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

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If you’re looking for a cozy mystery that can keep you guessing until the end, then look no further than J.M. Hall’s A Pen Dipped in Poison! This is the second book in Hall’s mystery series, and it follows Thelma, Liz, and Pat as they work together to solve a new case involving poison pen letters sent to teachers and staff at their former school St. Barnabus. Get ready to be entertained – this review will tell you why this book is worth your time! A Pen Dipped in Poison is an uncomplicated but highly entertaining dramatic mystery with likeable, and dare I say at a pinch, loveable protagonists. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have no qualms whatsoever in recommending it.

I liked that this lead on well from the first book in the series, A Spoonful of Murder, but has a very different feel with a focus on education instead of aging parents and responsibilities while retaining the lovely warm characters. I am unsure if this subject would have worked as well in the first book though and at times it felt a little too forced through, overriding the plot a little. I could not put this book down! What a perfect book…! I loved the three main characters… I highly recommend.’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Malice and mayhem spur a school reunion of three modern Marples – and some of their Thirsk community learn a lesson they’ll never forget!’ Sarah Yarwood-Lovett, author of A Murder of Crows

Liz, Pat and Thelma have not seen much of each other as their lives have moved in different circles but as a reader of their first adventures it did not take long to get to know them again.You might love this story if you are British, or know a lot of British terminology, especially if you like a slow-moving storyline. This one would be for you, unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me. This story is about poison pen letters and slowly the goings on at their old workplace draw them together again. The themes explored in A Pen Dipped in Poison are worth mentioning too; there are some great messages about education within this book. It covers how educational systems have become focused on money instead of children, which highlights how important it is for us all to remember that education should always be about helping children learn and grow rather than just making money off them or treating them as numbers on a spreadsheet. I especially enjoyed the epilogue; it brings everything full circle with a heart-warming message of what really matters when it comes to education. Three Miss Marples for the price of one! Extremely well-drawn characters... the plot is carefully assembled... the writing is so good... I loved this story!' NetGalley review A charming read with a cast of characters you'll really connect with' Faith Martin, author of A Fatal End

Malice and mayhem spur a school reunion of three modern Marples – and some of their Thirsk community learn a lesson they’ll never f What a perfect book...! I loved the three main characters... I highly recommend.' NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This book would make a great movie! But when poison pen letters start landing on the doorsteps of friends and neighbours in their Yorkshire village, old secrets come to light. I could not put this book down what a perfect book to read I loved the three main characters if you loved the author other book you going to love this as did I loved the description of all the characters & I had a version of hycient bouquet for the headteacher when I was reading this and loved them mention of Suffolk town near from where I am from originallyBut as they work to uncover the truth, they begin to wonder just how far someone will go to silence this poison pen... I loved this so much! Perfect cosy crime - I am a big fan of this author!' NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Three Miss Marples for the price of one! A charming read with a cast of characters you’ll really connect with” - Faith Martin, author of A Fatal End

This is a second book in a series and, while I very much enjoyed the first, this one I loved. The family relationships of the characters were developed so much more. The writing was significantly better here, the pacing too. I liked the plot, did not guess who the culprit was. And the whole book had this atmosphere of an immense love for schools and teaching. It had a lot to say about educational system, where nowadays it is way more about the business side of things and money and not about children. I especially loved the epilogue. The author has found his writing style and I hope we will have more books with these wonderful characters. The ingredients for the perfect modern cosy crime: intrigue, characters you care about and a good dollop of humour' Ian Moore, author of Death and Croissants So brilliant… I loved this so much! Perfect cosy crime – I am a big fan of this author!’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ After reading and listening to the brilliant A Spoonful of Murder by J.M. Hall, I just had to request A Pen Dipped In Poison. Thankfully the publishers, Avon Books UK, have allowed me to read the next in the series, so I thank them for that. If you are a fan of the Richard Osman books, this should be the ideal book for you. It has all the ingredients necessary for an excellent little cosy mystery. Suspense, drama and skulduggery are woven into a great storyline which features retired schoolteachers Liz, Pat and Thelma as they embark on another adventure. I loved the first book in this series so naturally I was very excited about the second one, and boy it didn’t disappoint in any way.

So brilliant... I loved this so much! Perfect cosy crime - I am a big fan of this author!' NetGalley review This time the case they solve is about poison pen letters that are sent to staff at their old school.