The Murder Hour

A ticking clock, a grand Edwardian home… and a countdown to murder?

Beth Haldane stands on a quiet street outside an ornate front door, glances down at her watch and taps her foot impatiently. Since her partner Detective Harry York moved into her little house in Dulwich Village, things are a bit too snug. Now Beth whiles away the hours waiting for house viewings and searching for the perfect new home for them and her little boy.

When the flustered estate agent finally arrives, Beth is looking forward to taking in the exposed red bricks and wooden floorboards of this charming Edwardian property. But when she peeks into a built-in wardrobe, a lifeless body is a greeting she wasn’t expecting.

Panicked, the estate agent soon identifies the man as her boss Richard Pettit. With police on the way, Beth takes charge of scouting for clues. Why is the house echoingly empty of furniture except for a carefully folded pile of clothes in one room? Was the estate agent late because she was bumping off her boss? And what are the nosy neighbours hiding?

With rumours spreading all over Dulwich that Beth herself was the intended victim, when she is sent an anonymous message warning her off the case she knows she’s on the right track. But can she catch a killer before her own time runs out?

A deliciously addictive cozy mystery read, that fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Agatha Christie and T.E. Kinsey will adore!

This book was previously published as The Slayings in Sydenham.

Read what everyone’s saying about Alice Castle:

‘I am crazy about this series!… The modern Miss Marple… witty and charming… I wish there was more mysteries like this… The perfect blend of a fun cozy feel and a murder mystery that keeps you turning pages late through the night! #WorthIt!… I highly recommend this series… A definite 5+ out of 5 freakin’ fantabulous stars!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A great mix of murder, mystery and humour… a fab read… Draws you in from the very first page and envelops you in a cozy mystery hug that keeps a hold of you right until the end…. I thoroughly enjoyed this book… Highly recommended, five shiny stars.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Edge-of-the-seat, hygge-style crime mystery! I absolutely loved this book… vivid and witty… You really will be chopping and changing your mind as to whodunit several times… you want to find out who the culprit was… yet never want the story to end!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The perfect novel for those who love cozy crime with a hint of dark and deadly undertones… intriguing… a thoroughly enjoyable read.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I am hooked… kept me grinning… a must-read.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A must for lovers of cozy crime fiction… This is a good old-fashioned whodunnit with a great cast of characters.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Loved this story so much… Great story, unusual ‘detective’ and lots of plot twists with quirky humour throughout.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