I absolutely adored Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency! I am a huge cosy crime fan, and Josie Lloyd has managed to hit all the spots I look for from this genre. I loved the waves of nostalgia that are weaved within the plot and characters, and how Josue manages to be original and memorable.

This will be the perfect title to get cosy with this autumn and winter.

My thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
A bit of a mixed bag here. I like a cosy mystery, and the writing was decent enough, certainly better than a good share of the contemporary efforts. But I hate lack of logic in a mystery, I mean, that's kind of the whole point, so in this one I found it rather irritating that Miss Beeton, who is allegedly rigid in her checking of references and details, fails to do so at two major plot points (in fairness, her first dereliction is the one that draws her into the whole murder thing). I'm prepared to suspend a certain amount of belief, but that pushed the boundaries.
That said, it is a cosy mystery, after all, and the interaction between the characters was well done, and the prose flowed quite nicely. The overall trope of the agency owner being distantly related to the original Mrs. Beeton was good, and Miss Beeton's use of her staffing agency to unmask the perpetrators was clever, and something that could almost be replicated in real life, so points for that.
However, and I'm a keen baker, I found the inclusion of recipes unnecessary. A crime novel is not the place for them, and I think it will narrow the readership. But I'm sure people can skip over them, as I did. And possibly the story is a tad overwritten, and could have benefitted from a decent edit, but - not to depress the author or anything - sometimes readers will tolerate this because the story is something light to relax with, and judgement is parked, with all the other trials of life, outside the book covers.
Miss Beeton is a teensy bit of a square, a bit out of touch for someone living in present-day London, but her friends make up for it, and I'm quite interested to see how/if she gets it on with her potential love-interest, so obviously the characters (a major part of any mystery) are reasonably well-drawn; the murderer, I'm sorry to say, was very obvious, even for a reader like me, who refuses to do any detective work, and leaves it all to the protagonist. Overall, though, a good cosy read for when the days get shorter, and the weather miserable.

Alice Beeton runs a household management recruitment agency, providing the best staff to the most exclusive households. When a new member of staff arrives for an interview, she charms everyone and is rapidly slotted into a wealthy family where she seems to fit perfectly, right up until she is murdered. Alice is determined to work out what happened to her and with her extensive network of friends to help, she starts investigating.

I liked the premise of this, a middle-aged, childless woman who is also a talented cook, with a delightful dog, who could easily be over-looked but actually has a full life and many friends who are able to help. For me it lacked spark, there were several things which just didn't work for me in plot terms and it was a little too slow paced to be able to overlook them properly. It's not a genre I usually go for, and perhaps that's why it didn't work for me.

Like an Agatha Christie but funnier. Alice runs an employment agency specialising in staff for big houses. Then there’s a disaster: one newly appointed girl is murdered. Alice is determined to solve the crime. A fun read with twists and strange coincidences helping to solve the crime.

I really enjoyed this from Josie Lloyd and do hope it will be part of a series. I was sad not to be able to see the recipes as would have enjoyed that! Recommend this and would happily read more! Many thanks

It’s probably fair to start with some clarity over what the reader can expect from this ‘cosy crime’ novel. Cosy crime seems to be one of those genres that suddenly are the focus of lots of attention in reviews and online discussions. Whilst there are some definitions that share common features it’s also a genre where there appears to be considerable scope for flexibility and individuality. So, for readers looking for a quirky approach to crime fiction, with a bunch of characters who might appear to exist principally to provide some scaffolding for the developing plot, and a requirement on the part of the reader for a quite tolerant approach to a plot that from time to time tests the boundaries of credulity, Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency could be just up their street..
Don’t get me wrong, though, in its own terms the book entertains, teases and puzzles the reader, generally in a good way, and is unlikely to lead to sleepless nights. Frustratingly, for this reader at least though, there was a definite sense of a better novel being within the gift of the author if it hadn’t been decided to aim for the popular ‘cosy crime’ category.
Despite these minor reservations, it is likely that readers attracted to the genre will find it an entirely satisfying read.

A fabulous start to a new series!

Alice Beeton runs a domestic agency, supplying 'staff' to those who, even in the present day, have need of help in the home. When one of her clients demands a housekeeper immediately, it is fortuitous that the ideal candidate is sitting opposite Alice, being interviewed about her suitability to join the agency. Speedily following up on her references, Enya is placed immediately - the fastest the agency has ever seen. Then, in the early hours of New Year's Day, Enya is found dead in the client's home, much to the distress of Alice. She meets with Detective Rigby, investigating the death but when she approaches him again, she finds the case is out of his hands and has been 'kicked upstairs' - so there's nothing else for it; Alice will need to invesigate herself!

