A quirky and touching feminist mystery thriller, exploring the ways women support each other and covering very serious subjects with a dry humour.

Three women in their 70s, who are merely acquaintances meeting in a coffee shop after their yoga class, are faced with a girl in imminent danger. As they work together to help the girl, pushing the boundaries of what they think they are capable of and forming closer friendship bonds on the way, we learn more about the struggles of each of the women and the shocking situation the girl is in.

Complete Perfection....
Have the fates intervened to create the most unlikely group of murderers? Quite possibly. Engaging from start to finish with a supremely well crafted cast of characters and a wholly entertaining and engaging storyline that the reader won’t want to let go of. The audio narration is wholly enjoyable, well nuanced and brings these characters to life. With a perfect balance of suspense and sheer dry wit this is simply complete perfection.

The storyline at first glance was developing into a bit of a comedy, however then it became serious. Don’t mess with three ladies in their 70’s. The author managed to create each character with their own story or trauma which was buried within their thoughts, never to be acknowledged until now. Facing their fears and gaining strength working together the gang completed the task safety but also tackled their demons. I loved the way it came together at the end. Twists and turns and once you get past the scene setting, it’s a gripping read. You can skim read and enjoy the book or take your time and invest in the characters, their struggles and the plot for freedom. Moving, sensitive, tragic, poignant and sensational all in one book. Narration was mixed, felt a bit flat in places. Thank you #NetGalley for the audiobook to review.

What a story! Such a mixture of different people and stories yet at the end of it completely life-affirming!

A Beginner’s Guide to Murder - Rosalind Stopps

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Grace, Meg and Daphne, all in their seventies, are minding their own business while enjoying a cup of tea in a café, when seventeen-year-old Nina stumbles in. She’s clearly distraught and running from someone, so the three women think nothing of hiding her when a suspicious-looking man starts asking if they’ve seen her.
 
Once alone, Nina tells the women a little of what she’s running from. The need to protect her is immediate, and Grace, Meg and Daphne vow to do just this. But how? They soon realise there really is only one answer: murder.

Well this was a quirky read! I was enthralled and read the majority of this book in one sitting. In a heartwarming way three women who barely know each other join up to save a 17 year old from the abuse she is constantly suffering.

An entertaining read with lots of character, completed by a lovely cast of characters. Due to the themes covered in the book, in places it was a little uncomfortable to read, but there are lighter moments and glimpses of humour.

Rating 4/5

A Beginners Guide to Murder’ makes such a good audio book.

The highly original plot sees three elderly women chatting in a cafe following the weekly yoga class where they recently became acquainted, when a teenage girl bursts in urgently needing their help. From this the women begin to plot the murder of a man who is referred to throughout the book as ‘the Toad’. The women, all in their 70s, seem unlikely candidates to go down this route for a virtual stranger, and we are told little, in the early stages, about who this man is and why the women are plotting his demise. All becomes clear as the narrative progresses, with the voice of all women, and the teenage girl Nina, narrating the tale.

This is a book that transcends race age and status, and just unites humans on the basis of humanity. At some points it focuses on real, tragic solemn matters, while at other times it is light and humorous, for me this makes it a warm and comforting book to listen to.

The narration is superb, and helps convey warmth from the characters that makes them highly likeable.

I feel this book would be particularly appropriate for book group discussions, as there are lots of themes, and it would appeal to so many people for so many different reasons. This is a highly enjoyable book.

My thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this audio book in exchange for an honest review.

What a great book , I didn’t want it to end!
Daphne , Grace and Meg are ladies of a certain age (in their seventies). They are enjoying a drink together in a local coffee shop, when a girl comes in who is obviously in trouble.
The ladies decide to help the girl called Nina and this is when a murder is plotted , and friendships blossom.
The book is beautifully written and poignant at times considering the subject matter. The ladies are lovely characters and have depth , the story deals with unpleasant and at times uncomfortable issues interspersed with dark humour.
The writing is witty , enjoyable and thought provoking and the book is a great read , highly recommended.
The narration in this audio book is excellent and brought the characters to life.
I look forward to reading more by this author .

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio .