I am genuinely obsessed with this series it is a thrilling mix of murder, intrigue and a dash of romance. Whenever I pick up an E.V Hunter I can never put them down, I love the twists and turns mixed with the cleverly plotted red herrings that throw you. I also love Alexis and her passion to get the truth and protect her loved ones and her relationship with Jack is my favourite too. If you love a cosy mystery then you will love this too.

A cozy mystery full of complex characters red herrings and twists and turns. A particupant on a writing course turns up strangled. This is coipled alongside a jealous unrequited love and a disapperance. I loved the twists and turns and the relationships that were expressed within complex issuses such as abuse. The final reveal seemed to happen too quickly but thus was a solid 4 star read. Look forward to the next one.

Alexa is doing a writers conference at her friends Cheryl and Drews hotel to help jumpstart their new venture. She tells the hopeful reporters to write an article on anything they want to write about and get them some pointers but little did Alexis know someone would create their own story by strangling a fellow attendee. The villagers already thought of her is Jonah they claim she always is bringing bad things to their lovely village especially the rooming house owner Cassie who also doesn’t like the fact she is dating Jack nor does her ex newspaper boss so when it turns out she is a suspect it will also be left up to her to solve it it’s a good thing she’s dating a detective. The suspects are plentiful Hazard the LOL moments this is a sweet and clean cozy mystery genre I have been really starting to like and Alexis will definitely be one of the amateur salutes I go to for a good cozy read. Despite this being a cozy mystery it has a great storyline and a couple of twist I didn’t see it coming. I really and thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it I want to thank Boldwood books books and Net galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

I loved my last E.V Hunter book so much that when I saw this one I had to read it. I've loved being back at Hopgood Hall and meeting all the familiar characters again, Cosmo is one of my favourites I love that he's so protective of Alexi and so spot on with his dislike of certain people. Don't get me wrong I really love seeing everything from Alexi and Jack's points of view but I had so many chuckles at Cosmo's behaviour, he's the star really.
I've loved the writing style of both books I've read, I found it so easy to get drawn into the story and engrossed in it, I swear I don't normally ignore people when they talk but this book was so all-encompassing when I was reading that I just didn't notice them. It's been such an enjoyable style to read.
I loved seeing more of Alexi and Jack's relationship in this one, I've only read two of the four books so I didn't see how it started but I got some more filler information in this book and I liked how it rounded out what I knew about them. There were so many different options for the murderer and I loved that I was never quite sure who did it until we were near the end, While I like trying to figure out ahead of time who did it, it's always best when I'm left guessing.
All in all, I've loved discovering this series of books and while I hope for Alexi's sake there aren't too many more murders at Hopgood Hall, I'm secretly hoping that this is a long series because it's just the right kind of cosy mystery for me.

Having not read any previous books in the series, I enjoyed this one immensely. I will definitely want to check out the first book and continue crime solving with Alexi, Jack and Cosmo.

In this instalment, another murder with a connection to Alexi is the last thing she needs. Jack is worried that it will be enough to send her packing and end their fledgling romance. However, Alexi is made of sterner stuff and she is determined to get answers and find the real killer.

For a cosy crime novel, it surprisingly alludes to some dark themes (other than murder) such as institutional child abuse and domestic abuse. However, the subject matter is dealt with sympathetically and it doesn't weigh the story down.

I admire how the author ties everything together. There was more than one twist I didn't see coming so the story held my attention and kept me guessing. There were a few people I didn't know whether to trust or not.

This was a satisfying read, clever and twisty with a group of characters I want to read more of.

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another story in the Hopgood Hall hotel series and another fab read. Following on from the murders in the previous books, Alexi hopes to rebuild the hotels reputation by using her own and starting a journalist writing course. As ever, things don’t go smoothly when another murder is committed.

There are plenty of twists in this one, new and old characters surfacing and adding themselves to the suspect list. Jack won’t let Alexi or the hotel take the brunt of this one and sets out to find the truth. Cosmo is ever present, letting them know in no uncertain terms who can and can’t be trusted.

I did think that the business with Cassie was emphasised a bit much in this book, I’m sure it was resolved a couple of books back in the series so it seemed a bit weird to bring it back up and with such force in this one, but it was vital to the story so did fit in a way.

Hopefully there’ll be more from this series - a perfect cosy mystery series that I’m fully invested in!

BLOG TOUR REVIEW 



Review for 'A Story To Strangle For' by E.V Hunter. 


