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Peridale Cafe #23
Raspberry Lemonade and Ruin
Book 23 in the BESTSELLING Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery Series.
Change is afoot in Peridale. Wellington Manor is about to gain a new owner, and that same person is trying to buy the local library. Can Julia and Dot's recently formed neighbourhood watch group save the library before it's turned into a restaurant?
Other books in the series:
Pancakes and Corpses
Lemonade and Lies
Doughnuts and Deception
Chocolate Cake and Chaos
Shortbread and Sorrow
Espresso and Evil
Macarons and Mayhem
Fruit Cake and Fear
Birthday Cake and Bodies
Gingerbread and Ghosts
Cupcakes and Casualties
Blueberry Muffins and Misfortune
Ice Cream and Incidents
Champagne and Catastrophes
Wedding Cake and Woes
Red Velvet and Revenge
Vegetables and Vengeance
Cheesecake and Confusion
Brownies and Bloodshed
Cocktails and Cowardice
Profiteroles and Poison
Scones and Scandal
Raspberry Lemonade and Ruin
Book 23 in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series! Can be read as a standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe-owning amateur female sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. Written in British English. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes! Contains mild peril.
Change is afoot in Peridale. Wellington Manor is about to gain a new owner, and that same person is trying to buy the local library. Can Julia and Dot's recently formed neighbourhood watch group save the library before it's turned into a restaurant?
Other books in the series:
Pancakes and Corpses
Lemonade and Lies
Doughnuts and Deception
Chocolate Cake and Chaos
Shortbread and Sorrow
Espresso and Evil
Macarons and Mayhem
Fruit Cake and Fear
Birthday Cake and Bodies
Gingerbread and Ghosts
Cupcakes and Casualties
Blueberry Muffins and Misfortune
Ice Cream and Incidents
Champagne and Catastrophes
Wedding Cake and Woes
Red Velvet and Revenge
Vegetables and Vengeance
Cheesecake and Confusion
Brownies and Bloodshed
Cocktails and Cowardice
Profiteroles and Poison
Scones and Scandal
Raspberry Lemonade and Ruin
Book 23 in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series! Can be read as a standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe-owning amateur female sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. Written in British English. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes! Contains mild peril.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2021
484 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Frost
73books580followersAGATHA FROST, an Amazon bestselling author, has written over thirty mystery novels. She lives in the North West English county of Lancashire with her two cuddly beagles and one cat.
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
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When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 31, 2024
This one was really interesting and so good. A bit different than other books in the series. Dot is still the funniest character ever in the series. I love her!
August 3, 2021
Summer 2021 - Cotswolds, England
This time there is an attempted murder at a farewell party. The victims are unlikeable, but the culprit is worse. I didn't think it would go the way that it did. There was a shooting, an assault, theft, and blackmail. I am glad some people changed by the end. Jessi was barely in this one. I'm not sure when she'll have a bigger role again.
This time there is an attempted murder at a farewell party. The victims are unlikeable, but the culprit is worse. I didn't think it would go the way that it did. There was a shooting, an assault, theft, and blackmail. I am glad some people changed by the end. Jessi was barely in this one. I'm not sure when she'll have a bigger role again.
August 3, 2021
This was an enjoyable read. Julia and her friends are trying to save the library. Katie tries to sell the Manor. Things get complicated when the man who is buying the library ends up getting arrested for shooting his wife. Now Julia tries to figure out who really did. The good news is that they solve it and all is well for now.
August 25, 2021
This was an interesting entry in the series. The mystery had me puzzled for quite awhile, with tons of red herrings. We also have some new residents for Peridale, and they should prove interesting. I am very happy that unlike in many recent entries, none of the book was told from Dot's POV. Instead, a number of chapters were told from Katie's POV! I have really enjoyed seeing Katie's development over the course of the series, and this was particularly welcome adding her POV. I just hope Jessie returns from her world tour soon!
September 5, 2021
Continuing where the previous book left off, there's trouble in Peridale when the buyer for Wellington Manor plans to buy the library and turn it into a restaurant. Though Katie has joined the save the library committee (spearheaded by Dot, of course), she's being accused of playing both sides by some of the villagers, making her extra upset. Julia tries to keep the peace even after the buyer, James Jacobson, arrives in Peridale with his family and entourage. At Katie's garden party to say farewell to the Manor, someone shoots James's wife Mindy! Everyone points their fingers at James but he swears he didn't do it and wants to hire Barker to prove his innocence. While Julia believes James, she has to be mindful of her reputation or the library won't be the only place closing. Julia has faith in her husband but James trusts Julia's reputation and wants her help. As Julia discovers more and more clues, she's less certain of James's innocence, until a shocking development that upends the case. Can she figure this one out before someone else gets killed? Can Peridale's Ears save the library?
