📚Book Review: "A Deadly Affair" by E. V. Hunter
📚Genre: Cozy Mystery
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

🔍Life at Hopgood Hall is never dull, especially when Alexi Ellis is around! "A Deadly Affair" by E. V. Hunter takes readers on another thrilling adventure filled with murder, mystery, and a healthy dose of gossip. Alexi has already earned a reputation for solving murders, but when a local gossip, Polly Pearson, turns up asking for her help, Alexi finds herself in a tangled web of secrets and suspicions.

💡Why You'll Love It:
🔪Twists and Turns: E. V. Hunter masterfully crafts a story filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the plot thickens, and you’re left questioning everyone’s innocence.
🕵‍♂Cozy Mystery Vibes: This book is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a bit of bite. The setting of Hopgood Hall provides the ideal backdrop for a murder mystery, and the small-town dynamics add an extra layer of intrigue as everyone seems to have something to hide.

🎯 Perfect For:
✨Fans of cozy mysteries with strong female leads.
✨Readers who enjoy a mix of suspense, humor, and small-town drama.
✨Anyone who loves a whodunit with plenty of red herrings and unexpected revelations.

🌟 A must-read for cozy mystery lovers—this book will keep you guessing and entertained from start to finish! 🕵‍♀🔍Thanks to @rachelsrandomresources and @netgalley for the #ARC #BlogTour

#BookReview #ADeadlyAffair #EVHunter #Whodunit #SmallTownMystery #CozyMystery #ReadersOfInstagram #IGReads #InstaBooks #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #BookstagramCommunity #Netgalley

A Deadly Affair is another solid cozy murder mystery by E.V. Hunter and I really enjoyed it. It was good to meet up with sleuths Alexi and Jack again and, of course, Cosmo the cat. There are characters mentioned from the previous books but there is enough explanation of who they are if this is the first book in the series that you read. The story jumps straight into the action with Alexi trying to decide whether or not to help her nemesis out of a tricky situation.

The book has a very likeable easy to read style and I read it very quickly. It has a modern timeframe and tone. Lambourn sounds a lovely village to live in, apart from all the murders! The smart hotel is well described, as are the less salubrious destinations visited during this case. There's a wide cast of suspects for Alexi and Jack to question and their investigations lead them from Polly's past to the current local horse racing community. There's also a nasty surprise for Jack when an unwelcome face from the past reappears.

I really like this cozy whodunit series, and highly recommend it to fans of the genre. The investigations are entertaining and I did not guess whodunit, so the ending was a surprise and everything was tied up neatly. I enjoyed my time with Alexi and Jack, and I look forward to E.V. Hunter's next Hopgood Hall book.

it's quite a stressful time and I need to reads entertaining and light read that make me smile and keep my brain from turning like a crazy hamster.
This is a good one, a little darked than usual but a good A study on the observation of the people in a small town.
Hopgood Hall is a fascinating place, the inhabitants likeable (Cosmo above all). Alexis is involved in the murder of the partner of the local busybody who's the main suspect.
It's a story of dark events from the past, ex partners and plenty of twists.
It was a lot of fun and this gripping story kept me reading till late and having fun.
The solution was unexpected and I appreciated it. Can't wait for the next one.
Twisty, entertaining, compelling: highly recommended
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'A Deadly Affair' by E.V Hunter.

Well done and thank you yet again EV Hunter on and for an absolutely successful cosy mystery and a fantastic addition to this absolutely 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.

