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Dinner Lady Detectives #4
A Frightfully Fatal Affair
Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are coming to the end of another busy half term as dinner ladies at Summerview Secondary school. The school is abuzz with chatter about the upcoming break, the local harvest festival, and the fact that maths teacher, Mr Weaver, hasn't turned up to work in days. When the pair embark on an evening walk in the woods and discover Mr Weaver's body in the woods, with a mysterious symbol painted above his body, something suspicious is clearly afoot. As the nights grow darker and the mysterious symbols continue to appear around Dewstow, the Dinner Lady Detectives are pulled deeper into the case. Can they solve the mystery as deceit and chaos reigns, or will their killer pull off another deadly trick? A fun and charming cosy mystery, perfect for fans of J.M Hall and Fiona Leitch.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
107 people are currently reading
654 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 8, 2024
Book four of The Dinner Lady Detectives Series and Dewstow is giving Midsomer a run for its money with yet another unexplained death the teachers are dropping like flies at Summerview Secondary School making the reader wonder how long until a merger with Itonvale is on the cards! Margery and Clementine are, as usual, right at the heart of things at the bequest of the local constabulary this time. But can they get to the bottom of things before the cloaked and masked gang strike again? I love these characters and stepping into another DLD books us like slipping in a cosy pair of slippers, a onesie and snuggling up on the sofa. The comedy is light, the plot so well thought out it flows effortlessly and the characters could almost pop out of the pages they are so three dimensional. I’m intrigued to see what comes next for the Butcher-Bakers and hope there’s not too long to wait!
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the author Hannah Hendy, for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my personal, honest review.
This review will also appear on my bookstagram account
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the author Hannah Hendy, for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my personal, honest review.
This review will also appear on my bookstagram account
September 9, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
This is the 4th instalment in the Dinner Lady Detectives series. And I feel it is the best one yet.
Clementine and Margery are dinner ladies who work at a secondary school, and murder and trouble seem to hunt them down. Again, in this instalment, a dead body winds up and the couple put their detective caps on, ready to solve all the mysteries that come their way.
If you enjoy cozy crime, then this series is right up your street. It’s such a fun series, with great characters in Margery and Clementine, and all the supporting characters. They all work and flow so well together. And it’s so fun to catch up with the characters, and how their lives are growing and changing, it’s like catching up with old friends. I really enjoy the way the author makes this the perfect balance between crime and humour, instilled in the pages of excellent writing which flows so well, with twists and turns, and many red herrings.
This is the 4th instalment in the Dinner Lady Detectives series. And I feel it is the best one yet.
Clementine and Margery are dinner ladies who work at a secondary school, and murder and trouble seem to hunt them down. Again, in this instalment, a dead body winds up and the couple put their detective caps on, ready to solve all the mysteries that come their way.
If you enjoy cozy crime, then this series is right up your street. It’s such a fun series, with great characters in Margery and Clementine, and all the supporting characters. They all work and flow so well together. And it’s so fun to catch up with the characters, and how their lives are growing and changing, it’s like catching up with old friends. I really enjoy the way the author makes this the perfect balance between crime and humour, instilled in the pages of excellent writing which flows so well, with twists and turns, and many red herrings.
October 14, 2023
Reading this made me realize that I don’t read many cozy mysteries, and I should definitely change that! I also get why its called “cozy�. Snuggled up with a blanket and my drink, this was a perfect read. There was a murder to be solved, but there wasn’t the “terror� normally accompanied with thrillers, that are looking to reach the same whodunnit goal. Instead, you are just following around these Dinner Lady Detectives as they try to figure out the murder using the resources a civilian has. And boy, the way they go about things is humorous. Yes, there is suspense, as there are risk with dealing in catching a murderer, but not the same level as a horror thriller. I could tell I was missing some context, as I have not read the prior books, and some of it was spoiled, but that’s okay. That’s on me. Nevertheless, I still loved these ladies.
Thank you Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read this one early!
Thank you Love Books Tour for the opportunity to read this one early!
October 6, 2024
Another brilliant book in this series. These books are really well written, i love this author’s writing style. This was a good read. It was a bit strange seeing Clementine be reluctant to investigate, while Margery pushed her into it. I always found Clementine to be the annoying one. She wasn’t so annoying in this one. Anyway the book had a good plot, interesting mystery and was a fun read. Just had a sneak peek at the next book and I can’t wait to read it.
February 18, 2025
Absolutely fabulous and maybe my favorite one yet! This is such a great series. It’s as if Nancy Drew and her pals are all middle aged and still solving mysteries with old clocks and secret staircases. Funny, charming, heartfelt, and with a good mystery, too!