Read and reviewed via NetGalley for E.V. Hunter, Rachel's Random Resources, Book And Tonic, Boldwood Books, Poison & Pens and The Bold Book Club. 


Publication date 6th January 2024


This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the fourth book in the 'The Hopgood Hall Murder Mystery' series but can be read as a standalone. 



This novel consists of 20 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!



Well done and thank you EV Hunter on and for an absolutely successful cosy mystery and a fantastic start (for me) in what promises to be an addictive series!!! This book is very smoothly written with vivid descriptions which really help you see what's going on around you as well as the storyline. The blurb and the cover compliment the novel perfectly.


I absolutely LOVED this book and cannot wait to read previous and future books in this series!! 


I may have never read any of this authors books prior to this one but after sinking my teeth into this cracking cozy mystery I cannot wait to get stuck into the previous and future book!! Hunter's amazing and evocative writing skills really brought everything to life all throughout the story ensuring I could see the characters, the surroundings and feel everything the characters were feeling. I absolutely loved visiting the stunning Hopgood Hall in this book and I'm looking forward to returning there in the other books. The storyline is ram packed with crime, mystery, laughter, love, friendship, suspense and absolutely everything you could ask for in a cosy mystery!!! There was no way I could finish just one chapter as even though I kept telling myself I would and then go to bed each chapter ended in a way where I just HAD to know what happened next and before I knew it I had devoured the whole book in one sitting in a few hours!!! The storyline was realistic which I always prefer as it makes it more enjoyable to read when you can see that it is something that could happen. This book is well constructed and traditional and what starts off as one murder becomes quite multi layered with all the characters backgrounds coming out. It was a very compelling read. I would never have guessed who did what and I was completely shocked by the mega twists. An absolutely fantastic read filled with suspense, mystery, twists and much more (I can't say much more as I don't want to spoil it for future readers) Congratulations E.V Hunter, it is getting harder and harder to surprise me and you did just that!!! I loved the storyline that had the characters going out to find a story for their journalistic awareness course as I have yet to read a book with a storyline like it plus it gives the reader more people to suspect and more twists to be surprised with!!! With a fantastic storyline, unforgettable characters and twists and turns you won't see coming this book is perfect to devour in front of a fire on a winters day or relaxing on the beach under the sun!


Clear your schedules and pick up this fantastic and addictive page turner today!


Although this is the fourth book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

 


I loved meeting and getting to know all the new characters (for me as it is the first book I have read in this series) who are a delightful mix of personalities with intriguing backgrounds and each one was very compelling. Alexi, Jack and Cosmo very quickly became like friends to me and I am looking forward to meeting them again. Alexi and Jack make such a sweet couple and I love that you can see the trust they have in each other as well as how well they work together. However, I have to admit that Cosmo was definitely my favourite!!! Apologies to Alexi and Jack as I loved them both but as Cosmo is a cat, and one with an attitude at that, and I run Golden Oldies Cat Rescue And Hospice then they didn't stand a chance against a cat!!! Cosmo and his attitude made me laugh so many times as he reminds me of so many cats that I have previously fostered as well as some of my Golden Gang members I have now!! Along with getting to know Alexi and Jack I also enjoyed getting to know the range of different characters, although I must admit I wasn't a fan of them all!! I did however really like DI Mark Vickery who actually respected Jack's and Alexi's opinions and thoughts even when Alexi was a potential suspect, Jack is a former detective inspector and many DI'S in books I read, which actually included one I read just before this, are pompous and refuse help from those not in the force. Vickery, though, refused to take the easy option and did the hard work to ensure he arrested the correct person. An amazing group of realistic, strong and unique characters that I have loved getting to know and am looking forward to meeting again!! 



Congratulations E.V Hunter on an absolutely fantastic and successful cosy mystery and I cannot wait to get stuck into more books in this promising series!!! 




276 pages.


This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle and £9.99 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!! 


Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook. 


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The latest edition is an enjoyable read, though not my favourite in the series. The main characters are relatable and the hotel and course make an interesting setting. The story unfolds at a steady pace but. is mainly dialogue and I would have liked more descriptions- of places, clothes, food.

