Book Review: The Body at Carnival Bridge by Michelle Salter

I am pleased to be welcoming Michelle Salter to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her novel, The Body at Carnival Bridge – book three in the Iris Woodmore Mysteries series. 

How deadly is the fight for equality?

It’s 1922, and after spending a year travelling through Europe, Iris Woodmore returns home to find a changed Walden. Wealthy businesswoman Constance Timpson has introduced equal pay in her factories and allows women to retain their jobs after they marry.

But these radical new working practices have made her deadly enemies.

A mysterious sniper fires a single shot at Constance – is it a warning, or did they shoot to kill? When one of her female employees is murdered, it’s clear the threat is all too real – and it’s not just Constance in danger.

As amateur sleuth Iris investigates, she realises the sniper isn’t the only hidden enemy preying on women.

*****

Iris has just returned from Europe and in 1920’s Britain, she knows her trip will have raised some eyebrows. She is soon kept busy when someone attempts to shoot local business owner, Constance Timpson.

When one of Constance’s employees is found murdered, Iris finds herself unravelling another mystery. Can she find the answers before someone else gets hurt?

This was the first book I have read in the Iris Woodmore Mysteries series. I could keep up with what was going on but reading the first two books would enrich the knowledge around these very established characters if you wanted to read those prior to reading The Body at Carnival Bridge.

Iris is a character you can really root for. She’s got gumption. She doesn’t let people’s opinion get her down and I love that. I think she’s become one of my favourite fictional detective/journalists actually.

The supporting characters are a brilliant and interesting mixture. I will always have a soft spot for Ursula though. She’s fabulous.

The plot moved along really well and doubt, mystery and discord was threaded through the novel. I couldn’t stop reading actually. I also want to go back and read the first two in the series..

This book deals with some hard themes and does so well. I also feel that Michelle Salter has done her research on the era. I felt very immersed in the world she has created.

OK, no more as I don’t want to give too much away. This cozy murder book is compelling and full of real, strong characters. It will have you guessing until the end. I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to Boldwood Books, Netgalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for the advanced review copy in exchange for a honest review.

About Michelle Salter–

Michelle Salter is a historical crime fiction writer based in northeast Hampshire. Many local locations appear in her mystery novels. She’s also a copywriter and has written features for national magazines. When she’s not writing, Michelle can be found knee-deep in mud at her local nature reserve.

She enjoys working with a team of volunteers undertaking conservation activities.

Say hello to Michelle on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to her newsletter. 

The Body at Carnival Bridge by Michelle Salter was released by Boldwood Books on 11th May 2023. Click to buy on Amazon UK and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.