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The Picture House Murders

Miss Clara Vale, Book 1

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The Picture House Murders

By: Fiona Veitch Smith
Narrated by: Hannah Genesius
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About this listen

 Murder is no occupation for a lady... or is it?

1929: Miss Clara Vale is a woman ahead of her time. Rather than attending Oxford to bag an eligible Duke (as her mother, Lady Vale, so desperately hoped), she threw herself into a degree in chemistry, with aspirations to become a scientist in her own right.

But the world isn't ready for Clara. Unable to land a job in science because she's a woman, she is stuck behind the desk at a dingy London library.

Until her estranged Uncle dies suddenly, leaving her his private detective agency, and laboratory, in his will.

Clara couldn't become a detective, could she?

The decision is made for her when one of her uncle's old clients comes to her for help with a case surrounding the local picture house and invites Clara to see the latest show, before they discuss the details.

But during the film, a fire suddenly engulfs the picture house, with tragic consequences.

It seems at first an accident, but Clara soon begins to question if it was in fact a carefully orchestrated murder.

She's suddenly in the middle of a deadly mystery and will discover her scientific skills make her a sleuth to be reckoned with... Can she catch the killer before they strike again?

The first in a brand-new, glittering Golden Age cozy mystery series. Fans of Verity Bright, Helena Dixon and TE Kinsey will be hooked from the very first page to the final breathtaking finale. ©2023 Fiona Veitch Smith (P)2023 Bonnier Books UK Cosy Detective Historical Mystery Private Investigators Women Sleuths Fiction

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A fun cosy mystery perfect to curl up with and with great characters and a decent story.

Great cosy mystery.

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Having just finished the Poppy Denby series, I had a slight trepidation as to whether Clara could fill Poppy’s sizeable shoes .. she is very different as a character but the book was just as enjoyable. They really are very well written with interesting characters & a good pacing. Also thanks to Hannah for her excellent narration- am looking forwards to book 2!

Clara Vale is a strong follow on from Poppy Denby.

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Although part of the retro golden age detection genre, the books are so well written and narrated, that I don't mind. They're good fun.

Great narration

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I thought I would try this as I enjoyed the Poppy Denby mysteries but was a little disappointed. The story is interesting but just too slow for me. It seemed to recap again and again and I just about made it to the end. I don’t think I’ll be joining any other Clara Vale adventures.

A good story but too dragged out

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The one word to describe this book is "meh." It's not horrible, but also not good. Most annoyingly, however, the author doesn't even seem to try to create realistic characters for a story set in 1929 - there are plenty of various correct historical references, but the characters themselves are too obviously modern and speak and behave implausibly for their time.

Implausible.

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