The Poison Pen Letters by Fiona Walker is the 2nd installment in the Village Detectives Cozy Mystery Series, and it's a truly uplifting read that will leave you feeling inspired. I was thoroughly captivated by this engaging story and appreciated the author's writing style, which skillfully weaves a captivating mystery that keeps readers enthralled until the very end. We regret to announce the tragic death of Phoebe Fredericks… Together with the newly formed Village Detectives – Juno, Mil, and Felix – Phoebe resolves to find out who is behind the poison pen letters before they strike again and her fate is signed, sealed, and delivered! This story introduces a delightful ensemble of amateur sleuths, whose unlikely friendships are forged in the midst of murder and mystery, and it's a testament to the power of collaboration and determination. The plot is engaging, with numerous twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end, and I appreciated the author's skillful pacing and character development, which made it easy to become invested in the lives of the protagonists. The novel's conclusion was satisfying, and I am eager to see how the series evolves in the third installment. I highly recommend the Village Detectives to fans of cozy mysteries and amateur sleuth stories, as it's a shining example of the genre. Overall, I am excited to continue following this series and seeing where the author takes these intriguing characters next, as I have no doubt that it will be an inspiring and thrilling journey.

Book Review: The Poison Pen Letters by Fiona Walker

Fiona Walker’s The Poison Pen Letters, the latest installment in the Village Detectives Cozy Mystery Series, is a laugh-out-loud romp through the idyllic English countryside, filled with quirky characters, sharp wit, and a generous dose of suspense. Fans of Richard Osman and Janet Evanovich will find this delightful blend of mystery and comedy hard to resist.

The story kicks off with crime novelist Phoebe Fredericks receiving a chilling invitation—to her own funeral, scheduled for the very next day. While she initially brushes it off as a cruel prank, things take a sinister turn when her postman triggers an explosive parcel of poisoned pen-nibs. Realizing her life is in danger, Phoebe teams up with the eccentric Village Detectives—Juno, Mil, and Felix—to unmask the culprit behind the poison pen letters before it’s too late.

Walker’s signature humor and sharp dialogue shine throughout, making the book as entertaining as it is suspenseful. Phoebe is a wonderfully flawed and relatable protagonist, whose interactions with the meddlesome yet endearing residents of Inkbury provide plenty of comic relief. The supporting cast, from the bumbling postman to her fellow sleuths, adds depth and charm, creating a vibrant tapestry of village life.

The mystery itself is well-crafted, with red herrings and twists that keep readers guessing until the final reveal. Walker expertly balances the lighthearted tone with moments of genuine tension, ensuring the stakes feel real without losing the cozy charm.

Inkbury, with its scenic beauty and undercurrent of secrets, serves as the perfect setting for this cozy mystery. Walker’s vivid descriptions make it easy to picture the glittering river and quaint village streets, immersing readers in the story’s world.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to the Village Detectives, The Poison Pen Letters is a delightful addition that stands out for its clever plot, engaging characters, and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s the kind of book that invites you to curl up with a cup of tea and lose yourself in its pages.

Highly recommended for fans of cozy mysteries and anyone looking for a lighthearted yet gripping read. With its perfect blend of humor, intrigue, and heart, this is a series you’ll want to revisit again and again.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot or publisher's blurb...

I requested this novel thinking that it was the next in a series I've been reading - but I quickly discovered I was mistaken! However, having enjoyed this "cosy" mystery, I will read the rest of THIS series too!

The book worked OK as a standalone - there is background information on the main characters; however I expect that it would be more enjoyable if you have already read the other books in the series, for continuity and character development reasons.

I thought the plot was interesting, and there are plenty of red herrings to throw you off track. Some characters are more likeable than others, but that's what you'd expect from a murder mystery I think.

Recommended if you enjoy a good cosy murder mystery (those words don't sound quite right, but are a perfect description in my opinion!)

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

The Village Detectives are on the case again, this time trying to find out who wants to do harm to one of their own, Phoebe. She has been receiving both on line and in the mail disturbing threats. It ratchets up several notches when the local postman is blown up at her door, delivering a package. Juno and Phoebe’s husband Felix set off on a road trip to check out the people with whom Phoebe has had the most rocky histories.. From Yorkshire to Paris and back home, they still have no answers until Juno’s techie wiz son is able to track down the IP address from whence the missives were coming.

When a second murder occurs it appears that the events that they thought were connected might be perpetrated by two separate villains. With the help of Mil, the publican, they attempt to piece together the details only to find out, almost too late, the real mastermind was someone they never considered. There is a great mystery and some humorous bits interwoven in the story. It had suspense and even though I twigged not long before the characters, it played out differently than I expected. Entertaining from beginning to end. Five purrs and two paws up.

