Amateur detective duo Flora Steele and Jack Carrington have gained a reputation for crime-solving. But will they be able to untangle the latest baffling murder in the cosy village of Abbeymead?
Sussex, 1957: When Flora and Jack hear that Percy Milburn – a newcomer to the area who has ruffled more than a few feathers with his grand plans for modernising Abbeymead – is missing, they’re determined to find him. But after scouring the village, Flora is shocked to discover the body of the poor man in the cellar of a crumbling farmhouse.
Percy’s murder is tragic but not unexpected, as his ambition had made him many enemies within the small, rural community. Flora and Jack get stuck into the case, but they’re sent on a wild goose chase around the village. Whoever is behind the death has taken careful steps to cover their tracks…
Was it Miss Minnie Howden, the nervous housekeeper who loved Percy? Sir Frederick Neville, the owner of the farm Percy was trying to buy? Or Colin Palmer, made rich by Percy’s death? Did any of the suspects dislike Percy enough to end his life?
The amateur detective duo finds themselves outfoxed at every turn, unable to find any concrete clues. When their prime suspect is murdered, Flora and Jack have their work cut out to find the culprit. But the clever killer has pulled the wool over their eyes and is reeling them ever nearer to danger.
Will this case finally bring Flora and Jack closer together? And can they unravel the mystery before they’re led like lambs to the slaughter?
I'm delighted to be joining the Books on Tour for Murder at Abbeymead Farm today. Many thanks to Merryn Allingham and Bookouture for inviting me and for my advance copy of the novel.
Murder at Abbeymead Farm is the sixth book in Merryn Allingham's Flora Steele Mystery series. It can be read as a stand-alone but having been with the series since the beginning, I have really enjoyed following the personal lives of the characters, particularly Flora and Jack, so I would recommend reading from the start, if possible.
When Percy Milburn is killed, he becomes the latest in a growing list of Abbeymead's murder victims – the apparently idyllic village is becoming about as safe a place to live as Midsomer! It does mean that Flora Steele and Jack Carrington are becoming quite seasoned amateur sleuths now and with the pair finally in a couple, it would perhaps be more accurate to describe this as the Flora and Jack Mystery series, because I can't imagine one without the other. Their shared sense of humour and determination to uncover the truth about what emerges as an especially trying case ensures they are consistently likeable protagonists, even though their failure to communicate at times is frustrating. As an unmarried couple in the 1950s, the expectation that they will soon announce their engagement is inevitable. I don't know what Merryn Allingham plans for them in the future but I must confess to loving Flora's independent streak and refusal to yield to societal conventions.
One of the most interesting aspects of this instalment is that it explores a less pleasant side of village life, especially for newcomers. It quickly becomes apparent that Percy wasn't a popular man but other than being blunt and resolute in his plans, he clearly wasn't unpleasant and Flora was evidently quite fond of him. However, several of her fellow villagers didn't feel the same way and while the term didn't exist back then, their collective concern about changes wrought by new people coming to the area is typical nimbyism. Some of their objections are understandable but their distrust of visitors and new residents – especially the 'wrong sort '– is portrayed with honesty throughout.
Although the village isn't at its best here, the people who become the main suspects in the investigation are admittedly a rather shady bunch. Avarice and vindictiveness abound and with a known criminal element also involved, it's no wonder that Flora and Jack become stumped. I did manage to figure out the culprit before it is revealed but following the clues carefully laid by the author is part of the fun of reading this sort of whodunnit and so not a criticism at all. There's a sort of subplot running alongside the main investigation which adds a further element of suspense and indeed, poignancy to proceedings. I'm loath to say much more about it for fear of spoilers but there are some moments which are really quite chilling and the sense of violation experienced is heartbreaking.
As always, Merryn Allingham's attention to detail in this historical series is excellent and I love the little touches, such as the mention of a character using a biro, which was becoming a more commonplace sight by the mid-fifties. From the referencing of newly published books to the inclusion of Agatha Christie's Spider Web, which really was performed in Worthing in 1957, the authentic sense of place is first-rate.
Murder at Abbeymead Farm is a satisfyingly immersive cosy mystery; I continue to look forward to more from this reliably entertaining historical crime fiction series.
Murder at Abbeymead Farm is published by Bookouture, purchasing links can be found here.
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About the Author
Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with her husband and one last cat, Bluebell. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet classes and plenty of walking.
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