Bücher von Merryn Allingham

Bookshop owner and amateur detective Flora Steele and her fiancé, crime writer Jack Carrington, discover words can kill as they solve their most puzzling case yet... It's a sunny morning in Abbeymead as Flora cycles through the village and knocks on the door of the local library, planning to deliver a gift to librarian Maud Frobisher to mark her retirement. But Flora is shocked when she finds Maud slumped in the corner, and even more startled when she recognises the man holding the murder weapon - an enormous hardback book. Flora's known Lowell Gracey since her college days, but what is he doing working for Maud and now the main suspect in her murder? Suspicion mounts when Flora and Jack discover that Lowell is heavily in debt, and that a priceless rare first edition has recently gone missing, but Lowell is adamant that he's innocent, and Flora believes him. The pair are once more drawn into an investigation, but who would kill a beloved librarian? Perhaps Rose Lawson, a mysterious newcomer to Abbeymead known to be in dire financial straits? Or pompous bestselling author Felix Wingrave, who rumours say would do anything to get his hands on a valuable book for his collection? Then the village is rocked by the discovery of a second body. Flora and Jack realise a vital clue lies in the pages of a novel - but the plot is thickening and the killer closing in... Flora and Jack are determined to solve this fiendish case by the book - but will this be the end of their story? A completely page-turning and addictive cozy crime mystery. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis won't be able to put this down!Readers love the Flora Steele Mysteries:'Fantastic!!! Absolutely devoured this book in one sitting!!... Another explosive book in an absolutely addictive series!!!... Gorgeous... Amazing... Stunning... My heart was also in my throat on several occasions... OMG!!!! THAT ENDING!!!! LOVE, LOVE, ABSOLUTELY LOVED!!!!... ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! DID I MENTION I LOVED IT???!!!!... Clear your schedules as you won't be able to put this book down!... Kept me turning the pages late at night!!... I LOVED it. Bookworm86, ¿¿¿¿¿'Amazing... a top-notch cosy mystery... an engaging, intelligent and intriguing murder mystery that I found totally absorbing.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿

Amateur detective duo Flora Steele and Jack Carrington have gained a reputation for crime-solving. But will they be able to untangle the latest baffling murder in the cosy village of Abbeymead?Sussex, 1957: When Flora and Jack hear that Percy Milburn - a newcomer to the area who has ruffled more than a few feathers with his grand plans for modernising Abbeymead - is missing, they're determined to find him. But after scouring the village, Flora is shocked to discover the body of the poor man in the cellar of a crumbling farmhouse.Percy's murder is tragic but not unexpected, as his ambition had made him many enemies within the small, rural community. Flora and Jack get stuck into the case, but they're sent on a wild goose chase around the village. Whoever is behind the death has taken careful steps to cover their tracks...Was it Miss Minnie Howden, the nervous housekeeper who loved Percy? Sir Frederick Neville, the owner of the farm Percy was trying to buy? Or Colin Palmer, made rich by Percy's death? Did any of the suspects dislike Percy enough to end his life?The amateur detective duo finds themselves outfoxed at every turn, unable to find any concrete clues. When their prime suspect is murdered, Flora and Jack have their work cut out to find the culprit. But the clever killer has pulled the wool over their eyes and is reeling them ever nearer to danger.Will this case finally bring Flora and Jack closer together? And can they unravel the mystery before they're led like lambs to the slaughter?A completely addictive cozy crime novel set in the fictional Sussex village of Abbeymead. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis!Readers love the Flora Steele mysteries:'Amazing... a top-notch cosy mystery... an engaging, intelligent and intriguing murder mystery that I found totally absorbing.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿'I absolutely love this book! I was so captivated... I could not put this book down... I read this book in one sitting!... Amazing.' @thenerdandherbooks, ¿¿¿¿¿

1914, England. Will her decision unite her family or tear them apart?Surrounded by beautiful gardens in the glorious Sussex countryside, Summerhayes House seems like a true hidden paradise, but behind its polished floors and perfect green lawns is a family divided. The Summer family's beloved home is under threat, and nineteen-year-old Elizabeth Summer finds herself caught in the heart of the crisis.Elizabeth's father believes his daughter marrying well will save Summerhayes. But Elizabeth is distraught at the stifling future ahead of her. A chance meeting with green-eyed Aiden Kellaway, the handsome architect's apprentice working on the estate's prized gardens, changes everything. For the first time, Elizabeth pictures an entirely different life, and - despite her father's wishes - she is determined to take hold of it.But war is brewing in Europe, and when its long shadow touches Summerhayes, Elizabeth realises her rebellion will come at a price. Desperately torn between family loyalty, society's expectations and the bright chance at happiness she glimpsed in Aiden's arms, she is forced to make an impossible choice.As Elizabeth's future - and her family's - hangs in the balance, she must ask herself, is the price worth paying? And can she live with the consequences?An unforgettable, totally gripping and heart-wrenching historical family saga. Fans of Tracy Rees, Kate Morton and Elizabeth Jane Howard will be utterly swept away by The Girl from Summerhayes. Previously published as The Buttonmaker's Daughter.What readers are saying about the Summerhayes House series:'Right from page one I was hooked... I LOVED IT!!!!' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿'I absolutely loved this... Definitely a five-star read for me.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿'A real page-turner... A book I totally disappeared into for an evening and long into the night, totally losing any sense of time.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿'Everything I hoped it would be and so much more... Excellent.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿'Beautiful book. I was completely immersed in the story... Made me feel I was there in the midst of it all.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

