Mrs. Malory and Death Is a Word by Hazel Holt

It isn't often I start a series with the very last book, especially when we are talking about a long lived series that is past part twenty. Somehow that happened with the Mrs. Mallory mysteries but I am glad to say I am now well on the track of the parts after reading, and loving, Mrs. Malory and Death Is a Word by Hazel Holt.

From the back of the book:

Arson and murder in the English countryside from the author of Mrs. Malory and a Necessary End.

In the wake of a reporter’s death, biographer Sheila Malory must dig through the remnants of his life to discover the devil in the details . . .

Sheila’s friend, larger-than-life Eva Jackson, has returned to the village of Taviscombe after losing her husband, Alan. A foreign correspondent, Alan reported on dangerous stories around the world from Libya to Afghanistan—but the cause of his death was more mundane: kidney failure in a London hospital. Still, he led a storied life, and much of his past lies in his writings, papers, and books now boxed away in Eva’s garage.

After Eva decides to compile a book of Alan’s unpublished works, a fire mysteriously breaks out in the garage. Then Eva meets a suspicious end, leading Sheila to wonder if there’s a killer at large in their charming Devon countryside.

My thoughts:

Sheila Malory is everything I love in a cozy heroine and her friend Eva is a perfect contrast/compliment. Since I am new to the series I will be reading back some and I sure hope to learn more about many of the characters, especially Michael. I really enjoyed the way they interacting and getting to know them both better. In addition to the characters, the setting was adorable and charming. Perfect to induce the cozy feeling I like in my mysteries.

The mystery had a lot of fun little secrets that cast a suspicious eye on several people and made it a real joy to puzzle out. I loved the way the solution was as interesting as the subplots and wasn't solved into a neat box for readers. I really do look forward to reading more. If you also missed this one, like I did, I suggest you get started right now, we have a lot of catching up to do. If you have, I will say this final part is absolutely fabulous.

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