This is a superb beginning of a series I look forward to following; whilst Alice is single with no family, she dotes on Agatha Christie - the little dog who accompanies her everywhere. With a fine cast of characters, there is lot going on in this one, and I relished all the details. A thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery, and easily meriting 4.5*.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

When I first started this, I wasn't sure which era I was in as Alice was so old-fashioned. She runs a housekeeping agency with Helly and Jinx.
Alice is soon embroiled in a murder mystery when one of her employees is murdered.
While this is a cosy read, for me, it lost its way when Gerda took Alice's dog Agatha hostage. It just became unbelievable.
Also, the recipes weren't formatting properly, although hopefully that will be sorted before publication along with Alice being called Alice twice instead of Caroline.
I was invited to read this by the publisher HQ in return for an honest review. Thank you to them and Netgalley.

What a great read. Thoroughly enjoyed this. It was filled with such interesting characters; their personas made so much more colourful by the fact that they all seemed so unlikely in their roles.
The idea of making our protagonist a relative of someone so well known to us, was a clever move. It added a real depth to the story and made her so much more believable and charismatic.
From the first page, the plot had me hooked. I couldn’t put it down.
It became even more exciting as we were led through this murder mystery, towards the end, and all the threads were finally being drawn into place to ensnare the guilty parties.
This is one of those books that leaves the reader sad that it’s over, although maybe Alice will reappear on another case and bring her Detective with her!!! I have to say, the very last line of the Epilogue was just perfect.

Alice Beeton is related to the famous Isabelle Beeton of the famous Victorian Book of Household Management and tries to live up to her exacting standards especially in home baking. She runs The Good Household Management Agency to which Enya Fischer arrives with excellent references seeking a position. She’s placed with the wealthy Messent family although Alice has some misgivings. Shortly after Christmas she’s called by Met Officer Detective Rigby to inform her that Enya has died. Obviously Alice is now on the case, I do hope Detective Rigby doesn’t object. As for the Messents there’s something distinctly fishy, if not whiffy, there.

The start of this I find really slow as it’s too wordy and prevaricates and I just want to get on with the plot, so I guess I don’t get off on the right foot with this one. However, I do like the varied settings and the author creates a good atmosphere. The characters are likeable, there’s a good friendship between several of them which gives a nice feel to the storytelling. Alice has a dog called Agatha (after guess who) and she steals the show on occasions as she’s very cute

If you like cozy mysteries then this one is probably right up your street but I’m more in favour of more grit with my mystery. It’s set in the present day but does have the vibe of a Golden Age mystery. Obviously, it’s vital to suspend your disbelief as the plot unfurls but then you have to in the company of Hercule or Miss Marple. The plot is quite busy but parts are fun.

I think the author overplays the inclusion of recipes linking the protagonist back to her ancestor. There are way too many and some are very unnecessary- even I can rustle up a crumble without looking up the recipe. They become an irritating distraction from the storyline. The formatting makes it hard to read them anyway so it’s a good excuse to skim.

Overall, a mixed bag read for me, parts are entertaining and others less so. It seems as if it’s the first in a new series but I don’t feel inclined to continue. Please check other reviews especially if you are a fan of this genre as I may be on outlier island with this one.

The cover is very attractive though Christmas only plays a small part.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

A very readable cosy crime set primarily in Miss Beeton's Good Household Management Agency. The main character is Alice Beeton, distantly related to the famous cookery writer, Mrs Beeton. Alice runs a very discreet household agency, placing staff with well heeled families around the world. When a new recruit comes into the office looking for work as a housekeeper, Alice is very taken with her and even misses some of her usual scrupulous checking of a recruit's references and backgrounds, especially as it is just before Christmas and she has a frantic phone call from a client needing a housekeeper immediately. When the new housekeeper is found dead a few days later, Alice is pulled into trying to find out how she died.
Alice has strong group of friends to support her in her investigations. Helly and Jinx work in the office with her, and she has various (conveniently talented) people whom she has placed in jobs whom she can call on for help when she needs it. Alice loves reading mysteries and watching crime dramas on television as well as cooking and these all factor heavily in the book. She comes across as a well rounded character but reassuringly unprepared for her role in this adventure.
The book is well set up for a sequel, no doubt featuring Detective Rigby, with whom Alice has begun a working/romantic relationship.
With thanks to Netgalley and Rachel Quinn marketing for a chance to read an arc copy.

This is a good murder mystery in the style of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. The connection to Mrs Beeton is a bonus and I really liked the inclusion of recipes throughout the story. The final exposure of the killer was quite a surprise. I would recommend this book.

Alice Beaton is a distant relative of Mrs Beaton of the bakery cookbooks and housekeeper extraordinaire fame. Alice’s housekeeping agency finds itself mid murder investigation and Alice and her chums set about finding out who the murder we is and what is exactly going on. This book hopefully will be part of a long series and Alice can get more involved with the dishy detective Rigby. Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review..

