THE OXFORD DETECTIVE SOCIETY by Faith Martin
Fiction, Cozy Mystery, British
4****
Blurb: As the Oxford Detective Society tackle their first case, someone is determined that a long-buried mystery should stay hidden… Oxford biographer Lyssa Moore is delighted to be commissioned to write about Amelia ‘Monty’ Montrose, the 1960s music icon who died mysteriously at her birthday party in 1966. But as Lyssa delves into Monty’s past, she discovers the wild child portrayed by the press was hiding far more than anyone knew. And someone is taking a very keen interest in Lyssa’s research. Her flat has been broken into, her phone is acting strangely, and she has a feeling she is being followed. Is Lyssa getting too close to a dangerous truth—was there more to Monty’s death than a tragic accident? With the help of her cat Bibbie and her Oxford friends, who form the Oxford Detective Society, Lyssa must uncover what really happened sixty years ago. Because in Oxfordshire’s country houses and picture-perfect gardens, the past refuses to stay buried…
THOUGHTS: The best part of this book for me were the references to ’60s music bringing back a lot of great memories (yes, I am that old). Every time the author mentioned another group or song from that era, I had to play it just to remember. So that part was great for me.
As for the mystery – it was a little slow, but interesting with all the twists and turns it took. The characters were unique, including the cat Bibbie! I think Lyssa was a good character, but she needed a little more backbone for me. Still, this was a good beginning to a series.
Recommended if you like British cozy mysteries.
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