Hopgood Hall is a lovely place, there’s nice and likeable people but the murder rate is on par with some of the most violent places in the world.
People can be a bit nervous around the owner of the place and when there’s a new murder Alexi and Jack must find a solution to avoid further bad press.
It’s a twisty and complex mystery, there’s plenty of suspects and there a lot of surprises. Anyone can be the culprit, friend included.
It’s a slow burning story, the first part slower and preparing for the second one which is fast paced, and action packed.
It can be read as a stand-alone and it’s an enjoyable story. I found the first part a bit slow but this is a matter of taste.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

Alexi Ellis has planned a limited participation Investigative journalism seminar to bring publicity and prestige to Hopgood Hall, the boutique hotel she has invested in. While several murders at the hotel have given it a certain notoriety, the true crime books Alexi has written about those events have made her a bestselling author. Peter Vaughn, once her boss and lover, has helped select the six attendees and promised nationwide attention when their story is printed in his newspaper chain. A young woman’s disappearance and a robbery suspect have dominated the local news and Alexi is not surprised when one of her students, Peter Foreman, looks for a link. He may have found it because Alexi discovers his dead body. Now one more death is linked to Hopgood Hall and Alexi is a suspect. Now her partner Jack Maddox becomes involved to clear her name. Their personal relationship is clouded by suspicion and doubt but nothing is as complicated as the motives of the killer and his victim.


A Story to Strangle for is the fourth in the excellent Hopgood Hall series. It works well as a standalone, well plotted mystery. Cheryl and Drew are background characters now while the would-be journalists dominate. Alexi and Jack’s bond takes center stage as Peter Vaughn tries to rekindle their relationship and Jack’s assistant attempts to take a more important part in his life. I’m looking forward to what comes next! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and E.V. Hunter for this ARC.

The fourth instalment of the Hopgood Hall Murder Mystery series centres on Alexi Ellis’s new project: teaching a journalism course featuring six students competing for space in a national newspaper.

When one of Alexi’s students winds up murdered (the fourth murder since she moved to Lambourn), she is viewed by the locals and the police as a person of interest.

Desperate to prove her innocence, she and her partner Jack Maddox (an ex-cop, now private investigator) dig into the complicated case to find out exactly what happened to Peter Foreman and why.

I requested an e-ARC of this book because I have read the first three instalments. I was excited to get started on this one but the first half took me a week to read. It was very slow and repetitive and heavily focused on Alexi and Jack’s insecurities in their new relationship.

I almost DNF’d this book but I read some reviews from other readers that they enjoyed the story. The final half was much, much better and I really enjoyed untangling the complicated web of Peter Foreman’s life and how everything was connected.

The second half was 4 stars but the first half, I’d only give 2 stars so I’ve averaging out at ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.

Thank you to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!!

4 Stars
One Liner: A compact and engaging mystery

Alexi is determined to save Hopgood Hall’s reputation as a murder center. She uses her journalistic experience and contacts to conduct a five-day course for wannabe journalists. The course begins well, though there’s a minor annoyance.
However, when a murder happens, Alexi is distraught. Her attempts to divert the attention from the Hall backfired. Worse, she is the last person to see the dead person alive. While Alexi is not a prime suspect, she and Jack know things can change at any instant. The duo has no choice but to solve the case and free her name. Cosmos is more than happy to tag along if he can terrorize a few suspects on the way.
The story comes in the third-person POVs of Alexi and Jack.

My Thoughts:
Alexi and Jack are back in the next installment of the series. The book should work as a standalone since there’s enough background information to update you about their pasts. However, there will be many spoilers about their relationship.
Here, we seem to have two issues running in parallel. The mystery is one, and the insecurities in Alexi and Jack’s relationship are the other. Given that the suspect list may include people from their lives, this blend works well to most extent.
The mystery is really good. There are multiple threads and possibilities. We know everything will come together, but the path to this is not straightforward. I enjoyed reading how they uncovered information at every stage and regrouped to adjust the hypothesis. Quite a few red herrings, too.
Cosmo is being himself, alert to Alexi’s changing moods (it’s not easy being a suspect), and flaunting his royal attitude. Of course, this fluffy black cat has an accurate character-assessment meter, which helps Alexi and Jack vet their suspects.
Drew and Cheryl have relatively minor roles in this book compared to the previous ones. They are worried, though they continue to support Alexi. After all, despite their fears, murders attract more crowds and bring extra income.
The title and the cover suit the book. While you can guess how the murder was committed, you can also guess a crucial element of the mystery if you pay attention.

