A stand-alone Chapman and Morris Mystery.
Simon and Kate land the perfect house-sitting job in a quirky, old farmhouse.
But, when the neighbours are murdered, they discover the house has a sinister past connected to an identical killing.
Following another attack, Simon disappears, and the police uncover disturbing secrets about his past.
Compelling evidence against Simon mounts, leaving Kate … alone, unsure what to believe or who to trust. Is Simon the killer? Or a pawn in somebody else’s game?
As Kate closes in on the truth, she realises too late that the stakes are far higher than she ever imagined.
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The Trouble at Fatting House is the second book in the author’s Chapman and Morris mysteries, so I had to do a bit of research before diving in, but I didn’t have too much trouble reading it as a standalone.
A mystery of a read reading a mystery of a crime, the author used a unique POV perspective to enhance the sleuths investigations and, while this could at time be a bit confusing, I also think it lent a realistic feel to the story. As a reader, I was trying to unravel the puzzle right along with the characters and, although we sometimes got it wrong, not many of us are Sherlock Holmes.
The author used a quip at the beginning of each chapter as a bait-device, helping to solve as well as to mislead. I was intrigued and confused, but Ms. Febry’s catchy writing style and believable characters kept me turning pages. I might have liked to have seen some of the characters even more developed than they were, but as this is a series Im hoping to learn more about them in upcoming tales.
When a double homicide happens right next door and one of the leads, Simon, is unexpectedly suspected, the story turns into a fast-paced, edge- of- your-seat whirlwind as they try to figure out just what is going on. If you enjoy a mystery that keeps you guessing right up to the end and a puzzle that doesn’t follow all the ordinary rules, you really should pick this one up!
I really enjoyed this second in what I hope will be a long series. I am quite a fan of the cosy mystery genre, so I latched on to Diana Febry’s new series the moment it came out, as I’ve read almost all her other books. I really like the two main characters, Simon and Kate, and the development of their relationship that never quite becomes one adds to the tensions in the stories. This is another good solid mystery with a good twisty plot and a puzzle that keeps you guessing. Set in the English countryside with a fair wollop of pub grub, lovely dogs and horses too, Trouble at Fatting House ticks all my boxes. I’m looking forward to the next one now. Great stuff!
House sitters run into trouble
This is the first book I’ve read in the Chapman and Morris PI detective cost mysteries. I’ve read and enjoyed several of the other books by this author, so I was expecting the same quality read, and wasn’t disappointed. As expected, the story telling is great, and kept me turning the pages. New characters (to me) Kate and Simon are well crafted and engaging. I particularly liked their individual past baggage, which makes them interesting people to follow. They work well together as they try to solve a double murder. The book takes inspiration from Agatha Christie murder mysteries with plenty of clever red herrings and twists to keep the reader engaged. For cosy mystery fans it’s a must read.
I’ve read a couple of Diana J. Febry’s books, including Trouble at Clencher’s Mill, the first of Kate and Simon’s adventures. I enjoyed it and added Trouble at Fatting House to my TBR list. Here are my thoughts!
Synopsis (from the author):
Simon and Kate land the perfect house-sitting job in a quirky, old farmhouse.
But, when the neighbours are murdered, they discover the house has a sinister past connected to an identical killing.
Following another attack, Simon disappears, and the police uncover disturbing secrets about his past.
Compelling evidence against Simon mounts, leaving Kate alone, unsure what to believe or who to trust. Is Simon the killer? Or a pawn in somebody else’s game?
As Kate closes in on the truth, she realises too late that the stakes are far higher than she ever imagined.
What I liked:
As with the first book, I liked Simon’s and Kate’s characters. Add in the new information regarding Kate’s deceased husband, the intrigue of the murders of the neighbors, and Simon’s disappearance, and you have all the ingredients for an entertaining cozy mystery. How does it all play out? You’ll have to read Trouble at Fatting House to find out!
What I didn’t like:
The police actions were too stereotypical for my liking. Didn’t distract from the story much, but it was a small point. Other than that, no complaints from me.
Overall impression:
I liked Trouble at Fatting House! While cozy mysteries are not my favorite genre, a little diversion from time to time is refreshing and this book provided it! If you enjoy cozy mysteries, read this one!
My rating:
4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)
Simon and Kate are house sitting when a double murder occurs right on their doorstep, so they decide to investigate.
This well written murder mystery set in rural England is a real page-turner which I can highly recommend..
Trouble at Fatting House continues the evolving story of Simon and Kate, this time in a house sitting gig that casts Simon as a possible murder suspect. The bodies keep coming as the amateur sleuths get closer and closer to the truth. I’m a fan.
I fell in love with this series after the first book. It’s not your usual order of crime mystery. Simon and Kate get so much wrong all the time, even though their thoughts are logical. They make a great team, even when they’re not working together. Although they clash, the fondness they have for each other shines through when the situations turn rough. I love their chemistry, and am looking forward to seeing if their relationship develops into more than friendship.