Yet another brilliant addition to this absolutely fantastic and addictive cosy mystery series! in this "episode" Alexi is enjoying life at Hopgood Hall and hoping for a break from murders and bad luck, especially after solving 4 already. However, when local gossip Polly arrives at Hopgood Hall Alexi gets a bad feeling as Polly has made it clear she doesn't like Alexi but things go from bad to worse when Polly reveals that the reason that she is there is because her partner Gerry has been found murdered, Polly is the main suspect and she needs Alexi's help to prove her innocence! With a fantastic storyline filled with murder, mystery, tragedy, a feral cat, an ex wife, twists and everything you could ask for in a cosy murder mystery. 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 again in this book and I'm looking forward to returning there in the other books. 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!!! 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 fifth 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 previous characters again who are a delightful mix of personalities with intriguing backgrounds and each one was very compelling. Alexi, Jack and Cosmo have 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 more I also enjoyed getting to know the range of different characters throughout, although I must admit I wasn't a fan of them all!! 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 yet another absolutely fantastic and successful cosy mystery and I cannot wait to get stuck into more books in this fantastic series!!!

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E.V. Hunter's A Deadly Affair is a delightful blend of cozy mystery and character-driven drama that keeps readers on their toes. Set in the charming yet ever-mysterious Hopgood Hall, the story follows Alexi Ellis, who, despite her best efforts to enjoy some peace, finds herself embroiled in yet another murder investigation. Known locally as a harbinger of bad luck due to her knack for uncovering crimes, Alexi is less than thrilled when the notorious gossip Polly Pearson seeks her help after Polly’s partner, Gerry, is found dead.

The novel's strength lies in its well-crafted characters and the tension that arises from their interactions. Alexi's internal conflict over whether to assist Polly, who has actively campaigned against her, adds a layer of complexity to the plot. The dynamics between Alexi, her partner Jack, and the ever-observant Cosmo the cat bring a touch of humor and warmth to the otherwise tense narrative. Hunter skillfully builds suspense, making readers question Polly's innocence right alongside Alexi. A Deadly Affair is a thoroughly engaging read, offering the perfect mix of intrigue, wit, and charm. It earns a solid four stars for its clever plot twists and the relatable dilemmas faced by its protagonist.

4 Stars
One Liner: A worthy continuation of the series

After four cases, Alexi Ellis, the co-owner of Hopgood Hall wants nothing to do with murder or deaths. She and Jack are ready for a short holiday when Polly Pearson, the local gossip who ran a witch hunt against Alexi, comes running to them for help. Turns out, Polly is a prime suspect in the murder of her lover, Gerry, and she claims to be innocent.
Alexi decides to be the bigger person and investigate the case with Jack. Is Polly innocent or guilty?
The story comes in Alexi and Jack’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:
The fifth installment in the series should work as a standalone read. There are enough details to get an idea about the characters’ backgrounds. However, it will be more enjoyable for those familiar with the series.
While the book is a cozy mystery, the topics are darker this time (check TW at the end). Cosmo and Tuby bring enough humor to lighten the mood. Our large black cat is a darling unless you are on the wrong side. His hisses and growls are enough to scare most criminals!
The mystery starts out as a simple case of a scorned lover (maybe) but delves deeper and expands into a larger crime with many parties involved. I did guess the direction since hints were pointing at it.
The side characters are pretty much fixed in their roles so far. They are familiar and comforting. We know what to expect, and they don’t disappoint.
The way women make fools of themselves over Gerry would have been annoying if it weren’t realistically portrayed. Such things happen in real life and are not uncommon. The story presents a sneak peek into their thought process, insecurities, and yearning for affection.
I admit the final reveal wasn’t what I expected. I zeroed in on the other person. This does make sense in a way, a twisted sort of way that aligns with that character’s arc.
It seems that Alexi and Jack’s relationship is getting a lot of nazar (evil eye) from many people. The poor couple can’t seem to get rid of their exes, intent on getting them back. However, it is heartwarming to see them put up a united front and deal with it in no-nonsense terms.
There’s a lot of drama too given the nature of the plot and the characters. Some of it gets repetitive at places but it might be useful for first-time readers of this series to get a better idea of the dynamics in the relationships.
A bit of danger and some faithful animals that become heroes bring the story to a neat ending. Not everyone faces the consequences of their actions. I know we’ll see some of those characters again, and can’t wait for them to fall into the hole they dug for others.

