"Daffodils and Deadly Deeds" By Victoria Tait: Review/Giveaway

Review by Sarah Erwin

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase it.

After finishing her work at Yoredale Hall, Dotty Sayers is unsure of her next step in Victoria Tait’s cozy mystery Daffodils and Deadly Deeds. This is book nine in the “Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery Series” and can be read either as a standalone or as a part of the series. As I read, I found myself delighted to be back with Dotty.

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Image Source Kanga Press

As Dotty wonders what she should do next for work, she receives an invitation to join her American friend Zach in Northumberland. Zach is continuing his search for her grandfather’s hidden treasure. Looking forward to seeing Zach again and to a new setting, Dotty packs up her belongings and her cat Earl Gray and heads to Northumberland.

Northumberland is beautiful in the springtime, and Zach introduces Dotty to local friends. After getting to know Dotty, one of the friends invites Dotty to help with a prestigious decoration project at a nearby castle. Dotty finds herself enjoying her time with her new friend and learning even more about antiques. Unfortunately all is not serene, as the body of a local is found washed up on the beach of a nearby town. Dotty is less than impressed with the local police who ignore her insights and zero in on a person Dotty knows is innocent. Dotty can’t let the case go and thoughtfully combs through clues and suspects.

Victoria’s writing brings the beautiful English settings to life, as I could easily visualize all the springtime details of Northumberland, especially the daffodils. While the book doesn’t immediately jump into the murder, I loved the buildup to the murder. I knew something was going to happen and trying to guess what added to the reading experience.

Dotty is a wonderful sleuth, thoughtful and caring (and also a good cook!). I enjoyed putting the clues together alongside Dotty. Learning a bit more about Dotty’s parents and brother also added depth to her character. I’m curious to know what’s next for Dotty and am looking forward to book 10. Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with vivid descriptions of setting will enjoy this.

To enter to win either an ebook or print copy (winner's choice BE SURE TO INCLUDE WHICH YOU PREFER) of Daffodils and Deadly Deeds, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "daffodils,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen April 20, 2024. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! A new episode goes up next week.

You can click here to purchase this book.

Sarah Erwin started her career as a children’s librarian, later becoming a public library director and now she’s a stay at home mom. While her career might have changed, her love of reading has been a constant since 4th grade and she reads over 200 books a year. Read along with her on her blog Sarah Can’t Stop Reading or on Instagram. Sarah lives in St. Louis, MO with her two kids, her husband and a family dog and cat.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.