September 30, 2024
A tad more predictable than the others but a delight nonetheless. I could keep reading these, like you binge a show. Keep them coming, Hannah 😉
October 5, 2023
I'm only sorry I haven't come across this series sooner!
Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are dinner ladies at Summerview Secondary School; as the half-term break approaches, the school grapevine is full of all the usual gossip as well as where Mr Weaver, Matns, has got to as he hasn't turned up for days. That mystery is soon solved when, out for an evening walk, the two women discover his body beside a tree with some kind of symbol painted on it. As things with the strange markings continue to appear and strange goings-on occur, the Dinner Lady Detectives find themselves once again on the front line of solving crime - but are they putting themselves in danger?
This is a lovely tale, with lots going on and packed with great characters. Well-written and highly entertaining, my one regret is that there is no point in going back to the earlier books in series as the previous exploits are all recounted here. Such a shame as it's very much my kind of read, but I shall look out for the next one! 4*.
Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are dinner ladies at Summerview Secondary School; as the half-term break approaches, the school grapevine is full of all the usual gossip as well as where Mr Weaver, Matns, has got to as he hasn't turned up for days. That mystery is soon solved when, out for an evening walk, the two women discover his body beside a tree with some kind of symbol painted on it. As things with the strange markings continue to appear and strange goings-on occur, the Dinner Lady Detectives find themselves once again on the front line of solving crime - but are they putting themselves in danger?
This is a lovely tale, with lots going on and packed with great characters. Well-written and highly entertaining, my one regret is that there is no point in going back to the earlier books in series as the previous exploits are all recounted here. Such a shame as it's very much my kind of read, but I shall look out for the next one! 4*.
January 5, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ rounded to 4 ⭐️
Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker discover a body in the woods with a mysterious symbol painted on the tree beside the body. When the symbol keeps appearing around Dewstow, the Dinner Lady Detectives decide to investigate.
I think it would have been good to have a recap at the start of the book with it following on from the events in the previous book, as there were things that felt thrown in there that I didn’t remember reading in the last book and felt like I had to put the pieces together on my own. Margery and Clementine felt weird in this one as it felt like they were swapped, so instead of clementine always wanting to be involved in the police investigation, which didn’t really fit the vibe set in the first three books of this series. I do wish that we got more of a glimpse into the other characters and what their lives are like, as I feel like the majority I only know them because of their career.
However, I did really enjoy the plot of this book. I thought it was really interesting, especially with how the victim was murdered as I feel like I haven’t seen that MO in a murder mystery book before. I liked being reunited with the returning characters and I am interested to learn more about the new voices that showed up in this one.
The ending didn’t lack the punch that I thought it would, as the reveal felt quite mid, like something was missing. I think it’s because of how the reveal is done, as I didn’t feel as shocked as I expected to feel, despite not guessing who the murderer was. After the reveal was done, it felt like a rush to get the end, whereas I think it needed a bit more padding as there were some things that I wish were expanded upon more.
⚠️ CWs: murder, cheating, alcohol use, mentions fire, cursing ⚠️
Thank you to Canelo and NetGalley for this eARC!
Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker discover a body in the woods with a mysterious symbol painted on the tree beside the body. When the symbol keeps appearing around Dewstow, the Dinner Lady Detectives decide to investigate.
I think it would have been good to have a recap at the start of the book with it following on from the events in the previous book, as there were things that felt thrown in there that I didn’t remember reading in the last book and felt like I had to put the pieces together on my own. Margery and Clementine felt weird in this one as it felt like they were swapped, so instead of clementine always wanting to be involved in the police investigation, which didn’t really fit the vibe set in the first three books of this series. I do wish that we got more of a glimpse into the other characters and what their lives are like, as I feel like the majority I only know them because of their career.
However, I did really enjoy the plot of this book. I thought it was really interesting, especially with how the victim was murdered as I feel like I haven’t seen that MO in a murder mystery book before. I liked being reunited with the returning characters and I am interested to learn more about the new voices that showed up in this one.
The ending didn’t lack the punch that I thought it would, as the reveal felt quite mid, like something was missing. I think it’s because of how the reveal is done, as I didn’t feel as shocked as I expected to feel, despite not guessing who the murderer was. After the reveal was done, it felt like a rush to get the end, whereas I think it needed a bit more padding as there were some things that I wish were expanded upon more.
⚠️ CWs: murder, cheating, alcohol use, mentions fire, cursing ⚠️
Thank you to Canelo and NetGalley for this eARC!
