A Pen Dipped in Poison: A witty and cosy mystery story, perfect for fans of Richard Osman

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What a perfect book...! I loved the three main characters... I highly recommend.' NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This book would make a great movie! The themes explored in A Pen Dipped in Poison are worth mentioning too; there are some great messages about education within this book. It covers how educational systems have become focused on money instead of children, which highlights how important it is for us all to remember that education should always be about helping children learn and grow rather than just making money off them or treating them as numbers on a spreadsheet. I especially enjoyed the epilogue; it brings everything full circle with a heart-warming message of what really matters when it comes to education. Retired schoolteachers and amateur sleuths Liz, Pat and Thelma have a brand-new mystery to solve in this witty tale – perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, by Richard Osman Retired schoolteachers and amateur sleuths Liz, Pat and Thelma have a brand-new mystery to solve in this witty tale – perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club and Robert Thorogood

The ‘poison’ here is better described as ‘mildly dyspeptic’ in contents, but the bold capitals are not dismissed or chalked off and away by recipients. The deeply disturbing personal, if vague, letters could have catastrophic consequences, possibly even poison. A charming read with a cast of characters you'll really connect with' Faith Martin, author of A Fatal End A gently quirky cosy mystery with plenty of twists and turns, and an intriguing cast of characters– some endearing, some not so much!’ Fiona Leitch, author of The Cornish Wedding Murder Malice and mayhem spur a school reunion of three modern Marples – and some of their Thirsk community learn a lesson they’ll never forget!’ Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, author of A Murder of CrowsBut as they work to uncover the truth, they begin to wonder just how far someone will go to silence this poison pen… I could not put this book down! What a perfect book…! I loved the three main characters… I highly recommend.’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A gently quirky cosy mystery with plenty of twists and turns, and an intriguing cast of characters - some endearing, some not so much!' Fiona Leitch, author of The Cornish Wedding Murder The ingredients for the perfect modern cosy crime: intrigue, characters you care about and a good dollop of humour' Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants So brilliant… I loved this so much! Perfect cosy crime – I am a big fan of this author!’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Masterful storytelling and delightfully retro-style detective ladies make A Pen Dipped in Poison an imaginative and eventful read. Think Miss Marple with attitude coupled with a strong sense of togetherness, probably just about sums up Liz, Pat and Thelma. Like Jane Marple, these characters though quirky and slightly twee can think outside the box and around corners. I guess that is what comes of them being retired school teachers. Most characters are teachers and, as the author is also in that profession, they are described in details that bring the school environment and atmosphere to life. That includes conversations that have no consequence from people who are keen to escape the classroom and the additional pressure of meeting targets daily by banter. Behind these chats are so many lie real anxieties, which the author goes on to explain the speakers’ true emotions, almost like a commentator. Retired schoolteachers and amateur sleuths Liz, Pat and Thelma have a brand-new mystery to solve in this witty tale - perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club and Robert ThorogoodCurious white envelopes have been delivered to friends and neighbours. Malice and mayhem spur a school reunion of three modern Marples– and some of their Thirsk community learn a lesson they’ll never forget!’ Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, author of A Murder of Crows Three Miss Marples for the price of one! Extremely well-drawn characters... the plot is carefully assembled... the writing is so good... I loved this story!' NetGalley review

Malice and mayhem spur a school reunion of three modern Marples - and some of their Thirsk community learn a lesson they'll never forget!' Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, author of A Murder of Crows So brilliant... I loved this so much! Perfect cosy crime - I am a big fan of this author!' NetGalley review

I could not put this book down! What a perfect book...! I loved the three main characters... I highly recommend.' NetGalley review So brilliant… I loved this so much! Perfect cosy crime– I am a big fan of this author!’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A gently quirky cosy mystery with plenty of twists and turns, and an intriguing cast of characters – some endearing, some not so much!’ Fiona Leitch, author of The Cornish Wedding Murder What makes A Pen Dipped in Poison so enjoyable? To begin with, the characters feel very real and relatable; their family relationships are explored in greater depth compared to the first book in the series, making them all the more likeable. The writing style is also much improved here; it is sharp and witty without being overly long-winded or dull. The plot is well-paced but keeps you guessing throughout – I did guess who the culprit was early on but not the reason why until the big reveal!But as they work to uncover the truth, they begin to wonder just how far someone will go to silence this poison pen... A cruel letter to the Headmistress is assumed to be a one-off, until a spate of others target random teachers. Who? Why? Those are the obvious questions but, as Pat reminds her friends, Liz and Thelma, the questions in the rhyme they all taught to their pupils also contains, How? Where? and When? Although less obvious, answering the last three will turn up the clues needed to solve the first three. “How” is easy, the letters are computer typed and printed on the school’s stationary; “Where” is also easy, they turn up in various locations within the school, “When” is more complicated, the first one was found during the setting up for the Summer Fayre, the last event of that academic year, all the rest turn up individually during the first term of the next academic year. The school, St Barnabus Primary, is now part of Lodestone Academy Trust, and is run by the new headmistress Kayleigh Brittain, designer clad, perfectly coiffed, powerfully efficient. Are the letters someone’s plan to disrupt the school and get her fired? The three retired friends start to investigate, despite the protestations of their husbands. Ron, Liz’s husband, recently recovered from cance Curious white envelopes have been delivered to friends and neighbours. Inside are letters revealing the deepest secrets they have tried to hide.