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The Blackout Murders

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

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The Blackout Murders

By: Anna Elliott, Charles Veley
Narrated by: Iona Campbell
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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
Amateur Sleuths Detective Historical Fiction Mystery Village England Crime Murder Fiction Exciting Heartfelt
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I really enjoyed this story . Looking forward to the others in the series. Well worth downloading.

Plus Catalogue goodie!

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A very average so-called cosy mystery set during 1940s wartime England. An Air Raid Warden, who was a martinet around the village, is found dead. The newest inhabitant, an American who inherits the defunct cafe/tea room gets involved and works with various the "off the shelf" characters, found in all tales of this genre, to save the day.
I could have gone along with all that without a murmur, but the Americanisms scattered throughout the story simply jarred too much, and too often. Surely the US audience can work out what a "plate" is, an article which would never have been referred to as a "platter" in the time and the country depicted in the story?
That's just one example, but I fear the authors have a lot to learn about wartime Britain, including the fact that plates, (yes, Plates) of scones, biscuits (not cookies), and cake would not have been made day after day ....... The rations of butter, sugar and flour would have made baking more often than once a week, impossible.
More research required, dear authors!

Cosy - or Cozy?

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This is a good series of stories with likeable characters and entertaining plot lines. Unfortunately it’s spoiled by Americanisms and repeatedly inaccurate pronunciation by the narrator.

Good series of stories spoiled by Americanisms

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I really wanted to listen to this. The story starts of quite promising, but I could not get past the sing-song narrator. Even at high speed (because she is very slow), the "reading for marks at school" voice just got too much for me. Sad. Might read this in text at some point, but cannot listen any longer.

Okay story, slow sing-song narrator

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Love the wartime fact references across the story! I work in a hotel where SOE had its base so this story made me imagine a vivid could-have-been personality of one of the female agents who were working in our hotel building.

One who seem least suspicious is…

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