy stuff her father, another chef, cooks. Jenny has a talent for investigation as well. She becomes invested in solving the death of the young man, especially after one of her birthday party guests drops dead at the party.

This is a well written and smoothly sailing novel. It is a departure from her DI Hillary Greene series, but it’s okay. The book moves right along as the reader gets to know Jenny and her background. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in this exciting series.

I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great little cozy mystery for me to read, enjoy and review.

This is the first book in a new series by Faith Martin featuring a travelling cook called Jenny Starling, and if this book is anything to go by it's sure to be another huge success. Jenny has taken a job catering for the joint birthday party of wealthy twins Alicia and Justin, but on arriving at their parents' country house it transpires that there has been a tragic death and the police are in attendance. Is it an accident or something more sinister? Despite displaying a pronounced talent for investigation and detection, Jenny determines not to get involved, particularly having once been caught up in the murder enquiry of a previous employer, and concentrates on the cooking job in hand. Which would have been fine except for the murder and attempted murder which takes place during the party itself, whereupon Jenny finds herself unable to resist a little sleuthing. As always with this author, the book is well written and rich in colourful characters. Jenny Starling is an admirable heroine and I am already looking forward to reading about her next adventure.

Absolutely loved the Hilary Greene series , so was a bit dubious as to whether this new series starter would be any good... boy was I seriously impressed. Jenny Starling the travelling cook arrives at what seems like a nice family residence only to discover that murder stalks the grounds. Can not rate this book high enough and totally enjoyed and engrossed by the storyline

Even if I read other books by this author this is the first one I'd define a cozy mystery.
It's a very good start for a new series, exciting and entertaining.
Jenny, the heroine, is a very interesting and well written character. I liked how she feels good in her skin and her personality in general.
The cast of characters is likeable and reminded me some mystery of the Golden Age.
I loved the description of the postcard perfect village with the gossips and the small town lifestyle.
The mystery was engaging, full of twists and turns, and it kept me guessing till the end.
It took me some times to get into this book but then I couldn't put it down.
I look forward to reading the next instalment in this very good series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Joffe Books and Netgalley for this ARC

I was sad to say goodbye to Faith Martin's Hillary Greene in Hillary's Final Case. The Birthday Mystery introduces a new character Jenny Starling, so I didn't also have to say goodbye to an author whose writing I enjoy. Jenny is a traveling cook who has been hired to cater and an extravagant 21st birthday party for twins Alicia and Justin. When Jenny arrives, the police are swarming the property as a young man has been found dead. Was it an accident or murder and could there be a connection to anyone who lives or works in the house? When the body count rises and the police are baffled, Jenny's sleuthing skills are revealed. She is not only determined to serve a fabulous meal, but she will also do what the police can't and figure out whodunit and why.
Jenny is an interesting character. She is very good at her job and it was apparent by the little bits of information the author shared about her past, that there is much to learn about not only her choice of career but also her ability to solve a crime. The supporting characters were well written and the location reminded me of the type of quaint village that I know so well from Midsomer Murders. Unless something changes, Jenny will keep traveling, so I doubt we will see this place or these other characters again. This was a great start to a new series and even though I did figure out whodunit, the why was still a surprise. I look forward to more adventures with Jenny!
I received a DRC from Joffe Books through NetGalley.

The Birthday Mystery, first published as Birthdays Can Be Murder in 2010 under Faith Martin's pen name Joyce Cato, is the perfect start to the Jenny Starling series. As is often the case in Ms Martin's crime fiction she makes the chocolate-box village in the countryside a character in its own right and it reminded me a lot of the village of Midsomer in Midsomer Murders. It had me hooked pretty darn quickly and racing through the pages to discover what actually happened and who the dastardly culprit was. There are twists and turns galore, and the writing flows so effortlessly that it's very difficult to put the book down.

The characters, as always, are well developed and admirable in their intentions. They are believable and come across as the type of people who could be anyone's friends or family. Jenny is a capable, intelligent and assured amateur sleuth who is determined to get to the bottom of the murder and save her reputation in the process. This is classic crime fiction which is ideal if you prefer your reads to be clean, and this is up there with some of the best novels that pay homage to the greats such as Agatha Christie. If you appreciate Christie's books then you'll find a lot to like here. A thoroughly enjoyable story with subtle clues scattered throughout to let the reader play along in identifying the killer. All of these ingredients result in a very tasty read indeed.

Many thanks to Joffe Books for an ARC.

I love Faith Martin as an author. I adored her Hilary Greene series and was sad when it ended. I am absolutely thrilled that she has a new series beginning. I really enjoyed the characters and found the mystery believable and the protagonist was very easy to relate to. Very likeable. I highly recommend this book to lovers of English Mysteries.

* I would like to thank the author / publisher / netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book, I hope it is the start of a new series. Jenny Starling is a private chef, she has no fixed abode, but travels around in her decrepit old van As her cooking skills are formidable, she works for mainly wealthy clientele. In this instance she is hired to cater a 21st birthday party for twins Justin and Alicia. The setting is magnificent, the food sublime, everything is magical until Justin drops dead of poisoning and Alicia is left clinging to life. All the suspects have to remain in the grand house while the police investigate. All in all a good read and one that is easy to recommend.

A story revolving around a travelling cook. Jenny is in her thirties, junoesque, a wonderful cook and has an analytical mind, which helps her to unravel the murder at the birthday party she is catering for. Knowing her reputation the local police ask her not to investigate, but really she just can't help herself.

A story very much in the way of Agatha Christie. Enjoyable but not too heavy.

Meet a fantastic new main character in this excellent book by F. Martin. Great plot and story make a good mystery, very believable characters and a few witty situations make it the total package.

Jenny Starling has arrived to cook for the twin's 21st birthday. A young man has drown in the pond not long before Jenny arrives. The evening of the birthday celebration the twins are poisoned with the champagne. Who did it and when was the poison put in the champagne. Jenny has some ideas but the detectives do not want her help. There are a number of suspects. The story follows the suspects and finally Jenny is asked to help. When the poison was added is the most important clue. Great read.

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this arc.

What a great character study! I went into mourning when Hillary Greene retired... what am I going to read next?? What's there to look forward to??? I was thrilled to see Faith Martin has a new series -- Jenny Starling!
Jenny is a "contract cook" (please don't confuse "cook" with "chef"). She's down-to-earth and plain spoken when need be, but would normally rather be in her own head planning the next menu or in a kitchen baking. Rambling around the country from kitchen to kitchen, she's seen a lot and is naturally curious (and observant).

While this wasn't as fast paced as the Hillary Greene stories, it focused on only one crime (and apparently a necessary pre-cursor). Probably even more atmospheric than the Hillary stories, but a great good cast of characters!.

4.5 stars rounded up

Jenny Starling #1

Jenny Starling is catering for a 21st birthday party for a pair of twins. But when she arrives at their parents country house, she discovers that a young man has drowned in a pond. Then just after midnight, everyone gathers for a champagne toast. But one of the guests drops down dead. With a party full of suspects, the police are baffled.

This is the first book in a new series by the author Faith Martin. I liked Jenny Sparrows character. She's not a detective but I'm not sure whether it's a police ans nose she's got or if she just likes poking her nose into other people's business. Watching the body being pulled out of the pond and then a guest drops dead at the party, do any of the deaths have suspicious circumstances? What a nifty plot this story has. It felt (in a way) like I was reading a young Miss Marple., with Jenny's straight talking and the way she solved the mystery. It looks like we are in for another great series.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Faith Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.