In the latest Village Detectives cozy mystery novel, readers join Phoebe Fredericks as she discovers an invitation to her own funeral which says that she will die the next day. Believing it to be a prank from some sort of past enemy, Phoebe ignores her infuriating literary critic of a postman until a delivery of poisoned pen-nibs explode in her face, forcing her to confront this letter about her impending death as a reality. Joining Juno, Mil, and Felix from the Village Detectives, Phoebe is determined to discover who is behind these poison pen letters and stop her own death from occurring. With a fun twist to the usual murder mystery and a cast of quirky and complex characters, readers will enjoy Walker’s continuation of this series in this fascinating and high stakes new release. The characters and their dynamics are the star of the novel as they work together to solve a murder in the making, while their evolution as a unit is particularly enjoyable to follow. With so much happening in this novel, Fiona Walker does an excellent job balancing multiple plot lines and keeping the tension up in the novel so readers stay on the case in this exciting new release.

Very much enjoyed this story. Leans more towards novel than cozy mystery.

Didn’t realize u til I visited the author’s page on GoodReads that Juno is a character from a book I never finished, mainly because I didn’t care about the characters. Liked Juno much better in this story, Although the way she interviewed Ken doll about being the murderer was rather stuppid.

The voluble Juno and acerbic Phoebe are back to solve a new set of murders in their small town. The story opens with Phoebe receiving an invitation to her own funeral. Though shocked, she's also dismissive, as the message's tone is reminiscent of those she received some time before when an article she wrote generated a tremendous amount of flak directed at her. This situation snowballed and ended up in her being let go from her steady newspaper job, suffering a fair amount of mental trauma, followed by a cancer diagnosis.

The next morning the chatty postman (who is also her dedicated literary critic and factchecker) is killed when a box addressed to Phoebe, and containing poisoned pen nibs, explodes in his face at her door.

Juno, Mil and Felix, Phoebe's director husband, are unwilling to let the issue go, and begin investigating. There are plenty of suspects as Felix attempts to identify the most persistent online poster and detractor, who has become active again. He enlists Juno on his searches, even though she feels that the suspect is more local, including a former party girl who loudly and repeatedly states she has a claim in the house Phoebe and Felix live in. Meanwhile Phoebe is writing frantically to ensure she's making money to support them while Felix is between projects. She also tries her best to avoid thinking about the harassment and murders, until she can't anymore.

I enjoy Juno's rambling inner and outer monologues, while she attempts to solve the case and get more involved with the life of the village, including joining a book club.

I found there were frequent humorous moments (mostly from Juno), interspersed with Phoebe dealing with her pain, and worries about Felix's past, which actually plays a part in the resolution of this entertaining second entry in the Village Detectives series by author Fiona Walker.

I definitely enjoyed this book, and look forward to the return of these amateur sleuths.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Enter, stage left, the sequel to the very funny and charming, Village Detectives book. This book sees the detectives come together again to clue out a mystery very much closer to their hearts. Phoebe is sent a death notice for herself in the mail, see has a package meant for her blow up and hurt somebody else and her hate filled tormentors from yesteryear are back and trolling worse than ever.

I really liked the characters from the first book, bubbly and funny Juno, private and pained Phoebe, Nordic God Mil and we actually have Felix taking part as detective this time around as well.
While some things from the first book are no further along...(Juno and her hunt for a house, car that works and ever evasive love) there are quite a few developments on the secrets that Phoebe and Felix weren't letting us in on. We learn about Phoebe's cancellation and early life, Felix's prior misbehaviour and what makes them both tick despite all the talk about them.

A lot of this book was focused on the devastation that can happen when cyber bullies attack or people use the senseless digital masses to bring someone down by spreading rumours and untruths and watching a huge fallout. This is unfortunately so common in these times and yet no more under control that the physical bullying is. I like how it was brought to our attention how we could be contributing to this in our everyday lives but I did not like the ending for these people in the story. Not brought to justice at all to my satisfaction.

This book had all the same heart, camaraderie and laughs that I've come to expect from a Fiona Walker book and the plots and whodunnits left me baffled. There were so many plot points and twists that I never for a second believed that I had it all understood and I was just along for the ride happily. Can't wait for the next adventure from the Village Detectives!

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

The premise of this novel was very interesting and as I love cozy mysteries I thought I’d like this one too. Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish this one. I just didn't’ like the general pace of the novel.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Fiona Walker's "The Poison Pen Letters" presents an intriguing and delightful blend of mystery and wit.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the English village of Inkbury, the narrative follows crime novelist Phoebe Fredericks, who is thrust into a real-life whodunit after receiving a threat in the form of an invitation to her own funeral.

