Murder by Suggestion (Ellie Quicke #19)

A group of neglected wives at the country club joke around about ways to kill off their husbands. They find it amusing until deaths start occurring. Who really wants these men dead and why? And why do the men respond to the jokes so passionately? Author Veronica Heley weaves a fascinating story in Murder by Suggestion as Ellie Quicke again finds herself in the middle of a mystery that brings uninvited houseguests and more than a little danger into her quiet and comfortable home. Her daughter Diana is at the center of the chaos, and she is responding to her problems with no grace and even less charm. It is all Ellie can do to not attack her own daughter in response to her insulting and outrageous behavior. Diana, never an easy person, seems outside the realm of reason until she discloses the cause of her extreme behavior.

Heley writes in such a way that as you finish one chapter you really must start the next. I love it when a book is that engaging. Another interesting aspect of this book is that the setting is almost entirely in Ellies home. The action comes to her: she talks to people and sorts out the whos, hows and whys. Although there are a lot of major characters, it was easy for me to keep them straight along with their marital partners. All in all, another successful mystery in this excellent series.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Severn House for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

In this adventure of Ellie Quicke, we find Ellie in shock when her daughter, Diana turns up at her door with most of her belongings. She learned Diana’s husband has evicted her and taken procession of everything including Ellie’s grandson. Her husband accused Diana of plotting his death. Diana has invited 4 other women to stay at Ellie’s house. The tale begins with a lot of twists and turns as Ellie seems to find answers. Did Diana plot to kill her husband? Why did she invite her friend to stay at Ellie’s home? What are Diana plans for taking control of the trust? This story will keep you reading until you finished it. I have a lot of mysteries and this the only time I have this plot. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Severn for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

What a great read from Veronica Heley. The story is intelligent and handles the civilian detective in a realistic manner. No great leaps that could not be followed by the reader. No magical feats of deduction that are unbelievable or fake. Ms. Heley has done a masterful job with this book.

Additionally, she presents characters in a secular fashion with a Christian faith. Specifically, the Christian beliefs of the characters – not all characters, only a handful – express their faith through prayer in a way that normal, average people will do in their daily lives. The religious aspects of the book are gentle, in no way excessive or preachy. Instead, they were true to the characters and a refreshing approach.

Well done!

A very good cozy, I liked the unusual plot and the heroine.
This is a well written book, with an interesting and unusual cast of characters.
The book is well written, there’s a sound plot and it keep you guessing till the end.
Some of the characters will grate your nerves at the beginning but if you resist and keep on reading they will grow on you and became likeable, you’ll also start to root for them.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC

I can’t imagine what I would have done if my daughter had, like Diana, turned up on my doorstep, AND Invited along her friends because one of their husbands had died and all of the husbands now think their wives are going to murder them. Well, Ellie, our intrepid amateur, takes matters into her own hands and untangles what’s happened. She’s a well done character, as are the women even if they are pretty unlikable. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this well written quick read. If you haven’t read Heley before, know that she’s an expert in the genre.

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