October 29, 2023
This is #4 in the Dinner Lady Detectives series, and unfortunately you do need to have read at least some of the previous books. I have not and there were many places with references I knew I was missing the point of. Otherwise, it seems a bit dark with light touches of gruesome that don't really qualify as a cozy, more of a traditional mystery. There are a lot of characters involved (all new to me), and the plotting is fairly convoluted with lots of red herrings and dark forebodings. The Dining Ladies do not go into this mystery with gusto. Everyone seems fairly miserable throughout, but it all comes out in the end. It's a good mystery puzzle, but not much fun. Disappointed.
September 16, 2023
Release Date: October 5, 2023
📖📖📖📖📖
Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are ending the half term as ‘dinner ladies�. When the pair embark on a blueberry hunt in the woods near the school, they discover Mr Weaver’s (the maths teacher) body in the woods, with a mysterious symbol painted on the tree beside him. Something suspicious is clearly afoot. As the nights grow darker and the mysterious symbols continue to appear around Dewstow, the Dinner Lady Detectives are pulled deeper into the case. Can they solve the mystery as deceit and chaos reigns, or will their killer pull off another deadly trick?
#afrightfullyfatalaffair is the fourth book in the #dinnerladydetectives books. If you haven’t read this series yet…DO IT!! This book series is so great. Margery and Clementine are such amazing characters and they are the heroines you want to be friends with. Their relationship is so wonderful and sweet. Rose is Rose and I wouldnt want her any other way. I just can not wait for the next book! I’m going to start rereading this series again ♥️
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
#afrightfullyfatalaffair #dinnerladies #dinnerladydetectives
#hannahhendy #canelo #canelobooks #netgalleyreads #cozymystery #capecodreads #bookreview #bookstagram #booklover #bookstagram #bookworm #booknerd #booktok #bookrecommendations #bibliophile #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookblogger #igreads #goodreads #bookclub #bookreviews #bookblog
📖📖📖📖📖
Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are ending the half term as ‘dinner ladies�. When the pair embark on a blueberry hunt in the woods near the school, they discover Mr Weaver’s (the maths teacher) body in the woods, with a mysterious symbol painted on the tree beside him. Something suspicious is clearly afoot. As the nights grow darker and the mysterious symbols continue to appear around Dewstow, the Dinner Lady Detectives are pulled deeper into the case. Can they solve the mystery as deceit and chaos reigns, or will their killer pull off another deadly trick?
#afrightfullyfatalaffair is the fourth book in the #dinnerladydetectives books. If you haven’t read this series yet…DO IT!! This book series is so great. Margery and Clementine are such amazing characters and they are the heroines you want to be friends with. Their relationship is so wonderful and sweet. Rose is Rose and I wouldnt want her any other way. I just can not wait for the next book! I’m going to start rereading this series again ♥️
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
#afrightfullyfatalaffair #dinnerladies #dinnerladydetectives
#hannahhendy #canelo #canelobooks #netgalleyreads #cozymystery #capecodreads #bookreview #bookstagram #booklover #bookstagram #bookworm #booknerd #booktok #bookrecommendations #bibliophile #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookblogger #igreads #goodreads #bookclub #bookreviews #bookblog
October 12, 2023
Middle-aged mystery solving dinner ladies - what’s not to like! I loved the idea of this as its so different. I was not disappointed.
Clementine and Margery Butcher-Baker work together at the least popular school in the area. They are also married. Their history of solving murders leads a local police officer to ask for their help in his latest case. He needs one last success - and the school needs the bad publicity to go away.
When maths teacher Mr Weaver goes missing, gossip reaches a crescendo. On an evening walk Clem and Margery find his dead body in the woods, with an odd symbol pained on a tree nearby. What can the symbol mean - and how did Mr Weaver meet his end? As the symbols continue to appear all around the town, the sleuths must solve the case before the killer carries out another murder.
I loved the humour and camaraderie of this book. The ladies don’t take themselves too seriously -and their workmates are a constant source of support. By working together, mysteries can be solved, and the reputation of the school can hopefully be saved. The whole team of dinner ladies and friendly teachers make all the difference.
I liked the school setting and particularly the dinner hall. It makes a refreshing change and allowed readers to relive a few memories of our own schooldays - hopefully without the murder!
The mystery is well constructed and the story well written. I found myself slipping back into schooldays and would love to read more of their exploits.
Clementine and Margery Butcher-Baker work together at the least popular school in the area. They are also married. Their history of solving murders leads a local police officer to ask for their help in his latest case. He needs one last success - and the school needs the bad publicity to go away.
When maths teacher Mr Weaver goes missing, gossip reaches a crescendo. On an evening walk Clem and Margery find his dead body in the woods, with an odd symbol pained on a tree nearby. What can the symbol mean - and how did Mr Weaver meet his end? As the symbols continue to appear all around the town, the sleuths must solve the case before the killer carries out another murder.
