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

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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 A Pen Dipped in Poison is an uncomplicated but highly entertaining dramatic mystery with likeable, and dare I say at a pinch, loveable protagonists. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have no qualms whatsoever in recommending it.

This is a second book in a series and, while I very much enjoyed the first, this one I loved. The family relationships of the characters were developed so much more. The writing was significantly better here, the pacing too. I liked the plot, did not guess who the culprit was. And the whole book had this atmosphere of an immense love for schools and teaching. It had a lot to say about educational system, where nowadays it is way more about the business side of things and money and not about children. I especially loved the epilogue. The author has found his writing style and I hope we will have more books with these wonderful characters. Thelma, Liz and Pat have a new mystery to solve. Poison pen letters are being sent to teachers and staff of St.Barnabus, the school where our heroines used to teach. The new headteacher seems to be targeted in particular. Sinister envelopes have been delivered to friends and neighbours of our intrepid trio. Inside are letters and secrets revealing the past that they have tried to hide. Careers are ended, marriages destroyed, and no one is beyond suspicion. Something sinister seems to be behind it all, and it may be closer to home than the trio think. The three friends decide to take matters into their own hands, despite the protestations of family members. But when poison pen letters start landing on the doorsteps of friends and neighbours in their Yorkshire village, old secrets come to light.Retired schoolteachers and amateur sleuths Liz, Pat and Thelma have a brand-new mystery to solve in this witty tale... 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 Liz, Pat and Thelma have not seen much of each other as their lives have moved in different circles but as a reader of their first adventures it did not take long to get to know them again. this was a great mystery novel, it was what I was hoping for when reading the description. It was really well written and does what a good mystery is suppose to. I really enjoyed the characters in the story and they worked really well. I'm glad I was able to read this as I really enjoyed what I read, and can't wait to read more mysteries by J.M. Hall. The language is realistic up to a point, mainly because you do not see that many profanities littered throughout the narrative, which I am pleased about. So, kudos to the author for that and for the various twists and misdirection’s scattered throughout the story.

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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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 After reading and listening to the brilliant A Spoonful of Murder by J.M. Hall, I just had to request A Pen Dipped in Poison. Thankfully the publishers, Avon Books UK, have allowed me to read the next in the series, so I thank them for that. If you are a fan of the Richard Osman books, this should be the ideal book for you. It has all the ingredients necessary for an excellent little cosy mystery. Suspense, drama and skulduggery are woven into a great storyline which features retired schoolteachers Liz, Pat and Thelma as they embark on another adventure. I really liked Kayleigh Brittain, the new headmistress. She is wealthy, driven, enigmatic, confident and influential. She has a clear vision for the school and will stop at nothing to ensure it is achieved. She doesn’t care what others think of her, which may make her slightly callous, especially as a head teacher and she doesn’t endear herself to the children or parents, but I admired her determination and strength. A truly strong female lead character. Curious white envelopes have been delivered to friends and neighbours. Inside are letters revealing the deepest secrets they have tried to hide. What a perfect book...! I loved the three main characters... I highly recommend.' NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This book would make a great movie!