The Christmas Market Murder: an absolutely gripping British mystery full of twists

'Tis the season for mince pies, mulled wine . . . and murder!

November in Southbourne should be all twinkly lights and festive cheer, but Fiona, Daisy, and Partial Sue - the retired trio who run Dogs Need Nice Homes charity shop - have little to celebrate. What with the elusive 'Southbourne Stalker' prowling the streets of their sleepy seaside town, they're in need of a little seasonal magic.

The new Christmas market seems the perfect tonic: fairy lights in the pines, the scent of cinnamon on the air, and mugs of steaming mulled wine. Until . . .

A desperate scream shatters the calm.

Postmaster Scott Preston is trying to break into a locked cabin. His father's inside - and in terrible trouble. By the time the door is forced, it's too late. His father is dead.

The police say he took his own life. But Scott can't believe that's true. His dad was many things, but tidy wasn't one of them - and the stall is suspiciously spotless. Someone had a good clear-up before making their getaway.

Now the ladies must unwrap a mystery knottier than a string of Christmas lights, before someone else ends up six feet under the mistletoe.

Fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood, Janice Hallett, Simon Brett, Ian Moore and Sarah Yarwood-Lovett will adore this exciting new talent in cozy crime.

Readers ADORE the Charity Shop Detective Mysteries:

'Witty and knowing.' Simon Brett, bestselling author

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A lovely British mystery, perfect for fans of the Thursday Murder Club.' Lisa S.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A great read in a fabulous series! The first hilarious and brilliant twist is in the prologue, I laughed out loud and that was me hooked for the ride.' Sharon, NetGalley

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'If you like dry British humour, you have to try this.' Kathleen, NetGalley

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A fun storyline filled with red herrings and creativity . . . Five stars.' Sara

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Keeps the reader guessing right until the very end.' A reader in the UK

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Another fantastic visit to the Charity Shop Detectives . . . looking forward to the next adventure with the ladies.' Gill

'Another highly enjoyable read! The characters are strong and well developed. Great plot. And a dog show! Love it!' Renee

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Definitely a good read for anyone who loves these cozy mysteries with a little fun mixed in.' Denice

THE CHARITY SHOP DETECTIVES

Level-headed Fiona has found a quiet sanctuary volunteering at the local charity shop, Dogs Need Nice Homes. A charity shop that raises money for dogs in need of nice homes. And she's found firm friendship with the strong-willed Partial Sue (she's ever so partial to a cup of tea) and the kindly and surprisingly tech-savvy Daisy. Together, these ladies, with Simon Le Bon, Fiona's scruffy-haired terrier cross, investigate murders as the Charity Shop Detective Agency.

THE SETTING

The lovely coastal town of Southbourne is, on paper, little more than a small suburb hemmed in by Bournemouth to the west and Christchurch to the north. But it's home to the prettiest avenues lined with gorgeous Georgian homes which lead to a grass-topped cliff standing guard over a sweeping bay of blond sand, soft as Demerara sugar. Some say it's also home to the best charity shops in the country. The ladies of the Charity Shop Detective Agency maintain that Dogs Need Nice Homes - though musty and more than a little cramped - is certainly number one. Well, they definitely solve the most crimes at least!

Author: Peter Boland
Publisher: Joffe Books Ltd
Published: 10/07/2025
Pages: 238
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.47lbs
Size: 7.81h x 5.06w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9781805732846

About the Author
Boland, Peter: - "After studying to be an architect, Pete realised he wasn't very good at it. He liked designing buildings, he just couldn't make them stand up - a big handicap in an industry that's partial to keeping things upright. So he became an advertising copywriter, the highlight of which was creating an ad featuring Raymond Briggs' The Snowman. He then tried his hand at writing his own stories and quickly realised there's no magic formula. You just have to put one word in front of the other (and keep doing that for about six months). It also helps if you can resist the lure of surfing and drinking beer in a garden chair."