The Blackout Murders

A Homefront Sleuths Mystery (The Homefront Sleuths Cozy Mystery Series, Book 1)

By: Anna Elliott, Charles Veley

Narrated by: Iona Campbell

Five friends, one sleepy village, and a mystery brimming with dark secrets.

England, 1941. The tranquil village of Crofter’s Green seems like a haven from the chaos of wartime. But when a local air raid warden is found dead in the village churchyard, five villagers--some getting on in years and none of them policemen--decide they need to uncover the truth.

Introducing the Homefront Sleuths:

• Evie Harris, a newly arrived tea shop owner, seeking a fresh start after losing her husband.
• Alice Greenleaf, the village herbalist, who has her own quiet strength and wisdom.
• Blake Collins, a war-wounded schoolteacher, struggling with the scars of battle.
• Harry Jenkins, a sharp-eyed retired detective from London, who thought his sleuthing days were over.
• Dotty Baker, a resourceful young mother, juggling the demands of wartime life.

Together, they will form a close-knit circle, a found family in a world turned upside down. As they dig into the village’s secrets, they uncover more than just the identity of a killer—they discover the power of friendship and community in the face of adversity. But can they solve the mystery before the shadows of war claim another victim, and will Evie discover her inner culinary capabilities?

The Blackout Murders is a heartwarming, suspenseful tale perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and wartime intrigue. This first installment of the *Homefront Sleuths* Series offers a rich tapestry of characters, historical detail, and the enduring strength of human connection. If you enjoy The Marlow Murder Club or cozy mysteries by Rhys Bowen, T.E. Kinsey, Jacqueline Winspear, or Susan Elia MacNeal we're sure you'll enjoy this series.

Scroll up, grab your copy, and join the Homefront Sleuths as they embark on their first case!

©2024 Charles Veley and Anna Elliott (P)2024 Charles Veley and Anna Elliott

excellent

Very good. interesting story, great setting and characters. I'm looking forward to knowing more about Evie's background as the series continues.

Narration is perfect.

Enjoyable surprise!

The book was very interesting and suspenseful. Wasn’t expecting to like it so much. Worth a listen.

Solid first in mystery series

Overall, I found this mystery to be entertaining with a good narrator. There were a couple of jumps in logic that I thought were a little presumptuous, but otherwise, I was caught up with the cast of characters and the whodunnit.

Excellent Cozy Choice

Story offers a nice visit to an English village in the midst of WWII. So many wartime mysteries are set abroad or in London, this makes a nice change of pace. Our main character, Evie is a dark horse and her secret (which we suspected) is revealed. Looking forward to follow-ups.

Real people.

The book gave a sense of immediacy to a specific time and place in history. This story gives us a glimpse into what was happening to the “regular “ people during terrible times.