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Fen Churche #3

The Moonlit Murders

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When a journey to New York is interrupted by missing diamonds and a body in the lifeboat, there is only one woman who can help: Fen Churche!

1945. Fen Churche follows her dreams and sails for New York. She books passage on a steam ship from France to America, excited to dance the night away in the glamorous ballroom and play games on deck. Nothing will stand in the way of her trip, not even when an eccentric heiress’s diamond tiara goes missing…

Looking forward to relaxing with her favourite crossword puzzles, Fen’s quiet passage is horribly disrupted by another crime – this time a murder. Fen finds Genie, a young actress bound for Broadway, strangled in her own cabin. With no police on board and a frantic captain, Fen decides to do a little snooping of her own.

When another body turns up, hidden in a lifeboat, whilst the ship is in the middle of the Atlantic, Fen feels sure these dreadful crimes are linked. Through her sleuthing she meets light-hearted lieutenants returning from the war, charming cabin boys and snooty first-class passengers who look down their nose at her. But it isn’t until Fen realises that one person is missing from the passenger list that she is finally on the murderer’s trail.

With only rolling waves and sea mists for company, can Fen solve the case before they dock in New York and the killer escapes for good?

You’ll be utterly hooked from page one of this warm and witty cozy! An absolute treat for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Jacqueline Winspear.

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2021

About the author

Fliss Chester

15 books109 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Brenda.
4,641 reviews2,889 followers
April 20, 2021
It was 1945, the war was over, and Fen Churche was accompanied by James Lancaster as they sailed from France to England where Fen had every intention of disembarking and finally catching up with Mrs B, Kitty and her parents. But meeting with Eloise and her aunt on the La Grasse saw a change of plans, and before Fen could hesitate, her journey to New York was confirmed. With James also continuing on to America, they were sure to have some fun filled days. But when Eloise’s aunt’s priceless jewels were stolen, Fen and James promised to search for them. And that search uncovered more than Fen had bargained for – a body in one of the lifeboats.

As Fen and James investigated, another body was uncovered. What was happening on this supposedly peaceful journey to America? Could Fen uncover the murderer – and the jewel thief – before they docked in New York?

The Moonlit Murders is the 3rd in the Fen Churche Mystery series by Fliss Chester and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all three. An excellent historical mystery with Fen as a very accomplished amateur sleuth! I hope there is to be a #4. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,175 reviews1,769 followers
April 26, 2021
Favorite Quotes:

I was told by Mama that I would be much better placed to marry well if I knew how to get out of a motorcar without flashing my own undercarriage.

Handsome? Heavens no, but he had two of the best qualities you can hope for in a husband…. a vast fortune and a dicky heart!

She’d scare Hades himself away from the Underworld… Churchill should have sent her into Berlin and cut the whole thing short years ago.

My Review:

This was a well-plotted, unpredictable, and slowly unwinding cozy mystery with lush descriptions and active storylines involving new friendships, post-WWII recovery challenges, transcontinental ocean cruise travel and hijinks, shopping and dining fare in three countries, crossword puzzle development, burglary, and murder. I couldn’t even begin to solve this one as Ms. Chester had me addled and intrigued with her well-contrived schemes, yet the clues were there, just to skillfully buried among the richly detailed and abundant aspects described in each crime scene and series of events for the little pea in my brain to put together.

The characters were an interesting and unusual grouping of personalities and circumstances with Americans including a radio showbiz entertainer, a wealthy American heiress, and her vile Aunt, who was a detestable and snobbishly elitist old dragon who bossed and insulted everyone and got away with it; as well as a Nazi scientist quietly hiding in cabin #13. I adore Fen Churche and her honorable and straightforward nature and keep hoping a romance will spark for her soon with the deliciously handsome and highly likable Viscount. I do loves me a HEA.
Profile Image for 8stitches 9lives.
2,853 reviews1,694 followers
April 21, 2021
The Moonlit Murders is the third instalment in the Fen Churche Mystery Book series, and this is the most compulsive and tightly plotted to date. It's 1945, the fog of war has finally lifted and amateur sleuth and former land girl Fenella ”Fen” Churche is itching to return to her native England after her time spent in France. Her reason for being in France throughout such a dangerous time, when it had been occupied by Nazi forces, was to attempt to discover what happened to her fiance, Arthur. Travelling from Le Havre back to Southampton with Arthur’s friend Captain James Lancaster, who she met while he was also in France investigating Arthur’s disappearance, the pair board the de Grasse steam liner who is on her way from Europe to New York. However, as they make the crossing James decides he isn't quite ready to return to England and so he informs Fen he is going to stay aboard until they dock in NY. Fen meets young American heiress Eloise, who had also been stranded in France due to the war, and her aunt as well as actress Genie, who convince her to accompany them to The Big Apple. When a new friend tells Fen that she would be happy to pay the rest of the fare to allow her to continue to America, she graciously accepts. But when Eloise’s aunt’s near priceless jewels are stolen, in Fen’s routine search of the lifeboats, she discovers a little more than she bargained for.

