Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Spoonful of Murder | 2022 | J.M. Hall | N/A |
| 2 | A Pen Dipped in Poison | 2023 | J.M. Hall | N/A |
| 3 | A Clock Stopped Dead | 2024 | J.M. Hall | N/A |
| 4 | A Brush with Death | 2025 | J.M. Hall | Buy |
Liz, Pat and Thelma is a four-book cozy mystery series by J.M. Hall following three retired teachers whose friendship leads them into murder investigations in Yorkshire. A Spoonful of Murder (2022) introduces the trio, and subsequent cases in A Pen Dipped in Poison, A Clock Stopped Dead, and A Brush with Death prove they have a talent for solving crimes.
The appeal of the series lies in its three leads, who are sharp, opinionated women with decades of teaching experience behind them. Their skills at reading people and managing difficult situations transfer surprisingly well to amateur detective work. A Spoonful of Murder sets the dynamic, and by A Pen Dipped in Poison (2023) and A Clock Stopped Dead (2024), the formula is well established.
The Yorkshire setting gives the books a strong sense of place, with small-town rhythms and local color in every entry. A Brush with Death (2025) is the most recent installment. Hall writes with warmth and dry humor, and the series appeals to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with older protagonists, similar to Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club books.