This is a GREAT entry in this series. The writing keeps getting better and better. I've gotten to know Peridale and the residents a lot more and find them charming most of the time. The plot was intriguing enough t o keep me up into the very wee hours of the morning reading. I couldn't put it down. Some of the story is told from Katie's POV and I preferred Julia's. Katie's story didn't add much. There's a super weird plot twist at the end that confuses the heck out of me. The mystery hinges on it but there's no clues pointing to that at all.
I do have a problem with the "nobody goes to the library" plot. Why is THAT? Are the residents of Peridale too resistant to change to make the library an inclusive gathering place? Do they prohibit residents of Fern Moore from visiting the library? In my community the libraries have English classes, other classes, toys for tots, storytime, after school programs, maker spaces, computers, printers, wifi hot spots (much needed for homework), study rooms, music, movies, books in multiple languages and even a bookmobile that visits the local schools. Yes they still suffer from budget cuts and my old neighborhood branch did close but Peridale seems to have given up. Books are NOT cheap, not even in the U.K. where they have a higher literacy rate than the U.S. and the library is so much more than books. What a shame these narrow-minded people can't see a way forward.
I really like Julia now. I miss Jessie though because Jessie and Julia's relationship is a lot of fun. Jessie does make Julia seem older than she is though. Julia is tough in this novel and smart. She cares deeply for her family, which now includes 8 month old Olivia and Dot and Percy's dogs. Julia also cares strongly for justice and fairness. She's accepted Katie as a friend and is trying to help Katie AND trying to help Dot save the library. Barker is a lot more relaxed and happy now he's not working for a difficult client but he does have a bad habit of not being able to let go of police work. He just wants to protect his family so sometimes he comes across as harsh. Katie has grown on me a bit. I find her annoying and somewhat ditzy at times but she's TRYING and trying HARD because her husband is a loser. He's kind but not able to get his butt in gear and get his act together. It isn't easy for her to have to sell her ancestral home and it's embarrassing to be so in debt the bailiffs keep pounding on the door. Katie's pride can't stand having anyone know how difficult her circumstances are. Her Plan D (or is it F) is not a very good one but I sympathize and understand she's in a tough spot.
The Peridale residents are funny. I love Dot. She's crazy but she's toned it down. She learned a lesson and now she's educated herself in how to be a better private detective. I actually really enjoyed watching her in action this time and didn't cringe at her antics. She does a better job than Barker and Julia! The only time she goes over-the-top is with Ethel and Barker suspects the two old ladies ENJOY being frenemies. Neil, Julia's brother-in-law, is not so lovable. Faced with losing his beloved library job, he's gone off the deep end to sad sack land. He stopped fighting and is facing the inevitable. Neil was missing at the time of the shooting. Could he be behind the shocking events? I also do not like Shilpa, who runs the post office. She seems to own the building - I'm not sure how that is - and James has made her an offer most people couldn't refuse. I suspect Shilpa may be our villain here.
I love Evelyn. She's been through so much and still remains cheerful and her normal oddball self. I was happy to see she's connected with someone important (spoiler from a previous book) who needs her as much as she needs them. Johnny, the reporter, is not so enjoyable but as he points out, he has a job to do and he's facing pressure from the higher-ups who own the paper. He may be editor but he isn't the boss. Still, I think he could be more sympathetic towards Katie. We get to know Julia's sister Sue better. She's still stressed but more likable than when we last saw her. She acts more like the older sister, telling it like it is and not initially being a fan of Katie. I relate to her better than Julia.
James Jacobson seems like a cartoonish villain at first: the evil developer type coming in to grab and smash a small town, removing the heart and charm. However, the author's writing skills have improved considerably and James becomes a well-rounded character. Like Julia, I kind of liked him sometimes. He's an awful father to his son Ritchie, who clearly doesn't want to be there. James has huge plans for his son and doesn't consider his son's interest or feelings. No choices allowed for Richie; it's his dad's way or the highway. I feel bad for the kid. James's wife Mindy doesn't seem all that pleasant but she has secrets and that could be the reason for some of her behavior. Mindy brings along her stylist, Ed. He's selfish and unpleasant. He doesn't seem very kind to Mindy and what the heck does she need to travel with a stylist for? Julia suspects there are secrets between Mindy and Ed and not good ones. Are they having an affair? I suspect YES and I think James's mum, Ruth, shot Mindy because Mindy is the no good, evil, wife taking James to the cleaners. Ruth is tough and efficient. She knows how to take good care of James and Mindy doesn't.