There is a dead body hidden there away from plain sight as the lifeboats would unlikely be used. So ably assisted by loyal James she sets out to find both the pilferer and the murderer among them. Set in 1945 just after the war has ended, we are treated to another superbly enthralling and riveting mystery with Fen and co and this time it's more like an Agatha Christie locked-room mystery as they are confined to an ocean liner with the petty criminal turned murderer. Once again, it's a pleasure to step into the (post-war) atmosphere where everyone is feeling jubilant that the bombs and guns have ceased. The well-woven plot captures your interest from the beginning and the single perspective, that of Fen, makes the whole experience more immersive. It's a real page-turner with Fen mainly using her intuition to guide her to those responsible. The twists, surprises and reveals come thick and fast and propel the story along effortlessly and the resolution was realistic and satisfying yet unpredictable. As always, the narrative is peopled with wonderful characters; those that certainly represent the attitudes and ambitions of the time. This is a charming, richly historical and thoroughly enjoyable piece of escapism with one of the most likeable and believable protagonists in crime fiction. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Nadishka Aloysius.
Author 27 books65 followers
April 22, 2021
This is my second Fen Churche novel and it did not disappoint!
Following fast on the heels of the previous book we meet Fen and James taking a cruise ship back home. Only, the decide to stay on and travel to America rather than disembark in England.
Two horrific murders and a jewel theft that are intricately linked together for the backbone of the story.
I think James could have played a bigger role and I would like to see their relationship develop as well.
So I am looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Kathy.
3,665 reviews265 followers
May 12, 2021
Tried and found wanting. Not for me.



Tried because...
Kindle Unlimited
Profile Image for Alison.
3,462 reviews134 followers
September 14, 2023
Three and a half stars.

James and Fen are finally ready to leave France and come back to England. James is travelling First Class and Fen is travelling Second Class. Whilst waiting to board Fen meets a glamorous young couple, Stanley and Genie, he's a former radio star about to turn movie star and she's a former dancer who wants to break into theatre - they are on their way to New York. Meanwhile, all the passengers are distracted when a wealthy American woman in First Class creates a scene thinking her Cartier tiara has gone missing.

That evening, James and Fen are invited to dine at the Captain's table, alongside Stanley and Genie, and the American woman Mrs Archer and her niece Eloise. James drops a bombshell when he tells Fen he isn't planning on disembarking at Southampton, instead he intends to travel on to New York. Eloise persuades her aunt that Fen would be a sensible companion on the trip and persuades her to pay for Fen's cabin.

However, disaster soon strikes and Mrs Archer's priceless jewellery is stolen from her cabin while she slept. James and Fen volunteer to search the ship and investigate, not least to stop Mrs Archer from accusing all and sundry of the theft. But while searching the lifeboats Fen and Eloise come across a grisly discovery, one of the other Second Class passengers has been stabbed and wrapped in a swastika flag.

Only Fen knows that the dead passenger is also a German, was he a Nazi? Why was he on the boat? What was his name? Who else knew he was a German national?

I am enjoying these novels, particularly the historical detail. However, as with most cosy mysteries, there is a fair amount of repetition eg Fen feels awkward comforting people, Fen's affectation about creating crossword puzzles out of random key words in the investigation etc.

Are those small green shoots of romance between James and Fen - at least on his part?

Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Profile Image for Elise Kleuskens.
Author 1 book29 followers
May 5, 2021
‘Silly, Fen,’ she scolded herself and peered out of the cabin door to check no one had heard her talking to herself, before closing it behind her.

Yes! Fen Churche is back! The third novel in the Fen Churche Mystery Series has just been published and I’m so happy. I’ve been following former landgirl Fenella Churche on her journey to France in search of her fiancé Arthur, as told in A Dangerous Goodbye. Instead of finding him, she stumbles upon multiple murder cases, which she is determined to solve. In France she meets Captain James Lancaster, who is a friend of Arthur’s and also investigating his disappearance. After solving the murders, together they start their journey back to England, stopping in Paris to visit Fen’s old family friend Rose. It seems murder follows Fen, because in Night Train to Paris her friend Rose gets killed and it’s once again up to Fen to solve her murder.

Sad over the loss of her fiancé and her good friend, Fen boards a boat to England, accompanied by James. This is where Fliss Chester’s third novel starts: The Moonlit Murders. Aboard, Fen meets lovely new people, most of them American, as the ship will continue on to New York after it has reached Southampton, England. The young Eloise, who’s been living in shelter with her aunt during the long years of war, begs her to accompany her all the way to New York. Even though Fen misses home and her friends, she decides to take a risk and sail all the way to America. Especially when she finds out that James is not intending to end his journey in England and will also be traveling to New York!

