The Blackout Murders

A Homefront Sleuths Mystery (The Homefront Sleuths Cozy Mystery Series, Book 1)

Five friends, one sleepy village, and a mystery brimming with dark secrets.

England, 1941. The tranquil village of Crofter’s Green seems like a haven from the chaos of wartime. But when a local air raid warden is found dead in the village churchyard, five villagers--some getting on in years and none of them policemen--decide they need to uncover the truth.

Introducing the Homefront Sleuths:

• Evie Harris, a newly arrived tea shop owner, seeking a fresh start after losing her husband.
• Alice Greenleaf, the village herbalist, who has her own quiet strength and wisdom.
• Blake Collins, a war-wounded schoolteacher, struggling with the scars of battle.
• Harry Jenkins, a sharp-eyed retired detective from London, who thought his sleuthing days were over.
• Dotty Baker, a resourceful young mother, juggling the demands of wartime life.

Together, they will form a close-knit circle, a found family in a world turned upside down. As they dig into the village’s secrets, they uncover more than just the identity of a killer—they discover the power of friendship and community in the face of adversity. But can they solve the mystery before the shadows of war claim another victim, and will Evie discover her inner culinary capabilities?

The Blackout Murders is a heartwarming, suspenseful tale perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and wartime intrigue. This first installment of the *Homefront Sleuths* Series offers a rich tapestry of characters, historical detail, and the enduring strength of human connection. If you enjoy The Marlow Murder Club or cozy mysteries by Rhys Bowen, T.E. Kinsey, Jacqueline Winspear, or Susan Elia MacNeal we're sure you'll enjoy this series.

Scroll up, grab your copy, and join the Homefront Sleuths as they embark on their first case!

©2024 Charles Veley and Anna Elliott (P)2024 Charles Veley and Anna Elliott

surprisingly good

I am not a fan of silly cozies. Since this is an audible plus selection, I was willing to try it. So glad I did. It is a well crafted series in th e classic style.

A good listen!

My mother was a Wren (Women’s Royal Navy) in WW2 England, stationed in Dover, just across the English Channel from Nazi-occupied France. Before that, she was living in her family home in Liverpool, one of the most heavily bombed cities in the country.

Her years of constant fear are unimaginable to me, so I appreciate reading and listening to good stories about that time and place, to better understand her experience. This mystery centers in a “safer” part of England, but the everyday lives would have sounded very familiar to her — rationing and blackout curtains and not knowing if overhead planes were friend or foe.

I really enjoyed this mystery, and never guessed the villain. I thought at first that I wouldn’t like the narrator, but she turned out to be very good. I’m off to listen to the next installment!

Fabulous!

Admittedly, I was skeptical of the multiple points of view, but it really does work! This is the first installment and was a bit of a slow burn in the beginning, but things picked up and the penultimate scenes were suspenseful! The author does a good job with the various voices, but I did have to speed her up a bit. I’m so glad I gave this book a try!

excellent

Very good. interesting story, great setting and characters. I'm looking forward to knowing more about Evie's background as the series continues.

Narration is perfect.

Enjoyable surprise!

The book was very interesting and suspenseful. Wasn’t expecting to like it so much. Worth a listen.