Murder Cuts the Mustard

Written by Jessica Ellicott

Narrated by Barbara Rosenblat

In the lean years following World War I, brash American adventuress Beryl Halliwell and prim and proper Brit Edwina Davenport form a private inquiry agency to make ends meet, hoping that crime does indeed pay . . . The latest occurrence to disturb the peace in the quaint English village of Walmsley Parva hits rather too close to home-in fact, the prime suspect has taken up residence in Edwina's potting shed. Her elderly gardener Simpkins has been secretly sleeping there after a row with his disreputable brother-in-law and housemate, Hector Lomax. When Hector is found murdered in the local churchyard, Constable Gibbs comes looking for Simpkins, who was last seen arguing with his kin in the pub the night before. Based on the sad state of her garden, Edwina has grave doubts that the shiftless Simpkins could muster the effort to murder anyone. The two sleuths throw themselves into weeding out suspects and rooting out the real killer. But this is no garden variety murder. The discovery of a valuable ring, a surprise connection to Colonel Kimberly's Condiment Company, and a second homicide all force Beryl and Edwina to play catch-up as they relish the chance to contain the culprit . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 29, 2019
• ISBN: 9781980022589

Jessica Ellicott

Agatha award nominee Jessica Ellicott loves fountain pens, Mini Coopers and throwing parties. A member of Wicked Authors, Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers, she lives in northern New England with her dark and mysterious husband, exuberant children and a precocious poodle named Sam.

Reviews for Murder Cuts the Mustard

[Nicolle Melanson-Powell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I like this series for relaxation. There are no violent events in the reader's presence or high speed chases. This is a series in the genre of the golden age of mystery, but a bit more cosy. You will have to suspend your disbelief but that is typical with most cosies. Beryl and Edwina are a charming pair who contrast with each other and thus make a good team. Post war village life is a setting that adds to the charm of the stories. I listened to the audiobook and like the reader, Barbara Rosenblatt. This series is ideal to listen to while you do other things - exercise, clean, do laundry, drive, etc. If your attention wanders, you probably will not miss anything crucial and can pick up when your mind tunes back in. Nice entertainment.

[kathy89_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The “Odd Couple” of Beryl and Edwina living in the village of Walmsely Parva after WWI have set themselves up in a private detective business. This time their gardener, living in their potting shed is accused of killing his brother-in-law for stealing his late wife’s engagement ring. While he’s in jail, there’s another suspect was found drunk near the murder and this time their paperboy comes and begs them to prove his father innocent. Another case to solve. Simpkins is released and living back in the potting shed when he’s visited by a lawyer who tells him he’s inherited a fortune from the estate of the owner of the country’s favorite mustard manufacturer. It’s all tied up neatly by Beryl and Edwina after making the rounds and interviewing the locals.