But of course the journey won’t be what they think it will be. Expensive jewellery goes missing and when Fen is searching the lifeboats to see if the jewellery is hidden there, she discovers a body. ‘Worse things happen at sea’ indeed!

I won’t spoil any more of the plot — this is a book you have to experience for yourself! I can only tell you that I almost yelled out loud near the end; I most definitely did not see that particular twist coming! In my opinion, if a detective story can surprise you at the end it’s an excellent one.
Profile Image for Bookworm86 .
1,694 reviews142 followers
September 25, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Moonlit Murders' by Fliss Chester.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Fliss Chester, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 21st April 2020.

This is the second book I have read by this author and it is also the third book in the 'Fen Churche Mystery' series. The first book I read is the first one in the series and is called 'A Dangerous Goodbye' which I recommend!! This book can also be read as a standalone.

I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis. I enjoyed Fliss Chester's 'A Dangerous Goodbye' and am hoping this will be just as good. It also stated in the synopsis that this book is 'An absolute treat for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Jacqueline Winspear', I am a fan of Agatha Christie so am looking forward to see if it loves up to this. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of 43 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in France 🇫🇷 and on a steam ship on the Atlantic.

This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Fenella Churche. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

This book is very well written with vivid descriptions. The synopsis and cover suited the storyline perfectly. Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone with no problems at all, any previous cases/information is described in just the right amount of detail, enough for those reading as a standalone to work out what happened but not too much so those who have read previous books in the series get fed up of repetitions.

I love the fact that the protagonist is female, being one myself, and that she has a strong personality and will not back down no matter what is thrown at her, including 2 murders and a theft!!! I devoured it in one sitting.

The plot is intriguing and filled with mystery, thefts, lies, romance, murder and more!!! It has plenty to keep the reader interested and has lots of little clues to help point to the killer. I didn't guess who the murderer was so bonus points there! Nothing worse than working out the killer less than half way through a book. Although the book is a crime one I thought it was still quite a light hearted read and I enjoyed the lovely descriptions and the feeling it gave me of being on a cruise per say. The murders themselves were quite interesting and not straight forward death's and I love the way that Fen does her crosswords to work mysteries out.

The characters were all very interesting with their own personalities, strengths and flaws. I enjoyed meeting Fen and James again as well as the new characters. Mrs Archer was absolutely horrid and her attitude really annoyed me. Genie and Spencer were definitely larger and life and full of fun. Eloise was definitely an interesting character and I'm glad that she finally stood up for herself. I'm looking forward to the next novel in this series and finding out what Fen will get wrapped up in next and where she will be when she does.

Overall a very well written post war crime novel that was easy to read and kept me guessing throughout.

Genres covered in this novel include Mystery and History amongst others.


I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey, Jacqueline Winspear and anyone who enjoys a page turning who dunnit.


287 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews

#MoonlitMurders #Bookouture #FlissChester #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@FlissChester @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86

https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86

https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...

https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Profile Image for Bookworm86 .
1,694 reviews142 followers
April 6, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Moonlit Murders' by Fliss Chester.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Fliss Chester, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 21st April 2020.

This is the second book I have read by this author and it is also the third book in the 'Fen Churche Mystery' series. The first book I read is the first one in the series and is called 'A Dangerous Goodbye' which I recommend!! This book can also be read as a standalone.

I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis. I enjoyed Fliss Chester's 'A Dangerous Goodbye' and am hoping this will be just as good. It also stated in the synopsis that this book is 'An absolute treat for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Jacqueline Winspear', I am a fan of Agatha Christie so am looking forward to see if it loves up to this. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of 43 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in France 🇫🇷 and on a steam ship on the Atlantic.

This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Fenella Churche. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

This book is very well written with vivid descriptions. The synopsis and cover suited the storyline perfectly. Although this book is part of a series it can be read as a standalone with no problems at all, any previous cases/information is described in just the right amount of detail, enough for those reading as a standalone to work out what happened but not too much so those who have read previous books in the series get fed up of repetitions.

I love the fact that the protagonist is female, being one myself, and that she has a strong personality and will not back down no matter what is thrown at her, including 2 murders and a theft!!! I devoured it in one sitting.

The plot is intriguing and filled with mystery, thefts, lies, romance, murder and more!!! It has plenty to keep the reader interested and has lots of little clues to help point to the killer. I didn't guess who the murderer was so bonus points there! Nothing worse than working out the killer less than half way through a book. Although the book is a crime one I thought it was still quite a light hearted read and I enjoyed the lovely descriptions and the feeling it gave me of being on a cruise per say. The murders themselves were quite interesting and not straight forward death's and I love the way that Fen does her crosswords to work mysteries out.

