4 Stars

 The D-day is here, and Flora and Jack are married (woo hoo!). Jack has accepted the offer to be a part-time teacher at Cleve College. While he doesn’t feel fully comfortable, he is willing to handle it for some extra money. 

The newlywed couple discovers a dead body and soon takes up sleuthing. As new information appears, it seems that the case is connected to Cleve College. There’s no dearth of suspects even though the motives are unclear. 

Can Flora and Jack continue their success rate by solving this case too? 

The story comes in Flora and Jack’s third-person POVs. 

They are married! I’m glad that we get a short scene with the wedding and reception. Given the book’s size, it works well and continues to keep the focus on the mystery. The book should work as a standalone but will be better when you know at least some backstory of the characters. 

Ordinary couples may hate starting their new journey with a dead body, but not Flora and Jack. Jack is understandably a bit reluctant to divert his attention to sleuthing since he is already multi-tasking but Flora is as curious as ever to solve the crime. 

The mystery is intriguing and has many threads. Quite a few suspects too, though I had my target on someone the sleuthing couple didn’t focus on (should I specify I was right?). The case is intricate with enough red herrings and reaches a logical conclusion. 

The pacing felt a little off or maybe it was coz my timetable went for a toss, leaving me with less time to read! Either way, I could finish it as per the plan, so all good. 

Jack has relocated to Flora’s cottage, so it is some time for adjustments for both. They manage to create a schedule that suits their career commitments and gives them some time to spend together. There isn’t any extra lovey-dovey which I like. After all, their character arcs don’t change. 

There are a few more developments in the village, some of which are definitely annoying our dear Alice. I like how even the side characters have meaningful character arcs. Charlie is growing up too fast, and we don’t get enough of him now! 

To summarize, Murder at Cleve College easily sustains the momentum of the series while also keeping it fresh with new changes. The danger levels are a bit high in this one, adding to the intrigue and entertainment. 

Can’t wait for the next book. I guessed where the next case is likely to be. Now, I wait until the blurb is out to confirm. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #MurderAtCleveCollege