With thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this as an EARC ahead of publication. 

In the fourth instalment of this series, retired schoolteachers and amateur sleuths Liz, Pat and Thelma are called in by an old colleague to investigate the death of her ex-husband. Neville Hilton, former Ofsted inspector and employee of the Lodestone Multi-academy Trust, dies tragically of a heart attack, but no crime was committed. At least according to the police. Unconvinced, and certain his new wife had something to do with it, Neville’s ex-wife asks Liz, Pat and Thelma to investigate and the trio soon find themselves caught up in more than they bargained for. 

It was so nice to be back with Liz, Pat and Thelma in J.M. Hall’s latest book. In this addition to the series we find ourselves back to its roots – investigating a mystery quite closely related to education. I have to say, I do think this is where the series shines – J.M. Hall’s background in education is woven throughout and it feels like a very realistic portrayal. I always feel a sense of nostalgia while reading/listening to these books, remembering the conversations I overheard growing up when my mum worked at our primary school. Particularly in this book we are privy to the stressor that is the Ofsted inspection and I felt the author did a commendable job of offering different views on how teachers, and schools more generally, can find themselves affected by both the anticipation and outcome of these inspections. 

As always, the relationship between Liz, Pat and Thelma was a real highlight, and I found myself feeling like a fourth member of their group. The warmth of their friendship really comes through in their interactions and I love how they work so well together – both when they are physically together and the ways in which they play to their strengths when apart for the good of the group’s investigations. I will say that their characters and friendship have developed throughout the series so while I do think this could be read as a first introduction to the series, I would also absolutely recommend checking out the earlier books. 

This book asks a lot of questions about ‘what is a crime?’ and the power someone’s words can have over you. It’s certainly a book I’ll be thinking about a lot going forward, and the power our words can have. Overall, another fantastic outing with Liz, Pat and Thelma, and I’m excited to see what comes next.