I loved the humour and camaraderie of this book. The ladies don’t take themselves too seriously -and their workmates are a constant source of support. By working together, mysteries can be solved, and the reputation of the school can hopefully be saved. The whole team of dinner ladies and friendly teachers make all the difference.
I liked the school setting and particularly the dinner hall. It makes a refreshing change and allowed readers to relive a few memories of our own schooldays - hopefully without the murder!
The mystery is well constructed and the story well written. I found myself slipping back into schooldays and would love to read more of their exploits.
April 17, 2025
Has this book even met an editor? One is thanked at the end so I guess it must have done, but there are far too many typos and runaway sentences with commas that should have been full stops or at the very least semicolons. The poor writing distracts from what should be an entertaining premise; although in the end the reveal about the masked group is completely ludicrous: couldn't the pupils meet in the library after school? And what will potential Ittonvale spies do? Revise harder?
I also find it hard to believe that all the staff end up at the famous farm at exactly the same time during half term and that they also all attend the deputy head's Halloween party (from which "students are expressly banned" - you don't say??) but it certainly turns out to be convenient for the story. The whole reason why the very annoying dinner ladies have to be involved in the first place is also ridiculous: nobody in town will talk to the police (?) so it has to be someone else investigating... And although the police apparently don't know what time the murder took place, one of the alibis they collect is "They were waiting for a friend to pick them up from the leisure centre" - how long for? The plot is very convoluted, some characters are completely farcical and the dinner ladies' constant dithering about whether or not to investigate is grating.
On the plus side, no need to read the previous book as the killer is mentioned every other page!
I also find it hard to believe that all the staff end up at the famous farm at exactly the same time during half term and that they also all attend the deputy head's Halloween party (from which "students are expressly banned" - you don't say??) but it certainly turns out to be convenient for the story. The whole reason why the very annoying dinner ladies have to be involved in the first place is also ridiculous: nobody in town will talk to the police (?) so it has to be someone else investigating... And although the police apparently don't know what time the murder took place, one of the alibis they collect is "They were waiting for a friend to pick them up from the leisure centre" - how long for? The plot is very convoluted, some characters are completely farcical and the dinner ladies' constant dithering about whether or not to investigate is grating.
On the plus side, no need to read the previous book as the killer is mentioned every other page!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2023
This is the fourth book in the Dinner Ladies Detectives series. It's near half term break and Halloween is just around the corner. Village life and Summerview School are again upended by the unfortunate death of a faculty member. It looked like a natural causes until a puncture would from a hypodermic syringe was found and murder was declared. Who would have wanted Mr. Weaver dead? What was the strange symbol found on the tree by his body? Who are the people dressed up in PE clothes, capes, and masks running around the village and meeting secretly in the school at night? Will the school canteen pass the upcoming health and safety inspection? And will Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker be able to discover the truth?
This is a fun series. I enjoy all of the characters, their interactions, their personal growth, and the evolution of their relationships. There is a generational aspect to the book, with Margery and Clementine being older and some of their co-workers being younger, with the students younger still. In this book, aspects of the generational divide in terms of how everyday life is lived were an interesting part of the story. There is humor here as well. All in all, a very enjoyable cozy mystery with two wonderful main characters surrounded by a quirky supporting cast. Well worth a read!
Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for a digital review copy.
This is a fun series. I enjoy all of the characters, their interactions, their personal growth, and the evolution of their relationships. There is a generational aspect to the book, with Margery and Clementine being older and some of their co-workers being younger, with the students younger still. In this book, aspects of the generational divide in terms of how everyday life is lived were an interesting part of the story. There is humor here as well. All in all, a very enjoyable cozy mystery with two wonderful main characters surrounded by a quirky supporting cast. Well worth a read!
Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for a digital review copy.
August 23, 2023
'A Frightfully Fatal Affair' by Hannah Hendy.
Cloaked strangers and danger abound...
Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are coming to the end of another busy half term as dinner ladies at Summerview Secondary school. The school is abuzz with chatter about the upcoming break, the local harvest festival, and the fact that maths teacher, Mr Weaver, hasn't turned up to work in days.
When the pair embark on an evening walk, they discover Mr Weaver's body in the woods, with a mysterious symbol painted on the tree beside him. Something suspicious is clearly afoot.
As the nights grow darker and the mysterious symbols continue to appear around Dewstow, the Dinner Lady Detectives are pulled deeper into the case. Can they solve the mystery as deceit and chaos reigns, or will their killer pull off another deadly trick?
