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A review by the_sassy_bookworm
Miss Beeton's Murder Agency by Josie Lloyd
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Book Review: Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency by Josie Lloyd
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently had the pleasure of reviewing Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency by Josie Lloyd, and I was pleasantly surprised! This cosy crime novel has a delightful retro vibe while still feeling fresh and contemporary. The story revolves around Alice Beeton, who, like her famous relative Mrs Beeton, always envisioned herself as the queen of a perfectly managed household. However, reality has taken Alice down a different path; at just over fifty, she finds herself single, childless, and living in a somewhat shabby basement flat in Kensington with her quirky little dog, Agatha—a corgi-Jack Russell mix who has a knack for stealing the spotlight.
Alice runs the Good Household Management Agency, where she connects high-end clients with domestic staff. When Camille Messant reaches out for an urgent housekeeper, Alice sends over Enya—an assertive new hire with glowing references and a knack for French. But when New Year’s Day rolls around, Alice is jolted from sleep by the shocking news that Enya has been found dead. With the police dragging their feet and the wealthy family tight-lipped, it’s up to Alice to uncover the truth.
First off, I LOVE the cover of this book. It’s just fabulous! As I dove into the story, I found myself enchanted by the varied settings and the festive atmosphere Lloyd creates. The characters are genuinely likeable and the friendships among them add warmth to the narrative. Of course, Agatha deserves a special mention—her antics are absolutely adorable and she definitely brings some extra charm to Alice's life.
What I appreciated most about this book was how well it balanced a lighthearted tone with genuine mystery. The pacing was spot on; I devoured it in just two days! The characters had real depth, and I was kept guessing about who the villain might be until the very end. Plus, there were delightful twists, turns, and red herrings sprinkled throughout—everything you’d hope for in a cosy mystery.
Oh, and did I mention there are recipes included? That’s just an extra cherry on top! Overall, Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency is a well-crafted cosy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a fantastic start to what promises to be an exciting new series. I can't wait to see what adventures Alice and Agatha will embark on next! If you love a good mystery with charming characters, you won’t want to miss this one. Four stars from me!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently had the pleasure of reviewing Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency by Josie Lloyd, and I was pleasantly surprised! This cosy crime novel has a delightful retro vibe while still feeling fresh and contemporary. The story revolves around Alice Beeton, who, like her famous relative Mrs Beeton, always envisioned herself as the queen of a perfectly managed household. However, reality has taken Alice down a different path; at just over fifty, she finds herself single, childless, and living in a somewhat shabby basement flat in Kensington with her quirky little dog, Agatha—a corgi-Jack Russell mix who has a knack for stealing the spotlight.
Alice runs the Good Household Management Agency, where she connects high-end clients with domestic staff. When Camille Messant reaches out for an urgent housekeeper, Alice sends over Enya—an assertive new hire with glowing references and a knack for French. But when New Year’s Day rolls around, Alice is jolted from sleep by the shocking news that Enya has been found dead. With the police dragging their feet and the wealthy family tight-lipped, it’s up to Alice to uncover the truth.
First off, I LOVE the cover of this book. It’s just fabulous! As I dove into the story, I found myself enchanted by the varied settings and the festive atmosphere Lloyd creates. The characters are genuinely likeable and the friendships among them add warmth to the narrative. Of course, Agatha deserves a special mention—her antics are absolutely adorable and she definitely brings some extra charm to Alice's life.
What I appreciated most about this book was how well it balanced a lighthearted tone with genuine mystery. The pacing was spot on; I devoured it in just two days! The characters had real depth, and I was kept guessing about who the villain might be until the very end. Plus, there were delightful twists, turns, and red herrings sprinkled throughout—everything you’d hope for in a cosy mystery.
Oh, and did I mention there are recipes included? That’s just an extra cherry on top! Overall, Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency is a well-crafted cosy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a fantastic start to what promises to be an exciting new series. I can't wait to see what adventures Alice and Agatha will embark on next! If you love a good mystery with charming characters, you won’t want to miss this one. Four stars from me!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️