The novel opens with a bang—literally—when the postman gets an explosive surprise, setting the stage for a captivating and humorous investigation. Phoebe teams up with the quirky Village Detectives, comprising Juno, Mil, and Felix, to unmask the sinister letter writer before things escalate further.

Walker excels in creating a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own unique quirks and charms. The interactions between the amateur sleuths are filled with light-hearted banter and camaraderie, making the reader feel a part of the investigative team. The blend of comedy and suspense keeps the pace lively, and the plot twists ensure that readers remain engaged.

The village of Inkbury is a character in its own right, with eccentric residents and its quaint charm adding depth to the story. Walker's descriptive prowess transports readers to this idyllic yet deceptively perilous setting, creating a perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery.

"The Poison Pen Letters" is a thoroughly enjoyable read, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries who appreciate a touch of humor in their suspense.

Walker's skillful storytelling and endearing characters make this book a standout in the genre.

I really enjoyed this book. It is the first one I have read from this author, and I was not disappointed. I think Fiona Walker did an amazing job. The characters were well written, and the plot was well thought out. Overall, it was a cozy rom-com type of read, and I devoured it. I can't wait for more from this author. I highly recommend this for a cozy read.

Thank you Net Galley ARC and Boldwood Books

I did enjoy the poison pen letters by Fiona Walker but glad that I had read the previous book as then I had a good grounding in the characters in the book before I started. Just the sort of book you want to read on an autumn day with a cup of coffee and your feet up. Very entertaining.

Another Village Detectives romp! Chaotic to the end with plenty of red herrings to divert the reader. Witty writing bringing Inkbury to life with its diverse troop of suspects and victims. Thoroughly enjoyable, you need to let go and have the story wash over you. I love the main characters from these books and also in their previous incarnations from books gone by. Engaging and head scratching but fun.

Thank you Netgalley

3.5 stars rounded up. I am starting to like these small town cozy murders mysteries. This is the first of the series that I have read but it is a promising group of characters.

When Phoebe reads an announcement of her own death and her meddlesome postman turns up dead, there is plenty to keep Juno, Mil, and Felix busy while solving another village crime. Thank you Netgalley, I will give this series another try and read the first book, too.

The Poison Pen Letters is book number 2 in The Village Detectives series. I really enjoyed the first book, so I was excited to read this next instalment Which did not disappoint . I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging read and appreciated the author's writing style.

Started well. Good characters but left me a bit flat after one too many wild goose chases, side plots and repetitive gameplay,

3.5*

A good cozy crime mystery. When Phoebe ends up dead on her doorstep the towns crime solvers want to find out who’s the killer. It has a lot of characters, but easy to follow once you get into it. A 4 star read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

Crime novelist Phoebe Fredericks receives an invitation to her own funeral. But even worse, she witnesses a death. Is she the target? It's time for the village detectives to investigate the crimes and protect their friend.
I liked Juno. She's smart and stands up for herself, especially when folks call her fat.
Felix is an unlikable character. He's disloyal and unkind, I cringed whenever he was on scene.
Mil is a loyal, protective friend. I wish Juno would get over societal norms and get together with him.
I saw the end coming, but it was the most adventurous part of the story.
The author's mention of vaping seems out of place. And the book includes tons of drinking.
I like the emphasis on community. Although Phoebe wants to hide, she finds freedom and peace with her neighbors.
I probably wouldn't read more books in this series. It's a cozy mystery but the story and characters didn't pull me in.

If you can read this book WITHOUT casting it in your head, good luck! Once I had my actors in place in my head, this cozy ran just like a BBC show! It's funny, modern and perfectly charming, as the team of village mystery solvers try to outwit the police and solve the case! With red herrings a plenty, this one will keep you guessing to the end! Don't miss this charming cozy!

The village detectives are back and what a motley crew they are .
Juno and Phoebe are the main detectives but pick up helpers along the way .
Juno has recently moved back to the UK from the USA and feels she’s lost her way , whilst Phoebe is an author and not in a good place either .
Phoebe receives the notice of her own funeral in the post which has an a negative impact on her already poor mental health .
Together with Juno she decides to investigate the poison pen letters she continues to receive, whilst also seeing her postman ( a bit of an odd character to put it mildly) murdered on her doorstep.
The characters are amiable and the humour adds an extra dimension to the story .
There are plenty of twists and turns and plenty to keep the reader interested .
It kept me guess until the end .
A well written , funny and entertaining read .
A great second instalment in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.