Death of a Cozy Writer

A St. Just Mystery

By: G. M. Malliet

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

From deep in the heart of his 18th century English manor, millionaire Sir Adrian Beauclerk-Fisk writes mystery novels and torments his four spoiled children with threats of disinheritance. Gathering them all together for a family dinner, he announces his latest blow - a secret elopement. Within hours, eldest son and appointed heir Ruthven is found cleaved to death by a medieval mace. And soon Sir Adrian himself is found slumped over his writing desk - an ornate knife thrust into his heart.

Trapped amid leering gargoyles and stone walls, every member of the family is a likely suspect. Using a little Cornish brusqueness and brawn, can St. Just find the killer before the next-in-line to the family fortune ends up dead?

©2008 G.M. Malliet (P)2012 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Critic reviews

"Malliet's debut combines devices from Christie and Clue to keep you guessing until the dramatic denouement." ( Kirkus Reviews)

"Fans of English detective work will welcome Malliet's droll debut, the first in a new series." ( Publishers Weekly)

"In her series debut, Malliet, who won a Malice Domestic Grant to write this novel, lays the foundation for an Agatha Christie-like murder mystery." ( Library Journal)

Very Enjoyable!

This is my introduction to this particular author. However, it will not be the last book of theirs I read! Very twisty. Very clever and of course, perfectly read by Davina Porter‼️

Jolly Good Fun!

Artfully done, with a lot of wit and humor. Pay close attention, or you may miss some of the "tongue in cheek" comments--

A house full of grown children plotting ways to get their fortune the minute their nasty old father dies. What could be more fun? In the style of the classic British murder mysteries, it is extremely well done. It kept me guessing until almost the end.

We have Sir Adrian as the "cozy writer" and head of the castle. He invites his four adult children home to make a big announcement--his engagement to a younger woman. Since he regularly changes his will depending on who is in his good graces on any particular month, they all rush home at top speed to protect their interests. No love lost between any of them, but they all put on a good show. They clearly don't care for one another, but they all do agree they must stop the impending marriage.

Ruthvin (pronounced Riven) the oldest, is the bully and usually gets his way. He has been his father's favorite. George is the vain actor, Andrew an alcoholic, and Sarah, the plump youngest who writes cook books.

You have to pay close attention, as there is a lot going on. Everyone is a suspect, including family members, servants, and old acquaintances. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a British murder mystery this much.

Brilliant!

G M Malliet has created an intricate plot worthy of Agatha Christie. I am ordering the next in the series immediately

Love Davina

The writing was spot on and Davina's characterizations wonderful. Ended too quick and easy though.

The narrator is fabulous!

Excellent cozy mystery. The final clue was a bit obscured, but such a delightful listen. I love Malliet’s work.

Davina Porter makes it bearable

If it were not for the excellent narration, I would have returned this book and not finished it! There wasn’t a remotely likeable or relatable character for hours and hours! And when the detectives finally appeared they were as interesting as dishwater. Ugh. This is no Max Tudor-level novel.

Would give the story a 3 1/2 if I could.

Any additional comments?

It is not a bad book. I rate it just a bit better than the average cozy mystery. It was a quick, light, easy book with nothing offensive, but I didn't hate to put it down or become very involved with any of the characters. Porter, however, is one of the best narrators, and the reader can make all the difference.

I thought this was fun!

There are some quite clever lines in this story. In the first chapter, the lady of the house is reading the obituaries in the newspaper and ponders how the commoners always manage to die in alphabetical order. I thought that was funny although the author never did carry on with the story of the ditsy lady of the house.

The ending was not predictable - at least not to me. I liked this story and of course, Davina Porter is one of the best narrators out there. If you are looking for something not to heavy, but with some funny bits here and there and excellent narration give this a try.

NIce easy listening

I liked the story and the narrator was excellent. Will order more of this series.

Some interesting characters, OK story

I've decided I don't really like listening to 'cozies.' Seems like most of the books I really get caught up in are darker, even gruesome stories. I was trying for something lighter with this book but the story didn't really capture my interest.

The narrator did a fine job I'm sure but I don't really like female narrators most of the time - I don't like the way most women do a man's voice, but I usually don't mind when a man does a woman's voice. A matter of taste.