A classic British cozy perfect for the holidays
Empty Nest: A Birds of a Feather Mystery
by Marty Wingate
Pub Date Dec 1, 2015
Description
If you love Laura Childs, Ellery Adams, or Jenn McKinlay, don't miss Marty Wingate's charming Birds of a Feather series! In Empty Nest, Julia Lanchester's life is interrupted by a murder most foul—and a killer who's watching her like a hawk.
Manager of a tourist center in a quaint British village, Julia Lanchester finds herself with more ideas than time. Her boss is the Earl Fotheringill himself, but apart from him, she doesn't mix well with the aristocracy. Unfortunately, toxic mold forces her from her cottage and into one of the earl's countless spare rooms at the Hall. She tries to get a handle on her overload of work, while she finds herself arguing with dinner guests, chaffing at the sudden interest the earl's son has in running the estate, and missing her new beau, Michael Sedgwick.
Her life goes from bad to sinister when Julia discovers poisoned sparrowhawks on the expansive estate grounds. And soon after, she finds one of the Hall's visitors murdered—felled by the same poison. While simultaneously both spooked and angry, she still can't keep herself from snooping, and dragging Michael along into her investigation. But will she find the culprit before her own wings are clipped? Review
Marty Wingate's newest novel Empty Nest is a wonderful addition to the delectable Birds of a Feather mystery series. This mystery is a cozy lover's delight combining a charming rural British setting with endearing characters and an intricate puzzle. It is a perfect read for a lazy afternoon escape.
As manager of tourism for the Fotheringill estate, Julia plans upcoming events intended to draw new visitors. Unfortunately, toxic mold is found in her cottage, leaving her without a place to stay. Earl Fotheringill insists that she stay in one of the Hall's many spare rooms during the remodeling process. All goes well until Linus's son arrives along with a friend from London, and the new estate manager arrives. When a bevy of poisoned sparrowhawks are discovered, and one of the Hall's visitors is murdered with the same poison, Julia can't help but investigate. With her beau Michael Sedgwick, she starts digging into old secrets - secrets that someone will kill to keep hidden.
When you put together a wonderful setting, a forthright and likable lead, an interesting mystery, and a touch of romance, you have a winning combination. Marty Wingate's Birds of a Feather mystery series epitomizes all that is good in a classic British cozy.
5/5
I received a copy of Empty Nest from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