1944, England. A chance meeting with a soldier unravels a long-buried family mystery...England is in the devastating grip of World War Two, and Bethany Merston's life changes in an instant when bombs screech down over London. Heartbroken, she leaves the shattered ruins of her home behind. In the Sussex countryside, she takes a job as companion to elderly Alice Summer, mistress of the crumbling and over-grown Summerhayes House.Its once-pristine grounds are now home to a regiment of soldiers preparing for an invasion across the channel. But Bethany's wartime experiences mean she can find beauty in broken things, and she is captured by the estate's magic. When she meets handsome, blue-eyed Lieutenant Jos Kerrigan in the gardens one morning, it is clear he has also been captivated by Summerhayes. As their friendship grows, Bethany realises that it's not just the house she's falling for...But something is stirring beneath the surface at Summerhayes... When Bethany discovers that Alice is receiving anonymous letters that have opened up old family wounds, she is determined to find out who is responsible. Convinced that Summerhayes itself holds the key to the mystery, Bethany and Jos explore the grand house together.The answers lie in a long-forgotten painting in the dusty attic, unravelling the mysteries of the Summer family. And as the truth about Alice's past comes to light, it has the power to change Bethany's future.Will Bethany and Jos's blossoming love survive the war, or will the secrets of Summerhayes tear them apart?Previously published as The Secret of Summerhayes.A totally heartbreaking and gripping wartime family saga, fans of Tracy Rees, Kate Morton and Elizabeth Jane Howard will have their hearts stolen by The Secrets of Summerhayes. Previously published as The Secret of Summerhayes.What readers are saying about the Summerhayes House series:'Right from page one I was hooked... I LOVED IT!!!!' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿'I absolutely loved this... Definitely a five-star read for me.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿'A real page-turner... A book I totally disappeared into for an evening and long into the night, totally losing any sense of time.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿'Everything I hoped it would be and so much more... Excellent.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿'Beautiful book. I was completely immersed in the story... Made me feel I was there in the midst of it all.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

Join Flora Steele - bookshop owner, bicycle rider, daydreamer and amateur detective - in her quest to solve a brand-new murder mystery!Cornwall, 1956: When Flora Steele sets off for a peaceful vacation with crime writer Jack Carrington in his little red Austin, the last thing she expects to find is a body at their pretty rental cottage!Shocked by the discovery, inquisitive Flora joins forces with handsome Jack to find out how the poor man came to such an untimely end in the overgrown orchard of Primrose Cottage. They discover Roger Gifford was a man with plenty of friends and the villagers seem devastated by his sudden death...So why was he murdered? And who has blood on their hands - his estranged wife Beatrice, his wayward younger brother Lionel, or the suspicious newcomer Mercy Dearlove?The baffling case gets even more complicated when a second man is found dead and a set of puzzling clues lead them to an intriguing wartime mystery connected to Jack's estranged father.As old secrets emerge and Jack receives an unsettling letter, it seems the crime writer is in danger of a fate befitting his fictional characters. Will Flora be able to crack the case and save Jack? Or will this be one murder too many for Flora Steele?Readers love the Flora Steele Mysteries:'Wonderful book! I absolutely adored this... Had me reading and finishing the book in no time! I highly recommend!!!' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿'I absolutely love this book! I was so captivated... I could not put this book down... I read this book in one sitting!... Amazing.' @thenerdandherbooks, ¿¿¿¿¿'Absolutely fantastic... An addictive perfect mix of mystery, crime, suspense and quirkiness which kept me turning the pages late at night!! An explosive start to a new series!' Bookworm86, ¿¿¿¿¿'A joy to read... Full of mystery and secrets!... Truly an unstoppable read! And I loved every minute of it!' NetGalley reviewer, ¿¿¿¿'I loved... A cozy, heart-warming, fast read. It felt like Scooby-Doo meets Agatha Raisin. I am here for it!... Delightful.' Frosta Wings It, ¿¿¿¿'Fantastic cozy mystery!... Fun to read... This author knows how to keep the reader's attention from the first chapter!' Books and Benches, ¿¿¿¿'Love... The story twisted along, with everyone becoming a suspect... A fab read, that I devoured in a day.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿'What a joy... Fabulous... Totally fantastic... I highly recommend this outstandingly fabulous book.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿'Pace moves along as you keep turning the pages to find out whodunit. You'll find yourself rooting for Flora and Jack in more ways than one. I can't wait for the next book!' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿

