The Measby Murder Enquiry is centered on the “Enquire Within” detective agency, run by Ivy Beasley and Roy Goodman, both residents of Springfields Assisted Living Home, along with Ivy’s widowed cousin Deidre Bloxham and the mysterious Gus Halfhide. The agency formed during the first book in this series and the new detectives have one solved murder case under their belts.

This new story begins with a newcomer arriving at Springfields, the widow Mrs. Alwen Wilson Jones. A recent victim of an investment scam, Alwen asks Ivy and Roy for assistance. Alwen is very secretive and Ivy is not sure she even cares for the woman, but is unwilling to ignore her request for help. However, when the friends start asking routine questions as part of the investigation, Alwen is uncooperative and will not share any information about her late husband or other aspects of the case. Alwen becomes so distressed by their scrutiny, she suddenly calls Ivy, Roy, and the others off the investigation. At the same time, Gus receives a call from an old colleague looking for information on a murder victim in the nearby village of Measby. Gus learns the man was a victim of extortion before he was murdered. By the time Alwen wants to put an end to her investigation, the detectives wonder if the two cases could be linked and are determined to get to the truth – with or without Alwen’s permission.  The investigation becomes even more complicated when one of the “Enquire Within” agents is in danger and it appears Alwen holds the key to the detective’s safety.

Ann Purser is an expert at creating unique, interesting characters and the characters are the strong point of this novel. I especially like the character of Ivy Beasley. Ivy is the “Betty White” of cozy detectives! She is not a sweet, naïve grandmother quietly living out her days in her room at the assisted living home. Ivy lives a full life by anyone’s standards, but you would never guess she is an octogenarian. The private detective is active, sharply intelligent, opinionated, and bluntly tells it like it is. On the other hand, she is helpful and kind to those in need. Ivy’s growing friendship with fellow Springfields resident Roy is one of the highlights of the book.

Alwen and her daughter Bronwen are also unique, layered characters. Both can be frustrating, but add both realism and color to the book. Deirdre evolves and becomes more likeable in this book. I like that we learn more about Gus and his feeling towards Deirdre.  However Gus’s landlord and Deirdre’s friend, Theo Roussel, comes off more immature and unappealing than in the series’ debut book.

The Measby Murder is a delightful mystery written with such details the reader can easily imagine what it’s like to live in an English village. The reader gets a close look at life in the village of Barrington and the interactions of those who live there. In fact, the plot often takes a backseat to the setting and the characters. This style helps me to connect with the main characters. However about half-way through the book, when nothing substantial was occurring, my attention started to wander along with the plot. Alwen was keeping important information from her new friends and the pace of the book stagnated as well as the investigation. Thankfully, the action does pick up again building toward a satisfying ending.

This is the second book in the Ivy Beasley mystery series, but the author gives enough information in the first chapter that new readers won’t be lost. In spite of the slow pace toward the middle of the book, this is an enjoyable read that fans of Miss Marple, Ann Purser’s Lois Meade series, or other British cozies will enjoy.

~ Christine K