A nice read for a rainy day. ( )

This book is a classic daydream for many women who have been or are going through, something tragic. We all want to run away and start new in a place that we imagine to be a beautiful dreamscape. ( )

I believe this was free on Amazon as an e-book. I like to read cozy mysteries so I took a chance on it.

I'll have to leave it to others to say whether the UK information is correct (it appears it is not if other reviewers are to be believed).

Lacey's husband divorces her over not having children. OK, I guess I could see wanting to get away for a while after that--maybe even going on vacation to a place I have fond memories of.

There's a lot of "coincidence" that occurs to set up the murder mystery.
*Lacey arrives without any reservations, finds the hotel has no vacancy, but lucks into a rental cottage for a fair price.
*Lacey just happens to walk by a vacant store, decide to investigate it because it reminds her of the store her father had before he left his family, meets the owner, and manages to get him to rent it to her. (In the process, she buys outfits from Taryn and meets her arch-enemy #1--apparently because Taryn hoped to buy the space from the owner and expand her own business.)
*Lacey is able to get her visa changed to one that allows her to start/own a business and get all the licenses etc. she needs to open her store in very short order. Plus, somehow, acquire inventory.
*There just happens to be a good looking guy (who can cook) who owns the patisserie across the street--and he just happens to like her back.

I'm not sure if Iris Archer chooses Lacey because of her last name or knows Lacey was Frank's daughter and chooses her because of that--I guess it's not out of the realm of possibility that she would stop in a new antique store and see if the owner inspired trust and engage that owner if she felt he/she was "all right".

Unlike a lot of cozy mysteries, it does seem that we are given clues as to whodunit. I didn't guess who it was , but that's my norm so your experience may vary.

I agree with some other reviewers who say "the dog is the best part". I did enjoy Chester's part in this story. I also enjoyed Percy's character though I'm not sure why he was so generous with his help in appraising items when he wasn't going to get paid for them or get a chance to buy them. He seems like he'd be one to be a friend to Lacey, and I hope he'll show up in future books if I end up reading them. ( )

This was an okay read. Nothing memorable really, but nothing awful. A good way to pass the time while you are doing something else. ( )

Murder in the Manor (A Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery, Book 1) by Fiona Grace

After her divorce Lacey Doyle feels she needs a big change. She quits her job, leaves new York and heads to Wilfordshire, England. She decides to take on a new business and begins to make friends. Then a Murder occurs and Lacey is determined to find out who committed the crime and if there is any connection to her.

A fast paced cozy murder mystery with a classic who-done-it feel. Lacey is very likable, she has some family "issues" but she is ready to tackle them. She also makes friends with a man who may become more than just a friend. Despite the murder, her move can be exactly what she needs. Overall I found Murder in the Manor enjoyable and feel those who love a good murder mystery will like it as well. I look forward to to reading the next two books in this series. ( )