Best Book Editors


The Charity Shop Detective Agency by Peter Boland

Book Blurb

‘Witty and knowing.’ Diamond Dagger Award-winner Simon Brett OBE

PUT THE KETTLE ON AND DISCOVER AN UTTERLY CHARMING NEW COZY MURDER MYSTERY SET IN A SLEEPY ENGLISH SEASIDE TOWN.

Fiona, Sue and Daisy, three retired ladies who volunteer at the local charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes, can’t believe their favourite customer is dead.

Eighty-six-year-old Sarah Brown was found murdered in her hallway by her delivery man, a domino clutched in her hand — with a name scratched on it.

When another person is found dead with a domino in their hand, and with the police making no progress, the ladies will need to help unmask a serial killer. But at least they have Fiona’s scruffy-haired terrier cross to assist them.

With plenty of tea and cake along the way, and despite squabbles with their rivals, the Cats Alliance across the street, the Charity Shop Detective Agency is born.

Fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Janice Hallett, Simon Brett, Ian Moore and Sarah Yarwood-Lovett will adore this exciting new talent in cozy crime.

READERS LOVE THE CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVE AGENCY:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This was blooming marvellous. I absolutely adored it . . . Fantastic read for a winter’s afternoon at home with a cup of tea.’ Andrea B.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘What can I say about The Charity Shop Detective Agency other than, fabulous?! Everything about this story from its narrative to character quirks was pure perfection.’ Alexandra

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A fantastic read for fans of Richard Osman . . . I’d wholeheartedly recommend.’ Reviewer696501

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An incredibly charming book! It’s the kind of book that makes me wish there was a sixth star . . .The dry wit, the dialogue and the characterization sparkles on the page.’ Kathleen

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I was laughing and smiling whilst reading this book — ؙit was like a hug in a book.’ Kimberley

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A rather glorious cosy mystery with all of the right ingredients in all the right places.’ Reviewer266180

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I loved this! I’m really looking forward to reading more of the series and can’t wait to find out the next case!’ Helen P.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This was a delightful book. The characters were very likeable and the storyline kept you guessing right till the end. If you like cozy mysteries then this book is for you and, with a cup of tea, you are in for a treat.’ Jane

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I loved this! Cosy crime at its best.’ Rachel A.

THE CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVES
Level-headed Fiona has found a quiet sanctuary volunteering at the local charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes. A charity shop that raises money for, well, dogs that need nice homes. And she’s found firm friendship with the strong-willed Partial Sue (she’s ever so partial to a cup of tea) and the kindly — and surprisingly tech-savvy — Daisy. Together, these ladies, with Simon Le Bon, Fiona’s scruffy-haired terrier cross, investigate murders as the utterly charming Charity Shop Detective Agency.

THE SETTING
The lovely coastal town of Southbourne is, on paper, little more than a small suburb hemmed in by Bournemouth to the west and Christchurch to the north. But it’s home to the prettiest avenues lined with gorgeous Georgian homes which lead to a grass-topped cliff standing guard over a sweeping bay of blond sand, soft as Demerara sugar. Some say it’s also home to the best charity shops in the country. The ladies of the Charity Shop Detective Agency maintain that Dogs Need Nice Homes — though musty and more than a little cramped — is certainly number one. Well, they definitely help solve the most crimes at least!

More books by Peter Boland coming soon, join the Joffe Books mailing list to be the first to hear about them!

Best Book Editors Review

This is a great cosy mystery, taking readers to visit the quaint seaside town of Southbourne, where life isn’t as tranquil as you’d think. When an old lady is found dead, it seems there’s a murderer on the loose.

The story follows three old ladies who volunteer at a charity shop. Their friend is murdered and, despite not having a clue what they’re doing, the trio try their hand at solving the mystery. The author captures the essence of small-town life, brilliantly. The narrative is warm and chatty. This book is studded with wit and a healthy dose of suspense. As they embark on their detective journey at least one of them drives, so all that’s lacking is the bus pass and Trebor mints.

 

The vivid characters and engaging writing, make this an easy read. The dynamic between the main characters is heartwarming and their interactions with the quirky side-characters add layers of charm. Simon Le Bon (nice touch), Fiona’s scruffy dog, enhances the story. Come on, who doesn’t like a book with a dog? He’s my favourite character—along with Partial Sue.

It’s with a happy grin that we suspend reality as the local policewoman is okay with these elderly dodderers investigating her case, and even shares information with them. Ah—but it all goes wrong when the hunter becomes the hunted With some clever twists, Bolan has crafted an enjoyable mystery that works. Lovely escapism.

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After studying to be an architect, Pete realised he wasn’t very good at it. He liked designing buildings he just couldn’t make them stand up, which is a bit of a handicap in an industry that likes to keep things upright. So he switched to advertising, writing ads for everything from cruise lines to zombie video games.

After becoming disillusioned with working in ad agencies, he switched to writing thriller novels (or was it because he just wanted to work at home in his pyjamas?). He soon realised there’s no magic formula. You just have to put one word in front of the other (and keep doing that for about a year). It also helps if you can resist the lure of surfing, playing Nintendo Switch with his son, watching America’s Next Top Model with his daughter and drinking beer in a garden chair.

 

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