It’s always a joy to get caught up in Eve Mallow’s world, murders and all. As a part time obituary writer she’s able to question people about the murdered diplomat whom she had worked for as a nanny years ago. Tragedy seems to have followed his family so Eve has more than just one death to look in to. I love how the author uses Eve’s friends and community ties to help her puzzle through alibis and motives, and her atmospheric settings….in this case an old manor house that has seen better days. Eve’s kind heart just can’t let go of injustices, especially when she has ties to the family involved. Finally, I can’t forget Gus the dachshund (what better way is there to judge someone’s character than how they act with such an adorable dog), and the happy ending to the story, it’s been a long time in coming.
I appreciate NetGalley and Bookouture giving me access to an advance readers copy. This will,work as a read alone but if you enjoy cozy mysteries with an intelligent protagonist this is a series you’ll love.

Somehow I've missed all the preceding books in this series- but that wasn't a problem. Eve is an intrepid investigator who finds herself poking around to find the villain who murdered the host at the house party she's attending. Turns out the Hale family has more than a few secrets. Luckily, Eve not only has Gus, her loyal dog, but also her friends to help (and to help get things ready for her wedding). It's classic cozy. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'll look for Chase again,

I always enjoy reading a new Eve Mallow mystery and this one was no exception. It's set in a big house whose owner is found dead the morning after a party, and of course every suspect has secrets that Eve discovers while doing both her official job (interviewing people to write the victim's obituary) and some amateur sleuthing on top.
As usual, I would advice new readers to start with book 1, but think that those who don't mind partial spoilers could enjoy this one even without having met Eve and her friends/neighbours before.

I liked this book. I went in blind, not having read any of the previous books in the series, but I was able to follow the backstories pretty well. The ending was very well done and the culprit was not easy to find unless you go back over the book. I will definitely recommend reading this book.

Another great Eve Mallow story. Love these characters, the good and the bad! This plot had lots of suspects and moving parts. It was interesting connecting all the clues and solving not one but three murders. And of course, for fans of Eve, a special ending for her and Robin!!
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Just before her wedding, Eve goes to a house party in the village - she used to babysit the children. But when diplomat Lance is found dead in his swimming pool, Eve finds herself caught up in murders and family secrets.

Eve and her friends are lovely, warm characters - not forgetting Gus the dachshund! - and this series is a real pleasure. Clare has a knack for hiding things in plain sight, and there are lots of twists and turns (including a couple I didn't see coming!).

thoroughly recommended. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC.

Famous diplomat Lance Hale is throwing a party at Lockley Grange to celebrate his latest award. But when he’s found lying dead by his swimming pool, Eve Mallow is sure someone thought he deserved to die…
Can't wait for more from this amazing author What an absolute cracker of a book!!!… sucked me straight in… absolutely addictive page turner… absolutely absorbed me…

Eve Mallow is getting married! Before that, however, there is the small matter of her and best friend, Viv, catering a party for famous local resident, academic, and ex-diplomat, Lance Hale, at his country pile, Lockley Grange. Long before Eve moved to the beautiful village of Saxford St Peter she had worked for the family but tragedy struck a few years later and has stuck around ever since.

Planning the obituary after another unexpected death rocks the village, Eve begins to look closely at the Hale family and is shocked by what she finds. But with fiancé Robin and her WhatsApp group there to keep Eve on task and talk it all through, everything will be sorted by the wedding, won't it?

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book 13 in this brilliant series was a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed Eve and Robin working together while Moira and Viv were, as ever, on top form.

The latest in the Eve Mallow series finds Eve caught up in murders and family secrets surrounding a prominent family with a house near her village. Eve has an old connection to the family and that and her writing put her in the middle of the action as she tries to solve the case before her upcoming wedding.
I was torn between three and four stars for this one. I do enjoy the series and the characters, and the mysteries are always interesting and well written. It’s nice to catch up with the characters as things move along in their lives and relationships. I think what I struggled with a bit in this one in particular was Eve’s motivation for getting so thoroughly involved, to the point of searching for opportunities to eavesdrop and look through people’s personal effects. Her old links to the family and her writing job just didn’t seem strong enough to explain very risky behavior, especially with her own wedding coming up quickly. Again, enjoyable overall and part of a strong series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are my own and voluntarily shared.

Another excellent novel by Clare Chase in the Eve Mallow series. At a party held at Lockley Grange to celebrate the owner Lance Hale's latest award, his body is found in the swimming pool. Eve Mallow who years previously babysat his children investigates his death. I found this mystery book wonderful, and was engrossed until the final pages.

Another good story in the series. This one has Eve going to a house party where she had worked as a nanny years ago. Interesting cozy mystery, and lots of clues to follow along with her to solve the mystery. Good story and one that was hard to put down. Would recommend.

This book was more of a thriller than cozy mystery but it was a very good one with familial secrets. I liked Eve better in this book than in some previous books - her character seemed more defined here.

Eve Mallow is delighted to return to Lockley Grange. She and her partner Viv have been hired to cater the a special event, honoring the achievements of owner Lance Hale and commemorating the tragic death of his daughter. Years ago, Eve was a nanny to the Hale children so she is familiar with the crumbling 700 year old mansion and the quirks of the Hales, Family disfunction seems to be the theme of the celebration. When Eve returns to the Grange the next day, Lance is discovered dead, drowned in the pool. Eve quickly moves from caterer to her other part-time job, that of obituary writer. These skills will help her investigate Lance’s death after it is ruled a murder. She also needs to identify the killer as the Grange is teeming with angry people who seem to be on the search for victims.

Mystery at Lockley Grange is less of a cozy mystery than the others in this excellent series. The nearby village and its charming inhabitants are featured less in this dark thriller. Eve remains a strong, independent character and I am fascinated by her obituary writing talents. I’m looking forward to what comes next from Clare Chase. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Clare Chase for this ARC.