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

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The author has found his writing style and I hope we will have more books with these wonderful characters. Retired schoolteachers Liz, Pat and Thelma are back at their usual table at the Thirsk Garden Centre cafe with a brand-new mystery to solve . The background story of this and the previous book was very good but I felt the characters lacked depth.

I liked the premises of the three retired friends turning into wannabe Miss Marple’s trying to project the school they so loved but the first half of the book did drag a little for me. If you are looking for an easy to read cozy mystery with some lovely characters, to brighten up your afternoon while you have a cup of tea and a biscuit, then this is the book for you. I hadn't read the first book, so maybe my next point is less valid for those who've read it, but I felt there were too many characters.But as they work to uncover the truth, they begin to wonder just how far someone will go to silence this poison pen .

So many of these characters were often introduced either by first or last name only, and later on referred to by the other; and often these names were dropped in conversations or hints at the plot without aiding the reader in linking back to a previous encounter, so it was hard to follow. This can be read as a stand alone, however, I personally liked having read the first one beforehand as I already knew the protagonists personalities and relationships. Yes, the friendship between the three main characters, and their determination to persevere and find a solution to a terrible situation involving poison pen letters is laudable, but the story gets bogged down more often than not. But, despite the poison pen letters (a stable of classic mysteries) nothing moves this plot forward. Boilers, almost-suicide, divorce, past relationships and nasty threats are all uncovered throughout the pages.

The staff there have been receiving poison pen letters and the ladies have to work hard to solve the mystery.