The characters were all very interesting with their own personalities, strengths and flaws. I enjoyed meeting Fen and James again as well as the new characters. Mrs Archer was absolutely horrid and her attitude really annoyed me. Genie and Spencer were definitely larger and life and full of fun. Eloise was definitely an interesting character and I'm glad that she finally stood up for herself. I'm looking forward to the next novel in this series and finding out what Fen will get wrapped up in next and where she will be when she does.

Overall a very well written post war crime novel that was easy to read and kept me guessing throughout.

Genres covered in this novel include Mystery and History amongst others.


I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey, Jacqueline Winspear and anyone who enjoys a page turning who dunnit.


287 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews

#MoonlitMurders #Bookouture #FlissChester #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@FlissChester @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86

https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86

https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...

https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Profile Image for Alistair.
289 reviews7 followers
May 29, 2021
I read this the third book in the Fen Churche series and this was my favourite .

All three crime mysteries involve Fen an accidental sleuth in her early twenties who during the war worked as a Land Gal in England . A younger Miss Marple she is an unfussy unpretentious character who is really unfashionable and like solving crimes with the aid of crosswords and likes saying " How rude ! " . All three feature her and the setting is immediate post war France .

In a " Dangerous Goodbye " she goes to the provinces to investigate the disappearance and death of her fiance , Arthur who was in special operations working with the French resistance and she meets James who was Arthur's close friend and fellow operative . They are staying with vineyard owners who are pulling together their lives after the German invasion and their defeat . They reveal after 3 sudden deaths that there had been a traitor during the war who had hid a dark secret which then had led to these deaths .

In " Night train to Paris " she is staying in Paris with a friend who her parents and Fen knew when the family had lived in Paris before the war . She is a bohemian painter and is murdered . James has accompanied her from their vineyard escapade and is staying in a small hotel . Also staying in the painter's apartment is a young seductive model who works in a Parisian fashion house . A dog who barks features . They solve the murder but only after uncovering some unseemly collaboration with the Nazis that various art world figures had engaged in

In "Moonlit Murders " Fen leaves Paris with James , intending to return to England but ends up on a cruise ship to New York with returning soldiers and an assorted mix of high society who had been in Europe . During the cruise several passengers are murdered . Fen and James solve the crimes . This was my favourite of the three stories .

all three novels are enjoyable particularly with the small eccentricities of Fen being so endearing and she is an original creation . The relationship with James as Fen always emphasises is purely as friends her grief over her fiance's death still very strong . He turns out to be very wealthy having inherited a fortune . He is a solid no nonsense bloke who is always on hand at the right moment and not prone to hysteria or melodrama . A good partner for Fen .

The novels follow a pattern of crosswords , letters to the family she had stayed with in England whilst working on the land , Fen Churche like the station is often repeated , a bit of violence , murders that happen about halfway through the story and are even revealed in the blurb on the back cover page of the books , an over arching theme of a bigger war story , in the Dangerous Goodbye it is French collaboration , in Night Train is is the stealing of art from rich Jewish families for Hitler's and Nazi collections and in Moonlit Murders it is the post war use of German rocket science by US scientists to strengthen their own military power . The writer has done her research and uses it to widen the crime solving interest . The novels are more than simple who -dun- its
I look forward to the follow ups by Fliss Chester .

NB I did not get a complimentary copy of the books . Is the use of the word cosy just a marketing stunt ? Probably .
Profile Image for M.K. Daure.
98 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2021
{Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the gift of an eARC in exchange for an honest review.]

It is 1945, and Fen Churche is ready to go home from her adventures France, where she went in order to find out what happened to her fiancé. Travelling with her friend James on an ocean liner from Le Havre to Southampton, Fen is shocked to find one of the passengers is German. When she learns that James plans to stay onboard until the ship docks in New York, Fen lets her new friends Eloise, an American heiress who was stranded in France for the duration of the war, and actress Genie convince her to accompany them to New York as well. When a theft of priceless jewels leads to the discovery of a murder, Fen investigates, determined to find the culprit before they arrive in New York.

Fen is a great character: intelligent, feminine, practical, generous, and with a good sense of humour. Her method of viewing mysteries as crossword puzzles is a little odd, in fact I can't say I understood how she does it, but it makes sense for the character and her love of crossword puzzles. Her companion James is a good foil, kind of the Watson to her Holmes: charming, gregarious, but not quite as clever as she is. The secondary characters are vividly drawn, and the ship setting is well described. The ocean liner provides a perfect opportunity for an amateur investigation because it offers no escape to the suspects as well as holding Fen to a very strict timeline. Fliss Chester creates a microcosm in which the different classes and nationalities are represented, giving a view of the time period during which the stricter class distinctions were crumbling, and everyone was looking for an escape from the hardships off the war.