I wish this series came with recipes. After reading about chocolate cake and scones in previous books, now we have raspberry lemonade which sounds REALLY good right about now.
I hope to someday return to Peridale and see what happens next.
This is a GREAT entry in this series. The writing keeps getting better and better. I've gotten to know Peridale and the residents a lot more and find them charming most of the time. The plot was intriguing enough t o keep me up into the very wee hours of the morning reading. I couldn't put it down. Some of the story is told from Katie's POV and I preferred Julia's. Katie's story didn't add much. There's a super weird plot twist at the end that confuses the heck out of me. The mystery hinges on it but there's no clues pointing to that at all.
I do have a problem with the "nobody goes to the library" plot. Why is THAT? Are the residents of Peridale too resistant to change to make the library an inclusive gathering place? Do they prohibit residents of Fern Moore from visiting the library? In my community the libraries have English classes, other classes, toys for tots, storytime, after school programs, maker spaces, computers, printers, wifi hot spots (much needed for homework), study rooms, music, movies, books in multiple languages and even a bookmobile that visits the local schools. Yes they still suffer from budget cuts and my old neighborhood branch did close but Peridale seems to have given up. Books are NOT cheap, not even in the U.K. where they have a higher literacy rate than the U.S. and the library is so much more than books. What a shame these narrow-minded people can't see a way forward.
I really like Julia now. I miss Jessie though because Jessie and Julia's relationship is a lot of fun. Jessie does make Julia seem older than she is though. Julia is tough in this novel and smart. She cares deeply for her family, which now includes 8 month old Olivia and Dot and Percy's dogs. Julia also cares strongly for justice and fairness. She's accepted Katie as a friend and is trying to help Katie AND trying to help Dot save the library. Barker is a lot more relaxed and happy now he's not working for a difficult client but he does have a bad habit of not being able to let go of police work. He just wants to protect his family so sometimes he comes across as harsh. Katie has grown on me a bit. I find her annoying and somewhat ditzy at times but she's TRYING and trying HARD because her husband is a loser. He's kind but not able to get his butt in gear and get his act together. It isn't easy for her to have to sell her ancestral home and it's embarrassing to be so in debt the bailiffs keep pounding on the door. Katie's pride can't stand having anyone know how difficult her circumstances are. Her Plan D (or is it F) is not a very good one but I sympathize and understand she's in a tough spot.
The Peridale residents are funny. I love Dot. She's crazy but she's toned it down. She learned a lesson and now she's educated herself in how to be a better private detective. I actually really enjoyed watching her in action this time and didn't cringe at her antics. She does a better job than Barker and Julia! The only time she goes over-the-top is with Ethel and Barker suspects the two old ladies ENJOY being frenemies. Neil, Julia's brother-in-law, is not so lovable. Faced with losing his beloved library job, he's gone off the deep end to sad sack land. He stopped fighting and is facing the inevitable. Neil was missing at the time of the shooting. Could he be behind the shocking events? I also do not like Shilpa, who runs the post office. She seems to own the building - I'm not sure how that is - and James has made her an offer most people couldn't refuse. I suspect Shilpa may be our villain here.
I love Evelyn. She's been through so much and still remains cheerful and her normal oddball self. I was happy to see she's connected with someone important (spoiler from a previous book) who needs her as much as she needs them. Johnny, the reporter, is not so enjoyable but as he points out, he has a job to do and he's facing pressure from the higher-ups who own the paper. He may be editor but he isn't the boss. Still, I think he could be more sympathetic towards Katie. We get to know Julia's sister Sue better. She's still stressed but more likable than when we last saw her. She acts more like the older sister, telling it like it is and not initially being a fan of Katie. I relate to her better than Julia.
