In Beth's latest case, a friend is in trouble – can Beth work out what's wrong in time to save her?
Beth Haldane, SE21’s answer to Miss Marple, worries she is losing a kindred spirit when her friend Jen, the only other single mum in the playground, suddenly remarries and moves to Camberwell.
Soon Beth has to face much more pressing fears. Has something gone horribly wrong with Jen’s marriage? What is her new husband really up to? Why is her daughter leading Beth’s son astray? And where on earth is Jen anyway?
As Beth's friends push her to start dating again, Beth turns to Metropolitan Police DI Harry York for help. But will they solve the mystery in time, or will it turn out that in south east London, not everyone gets to live happily ever after?
Professional Reviews
Another good read
Calamity in Camberwell is the third book I’ve read by Alice Castle (I am really hoping there will be a number four) and this one didn’t disappoint. Alice Castle has created an unusual amateur sleuth in Beth Haldane, one who is both credible and intelligently written. I liked the gentle humour in the first two books and, I’m pleased to say, that continues into this one. Where the storytelling differs is that this time Beth isn’t tripping over a corpse. The main subject matter is domestic abuse, but this is handled with sensitivity. Without giving too much away, this is more of a slow-burning mystery than a murder hunt from the offset. Another five-star read from an author who I hope will supply many more in the series of London Murder Mysteries.
Camberwell Beauty
I am really enjoying this series of entertaining adventures in South London. Beth Haldane is a funny, clever and slightly scatty heroine and the acute observations into the joys of life in Dulwich are hilarious. I can’t wait for Homicide in Herne Hill!
A fab read with many twists and turns
alamity In Camberwell is the third in a series of cosy crime fiction by Alice Castle. Cosy Crime is a genre that's been on my list to read for a long time. Calamity In Camberwell was a perfect start. This is the third in a series but can be read as a stand alone novel. I found the book to have two very contrasting sides. Firstly you have Beth's home life. She's a widow and has a young son. She hasn't felt ready to dip her toe in the water of dating since the death of her husband three years previous. There is a spark between her and DI Harry York which started in the previous novel. Alice portrays this situation with compassion and understanding of the mixed feelings Alice has. There's then the story around Beth's best friend. Jen has recently remarried, her husband to the outside world seems perfect. He's first introduced into the storyline as a gentle giant. Then the door closes as Beth leaves and a very different story unfolds. Jen's marriage is far from the domestic bliss it appears to be on the outside. Beth has a bad feeling about Jen's home life and decided to investigate, this leads to dangerous repercussions! Calamity In Camberwell is a fab read with many twists and turns. I'm so glad Alice Castle is now on my radar, I'll be downloading the rest in the series and looking out excitedly for the next!
PI novel set in Manhattan during the 1980s when art galleries and model agencies were the two most glamorous businesses in the world. Dangerously well written.
Read Chapter 1 here: https://www.lit4u.com/art-and-beauty-chapter-1/
Literary Titan
An eye-opening look into the world of human trafficking. Pilar thought she was destined to die until she met Becky. A fairy tale ending to this story with the help of Tess is called Justice. It was time for someone to hit back because the courts in S
