Book Review: Growing, Growing, Gone… by Jonathan Whitelaw.

Set in the picturesque yet perplexing town of Penrith, nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Growing, Growing, Gone… delivers a delightful blend of mystery, wit, and intrigue. The story revolves around Amita Khatri, a determined sleuth, and her son-in-law Jason, who find themselves embroiled in an investigation when a mild-mannered academic goes missing—and he’s far from the only one.

The charm of this novel lies in its richly drawn characters, particularly Amita, whose sharp intellect and no-nonsense attitude contrast perfectly with the more laid-back approach of Jason. Alongside them is Frank, the irascible retired copper whose blunt humor adds a dash of gruffness to the trio. As they search the Cumbrian countryside for missing people and money, the tight-knit nature of their investigative team keeps the pacing lively and the banter sharp.

The setting, with its quiet villages, serene lakes, and fertile farmland, serves as both backdrop and character, lending a unique flavor to the mystery. The narrative cleverly incorporates the theme of "planting the evidence," giving it an eerie, almost garden-variety feel, as clues are buried, both literally and figuratively, throughout the story. This play on words and themes adds a layer of complexity that will keep readers engaged.

The plot weaves a tangled web of disappearances, hidden motives, and well-timed twists, each unfolding with a rhythm that mirrors the shifting landscapes of the Lake District itself. As Amita, Jason, and Frank dig deeper, the stakes grow higher—leading to an unexpected and satisfying conclusion.

Growing, Growing, Gone… is a lighthearted but clever mystery that keeps the reader guessing without being overly complex. It’s perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of humor and a strong sense of place. If you enjoy stories with quirky characters, subtle tension, and a little bit of gardening lore, this book is well worth the read.

***advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***
Another cozy murder mystery - heavy emphasis on the cozy. This is quite a slow paced plot, it took nearly a quarter of the book to find out what the actual crime was and who it had happened to.
I will say I thought there were some innovate plot elements regards the mystery itself, but for me it wasn’t pacy enough to keep my attention well. Some parts were a bit overdone - the retired inspector who hates the son in law, that narrative has been set, I’m not sure we need two paragraphs of jibes each time they meet.
I think this is a series which I didn’t realise when I started, I’m not sure I was invested enough in the characters to read any more myself but suspect there will be an interested demographic of readers nonetheless.

Things aren't going well up in Cumbria.

Amita has managed to lose her phone, and has obtained a replacement from a very questionable source. And then the messages start coming...

Pretty soon, Amita, son-in-law Jason, and retired copper Frank are looking for more than one missing person