To summarize, A Deadly Affair is a well-plotted cozy mystery and an enjoyable read. It has a steady pace and can be a standalone read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

I really enjoyed A Deadly Affair. I had not read any of the previous four books in the Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries, but this wasn’t a barrier to following the flow of the story and a number of the characters who appear in the story. When the town gossip, Polly arrives at Hopgood Hall, needing their help, Alexi and Jack are taken aback. Polly had led a malicious campaign against Lexi and had done her best to force her out of town. Polly is the chief suspect in the under of her partner. He had been found in Polly’s bed with a kitchen knife through his chest. She needs the detective skills of Alexi and Jack to find the real culprit before she is charged with his murder. Despite misgivings, they agree to take a look at the case. This story reveals the back story of Polly, the philandering ways of Polly’s partner. All is not as it seems. I enjoyed the story line and it kept me reading to the end, desperate to find out who had done the deed and why. I will definitely go back and read the previous books.

This book is a part of the Hopgood Hall series but reads well as a standalone (after reading I want to go back and start from the beginning). The characters are well written and likable. The story moves at a good pace and kept me entertained. Its got crime without all the gory triggering scenes.

Book #5 in the Hopgood Hall series. The characters are even better in this one than the first four. Their back story has come full circle when their personal nemisis is the prime suspect in a murder and asks for their help in provin her innocence. These cozies are well written, entertaining and designed to keep readers guessing until the end.

Just when they are hoping for a murder-free summer, Polly, Alexi's nemesis and an arch troublemaker, is the likely suspect in a murder case and begs for their help to clear her name. Jack shows how much he cares for Alexi in this fifth book in the Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries series. by letting her decide whether to take the case. The appearance of Jack's vengeful wife, Grace, threatens their relationship, but after previous external interference, it makes them more cohesive as a couple. The mystery has dark undertones and many twists and suspects and is not the open-and-shut case it first appears to be. I like the relationship dynamics between Alexi and Jack, the cast of complex characters, the twisty mystery and the humour and sleuthing provided by Cosmo, the cat.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

The events of book four only succeeded in bringing Alexi and Jack closer together but I wonder if that’s really the last we will see of Patrick. Jack, meanwhile, has decided to stay in partnership with the duplicitous Cassie but has taken on another investigator, an old colleague from the Met, Danny, to share his ever-increasing workload. After four murders in the area, all of which they were instrumental in solving, everyone is hoping for a murder-free summer but this time it’s Polly Pearson, the B&B owner who tried to drive Alexi back to London with her spiteful slurs who finds herself accused of murdering her long-distance lorry driver boyfriend and turns to the Hopgood Hall folks for help. A mix of kind heartedness, curiosity and the need to be the bigger person makes Alexi want to help the woman who made things so difficult for her, but is Polly really innocent like she claims? As Alexi and Jack start to delve deeper into Polly’s background, they discover a life full of tragedy and hardship. Could her past have coloured her behaviour with the confirmed ladies’ man, or maybe the killer was someone from Gerry’s past or present dealings? The police in the form of DI Vickery and DC Hogan are under pressure to close what appears to be an open and shut case, so it’s up to Alexi and Jack to provide the alternative theories they are so good at digging up.
Patrick may have been sent packing and Cassie firmly put in her place, but this time their lives are complicated by the unwanted intrusion of Jack’s ex-wife Grace. After four previous stories the main characters are becoming like old friends and on the positive side, Drew and Cheryl’s family is due to increase soon! Once again this is a great twisty and quite dark story with plenty of suspects, hidden secrets and red herrings to confuse the reader. Cosmo is undoubtedly the star of this series, a cat with great attitude and an unnerving ability to judge character. I do hope there’s more to come!

A Deadly Affair is the fifth Hopgood Hall cozy by E.V. Hunter. Due out 18th Aug 2024 from indie press publisher Boldwood Books, it's 270 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.The other books are also available on KU.