This is 4th in the series and for me it's my favourite. I love this series and I have got a rather big soft spot for Clementine and Margery. This book has the right mix of mystery, laughs, murder and some fairly dark times. The biggest laughs for me come from the unlikely partnership of Rose and Seren (they should get a spin off). If you are a fan of murder mysteries and cosy crime then please give this series a go. You will love them. I can't wait for the next book.
Cloaked strangers and danger abound...
Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker are coming to the end of another busy half term as dinner ladies at Summerview Secondary school. The school is abuzz with chatter about the upcoming break, the local harvest festival, and the fact that maths teacher, Mr Weaver, hasn't turned up to work in days.
When the pair embark on an evening walk, they discover Mr Weaver's body in the woods, with a mysterious symbol painted on the tree beside him. Something suspicious is clearly afoot.
As the nights grow darker and the mysterious symbols continue to appear around Dewstow, the Dinner Lady Detectives are pulled deeper into the case. Can they solve the mystery as deceit and chaos reigns, or will their killer pull off another deadly trick?
This is 4th in the series and for me it's my favourite. I love this series and I have got a rather big soft spot for Clementine and Margery. This book has the right mix of mystery, laughs, murder and some fairly dark times. The biggest laughs for me come from the unlikely partnership of Rose and Seren (they should get a spin off). If you are a fan of murder mysteries and cosy crime then please give this series a go. You will love them. I can't wait for the next book.
September 8, 2023
5/5 stars: Hendy has another fantastic Senior Sleuth Cozy Mystery with her newest entry in the Dinner Lady Detectives series, which is set during the fall in a British village. Hendy's character work is simply excellent; Margery and Clementine are a sixty-something British 2SLGBTQIA+ couple with whom you will fall head over heels. Additionally, the ladies of the school kitchen crew are incredibly funny and lovable. Most importantly, Hendy has written a great mystery with the perfect blend of suspects, clues and red herrings that will leave you scratching your head until the last page. I also very much appreciate how Hendy tackles with the ladies' mental and physical consequences from their previous cases. Take care; Check the CWs. (Take caution, there are spoilers for the third book, ) This is the fourth book in the series, so start at the beginning pick up , book one.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Canelo in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Canelo in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
September 17, 2023
The Dinner Lady Detectives are back with another instalment and this time, they're here to solve a murder.
I’ve read the first instalment of The Dinner Lady Detectives and loved this (the review is on my insta page) and when I saw this one on Netgalley, I had to request it! This novel is another great addition to the series and Margery and Clementine are still up there with two of my favourite amateur detectives.
This time, the pair stumble upon a body, determined to have been murdered and all around town there’s strange symbols appearing. Without giving any spoilers, it certainly is one that gets you thinking and involved and you try to piece everything together - I will say that by the end, I hadn’t worked it out. This series is such a good one to curl up on the sofa to read, it’s thought provoking as you try to piece together the clues and follow the scent however, it’s relaxing and humorous and just all round a nice read.
The crime fighting duo do state at the end that they’ll not be meddling in any more cases but personally, I do hope they go back on that promise and we get more from them!
(This was sent to me via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
I’ve read the first instalment of The Dinner Lady Detectives and loved this (the review is on my insta page) and when I saw this one on Netgalley, I had to request it! This novel is another great addition to the series and Margery and Clementine are still up there with two of my favourite amateur detectives.
This time, the pair stumble upon a body, determined to have been murdered and all around town there’s strange symbols appearing. Without giving any spoilers, it certainly is one that gets you thinking and involved and you try to piece everything together - I will say that by the end, I hadn’t worked it out. This series is such a good one to curl up on the sofa to read, it’s thought provoking as you try to piece together the clues and follow the scent however, it’s relaxing and humorous and just all round a nice read.
The crime fighting duo do state at the end that they’ll not be meddling in any more cases but personally, I do hope they go back on that promise and we get more from them!
(This was sent to me via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
October 11, 2023
Oh my!! You can't imagine how excited I was when I spotted that there was a new Dinner Lady Detective's book due out!!
I mean, just look at this striking cover! Matching the other 3 books in style, but a new bold colour - these are going to look amazing on my shelf! I love it!
You might gather from this then, that this is book 4 of the Dinner Lady Detective's series of books - and that I've read the 3 previous books too over the past couple of years (you can find my reviews on my grid) and absolutely loved them all!
In this book we are back with Margery, Clementine and the gang at Summerview Secondary School - they're winding down and preparing for the October half-term break - spirits are high and gossip is running amok.
Just where has Mr Weaver, the maths teacher been the last few days?.....
Oh, it was so lovely to be back at school again...and of course ready to solve a new murder.
