A Pen Dipped in Poison: A witty and cosy mystery story, perfect for fans of Richard Osman

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I have to admit, I got a little bit confused at the start of the book between Linda and Liz, Pat and Jan, but I soon got them all straightened out as the story (and characters) developed. Yes, the friendship between the three main characters, and their determination to persevere and find a solution to a terrible situation involving poison pen letters is laudable, but the story gets bogged down more often than not. There’s an underlying theme of change that ties in neatly with the ‘under new management’, as the retired ladies struggle to accept difference in the education environment since they were working there and also struggle with changes in their home lives – each of Thelma, Liz and Pat having some version of marital problems going on in the background of their reluctant investigation. If you are looking for an easy to read cozy mystery with some lovely characters, to brighten up your afternoon while you have a cup of tea and a biscuit, then this is the book for you. The audiobook was just a joy and the narrator Julia Hesmondhelgh deserves a great deal of praise for her ability to make you feel included in the story.

Thelma, Liz and Pat our trusted group of retired schoolteachers are, once again, pulled into a mystery that needs solving.

The school setting is interesting as themes relating to changes in the education system are explored as part of the main plot. Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, author of A Murder of Crows --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. And apparently every one that receives one has the weakest constitution and is shattered by a letter saying something slightly mean like no one likes you. However, there are enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages and the three protagonists are likeable, so all in all an, it’s an enjoyable read. I am hoping the next book in this series, if there is one, will go back to all the things that I loved about the first book.

I spent half my time going backwards trying to figure out who most of these people were and barely any of them were central to the plot. I liked the premises of the three retired friends turning into wannabe Miss Marple’s trying to project the school they so loved but the first half of the book did drag a little for me.I say this because I was sold this book on the idea that the first book featured a murder and so I thought this one would too. perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club and Robert Thorogood Curious white envelopes have been delivered to friends and neighbours. This makes a great light mystery read for fans of the cosy genre and those formerly or currently employed in the UK education system will find plenty familiar within these pages! But as they work to uncover the truth, they begin to wonder just how far someone will go to silence this poison pen.