Murder on the Downs (Whitstable Pearl Mysteries)

While Oxford had Morse, Whitstable, famous for its oysters, has PearlDaily MailMurder on the Downs is the seventh book in Julie Wassmers popular crime series now a major Acorn TV drama, Whitstable Pearl, starring Kerry Godliman as private detective and restaurateur, Pearl Nolan.A controversial new property development is planned in Whitstable which will encroach upon the green open space of the downs, to the dismay of Whitstable residents who view this as the thin end of the wedge with regard to local wildlife conservation.A campaign springs into life, spearheaded by a friend of Pearls family, Martha Laker. A committed environmentalist, Martha is no stranger to controversy herself. She has also managed to divide opinion across town, with the locals viewing her as their fearless champion while establishment figures seeing only an interfering agitator.Tensions escalate between the developers and Whitstable residents, straining Pearls close relationship with Londonborn police officer, DCI Mike McGuire, who harbours concerns that the local campaign will spiral out of control. Pearls loyalties are torn, but the protest duly goes ahead and newspaper headlines claim a moral victory for the residents in this David and Goliath battle.But the victory is short lived when Pearl discovers a dead body on the downs...Praise for Julie Wassmers Whitstable Pearl Mysteries...While Oxford had Morse, Whitstable, famous for its oysters, has Pearl . . . True to the tradition of classic crime, [Julie Wassmer] weaves a strong story into a setting that has more to offer than murder and mayhemDaily MailAs light as a Mary Berry Victoria sponge, this MiddleEngland romp is packed with vivid characters Myles McWeeney, Irish IndependentAll of the thrills without any of the goreThe SunThis is a quality title...a very entertaining read The Puzzle DoctorMy new favourite author in the genre George GallowayA wonderful way to explore Whitstable . . . if you love cosy mysteries, then get acquainted with Pearl (and her mum and her cats!) and enjoy a trip to Whitstable through the eyes of this very convincing authorTrip FictionProves shes mistress of her craft John McGhie, author of White HighlandsThoroughly enjoyable with a host of wonderful characters I adore Dolly! and evocative descriptions of Whitstable. Perfect for foodies too. Pearl is great and the ongoing will they/wont they love story with McGuire is compelling. Comforting, cosy and entertaining with excellent Agatha Christiestyle reveals. I love these books! Jane WenhamJones, author of Mum in the MiddleIf you enjoy cosy crime fiction and you still havent picked this series, then you are missing outAlba in BooklandJulie Wassmer really knows how to tell a story Victoria Best, Shiny New BooksGood, solid whodunits, without gruesome details or gratuitous violence, Murder on Sea may be just your cup of tea Bec StaffordCome to Whitstable without actually coming to Whitstable. A good read! Anthony JemmettPraise for the TV seriesScandi noir meets the English seaside in Whitstable Pearl, a murder mystery series based on Julie Wassmers novels...Drama Quarterly...explores all the murder and debauchery in the seemingly perfect English seaside town of Whitstable... Washington Post...you never know what might turn up, either on the menu or alongside an oyster boat. Wall Street JournalSingle mum turned amateur detective in a gripping new family drama...We Love TVQuirky and enjoyable...TV Satellite