This plot, like the others was intriguing and although I worked out the 'who' fairly early on, it all about the 'how' and 'why', so this still made the perfect cosy mystery.
I would say that each case is self-contained in these books, but the character development does run on through the series, so I'd definitely recommend reading these in order. You won't regret the time spent watching up!
There is a rather large cast but each one plays their own part and adds to the storyline.
Another brilliant read! I can't wait for book 5!
I mean, just look at this striking cover! Matching the other 3 books in style, but a new bold colour - these are going to look amazing on my shelf! I love it!
You might gather from this then, that this is book 4 of the Dinner Lady Detective's series of books - and that I've read the 3 previous books too over the past couple of years (you can find my reviews on my grid) and absolutely loved them all!
In this book we are back with Margery, Clementine and the gang at Summerview Secondary School - they're winding down and preparing for the October half-term break - spirits are high and gossip is running amok.
Just where has Mr Weaver, the maths teacher been the last few days?.....
Oh, it was so lovely to be back at school again...and of course ready to solve a new murder.
This plot, like the others was intriguing and although I worked out the 'who' fairly early on, it all about the 'how' and 'why', so this still made the perfect cosy mystery.
I would say that each case is self-contained in these books, but the character development does run on through the series, so I'd definitely recommend reading these in order. You won't regret the time spent watching up!
There is a rather large cast but each one plays their own part and adds to the storyline.
Another brilliant read! I can't wait for book 5!
October 16, 2023
This is my first dinner lady detectives book and although reference was made to previous books in the series, the book explained in enough detail the premise of what happened so you were able to get the jist of what had happened.
I loved the fact that these two lovely ladies, Margery and Clementine, clearly seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time ALL the time, which almost seems unbelievable, but life can be chaotic and actually not that surprising just super shit luck😂 the story makes me think of midsummer murders!
I thought the story had a really good plot and there was a few plot twists I didn't see coming which is good and the story didn't feel dragged out or chaotic. The ending was good (although I was suspicious and worked it out early) there was still other twists that were explained.
I don't want to spoil it too much for people who haven't read the book yet but I would definitely recommend. It was a lovely lighthearted read (even though there was a murder!) and I could easily have devoured the book in one sitting.
The only reason I couldn't give it 5 stars is because I worked out the ending but that doesn't detract away from the fact that this was a fun and enjoyable read! I will definitely be reading the earlier books in the series and would love to take part in another readalong if there is a future book!
Thanks again to @tandemcollectiveuk and @canelo_co for providing me with this copy and for inviting me on the readalong (it has been fun!) and of course to @hannahhendywrites who created this wonderful book.
I loved the fact that these two lovely ladies, Margery and Clementine, clearly seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time ALL the time, which almost seems unbelievable, but life can be chaotic and actually not that surprising just super shit luck😂 the story makes me think of midsummer murders!
I thought the story had a really good plot and there was a few plot twists I didn't see coming which is good and the story didn't feel dragged out or chaotic. The ending was good (although I was suspicious and worked it out early) there was still other twists that were explained.
I don't want to spoil it too much for people who haven't read the book yet but I would definitely recommend. It was a lovely lighthearted read (even though there was a murder!) and I could easily have devoured the book in one sitting.
The only reason I couldn't give it 5 stars is because I worked out the ending but that doesn't detract away from the fact that this was a fun and enjoyable read! I will definitely be reading the earlier books in the series and would love to take part in another readalong if there is a future book!
Thanks again to @tandemcollectiveuk and @canelo_co for providing me with this copy and for inviting me on the readalong (it has been fun!) and of course to @hannahhendywrites who created this wonderful book.
October 12, 2023
This is the first Dinner Lady Detective book that I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. I thought Clementine and Margery, along with their fellow Education Centre Nourishment Consultants (love this title!), we’re brilliant characters. They were the most unlikely pair of people to ever solve a crime I think. I loved their relationship with each other, how they supported each other and seemed to lift each other up by being opposites. I really enjoyed how the book was set in and around a small town school. The setting was perfectly portrayed as an environment where everyone knew everyone and their business! I come from a small town and that’s exactly what it’s like! I was completely surprised by the ending as I wasn’t expecting how it turned out. I have since bought the rest of the books in the series! I’m so glad that I was chosen to take part I. This Tandem Collective Read Along.
December 25, 2023
Princess Fuzzypants here: This is a story I should have loved. Quirky lunch ladies who solve mysteries and work with the local constabulary rather than at cross purposes. They are drawn into a murder when they discover the body of a handsome teacher during a walk through the woods. As they learn more and more about him and his life, they discover nefarious deeds are afoot at their school. Affairs galore, gambling, blackmail or all sorts of other things. The two protagonists and their various cohorts offer that lovely British eccentricity that makes some books so charming.
