Ron, Liz’s husband, recently recovered from cancer, is looking to retire having lost a contract linked to Lodestone; Derek, Pat’s husband, is a teacher at the “College for Vicars” which is possibly under threat of closure (by an organisation linked to Lodestone) ; Teddy, Thelma’s husband, is Head of that College. His plays have been produced in theatres across the UK as well as for radio, the most recent being Trust, starring Julie Hesmondhalgh on BBC Radio 4. This time the case they solve is about poison pen letters that are sent to staff at their old school. I'm glad I was able to read this as I really enjoyed what I read, and can't wait to read more mysteries by J. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.

The three, Thelma, Liz and Pat, are retired primary school teachers who meet every Thursday, at the Thirsk Garden Centre, for coffee and cake and a natter about families and friends and life in general. As a mystery story it is not particularly complicated, but the writing is so good that you find yourself invested in these women and their progress.The characters are likeable and quirky, the story moves quickly and this talented author leaves us wanting for more. Malice and mayhem spur a school reunion of three modern Marples – and some of their Thirsk community learn a lesson they’ll never forget!

This mystery surrounds a series of poison pen letters that arrive at the school, causing great distress to innocent staff and those with guilty consciences. Malice and mayhem spur a school reunion of three modern Marples - and some of their Thirsk community learn a lesson they'll never forget!If you’re looking for cozy mystery books then definitely pick up this series, you won’t be disappointed. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. The three women are all very different and extremely well drawn characters, with detailed family backgrounds that clearly show why they act, individually and collectively, in the way they do when sleuthing. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. The way money is the priority not children, the constant use of improvements and beacon schools, new maths and writing initiatives, marks schemes, all are so accurately portrayed.

A Pen Dipped In Poison is an uncomplicated but highly entertaining dramatic mystery with likeable, and dare I say at a pinch, loveable protagonists. Slowly and carefully and using their considerable network - my personal favourite is the nail bar they uncover many different nefarious activities and bring everything back to how it should be. If you’re looking for a cozy mystery that can keep you guessing until the end, then look no further than J. The plot and pacing were absolutely perfect in this one, and I was so happy that we got to learn more about the ladies’ families.Their school, St Barnabus Primary, is not what it once was, as it is now part of Lodestone Academy Trust. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site.

Like Jane Marple, these characters though quirky and slightly twee can think outside the box and around corners. The three friends decide to take matters into their own hands, despite the protestations of family members.Malice and mayhem spur a school reunion of three modern Marples - and some of their Thirsk community learn a lesson they’ll never forget! As a retired teacher I loved the three main characters, and the way academies are represented is absolutely fantastic! Retired schoolteachers Liz, Pat and Thelma never expected they would be caught up in a crime even once in their lives, let alone twice. As it is still close to their hearts, it does not stop Liz, Pat and Thelma from caring about what goes on there.