The mystery is complex, I admit I did not guess the identity of the murderer at all, yet when the reveal came it made perfect sense. Some of the side mysteries were easier to solve, which had the added benefit of making me feel clever without spoiling the big reveal towards the end. I also love the obligatory exposition scene at the end where Fen explains to the main cast of characters the clues that led to her solving of the cases. This is the third Fen Churche mystery, and the first one I read. I look forward to reading more of Fen’s adventures, after going back to read the first two books.

In short, this is a satisfying mystery with an unusual setting, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
2,767 reviews23 followers
April 25, 2021
The Moonlit Murders by Fliss Chester is a charming English novel featuring Fenella Church and takes place on an ocean liner repurposed for civilian passengers after World War II. It is supposed to be taking Fen and her friend, James, back to England after their duties during the war were done. Only after they were on board did James reveal to her that he had booked passage on to America: he didn't feel quite ready to assume his duties as a viscount, which he was now. As much as Fen wanted to get home, she allowed herself to be persuaded by a young woman traveling with her aunt to accompany them to New York. It would be such fun, she said. She was correct: it was fun, until one of their friends was killed and Fen and James stepped up to investigate.

This book is very English and very 1945. Things were different then and the differences scream out at the reader. Morals, behavior, dress, class: all very different. Fen's dead fiancé, Arthur, had asked her to watch after James, and he was right. James needed her. As she was preparing to board the De Grasse, Fen met a curious young couple: Spencer McNeal, an English radio celebrity and his companion, Genie, both attractive and flamboyant people who were going to New York, and the, Los Angles to make it big in entertainment. They were traveling second class, as was Fen. In first class, alongside James were Eloise Miller-Wright, and her aunt, Mrs. Archer, both Americans who had been in trapped in Europe for the past five years. Such would be her traveling companions. Mrs. Archer was a snob, disapproving of Spencer and Genie, but Eloise took right to them. This motley group made for an entertaining voyage, until one ended up dead. It was kind of a locked room mystery as they were all on an ocean liner in the middle of the ocean. Fen is a good investigator and James was an excellent wingman. All-in-all, it was an intriguing mystery, perfect for the era in which it was set and an interesting trip into the past. It was written in a very formal style and there were plenty of red herrings to confuse those curious enough to investigate. It was a fun book, and one I should suggest for reading if this time period holds any interest. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Moonlit Murders by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #themoonlitmurders
Profile Image for Julie.
2,450 reviews39 followers
May 7, 2021
The fantastic Fen Churche is off to New York on another dazzling adventure in the latest fabulous mystery by Fliss Chester: The Moonlit Murders.

It’s 1945 and Fen Churche’s dream of travelling to the Big Apple has finally come true. After booking passage on a steam ship to America from France, Fen finds herself counting down the days until she gets on board the steamer and spends her nights playing games on deck and waltzing in the beautifully lit ballroom. Nothing and nobody is going to get in the way of her trip – not even when an eccentric heiress’s diamond tiara goes missing! Fen refuses to get involved in another crime and instead plans to spend her journey curled up with her favourite crossword puzzles – until murder comes a-calling on the high seas!

Never one to resist doing a little bit of sleuthing, Fen decides to conduct her own investigation. Just who had strangled Genie, a young actress headed for Broadway, in her cabin? With a panicked captain and no police on board, it is up to Fen to catch a killer, but when another body turns up, Fen realises that these two dreadful crimes could be linked. On board a ship full of suspects in the middle of the Atlantic, Fen certainly has got her work cut out for her. From flirtatious lieutenants returning from war to snooty first-class passengers who treat Fen with dismay and disdain, Fen begins to wonder whether whether she will be able to solve this puzzle before they dock in New York – or whether a ruthless killer will end up getting away with murder …

Fliss Chester’s Fen Churche mysteries are simply wonderful! Not only are they beautifully evocative historical novels that brilliantly capture the spirit of the era, but they are gripping tales of danger, tension and suspense that hook the reader from the first page and keep them engrossed until the very end. The Moonlit Murders is a high-seas adventure written with all the flair and verve that I’ve come to expect from the wonderful Fliss Chester. Fen Churche is on top form and she will charm readers once again with her ingenious brand of style, intelligence, wit and panache.

Fliss Chester’s The Moonlit Murders is a brilliantly plotted tale sure to dazzle historical mystery readers – roll on Book 4!
Profile Image for Yvonne.
230 reviews17 followers
April 25, 2021
After being in France for nearly two months, Fen Churche is excited to be heading home to England. With the aristocratic Captain James Lancaster in tow, she travels to the port of Le Havre to board the De Grasse, which will take them to Southhampton before heading on to New York.

The passengers are a mixed bunch of returning Allied servicemen and civilians. Amongst them are Genie, an aspiring actress; her fiancé, Spencer, a popular US radio entertainer; the wealthy and formidable Mrs. Mariella Archer; and Eloise, her niece. Fen and James become part of this group.