Why this one failed to resonate with me is baffling. It was not that I disliked it. I just felt a bit empty after reading it. It was neither here nor there. Still, it might be the perfect cup of tea for someone else. Three purrs and two paws up.
Why this one failed to resonate with me is baffling. It was not that I disliked it. I just felt a bit empty after reading it. It was neither here nor there. Still, it might be the perfect cup of tea for someone else. Three purrs and two paws up.
September 30, 2023
The 4th instalment in the Dinner Ladies Detectives series, we are back in the school canteen this time, and Margery and Clementine find themselves invigled in yet another murder!
I really liked how this one talked about the ongoing trauma the Butcher-Baker ladies were facing after the events of book 3 and how they came to the realisation they both needed some support.
I had guessed the murderer fairly early on, but the why hadn't been so obvious.
I loved seeing Seren stand up for herself finally. The side characters of the series all have plenty to bring to the dynamic.
I almost felt like the series was wrapping up, but the epilogue suggests that there is plenty more still to come for this pair!
I really liked how this one talked about the ongoing trauma the Butcher-Baker ladies were facing after the events of book 3 and how they came to the realisation they both needed some support.
I had guessed the murderer fairly early on, but the why hadn't been so obvious.
I loved seeing Seren stand up for herself finally. The side characters of the series all have plenty to bring to the dynamic.
I almost felt like the series was wrapping up, but the epilogue suggests that there is plenty more still to come for this pair!
October 10, 2023
📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚
A FRIGHTFULLY FATAL AFFAIR
Hannah Hendy
This book started off as an easy read but still had me wanting to read it eagerly. It's a crime thriller with a slight comedic vibe thanks to Clemintine. If you want to mix up your reading style but don't want anything too sinister just yet or too intense, then this is perfect. You have a mixture of a who dunnit mystery that has multiple layers, where you think you know exactly who it was but then suddenly it isn't them, to character development and you're actually rooting for different people. It also isn't just one crime being solved, which I think can sometimes make a book boring as they go in circles trying to solve. Instead, there are 2 which grips you even more.
A FRIGHTFULLY FATAL AFFAIR
Hannah Hendy
This book started off as an easy read but still had me wanting to read it eagerly. It's a crime thriller with a slight comedic vibe thanks to Clemintine. If you want to mix up your reading style but don't want anything too sinister just yet or too intense, then this is perfect. You have a mixture of a who dunnit mystery that has multiple layers, where you think you know exactly who it was but then suddenly it isn't them, to character development and you're actually rooting for different people. It also isn't just one crime being solved, which I think can sometimes make a book boring as they go in circles trying to solve. Instead, there are 2 which grips you even more.
October 10, 2023
To be fair, this was a much-needed palette cleanser after quite a few rather heavy books! It was light,, funny, quirky and had Richard Osman-style vibes - a cosy, autumnal read! I really did like the main characters, and the mystery was certainly fun to go along with! It is the fourth book in a series which did worry me slightly, as I haven’t read the others, but apart from spoiling the previous books (to be fair you can’t have a series without referencing past outcomes!) it worked as a stand-alone which I was grateful for!
I clearly read far too many dark and twisty books, as this wasn’t quite there for me in terms of thrills, BUT it wasn’t meant to be - and for that, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
AD/PR product from Tandem
I clearly read far too many dark and twisty books, as this wasn’t quite there for me in terms of thrills, BUT it wasn’t meant to be - and for that, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
AD/PR product from Tandem
October 14, 2023
The Dinner Lady Detectives, Margery and Clementine Butcher-Baker find themselves twisted up in the suspicious murder of Mr Weaver.
As mysterious symbols and hooded strangers begin to scare the folk of Dewstow, are the Dinner Lady Detectives able to solve this small town mystery?
I enjoyed every second of this cosy murder mystery. Each character was so wholesomely created and knitted into this small town back drop, I knew each of the characters personally which made it all the more difficult to figure out who the murderer could be.
This cosy novel set during a misty Halloween is the perfect rainy day read with enough mystery to keep you hooked but an atmosphere of friendship, family and a close knit community.
As mysterious symbols and hooded strangers begin to scare the folk of Dewstow, are the Dinner Lady Detectives able to solve this small town mystery?
I enjoyed every second of this cosy murder mystery. Each character was so wholesomely created and knitted into this small town back drop, I knew each of the characters personally which made it all the more difficult to figure out who the murderer could be.
This cosy novel set during a misty Halloween is the perfect rainy day read with enough mystery to keep you hooked but an atmosphere of friendship, family and a close knit community.