This is a well written, engaging, and finely engineered amateur sleuth mystery pairing a former investigative journalist (and boutique hotel co-owner) with a handsome PI trying to keep life on a smooth footing despite having solved FOUR murders (she's getting a reputation like Jessica Fletcher's! (Murder She Wrote)). This time around, awful gossip Polly Pearson has arrived at the hall begging for Alexi's help proving her own innocence in the death of her (Polly's) partner Gerry.

The characters are well rendered and mostly believable and the pacing and plot are well done and the denouement and resolution of the various plot threads are satisfyingly wrapped up by the end of the book. It's a continuing series, so if read out of order, some of the character developments and relationships will be spoiled, but otherwise it works fine as a standalone.

Spelling and vernacular are British standard English, but won't pose a problem for readers in context.

Four stars. A fun continuation of a nice light series. With five books extant in the series, it would make a good choice for a long(ish) binge or buddy read. Language is clean throughout and there's no graphic content.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

E.V. Hunter’s A Deadly Affair is the latest installment in the Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries series, and it delivers another delightful blend of intrigue, humor, and small-town charm.

The begins with Alexi Ellis, who has already solved four murders and is hoping for a break from her sleuthing adventures. Her hopes are dashed when local gossip Polly Pearson arrives at Hopgood Hall with troubling news: Polly’s partner, Gerry, has been found murdered in her B&B, and Polly is the prime suspect. Despite their rocky relationship, Polly begs Alexi for help in proving her innocence. Reluctantly, Alexi, along with her partner Jack and their ever-curious cat Cosmo, dives into the investigation.

Hunter excels in creating relatable and engaging characters. Alexi is a charming and determined protagonist whose growth throughout the series is evident. Her interactions with Polly, who is both a nemesis and a client, add depth and complexity to the narrative.

This novel explores themes of trust, redemption, and the impact of past actions on the present. The small-town setting of Hopgood Hall is vividly depicted, with its close-knit community and picturesque landscapes providing a perfect backdrop for the mystery.

Hunter’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a good balance of dialogue and description. The humor is well-timed, and the suspense is maintained throughout the book.

A Deadly Affair is an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries and anyone looking for a well-crafted, engaging story. Hunter has once again delivered a book that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, with characters that readers will love and a plot that keeps us hooked.

If you’re in a reading slump this cozy mystery will surely get you out of it!

This book was fast paced and kept me on my toes. It was a page turner. It kept me guessing on who the murderer was. I enjoyed Alexi & Jack and ofcourse Cosmo! Who doesn’t love a cat in a murder mystery novel. I would highly recommend to a friend :)

Thanks @NetGalley for the Arc!

The fifth instalment of the Hopgood Hall Murder Mystery series has our protagonists Alexi Ellis (a former investigative journalist) and Jack Maddox (a private investigator) working on figuring out what happened to Polly Pearson’s (a local B&B owner) lover, Gerry Dawlish, who was murdered in her bed.

Gerry was a truck driver, always on the road, who had a woman in every city and town he frequented. Despite knowing she wasn’t his only partner, Polly is devastated by his murder. Only, she’s having the fingers pointed at her. She had the means and her motive is looking pretty strong.

Polly, friends with Jack’s ex-wife, has never been kind to Alexi and has started rumours about her whenever possible. Polly asks for Alexi and Jack’s help in proving her innocence and the two reluctantly help her out.

I have read all the books in this series and was happy to see a 5th added to NetGalley. Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I think this will be the last in the series that I read. The books are becoming so repetitive (insecurity in Jack and Alexi’s relationship, their exes trying to win them back, etc.) and it really distracts from the plot and story.

I also found the author’s depiction of mental health struggles in this book to be a bit problematic. I don’t want to get into spoilers but I don’t love it when mental health issues and past trauma are used as a potential motive. It’s cliché and feeds into negative stigma about mental health.