When James confesses that he's not ready to go home and has decided to carry on to New York with their new friends, Fen is surprised and disappointed. Although Fen is looking forward to seeing her parents and friends, an offer from Mrs. Archer persuades Fen to also remain with the ship.

It's not long before the peaceful voyage is disrupted. Mrs. Archer's jewels are stolen. While searching for them, Fen discovers a body in one of the lifeboats and when Genie is found strangled, Fen now has three crimes to solve. She does this in the way she solves the cryptic crossword puzzles she so enjoys.

Just like the other books in the series, I was thoroughly entertained by Fen's sleuthing adventures and the camaraderie that she shares with James. Their banter is witty and amusing, especially when the phrase how rude is thrown into the conversation. It always results in a giggle or two at an inappropriate moment. This time around the story is also peppered with lots of raised eyebrows and winking, which also adds to the fun.

While this is a cozy mystery, it does touch on some serious aspects of the aftermath of the war: how Germans were viewed and the grab for their scientific and technological research.

As to the solving of the jewel theft and the murders, I had no idea who was responsible. The reveal came as a big surprise, but was totally credible.

This is a wonderful mystery series. I'm looking forward to the next instalment.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as a participant in a book blog tour.

*https://adarngoodread.blogspot.com
Profile Image for loopyloulaura.
1,095 reviews21 followers
May 7, 2021
Fenella Churche is excited with the prospect of returning from France to her home. But then she gets an offer she can't refuse and is invited to sail to New York. Her first mystery is the theft of some priceless jewels. Then the situation turns darker when someone has murder in mind...
The Moonlit Murders is the third book to feature Fen. However, it would work as a stand alone novel as there are no spoilers about the mysteries involved in the other books. The personal side to Fen does develop over the course of the series as personal circumstances initiated in the first book have led her to her current situation.
The word that strikes me about Fen is 'plucky'. She feels things deeply but that doesn't stop her determination to find justice for the dead. The ongoing motif of crossword puzzles is used by Fen to straighten out the clues in her head and make connections between the information she gathers to help solve the theft and murder.
The plot itself is a slow burner and the first murder does not happen until halfway through the book. This gives us plenty of opportunity to see the interactions and relationships between the characters. We also get the chance to be detectives by looking for clues and suspicious behaviour among the boat's passengers.
As a history graduate, I enjoyed the historical setting and the attention to detail that the author employs. The class system, the tension towards Germans following the end of WW2, gender inequalities all served to give authrenticity to the plot and characters.
The Moonlit Murders is an enjoyable and cosy murder mystery.
Profile Image for K.J. Sweeney.
Author 1 book44 followers
March 20, 2021
Some of my favourite series are historical murder mysteries and The Fen Churche Mysteries are quickly joining these titles. Set in the period immediately following the second world war, the first two books followed Fen in France as she looked for evidence of what happened to her fiance and then made her way back to England. Now, leaving France, she makes a detour and travels to New York.
As seems to happen around Fen, it isn't long before something mysterious happens. First with the theft of some near priceless jewels and then with a murder. Fen, with the help of the lovely James, soon starts sniffing around and trying to get to the bottom of what has happened.
Although it's not just Fen who does the sleuthing in these books, James does take more of a supportive role and it's definitely Fen who leads the investigations. James is there to help her out when she needs an extra pair of hands, or just to look after her when things get a bit much.
I really enjoy these stories and can't wait to find out what happens to Fen next. Will she make it back to England before finding herself caught up in something else. It's clear that there's more to James' story than he's shared as yet and he's far from keen to face up to his family responsibilities.
This was a fantastic read and Fen is fast becoming a bit of a favourite with me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Laura E.
50 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2021
Moonlit Murders #3 - Fliss Chester

⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to @netgalley and @bookouture for the ARC.

This title is published tomorrow April 21st, 2021

Shortly after the war has ended, Fen Churche is heading back to the UK. During this short journey she is soon making new friends and is easily persuaded to extend her journey all the way to New York! However, not long after the ship departs Southampton, heading for the Big Apple, a trove of her companions' jewels are stolen and during Fen's search she stumbles across a body hidden a lifeboat. As Fen decides to try to solve the mysteries, she soon finds one of her new friends has been strangled. Fen is determined to figure out if there are any connections, and who commited these crimes.

This is book #3 in Fen Churche's story, I haven't read the first 2 and this book held up really well as a stand alone.

Unfortunately this book just didn't do it for me. I found it to be such a slow burn that I had to force myself to pick it up to continue reading. Nothing really happened at all during the first 50% of the book. There was a lot of description and friendship building, which was mostly enjoyable, but when the jewellery and the murders started happening, it unfortunately wasn't all that exciting. I found the ending to be quite anti climactic with lots of easy confessions.
That being said, I really did enjoy the language used, it made me chuckle a lot having grown up in the UK, hearing lots of expressions that I haven't heard in 8years!
Profile Image for Wynter J..
279 reviews9 followers
April 21, 2021
*** 3.5 Stars ***

This is book 3 in the ‘Fen Curche Mystery’ series and can be read as a standalone adventure.

