Hiya Reading Ninja's - guess what Daphne is at it again in Phillipa Nefri Clark's
THE SHADOW OF DAPH: Weddings, Funerals, Sleuthing
Despite not generally being a cosy mystery fan, I've found myself weirdly drawn to Daph and her adventures in celebrancy and I've got to say - this book (book 2) is even better than the last.
Daph is now my friend, with all her quirks and insecurities and sunny disposition. But all is not lovey dovey weddings and with murdered grooms in Daphs travels around Victoria. Why just on her next stop after sleuthing her way through a muder mystery, Daph is back in the thick of it all while attempting to officiate the burial of someone already dead and ready to be buried - or maybe not!
An easy few hours job end up being a little more than that when Daph finds herself in a town full of frenemies who all have secrets, and backstabbing tendencies - some more literally than others. Not to mention the question of where the dearly deceased has run away to. And of course Daph's ever faithful and beloved husband is by her side and doing a little side sleuthing of his own.
I really think you'll all enjoy this one as much as I did, it's a warped literary version of Cleudo - who killed Edwina? Was it the butler in the parlour with a candlestick or was it one of the many close friends - all of whom seemed to hate her? Only reading to the end will reveal all - so prepare to do some sleuthing this week.
Daphne Jones loves nothing more than travelling with her husband, John, in Bluebell, their cute restored caravan. Instead of retiring, she started a new career as a celebrant, officiating at weddings, funerals, and all manner of ceremonies. And even a spot of sleuthing...
The forest town of Shady Bend is known for its crafts, preserves, and local produce. It is not known for disappearing bodies let alone a mysterious spate of crimes!
Daphne came to officiate a funeral for Edwina Drinkwater but in a shocking twist, the deceased vanishes before making it to the grave. The sudden death of a mourner who kept records of other people's indiscretions evokes Daphne's inner sleuth. Was the murder payback?
Who has hidden Edwina’s remains? Was it the neighbour who wants her land, the disgraced local doctor, or her fiercest competitor in the world of preserves and jams?
With judging underway at the local country show, the suspects come together all determined to obtain Edwina’s famous secret sauce recipe. But as the body count rises, Daphne is the only person standing between the killer and the truth.
You're more than welcome Phillipa - You've converted me to your cosy mysteries, Daph and John are fantastic, and I know my Reading Ninjas will feel the same.
OMG I LOVE this review! You have such a way of bringing the book to life and I am so happy you are enjoying Daph and John! Many, many thanks. Phillipa.💖