A Country Manor Murder (Sarah Vane Mysteries #5)

The sweeping lawns and old stone walls of Coates House make it the perfect backdrop for a baking competition. But Sarah Vane must put her scones aside to figure out who would kill for it…

Sarah Vane’s making the most of her retirement, entering the annual baking competition at the stately Coates House. Normally it runs like clockwork under the eagle eye of Madeleine Brett-Coates. But when Sarah stumbles across the body of the lady of the manor, a string of bunting wrapped tightly around her neck, the event is plunged into chaos.

Mrs Brett-Coates’s children appear heartbroken but soon Sarah learns that the kind old woman ruled her roost with an iron rod. And as well as whispers of a secret fling, Sarah discovers that someone’s name was hastily crossed out of her will just days before her death…

Everybody at the manor, even the staff, had a motive and all of them have secrets they’d kill to keep. But when one of the Brett-Coates heirs vanishes, and a threatening note is sent to the others, Sarah suddenly sees a much bigger plot unfolding. Can Sarah track down the killer before another victim is claimed?

A delightfully cozy and utterly unputdownable murder mystery, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, J.R. Ellis and Clare Chase who are looking for their next addictive read.