Brief Synopsis: WWII has ended. Fenella (“Fen”) Churche and her friend James Lancaster are leaving France, headed to America by steamship. During the journey, high-dollar jewelry is stolen and a couple of murders take place. The ship isn’t staffed for a formal investigation, so Fen and James use their sleuth skills and investigate. Is more than one suspect involved, or are all of these crimes linked? We follow Fen and James as they work against time to bring justice to the victims.

“I think it may be one of those puzzles that we have to approach like a crossword. There will be clues around as to who did it, and some of those clues might be very cryptic indeed.”

Thoughts: This book definitely had an Agatha Christie mystery quality to it. The characters were diverse and well developed. In addition, the scenery was vividly described. There were plenty of suspects to sort through.

Though this is a “race against time” plot, I didn’t feel the suspense that this type of storyline normally presents. Especially when you layer in that a murderer must be on board with you. That said, it’s still a cozy, historical mystery with clues being revealed at good intervals. The mysteries themselves were tough to solve which helped to keep me engaged.

Thank you Fliss Chester, Bookouture, and NetGalley for a copy of this book. It was fun mystery, that I did not figure out until final confessions were made.
Profile Image for Janet.
4,617 reviews50 followers
April 20, 2021
1945. Fen Churche follows her dreams and sails for New York. She books passage on a steam ship from France to America, excited to dance the night away in the glamorous ballroom and play games on deck. Looking forward to relaxing with her favourite crossword puzzles, Fen’s quiet passage is horribly disrupted by another crime – this time a murder. Fen finds Genie, a young actress bound for Broadway, strangled in her own cabin. With no police on board and a frantic captain, Fen decides to do a little snooping of her own. When another body turns up, hidden in a lifeboat, whilst the ship is in the middle of the Atlantic, Fen feels sure these dreadful crimes are linked. Through her sleuthing she meets light-hearted lieutenants returning from the war, charming cabin boys and snooty first-class passengers who look down their nose at her. But it isn’t until Fen realises that one person is missing from the passenger list that she is finally on the murderer’s trail.
The third book in this well written series & it is easily read on its own. Fen is delightful as always, the descriptions are vivid & I felt as though I was on the steamer. The characters are well portrayed & have depth, some I liked & some I thoroughly disliked. There are twists & turns in this engrossing read & I didn't work out who the killer was, which is always a plus. I look forward to more books in the series & wonder where Fen will go next
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Mystica.
1,556 reviews29 followers
April 24, 2021
The war is over and it is 1945. There is a lot of jubilation to be returning home from France for Fen Churche. She hasn't seen family and friends for years and is looking forward to going home. An overnight journey to Southampton turns into a longer journey to New York on the invitation of Eloise and her snooty aunt Mrs. Archer to join them and act as companion to Eloise.

On the outward journey when Mrs. Archer's jewels of which she is inordinately proud, are lost and when a body is discovered in a lifeboat by Fen and Eloise all hell breaks loose on the ship. The Captain wants to keep the matter as closed as possible, as this kind of publicity can lead to uneasiness amongst all his passengers. At least till they reach New York and can hand it over to the Police there.

Sleuthing on behalf of Mrs Archer (reluctantly on her part) Fen and James (her friend from stories past) try to solve the mystery of the dead German and then find the missing jewels, all on the few days they have left to them, before they dock at New York.

A lot of history interspersed with detection was well told. Descriptive too.
Profile Image for Debbie.
3,475 reviews70 followers
April 30, 2021
"The Moonlit Murders" is a mystery set in 1945 in France and on the ocean. This is the third book in the series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this one, and this one didn't spoil the whodunit of the previous mysteries.

This was a clue-based puzzle mystery. Fen asked good questions, was observant, and was able to link the clues together to solve the mysteries. It seemed obvious from nearly the beginning who was the jewel thief, though I wasn't certain until the end about whether or not that person had a partner. Whodunit was guessable based on the clues. Each clue just made me more certain of who murdered the German. The clues weren't quite so clear cut about who murdered Genie. The main characters were interesting, engaging, and had realistic reactions to events. Historical details like turns of phrase or rationing were woven into the story and brought it alive in my imagination without slowing the pacing.

There was no sex. There were only a few uses of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting historical mystery.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Roz.
537 reviews14 followers
April 29, 2021
Third of a series of cozy WW2 sleuthing, with Fenella (known as Fen) Church and her friend James travelling back to England from France after some post war sleuthing and adventures. On board the ship they meet new friends and are involved in solving more murders.

This is incredibly well written and a fabulous read. This is the first of these that I have read and I am already invested in the characters and will be reading the first two and looking forward to the next instalment. It is fascinating to read about this era and learn more about the dress, way of life and how different things were as people were expected to live and behave in certain ways.

