The Busybody Book Club
A completely addictive cosy murder mystery
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- £5.49
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- £5.49
Publisher Description
They can't even agree on what to read, so how are they going to solve a murder?
St. Tredock Book Club disagree on everything, from the books they read to the biscuits they eat. For book club organiser Nova Davies, who's new to the Cornish seaside village, the digestive vs shortbread debate is just the start of her problems...
Under Nova's watch, £10,000 is stolen from the much-loved community centre. When book club member Michael disappears and a dead body turns up at his house, it seems clear who the perpetrator is. But the book club has their own theories. Agatha Christie superfan Phyllis is determined to prove Michael's been framed, while romance fanatic Arthur believes there's a mystery woman involved, and teenage sci-fi reader Ash thinks dark forces are at play. Meanwhile, Nova's just trying to keep them out of trouble.
Soon the book club becomes very busy indeed. Full-time book lovers, part-time sleuths, they put their differences aside to find Michael, solve the murder and recover the stolen money - all while trying to hide their own secrets...
Can they crack the case? And with a killer on the loose, what will it take until they're safe back home, curled up with book?
An utterly unputdownable cosy crime novel and a love letter to books and the power of reading, The Busybody Book Club is perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Janice Hallett and Agatha Raisin.
'A joyous romp... Full of eccentric, endearing characters and packed with intrigue' Beth Morrey
'The ultimate page turner. Freya Sampson gets all the way under the skin of a Cornish village, beyond the harbours and the holiday cottages' J. M. Hall
'Murder has never been so appealing. Take one misfit group of book lovers, add a quaint village backdrop, throw in a dash of intrigue, and the result is a fun, fast-paced tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In The Busybody Book Club, Sampson proves she has what it takes to surprise you...and to warm your heart' Lucy Gilmore
'Full of twists and turns and laughter. This is a book club I really want to be part of!' Sally Page
'Another treat from Freya Sampson and her particular brand of cosy magic. Generational divides are obliterated in this hilariously heartwarming story of community and friendship. I loved every second!' Jenny Bayliss
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Sampson (Nosy Neighbors) delivers a genial and entertaining cozy centered on a ragtag ensemble of bookworms. Nova Davies has moved from London to the small Cornish village of St. Tredock to stay with her fiancé's family while her overbearing mother-in-law plans their wedding. After starting her job at the local community center, Nova organizes a book club whose members range from studious teens to crotchety octogenarians. At first, she struggles to bridge the group's cultural gaps. Then £10,000 earmarked for the community center's roof repair vanishes, and Nova's bosses blame her book club for the loss. When this incident is quickly followed by a murder in St. Tredock and the disappearance of a book club member, the group realizes they're in real danger. Led by elderly Miss Marple fan Phyllis Hudson, the four remaining members launch an investigation, with each gumshoe's quirks proving equal parts helpful and distracting to the cause. From there, Sampson hits a parade of familiar but satisfying beats: unexpected friendships blossom, books provide key clues, and well-placed red herrings keep the pace from flagging. It's a bright and breezy treat.
