The Only Way is Murder

Where fake tans, fake smiles, and one real murder collide, a dancing queen must unmask a killer before the final curtain falls.

As her 50th birthday approaches, Chloe Essex is ready to unveil her exciting new business venture in the quaint English village of Speckled Hill. But her perfect celebration takes a deadly turn when she discovers her best friend dead in the marquee just days before the big reveal.

Accused of murder and up to her neck in shady business dealings, tangled love affairs, and half the county’s nosiest gossips, she’s fighting to clear her name and salvage her reputation.

With secrets buried deep beneath a sea of Botox, Chloe must unmask the killer fast, because this isn’t just a whodunnit. It’s personal. And if she doesn’t crack the case, she might be next.

The Only Way is Murder is book one of the Chloe Essex Cozy Mysteries, a warm and witty British series where Midsomer Murders meets Bridget Jones, with an ever-so-slightly bonkers twist. Best read in series order to avoid spoilers and missed clues, it’s perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Agatha Raisin, and Stephanie Plum.

But be warned: when laughter, intrigue, and murder combine, survival depends on unlimited supplies of fake tan and a vat of builders’ tea.

Praise for this book…

This was quite possibly the most fun cozy mystery I have ever read! Chloe Essex is a cross between Agatha Raisin and a dancer in A Chorus Line. I literally laughed out loud at all of the chaotic hi jinx. And the people in the town of Speckled Hill? I mean if this was reality tv, I would pop the popcorn and settle in for a night of binge watching! But most importantly, on top of all that, it was a really well written, juicy mystery that I just couldn’t put down. The addition of a witty narrator (think gossip girl) just put this book over the top! I can’t wait to read the next one, I’m now a fan! 5 stars obviously. Don’t miss it! – Lisa, Goodreads reviewer

great fun – a real romp with lots of great characters and laugh-out-loud moments – Early reviewer

Absolutely you can’t put it down. This was a fantastic mystery! Once I started I was riveted to it! Chloe is a vibrant character who’s witty and focused in this new stage of her life.’ – Carol, Goodreads reviewer

The characters are so enjoyable and Chloe is so lovably fun! One of the features I loved the most was the little interjections of the narrator throughout the book. It really added to the coziness of the mystery and created a feeling of nostalgia, as if I was watching an old episode of Murder She Wrote. This was a classic whodunnit mystery, with humor reminiscent of Bridget Jones and a cozy writing style. – Julie M, NetGalley/Goodreads reviewer