22nd February 2024

Although the first Mrs Sidhu novel, the book starts with well established characters, being a spin-off from the radio series. And so this isn’t an origin story at all, and we are straight into the action as the chef turned investigator is called to make scones for a village fete, after the previous volunteer’s murder.

It has its moments for being a very funny narrative. Mrs Sidhu is a classic chaotic good character, trying to do her best, becoming obsessed, and putting her foot in things.

But I did find the plot hard to follow in places. Scenes didn’t always seem to flow one into the next and I felt repeatedly like I was trying to catch up and work out what had happened that I hadn’t been shown. I’m not sure enough of the dots were drawn for me.

It was a fun read, the second half possibly better than than first (my reading was interrupted by a short holiday), but I’m not sure I’ll be going back for another helping.

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