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A Letter from
Christine Tipper
Paige Harper Mysteries & Beyond
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Week of 25 May 2026
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Hello, lovely readers! Welcome back to another week of mystery, mayhem, and the occasional biscuit. It’s been a busy one here, and I have lots to share — from a seaside adventure with a certain sulky Norfolk Terrier, to some wonderful new books that I think you’ll absolutely devour. Let’s dive in!
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A message from the real boss
🐾 Sprite’s Corner
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Sprite here. I have allowed Paige to borrow the keyboard for a moment, but I shall correct her version of events shortly.
This week, Paige and I made a special trip to Exmouth Beach — and yes, eagle-eyed readers of Book 4 will recognise it immediately. I’m pleased to report that, unlike our last visit within the pages of the series, we did not stumble across a dead body. Paige was visibly relieved. Personally, I had mixed feelings — a good mystery does get the nose going.
However, I must register a formal complaint: the beach was packed. Absolutely heaving. Families with ice cream. Children with kites. Dogs — well, other dogs, who were all perfectly pleasant, I suppose — bounding about everywhere. I had precisely three inches of personal space and had to share my favourite patch of damp sand with a toddler who seemed to think my tail was a toy.
Despite the indignity of the crowds, I must admit — the sea air was rather glorious. The waves were satisfyingly dramatic, the seagulls kept a respectful distance (they know better), and Paige bought chips. She gave me a chip. I forgave her for the crowds. Mostly.
We’ll be back, Exmouth. Just perhaps at dawn next time. — Sprite 🐾
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What’s new in the world of cosy crime
📚 Fresh Reads & New Releases
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There’s nothing quite like a fresh stack of cosy mysteries to brighten a week, and the genre has been delivering some absolute gems lately. Here’s what has been catching my eye — and keeping me up far past my bedtime.
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Featured read
The Frozen People
by Elly Griffiths | Ali Dawson Mysteries, Book 1
I’ve been a huge fan of Elly Griffiths ever since Ruth Galloway first appeared on the scene, so when she launched a brand-new series, I cleared my diary immediately. The Frozen People introduces us to Detective Ali Dawson, who leads a cold case team with a rather extraordinary secret: they can travel back in time to gather evidence. So far so intriguing — but this first assignment takes Ali further than she has ever dared go before, all the way back to 1850s London in the depths of a freezing Victorian winter.
She’s there to clear the name of an eccentric patron of the arts suspected of involvement with a deeply sinister group called The Collectors — men who, rumour has it, had to commit murder simply to join. Ali arrives to find a dead woman at her feet and far too many unanswered questions. And then, back in the present day, her son Finn finds himself in serious trouble of his own. Could the two cases be connected?
It’s clever, atmospheric, and enormous fun — Griffiths has always had a gift for making the historical feel utterly alive, and Ali is a wonderfully messy, warm, compelling character. It was a Sunday Times bestseller and I can see exactly why.
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❄️ A thought for the heatwave… Given England’s rather extraordinary temperatures right now, there’s something deliciously appealing about a novel set in a freezing Victorian winter with frost on every cobblestone. Consider this your literary air-conditioning.
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The good news? The second Ali Dawson mystery, The Killing Time, is already on its way. Watch this space — and your wishlists.
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🍰 Culinary Cozies — For Lazy Days & Lazy Beaches
Is there anything better than a cosy mystery that also makes you hungry? The culinary corner of our beloved genre is absolutely thriving at the moment, with a wonderful crop of foodie whodunits perfect for tucking into alongside an actual tasting session. I’m not a great cook, but I love reading about food. Why not try out a recipe?
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A Fashionably French Murder by Colleen Cambridge
Set in 1950s Paris — which is already a dream — this one follows Tabitha Knight investigating a death at a fashion house, all while navigating a rather delicious friendship with a certain Julia Child. The food descriptions alone are worth it. Perfect beach bag material if you have ambitions of feeling very sophisticated while reading under a parasol.
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The Bainbridge Island Mysteries by Lynn Cahoon
A bookseller-turned-sleuth, a cranky food critic found dead by the marina, and a whole island full of culinary suspects. Lynn Cahoon has brought her trademark warmth and wit to this newer series, and it’s proving absolutely irresistible. Bonus: the protagonist has a rescue cocker spaniel called Watson, which will delight all dog-loving readers among us. (Sprite has been informed and is reserving judgement.)
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My suggestion this week
Why not make your reading into a proper occasion? Pick your culinary cosy of choice, prepare a little something that matches the theme — French pastries for Paris or a seafood platter if you’re channelling the Bainbridge marina — and settle in for an afternoon of gloriously guilt-free murder. Life is short. Eat the pastries. Read the book.
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From the writing desk
✍️ What’s Brewing
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I know, I know — you want news about the new series. Last week I hit what I call ‘the sticky middle’. I’d written the build up chapters, knew where I wanted to end up and got stuck. I felt clueless. How could I bridge the gap between where I was and where I wanted to be? After some intense brain-storming, and a fair amount of panicking, the pieces of the puzzle clicked into place. Phew!
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Don’t forget to visit the website for all the latest news, the full Paige Harper series, and updates on what’s coming next.
Visit christinetipper.com
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Let the adventures continue.
With warmth & murder most cosy,
Christine Tipper
(and Sprite, who adds a dignified nod)
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© 2026 Christine Tipper. All rights reserved.
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