Genre: Cozy Mystery
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
Get It On Amazon
About The Book
Abergwyn seemed a lot more exciting with Lorne. And that was before the camper van convoy arrived.
Peter Tudor was coming to terms with his quiet life as a district nurse when a bunch of strangers turn up to visit his maybe-boyfriend Lorne Stewart. They bring a mysterious package, secrets and jealousy from the past, and magic that even sceptical Peter can’t ignore.
Then one of the strangers is found dead and Lorne is arrested for the murder. Peter has to play detective once more, with the help of a pack of tarot cards, Charlie the Amazing Jumping Dog, and Enzo the horse.
He might be able to solve the crime, but can he decide on his own future?
The Review
Peter Tudor is babysitting for six year old George. They’re making a stop at Lorne’s to take Charlie along. They’ve taken a walk down to the beach, and see several interesting “camper vans” are parking on Lorne’s field. As Peter and George watch Lorne meet these strange visitors, Peter feels uncomfortable about intruding, and he can tell little George is nervous too. So they just head for the beach.
Lorne calls Peter to let him know he was seen, and meets him and George on the beach, along with Charlie. Lorne has something special to show Peter. One the strangers brought him a carved wooden box with a book inside. The book belonged to his mother, and has all her recipes, and the pages are interweaved with tarot cards. The book also carried a special message to Lorne in a dream.
But trouble has already begun, with shouting from Detective Sgt. Ade Forrest and the arrest of one of the strangers. Things just go downhill from there when suspicious deaths start to occur. Forrest threatens witnesses, and Lorne is his number one suspect. Peter puts his issues aside and starts his own investigation, with help from some unique friends, hoping to save Lorne.
Ripley Hayes entertained me once again with the second book in the “Tudor & Stewart Mystery” series. I loved the hints of magic and the explanation of the various Tarot cards she brought to the story.
Peter and Lorne are in a wonderfully magical relationship that keeps growing. There’s also a special dynamic with Peter and his mum Kay and Dave. Then there are the secondary shining stars of the cast, Charlie and Enzo, and a new addition – Little George – who adds his sweetness to the tale.
The tale also includes a few suspicious characters, who help make this an intriguing mystery: Wint, Lake, Venice, Dekker, Janis, and Ivan.
“No Friends at Abergwyn” has everything – suspense, danger, the touch of magic and romance. Another wonderful low key mystery from Ripley Hayes – I’m waiting for more!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