James Jacobson seems like a cartoonish villain at first: the evil developer type coming in to grab and smash a small town, removing the heart and charm. However, the author's writing skills have improved considerably and James becomes a well-rounded character. Like Julia, I kind of liked him sometimes. He's an awful father to his son Ritchie, who clearly doesn't want to be there. James has huge plans for his son and doesn't consider his son's interest or feelings. No choices allowed for Richie; it's his dad's way or the highway. I feel bad for the kid. James's wife Mindy doesn't seem all that pleasant but she has secrets and that could be the reason for some of her behavior. Mindy brings along her stylist, Ed. He's selfish and unpleasant. He doesn't seem very kind to Mindy and what the heck does she need to travel with a stylist for? Julia suspects there are secrets between Mindy and Ed and not good ones. Are they having an affair? I suspect YES and I think James's mum, Ruth, shot Mindy because Mindy is the no good, evil, wife taking James to the cleaners. Ruth is tough and efficient. She knows how to take good care of James and Mindy doesn't.
I wish this series came with recipes. After reading about chocolate cake and scones in previous books, now we have raspberry lemonade which sounds REALLY good right about now.
I hope to someday return to Peridale and see what happens next.
July 27, 2021
Too many errors.
Katie, who is married to Julia's dad, refers to her step daughter as her daughter in law several times throughout the book. This bugged me so much that the author did not realise that your father's wife is your stepmother and therefore you are her stepdaughter. A daughter in law,as we all know, is your son's wife. Katie does not have a grown up son. Barker is her son in law but Julia is her stepdaughter not her daughter in law!
Katie, who is married to Julia's dad, refers to her step daughter as her daughter in law several times throughout the book. This bugged me so much that the author did not realise that your father's wife is your stepmother and therefore you are her stepdaughter. A daughter in law,as we all know, is your son's wife. Katie does not have a grown up son. Barker is her son in law but Julia is her stepdaughter not her daughter in law!
November 8, 2022
Number 23 is even better than I expected!The Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series is always a guaranteed great read.
Fabulous characters and a well crafted whodunit make this book a true joy to read.
Although the mystery and whodunit is always well written and filled with twists to keep me guessing, it is the development of the characters over the series that keeps me coming back.
I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to read the next one!
Fabulous characters and a well crafted whodunit make this book a true joy to read.
Although the mystery and whodunit is always well written and filled with twists to keep me guessing, it is the development of the characters over the series that keeps me coming back.
I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to read the next one!
August 11, 2021
This is book twenty three of the Peridale Café Cozy Mystery series and involves the sale of Wellington Manor by Katie Wellington-South and her husband Brian. The manor has been in the Wellington family for centuries, but Katie has believed it to be more of a curse than a blessing. After the long drawn out illness then death of her father, Katie has been left in loads of debt and has been trying to sell the manor for over a year, to clear all their debts. Finally they have found a buyer in James Jacobson, a property developer who wants to turn it into a set of luxury, high-end apartments. The only problem for the village of Peridale is that he has also sought to buy the local library building from the council, upsetting a large number of locals. One of those is Julia South-Brown, who is married to an author, turned Private Investigator (P.I.), who is also related to Katie after she married her father Brian. James has decided to buy the library, to make it into a restaurant for his look alike son Ritchie, who he has been estranged from for years until recently! James is a hardnosed businessman, who has more in common with the area than anyone knows, but has fought his way up to what he has now become. He doesn’t really care about what the locals may think of his plans.
The day before Katie signs the manor over, she has a farewell garden party for all her friends and others from the village, but James, his wife Mindy and his son Ritchie, as well as his wife’s stylist Ed, and his financial assistant Ruth, also turn up. Just as a sudden shower hits, so does a loud bang of a gun and a woman falls down, badly injured. Who the real target was and what reason there might have been for the shooting, is soon left to Julia, her husband Barker and grandmother Dot to try and solve, as one man is arrested then let go, as the real motive is investigated. There is far more involved in the shooting and lots of red herrings all about. Katie gets more desperate as the sale of the manor hasn’t yet gone ahead and she gets desperate, as bailiffs keep on calling at the small cottage they are renting. Katie is running the Julia’s café, whilst Julia makes the most of her maternity leave, but this investigation and the attempts of a group of the locals to save the library, keep Julia busy enough. If Julia and Barker don’t find the real shooter and stop them, after another attack occurs, the sale will never go through and Katie and Julia’s father will fall even deeper into debt and despair. There are a lots of characters in the village, which I guess if you have read more of the books in the series, you would know well, but I found some just confused me, as I tried to keep track of who everyone was. There were enough people involved in James� entourage to keep track of as the criminal actions were unravelled. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
The day before Katie signs the manor over, she has a farewell garden party for all her friends and others from the village, but James, his wife Mindy and his son Ritchie, as well as his wife’s stylist Ed, and his financial assistant Ruth, also turn up. Just as a sudden shower hits, so does a loud bang of a gun and a woman falls down, badly injured. Who the real target was and what reason there might have been for the shooting, is soon left to Julia, her husband Barker and grandmother Dot to try and solve, as one man is arrested then let go, as the real motive is investigated. There is far more involved in the shooting and lots of red herrings all about. Katie gets more desperate as the sale of the manor hasn’t yet gone ahead and she gets desperate, as bailiffs keep on calling at the small cottage they are renting. Katie is running the Julia’s café, whilst Julia makes the most of her maternity leave, but this investigation and the attempts of a group of the locals to save the library, keep Julia busy enough. If Julia and Barker don’t find the real shooter and stop them, after another attack occurs, the sale will never go through and Katie and Julia’s father will fall even deeper into debt and despair. There are a lots of characters in the village, which I guess if you have read more of the books in the series, you would know well, but I found some just confused me, as I tried to keep track of who everyone was. There were enough people involved in James� entourage to keep track of as the criminal actions were unravelled. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
August 1, 2021
Gets better and better!
