Mystery at Lovelace Manor by Clare Chase

In another enthralling and colourful mystery, obituary writer Eve Mallow is once again on the trail of a murderer. Adventurer and celebrity, Cammie Harington, takes off in a hot air balloon as a climax to the open day at Lovelace Manor. But a fire in the basket of the balloon leads to an explosion and her death.

It all looks like a tragic accident until evidence reveals foul play. Determined to uncover the truth, Eve starts to piece together a number of minor and seemingly unconnected events that reveal secrets, affairs and arguments among the well-heeled of Lovelace Manor and those connected with the estate.

Narrowing down the list of suspects to reveal the killer is no mean feat when the motive for the murder is not clear. But the deeper Eve probes, the more risks she takes. The tension mounts and as the truth becomes clear in an unexpected twist, another exciting climax beckons.

I’ve followed Eve and the delightful characters of Saxford St Peter through every book in this original and engaging series. There’s humour, romance and all the gossip you’d expect from a small village. The characters and relationships have evolved and developed, adding something extra to my enjoyment and entertainment.

There is something warm and captivating about life in Saxford St Peter to balance out the murders Eve investigates. Looking forward to more adventures in the next book in the series.

Description Lovelace Manor has a famous past… but when a historian becomes history at its annual open day, amateur sleuth Eve Mallow is on the case!

Everyone in Saxford St Peter flocks to Lovelace Sunday, the festival celebrating the romantic history of beautiful Lovelace Manor. This year will be even more exciting, as famous TV historian Cammie Harington is planning a spectacular stunt with a hot-air balloon for her new show.

Eve Mallow jumps at the chance to volunteer – it’s a great people-watching opportunity. But she soon realises there is no love lost between Cammie and the family who owns the manor… so why did Cammie agree to come?

When Cammie’s hot-air balloon tumbles from the sky, Eve feels sure this is no accident. Alongside dachshund Gus, she sets to work investigating the mystery, piecing together all the odd things she’s seen and heard.

Could the killer be discreet Diana, lady of the manor, who fell out with Cammie years ago? Or Diana’s dashing brother Sebastian, whose dark secret Cammie knew? Why was the loyal gardener following Cammie around? And had Cammie uncovered something explosive about the manor’s past, as she claimed?