The Mystery of Montague House by Emma Davies

"Only that it has something of a reputation locally. The former owner mysteriously vanished years ago and has never been found, depsite an extensive police enquiry... I know Montague House because of its historical significance, but most folk know it as the place where strange lights are seen at night, where things move around even though no one lives here, that kind of thing".

It so happened, that I was reading The Mystery of Montague House by Emma Davies during one the the most anxious episodes of our lives. My elder son has tested positive for the dreaded virus, and I believe I've had it too, though it was asymptomaic for me. I was totally flattened, and could only just about get up to make a cup of tea and then plop myself down back in bed. Christmas time would have been totally miserable, if not for books and kindness of friends who kept sending messages of support and leaving gifts outside the front door.

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy Noir and gritty crime stories, but at times I feel I need a break from gore and violence in books. Cozy (or cosy) mysteries satisfy my taste for crime fiction, without making me feel too alarmed or leaving sleepless after finishing a book. I love the locations like quaint villages, manor houses or castles, a choice of amateur or accidental detectives, and a good portion of gentle humour. If there's a four-legged friend introduced into the story, it's even better. 

The Mystery of Montague House (out on 14 January) is a classic cozy mystery, with a paranormal twist. And an adorable canine protagonist - a basset hound called Hamish. 

Back in November I took part in the cover reveal for this book (you can read about the author and see the cover at The Mystery of Montague House post), and was happy to receive an advance copy of the mystery. 

Andie Summer is a Finder of Things. She has an innate ability to "read" the ground, looking for clues. She is not your standard paranormal/psychic detective, she is quite pragmatic, almost playing down her own abilities. Yet she can see and sense things which can only be described as supernatural. 

Police is well aware of her talents, in fact, "most of her work came via established contacts on the police force". 

One day Andie's approached by the mysterious Mr Mayfair, who wants to hire her to investigate the possibility of the hidden treasure at Montague House, "a rather large country property that sits in the small village of Much Marden, not far from Hereford".. As Mr Mayfair discloses in confidence, "It isn't actually me who wishes to engage you, but rather a client of mine. A client from the governmnet legal department." Andie feels there's something fishy about her new employer, but she is down on her last few tins of baked beans, and the case sounds promising.

The last owner of the house Frank Maynard died, leaving no heirs - all his estate has to be examined and disposed of. His father Peter Maynard, a famous physicist and a deeply private man, disappeared many years ago. "He was an old man, admittedly, but despite a thorough police investigation, neither he, nor his body, was ever found". 

The house has been preserved by Frank like a museum - "everything exactly as it was when his father was alive. Almost as if he expected him to come home".

On arrival to Montague House, Andie meets Clodagh Wynter. She seems an opposite of spontaneous Andie - rather uptight, formal and on edge. She knows of the manor house's reputation, but doesn't seem to be bothered by the rumours of ghostly shenanigans. She prides herself at being good at her job, valuying and cataloguing the contents of the house, hoping to find a priceless painting or rare manuscript. 

She does not believe in ghosts. But when strange happenings start to manifest themselves in the house, it is clear that someone or something is not happy with Clodagh and Andie's presence in the house. 

The ladies are alarmed and terrified. Rather than leave the property, Andie makes up her mind, "...now I'm angry. And when I get angry, my bloody-minded streak kicks in, so I'm going to be like a dog with a bone until I find out how this happened. And why... First we have to acknowledge why we're both here - which is to find some sort of "treasure" that local rumour has it is somewhere in or around the house. Then we also have to acknowledge that if someone is trying to scare us, a reasonable assumption would be that we're not the only ones looking for it... we have to do two things - find the treasure and this other party".

Montague House is the perfect setting for the classic mystery game like Cluedo. There are plenty of rooms to roam about, grand stairs, inner courtyard and hidden tunnels. 

Clodagh and Andie have to pool together their detective skills to solve the mystery of the house. They will need all their intelligence and imagination, plus lots of chocolate biscuits and bacon sandwiches to work out the puzzle of Montague House.

They are assisted in their search by sweet Hamish. He's more of a psychological support rather than a defender. "And the dog of course, let's not forget about the dog, who, as far as Clodagh could see, was going to be of no use at all unless they wanted something drooled all over."

I enjoyed this cosy mystery; the first adventure of the most unlikely detective duo has a great potential for a new series. I loved the description of the manor house, with its wonderful library and hidden passageways. 

It is entertaining, light-hearted, and if the books with gruesome murders are not your cuppa tea, then cosies/cozies like The Mystery of Montague House will allow you to escape from the rather anxiety-ridden reality. 

Buckle up, and read into the early hours in one sitting! 

Many thanks to Emma Davies for my e-copy of the book!