by Barbara Kelley
Agatha Frost's Peridale Cafe series just gets better and better. I know I've said it many times before, but Barker Brown is the best husband of ANY other series I have ever read. He is a great husband to Julia, and a great dad to Jessie, and daddy to baby Olivia. He's always supportive of Julia and never talks down to her. He is the kind of husband that every woman dreams of. Besides Barker and Julia, there is an entire cast of regular characters that fit right in with the Peridale surroundings: Katie, Julia's stepmother; Brian, Julia's dad; Sue, Julia's sister, and Sue's husband, Neil; Dot, Julia's grandmother; as well as B&B owner, the quirky spiritualist, Evelyn; Amy, the church organist; Shilpa, the post office lady; Johnny, the town journalist, and his fiance, Leah; as well as a few newcomers. This episode had Barker and Julia investigating the attempted murder of a woman, and later, the two attempted murders of the woman's husband. I had figured it who the attempted killer was, but I never guessed the reason until it was written right in front of my face. I gave this book a 5 star rating, just like I have given every book in this series, and can hardly wait to read the next installment coming out in September or October of this year.
by Barbara Kelley
Agatha Frost's Peridale Cafe series just gets better and better. I know I've said it many times before, but Barker Brown is the best husband of ANY other series I have ever read. He is a great husband to Julia, and a great dad to Jessie, and daddy to baby Olivia. He's always supportive of Julia and never talks down to her. He is the kind of husband that every woman dreams of. Besides Barker and Julia, there is an entire cast of regular characters that fit right in with the Peridale surroundings: Katie, Julia's stepmother; Brian, Julia's dad; Sue, Julia's sister, and Sue's husband, Neil; Dot, Julia's grandmother; as well as B&B owner, the quirky spiritualist, Evelyn; Amy, the church organist; Shilpa, the post office lady; Johnny, the town journalist, and his fiance, Leah; as well as a few newcomers. This episode had Barker and Julia investigating the attempted murder of a woman, and later, the two attempted murders of the woman's husband. I had figured it who the attempted killer was, but I never guessed the reason until it was written right in front of my face. I gave this book a 5 star rating, just like I have given every book in this series, and can hardly wait to read the next installment coming out in September or October of this year.
November 25, 2021
REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Raspberry Lemonade and Ruin by Agatha Frost is the twenty-third installment in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series. Julia South-Brown’s father and his wife Katie are drowning in debt incurred by their white elephant of a manor. The answer to their prayers may come in the form of James Jacobson, a shrewd property developer, who offers to buy Wellington Manor, but as part of the deal comes the Peridale library destined to become a hot new restaurant. Needless to say, the residents of the small village are not happy. But the deal hangs in limbo after James� wife is shot and he becomes the prime suspect. Can Julia and Barker unravel this mystery in time to save the business deal and another life?⠶
⠶
Another sure fire pleaser of a story. With each book in the series the plots grow stronger and the mysteries more complex. All of the favorite characters are present and accounted for. In the case of Katie, we see a generous amount of growth and development of her character. Perhaps in future books we will see other minor characters come to the forefront. Snuggling up with a Peridale mystery is like a visit with old and familiar friends, so sit back with your favorite bakery treat, a cup of tea and enjoy. You will never go wrong with Agatha Frost. ⠶
⠶
Another sure fire pleaser of a story. With each book in the series the plots grow stronger and the mysteries more complex. All of the favorite characters are present and accounted for. In the case of Katie, we see a generous amount of growth and development of her character. Perhaps in future books we will see other minor characters come to the forefront. Snuggling up with a Peridale mystery is like a visit with old and familiar friends, so sit back with your favorite bakery treat, a cup of tea and enjoy. You will never go wrong with Agatha Frost. ⠶
August 9, 2021
Another Great Fun Exciting Cozy Mystery!!!
