One of the most interesting things about this new instalment is the shift in scenario – even though Hazel has always been the only narrative voice of the series so far, she has always done so from an outsider’s perspective. This whole book takes place in Hong Kong, where Hazel is from and this shift is felt in her voice, in the way she expresses herself, in her growing self-confidence. Similarly, it was awesome to see Daisy – the Honourable English lady – be completely out of her element, unable to speak the local language, left out of most conversations. It effectively changed the dynamics between them and in the end of this entry, that dynamic shift seems to have arrived to stay for good, fitting with Hazel’s ongoing arc. None of this negates the close friendship between the two girls, something that only becomes stronger and stronger with each book.

Thelma, the unofficial leader, outwardly strong and practical, can always “find the exact words the other two are fumbling for”. Childless, and married to a college professor, Teddy, Thelma fills her days with charity work - hiding a heartbreaking secret and a inner core as vulnerable and uncertain as her more emotive friends. Hazel and Daisy’s new adventure take the intrepid duo to Hong Kong to attend Hazel’s beloved grandfather’s funeral and spend some time with Hazel’s family. But upon their arrival, they discover everything changed in Hazel’s absence: there is a new member of their family, a new sibling who turns out to be a boy. A boy that has caused a complete upheaval within the Wong household: all of a sudden, baby Teddy seems more important than Hazel and her sisters and the power dynamics between her mother (her father’s first wife) and Teddy’s mother (the second wife) feels more fraught than ever. To add insult to the injury, Hazel’s maid has been passed on to Teddy and all of Hazel’s memory of being loved by her have been somewhat tainted. Hazel hates everything about those changes and she dislikes her little brother too. Hazel Wong (Wong Fung Ying 黃鳳英, also known as Ying Ying Ying)- Vice-President and Secretary of the Detective SocietyWhat a fantastic read! It gave me all the cosy... Really enjoyable characters that you feel like you've known for years once you finish the book. It was the perfect pace, and easy to follow. Love, love, loved this book’ NetGalley review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

But when they arrive they discover something they didn't expect: there's a new member of the Wong family.

About Robin Stevens

And if it hadn't been a Thursday . . . if it hadn't been the garden centre cafe . . . they wouldn't have met Topsy and KellyAnne and, crucially, Thelma wouldn't have come across Topsy crying in the toilets, which they all agreed was really the start of things. A Spoonful of Murder by J.M. Hall is a great cozy mystery that takes a trio of retired educators and turns them into amateur sleuths…a murder/mystery novel that was quite the enjoyable ride. Fabulous, cosy, mystery… Wonderful… Absolutely perfect for fans of Richard Osman!’ NetGalley Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

But they know there’s more to Topsy’s death than meets the eye – and it’s down to them to prove it... Recently there has been an upsurge in cosy mysteries featuring more mature amateur detectives, a modern take on Miss Marple. Certainly as an older reader, I appreciate this trend. In between seeking answers we learn more about the friends’ lives. But they know there’s more to Topsy’s death than meets the eye – and it’s down to them to prove it… They learn from Topsy’s daughter that recently she had been cruelty defrauded of her life savings by a telephone scammer. By the next Thursday Topsy is dead after apparently muddling up her pills. Yet something doesn’t feel right to her friends prompting them to do some sleuthing of their own. No further details to avoid spoilers.What I liked most was the juxtaposition of the absolute mundane routines of these ladies lives such as watching garden rescue, planning for the families dinner, making lists for a shopping trip with the extraordinary - trying to solve the murder.. life goes on even when murder is involved Without a hint of condescension, J.M. Hall imbues his senior citizen characters with warmth, humour and humanity. Certainly Liz, Thelma and Pat have their foibles and flaws, but there’s no writing off people just because they might be retired. Their collective experience of previously working in a school is pitch perfect, so that all three women are warm, quirky and just like anyone you might know in real life. This makes them so endearing and believable. Poignant and relatable, I want these ladies as my friends!… I enjoyed it very much… Recommend’ NetGalley review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Warm characters and wonderful writing… It’s steeped in Yorkshire like a mug of hot, strong tea… I loved it’ SJ Bennett, author of The Windsor Knot