Yet another “cosy” murder mystery — again featuring amateur retired Brits.

J.M. Hall is an author, playwright and deputy head of a primary school. And his characters are 3 retired primary school teachers who unexpectedly turn to sleuthing.

Every Thursday, Liz, Thelma and Pat have their ‘coffee o’clock’ sessions at the Thirsk Garden Centre café.

But one fateful week they bump into their ex-colleague, Topsy.

Topsy was, in her day, a somewhat formidable character, but she’s quickly in cognitive decline.

Topsy’s main care giver is her daughter. A big challenge since the family now has no money. Topsy had been conned out of her life savings, over $470,000 pounds. The conman had convinced Topsy that she needed to move her money out of one bank account to another for security. Of course the second account was in the name of the conman.

As much as an interesting murder mystery, the story looks at the impact of age and declining health.