Meet Flora Steele - bookshop owner, bicycle-rider, daydreamer and amateur detective! Sussex, 1955: When bookshop owner Flora Steele goes for a walk along the pier she isn't expecting to spot a young woman's body in the stormy waters below. And she's shocked to discover the victim is someone she knows...Convinced the death was not an accident, Flora persuades attractive local crime writer Jack Carrington to help her find out what really happened to poor Polly Dakers, a popular young woman with a complicated love life, who'd been at the heart of village life in Abbeymead.Jack is reluctant to get involved in another murder case at first but even he can't deny that Polly's fall seems fishy. An argument at a party, a missed hairdresser's appointment and a red woollen bobble found on the wooden boards where Polly last stood provide a trail of clues...As they grow closer to solving the puzzling mystery, the unlikely pair stumble upon several surprising secrets about those closest to Polly. A number of potential suspects begin to emerge. But who really disliked Polly enough to kill her? Was it Raymond, her jilted first love? Harry, her latest beau? Or Evelyn, Harry's jealous estranged wife?As the investigation brings them closer to the truth, Flora is intent on unmasking the killer - but will her stealthy sleuthing lead her down a dangerous path?An utterly delightful cozy crime novel set in the fictional Sussex village of Abbeymead. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis!Readers love the Flora Steele Mysteries:'I absolutely love this book! I was so captivated by Flora and Jack that I could not put this book down... I absolutely loved the way that this book twists and turns... I cannot wait to read more of the Flora Steele books!' NetGalley, ¿¿¿¿¿'What a joy... fabulous village setting... a totally fantastic tale... I highly recommend this outstandingly fabulous book.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿'Wonderful book! I absolutely adored this book!... had me reading and finishing the book in no time! I highly recommend this book!!!... I was drawn into the murder mystery plot instantly.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿'I loved this book. Flora is the ultimate amateur sleuth; she is fearless, funny, determined, and defiant. I had a lot of fun trying to solve the mystery with her... a cozy, heart-warming, fast read. It felt like Scooby-doo meets Agatha Raisin. I am here for it!... delightful.' Frosta Wings It, ¿¿¿¿'Love... The story twisted along, with everyone becoming a suspect... A fab read, that I devoured in a day.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿'Fantastic cozy mystery!... fun to read... This author knows how to keep the reader's attention from the first chapter!' Books and Benches, ¿¿¿¿

Bookshop owner Flora Steele escapes the sleepy English village of Abbeymead through the adventures in the stories she sells. Until one morning, everything changes when she discovers a body amongst her own bookshelves...The young man with the shock of white-blond hair lay spread-eagled on the floor, surrounded by fallen books. His hand reached out to the scattered pages, as though he was trying to tell her something.But who is he? How did he come to be killed in Flora's ordinary little bookshop? Flora finds out he was staying at the Priory Hotel, and when the gardener suddenly dies in its beautiful grounds only a few days later, she is certain that something untoward is happening in her quiet village by the sea.But are the two deaths connected? And is someone at the hotel responsible - the nervous cook, the money-obsessed receptionist, or the formidable manageress?Determined to save her beloved bookshop's reputation and solve the murder mystery, Flora enlists the help of handsome and brooding Jack Carrington: crime writer, recluse and her most reliable customer.As the unlikely duo set about investigating the baffling case, guilty faces greet them at every door. And they soon realise there's more than one person hiding secrets in Abbeymead...The start of a brand-new murder mystery series featuring bookshop owner Flora Steele and crime writer Jack Carrington. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis will love this perfect cozy murder mystery novel. An utterly addictive story that will have you guessing until the very end.Why readers love Merryn Allingham:'Excellent... the tension builds and builds right up to the last chapter... a page-turner.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿'Love... so many twists and turns that kept me guessing most of the way through. Deserving of its 5 stars... highly recommend.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿'A roller coaster of suspense and intrigue. Grabs you from the first page. Entertaining and interesting characters. There are many twists and turns that will keep you turning the page until the end.' Goodreads reviewer, ¿¿¿¿¿