Murder by Firelight

A Flora Steele Mystery, Book 12

By: Merryn Allingham

Narrated by: Charlie Norfolk

An utterly gripping and addictive cozy mystery novel

No one can hold a candle to amateur detectives Flora Steele and Jack Carrington as they ask the burning question… Who is the killer walking the cobbled streets of their historic little town?

Sussex, November 1959. There’s a chill in the air at the Lewes bonfire celebration. Carnival floats fill the narrow streets, fireworks crackle overhead, and Flora and Jack feel the heat of the burning torches lining the streets. But when Trevor French, chief of the Grove Bonfire Society, tumbles from his parade float, they know something is afoot. Trevor didn’t just fall – and amidst the crowds, his killer slips away through the smoke-filled night.

But who would want the respected Trevor dead? As Flora and Jack question the vying bonfire societies, they find a surprisingly competitive underbelly at play. Did Edwin Brooker, former chairman, stoke the flames of rivalry too far? Or are the tears of the victim’s friend, Leo Nelson, faked to keep himself safe?

Just as the sleuths believe they’ve figured it out, the body of a key suspect in the case is found dead on their hearth rug, and Flora and Jack realise that no one is safe – including themselves. Together, can they smoke the murderer out? Or will their chances of survival go up in flames?

A completely addictive and absolutely charming cozy mystery novel. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis will adore this gripping series!

©2025 Merryn Allingham (P)2025 Bookouture, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.

Worth the wait

The plot is intriguing and evolved paralleled to the evolution of the characters. If you’re new to the series, I suggest you read them in order to get an appreciation for the development of characters and character.

Slow and boring

I just couldn't stay engaged in this storyline. After struggling through eight chapters I decided it wasn't worth finishing.

disappointing and irritating

ridiculous scenes with mystifying lapses and a not very likable or intriguing central character.
lacked charm and was the lamest effort in the series

What a boring and disappointing ending.

The story was good and moved along well, I’ve enjoyed all the previous books…but then suddenly, it was like the writer just ran out of ideas or time. That’s it, it’s over…what?! Such a deflating ending…so disappointing.