To summarize, A Story to Strangle For is a steady-paced cozy mystery with twists and turns that come together to make sense. The next murder might happen elsewhere, which could bring some relief to the Hopgood Hall’s owners.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

**
P.S.: Why so many ‘insofar’s (only 3-4 but still too many).

A Story to Strangle For is the next installment in the Hopgood Hall Murder Mystery series. In order to try to garner some good publicity for Hopgood Hall, Alexi decides to run a week-long journalism seminar. Unfortunately, one of the participants is discovered murdered at the local pub. The suspect list is large and includes Alexi's ex-boyfriend, Jack's business partner, a wanted fugitive, and the rest of the seminar participants. Worried that Alexi may be convinced to move back to London after yet another death, Jack is determined to help Alexi solve this mystery asap.

A Story to Strangle For has all your favorite characters: Alexi, Jack, Cheryl, Drew, and Cosmo. Even Marcel makes an appearance. I absolutely love this series, and each book, I find myself getting to know the characters even more. The town is charming and the side characters are all interesting and quirky. The mystery is this book is a bit complex, and I found involving the ex-boyfriend and the business partner a bit unnecessary. However, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and will absolutely keep reading and recommending the series.

amateur-sleuth, cozy-crime, England, friends, friendship, hotel, hotelier, investigative-journalist, journalism, journalist, local-gossip, local-law-enforcement, missing-persons, partners, pet-cat, private-investigators, publicity, publisher, read, relationship-issues, relationships, research, rivalry, robbery, secrets, series, small-business, small-town, suspense, twisty****

An extremely complicated and entertwined mystery filled with diabolical red herrings and mind-bending twists as well a engaging characters.
I requested and received an EARC from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you

This was another cozy little mystery. It has some twists and turns. I don’t think it’s my favorite of the series so far. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy

A Story to Strangle For by E. V. Hunter is a captivating light whodunit chock full of red herrings, secrets and Cosmo the Cat antics. Snippets of romance add side interest.

Journalist Alexi owns Hopwood Hall which boasts an excellent chef and room rentals. At an investigative journalism course she offers she mentally notes who really is interested and who is not, who has what it takes and who doesn't. Amongst the quirky attendees is one who drives her nuts...and, unfortunately for her, ends up dead as a door nail. Her name tops the suspect list and with the help of her boyfriend and eccentric cat, her hope is to clear her name. Inevitably. obstacles lurk in nooks and crannies.

Though at times predictable, this cozy mystery also contains surprises. If you're hankering for a delicious read, add this to your list.

My sincere thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this delightful novel.

Name of Book: A Story to Strangle for
Author: E.V. Hunter
Series: Hopgood Hall Mystery #4
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: January 6, 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 276

Alexi Ellis is determined to save her beloved Hopgood Hall from any more bad press. A writing course for wannabe journalists shouldn't cause too many issues and will hopefully take the heat off Hopgood Hall….

But disaster strikes when one of the members of the group is found dead in a local pub. What’s worse Alexi was the last person to see the victim alive, which makes her suspect number one.
Yikes ~ And Alexi was hoping for no more deaths surrounding Hopgood Hall.

This is a great cozy. I know there are mystery fans who stay away from cozy mysteries as they believe a cozy is too mellow - well they just may change their mind with this story! 😊

BTW: It does have a cat – I know it is a must in most cozy mysteries. This was a feral cat that adopted Alexi and you too will love Cosmo the feral cat. He is a great character!

I read and enjoyed "A Marriage to Murder for" which was Book #3 in this series; and was looking forward to this story!

Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 6, 2024.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Boldwood Books and E. V. Hunter for the opportunity to read an advance copy of A Story to Strangle For, to be published 6 January 2024. 4/5 Stars for this cute Cozy Mystery that featured Cosmo, the cat with an attitude. Alexi, an investigative journalist gives a five day class on writing which of course turns into a murder investigation. There are a number of potential criminals and the trick is finding out who did it and why. Great read for anyone who enjoys Cozy Mysteries. #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks #E.V.Hunter #AStorytoStrangleFor

Perfect cozy murder mystery!
Alexi, Jack and Cosmo are thrown into a murder mystery during a journalism course. The characters are quirky and fun, the plot twisty and full of surprises.
I love this series by E V Hunter, they are all an incredible read which has you hooked and thirsty for more! Definitely my favourite cozy mysteries by far!

A good suspenseful mystery with lots of twists and turns multiple suspects and intriguing character's. An enjoyable story all round. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.