Raspberry Lemonade and Ruin is Book 23 in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series so you know it has to be GREAT!!!
The sale of Wellington Manor is very important to Julia's father Brian and his wife Katie but James Jacobson, the cutthroat property developer who is interested in the manor also wants to turn Peridale’s beloved library into a restaurant. Julia is trying to save Peridale’s library while also helping Brian and Katie to sell their property.
When James Jacobson's wife got shot and James is arrested for shooting his wife. Julia's husband, Barker, is hired to defend James so Julia and Barker need to jump into the investigation to find the real murderer.
This book is a fun, light heart cozy mystery with wonderful characters, a page turner hard to put down full of humor, action, a fast-paced mystery that flows well with lots of twists and turns that keeps you entertained as you try to figure out the mystery and the murder. I would recommend this book to any cozy mystery fan. I am looking forward to read the next books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Raspberry Lemonade and Ruin is Book 23 in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series so you know it has to be GREAT!!!
The sale of Wellington Manor is very important to Julia's father Brian and his wife Katie but James Jacobson, the cutthroat property developer who is interested in the manor also wants to turn Peridale’s beloved library into a restaurant. Julia is trying to save Peridale’s library while also helping Brian and Katie to sell their property.
When James Jacobson's wife got shot and James is arrested for shooting his wife. Julia's husband, Barker, is hired to defend James so Julia and Barker need to jump into the investigation to find the real murderer.
This book is a fun, light heart cozy mystery with wonderful characters, a page turner hard to put down full of humor, action, a fast-paced mystery that flows well with lots of twists and turns that keeps you entertained as you try to figure out the mystery and the murder. I would recommend this book to any cozy mystery fan. I am looking forward to read the next books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2021
Might be my favourite EVER
Each time I start a Peridale book I have to literally force myself to stop reading and pace myself. Each time I know I'm going to start, get sucked in and the zooooooom through it all and feel bereft when I've completed it. Well, I managed to pace myself at the beginning and then it flew out of the window and I haven't been able to put the thing down! I loved this book. It was grittier in places than before, and yet never loses sight of that cosy heart, I think the low points for our fabulous ensemble cast are probably what makes the positive elements soo lovely. No spoilers or specifics, just read it and enjoy it, with cups of tea and maybe a slice of cake. Cannot wait for Marshmallows and Memories, roll on October - autumn and Agatha Frost? What could be finer!
Each time I start a Peridale book I have to literally force myself to stop reading and pace myself. Each time I know I'm going to start, get sucked in and the zooooooom through it all and feel bereft when I've completed it. Well, I managed to pace myself at the beginning and then it flew out of the window and I haven't been able to put the thing down! I loved this book. It was grittier in places than before, and yet never loses sight of that cosy heart, I think the low points for our fabulous ensemble cast are probably what makes the positive elements soo lovely. No spoilers or specifics, just read it and enjoy it, with cups of tea and maybe a slice of cake. Cannot wait for Marshmallows and Memories, roll on October - autumn and Agatha Frost? What could be finer!
July 14, 2023
It would appear that the village of Peridale doesn’t have much luck when it comes to Lemonade and Garden parties. In RASPBERRY LEMONADE AND RUIN we have shots fired at the village garden party whereas back in book 2 LEMONADE AND LIES the garden party was the scene of a murder with the victim being thrown to his death from a window at Julia’s father’s manor where a garden party was in full swing. (Said manor is for sale in this latest offering and is being acquired by a slimy land developer who has his eye on more than one piece of property in the village of Peridale).
You may not find some of the players in this tome very appealing but author Agatha Frost has a talent for thoroughly delightful puzzles that hook you so completely, you will have no choice but to keep reading.
You may not find some of the players in this tome very appealing but author Agatha Frost has a talent for thoroughly delightful puzzles that hook you so completely, you will have no choice but to keep reading.