September 6, 2023
When a teacher at the school is murdered, Margery and Clementine are on the case, this time with the blessing of the police. When an attempt is made on the widow, the police pull the ladies from the case. But when they figure out who the culprit is and how they did it, can they pull off exposing them or will they be the net two attacked?
This was the first book I have read in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The setting, the sincerity of the lunch ladies and the mystery itself were all so compelling that it was hard to put this one down before I turned that last page. A really good cozy. I’ll be back for more int his series!
This was the first book I have read in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The setting, the sincerity of the lunch ladies and the mystery itself were all so compelling that it was hard to put this one down before I turned that last page. A really good cozy. I’ll be back for more int his series!
September 30, 2023
Clementine and Margery are attending the school harvest festival when they see two of the male teachers having a disagreement and both disappear from the event.
Sometime later the Dinner Ladies go searching in the woods for blackberries, only to find the dead body of Mr Weaver one of the teachers from earlier..
The Police have no clues to this murder and Officer Thomas asks them to discreetly look into it as they have so much success in the past.
As they do, the feel they have a prime suspect in the form of the other teacher, but are they correct?
When more dirty deeds happen and random acts of vandalism, have they bitten off more than they can chew?
I nice cosy crime and quick read.
Sometime later the Dinner Ladies go searching in the woods for blackberries, only to find the dead body of Mr Weaver one of the teachers from earlier..
The Police have no clues to this murder and Officer Thomas asks them to discreetly look into it as they have so much success in the past.
As they do, the feel they have a prime suspect in the form of the other teacher, but are they correct?
When more dirty deeds happen and random acts of vandalism, have they bitten off more than they can chew?
I nice cosy crime and quick read.
October 7, 2023
Margery and Clementine are back with their usual crew of dinner ladies and they are never far from an investigation.
Mr Weaver the maths teacher from Summerview secondary school is missing , and unfortunately is found dead.
Meanwhile mysterious symbols are being daubed around Dewstow are they connected?
The dinner lady detectives waste no time in trying to track down the culprit.
The writing is easy to read and the characters are likeable .
An enjoyable cosy mystery!
This series is getting better with each new book.
Eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo.
Mr Weaver the maths teacher from Summerview secondary school is missing , and unfortunately is found dead.
Meanwhile mysterious symbols are being daubed around Dewstow are they connected?
The dinner lady detectives waste no time in trying to track down the culprit.
The writing is easy to read and the characters are likeable .
An enjoyable cosy mystery!
This series is getting better with each new book.
Eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo.
October 16, 2023
This is the fourth installment of the Dinner Lady Detectives series, and despite having not read any of the previous books I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I had no issues understanding what was happening, and thankfully didn't feel like I was missing out by not having read the first books.
This was a cosy, easy read with the right amount of mystery, and the right amount of humour. I was kept guessing throughout and couldn't put this book down. The perfect, bingeworthy book for snuggling up on the sofa with a blanket and a hot drink.
I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more by this author.
This was a cosy, easy read with the right amount of mystery, and the right amount of humour. I was kept guessing throughout and couldn't put this book down. The perfect, bingeworthy book for snuggling up on the sofa with a blanket and a hot drink.
I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more by this author.
November 5, 2023
I’ve had the pleasure of reading all the books in this series so far, I’ve loved all of them but this is by far the best one yet. I was hooked from the moment I started reading. The writing/ plot is similar but there’s definitely a more sinister tone to it. I loved the storyline, the mystery remained a mystery until the big reveal. It was great to read it as it’s set during this time of the year. I have a real soft spot for the dinner lady detectives, they’re so entertaining but they had more of a vulnerability in this story which was refreshing by to read. Overall so enjoyable, full of fun and I absolutely loved it.
December 8, 2024
A very fun read - the setting and characters were endearing and new, though I struggled to care about the many of the interchangeably written background cast.
This was my first book in the Dinner Lady Detective series and I didn’t realise it would refer so much to prior instalments and that character arcs started in earlier books continued in this one (unlike many other mystery series which are mostly self-contained) which did impact my enjoyment, though that is admittedly my own fault for starting a series on Book 4.
Still, a thoroughly unique premise and Margery and Clementine were a great duo to follow, with an enjoyable and solveable mystery to carry the book.
This was my first book in the Dinner Lady Detective series and I didn’t realise it would refer so much to prior instalments and that character arcs started in earlier books continued in this one (unlike many other mystery series which are mostly self-contained) which did impact my enjoyment, though that is admittedly my own fault for starting a series on Book 4.
Still, a thoroughly unique premise and Margery and Clementine were a great duo to follow, with an enjoyable and solveable mystery to carry the book.
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