The story itself wasn’t bad but I think if you cut all the repeated text, the protagonists going over their facts as they stand every chapter, and drama about the exes (it’s been 5 books, cmon) it wouldn’t be very long at all.

When Gerry Dawlish is found dead in bed with a knife through his heart, his partner Polly Pearson is the obvious suspect. In desperation, she begs private investigator Jack Maddox for help, help he is unlikely to give because Polly has led an attempt to turn the village of Lambourn against his partner, journalist Alexi Ellis. Polly is also accompanied by her best friend, Jack’s devious ex-wife Grace. Alexi, however, wants Jack to help because she actually feels sorry for Polly, as the police don’t seem to be looking for any other possibilities. As Jack and Alexi investigate, they find many, many other suspects, complicated plots, financial shenanigans and more.

A Deadly Affair is the fifth in the excellent Hopgood Hall series but can be read as a standalone. The past four mysteries are directly related to the Hall itself but E. V. Hunter goes in a different direction here with the plot centering on a B&B in Lambourn and its surrounding areas. Jack and Alexi make a good team and I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Thank you to NetGa;;ey, Boldwood Books and E.V. Hunter for this ARC.

Alexi and Jack find themselves tangled up in solving another murder case when Polly, local gossip who has also made it very clear she doesn’t like Alexi, shows up at Hopgood Hall asking for their help specifically.

This was such a fun, fast paced, entertaining cozy mystery. The story had a way of hooking you in right from the beginning and to keep you guessing all the way through. There were many great twists and turns, and I was pleasantly surprised with the ending, as it really did take me by surprise, but in a way that still made completely sense.

I didn’t realize this was part of a series when I first picked it up, but the information you need to understand what’s going on are given to you right in the beginning, which makes it very easy to read it as a standalone without feeling like you’re missing out on key details. However, I will definitely go back to catch up with the rest of the series.

Many thanks to Boldwood Books & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

A Deadly Affair, the fifth book in E.V. Hunter's Hopgood Hall Mysteries, brings Alexi Ellis and her boyfriend Jack Maddox into a challenging new case. When local gossip Polly Pearson begs them to prove her innocence in the murder of her boyfriend, Alexi faces a tough decision. Polly once spread rumors that nearly drove Alexi out of town, and now, she might be hiding the truth about what really happened.

The story starts strong, but it soon gets bogged down by repetitive mentions of Alexi’s internal conflict and Polly’s evasiveness. The introduction of Grace, Jack's ex-wife, further complicates the plot, making it feel more frustrating than engaging. While the unreliable suspects concept could have added intrigue, it ultimately fell flat for me, making this installment less enjoyable than the previous ones.

Though A Deadly Affair has received praise from others, it didn't quite hit the mark for me due to these elements.

Book 5 in The Hopgood Hall Murder Mysteries.
A cosy murder mystery that follows Alexi and her private investigator Jack. A good read. I haven't read the previous books in the series but I found I enjoyed it.

A Deadly Affair is the latest book in the Hopgood Hall Murder Mystery series. I've read them all.

By now, we know our main characters, Jack and Alexi, well. However, they are still asking questions about their relationship, and I'm afraid this aspect of the series is my least favourite. Luckily, Cosmo comes to the rescue more often than not.

The mystery itself is complex and well-plotted as our sleuths try to understand why Gerry has been murdered. It quickly transpires that all is not as simple as it first appears. Lambourn is filled with dodgy individuals, any of whom could have been the ones involved.

The resolution of the mystery unfolds quickly. I always say I judge a mystery by whether or not I guessed 'who did it,' and I did not see this one coming.

These mysteries often have quite a dark underbelly to them (a nod to the author's other genre, I'm sure), and this one, similar to book 1, fits that bill. It is not quite as cosy as I prefer (because I'm a big wuss), but that doesn't detract from the fine plotting and masterful way the mystery has been plotted by the author. I take my hat off to EV Hunter for that:)

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.