July 25, 2021
Another series of mysteries befalls the villagers of Peridale and Julia South-Brown, her grandmother Dot, Barker and their friends are right in the thick of it. Julia's former classmate and now step-mother Katie demonstrates amazing growth as a person as she works to help secure her family's future. Julia, Barker and the Peridale Ears gather together to try to help a quite unlikeable character. Excited to see what kind of trouble the people of this unique village get into next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2021
Back in Peridale with Julia, Barker, little Olivia and the rest of the family.
With Katie finally getting rid of Wellington Manor, it seems her financial worries are over abd she and Brian can think about the future; however, their hoped for relief is short lived when the prospective buyer is arrested.
Can Julia and Barker, along with the Peridale Ears, led by her Grandmother, Dorothy, prove his innocence and get the purchase through? At the same time, can they save the library too which is in danger of being sold.
As always, a really good read and one I couldn't put down. I'm looking forward to the next release.
With Katie finally getting rid of Wellington Manor, it seems her financial worries are over abd she and Brian can think about the future; however, their hoped for relief is short lived when the prospective buyer is arrested.
Can Julia and Barker, along with the Peridale Ears, led by her Grandmother, Dorothy, prove his innocence and get the purchase through? At the same time, can they save the library too which is in danger of being sold.
As always, a really good read and one I couldn't put down. I'm looking forward to the next release.
August 4, 2021
Lots of Action . . .
The sale of Wellington Manor is very important to Julia South-Brown’s father Brian and his wife Katie. The property has been draining their finances and they need to sell. But James Jacobson is a cutthroat developer who doesn’t just want the manor but wants to turn Peridale’s beloved library into a restaurant! And he is persistent in what he wants.
While Julia tries to save the library, things get even more complicated when James, the man trying to acquire the library, is arrested for shooting his wife! Can Julia find out the real murderer?
The sale of Wellington Manor is very important to Julia South-Brown’s father Brian and his wife Katie. The property has been draining their finances and they need to sell. But James Jacobson is a cutthroat developer who doesn’t just want the manor but wants to turn Peridale’s beloved library into a restaurant! And he is persistent in what he wants.
While Julia tries to save the library, things get even more complicated when James, the man trying to acquire the library, is arrested for shooting his wife! Can Julia find out the real murderer?
August 15, 2021
Excellent Addition to the Peridale Cozy Mystery Series
The Peridale Cozy Mystery Series gets better with each new book. This book has a lot of character and relationship development, as well as adding to the history of Peridale itself. It features one of the “side”characters in the series, along with Julia. It was wonders to learn more about the other character. I hope Agatha Frost keeps writing stories that feature the “side� characters. It adds depth to the series.
I’m already looking forward to the next book! This is my favorite cozy mystery series!
The Peridale Cozy Mystery Series gets better with each new book. This book has a lot of character and relationship development, as well as adding to the history of Peridale itself. It features one of the “side”characters in the series, along with Julia. It was wonders to learn more about the other character. I hope Agatha Frost keeps writing stories that feature the “side� characters. It adds depth to the series.
I’m already looking forward to the next book! This is my favorite cozy mystery series!
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August 17, 2021 A manor and a library
A great mystery with lots of intrigue and action. Life is never dull in Peridale. Katie is happy that her manor finally has a buyer and her debts will be settled. However, fate has its own quirks when the buyer is accused of attempted murder. Is the manor really cursed? To add to her problems, the buyer has also bought the library with a view to convert it into a restaurant. Katie is blamed The Peridale folks are up in arms to save the library. What will be the outcome? Unexpected ending.
A great mystery with lots of intrigue and action. Life is never dull in Peridale. Katie is happy that her manor finally has a buyer and her debts will be settled. However, fate has its own quirks when the buyer is accused of attempted murder. Is the manor really cursed? To add to her problems, the buyer has also bought the library with a view to convert it into a restaurant. Katie is blamed The Peridale folks are up in arms to save the library. What will be the outcome? Unexpected ending.
August 20, 2021
The village of Peridale is always in the middle of some problem and the people are always ready to figure it out. Love the characters in this charming village as they work to figure out murder attempts and the library issue. The storyline keeps you on your toes with guesses as to who and why, which works right up to the end. Nicely worked situations and twists. Loved the banter and surprises amongst the key characters. Well done again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2021
Such a Pleasure of Personalities, Intrigue, and Puzzles
I've missed my Peridale family and friends. Agatha Frost has successfully added to the delightful community and its intrigues and puzzles. So much humor and love is interspersed with mystery and crime. I can hardly wait for the next Peridale book, coming in October. Thank you, Agatha, for bringing laughter, smiles, and delight to my day. P.S. I'd love Katie's recipe for raspberry lemonade. Sounds yummy.