First of all, can we please have more books including recipes please? This seems to be a trend in recent years, and one that I would love to see growing!
Now, onto the review.
Based on the opening description, Alice Beeton did not seem like a protoganist that I would warm to quickly, but I was delighted to be proven wrong in this initial assessment as her warmth towards her friends, and sense of humour was quickly revealed.
The pace is medium but this allows for plenty of character development and for the relationships between Alice and her friends to be revealed.
All in all, this an entertaining read and though the setting is in the lead up to Christmas, through the early New Year, the novel could enjoyable be read at any time of the year.

Miss Alice Beeton runs the Good Household Management Agency, she places staff to the rich, housekeepers, drivers, chefs and she runs a tight ship. When she gets a call from the feted Messants whose Housekeeper has abruptly left, she places Enya Fischer who happens to have come in that day requiring a position.
Yet when Enya is found dead at the Messants New Year’s Eve party, it is Alice who is best placed to get to the bottom of this murderous puzzle.

This book was a delight for a crime and cosy crime fan like me. I loved the premise of Alice Beeton, descendant of the OG Mrs Beeton running a household agency. I adored Agatha named for the OG Mrs Christie, she is a fabulous character all by herself. The other characters are all wonderful, thought has been given to each one, even the minor ones, to exactly why they are there.
Alice has gumption, and seeing as I’m not too far away from her in age, it means I can imagine having my own murder agency too!

It’s light, it fun and it has a great murder mystery. I loved trying to puzzle it out!
I am hoping for lots more from Miss Alice Beeton and her murder agency

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I really enjoyed this and hope that it's the start of a series, I'd love to hear more about the adventures of Alice and her team.

Alice Beeton lives in a basement flat in London with her wonderful dog, Agatha (in honor of Agatha Christie). She loves reading mysteries as well as cooking and baking. She's a distant relative of Mrs Beeton, of household management fame and she runs the Good Household Management Agency, along with her best friend from school, Jinx. These two couldn't be more different, but they make a great team. This comes in handy when Alice turns sleuth after one of the women she's placed in service, Enya, ends up dead in the early hours of the new year. Enya just turned up out of the blue and happened to be there when Alice took an urgent call from a woman desperately looking for help over the festive season. No one else was available and Enya seemed perfect, so Alice only did a cursory background check and sent her off. Who was Enya, and what's up with the husband and wife she was working for? Who wanted her dead? With the help of Agatha and her friends, Alice is determined to find out.

I thought this was a delightful cozy Christmas mystery. The setting is modern, but the book has the feel of one set in earlier times, which I loved. I'm a big fan of Christmas cozies, so that fit the bill, too. Agatha made me laugh more than once. I enjoyed the descriptions of food and of the Christmas holiday spent at Alice's family home with her brother. The recipes scattered throughout added to the vibe and were a good reflection of Alice's personality. Secondary storylines, such as that of Alice's relationship with her upstairs neighbors and building manager also added to the setting. The mystery itself was well done, even if chunks of it seemed quite implausible. Then again, it's a cozy and that's to be expected, I think, so I was happy to just suspend my disbelief and ride along. As I understand it, this is the first in a series and I would definitely read on. I'd be happy to spend more time with Alice, Agatha, and all their friends.

This was an artfully woven but extremely fun crime read featuring the fictional Alice Beaton (distant relative of the Mrs Beaton) who also shares a love of cooking. Alice runs a household management agency placing trusted staff into affluent households, when a new appointed housekeeper is found dead during a New Year’s Eve party Alice finds herself drawn into finding out what happened.

The characters are engaging and the reason for the murder was unexpected but the plot was written well enough so not to make it implausible. There were lots of minor characters in this who all turned out to have a role to play in helping solve the crime making it very well plotted and quite fun to see how they are relevant to the story. I personally wasn’t interested in the recipes that interspersed the story, I think I would have preferred them together at the back but otherwise it read very well and if it proves to be the start of a series I would definitely read more. 7/10

This was a fun cozy mystery. I liked the MC - her insecurities and strengths made her an engaging character. The mystery itself was interesting although a bit predictable for me. I did not love all the recipes. It's just not something I'm interested in and so it felt like a distraction. I think the series has potential and it is clearly being set up to have a sequel. I think the author built a good cast of supporting characters that I would like to see more of.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Alice Beeton, proprietor of the Good Household Management Agency (and a distant relativeof THAT Mrs Beeton), provides domestic staff to the extremely well-heeled. When a potential new recruit lands in the office at exactly the same time that an urgent call comes in for a housekeeper, it looks like good luck.

But it isn't.

When the new housekeeper is found murdered at the house she was placed at, Alice feels morally obliged to find out what happened...

Brilliant. Hope this is the start of a series.