The Blackout Murders

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

By: Anna Elliott, Charles Veley

Narrated by: Iona Campbell

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

Enjoyable listen!

I liked the story and the characters. The main reason I can’t give it five star stars was the reader trying to do an American accent whenever Evie was speaking. It was all over the place, and distracting. I find this with all British readers who try to do American accents on audiobooks. It would be easier if they just stuck with their British accent.

Historical Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this series! The characters and story lines are very entertaining. I had a hard time turning it off. The historical information at the end of each book is insightful and educational. Narration is perfect!
Thank you!

Loved the voice of the reader

Very interesting, learned about some history, I never knew, and and cannot believe so many had to go through!!

Very Cozy Mystery with Good Characters

I love these types of mysteries. I didn’t quite figure it out. I was suspecting several people. The characters very quickly grew on me. And if your interested in WWII era stories, you will find this to be very educational on how private citizens had to live in those times.

Ok First Book in a Series, but…

I was disappointed by an omission in the Historical Notes…Evie’s story about her husband’s unauthorized flight and being ordered to retrieve a cat he’d scared up a tree sounds remarkably like an incident that hadn’t happened yet.

On June 12th, 1942, Richard (Dick) Bong, future Medal of Honor winner in the United States Army Air Force, attempted to buzz the house of a newly married friend outside Oakland - one local woman complained that he had blown the clothes off her clothesline. He was grounded, and ordered to do the lady’s laundry or any other chore that needed done. I could be wrong, but I find it hard to believe the cat retrieval story was a coincidence. I think a note in the historical notes would’ve been the respectful thing to do, even if Bong was an American.

Interestingly, the rest of Bong’s air group was sent to England (while he was grounded), and he was attached to the 78th Fighter group and sent to the South Pacific.