The Last Word Is Death (The Val & Arbie Mysteries, Book 2) cover art

The Last Word Is Death (The Val & Arbie Mysteries, Book 2)

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The Last Word Is Death (The Val & Arbie Mysteries, Book 2)

By: Faith Martin
Narrated by: John Hopkins
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About this listen

'A cosy romp of cream teas, double-barrelled names and murder.' THE SUN The new book in the Val and Arbie mysteries from the multi-million-copy selling author Faith Martin.

One of these guests has a date with death…

Arbuthnot ‘Arbie’ Swift arrives at Dashwood House, a glamorously modern hotel in the up-and-coming resort of Galton-next-the-Sea, but all plans for a relaxing stay are scuppered when one of the guests is found dead.

The body is found in the writing room, the victim part of a set visiting the seaside town for an engagement party, which happens to include Arbie’s old friend, Val.

Familiar with Val and Arbie’s previous experience in solving puzzling crimes, the bride asks the pair to investigate. They quickly discover that the victim had no shortage of enemies, and many of the guests are up to no good. But who is simply hiding a secret, and who is hiding murder?

Readers have fallen in love with The Last Word is Death

'Absolutely gorgeous storytelling with characters and setting perfect for the time frame’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This one is perfect for readers who love Agatha Christie-style stories and cosy murder mysteries. A great second book!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'It has the hallmarks of an Agatha Christie mystery’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

©2025 Faith Martin (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers
Amateur Sleuths Cosy Crime Fiction Domestic Thrillers Literature & Fiction Mystery Thriller & Suspense Crime

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Critic reviews

'The perfect "country house" murder mystery, written in a style reminiscent of the great mysteries of the golden age. The book is terrific fun. A sassy pair of sleuths, quaint seaside setting, puzzling murder, and a guest list of larger-than-life suspects.. delightfully entertaining.' Jane Bettany, author of the Violet Brewster mysteries

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if you want to listen to something that's charming, amusing and that keeps you guessing 'Who dunnit' to the end, then this is surely for you. i would say it's where PG Wodehouse meets Agatha Christie, so if you know and enjoy the works of these two authors then this book is just the ticket. The voices of the reader for each character are fun and the book is a hoot. Although it contains murder, there's nothing particularly nasty in it so it's suitable for the whole family to enjoy.

Amusing and engaging

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Really enjoyed this book . As I did the first one . Looking for an easy listen this is your book ,

Lovely story

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I really enjoyed the last word is death, it is a jolly murder mystery set in the 20s that kept me guessing. I like the two main characters Val and Arbie. The narrator is first rate, and has a lovely voice on the ear, and is good at the characterisations. I can’t wait for the next book.

Entertaining, superb narration, engaging and likeable characters.

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Was really looking forward to this follow up and it didn’t disappoint! Excellent characters and thoroughly enjoyable listen! Looking forward to the next!

Wonderful

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An interesting whodunnit with interesting and developing characters all with a sense of whimsy. Easy going and fun

Another cosy crime caper

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