Fen and James are likeable characters and ultimately although the reader wants them to get together even more we want the “will they won’t they” and the solving of more crimes.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Krista.
540 reviews10 followers
March 27, 2021
The Moonlit Murders is the third book in the Fen Churche Mystery series. Unfortunately, this was my first book of the series. However, I will be going back and reading the first two. Fen and James are headed home to good ole Blighty from France post WWII. The De Grasse is sailing from France, to England and then on to New York. James decides he isn't ready to go home, and a new friend talks Fen into staying on board to New York. There is an interesting cast of characters that fill the ship. There are also two murders and the theft of some priceless jewels. Fen and James are on hand to solve the mysteries.
This was a fun book to read, and as I stated, I enjoyed it enough to seek out the rest of the series. Thank you #NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to give my voluntary and honest opinion of #TheMoonlitMurders.
Profile Image for Annarella.
13.8k reviews150 followers
April 17, 2021
Another entertaining and well written addition to this historical mystery series.
It's a good mystery that kept me hooked and entertained till the last page.
The historical background is well researched and vivid. The mix of historical fact and fiction works and I learned something new. I like how the author describes how WWII wounded people and how they dealt with it.
Fen is a character that grew on me and I love how clever she is.
The character development is excellent and I liked how the relationship between the cast of characters is evolving.
The mystery is complex and solid, full of twists and turns, and some unexpected surprises. It kept me guessing and entertained.
I can't wait to read the next installment, this one is highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
1,422 reviews8 followers
June 18, 2021
This story talks about the past war and all the soldiers lost and those who survived make up a background for a trip across the Atlantic and lots of hi jinks at sea. There are wealthy people and those who have just their own hard earned monies, there is a ship with many people who enjoy the good life, and Fen seems to do well at adjusting to all the different social levels onboard, and to figure out (semi-mathematically who the wrong ones are. I found the opulence and carefree attitude somewhat hard to take as I realized the ship was full of good food, supplies, good drink and all the amenities lost to many following a world war. The characters were a bit typecast, but IO did like the main character, Fen and her thinking in patterns was a bit beyond me. I had not idea of the culprit until the author revealed the criminal.
220 reviews4 followers
March 23, 2021
Fen Churche is quickly becoming one of my favorite amateur sleuth's and The Moonlit Murders is a great addition! This time she and James are on a ship to New York - well it doesn't start that way, originally she plans of getting off at Southampton and going home. But first come the thefts and then the murders and it is up to Fen to figure out who is behind the different crimes. The ending is a surprise with interesting characters and puzzling plot twists. I look forward to seeing what Fen and James get up to next! Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and advance copy of #TheMoonlitMurders.
Profile Image for Jane Hunt.
Author 3 books110 followers
April 23, 2021
It's 1945, and Fen and James are en route to England. On the voyage, Fen meets two women from diverse backgrounds who change her mind about returning to England. In a classically styled locked room murder mystery, Fen is forced to investigate, first a robbery and then two suspicious deaths that look like murder.

This is the third book in the Fen Churche Mystery series and the first post-war, and once again, the author evokes the ethos and emotion of this period. The characters are vibrant and the suspects numerous, and the reader investigates alongside Fen to solve the crimes.

I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.


Profile Image for Caroline Venables.
627 reviews10 followers
April 29, 2021
This is a beautifully written book that immediately transported me to Fen Churche’s era. I hadn’t read the first in the series but it really doesn’t matter as this works well as a standalone, but I definitely will be going back to it.

I loved Fen she is a great character and it was interesting to see her follow the mystery aboard the ship back to England. The author has obviously researched the period well.

When a passenger is found dead in her cabin, there are no shortage of suspects, from the soldiers and passengers in third class to the rich and powerful in first.

As a lover of mystery novels, I really loved this book.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
729 reviews14 followers
March 17, 2021
NetGalley

Member Review
Cover Image: The Moonlit Murders (A Fen Churche Mystery Book 3)
The Moonlit Murders (A Fen Churche Mystery Book 3)
by Fliss Chester
Pub Date: 21 Apr 2021
Review by

jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 16 Mar 2021
My Recommendation
With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
Having read the first two books which I absolutely loved I was delighted to have the 3rd book now this one is quite different too the others and was an excellent read but not quite in the same way but I can highly recommend.
Profile Image for Kelly.
214 reviews3 followers
May 8, 2021
This is the third book in the Fen Church mysteries. I have read book one which I loved and now book three and I must say book 3 was just ok for me. It was very slow going with not a lot happening and when things did start to happen it was still not very exciting. Although I was excited to read this instalment after reading book one I just found the whole thing rather lack lustre compared to book one and struggled to pick it up to finish. Maybe book 2 would have been more up my alley?

Thanks to Bookouture and Net Galley for the advanced copy.
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