I've missed my Peridale family and friends. Agatha Frost has successfully added to the delightful community and its intrigues and puzzles. So much humor and love is interspersed with mystery and crime. I can hardly wait for the next Peridale book, coming in October. Thank you, Agatha, for bringing laughter, smiles, and delight to my day. P.S. I'd love Katie's recipe for raspberry lemonade. Sounds yummy.
August 16, 2021
As always, Frost's band of characters help to make this cozy just as entertaining a page-turner as earlier books in the series. At the 23rd book in a mystery series you would think the series would peter out; not this series. Frost has managed to keep the reader's attention and continue expanding upon the character's personalities and backstories. Looking forward to the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2022
Editing needs some work!
I truly love this series and will sorely miss these adventures when the final episode comes to pass. The characters are great as are the storie, when the end comes it will be like saying goodbye to family we will not see again and will sorely miss!
If you like mysteries you can solve, then come along and join the Peridale gang as they ferret out the bad guys, you will thoroughly enjoy the ride!!
I truly love this series and will sorely miss these adventures when the final episode comes to pass. The characters are great as are the storie, when the end comes it will be like saying goodbye to family we will not see again and will sorely miss!
If you like mysteries you can solve, then come along and join the Peridale gang as they ferret out the bad guys, you will thoroughly enjoy the ride!!
March 19, 2023
Another great installment of Peridale Café!! I was happy to dive a little deeper into other family members and their story. The family is expanding and growing, as individuals and as a family unit. The story moved at a smooth pace keeping my interest with every turn of the page. So much seemed to be packed into this book but it all worked beautifully together. I’m excited to read what happens next with the beloved characters of Peridale. ❤️
July 28, 2021
Heartwarming...by the end
Despite the threat of financial ruin for Katie and Brian, and the controversies dividing Peridale's residents, and the impending permanent closure of the library, Julia and Barker manage to find and solve a murder(?) mystery or two--and end up with a village that seems to have nothing but blue skies ahead!
Despite the threat of financial ruin for Katie and Brian, and the controversies dividing Peridale's residents, and the impending permanent closure of the library, Julia and Barker manage to find and solve a murder(?) mystery or two--and end up with a village that seems to have nothing but blue skies ahead!
July 30, 2021
After a long wait maybe I was expecting a lot from the story but nevertheless I liked it. I liked all the changes that Katie has been through and how different she is from the first time her character was introduced. I also liked that Dot was more measured in her behaviour -except with Ethel- and how supportive of Katie she was. I still think that Barker might write another book and I miss Jessie!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2021
The hits keep coming. While Brian and Katie are trying to sell Worthington Manor, the potential buyer's wife is shot. Barker is hired to defend the potential buyer. Julia digs in to discover the truth. Meanwhile, The Eyes and Ears of Peridale are trying to save the library and get a new church roof. Enjoy this cozy mystery and the continuing developing characters as they solve the mystery.
August 2, 2021
Fabulous read from Agatha
Dot to the rescue, I love these stories and feel that Peridale would be a lovely place to live except for the murder and mayhem. A little like living in Midsummer I guess. The South family and all of the villagers are a lot to read about. Can't wait for the next installment
Dot to the rescue, I love these stories and feel that Peridale would be a lovely place to live except for the murder and mayhem. A little like living in Midsummer I guess. The South family and all of the villagers are a lot to read about. Can't wait for the next installment
August 12, 2021
The story and plot are well written and pull you in to the story line keeping you turning the pages. The characters are well developed, engaging and fun to get to know. Mystery, suspense, and intrigue fill the pages and keep you wanting more. Cozy mystery fans don't want to miss this one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2021
There is some mystery and intrigue in the story. Entertaining characters to follow along and there could be some romance involved. Witty story with a few twist and turns and plenty of drama besides. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2021
Great story
With the fate of the library at stake Julia and Peridale Ears go about solving a perplexing attempted murder case. As there are suspects galore, more assaults and lies the Ears have their hands full. How Julia, Barker and Dot solve this makes for a very enjoyable reading.
With the fate of the library at stake Julia and Peridale Ears go about solving a perplexing attempted murder case. As there are suspects galore, more assaults and lies the Ears have their hands full. How Julia, Barker and Dot solve this makes for a very enjoyable reading.
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