The Expectant Detectives, by Kat Ailes - Milly
The Expectant Detectives is a joy to read, with wonderful characters, a great plot, fantastic humour, and first class writing that sets this mystery above others I have read. It is written by Kat Ailes, who deserves all the accolades I am sure she will receive for her brilliant debut novel.
Alice and her partner Joe are expecting their first child and decide to abandon life in the city for a new beginning in the quiet sleepy Cotswold village of Penton. Soon after their arrival their dream of an idyllic life are thrown into turmoil when at the very first antenatal class, one of the mums to be goes into labour and, in the resulting chaos, no one notices when the local shop keeper is murdered in the same building!
With the entire group under suspicion, expectant mums Alice, Poppy, Hen, and Ailsa, decide to join forces, and solve the mystery for themselves. But with a village of eccentric residents, a local commune with hidden secrets, and a suspicious death from years ago, it soon becomes apparent that there is much to investigate.
There is so much to enjoy in this wonderful mystery, and I can see this story being adapted into a great television series. It is a book that captures your heart and imagination from the beginning with its great cast of characters, who seem so real, quirky, and unique.
A truly fantastic mystery, one that had me hooked from the first page. I hope there will be more books to follow. Highly recommended - a great book for all to enjoy!
Milly